When her leg brushed against his, Israel lifted it over his own, so she’d be completely open to his touch. Skimming the pads of his fingers over the sensitive skin on the inside of her thighs, he smiled when goosebumps raced ahead of his caress. The first brush of his fingertips over the slick folds of her sex made him wonder if he’d made a mistake, starting before they were at the club. The restaurant didn’t have a policy against public sex, but Israel didn’t feel Bristol was ready for that much exposure… yet.
The folds were swollen and soaked. It was easy to slide two fingers deep enough to press against her G-spot. Her reaction was everything he’d hoped and more. The quick clench of her vaginal muscles, a heartbeat before a pulse of silky cream warmed the two fingers he’d pushed inside her, was what Doms dreamed of. Leaning close, Israel closed his teeth over the lobe of her ear with enough force to remind her he was in control.
“Come for me, Beautiful,” he whispered through clenched teeth.
Her fork clattered to her plate, drawing smiles from several of the patrons. Biting down on her knuckle to stifle her scream, the sound she made was music to his ears—the whimper perfect. Bristol’s release had been little more than a pop-off valve, letting off a bit of steam. It wasn’t the bone-melting orgasm her body was chasing, but he hadn’t intended for it to be more than a temporary reprieve.
Israel paid the check, slipping several one-hundred-dollar bills into the tip portion of the folder. It wasn’t much, but he suspected the young family would be grateful for any help they received. Setting the folder on the table, he looked up to see Bristol watching him, her eyes brimming unshed tears made his breath catch. What the hell?
“Bristol, what’s wrong? Are you ill?”
She shocked him when she fisted her small hands in the front of his shirt and pulled him close. Sealing her lips over his, the kiss ramped up like a flash fire. Israel couldn’t remember the last time he’d allowed a woman to take the lead and was shocked at how much he’d enjoyed feeling her need wash over him.
“Nothing. Nothing at all. That money will mean so much to them. His wife won’t be cleared to return to work for another three weeks.” She brushed away an errant tear and smiled. “I… well, I just wanted to say thank you. I didn’t understand the importance of planting trees that I would never have the opportunity to sit under until I was taken in by a loving teacher after my parents died. She taught me more in the short time I was with her than my parents had in all the years I’d spent living in their house.”
The significance of Bristol’s words wasn’t lost on him. Who the hell referred to their childhood as the years they spent living in their parents’ house? Pushing his anger on her behalf aside, Israel pulled her into his arms.
“I want you to promise to help Asia with the foundation education programs. You know as well as any of us how important it is.” Without giving her a chance to turn down his request, Israel grasped her hand and led her to the car.
Even in the dim light, Israel could see her eyes widen in surprise when he led her to a Lincoln Town Car. The driver, one of his company’s more seasoned employees, Lincoln Billings, was also the first member of the security team Israel was putting together for Bristol. Lincoln opened the back door, giving them both a polite nod.
“Good evening, Dr. Banks, Mr. Adler.”
Bristol stopped so quickly, Israel nearly ran over her. He hadn’t planned to introduce them until they were safely inside the car, but it seemed she had other ideas. Bristol extended her hand in greeting.
Chapter Fifteen
It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what Israel had planned for them during the drive to the club outside town. It wasn’t a long trip, but with the city’s growing population moving farther and farther outside the perimeter of Austin, traffic was becoming more challenging. The car was luxurious, but it wasn’t particularly private. There was an added layer of tension pulsing beneath the surface when she’d stopped to introduce herself to the man who’d greeted her, making her wonder what she wasn’t being told.
“So many worries bouncing around inside your pretty head, let’s see if we can’t find something else for you to focus on. Untie the halter of your dress and lower the front, so your breasts are fully exposed, Bristol.” Israel didn’t expect her to comply without some hesitance. She was in a car with a man she didn’t know and sitting next to a window as they passed under streetlights as they slowly made their way out of the city. Bristol took a deep breath, then released it before reaching for the loose knot at the top of her back. She saw surprise reflected in Israel’s intense gaze and knowing he’d misjudged her was empowering.
When Bristol shook Lincoln Billings’ hand, she’d known instantly he was a shifter. His intensity, posture, and attentive nature made her think he was also a Dom. There was no reason to ask questions when she already knew the answer. Israel had already told her he enjoyed exhibition, and she was smart enough to recognize a test when she encountered one. When she finally worked the knot free, Bristol took another deep breath, hoping the added oxygen would fuel her courage. The two sides dropped to her lap, and the cool air from the car’s ventilation system kissed her nipples, making them draw into tight peaks.
“You have spectacular breasts, baby. Pale ivory skin and cotton candy pink nipples that are so responsive, they make me want to weep with gratitude.” When they stopped at for a red light, Israel grinned. “What do you think, Linc? Doesn’t my mate have beautiful breasts?” The driver gave her a considering look over his right shoulder, laser-focused on her nipples before his appreciative gaze moved up to her face.
“They are gorgeous, but I think they might be eclipsed by those high cheekbones and halo of blonde silk. I’m a sucker for both.”
Bristol felt warmth spread over her cheeks at his compliment and appreciated him shifting his attention away from her breasts. He was a Dom, but it was obvious, he didn’t see that as his role in her life. Tobi had tried to explain this concept to her a few months after Bristol joined Prairie Winds, but it hadn’t made sense until now.
“Don’t get all creeped out when your Dom wants to show off what belongs to him. I swear they are all a bunch of junior high school boys at heart. In a weird way, it’s like waggling their dicks at each other to see who can make it swing the most.” Tobi, irreverent goofball they all loved, emphasized her point with a series of hip gyrations, sending the other submissives into hysterics. “And if your nipples or clit-hood are pierced? You’re going to find yourself sitting on the fireplace mantel, naked as the day you were born, with all your pretties displayed for everyone’s viewing pleasure.”
Tobi’s reference to the narrow ledge above the electronic fireplace made Bristol shiver. The native stone piece was a focal point in the room, featuring moveable pegs for the sub’s feet, designed to keep a submissive from slipping from the mantelpiece and falling to the floor. Apparently, Doms were creative and loved discovering new ways to place the pegs in their never-ending quest to make certain their sub was perfectly displayed.
A sharp pinch to her nipples pulled Bristol back from her wandering mind. When she tried to lift her hands in a futile effort to shield the throbbing nubs, she realized Israel had easily shackled her wrists in his large hands, pinning them in her lap.