I did my best to steer the conversation to safe topics like family and work. Brent appeared to go along with my guidance, though I did wonder if it was just part of some grander plan he had for me. Though it was possible he was behaving because of so many people coming and going.
The muffled roar of the engines reverberated through the building, creating a relaxing drone that to put me at ease.
“So,” he began. “How do you know Tony?”
Wariness tinged his question and for a brief second I wondered if he considered Tony competition. “We grew up together. He’s my brother’s best friend.” I offered. When my reply earned me an arched brow from Brent and nothing more, I continued. “He took on that whole big brother persona with me, trying to protect me from trouble and bullies.”
“I have a hard time believing you had much of either.”
I shrugged. “I tended to be a bit of a shy geek back then and there were a couple of girls in high school that used to pick on me. Tony and my brother Shawn leaned on their boyfriends and brothers and eventually the bullying died down to a manageable level.” Wanting to change the conversation, I picked up my drink and took a sip before asking. “What about you? Do you have any brothers or sisters?”
My question worked like a charm and easily transitioned the conversation to his family. I learned his father had died when he was just seventeen and he had a younger sister whom he adored. Brent didn’t much like the man his mother married after his father’s death and he’d all but stopped talking to her because of him.
Brent spoke about his love for racing with a passion that most men would have for their wives or girlfriends. Driven, demanding, and always in control. That’s how he described himself.
That was also what had made him the success he was today. Well, that and an excellent eye for talent. I learned his reasons for not firing Calen had everything to do with the amount of money the young prodigy brought to the team. Brent was a wealthy man, who planned on expanding his racing empire with a second and then a third team over the next few years.
As the afternoon wore on, we didn’t move from our seats, instead our conversation continued to smoothly transition from topic to topic. Everything from work related subjects to old relationships were fodder for discussion. At one point Brent’s look turned just a little somber as he talked about his previous relationship.
“I don’t know that I was really in love with Tracy,” he admitted as he leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. “When she decided to leave, it left me with a strange emptiness that I couldn’t quite shake. It wasn’t so much sadness or loneliness, but deeper and less identifiable. Actually, I think maybe it had always been there, but her leaving brought it to the surface.”
“Why did she decide to end things?” I asked, hoping I wasn’t prying too much.
He sighed heavily. “She said that our relationship had become too intense for her. That she couldn’t take the pressure anymore.”
I arched a brow. “Wow. She sounds more like an employee quitting a job than a girlfriend quitting a relationship.”
He nodded then looked up at me with sad eyes. “That’s probably because I treated her more like an employee than a girlfriend.”
A warning sounded in the back of my head as his words took root. “How so?”
At least a full minute of silence passed between us and I began to worry that I’d overstepped my boundaries when he finally spoke. “There’s something about me you need to know, Shannon.”
The fine hairs on the back of my neck stood up and my pulse accelerated with his warning. “Which is?”
“I’m a Dominant.”
For a moment I simply stared at him, waiting for more. When I finally realized that was all, I leaned back in my chair and smirked. “That’s it?”
Shock and indignation raced across his face. “What do you mean that’s it? Do you even know what a Dominant is?”
I nodded. “Someone who likes to be in control during sex. So you have a kinky streak? Big deal.” Actually it was a very big deal, but I didn’t want him to think I couldn’t be open-minded.
He stared at me with disbelief in his eyes. “I’ve been wracking my brain, trying to figure out a way to tell you my secret and all you can say when I finally do is...that’s it?”
“I just don’t think it’s as big a deal as you’re making it out to be. So what if you like kinky sex? As long as all parties involved are willing participants and nobody gets hurt, I don’t see where there’s any real harm being done,” I replied, even as my insides shook with excitement.
“Really?” He arched a brow. “So you’d have no problem if I wanted to tie you up, blindfold you, and spank that luscious ass until you couldn’t sit?”
Despite his words making me wetter than I could imagine, I managed a nonchalant shrug in response. “I don’t know. I’ve never done anything like that before, so I don’t know if I’d like it or not.”
“Well, Tracy didn’t like it. She told me upfront that she didn’t like it, but submitted to me anyway because she knew it was what I wanted.” He paused and his eyes developed a faraway look. “I should have broken things off after our first session, but I didn’t. I kept thinking that as long as she was willing to submit, it was easier than trying to find another playmate.”
The regret in his voice tugged at my heart. “But it wasn’t easier, was it?”
He looked me square in the eyes. “No. I used her to relieve my stress and I did my best to try and give her pleasure, but we never could seem to find a middle ground. I was actually relieved when she finally said she was leaving.” He smirked. “Can you believe what a cold-hearted bastard I am? I spend over a year tying up and fucking a woman who didn’t really want to be my submissive and I couldn’t even feel any remorse when she finally left me.”
I shifted to sit next to Brent and placed a hand over his. “I seriously doubt you’re a cold hearted bastard. It sounds more to me like you simply didn’t love her and when there’s not love, there’s nothing.”
Chapter 9
With the weight of our afternoon conversation still resting on my shoulders, I leaned against the garage wall and watched as Brent’s team worked on their back up car. The afternoon race ended hours ago, and, although the stands were now empty, energy remained in the air.
I walked to the open bay door and leaned against the concrete wall, staring toward the track’s back stretch. The last two days had been a whirlwind of emotions. While I wasn’t really any closer to finding Brent a sponsor, I did feel as if I’d made some progress with my other problem. In my head, I didn’t want to want him, but in my heart, I couldn’t deny how I felt.
I’d realized after our afternoon conversation that any relationship I stepped into would be a scary leap. Trying to protect myself might just end up hurting me more in the end. The best thing I could do was just roll with what was happening and see where it took me.
The setting sun fell behind the grandstands, casting the remaining evening in a soft glow. I glanced at my watch at nearly half past seven, I was reminded of the fact that I hadn’t eaten since lunch, well over six hours ago. I looked over my shoulder to see Brent and Tony talking a few feet away. “What time do you guy’s wrap up for the night?”
“There’s always things that can be done,” Brent replied as he walked up behind me and planted a gentle kiss on my temple. “Why?”
“Oh no reason. I was just wondering if anybody around here actually ate on a regular schedule.”
Brent chuckled. “I think the guys can handle this without me. How about we knock off and grab some dinner?”
“I think that’s a fantastic idea.”
It wasn’t long before we were standing in line for a table at the local Applebee’s. Brent wanted to take me someplace nicer, but I’d insisted on something closer to the track and less romantic in nature.
“I’m sorry, it’s going to be another twenty minutes before I can seat you in a booth,” the hostess apologized.
“If you like, I can place you at a table in the bar area?”
I glanced at Brent who nodded. “That’s fine,” I replied, then instantly wondered why I’d deferred that question to him in the first place. What was happening to the Shannon who resolved to make her own decisions, right or wrong?
We’d barely been seated when Brent leaned over and whispered in my ear. “Don’t look now, but your ex is headed this way.”
I groaned at his statement, garnering me a smile from him. “Be nice, Shannon.”
“I’m always nice,” I replied through gritted teeth, then plastered on a fake smile and turned just in time to see Wayne walk up behind me. “I thought that was you sitting over here. Would you mind if I joined you?”
“I really don’t think-” I started to say, only to have Brent overrule me. “Sure.” He leaned into me. “I’m sure it’s no problem if Wayne joins us, is it, honey?”
I gave him a killer look that I hoped conveyed all the nasty things I wanted to do to him later for forcing me to sit through a dinner with my ex. Then I conjured my best smile and replied, “Of course not, darling.”
Apparently oblivious to our little exchange, Wayne slid into the seat opposite us. “I really appreciate this. I was gonna eat with my teammates, but the hostess said the wait is at least twenty minutes and they decided to go elsewhere.”
“Oh it’s no problem at all,” Brent replied, shooting me a mischievous grin. “Right, sweetheart?”
“Right.” I nodded, then took a sip of my water. The moment I got Brent alone he’d be a dead man.
“So, Shannon,” Wayne began. “I’ll admit that I was more than a little shocked to see you yesterday. Knowing how much you hate motorsports, I would have never pictured you hooking up with anyone in this sport, let alone actually coming to the track.”
How dare he make such a claim, after all the time I’d spent sitting in cold grandstands supporting his dream? I looked up to meet his stare. “I never said I hated motorsports, Wayne.”
“You never said you liked them either,” he countered.
“The only reason I didn’t like it was because it reminded me of you and that’s a memory I’d rather forget.”
He actually had the nerve to look hurt by my statement. I should have been ashamed for taking such a low blow and for the slight amount of satisfaction I felt that my barb might have landed on the bull’s eye.
Of course that satisfaction dissolved with Brent’s scolding tone. “Now that’s no way to be, Shannon. Especially since motorsports should now remind you of me instead.”
For several long seconds an uncomfortable silence hung over the table as Brent and I exchanged looks. Then his phone rang, causing me to jump. He glanced at the screen. “Excuse me for a moment while I take this.”
Before I could protest, he disappeared outside to answer the call. I watched him go, tracking him through the crowd and finally losing sight of him when he headed out the door. Frustrated, I turned back to face Wayne, who now sat across from me with a scowl on his face.
“What are you up to, Shannon?”
I arched a brow. What in the hell was up with his sudden change of tone? “What do you mean? I’m not up to anything.”
“You hated motorsports,” he pushed. “The only reason you ever went to any of my events was out of some sad fear that if you didn’t support me I’d leave.”
My eyes widened at his statement as embarrassment joined frustration for a tango in the pit of my stomach.
Looking almost sinister, he grinned. “That’s right, I knew. You never loved me,” he snapped. “You settled for me because I was the only one willing to fuck you at all, even if it was in the dark.”
He leaned back in the seat and folded his arms. “It was actually a pretty good arrangement we had. You supported me while I worked toward my dream and as payment I fucked your fat ass.”
Seething, I closed my eyes and struggled with the urge to flee. As much as I didn’t want to admit it, his words carried a certain amount of truth. Still that didn’t mean I should allow him to denigrate me. “So how is the little blonde tramp you screwed in our bed?” I shot back hoping to hit a nerve.
I knew the answer before I’d asked the question. She’d showed up on my doorstep several weeks after the fact and apologized for sleeping with my husband. He, of course, never told her he was married and she felt terrible for breaking up my marriage.
His grin widened. “I dumped her ass and moved on. When you have a job like mine, it’s easy to find women who want to be with you.”
I leaned forward, and rested my elbows on the table. “Seems to me they’re a perfect match, since they don’t care what they screw and neither do you. So tell me, did you ever manage to get rid of the crabs you gave Sally or are they some sort of parting gift to any poor woman who is desperate enough to sleep with you?”
“You fat bitch!” His next move was so fast I never saw it coming. He jumped from the seat and grabbed me by the wrist, his fingers digging into my flesh as he yanked me from my seat and pulled me against him. “I’m about sick of the way you’re talking to me. Just who in the hell do you think you are?”
For the briefest moment a slick trail of fear slid through me, then I realized the power I actually held. He wouldn’t dare hurt me in front of a restaurant full of people and risk losing his precious job. “I know that I am your ex-wife, thank God, and I know that you’re going to release me before you do something you’re going to regret.”
“Don’t bet on it. Now tell me, Shannon, why are you really here? Because I don’t believe for a second that someone as rich and important as Brent Hague would have anything to do with you,” he snarled.
Feeling the need to escape, I twisted my wrist, but his grip only tightened. “Why I’m here is none of your damn business,” I replied. At this point I’d die before I’d tell him the truth.
“Don’t fuck with me, Shannon,” he warned through gritted teeth. “If you’re here to somehow mess with my career, you had better think again.”
He’d no sooner finished his sentence when it seemed that out of nowhere Brent appeared. With a growl, he locked his arm around Wayne’s neck and yanked his head back. “Get your filthy hands off my girlfriend,” he ordered, his words low and dangerous.
Instantly, Wayne’s fingers released me and I took a full step back as I began to rub my wrist. In a move so smooth and practiced it spoke of years of fighting, Brent twisted Wayne toward the table and slammed his head against the top. Our glasses shook and teetered with the impact. With one hand, he held Wayne by the neck against the wooden surface and whispered. “If you ever even think about touching her again, I won’t just ruin your career, I’ll make your sorry ass disappear. I doubt very many people would miss you anyway. Now, do you understand me?”
Wide eyed with fear, Wayne gave him a small nod.
“Good.” Brent released him. “Now get your sorry hide out of here before I have management call the police.”
Wayne grabbed the back of his neck and without looking at me, he skulked from the building. Still in shock, I watched him go, all the while secretly hoping that this would be the last I’d ever see of my ex.
“Hey,” Brent’s fingers trailed along my arm, bringing my attention back to him. I looked up to find concern in his eyes as he stared down at me. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”
“I’m fine,” I replied even as I rubbed at the sore spot on my wrist. “He’s never been violent before, so I’m just a little blindsided by his behavior.”
Gently, Brent turned my wrist over and inspected the spot where I rubbed. His brow knit as he studied the red fingermarks on my skin. “What kind of asshole puts his hands on a woman like that?” He shook his head. “He’s lucky we were in a public place or I might have crippled him just for good measure”
I pulled my arm away, lifted my hand, and placed a palm against his cheek. Nobody had ever stood up for me like that and it meant so much that he had. “Thank you for being my knight
in shining armor.”
He took my hand in his and kissed my palm, sending a quick ripple of desire up my arm. “For you, my dear, I’d slay the biggest, baddest dragon in the land. That putrid little skunk of a man was nothing.”
For the first time I noticed that people were staring at us. We must have made quite a scene a few moments ago. “Um…” embarrassment ran through me, causing me to flush. “I think maybe it might be best if we go somewhere else. I’m suddenly feeling like there’s a spotlight shining on us.”
Brent glanced around the room and nodded. “I think you’re right.” He dug into his pocket and tossed a twenty. Let’s go.”
Chapter 10
After ending up at a small mom and pop deli and settling for a couple of mediocre subs for dinner, we made our way back to the track. We’d eaten mostly in silence as I digested earlier events. Even after we returned to the track my mind struggled to wrap itself around what happened as I walked beside Brent. In all the years I’d known Wayne, he’d never been violent. Was it possible he was doing drugs or something?
At the owners meeting earlier that day, racing officials reminded everyone about the mandatory driver and the random crew drug testing they did. So if they drug tested, would Wayne really risk losing his dream for a few pills or some pot? But if it wasn’t drugs, what had caused his outburst?
By the time my thoughts finally began to focus on something other than Wayne, I found myself standing in front of an RV. Feeling more than a little confused, I glanced up at Brent. “What are we doing here?”
“You’re not in any condition to drive just yet,” he replied and opened the door. “This is my motorhome. We’ll just go inside and relax for a little while.”
“But I’m fine.” My protest was ignored almost before the words left my mouth as he placed a hand on my lower back and nudged me up the steps.
Reckless Curves Page 5