Reed's expression was measured. “I'm well aware that you push subs when they're under your command.” He gestured toward Bella. “Be careful with her, or Marley will rip into me, and I won't hear the end of it."
"I won't push past her limits, even if those limits are way too low.” He cocked his head and sighed in exasperation. “Does that suffice?"
Reed nodded. “That'll do.” He grabbed another beer out of the fridge, then left the kitchen to join Marley.
Kole leaned against the counter, pursed his lips, and regarded Bella. He had no doubt if he offered himself to her for a night of blistering hot sex, she'd jump on the chance, but getting her into a scene might prove difficult.
She clearly sensed his gaze on her, since she'd glanced at him. A pretty blush filled her cheeks, and she looked down at the glass in her hands. A reaction he enjoyed.
He suspected when Bella wanted a man, she didn't hold back and went after him. But when it came to him, she was a shy little thing who couldn't hold his gaze.
Submissive.
Tonight, he needed to open the doorway so she'd finally stop ignoring her interests in BDSM.
You've got your work cut out for you.
Good thing he loved a challenge.
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Chapter Two
Only one thing would save Bella now—a stiff drink. Reed and Kole's parties were always fun, and it was nice to see new friends she'd made over the past month. But her mood was right in the toilet. It'd been that way all day and had only gotten worse since she joined the party. She shouldn't have come.
She cursed on a low breath. How in the hell was she going to get out of her current predicament? Originally, it'd been she who offered the idea of the pact of seduction, and she couldn't even commit. Pathetic.
Marley's giggle drew her attention, and Reed had pulled her onto his lap, nibbling at her neck. As horrible as it was, jealously surged. Maybe she had hoped that her fantasy would fill that empty void in her soul. Sure, it was meant as something sexually fun, but Bella craved something...
A part of her remained unfulfilled, even if she didn't understand exactly what was missing. All she knew, her life at this moment was boring with a side of totally sucks.
She glanced over at Kyra, who laughed with Sadie, and nudged her arm. “I'll be back. I need some air."
"Sure.” Kyra's green eyes were a little glassy. The wine clearly had gotten to her. “Want some company?"
"Nah.” She plastered on a fake smile. “I won't be long."
Kyra gave a nod, then turned her attention back at Sadie as the two chuckled about something Sadie had said. If only Bella had something to laugh about. She rose from the couch and made her way through the crowd.
As she passed, she noticed a man sitting on the ottoman and a woman knelt at his feet with her arms over his legs. The position appeared casual enough, but it also looked...different. As if the woman enjoyed being at his feet. Another spurt of jealously soared, and she gave her head a good hard shake. She was apparently envious of everyone who had a relationship. And since when had she been jealous of a BDSM relationship?
What's gotten into you?
She made her way through the living room and stepped out onto the balcony. The cool air brushed against her skin, and she shivered. Winter still hung on in Baltimore, but what a strange winter it'd been—snow one day, mild the next. Tonight was brisk, but that only seemed to help cool off the annoyance burning her blood.
With her glass in her hands, she leaned on the railing and glanced over the city. Reed and Kole's condo had an amazing view and the lights twinkled below.
She sipped at her drink and pondered her situation. How could she plan another fantasy when the only one she wanted she had yet to fully accept herself? And why was she acting like a bitter idiot?
After a long gulp that had her cringing from the aftertaste, a deep voice interrupted her useless thoughts. “I heard last night didn't go well."
She lowered the glass, licked the moisture on her lips, and looked next to her to find Kole. Like always in his presence, butterflies fluttered in her stomach, but she squashed them and kept her voice controlled. “That's putting it lightly."
His blond stylish hair framed a face worth a second look, and his dark blue eyes shone with a power that made her melt. He leaned against the railing beside her, cocked his head, and she felt the weight of his stare right down to her toes. “Tell me about it."
She sipped her drink, mortified to her bones that she had to admit this to Kole. “It wasn't Raven's fault. I"—she drew in a deep breath and said quickly—"I always thought my fantasy was to be with a woman, but clearly it's not."
"Ah, I see.” He took a gulp of his beer before he lowered it. “You didn't get off, I'm assuming?"