Crusader (Impossible #9)

by Julia Sykes

To my surprise, he brushed a swift kiss across my lips, as though we were a couple. I didn’t even have time to react before he retreated toward the apartment door. Dex followed behind him, appearing slightly bemused at the arrangement.

  “By fry up you mean bacon and coffee right?” he questioned Hugh. “I don’t want any of this tea and crumpets crap.” He put on a horrible English accent when he said tea and crumpets.

  Hugh stopped in his tracks and stared at him. “Never do that again, mate.”

  I smothered a laugh, turning it into a cough when Dex glared at me.

  “You boys have fun!” I waved them on. Dex shook his head at me, but walked out after Hugh.

  “So you and Sullivan, huh?” Finlay asked as soon as the door closed behind them.

  All the humor drained out of me. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  He snorted. “And here I thought he had taught you some lessons in honesty.”

  “Fine. Yes, we’re fucking. It’s not a big deal.”

  “I’ll let him know you said that,” he threatened. “He won’t like to know that you’re lying to me.”

  I crossed my arms over my chest. “And what makes you think it’s a big deal?”

  “Because it’s Hugh. He doesn’t fuck just anybody. And he certainly doesn’t put a collar on just anybody.”

  I shifted uncomfortably. “That was a tactical decision. He didn’t want us separated. It didn’t mean anything.”

  “I ken you’re not stupid, Clara. That means you’re being deliberately obtuse. I’ll be certain to let Hugh know he needs to keep working on your personal honesty.”

  “Don’t you dare get all high-handed and Domly with me,” I warned, poking him in the chest with my index finger. His brows rose, and he took a step back. “You can’t top me into behaving the way you want me to. I’m here on a mission, not for some fling with an Englishman. What’s happening between Hugh and me is none of your business. And if it’s getting in the way of us working as a team to bring down Dimitri, I’ll find another way to manage my op.”

  He stared at me for a moment, then burst out laughing. “I don’t envy Hugh. No wonder Dex seems so worn down. You’re a handful, woman.”

  “I’m a force to be reckoned with,” I amended for him. “And if you’re done interfering in my sex life, can I ask you a few questions about MI5?”

  He turned more serious. “You can ask, but whether or not I answer depends on what you want to know.”

  “I still don’t really understand how you and Hugh are running this. Hugh said it started out as something the two of you were looking into privately when you noticed Bliss circulating around the club scene.”

  “That’s right,” he confirmed.

  “But now your boss knows about it? About Dimitri?”

  “The Director General knows we suspect Abramovich’s involvement. He trusts Hugh and me, so when we asked for time to look into the situation, he granted it. We’ve mostly been keeping intel to ourselves because of our respect for people in the lifestyle. We didn’t want to bring in the cavalry to the clubs until we were absolutely sure of a bust. Something like that will make the news, and we wanted to keep if quiet if we could. Then you and Dex complicated things further. We can’t let the boss know we have two rogue Americans working with us. So for now, it’s an unofficial job with official consent.”

  “If we need backup, can we get it?”

  “How do you think we were able to call in Special Branch last night? How do you think we’re using this safe house? It’s not all under the radar. The Director General is just on a need-to-know basis at the mo.”

  “Okay,” I said slowly, digesting that. “So when Sam gets back to us with Dimitri’s location, I’ll be cleared to come in with you, right?”

  “You won’t be cleared. But Hugh will let you ride along. Again, need-to-know. As far as MI5 is concerned, you’re not here right now. And if by some miracle everything doesn’t go tits-up, no one will ever know you were part of this.”

  I frowned. “But I still get to Dimitri.”

  “That’s between you and Hugh,” he said, holding up his hands. “I’ll back his decision.”

  “We’re all square, then,” I said with approval. When the time came, I would have a clear shot at Dimitri. Now all I could do was wait for another lead from Sam. I started pacing the small kitchen.

  Finlay’s hands grasped my upper arms, and he steered me toward a barstool.

  “What are you doing?” I asked as my ass hit the chair.

  “You’re making me antsy with that pacing. I’m cooking sausage, and you’re going to sit there.”

  “What did I tell you about topping me?” I reminded him sharply.

  “It’s just my nature. Now, do you want any sausage or not?”

  I smiled, my annoyance melting away. “You drive a hard bargain, MacClellan. Pork it is.”

  He grinned. “I knew you were a cannie lass.”

  “Um, thanks?”

  “You’re welcome.” He didn’t bother to explain himself, but judging by his demeanor I assumed it wasn’t an insult.

  My disposable cell phone dinged, letting me know I had a text. I picked it up from where I had left it on the kitchen table the night before. It could only be Dex or Hugh. In the second it took me to retrieve the message, my heart leapt into my throat. Maybe Dex had already heard from Sam…

  Or maybe Hugh just wanted to beat my ass some more.

  Meet me at the dungeon in an hour,

  Hugh xxx

  Chapter 16

  “You don’t have to walk me in,” I told Finlay as he accompanied me up the front steps to the house that concealed the private dungeon.

  “I promised Hugh I wouldn’t leave your side. I’d rather not give him an excuse to kick my arse.”

  I quirked an eyebrow. “Would it be all that easy?” I teased.

  One corner of his lips tugged up in a crooked smile. “He’s pretty fierce when he gets possessive like this.”

  I tried to pretend like I didn’t know what he was talking about, but I remembered the intensity of Hugh’s blue eyes on me when we fucked the night before. Yes. There was definitely something possessive there. It should be worrying that it didn’t really concern me all that much.

  Because you’re possessive of him, too. The thought of Hugh with another woman made my fingers curl. But that was stupid. Dimitri would be dead soon, and I would go back to America. I had no hold over the gorgeous Englishman.

  “And this is where I leave you,” Finlay announced, breaking into my brooding. He held the door open for me. “Enjoy your time with Big Ben.”

  I laughed. “Don’t give him too hard a time about that.”

  “Why? You worried about getting your arse whipped? Because I’m afraid it’s too late to be worrying about that, lass.”

  “It was worth it,” I said with a smile. After all, the nickname had earned me multiple orgasms.

  He shook his head. “Crazy Yank.”

  “Aw, I like you too, MacClellan.”

  “I tolerate your presence, Peterson,” he shot back, deadpan.

  After watching his grumpy exchange with Hugh earlier that morning, I understood what that tone really meant. He wouldn’t be so rude if he didn’t actually like me.

  I winked at him. “See you later.”

  His lips twitched as he tried to suppress his own smile. “If I must.”

  “You’re late.” Hugh stepped into the open doorway, frowning at us from inside. He grabbed my arm and hauled me across the threshold. “And what are you thinking, standing out in the open? Abramovich is likely looking for you.”

  “Hello to you, too,” I said drily.

  “We’ll meet back up at the safe house this evening,” Hugh told his friend. Finlay nodded his agreement and left.

  Never letting go of my arm, the big bad Dom began pulling me along in his wake, down the short entrance hallway and through the door to the dungeon space. I stopped in my tracks.

&nb
sp; “What is he doing here?”

  Dex’s brows lifted. “He’s considering leaving if that’s how your attitude is going to be.”

  Hugh’s eyes sharpened on my partner. “He’ll do nothing of the sort. Not until we’ve talked about this.”

  “Talked about what?” I asked. The dungeon was a weird place to hold a meeting. “And why isn’t Finlay here?”

  “I didn’t think you’d be up for a foursome, love,” Hugh said coolly.

  “Wait. What?” I took a step back. Hugh still didn’t release my arm, keeping me securely tethered to him.

  “You really do jump right into things, don’t you Sullivan?” Dex remarked. “I thought Brits were supposed to show more restraint.”

  “I’m never restrained when it comes to sex,” Hugh said with a smirk.

  Dex glowered. “If you’re going to be a dick about it, I’ll leave.”

  “Will you two stop bickering and explain what’s going on?” I demanded.

  Hugh softened, his grip on my arm loosening. He stepped in front of me so he filled my space, and he gently gripped my chin to lift my face to his.

  “We discussed how you used to play with a third partner,” he said in that impossibly deep voice. It immediately captured my full attention. “You haven’t enjoyed that dynamic since your ex hurt you. I want to give it back to you, just like we did with the bondage last night.”

  I sucked in a breath, stunned. “This is a lot more than putting on a pair of cuffs,” I managed to get out. “I don’t know if I’m ready for something like this.” I shifted my body so I could peer around him. My eyes searched for Dex. “And I don’t want to sub for both of you.”

  “I’ve agreed to bottom,” Dex said. “With several conditions,” he added with significance.

  “You switch?” I asked, taken aback.

  “No. But I’ll do this for you. I know it’s important to you. And I trust you.”

  I stepped around Hugh to approach my friend. I searched his pale blue eyes. “Is this part of your depression-fueled sex bender? Because I don’t want to facilitate that in any way.”

  He hesitated. “Maybe a little bit. But it’s more than that,” he added quickly. “I want to try it. I think I could use the release.” His eyes darkened. “I think I need a little pain.”

  I touched my palm to his cheek. “I don’t know if this is the right way to do that, Dex. I won’t help you torment yourself.” It was the same thing Hugh had said to me when I begged him to spank me.

  “I’ll be doing something good,” he assured me. “Hugh explained to me how you need to reclaim your sexual identity. I’ve known you were hurting inside ever since I met you. I want to help you, Clara.” His voice roughened. “And I don’t want you to hurt me because I think I deserve pain. I just want to feel something.”

  I recognized the anguish that tightened the lines around his eyes and mouth. Dex had told me how Katie broke his heart, but I hadn’t realized how thoroughly she shattered him. It was my job as a Domme to take care of my partners. That need to help him tugged at something deep within me. He was making himself extremely vulnerable in offering to bottom for me. I couldn’t harm him further by rejecting him when he was in this state.

  “What are your conditions?” I asked softly.

  He blew out a breath. “I’m up for trying flogging, but absolutely no CBT. No hurting my dick. And if things end up going further,” he shot a warning look at Hugh over my head, “his cock doesn’t come anywhere near my ass.”

  I snorted a laugh.

  “I’m serious,” Dex insisted. “You’re topping me, Clara. Not him. I’m doing this because I trust you.”

  “I trust you too, Dex.” I glanced back at Hugh. “And I trust him. He won’t do anything you’re uncomfortable with.”

  My friend nodded. “We’ve talked. I’m good with this scenario. Safe words are yellow and red.”

  I shot a sly smile at Hugh. “He didn’t make you go with amber instead of yellow?”

  Dex squeezed my hand, his expression heavy with seriousness. “He didn’t make me do anything. I’m doing this because I want to help you.”

  I rocked up on my tiptoes and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek. “Thank you.”

  “No kissing,” Hugh growled from behind me.

  I sighed, exasperated. “It’s just a peck on the cheek. I thought you wanted this setup. We can’t have a threesome if you’re going to be jealous.”

  He grabbed my waist and turned my body into his. He gripped me by my hair, holding me in place so he could take my lips. Oh, yeah. There was definitely something possessive about the way he kissed me.

  He pulled back just enough so his words could rumble across my lips. “You might be in charge of him, but I’m in charge of you. And I say no kissing.”

  “I wasn’t planning on it,” I promised softly.

  “If it helps, I’m not up for that, either,” Dex chimed in. “I’m strictly here as a friend, who also happens to be a kinky bastard.”

  I turned my attention to him. “You’re a kinky bastard who needs to be naked. Strip, caveman.”

  He crossed his arms over his chest, automatically digging in his heels.

  I extricated myself from Hugh’s arms so I could go to Dex. My fingers curled in the hem of his too-big navy sweater.

  “This isn’t going to work if you can’t follow orders,” I told him, tugging steadily upward on the knitted material.

  He sighed and shifted his arms to help me pull the sweater over his head. I smiled up at him, encouraging.

  “That’s better.” I could be a gentle Top if I needed to be, and I sensed Dex wouldn’t respond well to me barking at him. I didn’t have to be a bitch to make the power exchange happen. “Now the jeans,” I ordered, stepping back to watch.

  Even if I wasn’t attracted to him on an emotional level, I could most certainly appreciate that he was a perfect example of physical masculinity. Broad shoulders, defined abs, and the sexy V that led straight to…

  I licked my lips. Dex had a beautiful cock to match his gorgeous body.

  “There’s nothing small about you, is there caveman?” I asked with a low whistle.

  His cock jumped to attention in response to my positive feedback, and his cheeks colored. He could be adorably self-conscious when he wasn’t in Dom mode. It made me want to give him a big hug. And then a good lick. I wouldn’t mind tracing that V with my tongue.

  I turned to Hugh and held out an imperious hand. “Cuffs,” I requested.

  He chuckled and swatted my ass. “Right away, Mistress.”

  Dex shifted awkwardly while Hugh went to retrieve a pair of leather cuffs from the chest of drawers. I stepped toward him and ran a soothing hand down his chest.

  “You’re going to be fine, Dex,” I assured him in a low voice. “This will be a lot of fun.” I altered my touch so my nails lightly raked across his abs. They flexed beneath my touch, and his cock hardened further.

  “I don’t know what you’re doing to me,” he hissed out.

  “I’m turning you on,” I informed him. I trailed my nails slowly downward, stopping to tease just above the base of his shaft.

  He reached out and gripped my wrist with a low growl.

  “No,” I reprimanded, staring levelly into his pale eyes. I gripped his wrist in return, applying pressure until his fingers loosened around me.

  “Do you have any idea how fucking hot you are right now?” Hugh rumbled in my ear, pressing the cuffs into my free hand.

  “Yes,” I said, familiar confidence filling me. “I do.”

  Hugh chuckled. “Of course you do.”

  I never took my eyes off Dex’s. A furrow formed between his brows, as though he was confused by my ability to stare him down. Or maybe he was just concentrating really hard on not getting more aroused. I could tell he was slightly embarrassed about getting turned on.

  “It’s okay to enjoy this, Dex,” I said smoothly as I brought one cuff around the wrist I still held. I kept him
fixed in my steady gaze as I buckled it closed. His pupils dilated, and I smiled in satisfaction. This might be his first time submitting, but he was definitely showing a positive reaction.

  I closed the second cuff around his other wrist and then hooked my forefingers through the D-rings set into the leather.

  “Come,” I softened my voice so the order wasn’t grating. Dex blinked, looking as though he couldn’t quite believe what was happening. I took a step back, and his big body moved with mine. He allowed me to guide him to the St. Andrews Cross.

  He stiffened when I raised one of his hands toward the eyebolt on the cross. I couldn’t force him to move. He was far too strong.

  “Dexter,” I said sharply. He flinched.

  Okay, not the way to go here. I didn’t want to upset him, and the way his nostrils flared warned me I was going to have a very angry Neanderthal on my hands if I used his full name again.

  “Dex,” I corrected, my voice silky. “Don’t fight me. If you do, there will be consequences.”

  His brows drew further together, and his mouth opened to backtalk me. I placed my hand over his lips.

  “I’m warning you not to sass me,” I said sternly. “In thirty seconds, I’m going to be holding a flogger, and you’re going to be tied to this cross. You get to decide right now how that’s going to go for you. I can make it hurt bad, or I can make it hurt worse. Choose.”

  His eyes grew wider and wider as I delivered my ultimatum. Then he swallowed, and I felt his lips press together beneath my palm.

  “Good,” I said with satisfaction, pulling my hand away. He didn’t resist when I lifted his arm up and secured the cuff to the eyebolt with a steel clip. I did the same to his other arm before he could change his mind and decide to fight me after all.

  I stepped back to admire my work. Dex’s muscles rippled when he tested the restraints. I was sure he could rip the cross apart with his brute strength if he really put his mind to it, but he seemed content to give no more than an experimental tug. My fingertips danced across the lines of his muscular shoulders.

  “I could just eat you up, caveman,” I purred, giving him a bite of pain with my fingernails. He gasped and jerked against the cuffs that held him.