A Firm Hand: 2 (Bound to You)

by Blake, Fallon

  He severed the connection they shared, hating the loss he felt, and pulled away. Carefully, he rearranged her thong and skirt then tucked himself away and zipped up. “I’m going to head down and make plans for dinner.”

  “If you don’t mind, I’d like to stay for a little bit, enjoy the view. Would that be okay?” Sadness intoned her voice.

  He took a breath and for the first time wished he were a different man. He wanted her to be happy. As of late, he’d done nothing but cause her pain. “Don’t stay too long.”

  She nodded, never tearing her gaze away from the horizon.

  Chapter Eleven

  Gen stretched and yawned as she searched the apartment for Brian. Where was he? Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she ascended the spiral staircase to the terrace. She found him with his iPad, lounging in nothing but a loose pair of pajama pants under the canopy in one of the plush all-weather chairs. He sat next to a table boasting a mouthwatering assortment of fresh fruits, buttery croissants and a steaming pot of coffee.

  He looked up from his tablet and gave her a heartrending smile. “Good morning.”

  “Morning.” She sat down in the other chair and poured herself a cup of coffee.

  “How’d you sleep?”

  “Okay, I guess.” She leaned back, holding her cup steady. Hot coffee down her chest was not the type of wake-up call she liked. She much preferred the kind Brian had bestowed on her in the predawn hours. Wordless, sleepy, needful sex was a nice way to start the day. Of course it was even better when he let her snuggle under the duvet afterward and drift back to sleep. She wasn’t a morning person. Brian was another story entirely. She had no idea how the man survived on so little sleep. It was inhuman.

  “The opening at Cadeau isn’t until seven this evening. Is there anything you’d like to do today?”

  She sipped her coffee. “I’m not sure. I’ve never been to Miami before.”

  “Well that settles it then. After breakfast we’ll go for a drive. We can’t let you leave without seeing South Beach.”

  “That sounds like fun.”

  Genevieve took her time sampling all the fruits on the table and had a second cup of coffee. She was good and caffeinated by the time she went to wash up and dress. The bathroom was an experiment in futuristic luxury. She admired the alien, egg-shaped tub with its bright-red fixtures and inviting depth but decided a shower would be quicker. Maybe she’d have time for a soak tomorrow. The rainfall spout in the glass enclosure was pure delight. She ended up spending more time in there than she had planned.

  Clean and refreshed, she stepped out in time to catch Brian leering at her. Perv. He had a thing for watching her bathe. Not that she minded. The hunger in his eyes made her feel beautiful and sexy rather than self-conscious. She wouldn’t have dared object even if it had bothered her. He was her Dom, he could stare all he liked.

  He beckoned her over to where he leaned against the counter, towel in hand. She went to him wearing nothing but a smile. In silence, he dried her off. The soft caress of the plush terrycloth felt wonderful as did his attention. He took great care to dry each and every inch of her skin, even between her toes. The simple yet affectionate gesture soothed her. Spoiling her was something he did well. Shame they couldn’t be like this all the time.

  When he was finished, he gave her a soft smile. “Get dressed. I have a surprise for you.”

  “A surprise?” Her ears perked up at that.

  “Meet me downstairs by the vending machine when you’re dressed and ready.”

  The vending machine? “Yes Sir. It won’t take me long.”

  He brushed wet strands of hair away from her face then pressed his lips to hers. An hour seemed to pass, though it was only an instant. In that one kiss, he showed her all the things he usually kept locked away. She felt…loved. Then he was gone, leaving her confused and reeling.

  She stood naked in the middle of the bathroom and pressed her fingers to her lips, imprinting the kiss on her memory. Blowing out a breath, she snapped out of her daze and went to find something to wear. She settled on a black cotton sundress that nearly swept the floor when she walked and a pair of flip-flops that were printed with B-movie monsters. If she was going to wear a dress, funky shoes were a must.

  It took all of fifteen minutes to dry her hair, slap on some eyeliner, grab her glasses and get out the door. What could he possibly surprise her with from a vending machine? She hoped for chocolate and not those stinky onion rings. The elevator let her out at the lobby. She scanned the area as she made her way to reception. No vending machine in sight.

  “Excuse me. Could you tell me where the vending machine is?” Gen asked one of the bellmen.

  He gave her a strange smile. “Looking to buy some fun? The Semi-Automatic is just to the left of that column there.”

  What a weird thing to say. She went in the direction he’d indicated and ran into Brian. He stood in front of a massive glass case. Still no vending machine.

  “Am I missing something?” she asked, confused.

  “No. Come here. I want to show you something.” Brian clasped her hand and pulled her over to one of the two touch-screens on the front of the glass case.

  The automated shelves inside were lit by colored neon and stocked with identical designer gift bags. This was the vending machine? It looked like something out of a sci-fi movie. “This is insane. What’s in the bags?”

  “Just about anything you can think of.”

  “They have anything kinky in there?” She waggled her eyebrows. After a few quick taps on the screen an image of gold-plated handcuffs popped up. She smirked. “Amateurs.”

  Brian chuckled. “Never liked the things myself. I’ve always preferred rope.” His voice was almost a purr.

  Her body went on high alert, nipples tightening at the mere mention of bondage. “Are you going to tie me up later, Sir?” she asked in a whisper.

  “If you’ve been a good girl.” Wickedness darkened his beautiful green eyes.

  “Aren’t I always good, even when I’m bad? So, what are we getting from this crazy contraption?”

  “I thought maybe we’d rent a car like normal people.”

  Right now, she’d be perfectly happy going back upstairs and being tied up like a pretzel. “You can rent a car with this?”

  “Yes, indeed.” A few more taps and Brian brought car rentals up on the screen.

  Gen looked over his shoulder as he scrolled through some pricey, high-end cars. He stopped on a red convertible and pulled up the details. She let out a little squeak. A red ’58 Vette. Too bad it had already been rented for the day. It’s not as if she actually expected him to spend that much on a rental car. A girl could dream though. They should find an economical compact vehicle.

  Someone behind them cleared their throat. Gen turned around to find the hotel manager standing off to the side.

  He offered them a pleasant smile. “Your car is out front waiting, Mr. Donovan. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

  “That will be all for right now,” Brian said with a curt nod.

  “She’s a beauty. Enjoy your day.”

  “We certainly will. Thank you.” Brian pulled her away from the machine and led her toward the hotel entrance.

  “You already rented a car?”

  “Yes I did.”

  Then why the big production? They stepped outside and were greeted by one of the valets. Parked on the curb was a red convertible that shimmered in the sunlight like a mirage. Her jaw hit the floor. “You’re the one?”

  He opened the passenger door for her. “Surprise.”

  She slid into the seat. Tears pricked her eyes as she ran her fingertips over the dash. No, she wouldn’t ruin this moment by crying. Brian had treated her with such indifference lately, and then he had to go and do something like this. It was so incredibly thoughtful her heart was about to burst.

  He got behind the wheel, reached over and gave her thigh a squeeze. “You’re awfully quiet. What do you thin
k? You like it?”

  She didn’t trust herself to speak so she simply nodded.

  His grin was downright sexy. “I thought you might. No better way to see South Beach than in a car like this.” He eased the vehicle around the drive with a low purr of appreciation. “This was a very good idea, if I do say so myself. I’ve never driven one of these.” He revved the engine and bliss smoothed out his features. “Now this is a car. Your dad must have had a hell of a time selling his. The man was a saint. I don’t think I could have done it.”

  She smiled. “It was hard for him. He never complained though. Not once. I used to catch him staring all dreamy-eyed at the pictures he kept of his blue beauty. That’s what he called her.”

  “I wanted to get a blue one like your father’s but it was impossible on such short notice. When Nicolas told me they had a rental in the Semi-Automatic I figured we were meant to have it.”

  They drove toward Ocean Boulevard with the top down. The moment was as close to perfect as it could have been. The wind blew through her hair, the salty air revitalized her and she couldn’t keep her eyes off Brian. On impulse she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, a bold thing for her to do. Touch was always initiated by him. But today, she couldn’t help herself.

  He gave her a strange look. “What was that for?”

  “Because this is the best surprise anyone has ever given me. Thank you.”

  “It’s my pleasure.” He caressed the steering wheel, his eyes full of lust. “Believe me.”

  “The car making you hot?” she asked with a laugh.

  “A little bit.”

  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this.”

  “Like what?”

  “I don’t know, carefree, happy, relaxed. You don’t have a single frowny line.”

  “Frowny line?”

  “You get them when you’re in serious Dom mode and at work and when you’re on your laptop and—”

  “Okay, okay. I get it. Are you trying to say I need to loosen up?”

  “Actually, I’m saying you’re doing a damn good job of it right now. You should do it more often.”

  “I think you may be right.”

  Cruising the strip, Brian pointed out historical landmarks and popular night spots. He took her to a sidewalk café for lunch where they had Cuban sandwiches, iced tea and playful conversation. It was normal to the point of being surreal. Against her better judgment, Gen allowed herself, just for a few hours, to pretend they were like any other couple. She stopped trying to read into his every word and gesture. She flirted, joked, smiled. The afternoon passed too quickly and before she knew it, it was time to return to the hotel. Brian surprised her again and let her drive them back. Returning the keys was one of the most difficult things she’d ever had to do.

  Back at the room, anxiety threatened to eat a hole in her stomach. She’d never been to a formal event. Three hours until the gallery opening and she had no idea what the hell she was going to do with her hair. She sat in front of the mirror and ran ideas through her head, but nothing seemed right. Her dress suddenly seemed like a bad choice. What had she been thinking when she’d picked those shoes?

  Brian came up behind her. Their eyes locked in the mirror as he placed his hands on her shoulders. “What’s the matter, little Genevieve?”

  “I’m nervous.”

  “About tonight? Don’t be.”

  She sighed. “I’ve never been to something like this. You know me—my idea of dressing up is a skirt and a cardigan. I’m not going to have anything in common with these people. What if I embarrass you?”

  “Nonsense. You could wear your holey jeans and your Shaun of the Dead t-shirt and still be the most stunning girl in the room. You’ll have plenty in common with people there. You are a very talented artist. Do I really need to remind you of that?”

  Her cheeks flushed. He had such a way with words. “Yes, but I’m not used to socializing with the rich and snotty.”

  “Not everyone is going to be that way. Several of my friends will be there, Sophia among them. I’m looking forward to showing you off.”

  “You say that now. I still have no idea what to do with this mess.” She ran her fingers through her hair.

  “I might be able to help you with that.”

  “Oh, you style hair now?”

  “No, brat. I was thinking I could get you an appointment down at the spa, but I have something even better in mind.” He pulled out his smartphone and dialed one of his contacts. He smiled at her reflection before wandering out of the room. “Banner, how are things?”

  She didn’t hear the rest of the conversation. It was too muffled to make out. Who had he called? Silently she thanked the powers that be he hadn’t made her an appointment at the spa. She was more of a do-it-yourself girl. She’d always had her hair cut at one of the cheap places and dyed it herself. The one time she’d splurged and gone to a salon, the stylist had looked down her nose at her candy-colored hair and given her condescending advice on the dangers of home hair kits. She’d told the snotty bitch to kiss her ass and swore she’d never put herself through that again.

  Brian poked his head around the corner. “All taken care of. Help will be arriving in approximately fifteen minutes.”

  “Help?” What kind of help?

  “I think you’ll like her too. You sit tight. I’m going down to the gym for a quick run.” With that he was gone.

  She almost called after him but thought better of it. There was no sense in arguing with him unless she wanted her ass blistered before the opening tonight. Not a bad idea. The soreness might help keep her nervous energy in check, and of course there would be the stress relief from the punishment itself.

  No. He was in an exceptionally good mood. Better not ruin that.

  She went to the bedroom and laid her lingerie out on the bed. First the classic black lace panties and matching garter then a new pair of black silk stockings with a Cuban heel. Last but not least were the black patent leather, blood-spattered stilettos. Sexy but edgy. At least she thought so. Just as she pulled the plastic cover from her dress a knock sounded at the door.

  She frowned, almost afraid to see who Brian had called to help. She hoped like hell it wasn’t a stuck-up hairstylist. If it was then she’d deal with it as best she could and thank him later. It was the thought that counted after all. Fake smile in place, she opened the door. A curvy bombshell covered in tattoos greeted her with a huge smile. Her raven hair hung in long waves, complete with deep-purple streaks. She was stunning and not at all what Gen had expected.

  “Hi. You must be Genevieve. Name’s Indie.” The woman stuck out her hand. Gen shook it tentatively. “I hear you’re in need of some help. I came prepared.” Indie held up an old-fashioned vinyl train case. Were her eyes actually violet? She breezed past Gen, her insanely high platform stilettos clicking on the floor. “Ooh, swank. Brian certainly has good taste.”

  “Um, yeah.”

  “Too modern for me though. It lacks a certain something.”

  Gen had to agree. How did Brian know this woman?

  “Okay, where’s the bathroom? We need to get started.” Indie grabbed her by the hand and pulled her along. “I still have to get myself ready and that can take awhile.”

  Indie’s frank attitude and friendly demeanor left Gen surprised and unsure of how to handle the strange situation she’d been thrown into. Maybe she should just go with it. “It’s straight ahead through that bedroom. Will you be at the opening tonight?”

  “Banner is dragging me along,” Indie said, leading them into the bathroom. She set her case on the counter and opened it. Holy hell, the woman had more makeup and hair products than a full-service salon. “I don’t have the first clue about art but I figure there will be some interesting people there, and any occasion that gives me a chance to buy a new dress is all right with me.” The barest Southern lilt revealed itself in Indie’s voice the more she talked.

  “How did you meet Brian?”

/>   “There’s no history between us, if that’s what you’re asking. I met him through my fiancé, Banner Faust.” She held out her left hand, wiggling her fingers. The light caught a huge oval diamond in an antique setting. “Pretty, huh?”

  Gen admired the engagement ring, but it was the silver choker at Indie’s throat that really got her attention. The thin band of metal was engraved with intricate scroll work and had several cabochon amethysts. To the untrained eye, it would appear to be a piece of beautiful jewelry, but Gen knew it was so much more than that. It was a collar.

  Envy reared its ugly head. Brian had never so much as mentioned collaring her and she hadn’t thought about it at all, until now. How safe and cherished this woman must have felt when her Dom offered her his collar. “Beautiful. The necklace too.”

  Indie gave her a knowing smile as she fingered the jewelry around her neck. “That’s special too, but then you already know that, don’t you?”

  “Yes, I do.” Gen cleared her throat, desperate to change the subject. “So, how does your fiancé know Brian?”

  “He met Brian through Jared. You’ll meet them tonight along with Sophia. They’ve all been friends for years, but don’t let that intimidate you. Everyone is great and I’m sure they’ll love you. Apparently it’s been a really long time since Brian’s been in a relationship. They’re all eager to meet his new girl.”

  Gen opened her mouth, but she was too stunned to speak so she closed it again.

  “He hasn’t told you? That figures. Men. I swear they’re so clueless sometimes. I’ll try to fill you in as best I can so you’re not blindsided by the whole thing. Why don’t you show me your outfit so I can come up with a plan for your hair?”

  “It’s in here.” Gen took her into the bedroom and showed her the dress.

  “This dress… Where on earth did you find it?”

  “A vintage shop in Ybor City. It’s all wrong, isn’t it?” Gen couldn’t hide her disappointment.

  “Are you kidding? It’s the perfect little black dress—sleeveless, tiny waist, the way the skirt flares out and swings with the crinoline peeking out below. Oh and the bateau neckline screams—”