“Thank you, Sir,” she told him.
That smile widened. “You’re welcome, wildcat.”
Joe stood. He patted Ria’s shoulder. “Hope we see the two of you back in here soon. I better get back in there. Ajax has taken off early, so I’m in charge of the entire club.”
Ria stiffened. They both know the reason Ajax had taken off early. Sophie.
“He’ll take care of her, Ria,” Connor said once Joe was gone. “You know he’s a good man.”
“I know. Doesn’t mean I don’t worry.”
“Like to worry about the world, don’t you, little one? Tell me, who worries about you?”
“I don’t need anyone to worry about me.”
Didn’t she? He happened to disagree.
“If you’re feeling steadier, I’ll take you home.”
He saw a flash of disappointment in her gaze. Didn’t want the night to finish, did she? Well, that suited him just fine.
He brushed his lips over her ear. “You did so well tonight. I was proud of you.”
“Really?”
“Yes. We’re new to each other. There’s going to be a bit of pushing. Working out where the boundaries are.”
“Yeah, see, the thing is, I’m like this most of the time. I don’t have much of a filter on my mouth and I like being able to say what I think.”
“How about this? I don’t mind you saying what you think but you have to say it respectfully. No swearing at me. No calling me names. No lying. You give me respect, I do the same for you.”
“All right. I can deal with that.”
“At the club, I’ll be stricter. There might be times I don’t want you to talk unless I speak directly to you. I expect you to address me as Sir. To give me your submission. In return, I promise to take care of you. To put you first. Your needs. Your safety. All right?”
“Yes, Sir. Does this mean you want to play past tonight?”
“Yes. I do. Tonight wasn’t enough. I want to work out a contract with you. Thing is, I can’t promise anything long-term. I have to return home when my job is done.”
“I understand. A contract with a use-by date.”
He frowned slightly. “That doesn’t make it sound very good.”
“It’s okay, Connor. Really. It’s what I want too.”
He nodded. “Then how about we head back to your place?”
“I have my car here. I can drive myself home.”
He shook his head. “Let’s get this clear right now. When we go out together, whether that’s to the club or out to dinner, then I drive. I know it’s sexist of me or whatever, but when we’re together I drive.”
“But what about my car? I won’t have it tomorrow.”
“I’ll bring you back to get it. But I don’t want you driving home in it alone tonight. All right?”
“Okay, so you’ll come pick me up tomorrow to get it?”
“Actually, I was hoping that I might drive you to get it tomorrow after we have breakfast. Together.”