Chapter Seven

Rowan

When I'd been asked out before, there had been no contact in between. Someone asked me out and days later, they would pick me up and we would get to know each other.

But with Talon, everything since I brought him that first drink felt like foreplay.

The way he talked to me. The way he complimented me when I did something well, which was often, apparently. His words were more than empty phrases. I felt adored when he spoke to me, as though they were coming from his heart.

His end-of-the-shift kisses had become more and more demanding and possessive. Our hands roamed over one another in hungry, greedy motions.

I'd never been so ready for an alpha to this degree. I was sure I could explode with an orgasm the minute he got inside me. Hell, maybe before that.

When my ex, Salem, asked me out for the first time, it was more of a demand. I went along, as the people-pleaser I was. I felt privileged that a man, an alpha, strong and beautiful like him would ever stoop to go out with someone like me.

Boy, he must've seen me coming from a mile away.

The abuse started on our second date. Of course, I made excuses for it in the beginning. Things that were blaring, on fire, red flags, I chalked up as possessive or taking charge like a good alpha should. Except, I always thought those things should have some care and concern about them.

I had been wrong.

Salem wanted to control every facet of my life and when I disagreed or held my ground, there was hell to be paid. At first, it was the silent treatment or withholding affection or sex. The first time he slapped me, I cried and apologized. I remember that moment, crouching in the corner, crying, sobbing, wondering what I could've done better or how I would try harder.

I didn't even know who I was anymore.

He'd made me question myself and who I was.

"That's a pretty big damned frown for someone going on a hot date with a millionaire," Artemis said.

I shook my head of the treacherous memories. "I should be, but for the life of me I can't figure out to wear." My roommate didn't need to know that my ex was in my head, even now, when I and my wolf were sure we'd found our fated mate in the body of a god and the boss of the best job I'd ever had.

"You're going to the club, right?" Artemis asked. He came and began to rifle through my closet.

"Yes. But as a guest."

He did a dance at that. "So, we don't want to wear all black because that's what he sees you in all the…oh my god, I have the perfect outfit." He bolted from the room at a sprint and came back with a garment bag. "I have these pants that I bought on deep discount. They are a little snug on me but I know they will fit you. It's really a suit, but you won't need the jacket. There's a vest and…trust me?"

I shrugged. "Sure. Why not."

"That's not reassuring but I will prove you wrong."

Less than a half hour later, Artemis had me looking like I'd walked right out of a fashion TikTok post.

Hashtag Hot Omega.

"Color me impressed," I said, admiring myself in the mirror. He'd paired the dark-navy-blue pants and vest with a pale-pink button-up shirt, rolled at the sleeve.

"You won't need this," he said, and pointed to my cuff. Gods, I hadn't taken it off since Talon put it on me and didn't want to now.

But tonight, I was no employee. I was Talon Marwood's date.

I'd been reading up on the lifestyle. I wanted as much information as possible and I had to admit, some of what I read was scary.

Scary with a stranger. Scary with someone I didn't trust completely.

I knew that Talon would never hurt me. Maybe it was shifter instinct or a hunch, but I did trust him.

"Did I tell you that he said I was the only one who could deliver him drinks?" I asked, looking for a pair of shoes that would fit my outfit.

"You did."

I laughed. "And how much he compliments me? He told me there has never been a more gorgeous omega in the world."

"You told me that too," Artemis laughed. "And the dark-brown pair. Don't ruin my outfit."

I grabbed for the shoes and put on the navy-blue socks Artemis picked out to match. I'd showered and used my expensive cologne, the one that I saved for special occasions.

Artemis cleared his throat. "None of my business but…have you chosen a safe word?"

"Is it stupid that I want something weird but also, I don't want him to laugh at me for my choice?"

Artemis pursed his lips. "Does he seem like the type to laugh at you, Rowan? From what I've heard, he's all about building you up, not tearing you down."

I blew out a breath. "I think I know what I'll use but I'm not telling you. I have to keep some things secret."

"Okay," Artemis said and got up to leave. "But I need details on the sexy time, and you know as well as I do that there will be sexy time. I mean, it's a date at a sex club."

"Maybe." I shrugged.

There was a chance that Talon only wanted to play. I knew from the other bartenders that all play didn't lead to sex.

Still, I thought I would explode the first time he touched my naked skin.

Gods, I hoped Talon wanted to do more than play.