Dahlia’s blouse is loose on her and the wind blows it easily, pressing the thin fabric against her skin. The night is bitter cold, but all she has is a thin cardigan and a cream chiffon blouse. Her skirt covers her legs to her knees, but I imagine she’s going to be cold.

I don’t have a single item for a woman in this house. I should’ve been more prepared, but I had no intention of taking her out. Next time I’ll be ready. I’ve already sent a text to Linda with Dahlia’s sizes and everything I want for her. The thought takes me off guard that there will even be a next time. But I can’t deny that I’m already thinking about taking her out again. Just the mention of dinner made her obviously happy.

I love the look on her face, and I want to keep her satisfied.

I know Madam Lynn has extended contracts in the past, so perhaps my Dahlia will be happy enough with the same arrangements.

I slip my jacket off my shoulders and place it around hers even though we aren’t outside yet. She turns in the foyer, her heels clicking on the marble floors to look at me.

“I’ll be alright,” she says sweetly.

“That’s not the correct response, my treasure,” I leave a small note of admonishment to linger and she recognizes it although it’s mostly meant to be playful.

“Thank you, sir.” The soft blush to her cheeks makes her look innocent.

My fingers itch to reach out to her, but I resist. I know it’s harder on Submissives to see the lines between a traditional relationship and what we have.

Dahlia’s doing so well though. Especially for someone who’s never participated in this lifestyle. “How are you enjoying this so far?” I ask as I slip my wallet into my back pocket and grab the keys off of the table.

“This?” she asks me, gesturing between the two of us.

A smile is forced onto my lips at her confusion. “Yes, Dahlia,” I open the door and splay my hand on her lower back to lead her out, “how are you enjoying our arrangement?” I lock the door behind us and pull out my phone to send a text to Andrea letting her know we’re leaving.

“I’m liking it so far,” she says softly, the color intensifying in her cheeks. The sight of her shy beauty captivates me. I’ve loved every minute of pushing her boundaries and exploring the curves of her body.

“Good.” I smile down at her and she rewards me with a sweet soft hum as she rocks back and forth on her heels, waiting for me to lead her away.

“You’re excited for dinner?”

“I am,” she replies and her smile widens. My chest swells with pride that I can put that beautiful look on her face.

My hand rests gently on her lower back and I lead her along.

She’s quiet as we walk down the hallway and get into the elevator. The lighthearted feelings wane as I think about where we’re going. It’s late, but the paparazzi will be there, Andrea assures me in her text back. We won’t even know they’re there. A late-night candlelit dinner for two in a private room. It should be enough to satisfy the PR firm.

I clear my throat and consider what Dahlia will think of this. She needs to know this is a stunt and nothing more, but the thought of telling her the truth sends a prickle of unease down my skin. I don’t want her to know any more than she has to. I also don’t want her to be disappointed. She’s genuinely happy, and I don’t want to take that away.

“We’ll be dining alone tonight.” I have to set the ground rules for her. This isn’t a date. I’m not an eligible bachelor. This is simply a dinner that she’s attending with me as a Submissive, although, things will obviously be different.

“The rules are different outside the playroom, Dahlia,” I tell her as I key in the code in the elevator chambers to take us to my floor of the garage.

She huffs a small laugh and her eyes slowly rise to meet mine. “I’m not even sure I know the rules in the playroom,” she says softly.

Something about the look in her eyes makes me weak for her.

“Of course you do. You’re perfect in the playroom, treasure,” I say and cup her chin in my hand and run my thumb along her lower lip. They beg me to kiss her, but there are lines I’m not yet ready to cross. I don’t want to lead her on, and this is already pushing it.

“You submit, and do your best to obey. You accept your punishment and best of all, you enjoy it.” I release her as the elevator stops and lead the way out.

“That’s all I ask of you, but when we’re outside of the playroom, it’s going to be far more difficult.” She walks quickly to stay beside me as I stride toward the grey metal key box on the wall. The key to the penthouse opens it, and I pick out the Porsche 911. It’s sleek and I want something different for tonight. Something hotter.

I eye my treasure. She looks beautiful, but she’s dressed as if she could be my secretary or my assistant. I don’t want anyone mistaking her for anything other than what she is. She’s mine.

Tomorrow I’ll have the clothes sent to her place. Enough for a few dates at least. The idea of changing the rules and bringing our play out into the public is thrilling. It’s new and different, and a challenge.

“Do you think you can play by a new set of rules, Dahlia?” I ask her.

She meets my gaze and nods, “Yes, sir.”

“That’s the first change.” She pulls the jacket a little tighter around her shoulders. The wind is harsh as it blows into the cement garage.

She stares at me with those gorgeous hazel eyes flashing with a hint of uncertainty. “You’ll call me Lucian when we’re in public. And you’re to act as though we’re a couple.”

“I can do that,” she says thoughtfully.

My skin chills as I lead her to the red sports car and open the door. She walks quietly by my side, absorbing my words. I’m not interested in blurring these lines, and it may be difficult for her to remember what this is between us.

“Thank you,” she says as she slips into the passenger seat. I wait until she’s fully inside to gently shut the door.

My gut twists in my stomach knowing I’m leading myself to paparazzi. They’re leeches and I hate the thought that I’m relying on them for this PR stunt, but if it works in my favor, I’ll suffer through it.

I close my door and press the start button, the car purring to life. I glance at Dahlia and her legs have goosebumps, she’s nearly shivering, huddled inside of my jacket. I click on the heated seats, but the heat itself will have to wait until the car heats.

“The rules are simple, Dahlia.” I glance at her and then back onto the road. “You act as though we’re a couple, just be mindful that people will be watching, even when you think no one is.” I readjust in my seat and consider my next words, “Be respectful to me as your Dom. I know this is new to you, but you understand what that means, don’t you?” I watch her from the corner of my eye.

“I think so,” she answers hesitantly.

“Go on then.”

“A Submissive is supposed to treat her Dominant with respect.”

“As should a Dominant to his Submissive,” I respond easily. I’m surprised by the flash of shock on her face and how her sweet lips part. “You don’t agree?”

“I-” she starts to answer, but she doesn’t finish her statement.

“Tell me about why you enjoy this, Dahlia.” I keep my eyes on the road, but I’m fully focused on my treasure. It’s important to me that we’re on the same page here. I keep forgetting she’s never done this before. That everything is new and different.

“I enjoy…” her voice trails off and she looks out of the window, tucking her hair back as she clears her throat. “I enjoy it when you’re rough