My eyes filled with tears. “Dodge, I’m so sorry this is happening to you. Your poor mother, I wish there was something we could do.”
Pushing his hand through his hair again, a clear sign he was stressed, Dodge chuckled. “There is nothing anyone can do, Ryn. I’m not going to let my mother down. I love her too much. If going back and working for my prick father will make my mother happy and hopefully help her fight this, then that’s what I’m going to do.”
“Damn, Dodge, I’m really sorry to hear about your mother. Please let Ryn and I know if there is anything we can do. Anything.”
Smiling, Dodge stood and held his hand out for Tristan. “I appreciate that, Tristan. More than you know.”
Looking back at me, Dodge gave me wink. “Enough of this downer bullshit. Let’s go get you two a drink.”
The rest of the evening at Red 7 was spent visiting with Dodge, dancing, and having a great time.
Sitting at the bar, Tristan leaned over and spoke in my ear. “Are you ready to head to my condo, baby?”
My heart dropped. I’d never been to Tristan’s condo. I had always figured he didn’t want to seem like he was bragging, so he just never brought me there. We always went to his house, which was now officially sold. Giving him a smile, I slipped off the chair. Giving Dodge a wave goodbye, he smiled.
“Y’all be safe! Talk to you soon,” Dodge shouted from behind the bar.
Ten minutes later we were pulling into the underground parking for Tristan’s condo unit. My mind was brought back to Azurdee telling me how her and Lark had sex out in public on his motorcycle. It had been the hottest thing she had ever done.
“Why don’t you have a condo at the Austonian like Lark?” I asked as I watched Tristan pull into a reserved parking spot.
Giving me a wicked smile he said, “Because that bastard took the best unit in the building. He beat me to it, so I had to one up him. I love living at The Milago, though. It’s a better fit for me.”
“Oh,” I whispered. I’d been to Lark’s condo. I could not imagine anyone one-upping that thing. It had three hundred and sixty degree views. Solid windows all around.
Jumping out of his car, Tristan walked around to open my door. Dragging in a deep breath, I couldn’t shake the fluttery feelings in my stomach. I knew I was picking up Tristan’s vibes and I had no idea what he was nervous about. The only thing I could think of was he was having second thoughts about me moving down to South Texas. Closing my eyes, I said a quick prayer that was not the case. I didn’t think my heart could take it if he was telling me he changed his mind.
Taking my hand, we walked to the elevator. “So, how long have you had this condo?” I asked.
Pushing the button, Tristan looked my way. “About three years I’d say. I bought it when they were still building it. I had it designed exactly how I wanted. There are a lot of . . . custom things added to this unit.”
“Oh, that’s nice,” I said nervously. “And you’re keeping it? Not selling it?”
He looked at me with a serious face. “No, I figured we’d want a place to stay when we come to Austin to visit or for your work.” His face dropped a little as he added, “If you don’t like it though or it makes you feel uncomfortable, I can sell it.”
Pulling my head back in surprise, I wanted to ask him why his condo would make me uncomfortable. “No, Tristan I’m sure I’m going to love it.”
The elevators opened and Tristan motioned for me to get it. He paused for a few brief seconds before he finally stepped into the elevator. Running a card in front of a reader, he hit the top button that read, penthouse.
Oh. Shit. I’m beginning to think the Williams boys have plenty of play money.
“Ryn, I’m about to show you another side of me. I’m scared to death, baby, that you’re going to run away from me.”
Looking into Tristan’s eyes, I swallowed hard.
Oh holy shit.
THE COLOR IN RYN’S FACE disappeared. I don’t think she meant to whisper oh holy shit out loud, but she did. I was beginning to sweat and my stomach was in knots. I had no idea how Ryn was going to react to what I was about to show her. A part of me didn’t want to show her. I’d just sell the condo and we would buy something new. I could live with handcuffs and a flogger.
The elevator opened and the smell of leather hit me in the face. No. No, I knew I wouldn’t be happy living a lie. I wasn’t going to hide this part of who I was. Maybe Ryn wouldn’t be upset. After all, I wasn’t into hardcore BDSM at all. I had a few suspension things in my room, the x-cross with the shackles. I guess those things might come across as scary. If Ryn doesn’t turn and walk away, I will be able to quickly explain to her. If she’s anything like Liberty, she’ll quickly turn away and tell me my days of needing sexual pleasure like that are over. Liberty thought I had found love with her, and that I could leave all this behind because I would be satisfied with just her.
