Victorious, A Tame Quantum Novel (Quantum Series Book 3)

by Marie Force

  “Don’t be sorry. You were sick.”

  I twirl pasta around my fork, but I lose my appetite thinking about the film idea I want to run past her.

  “What’s on your mind over there?” She’s looking at me over the top of her wineglass.

  “An idea that’s been running around in my head.”

  “What sort of idea?”

  “The kind you’re either going to love or hate. I can’t decide which.”

  “What sort of sexual torture have you dreamed up for me now?”

  “Not about sex, although when you ask me things like that, it gives me other ideas.”

  Her cheeks flush with color. “Forget I asked, then.”

  “I won’t forget, but the idea is about your story.”

  “My story? What about it?”

  Here goes nothing… “It would make for a rather compelling film.”

  For a moment, she’s expressionless, and then her mouth opens and closes again.

  “You want to make a movie about what happened to me?”

  “I would like to consider the possibility.” I’m unable to determine her true feelings, because her expression is totally blank.

  “You’ve gone from not wanting to talk about it in the interview with Carolyn to wanting to make a movie about it?”

  “I’m only talking to you about making a movie. I’m saying I think it’s an amazing story of resilience, perseverance, courage and determination with a happy ending for the ages. It’s tailor-made for Hollywood.”

  Again she’s silent as she contemplates what I’ve said.

  “Of course, the only way anything happens with your story is if you want it to. I’m only suggesting that it could be a great film. I’m not saying it has to be.”

  “So you won’t be disappointed if I don’t want to do it?”

  “Nope. As always, I want you to be happy. If it makes you unhappy to pursue it, then it won’t happen.”

  “How would it work if I were interested?”

  “First, we’d buy the rights to your story, which would give you that financial independence you’re so fond of.”

  “Most people are fond of being financially independent.”

  Smiling at her predictably saucy reply, I continue. “Next, we’d hire a screenwriter to put the story together. Once we have a script that you and I approve of, then we get busy making it happen.”

  “You make it sound so simple.”

  “It’s not. It’s a long and involved process to take something from idea to the big screen, but it’s also an exciting and energizing process.”

  “I can see that you’re excited by the possibility.”

  “I am excited. Since the idea came to me the other day, it’s been constantly on my mind. That’s usually a good sign to me that I’m on to something. But as I said, it would be totally up to you.”

  “And no hard feelings if I choose not to go there?”

  “Seriously, Nat? I could never have hard feelings where you’re concerned.”

  “Seems to me you have hard feelings frequently where I’m concerned.”

  Her comment makes me laugh. “Very funny. But all kidding aside, I’ve got avalanching piles of scripts and potential projects on desks in three offices. I’ll find something else that interests me. Don’t worry about that.”

  “I’d like to think about it.”

  “Take all the time you need, and feel free to say no. I promise that if you do, that’ll be the end of it.” I reach for her and bring her onto my lap because I need to hold her right now. “If you’re at all interested, it’s something you should consider very carefully. By now you have a better idea of the kind of attention it would generate and whether you can handle that. I’ve already asked so much of you. I don’t want this to be another thing you feel you have to do for me. This is about you and sharing your incredible story with the world. It’s yours to tell or not tell, and that will always be the case.”

  “I appreciate that you find my story compelling enough to even consider something like this.”

  “It’s an incredibly compelling story. I’d love to tell the whole world how lucky I am to be married to you.”

  She smiles and kisses me. “I’ll think about it.”

  “Okay, then. You and I have a hot date tonight, and we need to get ready.”

  “Get ready how?”

  “Come with me, and I’ll show you.”

  Chapter 13

  Apparently, “getting ready” to go to the club involves a shower with my husband, during which he lifts me, props my back against the wall and takes me hard and fast as the steam rises around us.

  “I’ve wanted to fuck you in the shower again since the first time we did it,” he whispers in my ear as he pounds into me.

  “You do some of your best work vertically.”

  He laughs and drops his head onto my shoulder. “Don’t make me laugh when I’m trying to make you come.”

  “Where else have you wanted to do it?” I manage to ask.

  The hands that are gripping my bottom tighten and spread my cheeks apart. “Here.”

  The thought of it makes my entire body tingle. “So you’ve said.”

  “I had another dream.”

  I open my eyes and find him watching me, gauging my reaction.

  “Will you tell me about it?”

  “After I make you come.”

  “Mmm, hurry.”

  That I’m curious and eager to hear about his dream seems to spark something in him, and he picks up the pace, driving into me repeatedly until we’re both coming. He holds me close to him for several minutes before easing me back down to stand on wobbly legs.

  We get out of the shower and dry off. I’m reaching for a robe when he takes my hand and leads me to our bed. He lifts the covers. “In.”

  “I thought we were going out.”

  “We are. Later.”

  “Okay…” I get into bed, and he follows me. We come together in the middle, arms and legs wrapped around each other in a routine that has become wonderfully familiar to me. I can’t remember what life was like before I got to sleep in his arms every night. But we’re not sleeping now, and judging by the fiery heat I see in his eyes, we’re not going out for a while either. “Tell me. I want to know what you dreamed about.”

  I describe the dream to her in intricate detail, and she shivers in my arms.

  “I feel like I have to be dreaming, that I can share this with you, Nat… I can’t even tell you what it means to me.”

  “I want to share everything with you.”

  Her eager response is the most incredible aphrodisiac. I’ve had her twice in an hour, and I’m already ready for more. It’s a dream come true. She is a dream come true.

  We leave the house forty-five minutes later. Nat is dressed in a clingy top that leaves her shoulders bare and black pants that mold to all her curves. A pair of strappy black heels finishes off her sexy outfit. Her hair is a riot of curls, and she’s gone with dramatic eye makeup that highlights her green eyes. She’s worn the diamond chandelier earrings I gave her as well as the bracelet. I love that she’s wearing the jewelry I gave her, especially the two diamond rings that sit on her left ring finger.

  Part of me wants to cancel our plans because I don’t want anyone, even my closest friends, to see my wife looking so hot.

  “What’s wrong?” she asks when we’re on our way in the Aston Martin Vanquish.

  “Huh? Nothing. What could possibly be wrong?”

  “I don’t know, but you haven’t said a word since we left the house, and that’s not like you.”

  I reach for her hand. “Nothing’s wrong, baby. For the first time in my entire life, everything is just right.”

  “Then what are you brooding about?”

  “Truthfully?”

  “Always.”

  I blow out a deep breath. “I don’t want my friends to see you looking so hot.”

  She looks down at her outfit. “Should I have worn
something else?”

  “No, sweetheart. You look beautiful—and sexy. Incredibly sexy.”

  “We’re going to a sex club, Flynn. I thought sexy was the word of the night.”

  “It is.”

  “Then what’s the problem?”

  “I don’t want other guys looking at you.”

  “And yet you want to have sex with me in public.”

  “It doesn’t make sense to me either.” I grip the wheel a little tighter, my knuckles turning white from the pressure. “Maybe I don’t want things the same way I used to. It’s different now.”

  “What is?”

  “Everything. I’ve never thought twice about having sex with other women at the club, but the thought of doing that with you… In front of people… It’s different. You’re different. We’re different.”

  “You said there’re other ways we can enjoy the club short of actually having sex ourselves, right?”

  “Lots of ways, up to and including sex. We have private rooms there.”

  “Are they like your room at home?”

  “Some of them. Others are more like regular bedrooms with implements on the side.”

  “Implements on the side,” she says with a laugh. “Like kinky room service?”

  Smiling, I say, “Something like that.”

  “It’s like you said—we can figure out what works for us. Just because you’ve done something in the past, doesn’t mean you want to do it now. Perhaps all of that was about getting it out of your system so you’d be ready for me.”

  “That’s very possible.” I glance over at her and then back at the road. “It’s so great to be able to have these conversations, to not have to hide this side of myself from you. I’m still sorry about the way you found out, but I’m not sorry you know.”

  “I’m not either. Everything we’ve done so far has been…” She shakes her head when she can’t seem to find the words. “I would’ve hated to miss out on knowing you this way.”

  I’m humbled by her acceptance, her trust and her love. What I ever did to deserve the love of such an amazing woman is beyond me, but I’ll do whatever it takes to make certain I’m always worthy of her.

  We arrive at the Quantum building, and judging by the cars already in the lot, it’s a busy night. “You ready for this?”

  “Ready.”

  “Let’s go, then.” I take her by the hand and use the palm scanner to gain access to the building as well as the elevator that leads to the club in the basement. The doors open, and I lead her inside, my beautiful submissive wife.

  Chapter 14

  I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I didn’t anticipate a nightclub. Well-dressed attractive people in cocktail dresses and suits, others dressed in classy-looking leather, a few shirtless men, all of them with drinks in hand. There’s a crowded dance floor and a packed bar along with stand-up tables as well as booths. The low bass thump of dance music vibrates through the room, mixing with the conversations taking place. The thump reminds me of the bass drum of desire that I’ve experienced with Flynn, and my body begins to react to the familiar sound.

  The only thing that sets this apart from other nightclubs I’ve visited are the stages set in various spots throughout the room and the equipment that identifies this as not your average club. It’s early yet, or so Flynn tells me as he keeps a hold on my hand and leads us to the bar. Everyone seems happy to see him, and several people greet me by name even though I don’t recognize them. They all know me, which is something I still find bizarre even all these weeks later.

  A shriek to my left draws my attention, and Marlowe swoops in to hug me. “It’s so good to see you here, girlfriend.”

  “Thanks, Mo. It’s good to be here.”

  “You look amazing!”

  “Marlowe Sloane thinks I look amazing. Pinch me please.”

  “I’ll leave the pinching to your sexy Dom. But seriously, I’m thrilled to see you here, to know you’ve accepted this part of him. It’s so huge.”

  “It’s been an interesting couple of weeks.”

  “I can only imagine. You know you can talk to me anytime. If you need an outside perspective.”

  “That’s very sweet of you. So far, Flynn and I are doing pretty well with the talking. He loves to talk.”

  Her dirty laugh tells me she gets what I mean. “I remember that about him. We weren’t together long, but that’s one thing I remember.”

  I feel like I’ve been hit with a stun gun. Didn’t Flynn tell me he and Mo were only friends? How many times have I thought about what a beautiful couple they might’ve made?

  “Anyway, are you here to watch or to play?”

  “Watch.”

  “I might be doing a scene later with a new sub.” Adding with a wink, “He’s young and hung, just the way I like them. I hope you’ll be around to watch.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it after that introduction.” Though I’m still reeling from what she revealed to me, I can’t help but laugh at that. Whatever might’ve happened between her and Flynn, it’s long in the past. But I will ask him about it as soon as I get the chance.

  “We’ll see if he shows. I think he’s scared of me.”

  Flynn leads me to a table out of the fray and hands me a glass of wine. He’s got a glass of Bowmore, judging by the color of the liquid. “Enjoy it slowly. We’ve got a two-drink limit.”

  “How come?”

  “We want everyone clearheaded for any activities they might decide to participate in. No one is allowed to get drunk here.” He glances at me, his eyes soft but serious. “There’s no place for large quantities of booze in a safe, sane, consensual environment.”

  “Makes sense.”

  We’re interrupted by the arrival of a tall, gorgeous woman I recognize instantly as Cresley Dane, the supermodel.

  “Is this the famous Natalie who took our friend Flynn off the market in such dramatic fashion?” she asks with a warm smile for me and a hug for Flynn.

  “Cresley, meet my wife, Natalie.

  Cresley surprises me when she hugs me, too. “It’s so great to meet you. I’m an admirer.”

  “Oh. Thank you. That’s nice to hear. Likewise.”

  Hayden joins us, slipping an arm around Cresley, who leans into him. “Nice to see you here, Natalie,” he says.

  “Nice to be here.”

  “You ready?” he asks Cresley, who nods in response.

  “Let’s go.”

  “See you later?” Cresley asks us.

  “We’ll be here,” Flynn says. “We may even watch.”

  “Good,” Cresley says with a smile that encompasses both of us before she lets Hayden lead her away.

  “Where’re they going?”

  “To the dungeon.”

  I’m surprised by the pang of distress I feel in the area of my heart at knowing Hayden is going to have sex with Cresley when he’s so obviously in love with Addie. “What will they do there besides the obvious?”

  “He’s a practitioner of Kinbaku, the Japanese art of erotic tying.”

  “What does that mean? Tying?”

  “Ropes. It’s an intricate practice designed to stimulate all the pleasure points.”

  “Could I see it?”

  “Sure, we can go in there later. They’ll be there for hours.” He glances down at me, taking inventory in that intense way of his. “What’re you thinking?”

  “I just wonder how he can spend hours having sex with Cresley when he cares so much for Addie.”

  Flynn exhales a long deep breath. “It’s complicated for him. He and Addie are really close friends, and he’s not willing to risk what he has with her by exposing her to this. If she were to reject it—and him—the way Valerie did me, he’d never get over it.”

  “So he refuses to even try.” The reality of Hayden’s predicament saddens me.

  “Yeah. We’ve talked about it a few times recently, and he’s adamant.”

  “It’s sad.”

  “On that we a
gree. I don’t think he’s giving Addie enough credit.”

  “Do you think she’d be upset to find out about this? About the fact that all of you are involved and she doesn’t know?”

  “I have no idea, but it’s not something we share with just anyone. Other than you and my partners in Quantum, there’s no one I’m closer to than my parents, my sisters and Addie, and none of them knows.”

  “Can I ask you something else?”

  “Anything.”

  “Were you ever going to tell me that you were once with Marlowe?”

  “I told you that.”

  “Um, no, you didn’t. She did. She assumed I already knew.”

  “Oh. Shit. Are you pissed? It was years ago, before I married Val. And it was brief. We quickly discovered we’re much better friends than we are lovers.”

  I gesture to the room around us. “Did you do this with her?”

  “Some of it. We were all new to it then and in training. We practiced on each other on occasion. Does that make it weird for you with her?”

  “No, not really. Like you said, it was a long time ago, and I know you had a life before me. A busy life.”

  He roars with laughter and tweaks my nose. “Cute.”

  “True. What about Cresley?”

  “What about her?”

  “Have you been with her, too?”

  “I have, but only in threesomes with Hayden.”

  I take a drink of my wine, seeking fortification. That’s what I get for asking—the painful truth. “She’s beautiful.”

  “Yes, she is, but she’s no Natalie Godfrey.”

  “Right,” I say, laughing. “She’s a freaking supermodel.”

  “Did you look at the stack of inquiries from Danielle that I left in the kitchen?”

  “What about them?”

  “There’re about ten offers from some of the top modeling agencies in the country, along with cosmetic companies, couture houses and advertising agencies, all of whom are drooling over the idea of landing Natalie Godfrey to represent their products.”

  “They are not.”

  “They are, too! I told you to look through the stuff I left for you.”

  “I thought you meant my test results.”