“If you’ll excuse me,” Brax said as he got to his feet. “I think that’s my cue.”
I nodded.
Brax nudged Case.
“What?” the other man asked, his wide eyes shooting up to Brax’s face.
“Both of you,” Zeke commanded as he came to stand before them. “This way.”
Case’s eyes widened and it was hard to miss his interest in the big Sadist.
“Thank you, gentlemen,” I told them as all four men moved toward the front of the plane.
“Where are they going?” Clarissa asked.
“There’s plenty of space at the front of the plane. They’re giving us our privacy.”
When they disappeared from view, I picked up where Clarissa had left off. It was time I laid it all on the line for Troy and Clarissa.
“Back to your question. Yes, I do believe Troy’s ready,” I told her, glancing over at Troy. “He’s even admitted he doesn’t scare easily.”
“So, what made you want to include him?” she asked, still digging herself a hole.
I turned my attention to her. “Because I find myself attracted to him,” I told her. In my peripheral vision, I noticed the way Troy’s mouth fell open, his eyes widening as he stared back at me.
That seemed to catch Clarissa by surprise, because she had nothing to say.
Jill appeared at my side, smiling down at the three of us.
“May I get you something to drink, Mr. Ramsey?”
“Yes, coffee will be fine.” I motioned toward Troy.
“Orange juice for me. Thank you.”
“Ms. Tinsley?” Jill prompted when sweet little Clarissa seemed to be tongue-tied.
She shook her head as though dislodging her thoughts and glanced over at the flight attendant. “I’ll just take more coffee, thank you.”
“Of course. And Brax has asked me to let you know he’s equipped to prepare anything you would like. He ensured we were stocked with a variety of fresh ingredients.” She smiled at Troy and Clarissa. “If I might, I’d suggest eggs Florentine, or maybe an omelet.”
Clarissa’s eyes remained locked with mine while Troy rattled off what he would have. When it was her turn to speak, it appeared she had lost her voice again.
“Clarissa?” Troy whispered. “Are you all right?”
Her eyes widened, and she jerked her attention to Jill. “I’m sorry. I’m fine. I’m going to skip breakfast. Thank you.”
“She’ll have an omelet,” I stated, keeping my attention on Clarissa. “Do you prefer meat or vegetables?”
She swallowed hard, her eyes narrowing slightly. I didn’t look away until she responded with, “Veggies.”
I peered up at Jill. “Include a side of bacon and sausage for her.”
“Links or patties?” Jill asked, her question aimed at Clarissa.
“Oh, it doesn’t matter. Whatever’s easier.”
“Yes, ma’am. And you, Mr. Ramsey?”
“The usual. Egg whites only,” I told her, then waited for her to give us some privacy. When she was gone, I met Clarissa’s stare once more. “Now, where were we?”
“I think you were saying you were attracted to your assistant.”
“Right.” I looked at Troy. “I am. As for whether that’s appropriate or not, I haven’t decided. Doesn’t mean I don’t have the urge to dominate him.” I glanced back at Clarissa. “The same way I want to dominate you.”
Her eyes flared momentarily, but she recovered relatively well, reaching for her coffee cup.
I waited her out.
Clarissa cleared her throat and sat up straight. “Is that why we’re here? So you can exert your dominance over me?”
“Actually, no,” I said, wanting to reassure her. “You’re here because I have friends who would be interested in your services. I thought it would be appropriate to make the introduction.”
“So this is strictly business then?”
I had a feeling she was hoping for one answer over the other. I didn’t know which one, but I could only go with the truth.
“This particular trip is business-related.” I shifted, keeping my eyes locked with hers. “Were you hoping for something different?”
“Of course not,” she said quickly.
“I didn’t say expecting, sunshine. I said hoping.”
She held my gaze for several long seconds, then stared down at the table. “I’m not sure what to say to that. I hardly know you.”
I chuckled. “You know me far better than you’re letting on, pet.”
Her eyes shot up once again and I knew she was thinking about our interactions at lunch on Monday. When I’d made her come with my fingers in the middle of a crowded restaurant.
“The question is whether you want what you know I can give you.”
Clarissa’s tongue darted out, swiping across her bottom lip. I wanted to bite that lip, to hold her in place until she admitted every single one of her desires.
“Keeping in mind we would have both a business and personal relationship, what is your answer, Clarissa?”
She cleared her throat but managed to hold my gaze. I waited patiently, knowing full well what her answer was going to be. The woman might be hesitant, but there was no way she could deny what was transpiring between us.
