Goal Line (The Dartmouth Cobras Book 7) (25 page)

“I was a little nervous about what you kept in there.”

He snorted as he pulled out a length of tape and tore it with his teeth. “Would you have used your safeword if it was a big rubber cock?”

Ewww!
She nodded, wrinkling her nose and pressing her thighs together. “‘Red,’ ‘hell no,’ and maybe ‘Are you nuts, Sir?’”

“Respectfully, of course.”

“Of course. One must show the proper regard to mentally unstable Masters.”

His laughter and all the joking might have seemed odd, considering how ready they’d been to pounce on one another, but she loved how relaxed they were with one another. She’d never really laughed with Grant. Maybe when he tickled her, but she’d always hated that. And if she’d acted like this before sex? He would have lost it.

A tug at her hand and Dominik taped one wrist to the headboard. “Stay with me, pet. I see the shadows in your eyes, telling me he’s here with us. You need to tell him to fuck off.”

Her eyes went wide. Then she giggled. “I don’t see how that would be helpful, since he’s not
actually
here.”

“He’s in your head. He doesn’t need to hear the words, but you need to say them.” He taped her other wrist, then came to sit at her side, sliding one big, warm hand over her belly to rest on her hip. The contrast of his dark skin against her pale flesh, his gentle caress, had her focusing on his touch rather than the horror that tried to worm its way into her thoughts. “Maybe add a mental knee to the balls. I can’t tell you enough how impressed I was that you fought him off.”

She inhaled deeply, his pride in her like a gasp of fresh air and light after being trapped in muggy darkness. “I’m not that weak little girl anymore.”

“You were never weak. He’s a monster.” Dominik’s lips quirked. “Now, fuck off, Grant.”

At first, she wondered if he was reminding her of the words she had to say, but then she realized he needed to speak them himself. If they let him, Grant could easily linger in the depths of their consciousness. But Dominik was making sure he was tossed out with the trash. Where he belonged.

“Fuck off, Grant!” Sahara jerked her knee up, feeling a little silly and laughing at herself. But somehow, sharing this with Dominik stole the power Grant still had over her in a way that hadn’t seemed real with all the therapy. She’d taken steps to get out of his reach, but he’d always been with her.

No more. With Dominik by her side, the only power she’d hand over would be done willingly.

“Better?” Dominik leaned over her, stroking her side, his eyes telling her he sensed she was in the right place for them to move forward. He smiled when she nodded. “Good. Now, the tape will give you the illusion of restraint, but if you really need to be free, all you have to do is pull hard.”

She bit her lip, wondering why he’d wanted to make it so easy. She’d had real restraints at the club. “I won’t.”

“We’ve never played before, Sahara. Don’t take it as a bad thing.” He tucked her hair behind her ears. “Until I can be sure of all your triggers, I’d prefer an easy release. We’ll get you some wrist cuffs for next time. I gave away all the reusable toys and restraints I had when I decided I no longer wanted to be a Dom.”

“I’m glad you changed your mind.”

“You changed it for me. Pushy little sub.” He cupped her cheek with one hand, claiming her lips in a deep, passionate kiss. “I think we’ve done all the talking necessary for the moment. Let me see what I have to play with.”

He moved down, brushing his lips along the length of her throat, pausing when she moaned in pleasure at a sweet, tingling sensation. Her neck had always been sensitive, but few men gave the area much attention. Dominik however, lingered, using his teeth on the same spot. Sucking lightly, he turned the sweetness into spine-bowing pleasure. She whimpered, grinding her heels into the sheets as her core clenched in need.

His lips slid lower, along her collarbone, between her breasts, where the rough texture of his playoff beard teased the swell. He rubbed his cheek over one breast, and her nipple tightened at the sharp spark in her nerves. He turned his head to take the hard little nub between his lips, pulling until she writhed beneath him.

She had to fight not to tug at her wrists. She wanted to guide him to her other breast to ease the ache of desire, but he was already there, rolling his tongue around her nipple, lifting both her breasts so he could give each the attention of his mouth.

A little farther down and he gently bit the skin of her belly in a way that was almost ticklish. She jumped and he pinned her hips, holding her still so he could move on to the dip of her pelvis.

Her lips parted as his tongue traced down to the edge of her mound. “Please…”

He bit the inside of her thigh. “Not a sound, my girl. Hold it in until you can’t help but cry out. Then I want to hear it all.”

She gasped between her parted lips as he spread her thighs. Being quiet while he had his mouth on her seemed impossible, but she wanted to please him. His fingers opened her and the tip of his tongue slid between her folds. His teeth closed around her clit and tugged.

The pleasure cut through her, razor-fine along her nerves, bringing her to the point where she needed to be closer to him, all while wanting to twist away to escape the intensity of the sensation. He laved over her clit with his tongue, dampening the edge, then pressed down, drawing a lazy circle over the hyperstimulated nub. He pressed her thighs farther apart and slicked a finger between her folds.

Not a sound escaped her, but she had to choke back a “Yes!” when his finger penetrated and her core clenched around him. A slight bend of his finger and all her restraint escaped her. She arched, crying out as her climax took her up and up and rocked her body like a small earthquake.

Another finger filled her, drawing out the pleasure until she sank into the mattress, completely drained. She’d gotten so used to toys and different stimulants to get her off that she hadn’t expected Dominik to bring her release with only his fingers and his mouth.

Maybe she should have held back longer. She tightened around his fingers, feeling self-conscious. He wanted a sub who would give him control, but she hadn’t waited for his permission. She hadn’t even thought to try.

He withdrew his fingers, slipping off the bed to grab something out of his suitcase. Not looking at her, he exhaled slowly. “I’m not sure what to make of that expression, Sahara. Talk to me.”

She pressed her eyes shut. Then remembered his telling her he wanted her to look at him. When she opened them again, he was standing by the bed, studying her face.

“A good sub waits for permission to come.” She chewed on her bottom lip, still a little swollen from his kisses. “Oriana would have—”

“Clearly not for the same reasons, but Oriana has no more place in here with us than your ex does. Do not compare yourself to her again.” He didn’t sound angry, but his gaze was hard as he held hers. “You were told to be silent until you couldn’t any longer. That was permission.”

“But I—”

“You are still new enough to try to assume to know what I want. What you will work on is not attempting to guess what I want from you. I will be very clear.” His tone softened. “You are my sub. You will learn to please me, and I appreciate that it’s important to you. But your pleasure is mine to give or deny. Denying you would be pointless if you don’t know what you’re missing. We’re not there yet.”

“I’m sorry.” Damn it, she’d messed up again. Why couldn’t she just get this right? “I won’t do it again.”

“You may, but that’s not a bad thing. Stop thinking you should know everything.” He brought something to his mouth. A condom package that he tore open with his teeth. “Should we stop to discuss what you didn’t do wrong, or shall we continue?”

All she could do was nod, but it satisfied him. He covered his length, then returned to the bed to kneel between her thighs. He ran his hands up and down her calves, bending down to press a light kiss above her knee.

Her whole body hummed in anticipation of his taking her, and heat pooled deep in her belly. She prepared for him to hold back, to tease her until she couldn’t resist begging for him. Instead, he lifted her knees over his muscular arms, holding her with one hand while he used the other to guide his thick length into her.

Deep, long thrusts brought him deeper and deeper, the way he glided almost all the way in, then drew out until only the broad head of him remained, stimulating her in a way no man had before. He held her legs and hips off the mattress so she could do nothing but take whatever he gave. Which was everything.

His gaze on her face, reading every reaction, moved her beyond absorbing the sensations. She’d let men fuck her before and had managed to shield her heart, knowing it had no place when they were just getting off. With “the ex” she’d been more involved, but too often the focus had been on making him happy.

With Dominik, she hadn’t even had a chance to put up her defenses. And she didn’t want to try.

“I love the way you look at me, pet.” Dominik helped her wrap her legs around his waist and braced one hand by her head, changing the angle of his thrust, his rhythm harder and faster. Sweat beaded at his temples and on his chest, causing his skin to glisten like dark amber in the glow of the lamplight. “So much trust. With your body and your heart.”

“I couldn’t give one without the other.” She moaned as he hit a spot deep inside that sent a spike of pleasure sizzling along her nerves. Her thighs clenched against his hips. “Not to you.”

He slid one arm under the small of her back, lifting her to him while hitting that same spot over and over, driving her up to the heights of ecstasy, his pelvis grinding against her clit until she hit the peak. The orgasm burst within like a morning glory sparkler, blazing bright white in the center and shooting out tiny flashing stars.

Her vision blurred and her back arched. She pressed her face into the curve of Dominik’s neck as he gathered her close with one last powerful thrust.

Tugging the tape from the headboard, Dominik held her against his chest as he rolled to his back without pulling out of her. His dick had softened, but there was an intimacy to simply lying there with him inside her, her whole body wrapped around him.

After her pulse finally slowed and her head cleared, she realized she was just as sweaty as he was. The cooling moisture felt kinda gross. She’d never laid around this long after sex, and there was something nagging at the back of her mind that she’d forgotten. Something important.

“I should go take a shower. I’m icky.” She rose up, combing her fingers through her hair, which was sticking to her face. From the corner of her eye, she noticed the time. It was almost three a.m. And he had a game tomorrow. “Shoot, you need to get some sleep. If you play badly because of me, I’ll never forgive myself! Why didn’t you tell me?”

He chuckled, picking her up as he sat, easing out of her and placing her on the bed beside him. “Next time, we’re doing a scene that’s intense enough to keep you from worrying so much after. We have a two-hour practice around noon. I’ll be fine.” He kissed her forehead, drawing her to her feet as he stood. “Let’s take a shower, then I will be a good Dom and get some sleep.”

Okay, he’s smiling, so he can’t be too upset, right?
She hadn’t even considered for a second that lecturing her Dom might not be smart. She ducked her head and gave him her sweetest smile. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to tell you what to do.”

“Don’t be. You will learn.” He gave her ass a little swat as she headed for the bathroom. “I still owe you a punishment, and I’ve found spankings in the shower to be quite effective.”

Lips parted, Sahara spun around to walk backward. “You wouldn’t!”

He smirked and arched a brow.

Oh yeah. He so would.

An irritating buzzing and the sun glaring through curtains, that should have been closed, rudely jerked Dominik from sleep. He flopped his arm over his eyes and groaned, deciding he would take a couple more minutes. Blindly reaching out, he found the source of the noise and managed to hit the snooze on his phone.

Blessed silence.

He frowned when he listened closer. It was way too quiet. He sat up, found the other side of the bed empty, and lunged off the bed, grabbing his jeans as he called out, “Sahara?”

Nothing.

Damn it, had she woken up and regretted what they’d done? The night had gone well. Granted, he’d definitely need a nap before the game, but they’d made love several times and her “punishment” had been more for his amusement than anything else. He wouldn’t push for discipline so soon.

But maybe she hadn’t seen it that way? She’d been practically glowing with happiness all night, but he could have missed something.

Regardless, she shouldn’t be alone. If she was upset, she might not have thought to call Cort to go with her. There was a good chance Grant had been released if they didn’t have enough evidence to charge him. And his crazy fans were dangerous. Anything could have happened to Sahara while he’d been dead to the world.

The lock clicked on the door to the room. It opened, revealing Sahara with a tray of coffee and a paper bag in her hands. Cort held the door for her, flashed Dominik a knowing look, and then disappeared into the hall.

“Good morning!” Sahara came over to the bed, putting the coffee and whatever was in the bag on the nightstand. Her smile faded as she met his gaze. “Please tell me you’re not angry. I wanted to surprise you with breakfast and…” Her wide eyes teared. “I did it again. I keep fucking up. Please don’t be mad.”

Fuck. Good going, Mason.
He shook his head, pulling her into his arms and making a soft, shushing sound. He had been worried, but he should’ve given her more credit. He wasn’t even sure she knew her need not to “keep fucking up” was likely a defense mechanism. Having a man angry with her had resulted in painful consequences in the past.

Spankings might not be a trigger, but he’d have to be careful how he expressed his displeasure. He kissed her hair and tipped her chin up with a finger. Her damp cheeks and the fear in her eyes broke his heart.

“Sahara, I was worried. I’m not thrilled that you didn’t tell me you were going out, but you brought Cort. That’s what he’s here for.” Dominik wished
he
could be the one protecting her, but he had too many responsibilities toward the team and he didn’t want her to feel trapped by his side. “Can we start over?”

“It’s my fault. I didn’t think and—”

“You were doing something sweet. I take it that’s a no to starting over?” He inhaled slowly, trying to think of a way to pull her out of the sandpit of guilt he’d inadvertently knocked her into. Considering the source of her reaction, he recalled what had worked last night. “Fuck off, Grant.”

Her brow furrowed, but then she let out a shaky giggle. “Yes. Damn it, I’m a mess. You’re not him, and I know that. I’m sorry.”

“Please stop apologizing. Your past isn’t going to disappear just because we’re together now. But you’re not dealing with it alone anymore. Part of any relationship is complete honesty. I’m afraid of not being able to keep you safe. That doesn’t give me the right to demand you not leave my sight.” If they were in a 24/7 style Master/slave relationship, he could, but he doubted that would be a good fit for either of them. And short of putting her in a bubble, he’d have to accept there were limits to his ability to protect her. “You were trained to walk on eggshells around that asshole. I won’t have you doing it with me, so please tell me when I frighten you. Even if it’s just with a look or my tone of voice.”

She nodded, biting her lip when he reached over to grab a napkin off the tray for her to blow her nose. After she’d composed herself, she slid over to sit on the bed beside him. “You didn’t frighten me really. I guess part of me is still stuck on what I did wrong in my last relationship. I don’t want to ruin what you and I have.”

“You won’t. Besides, you’re feeding me. My mother taught me to be very, very nice to the person who is bringing me food.” She giggled again and the tension eased from where it had gathered between his eyes while trying to get her in a better frame of mind. He ran his hand over her hair. “I owe you a treat. Would you object to a foot rub after breakfast?”

She picked up the paper bag, shaking her head as she pulled out a huge breakfast sandwich with eggs and bacon and cheese on a fat croissant. His mouth watered even as she mumbled something.

He took the sandwich, but he waited to take a bite. “What did you say?”

Her lips thinned. “Doms don’t give foot massages.”

“And subs typically don’t tell their Doms what they can do.” He bit into the sandwich and made a throaty sound of pleasure, wanting her focused on how much he appreciated what she’d done, rather than on her slip of protocol. They’d work on that. Later. “This is amazing. Did you get yourself something?”

“Yes, they had my favorite kind of muffins.” She dipped her hand into the bag. Licked her lips as she held up a chocolate muffin. “Triple chocolate with white chocolate chunks. There’s a bakery right down the street that I always went to when I lived here. They actually sent me a box of them when I moved and told me to visit. They were so happy to see me; they’ve known me since I was a kid.”

Dominik watched the memories play over her face, giving her blue eyes a far-off look and bringing a smile to her lips. All the sadness and fear had been erased from her features. He loved seeing her like this.

“I’d love to check out the bakery if we have a chance while we’re here. I’ve never had chocolate for breakfast, but I’d be willing to try if it’s as good as you say.” Watching her savor the muffin, pinching pieces off and slipping them between her lips before licking her fingers clean gave him a craving for something besides food for breakfast. His dick hardened, completely on board.

He glanced at the clock on the nightstand. Unfortunately, he didn’t have time to indulge before practice.
After, however…

Sahara watched him with an impish grin on her lips. She broke off a big piece of muffin. “I usually don’t share, but for you, I’ll make an exception.” She fed him the piece and leaned close, her lips brushing his ear. “Are subs allowed to threaten their Doms? Because if you keep looking at me like that, the Cobras are going to lose their captain for the rest of the day.”

Catching her wrist, he sucked two of her fingers into his mouth.

She inhaled sharply and pressed her eyes shut. “Ugh, it’s too bad I love hockey, or I’d seriously try to make you stay.”

“You can come watch us practice. You’ll have to hurry though if you want to do your hair and makeup and whatever it is you do to get ready.” Dominik made quick work of finishing his sandwich. Only then did he notice Sahara standing in front of him, arms crossed over her chest, a petulant scowl on her lips.

He cocked his head.

She let out an irritated huff, motioning down at her snug gray Batman T-shirt and blue jeans. “You told me to pack light. Now you want me to fuss over my makeup and hair? What’s wrong with how I look?”

Well now, this was certainly no way for a sub to behave. He was half tempted to spank her. Or laugh because she was adorable when she got all riled up. He didn’t want her to lose this beautiful confidence, so a gentle rebuke would be enough.

“There’s nothing wrong with how you look. Those painted-on jeans are fucking hot, and I do believe I have a new fondness for ‘the Batman.’” He rose to stand over her, giving her a little taste of intimidation while watching her carefully to make sure she wasn’t truly afraid. “There’s a habit I have of being considerate to those I care for. I didn’t want to assume you’d be comfortable dressed like that all day. I think you’re perfect as you are.”

“Oh.” She looked appropriately contrite. “I’d be in trouble if you weren’t in a forgiving mood, wouldn’t I?”

He inclined his head. Hell, he was going to have trouble keeping a straight face around this woman. She was practically bouncing on her heels and her lips were quivering as though she was fighting back a laugh.

“I won’t say I’m sorry, because that seems to annoy you. But I’ll try not to forget you think I’m hot.” She hopped up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “We better go. If you’re late, your coach won’t be so nice. And I won’t be allowed to come to games with you anymore.” She pulled out her phone. “I better text Cort and tell him I’m heading to the arena with you. He can go with your brother.”

With that, she headed straight out the door. He followed, shaking his head, more than a little relieved to see she’d returned to her sassy, outgoing self. The insecurities remained beneath the shimmering surface, but he had a feeling they would dissolve over time.

Time was rarely generous though. As soon as he stepped out of his room, he saw her on her phone, a strained expression on her face. He closed the door, keeping pace with her as she began to walk toward the elevator. He couldn’t imagine Cort giving her a hard time, but either way, he had to let her handle this unless she let him know she needed his help.

Before long, it became clear that the caller wasn’t Cort.

“Mother, please don’t try to make me feel bad. This is crazy!” She groaned and rubbed two fingers between her eyes. “We
just
started dating. We’ll come back to New York eventually. He has practice and—no, you can’t talk to him!”

Dominik pressed the button to call the elevator. He studied her face, curious to know if there was more behind her shaky confidence besides an abusive ex.

“He’ll tell you exactly what I just did. Ask Dad. It’s the playoffs and there’s no time for—” Her throat worked as she swallowed. She didn’t speak until they were past the hotel lobby. “Hi, Daddy. Yes, he’s right here.” Sahara held out the phone, mouthing, “I’m sorry.”

Dominik gave her a mock warning look as he brought the phone to his ear. “Hello?”

“Mr. Mason, I was speaking to my wife this morning, and she mentioned that you’re dating my daughter. Her mother and I are both understandably concerned.” Mr. Dionne continued before Dominik had a chance to agree. “Her mother asked if we could all meet for coffee. Sahara seems anxious that it will conflict with your schedule, but I’m sure you could spare half an hour?”

Not really a request, but Dominik didn’t blame her father for being protective of his daughter. And meeting her parents to ease their fears was more than reasonable.

But Sahara isn’t comfortable with it. This isn’t a decision I’ll make without her.
He cleared his throat as they stepped out onto the sidewalk. “I will see what I can do, sir. Can Sahara call you back once I clear things with my coach?”

“Please do.” The call ended.

He handed Sahara her phone. “Is there a reason you don’t want me to meet your parents?”

Her cheeks reddened. “No! It’s…well, don’t you think it’s weird? I mean, meeting the parents happens after you’ve been dating at least a few weeks. Besides, you don’t know my mother. She’ll interrogate you, and you’ll be so fed up when it’s over that you’ll never speak to me again.”

Sliding his hand beneath her ponytail to take a light hold on the back of her neck, he brought her to a stop to face him. “There is absolutely nothing either of your parents can do that will make me leave you.”

“But they—”

“Nothing.” He stroked the side of her neck to soothe her. “I won’t tolerate cheating or lying. Both are things you can control. Nothing else will come between us. Do you understand?”

“Yes.” She closed her eyes, leaning into his touch. “Why do you have to be so wonderful? I keep waiting for the alarm to go off and wake me up.”

He grinned, pulling her close because that deserved a kiss. She was pretty damn wonderful herself.

“Dominik!” A shout from behind, coming from his brother Cameron stopped him with his lips a breath away from Sahara’s.

Rolling his eyes, he put his arm over her shoulder and turned to greet his younger brother. “Your timing is excellent, as usual.”

Baring his teeth in a remorseless smile that proved he’d interrupted to be a jerk, Cam shrugged. “Sorry, Mom just called. She’s meeting you after practice and she wanted me to find you. She got tickets to the game too.”

All right, this is freakin’ hilarious
. Dominik burst out laughing, and both Cam and Sahara stared at him like he’d gone nuts. He motioned for Cam to walk with them, since the arena was only five blocks or so from the hotel.

“This isn’t funny, Dominik. You were right, I should have gotten changed.” Sahara gazed back at the hotel longingly. Her foot missed the curb, and Dominik latched on to her waist to keep her from face-planting. Unfortunately, her knee made contact. With a puddle. “Oh my God! I have to go change now! I can’t meet your mother like this!”

She tried to slip out of his grasp. He tightened his grip. “Oh no, you don’t. You come with me. Cam can fetch you a change of clothes.”

Cam sputtered. “I can?”

Dominik smirked and pulled out his key card. “A nice dress maybe? What would you be comfortable in, Sahara?”

Sahara shot him a grateful look. Then gave his brother a sweet smile that melted the big, tattooed man on the spot. “There’s a nice white one with purple flowers. And my white heels and…umm, I can’t wear this bra.” She blushed. “There’s only one other one in my suitcase. Are you sure you don’t—”