Bound to Serve (Dangerous Liaisons #1)

by Julie Castle

  “Not a chance. I’ve seen the way that man-eater eyes you. I’m not going anywhere.”

  “You don’t have that option anymore. You’re too good an agent to let the mission fail because of personal problems. If I’m right and it is James, he’ll make you the minute he sets eyes on you.”

  “Whoever he is, he’s been keeping scarce for a reason. He shouldn’t change that pattern.” She stepped back and turned to walk onto the beach.

  He followed her hardening himself for the decision he had to make. “I can’t risk it.”

  She opened her mouth to respond, but then she saw Lola walking up to them. “I don’t think you have much choice.”

  Bridget sank to her knees in the sand. She cast a furtive glance up as Lola approached. The woman looked startled but unconvinced.

  “You’re not supposed to be down here?” Lola said to Bridget.

  “I know.” Bridget let out a sigh. “I just missed him so much and when I saw him on the beach…well…I couldn’t resist the impulse to put your lesson into practice.”

  Lola gave her a frown. “Really?”

  “Yes ma’am,” Bridget said, nodding her head. “Try me. Put me to the test. That is, if Jason is willing to overlook my unruly behavior.” She cast a sidelong look at Condor and saw his grudging amusement and frustration. He’d wanted to sweep her away from this to protect her, but she’d thwarted him.

  He had to give her credit. She could think fast on her feet. And he couldn’t help wanting her even as she tried to wrest control away from him.

  “And what do you say, Jason?” Lola asked, looking carefully at Condor.

  “What can I say, Lola?” He cupped Bridget’s cheek. “I’ve a weakness for the red-headed brat. I tend to spoil her.”

  “Fine,” Lola said with a sigh. “I’ll give her one more chance for your sake. She can serve drinks at the mixer tonight. If she can make it through the night without further incident, I’ll let you stay.”

  “Don’t worry, Lola. I’ll keep her in line, even if that means keeping her shackled in our bungalow for the remainder of our stay.” Condor reached for Bridget’s arm and hauled her to her feet.

  Bridget growled at the threat as Condor’s hand tightened on her arm.

  “Yes ma’am. I’ll serve drinks with my master’s permission, and I’ll try to behave.”

  He gave her another warning squeeze and was pleased when she followed his cue and fell silent. Her downcast eyes didn’t fool him one bit, but lucky for them both Lola seemed to buy it. He just had to hold things together a little longer and if he had to keep Bridget in bondage to do it, he wouldn’t hesitate.

  …

  Bridget walked to the bungalow ahead of Condor. She knew that he was still pissed off that she’d played up to Lola. What a mess. Condor was so hardheaded he’d call Frost and try to take her out, but there had to be another way.

  She spun around to confront him before they reached the bugged bungalow. “We need to talk.”

  The hot yet furious look he swept over her nude body told her all she needed to know. His mind was made up.

  “There’s nothing left to say,” he said. “We’ve both made our stands. All that’s left is for me to plan your exit strategy.” He reached beyond her to open the door.

  She let out a frustrated snort. The man could be such a hard-ass. Before he could get past her to open the door, she went up on tiptoe to kiss him, trusting him to catch her when she fell. His strong arms came around her and held her tight, and he growled and pulled her tightly into him.

  His unyielding lips softened under hers, and he kissed her back. She moaned and tasted him as his tongue claimed her mouth, and her body instantly flared with heat.

  He broke the kiss to nibble her ear and whisper, “You’re trying to take over again, allowing your personal feelings to get in the way. I can’t let you do that, sugar. I’m calling Frost tonight. I’ll give your apologies to Lola, tell her we couldn’t work it out and I sent you away. She’ll buy that.”

  “Hell, she’ll eat it up, lover,” she spat, not bothering to hide her jealousy. Condor’s startled look made her want to brain him. The bigger they were, the dumber they were. Didn’t he know she was already crazy about him? “I’m just trying to play my role, partner. You’re the one who’s letting his emotions get in the way of the mission. Just because I don’t agree with you about James doesn’t mean I’m pulling away from you. You and I have a stronger connection than he and I ever did. Let me stay and I’ll be your perfect submissive, I promise.”

  “Yeah, right,” he said with a smirk. “You can’t pass the physical.”

  “So I’ve been a little feisty. It’s not fair for you to pull me,” she said, pressing closer, licking his earlobe. His shudder made her smile.

  Condor thrust her away and said, “Can’t you see this isn’t because I doubt your abilities? I don’t want you hurt. After telling you about the possibility of James being in the vicinity, I’m surprised you want to stay.” He frowned. “Unless you’re still hung up on him.”

  Bridget was shocked by the comment and the fact that he was bothered by her possible love for the other man.

  “That died long ago,” she said softly, expecting a pang of loss to sweep over her—surprised when it didn’t. “I just want answers. If you’re right, which I’m not saying you are, I need to know the truth.”

  He gave her a steady look, then shook his head. “Damn it all, I shouldn’t allow this. I can’t stand the thought of you in the line of fire.”

  Bridget melted against him, stunned by his words. She’d guessed that he’d cared, but not to this extent. “I’m honored that you’re worried about me.”

  “Don’t be,” he growled. “It makes me a damned poor agent.”

  “It makes you human, Condor. I feel the same about you. If Lola makes another move on you, I’ll be overwhelmed by the need to scratch her eyes out or toss her in the pool. Look at it this way, we’ve got each other’s backs, and that’s all the backup we need. If you’re right and James is on the island, I’ll deal with it. There’s no reason for me to leave and plenty for me to stay. If I get a closer look, I can either positively identify him or rule him out. Don’t send me away.” She shuddered as Condor muttered something dark and dangerous. Their eyes met, and she was lost. “I’ll be good, I promise.”

  “I’m holding you to that pledge,” he said, kicking open the door and carrying her inside. He set her down in the middle of the floor. “We need to get you ready for the party. Go fetch the Dangerous Liaisons bag.

  She turned to do his bidding, wondering just what he had up his sleeve. A gag and shackles, she thought with grim humor, but then she couldn’t serve drinks. She pulled the bag out of the closet and carried it to him, tempted to peek inside at the mysterious contents. How scandalous could it be? But she walked back and handed him the bag without peeking.

  “My Lord.”

  He grinned and gave her a masterful look. “Let’s see what pretties Cecilia included.”

  The reminder of her rival made her mad. “About her…”

  Condor arched a brow.

  Bridget fell silent, but she gave him a saucy smile and whispered, “Later.” She watched him tumble the contents of the bag on the bed. A jeweler’s box and a flurry of barely-there lingerie. She suddenly had a good idea what she was wearing to the party.

  Condor reached for a baby blue thong.

  She gulped. “For me?”

  He nodded and smiled, and then he helped her slip it on. She couldn’t help but note that there was no matching bra. Imagining Kahn leering at her was enough to fire her anger. She so wanted to kick Condor’s ass for suggesting it, and from the challenging look he gave her, he knew it. He was trying to make her back down, but she wouldn’t.

  “So I’m just wearing the thong and a smile,” she said sweetly.

  “Not quite,” he said, picking up the jeweler’s case. “I’ve got some jewels to adorn you.”

  The hot look i
n his eye as his gaze swept over her breasts silenced her second thought. He opened the jeweler’s box to show gold nipple clamps.

  “Oh, my,” she murmured, dying to know what they’d feel like. She’d find out soon enough.

  “Come here,” he said, crooking his finger.

  She sighed with surrender and stepped closer. Condor smiled, seemingly pleased by her capitulation, and she wanted to give him everything. His hands went to her breasts and gently rolled the sensitive peaks between his thumbs and forefingers while he bent to kiss her. Bridget moaned and leaned into his touch as he tugged at her aching buds to lengthen them. She moaned, her body tightening. Tonight would be exciting.

  Condor broke the kiss to murmur, “You are so beautiful, love, and very sexy.”

  “I’m glad you think so,” she said, with a whimper, touched, and in love and lust with him. As she nuzzled him, he suddenly put a clamp on her left peak, and she felt the slight pinch deep inside. He let go, and the jewel dangled, making her gasp with shock.

  “It’s even better than I imagined,” she said.

  He grinned. “I’m glad I’m fulfilling your fantasies, love.”

  “You’ve no idea, cowboy, she said.” The pleased look in his eye warmed her. Before she could think any more about it, he toyed with her right peak and attached the clamp.

  She let out a gasp. She felt the pinch all the way down to her toes. The sensual feeling made her weak in the knees. She looked down at the gold stars dangling from her turgid peaks. Something special—stars, he’d said. “They’re beautiful.”

  He smiled rather sadly at her. “And so are you. You’re a star. Ready to go to work?” he asked, holding out his hand.

  She nodded and put her hand in his. “Under you, cowboy? Any time.”

  Chapter Ten

  Condor approached the party with Bridget at his side. He kept her on his left, away from the compound, danger, and his gun hand. She was a good agent. She knew the score and didn’t complain.

  If only he could keep her after the take down. But that was a fantasy. He was a ghost, and he’d go back to being alone. And Bridget, what of her? He’d awakened something in her, and it killed him to think she might take that desire away from him and give it to another man. But what else could he expect if he wasn’t willing to be with her after the mission?

  They approached the pool. He still hadn’t gotten over the eroticism of publicly spanking Bridget. It was something he hadn’t ever done in public, but the erotic way Bridget had taken to it had changed all that. The crowd had just disappeared in his mind until it was only the two of them.

  He hardened, thinking of the hot lovemaking that would happen later on. It might be their last evening together, and he planned to teach Bridget everything. He gazed at Bridget’s blushing face in the moonlight, and he knew that she was eager to experience it all.

  Bridget scanned the poolside and stiffened when she spotted Kahn dancing with his naked slave. Condor knew she was feeling vulnerable, remembering the public spanking. He squeezed her hand to reassure her, and she flashed him a brave smile. At that moment, he couldn’t help loving her. He groaned inwardly. He couldn’t afford to think in those terms, but at this point, he’d have to settle for keeping the thoughts to himself.

  “You gonna spank me again, cowboy?” she asked.

  He arched a teasing brow. “Are you going to give me cause?” The edges of his hard mouth kicked up in a reluctant grin at her blush. A lot was riding on this night, but he couldn’t keep his mind on business when Bridget was near.

  She stuck her tongue out at him. “You’ll just have to hold your breath and watch me,” she said with a grin.

  He stopped in his tracks, and his hand clamped around her forearm and drew her to an abrupt halt. “Excuse me?”

  “I’ll be good,” she said with a disgruntled sigh. “Lighten up—”

  “Shh,” he cautioned as another couple walked by. “Behave yourself.”

  She put her hand over her mouth. “You make me forget myself, cowboy.”

  “Another place, another time,” he said, and then he kissed her.

  She drew back her twinkling eyes. “Do you mean it?”

  “We’ll discuss it later,” he said as they arrived on the scene. He quickly assessed the danger points, noting the two armed guards mixed in with the wait staff. One stood by the bar, his cool assessing eyes sweeping the crowd. The other, Flattop from their arrival, took a post across the room, near the edge of the dance floor—both in perfect sniper positions. They were really upping security for this shindig, which meant Perez’s arrival must be imminent.

  “Thanks for dressing me,” Bridget said softly at his side.

  Condor swept a glance around the party. Almost all of the submissives were nude. He passed a fond gaze over Bridget. In her getup, she stood out like a star, but at least she wasn’t naked. She was frowning as she assessed the crowd, noted the other naked slaves, and stepped closer to him.

  “You’re welcome,” he said, knowing she was glad he’d clothed her.

  “Thanks, but don’t you think I’m a bit conspicuous?”

  “That’s the point,” Condor said.

  A glance told him several of the male guests were carrying guns. Kahn, for instance. The slight bulge in the back of his tailored suit betrayed him. It was further evidence that he was tied to Perez. Guns were banned at the Retreat. The only way he’d have one on him without being thrown out was if Perez had ordered the club to make an exception.

  “All in a day’s work, huh?” he murmured, glancing at Bridget, noting that she was making the same observations.

  “Right,” Bridget said. “There’s the bar.” She looked at the large teak bar and sighed. “I suppose I should report for duty. But I’m a little early.”

  “I planned it that way, love.” He drew her onto the dance floor. “Dance with me.” It was a command, and the obstinate flare in her eyes made him smile. She smiled back at him, making him melt, and she stepped into his arms. He stifled a groan as he held her.

  “As my Master commands,” she said, resting her head on his shoulder.

  He all but groaned as he waltzed her to a slow reggae beat. She was like a drug to him. His hand nestled on the small of her naked back as he whirled her across the floor, her head resting on his shoulder. It was a moment he wanted to capture for his memories. He closed his eyes and shut out the mission, instead focused on her feminine, alluring essence. His cock stirred, throbbing, and he could tell by her racing heartbeat that she felt the same. He opened his eyes and saw Lola enter the party, two women in bikinis in tow.

  “Who’s she with?” he asked. Bridget went stiff in his arms and stumbled a little. His strong arm around her waist kept her upright. He could tell she regretted that the mission had interrupted their precious little time together. Hell, he felt the same. Their jobs weren’t easy.

  Bridget pushed away, startled. “Perez’s women, Yvette and Jasmine, both look bored as hell, waiting for him. We struck up a conversation in Blowjob 101 class. The dragon lady heard us giggling and stared daggers at me.”

  He chuckled. Lola couldn’t stand Bridget’s fresh sexuality and vitality—and she knew it. “Yeah, love, you seem to rub her the wrong way for some reason,” he said with a smirk.

  “Probably because I don’t kiss her ass,” she whispered into his ear, and giggled.

  “Be good,” he warned, spanking one of her rounded, delicious cheeks.

  “Doesn’t come natural,” she said, in a sassy tone.

  He danced Bridget toward the table where Lola and the women were perched. The plump, baby blonde was pouting. The older brunette looked bored. Lola assessed the scene with a gimlet stare. The song came to a halt as they drew close to the table.

  “Lola,” Condor said, letting go of Bridget. “You look lovely tonight.”

  Lola smiled and smoothed out the skirt on her black dress. “Thank you, lover.”

  “I’ve brought your waitress,” Condor said, taki
ng Bridget’s elbow to steer her up to the table. He was pleased to see that Bridget was back in character, looking properly demure.

  “So I see,” Lola said, passing an approving eye over Bridget. “And acting submissive, for once. You must have worked with her.”

  Condor gave her a placid smile, ignoring her comment, and instead looked at the two women. “Who are these lovelies at your side?”

  “Never you mind,” Lola said, placing a possessive hand on his arm. “They’ve got a jealous Dom as well. I’m afraid they’re not up for trades, either.”

  “Too bad,” he said with a sigh. “They look bored, and as Star will be busy serving drinks, I’ll need companionship.”

  Lola chuckled. “I’m pleased to hear that the exclusivity clause only applies to your bed slave, not to you.”

  Condor eased closer, feeling Bridget’s displeasure as she watched him from under her lashes. She had to understand this was all part of the game. He felt nothing but distaste for Lola. “A man has needs,” he said in a low tone. “As I’m sure you know.”

  “I’m glad to hear it,” Lola said. She leaned into him, and her breasts brushed against his sleeve.

  It was a move calculated to turn him on. Instead, it made him grit his teeth. He really was too old and jaded for this shit. It made him more determined to retire after this mission and work freelance out of the Keys.

  Bridget cleared her throat, and her eyes narrowed on Condor and Lola. “I’m here for duty, ma’am.”

  Lola scowled at her. “So go do it, girl. The bar is that way.”

  “Lola, would you favor me with a dance?” Condor interjected, regaining Lola’s attention, before Bridget had a chance to lose her cool. Lola’s dazzling smile soothed his fears and told him she didn’t notice Bridget’s forbidding scowl.

  Lola took his hand and slipped off her bar stool. “I’d be delighted.” She frowned at the women lingering at the table. “Stay put and behave yourselves, and no drinking. You’ll both have work to do tomorrow.”

  “About damned time,” Jasmine said with a sulk.

  …