He smiles wickedly. “Ever played the submissive, Katherine?”
I shiver. “Not really. It’s not really me, honey.”
He laughs. “Don’t worry, it’s only for the duration of the dinner. You must pretend to be my sub and he will recognize the relationship we share. Towards the end of the meal when the business has been discussed I’ll give you the opportunity to tell him what he’s desperate to know. His beloved sub is currently managing a rock band on tour and has changed her name to Emily Stone. You tell him that she confided in you but you couldn’t keep it a secret from your master—oh, that’s me in case you didn’t know.”
I slap him on the arm and he laughs. “So, how will that bring him down?”
Sam grins. “That’s all it will take. What he doesn’t know is that Emily/ Amelia, call her what you like, now has some powerful friends looking out for her. They’ve amassed enough shit on Senator Scott Parker to bury him for good. All he needs to know is where she is and then the shit will hit the fan. Like I said, this one’s the easy one.”
I settle back in my seat and feel the relief flooding through me. Thank god for small mercy’s. At least one out of the five should be plain sailing.
Sam
As soon as we returned home, Katherine headed back to her room. I had to work as there were hundreds of emails to sort through that required my attention. It was only because Katherine looked so exhausted that I pushed down my raging lust for her. She needs to rest. There will be plenty of time to move this thing on when we hit Florida.
I feel a total fraud but I’ve been planning that trip ever since I realized how much I wanted her. We need to get away from the madness for a few days to see where this will go. Both of us deserve some time to explore this relationship and it’s just the lunch tomorrow standing in our way.
Every time I think of her pining after Ryder it’s like a blow to my heart. He was always the hardest bastard and the most unreadable of us all. Living with him must have been heaven and hell and it’s no wonder she fell hard. I need to step up my game if I want to win the lady because he is one hell of an act to follow.
It must be 3 am and half a bottle of whiskey before I pass out where I sit.
I feel a gentle hand stroking my face and my eyes blink open.
I see Katherine looking like an angel in the dull light of the night, looking at me with concern.
“Come on, Sam, enough now. Let me take care of you.”
I think I must be dreaming when she snaps my laptop closed and pulls me to my feet. I walk behind her as she leads me from the room and walks towards her bedroom.
I take a moment to admire the curves outlined in the silk of her nightgown as she walks before me. Her footsteps make no sound as her bare feet pad along the marble floor.
We reach her room and she pushes me gently down onto the bed and removes my shoes. I look at her and raise my eyes. “You sure about this, darlin’?”
She rolls her eyes. “Down boy, I’m just protecting my soldier. You need someone to care for you that’s obvious. I’m not letting you out of my sight until you get some sleep. If I have to tie you to the bed, I will.”
I go to speak but she silences me by pressing her lips to mine lightly. Pulling back, she whispers, “Come, get into bed and sleep with me. That’s all mind. No funny business, ok?”
I find myself grinning as I do as she says. As I lie down beside her, I put my arm around her and she lies her head on my chest. As she traces the tattoo I have of an eagle on my upper right torso she whispers, “Good night, Sam.”
I smile in the darkness. “Good night, darlin’. Sweet dreams.”
13
Sam
When I wake in the morning, I’m alone. Just for a moment, I think I was dreaming and then see that I’m in the guest room. The pillow beside me looks dented but the sheets are cold. Rubbing my eyes, I sit up as the door opens gently, and she comes into the room carrying a tray; she laughs softly.
“Morning sleepyhead. I thought you deserved breakfast in bed today. I know Susan has the day off so thought we’d treat ourselves.”
I grin as I take in the sight of the angel before me. Still wearing her hot little silk nightgown that is struggling to disguise what’s underneath and begging for my attention. Her hair is draped over one shoulder and her face devoid of makeup which makes her look like an angel.
She sets the tray on my lap and I see the croissants and juice with the cereal bowl filled to the brim. She grins. “Get started and I’ll fetch the coffee. I won’t be long.”
By the time she returns I’ve wolfed down two croissants, and she laughs as she hands me the coffee. “Hungry?”
I laugh softly. “Apparently so. What have I done to deserve such service?”
Her eyes soften as she climbs in beside me.
“For being such great back up. I just thought I’d return the favor. I think we make a good team.”
I turn to face her and my eyes soften as I see the beauty staring back at me.
“I think you’re right. Well, we’ve still got a way to go before we can call this thing but know I’m right there with you to the end.”
She smiles but I don’t miss the anxiety in her eyes. She’s afraid, it’s obvious but I’m not sure why.
Before we finish breakfast her cell rings. She looks at the number and says with a worried voice, “It’s Preston.”
I frown. “You’d better see what he wants. He’s probably wanting to set up another session. Just tell him you’re busy and set it for a couple of weeks. That should be long enough.”
She answers the phone with a hard voice.
“Katherine Rogers.”
I watch as she rolls her eyes and I laugh to myself as she says harshly.
“You can schedule me in two weeks today. Make sure you’re in better shape by the time I get there because if you’re not, I’m going to be madder than hell and you won’t get off so lightly next time.”
He’s obviously trying to move the session closer because she snarls, “Don’t argue. It’s that or nothing - your choice.”
She listens for a second or two and then says with irritation.
“Take it or leave it. Two weeks today, or nothing.”
Then she hangs up and grins.
“Slimy bastard, he wanted to up his price if I’d see him today.”
I look at her with interest. “How much more?”
She grins. “Five thousand dollars.”
We burst out laughing and she rolls her eyes. “I’m in the wrong job after all. Maybe beating the shit out of someone for their pleasure is more lucrative than I ever thought. I should seriously consider it.”
I frown and grab the phone from her hand. “Over my dead body, darlin’, the only one beating the shit out of anyone around here is me and those guys trying it on with you.”
She giggles and jumps up.
“My hero. Anyway, haven’t we got packing to do followed by a cozy lunch - Master!”
Grinning, I jump out of bed and enjoy watching her eyes widen as she sees just what’s coming her way.
“Your wish is my command, darlin’. Let’s go finish phase three and get the hell out of dodge.”
I laugh at the desire in her eyes as she watches me leave the room. This is one trip I can’t wait to take.
Katherine
We head to a popular restaurant for our lunch with Senator Parker and his new wife. I’m dressed conservatively in a white trouser suit with a black lace cami under the jacket. Sam looks mouth-watering in a navy suit and pink tie. His blondish hair refuses to be tamed, though and sits spiky on top begging for my fingers to comb it through.
His eyes twinkle as he grabs my hand at the door to the restaurant. “This should be easy, honey. All you have to do is follow my lead and act the sub. You ok with this?”
I look down shyly and say softly. “Yes, Master.”
Then I try to hide my smile as I follow him inside.
They are already here and I’m
interested to see target number three. Unlike the others he’s a good-looking son of a bitch and his wife is, as I’d expect, Washington’s finest to look at. Polished, cool and well-bred with not a hair out of place. He is dressed immaculately in a beige suit with a blue shirt and they are both glowing from their honeymoon.
He greets Sam like a long-lost friend who introduces me to them. “Scott, Shelby, I’d like you to meet my um… partner, Katherine Rogers.”
I smile shyly at Shelby and look down. Sam nudges me and I lift my eyes to Scott’s and say shyly, “I’m pleased to meet you, sir.”
I see the realization dawn as he takes in the submissive gaze and the sight of my hand holding onto Sam’s arm. He looks across at Sam and I see a look pass between them of understanding.
Shelby obviously doesn’t recognize the power play going on and just smiles at Sam. “It’s good to see you, Sam. How long has it been?”
He smiles charmingly. “Too long, Shelby. So, tell me about your wedding. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it, I was abroad on a business trip I couldn’t get out of.”
For a while, she rattles on about her wedding and we are content to listen. Scott chips in occasionally and plays the attentive new husband. I study the two of them and feel the disgust run through me. The whole set up is fake and just watching them pretend makes me want to hurl. He is no loving husband, he’s a predator, like them all.
He is using Shelby to get where he wants to be with no regard for her at all. She obviously adores him because you can’t fake the flush on her cheeks or the sparkle in her eyes as she looks at him. I wonder what she’d do if she knew about his other love? I’m sure it won’t be long if what Sam says is true.
We order and as soon as the food arrives the conversation turns to business. Scott asks Sam many questions about some government contract he’s after and I take a moment to admire the man beside me as he does what he does best. He is cool and to the point and answers every question the Senator throws at him. He has every fact and figure in his head and delivers them professionally and without the hunger that so many of them portray. He doesn’t act as if he needs this contract and by the end of it, it’s like he’s doing the government a favor by agreeing to take it on.
I can tell the Senator’s impressed even though his wife is bored shitless. I play my part like I was told to do. I let Sam order for me and only speak when spoken to. I wait for his nod before I eat and maintain some form of contact with him at all times. I don’t look directly at any man even the Senator and any questions directed my way I answer succinctly and to the point.
When the coffee comes Shelby makes her excuses and heads to the restrooms. As we watch her Sam says softly. “Senator, we have another matter to discuss with you that is best kept between ourselves.”
I watch as the Senator’s eyes spark with interest and he leans forward. “Go on.”
Sam turns to me and smiles softly. “It’s ok, pet, you can speak freely to the Senator.”
I look at him nervously and see the interest in his eyes. He knows what I am and the Dom in him faces me from across the table. He says firmly, “You can speak.”
I cough nervously. “Um… it’s about your PA, Amelia.”
Instantly, I see his eyes darken with fury and a pulse ticks in his face. He leans in and says urgently, “What do you know?”
I swallow and look around me nervously as Sam says in a stern voice. “Speak, pet.”
I whisper, “I know where she is.”
Scott’s eyes fire up with relief as he growls softly, “Where is she?”
I sigh and look at Sam who nudges me again. “She doesn’t want to be found but my Master told me I had to tell you. She’s currently on tour with a rock band called Blasted Rock. She has changed her name to Emily Stone and is masquerading as their manager. I’m sorry, sir, she told me in confidence but I can’t displease my Master.”
He sits back in his seat in shock and stares at me with his eyes dark and stormy.
He nods to Sam and I see the gratitude flare in his eyes.
He says gruffly, “Thank you. I mean that. I’ll be forever in your debt if what you say is true.”
We are interrupted as Shelby returns who obviously doesn’t notice the tension at the table. She kisses Scott on the cheek as she sits down and says brightly, “What did I miss?”
I almost laugh as Scott takes her hand and smiles perfunctorily. “Just business, my darling. Nothing to worry your pretty little head with. Now, we should be going as something’s come up at the office. I’ll have to take you home and work long into the night I’m afraid.”
She pulls a face and whines. “Do you have to, honey? We’re not back from our honeymoon for five minutes and already you're ditching me for the first love of your life.”
He smiles darkly as she rolls her eyes and whispers to me, “Never marry a politician, honey. Work always comes first, no matter what.”
Scott scrapes his chair back and pulls her up. We do the same and I watch as the men shake hands and the Senator looks Sam in the eye and says firmly, “I won’t forget this, Sam. I mean it, you can count on my support.”
Then he turns to me and smiles disarmingly. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Katherine. You make an excellent addition to Sam’s life. I hope we meet again.”
As we watch them walk away Sam laughs and takes my hand and kisses it gallantly. “I’m sure you’ll meet again. That will be the most interesting and satisfying phase of them all.”
Laughing, we head home.
14
Sam
I laugh at the excitement in Katherine’s eyes as Baxter pulls up next to my company jet. We stand at the foot of the steps and she looks over and rolls her eyes. “You flash bastard. I might have guessed.”
Laughing, I gesture for her to go before me and take great delight in watching her ass wiggle up the steps of my pride and joy.
As we take our seats, she grins. “I might have known you’d have a jet. It’s a far cry from the planes you used to travel around in the SEALs.”
I laugh. “It certainly is. If you’d have told me then that this would be my life, I would have called a doctor out to you. It’s funny how things work out.”
She nods and I see her eyes darken as she travels to another place in her mind. Then the flight attendant interrupts her thoughts by handing her a drink. Katherine flashes her a million dollar smile and I marvel at the woman before me. She’s been through so much but it’s only made her stronger. Like me, she holds many battle scars and I long to explore every last one of them. I want to discover everything about Katherine Rogers, warts and all. She fascinates me and far from being bored after just one day, I find myself falling deeper and deeper as every second ticks by.
By the time we are airborne, I can see she’s relaxed. Leaning across, I grab her hand and fix her with a determined look. “Let’s leave all the baggage we’re carrying behind in Washington, honey. This vacation is our beginning. I want to get to know Katherine the woman and show you what it feels like to be loved.”
Her eyes fill with tears and she swallows hard. I see her lip tremble and the pleasure fill her eyes, driving the pain away.
She says softly, “I’d like that, Sam.”
Then she moves across and curls up in my lap and rests her head on my chest. My arms wrap around her and I hold her protectively, kissing the top of her head lovingly. I’d be happy to sit like this for eternity because in my arms she’s safe and loved. No harsh realities to deal with and no bastards set on using her for their own pleasure.
As I feel her soft body clinging to mine, I know she’s my future and I won’t ever let her go.
It feels so good to be back at my home away from home. I chose the Florida Keys because I love the relaxed atmosphere of the place and the sun shines all year.
Seeing my home through Katherine’s eyes brings me so much pleasure. She’s like a kid in a candy store and runs from room to room with excitement.
Flinging the huge doo
rs open to the deck she races outside and takes a deep breath as she watches the ocean crashing on the private beach below.
She turns to face me and I laugh at the excitement on her face. “You’re so lucky, Sam. I’d never leave this place if it were mine. I love it.”
I laugh as she runs across to me and grabs my hand like an exuberant child. She pulls me outside and down to the beach. “Come on, I want to feel the ocean.”
I watch as she removes her shoes and jumps in the waves fully dressed. She’s like an excited child and her whole face lights up. As I watch her, it dawns on me that she’s never had this. I feel my chest tightening at the sparkle in her eyes and think about the life she led before. She turns to face me laughing and shouts, “Come in, it’s fantastic.”
My legs can’t get me to her quickly enough. As I reach for her, I pull her tightly to me and kiss her long and hard. With the waves crashing to the shore around us and the birds screeching overhead, I kiss this woman like a man possessed. She kisses me back with freedom and abandonment and it’s the most natural thing in the world. When I pull back, I see the tears pouring down her cheeks as she reaches up and touches my face gently. “Thank you, Sam.”
I swallow hard and say softly. “For what?”
She whispers, “For bringing me here and showing me the ocean. I’ve never seen it before and it’s more than I ever imagined. You don’t know how much it means to me.”
I lower my lips to hers so she can’t see the tears in my eyes. I want to give Katherine the world. Everything she’s ever wanted is hers, I’ll make sure of it. The life she led has brought her to me and I’m gonna make the rest of it count for something. I’m going to make her Katherine Carrington or die trying.
Once we're settled I show Katherine why I love this place so much. We head off to explore the beach and I love listening to her laugh and see the sparkle in her eyes.
We walk hand in hand like two people in love which is exactly how I feel.
Twisted_A Billionaire Romance Page 7