"Everything alright?"
"I need to get to the office," she sighed. "Apparently, everything is in an uproar because my phone is dead." She took a deep breath and let it out nice and slow.
Sebastian smirked. "Catch your breath."
"Don't say that. We're just friends, remember? I can't handle that."
"Hm. Like that, do you? I'll have to keep it in mind. What did you come here with? Just your phone?"
Mariss shook her head as she took another bite of her sandwich. "No," she said around a mouthful. "I left my purse in the office on accident. I just need my shoes."
"By the sofa. I'll give you a bag to fix your sandwich to go."
"Thanks." She slipped off her seat and turned back at the door. "You don't happen to have a solid red tie, do you?"
"Of course. I probably have a tie in every color. What do you need it for?"
She smiled matter-of-factly. "I'm going to wear it to work."
"Of course. Why didn't I think of that? I'll get it for you. Juliet!"
"Yes, boss."
He gave her a look. "Bag this up for Red, please."
Juliet's eyebrow went up. "Red?"
"Yeah, duh." Mariss gave Juliet a sarcastic look. "Because that's the logical choice of a nickname for me."
Sebastian rounded the island. "I'll show you my ties." He led her back to the bedroom and showed her the closet.
"Oh. My. God. Sebastian, you're closet it color coded, organized by size and style, and your shoes! They're in a perfectly straight line! What is wrong with you?"
"I told you I like things in order."
Mariss shook her head, but she was smiling, amused. "I'm afraid to touch anything. Where's this supposed red tie?"
Sebastian pulled out a tie hanger and took the brightest red one off. Mariss took it from his hand and expertly tied a loose half Windsor knot.
"Impressive. Why are you wearing a tie to work?"
"So it doesn't look so much like I'm wearing the same outfit I wore yesterday." She shuffled her feet on the carpet in a sort of ants-in-her-pants dance. "How does it look?"
"Like you're wearing my tie." He grinned. "That's sexy, Mariss."
"Stop it. We're just friends and I'm married. I can't be sexy." She smiled back anyway. "Now I need to get my shoes and go."
Juliet was waiting in the front room with Mariss' shoes and sandwich.
"The car is waiting for you out front," Sebastian told her. "It will drop you at work." He badly wanted to kiss her goodbye, but adhering to their new "rules" meant he had to settle for friendly things only. He gave her a chaste hug and a kiss on the cheek. Mariss looked up at him, her eyes confused, but amused.
"I'll see you later. Bye, Juliet."
When the door was finally closed and she was gone, Sebastian looked at Juliet.
"A kiss on the cheek? Really?"
Sebastian shrugged. "What was my other option?" He was now Sebastian Boa, the Man Who Had Rules.
Juliet's phone rang and she answered it. "Juliet, personal assistant to Sebastian Boa, the man who is completely whipped. How may I direct your call?"
Sebastian frowned, suddenly annoyed and angry.
"Yes, thank you. I'll let him know." She hung up and looked up at him. "You've been nominated for top male model
of the year."
CHAPTER NINETEEN
The Girl Tied In The Dungeon
Sebastian handed some paperwork over his desk to Herbert. The FBI agent took it, his eyes giving nothing away as he looked it over.
"What's this?" Herbert asked after a few moments.
"I need to know where this money is going."
Herbert frowned. "This is five years’ worth of information." Sebastian nodded. "Why are you just now saying something?"
"Because it wasn't a problem before. It is now. I need to know where this money is going and why before I make something of it."
"This is quite an escalation. Forty thousand dollars from twenty thousand. Why did you let this go on for so long?"
Sebastian speared him with a look that made even Herbert squirm. "That's not the topic of this conversation."
The FBI agent grinned, but Sebastian saw his slight discomfort in the way his Adam’s apple bobbed below his tie and came back up. "I'll see what I can find out."
"Speaking of." Sebastian poured himself a glass of Brandy and sipped. He didn't offer Herbert any.
"I have a name for you, but whoever hired her knows how to cover their tracks. I'm still working on that."
"And the name?"
"Ashley Banks." Herbert handed him a thin folder. "That's not her real name, but everything you need is there. Sebastian."
He looked up from his inspection of the folder. "Hm?"
"If I find this girl-"
"I don't hurt women. I leave that," he smiled, "to my women."
"Ah. I see your game."
Sebastian nodded. "Brandy?" he asked in a tone that sounded more like he'd said "good dog".
Herbert shook his head. "Better not. I have real work to do. I'll let you know when I have something new."
Sebastian let Herbert see himself out so he could look over the information. He called Juliet once he knew the man was gone.
"Hello, Mr. Boa. How can I help you?"
"Jules, I need you to do me a favor."
"Anything for you, ya sexy beast."
Sebastian chuckled. "Who's there with you?" He could hear someone questioning her in the background.
"No one important. What do you need?"
He closed the file and leaned on his desk. "I need you to pick someone up and take them to the club."
"Alright. When, from where, and where do you want me to put them?"
Sebastian checked his watch. It was just after three. "I'll text you the address. You can go get her at your next available chance and put her in the dungeon."
"Oh, really? Does Lady Mariss of Red know about this?"
"She will. Trust me. The woman's name is Ashley Banks." Sebastian slipped the file into a drawer.
"Got it. As soon as you send me the address, I will pick her up. Do you want me to do it personally?"
"Yes. I think that would be best." He hung up and sent the address, then he texted Mariss. :Join me for dinner. I believe I owe you steak.:
It was a few moments before she replied. :Now, you owe me steak and dessert.:
:Is that so?: Sebastian chuckled.
:Yes. So find some place that has brownies with ice cream and hot fudge.:
:Ah, a chocolate fiend, are you? I find most women are, whether they want to be or not.:
:Chocolate is good for the soul.:
:Then you shall have it. Let me know when you're leaving work. I'll come get you.: Sebastian put his mobile into his pocket and gathered his things. He didn't know why he was so giddy. If anyone saw the smile he had on his face, they'd swear he was smoking something.
***
Sebastian leaned against the side of his car. When Mariss stepped out of her work building, slinging her purse over her shoulder, he had a chance to watch her without being accused of trying to seduce her. She hadn't seen him yet, so she wasn't worried about watching how she acted. Mariss flipped her long hair over her shoulder and adjusted the tie - his tie - as it was blown by the wind. When she looked up, she smiled, did a double take, and smiled bigger.
"Hey." She stopped walking and stared.
"Hello." Sebastian scraped his teeth over his lip and peeled himself away from the car so he could open the door for her.
Mariss stumbled. He reached out for her and caught her by the arm.
"Careful. Are you alright?"
"Stop biting your lip like that and I'll be fine."
He smirked. "I didn't do it on purpose."
"I know. That's what makes it so dangerous."
Mariss slid across the seat and he joined her. Reaching to the other side of the vehicle, Sebastian handed her a box of Asbach liquor-filled chocolates.
"For you,
to curb your craving."
Mariss was so excited she literally bounced in her seat. "How did you know these were my favorite? Wait. Don't answer that." She opened the box and popped one in her mouth, moaning in pleasure.
"I figured, since you're such a fan of liquor and chocolate, these might sate two of your cravings."
She laughed. "Two of them?"
"Yes. I wasn't going to mention the other."
Mariss snorted. "Right. Because we're friend-zoned. Oh, my god, we sound like teenagers!"
Sebastian laughed with her. "I wasn't friend-zoning anyone when I was a teenager."
"Oh, so the nature of your behavior goes all the way back." She nodded and popped another chocolate in her mouth.
"All the way back, hm? I'm not that old." He feigned offense.
"But you're not young either, Bassy."
"I most certainly am."
"This is awkward. You know that right?" Mariss shook her head as she chewed.
Sebastian wished he could taste the chocolate and brandy on her tongue. "Yes, I know. I'm doing it for you."
She frowned. "For me? Should I be flattered?"
"I would hope so." His mobile vibrated in his pocket. "Jules?" he answered.
"The package has been delivered, tango foxtrot alphabet soup."
"Juliet, you're free to go. Clearly, you need a day off."
Juliet squealed, "Does that mean I get tomorrow off?"
"Yes, but I need one more favor. I'll text you."
"Alright. Good night, Mr. Boa."
"Good night, Juliet." He ended the call and said to the driver, "Take us to the club, please."
"What?" Mariss looked at him and her eyes flashed with anger. "Take me home." She crossed her arms and looked away from him, out the other window.
"Red, don't be mad."
"After what happened last night and you don't want me to be mad?"
"It's not going to happen again. That's not why-"
"Oh, shut up."
"Do not talk to me like that. I'm not some woman you work with." As soon as the words were out, Sebastian bit his lip hard, wishing he could take them back. He didn't mean it the way it came out, but it was too late now. Mariss glared at him, the fire in her eyes was unavoidable and downright scary. It aroused Sebastian so much, he almost reached for her.
"I guess you're getting comfortable with me too. The real Sebastian Boa rears his ugly head. Take me home, now."
"I'm not going to do that, Red."
"Stop calling me that, you fucking asshole."
"Is this the temper you were telling me about, because I don't like it," he half lied.
"I don't give a rat's ass what you do or don't like. I want to go home. Take me now."
Those were the words he'd been waiting to hear from her. Even now, with her angry and meaning the exact opposite, they had a provoking effect on him. He turned slowly to look at her, his irritation with her and excitement by her words, combined with her sudden embarrassment, made the awkward atmosphere sex-charged.
"I-I didn't mean…" she stuttered, her voice a thick rasp. "I meant-"
"I know what you meant," he cut her off, his voice clipped.
When they pulled up to the club, Sebastian was a bit calmer, though no less aroused. He stepped out of the car and reached in to help Mariss out.
"You're not staying in the car, Red." He said, irritated that she was acting so childish. What's more, he was furious that she had a reason to.
Mariss put her hand in his, but as soon as she was out, she snatched it back, pretending to straighten her skirt. He took the lead instead of following her. Sebastian shoved his hands in his pockets, because the truth was that the way she pinched her brow together when she was mad made him want to kiss those pouting lips until she couldn't breathe. He knew she would love it as much as he would and he wanted to hear her moan again, taste the chocolate-flavored passion on her breath.
Sebastian pulled the door open and, as always, was assailed by the strong odor of incense and the thumping music. He held the door for her so she had to duck under his arm. The scent of her hair did nothing to ease his arousal.
Sebastian guided her with a hand on her back. She was tense, still angry, and he was sure the evil glares Hellena shot them both didn't help. When the other woman started to come around the counter, Sebastian held up a hand, halting her progress. She stared at him, her eyes a bit dazed and confused, but she went back to work a few moments later.
He guided Mariss down the wide hall, past the couples’ rooms and the Black Room that held such a wonderful memory for him. The heavy curtains hid the activities inside, though the sounds could be heard over the house music. At the end of the hall was a heavy dungeon door.
"I'm not going in there," Mariss shouted to him over the music.
"It's alright. It's not for you." Sebastian winked, but without his usual smile, it was probably a bit chilling. He pulled the door open. Mariss preceded him inside and he let it shut. This room was completely soundproof. His ears rang in the deep silence.
Sebastian caught Mariss' wrist before she got too much farther into the room. He pulled her against him and turned so her back was to the door. Then he backed her up. He pinned her wrists above her head, let his weight pull him down until he was hunched over her, his lips so close to hers he could already taste them
"The friend-zone didn't last long," she breathed. The movement made her lips brush his and they both shuddered.
"You will never tell me to shut up again, Red." He nudged her ear with his nose.
"Hm." There was humor in that one little noise that made him smile.
"We need to have an agreement," he purred. "Don't say it again. Promise me."
"Or what? You'll lock me in the dungeon?"
"That's an option." His lips brushed her hair and her forehead. "Do we have an agreement?" She didn't say anything. Her body trembled beneath him and her eyes were begged him to kiss her. He didn't think she was aware of it. He took both of her wrists in one hand and stroked her cheek with his thumb.
"Are we agreed, Red?"
She nodded. Sebastian straightened, letting her wrists free.
"Why are we in here?" Her voice cracked and she cleared her throat.
"I want you to meet someone," was all he told her. With his hands in his pockets again, Sebastian led her into the room. Bound to a table was a slight woman. She was gagged and blindfolded and her wrists and ankles were tied.
"What is this?" Mariss asked, but he held up a hand to quiet her.
The blindfold and gag happened to be one piece of fabric. He'd have to give Juliet props for that one.
"Are you Ashley Banks?" he asked, removing the gag so she could speak and see them. She looked up at him with dark blue eyes and brunette hair with light blonde roots that obviously hadn't been maintained in a while.
"Yeah. Who are you?" Her thick Brooklyn accent matched the defiance in her eyes. Ashley tipped her chin up just a little higher.
"Sebastian Boa," he answered. He cast a look to Mariss who was frowning. Ashley looked at her for the first time and her eyes filled with fear. "Ah, so you know who she is. Good. Mariss, this is Ashley Banks."
"Should I know her?" She was suspicious. Sebastian smiled.
"No, I don't think you would recognize her. This is the woman who pushed you into oncoming traffic and tried to kill you."
Mariss' looked to him, then back to Ashley, and something changed about her. "Give me three minutes." She put her right arm behind her back and dropped it back down to her side. Her voice was flat, almost monotone.
"Alone? I'm not sure that's a good idea."
"She's tied up, Sebastian. What can she do? She's not very good at killing people, or I'd be dead. I'll be fine. Three minutes. That's all I need."
Something told him it wasn't a good idea, but Sebastian turned and walked out of the dungeon. As he pulled the door shut, he was sure he heard a whimper.
Sebastian leaned against the wall and tilted
his watch up to see the time. She'd get her three minutes, but the unease continued to grow in his belly until he couldn't stand it any longer. It hadn't even been a whole minute when he reached for the door handle.
"Sebastian." Hellena called his name from down the hall, loud enough to be heard over the music. He stayed where he was and let her approach him. "You're angry. When you left last night I thought you were well satisfied." Her sultry, thickly accented voice did what she intended. His body relaxed into its familiarity with her and lower regions reacted to the visual that she created in a cranberry satin corset with black boning. He knew this one had cream satin ties in the back because he'd bought it for her a year ago. Her ample breasts nearly spilled from the top. She had her hands on her hips, one hip dipped to show off her figure better.
Sebastian's body may have reacted, but she didn't have control over his mind. Mariss had opened his eyes so he could see her manipulating ways. Looking at her now, he saw all of her tells, and he wondered how he'd been tricked by them for so long.
"Hellena, we'll talk later. Right now, I'm quite busy."
"Why are you out here if she's in there? Who's the girl you brought in?" Her demeanor changed, suddenly suspicious. She was hiding something, which probably meant she already knew who the woman was. He didn't doubt that she'd been in the room before he got there.
"Mariss is talking to her." Fear flicked across Hellena's features, and then it was gone.
The door opened slowly. Sebastian grabbed hold and pulled it open enough to see Mariss standing in the doorway. Her normally clear brown eyes were cold and empty. They flicked from him to Hellena and took her in from head to toe in one smooth, appraising look like a lion sizing up its next meal. Mariss looked down at her hands and Sebastian's eyes followed. She wiped at her hands with a white towel. As he watched her, Sebastian saw that it was stained with red.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Hungry
Sebastian took Mariss' hands in his, turning them so he could see where she was bleeding from, but there were no cuts. He snatched the towel from her. It was smeared with blood, but there wasn't much.
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