“Bastard.”
“Remember our deal. Behave…and submit.” He enjoyed watching her struggle to get her temper under control.
Finally, she lowered her hand.
“That’s better.”
“It’s only for seventy-two hours, after all.” Her words emerged from between clenched teeth.
“Ah, but what fun we can have in seventy-two hours.” He took a moment to look at her body, making his stare lascivious. “I’ve a pot of tea waiting in the front parlor. Just to show you how magnanimous I can be, pet, I’ll let you drink from a cup instead of lapping from a saucer.”
The room he indicated was just to the left of the entrance hall, across from the stairs. Taking the first few steps, he noticed Isadora standing her ground. The color in her cheeks was high, and he bit back a smile. That saucer comment had been spontaneous and obviously a direct hit. He judged the distance. One more step, and the leash went taut.
“Did I misjudge your integrity, Isadora?” Unable to resist, he punctuated his question with a small tug on the leash.
Her hands clenched and unclenched, and he could almost hear her mentally counting to ten.
“No one questions my integrity.”
He could have relented, let the leash go slack, but he wanted her to submit. For a long moment, she held his gaze, and defiance filled her eyes. Then, without the tiniest sign of giving way, she walked toward him.
“This can be a pleasant interlude, or a nasty one. It’s entirely up to you,” he said, careful to make his tone amiable, his voice soft.
“You said this had nothing to do with humiliation.” The edge in her voice was more than temper. If he hadn’t made such a point of paying attention to her during their many encounters over the last year, he would have missed the hurt.
“It’s not my intention to humiliate you, pet. I’m just trying to demonstrate the parameters of what’s expected of you. Don’t think of it as humiliation, and it won’t be. Think of it as…training.”
Temper fully eclipsed the hurt in her eyes, and he smiled, satisfied. He’d much rather have her mad than pained. “Come, our tea will get cold.”
He saw her seated on the love seat, casually draping the leash over the arm of it. Then he served her tea and set a plate of cookies on the low table before her.
“It’s Earl Grey,” he said, sitting across from her.
“My favorite.”
“Yes, I saw that in your office yesterday. I hope you didn’t have any trouble getting away?”
“I had no plans to change.”
He wanted to know how that could be, but he didn’t ask. Instead, he enjoyed his tea and watching her. Interesting that she looked everywhere but at him. When she did finally meet his gaze, he grinned.
“I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.” Genuine confusion laced the words. “And in any given situation, you always know what to do.”
“Yes.”
“Because you’re always the boss.”
“Yes.”
He wondered if she’d heard that grudging tone in her voice. He was touched by the sadness she seemed to always carry with her. Usually, she kept it more deeply buried. He’d hoped this weekend might bring it, and much more, to the fore.
“Always being the boss carries with it a burden of responsibility. I know you meet that responsibility head-on. But everyone needs a break, pet. This weekend is yours. You don’t have to be responsible. You don’t have to worry. Just be co-operative, that’s all I require. Are you finished with your tea?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“I’ll show you to your room, shall I?”
He used his hand at the base of her spine to guide her so that she walked beside him, rather than employing the leash. He escorted her up the stairs and then turned right, stopping at the first door on the right.
“Here’s your room. Mine is just next door. You can rest and have a nice long bath, if you like, and yes, before you ask, you’ll have complete privacy behind this door. Since you’re bound to obey my every command, I don’t need to stoop to voyeurism to see you naked. Dinner will be at six, sharp. I’ll come and escort you.” He opened the door, then unsnapped the leash. “Oh, and darling? Leave the collar on. I don’t want to have to punish you so soon into our time together. Your garment for the evening is hanging on the armoire.”
He had to give her a small nudge to get her to move into the room. Then he pulled the door closed and locked it.
* * * *
Isadora froze, the sound of the second “click” echoing off the walls. A lick of fear, instinctive and female, shivered down her spine when she realized he’d locked the door. She waited a moment, unsure, and then tested the handle. The test turned into a furious, vigorous assault.
The door remained stubbornly closed.
Her hand went up to the collar. It felt as if it had been made for her, sitting comfortably around her neck. She reached back to unfasten it. Panic fueled her fingers searching for the clasp.
There was none.
Her eyes scanned the room. Bars on the window and a locked door. Good thing she understood she wasn’t really a prisoner.
A single garment hung on the outside of an antique armoire. The ivory silk robe, long and beautiful, begged for her touch. It boasted no buttons, zippers or Velcro, just a silk sash. A folded piece of paper stuck out of one of the pockets. She pulled it out, opened it, and read.
The deep V neck of this gown should show your collar off to perfection. As it is made of the finest silk, I’m looking forward to seeing how this robe caresses your breasts, ass, and thighs. Wear this for dinner, tonight, my darling Isadora. The robe, the collar, and nothing else.
Reaching forward, Isadora caressed the robe with fingers that weren’t quite steady. She wondered how it could be that locked in, wearing a symbol of a man’s control, she felt seduced.
Chapter 3
Beau had to restrain himself from taking her on the spot.
She’d put her hair up so that curls tumbled half down. The effect—the long, white column of her neck adorned by his collar, unhampered by red tresses—was very arousing. The silk caressed her sensuously. He’d known it would. Held closed only by the belt, he imagined reaching forward, giving one tug.
The game he’d chosen to play was proving to be hell.
“You’re beautiful, Isadora.”
“Thank you. So are you, but then, I’ve always thought you wore a tux very well.”
He couldn’t resist chuckling. “And you’re feeling underdressed?”
“Maybe just a little.”
“Well then, perhaps I can offer one more item.” He held up the end of the leash, his thumb resting on the catch, and waited to see what she would do. He watched her eyes focus on the shiny metal, and he wondered at the emotions chasing across her face. She shuddered slightly, just once, and tilted her head, giving him free access to the small ring dangling from the leather.
“Good girl,” he said softly. Unable to resist, he stroked his hand over her shoulder and down her back, finishing with a gentle caress across her bottom. His touch not only fed his arousal, it told him she wore nothing under the gown but flesh.
“That was very clever of you, demanding I not remove the collar, knowing I’d need a key to do so.”
He didn’t mind the bite in her words. He simply smiled at her. “You’re an intelligent woman. I half expected you to have picked the lock.”
“I thought about it. I very nearly did.”
“What stopped you?” he asked, escorting her down the stairs.
“The realization that I did sign a contract. In essence, giving you my word. I’ll have you know I’ve never reneged on a contract in my entire life. Well, except for that marriage one, but that was years ago and hardly counts.”
Beau stopped at the bottom of the stairs and turned to her. “Was that all? Your honor? My promise of punishment didn’t factor into your decision at all?”
Her face reddened slightly, but she looked him dead in
the eye when she answered. “No.”
“Liar.”
He ran his fingers up and down the leash, then casually caressed her collar. “When the time comes, I’m going to enjoy taking you. I’m very much going to enjoy hearing you scream my name when you come.” He leaned toward her and filled his lungs with the scent of her. “Lilacs. I see you availed yourself of the Jacuzzi. I trust everything in your room met with your approval?”
“How could they not? My favorites, every one.”
His eyes drew to her nipples, beaded and poking out under the silk. “Yes, they were.” Turning, he led her down the hall to the dining room.
He’d had the long table set for just the two of them, with a place setting at each end. The food had already been brought in, kept warm with silver domes and warming trays.
He saw her seated, then taking up the open and waiting wine bottle, poured her a glass. “I hope you enjoy the meal.” He couldn’t resist a light caress of her cheek. This kind of touch he knew he’d lavish on her constantly, and he wanted her to get used to it. Though she looked startled at the tiny familiarity, she didn’t jerk back or jump. She blushed, and that delighted him.
“It smells wonderful.”
He treasured her surprised smile when she lifted the cover to her plate. He’d had his housekeeper grill the fresh Pacific Salmon with a honey garlic glaze. The rice pilaf and fresh green beans also numbered among her favorites. He’d chosen a nice, crisp Chablis to accompany the main course of their meal.
“You’re at my table, wearing only the robe I’ve allowed you and the symbol of my possession I’ve bestowed upon you. You’ve pleased me, pet.”
He enjoyed the confusion that crossed her face. Time to switch gears.
“I hear you’ve had a brush with corporate espionage recently.” He watched her mentally follow the segue and wondered what she thought about as she nibbled so delicately on her food.
“My V.P. in charge of advertising thought she could cut a better deal by taking herself—and the ad campaign she’d designed for MacLean—to a competitor.”
“I hope you skinned her greedy ass.”
“Well, it’s a clear case of theft. My lawyer has initiated proceedings. Poor Mary Ellen doesn’t really know who she’s messing with. The little bitch.”
Beau smiled when she stabbed a fork full of beans for emphasis. “Good for you. You can’t let people get away with theft—whether it’s product or ideas.”
“Don’t worry, I don’t.”
“Neither do I. Tell me about your ex-husband.”
She stopped her fork halfway to her mouth. “Why?”
Shifting gears was a good strategy. “Because I want to know.”
“Not much to tell. I made a mistake. I never repeat them.”
He didn’t mind the acid in her tone. After all, it wasn’t him she was remembering with such venom. “There must have been something good about him to attract you in the first place.”
“It happened a long time ago.”
He simply waited, his head cocked slightly to one side.
“I was so impossibly young,” she said softly after a moment. “Looking back, I find it hard to believe I ever could have been so young. I’d just started my company, with an inheritance from my grandmother. I approached each promotional opportunity with the enthusiasm only the young can manage, and at one of the functions— a concert, I think—I met Neil. I didn’t know at the time that he’d been watching me for a couple of months. That I was at the top of his ‘list.’ I didn’t know he planned on courting me, marrying me, and then cleaning me out, financially, that he’d done just that to at least two other women before me. I only saw what he let me see. He appeared cultured, smooth, and seemed to be infatuated with me, and I fell for it. I fell for him.”
Beau didn’t like the sadness in her voice. She’d stopped eating and seemed far away. He knew better than to offer her pity, though. There was only one way to pull her out of her funk. He needed to rile her.
“You annoy me, Isadora. How can you still blame yourself for the dishonesty of another, after all these years?”
Her eyes focused on him with a fierce scowl. “Well pardon me all the way to hell and back. The bastard betrayed me. Not just with his dick, which doesn’t strike me now as being a particularly memorable one. He took my money, my self-respect, and broke my heart. At the time I loved the asshole. So excuse me for hating that I fell for him.”
Pissed was better than vulnerable in his opinion. “And he wasn’t worth even one of your tears, sweetheart. I bet he’s still looking for marks, and it burns his ass to know how well you’ve thrived without him.”
The look on her face spoke volumes. He wondered how she’d managed to cut herself off from people so completely that simple words of support floored her.
“Whenever I think of him, I feel stupid.”
He rewarded her candor with a gentle smile. “And you haven’t let anyone get really close to you since.” He heard the gentleness in his own voice and hoped she did, too.
“No.”
“Until me.”
He waited patiently, the silence between them lengthening. He waited and felt his heart kick once, hard, at her whispered response.
“Until you.”
Chapter 4
She’d never been more churned up and confused in her life.
The echo of the door being locked still reverberated in her head. The taste of Beau’s kiss, their one and only kiss, still clung to her lips.
After dinner, he’d led her into the library, a wonderful room filled with books and the rich scent of leather. A fire burned in the hearth, and the gentle warmth of it filled the room. By the fireplace, a chessboard had been set up, and once she was seated, he brought her an after-dinner liqueur. That it was her favorite, peach schnapps, didn’t surprise her in the least. It appeared he’d done his homework, and she truly didn’t have any secrets from Beau Brannigan. Settled comfortably in the chair, her drink at hand and the game underway, Beau threw her off balance yet again.
“Isadora, open your robe. I want to look at you.”
She hadn’t consciously decided to grant his request, but her hands reached for the belt and untied it. Then, when he just sat there with that maddeningly sweet smile on his face, her hands had gone that one step further, folding back the fabric, baring herself to him.
“Very nice. You have beautiful breasts, pet. Yes, and your nipples stand out quite a bit when you’re aroused. Good. The nipple clamps will work well. They’re silver, in the shape of small rings. If you like the look of them, I’ll consider making the look permanent. Two rings, one in each nipple. Perhaps with a tiny silver chain on each, running from the rings to the center of your collar. Would you like that, pet?”
She wanted to scream no, of course she wouldn’t! Picturing what he described, she felt arousal stir in her belly and moisture gather between her thighs. She couldn’t hide her reaction or bluff it off, either. Somehow, he’d known.
“I’m glad that turns you on. I bet there are a lot of things that will turn you on. I’m going to enjoy discovering each and every one. It’s your move.”
Not in their personal tango, she knew, but in the chess game. “How do you expect me to be able to concentrate when I’m naked before you, and you’re looking at me like that?” When you have me so horny, she meant. She couldn’t say it, but she couldn’t hide it, either. He knew.
“By relying on your competitive streak.”
He pushed his chair back from the table just slightly. Unplanned, her eyes moved to the very obvious erection tenting his trousers.
“If I can do it, then, pet, so can you.”
She couldn’t seem to remember the difference between a rook and knight. Before she was ready for it, the game, and the evening ended. Nearly midnight, he escorted her to her room. She’d felt the air caressing her breasts, her belly, and her mons as she walked with the silk robe gaping open. The shivers coursing down her back came from more than the
cool breeze.
At her door, he turned her. And he kissed her. He touched only her face, cupping it between his hands, his thumbs tracing an invisible pattern over her cheeks. His touch gentle, as if she were precious. His mouth avid to sample and taste. She couldn’t stop herself from responding. No, that was a lie. She hadn’t even thought to refuse him. His tongue stroked hers in a strong, almost forceful rhythm, touching and tasting every part of her mouth in a single instant. All she could do was hold onto his wrists with her hands and return the kiss. How often had she wondered what it would be like to have his mouth on hers? Reality outshone imagination. She could taste the brandy he’d had while she’d sipped her schnapps. She could taste him, his flavor more intoxicating than any alcoholic drink could ever be. On and on the kiss went, and she nearly stumbled when he pulled back slightly.
“You’ll be awakened at seven. We’ll have breakfast at eight.”
It had taken her long seconds to understand that this kiss wasn’t a beginning, but an end. Before she could comment, he’d opened the door, unclasped the leash.
“If I’d wanted just a quick lay, you can bet I’d have had you flat on you back with you legs spread before now. So think about that, pet. Oh, and sleep naked tonight, Isadora, wearing only my symbol of possession. Sleep naked, and dream about all the delicious things I’m going to do to you tomorrow.”
Now, standing alone in the center of the bedroom, she shook her head slowly. Sleep? How was she supposed to get to sleep when every inch of her felt painfully wired? She looked around the room and felt her face heat when she saw the bed had been turned down. An envelope rested on her pillow. Beau hadn’t left her, which meant he had staff in the house.
She’d walked through the place with her assets hanging out, and he had staff in the house!
“At least he put it in an envelope,” she muttered, picking up the thing and pulling out the folded single sheet within.
Your clothing is being laundered. In the armoire is your outfit for the morning. After you’ve been awakened, shower and dress. By then, your door will be unlocked. Join me in the dining room.
Beau and the Lady Beast Page 2