by Tawny Taylor
A part of her had hoped he wouldn’t be here tonight, but another, the really stupid part, had hoped he would. She’d waxed and plucked and curled and primped; even she had to admit she’d never looked this good. The dress, as one would expect from a designer gown that cost the equivalent of one month’s salary, emphasized the parts it should and deemphasized the parts it shouldn’t. Thanks to the cut, and the Spanx she’d bought to wear under the gown, she looked like she’d lost ten pounds.
When her gaze met his, she knew all the trouble she’d gone to had been worth it. He looked like he’d seen an angel. It was almost comical. His open-mouthed stare did a great deal for her confidence until some chick—beautiful, of course—looped an arm around his and, following the line of his gaze, gave her an assessing stare.
Wynne’s first thought was to leave. Right now. Before things got any more uncomfortable. In fact, she started to act on her impulse. But she stopped herself after only one step.
The world of BDSM, particularly in this region, was a small one, and she was bound to run into Dierk if she was going to be a part of it. Somehow she had to learn how to deal with it.
Chin up. You’re a big girl. You can handle this. She gave the woman what she hoped was a friendly smile before turning to Kristy. “There are exactly two BDSM dungeons within a hundred-mile radius, and he runs one of them. Of course he would be here.”
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah. I’ll put on my happy face. I promise I won’t make a scene.”
“That’s not the point,” Kristy whispered. “If this is too hard, say the word and we’re out of here.”
“No, I’m not going to ruin this for you.”
Kristy tipped her head and smiled. “I’m proud of you.”
“Oh for chrissakes, I didn’t invent the cure for cancer, I’m just dealing with an awkward situation like any mature adult would.”
“Still…” Kristy did a double take. “Looks like he’s coming this way.”
“Yeah, I see that.” Wynne pulled her lips back, hoping the expression would pass for a smile. “Do I look happy?”
“No, you look constipated.”
“Shit.” She let her face relax just before he was within arm’s length. The woman, who upon closer inspection was even more perfect than she’d looked from a distance, was still draped on his arm. However, the dress she wore was a nightmare. Hideous. Wynne did her best to pretend she wasn’t there. “Hello Dierk. It’s good seeing you again.”
“Wynne.” That was all he said. He just stood there, staring at her, a blank look on his face.
Was it her imagination, or was Dierk trying to pretend that chick wasn’t there, too?
“I’m Tabitha,” the chick said, extending an arm. She flashed perfectly straight, blindingly white teeth.
“Oh.” Dierk shook his head. “I apologize. Tabitha, this is Wynne. Wynne, Tabitha.”
Wynne didn’t want to shake her hand, but she did. “Nice to meet you,” she muttered, trying not to bust out in a guffaw. Where did you find that hideous dress, the Salvation Army? “I just love your gown.”
“Thank you.” Tabitha beamed.
Wynne thought she might puke.
“We met at Twilight,” Dierk explained, motioning to Wynne. “Wynne is—was—a member.”
“I see.” Tabitha answered with a nod.
“Yes. Twilight.” Wynne wanted to say more, like how she’d pretended Dierk had tied her up and fucked her until she came, over and over again. But she didn’t. She just shook the woman’s hand and turned to Kristy. “This is my friend, Mistress Raven.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” Tabitha took Kristy’s hand, gave it a shake, and released it. She patted her throat. “We were just about to get some champagne.”
“Okay,” Wynne said, sounding quite cheery to her own ears. The torture had gone on long enough. “Enjoy.” She grabbed Kristy’s arm. “We were heading into the dungeon. I see the crowd’s thinning. We’d better get when the getting’s good.” She gave Dierk one last look then stepped around them, tugging Kristy with her. “’Bye. I’m sure we’ll see you around.”
“You, my dear, should be up for an Oscar for that performance,” Kristy whispered in her ear.
“Really? I thought I sucked.”
“Ohmygod, no. I just about lost it when you complimented her on her dress.”
They shared a laugh as they strolled into the dungeon.
An angel. That was what Wynne had reminded him of tonight. That opal-hued gown, with the pleats and gathers, made a body he knew and craved look like a perfectly formed marble sculpture. Her hair was a mass of glossy mahogany curls and waves, tumbling over her bare shoulders. Her makeup made her eyes look wide and clear, her cheeks sculpted and lips plump. It had taken everything in him to keep from pulling her into his arms and tasting them.
Hell, he’d been so mesmerized by Wynne, he’d forgotten all about Tabitha for a moment. It bothered him that Wynne still held such power over him, even now, after weeks of being apart. He’d had hundreds of submissives in his lifetime; none had taken such a firm hold of him before.
What was it about her? Was it her lovely eyes? Her luscious mouth? That long, slender neck? Or perhaps it was something deeper….?
“Earth to Dierk.” Tabitha snapped her fingers in front of his eyes. When he met her gaze, she asked, “Have a nice trip? Where’d you go?”
“I apologize. I’m…not myself tonight.”
“Hmmmm.” She twisted her mouth into a grimace. “I’m feeling a migraine coming on. They hit me out of the blue sometimes. I think I’d better call it a night.”
“Do you need a ride home?”
“No, thank you. I’ll get home just fine. I’ll call for a car.” She gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you for a very nice evening. It was good meeting you.”
“Yes, it was good meeting you, too.”
Tabitha took a couple steps away, turned, smiled over her shoulder, said, “I think I’m going to have to cancel tomorrow night. I…hope you work it out with Wynne,” and disappeared into the crowd, leaving him standing there, a glass of champagne in his hand.
Work what out with Wynne? There wasn’t anything to work out. They’d scened once. That was all. He wasn’t free to do anything else.
Even if he wanted to.
Shit, he had to get out of this town. Go far, far away.
Twilight was doing better, and he was hoping he could convince his brother Shadow it would run just fine without him. He had a life to get back to, one he’d once been perfectly content to live for the rest of his days.
Yes, he had a very nice life to get back to. Parties. Clubs. Dungeons.
He meandered through the crowd, lost in his thoughts. Until he saw her, standing in a corner, a glass of champagne lifted to her lips, a man he didn’t know hovering over her like a hawk circling its prey.
She hadn’t seen him yet. He had a chance to slip away unnoticed, to avoid what was sure to be another uncomfortable exchange.
He could turn around and walk away. He could.
No, he couldn’t.
As if she sensed his gaze upon her, she looked his way and smiled. And just like that, something snapped and it was over. There was no way he could walk away from her now.
I shouldn’t be doing this. I shouldn’t be doing this…. His gaze never left her face as he wove his way through the throng, men knotted up in their best tuxedos, women in the latest couture, precious gems dripping from earlobes and necks and wrists. Delicious, sweet blood pulsing through their veins.
None of them mattered. Only Wynne.
The hawk spotted another sparrow and flew off.
“You lost someone.” Wynne pointed at his empty arm, making him feel even shittier about their earlier conversation.
“Yeah, she had a headache. She decided to call it a night.”
“Mmmm. That’s too bad. I get headaches sometimes. They aren’t fun.”
He imagined her lying in bed, him sitting beside her, caressin
g her temples, rubbing her neck and shoulders. For some reason, he wanted more than her submission. He wanted to take care of her, to ease her pain when she was sick, to see love in her eyes when she lay beside him at night, to wipe her tears when she cried.
No, no, nonono.
Wynne emptied her glass in a series of quick gulps then set the empty champagne flute on a nearby table. Her gaze swept around the room. “Other than being ditched by your date, are you having a nice time?”
Her jealousy couldn’t be clearer if she’d been wearing a neon sign on her chest.
“Tabitha wasn’t my date,” he blurted.
“Oh?” She flagged a waiter carrying a tray of glasses of champagne and snatched two. She went to work emptying the first right away.
“No, she was someone Rolf introduced me to.”
Glass number one drained, Wynne set it down. “Well, I’d say from her boa constrictorlike grip on your arm she thought she was.” She raised her glass. “This is great champagne. She might’ve gotten rid of that headache if she’d had a glass or two. Or three.”
He gently removed the flute from Wynne’s slightly unsteady grip. “I’m thinking you’ve had more than a glass or two, or three.”
“Or five.” She giggled, and oh shit did he like the way that sounded. Sweet and guileless, like the song of an angel. “I don’t usually drink so much, but that champagne is really good. It’s like drinking Kool-Aid.”
“Where did Raven go?” He stole a glance around them.
“The little girls’ room.” Wynne’s sweet face pulled into a pretty little scowl. “She’s been gone a long time. Maybe I’d better go find her.” She stumbled, the hem of her dress catching on the heel of her shoe. He caught her before she fell.
Damn, it felt good holding her. She sank into his arms, her body molding to his for at least a dozen heartbeats. His cock instantly sprang to a painful erection. A surge of sensual energy charged through his system.
They were magical, the two of them together. No way to deny it. He’d tried but he wouldn’t any longer.
She tipped her head up, brushed aside a lock of hair that had fallen over her face, and smiled. “Thanks for saving me. This dress was made for an Amazon. Even with these ridiculous shoes, I’m too short.” Bending over, while clinging to Dierk, she removed one shoe, then the other. “I’m okay now.” She released him to gather the skirt in her fists, lifting it up to her knees. “Not the most dignified way to walk, but it’s better than tripping and falling on my face.”
“Yes, I suppose it is.” He swallowed a chuckle. A sober Wynne was a delight. A drunk one, adorably vulnerable and honest.
“There she is.” Wynne pointed over Dierk’s shoulder. “I see Kristy.” She waved a hand. “I don’t think she sees me. This place is too fucking crowded.”
Dierk twisted to look behind him. Raven was on the opposite side of the dungeon, standing in the center of a small gathering of people. He recognized them from Twilight, regulars, all of them. “We can head over there if you want. I’ll help you.”
“Thanks.” She shoved her shoes into his hands then pranced ahead, proud as a queen on coronation day, and completely oblivious to the many curious stares she was gathering from onlookers. She stopped when she reached the group and dropped her skirt, much to Dierk’s disappointment. She had very pretty calves, and he would never get tired of looking at them. “Hey Kristy, look who got ditched by his date.”
Everyone stopped talking and looked at him.
He shrugged. “She wasn’t my date.”
They all gave him a yeah-sure-buddy smile.
Kristy turned to Wynne, who was swaying to music that nobody else could hear. “Wynnie, have you been drinking?”
She blinked a few times. They were very slow blinks. “I had a glass or two of champagne.”
“Five,” Dierk corrected, unable to hold back his chuckle this time.
Wynne gave him a squinty-eyed glare. “Tattletale. Now she’s gonna tell me I have to go home.”
Kristy laughed. “You’re an adult. I’m not going to tell you you have to do anything.”
“Well fine, then.” After a beat, Wynne muttered, “I’m tired and my boobs are falling.”
Kristy gave the people around her an apologetic smile. “I guess it’s time to go.”
Dierk stepped up to her and whispered, “I’d be happy to take her home, if you’d like to stay.”
“You don’t mind?” Raven looked more than grateful for the offer.
“Absolutely not. I was ready to go anyway. I promise I’ll get her home safely.”
“Oh hell, you know I trust you. Sure. That is, if Wynne is willing to go with you.” She turned to Wynne. “Honey, Dierk’s leaving now. He’s offered to drive you home. Is that okay?”
Wynne scrutinized him. “Okayyyy. I guess I’ll go with Dierk, since he insists.” She leaned over and said, “Probably doesn’t want to be seen leaving by himself.”
Kristy laughed. “Yeah, that’s gotta be it.”
16
“So sorry your new plaything got a headache tonight,” Wynne said as she settled into Dierk’s zoomy little sports car. The vehicle was sleek and sexy, and it still smelled really good, just like its owner.
Too bad the owner was such an ass.
“Yes, thanks. You’ve already…never mind.”
“I’ve already what?” Feeling a little too warm, she fiddled with the window controls until she had her window open just enough, not so wide that a cyclone blew through the car, and not too little. The fresh air felt good and it seemed to be helping her clear her head, a good thing. She was pretty effed up. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had so much to drink. It didn’t help that she was a lightweight when it came to alcohol. “Please tell me I didn’t make an idiot of myself tonight.”
“No, you didn’t.”
“Good. Because I never drink this much.”
“I suspected as much.”
She couldn’t help laughing. “Is it that obvious?”
“No.” He was lying, but that was okay. He was doing it so she wouldn’t feel so stupid. What a sweet man. An asshole for rejecting her, but sweet, too.
She wanted to kiss him. She decided that was a damn fine idea. When the car stopped at a traffic light, she unfastened her seat belt and leaned toward him.
“Where are you going?” he asked.
“Nowhere.” She pressed her lips to his cheek. It wasn’t the kind of kiss she would have liked to give him, but since the light would change any second anyway, it would have to be enough. “I just wanted to do that.” As she settled back in her seat and refastened her seat belt, she noticed his face and neck were red. “Did I embarrass you?”
“No, not at all.” He turned on the air conditioning. She guessed he was warm, too. That was probably why his face was red. How silly to think her kiss had embarrassed him. Why should he be embarrassed? They were alone.
She laughed at herself. “Yeah, that was a stupid thing to ask.”
He smiled and cheerful little crinkles creased out from the corners of his eyes. They were so cute, and how she adored the way his face changed when he smiled. It came alive. “You don’t do or say anything stupid.”
“How kind of you to say so.”
The car stopped. Had to be another traffic light.
No, he was shifting the car into park.
She looked out the window. Home? Already? Damn. “Well that was a quick trip. Thanks for the ride. With things being so awkward between us in the past, it was really nice of you to offer.” She reached for the door.
“No, let me get it.”
Such the gentleman.
He exited the vehicle, walked around and opened her door for her. And, as she hoped, he gave her a hand getting out of the car. The damn thing sat so low, it was like sitting on the ground. She leaned a little on him as she walked to her building, down the main hallway, and up to her apartment door.
She fished in her purse for her keys.
They weren’t in there.
“Oh shit,” she muttered.
“What’s wrong?”
“I didn’t bring my keys. I didn’t think I’d need them. Kristy drove.”
“Oh.”
“Kristy knew I didn’t have…oh, that sneaky little bitch.” She grimaced. “I’m sorry but I think we both got caught in one of Kristy’s little traps.” She tried the door, even though she knew for a fact that they’d locked it when they left earlier. “Maybe you can get one of the windows—”
“That’s okay. I’ll take you back to my place. You can sleep there.”
Wynne sighed. Her head fell forward, her forehead thunking against the locked door. “I’m so sorry. My friend is going to pay for this.”
Dierk gently lifted her chin, coaxing her to look at him. “Don’t worry about it. I have a spare room. I’ll bring you back in the morning.”
“Okay, then. I suppose I have no choice, unless I want to sit out here in the hall until Kristy decides to come home. And knowing her that’ll be tomorrow sometime.”
“Let’s go.” Patiently, he led her back to his car, helped her get situated in the seat, then ran around to his side and got in. They were both quiet as he drove what turned out to be about ten miles or so to a nice condominium complex close to Twilight. His condo was of the two-storied variety. Detached. Brown brick. With a big garage door, front and center. He hit the remote as they pulled up the driveway and the door lifted, allowing him to pull the car inside. “Here we are.” He cut off the engine and hit the button to shut the door, closing them in the garage.
Like most garages, his smelled like gasoline and car exhaust. But it was absolutely spotless, not a hammer or lawn mower or weed whacker in sight.
He ushered her through an interior door, leading into a narrow hallway off the kitchen. The floors were all gleaming wood. The walls, she realized as she followed him around the bend and up the stairs, were all painted a warm taupe color. And the rooms were all furnished, but sparsely. She couldn’t say why, but it was missing something. It didn’t look lived in.
“This is a nice place,” she said.