I try to ignore the pain in Sam’s eyes as he looks at me. It’s obvious he’s battling demons of his own.
I say softly, “What about Sam Carrington, the billionaire owner of Carrington Steel. What does he really want out of life?”
He shakes his head. “I haven’t figured that out yet. More of the same I suppose. We are always looking for the rainbow aren’t we, Katherine? Some get there faster than others but we never stop looking. I’m starting to realize that things are not always as they seem. I thought I was content with my life but now - I’m not so sure.”
Before I can ask him what he means, he looks at his watch and says gruffly.
“Anyway, we have thirty minutes to get ready.”
He looks at me with a hard expression. “You ready for phase two, darlin’?”
I sigh heavily. “Bring it on.”
11
Sam
As I wait for Katherine, I think about what she said earlier. Everybody has dreams, we all want the fairy-tale, men included. What I’m starting to realize is that my life is as empty as fuck and having her around is satisfying in so many ways.
Normally it’s just me and the Baxters and the endless work I bring home. When I want company, I have a little black book bursting with willing companions. However, I’d burn that book in a heartbeat if it meant Katherine would stay.
The thought hits me like a thunderbolt. How has this happened? I’ve never been interested in seeing the same woman twice, let alone considering a lifetime with them. But as she walks into the room everything slots into place. She sets my soul on fire and my heart beats faster just from one look from those gorgeous eyes. She is strong, beautiful and brave with the most wicked wit and sense of humor. I can’t believe it but I think I’m falling in love with this amazing woman which makes everything suddenly so much harder.
I look at her and smile appreciatively.
“You look amazing, Katherine.”
She blushes self-consciously. “Oh, you know, just something I threw on.”
I laugh softly because she looks like a supermodel on a runway. Her dress is the deepest red and clings to her curves and ripples as she moves. The silk fabric begs to be caressed and the jewels around her neck glitter in the firelight. Her long, dark, hair, gleams as it falls to her shoulders, and her painted red lips beg for my attention. She walks with a slight wiggle and every step she takes reinforces my decision. When this is over - we begin. She doesn’t know it yet but Katherine Rogers is going nowhere without me by her side.
I hold out my hand and feel the soft skin of her hand close around mine. It feels natural and the perfect fit. Two hands joined as one with a common goal. Freedom.
We head out to the car and once again sit in a companionable silence as we contemplate the evening ahead. Grady Vincent is about to take a mighty fall and I must protect this woman with everything I’ve got. We can carry out this mission without compromising Katherine in the process. My mind has been working hard ever since I met her to work out a way of keeping her safe. I’m almost there and she won’t worry about a thing.
The theater is alive with the rich and privileged beating a trail to its doors. Glamorous women and smart men mix with general members of the public on a night out. I recognize many familiar faces and the journey to our seats will be a long one.
I don’t miss the predatory glances from the women and the lust-filled ones from the men as they view the beautiful woman by my side. I side-step many a conversation as there is only one man we want.
I guide Katherine upstairs to the boxes reserved for the elite. Grady always uses the same one, the one closest to the stage and yet set back in the shadows. Nobody can see what goes on which is just the way he likes it. He has an understanding with the staff and pays them to deactivate the CCTV in that particular box. He desires privacy for depravity but this time the staff owe someone more powerful than him.
Ryder has arranged for the cameras to be trained on that particular box the entire night and nobody would dare go against him. It’s my job to give them some privacy and watch from the control room. When the moment comes, I’ll interrupt the proceedings and save my woman from the creep it contains.
I can tell that Katherine’s nervous beside me as I feel her hand grip mine tightly. She walks with a confidence she doesn’t feel but to everyone else, she is poised and elegant and so darn sexy it hurts to look at her.
I feel proud walking with her by my side and have to steel my heart for the night ahead. Then I see him. Senator Grady Vincent. First class asshole and most despicable man I know.
Here goes.
Katherine
I think I know it’s him before we’re even introduced. I look at the small, rather tubby man before me with the cold, mean eyes. I watch as the interest sparks in them as he sees us approach.
He is talking with a group of people who obviously have way more money than taste. The men are dressed smartly enough but have that air surrounding them of self-satisfaction and supremacy. The women are made up to the extreme and have obviously kept the plastic surgeons in Ferraris for another year. In total, the whole group seems fake and I feel the disgust flooding through my veins.
Then he sees us and I feel torn apart by just one look from him. I grip Sam’s hand a little tighter and set my mask of disinterest in place
The group turn to look at us and the men stand straighter and hold in their stomachs and the women pout and preen and flash availability messages to Sam.
Grady smiles creepily and shouts, “Sam Carrington. It’s good to see you, son. Who’s this delightful creature on your arm tonight? She must be new in town or I’d know about it.”
Sam looks at him with a blank expression. “Grady, it’s good to see you. Gentlemen, ladies, may I introduce Katherine Rogers?”
Grady approaches and does that kiss thing three times. Every kiss lingers just a little too long and I feel the shiver run down my spine. Ugh, disgusting.
The women look at me coldly and I’m interested to see who Grady is accompanying tonight. Not his wife that’s for sure. This woman looks like the sort that would charge by the hour. She giggles, as she makes eyes at Sam and I instantly feel like slapping her face—hard.
Grady grins. “Well, you must join me in my box.”
He holds up his hand. “No, I won’t take no for an answer. We have plenty of room and it would be disagreeable of me not to share when it’s such a fine position.”
I note the scowls on the other faces as it appears they wanted the invitation extended to us. I notice a woman sidle up to Sam and pout prettily. She says breathlessly, “It’s been too long, Sam. I was hoping we could continue what we started a few months ago.”
I look at her incredulously. Her date for this evening is talking to another man not two feet away while she propositions another. Before I can step in Grady sidles up next to me and whispers, “Make sure you sit next to me my dear. I will take great pleasure in showing you how things work at this theater.”
I smile politely but that is all. It’s obvious what he plans on showing me and I laugh to myself. Why do they make it so easy?
The bell rings for us to take our seats and Grady leads us to his VIP box. He holds open the door and I feel his hand brush against my hip as I move past him. His partner takes her seat on the other side of him and Sam sits on my right. So far so good. Everything’s in place and I wonder how this will pan out. All I have to do is sit tight and play the victim. That’s gonna be harder than you think because my instincts have been well taught over the last few years and I can defend myself better than a battle worn soldier. If I wanted I could knock Grady out cold without busting a fingernail in the process. The hardest thing will be acting the innocent.
The lights dim and the show starts. It’s opera which is my worst. I hate the wailing of the singers as they act out their script in such a dramatic fashion. I’ve never understood it myself but recognize it’s the perfect choice for a creep like Grady. Loud music and brigh
t lights disguise the real play acting out before the crowd. I feel shivers of revulsion grip me as I picture the poor women who have sat where I am now.
I suppose it must be twenty minutes into the first half when Sam’s phone rings. He looks at us apologetically and whispers,
“I’m sorry, I have to take this. Unfortunately, it may take some time and I may not make it back before the interval. Take care of Katherine for me would you, Grady?”
I watch the excitement burn in Grady’s eyes as he nods. “I will make it my priority, Sam. Take as long as you like.”
Sam kisses me on the cheek and whispers, “You ok, darlin’?”
I fix him with a determined look. “I’ll be fine, don’t worry about me.”
As the door clicks softly shut behind him, Grady wastes no time.
As the sound of opera fills our ears, I notice Grady’s hand starts to wander. I see it disappear around the back of his companion and watch in horror as he unzips her dress. He doesn’t appear to care that I’m watching, and it falls to the floor in a heap, revealing her black lace underwear.
He turns to look at me and smiles with a sinister look in his eyes. “Care to join us?”
Jumping up, I back away towards the door, shaking my head in pretend fear.
“You’re disgusting, why would I want any part of this?”
Before I can reach it, he grabs my hand and nods to his companion who moves across and blocks the exit. I stare at her in disbelief as she smiles wickedly.
“You may as well stay and enjoy the ride, honey. You’ll have much more fun if you do.”
Grady pushes me forcefully to the floor and I make a great show of kicking and fighting him off. He sits astride me as he holds my arms down and laughs darkly.
“Now, now, my dear. I saw it in your eyes. You wanted me as soon as you laid eyes on me.”
He leans down to kiss me and I turn my head away and say fearfully. “I’ll scream if you touch me.”
He laughs. “Nobody will hear your screams because this box is soundproofed. Just a little touch from a friend of mine. I like to think of this as my playground, honey and guess what, you’re my newest ride.”
I snarl. “I’ll report you to the cops for rape, you sick bastard.”
He looks across at the girl and they laugh. He rolls his eyes. “Do you really think anyone will believe your word against ours? You’re outnumbered my dear and nobody will believe a word you say. Like I said, you may as well enjoy the ride because once you have you’ll be begging me for more.”
I squeeze a tear from my eyes as I plead with him.
“Please, let me go. I promise I won’t say anything.
Just unlock the door and let me out.”
Grady’s eyes darken with desire and his hand starts pushing my dress up. His fingers work their way up my legs towards my panties and his breath becomes labored. I feel his dick pressed hard against me and feel the bile rise in my throat. I see him fumbling with his zip as he pushes my panties aside.
He groans and his eyes are dark with desire. “You know you want this you bitch. You can scream all you want, in fact, the louder the better. Girls like you love the rough stuff. It’s in your eyes. When I’ve finished with you, you’ll be begging me for more. Davina here loves to watch, don’t you darling?”
She giggles and I see the glazed look in her eyes. She’s high on something alright and I wonder what he’s fed her.
I watch as she bites her lip and says softly, “Do it, Grady. Fuck the bitch, I dare you.”
I look at her in disbelief. What the hell is this? I resist every instinct in me not to nail this bastard to the floor. I could get him off me in seconds and leave him begging for mercy. But I play my part for every woman here before me and start to cry softly.
“Please no, I’m begging you. Don’t do this. Sam will be back soon just you see.”
He grunts as he presses harder into me as he struggles to free his dick. His breathing is fast and excited and I see a flush breaking out across his face. He is sweating, and it fills me with disgust. He growls, “Stupid fucking whore. You reject people like me until we have power and money. Then you can’t wait to ride our dicks because of what it gives you. I should slap your face and hear you beg me for mercy. What do you say, honey, do you like it rough?”
I start to shake and cry fearfully. “Let me go, I’m begging you. Don’t do this why would you?”
He laughs. “Because I can and there’s nothing you can do about it. I have the power now, not you. Looking at me with your big baby eyes and looking so perfect. Well, who has the power now?”
I start to sob as his dick finds it way inside my panties. Just when I think I can’t take it anymore the door crashes open and Sam rushes in. He pulls Grady off me and slams him against the wall of the box.
I gulp for air and hear him growl,
“You fucking bastard. Let’s see how you like it.”
He pulls back his fist but before he can smash it through Grady’s face I jump up and pull on his arm.
“Don’t, Sam. He’ll sue you for assault. Please, can we just leave?”
I start to cry and Sam turns and looks at me with the anger flashing in his eyes. I rush to the door as Grady laughs. “That’s it, run away little girl. Nothing happened here except you trying to blackmail me when I turned you down. Mr. Carrington, you should keep better company in the future. This town talks and if word got out about your new companion, you wouldn’t find many open doors to you.”
Sam turns and looks at him with an ice-filled stare. “We both know what really happened here, Senator. You won’t get away with it.”
I beg him. “Please, Sam. I want to go. Leave it.”
Grady laughs as Sam backs away. “Listen to your girlfriend, Sam. She knows how these things work. Now run along because I have plans.”
I pull Sam away before he can do what he is obviously itching to. Grady’s sinister laugh follows us as we slam the door.
Sam pulls me to him and whispers, “You ok, darlin’?”
I nod and fight the tears threatening to spill. “It’s fine. Let’s just go.”
As we leave the theater, I think about the man we left behind. I can’t wait to see him get what he deserves.
12
Katherine
The ride home is in direct contrast to the one there. I sit snuggled up next to Sam with his arm around me, just grateful to be in his arms. I laugh softly. “Well, I’ve always hated opera, and that was certainly no exception.”
Sam laughs. “I see what you mean. Overrated in my opinion.”
He turns to me and we grin at each other. He high fives me and we say in unison. “Job done.”
I nestle into his side with contentment.
“Thank God that’s over. Maybe we can have a few days rest before the next one.”
He nods. “I think that can be arranged.”
He falls silent and then after a while says softly. “I think I’m due a vacation from the office. Our next target is the easiest one yet. How about we tick that one off and then get away for a couple of days? I have a house in the Florida Keys that I rarely visit. We could fly down there for a few days and try to sort our heads out for the most challenging ones yet.”
He doesn’t know it but his words fill me with a happiness I’ve never experienced before. I nod enthusiastically. “Are you sure you want to? I mean, surely you must be fed up with the sight of me by now. I would have thought a workaholic like you would only be too happy to leave me alone for a few days and get back to what he does best.”
Sam grins. “Actually, Katherine, for the first time I’m really looking forward to spending a few days with a woman and I am more than happy it’s you. I just hope you want the same.”
Smiling, I turn to face him and almost gasp out loud as I see the desire in his eyes. Those blue eyes are penetrating mine as if he’s reading my very soul.
I say softly. “Then let’s get phase three over with and get packing.”
/> He grins wickedly and tilts my face to his. As he brushes his lips against mine he says softly, “First things first. I’ve been wanting to do this all night.”
His kiss is sweet and intoxicating. He tastes my lips like he wants to savor every moment. It’s soft, seductive and the sexiest kiss I have ever experienced. It’s not harsh and brutal like Ryder’s. It’s loving and nurturing yet hints at the desperation behind the man controlling it. This trip will change everything it’s all there in his kiss. The promise, the desire and the sense of inevitability. I can’t wait to see where this all leads.
All too soon he pulls back and smiles. Pulling me beside him, he says gently. “So, phase three is the easiest one yet. Tomorrow I’ve arranged a lunch with Senator Scott Parker. It’s a business dinner but I know he’s bringing his new wife. You may have seen the reports on the news.”
I nod. “Yes, he married Shelby Barrington. Socialite and trophy wife. Didn’t I also see him plead for the return of his assistant? What was her name again?”
He laughs softly. “Amelia James. Yes, you have a good memory. What the reports don’t mention is that Amelia James was more than Scott’s PA, she was also his submissive.”
I look at him in total shock. “Wow, you don’t say. So why did he marry Shelby?”
Sam laughs. “For the elevation up the political ladder. Her family is Washington royalty. Even though he’s made it to the trusted inner sanctum of the President’s favored few, he covets the top job for himself. He would never get there without Shelby on his arm who was bred to be the First Lady. Amelia was the one who satisfied the darker part of his soul and to say he’s pissed at her escape is putting it mildly. He will do anything to get her back and that’s where you come in.”
I look at him with interest. “What do I have to do?”
Twisted_A Billionaire Romance Page 6