She always preferred cozy houses with a lot of little nooks and crannies, just like Gran did. With a heavy sigh, she leaned her head back against the headrest, her mind swirling back to how much she missed Gran. How much she missed everyone who had left her. She needed tonight more than ever.
Being so emotional and on edge wasn’t a state she preferred. She also knew she was suffering now for more reasons than one. Turning her head, she read the magazine article she’d printed after work.
Adrik Petrov found not guilty of fraud and money laundering. Does the billionaire have Russian Mafia ties?
From the second she’d read the headline a hard lump had formed in her throat. It still remained, making her chest feel weighted. Adrik’s warning earlier had been clear cut, but she hadn’t suspected the man who entered her bookstore had dangerous ties to a crime family. Even if the article came from a gossip column, she always believed there was a bit of truth behind those trashy magazines—maybe not the entire truth, but at least a small part.
The strain that had insinuated itself this morning as she dealt with painful memories had multiplied after Adrik arrived. Now it became all-consuming. Dark strain sank into her bones, and her body ached as if she was fighting a high-grade fever. There was only one person to blame for all of this: Porter.
If he’d given her the scene she had been expecting, filled with pain and ecstasy, she wouldn’t be on such rocky ground. Her soul would feel a lot more put together. Though she realized part of the frustration came from not knowing how to deal with Adrik. She could talk to Kyler, who was also a cop on the Las Vegas police force, though she instantly rejected that thought. She didn’t want to bring the police into this yet; she wanted to deal with her own problems on her terms, at least until it was clear that it was out of her hands.
To ask for help was to let someone in closer than she wanted to, and broke her rule to keep Club Sin a fantasy that stayed far away from her personal life. She simply needed to find a way to get her shit together. More important, she needed to play tonight.
A car driving up the long cobblestone driveway grabbed her attention, and she settled on the idea that Adrik’s warning had been only to scare her enough to get her to sell her store to him. Knowing that clearly he’d had trouble with the police before gave her some relief, because that also meant he was on their radar. She doubted he’d do anything too rash, since she knew it was him threatening her. One quick call to Kyler, and Adrik’s ass would be in jail.
That option gave her a way to safety, if she needed it.
The car pulled in behind hers, and she glanced into her rearview mirror and saw Aidan and Cora exit the car and move toward the front door. Kenzie wanted to join them, but she still sensed the bite of unease—was this because of Adrik or because she knew she had to deal with Porter’s crap?
The clock on the dashboard now showed it was eight o’clock. She’d always arrived at seven o’clock on the dot, but after reading the article, she’d taken a long bath to recover from the shock of what she’d read. Her hands began to tremble, so she clenched her fists, hating how much Adrik had gotten to her.
Pull it together, Kenzie!
Tonight she needed to find strength inside her. If she entered Club Sin this rattled, the Club Sin Masters would read right through her. Porter would see through her. She drew in a long breath, remembering Porter’s touches. Last night, she’d given him more of herself than she’d ever given to any other Dom before. But that wasn’t a choice, his presence commanded it. A flare of fright made her blood cold to know how easily he manipulated her, and yet even now her traitorous body burned for him.
In the rearview mirror, she noticed Aidan and Cora disappear through the front door, and as images of Porter’s mastery consumed her mind, liquid warmth slid through her veins. She clenched her thighs, feeding pleasure to her throbbing clit, and was instantly reminded that Porter also hadn’t allowed her to orgasm, either.
She wiggled her hips, sensing the growing wetness in her panties. Angling her head back, she could almost feel Porter’s mouth on hers. Hot and needy now, she slid her hand across her thigh and ran it up under her short black skirt. Her clit ached for more of Porter’s touches, more of his commanding presence.
Over the top of her lace panties, she rubbed the hard bud, and her eyes shut as pleasure cascaded through her. Possibly the strain made her body desperate for a release, or maybe the thoughts of Porter urged her on, but she pressed harder and circled her clit faster.
Don’t orgasm.
Porter’s order wasn’t far from her mind. Though, in an instant, she realized that maybe disobeying him was the perfect thing to do. It might get Porter out of that annoying controlled manner he seemed to have around her. Perhaps it would do exactly what she wanted—rev up his Dom.
A spanking. A flogging. A paddling. She wanted it all.
Pain makes you forget.
With erotic images filling her mind, a soft moan escaped her mouth as she swirled her clit, moving her hips against the seat with each and every stroke. Zings of euphoria flowed into her, and with the idea of an intense night ahead of her, her breath hitched. Then all her troubles ceased through the ripples of her pleasure. She moaned, reveling in the freedom of her orgasm as she came just that easily.
Her release was intense with hard quakes, fast with rapid speed, and over before she knew it. She trembled from the lasting effects and exhaled a long breath, opening her eyes and dragging her hand out from beneath her skirt.
All the heartache and all the strain vanished.
She smiled in blissful relief and gave herself a minute to recover. When her breath returned to normal, she hurried out of the car and quickly entered Club Sin. Fancy artwork and rich dark wood floors led her way as she hurried down the hallway, making it to the basement steps a moment later. Her heart was still racing as she reached the dungeon’s door, but it raced in a way she loved. She finally stopped thinking, maybe not forever, but the silence inside came as a welcome relief.
When she entered the dungeon, heavy metal music stormed across her, her hormones bouncing back to life. The sensual atmosphere, the scent of sex, and the sounds of erotic pain always worked her body into an aroused state.
She heard the heavy door slam shut behind her, and she didn’t have to turn to know he was observing her. She experienced Porter’s careful regard right down to the tips of her toes, as if his gaze was his touch, powerful and alluring. His study of her wasn’t to be ignored, and she acknowledged him, spotting him striding toward her. It seemed with each step he took, the tenser his posture became. By the time he reached her, his lips were in a tight line.
Perfect! Finally a reaction.
One sleek brow lifted. “Feeling pretty good, aren’t you, brat?”
She smiled, glad to see the fires of annoyance in his expression. That was better than no reaction at all. “Indeed, sir.”
His eyes slowly narrowed in slits. “To your knees, Kitten.”
She dropped down and hoped that this meant her punishment would start now. Her focus went to Porter’s scuffed brown shoes peeking out beneath the hems of his jeans, and she waited…and waited…and waited. Finally he said, “Cora, will you please find Master Dmitri and ask him to come to me.”
Kenzie cursed in her head, and was more shocked that she was so attuned to Porter that she hadn’t realized that Cora had joined them. All the same, she knew she was presently fucked sideways. Going to get Club Sin’s owner to have a discussion meant Kenzie was presently knee- deep in trouble. Once again, Porter didn’t do what she expected. The damn sexy, smart Dom did the exact opposite. She only stopped silently cursing to herself when two shiny black shoes joined Porter’s.
“Is there a problem?”
Dmitri’s stern voice had Kenzie cringing. She owed Dmitri a great deal. Because of him she was given membership, no questions asked, into an exclusive club. She respected Dmitri and all of the Club Sin Masters, so disappointing any of them never felt good, even if sometim
es it had to be done to get what she needed.
The silence continued, and she could only assume they were sharing disgruntled looks at her expense due, once again, to her lack of respect. She also wasn’t stupid and kept her eyes down. Though she might test these men and enjoy pushing them to give her what she ached for, Dmitri could revoke her membership, and then where would she be? Blessedly, he never played with her and now had collared his submissive, Presley, so Kenzie never had to be tested by him.
That position she wouldn’t have favored. Playing with Club Sin’s owner would mean she’d have to be on her absolute best behavior or chance the situation where she would get kicked out of Club Sin. Not anything she wanted. It could be viewed as disrespectful toward a Dom when he couldn’t control a submissive. She didn’t want to disrespect Master Dmitri in his club.
Porter spoke, and his voice was very controlled: “I know this isn’t typical, but would you ask Master Sawyer to scene with a submissive tonight who enjoys high levels of pain?”
A pause. Then Master Dmitri replied, “I’m sure he wouldn’t mind. Would you like him to scene now?”
“Yes, thank you.” Porter’s voice went gruff. “Kitten, stand up.”
She quickly rose and discovered his features weren’t at all what she’d expected. He didn’t seem annoyed, which made her plan crash and burn. He also didn’t seem amused like she’d seen last night. Not being able to read him rubbed her all wrong. She had no idea how to play a man whose expression showed nothing and who didn’t react to her like everyone else did.
Whatever crossed her face caused Porter to frown. “Go stand in front of the St. Andrew’s Cross. Remove your clothing. Present yourself to me.”
His curt tone stiffened her muscles. I need to be centered… “Sir—”
He dismissed her with a flick of his hand as if she hadn’t talked at all, something he proved to have mastered last night. “Go.”
—
Porter crossed his arms as Kenzie strode toward the St. Andrew’s Cross in the corner of the dungeon with her shoulders hung. Not the way she entered Club Sin. He sighed, running a hand over his eyes. She is going to be the death of me. He now completely understood why Doms got frustrated with her. He was nearly there himself.
“She looked relaxed,” Dmitri stated.
Porter nodded. “Of course she did. She gave herself the orgasm that I refused her last night and planned to give her tonight.”
“You knew this would be difficult, my friend.” Dmitri’s expression became pained as he placed a hand on Porter’s shoulder. “I know she’s pushing on you, but look…” He turned to the crowd and Porter did the same, noting how many Doms and submissives were watching their interaction. “They are paying attention to your mastery of her, which is exactly what we want so you can gain their trust in believing that you deserve to be a Club Sin Master.” Porter’s attention returned to Dmitri as he added, “Besides, you also saw what I saw when she stood, right?”
How could Porter have missed it? Kenzie didn’t look at Dmitri as Porter would have expected, considering Club Sin’s owner was there discussing her; she stared right at him. To Porter, she seemed like a submissive fighting to gain something, but going about it in the wrong way. Her actions and her expressions never matched. Ever. “Yes, I saw.”
“Good,” Dmitri said with a firm nod, then strode toward Sawyer across the dungeon.
Porter zeroed in on Kenzie as she removed her clothing, folding the items and placing them on the table beside her. He wondered what she thought of when she climaxed. He also considered why she’d done it in first place. Was it only to disrespect him? Or was her intent to simply piss him off?
The woman made no sense.
Intent to find out the true reason, he approached her as she knelt on the hardwood floor. He leaned against the post behind her, observing her. She was so submissive now, patient and waiting for his next order. Perhaps that is what bothered him the most; he didn’t like the act she put on. He liked this woman, and he wanted others to marvel over her beauty. Irritation trickled through his veins that she hid this spectacular side of herself. He moved to her front. “Kenzie. Eyes on me.”
She raised her head and her guarded eyes scrutinized him carefully, only confusing him more. He shook his head and said, “When you masturbated, who were you thinking of?”
Her lips pressed into a firm line.
“Me, then?” His mood instantly lightened. “Well, now, that I don’t mind.” He moved closer and recognized the slight trembling of her body. Obviously a little unsure of the situation, perfect. “Seeing that you outright defied my order tonight, tell me, do you want me to end our agreement?”
Her posture weakened, the little signs of disappointment. “I…” Then her chin lifted, eyes sharpened within a single breath. “Yes, I want that. This isn’t working well between us. I’m not getting what I need from you.”
“Good, I’m glad you think so.” He caught that high chin, angling it down to where it should be. “That choice, brat, isn’t yours to make. We made an arrangement, one you agreed to. My word, kitten, is final and will never waver.” He noticed the slight curve of her mouth before it vanished. Happiness in his refusal to release her or that he was building trust? he wondered. “Do you know what I would typically do to a sub who defied me like you have?”
“No.”
“Swat your ass until it is red and hot to remind you to never disobey me again.” He leaned in, lowering his face, reading the desire in her burning eyes. “But that would please you, wouldn’t it, kitten?”
“Yes,” she breathed.
“You haven’t earned my markings.” He squeezed her chin, gazing into such a pretty face. “You definitely don’t deserve them.” He dropped his hand. “Stand.”
Once she obliged him, he moved in behind her, noticing Sawyer already binding one of the single submissives of Club Sin to the St. Andrew’s Cross. Kenzie’s body heat wrapped around him as he closed in on her back. Personal. Intimate. His plan with her would not be wavered, no matter that she did her best to push him away.
Tonight, she would learn his plans would not be changed, and she’d learn it well.
Perhaps Kenzie never believed the word of her Doms, but he had three more weeks to prove to her that what he said, he meant. That nothing she could do would push him away. More than anything, that Kenzie deserved the intense attention. To have a Dom not get annoyed and walk away from her, as every Dom in Club Sin had done. But to deeply understand her and fight for her submission.
He pressed himself tight against her, loving how she felt cradled in his body, and her spicy scent wrapped around him, spiraling into his soul. He was sure he could stand like this for an hour, holding her and dragging his hands up and down her arms, so aware of her presence that he only wanted to absorb it. Dropping his head down to her neck, he caressed her hair and then tucked it over one shoulder, leaving her neck available to him.
While she had changed his plans of a fun scene tonight, he wouldn’t let that overthrow him. He enjoyed touching her. He wanted to get inside her mind and soul, and he craved to understand this unusual connection between them. Nothing she could do would make him forget that fact.
Her soft skin sent blood rushing to his cock. He ground himself against her bottom, showing her how much he still wanted her, no matter what she had done tonight. Proving to her that her bratty attitude didn’t make him reject her. She leaned against him with a sigh, and he dropped a kiss onto her neck. Then his attention went to Sawyer as the other Dom said to Porter, “Anything specific?”
“Make it intense,” Porter called.
“Fucking great,” Kenzie muttered.
Porter chuckled, dragging his finger over the soft spot on her neck. Apparently, she was well aware how much this would suck for her, and that pleased him far more than anything else. She’d been too smart with her Doms. Too good at getting what she wanted. The point was clear enough now that Porter wouldn’t react the same way with her.
And that was only because he saw things in her that others did not. She acted bratty to get something. What that was, he remained unsure. But Porter was damn well focused on showing her that bratty behavior would get her nowhere with him.
He wanted a different Kenzie. The real Kenzie without the barriers.
Sawyer studied Kenzie briefly before turning to the submissive bound to the cross. “Lucky for you, sub, tonight you’re getting a reward for doing nothing. No expectations from me. Enjoy yourself, sweetie.” He slid his hands over her back, massaging her and smacking the skin to ready it for his flogging.
The brunette submissive groaned and wiggled her hips. Then Sawyer grabbed the flogger off the tray and stepped back. The leather tails flicked out gently at first, testing, until each second that passed, the scene intensified.
Kenzie moved her hips, mirroring the submissive, as if Kenzie felt the leather kissing her flesh. Her bottom pressed against Porter’s hard cock, and he surmised this was a punishment to him as well. But he had all the patience in the world for Kenzie. He couldn’t allow her to knock him off his plan with her. He needed her to want him in a way she’d never wanted anyone before. Then he’d get inside her head more than anyone ever had.
The question wasn’t Could he tame her? The question now was When and how would that happen?
The slaps of the leather were the only sound Porter heard, until he became focused solely on the sounds of Kenzie’s breath by his ear. He ran his hands across her bare stomach, loving her lush body beneath his touch. When he moved upward and reached her breasts, he felt her shiver. Squeezing her round, ample breasts, he knew this was an evil punishment for her. Kenzie loved rough play, and the fact that she wasn’t getting it, but having to watch it, did make him a slightly evil bastard.
Good.
What she’d done tonight would never happen again. That she would learn by the end of the night. Never ignore my orders or you will not play at all, instead having to watch others—well-behaved submissives—get off, his statement declared. He also hoped Kenzie would see past the punishment to the underlying knowledge that nothing she could do would make him walk away from her.
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