it. I released my hold on the card, sitting back and refusing to blink until I recorded her expression.
When a slight smile crossed her face, I was shocked to my core.
“Michael freaking Dunmore?”
Her voice had raised at least a couple of decibels and I could swear at least a half dozen people had turned their heads in our direction. “Yes.”
“You know he’s one of the owners, along with two brothers.”
“And all of them gorgeous,” I said as quietly as possible.
Taken aback, Clarissa flipped over the card. “Bar Nouveau?”
“That’s where I met him for a drink last night that turned into a bottle of wine.” Very expensive wine.
She chewed on her lower lip, continuing to stare at the card.
“Does that mean you know anything about him or not?” I asked almost too harshly.
“Where did you meet him?” she retorted, ignoring my other question.
“He came into my emergency room after a pretty nasty wreck. Almost died on the table. What does that have to do with anything?” When she breathed a sigh of relief, I wanted to toss the rest of my wine into her face. “I’m not into kink clubs if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“Here’s the funny thing. I don’t think Michael is either, at least not personally. I read about all three brothers. They took over ownership after their parents were killed. See, here’s the kicker. The club was closed for a few years, Michael’s life put on hold while he made certain his much younger brothers finished school. After they refurbished it several years ago, it was finally reopened to all its current glory.”
“Fascinating, but why don’t you think he’s into kink?”
“Just the few things I’ve read about him being a recluse. He is the numbers guy and is rarely photographed in public, while the other brothers enjoy the limelight to a degree.”
“Is he dating anyone?” I tried to act casual.
She laughed, shaking her head. “He’s very private, but from what I’ve read in the local magazine as well as People, he’s not the kind of guy who adores arm candy, if you know what I mean. Do you like this guy?”
“I... Yeah, I like him but he’s... very dominant.”
“Just like his father. I don’t know, Sophia. I’m not certain he’ll make you happy. Plus, he will always have a target on his back.”
I took several gulps of wine, trying to calm my nerves. “A dangerous man.”
“All three of the Dunmore brothers are extremely dangerous. If you want my advice, stay away from Michael Dunmore. This is one time where I’ll tell you to think about your career. There are plenty of other debonaire men in this town.”
She was right. Of course she was. I should cut my losses and stay away. “Now, how do you know so much about BDSM? Time for you to spill it.”
Clarissa rolled her eyes, leaning over as far as she could. “I told you I’d dated a doctor. Guess what he was into. And yes, he was extremely dominant, much too much so for me.”
I thought about everything I’d read, and the savage yet glorious time I’d spent with him. Something was off, something I couldn’t put my finger on.
As a cold shiver drifted down my spine, I knew that doing so was going to be one of the most difficult decisions that I’d made in a long time.
But one I had to do.
I would never see Michael Dunmore again.
* * *
A club.
A kink club.
One holding invaluable secrets.
And under the guise of an aging brownstone.
As I looked at the massive steel door, I’d never felt so small in my life. I had no idea what I was doing here, or if I could even go through with stepping foot inside. While Michael had insisted that I stop by, assuring me that if I disobeyed my next punishment would be harsh, I’d fully intended on ignoring his command.
He had no rights over me.
We weren’t a couple.
I’d convinced myself that I didn’t want anything to do with him.
Yet here I was, wanting nothing more than to get to know more about him. Maybe Clarissa’s depiction of him had made me even more curious. Maybe the rough sex had aroused the woman hiding inside. Whatever the reason, I’d accepted a second card from him, one denoting the secretive address of the club as well as his initials allowing me entrance to the magic kingdom. I couldn’t help but wonder if he brought every girl that he found attractive to his place of business.
Why did I