Natalie Acres

by Sex Slave [Cowboy Sex 7]

  “It was obvious she’d been drugged.”

  Jason clucked. “Nope. Doesn’t ring a bell. Sorry.”

  “You must remember speaking with Martin McPherson and demanding a recall on the winning bidder’s ticket. Don’t you?”

  “If that happened then I feared for my sub’s safety,” Jason said. “I’m sure you weren’t a good match. Otherwise, the bid would’ve gone through. You know how these benefits operate. Our submissive women are congenial and willing to do anything for a good cause, but they always let their Dominant partners know when they feel uneasy.”

  “I was a perfect match and you knew it. What you didn’t like was how well she had responded to me. She was nearly drooling when she found out who had won the bid for her time.”

  “A million dollars was a lot of money to spend for a few hours with a submissive woman. You did all right for yourself that night from what I remember. Your money was refunded and you were given a submissive young woman to train, one who had never been introduced to our way of life.”

  Sebastian loosened his bowtie. “I didn’t contact you to argue about past events.”

  “Why did you call, Mr. Ketchum?”

  “Tonight, we’re having a party, Jason. You weren’t invited for obvious reasons, but I didn’t want to leave you out entirely. I wanted to send the photo so you would know beyond reasonable doubt, Kimberly is in good hands.”

  “You may have her for one night, but Kimberly Cartwell is mine. You’ll never keep her. She loves me. Ask her. She’ll tell you. She belongs to me. I own her soul.”

  “I’m sure you believe that, Jason, but you’re as delusional as you were the night you addressed your peers at Lynx.”

  Sebastian sneered at the memory. Jason had stood before thirty-five Dominants and explained why he couldn’t sell his submissive woman’s time.

  Kimberly had been drugged. Her appearance there went against every guideline the lifestyle club had in place to ensure the safety of submissives in attendance. The number one rule had been shattered when Jason brought Kimberly to a function against her free will. Even if she’d been willing to attend, submissive women weren’t supposed to participate in charitable events if drugs or alcohol were in play.

  “I don’t remember the Lynx incident.”

  “Let me refresh your memory. You said, ‘I take beautiful women and make them into satisfied ladies. I can’t, in good faith, turn my sub over to another man based on that premise alone,’ and you arrogantly snubbed everyone there while refusing to vacate the premises.”

  “I wasn’t asked to leave.”

  “You were expected to go on your own accord.”

  Jason released a heavy breath. “I’m bored, Mr. Ketchum. Why are you calling again?”

  “I wanted you to know. Wyatt and I will take one beautiful woman and do everything in our power to make sure she is a satisfied lady. We, the two of us, want you to understand that Kimberly Cartwell will never return to Fletcher unless she is accompanied by one or both of us.”

  “Is that supposed to be a threat? If so, you have no idea who you’re threatening. Do you?” He released an evil laugh. “You don’t even know the woman you’re using as a weapon against me. Do you honestly think I’m the only man who’ll stand in your way? You’re wrong. Kane Cartwell hates men like us. He detests arrogance and you clearly have plenty.”

  Neely was one to talk.

  “Kane Cartwell?”

  “Her father,” Jason bit out.

  “Funny you should mention Kane. As luck would have it, I have his blessing.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Kimberly entered the foyer as a skeptic. She couldn’t fight the anxiety welling inside her which only intensified once they were greeted by the butler.

  “Jaelon, this is Kimberly Cartwell. Kimberly, this is Jaelon Rouse.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Kimberly said, reaching for his hand.

  “We’re pleased you could make the party, Miss Cartwell,” he said. “If you need anything while you’re here, don’t hesitate to ask.”

  Jaelon was dressed in white, as were several other staff members, fanning around with drink trays. Her gaze followed one of the waiters into a large open room off to the left.

  Immediately, she gasped.

  A runway was assembled down the center. Chairs were placed on either side of the stage and men were taking their seats.

  This was a benefit, an auction.

  Stilling at the sight, Kimberly couldn’t stop the clock from turning back time. She vaguely remembered another function. Her memory was foggy, the details nothing more than a blur.

  “This way,” Wyatt said, placing his hand on her back and steering her down a hallway.

  Once they reached the end, he pointed to a sitting area. “Let me explain what will happen tonight.”

  Before he could speak, she said, “I’m not naïve. I know what this is.”

  “Why don’t you tell me about your experiences?”

  “Don’t you think you should’ve mentioned you were bringing me to a lifestyle charity auction?”

  “I assumed you wouldn’t be opposed,” he said. “Neely took you to several from what I understand.”

  “How would you know that?”

  He didn’t respond.

  “Mitch? Did Mitch tell you?”

  “No.”

  “Who then?” And why the hell couldn’t she remember much about them! She hadn’t even considered some of the functions she and Jason had attended in the past, which greatly disturbed her now.

  Wyatt sat on a burgundy settee, the only piece of furniture in the small room, a sitting room that would’ve better served the homeowner as a coat closet. “I want you to do this.”

  “You want me to do this,” she muttered, processing. “And why would I even consider a benefit auction on the first date? I know very little about you. I’ve never met the guests in attendance here.”

  “You aren’t intrigued?”

  Kimberly set her lips in a deliberate tight line. She couldn’t deny her interest. Her submissive nature was singing as the excitement practically whispered indulgent promises of a night to remember.

  “Sit with me,” Wyatt said, nodding his head at the vacant spot beside him.

  Reluctantly, Kimberly complied. About that time, a feisty redhead entered the room. She was wearing a flamboyant royal-blue dress with tassels hanging from the cone cups concealing her breasts. “Are you at auction?”

  “I—”

  “Don’t just sit there!” She held out her hand. “Come on! It’s for a great cause!”

  “I don’t even know why I’m here.”

  “Cherie, can you give us a minute?” Wyatt asked.

  “You have exactly one,” she teased, strutting away.

  Wyatt turned to Kimberly.

  Before he could say anything, she stopped him. Turning her palm outward, level with her waist, she jerked her hand in a slicing fashion. “Wyatt, I’m open. You should know that because of Clink, but it would’ve been nice to know what you had planned for this evening.”

  “Is it too late to explain now?”

  “No, but I may not agree to this,” she said, unclear why he didn’t mention their plans during their two-and-a-half-hour ride.

  “You’re afraid?”

  “I’m reluctant, but not scared.”

  “What don’t I understand?” Wyatt asked. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  Kimberly crossed one leg over the other. A stark look of admiration followed her every move and a sudden shiver ran up and down her spine.

  “You’re bidding for my time,” she said, positive of the fact.

  His lips curved in a smile. “If you think I’d ask you out on a date and leave you in another man’s care, you have underestimated my interest in you.”

  “What if someone bids higher?”

  “They won’t,” he said confidently, stretching his legs forward. “And it’s for a good cause—Feeding South Carolina and Beyond
.”

  She was familiar with the foundation. Her family supported their benefits. In fact, Trixie and Brock had recently attended one of their functions. Now she wondered if her older sister had participated in a similar auction. Right. Like Brock Sheldon would’ve let Trixie stand before a crowded room and place herself on the auction block.

  “What do I have to do?” she asked, conceding.

  “You didn’t answer my questions. Why are you reluctant, Kimberly?”

  Had she nailed this man or what? He wouldn’t let anything die.

  “It’s a long story.”

  “I don’t think they’re in a hurry to get started out there.”

  “Tell that to the redhead,” Kimberly said, thumbing the doorway.

  “Don’t worry about Cherie. Confide in me, Kimberly.”

  The sincerity in his voice was like a green light.

  “I’ve been at auction several times.”

  He squared his shoulders. A frown drew his brows together and he looked displeased.

  “You said you were aware of the fact,” she reminded him.

  “Go on.”

  “I don’t remember much about any of them. Being in a large lineup comes to mind. I recall entering a ring, walking around, being led around or what have you, but outside of the auctioneer slamming down the gavel and yelling, ‘Sold!’ there isn’t much else to tell.”

  “Did you spend time with other Doms?”

  “I’m not sure, but I don’t think I ever spent time with any of them. Jason—well let’s just say I have no idea why Jason ever took me to a benefit. He refused to honor the hourly contracts with any of the Dominants, and in the end, I assumed his motivation was based on some sort of Dom-sub game we played. I don’t think he ever had any intentions of letting the bidders spend time alone with me.”

  “He paraded you around for show,” Wyatt suggested.

  “That was the universal accusation.”

  “But you don’t remember much about these auctions?”

  “Nothing more than what I’ve just shared with you.”

  “Are you sure?” he asked, seemingly interested in learning everything about her in a short period of time. “Did you know any of the men who attended these functions?”

  A flash of hard male flesh entered her mind. With six-pack abs cut from perfection and a golden mane of perfect hair, one man had always been at the center of the Carolina auctions. She couldn’t remember his name, but she damn well remembered his face.

  “Kimberly?” Wyatt pressed. “Did you remember something?”

  “Just a man.”

  Wyatt’s lips twitched. “Gauging the look on your face, he must’ve been some man.”

  “He was,” she said, realizing regret strummed through her voice. She started to explain herself and the Dom she’d met on several occasions, but after a quick glance at Wyatt, she realized it wasn’t necessary.

  A confident Dom, Wyatt apparently didn’t feel slighted by her confession. And why would he? Wyatt was there beside her and this other stranger was now nothing more than a figment of her faded imagination.

  Cherie popped in again. This time, she rushed the settee, grabbed Kimberly’s hand, and pulled her to her feet. “If you want to spend time with her now, Wyatt, you’ll have to buy your time like everyone else.”

  “I will, you know,” Wyatt assured Kimberly before Cherie whisked her away.

  She smiled to herself as she followed the petite bundle of fire down the hallway and behind a drawn curtain. She had extraordinary faith that Wyatt would keep his promise.

  He’d pay a pretty penny to spend the evening with her, but he could’ve gotten off cheap. She would’ve spent the night with him and it wouldn’t have cost him a dime.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “The conversation with Neely went exceptionally well,” Sebastian said, taking his seat beside Wyatt.

  “Hello to you, too.” Wyatt slapped his lifelong friend between the shoulder blades. “Everything in place?”

  “You’d better believe it,” Sebastian replied, briskly rubbing his palms together.

  “You spoke to Kane?” Wyatt asked.

  “Followed your advice and earned his blessing.”

  “I doubt that.” Wyatt shrugged.

  “Scout’s honor.”

  “You weren’t a Scout,” Wyatt reminded him. “And your honor may be in question by the time this is over. What’d Kane say?”

  “Like I said, we have his blessing. And he told me to assure Kimberly the club is in good hands so she won’t feel the need to rush right home.”

  Wyatt winced at that image. From what he’d seen of Ansley, she took hold of responsibility about as well as Sebastian planned for eventual parenthood—without the first consideration.

  “He must hate Neely worse than rumors suggest.”

  “That may be a gross understatement. Kimberly’s parents heard about Kimberly’s experiences at the auctions. One of her godparents happened to be in attendance at one of the events.”

  “What?” Wyatt asked, wondering if Kimberly had any idea.

  “It’s true. Joshua McKay, apparently her godfather, saw a nice episode similar to the first one we witnessed at Lynx.”

  “The McKays are family friends. They’re good people,” Wyatt said. “I’ve met Joshua. Patience McKay is Ansley and Kimberly’s partner at Clink.”

  “Active lifestylers?”

  “Who, the McKays? Oh yeah,” Wyatt drawled. “I’m surprised you haven’t heard of Joshua and Aspen. They traveled the same circles as you and Jason. Their brother is the town doctor in Fletcher. In fact, he’s my physician.”

  “We’ll find you another doctor,” Sebastian teased.

  “As far as I know, I’m healthy as a horse.” He snickered. “Hung like one, too.”

  “Debatable,” Sebastian grumbled. “Tell me you haven’t already been playing around with our girl.”

  “I’ve been the perfect gentleman.”

  “I find that hard to believe,” Sebastian said.

  “Tell me again why she won’t be pissed when she finds out we set up this whole thing?”

  “I can’t promise she won’t be furious, but she’ll have thirty minutes to decide if she likes you enough to spend the weekend with you. If she doesn’t think she can tolerate your ass for that long then we move to plan B.”

  “What’s plan B again?”

  “I’ll come up with one if she doesn’t march her pretty little ass out on stage when she’s supposed to.”

  Wyatt rubbed his jaw. “How’d it go with Neely?”

  “Excellent,” Sebastian replied. “I sent him the photo we plucked from the security cameras. He’s properly pissed and I’m pleasantly pleased with the conversation.”

  “Got a thing for p’s tonight?”

  Sebastian laughed. “I’ll let you know after we see Kimberly stretched out on that big bed of mine with her legs and arms bound to the four posts.”

  “You’re getting ahead of yourself.”

  “I don’t think so. Remember, I’ve bumped into her on several occasions and each time we meet, there’s that undeniable chemistry. Even in front of Neely, she showed her interest.” He grinned. “The night is young. The woman will soon be ours for the taking.”

  “About that,” Wyatt said, noting the auctioneer walking to the podium. “She was with Jason this morning.”

  Sebastian scowled. “With him how?”

  “Oh you know, the usual.”

  “Usual as in a consummated affair?”

  “What do you think?” Wyatt asked, his voice elevated. “They fucked.”

  “And you know this how?”

  “She told me.”

  Sebastian frowned. “She’s already that open and honest with you? I don’t buy it. Were you prowling around in her personal life?”

  “I might have probed her a bit, but no, she volunteered the information.”

  “Another ‘p’ word worth exploring,” Sebastian pointed out. His t
emporary soured mood quickly improved.

  “But like I said, she was with him this morning.”

  “And you’re trying to imply you don’t like sloppy seconds?” Sebastian arched a brow. “This coming from a man who adamantly professes he cannot fall in love unless there’s someone else around to carry the potential workload involved in cultivating a productive relationship?”

  “This has nothing to do with leftovers. She should be punished for the act. That’s all. Before she reaps the rewards of good loving, she needs to take her punishment.”

  “Now there’s the king of all p words.”

  “Gentlemen.” The auctioneer tapped the microphone. “We’re ready to start. Let’s go over the rules for this event.”

  As the auctioneer read the regulations set in place by The Elite Gentleman’s Club, sponsor of the Fourth Annual Lifestyle Benefit for Feeding South Carolina and Beyond, Wyatt considered the night ahead of them. He wondered if Kimberly was apprehensive. But more than anything else, he considered how she would react when she realized he wasn’t the only benefactor buying and paying for her time.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “How well do you know Wyatt?” Cherie asked, directing her to the line forming next to a dark curtain.

  “I haven’t known him long,” Kimberly admitted. “How about you?”

  Cherie tossed her head back and released a contagious laugh. “Wyatt and I go way back.”

  For some reason, Kimberly found her admission unsettling. She picked nervously at her shoulder, flicking a loose thread with her pinky.

  “Don’t worry, sweetheart,” Cherie said, patting her arm. “He isn’t like most of the guys here.”

  “So he isn’t a Dominant?”

  “Oh he’s a Dom all right, but he and Sebastian rarely take a sub.”

  “Sebastian?”

  “Sebastian Ketchum. This is his house.”

  “Right,” Kimberly said, wondering why she was suddenly intrigued by the man she’d yet to meet.

  “You haven’t had the pleasure. Have you?”

  “Of?”

  “Meeting him, silly girl,” Cherie replied, waving her hand in front of her face. “Trust me when I tell you, none of us here have really enjoyed the pleasure of Sebastian’s or Wyatt’s company for longer than a minute.”