Club Alpha: BDSM Romance Boxed Set

by Amy Valenti

Marcus pulled to a stop under a portico that protected the main entryway. “Don’t let the trappings get in the way, Tabitha. That’s all they are. If I did something else for a living, if I had less, would you feel differently?”

  With no hesitation, Tabitha responded. “No, I wouldn’t. But maybe it would be a little easier.”

  Marcus turned off the ignition. “In what way?”

  Tabitha contemplated her response. “You’d be a regular guy with a regular life.”

  Marcus smiled. “I am a regular guy with a regular life. I go to the office. I push papers around. I have an apartment. I have bills. Believe me. My life feels regular.”

  Tabitha’s face took on a doubting look. “I know it does to you. To me, though, it’s a bit different.”

  “If our economic positions were reversed, if you were a huge lottery winner and I was Joe Average, would that make any difference?”

  Tabitha’s brow puckered. “No. But that isn’t how things are, and it takes getting used to.” She tended to keep things simple. Simple was easy. Simple was familiar. Involvement with Marcus was anything but simple. But perhaps complicated had its own rewards.

  Marcus nodded in agreement. “Every relationship has adjustments, compromises. I don’t think this is any different. At least I hope not. Pretend I won the genetic lottery. I was born into a family that had a successful business. My father didn’t just hand it over, though. I work hard. I don’t take what I have for granted.”

  Tabitha reached for his hand, squeezing it. “You’re right. I know you are.”

  Marcus guided her hand to his lips and kissed her fingertips. “Besides, it gives me the opportunity to spoil you once in a while. This house has a lot of rooms. It might take a while to break them all in.”

  Tabitha laughed as his humor broke the tension. “Is that your goal? To break in every room?”

  “Eventually. It might take more than one visit though.” Marcus grinned as he released her hand and exited the car. He pulled their bags from the trunk.

  Tabitha shivered. Whenever he dropped a reference to the future, she found it both frightening and exhilarating. She wanted to protect her heart, but she feared it was far too late.

  Tabitha met him on the steps. “Ah, what room are you planning to start with?”

  “You’ll have to wait until after the grand tour, then you can make a suggestion.”

  Marcus unlocked the front door and gestured for Tabitha to precede him. As her eyes adjusted, she took in her surroundings. Given the formality of the grounds, she’d expected something different. The inside of the home was designed for comfort, not show, with overstuffed, inviting furniture. Deep chocolate upholstery contrasted with the cream-colored Berber carpet. Red accent pillows arranged on the couches matched the decorative candles on the side tables. Geometric charcoal drawings were grouped on the walls. The overall effect appealed to her.

  Tabitha drifted through the room, glancing at the family photographs scattered throughout. “The outside looked imposing. I’m glad the inside is more low key.”

  “It’s made for living. We entertain here, but it isn’t meant to be a showplace. It’s more casual inside than out.”

  Tabitha rolled her shoulders, releasing some of her tension. She needed to quit making Marcus into something he wasn’t. Yes, he had money, position, but he was a person with feelings, wants, and desires like everyone else. Stop putting up roadblocks, she thought. He’d never done anything to make her feel like less. She was doing it to herself.

  Tabitha smiled. “I’ll bet this place has a killer kitchen. Am I right?”

  Marcus laughed. “You are right. My mother was an avid cook and I’ve been known to throw a meal or two together. It’s this way.” He gestured toward the dining area.

  Tabitha followed him through the great room. The kitchen, dining, and living room area formed a large “L,” with the kitchen off to the back left. Tabitha salivated when she saw it. Wide expanses of counter ringed the space, lined with small appliances. Double ovens and an extra prep sink added to the functionality. Meal preparation in her tiny kitchen in the city was a serious challenge.

  Tabitha fingered the six-burner cooktop. “Do we need to shop for food?” She admired the dark wood cabinetry and the intricate design of the travertine mosaic backsplash.

  “It should be stocked. The housekeeper came by today. If there’s something you want, we can always run out and get it.”

  Tabitha grabbed Marcus’s hand. “This kitchen is a dream. I’d love to cook you dinner. What do you think?”

  “I’d be more than happy to let you show off your culinary talents. I look forward to it.”

  Tabitha released him and opened the refrigerator. Food items crowded every shelf. Packages of chicken and beef competed with fresh vegetables for shelf space. She smiled as she pictured impressing Marcus with a homemade dish. Was that possible? Surely Marcus had eaten unbelievable meals all over the world. What made her suppose some home cooked recipe would entice him?

  Tabitha shook herself out of her train of thought. Stop. Just stop. There’s no reason to think Marcus won’t appreciate a simple meal made with care.

  She closed the stainless steel door and turned.

  Marcus sensed her unease. “What? Is something wrong?”

  “I’m sure you’ve had some incredible food.”

  Marcus shrugged. “Yes. I’ve had a few memorable meals.”

  Nervous knots invaded her muscles. “Maybe we should go out.”

  Marcus looked puzzled. “I’m not following. What happened in the last minute here?”

  Tabitha shook her head. “It’s hard for me to envision going out to expensive dinners, jetting around the world. All that stuff.”

  Marcus paused. “Tabitha, you have the idea I live some high flying lifestyle. I don’t. I go to work, often working long hours. Do I attend a party now and again? Yes. But that’s like a couple times a year. Travel? Yes, usually for work. When I want to relax, I usually hole up here and get pizza. Don’t make me into someone I’m not.”

  Tabitha fisted her hands in frustration. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m jumping to conclusions.”

  “Even if I could have a life like that, I don’t want it. Could I afford to jet around the world and sit on the beach all the time? I suppose, but it would get old real quick. I like working. I enjoy the challenge. I enjoy simplicity. Do I also enjoy the occasional night on the town? Sure. Those fancy parties are just an excuse to show you off.”

  Tabitha blushed.

  Marcus grasped her by the waist and lifted her onto the counter. “This is a perfect height.”

  Tabitha nibbled his chin. “For what?”

  “Access to you.” He leaned in and kissed her thoroughly. He slipped his hand under her shirt and reached up to cup her breast. “I think this room has possibilities. Don’t you?”

  “Yes.” Her insecurities melted away when he held her like this. It was easy to dream they had a future when the heat from his body warmed her skin.

  Marcus buried his face in her hair. “I’m here with you. That should mean something. I choose to be here, now, in this place.”

  He was right. Marcus, of all people, had choices. He was here because he wanted to be here.

  Tabitha wrapped her legs around him, pulling him in close, reveling in his nearness.

  Marcus nipped the bottom of her ear. “Mmm. I’m envisioning you on this countertop naked.”

  Tabitha shivered with reaction. “Never let it be said I wasn’t willing to fulfill your fantasies.” Tabitha unwrapped herself from Marcus and hopped down from the counter. While he watched, she disrobed without breaking eye contact, removing each piece of clothing with deliberation. Naked before him, she waited.

  Marcus motioned toward the counter.

  Tabitha climbed back up on the cool granite surface. Her nipples puckered.

  Marcus delivered a playful tap to her hip. “Kneel. Let me see your ass in the air.”

  Tabitha turned
away and scrambled to her knees on the smooth, unyielding granite. She traced a fingertip along the veining before spreading her palms on the polished surface.

  Marcus opened a drawer, shifting things inside as he searched. He slapped an olivewood spoon in his palm and shut the drawer. “This kitchen is filled with useful tools.”

  Tabitha shivered. Her back arched. What would Marcus do?

  “Spread your legs.”

  Tabitha complied. She jumped as Marcus pressed his face between her thighs and swept his tongue across her.

  Marcus pulled back. “Did you like that?”

  Tabitha wiggled her rear in his direction. “Yes. Yes, Sir.”

  “I thought so. You taste wonderful. I need another sample.”

  The spoon still in his hand, he grasped her with his fingertips, spreading her wide. His tongue and lips savored her flesh before retreating. “And that? Did you enjoy that?”

  His sudden absence left Tabitha waiting, wanting. “Oh yes! Yes, Sir.”

  “I thought I felt you quiver. Would you like more?”

  “Yes, Sir!” She rocked backward, begging to feel his mouth again.

  Marcus nipped her rear with his teeth. “You know a penance must be exacted for pleasure. Don’t you agree?”

  “That’s for you to say, Sir.”

  “Yes, it is. However, it must be a willing trade. A trade for pleasure.”

  Tabitha swallowed. She imagined the sting of the wooden spoon on her skin and weighed it against the reality of Marcus’s mouth on her. It would be worth it.

  “What do you want? Do you want me to taste you? Lick you? Kiss you?”

  “Yes. Please, Sir.” Her voice rose with excitement.

  “And do you accept my discipline in return?”

  “Yes. Yes, Sir.” She was eager now. Wetness dripped from her.

  Marcus put his mouth to her again. His tongue thrust between the lips of her most intimate zone.

  Desire rebounded through her.

  He brought her slickness into his mouth. Urgent licks pushed her closer to release.

  Tabitha bit her lip to suppress a stunned gasp as the spoon landed on her ass. He struck her twice on each cheek before his mouth parted her folds to nuzzle her. The sting of the spoon faded under the cascading pleasure of his mouth. He nibbled and laved her exposed area. He couldn’t reach her deepest ache from this direction. Her clit throbbed and swelled.

  Marcus pulled back and delivered two crisp blows to each side of her ass. When he returned his mouth to her, she balanced on the threshold of sensual oblivion.

  Marcus dropped the spoon on the counter and flipped her over. The cold countertop soothed the hot marks on her bottom. Marcus spread her legs wide and dove right for her with his mouth. As he sucked her inside, pleasure exploded. He held her knees open as she shook, his mouth gentle against her.

  When the storm passed, he assisted her down. “You look so enticing. You should remain naked.”

  She fixed him with a considering look. “I will if you will.”

  “Don’t think I won’t.” He stripped his clothing off piece by piece. Tabitha relished each inch of newly exposed flesh.

  Tabitha glanced at the wide expanse of glass. “Should we avoid windows?”

  Marcus shrugged. “The neighbors aren’t close, and there’s a wall and a hedge between us. Don’t worry.” He opened a drawer and removed an apron. “You might want this.”

  Tabitha caught it as he tossed it to her. “Thanks.” She slipped it on, conscious of the odd sensation of wearing an apron with nothing underneath.

  Marcus tapped his stomach. “I don’t know about you, but I’m getting hungry. If you fix something, I’ll reward you later. Deal?”

  “Sure.” Tabitha pulled chicken from the refrigerator as Marcus left her to find her way around the kitchen. She planned to cook something quick and easy on the stovetop. She located onions, chopped them and tossed them into a sauté pan. Further searching turned up rice and spices. A little saffron and cardamom and she’d have something tasty.

  Once everything was in the pan, she tracked down the makings of a salad. That would do, she thought, chicken and rice with salad. Simple, but appetizing.

  As she set the table, Marcus reappeared, towels in hand. “I thought you might want one for sitting.” He spread one on the chair at the head of the table and the other on the chair to the side.

  Tabitha handed Marcus the salad bowl. “This whole nudity thing. I’m not sure if I’d get used to it. Might get chilly.”

  Marcus stole a carrot slice out of the salad and tossed it in his mouth. “I imagine so. But it can be a fun change of pace.”

  “Yes.” Tabitha brought the chicken and rice to the table and they settled in.

  Marcus gazed on the food with appreciation. “This is great. I’m starving.”

  “I hope you like it. I make it quite often.”

  Marcus placed one hand on her thigh as he took a bite with the other.

  Tabitha’s fork stopped in mid-air as heat flooded her. She was glad for the towel underneath her. The last thing she wanted was to stain the upholstery.

  Marcus massaged her skin and slid his hand between her thighs.

  Tabitha set down her fork. “Marcus!”

  He continued eating. “Yes?”

  “I can’t eat when you do that.”

  “You can’t?” He took another bite of chicken, clearly enjoying it. His fingers searched her intimate recesses.

  Tabitha pursed her lips, displaying an amused frown. “No. I’m too distracted.”

  “Mmm. That is unfortunate. This meal is wonderful.”

  “It’s hard to think about eating right now.”

  Marcus maintained his innocent air while he explored her moistening skin. “Really? I’m having no trouble at all.” He ingested another bite.

  “What were you working on while I was cooking?”

  Marcus speared another piece of chicken. “I made a few phone calls.”

  “Well, I’m done.” Tabitha pushed her plate away.

  Marcus laughed. “You seem irritated.”

  Tabitha knit her brow. “Not irritated. Keyed up? I don’t know. Maybe it’s anticipation.”

  Marcus wiped the corners of his mouth with his napkin. “Don’t worry. Let me show you the rest of the house.” Marcus stood and held out his hand. “As I’m sure you’ve guessed, my mother loved to cook. This kitchen was her pride and joy. It was redone shortly before she passed away.”

  Tabitha squeezed his hand. “I’m sorry, Marcus.”

  Marcus faltered. “So am I. She was a loving woman and a great mother. I was lucky.” He led her through the great room and out the sliding glass doors. The smooth surface of the pool sparkled under the light of the setting sun. “I have many fond memories of this pool. I was a swimmer in high school. We still barbeque here frequently.”

  Flowering hedges bordered the pool area. Flagstone tiles formed the pool deck, their colors matching the fabric cushions on the chaises. Tabitha marveled at the beauty of the space. “It’s lovely.”

  Marcus pointed to a small building past the pool. “There are showers and changing rooms in there. We can take a swim later or tomorrow.”

  Tabitha worried her lip. “I didn’t bring a suit.”

  “Don’t worry. We can skinny dip.”

  Tabitha playfully punched him. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you.”

  “Why, yes, I would. There are extra suits in the pool house, if you want them.”

  He steered her back inside. “Most of the bedrooms are upstairs.” They climbed the staircase.

  Tabitha motioned down the hallway. “Which one is yours?”

  “You mean from when I was younger?”

  “Yes.”

  Marcus pointed. “At the end of the hall, but they’ve all been redecorated.”

  Tabitha’s face clouded. “That’s disappointing. I thought it might give me some insight into you.”

  Marcus tilted his head. “You
need further insight?”

  Tabitha smiled. “Always.”

  “Perhaps I can provide you with some.” He led her down the hall, opening a door.

  Tabitha entered the room. In the dimness, she recognized the outline of a canopy bed in the center.

  “Take off the apron. Get on the bed.”

  Tabitha complied, dropping the apron on the floor and spreading herself on the bed, limbs outstretched.

  Marcus surveyed her body. “Perfect.”

  Tabitha quivered.

  “You look quite enticing like that.” His voice conveyed appreciation.

  Tabitha flashed an inviting smile. “I’m glad you think so, Sir.”

  Marcus grinned with anticipation. “I have just the thing to enhance this display.”

  “Sir?” Tabitha tried to suppress the curiosity in her voice.

  Marcus didn’t respond to her query. He opened a black leather duffle, one of the bags he’d brought for the weekend. “I have a few items I thought we might have fun with.” He drew out a black coil and brought it toward her for inspection.

  Tabitha raised herself on her arm. “Rope, Sir?”

  “Yes, but special. Velvet covered.”

  Tabitha reached out and handled the loops. They were soft on the surface. Thick, velvet fabric padded the strong line within.

  “Do you want to try it? I’ve had a vision in my head of you tied to the bedpost. I find it … inspiring.” Marcus’s voice thickened with arousal.

  Tabitha turned her attention back to Marcus. “How inspiring, Sir?”

  Marcus touched his stirring erection. “Extremely.”

  Did she want to be tied to the bedpost? She wasn’t afraid. Marcus wouldn’t hurt her or take her where she didn’t want to go. The rope was strong, and there was a lot of it. She didn’t think he planned to fasten only her wrists and ankles.

  “Yes. Yes, Sir.” Tabitha granted her permission without reservation, without fear.

  Marcus motioned her. “Come. Kneel in front of the bedpost.”

  Tabitha scrambled off the bed and onto the carpet. She kneeled, her back to the bedpost.

  “Cross your ankles behind the post. Put your arms behind it.”

  Tabitha complied, her ass pressed up against the circular post. The smooth polished wood braced her back.