Bound by Trust

Bound By Trust Kerri doesn't know she is waiting outside a BDSM club until the hottest attorney at her firm pulls her out of the crowd and asks her to be his sub for the night. Not knowing what a sub is, she agrees. Kerri's first foray into BDSM is a surprise, a shock, and an awakening. Hunter is a man like no other she's known. Hunter is investigating a human trafficking ring, and she is getting an education in dominance and submission. Incredible sex and a healthy dose of intrigue are a heady combination, but when he adds his business partner, Richard, into the mix, all bets are off. Can she live in his lifestyle without losing herself? When his investigation closes, will he still want her? Genre: BDSM, Contemporary Length: 63,697 words

BOUND BY TRUST

Lavender Daye

ALLURE

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Erotic Romance

BOUND BY TRUST Copyright © 2012 by Lavender Daye E-book ISBN: 1-61926-582-6 First E-book Publication: May 2012 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover art and logo copyright © 2012 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of Bound By Trust by Lavender Daye from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment. This is Lavender Daye’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Daye’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

DEDICATION Special thanks to my husband, my own private Prince Charming.

BOUND BY TRUST LAVENDER DAYE Copyright © 2012

Chapter 1 This can’t be happening tonight. The thought raced through Kerri Hudson’s head as she followed her friends to the club’s entrance. The Velvet Glove wouldn’t have been her first choice, but she’d lost that battle. The result was true and complete humiliation. Jase Benedict, her roommate and best friend since grade school, had talked Sara and Zoe into an evening of costumed fun and frolic, then enlisted their help in convincing Kerri. The pursuit of hot men in leather pants didn’t appeal to her. She preferred thoughtful, intelligent men who didn’t feel compelled to spend hours in the gym. However, Jase was nothing if not persistent. Three years of law school and Kerri still lost most debates to her. She might have logic on her side, but Jase never backed down. Never being the operative word. Yet here she was, out of her element in public, and there he was. Hunter Merritt, the attorney who had every woman in the firm privately panting in lust while they hid in fear of his temper, was stepping out of a sleek sedan in front of the valet parking kiosk. Kerri glanced down at the outfit Jase had concocted for her and cringed. Just her luck that she’d run into him tonight. Maybe it wasn’t Mr. Merritt. There was always the possibility that he’d have a twin. For a split second, Kerri considered the rare likelihood of two such intoxicating men existing in the same universe,

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in the same state, in the same Dallas parking lot. Surely, fate wouldn’t allow it to happen in this lifetime. Reality reasserted itself and Kerri focused on her current predicament. All her interactions with him had been at the office, not even in an office but in hallways. They’d never made eye contact. She couldn’t be sure what color eyes he had. But his immaculately styled dark hair, his professional demeanor, and easy grace made her wish she could know him personally. Not likely, since he was an attorney and she was a summer clerk. And she sure as hell wasn’t going to introduce herself tonight, dressed as she was. Slowing her steps, Kerri let Zoe and Sara step past her as Jase strutted up the sidewalk leading to the club’s entrance. To her surprise, a line of people similarly dressed as her friends stood at the entrance while an attendant checked identification. Hope flared. She could blend in, avoid him, and he’d never know she was there. Or he might not even recognize her. After all, he was the focus of more than a few female eyes at work and didn’t seem to notice any of them. Chances were very good that he had no clue who she was. And didn’t care to know, either. Kerri turned her back to him, idly scanning the waiting crowd, the parking lot, and the nightclub’s façade. Unlike the high-rise office buildings behind it, club looked more like a strangely themed twostory restaurant with a two-toned striped canopy hovering over the entrance. The upper edges of the place glowed with the final burst of color from a hot Texas sunset, and the intensity of the glare had her blinking. Kerri turned her gaze back to the crowd gathering on the sidewalk. One of her favorite hobbies was people-watching. Personal interactions, gestures, facial expressions that evoked emotion…human response was fascinating. A lifetime of observation would stand her in good stead when she finally began to practice law. Sara touched her elbow, directing her attention to the parking lot. “See anything in particular about the cars in the lot?” she asked.

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“Hmm, besides the fact that most of them cost more than our townhouse?” Kerri responded with a laugh. “I have a feeling this place is a little over my budget,” Sara said. “Mine, too.” Jase turned with a quick swing of her long black hair. “Don’t even think about leaving, ladies.” She grinned at her friends, one of her best trust-me smiles. “Don’t worry. I’ve been here before. It’s a great place, wild music and even wilder guys.” She nudged Sara and nodded in the direction of a small group of buff men waiting in line ahead of them. “You’re going to have a great time. We all are.” “I don’t know,” Sara said, her eyes turning to Jase after watching a limo stop near the entrance. “This looks a little too expensive for my tastes.” “I’m on a budget, Jase. We don’t all have a trust fund like you do,” Zoe said from the back of the group. “Right. So, you’re paying tonight?” Kerri asked Jase with a laugh. “Kerri Leonard, you can bitch if you want, but we all know your budget is as flexible as mine,” Jase shot back, laughter in her voice. “That’s not the point. I want to relax, not hobnob with people flaunting their bank accounts. I can do that in Houston with my parents.” “Sure, but you’d never relax and enjoy yourself if your parents were around.” Jase bumped hips with her, a smirk dancing across her face. “Don’t worry. Those people are probably going to the private club that’s next door—huge membership fee, but you could probably swing it. Anyway, the bar is where we’re headed. Let’s go.” Kerri looked down at the outfit Jase had insisted she wear, feeling like it was Halloween in June. All four of them wore black with varying degrees of exposed skin. Jase had on the shortest skirt, barely covering her ass, and a red halter top. Sara was the most conservative with tight black jeans, a black and white blouse that clung to her curves, and a black choker Jase talked her into before they left the condo.

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Kerri fell into step with Zoe and groaned as they checked each other out. Black skirts, black tops with scooped necklines. Mirror images if they were the same build, but her friend’s shorter stature and larger bust line made all the difference. The black skirt was much shorter on Kerri and her breasts, though respectable, weren’t as impressive as Zoe’s. Kerri’s spike-heeled black boots were the defining difference. They hurt her feet like there was no tomorrow, but made her legs look long and lean. The boots were the only thing she liked about her costume. The rest was pure Jase and her outlandish ideas about the club scene. Jase stopped to talk to one of the guys she’d pointed out, and Sara dropped back to stand next to Kerri. Without thinking, she turned toward Sara, giving her a great view of Mr. Merritt over her friend’s shoulder. Smiling, she whispered, “Stand still for a minute. I’m trying to decide if that man behind you is one of the attorneys from work. No, don’t look. Are you out of your mind? I don’t want him to notice me.” “Is it the one you were talking about at dinner last night?” Sara asked. “Maybe, but I’ve never seen him outside of the office. He looks different,” Kerri said, trying to check him out without being observed. He didn’t look happy, which made him look more like the attorney she knew. Whoever he was talking to on his cell appeared to be making him downright hostile. “Damn, I think it is him. This is definitely not the impression I wanted to give when I met him away from work.” “And just what impression did you want to give? Were you hoping to convince him you’re a boring, prudish old lady hiding in a young body?” Sara’s grin was blinding. “Maybe he’s into this place. And just maybe he likes women that like to dress up and act crazy.” Her eyes met his across the sidewalk, and Kerri’s breath stuttered to a stop. The man handing his keys to the valet was none other than the sexy as hell lawyer she’d been eyeing at the office. But he didn’t

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look anything like a lawyer at the moment. Black jeans replaced his conservatively tailored gray suit—jeans that deliciously cupped the most important parts of his anatomy. A dark green T-shirt acted as a second skin, molding to every delectable inch of a well-sculpted chest, something never revealed when he wore the suit. And the carefully combed black hair was no more. It looked like he’d rolled out of bed and threaded his fingers through it a few times on his way here. Kerri cringed as he slapped his cell phone closed and slid it into his pocket. Just her luck, the hottest man in her office, the one she’d been sneaking peeks at for weeks, was striding in her direction and he didn’t look happy. In fact, he looked furious. **** Hunter Merritt was truly fucked. His meeting with Mitch McKeon was in twenty minutes, and his partner just called in sick. She’d picked a hell of a time to get knocked up. McKeon was expecting a couple, not a single man, and the club where they were meeting wasn’t someplace he could take just anyone. He headed for the entrance. Working on his cover for almost a year, he’d been in and out of clubs like this one all over the country, preparing himself, as had Sheila. Now their plans were crap. He’d been here twice to scope out the clientele, both the bar area and the private club, but didn’t know anyone well enough to trust. Snapping his phone shut, Hunter stared into a group of bondage wannabes and froze. Damn, one of them was the new intern at the office. And she’d obviously seen him. Her face was flushed, but she was still standing tall. Hunter made a quick decision as he followed her group into the foyer. “Can we talk for a minute?” he asked, wrapping his hand around her upper arm and leading her into a quiet alcove to the right of the entrance. Her eyes widened, but she didn’t protest.

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“I know you recognize me from the office. I need your help.” Hunter kept his voice low, holding her close to his side in case they were seen together. Giving her instructions was one thing, an intimate conversation was another, and he needed to stay in character. “The woman I was supposed to meet here is unavailable, and I need you to fill in for her.” “What?” Her long blonde hair switched over her shoulder as she jerked her head up to meet his gaze. Shit, that didn’t come out like he’d planned. Hunter blinked hard, reaching for a reasonable explanation, one that would get her involved just enough to cover his ass but not enough to get her in too deep. “Not what you think. I’m meeting a business associate, and he’s expecting me to bring a date. Can you help me out?” “I don’t know. I’m here with some friends.” She gestured to the group she’d left as they cast worried looks in his direction. “I understand, but this is important. I’m not going to hurt you in any way. You’ll be completely safe.” Still, she hesitated and he couldn’t really blame her. Actually, she was extremely smart to question his motives. But it was hard to appreciate her presence of mind when the minutes were ticking away. “Look, you know me from work. I know you recognized me.” Hunter dug his wallet out and handed her his driver’s license. “Here, this is me. Give it to one of your friends right now, and you can return it to me at work tomorrow. I promise you won’t be hurt, but I don’t have time to explain the situation.” She took the license from his hand, her head moving slowly from side to side. He knew she was thinking it through, analyzing the situation as best she could. Hell, he could almost see the wheels turning in that brain of hers. But he was rapidly running out of time. “Just do it. You know you want to. And I’ll make it worth your while.” Her eyes drilled into his for a minute before she pivoted and moved back to her friends.

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He watched as she talked to them, watched as they argued with her while they checked out his license. One girl pulled out her cell and sent a text, most likely to check him out online. Finally, the girl he’d approached—damned if he could recall her name—handed the girl in the shortest skirt his license and crossed back to him. “Thank you for your help.” Hunter stepped back to give her a quick assessment, appreciating the shapely legs and luscious curves. Surprise niggled in his mind when a quick blush dappled her ivory face. Damn it, she was a little too young for him. But she’d do for the night. He’d figure something out tomorrow as far as the rest of this scenario went. He fished Sheila’s black choker out of his pocket and handed it to the little intern. “Put this on.” “What? Why?” The collar lay on her open palm, her blue eyes studying him. Damn, she had great eyes. He’d never gotten close enough to her at work to see them so clearly. Soft blue rimmed with navy. Hunter blinked again, trying to maintain his focus. He didn’t have time to get wrapped up in this girl. He had a job to do. “Put the collar around your neck. You’ll be my sub for the night. Keep your eyes down. Don’t look anyone in the face except me. Don’t talk to anyone without my permission. Answer me with only ‘yes, sir’ or ‘no, sir.’ Understand?” “What the hell are you talking about?” she asked, her voice low and smooth while the collar trembled in her hand. That quaking hand was the only indication she was unnerved. Hunter looked her over again, noticing the smooth, pale complexion, the scatter of freckles across her nose and cheeks. Shit, she was younger than he’d thought. “You’ve been here before, right?” “Uh, no. Jase, my friend, has.” She glanced back at the group of girls near the entrance to the club. One was still watching him carefully. “She’s been here once or twice. I haven’t.” Hunter struggled to keep the irritation out of his voice. It wouldn’t be productive. “You have no fucking idea what this place is, do you?” Instantly regretting his rough language, he watched her face flush a

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delicate pink. “It’s a club, you know, drinking and dancing, right?” Hell, she might as well be a fucking virgin. “Honey, this is a BDSM club. Bondage. Ever heard of it?” All color fled her face, and the little girl’s chin dropped. Maybe he was being too harsh, but his patience was getting thinner by the minute. While he regretted getting her involved, that decision had come and gone. His goal for the night was getting through the meeting with her in one piece. They would deal with the aftermath together, and then he’d be out of her life. Control. Hunter needed to recover his control and quickly. Running rough fingers through his hair, he focused on the young lady in front of him. Cupping her chin and closing her mouth, he leaned into her, his words a whisper from her face. “Your friends are going into the public club, where they will drink and dance. You and I are going into the private club.” Damn, how was he supposed to prepare her for the private areas of the club? He’d been doing this for a while, living in the lifestyle. There were some areas he still couldn’t condone. “Look at me.” Damn it, those eyes were going to haunt him when this was over. “Tonight, you’re going to see and hear things that will shock you. Try not to react. Keep your eyes down and stay right next to me.” He huffed out a breath. “As far as anyone else is concerned, you belong to me and no one else touches you.” Another rough breath escaped him. “I’m sorry I brought you into this. I assumed by your clothes that you knew what you’d be getting into, wanted to be a part of it. I was wrong. I need you to be strong tonight. Can you be strong for me?” “Yes.” She fumbled with the choker and he took it out of her hand. With a snap, the collar was in place around her pale throat. “What’s your name, pretty girl?” ****

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Oh. My. God. “Kerri,” she replied, wondering what she’d done to deserve this sudden roller coaster ride. The gorgeous man she’d been eyeing at work was suddenly giving her orders. And what orders they were. He was taking her into a private bondage club and claiming he owned her. Either he’d lost his mind or she had. At least Jase had his driver’s license in case something happened and she didn’t make it home by morning. Fat lot of good that license would do if Jase had to take it to the police. Kerri might never know if that was even his real name. “Kerri, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Hunter Merritt. But you should call me Sir.” “Okay.” Did he really just tell her to call him Sir? She might as well have stepped into the Twilight Zone. He frowned. Raised an eyebrow. “Yes, Sir.” “Good. Remember it.” His fingers wrapped around her upper arm again and he led her toward the private entrance. “You’ll be introduced as my new sub, still in training, so you won’t be asked to participate by anyone but me. Stick to the part. You’ll be fine.” “Yes, Sir.” She kept her eyes on him, waiting for an explanation that didn’t come. “Umm, what’s a sub?” The grip on her arm tightened. “Submissive. Think slave—sex slave.” Mr. Merritt turned his attention to the reception desk, speaking to a well-dressed man while passing what looked like a credit card over a sensor pad. Very high tech for a club, it wasn’t something she expected to see outside of a government office or medical lab. Kerri fought to keep her knees locked. She was pretending to be his sex slave for the night. Her brain went into overload imagining how the pretending would be accomplished. The hand on her arm eased, slid down softly, then back up. The motion repeated, and a whisper in her ear comforted. “It’ll be fine. Trust me.”

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Kerri forced herself to relax, took a deep breath, and nodded. His hand moved from her arm to her nape, his fingers warm and compelling as he guided her to another set of doors. Unlike the sleek metallic main entrance, these were darkly stained wood with burnished silver hardware. Mr. Merritt placed his hand against the door as he continued to instruct her. “If I’m standing, you’re next to me. If I’m sitting, you’re on the floor at my feet or on my lap.” Kerri gaped at him. “On your lap?” Just when she thought she’d heard the worst, another directive sent her reeling. This was rapidly turning into the night from hell. Or maybe the biggest adventure she’d ever have. The jury was still out and likely to be way out for awhile. “Don’t be surprised to feel my hands on you.” That was the last thing Kerri heard from him as they walked through the door and into the private club. The sounds from the room around her drowned out anything else he might say. Like the doors into the room, the spacious area before her was decorated with dark woods and subtle lighting. Burgundy carpet covered most of the floor, obviously ruling out dancing. A bar was visible at one end of the room, a few barstools near it, but most of the people were gathering in groups around small tables or strange arrangements of weird furniture. Kerri flinched as she watched one very bare woman being placed on a piece of the furniture. Turning her head, she searched for another place to look. Music filled the space, not glaring or blaring as she expected but subdued and mildly erotic. A definite rhythm that lent itself to the ritual of mating pulsed through the air as if compelling the occupants to move. There were few dark corners in the expansive room, but the lights were far from bright. Every act could be witnessed by anyone choosing to do so. Mr. Merritt’s hand moved from her arm to her nape, a quick squeeze of skin on skin followed by firm pressure as he led her across the floor. Kerri tried to remain focused on the role she was playing,

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but she was surrounded by activities that surprised and shocked her. Aroused her, too, if she was honest with herself. Her escort stopped to speak with a woman wearing an extremely short leather skirt and over-the-thigh boots. While they talked, the woman extended her hand to the man at her feet. As Kerri watched, eyes riveted, he rose to his knees and began to lick her palm. He wore a collar not unlike hers, but with blunt spikes that reminded her of something a large dog might wear. Fascinated, her downcast eyes followed the woman’s hand as it moved to her thigh. Without pausing, the man transferred his attention to the inside of her thigh, licking his way to the edge of her skirt and beyond. Kerri took in the woman’s caress of his head, and a subtle shiver slid down her spine. Would she be expected to do something similar to Mr. Merritt? The pressure of his hand on her nape increased, drawing her attention to his conversation. They were discussing the location of another member of the club, McKeon. This must be the man Mr. Merritt needed to meet. “And who is this new toy you’ve brought us tonight?” Amusement laced the woman’s tone, along with a subtle sensuality that Kerri could only assume came from her date’s actions. “Such an innocent, Hunter. Different for you. Wherever did you find her?” Merritt squeezed her nape just enough to remind her to keep her eyes averted. “My new sub. I’ve just begun her training.” “Surely you didn’t buy her?” the woman asked, sliding her hand over Kerri’s shoulder to cup her chin. Kerri kept her eyes downcast, resisting the urge to flinch away from the touch of this stranger. “I’ve heard rumors about auctions,” she continued, her voice subdued. “As have I, but that’s not my style and you know it. A sub comes willingly or not at all,” Hunter replied, his free hand gently removing the woman’s fingers from Kerri’s skin. “She’s raw, but will learn quickly under my hand.” A throaty laugh was followed by an offer to assist. “My boy here loves to fuck. He’s quite randy. Let me know if you’d like to watch

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him take her.” “I’ll consider it and get back to you. At the moment, I have business to discuss with McKeon.” Kerri tried to keep her expression blank while they moved further into the room, contemplating the auction the woman mentioned and wondering what exactly went on in this type of establishment. The unknown voyeur within her awakened, tempting her to stop and watch the vignettes playing out around her. But the firm pressure of his hand kept her moving. “Trust me, pretty girl. I’ll take care of you,” he whispered in her ear, his hand holding her close to the warmth of his body. Twice they were stopped by conversations with other patrons. Kerri listened to Merritt—how should she think of him? As her boss, he was Mr. Merritt, but in this place he insisted she refer to him as Sir. She couldn’t muster the ability to even think of him on a first name basis, though she’d fantasized about him on more than one occasion. Confusion chased the other feelings around in her head. Another squeeze on her nape focused her attention as they turned into a long hallway. Merritt stopped at a closed door about halfway down. He knocked twice, and when the door opened, Merritt dropped his hand to her wrist, jerking her behind him as he entered. Kerri kept her eyelids half lowered and took a quick survey through the room, at least as much as she could see around his broad shoulders, then snapped her eyes shut while processing what she’d seen. His fingers pressed into her skin reassuringly, but it wasn’t enough to quell the heat racing through her body as he led her further inside. A half-naked man, muscled shoulders glistening with sweat, was talking to Mr. Merritt. Kerri couldn’t focus on the words. Her ears roared, and her eyes burned while she snuck glances at the woman behind the naked man. She was bare, exposed to everyone in the room, not just the man Merritt was talking to, but two other men sitting at a square wooden table in the corner. The woman’s arms

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were tied to a beam above her head, her feet splayed wide, ankles shackled to rings on the floor. Kerri couldn’t see her face, but she could feel her own chest thumping to the same beat of the woman’s breath as it sawed in and out, and her shoulders rose and dipped. “Where’s your other sub?” the bare-chested man asked. He must be the business associate Merritt planned to meet. “She opted out.” Kerri blinked at the difference in his voice. Hard. Ugly. Scary. What had she gotten into? “Couldn’t handle the fun stuff, huh?” A harsh laughed was followed by a whistling sound, the crack of leather meeting skin, and a moan. Kerri cut her eyes to the left and watched in horror as the man flipped his wrist and the whip he wielded curved through the air to snap against the bound woman’s back again. And she hadn’t screamed. She’d moaned. “Her loss, this little girl’s gain.” Merritt moved deeper into the area behind the man with the whip and sat in one of the deep burgundy upholstered chairs, tugging her hand until she dropped to her knees in front of him. His hand skimmed across her hair, petting her, pulling her head into his lap. Kerri rested her head on his thigh, her eyes on his crotch, and let him stroke her. Jase and Sara would listen to this tale with shocked amazement, but she could never tell Zoe. On second thought, she most likely couldn’t tell anyone. She wouldn’t be able to voice the words for what she was experiencing tonight. The angle of the chair gave Mr. Merritt a clear view of the room’s activities. From her position, Kerri could see part of the action when she opened her eyes. The whistle and slap of the whip caused her body to jerk against his leg every time she heard it, and she knew he was feeling her response. She wasn’t sure if she was disgusted or enthralled. Her lids lifted of their own accord for a moment or two, watching the play of the whip across the woman’s back as she writhed and moaned. It was unlike anything she’d ever experienced. Her love life

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wasn’t exactly wild and crazy, but she wasn’t innocent either. The thought of voyeurism never crossed her mind, but the reaction of her body to the activity in this room was disturbing. She wanted to look away but couldn’t close her eyes. The woman wasn’t crying out in pain but appeared to move into the motion of the whip as if wanting its touch. Then the man stepped back and opened his pants, pulling his— Oh. Kerri slammed her eyes shut, then opened them again to see his fingers sliding over his erection as he stepped back to the woman he’d been whipping. A squeeze of fingers on her nape had her raising her eyes to Mr. Merritt. One brow was raised, questioning, before he tugged her up and into his lap. He pressed her face into the curve of his shoulder, her mouth against the smooth skin just under his ear. Kerri inhaled deeply, trying to center her rioting emotions only to realize the scent of his soap mingled with the musky smell of the room. It was a heady mix, affecting her more than the scene she’d witnessed. One hot, rough palm cupped her left knee, slid toward the hem of her skirt, up her thigh, massaging as it moved, cuddling her closer to his body. He was protecting her, she realized as the sounds in the room amplified. He was distracting her, keeping her from seeing, feeling, the acts taking place a few feet from them. It was unexpected. As unexpected as the sensations he was evoking with his hand at the top of her thigh, his thumb almost but not quite at the juncture of her legs. He could so easily be touching her intimately in this insane room, but he wasn’t. And her body was betraying her with the need for that particular touch. He didn’t know her. They were complete strangers. Well, for the most part, strangers, considering where his hand was at the moment. But he knew she was young and this was a strange new world for her. Kerri wasn’t sure if she appreciated that sentiment or not. She was benefiting from his protection, sure, but did she look like she needed it?

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There were too many conflicting thoughts racing through her brain at the moment, and unfortunately, the one thought that kept floating to the top was curiosity about the acts taking place in the room. In a previously unconceivable reality, the sounds—moans, groans, and the noise of flesh meeting flesh heated her body in a way she’d never thought possible. Kerri had the unmistakable desire to watch, and it was disconcerting. She wasn’t supposed to be interested in this sort of public sexual activity or whatever it was called. Perversion? Consensual sex-play? Just one more thing her brain couldn’t process at the moment. Her body hummed of its own accord and she hoped like hell that Mr. Merritt couldn’t feel it. As it was, the temptation to lick the skin just a breath away from her mouth was beginning to worry her. She’d been checking him out at work since she started her internship a month ago, engaging in a little fantasy of meeting him, getting to know him. Tonight was already so far past that fantasy. The noise behind her stopped with a shout, muffled groans, and a heavy sigh. The conversation between Merritt and the other man continued, the words incomprehensible to her in large part due to the hand that had begun to caress her leg with more purpose. It slipped an inch or so away from her panty with a teasing squeeze, and her respirations increased to the speed of his thumb as it smoothed over her inner thigh, up and down in a rhythm that was ruining her concentration. Kerri lifted her head, only to have it pushed back to his shoulder. “Be still, little girl. Move only when you’re told to move.” Merritt’s voice rasped over her in command, but the fingers under her skirt pressed a gentle warning. “Yes, sir,” she whispered just loud enough to carry to the man standing over her in front of Merritt. “She needs training, but she’s a pretty little thing. Interested in sharing her? Bet she’ll take well to the whip.” Kerri’s breath froze until she heard Merritt’s brittle reply. “I don’t

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share. She’ll be mine and only mine until I’m done with her. After that, who knows?” Another gentle cuddle of her thigh eased her mind. The men’s conversation continued, but she didn’t try to follow it. Merritt’s hand on her nape was the only reality Kerri knew as he moved her through the club. Sensory overload blessedly drowned out her surroundings so that all she could process was downcast eyes and moving feet. If they could just get to the parking lot, she might survive the night. Finally, fresh air flushed her face, allowing her to take a deep breath. Stars blinked above her, and her self-control slipped. Tremors raged through her body as the attendant exited Merritt’s car. She felt his arms around her as he put her into the passenger seat and pulled out of the lot. Kerri glanced at the dashboard clock and a groan slipped out. One thirty. They’d been in the club for hours, but the haze of her experience left her without a time reference. Her fingers began to tremble as flashes of what she’d seen bombarded her, and the tremors worked their way up her arms. The fine-tuned vibrations of the car’s engine added to the pace of her anxiety, and Kerri wrapped her arms around her chest. They flew down the boulevard for a few blocks, swerved into a covered garage, and the car came to an abrupt stop. Hard hands wrapped around her shoulders and hauled her across the console until Kerri found herself on his lap. He held her close while her entire body shook. “It’s okay. Relax,” he said, his voice a dark wave through her senses. “It’s over, pretty girl. You did great.” Strong arms encircled her, pressing tight, warmth beginning to seep into her body as his soothing tone eased her. Kerri didn’t realize she’d been crying until his thumb brushed across her wet cheek. “I’m sorry.” Kerri tried to ease off his lap, but his arms kept her close. How could she be embarrassed by tears after all she’d

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witnessed tonight? “No, don’t be sorry. I’m the one who should apologize. I never should have pulled you into this.” A quick acceptance of his apology was on the tip of her tongue, but Kerri stopped before the words left her mouth. The situation had unnerved her with its intensity, yet it had equally excited her. Every nerve in her body was on high alert, needing something she wasn’t sure of, but needy just the same. She kept her mouth shut, afraid of the words that might tumble out while her body came down from the ledge where she teetered. Instead, she inhaled deeply and pushed her body to relax in his arms. “That’s it, Kerri, just ease back a little. Adrenaline overload can be a killer.” He soothed her with his deep tone and the warmth of his palm skimming down her arm. The heat and slight friction drew a ragged sigh from her. She eased into his chest and enjoyed the hard contours of his body against her side. “Better now?” She heard a hint of amusement, closed her eyes, and decided to ignore it. Let him enjoy the moment since she was. “Yes.” He set Kerri back in her seat and pulled onto the road. “Where is home?” Kerri rattled off her address and stared out the windshield. This had been the strangest night of her life, and she was struggling to determine how she felt about it. There was just too much information to deal with right now. Maybe after some sleep—if she could close her eyes and not picture the scenes that had played out in front of her tonight. And how could she have lived in this city for twenty-five years and never known clubs like Velvet Glove existed? A chill raced down her spine, and she flinched one last time as Merritt parked in front of her townhouse. He was solicitous, walking her to the door but not touching her. As if he hadn’t been touching her all night. It was bizarre that his

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hands weren’t still on her skin, reminding her that she was still alive and sane. “You’ll feel better in the morning,” he told her as she pulled her house key from the tiny pocket inside her boot. She’d feel better in the morning. Kerri’s head jerked around to stare at him. In the morning, she’d have to face him at work. “Oh, good grief,” she whispered. One corner of his mouth curled up, as if he knew exactly what she was thinking. “Don’t worry. No one at work will know where we’ve been. You can tell your friends whatever story you want. They’ll never know the difference.” “But—” “No buts, no recriminations. Sleep well.” That said, he turned and strode to his car, leaving her to figure out what to do next. The living room was quiet, dark except for the small lamp on the sofa table. A sticky note on the lamp base asked her to wake Jase when she got home. Not an option, since the questions would be endless, forcing Kerri to relive every minute of the night from beginning to end. Jase would want details she couldn’t bring herself to describe. When she pulled off the note, Mr. Merritt’s driver’s license was under it. She turned off the light and tiptoed to her bedroom, making sure the door locked behind her. Sleep was a major priority, so Kerri poured herself into bed and set her alarm. No reason to be late for work and have questions to answer.

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Chapter 2 Hunter closed his cell phone with a groan. Sheila was officially off the case. The special agent he reported to had been succinct. No one else was available. Hunter would have to go solo or continue to use the little girl he’d pulled into his cover last night. Kerri. Damn it, she was young. Innocent. Strikingly beautiful. And strong. Hell, he’d been amazed at her self-control last night. Even as she’d trembled in his arms, Kerri had projected a calm, assured front. The driver’s license he’d given her had been dead center on his desk when Merritt arrived this morning, but he hadn’t seen or heard from her all day. Hunter flipped through the employee index on his desktop and found her name, punching her extension number into the office phone before he could think. She would be a risk to his cover and to herself. He could teach her a few things, but nothing compared to formal training. “Miss Leonard, please come to my office,” he told her. Minutes later, she walked through his door. He stifled a laugh, coughing into his palm to hide a smile. She was covered from chin to toe. A long gray skirt that touched the tops of her shoes was paired with a long-sleeved navy blouse that buttoned from her neck to her waist. He wondered if she’d actually thought about what to wear today or was subconsciously reacting to last night. “Please close the door, Kerri,” he directed. “Yes, sir,” she replied, a pretty pink color infusing her face. “I

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mean, um . . .” Hunter smiled and waved his hand in the direction of the two chairs in front of his desk, moving around to sit next to her. This meeting had nothing to do with the boss and clerk relationship. He didn’t want a desk between them given what he had to ask of her. “I wanted to thank you for your help last night.” Kerri nodded, watching him. She was a law student on an internship, suggesting she had some training in observation. He walked a fine line in sharing information with her about his investigation. “I’d like you to continue helping me.” He gave her a moment to digest his words. The flash of interest in her eyes was quickly covered by dark lashes. When she looked at him again, her expression was calm, enigmatic. She had a perfect game face for his line of work. Hunter wondered if she’d ever think about changing careers. He could hook her up with his boss in short order and probably earn a bonus for the referral. “It’s not something I want to talk about in the office. Have dinner with me tonight. Give me a chance to convince you.” She was still, focused, and he could see the wheels turning. She wanted to agree, but something was holding her back. “What exactly do you want me to help you with?” Shoulders tight, fingers splayed in her lap like she was waiting for a server to bring her a plate of food, she could be anywhere, but he could see her tense anticipation. “Dinner tonight. You pick the place and meet me there. I’ll give you the details, and you can make your own decision.” Merritt stood and picked up a file he’d been working on earlier, effectively dismissing her. Pretty girl could take her time, think about his offer, and let him know where to meet him. She’d succumb. She was too curious to let this go. He’d seen her excitement, controlled but definitely present, last night. A little training and a dose of

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confidence in her ability to work undercover would do wonders. Kerri walked to the door but didn’t leave. Her back to him, she said, “Henry’s on Fifteenth at seven.” She was out the door, probably halfway down the hall before he could reply. Now he just needed to get his story straight. Telling her the truth would put her in harm’s way, but leaving her without information would be just as dangerous. And the boss had been adamant about not sharing intel with a complete novice. By seven, he’d worked out the details and was waiting when she arrived. At least she’d changed out of her miss prim and proper garb and looked like a woman again. She was one hell of a looker, even though she was way too young. Damn, he didn’t want to let his thoughts wander in that direction. She was part of a job, and as sure as his hands would be all over her, he couldn’t let himself get too far gone. Henry’s was a little Italian place nestled in the corner of a strip mall, easily unnoticed but remarkable once inside. It had the feel of an elegant upscale restaurant, subtle lighting, cloistered, intimate tables, soft music muted to just the right level for fine dining, with the added benefit of private tables. Merritt reminded himself to keep a hands-off policy where Kerri was concerned, wanting more than anything to keep her relaxed and feeling safe with him. He wanted her to believe him, help him with the case. Even with her earlier apparent interest, it would be a hard sell. The urge to rest his hand just above her delectable little ass was tough to fight as they followed the hostess. He let the waiter pull out her chair before taking the seat next to instead of across from her. What he had to say didn’t need to be broadcast any farther than a few inches. They spent a few minutes perusing the menu, avoiding eye contact while scoping out each other. She was waiting for him to pounce, he could see it in the way she held herself apart, closed off. Once the waiter left them alone, she placed one hand on the table and finally let her eyes meet his. “Tell me.”

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Damn, there was just something about a direct woman. Merritt couldn’t help but respect her moxie. “I work for a government agency that is investigating the man we met with last night. I’m hoping you can help me maintain the relationship I’ve been cultivating—at least until I gather enough information to put him behind bars.” To her credit, she didn’t look surprised. “Can I assume this isn’t something I would come across in my position as an intern?” He honored her with a short laugh. She definitely had spunk. “No, not hardly. And it’s something you can’t discuss with anyone. And I mean not a soul. To do so could be extremely dangerous for both of us.” Kerri didn’t comment for the longest time, turning the words he’d shared over in her mind. She didn’t move, didn’t do anything more than watch him. Their food arrived, and she didn’t ask her first question until he had a mouth full of food. “Do you have any kind of proof as to who you work for and what you’re asking me to do, Mr. Merritt?” Nodding, Merritt swallowed his bite of pasta and slid a slim wallet from his coat pocket. He laid it next to her plate, allowing her to examine it at her leisure. He’d known she would have questions, would need proof. It was ingrained in her from law school and a handy habit to maintain. Constant questioning of the status quo would keep her safe. The badge was his, State Department issued, a little worn around the edges from being in his pocket or locked in his home safe for the last five years. He’d retrieved it last night, but it would go back into his safe as soon as he left the restaurant. No one at Hudson, Handleman, and Meers knew about his job with the State Department—except Kerri. Trusting her to keep his secret was a risk he’d take if it meant she’d stay in character for a few more nights. “I’ll admit I’m interested. A little scared, but willing to listen to what you have planned, what you want me to do.”

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“Basically, more of what we did last night.” Kerri’s brows rose, and her lashes fluttered to cover her eyes. He recognized the evasion. Some part of her had enjoyed last night’s foray into the club scene. Was it the adrenaline rush or the sex play that had excited her? A burning question in his mind. And from the look of her, a burning question in hers as well. She picked at the lasagna in front of her, finally chose a bite, and chewed thoughtfully. Merritt scrupulously worked on his own dinner, giving her time to think while he watched the process. He saw the moment she made her decision, not in her expression but in the subtle shift in her posture, the slight relaxation of her fingers as they gripped her fork. She’d decided, and in his favor, he knew because her brow had relaxed from a tense concern to reflective planning. Relaxing himself, Merritt allowed a quirk of a smile to work across his features. He could wait for her to verbalize her reply, since he was sure of the outcome. Now all he had to do was keep her safe from the realities of the game they were playing and safe from his attentions. He had no desire to corrupt her more than necessary. He’d vowed long ago to avoid entanglement and the subsequent disaster. Not something he wanted to repeat. **** Could she really do this? The question tumbled around in her head, moving to the front of the queue every time she shoved it back, pushing for an answer. One voice cautioned, questioned, ruminated on all the situations that could prove to be disastrous while the deeper, yearning voice of her subconscious self panted a hearty yes that urged her to jump into the fray with gusto. That all too frequently ignored voice longed to break free of the social norms Kerri had been raised to respect. It longed for adventure. It longed for danger. It longed for what Merritt offered. Kerri chewed, waited for him to speak, to ask for her answer. She

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could see him eating next to her, quietly absorbing his surroundings, exuding a distinct vibration of the strong, silent alpha male. He was so exquisitely masculine. When he’d first put his hands on her last night, she’d clenched every muscle she had to keep from melting onto the floor and embarrassing herself. Once they’d walked into the private room, though, her brain had been wiped clean of every sensation except the sounds of the other inhabitants. Their actions had shocked and surprisingly aroused her. And his hands had stayed on her all night. Figuring it would be a one-time-only event heightened the experience. The fact that she’d completely lost it as soon as they were out the door convinced her she’d never need to deal with those feelings again. Now he wanted her to continue the role of submissive. Could she submit to him, let him do whatever he wanted with her? Her brain kept up a rousing litany of no while her body hummed with the possibilities. But it would only be a game, playacting to get him in the door of the club. He wouldn’t actually use her body in public, would he? “Exactly how far would this…game go?” she asked without looking at him. His hands had roamed her body, yet she couldn’t discuss this and look him in the eye. How absurd was that? “I can’t give you that answer. Only you can.” “This is your show, your plan. The least you can do is tell me what you expect of me if I agree to participate.” He blew out a gust of air, and Kerri could feel his eyes hot on her face. “If you participate, I would try to shield you from the more extreme acts while we were in the club.” As his fingers drummed on the tabletop, Kerri swore she could hear the wheels grinding in his head. The thumping stopped and warm callused fingers traced the bones of her wrist. “The situations in the club scene are fluid, unpredictable. I can’t tell you now what will happen tomorrow. You would need to be flexible.”

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“Would we…have sex in the club?” Kerri could barely get the words out of her mouth, but she had to ask the question. “Look at me.” His fingers wrapped around her wrist and squeezed, not too hard but enough to get her eyes out of her plate. “Damn it, Kerri. I can’t answer that. I wish I could. I’ll spare you as much as I can, but truthfully, it might happen.” Deep breaths, in and out, while she argued with herself. Could she be intimate with this man in a well-lit room, strangers watching, perhaps touching? It would be the complete opposite of her past sex life, what little there had been. A darkened bedroom, rumpled sheets covering both of them as they touched each other. “Okay.” Mr. Merritt leaned back in his chair, one corner of his mouth lifting. She’d given this incredibly sensual man the power to control her in ways she’d only imagined before meeting him. A little adventure couldn’t hurt, could it?

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Chapter 3 “Tomorrow, after work, we’ll go shopping. I’m assuming that you don’t have any other clothes to wear at the club, other than the outfit you wore last night?” “No. Jase talked me into wearing that getup.” Kerri let herself check him out, surprised he’d accepted her answer as if it was a given she’d help him. Had she been so easy to read? Did he think she’d fall at his feet and do whatever he said? Could this be some elaborate charade to get her into bed? The purposeful voice of her subconscious raced to the fore, reminding her of all the reasons she should ignore the warning signs her logical self posed. This would most likely be the only adventure she’d have before her life as a corporate attorney took over her every waking moment. “I can pick out my own clothes, thank you very much, Mr. Merritt.” He didn’t smile, didn’t even blink. “I’m sure you can. But tomorrow after work, I will take you shopping for appropriate clothing for this assignment. And please, call me Hunter.” “Yes, Sir.” “Good, you remember your first lesson. Tomorrow, after shopping, we’ll work on a few more lessons you’ll need to master before Friday.” Hunter Merritt was smooth, self-assured, and dangerous, and for a minute Kerri wondered what their relationship might be if they’d met under different circumstances. Would he be interested in a relationship with her if he didn’t need her for this job? What was she thinking? A man like Hunter Merritt would want

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someone outgoing, adventurous on a daily basis, not someone who only wanted to be adventurous and needed to psych herself up to pretend to be adventurous. The waiter stepped to their table, inquiring about their needs, and Hunter turned the subject of their conversation to more mundane matters. The level of intensity dropped while they discussed movies she’d seen and classes she was taking when her internship ended. By the time the check was paid, Kerri could almost believe they hadn’t been talking about shopping for clothes to wear to a bondage club during the main course. Hunter made no attempt to touch her as they left the restaurant, keeping a respectful six inches between them as he walked her to her car. He pulled a business card from his pocket and slipped it into her hand. “Meet me at this address at six thirty tomorrow night. We’ll get what’s needed and grab a bite to eat on the way home.” He turned and strode across the lot, leaving Kerri staring after him. He did that a lot, walking away without giving her a chance to say her piece. It was a little irritating, watching him leave her so blithely considering their discussion. But watching his lithe body and powerful shoulders exude macho attitude while eating up the concrete wasn’t a bad way to end the evening. Hunter did look delectable walking away, and he wouldn’t know she was watching. The drive home flashed past her like a movie trailer, over before she realized it began. Her mind was filled with images of Hunter Merritt and the world she was stepping into with him. Kerri let herself into the townhouse and pushed the door closed behind her with a sigh. Peace and quiet surrounded her at last, giving her perhaps a few minutes to think about Hunter Merritt and everything he’d said at dinner. She dropped her keys in the basket on the foyer table, set her purse on the coffee table, and was on her way to her favorite chair, praying she was the only one home. Before Kerri could sink into the overstuffed blue recliner and put her feet up, Jase

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walked out of the kitchen, arms folded across her chest, chin high, brow arched as only Jase could do. So much for peace and quiet. “What the hell is going on?” Jase gave her the evil eye, the look she reserved for irritating children at the mall and boyfriends about to be dumped. “You left with that man last night, wouldn’t talk when you got home, and disappeared before any of us got out of bed this morning.” “You’re not my mother, Jase. Knock it off, okay?” Attitude was worth a try but probably wouldn’t work today. Jase held her gaze, waiting for a real answer, a better answer, and Kerri closed her eyes to buy a few minutes. She and Jase were like sisters, friends since grade school. They took care of each other,, ranted and consoled each other when boys or men gave them grief. “Sit. It’s a long story, and you’ll need a sofa under you for most of it.” “That good, huh?” Jase sat as Kerri leaned back and situated her legs. “Honey, you have no idea.” She reached behind her to grab a pillow and hugged it to her queasy stomach. Trying to condense the last twenty-four hours into a reasonable story for her best friend wasn’t going to be easy. “What do you know about the private club at Velvet Glove?” Jase’s forehead crease in confusion. “You really don’t know where you took us last night, do you?” “It’s just a club. The patrons can be a little extreme, but it’s just a place to hang out and dance.” Kerri stared at her friend. “Jase, they aren’t just hanging out. They’re meeting people. The costumes you put us in last night are a symbol of a particular lifestyle and worn for a reason. The private club is for people who like bondage.” “You’re kidding me. I’ve been there a few times with Harvey and his friends. He never said anything about bondage.” Jase shook her head in denial, faith in her boyfriend an absolute.

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Jase had an open heart, seeing the good in everyone she met, but it was time for her to grow up and recognize people for who they were. “Did Harvey take you into the private side of the club?” “No.” Jase’s frown expressed more than words could. “Trust me. I know what I saw, what I heard last night. Those people are into tying each other up and having sex.” Kerri almost laughed at the shock on Jase’s face. Almost. “What about the guy you went with? Did he, I mean, did you, well, did he—?” Jase stuttered to a stop, her hand over her mouth. The horrified expression was a rare sight. Jase was usually the most unflappable person Kerri knew. “No.” Kerri sighed and turned the question back on her friend. “Honey, has Harvey ever suggested tying you to the bed or made comments about anything you’re not comfortable doing?” Jase jerked her head from side to side, eyes narrowed. “No. He’s not like that. He’s always making jokes, dancing and flirting. I don’t think he knows about the private club.” Her head tipped back to rest on the sofa’s high back. “Don’t try to distract me, Kerri Leonard. You were telling me about the guy from last night. More information, please.” Now the real dilemma began to escalate. She’d made certain promises, but Jase was her one true confidante. “He’s an attorney at Hudson, Handleman, and Meers. I’ve seen him in the hall a few times. You know, the firm where I’m doing my internship.” “And?” “And I’ve been admiring him for the past month. He’s nice to look at. The eyes, the hair, the muscles that show even under the suit and tie. He’s a man, not a college student.” “I can’t argue there, but why him, and why last night?” She shook her head. “It didn’t look like a planned meeting. In fact, I remember you not wanting to go inside at all.” “I was nervous about seeing him outside the office.”

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“That’s not true at all. You mentioned him a few times in the last week. Something strange is going on with you. I’ve never seen you this evasive. Tell me the truth.” “I’m helping him with a situation at work. I promised him I wouldn’t reveal anything he told me about why he’s going to Velvet Glove.” Her friend leaned forward, eyes blazing. “That is such a crock, Kerri. This has nothing to do with your internship. Tell me what’s going on with him. You’re acting weird. I’m worried.” “If I tell you, I need your promise that you won’t tell anyone. We can’t talk about the details, either. You have to trust me completely.” “What kind of trouble is this guy into? He’s definitely eye candy, but if he’s asking you to hide things from your friends, he can’t be one of the good guys.” “Jase.” Kerri closed her eyes and took a calming breath, hoping her friend thought she was relaxing when in reality her brain was working frantically to settle on a reasonable explanation. She decided to wing it. “He’s investigating something at the private club. He hasn’t confided the details because specific knowledge could be dangerous. All I can tell you is that I’m helping with his case and—” “You are not a private investigator, and you aren’t a lawyer, either. Don’t wreck your life for this guy, Kerri, even if he is hot.” “I’m not wrecking my life.” Kerri squeezed the pillow tighter to her chest, frustration building. More drama wasn’t what she needed while she tried to reconcile her need for a little adventure with the careful logic she’d studied for the last three years. Stepping out of her comfort zone and into the world Hunter Merritt offered was a draw she couldn’t resist. But she wasn’t ready to confide in Jase. She didn’t want to listen to all the reasons she should walk away from Hunter. “Trust me, Jase. I know what I’m doing. I’ll be fine.” Jase frowned, creasing her forehead in the worst way until she reached up to smooth the skin. Kerri tried not to smile at her issue

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with potential wrinkles, but that smile flared anyway when Jase said, “Isn’t there an old movie about some guy pretending to be a spy to seduce bored housewives?” “I think so. But wasn’t the husband a spy, too?” Kerri said, hoping the change in topic would move the conversation down a different path. Jase had a passion for old movies, but apparently she wasn’t willing to give in to a long discussion about her favorite topic. “Can you at least tell me his name? Or should I just call him ‘Spy Guy’ when he comes by to pick you up for your undercover operation?” “Jase, enough with the sarcasm. His name is Hunter and I don’t think he’ll be stopping by the house. We’ll probably just meet somewhere.” “If he hasn’t given you any details, how can you be sure he’s investigating someone at the club? Maybe he’s just using that line to get into your pants.” It was a valid question, one Kerri had given serious thought to during the last twenty-four hours. She readily admitted it to her friend. “But even if that’s the case, I wouldn’t walk away.” How could she explain what she was feeling when she wasn’t sure of it herself? “He makes me feel things. I can’t even verbalize what those things are, just that it’s like nothing I’ve ever felt before.” She blew out a rough breath. “Damn, Jase, I’m willing to take a chance on this man for no other reason than he makes me feel.” Jase’s expression didn’t change, didn’t even look skeptical, a testament to the length and breadth of their friendship. “Okay. But know that at any point in time, if this guy turns strange, you call me. No recriminations, just instant assistance.” “Thanks. I may need your help, but even if I don’t, I appreciate the offer. This is a decidedly different experience for me, Jase. I’m not really sure what I’m getting into with Hunter.” “You’ve always led a straight and narrow kind of life, even when we were in high school. I don’t get the impression that this guy is

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taking you down the same path. Just from seeing him at the club, I’d place him as the bad boy type. But I could be wrong.” Twinkling eyes flashed at Kerri. “You’ll have a good time, at least.” “Is it possible to be scared beyond reason and have a good time, too?” “Oh, baby, those are the best times,” Jase crooned with a laugh.

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Chapter 4 Kerri checked the address on Hunter’s business card again as her GPS directed her into the gated entrance of a pristine Dallas subdivision. Even as an attorney, she didn’t think she’d be able to afford a house in this neighborhood, and she wondered if being a spy or secret agent or whatever he was paid for this affluent a lifestyle. The security console directed her to dial a number, but she had no idea what number to use. She tried the house number, and a sharp buzz rewarded her effort but the gate stayed closed. Lifting his card again, she reviewed the info on the front, not much more than an address and city. Even his name wasn’t on the card. She flipped it over and saw four numbers scrawled in pencil. She tried those, pressed enter, and a phone began to ring. “Yes?” A male voice, hopefully Hunter’s, came from the console. “Hunter? It’s Kerri.” The gate began to slide open. “Take the third right and go all the way to the end. I’ll meet you on the driveway.” Kerri gunned the engine and made it through the gate as it began to slide closed. She was driving the car her grandmother bought her when she was accepted to law school. The three-year-old sedan was still in good shape, but she felt like a fast-food delivery service driving through the well-tended neighborhood. The houses were minimansions with formal gardens and three car garages. Her slightly faded American-made car was as out of place as a herd of cows on the freeway. Hunter stood on the driveway of a huge two-story house. He directed her into an open bay in his very own three-car garage. The

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sporty sedan he’d driven to the club the night he’d hijacked her was in the middle bay, a black truck next to it. As soon as he stepped to her car, the garage door began its descent. “Nice house,” she said as she followed him into the mud room, though why anyone would need a mud room in this part of Texas confounded her. People that lived in houses such as this didn’t get muddy. Not the ones she knew, anyway. He grunted, gripped her hand, and led her into the kitchen. Dark mahogany wood, dark granite countertops, stark white ceramic tile, it was a sleek, lifeless room with clean, masculine lines, easily the size of all the common rooms of her townhouse put together. A heavy rectangular wooden table sat in front of a bay of floor to ceiling windows overlooking a landscaped yard and a large hot tub and pool. “Do you really live here?” she asked. “Or is this a rental?” Hunter’s lip quirked. “Yes, I live here. Want the tour?” He dropped her hand and moved through the kitchen, turning on lights as they went. The living room was full of what would pass as model home furniture. A curved staircase led from the front foyer to an open hallway and a large room spread far enough from the railing to be hidden from the foyer. An overstuffed leather couch and chair took up most of the space and faced the largest flat screen television she’d seen in awhile. A neatly folded newspaper sat on the coffee table next to the remote. This was obviously where Hunter spent most of his down time. Kerri moved further down the hall, looking into empty rooms until she reached the last door. More dark wood filled the space’s edges, but the centerpiece was a king-sized bed, neatly made and covered with a crimson comforter. A pair of ruddy brown cowboy boots sat to one side of a bench at the end of the bed. When she turned back to the hallway, she walked flush into the solid wall of Hunter’s chest. “Seen enough?” His voice was deep, rougher than it had been and she wondered if she’d snooped a little too much. As she stepped back to remove herself from the heat of his body, she noticed the closed

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door across the hall. “Looks like I missed one,” she replied, reaching for the knob. It didn’t budge. “What’s in here?” Hunter’s eyes glittered, a hint of mischief and heat washing into her. “Nothing you need to see today. Maybe next time you’re here.” He let her pass him, and Kerri continued through the lounge and down the stairs. He picked up his keys and gave her a once-over look. “Leave your bag. You won’t need it and won’t be expected to carry one, anyway. And you’ll need to wear the collar.” He pulled open a drawer and collected it. “Shall I put it on you?” “I can manage,” she replied, taking it from him. “Is it really necessary?” “If you go into the shop without a collar, every man in the place will assume you’re fair game, fresh blood. Do you want that type of attention?” Kerri settled the choker against her skin and snapped the buckle in place, then followed him back to the garage without answering. To her surprise, he put her into the truck instead of the car. “I thought”—she paused, not sure how to phrase her question—“I thought the car was part of your cover and the truck was part of your attorney persona.” That one corner of his mouth lifted again, and she had the distinct impression he was amused by her confusion. “Who are you, really?” she asked. “Which man is the real you, the suit-and-tie lawyer or the dominant bad boy? Or are they both characters you’ve created?” The security gate allowed their exit, and he tipped his head at her. “Does it matter?” “Of course it matters. I need to know what’s going on if I’m—” She stopped just short of saying ‘if I’m going to be having sex with you’ because she wasn’t sure if she would be having sex with him. Instead, she hedged, “If I’m involved in this investigation.” Hunter flashed a wicked grin, one she hadn’t seen before, and it

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sent a shiver sliding through her entire body. It was as if he knew what she was thinking, what she’d almost said. In that moment, she wondered if Jase was right about him, if he was just using a line to get her into bed. “You don’t need to know too much. But, to answer your question, there isn’t much of a difference between the two personas you described. They’re both me.” He didn’t elaborate, focusing on his driving instead of conversation, and Kerri didn’t press. They rode in silence for awhile, Hunter concentrating on the traffic while she pondered her questions in silence. He took her into a section of downtown that had been refurbished a few years back. It was filled with trendy clothing stores and specialty shops. He pulled into a corner parking lot and found a spot near the entrance to a small mall area with a park and a scattering of benches. When he helped her out of the truck, Hunter took her hand without a word and led her to a small shop with demure ladies’ dresses in the window. A bell chimed, and a bored clerk eyed Hunter, then gave him a quick nod. Kerri’s hand tightly in his, Hunter led her through the small room and down a short hall. Two turns later, the hall opened into a different shop altogether. Here, leather reigned supreme. Kerri tried to school her expression as she looked around the room. In one corner, a variety of whips hung from a rack next to wooden paddles in several different sizes and shapes. With a tug at her hand, Hunter led her to the far side of the room and began to page through a rack of dresses—or what passed for dresses. Jase would go mad if she could shop in this place. Hunter lifted a dark purple dress off the rack, held it against her, and she shook her head in shock. It was more a series of wide strips and buckles than a dress. He handed it to her, and she put it back on the rack, only to find it draped across her arm a minute later. “I don’t—”

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His brow rose. “Your only response tonight is ‘yes, sir,’ Kerri.” She slammed her lips shut, heat rising in her face as she remembered her role in this game of his. He added two more skimpy dresses and a skirt to the growing pile in her arms before turning to the display of stockings. To her horror, he chose a few pair of overthe-knee fishnet stockings and a pair of boy shorts in black leather before gesturing her toward the dressing rooms. A woman in a long, form fitting black dress unlocked a dressing room and ushered them inside, shutting the door behind them. Kerri turned when she realized Hunter had joined her in the wellproportioned room. He hung the items she carried on a convenient hook and settled into the chair near the door, his eyes warm on her flushed face. “You’re expected to model for me, letting me chose what you wear,” he said, easily answering the question that was surely written all over her face. His voice lowered to a whisper. “Would you prefer I turn around while you change?” Kerri sighed. She’d never considered herself a prude, and she didn’t have too many issues with her body. Being realistic about her looks had always worked well for her. She shrugged and pulled off the top she’d worn to work, draping it on the hook to her right. She gave a quick thought to what panties she’d put on this morning, glad she’d opted for a full brief instead of something more revealing. Her penchant for pretty lingerie was a blessing in this case. Stepping out of her heels, she let the slacks slide down her legs and pool on the tile floor before they joined her blouse. A sharp intake of breath caught her attention, and she cut her eyes to Hunter. He was staring, devouring her with his eyes, heat emanating in waves. And there was no disguising the tent of his pants. Kerri felt her blush rush in opposite directions, radiating out from her chest as she recognized his arousal at the sight of her body. Power suffused her, power she’d never known she could possess. She turned her back on him and reached for the first dress, a black

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sheath with a deep plunging neckline. Stepping into it, Kerri tugged it over her hips and slid her arms into the deep cutouts at each side. With deliberate ease, she moved the thin straps up her arms and onto her shoulders. Hunter’s hands were at the zipper before she could reach for it, his hands smoothing down her back from the point just below her shoulder blades where the zipper stopped. Hot hands blistered her waist through the thin jersey of the dress, and his fingers splayed across her stomach. Their eyes met in the mirror, his flaring with desire, Kerri’s with surprise and arousal. Her chest rose and fell as his gaze moved down her body. “When you wear this tomorrow, you’ll be braless and every man in the place will want you for his own. But you’ll be mine.” He pulled the zipper back down to her hips and edged the straps off her shoulders. “Try on the next one.” Kerri complied, holding on to every ounce of control she could muster. His words resounding in her head, you will be mine. Was he playing to some unknown listening device, or did he mean those words? Was this real or make believe? Intellectually, she wanted to believe it was a game, a role they were both playing, but emotionally, she was rapidly becoming entwined in the sensuality of the situation. Fear and anticipation swirled though her body as she attempted to put on the next dress. Again, Hunter stepped in to assist by gathering the dress from neckline to hem. “Arms up,” he told her, his tone soft but demanding. He dropped the dress down her body, holding the straps that were meant to cover her shoulders in his hands and placing them between her head and hands. Kerri tugged at the fabric bunched up under her arms and pulled it down her torso, twisting the varying strips of material to arrange it over her curves. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough fabric to cover all of her. Every stitch of the garment was an elastic mesh that clung to her body, molding to her like a second skin. The tan fabric was barely a

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shade darker than her natural coloring, an elaborate mixture of vertical and horizontal strips that barely covered her essentials. She’d be lucky to hide a thong under this one. Kerri tugged at the band crossing her breasts, trying unsuccessfully to cover as much as possible. She was still wearing her bra, but it wouldn’t be possible to wear it in public with this dress. “This is ridiculous. Help me get out of this thing, Hunter.” The silence that followed had her head snapping up to meet his sharp eyes. “It’s perfect for you, Kerri. Maybe you should wear it home. Don’t you agree, Richard?” Hunter tipped his head to the man standing in the doorway. He was as blond as Hunter was dark, with cropped golden hair, blue eyes, the sparkle of a diamond stud in one ear, and he had the swagger of a man in charge of his life in every way possible. “She’s stunning, Hunter. Wherever did you find her?” Kerri waited, barely breathing while she tried to decide what to do, how to respond. Focused on Hunter, she looked for some signal of what he expected of her. “Come here.” He raised his hand to her, and she moved to stand in front of his chair. A tug on her hand had her sinking to her knees in front of him. “I didn’t know you’d taken on a new sub.” Kerri struggled to keep her head down as she listened to the conversation, fighting the need to cover herself. Hunter chuckled, and she clenched her fist where it lay in her lap. “I just started her training. She’ll be ready soon.” “May I?” The other man’s amused tone irritated her, and she wondered what exactly he was asking of Hunter. “Of course,” Hunter replied. Kerri’s stomach tightened as the man’s hand rested on the crown of her head then slid down her hair to her shoulder. “You’re welcome to use the club’s private rooms if you need the space for training. I have an extensive collection of equipment

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available, as you know.” He squeezed the top of her arm before squatting beside her. Kerri held her breath as his left hand stroked her breast, teasing the nipple as he spoke to Hunter. “I’d be interested in sharing her when you feel she’s ready. Let me know.” He pinched her nipple before rising to his feet. “She’s a beauty. And she didn’t appreciate my touch. Breaking her will be a rare pleasure.” Hunter stood and faced the man. “We’ll talk later. Thanks for the offer. I may take you up on it.” Richard clapped one hand against Hunter’s shoulder and shook his hand. “I’ll leave you to your work. Let me know if I can help in any way.” The door closed, and Kerri sank to the floor, her back bowed, head pressed to the rough carpet.

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Chapter 5 Hunter dropped to a crouch next to Kerri, his hand hovering while he tried to decide what to do. He wanted to comfort her, hold her, but he wasn’t sure if she’d assumed this position out of fear or anger. He’d seen her clenched fist when Richard Menton’s hands were on her. Knowing what Kerri was dealing with would help him respond without making it worse. A stifled sob had him slipping an arm under her body and pulling her against his chest. Summoning the softest voice he could muster, he soothed, “It’s okay, pretty girl. He’s gone and you’re fine. You did great, sweetheart.” She burrowed into his chest, body trembling against him as he stood. With so much bare skin to touch, he couldn’t manage to keep his hands still. Hunter stroked, pressed, molded his palms to her slight curves. Watching her change clothes had been agony as his body responded without permission of his common sense. The smooth sensual shape of her form coupled with her careful self-assurance had him harder than a hammer. He had no right lusting after her but couldn’t seem to keep his hormones in check. The need to bury himself inside her warred with rational thought while she’d changed clothes. But the minute Richard Menton had opened the dressing room door, all Hunter could feel was the urge to protect her. Menton was the owner of Velvet Glove, along with a few other likewise slanted clubs, and the man was known as a hard master in the dom/sub community. They’d been friends and business partners for years, but the

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thought of him touching Kerri again had Hunter seeing red. Squeezing his eyes shut, he fought for focus. Yes, she was young and innocent of the lifestyle, but if Kerri truly planned to spend time inside Velvet Glove with him, he needed to be sure she could handle the experience. Being her protector wasn’t a job he wanted to take, but for some reason he couldn’t shake the need to do just that. Today’s encounter, along with Hunter’s declaration of ownership, was more than enough to convince Richard that Kerri was out of reach. Even with his wealth and standing in the BDSM community, the man wouldn’t touch another man’s possession without permission. Hunter pulled her closer, cuddling her against his chest. One hand stroked the riot of curls that cascaded down her back as he dropped his chin, putting his face that much closer to her. She was so small, fragile in this position against his taller frame. The rumpled curls from the top of her head tickled his nose, and he inhaled, dragging in the scent of lavender. “Kerri, I’m sorry. I had no idea he’d be here.” It was a lie, but a small one. He’d wanted to see how Kerri would react in an openly BDSM situation. And she’d been a rock. She’d stayed in character even with Richard’s hands on her. Would he tell her she’d passed the test? No. Her head tipped, her face lifting to his gaze. Hunter sucked in a breath at what he saw in her eyes. Fear, yes, but a desperate need pulsed beneath half-lidded eyes. She was aroused. “Kerri?” He almost flinched at the sound of his own voice, the desire pushing through his effort to subdue it. Her lips parted on a soft moan, and he gave in to temptation. Covering her open mouth with his, Hunter plunged his tongue into the hot cavern she offered. The taste of her drove him wild, the tentative touch of her tongue rubbing against his sending an electric pulse straight to his cock. Bending his knees, he filled his hands with her ass and lifted her fully against him, easily positioning his cock in the

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notch of her thighs. A quick pivot had Kerri’s back pressed against the wall, and every inch of skin bared by the next-to-nothing dress pressed against Hunter. He pulled back, raking his teeth across her swollen lower lip while she squirmed against him. Kerri’s mouth followed his, stretching her neck to reach for another kiss as he moved out of range. “Tell me,” he demanded at her mewl of need. “Tell me, Kerri. Tell me what you want.” “Please, don’t stop,” she whispered, her eyes still half closed, her mouth wet from his rough kiss. Fire surged through his blood with the knowledge that the same desire flooded her senses. His mouth sipped at hers, teasing her with quick tastes as he licked, nipped, and lapped at her while she writhed against his body, her hunger growing. Again, she whispered, “Please.” Hunter tipped his hips to press his burning erection against the tender bundle of nerves hiding under her silky pink panties and absorbed her flinch, her unconscious bump and grind against his crotch. He wouldn’t take her here. Not in the dressing room where anyone could watch, could hear. He wanted her screams of pleasure to be only for his ears. Shifting to the side, he skimmed his open mouth down the column of her throat, her whimpers of desire whispering across his senses. Every nerve in his body urged him to spread her legs and thrust fully into her. He resisted. She trembled in his arms, passion, need, overwhelming her senses. Hips holding her in place, Hunter bent to ease the strap crossing her left breast down enough to expose the tight bead of her engorged nipple. A quick swipe of his tongue granted him a rough moan. But when he latched on and began to suckle in earnest, the moan became a ragged groan. Fingernails pierced his scalp as Kerri held him to her, and when he bit down on the delicious berry in his mouth, Kerri buried her face in his shoulder and shuddered in his arms, panting

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through her release. Fuck. That couldn’t have been an orgasm. Mouth stilling, Hunter processed his surprise at her unbelievable responsiveness. He’d never been with a woman so easily taken over the edge. His urge to possess her notched up a few more pegs on the scale, hot lust merging with his desire to be inside her the next time she climaxed. He had to get her out of this place first. Stroking her with his tongue, gentling her through the moment, Hunter eased her into the chair and crouched in front of her. Pushing a few golden locks behind her ear, he soothed her. “Sh, it’s okay. Catch your breath, sweetheart.” Her face flamed, and the scattering of freckles across her nose became more prominent. Hunter emotionally set aside his throbbing erection to deal with Kerri’s raging embarrassment. “Oh, God,” she whispered, her hands flying to cover her face. Hunter grasped her wrists with gentle fingers and pried her hands away. “Don’t.” His tone was firm, demanding. “Don’t hide from me. You’re beautiful. Don’t ever hide who you are.” “But I—” “Yes, I know, sweetheart, and I can’t wait for the next one,” he said, allowing a grin to replace his usual somber expression. “But we need to get out of this shop.” Kerri gasped, remembering their circumstances, and he grabbed her hands before she could cover her breasts. “Change back into your street clothes, and we’ll go.” He stood and tugged her to her feet, then reached for the hem of the strap dress. “This is definitely a keeper.” Ignoring her protests, he helped her out of it and added it to the pile of clothes. He fought to hide his grin at the blur of movement when she dressed. He’d already seen plenty, and those images were forever burned into his brain. Lifting several pieces out of the pile, he grabbed her hand and led her to the register. As the cashier scanned the tags, Hunter stepped to the side and picked up a few items that would come in handy when

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they got back to his place. He enjoyed the flush that returned to Kerri’s face when he added them to the clothes he’d chosen. **** Kerri tried to sit as close to the car door as possible during the return trip, which wasn’t much different than sitting regularly since she was confined by the seatbelt. But it was a big truck, and she tried to make every inch count. Mortified by her behavior in the dressing room, she turned to the dark landscape flying past the car window. But there was nothing to see except the memory of her face in the mirror as Hunter had eaten her alive. That image was all she could see, even with her eyes closed. Her face, but not the face she saw every day in the mirror. Definitely not that face. It had been transformed. Her, but not her. That woman was flushed, hair wild about her head as it rested against the wall. That woman was wrapped around a man, holding him to her. That woman was wanton and aroused and being consumed by the man she held close. She squeezed her eyes shut and tried to decide what to do next. They were about halfway to his house, so she had about fifteen minutes to come up with a plan of action. Her purse was still in his kitchen, but she could go in, grab it, and go straight back to her car. Or she could go inside and let him seduce her right into bed and another orgasm like the one from the dressing room. Hell, that had never happened to her before. She’d had her share of relationships, not as many as some of her friends, but a few, and she’d come on occasion, usually after a long workup. But never so quickly, and never so thoroughly. Would it become an addiction? she wondered, glancing at Hunter as he flew down the road. He seemed anxious to get back to his house, and she wondered what he would expect when they arrived. While she’d been taken care of, he’d been left hanging, or standing,

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she supposed would be the better term. A voice in her head urged her to take care of his needs, knowing that in the process she’d most likely get another orgasm. But worry crept in and held her back. He might not want her. Maybe what happened had been a momentary loss of judgment on his part and he’d decided to walk away. Then they were pulling into his garage. She’d been so lost in her thoughts, she’d completely missed the security gate. The garage door slid shut behind them, and he was opening the truck door to help her out. His face was harsh, tight, controlled, and she wasn’t sure if he was angry or horny. She’d never seen that particular expression on his face. Hunter held her close to his side until they reached the kitchen, and then he settled her into a padded chair and stepped across the room to open a high cabinet. In seconds, he was placing a small glass of wine in her hand. “Sip it, Kerri. You’ll feel better after you’ve had something to eat.” He began to move around the kitchen, pulling out pots and pans, filling one with water, the other with a thin stream of olive oil. She sipped the wine, a delicate-tasting blush-colored liquid that felt like silk against her tongue, and watched him put together a meal. Kerri soaked in the soft lighting, the aroma of the food wafting through the room, and began to relax as the effects of the wine seeped over her ragged nerves. And she realized he was taking care of her again. Could any man be bad for a woman if he consistently took care of her when she needed him? Kerri hoped he would continue to be good for her. She wanted badly for him to be good to her. Hunter set two plates on the table and leaned in to brush his mouth across hers. “Feeling a little better?” he asked, lifting a few stray locks of hair and settling them behind her ear. “Yes. Sorry I freaked on you,” she said, meeting his darkening

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eyes. They’d been warm brown with green flecks while they were shopping, but ever since she’d fallen apart, those hazel eyes she’d dreamed about had morphed into rich chocolate, the green receding in the face of all the heat they’d generated in the dressing room. “Don’t be sorry.” He caught her hand in his and squeezed. “You surprised me. That doesn’t happen often.” Kerri felt the blood rise in her face and turned away, letting her hair curtain her expression. “This looks terrific,” she said, ignoring his chuckle while picking up her fork. Pasta in a creamy red sauce filled the center of the plate, thin strips of chicken spread on top of the sauce. “Not fancy, but reasonably healthy. Do you need more wine?” Hunter set two glasses of ice water on the table then sat when she shook her head. While the wine had calmed her nerves, she had no desire to get drunk. When they did actually have sex, she wanted to be aware of every minute in his arms, in his bed. They ate in silence for a few minutes, giving her a chance to think about what might happen from here. There were questions, answers that she needed from him that would influence her decision. Hell, who was she kidding? She wanted him. She actually ached in places she didn’t know could hurt, all because she wanted to feel his hands on her again. “Hunter, do you really live in this lifestyle, or is what happened tonight an elaborate act for your job?” His chin dropped to his chest, giving him the appearance of truly contemplating her question. Kerri waited to hear his response, wondering if she would hear the truth. She wanted to trust him, but the ingrained need to question every detail continued to thwart her emotional response, as heated as it was. “I’ve known for a long time that I had a tendency toward the darker side of sexuality, but until I began training for this assignment, I lived a fairly conventional life.” Kerri watched his expression turn rueful as he lifted his gaze to meet hers. A spark of devilment danced

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in those dark depths. “I’ve learned a few things about myself in the last year.” “That doesn’t answer the question,” she said with a shake of her head. Hunter barked a laugh. “Let’s just say I’ve learned how to be honest with myself.” “Honesty is good.” Her question answered, Kerri turned the information around in her mind and took another bite of pasta. If she was chewing, she wouldn’t be expected to continue the conversation. “What are you thinking, pretty girl?” So much for the niceties of polite stalling. Kerri swallowed and decided to throw caution to the wind. “If—and that’s a huge if—we have sex, are you going to tie me up?” Hunter pushed his chair back from the table and crossed his arms, his eyes probing, calculating as he watched her. Kerri had expected the wolf grin and a “do you want me to?” reply, but he’d taken her question seriously, which moved him a little farther up the ladder respect-wise. She sipped her water and gave him time to answer. “There’s much you don’t know about the dominant/submissive relationship, Kerri. It’s not about being tied to a bed as much as it’s about giving and receiving pleasure.” Kerri struggled to keep still in her chair, the urge to squirm against the tension in her body whittling away at her self-control while he spoke. Hunter was watching her every move, his voice calm, sincere, and authoritative. “A dom is responsible for the safety and pleasure of his submissive, providing for her needs, sometimes needs she doesn’t know she has. Trust is a major component in any relationship, but in this one, trust is everything.” “Very interesting, but you haven’t answered my question.” The corner of his mouth lifted, and his eyes slid down her body then back to her face. Kerri couldn’t stop the shiver that coursed through her while she waited for his answer.

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He didn’t laugh, didn’t grin, didn’t even flash the I’m-so-sexy smile all the girls at work enjoyed so much. He did, however, raise one eyebrow and tilt his head in consideration of her statement. It was a bit irritating. Hell, it was more than a little aggravating. Kerri crossed her arms and waited for his comment. “You want to experience the lifestyle you observed last night, try it for a few days, a month?” Hunter’s eyes drilled into hers, forcing her to reconsider her request. “Little girl, you have no idea how intense the club scene can be for a newbie.” “I’m not completely innocent. I’m twenty-six, not a sixteen-yearold virgin.” Mostly true, but Kerri didn’t want to admit how unsatisfying the few sexual relationships she’d experienced had been. The opportunity to step out of her normal life and into a more adventurous sexuality intrigued her. Finally, the clinically observant expression on Hunter’s face faded into an almost predatory pose. “What exactly are you interested in experiencing, pretty girl? Last night, you played the submissive. Are you willing to submit to me in every way?” She’d thought about what being submissive entailed, even looked online in the wee hours of the morning, but still was unsure what exactly she’d be expected to do. “Can you give me an idea of what to expect?” “You should rephrase. The question is ‘What will you expect of me, Master?’ Of course, that implies you’ve already agreed.” Hunter sighed and shook his head. “I’m jumping ahead, forgetting how innocent you truly are. If we both agree to this, and we haven’t yet, I would expect you to follow my directions at all times. No matter your feelings about what I ask you to do.” She must have let her hesitance show in her face because he was shaking his head again. “Wait. Please give me a chance to process the information,” she said. “You should know it all before you decide, and you will also have the opportunity to specify certain activities in which you are

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completely unwilling to participate. I’ll expect obedience at all times. You might be expected to be bound or handcuffed in public or private settings, be nude in public or private settings, participate in sexual activities in public, and there are various forms of discipline we can discuss for the times you do not comply with my directions.” Kerri could feel the heat of her blush rushing up from just above her waist to the edge of her hairline, but she kept her tone as calm as she could. “What kind of discipline do you usually use?” “I prefer spanking, usually with my hand but sometimes a paddle works nicely. Denial of…satisfaction is a useful disciplinary tool.” Kerri’s skin tingled, most likely due to her continued blush and arousal at his words. He looked to be enjoying her discomfort, a hint of a smile hovering in the corners of his mouth while she squirmed. “There’s an old adage, begin as you plan to go.” He raised a brow. “Start your project, or relationship, as you intend it to be for the duration.” Hunter’s head tipped in her direction, his eyes boring into hers. “Do you want me to tie you to my bed, Kerri?” he asked, his voice deeper, darker than she’d ever heard. “I don’t know.” It was the best answer she could give, because it was the truth. She wanted, but she didn’t. She ached, but she feared. “Honestly, it’s an option I’d like to have. But whether you’re bound to the bed or not, I want you screaming in pleasure until you have no voice left, then begging for more.” Kerri sucked in a harsh breath, her heart pounding in her chest at the image he conjured. It was too close to what she’d been imagining. Hunter stood and extended his hand. “Come here.” It was a command, pure and simple. One Kerri couldn’t resist. She rose and moved to stand before him, then placed her hand in his. “Do you trust me?” he asked. When she nodded, he demanded, “Say the words, Kerri. I need to hear them.” “I trust you.”

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Chapter 6 “Remove your clothes.” Kerri blinked, blinked again, then stared up at him. She was immediately lost in his eyes, his commanding expression. The moment to back out and leave or dive head first into the role of submissive had arrived, and her decision couldn’t be put off any longer. Fear. Desire. Both emotions pounded through her body. Closing her eyes to block out the sensual draw of Hunter’s gaze, Kerri gave in to her own desires. She grasped the hem of her blouse, pulled it over her head, and dropped it on the chair beside her. Shoes and slacks followed, until she stood before him in her panties and bra. She opened her eyes to face the heat simmering in his. Hunter’s brow lifted, waiting, she knew, for her to finish removing her lingerie. Kerri watched him, took in the slight curve of his lips while he watched her unclip and drop the bra. When the panties fell to the floor, his body eased for a moment, as if he’d been waiting for her to change her mind. He paced around her, arms crossed, head tilted as if he were examining a horse at auction or a piece of artwork. “Beautiful.” His compliment floated to her like a wash of warm air on a cool day. “Upstairs.” He didn’t touch her, just waved a hand in the direction of the staircase. Kerri paused at the bottom step. She was naked, bare-assed naked, and he was right behind her.

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“Don’t stop now. I want to watch every step you take, pretty girl.” She heard his sigh, and then his tone deepened, softened, “You have a beautiful body, Kerri. Don’t be ashamed of it. Let me appreciate it.” She turned to look at him and was surprised to see pleasure flushing his face. He leaned in to brush a soft kiss across her cheek. “Go up to the bedroom and lay across the bed. I’ll be there in a minute.” Kerri did as she was told, knowing he watched. But he didn’t say anything more. Unsure of what he expected, she continued down the upper hall and into the master bedroom. Kerri stood staring at the dark comforter, wondering if she should turn the bed down or just climb on top. A noise down the hall had her climbing onto the bed and stretching out on her back, nervous butterflies beating their wings in her stomach. Then he was there, filling the doorway with his broad shoulders, his face all hard lines and angles, his eyes darkly soaking up her hesitance and leaving her with a need she’d never known. He moved to the side of the bed and sat, the fabric of his slacks grazing her leg. She shivered, more aware than ever of her nakedness while he was fully clothed. Hunter smiled, his palm stroking straight down her body from her breastbone to her navel. His warm hand cupped the slight swell of her stomach. “I’ve decided to give you a little bit of control tonight. I want your hands above your head, but I won’t restrain you unless you can’t manage to keep them there on your own.” Kerri sighed with relief. She wasn’t sure if she could handle being trussed up like a slave, and with no point of reference about sex with Hunter, she was nervous. She lifted her arms above her head immediately, ready to comply before his command. “Don’t get too comfortable. Keeping them there won’t be as easy as you think.” His head tipped back, eyeing her hands for a minute before shifting his hand lower on her belly. Palm resting on the pale

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curls that covered her sex, the corner of his mouth curled and she wondered what exactly she’d let herself get sucked into. She watched as his wrist rose above her skin until one rough fingertip remained pressed against her. She watched as that fingertip zigzagged through her fluff, sending electrical currents zinging through her body until the reverberation settled a few centimeters below his finger. And she watched as the knowledge of his effect on her registered in his expression—the knowing smile, the heat in his eyes. “Feels good, doesn’t it, sweetheart?” Hunter’s finger zigzagged through her pubic curls again, and she couldn’t contain the moan that slipped past her parted lips. ”Imagine how much more intense the feeling will be without the insulation of this hair. I want you bare for me, Kerri.” “Hmm.” Kerri tried to focus on his words, her body resisting any form of conscious thought. “What?” “This”—his fingers filtered through the blonde hair shielding her sex—“needs to be gone. Don’t you agree?” “Yes,” she murmured, fighting the urge to lift her hips to the hand hovering just above her body. His callused finger swiped through the hair again, and her hands flailed at her sides as sensation overtook her. That one finger slid lower, dipped between the folds of her sex, and slipped inside. Without thought, Kerri bolted upright with a shout. “Hands, Kerri. Where are your hands?” His rough chuckle caught her off guard, and she wrapped her arms across her chest. She’d failed, and she really didn’t want to be tied to the bed. Hunter’s hand reached for hers, prying it away from her body and pulling her fingers to his mouth. His kiss was gentle. “I told you it wouldn’t be easy.” His voice was deeper than usual, rough sounding, and Kerri tried to analyze the change, wondering what he was feeling. Could he

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possibly be feeling the uncertainty she was? Hunter stood, pressed his palms to her shoulders and pushed her back to the bed. She heard something rustling against the headboard and fear coalesced in her stomach. “Arms up.” With a deep breath, Kerri complied. Her hands encountered two wide strips of leather or some other firm fabric. Fighting to control her breathing, she relaxed her hands against the comforter. “Good girl.” She relaxed even more at his praise and felt the fabric move into her palm. “Hold on to the restraints. Having something in your hand will allow you to focus and keep your arms up.” Hunter’s warm hands wrapped around hers, securing the leather in her grip. “If this doesn’t work, I’ll put them around your wrists.” Those warm hands slid past her wrists, stroked her arms, and massaged her shoulders as he worked his way to her torso. His gentle palms cupped her face, but the kiss he gave to her mouth was anything but gentle. It scorched. Possessed. Consumed. Kerri clung to the restraints like a lifeline as they became the only reality she knew while his mouth covered hers. When he pulled back, she gasped for breath. “Tonight is about your pleasure, Kerri.” His hands moved lower, stroking around her breasts, filling his hands with her before dropping his head to taste. Wet heat surrounded her nipple as he suckled, pulled with his lips. She held tighter to the restraints, biting her tongue as Hunter lifted his head just enough to allow her to watch while he licked and stroked her nipple. When it was tight and red, he gave it a quick nip of his teeth before turning to give the other nipple the same treatment. The air conditioner cycled and suddenly cool air crossed the moist tip of her sensitized breast, intensifying the sensations Hunter was

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causing as he lapped at the other. Kerri shivered as heat rushed from both breasts to the exposed flesh of her sex. A throb of desire coursed through her, the need for more pounding within her. “Hunter, please,” she groaned, her fingers clenching around the leather in her desire to please him. Her body contorted of its own accord, begging in its own language to be taken higher. “Hold, back, Kerri.” His voice penetrated the lusty haze in her brain. “You don’t come until I tell you to. Understand?” “I—I can’t wait. I can’t stop.” Her voice shook with the need for completion. “You can control it. Wait for my permission, Kerri.” Her cry circled the room as she fought to control her body. Hunter pulled back, licking her nipples erratically, one, then the other as he pushed her farther into arousal. Her moans followed his actions. Tension built inside her, twisting through her body like a tornado, churning against each nerve cell until she was shaking with the demand for climax. Finally, she felt his hand slide down her stomach to comb through the curls at her apex. One finger slipped between the folds and into her core while his palm pressed against her clit. “Come for me, Kerri.” The pulse of his voice, the permission she’d waited for, sent her over the edge, her body convulsing, pulsing against his hand as she cried out in release. **** One finger. One damned finger inside her and he could feel her inner muscles clenching him. Cock harder than a hammer, Hunter fought the urge to strip and bury himself within her. Instead, he slid his finger a little deeper, turned his hand palm up, and stroked the sensitive spot he knew he’d find right behind her clit. Kerri’s climax had almost waned when a he hit his target. Her body arched as the second orgasm flew through her system. To her

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credit, she kept her hands wrapped around the leather restrains. A shame, really, because he was looking forward to having her bound to the bed just for his pleasure. But he could wait. Waiting was what he did best. Hunter watched her face, judging the extent of her climax. He eased his finger from her depths and palmed her mound, soothing her through the last spasms. “Hold on tight, sweetheart. You’re not finished yet.” Her eyes widened as he dropped to his knees and lifted her legs over his shoulders. Her moans filled his head as he licked through the moisture gathered in her slit, found her clit, and sucked it into his mouth. Kerri writhed so ferociously that he pressed his palms against her hipbones to hold her in place. Using his thumbs to hold her open, he fucked into her with his tongue and felt her clenching, fighting toward another huge orgasm. “Don’t come until I tell you, Kerri. Wait for me, or face the consequences.” She cried out again as he returned to his feast. She tasted amazing, sweet, and spicy as her juices drenched his fingers and tongue. She was so damned responsive that he found himself struggling for control, and he’d never had a problem controlling his body or his woman. But this little blue-eyed innocent pushed his buttons every time he turned a corner. Trying to keep his distance the last few days had kept him half hard but in control. Her curiosity tonight had been impossible to ignore, and now Hunter found himself feeling possessive. Giving her up when this job ended would be damn near impossible. He could feel her pussy swelling, her need for completion reaching the point of no return. He had no desire to punish her tonight. That particular pleasure was a lesson for another day. Hunter slipped one hand away from her body to loosen his belt and pull a condom out of his pocket. He donned the condom as he rose to his feet, his slacks sliding down his thighs as he positioned his rigid cock at her entrance.

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Kerri’s ragged moan at his entrance forced him to slow down, his desire to let her come warring with the need to enjoy this first time. He wanted her to feel his pleasure along with her own. Hunter leaned over her, pushing a little deeper into the heat of her body while nuzzling her breast. He lifted his head and found her mouth ready and waiting for his kiss. Pressing deeper still, he absorbed her mewl of pleasure and felt her clenching around him. He pulled out almost completely then plunged deeper, filling her while watching her face. She was intoxicating, eyes glazed with need, face tight with pleasure and the struggle to hold back her climax. “Come now, Kerri,” he said, watching as she relaxed her selfcontrol and reached for the pleasure. Hunter began to fuck harder as he felt the stirrings of her orgasm, riding the wave with her as he reached for his own. Surge after surge of the tightest grip he’d known took them both, and when he finally had nothing left, Hunter wrapped his arms around her and buried his head in her neck. “Wonderful, pretty girl. Beautiful Kerri. So strong. So good.” He held her a moment, kissing her throat, her ear, the corner of her mouth. Reaching one hand to hers, he pried her fingers off the leather cuff and lowered her hand to his shoulder. Her fingers flexed before inching into the hair at his nape. When he didn’t object, her other hand followed, and he cooed his approval.

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Chapter 7 Hunter stepped into the kitchen and went on alert, every nerve in his body tingling until he saw Richard lounging in one of the dining room chairs, a glass of wine in front of him. “What the fuck are you doing here?” he said, pushing the door shut behind him. “Kerri just left.” “My timing is perfect.” The hint of a grin crossed his face. “She dropped right into your bed, didn’t she? I thought you weren’t going to fuck her.” “I hadn’t planned on it,” Hunter replied, reaching for the bottle on the table and the second glass Richard had left next to it. “But damn it, you pushed her too far too fast.” He swiped a hand through his hair and rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t want to see her hurt.” “You like her.” It was a statement, not a question, and Hunter didn’t feel like acknowledging it. His feelings for Kerri were a problem he didn’t want to face just yet. Richard twisted the stem of his wine glass, swirling the dark liquid, his eyes focused on the motion. “She’s related to Denny Hudson. His niece, I believe.” “I’m aware of the connection, but I don’t think she knows her uncle well enough to be involved in his dealings.” “Is that why you pulled her into this when Sheila bailed on you?” He sipped, eyes still focused on Hunter’s response. “Hell no. I didn’t know who she was that night, just recognized her from the office. By the time I asked her name, it was too late to change gears.” “How can you be sure she’s not involved?”

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“I’ve done my homework, and you have the same answers. Don’t you read the reports I send you?” Hunter pushed the glass of wine away untouched and went to the liquor cabinet. A shot of something stronger was in order. Kerri’s request and her subsequent response messed with his head, clouded his thoughts. He needed to get her screams of pleasure out of his brain so he could focus on Richard’s conversation. He tossed back the shot and looked up to see Richard watching him, brows raised. But the bastard had the good sense to keep his mouth shut. “There’s no hard evidence that Hudson is involved in the import and sale of those women. I’ve been through his computer files and didn’t see even a hint of involvement.” Richard tapped his fingers on the table, eyes now focused on the job. “Bank records are iffy. Too many transactions that can’t be traced once they leave the country, leading me to believe he’s hiding the business within his clients’ offshore funds.” “And what wonderful clients he has,” Hunter responded. “You’re one of them.” “Yes. So is McKeon, but I have no idea what his true relationship is with Hudson. He’s not a man open to casual conversation. Which is exactly why you were invited into this investigation. I don’t want my business sullied by the slave trade. There are already enough prejudices about my clubs.” “Preaching to the choir, buddy.” Hunter sank into a chair. “I’m working on it. I expect to run into McKeon tomorrow night. Make sure Kerri has a pass into the private club.” “I’ll put her on the list as your guest. Just hope the uncle doesn’t decide to visit while she’s there.” Richard’s eyes lifted, speculation in his expression. “Since when do you not share?” “Since Kerri. She’s not ready for that much of an experience. And sharing any woman with McKeon is repulsive. That man is an animal with his women. No one knows me around here, so letting it be

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known that I’m a possessive son of a bitch will protect her.” “And when she’s ready?” Hunter could read the lust in his friend’s eyes. “When I think she’s ready, I’ll let you know.”

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Chapter 8 “Oh. My. God. You slept with him, didn’t you?” Jase stared, her eyes flashing, a wicked grin across her face. “Did he tie you up?” “No, and no. I’m going to bed now. I have to work tomorrow.” Kerri almost made it to her bedroom door, but Jase’s next comment stopped her cold. “Oh, so there was no sleeping, I assume. Just lots of sex?” She caved. Jase knew her too well, and even though she didn’t want to share the details, Jase wouldn’t let it go until she at least confirmed her suspicions. Kerri could feel her face heating as she turned toward her friend. “Yes.” She sighed at the sight of her friend’s joy at the revelation. “But there was no bondage. Obviously, my sexual exploits have made you very happy. Can I go to bed now?” “Of course I’m happy for you. I’ve been worried. You haven’t had a boyfriend in the last two years that lasted for more than a week— and I know you don’t do casual sex.” “Yet you assumed that I had sex with Hunter tonight, and I’ve only known him for a few days.” “He’s not your usual type, which appears to be a good thing if he was able to seduce you in such a short time.” The grin hadn’t left Jase’s face and was beginning to irritate the hell out of her. “How do you know he seduced me? Maybe I did the seducing.” Kerri smiled as Jase’s eyes widened. “Oh, honey, you’ve got to be kidding me. I can’t imagine Mr. Bondage Guy letting you seduce him.” Jase laughed and shook her head, and Kerri had to laugh with her.

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“Well, I asked a few questions, and one answer led to another. Before I knew it, he was…well, I was…oh, hell, you know what happened.” Her face was heating again, and she couldn’t stand here and answer questions about Hunter. Jase took pity on her. “Go to bed. Maybe you’ll feel more like sharing the details tomorrow.” Kerri already knew the details wouldn’t be shared, even with Jase, but took the easy way out and slipped into her bedroom with a quick, noncommittal nod. Jase would just have to understand that some things couldn’t be shared, even with best friends. **** “Miss Leonard?” Kerri looked up when Carol, the support staff supervisor, stuck her head into the small room the three interns used as an office. “Yes, ma’am.” “Mr. Merritt has an errand he needs you to take care of. Do you have your car today?” “Yes, ma’am.” “Good.” Carol smiled with obvious relief. “Mr. Merritt is rather particular and demanding. Get your purse and go straight to his office. He’ll give you the details.” Kerri ducked behind the file cabinet to pick up her purse, hoping that her face would return to its normal color before Carol noticed. She hadn’t realized that Hunter’s reputation as a demanding master extended to the office. She hurried down the hall, wondering if he’d asked for her in particular or if Carol had chosen her. “Close the door behind you.” Well, that answered her question. He was demanding, but smiling at her as he handed her a business card. “I just spoke to the owner. She’ll take care of you personally. When you’re finished there, take lunch before you return to the

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office.” “What exactly am I doing at this spa?” she asked. He looked too composed, too dominant, and it worried her. This was her job, not her personal life at the moment. “Do you remember what you agreed to last night?” His voice deepened to a dark silk, his words more of a command than a question, and Kerri felt moisture gathering where it shouldn’t be. “Yes, but we’re at work, Hunter,” she whispered. He smiled, a feral, knowing smile, so sure she’d comply that he scared her. Almost. “True, but this needs to be done before tonight, and you’ll need a little time to recover before we meet after work.” “What needs to be done?” Kerri tried to keep her tone cool but failed miserably, even to her own ears. Hunter moved around the desk and leaned close, so close she could feel his breath against her cheek. “I told you I wanted you bare, waxed smooth. The owner is an expert and will take good care of you, following my directions to the letter.” His finger trailed from her brow to her chin. “Are you going to obey as you promised?” Breath hitching, Kerri nodded. “I said I would. I don’t lie.” “Kerri.” His voice dipped even lower as he gripped her chin. “Look at me. If I ever ask you for more than you’re willing to give, tell me so. I won’t force you.” “I know. And I will. Sometimes, I just need more information.” “If you trust me, you won’t need to ask questions. I won’t push you beyond what you can handle. At least for now.” He stepped back from her and checked his watch. He handed her a thick envelope with a woman’s name scrawled in his handwriting on the front. “Go. She has other clients, and you have work to do when you return.” Kerri stuffed the card in her purse and kept the envelope in her hand as she left the building. The address on the card was familiar but not close by, and it would take her at least twenty minutes to get

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there. She half wondered if the envelope was stuffed with cash but was afraid to look. Surely he wouldn’t send her on that type of errand. Then again, he was sending her to get her—damn, she couldn’t say the word, but she was going to have it waxed because he wanted it bare. It wasn’t likely to be a painless procedure, either. Traffic was light, and the address turned out to be a rather exclusive day spa. Kerri waited at the reception desk behind three well-dressed women who were fawned over and led into the inner sanctum. Several ladies sat on benches around the room, menus in hand as they waited. Kerri handed the heavy brown envelope to the receptionist and turned to find a seat. “Miss Leonard?” Surprised, she turned back to the receptionist. “Yes?” “Please come with me. Your room is ready.” The young lady smiled, waving her arm at the arch. Kerri stepped through the short hall and discovered a large indoor oriental garden complete with waterfall and Koi pond. Soft music provided a counterpoint to the moving water, plants in large pots rimmed the room, and cushioned benches were scattered across the tiled floor. An older woman in tailored black slacks and a gray tunic greeted her. “Miss Leonard, welcome to my spa. I’m Christina Sanders. Mr. Merritt speaks highly of you. I hope you enjoy your visit today. Let me show you to your room.” Kerri followed her across the garden room and down another short hall. A door stood open, and the woman stepped aside to allow her entry. It was a smallish room with a raised cushioned table set in the middle. White linen sheets stretched tight across the table, another folded and draped at an angle across the bench-like structure. Ms. Sanders indicated an open cabinet. “Please remove your clothes and leave them inside the cabinet. A restroom is through the blue door to the left if you need it. Please lay on the table face up with the sheet over you. I’ll return in a few minutes.” The door closed behind her, and Kerri stood frozen next to the

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table. She’d never been in a place like this, though she was sure her mother and her cronies lived for spa days. Personally, she’d never seen the point. And she’d never been waxed, hadn’t even considered it. For a moment she thought about walking away from the spa, from Hunter, and from all he stood for. But she wanted the adventure. She wanted him to give her that adventure. Sliding out of her heels, she stripped off her clothes, stashed everything in the cabinet, and closed the door. The sheet was cool and crisp against her skin as she opened it and draped it over her body. Moments later, Ms. Sanders returned. “It’s my understanding that this is your first experience with waxing, Miss Leonard. I’ll try to make it as painless as possible, but I’m afraid it will hurt. Please try to relax.” The last sentence was said as she lifted the sheet from Kerri’s feet and peeled it up over her hips. Carefully folding it instead of bunching it around her waist, Ms. Sanders ran her fingers through the curls covering Kerri’s pubic area. Kerri wished the sheet could have been folded over her head, sure that her face was flaming. She’d only been in this position in the gyno’s office. Then she heard the click of scissors. “I need to trim the hair before we begin.” Rising to her elbows, Kerri watched Ms. Sanders snip curls into a small bowl, leaving less than an inch of hair against her skin. Shocked at the clipping, she flopped back and laid her arms across her eyes. Minutes later, a warm towel covered her nether regions and the woman moved to a table in the corner. Heat and moisture seeped into her skin and she felt her muscles relax enough for her to take a deep breath. When the towel was removed, hot wax was brushed across a small section of her skin. Almost but not quite burning the sensitive tissue, the wax coated her with heat followed by a slight numbing. Pain shot through her as Ms. Sanders removed the first strip of wax. Tissue that had never been used so roughly was caught and jerked as the hairs were ripped from their roots. Kerri cried out more

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than once, but the woman continued to systematically remove every hair she could find, leaving her completely bare from her navel to her knees and every inch in between. Kerri closed her eyes as Ms. Sanders stepped across the room. Finally, she could regroup enough to get dressed and go back to work. No wonder Hunter had suggested she stop for lunch on the way back to the office. Two weeks at home might give her a chance to regain her equilibrium. Then Ms. Sanders was back at her side, warm hands massaging her abused tissues, rubbing a fragrant oil into her skin. “This will help with the discomfort.” Lifting the sheet from her body, the proprietress said, “Turn onto your stomach, dear. Mr. Merritt arranged for a massage after your wax, to relax you, he said.” Kerri complied, not sure what to think about Hunter’s plans for her tonight. Surely he didn’t expect her to have sex with him after being ripped from stem to stern. “This is Elsa, our best massage therapist. She will take care of you now,” Ms. Sanders said, her voice moving toward the door. A younger woman greeted Kerri and began to massage her back in long, smooth strokes that quickly worked magic on tense muscles. With a sigh, Kerri gave herself over to the sensations.

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Chapter 9 Kerri knocked on Hunter’s office door and waited for permission to enter, unsure of his schedule but not wanting to put off seeing him. She’d taken his advice and stopped for lunch before returning to the office, and it had made a slight difference in the level of discomfort— but not much. Places hurt that shouldn’t, and her clothes rubbed in ways that made her feel naked. And she had this sneaky little voice in her brain that kept telling her people could tell by looking at her that she’d just had half her body waxed because a man asked it of her. “In.” She pushed open the door and stepped into the room, aware of his presence through every inch of her body. Especially the recently denuded part. “Close the door, Kerri. Do you have a package for me?” Hunter’s voice warmed her even when his words were all business. Pulling the envelope out of her bag, she moved to the desk and handed it to him, surprised at his quick grin. Hunter opened the envelope and emptied its contents onto his blotter. A handful of blond curls dusted his desk. Her curls. Heat rushed across her body and flooded her face. “I thought….” “She followed my instructions. I wanted a memento.” He scooped the curls back into the envelope and stuffed it in his pocket with another grin. “When you come to my house tonight, bring an overnight bag. I expect you to spend the weekend.” “I have other plans tomorrow,” she told him, knowing that shopping with Jase didn’t actually count as a prior commitment since

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they shopped almost every Saturday. “Not anymore. You have plans with me. Bring something nice to wear to dinner both nights. We’ll go out.” Kerri shook her head and eased into one of the chairs in front of his desk. “I thought we were going to the club.” He chuckled, his eyes bright as they met hers. “We are, but not until late. You wanted a taste of my lifestyle. I’m going to give it to you.” “Oh.” “Unless you’ve changed your mind?” Kerri felt like a bug under a microscope, every cell under inspection. She shook her head, not wanting to say the word no. “After what I did today, I don’t think so.” The intensity of his stare, the curl of his lips had moisture seeping into her plain cotton panties, and she stood before the wetness touched her slacks. “I need to get back to work.” “Seven o’clock, Kerri. Don’t be late.” Kerri left without answering, her thoughts focused on maintaining some semblance of independence amidst his dominance. She’d been attracted to him from a distance, but the up close and personal relationship this had become was frightening. And it wasn’t the sexuality of the relationship that had her worried. With very little effort on his part, her heart was entangled. Every step closer to Hunter was a raging river to cross later, when he walked away from her. And she knew he would. Men like Hunter never stayed with one woman— especially not someone like Kerri. The support office was empty when she reached her desk and Kerri exhaled in relief, not wanting to explain the length of her absence to Carol. She logged into her computer and checked messages, thankful to find she didn’t have much to do. Apparently, Carol had assumed Hunter’s errand would run late and had assigned her projects for the day to another clerk. Kerri tried to pick up the threads of the brief she’d been reviewing when Carol had initially sent

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her to Hunter’s office, but her brain refused to focus on anything other than Hunter and the sensitivity between her thighs. Finally giving up for the day, she logged off and drove home. Finding the house empty was a bonus. Jase’s message board in the kitchen said she’d be out with her boyfriend all afternoon and wouldn’t be home until late, giving Kerri time without questions about her activities. Zoe was working a late shift at the mall before going out with some friends from work and Sara hadn’t left a message at all. Taking advantage of the peace and quiet, Kerri ran a bubble bath and soaked until the water cooled, a great way to relax if her mind hadn’t been clouded with thoughts of what Hunter had planned for this weekend. Excitement and trepidation made her itchy to see him, feel his hands on her body. Rinsing the lingering bubbles from her skin, she wrapped a towel around herself and pawed through her lingerie drawer. She wanted to find just the right clothes to wear tonight, wanted to make Hunter’s eyes darken at the sight of her. At the bottom of the drawer, she found the lavender bra and panty set she’d bought on a whim and never worn. It would work perfectly under the dark purple sheath dress she wanted to wear for him. She made quick work of her makeup and hair, leaving her dirty blonde tresses free to hang down her back and hide the oval opening in the dress that displayed most of her back. The tenderness between her legs had finally lessened, leaving her with a feeling of nakedness even as she dressed for their date. Selfawareness cloaked her body, her mind focused on the sensation of her clothing as it touched her skin, the feel of her palms as they smoothed the skirt into place. It was a mood she needed to shake before leaving the house. Hunter’s presence did enough to push logical thought out of her brain, but if she arrived at his home in an already lustful mindset, she’d never be able to refocus and stay sane. Kerri pulled a small rolling bag out of her closet and threw in two pairs of undies and another bra, then added a simple cocktail dress for

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Saturday night. Not knowing what he had planned was a problem, but she grabbed a pair of jeans, a cute pink top that she loved, and a sundress that would work in any situation. At the last minute, she grabbed a pair of sandals to add to the bag. She left a note for her roommates—mostly for Jase because she was the only one that worried—and left the condo with time to stop for a coffee at her favorite drive-through coffee shop before heading to Hunter’s gated community. Caffeine would definitely be her friend tonight. She needed to stay focused instead of letting him swallow her psyche whole.

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Chapter 10 Kerri waited while the security gate began its slow glide across the drive. She was a little early, but couldn’t find anything to occupy her time that wouldn’t make her late. And she didn’t want to be late. It wasn’t that she feared punishment. In fact, she was convinced Hunter would never truly hurt her. She just didn’t want to disappoint him. Her hair rippled around her shoulders at the hard shake of her head, and a sense of shock fried her brain while she drove on autopilot. Her mind was working on a timeline, and it didn’t reflect well on her ordered, logical life thus far. She’d met the man Tuesday, had dinner with him Wednesday, sex with him Thursday, and was now planning to spend the weekend at his beck and call. Not to mention the little trip to the spa. Her life had gone from simple and ordered to wild and sex-crazed in less than a week. Kerri wasn’t sure if she should be embarrassed or proud of herself. But she couldn’t stop this roller coaster. She didn’t want to stop it. Knots twisted in her belly at the sight of Hunter standing in his open garage waiting for her. She pulled into the bay and was standing beside him before the garage door closed. “Hey, pretty girl. You look fantastic.” His arms wrapped around her and she melted against the solid planes of his chest. “I wasn’t expecting you for another hour. Did you miss me?” Feeling heat suffuse her cheeks, she tipped her head into his chest. “Sorry. I can run some errands if you need me to come back later.” “I’m not complaining, just surprised. Did you bring a bag?” Hunter’s fingers closed around her chin and tilted her face to his.

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Lips, warm and sensual, covered hers before she could answer, taking, sipping from her then nipping at her mouth until she opened to his tongue. Sensation swamped her. When he finally released her, she could only nod. Kerri reached for her overnighter in the backseat, but Hunter beat her to it, lifting it with a laugh. “I should have been more specific. All you really need is a toothbrush. I think I’ll keep you naked most of the weekend.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her into the house, laughing all the more at what was surely a stunned expression on her face. Instead of stopping in the kitchen as she expected, he led her upstairs to an almost empty room. It was obviously supposed to be a bedroom but held only a smallish upholstered chair, a rectangular accent table, and a tall wooden stool. A desk stood in the corner and a door opened into a bathroom. Hunter pulled open another door to reveal a walk-in closet—empty except for a blanket on the top shelf. A handful of hangers were on the pole to the left of the door, bare shelves on the right side. “Hang your clothes in here and leave the bag.” Kerri glanced around the room one more time before asking, “Am I sleeping in here?” His eyes blazed and one corner of his mouth curved. “Sweetheart, when I let you sleep, you’ll be in my bed. Quite possibly tied to the bed. This is just where you’ll keep your clothes for when we go out.” “Oh.” “Come back downstairs when you’ve put things away. We’ll come back to the house to change before going to the club.” He pivoted and left the room. She didn’t hear him go downstairs, but heard a door open and close in the distance. It only took her a few minutes to put away the pieces she’d brought. His words had her nerves jangling. Would he really keep her naked all weekend?

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Downstairs, she fixed herself a glass of water and looked out onto the patio, wondering where Hunter was. A pervasive silence filled the house, not even the tick of a clock breaking the stillness. It was a little creepy. And then he was there, stepping past the edge of the pool, cell phone to his ear. Their eyes met. Hunter pocketed the phone and strode across the patio, the beginnings of a smile working at the corner of his mouth. Kerri’s chest warmed, heat bloomed deeper with every step he took in her direction, and her brain rebelled as her body’s response to him overwhelmed common sense. She’d never felt so out of control, yet she’d never been so intrigued by a man in her life. Hunter stepped inside and cupped his hand around the nape of her neck, pulling her to him for a quick, wet kiss. “Let’s go. We have a reservation, and I hate to be late.” Minutes later, he had her tucked into his car and they were on their way. “I have a question.” Kerri kept her eyes on the traffic while she worked out the wording to get it just right. “That first night at the club, the man you met was, um, beating a woman.” “That’s a statement, not a question, counselor.” The hint of humor in his voice was unnerving, and Kerri blew out a breath in irritation. “It’s a lead. Let me finish.” “What I’m asking is, do you do that to women?” “Not as a rule, but yes, I have used a whip or paddle on occasion.” “Oh. Can I ask why?” She still couldn’t look at him, wanting to shield her emotions until she had a firm grip on them. “There’s a fine line between pleasure and pain. Some women find the edge an intensely satisfying place to be, so I indulge them.” “Are you planning to do that to me?” “Are you asking me to whip you, Kerri?”

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His voice was dark, silken steel, and a tremor filtered through her gut. The image of that woman and her screams, her moans, had been randomly drifting through her brain since Kerri witnessed it. “No. I don’t know.” She didn’t look, but she could hear the smile in his voice when he asked, “You don’t know? But you’re considering it?” “I don’t have a point of reference for any of this, Hunter. I don’t know what I want out of this situation, but I can’t imagine wanting to be beaten by anyone, let alone a lover. Why would a man beat a woman that he loves?” The car eased to a stop at a red light, and Hunter reached for Kerri’s chin, turning her to face him. The gesture had become a habit of his, and it was beginning to irritate. It made her feel like a student, but in this she was his student whether she liked the role or not. “This isn’t about love, pretty girl. It’s about sex, pleasure, need. Love is an emotion best left to novelists and teenagers.” She turned her face to the window as the car moved forward, embarrassed to be lumped into that category. She’d always hoped to fall in love, to be loved unconditionally. Pipe dreams, apparently. Her parents didn’t have that kind of relationship, theirs being more of a business arrangement that provided an heir for their respective families and gave them the freedom to act as they wished as long as there were no scandals. “I’m not a child.” “I never intimated that you were. You’re a woman, about twentyfour, right?” “Close.” “Damn. Are you younger or older?” For the first time, he sounded worried about her age, and Kerri couldn’t resist the opportunity to make him squirm just a bit. “Twenty-two.”

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“You can’t be that young. You’re in law school for God’s sake.” His brow was down, pressed against the bridge of his nose when he turned to her, his hands in a death grip on the steering wheel. Kerri laughed. “No. I’m twenty-six.” “Damn it, pretty girl, I’m going to spank your ass red for that little tease, and I’m going to enjoy it.” He turned into the parking lot of an exclusive restaurant and Kerri sighed in relief. It was one of her favorites, the place her parents had taken her every year for her birthday when they lived in Dallas. Since they’d relocated to Houston, she’d missed those dinners. They were just a little too pricy for the budget she kept to now that she was on her own. Being a trust fund baby wasn’t as easy as it appeared in the media. At least, in this restaurant, she could be sure she’d keep her clothes on. Hunter opened her door and extended a hand to help her out of the car, then jerked her to his chest for a hard kiss. “I’m serious about the spanking. There’s a huge difference between twenty-two and twentysix. I wouldn’t be with you if you were that young and naive.” “I’d still be of legal age, and I wasn’t that naïve at twenty-two.” She’d been taking care of herself since she was sixteen, with only a housekeeper to monitor her comings and goings in a house her parents called home base but rarely inhabited. Hunter’s hands squeezed her waist. “Kerri, you’re still naïve. You’re an innocent in more ways than you know. And I’m the man who’s going to change the way you see yourself this weekend.” He pressed his mouth to hers and took possession, delving past her lips with his tongue until she trembled against him. The satisfied smile he shot her when he pulled back irritated her independent side, but she couldn’t fault him. Knowing what and who he was played a major role in why she was with him. A warm hand settled at the small her back, holding her close enough that her hand brushed his thigh as they walked into the

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restaurant. Kerri gave Jules a quick wink at his welcoming smile, and he turned immediately to Hunter. “Mr. Merritt, welcome to Maison fraiche. Your table is waiting.” Jules led them through the main dining room and into the back corner of the restaurant, to Kerri’s favorite table. The rear of the restaurant faced a private garden filled with flowers and fairy lights. The table he chose for them allowed a perfect view of the lily pond with its fanciful bridge. “Thank you,” she whispered as he handed her a menu. “May I bring you something to drink?” he asked, and Hunter asked a few questions about the wine list before making a choice. Kerri glanced at the menu and set it aside when the wine arrived, along with a glass of water for her. Jules knew she preferred to sip more water than wine with dinner. “Thank you, Jules. You’re so sweet.” “Always for you, Miss Leonard,” he replied with a short bow. “You’re a regular here?” Hunter asked. “Not really. My parents always brought me here for special occasions, and my grandmother and I used to have Sunday brunch here once a month. But that was a while ago.” She fiddled with her silverware, aligning the pieces to keep her eyes to herself, her memories swamping logical thought for a moment. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you by bringing you here. We can go somewhere else if you’d like.” Hunter’s voice soothed, his hand lying across her fingers to stop her movements. “No, it’s fine. I love it here, and the memories are all good. I just miss her.” She looked into his eyes and smiled. “Gram would want me here with you. She always said I needed to get out more.” “And what about your parents? Have they brought you here lately?” His fingers stroked the back of her hand, warming her skin. “No. They moved to Houston a few months ago. But they were never here much, anyway. They have busy social calendars.” She shrugged off the conversation. “Do you…Are you a regular here?”

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“I like the food, but I don’t know about being a regular. What do you recommend?” They talked about the menu and decided to let Jules choose for them. When he refused to take the responsibility, they took a sampling of several entrees and shared until Kerri refused to eat anymore. Hunter signaled for the check and glanced at his watch. “Perfect. We’ll have plenty of time at the house before our meeting at the club.” He stood and offered his hand, his expression returning to the dominance she’d glimpsed in the car. “We have an appointment?” she asked as he put her into the car. “Yes. Personal business with the owner, Richard Menton. It will give us a reason to be seen. For you to be seen as my possession.” Kerri cringed, her memory of Richard Menton harsh. “Your possession? As in slave?” “No. Well, partially. If you belong to me, no other man may touch you without my permission. My reputation will keep you safe.” Kerri didn’t like the sound of that, wondering what his reputation might be, but didn’t want to ask. It couldn’t be good if his reputation was keeping her safe. Several violent scenarios flashed through her brain to be discarded, but she still didn’t ask, deciding that ignorance truly could be bliss. Minutes later, they were in his garage and the door was closing behind the car.

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Chapter 11 “Clothes off, Kerri.” They were in the kitchen, the door barely closed behind them, and he was ordering her naked. Maybe his earlier comment was reality? She turned to check his expression, sure her eyes reflected her surprise. “Arguments will earn punishments.” “I didn’t agree to punishments,” she said, her feet sliding out of her shoes and kicking them to the side of the chair. “You wanted to experience my lifestyle.” “I agreed to help you with your case,” she countered. “Last night, you said you were curious about the club and wanted to understand why people lived in this lifestyle. Obedience and trust are the lessons you’ll learn tonight.” “And if I change my mind?” she asked. “Just say no and I’ll stop.” Hunter didn’t touch her, but his voice washed across her skin as tenderly as his hands might. “I would never force you to do anything you didn’t want to do. I will never hurt you, Kerri.” He pulled out a kitchen chair and sat, watching as she removed her skirt and top, laying them on the breakfast table. He waited, watching as she hesitated, but he didn’t speak until her panties and bra joined the skirt and top on the table. “Come here.” Kerri stepped forward until she stood in front of him, the fabric covering his knees whispering against her bare legs.

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He tugged her hand until she stood at his side. “We’re going to take care of the teasing about your age now.” His hands at her wrists, he said, “Lay across my lap, Kerri. I’m going to spank your ass red for teasing me.” She leaned over his lap, her bare breasts brushing across his pant legs, her breath coming in short gasps. Surely this was a tease of his own and he didn’t plan to hurt her. “Wrap your fingers around the legs of the chair. Don’t let go.” Hunter’s palm pressed against her shoulder blades until her stomach was fully against his lap and her hands were near the floor. The first slap of his hand against her butt had her jerking almost upright, a shout bouncing off the walls. “Hold on to the chair, pretty girl. Every time you move, I’ll add another swat.” The flat of his palm came down again, and she squirmed but didn’t let go of the chair. Pain radiated through her rear, sharp tingles as he alternated sides. The sound of skin against skin mingled with the sting until the pain subsided and a new sensation took its place. Heat worked its way through her body with each connection of his hand to her skin, sending shards of electricity to places she never expected. Wetness gathered in her vagina, waiting for the next sting, the next rub. And he was rubbing, she realized. He would spank her a few times, alternating sides, then rub the sting into her skin. “Beautiful. Your ass is beautifully red, Kerri.” He lifted her off his lap and moved into the living room. Pressing her over the arm of the couch, Hunter stroked down her back, both hands caressing the pale skin as his lips followed. Kerri moaned, sensations pulsing into her brain and wiping away conscious thought. All she could feel was the desire for more. A hard slap against her ass had her crying out at the dampness flowing from her pussy. “Please,” she moaned. “Please, what, sweetheart? Please stop or please more?”

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Kerri panted, tried to get her brain to function, but couldn’t keep the haze of desire from enveloping her. “I…more . . ., please, more.” He stroked her again, slapping against her reddened skin until she was squirming under him. Then she felt him opening her, pressing his hard cock into the wet passage he’d created with his spanking. If this was punishment, she’d take it every day. Plunging into her, Hunter leaned over her body, his mouth finding the tender skin where her neck met her shoulder. His lips sucked, his teeth nipped, and she groaned at his possession. “Every man who sees you at the club will know you’ve been thoroughly fucked by me tonight, and that you belong to me.” Kerri felt him moving, taking her hard and fast, pounding into her as her orgasm rose to new heights. She screamed as her body shattered around her, clutching at him even as he continued to move within her. She couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t move. She couldn’t stop coming. Her body continued to grasp at him, pulsing around him as he pushed into her and withdrew over and over. Another climax built, this one even higher than the first, and when she shouted, he pressed deep and stopped, pumping his release into her depths. “Beautiful, pretty girl,” he crooned in her ear. “So responsive, every time.”

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Chapter 12 Hunter handed his keys to the valet, reached for Kerri’s hand and waited. She still sat facing front, her knees together in the short black skirt he’d insisted she wear tonight. He wanted so damned badly to laugh at her discomfort but he held it in, tipping his head in irritation, instead. She was trying to figure out a way to exit the car without flashing the valet, but it wasn’t going to happen. “Now, Kerri.” Her chin went up, her eyes bright as she took his hand and stepped from the car, a beautiful woman, strong and sure of herself even when pushed out of her comfort zone. He led her to the club’s entrance, noting the change in her breathing as the ambiance of the club surrounded them. Friday nights often brought out the rowdier revelers, and tonight was no exception. They passed a group of three men taking turns with a woman on her knees, and Kerri stumbled against him. “Do you want to watch for a minute, pretty girl?” he whispered in her ear. She shook her head but he turned her anyway, holding her close to his side as they watched one of the men step in front of the kneeling submissive and slide his cock into her mouth. Kerri trembled against him. “Last night was about your pleasure, sweetheart,” he breathed into the sleek hair against her ear. “Tonight is all about mine.” His arm tight around her waist, he turned toward the stairs, stopping two more times to watch others having sex in one form or another. “Just breathe, Kerri,” he told her at the top of the steps. “I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

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**** They stopped at the last door on the long hall and Hunter knocked. Kerri straightened her back and inhaled deeply, preparing herself to come face to face with Richard Menton. The memory of his unwanted hands on her sent chill bumps over her skin. But his personal assistant, Alan Pritchert opened the door. “Mr. Menton will be here shortly. He suggests that you make yourself comfortable.” Pritchert nodded and closed the door behind him as he left. Kerri looked around the room, curious about what would be expected of her. It was a smallish room, about the size of a typical bedroom. A wet bar was in one corner, clean glasses on a tray and on a shelf behind the bar. A few bottles of liquor sat on another shelf but she didn’t bother looking at the labels. Kerri knew she wouldn’t be drinking tonight. Hunter hadn’t shared any information about his investigation. Was Menton a suspect or merely a contact in an elaborate scheme? How should she act around him? Left to her own choice, Kerri would rather not interact with him at all. He made her skin itchy, made her nervous about what he might do if left alone with her. She didn’t trust him as she did Hunter. Hunter’s hand touched her back and she turned toward a sitting area. Two leather chairs were separated by a small table, and a low, cushioned platform was on the floor in front of the chairs. Hunter stopped her at the platform. It was about two feet square, about ankle height to Kerri, and the cushion looked thick, plush even. “You’ll sit here, pretty girl. Knees on the cushion, spread wide for me.” He held her hand as she settled her knees on the soft fabric. “Good girl. Now put your feet together and sit on your heels.” Kerri jerked her head up, her eyes on his taut expression. In that position, she’d be completely exposed and flashing anyone that sat in

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the chairs. And from the look on his face, that was his plan. His brow rose, waiting for her to refuse, but she did as he asked with her head high and her back straight. Hunter stepped in front of her on his way to the bar and she realized that the height of the platform put her at exactly crotch level. She could feel her face heating from her blush but refused to look away while he watched. “Hands on your knees, sweetheart. Or behind your back. Your choice, just don’t block my view of that beautiful body.” He was sipping his drink when the door behind her opened. “Hunter, good to see you again. Sorry I wasn’t here to greet you and your friend. Business crisis in New York.” “Always something only you can handle, I’m sure.” Hunter lifted the bottle of scotch and reached for a second glass. Kerri kept her eyes on him until Menton stepped in front of her. “She’s a beautiful young lady, Hunter. Maybe a little too young?” He winked at her as he sat and Kerri forced back the shiver. She didn’t feel threatened, but there was something about the man’s demeanor that made her nervous. He set a flat, square box on the table and took the drink Hunter handed him. “This should work like a charm,” he told him. “It’s already activated.” Hunter opened the box. A necklace, a silver band about an inch wide with an oval pendant dropping from what she assumed was the front shone as Hunter lifted it out of the packing. He inspected the clasp, opened it, and Kerri noticed a tiny hinge on one side of the etched band. Richard abruptly stood. “Let’s get rid of the old one, first,” he said, removing the black collar Hunter had put on her earlier. She held her breath as his fingers massaged her neck where the fabric had rubbed. “This one is a little heavier, Kerri, but won’t abrade like the leather. And it can’t be removed without the key,” Hunter said.

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His hands moved from behind her and she watched as he slipped a tiny key into the weave of his wristwatch. “It’s the mark of my possession. I want you to keep it on until we end this relationship, wearing it constantly. It will ensure your safety from the unsavory characters you might meet around here.” “With the exception of myself,” Menton added. “As club owner, I have rights beyond the collar.” He grinned wickedly and Kerri wondered if he truly intended to use her or if he was merely provoking Hunter. She couldn’t get a read on either man’s expression and was left to wonder. “Richard, back off. Kerri’s a relative virgin to this lifestyle. Give her a little time to acclimate.” Hunter stroked her head, tugged at the hair at her crown until she raised her eyes to him. “It’s time for your first lesson, pretty girl.” “Am I allowed to participate in this lesson?” Kerri heard lust in the deeper tones of Menton’s voice, his open desire to touch and manipulate her. Hunter’s voice swept through her, his comment at once thrilling and worrying. “You’re allowed to watch. For now, that’s all you’ll get from this meeting. But, in time, she may be ready for more.” Kerri watched his eyes darken, sparkle in anticipation, and she felt her skin warm under his gaze. The temperature in the room rose and she couldn’t manage to get enough air into her lungs. “Tonight, you’ll learn how to please me, to pleasure me.” Heat suffused her as he slid his fingers along her chin. “Up on your knees, sweetheart.” Kerri lifted her body from her heels until her back was straight and waited for the next direction, fairly certain of what he had planned. It wasn’t something she’d ever truly enjoyed, but it had been expected of her once or twice. “Open your mouth to me.” Hunter’s fingers tapped her cheek until she opened, and he slipped his thumb onto her tongue. She pressed

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against it, rubbed the pad then closed her lips and sucked, enjoying the quick intake of his breath. A rough chuckle sounded behind her. “She seems to be a natural, Hunter. I believe she’s done this before, just not with the lights on and definitely not with an audience.” Gentle hands cupped the back of her head and she heard a zipper’s rasp. “Tip your head back, Kerri. Give him more room to move while he fucks your mouth.” Menton’s hands directed her, positioned her as Hunter stepped closer. She kept her head in place but dropped her eyes to watch his approach. She’d seen him naked and aroused, but the sight of him, cock fisted and ready to take her publicly, was burning through her body like liquid fire. Kerri opened her mouth as wide as she could, sure she wouldn’t be able to take all of him, wondering what he would do if she gagged or choked. A deep, calm voice sounded close to her ear. Menton’s. “Relax your jaw and breathe through your nose. He’ll be gentle at first.” The engorged head balanced on her bottom lip for a moment before he pushed into her mouth. Suddenly filled, Kerri moaned. The sensuality of the act, including the place and witness, was more than she expected. He moved deeper, slowly breaching her throat until she felt the gag reflex begin. “Control it, Kerri. Relax your throat and swallow against him. It’s what he wants. You want to please him, don’t you, little girl?” Menton’s voice was driving her crazy. Hearing him when she wanted to hear Hunter was distracting. She lifted her eyes to Hunter’s face and was rewarded with an expression of undiluted pleasure as she forced her throat muscles to swallow instead of gag. He groaned and she felt her body respond, wetness gathering within her, preparing her for more. He retreated until just the tip of him sat on her lip again. Kerri flicked her tongue against the smooth head and he plunged in again,

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his palm on her forehead as he increased the speed of his thrusts, taking her mouth as he would her body. For the first time, she was grateful for Menton’s hands at the back of her head. Without that pressure, she was sure she would have toppled onto her back from the constant surge of Hunter’s body against her. “Take it, Kerri. Swallow everything I give you, every last drop.” Guttural, Hunter’s voice rubbed across her skin as his cock rubbed against her lips. He’d hardened past the point of steel, swelling within her mouth. Hot splashes of his release pumped against the back of her throat and Kerri swallowed hastily, trying to keep up with the flow. The need to please him, to keep every fragment of his essence within her body, enveloped her. “Perfect, Kerri. Thank you for allowing me to share this moment, Hunter.” Menton ran his hands down her hair to her back, a soft caress that she didn’t expect from him, then stepped back to the bar area, his back to them. Kerri watched Hunter fasten his pants and sit, his eyes roving her body. He should be relaxed after his climax, but tight lines bracketed his lips. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, wondering how she’d let him down. He was on his feet in a heartbeat. “What? Sorry for what, sweetheart?” His warm hands cupped her trembling shoulders. “You looked so…disappointed,” she whispered, not wanting to reveal her feelings to the other man in the room. It was hard enough to explain what she felt to Hunter. His arms wrapped around her and he pulled her roughly to his chest. “No, sweetheart, I’m not disappointed at all. In fact, I’m contemplating how to keep you.” “What?” Kerri’s mind whorled, sorting through their previous conversations to make sense of this one. “What are you talking about?” “I’m saying you should remain with me for the duration of your training, little girl. I won’t allow anyone else to touch what’s mine.”

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Chapter 13 Jase paced across the wide Persian rug she’d brought back from Turkey three years ago, knowing she was probably ruining the fine fibers but not caring a whit at the moment. Kerri had left to spend the weekend with her new boyfriend, leaving not one hint of an explanation. It wasn’t like her to slip out of the house without at least a modicum of girl talk. And the few things she’d let slip yesterday made Jase’s knees weak. Bondage. It wasn’t a word Jase had ever used in casual conversation. Hell, it wasn’t something she even wanted to think about and yet Kerri had asked her outright if Harvey was into it. That was a riot. Harvey was hardly into sex at all. Sometimes she got the feeling that he could do without for weeks at a time unless she instigated the act. He made up for his lack in the sack by lavishing attention on her when they were in public. Harvey was tall, strikingly handsome, a perfect gentleman. He was a fabulous escort even if he wasn’t a topnotch lover. Besides, Jase wasn’t looking for a permanent man in her life. She could make do with her b.o.b. and an escort when needed. The phone rang and she snatched it up, hoping Kerri had come to her senses and needed a rescue ride. “Hello.” “Hey, Jase. Have you got plans for tonight?” Sara asked, her cheerful tone grating on Jase’s bad mood. “A hot date with Harvey?” “No, Harvey is working tonight. Why?” “A few of us from work are going out to dinner and maybe to a movie or club after. You should join us.” Sara was the most upbeat of her friends, and Jase knew spending

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the evening with her would ease some of the worry she was dealing with tonight. Sara and her friends would be easy companions, forcing her to let go of the image of Kerri and Bondage Guy that kept sifting through her thoughts. And getting the image out of her brain was a major necessity tonight. “Where are you going?” she asked, knowing Kerri wouldn’t want her to obsess. “Jimmie’s Roadhouse. We’re walking to our cars now. Meet us there?” “Okay, save me a seat if you beat me there. How many people are with you?” “If you get there first, get a table for ten.” Jase smiled and agreed before ending the call. A small crowd of ten at Jimmie’s would be a riot of laughs, just what she needed. A quick glance at her black pants and bright pink top to make sure she was presentable had Jase sliding into her shoes and grabbing her purse. Who needed an escort when good friends were available? **** Kerri woke slowly, exhausted in mind and body from last night’s experience. Every inch of her had thrummed in pleasure for such an extended time that she had aches in places she didn’t know she had. Light filtered into the room and under her lashes, urging her to welcome the new day and whatever Hunter had planned for her. She rolled to her back and stretched, easing the tightness around her spine and through her thighs. Her hands spread out from her body and found cool sheets instead of the warm body she’d curled into when she’d been spent and near comatose only hours ago. Eyes finally open, Kerri stared at the ceiling, her body heating while scenes flashed through her brain. On her knees at the club, helpless as Hunter took his pleasure and Richard held her head. A

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spanking in the private room, again with Richard observing. With a groan, Kerri rolled to her stomach at the memory of Hunter pulsing inside her during the spanking, the heat of his palm against her skin mirroring the heat of him buried within her, his shout at climax reverberating in her brain. And the feel of hot fluid splattering against the bare skin of her back, another moan from above her. All the while, Hunter’s voice surrounding her with a need to please him, a need she’d never thought would become a reality. But it had. Even in his bed, away from the watchful eyes of Richard Menton, Kerri continued to feel the all-consuming need to please him. Her lids dropped, a hard breath pushing past her lips while images of Hunter bombarded her. He was pushing her for more than she was ready to handle, but it wasn’t just sexual. His dominance, his utter control of her during sex, thrilled her in ways she hadn’t believed possible before she met him. But while the orgasms he’d given her were explosive and addicting, her worry was much more focused on the man himself. Hunter made her feel like a woman. He made her dream things she’d never thought possible. He made her want to need him. Kerri sat up and flung the sheet off her body, irritation working its way through her system. The air conditioner chose that moment to cycle on and the sudden breeze made her shiver, her bare nipples tightening. A few quick steps took her to Hunter’s dresser, where she found a selection of solid colored T-shirts and pulled one over her head. It was huge, hanging to her knees, but at least it covered the important parts and kept the breeze off her. A faint scent of coffee led her down the stairs and into the kitchen. Hunter’s long legs caught her attention before she made it through the entrance, lean muscle strikingly encased in faded jeans stretched out into the walkway that linked the breakfast nook and the kitchen. His gaze lifted from the newspaper in his hands when she stopped in the doorway. “Morning, sleepyhead.” His brows dropped with his frown. “Why

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are you covered?” “Hope you don’t mind me borrowing a shirt. I was cold.” Kerri stepped around the island and poured coffee into a waiting cup, then opened the refrigerator in search of creamer. Despite the cool breeze from the fridge, heat enveloped her as hot hands pushed up from her thighs to her hips. With the carton in hand, Kerri turned to face him, or at least tried. “Move, please,” she said, turning into his warm body but keeping the milk between them. “I need coffee after last night. Back off.” He snatched the carton from her hand and set it on the counter while his left arm circled her waist and pulled her into his body. “Back off? Not likely, pretty girl. Why are you hiding your body?” “I was cold, and I didn’t want to walk around naked and shivering. Can I have my coffee now?” She looked him square in the face, forcing all emotion from her expression, her inner voice chanting “this is a game, not real life” as a reminder. She was helping him with an investigation. The sexual game they were playing was just that, a game. Hunter’s eyes met hers, dark, sparkling as if he knew what she was thinking before she formulated the thought. When she glanced away, his fingers cupped her chin. “Don’t hide from me, Kerri. Trust me. I won’t hurt you.” “How can I be sure?” she asked, jerking away from his grasp, knowing he’d let her go. Adding creamer to her coffee, she realized Hunter was showing her his honesty. The fact that he’d let her step away was reason for trust. But it didn’t stop the irritation in her voice. ”I don’t know much about you, only what you’ve told me, and I can’t be sure any of it is true.” “Having second thoughts about last night?” His voice was deeper, softer, as it washed across her senses. He was trying to seduce her, would seduce her if she let her guard drop an inch. “Just being sensible.” Even with cream, the hot coffee scalded her

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tongue. Kerri turned away from him, hoping the pain in her mouth would keep her silent, but not counting on it. Knowing her anger was directed more inward than at Hunter didn’t keep her from wanting to lash out. He was pushing her to feel emotions she’d given up on years ago and she was desperate to keep them buried. Behind her, a cabinet opened and closed with a soft tap. The clink of a plate settling on the stone countertop followed. A box rustled. She tried to ignore the scent of cinnamon as the microwave hummed, but when the bell dinged and Hunter opened it behind her, the aroma intensified. “Come sit with your coffee and eat. Maybe your mood will improve with a little food.” His tone, all cajoling and humoring, didn’t help but Kerri sat in the chair nearest the plate he’d made for her. Two warm scones bracketed a tiny bowl of red jam. Raspberry or strawberry, but either way, she knew it would be good. She used the little spoon he’d placed on the plate and smoothed a smear of jam on one section of a scone, then took a bite. “Better?” he asked, a smug question but a curious expression in his eyes. The scone was delicious, the raspberry jam a fine compliment to the cinnamon in the batter, and the flavor did lighten her mood a little bit. But then her anger hadn’t truly been directed at him. “Thank you, it’s very good.” She sipped her coffee, finally drinkable. “I’m sorry.” “Don’t be sorry, pretty girl. Everyone has their own issues. And I’ve pushed your inhibitions beyond your comfort zone.” Kerri gave him a murmured reply, not really agreeing or disagreeing, because she didn’t want to commit one way or the other. Yes, he’d manipulated her into a position or two that was far removed from her usual pursuits, but she’d enjoyed it more than she’d imagined. However, admitting it wasn’t something she was ready to do.

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**** Hunter watched Kerri eat. She was pensive, careful, her mind working on overload to process last night’s memories. He could see the struggle in her ever-changing expression. Perhaps he’d been a little premature by including Richard in their experience at the club, but it was too late to worry. She’d deal with it in her own way. Damn it, but he’d been hard from the minute she appeared at the door with his shirt hanging half off her shoulders and dangling around her legs. She was gorgeous, tousled curls of blonde hair falling almost to her breasts, sleepy eyes, and all those soft freckles calling to him. He’d never seen her without makeup, and apparently she used enough to cover a lot of spots across the bridge of her nose and her cheeks. She looked like a kid barely out of high school, but he knew for a fact she wasn’t. The desire to spend the rest of the day making her scream his name pulsed through his mind, but he suppressed the urge. After last night, she needed a little rest and a little time to think…but not too much. He worried that if she thought too much about her time with him, she’d balk. Hunter wasn’t ready for that to happen. She’d gotten under his skin, made him want more than he’d had in years in the way of a relationship. He hadn’t been able to pin down the why of this attraction, but something about her reached out and grabbed him by the throat. He wasn’t ready to let her walk away from whatever this was they were building together. It wouldn’t be permanent, nothing ever was for him, but he wasn’t ready for it to end. “What would you like to do today?” he asked, enjoying the surprise in her eyes. “You’re asking? I assumed you had something planned.” “I did have a few ideas, but I’d like to hear your suggestions. I’d like to spend the day with you, get to know you a little better.”

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“Oh.” She sounded surprised as hell. Had he been that dominant? And here he’d thought he was suppressing at least half of his usual controlling spirit. “Can I think about it?” “Sure, just don’t take too long. We have a dinner reservation at eight.” “I need a shower,” she sighed. “How about a swim first? Most of the pool is in shade this time of day.” “Okay, but I didn’t bring a suit.” His wide grin was the only reply he gave her while he watched her face flush. Hunter stood, offering her his hand. Silent and blushing, Kerri placed her fingers in his palm and stood. In one swift movement, he pulled the shirt over her head and dropped it on the floor. “Don’t hide your body from me. It’s beautiful, perfect.” Taking her hand, he led her out the glass doors and onto the covered patio. “No one can see into the yard, so the only person enjoying the view is me.” A quick tug brought her flush against his chest and within range of his mouth. Her tense body screamed panic at her nudity. Hunter pressed kisses across her shoulder, nipping at the bend where her throat rose to her ear. When he reached the sensitive spot just under her ear, he finally felt her relax against his chest. He nipped and teased until her arms came around his waist, her body beginning to tremble with pleasure. “Go swimming, feel the water caress your body, relax while I watch. I’ll join you in a few minutes.” He set her back from him and watched her face change. She’d been expecting him to fuck her first. He could see it in her eyes and in her body’s reaction. Her nipples were tight, her lips slightly swollen and ready for him to take. Hunter smiled. “Go on, swim for me. Play in the water. Imagine it’s me touching

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your body instead of the water.” He moved to one of the padded lounge chairs on the patio, his eyes never leaving hers. Finally, she turned and found the beach entrance to the pool, slowly working her way down the slope until she could sit in the water and let her feet dangle in the deeper section. Water lapped at the globes of her breasts, her nipples tightening even more with the water temperature. It was a hot day, but the water was always a few degrees cooler than the air. Kerri shivered, then slid off the ledge and completely submerged. Surfacing on her back, one hand swiped at her hair, pulling it out of her face as she floated through the dappled sunlight. Hunter shifted in the lounge chair, rearranging his pants to accommodate the erection that kept enlarging as she moved in and out of shadow. She was breathtaking. He’d been with other women, many other women, and he could honestly say he appreciated the female form in its many and varied dimensions. But watching Kerri float across the pool, sunlight kissing her skin in a few of his favorite spots, made Hunter’s heart beat harder, faster than it had in years. Maybe it was her innocence. He knew she was of age, an intelligent woman near the end of a law degree. From the few facts she’d given him about her past, she’d been on her own for quite a while. Even if not financially, emotionally she was alone. From her earlier irritation, he could surmise that she was uncomfortable with the relationship they were beginning. And it was a relationship, even if he hadn’t planned it to be. Fuck, he couldn’t imagine walking away from her now. Or letting her walk. He’d waited long enough. Shucking his clothing, Hunter stepped to the edge of the pool. **** A shadow crossed Kerri’s closed lids, a man-made shadow unlike

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the dappling sunlight from the trees, and she knew he’d finally joined her. Quick from years of swim team practice, she flipped to her stomach and stroked hard for the other side of the pool. A rough hand closed over her ankle and yanked her in reverse. She kicked out, connected with something, and she was free. Three strokes later, strong hands clasped her waist, rolled her onto her back and under the water. She flailed against him, pushing against his chest as the need for air warred with her temper. Steel arms encased her and she was suspended above the water. Kerri gulped in air and shouted, “Are you trying to drown me?” “Are you trying to crack your head open?” Hunter spun her around and pointed in the direction she’d been swimming. “Another stroke and you’d have barreled into the ledge of the beach entrance.” Free of his hold, Kerri slipped back into the water, trembling. He was right. She’d been stupidly trying to out-maneuver him and put herself at risk. “Thanks,” she whispered. A gentler hand than she’d known skimmed from her crown to her shoulder and she shivered. “Why were you in such a hurry to get away from me? Have I hurt you in some way, Kerri?” The denseness of his voice smoothed across her senses. His hand stroked her again, this time sliding to the small of her back. The heat from his palm warmed her skin. “It was never my intention to hurt you.” “You haven’t.” Please let him drop it. “It was just a reflex.” The press of his hand lessened and his breath brushed across her shoulder before he spoke again. Rather, growled. “Who hurt you, Kerri?” His arm eased around her, moving inches at a time until she was wrapped in the heat of his body, his hand carefully placed on her belly. No force, no pressure from his hand or body, not even the feel of skin on skin across her back. He was comforting without dominating, and even though she couldn’t explain her reaction when he jumped into the pool, her heart lifted to his gentleness as he tried to

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classify her instinctive flight. “I can’t explain it. I just moved away from you. It didn’t mean anything.” Kerri held her breath for a long moment, hoping against hope he’d let it go. She’d been floating, her mind adrift in a sea of fast-pitching emotion, all of it revolving around how Hunter made her feel. The compulsion to turn away from those feelings was overwhelming. She didn’t want to put those emotions into words, slide them into the mix of Hunter’s lifestyle, into the morass of whatever relationship was developing between them. “No one will ever hurt you again, Kerri. I won’t let it happen.” Pain and promise were in his tone, the baritone flavor of his voice, and finally, the warmth of his chest pressing against her back as he enveloped her.

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Chapter 14 Her lungs burned with the stagnant air held tightly inside as she fought to make sense of his words. What did he mean? No one would hurt her while he was around, meaning she was safe for the next week or two? Or did he mean no one except him would hurt her while he was around? Forcing the stale air from her lungs, Kerri sucked in enough fresh oxygen to push away from him, taking a little comfort in a single foot of space. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.” She turned, letting her body sink into the warm water, unable to face him. She wasn’t ready to give him more than her body even though her heart was rapidly becoming his, too. “Don’t.” He was behind her, hot hands encircling her waist, pulling her into his arms. He cuddled her against his chest, one hand cupping her head as his mouth sought the tender skin beneath her ear. “Don’t ever apologize for your feelings.” Kerri relaxed into his arms, unable to control her physical reaction. Damning her weakness where he was concerned, she gave in to her need. In less than a week, she’d become wanton, craving the touch of a man who would surely walk away in a matter of days. But the pleasure was too alluring to resist. “You don’t have to tell me what’s bothering you. I won’t push, but when you’re ready, I hope you trust me with whatever is hurting you.” “I’m not hurting, just confused.” “Tell me. Maybe I can clarify.” His words were clipped,

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interspersed with sharp kissed and bites along her jaw, and Kerri fought to keep her brain engaged in the conversation. Her senses were rioting with each nip and suck of his mouth on her skin. “Too much to process right now.” A low moan passed her lips without thought. “What am I doing here today?” “You’re with me, making love in the sun, enjoying the moment.” His mouth took hers in a scorching possession. Strong arms wrapped around her, lifting her onto the shallow ledge of the beach entrance. Water lapped at the sides of her body and the feeling of floating on the edge of the world enveloped Kerri. Hunter’s body came over hers, trailing wet kisses along every unknown erogenous zone in existence. Fire pulsed across newly branded skin, sending heat straight to her core. The hot Texas sun beat down on them, but Kerri couldn’t feel anything except Hunter, his fingertips trailing along her cheek, the soft rasp of his palm as it caressed her hip, the delicious slide of his tongue across her skin. His hand paused to cup one breast, lifting it skyward to be consumed by his eager mouth. She trembled, her body aching with pleasure as he coaxed her higher. She held back a sob, trying to stay focused enough to protect her heart. But this moment in his arms was unlike anything she’d experienced before, unlike the pleasure he’d given her this week. His hands, hard and in control, were now gentle. His mouth, while still consuming, dealt passion instead of lust. He was working her, weakening her resolve to distance her emotions from the pleasure. Every taste, every dip of his tongue against hers, every brush of skin against skin sent jolts of fire along tightly stretched nerves. Kerri’s hips lifted of their own accord, instinct overriding conscious thought, and she recognized the probing of his cock, steel encased in smooth silk. With one slow, bewitching thrust, he was embedded within her. And her response was immediate. Her head dropped into his waiting palm as she sobbed, her depths clenching around him as pleasure poured through her system.

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“That’s what I like to feel, Kerri, your climax pulsing around me. I want you to feel me deep inside you, taking you places you can only reach with me.” She cried out as he began to move, gently at first, then harder, deeper as he worked toward his own release. Every pulse pushed her higher, building another climax until she was shaking with the need to finish. Kerri could feel the explosion rolling through her body as Hunter’s cock lodged deep within her, stretching her with each pulse. The heat of his release triggered her own, and she drowned in the sensation. The return of his mouth to hers wiped her mind of all reservations she had about him. She was his whether she wanted to be or not. They lay entwined until their breaths evened. Hunter rolled to his side, keeping her close, wrapping her in the heat from his body while cool water lapped at their flushed skin. **** Hunter pulled himself upright and reached for Kerri, lifting her into his arms. Her limp, wet body nestled against his chest, he walked up the slight incline and into the shade of the patio, settling her on a lounge chair. Her eyes fluttered open for a moment, drowsy blue eyes touching his soul before drifting closed. She shivered and he cursed himself for letting her get chilled. Retrieving two of the large towels he kept in the pool closet, Hunter draped one over Kerri then wrapped the other around his waist. She continued to sleep, her breath a whisper across her swollen lips as he patted her body dry. Gathering her in his arms, Hunter carried her through the house and up to his bedroom, smiling as she cuddled against him while he moved from room to room. He laid her on the rumpled bed and pulled the sheet over her breasts, watching her sigh and snuggle. Hunter watched her sleep, amazed at how quickly this little slip of a woman had wormed her way under his

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skin. A wave of protectiveness rushed through him. Kerri shifted in her sleep and rolled to her side, the sheet slipping off her shoulder. A clearly visible bite mark spoiled the fair skin just under her earlobe and Hunter cringed. His legendary control had abandoned him in an overwhelming wash of desire. Not even in his teen years had he so indelicately marked a woman. Kerri wouldn’t appreciate the bruise in the least, since it would be clearly visible for several days. A wicked little voice in his subconscious began to shout with glee, reminding him that everyone would know he’d claimed her. Regret didn’t enter his mind, but fear did. He’d lived thirty-three years and never openly claimed a woman. At least not emotionally. And therein lay the problem. He didn’t want a permanent relationship. He needed to be free to move around the country, taking care of his business interests and his hobbies. He needed his freedom. He needed to be curled around her sweet body every chance he could get. Reconciling those needs would take time he didn’t have. Hunter stepped into the bathroom for a shower and discovered his biggest mistake. In his rush to possess her, he’d forgotten to protect her. He wasn’t concerned with disease, sure he was clean and felt certain Kerri, in her innocence, was healthy. But the possibility of pregnancy was worrying. Knowing he couldn’t change the circumstances and willing to deal with the consequences, he showered, dried himself, and returned to the bedroom. Kerri was dozing, her eyes fluttering open to watch him. One hand snaked out from the covers and reached for him. It was all Hunter needed.

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Chapter 15 Hunter lifted the coffee cup to his lips, his eyes focused on the play of sunlight across the smooth surface of the pool. The warm water of the pool mixed with the hot beverage swirled inside him, a morass of unfamiliar emotions bombarding him. He felt restless and edgy in his own skin, a feeling he hadn’t experienced since high school. Kerri was creating complications he wasn’t ready to deal with, situations he never expected to encounter. Possessive. Protective. Two words he never imagined would apply to him. In a few short days, Kerri had inspired both of those urges in him. His plan for tonight’s foray into the club included an opportunity to share her with Richard, but just the idea of another man’s hands on her soured his stomach. It was a pleasure he thought she’d enjoy, but he couldn’t handle it tonight, not with his need for her raking his control into the gutter. The patio door opened and he turned to see Kerri, gloriously naked for his benefit, clad only in the mark of his possession, the silver collar sparkling in the sunlight. She stood just outside the door, watching him. Waiting. Her lips parted then pressed together as if she couldn’t decide what to say. Hunter held out a hand to her and she immediately moved to his side. When he patted his leg, she turned and sat across his lap, tucking her head under his chin. A sense of contentment swept through him, chasing away the edginess. His palm stroked from her crown to the base of her skull, then down to curve around her waist and pressed her to him. He relaxed into her.

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“Can I ask a question?” “You just did.” He smiled at her huff. “I won’t stop you.” Kerri tensed against him, a slight show of nerves. “Are you really investigating a case, or was that a line you used to involve me?” His hand lifted to her chin, raising her head so he could look into her eyes. “Yes, there is an investigation. Human trafficking. Several young women have gone missing from Richard Menton’s clubs—not just Velvet Glove. He owns five others in the United States, one in England.” “You really work for the government, not the firm?” she asked, her eyes watching every nuance of his expression. He knew he couldn’t lie to her any more than he had. “Actually, sweetheart, the badge I showed you is a little out of date. I work for the State Department on occasion, but in an advisory capacity.” Hunter put his finger across her lips before she could ask her question. “I am an attorney, licensed in several states. But primarily, I’m a controlling partner in a private security firm.” “You haven’t really answered my question. Was it a ruse to get me into your bed?” She was withdrawing from him, closing off her feelings and wearing her poker face. He couldn’t let that happen, not after the intensity of their physical and emotional connection. “It’s complicated. I’m unofficially working for a friend on this case—with the unofficial assistance of the State Department. However, when I asked you to help the other night, it wasn’t a line.” One brow lifted above those amazing blue eyes. She was unconvinced. “Pretty girl, I was being honest that night. The woman assigned to help me does work for the State Department. She popped up pregnant and can’t do field work until after her baby’s born. If you’d like, I can arrange a phone conversation with her.” “And your job at Hudson, Handleman, and Meers?” He sighed. “Real, as far as they know. Someone higher up the food chain within the firm set up the cover.”

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Kerri tipped her head, eyes never leaving his. To his relief, she didn’t appear angry, just perplexed. “How is that possible?” “I can’t help you there. I wasn’t told who set up the job, just sent to interview with the partners about six months ago. I had no idea you were related to the partners when I approached you outside Velvet Glove.” He watched her think, admiring the way her expression masked her thoughts. She’d make a damn good lawyer, never giving away her plan until the adversary was trapped and wrapped. “And this?” Kerri’s hand swept through the air in front of them, alluding to their personal circumstances. “An unexpected perk?” A flash of irritation had him backing away from humor. “It wasn’t planned. You’re young, innocent of the lifestyle. Frankly, I was surprised you agreed to continue assisting with the investigation.” Hunter cupped her face, pulled her to him, and nuzzled her cheek. His mouth moved to hers, licking then devouring her with his kiss. “I’m constantly amazed by your submission. You’re much stronger than I thought you’d be, Kerri.” “What do you mean? I’m not strong. I melt into a puddle when you start this—” Her words became a moan as his mouth moved to her collar bone, then on to the swell of her breast. He nibbled for a moment, enjoying the feel of her in his arms, the softness of her body against him. “It takes a strong woman to give up control of her body.” She squirmed slightly under his mouth and sighed. “I need to know about the investigation, Hunter.” He lifted his head with a hint of a raised brow, a quirk of his lips, and palmed her breast. “Don’t worry about the case. I’ll take care of everything and make sure you’re safe.” Soft fingers encased his wrist, their strength belying their soft texture, and lifted his hand from her breast. “No.” “Kerri, don’t tell me no unless you mean it.” His tone brooked no

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room for doubt. “Hunter. I agreed to be submissive—sexually submissive, but that’s where it ends. If I’m going to work with you on this investigation, I need details. I should be able to protect myself, at least intellectually.” “Won’t work. You need to be submissive in every way to make this believable.” “I’ll be believable without a problem. You overwhelm me with your dominant attitude and sexuality. But if I get into a mess, I need to know who the players are and who I can trust.” “Trust me.” **** He was exasperated but she didn’t care. “I do. Now tell me who else is on your side.” She held his gaze until Hunter dropped his hands to her waist and set her on her feet. “Let’s go inside and get something to drink. We’ll talk.” Kerri let him walk her into the house, intent on getting some answers. Granted, the sex was unbelievable, but to actually participate in the investigation, Hunter had to give her information. He stalled for time, making iced tea and setting out sandwich fixings while Kerri fidgeted. She pulled two plates out of the cabinet and dumped four slices of bread on them, then slapped a little mayo and mustard on each. From the corner of her eye, she could see him watching her, his body tight, his brow flat. He was trying to figure her out, find a way to manipulate the situation in his favor. And he was a pro at it, she knew that for a fact. But she wasn’t going to allow him to use sex to manipulate her anymore. She wouldn’t refuse the great orgasms, but her eyes were wide open. Kerri took her plate to the table and began to eat, watching the waterfall in the pool area, watching him while he avoided her demand for information. She didn’t speak, just waited.

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“Kerri. Look at me.” He was using the same voice he used at the club, and in the bedroom. “Don’t try to seduce me into blindly following your orders. I have a brain that works quite well.” “Of that I have no doubt.” He flashed a grin, then sighed heavily. “Richard Menton is a silent partner in the security firm I manage. He’s also an electronics genius, something not too many people know about him.” The look he shot her was a clear message that what he told her was in the strictest confidence. “I’ll keep whatever you tell me to myself. I’m not a gossip.” “I wouldn’t be telling you if I thought you were.” Hunter reached for her hand across the table and intertwined their fingers. “Richard has homes in several parts of the country, particularly in cities where he owns clubs like Velvet Glove. For security purposes, he has electronic monitoring devices in those establishments to ensure the safety of his guests and the security of his employees.” “Do the members know about these monitoring systems?” Kerri couldn’t imagine what kind of information was stored in those systems, probably enough to blackmail more than one political figure or televangelist. “No, although the fine print in their membership contracts mentions the possibility.” He grinned again, making her smile in return. He was charismatic, and Kerri knew what she’d said about resisting his control was a lie. She’d follow him anywhere, but she wouldn’t admit it to anyone. Hunter drummed his fingers on the table. He was weighing his words, trying to decide how much to tell her, and she understood his reticence. Kerri kept her eyes on his face and waited. “A year ago, he overheard two members discussing an online auction. It drew his attention because he thought it was an art auction and he’s a collector.” “Stolen artwork?” she asked. “No. Laborers. He couldn’t identify the voices and no names

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where spoken, but they were discussing a shipment of young workers from South America. He’s been tracking similar conversations, using a computer system he developed. But now the parameters have changed.” “The woman last night at Velvet Glove said something about buying me at auction. I didn’t put it together then.” Hunter nodded. “He brought me in to find out who was running the operation, using the club as a secure location to conduct business.” “How can that be, if they know they’re being recorded?” she asked. “Not everyone reads the fine print, and they assume anonymity because the membership fees are so high that law enforcement can’t get inside to investigate until after the fact. By then, their tracks are covered and they’ve moved to another location. Unfortunately, that’s what’s happening to Richard’s clubs. These people are moving their operation from site to site to avoid being caught.” “And they’re selling people.” A cold shiver slid down her spine at the thought. “Yes. From what little information I’ve gathered, they’re bringing people into the country and selling them to sweatshop owners in the States and abroad. A few months ago, they began abducting women and selling them to private individuals.” “Just from the clubs or from the surrounding area, too?” she asked, disgust eating at her equilibrium. What those women would go through was horrifying. Hunter released her hand and leaned back in his chair, fingers drumming on the table again. His eyes were dark with anger. “I think they’re being targeted at the clubs. One of the girls actually left the club with a member, but video shows he only walked her to her car. She drove herself home, but never actually made it to her apartment complex. The other three women spent time in the clubs, but were taken from different locations.” Kerri shook her head. “How can you be sure they weren’t random

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acts?” “At first, that’s what Richard assumed. His staff was questioned when evidence showed the girls had been in his clubs, but they weren’t members.” “How is that possible? I thought you had to be a member to get into the private side of the club. Or were they a member’s guest like me?” “True, you go in with me, without paying for membership, but it’s with Richard’s approval. He doesn’t give that option to just anyone. These women were in the bar area, where your friends were headed when I snapped you up.” Kerri choked on her iced tea at that remark and he chuckled. She coughed and sputtered until he got up and patted her back. When she could finally speak again, she said, “It could still be random. What evidence links it to his particular locations? Have you looked at similar crimes in the same cities? Were the victims killed or found alive? What do the local police think?” Hunter smiled and pressed a warm, luscious kiss to her lips. “You’ll make a helluva lawyer, or maybe a detective. Yes, we’ve looked at all the data and nothing correlates. One woman was taken every month, never from the same city or with the same circumstances. However, none of them have been found. It’s as if they were removed from the planet. No body, no sightings, no credit card usage or cell phone signal.” “You still haven’t told me why you think it’s the same person doing this.” “Local law enforcement ruled each incident as a missing person. With no other evidence, there wasn’t anything else they could do. Richard got involved last month when a parent contacted him at the club in Chicago. The father was hoping he had some sort of surveillance that could help the police. Up until then, I was focusing on finding who was running the human trafficking scam under cover of the club. When he asked me to take a look at the missing woman’s

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case, I started looking at all the clubs and realized it was happening in a purposely random pattern. And all the victims fit the same general profile. All are in their midtwenties, dark hair, blue eyes, between five-five and five-nine, slim build, and have been to the bar side of the club less than three times.” “Oh my God.” “I didn’t completely see it until I asked the local departments to email me a picture of their victims for my files. It was amazing how similar they were.” Kerri paced across the kitchen, unable to sit any longer considering the subject. Her mind flew through possibilities, trying to think of a reasonable explanation for those women to be missing. “Who handles crimes like this that are all over the country?” “Depends on the circumstances. FBI. Homeland Security, maybe. I’ve got friends in a few of the agencies and they know what I’m working on, waiting until I find something substantial here while they look into things in the other cities.” “And they haven’t stepped in to take over?” Hunter laughed. “No, they have plenty on their desks without my suspicions. When I have something to give them, they know I’ll call. Until then, we have work to do.” “Tell me how this investigation thing works. What should I be doing?” Hunter pulled her into his arms and kissed her hard. “Just do what you’ve been doing. Keep your eyes and ears open, be submissive, and act like you can’t get enough of me.” Kerri pushed back from him. “Well, aren’t you sure of yourself?” “Yes.” Each and every nerve ending she owned went on high alert as hot hands skimmed up her hips and pulled her bare body against his halfdressed, all-hard torso. Her nipples peaked under the barrage of sensations, the heat of his chest, the press of his tight abs rubbing against her, the rough silk of the dark hair spattered across his chest.

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His mouth devoured hers, tipping her body into overdrive as the need for him soared. Kerri heard a ragged moan then realized it was hers. Hunter’s hand slid between their bodies, his mouth never leaving hers as his tongue plunged in and out in a mating dance. Then that dance was repeated as he palmed the smooth core of her sex and one long finger circled her entrance before slipping inside. Kerri cried out again. Hunter whispered words of encouragement. “So ready for me, Kerri. Damn, you’re so wet. I have something special planned for you tonight, pretty girl. Let’s go upstairs and I’ll give you a preview.” Bending, he lifted her in a fireman’s carry over his shoulder, his fingers still moving within her as he mounted the stairs. **** Hunter laid her on the bed and let his fingers slide out of her body. Kerri’s wide blue eyes were hazy with need, her breath lifting her lovely breasts with each rough inhalation. Just where he wanted her, on the edge of desperate lust. He leaned over the bed and took possession of her mouth, delving inside while his hand reached past the bed pillows and found the restraints. Lifting his head, he watched until her eyes opened to him. “Arms up, sweetheart.” Confusion clouded her eyes so he slid his hands down her arms and lifted them above her head. In seconds, the padded cuffs clicked into place around her delicate wrists. Standing beside the bed, Hunter admired her. In this position, her rosy nipples pointed to the ceiling, her lips waited for his next kiss, and her wet pussy was begging for his touch. “What are you doing?” Kerri said, her voice a ragged groan. “Let me out of these things, Hunter.” “Do you trust me, Kerri?” “Yes, but you don’t have to tie me to the bed to have sex with me.

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I’ll participate willingly.” He couldn’t help but grin at her comment. She had no idea how good it would be. “Sometimes being free to feel without reciprocating can be intoxicating. Trust me.” Feeling her gaze follow his movements, Hunter reached under the bed and pulled the leg restraints up and through the low footboard. Quickly wrapping the supple leather around one ankle, he ignored her complaints and captured the other ankle to finish the job. The doorbell chimed. Kerri stilled, her eyes wide with panic. Hunter fought a grin, managing to turn it into a slight smile. “If you make any noise, whoever’s at the door will feel compelled to investigate. While I’ll enjoy every minute of seeing you like this, spread out for my pleasure, I can’t be sure the guest downstairs will feel the same.” Kerri watched him turn to the door, fear inching through her body to replace the excitement she’d been denying. Surely he didn’t mean to bring a stranger here to see her like this. Or worse yet, to participate in whatever he had planned. “Hunter?” Her voice cracked, a sound she hadn’t heard since her parents first left her with her grandparents. She’d been ten. She reddened, embarrassed to show him her fear. His expression as he turned to her went straight to her heart. In two steps, he was back at her side, his fingers tracing her cheekbone with the gentlest touch. “You know I would never hurt you, Kerri.” Her chin dipped, the slightest hint of agreement. Knowing and trusting were two different things, hard to reconcile in this position. She felt completely exposed, her body and soul bare to him. Hunter leaned over her to press a kiss to her lips, warm fingers sliding between her upthrust breasts, across her abdomen, and hovering above her mound. Perched on a precipice, Kerri felt the slow glide of one finger dip around her clit and sink into the wet depths of her body. A moan of anticipation competed against the chime of the

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front door, and Hunter lifted his head. “Wait for me.” Watching his broad shoulders slip through the door, hearing his tread as he crossed the foyer, listening to the muffled male voices had her senses flickering between need, fear of the unknown and wicked desire. Would he bring the other man into their room? Would he allow someone to watch or participate? Or would he simply make her wait and wonder? Her body hummed with impatient desire. The feel of his fingers dipping into her and the reaction they caused within her played over and over like a movie clip on a loop. She tried to think about work, tried to distract her lust-hazy brain with multiplication tables and grocery lists. But every time his voice rumbled across the foyer, her body clenched and begged for his return. An eternity passed before she heard footsteps. Her mind couldn’t determine how many feet moved up the stairs, and no conversation preceded him. Kerri closed her eyes, waiting for his touch. Then it came. Kerri flinched, caught unaware. Fingertips caressed the skin just above her left ankle, circled the edge of the leather holding her feet apart, then whispered their way to her knee. She moaned, a soft exhalation she couldn’t contain. They slipped around her calf, caressing the back of her knee before sliding to the edge of her ankle cuff. Her need intensified, the feel of his hand against her skin driving her into a near breathless state of hyperawareness. A warm palm caressed her inner thigh, squeezing the muscle before moving higher. Just below the juncture of her thighs, the hand lifted. Kerri whimpered, frustration screaming through her brain. She was being tortured. Her eyes flew open at the sound of a drawer opening. A quick glance assured her that Hunter had returned alone. He lifted a black mask from the drawer and placed it over her eyes with an admonishment. “Just feel, Kerri. Don’t think, don’t worry. Just feel.”

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The complete darkness was unnerving. Kerri listened for his steps, strained to hear his breathing, any sound that would tell her he was still in the room. **** Hunter sat in the easy chair in the corner, slipped off his shoes and splayed his legs in front of him, much like the pose he’d left Kerri in. He had no choice. No other position would accommodate the painfully hard erection. He watched her squirm, need pushing her body for release. He wondered how long she’d last before calling to him. Hell, he wondered how long he could hold out until he climbed on top of her and sank into that delectably sweet body of hers. He was going to fuck her all day and all night, until he could walk away without craving her. After the incident in the pool, he wasn’t sure that was even possible. Kerri was sneaking in under his radar, taking away his control in tiny increments until he wasn’t sure he could deny himself her body or her heart. He was days away from falling in love with her. Not a good idea. He wasn’t good at love. Sex, sure. Love he truly sucked at. He’d heard it all. He was too controlling, too demanding, too distant. Women loved to be with him short-term, but in the end they all said the same thing. He expected too much, pushed them for more but didn’t make any emotional commitment. They wanted love with their sex. He just wanted sex. Kerri was different. Every time he touched her, he felt a connection growing between them. He was thirty-three years old. He wanted someone to care about, someone to hold every night. But he needed someone whose passions ran as high as his. He hoped Kerri was the woman he could build a life with. Her head rolled on the bed, her arms tugging at the restraints. She was a strong woman, waiting for her pleasure. Hunter stood and

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silently stripped before moving to the bed. Without a sound or jostle of the bed, he hovered over her breast and exhaled. The nipple peaked at the same moment she cried out from the sensation. His mouth covered the taut spike and sucked hard, using his tongue to add friction as her whimpers escalated. Hunter drove her higher until she was gasping, then pulled back, tweaking the tight bud and moving to the other side of the bed. Stretching out beside her, he placed his palm on the slight round of her belly, letting his pinky finger brush lower, barely touching the top of her mound. He nibbled on her nipple, licked and sucked until her appreciative murmurs became restless mewls of need. Finally, it was time to drive her crazy and watch her explode. Shifting his body, he swiped his tongue through the drenched slit of her sex, tasting the sweet nectar of her while listening to her scream. Hunter played, sipped,, and toyed with her only to draw back as she got closer to release. “Wait until I tell you to come, Kerri,” he demanded while she whimpered. Tonguing her to the edge, he slipped two fingers inside and rotated them to massage the tender spot that would drive her over the boundaries he’d set. “Not yet, sweetheart. Wait for it.” “I can’t, Hunter. Please.” He increased the pressure, and kissed her clit until she writhed against his hand. “Now, Kerri. Come for me,” he growled. Kerri’s back arched, her body jerking convulsively as the orgasm took her, wailing in pleasure. “That’s it, pretty girl. Beautiful girl,” he crooned. Damn she was glorious. Hunter crawled between her legs and positioned his cock in her slick opening. With one swift drive, he buried himself deep in her wet vise. Heat and pleasure engulfed him as her cries continued. His name on her lips became a litany of need as her passion rebuilt, pushed

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higher by his steady thrusts. Hunter watched her face contort, pleasure suffusing her features. “Hunter, please, don’t make me wait again.” He smiled. She was his. “Come now, Kerri. Come with me.”

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Chapter 16 Hunter paced the living room, waiting for his contact to call. They’d picked up a tip from an Internet site about a transport of goods from southern Texas to an undisclosed location in the Dallas area. One of his employees confirmed the shipping container left the yard early this morning, but couldn’t find a destination listed. The truck wouldn’t get to Dallas until early tomorrow morning, but Hunter suspected the shipper would be at a private party tonight. With a little luck and some cooperation, he might be able to discern which of the guests was waiting on cargo. Sprawling in a chair, he leaned back and tipped his head, staring at the ceiling. Kerri. He needed to find a way to keep her out of his head while they were at the club. In a few short days, she’d invaded too much of his conscious thought. He never should’ve pulled her into this. Those baby blues were too damned distracting. She was stronger than he’d thought the first night. Feeling her flinch as she glimpsed activities in the club that first time had piled on the guilt. She was young and innocent while he played the dirty old man. At least the age difference was less than ten years, but still, experience-wise he was older than dirt. Even with her inexperience, or maybe because of it, she’d managed to worm her way into his life. Mine. He’d bitten his tongue during that last orgasm to keep from shouting it to the ceiling. The need to claim her, keep her, was fighting every worry he had. ****

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Kerri tucked her chin as they entered the club, becoming the submissive Hunter needed her to be at the moment, amazed at how easy it was becoming. Giving Hunter control was liberating instead of confining. While they were at the club, she let herself experience her surroundings without regard to the image she’d been taught to portray within her family’s social structure. Here she was a non-person, able to blend into the surroundings while the doms mingled and socialized. And she watched, observing as Hunter had requested. It was Saturday night and the club was packed. Hunter led her into an alcove and kissed her forehead. “Turn around, pretty girl,” he said, putting his hands on her shoulder and turning her to face the wall. His hands slid down her arms to the matching bracelets he’d given her before they left his house. “You’re going to wear these all night, a symbol of trust in your master. If you behave, you’ll be rewarded.” Kerri heard the clink of metal on metal and realized he’d linked the bracelets. She was effectively handcuffed. She turned, instinct insisting she protest and she actually opened her mouth to do so. One look at his face stopped those words. His eyes shone with lust, with a need to possess, and with confidence in her ability to control her response at the loss of power. She lowered her eyes in acquiescence, her face still lifted to his. Warm lips pressed against her mouth and she eagerly opened to him. His kiss was devouring, taking charge, and leaving no doubt concerning his dominance. Kerri relaxed under his possession and let her body sink into his. Hunter pulled back, wrapped his hand around her nape, and pushed his way through the crowded room. Club patrons stepped out of his way, his natural aura of strength becoming a buffer around the two of them as they crossed the floor. When he stopped, Kerri looked up to see who he’d met. Bad idea. She ducked her head, hoping he hadn’t recognized her.

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“What the hell?” That gruff voice, the sound of cruel intent, washed over her senses and prepared her for the worst he could dish out. Kerri steeled herself. She might be acting the submissive for Hunter, but she was an adult. She didn’t have to submit to just anyone. Rough fingers caught her chin and yanked it up. “Does my sister know where you are, Kerri?” Before she could reply, Hunter’s hands were pushing her uncle away. “Keep your fucking hands off her.” “Yeah, and I bet your hands have been all over her. Just another piece, right, Merritt?” He turned back to Kerri. “Well, answer me, girl. Does Sylvia know where you like to play?” Kerri stared at him, waiting for more obscenities. He and her mother hadn’t spoken in years. She watched him squirm for a minute before opting for a soft, firm tone. “I’m an adult, Uncle Devin. I go wherever I want. Does she know where you like to play? Does Grandmother?” She’d hit her mark. His face flushed, from too much alcohol or her comment, she couldn’t be sure. “Fucking little girl playing big girl games. I should have spanked you years ago.” Hunter stepped between them, placing his body in front of her. “I find out you’ve touched her in any way and there won’t be enough pieces for your family to bury.” She flinched, not at his words but at the tone of his voice. It was vicious, guttural. Kerri was glad it wasn’t directed at her. Devin Hudson stared at Hunter, radiating anger as his hand tensed around his highball glass. Kerri watched moisture collect below the rough fringe of hair falling across his forehead. Some things never changed. As a child, she’d thought the telltale glint of sweat meant his brain was working hard enough to create heat. Eventually, she’d realized it only revealed his need to strike out, usually with a low

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blow. She braced herself for whatever he came up with in his slightly inebriated state. “She’ll be happy to see you’ve followed her into the whoring business.” The accompanying sneer was meant to be insulting, a cut to her heart. But Kerri’s relationship with her mother had been estranged for years and his insult only served to make him appear the fool. She shrugged it off and turned away. Hunter didn’t. His hand wrapped around Hudson’s throat, squeezing enough to redden the man’s face. Her uncle’s glass dropped and shattered, glass spewing across the tile floor while he sputtered, both hands grasping Hunter’s wrist. Kerri stepped back, mesmerized by Hunter’s show of support for her, even if it was unnecessary. No one had ever come to her defense where her uncle was concerned. As a college student, she’d realized his antagonism stemmed from her close relationship to her grandmother. But understanding the why of his persecution of her didn’t make the hurt disappear. The urge to touch Hunter was overwhelming but her hands were stuck at the small of her back. Kerri turned her body and pressed her shoulder to his arm, tipped her head to rest against him. The tension in his body was unbelievable, every muscle rock hard. “Hunter, it’s fine. I don’t care what he says.” “I care,” he growled. She watched his fingers flex, slowly releasing Devin from his grip. “Stay away from Kerri.” Devin rubbed his throat, attempting to glare at Kerri and Hunter at the same time. His eyes shifted to the room around them and Kerri knew he was assessing the damage to his reputation. “She’s my niece. She works for me. Fuck me if you don’t, too. I should fire you both.” “Good luck with that. I work for the firm, not for you.” Jaws clenched near to the breaking point at his lack of power over her, Devin growled, “Well, fuck you both.” He glared at Kerri one

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last time before stomping away and disappearing into the crowded club. Hunter turned on her, his expression fierce. “What did he do to you?” “Nothing. I haven’t seen him in a long time. Let it go, Hunter.” Hard hands gripped her shoulders. “Tell me.” She closed her eyes, grimaced at the strength of his fingers on her skin, and the pressure of his hands immediately lessened. “Damn it, I didn’t mean to do that, baby.” He ran soothing palms up and down her bare arms. “The last thing I want to do is hurt you.” Kerri nodded, breathing deeply to get rid of the residual anger her uncle always left in his wake. “He does that, makes people crazy with anger. It’s his only talent.” Without another word, Hunter turned her back to the crowd and pushed his way to the back hall. The first door to the right opened at a swipe of his keycard and he closed the door behind them. It was a small room, shelves on one side displaying a variety of adult toys and a large basket of condoms. Everything one would need for kinky safe sex. Kerri almost giggled at the thought. Her nerves were stretched to the limit after Devin’s little tirade. With no prelude, Hunter steered her to a padded bench and pressed their bodies together, pinning her hips between his steel erection and the back rail of the bench. His mouth devoured her, hot delving kisses that stole her breath and burned her body. She strained at the cuffs, wanting to touch him, to give him the same pleasure he was creating in her. The sudden absence of pressure surprised her, and then she felt his hands on her shoulders, turning her away from him. The rail dug into her stomach as he pressed her over the bar and flipped up her skirt. She was bare and ready. In one swift thrust, Hunter was in as deep as possible, buried to the hilt within her clenching body. Kerri’s ragged cry matched his groan.

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“Mine,” he said, his voice a rough whisper as the side of his face pressed against her ear. “You’re mine, and no one will touch you but me.” Kerri shivered, the desperate possessiveness in his tone causing rapid-fire electric currents to slice through her body. One hand stroked her hair while the other grasped her joined wrists, holding her steady as he moved in and out of her tight passage. Complete surrender washed over her senses and pushed conscious thought into oblivion. Kerri gave herself to him in that moment. She felt a part of her soul break free and fly as her body clenched around him. She heard his voice, dark with passion, commanding her climax, and she let go. Feeling her body respond, feeling his possession of her, swept away all thoughts of her family, her uncle. Only Hunter mattered now. **** Hunter fought for breath as he slid out of her, thankful he’d remembered the condom at the last minute. Lifting her gently, he placed her on her side on what served as a bed in the room and turned to the adjacent bathroom. He let the water warm while disposing of the condom, then wet a soft cloth and returned to Kerri. She was drowsy, sated from coming hard, as he was. Her softfocus eyes followed him as he lifted her thigh and wiped the moisture from her legs and pussy. Her body shifted and she whimpered, shrugging her shoulders. With a curse, Hunter reached for the link in the cuffs and released her. Rolling her to her stomach, he straddled her thighs and massaged her shoulders until he felt her muscles relax. Hunter eased to her side and wrapped his arms around her. He’d been a fool to think he could let her into his life for a short time and manage to walk away when the investigation was over. Kerri was proving to be a match for him in too many ways to count. She was strong, passionate, and intelligent. Keeping her safe from the

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lifestyle and, to be honest, safe from his hungers, was quite likely impossible. He’d let her in past the barriers he’d erected long ago. Hunter pressed a kiss to her damp neck and climbed off the bed. “Time to go, Kerri. We’re expected at a party upstairs.” He laughed when she turned her head, not even opening her eyes when he shook her shoulder. “Come on, I know you aren’t asleep, and that satisfied look on your face will keep me from abusing you in front of my friends. You’ll be safe.” “What are you talking about?” Finally, a reaction from her. Hunter grinned. Kerri’s face was flushed, not just from her recent climax, but with irritation. “Explain, please.” Well, at least she’d said please. “The party is all about sharing, little girl. But I don’t plan to share you, so now I can present you as a prize I’ve already taken full advantage of, and we can dispense with the games and get on with the conversations and the subterfuge.” “Your suspect will be at this party.” “Yes, several, in fact. Keep your ears open and your eyes down. Don’t tempt any of them to interact with you. Now, let’s get moving.” He helped her off of the bed, allowed her use of the restroom, then replaced the link in her bracelets. “All night?” was her only comment, and when he nodded, she didn’t argue. When he reached for the door, a whispered “wait” stopped him. A glance at her face had him cursing. Fear mixed with the residual postcoital glow, and he held himself rigid, knowing that if he took her in his arms, they’d never leave the room. “What did you mean about sharing me? Would you loan me to a friend like you’d let someone borrow your car?” He couldn’t stop the smile from creeping across his lips. “No one borrows my car.” She gasped. “If I decide to share you, no one touches you without me present. And I would be touching you, too.”

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“Oh.” Fuck. She actually looked interested in the prospect of a ménage. He’d shared with Richard in the past, but with Kerri, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to stomach another man—even Richard—touching her. She looked hesitant, but curious. She’d be the death of him if he kept her. “You want a ménage, pretty girl?” Her eyes widened, staring into his with a little shock and a little glimmer of arousal. “I don’t, I don’t know.” “I’ll take that into consideration, but clearly understand it will be my decision, not yours.” Hunter didn’t wait for her response, simply keyed the door lock and drew her out the door and into the main room. **** Kerri noticed a few knowing looks as she followed Hunter from the private room on the first floor. Everyone in attendance knew what those rooms were for, and even though they’d been behind closed doors, Kerri felt like she’d been put on display for the entire crowd. It made her uncomfortable and a little bit giddy. Strange reaction for her, but interesting all the same. An older man stopped Hunter and Kerri angled her body away from him while they spoke. She glanced around the crowded room, wondering where her uncle was. Being prepared for another encounter was the best defense. A familiar face caught her eye across the room. A man was moving through the crowd with a long-haired brunette in tow. He had short, spiked hair and wore tight leather pants with a leather wife-beater. At first glance, Kerri thought he was Jase’s friend, Harvey. But with a closer examination, she knew she was wrong. This man was more self-confident than anyone Jase would date. “Kerri,” Hunter said, “eyes down.”

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She quickly complied, turning back to give him her full attention. They took an elevator to the ultra-private third floor. Members using the elevator scanned their membership card to gain access and exit, keeping the uninvited out of the party. As the doors opened, Kerri was surprised at the lack of sound. Unlike the downstairs areas, this room was quiet. Understated elegance and soft music created an oasis of serenity. Scattered seating arrangements dotted the wide ocean blue carpet. Navy couches with tan or coral throw pillows were interspersed with chaise lounges or love seats. It almost reminded her of the foyer of an elegant opera house her grandmother had taken her to a few years ago. Almost. The opera house didn’t allow women to lounge bare-assed naked in the foyer. But apparently, the practice was encouraged in this room. She turned to Hunter but a quick glance at his face had her dropping her chin. This was not the time to question him. He gripped her wrists and turned her to a doorway she hadn’t noticed. It wasn’t a large room, rectangular in shape and lined with storage shelves holding wicker baskets. A few armless chairs sat in the middle of the room, along with one or two overstuffed armchairs. Hunter unclipped her bracelets and sat in one of the comfy chairs. “Find an empty basket and bring it to me.” She looked long and hard into his face, trying to decide if this was where her participation would end. Could she really appear naked in that room full of people? Sure, she wouldn’t be the only bare body on display, but could she turn off every lesson of respectability she’d had stuffed into her brain for the last twenty-six years? Kerri closed her eyes, knowing Hunter was waiting for her decision. He wouldn’t push, wouldn’t insist. It was a choice she needed to make on her own. With a deep breath, she turned to the wall of shelves and found an empty basket, carried it to the chair where he waited, and set it at his feet.

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His smile warmed her, unspoken praise she hadn’t expected. She perched on the edge of an armless chair and removed her shoes, putting them into the basket before adding her clothes. When finished, she stood before Hunter and turned her back, offering her wrists to him. Warm hands on her waist surprised her. He tugged her between his knees and kissed a line down her spine before nipping at the rounded beginning of her hip. His hands lifted to her shoulders, slid down her arms, and moved her wrists back into place so he could link the cuffs. “You’re a beautiful woman, Kerri. Every man in that room will be jealous as hell.” Unsure about how to accept a compliment on her nakedness, since it wasn’t something Emily Post normally advised about, Kerri chose to lower her head in a quick nod. His chuckle, followed by a few mumbled words, was all she heard before he stood and led her back into the room. The mumbled words rang through her brain until they made semi-sense. Something about “the death of me” was all she could recognize, and she wondered who would die first, her or Hunter. “You will eat and drink only what I give you, understand?” he whispered as they moved into the room. Kerri nodded imperceptibly and stayed by his side. Not that her will mattered. His palm at her nape did the steering and her body followed. They found an unoccupied chaise lounge and Hunter sat, stretching his legs comfortably before patting the space next to his hip. “Facing me, Kerri.” Looking at the spot he’d placed his hand, Kerri wanted to growl. If she sat as he directed, her legs would be wide open. Not a position she appreciated, though he probably would. Hunter was testing her, pushing her limits. Lucky for her that she’d been schooled in the fine art of being a lady. Placing her bottom on the spot he indicated, Kerri crossed her

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ankles, pressed her knees together, and pivoted toward him. Her feet left the floor and ended up resting near her hips. When she looked at him and smiled, he laughed. “Not what I had in mind, but good enough for now.” Hunter stroked her thigh absently, his face relaxed while he surveyed the other occupants of the room. “Let’s see what kind of company we’ll have. I put out a few feelers about looking for a companion for a friend.” “Or a replacement for me?” she whispered. “Not a chance, pretty girl. Not a chance.” Kerri kept her head tilted down but scanned the room in front of her from under her bangs. Since Hunter hadn’t been specific in what to look for, she planned to watch for anything unusual. But unusual to her in this room encompassed just about everyone and everything. Naked women stood or sat next to well-dressed men all around the room. She noticed two men deep in conversation, sitting across from each other in overstuffed chairs. Each man had a woman on the floor at their feet, her head on his lap. As she watched, one girl rose to her knees and unfastened the man’s belt and lowered his zipper. Quickly shifting her gaze back to Hunter, Kerri met his knowing expression. “Don’t be surprised by what you see tonight. It might be expected of you later. Watch and learn.” His voice, rich with lust, held a promise. Before he could elaborate, a woman interrupted. “May we join you, Hunter?” Kerri didn’t look up, recognizing the voice of the woman that offered to let her boy-toy play with her. “Lillian, nice to see you. Of course you may join us.” Hunter gestured to the lounge across from them, and the woman settled herself and her tethered man, her eyes turning to Kerri. “She seems to be working out for you, despite that little incident downstairs. I had no idea she belonged to Hudson when we met the other night.”

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Kerri fought to keep a calm expression as the woman talked about her openly in public. She’d been brought up to be polite to everyone, but apparently this woman didn’t follow the conventions of wellmannered society. But then, why should Kerri expect those conventions when the person she was watching had a half-naked man on a leash? “She doesn’t actually belong to him. Kerri just happens to be his niece.” To Kerri’s ears, Hunter sounded bored, maybe a little irritated. “She belongs to me.” “Oh, well, that does complicate your possession of her, but without negating it.” She stroked her man’s chest as he languished by her side. “Doesn’t he own the firm where you work?” “Hudson’s a partner, but not in control of anything important. I’m not concerned.” “I heard an interesting rumor. Maybe you can set something straight for me. Are you looking for a new girl?” Kerri’s face heated under Lillian’s gaze. The urge to look at the woman surged through her but she shoved it down. Self-control warred with pride and won. “Actually, I have an acquaintance that’s in the market for an extremely compliant girl. I told him I’d ask around. But after tonight, I may need to shop for myself. Just in case the situation with Hudson becomes a problem.” The roaring in her ears took Kerri by surprise. Her eyes widened for a moment, focused on Hunter, and the roar subsided. He was watching her, his expression bland, not at all in tune with his words. She dropped her eyes again and focused on deep, slow breaths. “You’re sure?” Lillian asked. “I’ll decide for myself in the next few days. However, my acquaintance is definitely in the market. Do you know someone who might be interested?” “Now that you mention it, I was approached just this evening by someone offering to find a woman for my boy here.” Lillian’s fingers

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stroked lower on his abdomen, and Kerri watched the man’s tight leather pants get even tighter. “He asked if I was in the market for a toy for Jeffrey, a woman he could fuck into exhaustion on a daily basis with no complaints.” Her fingers moved lower, teasing the bulge, and Kerri felt herself responding to the scene. “Of course, I like seeing him indulged, but not enough to find a regular girl. Apparently, there’s going to be an auction soon.” “Interesting. How soon are we talking? I’ll see if my friend’s able to get here. Do you have the details?” Lillian dug in the leather pouch at her hip and produced a business card. Handing it to Hunter, she said, “I got the impression it was an online event. Would that make it more available for your friend?” “Possibly. I’ll pass this along.” “Hmm, Jeffrey’s getting worked up. Would you be interested in watching him with your girl?” “No. She’s still training. Maybe in a week or two. I’ll let you know.” The roar was back, muted but still rushing through her brain. Hunter’s voice was flat, unemotional, and Kerri’s nerves were beginning to fry. Most likely from sitting naked on a couch while Lillian stroked a huge, leather-clad erection and talked about online auctions with Hunter. Lillian stood and nodded at Hunter. “We’ll move on, then. Jeffrey needs to entertain me tonight.” She tugged his leash and he rose to walk a discrete pace behind her as she moved through the gathering crowd. The room was filling with people, equal numbers of clothed and unclothed, milling around, socializing. But unlike the open area downstairs, the atmosphere was subdued. It had the feel of a night at the opera or ballet. The comparison was worrying. A tweak to her breast returned her attention to Hunter. He leaned close to nuzzle her throat and whispered, “Don’t let the conversation worry you. All a means to an end.” A nip and nibble

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against her jaw led him to her collarbone, then on to her nipple. Kerri gasped as his lips tugged at her in the crowded room. When he stopped, both breasts tingled and stood at attention. “Almost showtime, pretty girl.” A chime sounded and people turned toward the sound. Hunter stood and took her arm, helping her stand while her wrists remained chained. He hadn’t explained where they were going, and a feeling of dread crept over her. What if she was part of the show? Would he warn her ahead of time or simply push her into the activity? Her body began to tingle, worry and anticipation struggling for dominance. A curtain surrounded the middle of what could pass for a dance floor, and clusters of couches and lounges encircled it. As the seats were taken, people gathered behind them to stand and watch. Kerri sucked in a deep breath when Hunter sat down at one end of a loveseat and pulled her into his lap, angling her body to face the curtained area. His fingers slipped to the link in her bracelets and thumbed the release. Kerri sighed against him at the easing of her arms and felt his palms warming her shoulders. “You’ve been very good tonight, pretty girl. Relax for me, Kerri.” Her feet stretched into the adjoining cushion as he positioned her against his chest, arranging her body and settling her head against his shoulder. Pressing a soft kiss to her brow, he murmured in her ear. “This is a bonding ceremony of sorts. The people involved are committing to a relationship without the legalities of a wedding, but they’ve signed contracts with each other spelling out the terms of their agreement.” The overhead lights dimmed slightly as more people settled in the couches around them. Kerri had given up watching the crowd, unnerved by the vision of so many naked or near-naked bodies in one room, most of them women. She focused instead on Hunter’s hand where it rested on her knee, his fingers circling against her skin as if he was tracing a coin on her leg.

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The long black curtain lifted to the ceiling, exposing a low, padded platform in the center of a well-lit circle. All conversation stopped as a woman entered the room, a curvy brunette wearing only a red leather collar. She stepped into the illuminated circle and walked to the platform, her head held high. Kerri’s gaze lifted, watching the woman stand bare before so many people, standing proudly. Standing strong. “Waiting for her master,” Hunter whispered in her ear. From the left of the circle, Kerri watched a man approach. Tall, lean, muscular, he strode into the circle of light wearing a black towel around his waist. A black leather band encircled the thick muscle of his left arm. A crystal pendant dangled from a ring on his armband. A movement from the right of the circle caught her attention and she turned to see a similarly attired man step toward the light. The two men approached the woman, stopping when they were arranged on each side of her. The crowd waited silently as each man removed the pendant on their armband and clipped it to one of the rings on each side of the woman’s collar. As the pendants were attached, her head lowered, acknowledging her masters. Kerri stared mesmerized by the ceremony as each man placed a hand on the young woman’s shoulders. She went gracefully to her knees as the men removed their towels and presented her with two hard cocks. Her heart began to pound in an uneven rhythm as she watched the woman on the platform service both of the men that had bound her to them. It was the strangest wedding ceremony she’d ever witnessed. Yet, it wasn’t even a wedding, just a mating ritual of some sort. The witnesses took it seriously, though. And Kerri recognized the seriousness of the occasion. “They’re creating a permanent ménage, vowing to live together and care for each other, with the focus on the woman and her needs, along with the needs of any children they may produce. No matter who the biological father may be, the children will be cared for and

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nurtured.” Hunter’s whispered description seemed impossibly utopian when so many couples she knew couldn’t make the same promise. “Impossible,” she murmured. “Sometimes, getting what you want takes courage and determination. Regardless of the social norms.” Hunter’s hand moved up her thigh, heightening the tremors within her as she watched the threesome on the platform. The woman had reclined on the raised platform and each man pleasured her in his own way. The atmosphere was rife with heat, lust, and desperate need as the crowd responded to the actions before them. Kerri could feel Hunter’s chest rise and fall, the hand cupping her waist moved higher to stroke the lower swell of her breast. Her feet lifted as another body joined them on the loveseat, his hands wrapping around her calves and settling them on his lap. She gasped, her head lifting to see who would touch her while she sat so comfortably in Hunter’s possession. “Just Richard, sweetheart. I thought you might want company tonight, after watching this ceremony.” His words, the desire inherent in his tone, sent shivers along her spine. Did he intend for her to let them both take her tonight? Had she given him any indication she’d be interested in a ménage? Her brain was too fogged with lust and need to remember a conversation about ménage. Was this what Hunter wanted? Could she do this? When he spoke again, it was as if he’d read her mind. “Don’t dwell on what-ifs, Kerri. Don’t let fear make decisions for you. Trust me.” She turned her head to look at the couple again. In the middle of a watchful crowd, they were in their own passion-filled world. Looking into Hunter’s eyes, dark with desire, she whispered, “Would it please you? Is that what you want?” Kerri was caught off guard by the crease in his brow, the tilt of his head. He lifted his head to the couple, then met her gaze.

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“To share you that completely? No. I want you to experience everything I have to offer in the way of pleasure. But I have my own limits.” “Am I allowed to ask what exactly you’re offering?” she asked, making eye contact again, most likely breaking the rules as they’d been explained to her. There were just too damned many rules for her to keep track of while she was naked and aroused. And she couldn’t deny the arousal. It was a constant ache when she was near Hunter. The man absolutely drove her over the edge with a glance, a word, a touch. A stray thought had her wondering if there was a twelve-step program to get over him. She’d need it any day now. Hot hands caressed up her calf, over her knee, and onto her thigh, and her focus jumped back to the here and now. “I’m suggesting Richard join us tonight, here at the club and at my house. Or, if you prefer, in a private room here at the club.” Kerri looked at Richard, dirty blond hair falling into his crystal blue eyes, his expression tight with lust. She remembered the night not long ago when he’d put his hands on her in the dressing room of that strange shop. She’d practically exploded when he left the room. She’d been shocked, but now she wasn’t sure what to do. Hunter’s teeth scraped under her ear, nibbling. “No answer will be construed as a yes.” The heat in his voice, the heat of his breath against her skin, and the heat of Richard’s palm as it moved higher on her thigh took all semblance of coherence away from her. Kerri’s head dropped to Hunter’s shoulder, a whispered moan slipping from her lips. Then she was in Hunter’s arms as he strode to the closest exit, Richard leading the way. She glimpsed a dim, narrow hall before the elevator door opened. Once inside, hands stroked, petted. Richard’s hands, since Hunter still held her in his arms, his mouth fiercely possessing hers.

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A chime signaled the elevator’s stop. A short flight of stairs and a door opened. The sharp stench of exhaust fumes jarred her from the daze of arousal and she realized they were outside. “Wait, stop. My clothes—” “I’ll take care of it tomorrow, angel,” Richard replied, swiftly opening the limo door, allowing Hunter to slide inside, Kerri still wrapped in his arms. Richard joined them, and as soon as the door closed, the car began to move. Hands began to move, too. Across her midsection, cupping a breast, nuzzling the tight peak. Every move the two men made was designed to systematically drive her insane. Kerri could feel it happening but had no energy—or desire—to stop them. Heat welled in her body, pooling in her erogenous zones and sending spikes of electricity surging through each and every nerve cell she possessed. And then they stopped. The car stopped. Richard stepped out of the limo, spoke briefly to the driver, then reached in to lift Kerri out of Hunter’s arms. Darkness surrounded them until the garage door began to lift. Hunter moved through the empty bay and opened the door into the house, holding it for Richard and Kerri as the garage door shut. They’d left a few lights on, just enough to manage the back staircase. Kerri found herself sitting on Hunter’s bed, two men in front of her in the process of shedding their clothes. Her breath caught as the beat of her heart escalated. The reality of her situation crowded her consciousness, and she wondered what she was supposed to do with two naked men.

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Chapter 17 A cool breezed floated across her bare shoulder and Kerri shivered, the reaction taking her out of the heat of the moment and into the reality of what she was about to do. With her eyes glued to the two nearly naked men at the end of the bed, she reached for the edge of the sheet. “Don’t even think about covering your body, pretty girl.” Hunter’s words rasped across her skin, causing an entirely different kind of shiver. The rough heat in his demand seeped through her skin, warming her in a way no blanket could. God, she loved the way he could make her heart pound and her panties wet with just the tone of his voice. When she looked from his face to Richard’s, she saw the same intensity. The same lust. “Damn, Hunter. She’s exquisite.” Richard moved to the left of the bed, the heat in his gaze burning a path up her body. “You have no idea. Wait until you’re inside her.” Hunter paced to the right of the bed, one predatory step at a time, the hard contours of his body shining in the reflected light of the single lamp on the bedside table. Kerri felt her chest tighten, the air inside her lungs caught between fear and desire. Two men. At the same time? Had she completely lost her mind? Hunter leaned against the side of the bed and lifted a hand to her hair, brushing it behind her shoulder and stroking her cheek with one rough fingertip. “Are you sure, Kerri?”

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She let her eyes drift closed in response to his touch. The man had more power over her body than she could have imagined just a few days ago. And he seemed to care about her. Dominant, but kind. Was that possible? Kerri hoped it was real. Hoped he was real. She nodded her consent. “Say the words, pretty girl. I—we need to hear them.” “Yes, Sir.” Richard’s growl from the other side of the bed had the air rushing from her body. She was going to do this. She was going to make love to two men. Two powerful, dominant men, and each of them knew more about sex and pleasure than she could ever learn in a lifetime. Hunter’s mouth covered hers, the possessive, powerful strokes of his tongue as he dipped inside driving her doubts into oblivion. His arm slipped across her shoulder blades and the pressure of his body eased her back against the bed. His kiss wiped away her fear and guided her into a morass of sensations. Kerri jerked, surprise surging through her system when hot hands slid between her thighs. They brushed fire along every nerve ending they encountered, and when the heat rose to almost unbearable levels, those hands were followed by an even hotter tongue. Richard. Kerri’s body shook at the two disparate touches. Hunter’s hands were in her hair, skimming along her collarbone in a long, strong glide to her breast. When he found the nipple erect and waiting, he squeezed and caressed in exactly the way he’d shown her in the last few days. The shot of ecstasy splintered into a million shards of sensation and scattered throughout her body. In that moment, Richard slid a finger into her wet depths and blew across the bare flesh of her core. An orgasm flashed outward from her center, her back bowing off the bed with her scream.

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In the hazy aftermath, she heard Richard’s whispered “fuck,” followed by her master’s chuckle. “I told you she was responsive.” “Amazing,” Richard whispered, his hands smoothing over her hip to cup her throbbing mound. Kerri could feel his fingers, each one individually sliding through her wet opening. She gulped air when one finally slipped inside to caress the excruciatingly tender spot just behind her clit. If he kept his finger there for much longer, she would explode again, and she didn’t want to come alone. She wanted at least one of them to be inside her. Kerri whimpered, trying to get her dry mouth to form the words of her desire. But all she could muster was a half groan, half sigh. She stretched her arm across the bed and tried to pull Hunter’s body to her, to no avail. Her eyes drifted closed as something wet settled against her hip and began to edge up her belly. Richard was moving, even if Hunter wasn’t. He tantalized, wringing out mini explosions by kissing, sucking, and nipping his way up her body, and Kerri’s muscles trembled under the onslaught. When he finally took her nipple in his mouth, she released the air she’d held captive. Finally, something familiar. Opening her eyes, Kerri watched Richard’s head move as he suckled. His dark hair fluttered slightly from the ceiling fan and she gasped. That was Hunter at her breast, not Richard. Oh, God, she was losing her mind. Her vision blurred, and when she blinked the moisture away, a tawny head had joined the dark one. The sensation, both visceral and tactile, was disorienting, and Kerri released her senses, setting them free to enjoy the experience. With a groan, Richard rolled to the side and stretched out on the bed next to her. Hunter lifted his head, the tension in his face reminding her of the night she was punished at the club. “Roll over, Kerri. I want to watch you take Richard.” Hard hands slid under her body, lifting until she was on her knees and straddling Richard, his erection straining to enter her. He was

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thick, the dark purple, blunted end showing clearly through the condom, and she wondered when he’d put it on. At least she didn’t have to worry about safety. She trusted Hunter completely, but she didn’t know much about Richard. “Take him, Kerri. Now.” Hunter’s tone was dark, demanding and dominant, and a fresh flush of heat flew through her body. Kerri locked her eyes on his face as she slowly lowered her body onto Richard’s waiting erection. His cheeks darkened and the heat in his expression was beyond brilliant. “Look at him. Look at what you’re doing to him, pretty girl.” And she did. Richard was straining to keep still, his body suspended in time while she moved over him, onto him. Visible lines of strain across his chest, the tightness of his abs spoke volumes. He was waiting for her to be ready for his thrust. Or was he waiting for Hunter’s signal to proceed? Kerri looked back to Hunter and he nodded, a quick blink of a nod. Kerri shouted. Steel arms wrapped around her, one at her shoulder, the other at her hips. She was jerked down against Richard’s body, his cock impaling her, his arms holding her in place. A solid smack of the crop landed across her left butt cheek and Kerri screeched. Two more fell in succession. Heat bloomed and when the next stroke came, she welcomed it. Hunter’s hand smoothed across the flaming skin, and then a wet finger prodded the slit between her cheeks. Something wet, sticky even, dripped down the crease of her butt. Had Hunter climaxed while he used the crop on her? Richard’s hands slid down to her backside and pulled her cheeks apart. More of the liquid drizzled across her skin, easily relocated to her back entrance.

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Oh, God. Hunter was preparing her, lubricating her in order to ease his entrance while they took her at the same time. Would it hurt? Her body began to shake, fear slipping in behind the lust, and all four hands on her stilled. “Relax, sweetheart.” Hunter leaned across her back to whisper in her ear, his breath a soft caress. “I would never hurt you, Kerri.” Richard murmured at the other side of her head, soothing, coddling. It was disconcerting to hear both male voices simultaneously, “Trust me to take good care of you, pretty girl.” Kerri concentrated on the sound of Hunter’s voice, the feel of his skin pressed against hers, the caress of his hand along her back, and she willed her body to soften. “Good girl,” she heard in echo. The fingers began to move again, filling her with slick gel and thick fingers. The sensation was intoxicating and uncomfortably tight, but when Richard began to move under her, the gentle thrusts resulted in an eruption of heat to flood her erogenous zones. The eroticism of the moment took over and she fell into the experience. Hunter moved closer to her. The thick head of his cock pressed against her opening, stretching her as he breached an opening that was designed as an exit only. Her body tensed without her consent and he instantly paused. “Relax, Kerri. Push out and let me in.” Trust. This was all about trust, and she trusted him to take care of her. She did as he asked. Hunter’s cock surged into her, Richard stilling while Hunter pushed deeper. A series of shallow thrusts helped her relax muscles unaccustomed to the sensations, and by the time he was fully seated within her, Kerri could feel an unending burn of arousal.

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They began to move in tandem, one sliding out as the other slid deep, then reversing the thrusts. The constant sensation of fullness combined with the rasping of hard cocks against ultra-sensitive nerve endings ignited a moan from Kerri that ebbed and rushed upward again and again. Until she was breathless, until her body pounded with climax after climax. She was scalded from the inside out, flames racing through her nervous system until her body twitched and squeezed every possible sensation to her extremities. Her head pulsed and throbbed as much as her sex did, until she collapsed into the arms of her men as they both shouted their own release. **** Hunter rolled to the side, pulling her with him and giving Richard a chance to breathe. Kerri sagged against him, her body limp, satiation suffusing her with complete lethargy. He cuddled her close, amazed by her complete submission, curious as to her reaction in the morning. Her boundaries had been pushed aside when she agreed to the ménage, and the light of day often brought regret. “Fucking amazing, Hunter.” Richard sucked air into his lungs and rolled to face his friend, one hand settling on Kerri’s hip. “How long can we keep her?” It wasn’t unexpected. They’d casually shared lovers over the last ten years and jealousy was never an issue. But the sight of Richard’s hand draped across her ass pulled a knot in Hunter’s chest. Any why in the hell was that? Kerri. That ball of resentment aimed at Richard’s caress of his woman was Hunter’s undoing and he knew this would be the one and only time he shared her. She was his. He wasn’t sure how he would convince her to stay with him, considering she’d gone into this with the idea of a quick adventure.

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“Bath time,” he said, sliding out of the bed and scooping her into his arms. “Go start the water.” While Richard moved past them to steam up the tub, Hunter held her close to his chest. Kerri’s face fit nicely into the crook of his neck and he could swear he felt her mouth press against his skin. Her sigh drifted across his throat and Hunter couldn’t restrain a smile. She would be his, no matter what it took to make it happen.

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Chapter 18 Kerri flopped on her bed and stretched out, staring at the ceiling. Her brain was fried, along with several sensitive body parts. The weekend had been unbelievably amazing and frightening, both forcing her to take a hard look at what she was doing and where she wanted this experience to lead. It wasn’t a conversation she wanted to have with herself, preferring to take the easy way out and let the situation play through to its own natural end. But she’d never been a fatalist. No, Kerri was a planner, a doer. When her eyes had finally opened this morning, she’d been alone in Hunter’s bed. The shower was running and her first thought was to flee, avoiding the awkwardness of meeting one or both men in the light of day. She’d slipped down the hall, thrown on some clothes, and grabbed her bag. A quick note telling Hunter she’d see him at work and she was gone. Even the garage door fairy was on her side and she’d escaped without notice. “How was your weekend with Bondage Guy?” Kerri rolled her head to the side and blew a raspberry at Jase. “Well?” “Don’t call him that. His name is Hunter.” Jase leaned against the door frame and planted one hand on her hip. “So how was your weekend with Hunter?” “Confusing.” Kerri went back to inspecting the ceiling. She heard Jase moving around the room, shifting the suitcase out of the walkway as she rounded the bed. The mattress dipped when Jase lowered herself beside Kerri and helped with the ceiling analysis.

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“Talk. Don’t leave anything out. No comments unless you ask, I promise.” And Kerri knew Jase would do just that, listen without judgment. But she didn’t know where to begin. Warm fingers circled her wrist, a gesture of support. “He was great.” She took a deep breath. “I think I’m falling in love with him.” “Are you sure you’re falling for him, or are you falling for the lifestyle? I did some checking online this weekend. It looks pretty intense.” “Yes.” “Not very informative.” Jase sat up and turned her back, offering privacy. “Talk to me, Kerri. I haven’t seen you this closed off since you first moved to Dallas.” “He’s not at all like I thought he’d be. Sometimes I can see the attorney, the businessman. But a minute later, he’s all sexy bad boy.” She reached up to tug at Jase’s sleek black hair. “And bad boy is a poor description of him.” “Better than supremely sexy?” Jase asked, turning to face her friend with a grin. “Double or triple, maybe.” Giggles erupted, memories of teen sleepovers when they spent hours comparing boys at school with men on daytime dramas. Somewhere in her grandmother’s attic, a wellhidden notebook held pictures and notes on two many classifications to remember. Jase inhaled and blew out a slow deep breath. “You just met the man. How can you possibly be in love with him so quickly?” “I can’t explain it, Jase. And it isn’t the sex, though lord knows it’s phenomenal. There’s just something about him that makes me feel different. A connection I can’t explain.” “Maybe during all that ‘phenomenal’ sex, he brainwashed you?” Jase poked at her cheek. “I’ve never heard you use that word. It

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implies that you can’t believe what’s happening, which contributes to my theory of brainwashing.” Kerri sat up and switched to inspecting her manicure. “It’s not brainwashing. Haven’t you ever met someone you feel an instant connection with?” “Actually, no. Well, not since I met you when we were ten. But that’s more like a sisterhood thing.” Kerri leaned against her friend’s shoulder. “I felt the same, still do. But Hunter evokes the same feeling, just not brotherly.” “When are you seeing again?” “I’m not sure.” Confiding in Jase about having sex with Hunter and Richard was out of the question. Too many emotions to cloud her already twisted heart, and Jase wouldn’t understand how mindblowing the night had been, anyway. Only someone who’d lived in that moment could comprehend the intensity of two men driving one woman insane with pleasure. Hell, she was still trying to wrap her brain around the sensations herself. “Well, he’ll be at work tomorrow. Maybe he’ll set up a date.” Kerri shook her head, her eyes moist. “I don’t think I can date him, Jase. I don’t think I can get any more involved than I am. He’s going to break my heart, and I can’t let that happen again.” “But you just said—” “Love never works out for me. You know how my life is. I need to focus on business and independence.” “What about the sex?” Jase grinned, “You know, the phenomenal kind?” “I’ll learn to live without it. It’ll just be harder now that I know what I’m missing.” More than she could handle, apparently. She stood and pulled her suitcase onto the bed. “I’m going to clean this mess up and get a shower. Want to order pizza for dinner, or do you have a date?” “Pizza sounds good. I haven’t heard from Harvey for a few days, so no dates.”

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“Jase?” Kerri said, “I saw a guy that looked a lot like Harvey last night. He was at Velvet Glove around midnight.” “I thought Bondage—I mean, Hunter was a member of the private club,” Jase replied. “He is. We were in the private area, and I saw Harvey across the room talking to another man. But he was dressed differently. Leather pants, skimpy shirt. His hair was spiked with gel, and he had an earring.” “Oh, honey, it couldn’t have been Harvey. He’s too plain Jane to wear leather and go topless. He’s conservative, obsessively so. Must have been a lookalike.” “Maybe. He disappeared before I could get close enough to talk to him.” She didn’t mention that their eyes had met and he’d looked surprised to see her there. “How long have you and he been dating?” “Three months, I think. We’re not really serious.” Jase started for the door. “I’ll give you a few minutes before I order the pizza.” The door closed behind her and Kerri relaxed. Talking about relationships and her experience at Velvet Glove was the last thing she wanted to do. Those two subjects were deeply imbedded in her mind, leaving no room for idle chitchat. Thinking of all the hours she’d been naked this weekend, Kerri stripped off her clothes and tossed them in the hamper. She turned the shower on high, and as soon as the hot water was flowing freely, she stepped into the enclosure and let it beat down on her. She grabbed her loofah and added cleanser, then scrubbed every sensitive inch of her skin, knowing the smell of her soap wouldn’t begin to hide the scent of Hunter’s body. He was invading too much of her life, sections of her personal space she didn’t want compromised. Love wasn’t an option. He’d been fairly clear about the separation of his lifestyle and romantic love. The two were mutually exclusive. Giving a man the right to tie a woman to a bed and sex her up didn’t mean love. It was just a physical reaction.

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Kerri rinsed and dried, wrapping a towel around her hair and pulling on a pair of soft cotton leggings and an oversized top. Deft hands combed the tangles out of her hair and braided it down her back while still damp. Maybe a nice fattening pizza and a few glasses of wine would help her put her life into perspective. She huffed in halfhearted amusement. She’d been intoxicated for the entire weekend, just not from alcohol. The next morning, Kerri flipped the alarm off and stared at the ceiling, still not seeing a solution to her problems in the white patterns of the plaster. She sent a quick text to Carol, letting her know she was under the weather and wouldn’t be in this morning, then put her phone on silence and rolled back under the covers. Facing Hunter at work would be impossible and she wouldn’t even consider it today. Maybe tomorrow. Or maybe she could skip the rest of the internship and take a real vacation. Facing Uncle Devon would be almost as bad. He couldn’t complain too loudly. Until Saturday night, he didn’t even realize she was working at the firm. And she doubted he’d call her mother. They didn’t get along, hadn’t spoken in years, but he might call just to rile her. Devon had been antagonistic since birth, according to her grandmother. Two restless hours of thinking about her family issues just made sleep more impossible. Kerri gave up and threw back the covers. Hopefully, Jase and Sara were on their way to classes or work and she’d have the house to herself. The coffee was just finishing its brew when the doorbell chimed. Hoping it was one of Jase’s online purchases arriving, she chose to ignore it while adding cream to her coffee. Caffeine was a must have this morning. The chime sounded again, more persistent, most likely from someone leaning on the button. Jase must have ordered something requiring a signature. Kerri shuffled to the door, coffee in hand, and jerked it open.

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“About damn time,” Hunter growled, his eyes sliding down her body, no doubt taking in her disheveled pajamas and what was left of her braid. Kerri tried to shut the door in his face but he strong-armed past her. “Hey, I didn’t invite you in,” she grumbled. “I didn’t expect you to be a coward,” he continued, striding into the kitchen and pouring his own cup of coffee. “I’m not a coward.” Her declaration sounded weak to her own ears. Closing the door, Kerri planted her bottom in the recliner and pulled the chenille blanket across her legs. “Really? Why aren’t you at work today?” Hunter made himself at home on the sofa and sipped his coffee. “I’m not feeling well,” she mumbled. “I can take a sick day if I need one.” “You don’t look sick to me. A little confused, embarrassed maybe, but not sick.” “Why should I be embarrassed? I’m a grown woman. I didn’t do anything to embarrass myself.” “True. So explain to me why you left yesterday without saying a word. Explain why you didn’t come to work this morning. Explain why you have yet to look me in the eye. Do you have a problem facing me after I shared you with Richard?” Not once had Hunter raised his voice in anger, but Kerri couldn’t control hers. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re an arrogant son of a bitch?” Hunter laughed. “As a matter of fact, yes, I’ve been called that and a few other names.” “Why are you here?” Kerri pulled the blanket closer to her and sipped her coffee. “I don’t want you here.” “I want you. I won’t let you run away and hide from me.” “And I don’t have a choice?” she asked. “More arrogance.”

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“No. You have a choice. I would never deny you the right to make your own decisions.” His smile gave her a chill, not in a bad way, and her toes curled under the blanket. The smile disappeared and his expression sobered. “If I pushed you too far this weekend, I’m sorry.” Kerri stared, surprised and heartened at his apology, even though her problem hadn’t been what he thought. She didn’t want to love him, didn’t trust him enough to give him her heart on a platter. “I’m fine. You can go back to work now. I don’t need a babysitter.” Hunter smiled again. “Okay.” Kerri almost felt relieved when he stood, but he walked into the kitchen instead of to the door. Cabinets opened and closed, the fridge opened, and she heard mumbling. A few minutes later, she gave up waiting and followed him into her kitchen. The little round table was set for two, pancakes and scrambled eggs were cooking on the stove, and he was pouring juice into two glasses. After the last week, she shouldn’t be surprised by anything he did. She kept seeing different sides of his personality, all of them alluring as hell. And somewhere in between, a strong, deeply caring man was hiding. He pulled out a chair, his piercing gaze directing her to sit without words. The dominant attitude was a pull she was finding hard to resist and it bugged her to succumb so easily to his body language. But she sat anyway. “Talk to me, Kerri. Tell me what’s going on in that pretty little head of yours.” He wasn’t looking at her, his attention focused on the food he was preparing, but she knew he was listening, practically feeling her hesitancy float in the air around her. There were so many ways he unnerved her. She didn’t want to reveal her soul to him but knew he’d see it anyway. “I’m scared.”

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Shit. She hadn’t meant to say that, to be so bluntly truthful. His damned dominant attitude had seeped right past her defenses. “What are you afraid of, sweetheart?” His rich, warm voice washed over her, enticing her to wrap herself around him. Kerri tried to breathe through the feelings and set them aside. Focus. “I’m getting lost in this experience. I don’t want to disappear into the lifestyle. I won’t let you control everything that’s who I am.” Hunter’s eyes bored into hers, reaching into her soul to comfort, cajole. “Kerri.” He wanted her to come to him, let him wrap her up in his heat and forget about her reservations, her fear. But she couldn’t let him do that. Standing tall against his expectation of obedience was one of the most difficult things she’d done, harder than walking naked through the gathering room Saturday night. She shook her head. When he didn’t push, Kerri let her guard down an inch. “I can’t let you control every facet of my life. I’ve been on my own for too long to give you complete control.” “Kerri. You don’t seem to understand the lifestyle. You have the ultimate control in this relationship. You can say no to anything I ask and I’ll stop.” “And I’ll never see you again.” The catch to this control he offered was ending the relationship. But could she continue to do whatever he said, let him push her further and further down this path, and retain her sanity? The thought of how far he would go, and how far she would let him take her, was mind boggling. “Only if that’s what you want. Stop means stop, but it doesn’t mean we stop being involved unless you want to end the relationship.” “Honestly?” “Kerri, come here.” She settled her hands on her hips and waited.

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And waited. Finally, he replied. “Yes. When it gets to be too much for you, not because you’re scared, but because it is uncomfortable for you, I’ll stop. Now, come to me.” Weighing his words, watching his expression, she let out the breath she was holding and moved into his embrace. Hunter enveloped her, his strong arms chasing away the slivers of fear lurking in her heart. Too many tumultuous emotions were fluttering through her brain to deal with today. Even though she knew she could take care of herself, the temptation of what he offered was enticing. Letting him run her life would be easier than continuing to deal with the everyday minutia. But those details were the stuff of independence. Kerri curled into him, enjoying the strength and warmth of his palms as they cruised up and down her back. One hand fiddled with the band holding her braid together until it came undone. His hand slid to the base of her skull and worked wicked fingers into her scalp, massaging until the braid relaxed and her hair fell free across her back. “There you go, sweetheart. Let me take care of you.” The timbre of his voice crept through her libido, sending shards of pleasure skipping across already sensitized nerves. Moisture collected in preparation for his possession, and Kerri fought for some semblance of control. The man didn’t even have to touch her intimately to get a response. “Hunter, I think—” “Don’t think, Kerri.” His lips slipped over hers, hinting at more to come. “Trust me to know what you want.” “I don’t want to be a slave to your every demand.” She’d meant for it to be a demand, but even to her own ears it sounded more like a request. A weak one at that.

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Hunter leaned back and smiled down at her, his hands still working their magic on the nape of her neck. “You want a taste of control, hmm?” “Yes. I don’t want to feel like a blow-up doll you position to your liking and play with daily.” He chuckled, his hands slipping to her waist. “I would never consider you a blow-up doll. You’re much more interactive, and more vocal.” “I’m not kidding, Hunter.” He turned back to the stove and turned off the heat. Watching him load the plates gave Kerri a minute to regroup. He was placating her instead of truly listening. “Here you go, sweetheart. Eat and you’ll feel better.” He nudged her toward the table, a full plate in one hand and a glass of juice in the other. “Sit, relax.” Hunter placed her plate on the table and sat beside her. “This looks delish. Thanks.” She reached for the fork, but he beat her to it. “What—” “Open up,” he crooned, the pancake-filled fork dangled from his fingers. “I can feed myself,” Kerri watched heat flare in his eyes at her defiance. The expected frown didn’t appear, though. A grin splashed across his face. “You like to push, don’t you?” The fork wagged in front of her lips. “Open, Kerri. I’m going to take care of you. Trust me, you’ll learn to appreciate it.” Reluctantly, she opened and allowed him to place the fork on her tongue. After a few sensual bites, the intimacy of the act worked its way into her soul. His attention was mesmerizing, his focus on her intense. One bite after another, alternating between her mouth and his, caused a growing heat to pulse in her belly. “That’s my girl,” he whispered, and she realized his intent.

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Kerri reached up and stopped the fork as it approached her mouth. “I know what you’re doing.” “Sweetheart, what do you mean?” “You’re shutting me up by keeping my mouth full.” Hunter chuckled, a smile quirking the corner of his mouth. “Works for me.” “Manipulating bastard,” she muttered. He had the audacity to give her a full smile. “No, Kerri. Dominating Master is what you should call me.” She wanted to shout, curse, kick something, and throw herself on the floor at his feet. Could she be more confused? “I don’t want a Master. I want a partner.” “If you really believe that’s all you want, I’ll leave you to it.” Hunter leaned in and pressed a warm kiss to her cheek. “Be sure of what you wish for, Kerri.” She stared at him for a few minutes, wondering what she truly wanted. The last week was a blur of desire, lust, trust and fear. Reconciling the roiling internal conflict had her thinking and speaking in circles. Saturday night was just the icing on the cake. “Saturday night—” “Was more than you expected?” Hunter finished. She nodded. “Much more.” “Were you hurt?” His tone had Kerri melting, and a deep concern wafted through her as his hand came up to sweep tendrils of hair off her forehead. “Or did you enjoy it a little too much?” How could he know? “It scares me how much I liked it. How I responded.” She sucked in air, trying to calm her heartbeat and get her emotions under control. Rubbing his hand up and down her arm, Hunter soothed with action and word. “I’m glad you told me. I should have waited to introduce you to ménage. Maybe if you’d been better prepared, it wouldn’t have frightened you as much.”

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“This”—Kerri swept her hand between them—“has all been too much, too fast. I feel like I’m falling into a rabbit hole and can’t control my life.” “Tell me what you need to make you happy with this relationship.” Kerri jerked her head up, her eyes going to his expression as she tried to judge his use of the word “relationship.” It was unreadable. “Our working relationship?” she asked. His lips curved again. “No, our personal relationship.” “But I thought I was helping you with the investigation.” It wasn’t what she felt but was the furthest they’d discussed when this started. Kerri wanted to be sure she didn’t make assumptions that would hurt later. “You are, but what’s between us changed for me the first time you came to my bed. I was hoping you felt the same way.” Finally able to release the air in her lungs, Kerri sighed. “I thought it was my imagination, a product of all the sex.” “I’d rather think it was a product of my mastery.” His smile belied his attitude, and her heart tumbled further over the edge. She stood and stepped between his knees, wrapping her arms around his neck, for once being the aggressor in their relationship. One dark brow rose well above its natural placement, but he didn’t protest when she softly brushed his mouth with hers. When he didn’t take control of the kiss, she boldly nibbled at his bottom lip, sucking it into her mouth and scraping her teeth against the soft tissue. A tortured groan told her he was as affected as she was. He was letting her have her way, letting her control their lovemaking, and Kerri wasn’t sure what to do. He’d always led and she had no idea what he liked. How freely would he’d let her experiment? Her hands wandered, stroked the hard muscles under his shirt until she found the first button. Peeling it free, she slipped her hand under the fabric and abraded his skin with her nails.

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Another groan encouraged her. Kerri slipped a few more buttons free and worked her way down his body. She could feel the tension rising in his tight muscles and in the pronounced bulge in his pants. Hunter stayed her, his hands moving to her wrists, and she cried out. “Hunter, I—” “Where’s your bedroom, pretty girl?” His gruff voice gave him away. Kerri turned and grabbed his hand, leading him to her room. Once through the doorway, Kerri shed her robe and sleep clothes, expecting Hunter to follow her lead. But when she turned to him, he stood frozen, his hot gaze consuming her. She lifted her face to him as she reached for the button of his slacks, watching his expression while she slid the zipper down and freed his erection. The pleasure in his eyes ricocheted around her system, heightening her need for him. Kerri pressed a moist kiss to his chest and worked her way down his torso one kiss at a time as she lowered her body. When her knees touched the carpet, she took him into her mouth. Hunter’s moan coated her body with moisture in all the places that counted. She quivered in need of him, his thrusts into her mouth adding heat to the fire fueling her desire. Hunter’s hand wrapped around her nape and held her in place as he pushed to the back of her throat. The feel of his cock on her tongue, hard as a steel rod with a silky cover, sent another burst of moisture sliding over her clit. She could hear his harsh breaths, feel the tension in his thighs as she leaned against them. He eased back and slipped from her mouth. Kerri inhaled, taking in as much oxygen as she could while he sat on her bed. When he stretched out with his head on her pillow, she smiled. From her position on the floor, the profile of his body looked like a great sleeping Indian with a large arrow pointing to the sky. She came to her feet, hands itching to touch him, stroke him to pleasure as he’d done for her so many times.

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Chapter 19 Kerri watched people walk through the room, her eyes following the one person she didn’t want to get too close to. Dear Uncle Devin was sitting in a chair across the room holding court. Couples circled him, the women a respectful step back from their doms, one on the floor in front of him. Devin didn’t have a girl with him, but was obviously offered a few of the women belonging to his worshipers. She couldn’t believe he was held in such esteem, but from what she could see, others were drawn to him. She dropped her eyes when his head turned in her direction. Hunter had stepped away to speak to Richard, leaving her a few feet from him but still under his protection. The collar she wore insured no one would bother her, but still she tried to behave as a proper submissive, her scrutiny of Devin aside. And Richard, well, she wasn’t sure what to do about Richard. When he’d greeted her at the door, Kerri glanced up to see deep, sparkling eyes. Hunter hadn’t said anything about a repeat of the ménage and she’d been afraid to bring it up. She hoped he knew she wasn’t ready. A harsh voice interrupted her thoughts and she caught herself before looking directly at him. It was McKeon, the man she’d watched the first night Hunter brought her here. He had a woman with him, bound by an intricate set of ropes which kept her hands behind her back and her breasts thrust forward. Kerri averted her eyes, hoping he wouldn’t notice her. No such luck. “Where’s your master?” he asked, his nails-on-a-chalkboard voice skittering across her skin and raising goose bumps.

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Kerri turned her head toward Richard and Hunter only to find they were no longer a few feet from her. Across the room, Hunter stood facing Richard, his cell to his ear while he spoke and Richard listened. Neither were looking her way, and the fine hairs on the back of her neck tingled and rose to attention. For the first time since her initial introduction to the club, Kerri felt a chill born of fear slide down her spine and settle in her chest. “He left you alone in the commons?” Kerri could feel his gloating smile even if she didn’t dare look at his face. How to answer? She didn’t dare use the word no. It might be construed as disrespectful. But so could her silence. “He’s nearby,” was the best she could do without a lengthy silence. McKeon’s rough laugh grated further on her nerves. “He can’t protect you from across the room, chickie. On your knees.” His command was coarse, carnal, and steeped in vulgarity. A memory flashed in her mind. The sound of his whip flaying a woman’s skin pricked at her. Allowing him to command her would be foolish, but denying his request would be pure stupidity. He wasn’t a man to let a disrespectful act pass. Kerri’s glance at Hunter went unnoticed, the two men engrossed in their espionage. Resigned, Kerri slid out of the chair and to her knees, her head respectfully lowered. Immediately, McKeon’s hand was in her hair, jerking her head back and staring into her face. “You might wear his collar now, but by the end of the night, you’ll be mine.” The chill she’d experienced earlier was overwhelmed by heat and the rapid pulse of anger. “Never.” She kept her eyes downcast but didn’t mince words. “I’ll never be yours.” “Bitch, you don’t disrespect a master. You’ll do whatever I tell you to do, and you’ll like it.” His palm came around and she braced herself for the blow. But his rough tap against her cheek surprised her. “I can change your mind in a heartbeat.”

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Kerri focused on keeping her body completely still as the hand in her hair tugged until her face was forced upward. A hard hand cupped her breast, and when he pinched her nipple, Kerri’s eyes flew open in shock. Meeting McKeon’s tight black eyes, she gasped, “You bastard, get your filthy hands off me.” Her hand flew out and connected with his knee, setting him off balance but not nearly knocking him to the floor. Her head was on fire, the pain from his grip on her hair reverberating through her body while he laughed. “Let her go, McKeon. You’ve no right to touch my woman.” Kerri panted past the pain and waited for Hunter to complete the rescue. “I have the right to discipline a sub who disrespects me, Merritt, no matter who owns her.” Hunter moved into her line of sight and stepped close to McKeon, his hand on the man’s wrist. “Let go now, McKeon, and you and I will discuss this situation. Continue touching my woman and I’ll be forced to remove you from the premises.” “You’re full of shit, Merritt. Only the owner can rescind my membership.” The harsh tone worried Kerri. Hunter was a live wire, his muscles clenched and ready. A public fight wouldn’t be good for any of them. The pressure in her head eased and disappeared, but both men continued to glare at each other. Kerri searched the growing crowd around them until her eyes met Devin’s. He’d moved to stand behind McKeon, a broad smile reaching almost to his eyes. But not quite. Keri knew that look. He was plotting. “He has the right to discipline her, Menton,” Devin said, his voice carrying across the room and drawing attention from the few members present who hadn’t encircled them. “As owner here, you are required to uphold the bylaws.”

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Kerri gave up all attempts at a submissive pose. Her uncle was set on creating a scene and ultimately punishing her. His eyes glowed with a joy she rarely saw. Watching him work his way through the crowd, drawing supporters to his side, she knew the outcome would be bad. She could only hope Hunter and Richard would override her uncle’s influence. Coming to her feet, Kerri glared at her uncle. “This is none of your business, Devin.” A telltale ring of red crept around the base of his throat but his expression remained aloof and sanctimonious. “It’s the duty of every member here to uphold the rules.” Hunter stepped between Kerri and McKeon as he reached for her arm. “No.” “What do you mean, no? Are you rescinding your membership?” Devin asked. “That man will not take a whip to my sub. I won’t allow it.” “She’s your guest and your responsibility. I wield the whip or you do.” McKeon grinned, a feral snarl in anticipation of a kill. His desire to draw her blood made Kerri’s heart race. The only way out of this situation, Hunter walking away from Velvet Glove permanently, would mean the end of his investigation. And it was her fault, her lack of self-control. His promise to protect her, to not consciously inflict pain, jangled in her brain as she watched his expression. McKeon’s hand stroked the leather whip at his belt and lifted it from its clip and offered it to Hunter. Steady pounding in her chest and ears consumed Kerri as the other sounds in the room disappeared. No one moved or breathed or spoke while Hunter made his decision. A minute passed like an hour while she focused her energy on Hunter. He was a rock, unmoving and unbending, staring at McKeon with steel resolve. Kerri could feel the tension in the room, the opposing forces waiting for the clash of egos.

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Richard reached across her body to take the whip from McKeon and the noise of the room resumed. “I’ll take responsibility. She’s a consenting guest in my club.” Kerri stared, first at Richard then at Hunter. Strong, gentle fingers gripped her chin and she looked up into Hunter’s tortured face. “He’s better with a whip than I am. He’ll give you less pain.” His thumb swiped across her bottom lip, a caress before the storm. “If you don’t agree, you and I can leave right now.” Her heart slowed to a crawl while she digested his words. If she wanted, she could walk out the door and never look back. But Hunter had a job to do here and a reputation in the clubs Richard owned. Kerri couldn’t fathom what would become of that reputation if she walked out on him now. She steadied her nerves and lowered her gaze, clearly indicating submission. The crowd parted as Hunter led her across the room and positioned her in front of an intricately carved wooden cabinet. Glass doors allowed an array of adult toys to easily perused and selected. He opened a drawer at the bottom and removed an object she didn’t recognize. A console of sorts sat on top of the hutch. Kerri watched as Hunter pushed a button on the console and a rope descended from the ceiling, a pair of leather restraints dangling from its end. His fingers gripped her chin, lifting her head, and Kerri fought to discern his expression. Worry and pride battled for dominance in his gaze, in the set of his lips. She tried to wipe the fear from her face but knew it would be impossible. Being publicly whipped was something she’d never expected. Reminding herself that sometimes the unknown was more frightening than the thing itself, she settled her shoulders and prepared for her trial. Hunter stepped around her and slid his hands down her hips as he squatted behind her. His hand caressed the curves of her calf. A leather restraint slipped around her ankle. His fingers tapped her other

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leg, moving her feet apart until he could wrap the second restraint in place. Kerri’s breath hitched as she felt the leather tighten around her ankle. The wrist restraints floating in front of her face reminded her of how completely immobilized she would be while the whip was being used. He returned to his place in front of her, his brown eyes darker than she’d ever seen them, his face a mask of control. She tried to keep her emotions to herself, to put on a brave front, but could tell by the wrinkle above his nose that she was failing miserably. Hunter leaned in close to her face and brushed a soft kiss across her cheek, whispering, “You can still say no, Kerri. You don’t have to do this.” She lowered her eyes, an act of submission given only because she knew if she opened her mouth to answer him, her voice would crack. Letting her uncle and all the other witnesses see her fear would only make this moment worse. Gentle hands cupped her waist with a soft caress then skimmed upward, taking her shirt up and over her head and baring her body from the waist. Quick hands and another stroke in the opposite direction removed her skirt, leaving her in a thong and flats. Hard fingers gripped her chin and forced her head up. “Keep your eyes on me at all times.” Hunter squeezed her chin one last time, his lips tight as he activated the wrist restraints and the rope rose, pulling her hands above her head until only her toes were on the floor. Kerri had never felt so vulnerable. The crowd around her whispered for a moment as she stood suspended before them. A murmur rustled through the group and footsteps could be heard behind her. She tried to turn her head to see what was happening but Hunter jerked her head back to face him. “They’re clearing a path for Richard. To give him room to maneuver.”

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Her body began to tremble of its own accord as anticipation and fear surged through her system. She closed her eyes to regroup her self-control but Hunter’s voice sliced into her. “Look at me, Kerri. Only me. Stay with me.” The sudden lash of the whip against her back caught her unaware and she cried out. Fire raced across her shoulder and through her soul. With no time to process the pain, the next stroke seared along her left hip. She heard her name, a rough command in front of her and returned her gaze to Hunter. His arms firmly crossed at his chest, expression taut, he commanded her attention. “Keep your cries to yourself, or the number of strokes increases.” She stared into his eyes, the dark depths keeping her steady as more strikes flicked at her bare back and hips. A strange sensation crept over her, a feeling of floating as if in a pool of hot water washed over her. The next lash stung as much as the first, but this time, it was followed by a burn that surged through her body and lodged in her clit. She felt moisture gather between her legs and seep from her body, more collecting with each blow from the whip. Fear ratcheted higher as she recognized her body’s response. It was surreal. She couldn’t like this, this feeling of complete submission, this pleasure-pain. It wasn’t what she wanted, but it was too late to stop it from happening. She closed her eyes, afraid Hunter would see what she was feeling, but he didn’t allow it. His voice intruded, forcing her to focus on him. Kerri took in the fact he was shirtless before she realized the whipping had stopped. The restraints lowered and when her heels hit the ground, her body sagged into Hunter. He wrapped his shirt around her body as Richard released all four restraints. Before anyone could protest, Hunter had lifted her into his chest and moved toward the stairs and a private room. Kerri heard the click of the door shutting behind them and let out a breath. The lashes across her back and hips ached, but the surge of arousal was more

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worrisome. The fire raging within her couldn’t be denied, and she wanted badly to deny it. She felt cool sheets against her back as Hunter laid her on the bed and sat beside her. One soft finger stroked her cheek and came away wet, even though she hadn’t realized she was crying. Kerri shook at his touch as he cupped her head and pulled her to him for a hot, dominating kiss. She clung to him, her hands curling into the solid wall of his chest while she fought to quell the need rising rapidly within her. It was too much and not enough at the same time. “Not what you thought it would be, hmm?” he murmured before nipping at the skin just below her ear. Kerri couldn’t reply, could barely register his words while trying to catch her breath. “Please, Hunter. Help me, please.” “What do you want, Kerri?” He pulled back from her, watching and waiting. It made her crazy, or crazier than she’d thought she could ever be. He should understand. It was his fault she was feeling these reckless emotions, wasn’t it? “I need you, Hunter,” she sobbed, her body aching in ways she never imagined. “Please,” she gasped, “please,” “Tell me.” His harsh tone rasped across her senses, ignited more heat, more desire when there wasn’t room in her body for more. Overwhelmed, Kerri tugged him to her, pressing her body to his. She hummed, struggled to get the words out through choked pants. “Fuck me, please, Hunter.” His brow lifted, a look of surprise crossing his face since she’d never spoken that particular word in his presence, or in her life, for that matter. Kerri didn’t care. Her entire body was consumed with lust, with a need for his touch unlike anything she’d ever experienced. Her skin burned, itched with a ferocity she couldn’t subdue.

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“I’ve wondered how you’d respond to pain, but this is a welcome surprise.” Hunter’s hand cupped her butt cheek, stroking the red streaks left by the whip. She flinched, a breath punching out of her chest before she swiveled her hips against his hand. She whimpered again, the sensations racing through her body overwhelming her ability to speak. “Turn over,” he demanded, his tone mild but no less powerful than a dominant growl. “Let me see your rosy skin.” Kerri complied, unable to resist his instructions, desperate to please him and hopeful he’d please her in return. His hands gripped her hips, lifting until she was on her knees with her face pressed into the mattress. The metallic clicking of his zipper as it lowered set her body into a furious spasm, what little patience she had left blown to hell. Pain raced ahead of the pleasure as his hands splayed across her back and skimmed down to her ass, removing her lacy thong and kneading the hot skin until she cried out from pleasure-pain. The blunt head of his cock pressed through her wet folds and nudged her core, forcing another cry from her lips. A long, distended moan left her as he plunged inside, burying himself in the heat of her body. Hunter cursed as she pulsed around him, her climax blazing out of control. She felt him pounding into her, reaching for his own release while she continued to squeeze him within her body. Sharp barks of breath left her lips as Kerri sagged against the bed, her body not her own. Exhaustion was rapidly taking over, taking away her choices and leaving her lax and unable to move. Kerri heard Hunter groan as he stilled inside her, his breath as irregular as hers. He pulled out of her body, and moisture followed in a slow rivulet down her thighs as his footsteps moved away from her. Bare moments later, a warm damp cloth soothed the stinging skin across her hips before gliding over her curves and into the split between her legs. Hunter’s hands gently spread her thighs to wipe

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away his semen, the tenderness of his actions sending her heart careening again. A knock sounded at the door, followed by the click of it opening. Kerri cringed, her body stiffening until Hunter’s palm stroked down her spine. “Just Richard, bringing your clothes, pretty girl. Relax.” She wasn’t prepared to see Richard, afraid of what she might feel. She’d been deep into uncharted territory the last few days and between Hunter and Richard. Kerri wasn’t sure what to think about how much her life was changing. The scent of male sweat mixed with a hint of cologne told her Richard was in the room, but he didn’t move close enough to touch her. Instead, Hunter’s hands continued to stroke and clean her body. “How is she?” Richard said, speaking to Hunter in hushed tones, his concern evident. “Exhausted, a little intense.” “Kerri, I just wanted to check on you. And let you know Devin Hudson is no longer in the building. He was escorted out about ten minutes ago, along with McKeon. “Thank you.” Barely a whisper, but she knew he’d heard. “I won’t ask how you are.” He blew out a breath. “You’re a strong young lady, beautiful in submission. I’m impressed, and that feeling doesn’t come easily to me. Hunter’s a lucky man.” Kerri could hear the approval in his tone and it warmed her, even though she’d never asked for his opinion. But if Hunter felt the same way, she’d be over the moon. How could something so strange make her happy? Richard laid her clothes on the bed beside her and the two men stepped away to discuss her uncle. She heard his name mentioned at least twice as she found enough strength to get her feet under her. She snagged the bundle of clothes and headed for the small bathroom. A few blessed minutes of privacy would be welcome. Flashes of the whip striking her kept bombarding her brain, her back reliving each lash. The pain sliced through her, along with Hunter’s promise the

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first night they were together. He wouldn’t intentionally hurt her. But he had—well, he’d let Richard hurt her. The pleasure chasing the pain was harder to deal with than Hunter’s agreement, even though she knew it was necessary for the investigation. While her body responded to the pain, her mind rebelled. It was wrong. It shouldn’t have happened. It would never happen again. Kerri felt tears dripping from the end of her nose as she finished getting dressed. She didn’t want to face them, didn’t want either of them to see her cry. They’d been so impressed with her strength, but they were wrong. All she could feel was weakness. She’d let herself be stripped in public and whipped. Even worse, she’d begged a man to fuck her afterward. The need to escape, to hide from the world, gripped her. But how? The door swung open and framed Hunter as he said her name. She jerked her head up to look at him, afraid he could read her thoughts in her expression. Apparently not. “Richard and I are going to make sure they left the premises. You should stay in the room until we get back. If you need anything, call me.” He slid her cell from his pocket and placed it in her hand. Salvation. “The door will lock behind us, so you’ll be safe.” Hunter tugged her to him and kissed her hard on the mouth. “Stay put.” She nodded, knowing if she opened her mouth she wouldn’t be able to lie to his face. As soon as the door closed behind them, she sank to the bed. With shaking hands, she scrolled through her contacts and found the emergency cab company she kept listed in her phone. The possibility of Hunter locking her in crossed her mind but the door opened easily at her touch. Slipping through the crowd downstairs might be difficult since so many of the patrons had watched her under the whip. Instead, Kerri turned toward the back

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stairs, hoping to avoid Hunter and Richard and make a quick getaway. The emergency exit was clearly marked and doors at the bottom, one she knew opened to the back of the building. Curious, she pushed at the other door and found a long hallway. It was well lit, florescent panels on the ceiling for the length of the hall, and no doors on either side. The urge to explore sent a shiver down her spine. Did this lead to a hidden room where women were being kept and sold? But the need to escape, to find some peace and quiet where she could slowly lose her mind had her quickly turning from the corridor and pushing into the back drive. Richard was obviously a careful businessman. The exterior of his club, front and back, was brightly lit and safe, a few security guards cruising the lot and driveways in golf carts, eager to help anyone in need. One stopped in front of Kerri when she’d only walked a few yards to the side of the building. “Can I help you, ma’am?” he asked. “I must have made a wrong turn on my way out. I’m trying to get to the parking lot.” He welcomed her into the cart and scooted around the building. Her cab was pulling to the curb as they rounded the bend. “That must be my ride,” she told him and hopped off the cart. Relief finally hit her when the cab turned onto her street. Hunter would be furious, but she needed time to make some decisions about who she was and what she wanted. Letting him woo her yesterday, making love to him without bondage and allowing him to take care of her had been a mistake. When he was in the same room, her brain took a holiday. It wasn’t fair for him to take advantage of her weakness. Her cell had been buzzing every five minutes since she left the club. She finally replied after paying the cabbie and going inside. Her text to him was simple. I need some time. Hopefully, he’d give her at least a day or two.

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Chapter 20 A strange buzz followed Jase through a dark room, invading her brain to the point of pain. She couldn’t move, couldn’t stretch aching limbs. Her fingers tingled, begging for relief from their position under her back. Her only conscious thought was of her last conversation with Kerri. Somehow her dreams had revolved around bondage, and she was stuck between reality and a dream state where she was bound to a bed. Her eyes cracked open to complete darkness. Not even a sliver of light could be found in the musty room. Jase groaned, her fingers cramping as she tried to roll onto her side. It wasn’t a dream, it was a nightmare. Hazy images began to coalesce, until Jase pieced together the events that brought her to this place, wherever it was. She remembered Harvey ringing her doorbell unexpectedly and remembered inviting him inside. He’d looked different, dressed in tight black slacks instead of his usual black jeans and hiking boots. His hair was mussed, and his eyes were a little pinched like he was peeved about something. “It’s nice to see you, Harvey, but I thought you were working tonight,” she said. “Got off early and hoped to catch you at home. But I can leave if you don’t want company.” He followed her to the sofa and sat next to her, not quite touching but close. He’d never been demonstrative in private, usually choosing to sit across from her. Jase was unsure about the change in him,

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wondering if it signaled a change in their relationship. Whether it would be a good change was yet to be determined. That aside, Jase bounced back to her feet, pacing. “What’s with you, baby?” he asked. “You’re way out on the edge. Talk to me.” Jase perched on the edge of an armchair, couldn’t settle, got up and started pacing again. Harvey was so not the person she needed to talk to tonight, but Kerri was unavailable. “I’m just worried about Kerri. She’s with this new guy, and he’s a little intense, into some weird stuff. She met him last week at that club you took me to.” “So why are you worried? You’re not her momma, and she’s just having a good time. Or are you jealous?” Jealous. Jase hadn’t given it a thought, but why would Harvey? She sat on the chair across from him, keeping her distance and keeping an eye on him, too. This new look of his was disconcerting. “No, of course not. If it was anyone else, I’d be happy for her. But this guy is doing some strange things. I think she’s out of her league.” His demeanor changed, his body tensed, and Jase popped up to pace again. An inexplicable awkwardness invaded her skin, throwing her off balance. “What do you mean by strange?” he asked. “Well, for one thing, he’s into bondage. Did you know the club you took me to, the Velvet Glove, is a bondage club?” “Just the private side, the public side is cool,” he replied, clear cold blue eyes on her as he spoke. He was unruffled, the Harvey she was used to having in her living room. “And you’re okay with the bondage part?” she asked, watching his reaction. Harvey shrugged. “Everybody has their own thing. What do I care?” “Well, I guess. But this Bondage Guy is dating Kerri, and he takes her to that place. She said she’s helping him with some kind of

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investigation, but I think she’s going to the club to be…I don’t know what to call it, bondaged?” He laughed, his eyes tracking her as she paced. “I don’t think that’s a word, Jase.” “I don’t think so, either,” she replied, deciding quickly to change the subject. He looked uncomfortable, the tightness in his body evident in his hands more than anywhere else. They were fisted where they lay on the sofa at his sides. Moving across the room, Jase plopped into the armchair and leaned back to rest her head, letting her eyes close. She needed to shake this restlessness. “Let’s change the subject. Distract me, please.” “Take a ride with me. We’ll go find something fun to do tonight.” Harvey’s voice conveyed the smile she suspected on his face. And she had. She could remember getting into his car. She remembered leaving her driveway. She remembered him giving her a bottle of water and telling her to relax and enjoy the ride. After that, nothing. She shivered on the thin mattress, wondering how long she’d been here and how she’d gotten to this awful place. Where was Harvey? What had they done to him, and why were they targeted? Had they contacted her parents? Growing up as she had, Jase was well coached about stranger danger and the possibility of kidnapping. Her father had even gone so far as to hire a retired FBI agent to train her in ways to escape and the fine art of observation. But there was nothing to see in this dark, dank room. The door opened, blinding light shunting around a male figure in the doorway. Jase cringed, wanting to shut her eyes to the bright light but unable to give in to the need. Seeing her captor was imperative if she was going to get out of this situation alive. And there was Harvey to consider. He’d never seemed the He-man type, more of a geeky guy, and she worried about how he would fare in this situation.

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Watching as the man in the doorway stepped toward her, the door slowly swinging closed behind him, unnerved her. Just before the light disappeared completely, she saw him reach into a deep shadow and another light flared, weaker than the light from the hall, but enough to clarify a few dark shapes in the room. Jase could see his silhouette grow larger with his every step, feel the tension emanating from his body. This was no kidnapping for ransom. This man meant to hurt her, and suggesting that he contact her parents first wasn’t likely to work. Her worst fears were confirmed when his hand wrapped around her ankle and flipped her to her back on the bed. Her body cramped at the tightness of the restraints around her legs and she cried out, instantly regretting the sound. A show of weakness wouldn’t help her. Grinding her teeth, she held back another groan and focused on the man, knowing that every tiny detail she could remember would help her put him away when she finally got free. The crackle of Velcro being ripped apart jerked her attention to her feet as a rush of returning blood sent a painful heat coursing to her toes. A hot hand clamped around one ankle and Jase gathered her anger to kick out at the hand holding her. He cursed but didn’t let go. She felt the loop of rough fabric wrap around her ankle and she was caught. She continued to kick the other foot, hoping to hit some part of his body that would give her an advantage, but he moved to the side of the small bed and lay over her thighs, completely halting her efforts. With her hands bound and trapped beneath her back and her legs flattened against the mattress, she was helpless. In short order, both ankles were secured to opposite edges of the metal bed frame. Her breath stopped at the glint of a knife in the weak light. Hope fled. A rough voice said, “This coulda gone easier.” He slipped the blade into the hem of her capris and sliced the fabric open to the waistband. With a jerk, he severed the elastic.

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“Scream all you want, cutie. The rooms in this club are so well soundproofed no one will ever hear you.” Jase clamped her teeth together, fighting the need to scream and curse at him while his hands rubbed up and down her thighs. When his rough fingers slipped beneath her panties, she stared at the ceiling, the metallic taste of blood in her mouth from biting her tongue. She steeled her nerves at the sound of her favorite pink briefs being ripped from her body. This was going to be bad, but she wasn’t going to give up hope. “Do as you’re told and I won’t cut you.” His voice rasped across her senses like nails on a chalkboard, but she felt the rope around her wrist loosening. “Hands over your head.” Her fingers felt like overstuffed pillows, skin pulled tight and tingling at the loss of circulation. Her arms and shoulders weren’t much better, but she followed directions even knowing that she’d be restrained again. Another strip of Velcro was wrapped around her wrists and secured to the metal headboard. Her shirt and bra followed her pants, becoming rags. He’d slowly cut his way through her clothes, baring her in small sections while he crooned filthy comments about her body and what he wanted to do to her. By the time he’d finished, Jase’s control had eroded and her body trembled in equal parts of fear and anger. She gulped in air, trying to think of some way to escape, reaching for any possibility of freedom. Her captor’s hand paused on her breast when the door opened and another man entered. “Enough.” He was average height, average everything, so nondescript Jase wondered if he faded into the background of every room he inhabited. “You’ve done more than I told you to. Leave the rest to the boss.” “Only if I can watch.” With a snicker, her captor moved away, just far enough for her to get an idea of his general build. Husky, with working class hands and ruddy skin from spending too much time in

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the sun. The buzz cut was another clue, exposing a diamond-shaped tattoo at the base of his skull. “Get out. No witnesses with this one. We weren’t expecting her, but there’s already a possibility of a sale. They’ll be here in a few minutes to check on the goods. I’ll call you when it’s time to move her.” The big man moved closer to the door, his frame blocking her sight of the newcomer for a minute before the door opened and closed. Now what? Jase was glad to see the other man go, but at least she knew what he had in mind for her. This one was a puzzle. She watched him move around the room, putting away things left on the tables, adjusting the lamp to shine in her face and cast him in shadow. He was smarter than the first guy, cautious enough to make sure she couldn’t recognize him if she had a chance. Jase kept her mouth shut and watched, waited. Mostly, she observed and catalogued the little she saw. His feet weren’t very large, maybe a size nine. Her last boyfriend, before Harvey, had huge size 16 feet, but this man’s feet, while larger than hers, were definitely smaller than Doug’s. He paced around the small room, touching too many things to be worried about fingerprints, so she decided he must be a regular at the club. Or maybe he worked here and had access to all the rooms. He wore khaki pants and a buttoned down dress shirt, more business than roughneck, and Jase wondered who he could be. The sleeves were turned up and pushed well-past his wrists, revealing a nice watch. Kerri’s story about the club and the sale of women roared back into her head and fear swallowed her plan to remain calm. Being kidnapped for ransom was a possibility she’d lived with for years, but the thought of being sold to the highest bidder and kept from her family and friends for the rest of her life horrified her. Panic took over and she couldn’t focus on anything in the room except the

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bindings at her ankles and wrists. Instinct overrode every other idea and she frantically jerked at the restraints. A hot hand settled on her belly, pressing her into the bed. “Shit, calm down, baby. No one’s going to hurt you. We’re just going to show off the merchandise and see if we can make a sale.” He chuckled as she flailed harder. “You’re a feisty one. He’ll like that. And we can patch up the damage to your wrists and ankles. He won’t mind a bit.” “Let me go.” Jase flinched at the rough sound of her voice, the desperation she felt showing all too clearly. A bad move in a negotiation. “My family will pay, give you anything you want. Just let me go.” The hand on her stomach moved higher, sliding under her breasts while he hummed. “Please.” “Little lady, there are men willing to pay plenty to have this tight little body. Don’t you worry, we’ll find a good home for you. Already have a likely prospect.” He palmed her breast, a smile forming on his face with her jerk. “Yes, you’ll give us a healthy profit, even if you don’t fit in with our regular girls.” He stepped away and Jase panted, hope fleeing. She was as good as gone, her plans for a future wasted. She couldn’t talk her way out of this. “Who are you? At least tell me your name. What difference will it make after I’m sold?” She huffed, frustration rising. “Just give me a name so I’ll know who to curse for the rest of my life.” He laughed at that, loud and long. “Sure, honey. Can do. Alan. Feel free to curse me all you want. In fact, I’d feel honored.” “You son of a bitch, why are you doing this? Why me?” Jase was beyond caring, beyond negotiating, beyond rational conversation. She was shouting her lungs out.

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Laughing again, Alan leaned over her heaving body. “No one can hear you. I could climb on the bed and force you right now, and no one will turn up to help. Well, they might help me, but not you. Turn off the hysterics.” “Why me?” she asked when she finally reclaimed her breath. “You were available, I guess. Maybe you can ask the guy that delivered you.” He pinched her nipple and turned to the door. “Someone will be in to check you out in a little while. Be nice and you might catch a good master, one who will cherish instead of punish. Maybe.” The door clicked shut and Jase tugged at all four restraints again. Still no give. Hot tears gathered but she pushed them back, blinking away the few accumulating across her vision. No time for female weakness, she needed to think, figure out some way to get out of this mess. And she worried about Harvey. Had he been taken with her? Was he tied to a bed in the next room? Would anyone in this God-forsaken place help her?

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Chapter 21 Kerri listened to her phone jangle, wondering what Hunter was doing. He hadn’t called, hadn’t tried to see her at all since she’d left his house last night. A part of her was relieved he didn’t want to contest her exit from his life. But her heart was aching. She missed him. In the short time he’d been with her, Kerri found herself immersed in the way he treated her, took care of her. She even missed his demanding tone and the way her body responded so intensely to him. A quick check of her phone told her he wasn’t the caller. No name flashed on the screen. Resigned, she pushed the button and answered. “Miss Leonard, this is Mara at the Southside YMCA. I’m looking for Jase, and she has you listed as an emergency contact. She missed her class this morning and didn’t call like she usually does when her schedule changes. I’ve tried her cell several times and it goes directly to voicemail. We’re all worried about her.” “I’m sorry. I haven’t seen her since last night. No, wait, I haven’t seen her since Sunday night.” Kerri checked the message board in the kitchen, then walked into Jase’s bedroom. “Oh, dear. Do you think we should call the police?” Mara asked. “I’ll check with a few other people and see if I can find her. Something urgent must have come up for her to miss the class. She loves those kids.” Mara agreed. “Please let me know if there’s anything I can do.” “Thanks. I’ll be in touch.” No note in the kitchen or the bedroom. So not Jase, since she’d come up with the rule about leaving notes for the others if anyone left

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alone. Kerri checked in Jase’s bath just in case she’d left a clue to her whereabouts, but was surprised to see all her toiletries arranged neatly on the counter. Strange. Jase never left for an overnight trip without her cosmetic bag of goodies. Kerri opened the top drawer of Jase’s bedside table and grabbed her little pink address book. It took almost an hour to contact everyone in the book. No one had seen her since the weekend. The only person Kerri hadn’t been able to reach was Harvey. His phone kept going to voicemail. She called Sara again and told her what she’d found. “Do you think they slipped off somewhere to be alone?” Kerri asked her. “I can’t believe she’d do a disappearing act with Harvey. From what she told me last week, she was about through with him.” Sara had never been impressed with Harvey, and it showed in her tone. “Jase told me just the other day that he was, how did she put it, ‘not really into her’ and she was feeling more like a friend than a girlfriend. Maybe they broke up and she went to visit her folks?” “Jase only visits her family when it’s demanded of her.” Kerri tapped her fingers on the book in front of her. “Do you know anything about Harvey? Jase didn’t talk to me much about him. I don’t even know his last name.” Sara chuckled. “You’ve been a little busy lately. But don’t feel too bad. I never got his last name, either.” Quiet reigned for a few minutes, both girls trying to decide what to do next. “I might have seen him last Saturday night,” Kerri admitted. “Where? I thought you were with Hunter last Saturday.” “I was. It was at the club, Velvet Glove. I saw a man on the other side of the room that looked like Harvey, but not really like Harvey.” “Clear as mud, Kerri.” “I know, I know. At first glance, I thought it was Harvey, but the more I looked, the less sure I was.”

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“What’s it like inside Velvet Glove? I haven’t seen you since the night you left us for the hot lawyer.” “Sara, now’s not the time.” “Is Harvey a member? Maybe he took Jase there and she didn’t want to tell anyone.” “That doesn’t sound like Jase.” Kerri watched her fingers tap on the table, half-listening to Sara’s theory. Something was wrong, she could feel it. Kerri wanted to call Hunter, sure he would have a way to find her friend. But calling him would open the door to more heartache. He’d assume she was ready to see him again. It was a decision she hadn’t made. Instead, she remembered the pain, emotional and physical, every time she closed her eyes. The sting of the whip wasn’t as bad as she’d thought it would be. But the pleasure teasing her with each stroke terrified her. The memory of her pleasure in that act had sent her running from Hunter and the club. She was still running. An image of Richard leaning over her, his mouth caressing her breast while Hunter pressed deeper into her body, caused a sensual heat wave. Kerri tamped it down as best she could. Until she figured out how both men would fit into her world, or how she would fit into theirs, she didn’t want to dwell on the past week. Officially, she was sick at home, which kept her out of Hunter’s sight. He’d called. Left voicemail. Several text messages. As much as she wanted to talk to him, she didn’t want to talk to him. Right now, she needed to focus on Jase. Kerri’s gut was telling her Jase was at the club. She’d been home Sunday night and left for work Monday morning. Kerri didn’t see her before leaving with Hunter Monday afternoon, and Jase wasn’t home when she’d come in from the club after midnight. And no one had seen Harvey, either.

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Gathering her courage, Kerri dug through her closet and found the costume she’d worn the first night she went to Velvet Glove. She still wore Hunter’s collar since he had the key and she hadn’t seen him since she left the club without him. Hopefully, she’d be able to talk her way past the front desk and find Jase. Kerri parked on the edge of the parking lot, close to the corner of the building. She was hoping to sneak in through a back door, but security kept her in the front lot. Gathering her courage, she stepped onto the sidewalk and pushed through the front doors. It was early evening and most of the patrons didn’t start arriving until after dark. Knowing her best chance was a confident bluff, she strode through the private entrance and straight to the desk. Placing her hand on the counter and tucking her chin down just enough to be seen as submissive, she spoke to the receptionist. “I’m supposed to meet Mr. Merritt tonight. Can you tell me if he’s here yet?” Careful to maintain the image, she lifted her gaze only as far as the woman’s mouth and waited. “He hasn’t arrived. Do you have your membership card?” she asked. Kerri sighed shallowly. “I’ve only been here as his guest. I don’t want to disappoint him.” A subtle smirk from the receptionist encouraged her. She looked like the perfect submissive, following directions to please her master. “Do you have identification, then?” Kerri handed over her driver’s license, which she’d used the second night Hunter’d taken her to the club. A few clicks on her computer and the woman smiled. “You’re on Mr. Merritt’s membership as a guest and you may wait in the common area until he arrives. I’ll let him know you are waiting when he checks in.” Kerri nodded, said a polite thank you, and stepped through the doors to the common room. The lights were dim, only a few people around to socialize this early. A quick glance allowed her to place each person and avoid them.

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Chapter 22 A series of beeps warned Jase of the door opening. Footsteps sounded on the tile floor, softer than before but still threatening. She had to assume that anyone coming into the room would have evil intent. Then another set of shoes followed with a heavier tread. Her eyes remained closed in a head-in-the-sand attempt to hide. “Open your eyes.” It was a command, but the voice was unexpectedly female. The hand that gripped her breast was callused, with thick masculine fingers. She turned her head to look at the new visitors when those fingers squeezed to the point of pain. Tall, maybe five nine or ten, the woman had the appearance of a wealthy socialite even though her clothing screamed biker chick. The man with her was dressed— rather, half dressed—in tight pants and a black collar. “You like her, don’t you, dear?” the woman crooned to him. “Just wait. I’ll let you play with her before we sell her. Maybe I’ll let all my boys play with you, missy.” The woman reached across the bed and tapped Jase’s cheek. “I hadn’t planned on you, but Harvey has such initiative. He couldn’t let you and your friend ruin our little business.” “Harvey?” Jase gasped. Surely he wasn’t a part of this? The tap became a slap, stinging across her cheek again and again. Jase gritted her teeth against the pain. “Luckily, I have a prospective owner for you. I’d hate to have to eliminate you completely. A well-made girl like you ought to be worth more than the cost of a body bag.” The woman’s hands roamed Jase’s body, pinching and patting her way to her ankles. “Perhaps

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your new owner will provide you with better restraints. These seem to be rubbing you raw.” The smile on her face tormented Jase. This was a woman who enjoyed seeing others in pain. “I have money. I can pay you to release me.” The woman’s face lit up, and her smile widened. “Really? How interesting. But I’ll have to pass on your offer. If I let you walk away, you’ll be the prosecution’s first witness. And I never leave witnesses.” “I promise, no police. I’ll leave the country. No one has to know.” Even to her own ears, Jase sounded desperate, and she knew negotiations should be conducted from a standpoint of power. But her power was nonexistent. Her captor hummed and watched Jase’s expression, her eyes warming. After pleading, adding to the deal, Jase finally realized the woman was enjoying her desperation and stopped talking altogether. She turned her head, closed her eyes, and waited for whatever came next. Amid more beeps, the door opened and two other people entered the small room. “Lillian.” Jase didn’t recognize the voice, another unknown man in the room to worry about. “As I promised, she’s a great acquisition for you, Mr. McKeon. And at a decent price, too.” Damn. A voice she knew, and one she’d never forget. The liar, the fraud who’d brought her here. Harvey. Jase turned her head to get a look at the bastard and flinched, straining at the bonds holding her to the bed. Naked or not, she wanted to claw his eyes out and maybe, with a little luck, she could find a handy knife to cut off his balls. “Feisty. I like her. But she doesn’t look like your regular product, not the type you promised me. Why the change?”

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A strong hand reached across her body to stroke up her ribcage, and Jase stilled, unsure about this new variable. His words were harsh but his hand was almost caressing her skin. “Nothing to be concerned with, McKeon. She was an unexpected bonus when we collected this shipment. If you’re not interested, we can wait until tomorrow’s auction,” Lillian said, her expression haughty. Jase watched her face, watched her left eyelid tic as she spoke to the big man. Nerves made her twitch. The hateful woman was uncomfortable, maybe a little afraid of this man. If she could find a way to exploit the she-devil’s unease, she could broker a deal for freedom. Too many ifs, and being tied to the bed left her with few options. “You’re in a hurry to sell this one?” he asked. “Hmm, not quite a hurry, but as you said, she’s not our regular fare. I’d rather this business be conducted posthaste.” “Does that get me a discount if I take her now?” Jase cringed. It rankled that she’d be sold in what amounted to a bargain bin, and the irony didn’t escape her. She tugged at the restraints again, and that hard hand pressed against her chest, the tips of his fingers barely making contact with the underside of her breast. The reminder of her place in this conversation forced Jase to take a slow, deep breath. A calm, determined plan would be a better use of her energy. A hard pinch to her nipple drove her into agitation again, making her brain work even harder to find a way out of this mess. Castrating Harvey would have to take a back door to getting free. **** Hunter lowered his eyes for a moment as the cell in his breast pocket vibrated again, the third time in less than five minutes. He’d been hoping Kerri would return his calls all day, but now he was stuck in this divorce negotiation from hell and couldn’t answer the

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phone. Watching his client and her husband argue about china and furniture instead of college funds for their two children was frustrating. The petty bickering was ridiculous, and he couldn’t understand why some people married in the first place. Cohabitating with a clear contract was much more reasonable. However, the thought of Kerri tied to him legally and emotionally had been cropping up lately, usually when he was sated and holding her close. The idea of marriage left him contemplating home and hearth more than carefully planned sexual encounters these days and it worried him. The office door opened and his secretary quietly approached his chair, her expression apologetic as she slid the note she held in front of him. All of the women in the office were cowed by him, except Kerri. Mr. Menton –urgent please call immediately. Hunter rose, reaching for the cell in his pocket. “Excuse me, but I have an urgent call to return.” As soon as the door closed behind him, he had Richard on the phone. “Kerri’s at the club. I picked up the signal a few minutes ago, but I’m on the road and it’s at least a two hour drive to get there.” “Fuck.” Hunter turned to see his secretary blush and mumbled an apology. “Thanks for letting me know.” He snapped the phone closed and looked at Jennie. “I have to leave now. Tell them I have a family emergency and see if you can set another appointment for later in the week.” Not waiting for a reply, he strode down the hall to the elevator, wondering what Kerri was doing at the club without him. The doors closed, and the metal box began its slow descent. Hunter pulled his cell out again and thumbed through the apps Richard had installed, finally locating Kerri’s tracking program. The

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locked collar she wore held a tiny transmitter and the blinking green light clearly put her at Velvet Glove. The woman was going to drive him insane. She was strong, independent, and secure enough in herself to beautifully submit to him while retaining every bit of her sense of self. Kerri was the woman he thought he’d never find, and now she’d put herself at risk. Cursing each red light, it took Hunter twenty minutes to get across town to Velvet Glove. It was still early and the lot was relatively empty. He jerked off his coat and tie, tossed them in the backseat and rolled the cuffs of his white dress shirt halfway up his forearms. It was the closest he could come to what he usually wore at the club, but his attitude would cover for the lack of leather. Hunter pushed through the door to the private club and glared at the receptionist. “Where the fuck is Kerri?” The woman cringed, as he’d intended, and said, “She asked to wait inside. She’s in the common room.” Hunter stormed into the main room, his gaze searching but not seeing her. Several patrons looked his way, but no one had the look of guilt he’d expect from a poacher. Wondering what had possessed her to come here alone, he worked his way through the private rooms using the key Richard had given him. It opened every door in the place. Twice, he opened the door to a sexual interlude, but Kerri wasn’t present. At the end of the hall, he took the stairs to the second floor and continued his search.

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Chapter 23 Kerri leaned close and pressed her hand against her friend’s mouth. Jase flinched, her body pitching against a perceived attack. “Jase, be still. I’m trying to help you.” The body on the bed stopped moving and a warm breath pushed against Kerri’s palm. She cautiously lifted her hand an inch. “Kerri?” “Yes. Give me a minute to get you untied.” “I thought you were Harvey.” Kerri tugged at the straps around Jase’s wrists, relieved to find them wrapped Velcro restraints instead of metal handcuffs. “Harvey did this to you? Oh, honey.” Jase shook her wrist while Kerri worked to peel the Velcro on the other one. “He’s not the man I thought he was.” “They never are, Jase.” A series of beeps grabbed their attention. Someone was unlocking the door. “Well, well. Two for one. How lucky can I get?” Harvey stepped across the threshold and let the door swing closed behind him. Kerri worked faster, moving to Jase’s ankles as he approached. A rough hand shoved her against the wall and her head swam. She could hear Jase cursing him. Struggling to her knees, Kerri looked for something to use against him. A coiled whip rested on a hook near the door, a closed cabinet under it probably holding a few other items Harvey could use to torture them if he had the chance. Kerri decided to exercise her option and deny him the opportunity. Crawling across the floor while Jase cursed and scratched, she tugged at the cabinet

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door. It didn’t open easily and she worried that any noise would tip him off. Reluctantly, she stood and lifted the whip off its hook. Just holding it in her hand didn’t help her at all. Kerri had no idea how to wield it effectively, though she did know it took a certain amount of skill. Praying that she didn’t hurt herself or Jase, she raised her arm and swung the handle back, then snapped her arm forward. The whip unfurled as it flew across the space, the final thin foot of it striking Harvey’s back with a resounding crack. His head turned, eyes slit in anger as he grabbed the whip and yanked it out of her hand. While it didn’t appear to hurt him much, it did distract him, giving Jase a chance to scratch at his eyes with her free hand. Kerri jerked open the cabinet door and pulled out the first thing she touched, almost dropping it in her haste. A heavy metal bar with straps hanging from both ends. She raised it like a baseball bat and charged him. The pipe hit Harvey across the shoulders and grazed the back of his skull. It probably would have been a glancing blow if Jase hadn’t been pushing him away from her as the bar connected with his head. He dropped like a rock over her body. Kerri heard Jase’s muffled scream as she dropped the bar and tugged at his body. He’d fallen at just the right angle to keep her pinned to the bed. Kerri put quick fingers to the straps holding Jase’s ankles to the bed. When those were removed, Jase was able to wiggle closer to the edge of the bed. Together, they managed to lift Harvey enough for Jase to slide free. The door beeped as someone else used their access card, and the girls took cover behind the only piece of furniture available, the bed. Kerri swiped her hand across the floor beneath the bed, searching for a weapon. Stretching until it felt like her shoulder would dislocate, she managed to get two fingers on the spacer bar she’d used to hit Harvey. She heard the door latch click open as she inched the bar closer to her palm. Pulling it to her, she nudged Jase and they both rose enough to see past Harvey’s body.

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A dark male silhouette stood in the doorway, feet spread, arms at his side as he took in the body splayed across the bed. “Kerri?” She stood on wobbly legs. “Hunter.” He took two steps into the room and let the door close behind him. She was in his arms, the bar on the floor at her feet. “How did you find me?” She clung to him, her hesitation after the last time they were together disappearing under the weight of the last few minutes. “Menton called. You’re still wearing the collar, so he knew you were here.” Hunter’s hand shaped to her skill, burrowing into her hair to keep her against his chest. “Why did you come here without me?” “I’ve been trying to reach you. Jase was missing.” “Why would you think she’d be here?” “I saw Harvey here last Saturday. He’s her boyfriend-” “Was, past tense,” Jase interjected from behind the bed. “He had her tied to the bed. How did you know I was in here?” Hunter held out his hand. A green dot blinked on a small screen he carried. “Short range tracker.” “You’ve been keeping track of my movements this whole time?” Kerri stared into his eyes, the floor dropping out from under her. He didn’t trust her at all. Anger flared and she shoved at his chest. “You bastard.” The words left her mouth sounding more like a cry of misery than the shout she’d intended. “Whoa.” He jerked her back into his arms. “This was a safety issue for you, nothing else. We—Richard and I—wanted to make sure you weren’t hurt. One of us monitored your location when you weren’t with me.” Kerri pushed at his chest, struggling to put a little distance between them. She couldn’t think straight when his hands were on her. “You should have told me.” “I know.” He sighed. “I didn’t want you to worry. I was wrong.” He looked over her head to Jase. “How did you get here?”

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“I’m not sure. One minute I was in Harvey’s car, the next I was waking up here.” Two strides took him close enough to see the man on the bed. “I’m assuming that’s Harvey?” he asked, looking at each of the girls for conformation. He checked for a pulse and nodded. “Apparently, I’m a horrible judge of character.” Bitterness coated Jase’s tone, and Kerri stepped away from Hunter to hug her friend. “He’s a con artist. He had us all fooled.” Hunter opened another cabinet near the bed and located a pair of handcuffs, securing Harvey’s wrists to the bed. Turning away, he pulled out his cell and tapped out a message. “Someone from security will make sure he’s taken care of.” “Jail would be a good idea. Shouldn’t we call the police?” Jase asked. “Menton will take care of him.” Hunter turned to the door and pulled out his keycard. “Where is he?” Kerri asked. “On his way. Let’s go, ladies.” Hunter turned to the door and pulled out his keycard. A look passed between the girls. “Let’s go, ladies.” “I can’t,” Jase whispered. Kerri put her hand on Hunter’s arm. “She doesn’t have any clothes. Harvey cut them off and took them when he tied her down.” Hunter raised his brow in question before turning away from Kerri to look at her friend, for the first time, really seeing her instead of the situation. Kerri knew exactly what he saw. Jase was a lovely young lady, and bare as the day she was born. Her entire body bloomed with a pink blush. When he turned back to Kerri, his face was a mask of dominant male. “Will she trust me as much as you do?” Kerri tipped her head, not sure what he planned, but believing he would do whatever necessary to get them out of this place.

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He stepped around the table and stood before Jase, eye to eye, asking the same question. When Jase turned wide eyes to Kerri, she nodded. “Trust him, Jase. He’s a good man.” “I’m going to get you out of here, Jase.” He’d intentionally softened his voice, but now let his dominance prevail. “I’m going to touch you, but I won’t hurt you. Do exactly as I say, no matter what I ask of you. No questions, no words at all. Keep your head down and don’t make eye contact with anyone. Understand?” Kerri watched her friend struggle with the instructions, understanding how difficult it would be for Jase to follow them. The memory of her first night with Hunter lashed through her mind, the excitement and fear she’d felt melding with the memories of her submission. “It’ll be okay, Jase. You can do this. I’ll be right beside you.” Hunter turned blazing eyes on her. “You will be properly submissive at all times, pretty girl. No deviations.” “Yes, sir.” She smiled, readily showing her faith in him. He motioned for Jase to step around the table. “A nude woman in this club is not unusual. I’ll carry you out and put you in my car. Kerri will be with us all the way.” “I know it sounds strange, but you can do this, Jase.” Kerri stepped around Hunter and draped an arm around her friend. “This will be over before you know it.” “Lord, I never thought being naked in a club was something I’d do,” Jase whispered, her eyed closed. Before she could change her mind, Hunter leaned down, pushed his shoulder into her abdomen, and stood. She shouted as he slapped his hand over her bare butt. “No noise. Let your head drop and be still.” His arm settled across her legs to keep her in place. “As far as anyone can see, you belong to me. They won’t interfere.”

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When she started to complain, he smacked her ass again, leaving a red handprint. “Do as he says, Jase. It’s the only way.” “Tell him to stop hitting me, Kerri.” “Do as he says and he’ll stop. Don’t panic, Jase. You’ll be fine.” Kerri was worried about her friend and placed her hand on Hunter’s chest, telegraphing her concern. When he acknowledged her feelings, she laid her forehead against his shoulder. His hand cupped her head in a rough caress before he asked her to open the door. They stepped into the hall, and Hunter scanned the area. Conversations could be heard from the common areas, but no one was moving around in the upper hall. Gripping Kerri’s arm, Hunter moved toward the back stairs, hoping to make a quick exit with both the girls. A door opened and Richard’s assistant, Alan Pritchert, saw them. “Mr. Merritt, finally. I’ve been looking for you. Mr. Menton needs you to come to his office immediately.” Hunter felt Jase flinch and go completely still. “Too busy right now. Tell him I’ll call him later.” Hunter stepped around him, only to find the irritating man stepping in the same direction. “Out of my way, Pritchert.” The man’s usually submissive attitude disappeared. “That’s not possible. He was insistent about seeing you immediately. Bring the women with you.” Hunter stared at the man, sure he could take him in a fight, but with Jase draped over his shoulder and Kerri standing next to him, he didn’t want to chance it. “Menton can wait till Hell freezes over. I’m leaving now.” Pritchert moved fast, jerking Kerri out of Hunter’s grip and brandishing a pistol. He pressed the stainless barrel to her back. “I’m afraid your choices are limited, Merritt. All of you are coming to Menton’s office, or this little twit will die a slow death while you watch.”

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Hunter cursed low and long but turned toward the executive office. “What have you done with Menton? I know he wouldn’t authorize you to carry a weapon on premises.” “Just open the fucking door and go in,” Pritchert growled. Kerri could feel the muzzle of the gun through the thin fabric of her blouse and she shivered. As they followed Hunter through the door, she stepped to the side and around a table, trying to slip out of Pritchert’s grip. His fingers tightened until she swore he was touching the bones in her arm. “Be still, chickie. I don’t have permission to actually kill you, but I can do a little damage and you’ll still make us a profit at auction.” Hunter moved further into the room ahead of them. He placed Jase against a wall and stood in front of her, and Kerri appreciated his care of her friend, but worried he would end up being the target of their captors. As much as she’d tried to stay away from him, she knew giving him up would destroy her. And if he was hurt, she wouldn’t be able to stand his pain. “Well, Pritchert? We’re in Menton’s office. What now?” Hunter used his voice, his dominant attitude, to tip the scales, but Pritchert wasn’t budging. “Sit. Wait. Someone will be here to deal with you soon.” Pritchert waved the gun around then stuck it in Kerri’s ribs again. “So, you’re just a lowlife flunky, hmm? Who’s the boss?” Hunter didn’t sit, didn’t move. His hands settled across his chest like he was examining a hostile witness. “What kind of operation are you involved in, Pritchert? Are you willing to take the fall for someone else’s profit margin?” “I’m a partner, you son-of-a-bitch. Not a fall guy. And once we get things settled, I’ll be happy to put a bullet in your head. Maybe the ladies here will get to watch. Seeing blood splatter against a wall makes a woman highly motivated to follow directions.” “Enough, Alan. I’ll take it from here.”

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Kerri sucked in air, unable to believe her own ears. The voice, the grating voice she couldn’t bear to hear. How could he be a part of this? She’d always known he had a mean streak, but to kidnap and sell women, to murder people? She honestly hadn’t thought he had the guts for actual violence. How terribly wrong she’d been. “Surely you’re not the boss he was waiting on, Hudson? Tell me it isn’t so. You’re not smart enough to run an operation this big.” Kerri watched through a haze while Hunter goaded, pushed for a break in what they both knew was Hudson’s temper. Anger would lead to deadly mistakes, and he needed Hudson to make a mistake, and make it quick. Pritchert was too edgy, ready to fight. And there were too many targets in the room. “Hunter Merritt, Mister Big Shot. I knew you’d be a thorn in my side when we hired you, but I didn’t get a vote.” “Sad to say you can’t participate in running the firm when your name’s on the door.” Hunter hadn’t relaxed his position, his body announcing he was calm, confident and in charge. Kerri stepped to the side, and Pritchert jerked her back against him. “Let her go, Pritchert. She won’t fight back, knowing we have her friend and her lover.” Devin separated Kerri from her captor and pushed her deeper into the room. Dropping the submissive attitude, she glared openly, defying him with her stare. “You’re disgusting. Grandfather would be so proud.” The back of his hand made solid contact with her face, sending her sprawling across the floor. Hunter lunged in her direction only to be stopped with a raised hand from Kerri. She wanted to deal with Devin on her own. Pain lanced through her body, the fire centering on her left cheek and jaw. But she refused to let Devin see her cry. And if she cried in front of Hunter, he’d tear Devin apart before they got any information from him. She pressed her palms to the floor and gulped air, trying to

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keep her body from responding to Devin’s derision. Then she stood and faced him. “Always a bully, Uncle. It’s been the one constant in our relationship. Maybe it’s why you never found a woman willing to marry you.” “Interesting observation, Kerri,” Hunter said. “I couldn’t have said it better myself. Now, step away from him.” Devin snaked out a hand and grasped her wrist, but before he could pull her close enough for another blow, she crowded into him and slammed her knee into his balls. Since his only weapon against her—his hands—were suddenly occupied cupping his privates, Kerri was able to shove him to the floor. Menton’s office was nothing if not a showroom for bondage accessories. She grabbed the first thing she saw, not sure what it was, but it was sturdy. One quick chop against the side of her uncle’s head left him unconscious. Hunter hadn’t been waiting around for her to finish Devon off. He’d obviously moved as soon as she had. Pritchert’s gun lay on the floor near Jase’s feet, while Hunter’s knee was firmly in Pritchert’s back. “Find me a pair of handcuffs, Kerri. Richard keeps a few sets in the drawer just to your left.” He hardly sounded out of breath, and Kerri fought to keep her mind on what she was supposed to be doing. The door clicked and slid open. Handcuffs in her hand, Kerri screamed, her head on fire as she was jerked against a hard chest. Jase’s voice floated across the room, a mix of fear and disgust. “It’s—her.” “Shut up, skinny bitch,” the man holding Kerri growled. “Good work, Jeffrey, darling. Such wonderful anticipation of my needs. Don’t you agree, Hunter?” “I knew you were an extremist, Lillian, but this is excessive, even for you.”

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Kerri balanced on her toes, trying to take some of the pressure off her head, but the pain didn’t diminish. Hunter scooped up the cuffs she’d dropped and slipped them around Pritchert’s wrists before he stood to face the man holding her against his body. She watched his eyes flash when Jeffrey’s wrist pressed into her chest. Something cold and hard touched the bare skin of her throat for a moment, and Hunter blinked, his eyes narrowing to slits. “Oh, you noticed? The blade is sharp enough to cut into her skin with a mere touch.” The sting was mild, little more than a scratch when shaving her legs—definitely less than the wax job—but the trickle of warm blood across her collarbone had her wondering how deep the cut was. She avoided Hunter’s expression, afraid of what she might see, and looked at the dominatrix. Pleasure in her eyes and a small smile greeted Kerri, reminding her of Lillian’s cruel nature. The knife flashed into her peripheral vision, and Kerri sucked in a breath. It was long and thin and held casually in Jeffrey’s palm, his index finger stroking the base of the blade like a lover. “Call him off, Lillian.” The words were Hunter’s, but in a tone Kerri had never heard from him. Cold. Dangerous. “Why would I do something so foolish, Hunter?” Lillian stepped around Jeffrey and Kerri to face Hunter. “My boys are well trained, especially when it comes to protecting me.” The woman’s hand lifted, and Kerri clenched her leg muscles, ready to do whatever necessary to avoid contact with the dominatrix, even if it meant losing some hair. But Lillian’s hand bypassed her to stroke Jeffrey’s hair. “Let him go,” Lillian said to Hunter, her eyes taking in the sight of Pritchert in handcuffs. “While I enjoy the sight of a man in cuffs, I need him.” Hunter smiled. Didn’t move.

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Kerri let her eyes drift closed for a second, sure he was working on a way to free her but unable to follow his train of thought without verbal directions he couldn’t give her at the moment. Lillian’s hand waved in Jeffrey’s direction and he spoke. “Quick, now, or I’ll spill just enough blood to make you puke.” The guttural words drew her attention. The knife wavered near her face before dancing around her chest. “I said now. Get busy, or I’ll add some character to her pretty face. Her body’s hot enough that even with a scar, she’ll sell quick.” Hunter crossed his arms, only his eyes revealing his thoughts to Kerri. He looked pissed, tense, and hostile. But only to her. To Jeffrey, he projected the cool attorney persona. “Why should I let him go, or you for that matter? What’s in it for me?” “Don’t fuck with me. I know you’re investigating my business transactions.” Lillian gestured toward Pritchert, her long fingers tipped with sharp red nails pointing at the man squirming on the floor. “I need him alive and well for the next twenty-four hours. After that, you can have him.” “Mistress, you promised we would be together. Please don’t throw me away.” “I may not have a choice, Alan. But I’ll try to keep you with me when I leave. Trust me, darling.” “But, Mistress, I was chosen to leave with you when this ended.” Jeffrey’s sour breath slid past Kerri’s cheek. “Please don’t change your mind, Mistress.” The chest behind her tensed, shifted marginally, and the tension from her hair eased enough for Kerri to put her heels on the floor and still have room to move her head. She didn’t. Hunter’s brow quirked, and she knew, knew he was plotting a way out of this. His torso didn’t move an inch, but his feet squared up like

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he was about to do battle. The when and what were still beyond her knowledge. She watched and waited as he turned to face Lillian. “Why do you need Pritchert?” he asked carelessly, a simple conversation between equally dominant acquaintances. “He handles the money. Beyond that, he’s worthless.” Jeffrey chuckled and slid his hand out of Kerri’s hair. “Money may be the root of all evil, but sex is where the root grows.” “Shut your mouth, Jeffrey. This isn’t a conversation for you.” Lillian’s acid tongue lashed out. “You will obey and be silent.” “But, Mistress, I only meant to support you,” he wheedled. “Silence. And mind the girl, you fool.” Kerri didn’t want to flinch at the feel of his palm crawling from her shoulder to her arm, across her chest to cup her breast through the tight material of her blouse. Deep cleansing breaths through her nose kept her steady while she watched Hunter. Behind Hunter, Jase stood with her arms clenched around her body and cried silent tears with occasional curses in Lillian’s direction. Kerri could see the pain on her face. Harvey’s involvement with this woman and his ultimate betrayal was unexpected and devastating. Hunter’s feet moved a sly few inches in her direction, and Kerri turned her body enough to bump Jeffrey’s arm. The distraction earned her a pinch where he grasped her breast, but put Hunter a small step closer. Kerri flinched again at the pinch and allowed Hunter another step. Still, the distance between them was too far. Lillian continued to rail at Jeffrey for insubordination while keeping a wary eye on Hunter. Pritchert squirmed on the floor, cursing and kicking at anyone within reach. When his foot connected with Hunter’s leg, Hunter cursed and kicked back, using the momentum to move a few steps closer to Kerri.

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“You need me, Mistress. You can’t get the money without me.” Pritchert managed to get his legs under him and sat upright. “The account numbers are in my head. Without me, this is a bust.” Lillian stamped her foot. “Shut up, both of you. I need to think.” Still watching Hunter’s face, Kerri lifted her shoulder to create another distraction. His mouth tensed and both eyebrows lowered, an expression she hadn’t seen yet. Unsure what it meant, she froze. “Son of a bitch.” The body behind her stopped moving, stopped breathing as far as she could tell, when those words left his mouth. Then she heard an unwelcome voice speaking unforgettable words. “Take your hands off the girl and drop the knife.” Deep, smooth, solid steel tones commanding compliance. The blade at her throat wavered, floated into her sight again, but the hand on her breast squeezed. He wasn’t ready to give up his hostage. Kerri shifted her weight just far enough to get one foot off the ground. Lifting her foot, she slammed the three-inch heel of her shoe into what she hoped was the top of Jeffrey’s foot. His scream, and the fact that both his arms flew out to his sides, let her know she’d at least hit something important. The knife hit the floor about the same time Hunter’s hands gripped her shoulders and jerked her to him. Mitch McKeon grabbed the young sub and smoothly jerked his wrists into the small of his back, wrapping them tightly with a Velcro restraint. “Stay.” “Why are you here, McKeon?” Hunter growled, pulling Kerri behind him and away from the double threat of Jeffrey and McKeon. “I have business with Lillian.” “Now is not a good time, Mitch,” she crooned, “but thank you for helping with Jeffrey. He’s a little too enthusiastic today.” “Get out, McKeon. You don’t want to get involved here.” “I disagree.” He strode across the floor and grabbed Lillian’s arm in a solid fist, drawing her close to his side.

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“I have a vested interest in this conversation. Not an hour ago, Lillian Kosgrove sold that naked girl to me. She accepted my money. Didn’t you?” With one hand, he tipped her head back until she could see his face. “Well?” “Yes, we spoke about a business transaction. But now is not the time to discuss it.” “Are you agreeing with me, Lillian, or voiding the deal you made?” The harshness of his voice sent a shiver down Kerri’s spine while she waited for the dominatrix’s reply. “I will not void our transaction. The money has been moved and I’ll not return it.” The whispered conversation, however quiet she’d intended, carried throughout the room. Hunter’s arms tightened around her, and Kerri inhaled sharply at the realization of what Jase had experienced. McKeon eased Lillian’s hands to the small of her back. “Thank you.” Holding her slim wrists in one hand, he pulled a set of silver handcuffs from his back pocket and fitted them around her wrists with an audible click. “Take those damned things off of me, Mitch. I’m no one’s submissive.” “That will most likely change shortly.” His chuckle surprised everyone in the room. “Lillian Kosgrove, you are under arrest for the abduction and sale of Jase Benedict. You have the right to remain silent, but if you choose to talk, anything you say may and will be used against you in a court of law.” Hunter raised a hand to stop Mitch. “Wait. Who do you work for?” Mitch slid a slim wallet out of his back pocket and flipped it open. “FBI.” “Damn it,” he said. “Doesn’t anyone in law enforcement communicate these days?” “You’re a lawyer, you tell me.”

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“I wasted too many hours digging into your background. Why didn’t you say something?” Mitch shook his head, never letting go of Lillian’s arm. “I wasn’t sure what game you were playing, especially where this little girl was involved. We thought for sure you’d drop out of the game when your partner bailed.” “Did you set that up?” “Nah. But I knew it was going down.” Kerri stepped around Hunter and punched Mitch in the gut. The ass didn’t even flinch. “You—” McKeon stood over her, his eyes half-lidded, his lips in a firm line. “You are a strong woman, Miss Hudson. When you finish your degree, I hope you apply with us. Let me know and I’ll be happy to write you a letter of recommendation.” “Don’t count on it.” Hunter’s possessive tone surprised her, as did the offer of a reference. She’d never considered the FBI as a career choice. Mitch grinned at Hunter, and Kerri was surprised at how much the smile changed his face. He was actually a strikingly handsome man without the dark demeanor of his dom persona. “We might have an opening for you with the Bureau, too, Merrit. Let me know when you decide to give up the part-time, freelance spook business.” McKeon’s grin faded when he turned back to Lillian and jerked at her cuffs. “Time to go. There’s a cell waiting for you downtown.”

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Chapter 24 Kerri stood within Hunter’s sheltering arms while Jase argued with Richard and the EMTs he’d called. Wrapped in an oversized robe Richard provided from the club, she looked like a refugee from an unexpected toga party. Irritated and stubborn, Jase used her inner strength to insist she could go home and recover on her own. Kerri had lobbied for the hospital as a precaution, but until Richard actually called the medics, Jase’s plan to leave under her own steam was plausible but unlikely. As the argument continued, Kerri could see her friend faltering. Jase’s ordeal in the club was taking its toll. Fine tremors, visible to Kerri only because they’d been friends for so long, raged through her body and she looked cold even though the temperature was near ninety at midnight. In a few minutes, Richard would win by default and Jase would fall flat on her face in the foyer of Velvet Glove. Kerri stepped away from Hunter to put her arms around Jase. “Give it up, honey. Richard’s right. You need to be checked out by a doctor.” “But, I wasn’t—” “I know, but emotional trauma can be just as devastating. If for no other reason, do this for my peace of mind.” She squeezed Jase in a tight hug then turned her toward the waiting EMTs. Minutes later, they were loading her into the ambulance. “I’m so sorry this happened to you and your friend, Kerri. I thought we could keep you safe. I was wrong.” Richard’s words echoed his expression, deep regret and sorrow etching lines in his handsome face, and Kerri placed her palm on his

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chest. The tension in his body was palatable, every muscle tight with anger at what she and Jase had endured. He kept talking, but she tuned him out, sure his anger would abate if she stayed calm. “It’s okay, Richard. They’re both safe now, and the police have everyone involved in custody.” Hunter pulled Kerri back into his arms as he spoke. He was warm and comforting, but she knew it wouldn’t last long. Her reason for being with him was gone. Soon she’d be back in her townhouse, studying and writing papers while he went back to his regular job. Walking away from Hunter was going to be harder than enduring the public whipping. Hell, that particular experience had ended in pleasure, but doing without Hunter in her life would be hellish. For now, Kerri allowed herself to wallow in the feel of his arms around her. She allowed herself to feel like she belonged with him. She allowed herself to hope he belonged with her. Richard and Hunter continued to talk about Jase’s abduction and whether her testimony would be enough to put the entire group in prison. Kerri tuned most of it out, wondering if she should walk away completely. Her car was in the lot, her keys in her pocket. A quick, clean break would probably be easier for both of them. Her head was working on a reasonable way to be strong while her heart thudded against her ribs. With a deep breath, she stepped away from Hunter and strode across the driveway, moving in the direction of her car with firm steps. Kerri was closing in on her car when Hunter’s arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her against his chest. “Where are you going, pretty girl?” His words whispered across her senses and sent a chill of pleasure and resentment through her body. His power over her was thrilling and frightening, both feelings chasing each other around her heart. “Home.” She pushed against his arms and turned to face him, holding her composure close. “My part in this is over, and I need to go home now.”

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“You’re running away. Is that what you really want?” he asked. She shrugged, working hard to project a calm façade, hoping to keep her emotions contained until she was alone. Letting Hunter see how much she’d miss him was a weakness she didn’t want him to exploit. “You’re running away now that the adventure is over.” He turned her in his arms and cupped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Don’t act so surprised. I knew from the beginning about your need for adventure. Hell, I was happy to provide the excitement. But I’m not ready for it to end.” Kerri dropped her head against his chest. Continuing to see him and knowing it was a game would make her miserable. She’d foolishly opened her heart to him, and the only way to push him away would be to let him see her emotions. Not a choice she wanted to make. Hunter took the choice away, taking her hand and tugging her across the parking lot to his truck. Without words, he put her into the passenger seat, buckled her in, and circled to the driver’s side. Moments later, they were on the road. He didn’t speak until they were in his garage, the door sliding closed behind the truck. “Come on, sweetheart. We have a few things to talk about before bed.” Dazed, her thoughts spinning, Kerri followed him into the house, desire tempting her body to be bold. One more night with Hunter wouldn’t hurt, at least not tonight. She could deal with the pain of separation a little better with a strong memory of his body covering hers. He led her through the kitchen and sat her in a chair at the table. Surprisingly, he poured her a glass of ice water and set the glass in front of her with a smile. “No alcohol tonight. I want to be sure you understand everything we discuss with no reason to question your agreement later.”

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He sat in the chair next to her, turning to face her and taking her hand. “What do you want to discuss, Hunter?” She heard the tremor in her voice and sucked in a breath. With a little more control, she continued. “Why am I here?” “I would think that’s obvious, but I’ll spell it out. I want you, Kerri. I know you started this situation as an adventure, but I’d like to continue it as something more.” “What exactly do you want from me?” Fear and hope surged. Kerri wanted a true intimate relationship with Hunter. She wanted his love. But the club scene, the intensity of his possession, frightened her to the point of denial. She wasn’t sure she could fit into his life on a permanent basis. “To begin with, I’d like you to move in here with me. Trying to get you out of the club tonight made me realize how much I want to protect you, cherish you. I lost my mind when I discovered you were there without me, sweetheart.” Kerri fought to breathe. Living with Hunter was a dream or perhaps a nightmare. Could she submit to him completely, bare herself physically and emotionally? True, she’d accepted the fact of her emotional need for him, even though she hadn’t admitted it to him. The L word hadn’t crossed either of their lips. But Kerri knew it was there, waiting to be said, at least in her mouth. But his? She wasn’t sure. Living together and being in love were different ideologies altogether for men. Whereas her heart had been involved since he’d so tenderly made love to her in the pool, she couldn’t be sure of his emotional connection. “Talk to me, Kerri.” His hand tipped her chin, and she realized she’d been staring at the wall behind him. Meeting his gaze, looking

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into those dark depths, she saw raw need and something else, something she couldn’t define. “Tell me what you’re thinking, pretty girl.” Hunter’s fingers moved to her cheek, stroked softly against her skin, enticed her to cuddle into his touch. It was always like this, the insidious need he caused within her at every touch pushed her to give in to his desire. Kerri reached up and grasped his wrist, tugging until his fingers left her face. He allowed the action but raised a brow in question. “I need to think, Hunter. I can’t do that with you touching me.” Pushing back in the chair, Kerri stood and paced across the tile floor, her heels clicking as she moved around the room trying to gather her thoughts. With every turn, she saw his eyes brightly watching her every move. But he stayed in the chair and gave her the space she needed. If only she could find the words to explain her feelings. “I don’t think I can live in this lifestyle, Hunter. I’m afraid I’ll let you down, drive myself crazy trying to please you….” She raised her palm to him when he started to stand. “Kerri—” “I admit wanting you, wanting what you’re offering, but I’m already so lost in my feelings for you that I’m afraid my heart will end up trampled beyond hope.” “Your heart? What about mine? What do you think will happen to my heart?” “I don’t know.” Kerri tried to fortify her voice, make herself heard through the tears choking her throat. “I don’t know how you feel.” “I’m not prepared for you to walk away right now. I need you in my life.” The roughness of his voice washed over her, emotion overwhelming her with desire. But she steeled herself against the urge. “I can’t be what you want, Hunter. I’m sorry. I wish I could, but I can’t.”

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“What do you mean, sweetheart? You’re exactly what I want.” “No. You want a woman who can submit to you completely, who can be with you in the clubs. I can’t be that person.” “You are that person, Kerri.” Vehemently shaking her head, she said, “No. I was pretending. That isn’t me.” “Kerri.” Hunter wrapped his hand around her shoulder, keeping her close enough to feel his chest rise and fall with each breath. “Don’t kid yourself. No one could fake your responses in the club or in my bed.” Tears ran down her face, but she continued to shake her head. She didn’t want to be the girl from the club scene. “The truth, sweetheart, is harder to hear than the emotional connection.” Hunter pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. “If you’re worried about the club, you need to understand a few things. First, I don’t live the lifestyle. I just play there once in a while.” Kerri dragged in a ragged gulp of air at the admission. “I’ll admit to being dominant, wanting you to submit to me sexually, but I would never ask you for more than you can openly give. I love you too much to hurt you.” Kerri gasped. “You love me?” “More than I ever imagined possible.” Heart pounding, the sound of surf rushing to shore filling her ears, Kerri stared at the hard, testosterone-fueled man looking at her with heat in his eyes. Hope flared within her heart. “Okay.” “Okay to what, pretty girl? Okay to living with me? Are you agreeing to anything and everything I ask?” His palms cradled her hot cheeks, pulling her closer to him, his warm breath a whisper against her face. Kerri soaked him in, letting his heat, his love, fill her soul. “Everything,” she whispered as his lips neared hers. “Marry me?” he whispered back, a bare inch from melding their mouths together. “Yes.”

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THE END WWW.LAVENDERDAYE.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lavender is a native Texan, and although her family has lived in many other states, she’s always called Texas home. She began writing in elementary school and by high school, she was addicted to romance and working on her first novel. On her one and only trip abroad, Lavender visited several castles and wished for one of her own, hence her penchant for fairy tales. She lives in Texas with her husband, two kids and a very spoiled dog. A firm believer in happily-ever-after, Lavender thinks every woman should have a fairy tale of her own, even if it’s make-believe.

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com