Her Secret Dom by Samantha Cote

make it all better,” he retorted.
    She tossed the dress aside. “So what’s it going to be now? Payback time?”
    “No. I don’t wish to punish you. I only want to get to the root cause of why it happened.”
    “Root cause? Of what? A stupid dinner date with a man I’m not even attracted to? I told you I didn’t do anything with Brian beyond going out to dinner.”
    Jared leaned forward. “Why, Pam? How could you be so foolish as to date a superior? Why didn’t you talk to me? Give me hell? I would’ve listened.”
    “Ha!” she snapped. “What a waste of time that would’ve been. You were more interested in expanding your damned business than in being my lover or friend.”
    He recoiled at her biting words. “I made an honest mistake with you, and I’m trying to make amends.”
    She hopped up on her feet, temper flaring. “Sorry is not a convenient eraser. So you expected me to spell out my every want and need? As if you didn’t know I was feeling neglected? Sorry, Marlowe, you’re not completely off the hook either.”
    “I took responsibility for my actions. You should too.”
    Pam spread her arms wide, incredulous. “I’ve apologized already. What do you want me to do to make it up to you? Shall I genuflect? Or better yet, how about I promise to remain your personal fuck toy until you get bored with me again in a couple of months?”
    Jared bolted from the sofa. “Watch your mouth. I didn’t get bored with you. And don’t even imply that I would use you for my own sexual gratification without a thought for yours.” He swept a scorching gaze over her body. “I sure as hell didn’t hear any complaints last night.”
    “Well, it’s about time,” Pam said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “How good of you to notice me after you caught me with another man. I wonder how long it would’ve taken you to step up to the plate otherwise.”
    Jared’s eyes narrowed and he took a step forward. “Are you justifying your actions?”
    She glared up at him, refusing to back down. “No, I’m not. I gave you my virginity. You took it and cast me aside. Did it ever occur to you that I needed reassurance afterward? Did you expect me to be twiddle my thumbs and wait around forever?”
    He stilled. “I waited for you. I took the time to court you before taking you to my bed. When I did, it took me three days to make you mine. Do you have any idea how difficult it was for me after I ached for you day and night for months? Painful as hell, let me assure you. Despite the sexual drought, I haven’t touched another woman since we’ve met. I’ve been more than patient with you. I screw up once and your patience snaps.”
    This time, Pam couldn’t think of a ready comeback. His words were not only irrefutable but uttered with a quiet dignity that shook her to the core. She held up her hands in defeat. “Okay. I get it. I suck as a girlfriend. I suck, period. I’m done with this conversation.” Whirling around, she spotted her purse and headed straight for it.
    A viselike grip on her upper arm stopped her before she’d taken her first step. His hold wasn’t tight, but it was unbreakable.
    “Let me go. I want to go home.” Her voice sounded shaky, even to her ears.
    Jared dragged her against his chest, and she could feel the thunderous beats of his heart. He slowly turned her around to face him. One look at his stony countenance and her knees started knocking together. Man, he looked pissed. And determined as hell.
    He spoke into the tense atmosphere, and she couldn’t help but flinch at his flinty tone. “First, never turn your back on me. It’s disrespectful.” He released her arm. “Second, if we’re ever going to resolve our issues, we need to communicate, however painful that might be. Walking away is cowardly, and it resolves nothing. We have to face our problems. No more avoidance behavior or silence.”
    She looked up at him, her chest tight. “You’re the one who avoided me . Yes, you