Table of Contents

- Dedication

- Chapter One

- Chapter Two

- Chapter Three

- Chapter Four

- Chapter Five

- Chapter Six

- Chapter Seven

- Epilogue

- About the Author

- Look for these titles by Maggie Casper

Taking care of business…

Barracudas in Prada. Stuffy board rooms. Raith Aldan is beyond tired of it all and ready to sell out and move on to something less stressful and much more…interesting. Something that suits his dominant male traits, like a BDSM club in Tahoe.

He’s only spoken to his new realtor on the phone, but she isn’t the usual bend-over-backwards-to-please-him type. She’s a woman who can stand up for herself yet submit to his command—a heady combination.

Alexandra Aimon is intrigued with the man who persists in calling her day after day in his quest for property. Something about him, his voice, the way he speaks as if he has very specific expectations, excites her.

Meeting face to face does much more than ignite sparks for the two of them, but there’s a problem. She doesn’t mix business and pleasure, even if temptation comes with handcuffs, collars and floggers.

Raith sees only one solution—wrap up the deal as soon as possible. Then wrap his former realtor in leather. Except he never expected to be the one falling fast and hard…

Warning: This book contains a spanking good time of consensual S&M scenes in some taboo places, some of which may stimulate pleasure so intense you’ll feel the need to go to confession…

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They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental.

Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

577 Mulberry Street, Suite 1520

Macon GA 31201

A Love Like No Other

Copyright © 2011 by Maggie Casper

ISBN: 978-1-60928-362-9

Edited by Heidi Moore

Cover by Scott Carpenter

All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

First Samhain Publishing, Ltd. electronic publication: February 2011

www.samhainpublishing.com

A Love Like No Other

Maggie Casper

Dedication

To Chelsea, for reminding me that anything is possible. I love you, baby!

Chapter One

Raith wasn’t quite sure why he liked to antagonize the obviously spunky woman on the other end of the phone, but the truth of it was he did. She had fire and seemed to know when to stand her ground, but she was also careful in how she spoke to him.

He’d taken to calling her often under the pretense of business just to hear her voice. She desired to please, it carried through each and every syllable, but she was also not afraid to stand up for herself, even to him. It was a concept he wasn’t used to.

It seemed people were either bitingly rude because of his wealth or they bent over backward, willing to forsake family and morals to keep a smile on his face. Finding someone who landed in the middle was pretty unheard of.

He was intrigued beyond belief. It wouldn’t have taken anything more than the exchange of money to find out all he needed to know about Alexandra Aimon, but for some reason Raith had not felt it necessary to do so. Other than having his secretary check into her on a purely professional level, he hadn’t really even thought of digging into her personal history.

He wanted the first time he saw her to be in the flesh, not on a glossy piece of paper with her hair done perfectly and flawless make-up hiding her true self. If she had issues he wanted to hear it from her own lips because she trusted him enough to tell him, not because he’d hired the right man for the job. As long as she was good at her job he had no qualms finding out the rest for himself. First hand.

She was a confusing piece of baggage. At the seductive lowering of his voice her tone became prim and proper. During those times he could almost picture her pushing wire-rimmed glasses up the bridge of her nose. When he became irritated her voice soothed in low, relaxing tones. Most of all though, he enjoyed her laughter. It flowed freely over the phone line. For the first time in a long time, Raith could hardly wait to meet a woman.

With his luck she was either ugly, old or had no interest in men. It didn’t really matter either way as far as Raith was concerned, because he enjoyed talking to her and would like doing so even if she wasn’t his opinion of an ideal partner. Sure, it would be nice if she was young, beautiful and enjoyed cock. He would most definitely relish the thought of tying her up and flogging her ass red with his belt or drawing her to him with nothing more than the crook of his finger in order to ravage every inch of her body, but it wasn’t a must. Hell, he was just happy to have found someone who could carry on a conversation without yes sirring him to fucking death.

“Hey, boss.”

Larry had been his assistant since the beginning. The other man had kept Raith on the straight and narrow when wealth had nearly drowned him. He’d only smiled and nodded when Raith had said he was done buying and selling small companies and was ready to retire to a more enjoyable line of work.

“Yeah,” he answered absently, his thoughts still on his new realtor.

“Everything has been signed and taken care of. By this time next week you’ll be retired.”

And even more wealthy than you already are. The words were left unsaid but they definitely hung in the air. He’d made a tidy sum selling out when he did. It was a decision he was sure he’d never regret.

“Great.” Raith stood from his seated position behind the desk of his home office and walked across the room to stare out the ceiling-high bank of windows that looked down upon New York traffic. He’d spent the last week thinking about his life and had come to realize he was tired of big-city living. He wanted out. “I think we should plan a trip to Tahoe and start looking at the places Miss Aimon has lined up.”

Larry’s gaze was on him, studying, scrutinizing. Raith figured now was as good a time as any to divulge his plans. “I’m going to task her with finding me a home as well as space for the club. I’m done living in New York, full time at least.”

“Okay.” There was a wealth of confusion in the single-worded answer. Raith smiled.

Turning to face his assistant, he said, “I’ll take care of setting things up. We’re going to need a place to stay temporarily while we’re looking at locations for the club. Once we’re done with that we can come back here and prepare for a move.” It wasn’t a question he wanted to ask, but felt the need considering his assistant was in his employ and not a piece of property. “If moving to Tahoe doesn’t work for you I’m sure we can figure something out and you’re more than welcome to stay here. I won’t be selling the building.”

Larry’s lips curved at the corners. “Tahoe sounds good to me.”

“Perfect. I’ll give Miss Aimon another call then.”

Larry headed for the door. “I’m sure she’ll be thrilled.” His laughter followed him out of the room.

Raith couldn’t help but chuckle as he reached for the phone. He didn’t even try the office since someone else would answer. Instead, he opted for her personal cell number.

“Alexandra Aimon, how may I help you?”

Her voice was soft like slow drops of summer rain. She must be busy, Raith thought to himself. It was obvious she hadn’t checked her cell phone’s caller id. He much preferred it when she answered knowing it was him.

“That’s a loaded question if I’ve ever heard one.” He couldn’t help but tease her. It wasn’t professional and he knew it but also figured after several weeks’ worth of phone conversations he could push a little.

“Oh, Mr. Alden.” She sounded a bit breathy. “I wasn’t expecting you to call again today.”

Well, she certainly tried to put him in his place. Of course, he wasn’t the sort who took exception to such slights. Plodding on as if he didn’t understand, Raith continued, “Have I caught you at a bad time?”

“Not really, no. I’ve just finished showing a property and was on my way back to the office.”

It was probably the dominant in him, the part of the man who liked being in control, but he thoroughly liked how she seemed to always be explaining herself to him. Raith couldn’t help but wonder if she did so with the rest of her clients. The thought brought a frown to his face. He didn’t like it at all.

“Have you been able to come up with any other ideas for my club?” he tried to bring the club up as much as possible. When he’d first spoken to her explaining what type of space he was searching for, she had been intrigued. Then things had gone a bit further and he’d given more detail on exactly what a BDSM club was and what he was looking for and she’d become flustered. Now it was just a tool he could use to keep her a bit unsteady.

“Just the few I told you about earlier. I’m really not sure they’ll work for your needs though.”

Raith didn’t like it when others thought to waylay his plans by making assumptions. It was irritating. Although he knew Alexandra wanted his business, he also knew she was leery about the type of business. He could only assume she was stalling by looking around in areas other than Tahoe. Maybe she hoped he would take the bait and open up shop farther away. That was not part of his plan.

“How about I be the judge?” He added an edge to his tone that brooked no argument. “I’ll be heading that way next week. Could you be of help in finding a place for my assistant and me to stay?”

His question was met by momentary silence before he heard the shuffling of papers. “For a day or two?”

She wished. Raith had trouble holding in his mirth at the hopefulness in her voice. “I was thinking more like a few weeks. Might as well make a vacation out of it while I’m there.”

More silence.

“Is there a problem, Alexandra?”

“Huh? Oh no, not at all.” He could hear papers rustling. “I have a client who was planning to do a swap this year. She owns a local timeshare and wanted to swap her time for space somewhere else.”

It could work. “Is she trustworthy?”

“Mrs. Mcabe, oh yes. She’s in her sixties and looking to do a little traveling but is on a fixed income, which is why she wanted to do a swap.”

Raith thought about it for a second. He doubted very much someone in their sixties would tear up his high-rise condo. Decision made, he replied, “Find out if she would like to spend some time in New York City. If so, we should be able to work out a swap. Call me back after you’ve spoken to her.”

Their phone conversation lasted only a minute or two longer, which was not nearly long enough in his opinion. Things were finally starting to move forward. Before long he would meet Alexandra Aimon and find out if she had a face and body to match her sultry voice.

Alexandra straightened her tunic-style top for the twentieth time, wondering if she should have bought something a little more professional looking. Maybe one of those high-profile business suits with the pencil skirts and fitted jackets would have been more appropriate. Of course, then she would have had to wear pantyhose and heels and the thought of both were enough to make her feel a little queasy.

You can be professional and attractive without all the trappings, she chided herself as she paced her office once again.

There was no reason she should be as nervous as she was. Sure, the man was wealthy beyond belief. His business could mean the difference between remaining open and closing the doors on her dream when the economy was kicking her butt, but ultimately he was only a man.

Must be his voice then, and of course his looks. He’d been on magazine covers as well as headline news in the business world after having just sold his holdings for more than most people would see in ten lifetimes.

Alexandra tried not to think about the type of business he was planning to open. Doing so only caused her brain to misfire and her body to tingle and feel alive in a way it never had before. She’d always dreamed about being taken by a dominant man, her body used, her mind, heart and spirit controlled by one who knew what he was doing. To trust so deeply she could give of herself in every way possible. Funny thing was, she’d never before known there was a name for it.

Until speaking with Raith Aldan, Alexandra had never put the word submissive to anything she identified as. To think there were people out there who actively knew and partook in such relationships was both surprising and scary. Surprising because for so long she’d thought she was one of a very small group of people. Scary because now that she knew about this set of people, knew about the clubs, parties and even educational and social meetings, she wanted to know more and possibly even become a part of it all.

Of course, Mr. Aldan was not the man she wanted to learn more from. He was bossy, a man used to getting his own way in all things, all the time. Alexandra knew she wasn’t ready for that and even if she were, she wasn’t the type who could be bought.

Steeling her spine, she moved to the chair behind her desk and sat. Margaret would show him in when he arrived. Pacing the floors and jumping for the door in eager anticipation the second he walked into the waiting area would only undermine the professional nature she was seriously hoping to adhere to.

“No mixing business with pleasure,” she said aloud to herself.

It had always been a rule, but now more than ever it was one she needed to strictly follow. She had the impression, from both his repeated phone calls as well as the things she’d read about him, that Raith enjoyed playing games, and she had no intention of becoming just another pawn to the man. Surely he had enough women who filled that role in his life already.

Her door was open but she didn’t have a clear view of the outer office room where Margaret was busy answering the phone and filing paperwork. Alexandra did however hear her greeting clearly and had trouble remaining in her seat long enough for her visitor to reach the door.

She’d seen pictures of him before but they didn’t do the man justice. He was breathtakingly handsome and larger than life in a way that had absolutely nothing to do with actual size.

His head was shiny bald, her fingers tingled to touch it. His facial hair was a deep rich shade of brown and Alexandra couldn’t help but wonder why he shaved his head and whether or not that hair would be the same color if he let it grow out.

“Alexandra Aimon?”

His words drew her out of the state of mute intrigue she’d found herself in. She quickly stood and moved around her desk until they were standing face to face. “Alexandra is fine, Mr. Alden.” She thrust her hand forward in greeting then motioned to one of the cushioned chairs opposite her own. “Please have a seat. Would you like something to drink?”

The way he watched her was unnerving. His brows were furrowed deeply. It was as if he wasn’t sure she was who she claimed to be. Alexandra couldn’t help but wonder if he found her lacking. She wasn’t the hoity-toity, silicone-inflated type, that was for sure, but she wasn’t exactly an ugly duckling either.

“No, thank you.”

“Okay then. We’ll get started.” She moved back behind her desk and once again took her seat.

The gleaming wood surface gave her a semblance of safety. It wasn’t as if she feared for her wellbeing while in his presence, but he did make her uneasy. She could feel the sensation skitter down her spine to land like a rock in the pit of her stomach. It was nearly impossible to ignore the other feelings making themselves known, the ones that caused her nipples to peak and her sex to weep with joy at his nearness. Every inch of him was dangerous. There was no denying the fact.

Alexandra opened the folder lying front and center on her desk in hopes that getting back to work would take her mind off the man himself. In it were pictures and descriptions of properties for sale. Ones she thought might fit his needs. She turned the folder to face him then began regaling the specifications of each. When she finally looked up it was to find him looking at her and not the information she’d been addressing.

“Do any of them catch your interest, Mr. Alden?”

His lip kicked up at one corner giving him a rakish appearance which made her heart flip flop then skitter before once again settling on a rhythm much faster than normal for her.

“Please call me Raith, Alexandra.” He said her name as if testing its weight on his tongue.

Her skin prickled with the need to escape. If she didn’t need the business there was a good chance she might have turned him over to a colleague with more experience in business properties. But that wasn’t the case so she was just going to have to keep her distance.

“Much has caught my interests, but right now we’ll stick to business.”

Alexandra thought she had misheard him, but the slight glimmer of amusement in his gaze warned she had not. She wasn’t sure whether she was going to faint or giggle but was absolutely positive neither would be very professional.

She was relieved when he once again spoke, this time in his no-nonsense, business-only tone. “I don’t make final decisions on property based on statistics. I need to see the places myself.”

She could arrange for him to see the list of places. And the sooner the better as far as she was concerned. “Completely understandable, Mr. Ald…er…Raith. How would tomorrow work for you?”

His brows had drawn together in displeasure at her blunder. For the life of her, Alexandra couldn’t figure out why it mattered to her that she might displease him. He was a client. Either she could help him find the right property or she couldn’t. Scampering around on egg shells, wondering if she had offended him or not wouldn’t change things. Once again rock steady in her desire to just be herself, she met his gaze and smiled.

His next words completely obliterated her few seconds of calm. “Was there something wrong with now? Maybe you had other appointments set up already?”

His gaze bore into hers, daring her to lie. How he knew she didn’t have any other plans she couldn’t figure out, but he knew and was waiting to see how she played the cards. Of that she had no doubt.

“Now would be fine. I just assumed you would like time to settle into the timeshare and rest a bit.” It was the truth and yet didn’t directly answer his question.

“Do you have other appointments this afternoon, Alexandra?”

Why did his tone not only make her want to answer in a prompt manner but also turn her on? It should have irritated her and would have coming from anyone else.

“No, I don’t have any other clients this afternoon.” God, how she wished she did because she somehow knew what he was going to suggest before he even said the words.

“Good. You can take me by the timeshare and show me around while we plan which places to see first.”

He’d already uncoiled himself from the chair and was hustling her out the door, his large hand resting on the small of her back, before she had even considered protesting.

Chapter Two

To the outside observer Alexandra was completely at ease in his company. She stood tall, her willowy frame held strength having nothing to do with muscle. She was confident and intelligent and completely skittish as hell around him. Raith liked knowing he had her on pins and needles.

She had kept up a continual dialogue on the short trip over and even now, as they walked toward the appropriate townhouse, she continued to talk. Her words seemed forced, as if she wasn’t used to wasting so much energy or breath on talk. The numerous bangle bracelets she wore chimed with each movement of her hand. She definitely had an earthy feel about her, he thought as he watched the sway of her hips beneath the thin fabric of the long flowing skirt she wore.

There was nothing fake about this woman. From the riotous auburn curls fanning across her shoulders to the low-heeled sandals hugging her feet, she was more natural than any woman he’d ever met. Her breasts were small and pert thrust against the fabric of her tunic-style top. If he wasn’t mistaken, she didn’t have a bra on. Her face was nearly devoid of make-up. No more than mascara and lip gloss added to her beauty. Raith was utterly intrigued.

They entered the timeshare townhouse he had swapped for his NYC high-rise apartment and he immediately thought how cozy it was. There was no black granite or gleaming metal. It had a decisively country feel to it. Not his usual style but only because he’d left the decorating up to others. He couldn’t help but wonder what the inside of Alexandra’s home looked like. In that instant, Raith promised himself he would find out before the trip was over.

Larry rolled a cart full of luggage through the front door. “Where do you want your things, boss?”

Raith turned his gaze on Alexandra. “The master bedroom?” he inquired.

“Oh, right this way.”

She had yet to meet his assistant and so he took the time to introduce them. Within a matter of minutes Larry and Raith had their luggage divvied into their respective rooms. He’d seen Alexandra eye his three bags versus Larry’s one with amusement. She probably figured he packed like a woman and had a suitcase just for his toiletries.

“If you don’t need anything else today I’m going to head out for a little sightseeing.”

Raith’s gaze met that of his assistant. The man was a mind reader. His assumption that Raith wanted to be alone with the beautiful Alexandra was spot on. “That’s fine. Miss Aimon and I will look at properties today. Tomorrow we’ll discuss our findings.”

Larry turned away from them and promptly headed out the door. When Raith turned back to see what his lovely companion was up to, it was only to find she had moved closer to the door. He couldn’t help but smile.

“I promise not to ravage you, Alexandra.”

She snorted, but the look on her face said she wasn’t so sure.

“I can see you’re curious,” he said as he hefted one of the larger suitcases onto the surface of the bed. “Only one of these holds my essentials such as clothes and toiletries.”

As he’d hoped, she took a tentative step closer. Her movements were flowing and graceful. Efficient. She didn’t seem to be the fluttery type. Every step she took had a goal in mind, even if that goal was nothing more than to appease her curiosity.

“What is in the others?”

“Ahh, how I was hoping you would ask that.” Raith turned toward her, watching her face as he slowly began unzipping the piece of luggage. “In this one are the tools of the trade.”

A frown creased the area between her brows. He wanted to rub the spot with his fingers, soothing the lines away. When the zipper reached the end of its road he lifted the top, revealing what lay inside. Alexandra gasped then choked. The husky sound of her laughter that followed surprised him. Raith wasn’t sure of her reaction.

“I was expecting a computer or something.” Her eyes danced merrily. “Guess I wasn’t thinking about the right trade.” She said the last with just a bit of inflection, causing him to chuckle.

“The tools for my other trade, laptop and paperwork, are in the suitcase over there.” He motioned with his hand in the direction of an overstuffed chair.

She inched another step forward, her hand out as if to touch before evidently realizing what she was about to do. A look of horror crossed over her face and then she snatched her hand back, her gaze meeting his.

Her cheeks were pink with embarrassment.

“Good girl,” Raith praised aloud. “It isn’t a good idea to touch another’s property without permission.”

Raith watched the green of her eyes deepen at his words even as her chin tilted at an angle he could only describe as defiant. He’d not really reprimanded her actions and yet it appeared as if she’d taken his words as such. Or maybe she didn’t care for his way of praising her actions.

Like a woman hungry, she stared at the open suitcase. Her hands were now bound tightly together at her waist. She all but vibrated with excitement and interest over his collection of toys.

“You may touch if you like.”

Her head snapped up. Diverted from studying the contents in his luggage, she pondered him instead.

“Feel free to ask any questions you might have as well.”

As much as Raith wanted to hover over her, watching her every movement and facial expression, he decided to move away and allow her some room. He settled into the chair on the opposite side of the bed so he could still see her and she him.

It was hard to keep his mouth shut as he watched her fondle the falls on first one flogger and then another. When she lifted the leather to her nose and inhaled, his cock surged to life. Shock coursed through his veins. Raith couldn’t think of the last time he’d become erect without allowing himself to do so. He always had control over his body.

As if handling the most precious of gems, she held, studied and laid aside each item. A few she held for longer, and once she even looked up as if to ask a question or make a comment before blushing and looking down again.

After going through everything, she placed each item back in the bag, leaving only one out. It was a wide leather collar and cuff set attached by a long strip of leather. It could be worn either in back or front, effectively immobilizing the arms in a way that they were of no use. If the person locked into the contraption struggled against the cuffs the collar would cause discomfort as well. It was a beautiful piece of equipment that had been handmade by him. A favorite.

Raith rose from his seated position, never once taking his eyes off Alexander who was still touching the collar and cuff set in her hands. He moved across the room until he was standing directly behind her. When he leaned in, over her shoulder, she jumped as if she had no idea who he was.

“You would look stunning in that, whether clothed or not.” He didn’t want to scare her away, but seeing how intrigued she was by the small collection of toys he’d brought with him, Raith couldn’t help but push just a little.

The scent of his cologne tickled her nose. Along with the smell of leather now permeating the room, it was a heady combination. She could feel his warm breath along her neck and face as he spoke. He aroused her even without a suitcase full of naughtiness, and with all of that Alexandra was having an exceedingly hard time keeping her hands off him.

She turned so they were facing one another. Her hands shook slightly at his nearness. He was tall enough she didn’t have to crane her neck to peer up at him but not so tall they stood eye to eye. She liked his size, the width of his shoulders, the sheer breadth of his body. He wasn’t lean by today’s standards but he wasn’t fat either. His build was husky. He had meat on his bones and carried it well.

“Would you like to try it?”

Oh God, how she would like to try it. Her breath stopped in her lungs, burning for release as she pondered the thought. It wasn’t something she could do though. If she did, it would go against her rule of not mixing business with pleasure.

Something clawed at Alexandra’s insides. It was a sensation warning that to give up the opportunity could very well end up being something she regretted. If it wasn’t for her need of him as a client, she would pass him on to another agent and give herself up to anything he wanted to teach her, but that wasn’t the case.

Falling back on that train of thought, Alexandra put the collar and cuff set back in the bag then stepped away from Raith. “Thank you, but no.” She added a touch of indignation to her tone.

“Why, when it’s so obvious you want to?”

Leave it to him to question her. “It wouldn’t be very professional to mix business with pleasure, Mr. Aldan.” Alexandra moved across the room, putting distance between them even though she feared it would do nothing to help.

She was completely correct in her assumption when she turned around only to find him almost directly behind her and looking none too happy.

He grasped her chin and stared her straight in the eye. “It is good to have business ethics and morals, Alexandra. Just don’t let them keep you behind a wall too high to climb over.” His face was so close to hers she could feel the warmth of his breath across her mouth. All she would need to do is lean closer, to touch her lips to his, and she knew he would take over. That was all it would take, and yet she couldn’t allow herself to do it.

She also couldn’t bring herself to break his hold, the touch of his fingers on her face. His eyes were unblinking as they studied her. He finally nodded as if coming to a decision then dropped his hand and backed away. “I’ve asked you to call me Raith.” His voice was whip-sharp. He may have asked, but from her side of things Alexandra thought command was a much more apt term.

Words seemed to evade her, so Alexandra nodded and said nothing, only watched as he walked across the room to zip the bag closed and drop it into the bottom of the closet. When he finished the task he turned toward her. “Shall we go check out the places on your list?”

This time she had a hard time not laughing. He phrased things as questions and yet she knew beyond the shadow of a doubt he did not expect an answer that differed from his own wishes. Something in her made Alexandra want to answer in the negative just to see what he would do.

Instead, she swallowed her laughter and strode past him to the front door. Being in the close quarters of her car was not ideal, but it beat being in the master bedroom with a king-sized bed taunting her any day of the week.

Raith locked the front door and then, as if it was something he did without thought, he placed his hand on her lower back and ushered her to the car. He walked with her around to the driver’s side of the car. There, they both reached for the door handle at the same time. Alexandra dropped her hand, allowing him to open the door for her, although the word allow was one she used in her head to make herself feel better about everything going on.

This man did something to her that was worrisome. He affected her in a way that was exhilarating as well as bone-jarring scary. He had the ability to hurt her in ways that just a few weeks ago she never knew existed. Ways having nothing to do with her physical body or even her heart. Something about him delved much deeper. He could embed himself in her mind, her very soul. and after having just met him that was a very shocking discovery, one that set her nerves on edge.

Alexandra settled herself behind the wheel, expecting him to close her door. She was a little surprised when he crouched low. “The sooner we find my place, the better.”

“I agree.” He would go home then, back to New York and far, far away from her. The thought was a vicious one that made her stomach churn, but it would be for the best.

He touched her face again. This time it was more of a caress, before lifting her chin for a very chaste kiss. His lips barely touched hers, the feel whisper soft. Why then did it affect her all the way to her toes? Why then did she crave so much more?

It was obvious he was a very capable man. He could have buried his hand in her hair and forced his mouth on hers, his tongue plundering and doing exactly what he wanted. He had to have known she would let him, but he didn’t press for more. Alexandra wasn’t sure which scenario disturbed her more or why.

“As soon as we find my place I’ll no longer be your client, and then we’ll be free to see just how much you like my cuffs and collar set.” She had no time to answer as he stood and closed her door.

Alexandra tried not to think about Raith’s words as they drove to the first place. It was an old warehouse-type building that would need a lot of work before it could successfully be turned into anything, much less a BDSM club. Of course, she really had no idea what his vision for such a club was and was afraid to ask in order to find out. Right now things seemed sort of out of reach because she was so lacking in knowledge on the subject. However, once she started collecting information, it would only be a matter of time before she would want to have firsthand experiences. She just couldn’t allow herself to think along those lines where Raith was concerned. It was far too dangerous.

He didn’t say a word as he walked through the building then made a complete circle around it. Alexandra had taken a note pad and pen, thinking he might want to take notes or ask her to do so, but he remained nearly silent until they were back in her car and on their way to the next place on her list. When he did speak again the sound of his voice breaking the comfortable silence made her blood hum with joy.

“What is that place?” He was pointing out her window. Alexandra slowed the car and peered in the direction he motioned to.

“Oh, it’s an old Catholic church. It was used as a homeless shelter for a while as well. Now it just sits there. I believe the county owns the property.”

“I’d like to see it.”

She thought to tell him that an old church was not really the best place to start a club, much less the type he planned to open, but decided against it. “Okay. I’ll make some calls and see who to get the keys from.”

“I meant I’d like for you to stop right now.”

Her gaze snapped back to his. He was turned in his seat still looking back at the church.

“You won’t be able to see the inside.”

When he looked at her his frustration was obvious. “I’m aware of that. The outside will do fine for now.”

Chapter Three

Raith could tell he was irritating Alexandra by the rigid set of her shoulders. Her wide mouth no longer appeared lush and full. Instead, it was pressed flat as if she were trying to hold back from blasting him with her words. Seeing her like that made him want to grab and hold her tight until she finally gave in and melted against him, offering herself up for his kiss just as she had unconsciously done while back at the timeshare.

It took a lot to hold himself in check once she’d parked and they were out of the car, but he managed to do so. He was utterly intrigued by the large stone building before him. It needed loads of work to once again be useful for much of anything, but there was something pulling him, something that made him think it would be worth any amount to see it refurbished.

The front doors were padlocked so he didn’t even bother climbing the steps. Instead, he started a slow walk around the structure, making a mental note of areas of crumbling stone. All but one of the stained-glass windows had been broken or were missing entirely which meant there was no telling what sort of wild life was making the interior its home.

Alexandra didn’t follow him as he circled the church. When he made it back to the front she was leaning against the hood of her car. He smiled when she straightened and then he opened the driver’s side door for her.

She glanced at her watch as he closed the door. Once he was settled into the passenger seat she turned to him. “Would you like to get something to eat while we decide where to go next?”

Raith buckled his seat belt then turned his attention back to her. “Lunch would be great but there’s no need to look at other places. I want this one.”

He wasn’t sure what he expected her response to be, but quiet was not it. She started the car and pulled onto the street without a word. He could tell she had much to say by the charged feeling in the air. Their quiet was not the comfortable companionable quiet of earlier. This silence made his skin feel too tight.

Questioning her to find out exactly what was wrong, because he very well knew something was, would have to wait. He wanted to be seated across from her when they spoke in order to see her face.

They agreed on a little sandwich shop not too far away. He took note of the different shops and places to eat in the general area as well as hotels that could serve for out-of-town guests. Later he would talk to Larry about it all in order to start on a plan of action.

After they were seated and she had ordered something horrendously healthy for lunch, he decided it was time to talk. “Spill it.” Might as well get to the point.

She looked up at him as if trying to figure out exactly what was okay to say. Raith was just about to growl at her to say what was on her mind when she folded her hands in front of her on top of the chipped Formica table and opened her mouth.

“I don’t think settling on the church is such a good idea.”

“And why is that?” He couldn’t help but wonder. Maybe she was a devout Catholic and the thought offended her.

“Well, it is a church.”

She was going to have to do better than that. “Was.”

“People probably won’t like that you want to turn it into a club.”

“I’ll deal with it.” His whole life had been spent doing things others didn’t agree with. It was one of the instances where money worked as a very good incentive and almost always got him exactly what he wanted. With the failing economy, Raith had no doubt this venture would be the same.

“If you’re sure then.” Her tone made it evident that she wasn’t at all.

“I’m quite sure.”

“All right, I’ll call and see who’s in charge of the property as soon as we get back to my office.”

The food was served then and they partook of mundane conversation such as the weather and local things to do. Raith loved to hear her talk. Her voice had a husky quality to it. One he could only imagine would deepen when she was aroused.

He noticed a smattering of freckles in the neckline of her modest V-neck blouse and couldn’t help but wonder if she had the cute little dots all over her body. He intended to find out firsthand as soon as everything was settled and he’d been passed off to some other agent for the sale of the church.

There were still plans in place for a new home, but he had no intention of hiring her for the job until he’d had the chance to taste her, to feel the warmth of her body beneath his and most certainly, to see her bound in his cuffs.

Then and only then would he be willing to be counted among her clientele again. Hopefully by that time Alexandra would feel enough of an attachment to him she wouldn’t feel it necessary to follow her rule of not mixing business with pleasure.

Lunch was good but sped by too quickly. As soon as they were back at her office he felt as if he’d been abandoned. She sat in her office protectively ensconced behind her desk while he paced the room like a caged animal in season. She had the phone wedged between her shoulder and cheek on one side while flipping through papers with one hand and jotting notes with the other.

A multi-talented, multi-tasker she was. Raith couldn’t help but wonder if she could do the same in any aspect of life, especially where sex was concerned. He could easily picture her tied with her legs spread and face down over a sawhorse while sucking his cock and being penetrated from behind by a fucking machine.

The thought of sharing her with someone else, in that exact same position was a huge turn on, causing his cock to swell and throb to life, but he knew it would not happen. Ever. There was something about Alexandra that warned to share her with another would dampen her spirit and go against her morals. It wasn’t a chance he was willing to take. Besides, there was just something about her that made his mind scream mine.

It was a new sensation for Raith. He’d never been the jealous or even possessive type, usually preferring a more open relationship. However, when it came to Alexandra he knew beyond a doubt he would beat the hell out of anyone who tried to touch her once she belonged to him.

Belonged to him?

Where in the hell had that come from? Raith shook his head as if to clear his mind. He stalked out of her office and into the reception area where Alexandra’s assistant was busy filing papers. He was only thinking about taking Alexandra to his bed, wasn’t he? He’d envisioned tying her up and marking her flesh with whatever implements she was keen on trying, but he’d not even considered starting an actual relationship. Especially a monogamous one, so where in the world had that thought come from?

Raith knew from experience that fighting himself would prove to be of no use. He was wildly attracted to Alexandra in a way that had little to do with her looks. If he actually stopped long enough to think about it, she was not his normal type at all. She wasn’t sophisticated. Her curly hair didn’t behave and remain back in a sleek chignon to match her expensive business clothes.

She didn’t kill herself trying to please his every whim, and although he knew she measured what she said, he was also aware she wouldn’t mince words in order to fluff his ego for monetary gain.

He could only explain her as earthy and real. Raith was sure her curves would be soft and not silicone hard. She wouldn’t balk at having his fingers twined in the lustrous strands of her hair, afraid to have it messed up. And best of all, she seemed passionate and full of fire. Her passion would be different though. It was not released in bursts of pent-up energy. Her movements were agile and to the point. Every time she moved it was with an awareness of every muscle in her body. He liked that in a woman. In that one way she did have a similarity with some of the other women who had been in his life.

Raith couldn’t help but wonder if Alexandra was aware of her submissive personality. Did she have any clue at all what that meant to a man such as him? From the looks on her face as she’d fondled his toys he would have to say yes, but in reality he had no clue.

As soon as she hung up the phone and gave word that he was dealing with someone else for the sale of the church he planned to find out.

Alexandra wasn’t sure whether to sigh with relief or to be extremely cautious. Starting the ball rolling on the sale of the church had been much easier than she ever could have imagined, although in the current economy she really shouldn’t have been surprised.

As with most other places, the county was low on funds. Selling property could be of major help. The area was zoned for business so the voices on the other end of the phone hadn’t even balked when she’d explained Raith wanted to turn the old Catholic church into a club. Granted, Alexandra hadn’t gone into detail on just what type of club. She figured leaving that for him to explain would be for the best.

“I thought you were going to have that thing stuck to your ear permanently.”

His voice jarred her out of her thoughts. She laughed. “Some days it seems that way.”

“So what’s the verdict?”

Alexandra motioned him to the chair opposite her own then opened the folder where she had placed her notes. Opening Word, she began typing the notes so they were better legible as well as being in some semblance of order.

“This is your contact. He will be in charge of the sale. I verified the property is zoned for business.” She looked up at him then and could feel a blush stealing over her face. “I only mentioned a club. I decided it would be best to leave the explanation of what sort of club up to you.”

His gaze was intent on her face, making her feel a bit uncomfortable. From the gleam in his eyes he was well aware of his affect on her. Alexandra didn’t know whether to be irritated or amused. Amusement won out and she smiled. Raith sat back in his chair.

“When you do that your whole face lights up. Your mouth begs for me to kiss you.”

He was very forward without being harassing. She didn’t quite know how to answer or if one was even warranted.

“You know I’m going to kiss you, right?”

“We’ve already gone over this, Raith. I don’t date my clients.” God how she was starting to hate that rule.

“Fine we won’t date then, but we will have fun.”

“Same thing. You know exactly what I mean so quit being obtuse.” He was a very persistent man.

Instead of countering her words he pulled a cell phone from the pocket of his trousers, pressed a few buttons and held it up to his ear. He glanced briefly again at the paper where she’d typed all the info he would need.

“Yes, may I speak with Mr. Carter?”

She waited while he spoke to the person on the other end of the line. She caught glimpses of the one-sided conversation and nearly fell off her chair when he announced he would be paying the full asking price of the property in one lump sum. He was only on the phone for a few more minutes before disconnecting the call with a click.

When he unfolded himself from the chair and moved around the desk behind her, Alexandra’s palms began to sweat. He stood directly behind her seated form, silently commanding her to look up at him. When she finally caved in and did so he wrapped the palm of his very large hand beneath her jaw, covering part of her throat and holding her in place for a kiss. His hold was neither tight nor cruel but did something to her that made it virtually impossible to do more than breathe.

He didn’t jam his tongue down her throat. Instead his touch was soothing, coaxing. There was no doubt he was taking exactly what he wanted how he wanted it, but it was not done in such a way that she felt violated. His teeth were sharp as he nibbled the tender flesh of her bottom lip. She gasped at the sensation, allowing him deeper, fuller access to her.

“Give me your tongue,” he demanded, breaking the kiss.

Alexandra heard his words but did not comprehend what he wanted. Her tongue?

“Stick your tongue out, Xandra. Give me what I want, baby.”

Good God. His voice was so deep, so commanding. It could very well be her undoing. If he used that tone he could talk her out of her life savings without even trying. She did as he asked then whimpered in her throat when he sucked her tongue into his mouth.

It was a strange sensation and made her feel out of control. It was arousing in a scary way. Alexandra moved to break the contact but was stopped by the gentle pressure of Raith’s hand at her throat. He continued the assault on her tongue for a second longer before releasing his hold. Even then he did not drop his hand from her jaw.

“I’m no longer your client.”

His words bounded through her head and Alexandra knew in that instant she would not tell this man no. More than likely, before the day was over she would know firsthand what it was like to have her body, and possibly even her mind, controlled by another.

“What are you thinking about? I can feel your pulse beneath my fingers.”

Raith milked his fingers up and down the side of her neck. She shivered at his touch. “I can’t think when you touch me like this.”

“Good.”

It seemed as if Raith liked knowing he kept her off kilter. That much was obvious to her. Why though she had no idea. Alexandra wanted to be able to just let go and give herself up even if just for one night, but she needed to be in charge, initiating the experience. Her hands shook at the thought but it was now or never. If he was paying for the club outright there was a chance he would be leaving town as soon as money exchanged hands and leaving the refurbish project for someone else to oversee.

“Will you show me?”

His eyes widened fractionally as if surprised. “Show you what?”

Was he going to make her beg? Could she if it was what he required? Alexandra wasn’t so sure. “I want you to show me what I’ve been missing my whole life.” She arched her neck then, the movement bringing their lips together briefly. “I want to try out your cuffs and see if they are as much fun as I think they are.”

The warmth of his breath puffed across her face. “And if they aren’t?”

She had actually considered the possibility. “Then I can at least say I tried. That isn’t really my worry though.”

“And what would have a woman such as you worried?”

She wasn’t sure what he meant by a woman such as herself but chose to ignore the words for now. She was going to admit a fear, something she didn’t normally do but for some reason felt compelled to share it with him. “What if I do like it?” Feelings of vulnerability made her voice drop until it was so low she barely heard herself over the humming of her nerves.

“Ahhh,” he said as if he understood, which he probably did. “Then life as you know it will change.”

Raith pulled her chair away from the desk and then helped her to her feet. Her legs were shaking, her palms sweaty. Alexandra looked at him, allowing him to see her clearly. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

He pulled her close. “No fear, baby. We won’t do anything you don’t want to do. You’ll always be safe with me.”

Technically he was a virtual stranger, and yet Alexandra found herself believing every word he said. He felt comfortable. Her last thought as they left her office was that she was in way too deep. He wouldn’t ask her to do anything she didn’t want to do was what he’d said. What if he became aware of the fact she wanted to do it all?

Chapter Four

Raith felt Alexandra’s nervous energy. It was hard not to. It radiated off her in waves. He said nothing to soothe her. For some reason her anxiousness was a turn on to him. He actually enjoyed the way she fidgeted as she drove, and so he did nothing to fill the silence.

Deciding to up the ante, he reached across the back of her seat to play with her hair. He kept his touch light. Soft strokes down the back of her neck caused Alexandra to tense at first but then she gradually relaxed. When he wound his hand beneath the curly length to play with the soft flesh at the base of her neck she shivered slightly.

“I don’t know what to expect.” She blurted the worry out of the blue, never once taking her gaze off the road.

“Is that a bad thing?” Raith wanted to get into her head a little, to understand exactly what it was that worried her and why. He twined her hair around his finger and tugged just a little.

“I like knowing what’s going to happen.”

A smile crossed his lips. He couldn’t help it. “Isn’t part of the draw for you found in the loss of control?”

She tilted her head to the side slightly as if thinking, but did not answer. He added more pressure to the fine strands of hair still wrapped around his finger. “Well?”

Alexandra winced then turned to look at him, her gaze accusing. “Yes. I guess it is.”

“Then why worry over what is going to happen instead of just letting go and enjoying the ride?”

Slowly, she pulled the car into an empty spot in front of the building he would be calling home for a couple of weeks and then turned to face him. “What if I do something wrong?”

She is such a treat. Raith pulled her upper body over the center console and initiated a kiss. This one was different than the last one. He didn’t linger slowly or coerce her nicely into opening for him. Instead he explored the moist depth of her mouth without permission. His tongue plunged and plundered, his lips pressing hard against her own.

Grabbing a handful of her hair, he tilted her head back then moved down to the long line of her graceful neck where he bit her, refusing to release the tender flesh until she whimpered and begged.

He let loose her flesh from between his teeth as well as the hold he had on her hair. “At this point in the game it is all about mutual pleasure, so just be yourself, enjoy the experience.” He leaned back into his seat. “You’ll know if you do something wrong because I’ll tell you, and I expect the same in return.” He grasped the handle and opened his door. Turning back toward her, he added, “Understood?”

She nodded.

“Good, now stay put while I get your door.”

Raith took his time moving around the car. He could tell that even though she moved with a slow grace, when it came to matters such as these she was impatient. He planned to use her impatience to extend the excitement.

He heard the click of her door before he rounded the back of the car. She poked her head out the opening. “Everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine, Xandra.” He pulled her door open fully. “Didn’t I tell you to stay put?”

She eyed him from her still-seated position then smiled brightly. “I didn’t get out of the car.”

“You’re one of those then,” he mused aloud. His statement was not meant as a question but was evidently taken as one by the gorgeous woman now standing at his side. “The type to argue semantics. I bet you’re the type who searches out loopholes and uses them to your advantage. Am I right?”

She eyed him quizzically and then preceded him through the door when he opened it. “I’ve never really thought about it, but yes I guess so. Don’t most people though?”

Raith closed and locked the door. He motioned her toward the kitchen. “I’m not concerned about most people, baby. Only you. The better I understand you, the better our experience will be.”

“And arguing semantics is a bad thing?” Her tone and posture warned him she was feeling defensive.

“Not at all. Just something good to know for the future.”

She opened her mouth as if to speak, but he cut her off. “Would you like something to drink?”

“No, thanks. I’m fine right now,” she answered then chose a seat at the table.

Knowing he was going to catch her off-guard he asked conversationally, “Do you like sex, Alexandra?”

She stuttered a minute while her cheeks turned pink. He saw the minute she decided not to let the shock over his blunt question rile her. “I do.”

“Good. Do you like pain?”

This time her unease wasn’t as easily camouflaged. “No, I don’t think so.”

Something told Raith they were not in the same book much less on the same page. “So the thought of being spanked doesn’t arouse you at all?” he clarified.

“Oh, yes. I thought you meant like stubbing my toe or something.”

His laughter this time was from deep within. She was such a babe in the woods. “No, I’m speaking only of what you might think of as sensual pain. The type that is accompanied by lots and lots of pleasure.”

She twined her hands together on the table. “The idea of stuff like being spanked has always been a turn on for me. Of course, I have no experience so have no clue what the reality of it might be.”

Raith walked around the table until he stood directly behind her once again. When he placed his hands on her shoulders she jumped. He said nothing, did nothing. As he expected, she tilted her head back far enough so she could look up at him.

“What does something like spanking do for you?” she asked a bit shyly.

He liked her curiosity. Leaning low, he spoke softly into her ear. “It arouses me on pretty much every level. I hear the sounds you make, see the change of the color of your flesh as it reddens with the print of my hand. Feeling it get warmer each and every time only adds to the experience, and if we’re fucking or I’ve had the chance to taste you…well, that only makes it better.”

By the time he finished she was nearly panting. Raith could see the rise and fall of her chest, feel the beat of her pulse against his fingers as he moved his hand from her shoulder to rest at the curve of her neck.

“Most of all though, it is the control that turns me on.” Raith swiped his tongue along the pink shell of her ear. “Want to make a deal with me, Xandra?”

She turned her head slightly, arching her neck, silently asking for more. “What kind of deal?”

It was now or never. His next words had the ability to either pull her in deeper or send her off scared and running.

“Be mine to do with as I please until nine tomorrow morning.”

“What if I don’t like what you’re doing?”

That was an easy one to answer for him. “We’ll stop.”

Her voice had a far away sound when she next spoke. Raith wasn’t sure it was due to his mouth on her neck or the topic. “Will we have sex?”

Another easy one to answer, but instead of shouting in affirmative, he kept it simple. “If you’re comfortable with sex, then yes. I find you very attractive.”

His words seemed to pull her back to the present. She turned in her seat and faced him full on. “I think you’re very good looking too.” She looked away for a second and then focused back on him as if steeling herself. “Do you practice safe sex?”

What a good girl. He wanted to praise her. “I haven’t had sex without a condom since I was a stupid teenager. How about you?”

She actually giggled. The sound sort of tinkled in his ear. It was very different than the husky laugh he was used to hearing from her. “I haven’t had sex in a while, but yes, when I do have sex it is always with protection. I’m on the pill as well.”

Seemed to Raith as if things were good to go. He’d come prepared, bringing along with him a box of condoms in hopes the two of them would hook up for some good adult fun.

“Do we have a deal then?” He was growing impatient. Raith had dreamed of seeing her naked since the second he laid eyes on her.

Alexandra scooted her chair back and stood. Her eyes shone brightly but he couldn’t put a finger on the exact emotion he sensed there. When her lip kicked up at one corner his thought was mischievous. “We have a deal. Shall we shake on it?”

When she laughed this time the sound reverberated straight to his groin. His cock twitched, becoming rigid with anticipation. “I’ve got an even better idea. Strip instead.

Alexandra looked at Raith, trying to gauge whether he was serious or not. When he didn’t smile or laugh she feared the worst. He not only wanted her to strip right there in the glaring fluorescent light of the kitchen, from the look on his face, he expected it.

While loosening the belt at her waist, she couldn’t help but ask. “What if your assistant comes back?” When her fingers finally managed to fumble the belt loose, she coiled it and sat it atop the table.

Realizing that removing another article of clothing would leave her completely nude up top or nearly nude down below brought forth more anxiety. She really was going to have to see about wearing more.

“Don’t worry about him, Xandra. If he comes back this early he’ll call as soon as he sees your car.”

She hadn’t thought of that. It helped her nervousness a little but not by much. There really was no reason to be so unsure about taking her clothes off. It wasn’t as if she were in horrible shape or anything. She took care of herself after all.

Looking at him, locking her gaze with his, Alexandra realized it had nothing to do with her body image and everything to do with the way he watched her. There was an intensity in the way his eyes caressed her, studied her every move, that was new to her.

Men she had been with in the past had been the types who were so busy getting naked themselves, in such a hurry to screw they couldn’t be bothered with noticing the way she removed her clothes.

She wasn’t exactly sure how she felt about Raith watching her but didn’t really suppose it mattered. After all, she had given herself to him agreeing to do as he wished. And right now, going only by the bulge beneath the zipper of his pants, he really wished for her to be sans clothes.

The realization she liked the way he watched her gave Alexandra confidence she didn’t feel just mere seconds ago. Her fingers didn’t tremble as badly as she slipped her elastic waist skirt over her hips. When it fell to the floor she bent over to retrieve it. Folding it neatly she set it on the table beside her belt. She was now clad in only her tunic and a silky pair of high-cut bikini panties.

Her pussy was already wet with desire, her insides quivering as thoughts of what he wanted to do scrambled through her mind. In desperate need, she slipped a hand down the outside front of her panties, testing the wetness there.

She blushed furiously when he asked, “Are you ready for me, baby?”

Hoping to take his mind off the question, she lifted the tunic-style top over her head. Since she wore no bra the movement left her small breasts completely devoid of clothing. Before he could question her again, Alexandra pushed her panties over her hips and down her legs. When she bent to grab them from the floor he stepped so close the top of her head made contact with his groin on her way back up.

“Fuck, you’re gorgeous.”

His praise was exactly what she needed to hear. The trembling of her hands stopped as did all thoughts of being insecure while naked in front of him. Instead she felt empowered by the fact she was without clothes and a man as good looking as Raith found her attractive.

His hands left a scorching trail of arousal as they touched her, moving over her heated flesh until Alexandra thought she might go crazy with desire. He pulled her so close their bodies melded together. When he reached between them she all but mewled her pleasure only to be disappointed when he did not touch her heated core.

Instead he slapped at the insides of her thighs until she spread her legs. The wide stance was a little awkward and uncomfortable. Alexandra could feel the cool air as it sluiced across her sex, causing her to shiver. The position left her open and feeling vulnerable. Raith’s closeness made it seem as if she would fall over backwards if she didn’t bring her legs closer together but Alexandra didn’t dare.

“Now, I want you to answer my question. Are you wet for me?”

This time his voice didn’t coax. His tone had taken on a strict edge, one that brought forth many different emotions. Alexandra was confused by how such a subtle change could make her feel so different.

“Yes. I’m wet for you.” So wet she was afraid of dripping onto the carpeted floor.

Raith trailed his fingers up one thigh and then the other but never even got close to touching her where she most wanted to be touched. The sensations were driving her crazy with lust. Alexandra was to a point where she was going to jump him or hump his leg if he didn’t do something soon.

“Show me.” His command brooked no argument. It also didn’t give her a clear idea of what he expected.

Show him?

Her mind whirled trying to think of how to show him. Would grabbing his hand and pressing it into her slick folds be acceptable? She didn’t think he would be overly enthused by her trying to control the situation in such a way but wasn’t really sure. What the hell did he want her to do?

Alexandra was about to ask when an idea struck. Looking down between their bodies, she lowered her hand until it brushed his then continued until she was able to slide her fingers into the creamy wetness between her thighs.

It felt so good she was tempted to keep her hand there, to keep her fingers buried in her folds, enjoying the pleasure until her hunger was sated enough that she once again felt as if she had a bit of control.

When she looked back up at him, searching his brown eyes from beneath her lashes, she knew he would not be happy if she did so. Why pleasing him was high on her list of things to do Alexandra had no clue, but it was and so she decided to do the best job possible.

With a groan of longing, she pulled her fingers from the moist heat of her pussy and held them up for him to inspect.

“Such a good girl.” The change of tone, the meaning of his words, were like music to her ears, causing tingles to run along her spine. “Very wet indeed and just for me.” At the last Raith pulled her fingers into his mouth and sucked. Alexandra was surprised she didn’t climax then and there.

“Oh God. Please touch me.” She couldn’t help it. Her body ached for his touch. She was crazy with the need to feel the full length of his cock buried deep inside her.

“In time, Xandra. And I’ll do much more than just touch you.” Raith placed a hand on the small of her back and propelled her in front of him. “Walk slow and make it good, baby. I want to see a nice show.”

Alexandra did as he bid, swaying her hips as she moved out of the kitchen and down the hall toward the master bedroom. She could feel his gaze on her, moving over her ass and back. Was he planning what the night would be like?

When they reached the room Raith closed and locked the door behind them. Light shone from the adjoining bathroom, casting a soft glow across the room. He crossed the room to sit on a cushioned chair then snapped his fingers and pointed to the floor in front of him.

His actions caused Alexandra to bristle but she did as told and sat on the floor directly in front of the chair he occupied.

“How did it make you feel when I snapped my fingers at you?”

Tilting her chin at a defiant angle, she answered honestly. “Confused.”

“Why confused?”

Did he really need for her to spell every little thing out? Sighing, she readied herself for a conversation that would not only be hard but would also more than likely douse her arousal.

“My head didn’t like it but my body did. I’m not sure what to think of that.”

“Okay. How about when I made you answer my question in the kitchen?”

“Same thing. I felt confused.”

“Tell me why.”

“I don’t know how to explain it.” Without sounding like an idiot, she finished silently.

“Try.” There it was again. The subtle change in his tone that started her fight-or-flight mechanism preparing for one or the other.

“When your voice changes like that I get nervous. I sort of feel like crying which is strange because I’m not a crier. I worry I’m irritating you. Makes me want to try even harder, although both times I also felt defensive.” He didn’t say a word when she stopped for a breath. “What confuses me most is even though I wanted to tell you no when you insisted I answer your question, I just couldn’t bring myself to.” She had a hard time looking at him when she continued. “It is almost as if doing something I had no desire to do, such as answering your question, aroused me as much as your touch, all because I knew it would please you.”

Raith leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss against her lips. Her face was cradled in his hands, his eyes peering deep into hers. “That does sound confusing but believe it or not, pretty normal for new submissives.” He kissed her again. “I’m glad you’re interested in pleasing me, because even though I get a whole lot out of an erotic spanking, the other kind does very little for me.”

“The other kind?” She was afraid to ask but too nosey not to.

“The kind you get when you displease me.” With those ominous last words he released her face, stood and then offered his hand in order to help Alexandra to her feet.

Chapter Five

Raith watched Alexandra’s eyes widen at his words. He wasn’t sure if she had ever fantasized about being punished. He used the term lightly in this instance. Punishment scenes could be fun, but he believed strongly the real deal never should be. If their relationship extended past the night, he would make sure she understood his beliefs on the topic.

In the meantime, he had a naked woman ready and waiting for him. “Go to the closet and bring out my toy bag, please.”

He was relieved when she did as told without bestowing a title upon him the way so many newbies did. He had more than enough of people referring to him as sir, and as far as he was concerned, the term master had no place in his life.

While she went for the bag, he moved across the room toward the bed. She brought the bag to him, settled it on the comforter then waited. Raith knew exactly how he wanted to play out their first session and only hoped she was up to it.

When he pulled the collar and cuff set from the duffle she looked up to him, her eyes shining brightly. “Put your arms behind your back, baby.”

She did so, the position causing an exaggerated curve of her spine which thrust her small breasts toward him. He buckled the collar around her neck, making sure it was comfortably loose, then started attaching the cuffs to her delicate wrists.

“What if I can’t handle something you’re doing or just don’t like it? I read on the internet that I should have a safe word.”

Raith could hear the nervousness in her voice. “Safe words don’t necessarily keep you safe, but they do have their place.” He spoke as he worked. “I expect you to tell me if you don’t like something or are unsure. If you feel more comfortable with a safe word as well then we’ll use the word red.” He buckled the second cuff, checking the tightness of both before rechecking the leather collar now circling her neck. “Does that work for you?”

“Red.” She tested the word aloud. “Yes. Thank you.” Her voice still trembled slightly, but this time Raith figured it was as much from arousal as anxiety.

Her erect nipples just begged for his touch. He couldn’t have held back to save his life so decided not to try. “I’ve been dying to taste these since I realized you weren’t wearing a bra today.”

Bending low, Raith took one hard nub into his mouth and toyed with it to see what she liked. Alexandra moaned and writhed against him, trying to get closer. Her skin was warm and tasted like honey against his tongue. He loved how her flesh felt as it puckered to a tight point.

When Raith set his teeth into the sensitive flesh of her nipple she hissed between her teeth then gasped.

“Oh yes. Please!”

He was about to let up when her breathy words reached his ears. Knowing she liked pain mixed with her pleasure skyrocketed his arousal to a point where every shiver and gasp from her was excitingly painful for him.

Releasing her nipple, he backed away enough so he could search her face. “Would you like to try rope?” God, how he wanted her to say yes.

Alexandra tilted her head. Her eyes were glassy with desire. The dark leather looked fucking hot against the pale skin of her neck. It was a look he wouldn’t mind seeing every single time they were alone. He might insist on it, actually.

“What do you want to do with rope?”

Raith liked that she was adventurous and wanted to try things but was also smart enough to ask questions first. He nudged her onto the bed until she was perched at the edge. “I thought binding your legs so I have all the access I could possibly want would be a nice start.”

Her breath hitched slightly. “I’d like that.”

“Good girl.”

He moved across the room where he dug through one of his bags for the box of condoms he’d brought along for the trip. After removing a few of the foil squares, he set them on the bedside table and then went back to where Alexandra sat watching him.

As far as he was concerned, he had on way too many clothes. Since her hands were otherwise occupied and she couldn’t help, he decided to give her a show while getting one in return.

“Spread your legs as wide as you can for me.”

She turned a very becoming shade of pink but did as he’d asked. While running his gaze over every inch of her body Raith began removing his clothes. He took his time but didn’t linger too long. He had things he wanted to do. Her gaze became hooded, her breath quick. He could see the glistening folds of her pussy clearly, and with every article he removed, she became wetter.

“Please hurry, Raith.”

“Have patience, Xandra. You’ll get everything you need and more, but only when I see fit to give it to you.”

When he was completely nude, he turned to face her fully, stroking the length of his cock so she could see. Raith knew it teased her mercilessly and enjoyed watching her struggle with the leather binding her wrists.

He moved close enough so if her hands had been free she could have stroked his length. It was a nice thought. Instead of continuing to struggle against her bindings, she surprised him by dipping her head and flicking her tongue over the head of his shaft.

“Mmm nice, baby.”

Raith helped her by holding his shaft still so she could take it fully between her lips. Her mouth was hot and wet and tightened to the point of sheer erotic bliss as she hollowed her cheeks and sucked him in deep.

He helped her learn the rhythm he preferred by burying a hand in the back of her hair and pressing her head down repeatedly. She gagged then and attempted to pull away before settling in and allowing him to have his way. There was nothing quite like a good face fuck. He could hear and feel when she opened her mouth wide to accept him deeper and take a quick breath. Raith wasn’t sure where she’d learned to give head but he didn’t care. She was a natural-born cock sucker, and if he had anything to say about it, it was an experience they would be repeating often.

“Enough.” A plopping sound filled the room as he pulled her from him. She giggled. It was an endearing sound.

When she looked up at him it was with mascara-streaked eyes. Her lips were red and slightly swollen from his use of them. The look was by far one of his favorites.

“Do you want me to lick your pretty pussy now or after I’ve finished tying you up?”

His words seemed to startle her for a second. When she finally answered him the single word was low, husky. Excited. “After.”

Raith went for the rope. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to do more, taste her or tie her up. So he figured if he hurried he would certainly get the chance to do both in a short amount of time.

“Lay back the best you can and put your feet flat on the bed as close to your ass as you can.”

While she did as he told her to, Raith collected two lengths of rope and began working on her legs. By the time he was finished, Alexandra was panting and writhing and begging him for release.

Her calves were connected to her thighs by the rope, leaving her unable to do anything with her legs but not so tight she would be uncomfortable. Now for the hard part.

“We’re going to turn you over.”

“Turn me over?”

Raith manipulated her body until Alexandra was up on her knees. She was fighting to find a comfortable position for her head.

“Turn it to the side, baby.” He raked a hand down the curve of her ass. “And if your arms start hurting you let me know.”

She tried to nod but must have realized the movement was nearly impossible and so said, “I will.”

Alexandra wasn’t sure what she felt. Embarrassment and discomfort was part of it, but mixed in there was also the ever-increasing knowledge of arousal. She was so turned on by the bondage and her lack of control that waiting to see what he might do next was going to drive her crazy.

A willingness—no, a need—to submit to Raith coursed through her veins at an alarming speed. It was a scary revelation knowing that if prompted she would be willing to do just about anything.

The feel of his hand running along the small of her back, over the swell of her ass and then down the cleft was mesmerizing. She couldn’t see much from the way she was positioned with her ass high in the air. All Alexandra knew for sure was she was very glad there was not a mirror within her view. She could only imagine what she looked like.

Wiggling in a way she hoped was enticing didn’t seem to help prod him into moving faster. He still touched her at his leisure instead of taking her in a rush of heated lust the way she had hoped.

The mewling sound filling the room couldn’t be coming from her, could it? It really didn’t seem possible. Alexandra couldn’t seem to help herself. She wanted to feel the length of his cock buried inside her even more than she wanted to taste him again, which was saying a lot.

Blessed was how she felt when the head of his shaft lodged at her snug entrance.

“Tell me you’re sure, Xandra.”

She’d willingly come with him, driving her car even, and then allowed him to bind her until movement was no longer even in her thought process, and he didn’t believe she was sure? Was the man for real? A sharp smack to her ass, one that burned all the way to her toes warned just how serious he was.

“I’m sure. Very, very sure.”

The rich sound of his laughter filled the room, mingling with the perfume of her sex. She had heard and read about the smell of sex before but never encountered it quite to this extent herself. It was an even bigger turn on that the scent of her aroused body permeated the air and she hadn’t even been fucked yet. To her it just proved his prowess and how well they connected. Two very important aspects for Alexandra in her new journey.

She felt his hands on hers. Or more aptly, on the leather cuffs binding her wrists. He used them as leverage and with one hard thrust was buried balls deep into her pussy. The sensation was overwhelming. He was large and hot and for a second her eyes watered at the intensity of being taken so roughly.

“Damn you’re tight. Been a while, I take it?”

He stayed still buried deep within her. Alexandra wasn’t sure how his comment made her feel. Or maybe it had more to do with the tone of his voice. When she didn’t answer immediately, he pulled completely free of her body. She whimpered in frustration.

“You’ll answer when I ask you a question or you won’t get my cock.”

She wanted to call him an asshole and nearly wasn’t able to choke the words back. His sexual dominance over her only added to the confusing physical and emotional thoughts whirling through her mind.

His hand came down sharp in the exact same spot, causing the breath to hiss from her lungs. “Yes, it’s been a while.”

Raith once again used her hands for leverage as he powered home. “Much better,” he answered without stopping. Instead of fucking her normally, even if roughly, he pulled completely free from her body before sinking home again. Within a very short amount of time she was deliciously sore.

The next time he slid free Alexandra wondered if she had missed something he’d said. She knew that was not the case when she felt him at her core again, only this time it was the warmth of his tongue penetrating her.

“Oh, that feels so good.” She meant every word. He was a very talented man, indeed.

When his tongue made one long swipe starting with her clit and moving up toward the puckered star of her ass, Alexandra tried to get away. It was impossible considering the position she was in, but she tried anyway and continued to move and wiggle every time he did so.

It felt so different. Embarrassing, taboo. He should stop. She should protest, tell him she didn’t like what he was doing. Problem was she would be lying to the both of them. She yelped when he bit her cheek.

“Stop moving.”

“I can’t. Should you be doing that?”

As soon as the words left her mouth Alexandra felt like an idiot and sounded like one even more so.

“Do you want me to stop?”

Yes. He did it again, this time lingering, flicking his tongue over the sensitive bundle of nerves before he penetrated her with a finger. Alexandra couldn’t seem to form words.

“Until you ask me to stop and we talk about why, I’m going to do what I want with your gorgeous ass. Are we clear?”

Good God. Did he always have to phrase everything as a question and actually expect an answer? “Crystal.” They were really going to have to talk about it.

“Good. Now don’t move.”

His big palms settled on opposite cheeks, evidently making sure she did as told. When his mouth covered her, Alexandra did everything in her power not to stiffen but failed miserably.

What seemed like hours later Raith pulled his fingers from her ass and his mouth from her pussy. Alexandra hadn’t only lost track of time, she also had lost count of how many times he’d brought her to the edge of climax only to stop abruptly, soothing her when what she wanted to do was soar.

“Please.” The plea lacked enthusiasm even to her own ears. She felt like a puddle of goo and her arms were starting to go numb.

“What is it, baby?”

Alexandra took a deep breath, trying to calm her thumping heart. “Please let me come.” It was all she could think of. With each breath, every beat of her heart, every sensation across her skin, all she could think about was the orgasm hanging just out of her reach.

“Tell me what you want me to do to you to make you come.”

She felt him messing with the cuffs at her wrists then groaned when her arms fell free. “Fuck me, please.” She said the words even though they weren’t the ones she usually spoke. There just wasn’t another term she could think of to make him understand what she needed. When he still didn’t move to touch her, Alexandra lifted her upper body onto her elbows and looked over her shoulder at him. “Use me however you want.”

His eyes flashed. His face hardened and the corner of his mouth curved into a wicked grin.

“Turn over onto your back.”

He watched as she struggled to move. It was not an easy task with her legs still bound tight and her arms tingling, shoulders still stiff. He didn’t offer to help. Instead it seemed as if he was enjoying the show while idly stroking his condom-covered cock from base to tip, over and over again.

When she had finally settled onto her back, Raith climbed onto the bed next to her. He reached beneath one shoulder in order to find the long leather strap attaching the cuffs to the collar she still wore. Once he found it, he rotated the collar until the buckle was in front, causing her to keep her chin high. This placed the cuffs over her abdomen. Before Alexandra could protest or beg to touch him, she was buckled into the leather circles.

“Anything I want.” It wasn’t a question, more a statement reminding her of what she was allowing him. His tone might have scared her if she hadn’t already come to trust him. It was dark and dangerous sounding.

Taking in the slight flush of his shaved head before looking him right in his sexy brown eyes, Alexandra repeated the sentence. This time it was a promise. “Anything you want.” She licked her lips, a little nervous by how he made her feel as well as her precarious position.

She was lying with her legs high in the air, still splayed for his viewing pleasure. She could bring her knees together but it did little to hide her attributes given that her calves were still bound to her thighs.

Raith climbed off the bed. Standing at the foot of it he tugged, maneuvering her until her ass was perched at the edge. It felt alarmingly like being at the gynecologist except for the no-stirrups thing. He lifted her hips and wedged a pillow beneath her. The new position brought her ass to the perfect height. He smiled, the look predatory and full of barely leashed control.

“Perfect,” He growled the word as he squeezed lube onto his cock.

She heard the splutter of the thick gel and idly wondered where it had come from. Alexandra didn’t have time to ponder the thought anymore though as he nudged the entrance to her ass with the broad head of his lubed shaft. He wasn’t brutal, but neither was he patient nor slow.

The pain was sharp, intense. Alexandra closed her eyes, fighting it, tightening against the invasion.

“Relax and breath deep, Xandra.”

“Fuck!” She panted out on an exhale as he kept going, invading her inch by thick inch. Alexandra burned from the inside out. She was on fire and going to explode at any moment. The arousal she’d felt before had disappeared only to be replaced by something totally different.

Raith didn’t wait once he was balls deep within her. As he had with her pussy, he pulled free before plunging back home.

Alexandra screamed.

“That’s it, baby.”

He released the grip he had on her cuffed hands only to take hold of one of her nipples. “I should have clamped these so I could have used the connecting chain. I love hearing you scream for me.”

It hit her then. She loved screaming for him. Loved the way she felt out of control, loved the pain that had been overwhelming but now registered as only pleasure. She was falling, spiraling into the black abyss. Her body involuntarily shuddered with an orgasm that affected so much more than her pussy. In the distance she heard Raith’s shout of completion but it was drowned out by her own screams. She was aware in that instant life as she knew it would never be the same.

Chapter Six

Alexandra hadn’t spent the night with him, making it a long and lonely one. He showered and dressed in preparation for the day. Things could go either way. It had the possibility of being a very good day, but there was also the chance she would have regrets over their encounter and act differently. Raith really hoped that wasn’t the case.

When he was ready, Larry drove him to Alexandra’s office and dropped him off. Keys to the church should have been delivered by now. They would be able to take a look at the inside of the place. Raith brought his camera along in order to take pictures. He would then be able to study them and start making plans for its transformation.

This time when he arrived at her office she was waiting for him instead of sitting comfortably behind her desk. Raith liked the change. She looked him in the eye and smiled. Her directness made him sigh with relief. He hadn’t really expected her to act immature over everything that had taken place between the two of them the night before, but he had been worried she might not be receptive to seeing more of him.

“Morning, beautiful.”

He wasn’t just spouting pretty words. She was honestly gorgeous. Her eyes shone bright with health, and if he wasn’t mistaken, emotion. Her lips were smudged pink but he didn’t think it came from fake color from a tube. She once again had on a long flowing skirt. This one was a deep chocolate brown and swirled temptingly around her ankles. Raith was instantly hard as his mind conjured pictures of her sitting on his lap, the full length of his cock buried deep within her warm and wet pussy while her skirt billowed around his legs, draping enticingly over her hips beneath his hands.

Shaking his head, he returned her smile. She was a witch and had cast a spell over him. Her blouse was aqua blue and complimented her pale skin. It was long sleeved but made of a nearly sheer fabric he could only describe as gauzy. Beneath it she wore something else, a camisole or tank top of sorts, he assumed. Raith couldn’t help but wonder if she had bothered to put a bra on and hoped like hell he would have firsthand knowledge before the day was out.

“Morning to you too.” Her smile widened. Raith couldn’t seem to take his gaze off her.

Alexandra turned around to grab an envelope off her assistant’s desk then back to face him. She was so quick it had only left him a moment to check out the curves of her ass. And from the look on her face, he’d been caught. Raith winked and chuckled when an embarrassed flush climbed her cheeks.

“Stop that,” Alexandra said as she batted playfully at his arm.

Raith caught her hand mid-swing and pulled her to him. He just had to touch her, to taste her. Dipping his head low, he licked his tongue across her slightly parted lips. When she whimpered and moved closer, he took her mouth in earnest.

It galled him to let her go, but he did so anyway, releasing her slowly after having one last taste. They had stuff to do and he didn’t want to take things too far in her place of business. “Sorry, baby. I can’t seem to help myself.”

His words seemed to startle her. Raith opened his mouth to say something, but she interrupted. “Here you go. Once you look at it and make up your mind all we have to do is make a final phone call and you’re on your way to being a church owner.”

“My mind is already made up.”

“Yes, but you haven’t even seen the whole place yet.” The tone of her voice was light, joking, but there was something a little off. Raith couldn’t quite put his finger on it. He would be paying close attention today. He had plans for the two of them and allowing Alexandra to deny him out of fear was not among them.

“Let’s go then.” Raith held his palm out to her. Instead of taking it, she handed him the envelope with the keys in it. He thanked her, put the envelope in his pocket and once again held his hand out for her. She certainly was a stubborn thing. He smiled, enjoying the challenge she offered.

Raith liked sitting next to her in the car on the way there. She was a very competent driver so Raith didn’t feel the need to insist he drive. Instead, he relaxed and enjoyed the view.

Once they reached their destination his mind was on work. He was excited to see the inside of the place, to finally be able to get a really good idea of what it had to offer. Even though he was focused on the building and all it entailed, Alexandra was never far from his mind. She also would not be far from him physically, if he allowed her entrance at all. There was no telling what the inside looked like or what type of dangers it might hold. He certainly didn’t want her harmed, although he would highly enjoy hurting her just a little.

They walked up the steps together. He removed the envelope from his pocket and palmed the key. Folding the envelope, he placed it back in his pocket. The padlock opened easily even though it was obviously rusted. The doors were solid and heavy. Raith shouldered one open wide.

“Would you hold this for a second while I find something heavy to put in front of it?”

“Sure.” Her hand brushed his as she reached for the door.

Raith ventured out into the yard, cursing himself for not having thought to bring a flashlight. He found a rock large enough to work, or so he hoped. Back up on the steps, he lowered it and wedged it at an angle beneath the edge of the open door. It seemed heavy enough.

“You wouldn’t happen to have a flashlight in your car by any chance?”

She was down the steps before she even answered. “In my trunk.”

Raith waited to head into the old church until she returned. He wasn’t sure if he was going to need the extra light or not. He thanked her when she handed it to him then clicked it on.

“Stay out here until I know it’s safe in there, okay?”

Normally he would have given the directive and not bothered waiting for an answer, but he knew Alexandra didn’t take orders very well. She would have followed him just to prove she could. He needed to hear her answer to be sure she understood.

“Yeah. Okay.”

He leaned in and kissed her quickly just to appease his hunger. “Good girl. I’ll be back in a few.”

Alexandra waited by the door. She could hear him moving around in there and see the beam from her flashlight, but otherwise from her vantage point the place was dark, cast in shadows. It had a sort of an eerie medieval feel to it.

Having no idea how long Raith had been gone, she was starting to get antsy when he finally made his back toward her. His eyes were bright with excitement and something else. If she didn’t know better she would swear it was lust she saw there.

Maybe touring the place had his mind whirling with ideas for the BDSM club he planned. Surely picturing it set up the way he wanted it, with people doing whatever it was they did inside such a club, was enough to be arousing.

“Come with me.”

He held his hand out for her, expectation making the lines of his face taut. Alexandra didn’t think twice before she placed her hand in his.

“You have to see what I found down in the basement.”

A slight shudder made its way across her flesh. “Hopefully not spiders.”

Raith looked at her then chuckled. “Nope, not spiders. Although there probably are some.” He squeezed her fingers. “The basement is actually in much better shape than up here is. It is separated by a heavy door and there are no broken windows to allow in the weather and wildlife.”

Oh hell, Alexandra thought, slowing her stride while looking around her. She hadn’t even considered there might be wild animals taking up residence in the place.

“Come on, Xandra. I won’t let anything nibble on you.” His smile was full of wicked delight. “Well, except for me of course.”

He’d lowered his voice until it scratched over her body, awakening every nerve ending in its wake. She couldn’t see his face clearly, but the flash of his straight, white teeth in the darkened interior had her slick and wet in a second flat.

He had left the basement door propped open, allowing them easy access to the stairs leading below. It got darker and darker as they descended. Raith slowed his pace, staying just a step below Alexandra. She thought the gesture to be very sweet and appreciated his help. She made sure to thank him once they reached the bottom.

“Letting you fall wouldn’t help me accomplish what I have planned.”

Alexandra rolled her eyes and laughed. “And that would be?”

He smiled in answer.

Raith tugged her hand, leaving no choice but to follow. When he stopped abruptly, she bumped into his back. It wasn’t until she peered around his shoulder that she saw he was aiming his light directly on what appeared to be an old confessional.

“It that what you wanted me to see?”

He pulled her around and in front of him until her back was pressed obscenely close to his front. It was obvious he was hard and ready. The turgid length of his cock pressed tightly to the curve of her ass through the thin fabric of her skirt.

“I want you to do more than see it.”

Having no idea what he meant, she chose to remain silent. Not that she could think of much to say anyway once his hands started roaming over her chest to pluck at her nipples through her blouse.

Her body’s reaction was immediate. It was as if she had no control over her hips as they pressed back, rubbing against his length like a cat in heat. Her head felt heavy so she rested it back on his chest, loving the way his size and presence made her feel absolutely cocooned.

Raith took a few small steps forward and, with their bodies in such close proximity, Alexandra had no choice but to move as well. When they stood in front of the wooden box-shaped confessional, he spoke low in her ear.

“Reach up and open the curtain, baby.”

Without thought as to why he wanted it opened, she did as told. The fabric was dusty and stiff beneath her fingers. Torn and tattered, it hadn’t fared well without care over the years. All thought of its condition fled when she felt his hands on her thighs, scrunching up her skirt until she felt the cool air of the basement against her skin.

“Good girl.” His fingers lifted the edge of her panties and sifted through the wet patch of curls covering her mound. “Now put both of your hands flat on the bench.”

Alexandra’s mind didn’t even think about the dust or possibility of spiders. The only thing that came to mind was he wanted to fuck her in a confessional. She was sure she should find such a thing offensive. After all, they were in a church. Her mind whirled. She shouldn’t be so damn excited over doing something so…so forbidden, but she was.

“Is there a problem?”

Thinking about it, she decided there wasn’t. “No.”

“Then do as you were told.” There was that tone again. One she was going to quickly learn she didn’t much care for. Hearing it made her feel as though she were a child being scolded.

The area was small and enclosed. It smelled musty and made her nose tickle. When Alexandra leaned over to place her hands on the bench, her skirt fell back into place covering her hips and ass from him.

Raith growled low in his chest as he moved up close behind her. The sound set Alexandra’s nerves on end. It roared through her blood and upped the nearly overwhelming lust she already felt.

His hands were possessive as they grasped her hips. Without preamble, her skirt was jerked up and pooled on her back. Alexandra heard the sound of his zipper being lowered and the crinkle of foil paper as he tore into a condom. Her breath escaped her lungs in short powerful burst as she struggled not to turn around and launch herself at him.

When he tugged her panties aside, not even bothering to take the time to have her remove them, Alexandra began to shake with excitement. She had never before been with a man so forceful in his desire. It definitely added to the experience.

The last thought to cross Alexandra’s mind as Raith plunged balls deep into her was she was going to have a front-seat ride on a bus heading straight to hell. His thrusts were hard and fast. The sound of skin slapping skin was loud in the otherwise quiet basement, nearly drowning out the sounds of his grunts and groans.

She managed to remain mostly quiet until he buried a hand in her hair and tugged her head back, using his hold as leverage to take her in a way that felt animalistic, raw and beautiful. It was then their sounds mingled. The tingle at her scalp combined with the feel of his cock powering into her from behind had Alexandra on edge.

Her body quivered with the need to come, to explode, and feel Raith do the same right along with her.

“I need to come. Harder. Oh please!” Alexandra had little control over what came out of her mouth. All she knew was her body felt tight and overly sensitive. Her words seemed to spur him on. Raith slowed his pace slightly, making each thrust into her body deep and intense. He kept her head pulled back with one hand in her hair and used the other to reach around and tease her clit mercilessly.

“Come for me now, Xandra. Let me feel you squeeze my cock.” Raith changed from pinching to slapping her clit. The sensation bordered on pain and sent her spiraling over the edge and into a place where she heard nothing, only felt the fullness of her pussy and the next building orgasm. It was a wonderful place to be.

Chapter Seven

It was hard for Raith to believe he’d already been in Tahoe for two weeks. He’d thoroughly enjoyed the time he’d spent with Alexandra. Not only was the sex great but they got along well. She wasn’t afraid to make her opinions known or to stand up to him when she felt it necessary, but she also knew when to submit to his will. Never before had he become involved with a woman such as her.

Larry had picked up on their attraction early on and kept himself scarce although easily reachable in case Raith needed his assistance on something pertaining to the club. Otherwise, Raith had allowed him time off. They were on a vacation of sorts after all.

His time at Mrs. Mcabe’s timeshare was growing short. He was going to need to find permanent housing and some place for he and Larry to stay in the meantime. Those two things had been first and foremost on his mind as he drove to Alexandra’s office.

The morning had been a busy one. As was often the case, money spoke volumes. Raith had been able to buy the old church outright. He’d inspected the place, doing a walk through with contractors who were already busy at work with the changes to be made. Paperwork had been filled out for the permits needed so everything seemed to be on track.

After he and Alexandra had baptized the confessional, Raith decided to keep it and use it in the club. Many people had a religious play fetish and might enjoy the use of it just as they had. If anything, it would make a good conversation piece. He chuckled at the thought.

Upon walking into Alexandra’s place of business, Raith noticed two things. The reception desk was empty and her door stood wide open. She was on the phone, but otherwise alone.

“Morning, baby.” He skirted the desk to nuzzle her cheek and whisper into the ear not connected to the phone.

Her smile was brilliant as she watched him. Alexandra cut her phone conversation short and hung up. “Morning.”

“I missed you last night.” Raith spun her chair around until she faced him then leaned over and kissed her hungrily. He’d had a conference-call meeting and although he assured Alexandra she would not be in the way, she insisted on going home instead of sleeping the night through safe in his arms. He hadn’t liked it one bit.

She was pulling away from him. Raith could feel it. He had no idea why though and was becoming frustrated by the whole thing. He was trying to give her time to think things through and come to the conclusion herself they were good for one another. However, if he didn’t sense she was making an effort to work things through on her own, he was going to press the issue by having a long heart-to-heart with her.

And heart to heart it would definitely be because he was falling head over heels in love with the gorgeous creature sitting before him. In the meantime he would get the ball rolling on his new digs.

“Larry and I are going to need a new place to stay.”

She seemed genuinely surprised by his words. Raith couldn’t help but wonder if she thought he was just going to up and leave the minute things were settled with renovations of the club. If he dared to hope, it seemed as if his words made her happy.

“I’m sure there are others who would be willing to either trade or sell their timeshare space for the right price. If you liked it there well enough I can call around.” All business, she turned her chair back to face forward and picked up the phone.

Raith placed his hands on her shoulder, gently massaging the area. “It’s a beautiful place, but I like it much better when you’re there with me.” He removed his hands from her body before he was tempted to lock the office door and take thorough advantage of her even if he had to bind her to her desk chair to accomplish it.

Of course, that thought conjured up all sorts of dirty fantasies. Raith shook his head, trying to clear it of the highly erotic vision he had just burned into his brain but failed miserably.

“How much time are you looking for?” Was that the sound of hope in her voice? Did she really want him to stay? Was his leaving what had been causing the change in her or was she just not trying to get attached to someone who she thought of as a nice vacation from reality, someone who could make all her naughty little fantasies come true? Raith really wished he knew what she was thinking.

“A few weeks at least.” He answered straight and to the point then watched while she made several phone calls, trying to gauge her thoughts, which was virtually impossible when she was in work mode. The woman was much like him in the way she remained focused on the task at hand while working.

Raith paced her office then made a round through the external office which still stood empty. He idly wondered where her assistant was before heading back only to find her still on the phone. It took several more minutes before she was finished.

“Ok, you’ve just purchased three weeks of time at the same timeshare. It’ll be ready for you tomorrow. Either you or Larry can pay for the time when you check in and get the keys to the new rooms tomorrow.”

She was extremely efficient. Raith smiled. “Thank you.”

This time, instead of taking up place behind her desk where he could touch every inch of her body if he chose to, Raith sat across the table from Alexandra. So much for giving her time and space, he thought as he asked, “Anything you want to talk about?”

She appeared taken aback by his question. “Such as?”

Raith leaned back in the chair, crossing one ankle over the opposite knee. The position seemed relaxed. The man was anything but. “I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me?”

The light faded slightly from her eyes even as her chin came up at an angle full of attitude. “Have I done something wrong?”

The sigh that left his lips was loud and long in the otherwise quiet room. “No, baby. You didn’t do anything wrong.” So maybe pushing wasn’t such a good idea after all. Instead of continuing along the same lines, Raith decided to talk about the house he hoped to purchase.

“I want you to start looking for a house for me here in Tahoe. Something with lots of space and detached pool house or something similar for Larry to occupy.” Raith far preferred to have his assistant close but not so close he had to worry he and Alexandra would be walked in on during times where privacy was necessary.

Three things happened nearly at once. A look of pure elation crossed her features only to be wiped away by that of despair and then she asked in a voice that trembled. “You’re hiring me to work for you again?”

It didn’t take more than a second for him to get the gist of where she was going. Her and her fucking moral work ethics.

“Oh hell no. Don’t even think it, Xandra!” If the crazy woman thought for one second that working for him meant they could no longer be in a relationship she had another thing coming. “If you tell me you won’t sleep with me, be with me because you are working for me I will put you over my knee and blister your ass right here and now.” Raith meant every word that came out of his mouth and dared her with his gaze to even try it.

“But you know my rules, Raith. It doesn’t look professional. What will people say?” She threw her arms wide then just let them drop to her sides. “If rumors started I might lose clients or worse. What if any man who came in here assumed I would sleep with him as well?”

Raith could completely understand the need to remain professional and respectable, but she was a little overboard about the whole thing in his opinion. Besides, if another man made such an erroneous assumption he would die a slow death. Alexandra Aimon was his woman and Raith had no plans to share. Ever. He said as much, causing Alexandra’s eyes to widen until they appeared like saucers against her pale skin and long, dark lashes.

“I’m not letting you go, baby, so you might as well get that thought out of your mind.” He pushed his chair back from her desk. “Now come here.”

She eyed him warily as if completely unsure of who he was or what he wanted with her, but she did as told. He almost laughed at how long it took her to stand and circle the desk. At first he’d thought to set her in his lap and comfort her, soothe her troubled body with his hands and let her know just how much she meant to him.

As she moved closer though, Raith realized he needed to see her face and so he motioned for her to kneel before him. Alexandra didn’t balk one bit as she lowered herself before him. The floral-patterned material of her skirt pooled around her knees and not for the first time he realized just how much he loved her in the long skirts she seemed to favor.

“I want you to find my house, Xandra. You know me well enough to know what I like.” Raith stared deep into her eyes.

Her body melted against him but he could still see the resolve in her gaze. She placed her hands on his thighs as she knelt up. Her back was straight. She was such a proud woman. Raith felt her tense before she opened her mouth to speak.

“I don’t know if I can.”

He was giving no quarter. She belonged to him whether she wanted to believe it or not. “I’m not giving you a choice in the matter.”

There was nothing soft or sensual about the kiss to follow. He slanted his mouth over hers, punishing her with his lips and teeth. Raith knew she had feelings for him. They were written in her gaze, in the way she looked at him, talked to him. He could feel her emotions in the way her body moved against his, flesh on flesh. There was no way in fucking hell he was going to allow her to pretend otherwise.

Alexandra knew she was being silly. There really wasn’t a whole lot of reason to stop seeing Raith just because he was once again going to be her client, but for some reason she felt the need to argue the point.

His moving to Tahoe scared her almost as much as the thought of him heading back to New York. She couldn’t quite figure it out. There was something about him, something about the way they interacted with one another that made her feel so very different than she had in any other relationship.

He didn’t boss her around, although he was definitely bossy, or treat her as if she was an object. But he could be physically rough and was definitely starting to show signs of possessiveness toward her. Several times over the last week she’d had to remind herself his actions did not mean he was becoming as emotionally attached to her as she was him.

Raith listened if she had something to say but he also had high expectations and expected her obedience. She had read much over the last couple of weeks about D/s relationships and in some ways theirs resembled one, but in many ways it did not. Although they had defined roles there was not a lot in the way of specific protocol or rules.

It was more like over the span of a short amount of time Alexandra had worked hard to learn Raith’s likes and dislikes and used what she had found to please the both of them. She thoroughly enjoyed helping him and serving him, both in the bedroom and out. If she had to pick a name for their brand of relationship it would be more along the lines of a 1950s, old-fashioned, father-knows-best type of relationship with rope and floggers added in to spice things up.

Alexandra chuckled at the thought.

“Something funny, baby?”

Alexandra gazed up at him and smiled. “No, nothing. Just thinking about how bossy you are.”

He buried his hands in the hair at her temples and arched her head back at the same time he lowered his face until they were mouth to mouth. “Don’t forget uberly dominant and good looking as well.”

He pecked her lips lightly as she choked back a laugh.

“Modest too,” she mumbled against his mouth.

“Ummm hmmm.” He deepened the kiss, taking it to a point Alexandra had a hard time catching her breath. The man kissed with his whole body, incorporating all of her senses to a point where she was content to stay exactly where he put her and leave the decisions up to him.

“When will you start looking for my house?”

Silently, she grumbled about his abrupt change in topics. She had been enjoying herself too much to make such a quick change to business talk. It took a minute before Alexandra was able to answer. “When do you want me to start looking?” Right now she wanted to feel the weight of his body on top of hers. Her mind refused to focus on much else.

“I think tomorrow will be soon enough.”

“Okay then.” Hell, she would have agreed to just about anything if he’d only give her his mouth again.

“Baby?”

She’d been going in, lips puckered, when his quiet call had reached her ears. It took everything in Alexandra to open her eyes and focus on him. “Huh?”

“Is there any way you can leave for the rest of the day?”

Her whole body sat up and took notice at his question. Her nipples instantly beaded against the white lace of the bra she’d decided to wear. Her panties were already damp with proof of her desire. Something about his tone made her inner walls spasm in waves of anticipation. She looked out to the outer office. “My assistant will be in after lunch and I don’t have any appointments this afternoon, so I think it would be all right.”

It was so freaking okay Alexandra was ready to leap to her feet and race Raith to the car. He must have felt her muscles bunch in anticipation of rising. Stopping her with a hand on her shoulder, he shook his head.

“It’s still an hour until lunch.”

“It’s—”

She didn’t get to finish before he placed a finger over her lips to quiet her. Raith stood, putting the hard bulge of his cloth-covered cock at face level. Alexandra was just about to start to work toward freeing his shaft when she was pulled to her feet and crushed into a tight bear hug.

“Meet me at the timeshare in an hour, Xandra.”

But she wanted to go with him now. Arguing with him would only be counterproductive though. This she knew from experience. Raith smiled when she snapped her jaw closed without doing so.

“You’re a fast learner.” His laughter followed him to the outer door where he turned and pierced her with a heated stare.

“The door will be unlocked. I want your clothes off the minute you come through it. When you’re nude come and find me.”

With those parting words to keep her on edge for the next hour, Raith walked out the door.

Alexandra wasn’t sure how she’d managed to keep her cool for a whole hour, but she had. Just barely. Never before had she been so excited to leave for lunch. And so nervous, she thought as she walked up to the door of the timeshare Raith occupied.

She stepped stealthily through the threshold without bothering to knock, then began removing her clothes. The desire to rip the garments from her body and throw them on the floor as she ran to find him were nearly overwhelming, but she didn’t allow herself to do so. Instead, she folded each article of clothing as she removed it, then set them on the arm of the couch before departing the living room in search of Raith.

Everything was quiet except for the sound of the shower coming from the master bedroom. Excitement coursed through her veins as she approached the glass enclosure.

“Come on in, beautiful.”

She was so unprepared to hear his voice, Alexandra nearly tripped when he spoke. When had he noticed her approach? He hadn’t even turned to look her way. Shaking her head since it didn’t really matter, Alexandra opened the door and stepped into the warm spray of water.

“You’re just in time to wash my back.”

Raith turned the wide expanse of his shoulders to her and placed his hands high on the wall, waiting. Alexandra soaped up a wash cloth then diligently ran it in sudsy circles over every inch of flesh she could get her hands on. She knelt low in order to get the backs of his legs, taking extra time on his taut, muscled ass. He was a sculpted work of art and she felt blessed to be able to touch him in such a way.

Instead of rising to her feet, Alexandra remained on her knees behind him. It only took the loss of her fingers moving over his body to get Raith to turn around. The new position put him exactly where she wanted him. Or more aptly described, put his cock in the perfect position. She peered up at Raith through the shower spray.

“Wash me first, baby.”

He could be so mean when he wanted to be. Why his teasing her, his making her wait, heightened her arousal Alexandra had no idea. She did as he bid, washing first his feet, then the front of his legs, his shaft and then continued working her way up until she finally finished with his chest and arms. He removed the shower head from the wall and handed it to her.

Alexandra didn’t need to be told what to do next. She rinsed him as diligently as she’d washed him, waiting excitedly to see what came next. When she was done he took the shower head from her and returned it to its mooring on the wall. Then, with a hand on her shoulder he lowered her back to her knees in front of him.

Alexandra took Raith into her mouth. He felt hot and heavy. His taste burst on her tongue, but she wasn’t given time to enjoy his essence or feel his hands in her hair as he fucked her face the way she loved. Almost before she’d started, Raith tugged her to her feet.

“Time to get out,” he said after quickly washing her from head to toe. He then turned her to the door and gave her ass a pat.

Alexandra pulled a towel from the rack on the wall and quickly wrapped it around herself so she didn’t drip so much on the floor before handing one to Raith. His smile was more thanks than actual words ever would be.

She was about to head into the bedroom when she was struck dumb and stopped dead in her tracks. When had she fallen in love with him? She’d known almost since day one there was a strong connection between the two of them, but love? Actual emotional throw-myself-in-front-of-a-train-for-him love? How had that happened?

“Everything okay?”

He was right beside her, his gaze searching. The furrow between his eyes told of his worry.

Alexandra smiled. She was in love. “I’m not sure, but it will be.”

It was obvious he had no clue what she was talking about. Instead of insisting she talk to him while standing in the doorway of the bathroom wrapped in a bath towel, he nudged her forward. They dried one another off in companionable silence. At least outwardly she was silent. Inside she was purring like a cat at the way he took his time rubbing the terrycloth towel briskly across her nipples then taking extra time to make sure her pussy and the cleft of her ass were as thoroughly dry.

She couldn’t help but snicker. If he was trying to make sure no moisture clung to the folds of her pussy he was going to be there for quite a while.

“On the bed, on your stomach.”

Alexandra jumped to do his bidding. Being sure to give him a show as she knew he would like. She climbed onto the bed, looking over her shoulder at him as she crawled up its length, swaying her hips in a way she hoped was enticing.

“Minx.” He laughed. It seemed like an eternity before he joined her, moving up the length of her body, pressing her down into the mattress with his weight.

When he bit the back of her neck, sinking his teeth deep, she whimpered in painful delight. Alexandra arched her spine, grinding her ass against his erection. His rebuke was instantaneous as he bore more weight onto her.

“Stay still.” He growled the words into her ear as he wedged his knees between her legs, effectively separating them.

“I—I can’t.” She could barely breathe much less talk and struggling was definitely out of the question.

“Ah, but you will, baby.”

The head of his condom-covered cock was perched at the entrance to her core, the place where she wanted him most. Idly, she wondered when he’d donned a condom but lost track of the thought when he wrapped a hand around her throat from behind.

Raith entered her only slightly, just enough to bury the head of his shaft within her. It drove Alexandra absolutely crazy that once done, he stilled against her, teasing her, torturing her in a way that made her mad with arousal.

When she moved her hands to his arms in an attempt to coax him into doing more, he stifled the movement by gathering them in one of his hands and pinning them above her head. His other hand went back to her throat.

And then it happened, he spoke low against her ear. His words careful and clear. “When you look for my house tomorrow, Alexandra. I don’t want you to keep only my preferences in mind. Think of yourself as well.”

Her mind stilled. All thought fled. Although her body was still super aroused, it no longer took priority. “Why?” It was a silly question, but she had to know.

His grip on her throat tightened, and for a second a small flare of panic roared through her body. It was exhilarating to be held in such a way by him.

“Because I plan on you spending a lot of time there, tied to my bed, serving me, loving me…” He began to move then, very, very slowly. He didn’t penetrate her deep. Instead his movements were languid and shallow. It was enough to make her body ache for more. “The same way I love you.”

He loved her?

There was no time to question him, because at that very moment, he drove his cock into her, causing a cry to slip from her throat. It was pain and pleasure unlike anything she’d ever felt before. Different than any other encounter they’d had.

He loved her!

Alexandra came with Raith buried inside the tight sheath of her pussy. With his hand still controlling every breath she took, she gave him her all, heart, body and soul.

Epilogue

One year later

It was hard to believe only a year ago he’d been a single man tired of the hustle and bustle of business life and now, here he was engaged to a woman unlike any other he had the pleasure of being with.

She’d given herself to him both silently and in words and had kept her vow to serve him. Their relationship had settled into something far beyond the normal kink variety he’d dabbled in before, thinking they were the only way to do things.

Remembering back to that night, the night he’d told Alexandra he loved her, the night he’d also told her she would move in with him as soon as he was sure she was ready, made him smile.

Never before had he taken a woman so roughly. There had been something primordial about the way she made him feel. He’d sensed her pulse against his fingertips, felt the shallowness of her breathing, taken in every nuance of her being, and instead of being afraid she’d given back.

Raith watched as she unpacked the last of her clothes. Now the long skirts she preferred hung next to his clothes in the closet. Her cosmetics sat next to his toiletries on the bathroom counter. There was something completely right about it all.

When she looked up he crooked his finger, beckoning her to him. “I’ve got a surprise.”

Her eyes lit up like the Fourth of July. “You do? What is it?”

“A mini vacation of sorts.”

Alexandra tilted her head to the side. Raith could almost hear her thoughts. She had to go to work on Monday. He pointed at the chair beside the bed. On it was a bag of toys. Her favorite collar and cuff set as well as several lengths of rope spilled out of the zipper.

Her breath quickened.

Things had been so busy with the move and the opening of Club Tahoe they hadn’t had much time for play. She appeared as excited by the prospect as he felt.

“Mrs. Mcabe traded me for her timeshare again this year. She’s off to New York. I think she likes it there.”

“And we’re going to…” her voice trailed off as he touched her cheek lightly with the back of his hand.

“Nothing quite like a cozy timeshare to tie my woman up in.”

Her gaze stilled on his lips as she licked her own. “Can we go now, please?”

Raith grabbed the bag off the chair then took Alexandra’s hand and tugged her along with him. As they left the house he was reminded how lucky he was, for what they shared was a love like no other.

About the Author

Maggie Casper’s life could be called many things but boring isn’t one of them. If asked, Maggie would tell you that blessed would more aptly describe her everyday existence.

Being loved by four gorgeous daughters should be enough to make anybody feel blessed. Add to that a bit of challenge, a lot of fun and an undeniably close circle of friends and family and you’d be walking in her shoes.

A love of reading was passed on by Maggie’s mother at a very early age, and so began her addiction to romance novels. Maggie admits to writing some in high school but when life got in the way, she put her pen and paper up. Seems that things changed over the years because when she finally decided it was time to put her story ideas on paper, the pen was out and the computer was in. Took her a while to catch up but she finally made it.

When not writing, Maggie can usually be found reading, doing genealogy research or watching NASCAR.

You can visit Maggie’s website at www.maggiecasper.com.

Look for these titles by Maggie Casper

Now Available:

Something Old, Something New

Teaching Elena

Every Beat of Her Heart

For the Love of Callie

California Cowboy

Knotty Girl

The Chance of a Lifetime

What begins as a quest for submission becomes an unrelenting need for love.

A Little Harmless Obsession

© 2010 Melissa Schroeder

Harmless, Book 3

May Aiona’s crush on sexy Evan Chambers is a bad habit that should be easy to break. It’s not like he’s ever noticed her. Looking for a safe place to release the reins of control and explore her curiosity about BDSM, May takes a friend up on an invitation to visit an exclusive bondage club—all she has to agree to is a public submission.

Evan can’t help but notice the exotically beautiful May. But despite his success, the dirty secrets of his past whisper that he’ll never be good enough for her. When Evan sees her standing in his club ready to submit to his best friend, he gives in to the thing he wants most—May as his sub. After their session, he knows one night will never be enough. But loving May isn’t easy for a man always ready to take charge. She might like to submit in the bedroom, but she doesn’t like anyone telling her what to do outside of it.

When May insists she’s not in any danger from the person seemingly obsessed with her, she ends up in the sights of a deranged stalker—with Evan possibly too far away to help.

Warning: This book contains sexy Hawaiian settings, crazy relatives, and a submission scene that leaves the heroine breathless and the hero frustrated. There are toys, bondage, and love scenes so hot, you’ll need ice water and a towel. Remember, it’s a Harmless story, so you know there’s nothing harmless about it.

Enjoy the following excerpt for A Little Harmless Obsession:

She glanced at Cynthia, who was fairly brimming with excitement. “Well?”

Cynthia smiled at her. “Micah said he would allow you to pay only the application fee and you could get one whole year free.”

That gave May pause. “What gives?”

Cynthia widened her eyes innocently. “What do you mean?”

“Micah wouldn’t agree to it without something in return.”

Her friend shrugged. “You just have to submit.”

“Well, isn’t that the plan? I mean, why else would I want to join?” May blew on her coffee before taking a sip.

“There are conditions though. It has to be public and it has to be with an owner of the club.”

May choked on her coffee. “What?”

Cynthia waved it away. “It’s really no big deal. I mean, people definitely go for it.”

“But…you said publicly. I’m not really sure I can do that. And besides, it seems to be a bit too much.”

Still, she couldn’t stop the sharp tug of excitement at the idea. There was part of her that was appalled, but deep down, the concept of being in front of people naked…it was sort of a turn on. She’d had dreams about it for years, and more than once she had fantasized about stealing away for sex on the beach. This would be like trying out two of her secret desires at once.

“A single membership costs five thousand a year. I think it is actually not that big for what you are getting,” Cynthia remarked.

May sighed. Even with her fantasies, she didn’t know if she could do it. There would be no club for her then. She could never afford a membership.

“Well, that’s that.”

Cynthia grabbed her arm to stop her. “No, it’s not. I want you to think this through.”

Appalled, she stared at her friend. “There is no thinking needed. I can’t do a public submission. Seriously, there is just no way. It is out of the question.”

“Think. Micah is a good Dom. He is someone you can trust, someone who won’t hurt you. And you know that everything would be handled carefully. You can’t guarantee that with someone you get involved with.”

That was true. She had read all kinds of warnings online about being careful. In the world of BDSM, there were some people who used their knowledge to control beyond the bedroom. “Still…”

Cynthia crossed her arms beneath her breasts and stared at May. “I was extremely lucky to find Chris. While I don’t think there is anything wrong with the lifestyle, just like any group, they are going to have their predators. And they could use this against you in some way. At least this way, you’re safe.”

That was definitely true. “But in public?”

“Micah said he wanted to be sure you were serious about it. A lot of people would work a deal out like this and then just show up to troll for dates. Plus, he doesn’t want people to come out of the woodwork asking for a free membership. If word got out, you can believe he would have more than one person trying.” Cynthia smiled at her again. “You have a problem with that? I have to say, I might be a little nervous about it, but…remember that story you told me?”

“What story?” As soon as she asked, May remembered how one night over drinks she’d confessed her interest in exhibitionism. Her face flushed. “This is a little bit more than making out in public.”

“First, your fantasy wasn’t about just making out. Granted, this is a little more than going somewhere secluded to have sex.” Cynthia shrugged. “If it’s too much, you can call a stop to it. You know the owner of the club would listen if you invoked the safe word. And think about all the people you could meet there. At least there they have gone through the application process.”

That was true. But there was one glaring problem. The man she pined over, the one she had cried over and who treated her like a sister, might be there.

“What is holding you back, sistah?” Cynthia was perceptive.

May heaved a sigh. “Evan.”

Cynthia nodded. “He doesn’t really come around that much anymore. I mean, he hangs out with Chris and Micah but it’s been several months since he’s been there looking for a sub.”

May’s heart sank a little and she silently chastised herself for it. He wasn’t her concern anymore. Just because he wasn’t going to the club anymore, and that probably meant he had someone fulfilling that need, didn’t matter.

“What have you got to lose, May?”

“My dignity. I would probably die of embarrassment being naked in front of everyone.”

Cynthia sighed. “Listen. I know this would be hard but think about what you could gain from it. You could really find your sexual identity. Believe me, I know what you’re feeling right now. I wondered why people were so bent on getting into bed with each other. Sex was horrible, more like a thing to endure. Then I met Chris.”

A slight ping of jealousy hit May’s heart. Cynthia’s whole face softened, as did her voice.

“It was the first time I could say I enjoyed sex. And it was like a whole new world opened for me. I definitely would not have moved here. I probably would have married some Neanderthal my father picked out and kept wondering why the hell everyone was so excited about having sex.”

“But you did that without an audience.”

Cynthia fixed her with a stare. “I know this is scary. It’s going to be hard enough if this is truly what you need. Not everyone understands the life. At least at the club you will never worry about being unacceptable.” She leaned closer. “This could really change your life…and for the better.”

It could. She felt it to her bones. There had always been something missing in sex, from the first time up until the last time a few months ago. She could feel the excitement, be ready to really get down to it, then she would get in bed. The embarrassment of those times, of never being fulfilled and having some of the guys, especially Rick, blame her was humiliating. Was that any worse than this? That had been in private at least. The public humiliation of Rick’s accusations of her cheating on him still hurt. And worse, she had been in a way.

“What does Chris think?”

“Didn’t ask him. He thinks of you as his little sister. While he has no trouble with me at the club, he might have a problem with his little sister going there, especially for this.”

Did she really want to do this? While Cynthia thought there was a way out, that there would be a way for her to quit, there wouldn’t. For May, if she was going to do this, she would go into it with full gusto.

“Okay. What do I need to do?”

“I’ll call Micah. He wants a contract, and you have to have a physical.”

May nodded, her body still tingling from the rush of heat.

Cynthia practically hopped up the stairs to Micah’s office. She knew just what buttons to push, and while she felt a little guilty, she knew without a doubt that May needed this. She hurt each time she thought of her friend’s embarrassed face and tortured voice whenever she talked of sex. Oh, when they were in the company of others, she would joke. But Cynthia knew she had suffered from not finding fulfillment.

She opened the door and smiled at Micah then turned her attention to her fiancé. He stood and she strode over to him and gave him an enthusiastic kiss.

“Well?” he asked.

“She’ll do it.”

“You’re both crazy.”

They turned and faced Micah.

“I think it will work out,” Chris said. “Cynthia is sure she’s a submissive, and Jesus, if anything, it will get Evan off his ass. He haunts my place anymore and it will get embarrassing.” He looked at Cynthia. “Do you think there will be a problem?”

“No, and we had help from Evan.”

Chris laughed. “What happened?”

“He came in giving her orders, telling her that he’d talked to that ex of hers about her car. Lord, that was the last thing he should have done.”

“He’s just trying to find out what happened.”

Cynthia sighed. “Yeah, well, he’s acting like a bull in a china shop. Either way, he told her she should make better choices in who she dates. It sent her over the edge.”

“I bet.”

“Chambers finds out about this, he isn’t going to be happy,” Micah said.

Micah hadn’t been keen on the idea, but Cynthia knew it was the right thing to do.

“I’ll take care of Evan,” Chris said. “Just get the contract written up.”

Micah nodded.

“I gotta get back to Dupree’s.”

They walked through the darkened club and Cynthia winced when Chris opened the door. She pulled out her sunglasses and slipped them on.

“You’re sure about this?”Chris asked.

Without hesitating, she nodded. “Yes. One way or another, they have to move on. And even if Evan doesn’t step in, May is a sub. She needs this.”

Five days. Close quarters. It’s enough to drive any woman crazy—or into submission…

Reaction Time

© 2008 Alannah Lynne

Nikki Kincaid carries her smart mouth and in-your-face attitude like other women carry mace. But the sharpest parts of her razor tongue are reserved for Adam Guthrie, a man who sparks her body’s reaction time quicker than a green light. That out-of-control response terrifies her, because control is her middle name.

When someone starts sending Nikki threatening letters, Adam jumps at her brother’s request to help protect her—whether she likes it or not. For the past year and a half he’s been watching her, analyzing her body language and cutting remarks, and has come to one definitive conclusion. She’s a sexual submissive in hiding.

Five days in close quarters is exactly what Adam’s been waiting for—and Nikki’s idea of hell. Bringing her deepest desires to the surface will be the greatest challenge of his life. And, if he succeeds, his greatest reward.

Warning: This title contains some dominance and submission, some light bondage and some sexy scenes that’ll make you want to lose control.

Enjoy the following excerpt for Reaction Time:

Nikki Kincaid shook her head, almost feeling sorry for the kid in the piece-of-shit Honda next to her, revving his engine and signaling he wanted to race. She knew she shouldn’t accept his challenge. Street racing was dangerous, plus the pesky little detail that it was illegal. But dammit, it was fun.

And she wanted to have a little fun for a change.

Did the kid honestly think his one-hundred-and-fifteen-horsepower Civic could compete with her Shelby GT500? The power of her Mustang alone would leave him sitting at the light wondering what happened. Considering she had one of the fastest reactions times in the NHRA Pro Stock Drag Racing Series, when the light turned green she’d be a quarter mile down the highway before he could blink.

She sighed. Three years. That’s how long it had been since she’d had any fun. That’s how long it had been since racing stopped being a choice and instead had become a job that carried an overwhelming responsibility. That’s how long it had been since racing ceased to be her true love and passion.

But this little race would be like before—fun.

She glanced around, checking to make sure there were no other vehicles in the way and no cops. Well, none other than her irritating passenger. Looking out the passenger window, she nodded once to the kid before returning her attention to the stop light. “That car sounds like a pissed off bumblebee,” she muttered beneath her breath, unable to believe the kid truly wanted to race.

As the word “race” hit her brain circuitry, her body instinctively took over. Her left hand clenched the steering wheel while the fingers on her right twitched on the Hurst shifter. Her left foot mashed the clutch to the floor and the toes on her right flexed with the anticipation of stomping on the gas pedal.

She flicked a casual sideways glance to her passenger, Adam “Tight Ass” Guthrie, off-duty detective and friend to her brother, Nate. Head bent over, eyes focused on the threatening letter she’d received that morning, he was oblivious to the kid next to him or the launched gauntlet.

Nikki smiled as she considered the added bonus to this race. Tight Ass was gonna shit a brick.

He would probably lecture her on yet another of her obligations—acting as a responsible role model. He would probably make the three-hour trip to Richmond miserable. He would probably do that anyway, so she might as well go for it now and have her fun.

God, she could throttle Nate for insisting she have a weekend babysitter. The threats she’d received, the ones suggesting her health might fare better if she didn’t race anymore, seemed relatively harmless. But her ever-watchful big brother insisted she have protection. Tight Ass agreed with Nate’s cautious attitude, damn her bad luck, and had volunteered to take a couple days off to accompany her to the drag strip.

Unfortunately, he was the last person she wanted to spend five days with.

Maybe if she made his life hell he’d pack up and leave. Then she wouldn’t have to deal with him or the mix of unwelcome emotions his presence stirred in her.

The left-turn lane got the green arrow and she zeroed in on it. Watching. Waiting. As soon as that light turned red, she’d get the green light.

Yellow.

Adrenaline pumped through her veins like it always did at the starting line of a race.

Red.

She popped the clutch and mashed the gas at the exact instant her light flicked green. Tires squealed and her body slammed backwards into the seat from the forward thrust.

Second gear.

Third gear.

The kid was still sitting at the light and she burst out laughing, imagining his face. Eyes wide, mouth dropped open. Friends in the car laughing their asses off at the spanking he’d just gotten.

Fourth gear.

Fifth gear.

She cut her gaze to Tight Ass’s fingers embedded into the dashboard. He was wearing an expression she imagined was similar to the kid in the car. Pure shock.

She threw her head back and enjoyed a rare, roaring laugh as she slid the shifter into sixth and eased her foot off the gas. One hundred ten was probably pushing it.

“Stop!” her passenger demanded.

She bit into her bottom lip to squelch the laughter and continued to let the car coast to a slower speed.

“Stop the fucking car. Now.”

“All right. All right. Give me a sec to get to the exit.” With feigned concern and a lot of humor, she asked, “Do you need a men’s room, or is the side of the road okay?”

His lip curled back in a snarl.

Holy shit. Eyes wide, she sucked in a startled breath. Much to her surprise, and dismay, Tight Ass was even hotter all riled up.

She stopped on the side of the road and as she shut the car down, he shot out of his door, circled the car and yanked her door open. He grabbed her arm and jerked her from the car while she fought to shake him loose. “Let go of me,” she yelled.

Snatching off his sunglasses, he got nose to nose with her and snarled, “You ever pull a stunt like that again and I’ll kill you myself.”

Several things struck her at once—his impressively broad chest, his strong shoulders and his incredibly thick neck. I wonder if he has hair on his chest or if it’s smooth and lickable. She swallowed hard and swiped her tongue across her bottom lip. It was impossible to tell through the loose-fitting knit shirt, but she did know one thing. His lips, now pulled into a thin, tight line, were definitely kissable.

Dear God, what am I thinking?

This was why she avoided him. He confused her. His overbearing personality and often alarming intensity scared her. Despite that, with nothing more than a heated look, he made her body hum and purr like a well-tuned engine. And right now she wanted to strip and lick him like a Tootsie Roll Pop.

She pulled her gaze away from his mouth and looked into his eyes. She’d always considered her chocolate eyes dark, but his were black as lumps of coal and equally cold. Completely devoid of any emotion.

Her stomach dropped and her chest ached. Seeing him remain completely unaffected while she suffered through a heat wave, hurt and pissed her off. However, she’d never allow him to know it, so she hid her hurt the only way she knew how, with her smart mouth and in-your-face attitude.

She pushed her breasts forward until they were pressing into the fabric of his shirt. “You’re supposed to protect my body.” She pressed against him harder. “Whatcha gonna do? Handcuff me so I’ll behave?”

An intoxicatingly predatory smile shattered his hard expression and he leaned in close to her ear. “Be careful what you ask for, sweetheart,” he threatened, the raspy rumble sending warm breath down the side of her neck and a cold shiver racing down her spine. “You might get it.”

Nikki fisted her hands at her sides and fought the urge to grab onto him as his spicy scent, hot body and gravelly voice filled her with a disturbing sensation.

Desire.

Reckless, nearly uncontrollable desire.

While Nikki searched for words—something she never, ever had to do—he hooked his fingers under her elbow and led her around to the passenger side. Opening the door, he said, “I’m driving from here on out.” Then he unleashed a smile that reeked of wicked intent and self-assured arrogance. “And I’m betting you learn to behave even without the handcuffs.”