Delilah’s breath caught.
Three cages?
“Never mind.” Connor’s amused tone broke her train of thought again. “Better late than never. In you come. Bring our final pet to join the menagerie.”
Dalton tugged her on, and all at once, Delilah’s gaze drank in the large table in the center of the space. Somehow, in her clouded panic, she had managed to overlook the enormous rectangular structure, her brain apparently favoring to identify the equipment she recognized. But now, the table had all of her attention and moving toward it, she caught sight of Connor and one other man she didn’t recognize. They were sitting in oversized black recliners, tumblers of liquor in their hands as they eyed her journey.
“And this must be the lovely Delilah?”
The guy she didn’t know rose from his chair and flashed her a dazzling smile. He was tall, just like Connor and Dalton, yet his skin was darker, demonstrating a Mediterranean complexion hiding beneath his suit. Certainly, he was handsome, with an alluring accent, yet such was her anxiety, Delilah scarcely even acknowledged the fact.
“It is.” She knew without having to look that Dalton was smiling.
He was enjoying himself.
Tugging gently at her wrist, he drew her attention.
“Delle, this is Manuel. He works with Saul but shares similar proclivities to those Connor and I enjoy.”
“Oh.”
It was all she could think to say as Dalton encouraged her toward the new giant. He flashed her a seductive smile, his gaze drinking her in as though she was a course on the evening’s menu. Delilah pulled in a sharp breath at the idea that might well be precisely what she was.
No. Dalton’s voice echoed around her head. I won’t be sharing you, but… His tone hesitated. That doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy exhibiting you, little girl.
Exhibiting?
She turned to Dalton even as Manuel took her right hand and brushed his lips over her flesh, but her lover’s expression gave nothing away.
“She is delightful.” Manuel released Delilah’s hand. “Just as you said, Dalton. And it means we have a full set to enjoy this evening.”
Connor chuckled. “That’s one way of putting it, although Delilah isn’t technically part of the set until she’s harnessed like the others.”
A shiver of trepidation passed up the length of Delilah’s spine at Connor’s comment, though she wasn’t sure if it was peril or excitement which dominated its journey.
“Want to see what I have in store for you tonight, firecracker?”
She turned at the sound of Dalton’s voice, following the finger which beckoned her to his side.
“Take a look for yourself.”
He took her left wrist and guided her around Manuel’s seat to the other side of the table. The scene her gaze absorbed nearly robbed Delilah of breath altogether.
There, on the rich crimson rug, were two women, both virtually naked, save for a variety of leather straps encircling their bodies and the collars and leashes which also adorned them. One of the women was Molly, though her gaze never lifted to acknowledge Delilah, and she didn’t recognize the dark hair or the long limbs of the other female. Delilah halted, her senses paralyzed by the sheer debauchery of the scene, yet there was no doubt she was mesmerized by it, too. The sight was so reminiscent of the pet playroom she’d initially encountered at Diablo with Polly on the very first evening she’d ever laid eyes on Dalton, and the image of the things she’d seen there was branded into her mind for all time.
“Oh my God.” The words left her in a rush, and there was a murmur of glee from the men assembled.
“You didn’t let her in on our little secret, my friend?” Manuel asked with a deep chuckle.
“No.” Dalton stepped up from behind her, his arms snaking to her middle. “I wanted to enjoy this moment.”
“Agreed.” Connor leaned back in his chair, smirking. “She is a picture, but she’ll look better once she’s rid of that dress.”
“Dalton?”
Delilah twisted to search for his face, though his strong arms never relented and allowed her to move.
“Sir.” His tone was hard, sending her already hammering heart into a fresh spin.
Shit. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled. “Sir, I—”
“Only have to do as you’re told, unless there’s something you need to tell me, Delle?”
She tried to catch her breath. It was so much more difficult, not being able to look into his eyes and being forced to bear witness to Molly’s shame. That was before she’d encountered in the smug expression on Connor’s face which kept entering her peripheral vision.
“Do you need to use your safe word?”
Dalton’s question focused on her, and she closed her eyes, considering it.
Did she need to use it—was she even anywhere close?
The simple answer was no to both queries. So, they wanted her to strip in front of the others and presumably, wear the host of erotic harnesses Molly and the other lady were decorated with. That wasn’t so terrible, and in fact, when she allowed herself to focus on the prospect, hot arousal pooled at the apex of her thighs.
“No, sir.”
“Good. Then strip for us and report to me for your collar.”
Delilah gulped as Dalton strode away, his perfectly formed arse disappearing around the leashed women to take a seat beside his brother. She was bereft without the comfort of his touch, but worse was the fact all three men turned to acknowledge her.
“Does she need a punishment first?” Connor passed a tumbler of honey-colored liquid to Dalton. “Some impetus?”
She moved at that thought, her arms shifting to the zip at the side of her dress. She’d had no idea when she’d so carefully donned the outfit only an hour ago, she’d be baring herself so soon. Yet the fact she had no option but to strip for them—for Dalton—made her hornier than she’d been for a long time.
“No, sir,” she answered, despite the fact the query had not been directed her way. “No, I’m moving.”
Manuel laughed gently as she pulled the sheer sleeves from her arms and wiggled out of the dress. “Indeed, you are,” he purred in an appreciative tone. “And what a sight you are. You’ll make an incredible addition to Gloria and Molly.”
Delilah glanced over her shoulder, blushing as she caught the weight of Manuel’s gaze. “Thank you, sir.”
There was no underwear beneath the dress, just as Dalton had commanded, and as she stepped out of her heels, only her black stockings and garter belt covered her flesh. Sucking her lower lip between her teeth, she ignored the way her nipples beaded and turned her attention to the small belt at her midriff.
“Leave it.” Dalton’s voice had morphed into the throaty growl she’d come to recognize when they played. “I’ll put the harnesses on over your hosiery, little girl.”
She gazed in her lover’s direction, grateful at least for that one, small reprieve.
“Get over here.”
Skipping around the rug, Delilah complied, coming to stand before him in only her sheer stockings. Dalton’s gaze surveyed her, his thoughts confirming both lust and pride.
“Hands behind your back.”
With a deep breath, Delilah complied, the deed forcing her breasts to jut out even further in his direction. Being virtually nude in front of all three men was electrifying. She was humbled, yet undeniably turned on by the whole predicament.
“Here you go.” Connor reached to the empty chair beside him, revealing a number of leather items which he placed on the polished table in front of Dalton.
Dalton’s lips twitched as he glanced in their direction. Delilah wanted to look, as well, but she didn’t dare. The atmosphere in the room was so sexually charged, it seemed like she could barely take another breath, and so far, no one had even touched her.
This was what she’d been missing all those years she’d been a hostage to Morley and Hyland.
Of course, she’d wanted the sanctuary, the love, and t
he respect—those were things she’d assumed she’d never possess—but they were a given now. Dalton did love her, and the knowledge it would only take one small word to bring the whole proceedings to a halt empowered her. It was only now that those fundamental facets were a given, Delilah was able to see what else she’d needed all those years.
She’d needed a man like Dalton.
A man who was strong enough for her to surrender to yet caring enough for her to trust. A man who had never coerced her into any situation, yet had consistently pushed her boundaries all the same.
There had never been a man like him before, and as he chose what he wanted from the table, Delilah was aware there would never be one like him again.
“Thank you, Connor.” Dalton’s focus returned to her. “Kneel, Delilah. It’s time for your collar.”
With a small smile, she slowly fell to her knees, lowering her head to assist his task. This was what she’d needed—what she’d wanted. This was the point of no return, and she would trust Dalton to lead her right over it.
***
Saul
Staring out into the city at night, London looked like a universe of small, twinkling stars, each streetlight or lit window a flaming ball of energy somewhere in the dark realms of space. He checked his watch and sighed. It was almost ten o’clock, and for the fifth night in a row, he’d only just finished working. Leaning back in his chair, he flicked on his phone and dialed Hilary’s number.
“Mr. Morrison?” Her dulcet tone hardened his cock in an instant, and his lips curled.
“Hilary.” He purred her name, somehow managing to make the three syllables sound exponentially longer. “Did you go home, or are you still in the building?”
It was a ridiculous question, really. He only paid her to be onsite between nine in the morning and six in the evening, and the notion she should still hang around for him because it suited her boss was fanciful. Hilary was much younger than him, younger and better looking. Saul was sure she had a line of suitors ready to whisk her away for a date. His fist clenched at the thought of the competition.
Still, things had looked promising after Connor and Molly had left in the afternoon. Saul had called Hilary into his office, just as he’d promised, making her stand and wait while he composed a couple of unnecessary emails. She’d just about managed the task, shifting her weight from one foot to the other while she tried not to fuss with her outfit. Finally, after a good five minutes of watching her squirm, he’d begun.
“Do you know why I have asked you to come, Hilary?”
Her gaze had flitted from his face to the floor, an attractive rose blush rising to her high cheekbones.
“No, Mr. Morrison. Sir.”
Fuck. Just the way she said that swelled his cock, and for a brief moment, Saul wondered if Hilary was wise to his game and was playing along—feigning her confusion and innocence just to rouse him further.
“I need to talk to you about your work lately.”
Her focus was back on him in an instant, concerned blue eyes widening at his assertion. “Sir?”
“Your usual professional approach has been a little lackluster of late.” He paused, assessing her responses carefully. “As has your timekeeping.”
Hilary gasped. Now, she knew what he was referring to. There had been a couple of incidents in the last two weeks when she’d been late into work, and even though she often stayed late in the evenings, there hadn’t even been an apology for her punctuality.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Morrison.” Her face blanched. “I should have come to explain myself. I…” Her fingers fiddled with the hem of her blouse. “I swear I won’t let it happen again.”
He leaned back in his chair. “If there’s a problem in your personal life which might affect your job, I’d like to know about it.”
She pulled in a shaky breath, her gaze wandering to the two recliners Saul had intentionally shifted to the other side of the room.
“I didn’t mean to let it affect my work, sir. I’m sorry.”
“So, there is a problem?”
She shrugged. “It’s nothing, sir.” Though the way her face began to flame suggested, that was a lie. “I just…” She hesitated. “I split up with my boyfriend is all.”
Saul’s brow rose at the news. So, she was newly single. Single and maybe a little heartbroken, looking for something—or somebody—to take her mind away from the angst.
Saul could help her there.
“I’m sorry to hear that, very sorry, indeed. Anything which concerns my employees concerns me as well, Hilary.”
Grateful eyes flashed at him, though her gaze lowered almost at once.
“Thank you, Mr. Morrison, but I won’t let it happen again.”
He smiled. “Yes, you said, and I’m certain you won’t. Is that why you’ve been staying late recently?”
She sighed. “Yes, sir.”
Damn, and there was he thinking Hilary had just wanted to spend more time with him.
“I don’t want to be alone much at the moment.”
“I can understand, and if you ever want to talk or just fancy a drink in the evenings, let me know.”
He paused, waiting to see how his suggestion would be received. Hilary nibbled at her lower lip, her eyes darting to his once more.
“Really, sir?”
Christ, she was so beautiful at that moment, and it wasn’t just her long hair and slender legs that sent his arousal soaring, but the vulnerable expression on her face. Hilary needed someone, and Saul intended to be that man.
“Yes, really.” He leaned forward with a grin. “I have some paperwork to catch up on tonight, but if you’re around, I could buy you that drink later.”
“Tonight?”
“If you like,” he replied. “If you’re too tired or have other plans, I understand.”
“I’m not sure… can you call me, sir—when you’re ready?”
Saul’s lips curled at the memory of her request as his gaze surveyed the sparkling cityscape while he waited for Hilary’s response.
“I’m still here, sir,” she admitted in a husky tone. “I went to Dirty Deeds with a few friends, but honestly, it’s too loud for me in there. I was just about to head home.”
“Want me to get you a cab?” he proffered in as genuine a tone as he could muster. “Or we can meet for that drink instead?”
“Wh-Where would we meet at this hour, sir?” Her playful, hesitant tone sent arousal coursing through him. Hilary knew what he wanted, there was no doubt about that, and even though getting involved with his secretary was probably the last thing he should do, Saul didn’t care.
He wanted her.
He wanted to devour her.
And he always got what he wanted.
“Come to my office,” he ordered in a soft, alluring purr. “I’m sure we’ll think of somewhere.”
The End.
Thank you for reading this Felicity Brandon e-book.
Want to read more from The Dark Necessities world?
See where Delilah and Dalton began in Tempted (Dalton’s Tale #1).
Enjoy their next tantalizing chapter in Taunted (Dalton’s Tale #2).
Read Ethan and Lily’s epic love affair in Flawed (The Dark Necessities Prequels #1).
Then Devour Fallen (The Dark Necessities Prequels #2).
Brace yourself for Forbidden (The Dark Necessities Prequels #3).
Discover the beginning of The Dark Necessities in Molly and Connor’s dark romance, the Amazon bestseller, Taken (Book One in The Dark Necessities trilogy).
Molly and Connor’s irresistible attraction continues in the scintillating
Tamed (Book Two in The Dark Necessities trilogy), and concludes in the hotly anticipated, Entwined (Book Three in The Dark Necessities trilogy).
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Tested: The Dark Necessities—Dalton's Tale #3 Page 18