Her Dominant Doctor by Bella Jackson Page B

commanding nature. He was a lifestyle dom who preferred darker, edgy experiences. A sadist, he genuinely enjoyed inflicting pain on women. When Thomas had first learned of this, Matthew was careful to qualify the statement by emphasizing that they were always consenting women. Regardless, Thomas had not fully understood what his brother was talking about during that initial conversation.
    When he had walked into a BDSM club for the first time, his eyes had been opened to a new world. Immersed in the experience, observing all of the actions around him, Thomas had known for certain he had found the missing piece. That part of himself that always felt out of step. Unfocused. With that first encounter, it had become crystal clear that he was a dominant.
    Thomas was far less intense than his brother, although he truly believed that if it was a consensual arrangement, to each his own. His personality was more drawn to the rules and rituals of the BDSM lifestyle. Meeting his rigid expectations, the complete surrender of a submissive to his will. That was what made him euphoric. Centered within himself. That give and take was a delicate balance of his need for control and the willingness of the submissive to surrender it. To trust him enough with their care and comfort. Give him power and control over her. That was what he needed.
    With Annie, however, it was the first time he had ever felt a soul-to-soul connection with another woman. He’d had plenty of experience with casual dating, but there was nothing casual about his blossoming relationship with her. He wanted to provide her with romance. Experience mutual passion. Protect and cherish her. He still had that innate need to control and exert his authority. It was even stronger with Annie because he felt such a deeper connection to her. It was difficult to put into words how he felt since it was so new. And unexpected. He needed to navigate his way through a conversation that hopefully would allow him to have his cake and eat it too. Would Annie accept his need for power exchange? Would she allow him the privilege to control her safety and security and create the intimate level of trust required for such a relationship?
    Thomas walked casually up the walkway to Annie’s house. He took in the comforting oasis surrounding him on both sides. The yard was carefully groomed with bursts of color everywhere. Mixed together were species of flowers that had different textures, varied types of leaves, and different colors. The landscape complemented the house, creating a serene environment. As he reached the front door, Thomas rang the bell and heard the chime inside the house alerting Annie of his arrival.
    When Annie opened her door, Thomas was again struck by her natural beauty. Her brown eyes conveyed excitement upon seeing him. She wore a full-skirted red dress with a white cardigan sweater sitting over her shoulders. The white, red-trimmed shoes completed the classic Audrey Hepburn-like look. Thomas loved the contradiction in the colors she wore. The purity of white paired with sensuous and sexy blood red. It kindled his ever-growing desire for both her body and soul. He wanted to ravish her, explore every inch of her body and, once he finished, would start all over again. Thomas did not think he could get enough of the stunning woman.
    “Hello, Annie, you look lovely as ever,” he stated, leaning in to kiss her cheek.
    Feeling shy, she responded demurely, “Thank you, Thomas, you look lovely too.” Prior to leaving his office, Thomas had opted for a more casual look, removing his tie. The top two buttons on his shirt were undone, exposing a smattering of dark curly chest hair.
    As he crossed the threshold into her foyer, Annie’s eyes honed in on the unusual bouquet of flowers in his hand. Thomas had so enjoyed their easy banter yesterday when discussing the meaning of flowers, he wished to engage in a repeat performance. He handed the round bouquet of pink, red, and white