Bowles, Jan - Tamed by the Dom [Guilty Pleasures 3] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) by Jan Bowles

you?”
    “I don’t know for sure. I didn’t go to the cops. I knew I’d lost my virginity, but I couldn’t remember anything about it.”
    “Rohypnol, the date rape drug?”
    “Looking back, yes, I think it was that, but I was only eighteen and didn’t know about such things then.” Kat remembered the utter feeling of loneliness that had descended on her afterward. “I left the store soon after the incident. I couldn’t stand working with him.”
    “Why didn’t you come back home to Fairfax?”
    “Things became complicated.”
    Colt stroked a hand down her arm, and she turned into his embrace. Although her eyes were open, she could only just make out the outline of his shape in the darkness. Even though she couldn’t see him, she took great comfort from his nearness. He made her feel far safer than she’d ever felt before. “How complicated?” he asked eventually when the silence between them drifted into minutes.
    The idea of continuing the conversation into the early hours of the morning just didn’t appeal to Kat. Her whole body felt stiff and not relaxed. Some things were best left unsaid. “I’ve kept to my side of the bargain, Colt. I don’t want to say anymore.”
    “Okay, baby,” he whispered close to her ear. His hot breath fanned against her neck as he spoke. “I’ll hold you tonight. I’ll keep you safe.”
    Kat closed her eyes and held her breath. She didn’t want to become emotional. She turned on her side and bit her bottom lip, holding everything in check. The past threatened to break through her defenses. The dam of indifference she’d placed in her heart almost crumbled. In silent determination, she clenched her fists into tight balls. Her self-control hardened as a tear slid down her cheek and fell onto the pillow. Just because Colt had been nice to her, it didn’t mean she had to reveal all. Some things were best left unexplored. That way they couldn’t hurt you.
    Colt’s strong arms wrapped around her and she melted back against his torso. “I’ll look after you, Kat. Nothing can harm you now.”
    She breathed in. If only she could trust him enough to believe that. Life would be so simple.

Chapter Eight

    Colt stared at the enigma that was Kat Masters. Her dark lashes curled down onto her cheeks, and her full, cherry-red lips were slightly parted. In sleep she looked so beautiful and calm. Yet, he knew from some of the things that she’d told him in the early hours of the morning that her apparent serenity was just a mask. It looked like she’d had a traumatic early life. He knew she’d gone to sleep barely holding back her tears. He figured Kat was damaged goods. A woman like her might never be able to trust him. Deep down, he guessed she thought all men were bastards.
    Colt stroked a hand through her silky black locks that spilled across the pillow. They felt so soft and feminine against his flesh. He wanted to know everything about Kat, down to the smallest detail. If it were the last thing he did, he’d make sure he’d win her trust. How, he didn’t know, but he was determined to succeed.
    He leaned forward and kissed her lips, then smiled as her eyes immediately flew wide open. Two beautiful hazel orbs stared right back at him. He could see the flecks of gold and green around the irises. “Hi, sleepyhead. I would have said good morning, but it’s way past noon.”
    “Oh, what time is it?” Kat made to sit up, but he stopped her with a hand on her shoulder.
    “There’s no need to get up, we’ve only had a few hours sleep. Why don’t you roll this way, I’ve something here that just won’t quit.” He pulled the covers back and then smoothed a condom down his erect shaft.
    “My God, Colt, have you been hard all night?”
    “You bet. I couldn’t help thinking of all the things I’m going to do to you in the coming weeks and months. It made sleeping almost impossible.” He grabbed her wrist, and she giggled as he lifted her onto his torso until she