Secured Heart

by Measha Stone

  After a few moments of silence passed, she whispered, “You’re heavier than you look.” Having him blanket her with his body was wonderful, felt more right than any other man she’d held in her arms. Had she not developed trouble breathing from his weight, she would have remained in that position for the rest of the day.

  He grumbled and slid to her side, keeping his arm wrapped tightly around her torso.

  She laid beside him, staring at the ceiling and stroking his arm with her fingers. There was a sense of comfort in his bed, his arm holding her tightly. He hadn’t said anything, and she wondered if he had fallen asleep. She moved slightly out of his grip to turn and look at his face. His eyes met hers and startled her.

  “Did you think I’d just roll over and take a nap?” he asked with a grin that showed off perfectly straight teeth.

  “You were so quiet.” She justified, not mentioning that the large majority of the men she’d been with had indeed done just that.

  “I was letting you have your moment,” he explained and leaned up on his elbow. “How are you feeling?” he asked, again running his thumb along her jaw. That one act, the simple touch melted her.

  “Okay,” she answered confused by the question and the concern in his eyes.

  “Let’s go out for dinner,” he suggested with a kiss to her nose. “If we stay in, I may not let you out of bed.”

  “I’m okay with that.” She assured him. If every time would be so intense, she could go another round or so before going out. Her comment was met with a low chuckle.

  “Such impulsiveness, so greedy.” He leapt from the bed, giving her a front seat view of the firmness of his abs and his ass when he turned around. He disappeared into the bathroom. The water in the shower turned on, and she sat up in bed.

  “I’ll show him impulsiveness.” She slid from the bed, leaving all the sheets behind and walked naked into the bathroom and climbed into the shower with him.

  CHAPTER twelve

  Side Effect

  Kendrick had never seen a woman with such a healthy appetite as Kelly. He was astounded at the delicate, but purposeful way, she attacked her steak at dinner. She was beginning to show signs of being completely unlike any other woman he had ever encountered before.

  The afternoon session in his bedroom hadn’t been planned. He originally had thought to talk with her, go over rules and boundaries. But once she entered the apartment in that awful T-shirt, he changed his course. She hadn’t shown any discomfort at following his instructions, and from the look of her outfit, he guessed she had to dig around to find an appropriate shirt to wear. For him.

  “Oh. No.” Her groan drew his attention back to her. She was looking off through the restaurant. He followed her gaze to find the offending sight, but saw nothing.

  “What is it?” he asked, bracing himself to ward off any unwanted attention.

  “It’s them. Mr. Perfect and Mrs. Right.” Kelly placed her fork down and wiped her mouth with her napkin.

  Kendrick looked through the crowd and saw a couple walking toward them. The beautiful blonde woman smiled brightly at them and was waving her hand as she made her way through the crowded dining room. A familiar face followed her.

  “Hey, Guys!” Kelly smiled warmly as the couple approached their table. It wasn’t a plastic smile, even though she seemed annoyed at their presence—she also appeared genuinely glad to see them. “Kendrick, this is my friend Jessica and her boy toy Royce.” Kelly waved her hand at them.

  Kendrick shot her a look of confusion before standing and offering his hand to Royce. “Nice to meet you,” he stated flatly, strengthening his grip and his stare.

  Royce gave a curt nod in return before flashing a bright smile. “You too. I see you’ve snagged Kelly away from her rom-com’s.” He nodded in her direction.

  She responded with a glare toward Jessica.

  “Sorry.” Jessica shrugged and slid into an empty chair across from Kelly.

  “Jess, I think our table is ready,” Royce said, eyeing Kendrick and Kelly.

  “Why waste two tables.” Jessica winked at Kelly.

  Kendrick noticed the tension in Kelly’s shoulders at the implied suggestion. Royce rescued her before Kendrick could.

  “Jessica. Our table is ready.” His firm voice and the placement of his hand on her shoulder drew her attention to him.

  She mumbled something under her breath, but stood from the table.

  “It was very nice to meet you, Kendrick—and Kelly, I would suggest you behave yourself tonight.” Royce winked in her direction as he led Jessica away from the table.

  “I’ll call you tomorrow.” Jessica managed to call over his shoulder before getting too far away.

  Kendrick retook his seat and sipped his beer. “So, those were your friends.” He grinned at her.

  She sighed and nodded. “I’ve known Jessica since college. She’s been with Royce a while now.” She picked her fork back up and aimed it at her plate.

  “How do you know him?” she asked casually before gently plucking a small piece of steak from her fork with her teeth. “I noticed your little eyeball conversation. You two know each other but don’t want me and Jessica to know. Why?”

  He hadn’t seen Royce in over five years, before Royce flew off to New York for a new job. Before moving, he had been a regular at the club. “I think you should ask him that question,” Kendrick replied, pushing his plate away.

  “Ahh, first rule of Dom club is you don’t talk about Dom club?” She giggled into her wine glass. The sound softened his glare.

  “Dom club?” He cracked a smile in her direction.

  She nodded, and quickly added “Yes,” when his eyebrow began to rise.

  “Has he told you this?” He placed a hand on top of hers.

  “No, not really. But there are plenty of clues. Jessica is different since meeting him. You saw how she reacted just now when he told her to get moving. And the two of you looked like you were setting a lifelong pact not to out the other.” Her smile was contagious; his lips twisted to match hers.

  “I haven’t seen him in a few years. I didn’t know he’d moved back from New York.” Kendrick traced her palm with his thumb. “What about Jessica? She hasn’t divulged any secrets to you? Did she inspire your current desires?” He dropped his voice to keep the neighboring diners from overhearing.

  “No, but I’ve never asked either.”

  Kendrick watched her for a moment in silence. “Are you finished with your dinner?” he questioned, pulling his hand from hers.

  “Yes.” She nodded.

  “Would you like dessert?” He waved a casual hand in the air, signaling for the waiter.

  “Yes, but nothing they have on the menu.” Her voice curled around him like a silk ribbon, pulling him to her womanly trance.

  He shook his head to clear himself of her lustful hints.

  “Impulsive and insatiable.” He grinned at her as he handed the waiter his credit card. “I’d also like to have a piece of cheesecake to go,” he told the waiter.

  She paused midway while sliding her shawl over her shoulders. “We can stay if you’d like something more.”

  Kendrick had stopped at her apartment on their way to the restaurant to allow her to change into something more appropriate for a night out. He was still a little irked she’d come bounding down the steps of her apartment in a low cut black cocktail dress. He’d wanted to send her right back up to put something else on, but she’d slid a black shawl over shoulders, making him less irritated.

  “The cheesecake is for you.” He winked. “For later.”

  He left the car parked in the lot and pulled Kelly down the sidewalk. The streets weren’t packed as would be usual for a Saturday evening, and Kendrick wanted to take advantage of the brisk air.

  She snuggled up to him as they walked along.

  “Kelly,” he broke the silence, “I’m going to take you home in a few minutes.” He stopped walking and turned to her. They stepped to the side
to allow the few passersby to have the walkway.

  “O-okay.” She smiled.

  “When I do, I have an assignment for you.” He ran his finger over her lips.

  “Homework, already?”

  “Seems fitting, since the professor is now the pupil.” He placed his hands on her shawl and pried it open, ignoring her gasp of surprise. “As beautiful as I find your breasts and the rest of you, I don’t want you on display unless it’s at my command.” He deepened his tone. “Your necklines need to be raised, no cleavage showing, unless I want it to be. And your skirts, just above your knee. Nothing risqué.”

  Her initial look of surprise turned to a confused, befuddled expression. “I thought men liked women with some skin showing.” She breathed out, her face flushed from his words.

  “We do. But I don’t share, and I don’t flaunt.” He pulled the shawl back over her chest, and she gripped the ends tightly, giving him a slight nod. He sensed she wanted to say something more, to argue if only a little at his instruction, and he was proud of her for fighting that urge.

  He brushed her lips with his and smiled warmly at her. “When you get home, I want you to think about what you want. Not just sex activities, although we should go over your limits. What I mean is, I don’t do this in the bedroom only. It’s an all the time thing for me. You need to know that upfront. Think about it, and we’ll talk more tomorrow.”

  “Okay,” she responded and kissed him full on the mouth.

  As surprised as he was by her actions, he was pleased. Any worry he had over her fleeing from him at his declaration vanished with the prodding of her tongue deepening their kiss.

  “We’ll also talk about your impulsiveness,” he said against her mouth.

  CHAPTER thirteen

  When in Doubt, Shop Till You Drop

  “So, why the sudden urge to go shopping?” Jessica asked casually, while thumbing through the clearance rack at Macy’s. “And here of all places.”

  “I just need an outfit or two that are a bit more, or less…my usual style.” Kelly pulled a white buttoned blouse from the rack and made a face she normally reserved for things such as creamed spinach or collard greens, before shoving it back onto the rack.

  “For work?” Jessica pried, holding up a navy blue suit jacket.

  Kelly eyed her with a raised eyebrow.

  “Okay, just say no. No need to give me that look.” Jessica laughed and rehung the jacket. “It would help if I knew what look we’re going for.” She put her hands on her hips and glared at Kelly.

  “I need my look…but to show less of me,” Kelly explained, waving her hand over her bosom that was neatly displayed in the deep cut V-neck T-shirt she wore. Kelly could have gone shopping alone to grab some higher cut shirts and longer skirts, but after finding out the full truth about Jessica and Royce, she was looking for more than just Jessica’s advice on clothes.

  “Well, then let’s get out of the old lady section.” Jessica pulled on Kelly’s sleeve and led her down to another section of the store. “So, why the change in taste?” Jessica eyed her as she pulled several T-shirts from a pile and put them in Kelly’s arms.

  “I don’t know.” Her voice sounded full of bullshit even to herself.

  Jessica pinched her arm.

  “Okay! Kendrick prefers higher necklines.”

  “And lower hemlines?” Jessica paused in her pursuit of the right size tank top to raise a curious glance in Kelly’s direction.

  “Yeah. Have you ever heard of a guy liking the old maid look?” Kelly grabbed a pair of jeans and headed toward the dressing room.

  “Oh, I don’t think that’s what he’s going for. I think he just doesn’t want other guys seeing what he believes is his.” Jessica’s tone suggested it had more meaning than face value.

  Kelly peeked her head out of the dressing room with a surprised glance. “What do you know? Did Royce say something? Does Royce know?” She tried to keep her voice down, but her questions echoed off the walls of the changing room.

  Jessica answered her with bountiful laughter, the sound booming in the enclosed fitting room.

  “Try those on, then let’s get lunch. I’m starved, and I think we have some girl talk to get to.”

  Jessica stared at Kelly over a toasted chicken and artichoke Panini sandwich, which she held mid-way between the table and her gaping mouth. “You went to a dungeon party with some random guy,” she repeated Kelly’s confession.

  “Not with.” Kelly clarified. “I met him there. I told you this before.” She tossed a chip into her mouth.

  “You conveniently left out what sort of party it was, and that you were drugged.” Jessica put her sandwich back down on the wax paper wrapping and glared at her. “Kendrick was at the party?”

  “He was the security.” Kelly nodded. “Nothing happened. Kendrick stopped the asshole before it could.”

  “Okay.” Jessica let out a long breath. “You then went to a real dungeon. Alone.” She pointed her finger at Kelly. “Honestly, Kel. I thought I was done having hair raising morning-after talks with you after college. What if Kendrick hadn’t been there?”

  “He told me he would be,” Kelly pointed out, sipping at her pop.

  After a few moments of silence, Jessica’s expression softened, and she eyed Kelly with curiosity. “What was it like?”

  “The club?”

  “Yeah.” Jessica picked up her sandwich again, giving Kelly the floor.

  Kelly shook her head. “I want to know more about you and Royce. Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Tell you what? I don’t really know how to explain it.” Jessica’s expression glossed over like a love struck puppy. “And what about you? I thought you were looking for Mr. Husband and kids.”

  “I am. I was. I don’t know. I blame the romance novels entirely.” Kelly sat back in her chair and toyed with the straw in her drink.

  “None of the novels I’ve given you have had the heroine tied to a spanking bench.” Jessica laughed and quickly hushed her tone when she realized there was another couple sitting right next to them.

  “No, but the ones I buy do.” Kelly gave her an evil grin and threw up her hands. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe I’m crazy. I mean really, who searches this out…right? I mean…shouldn’t I be all ‘I am woman, hear me roar’ or some bullshit?”

  “One thing that Royce has taught me is that it takes an extremely strong woman to be able to submit to a man. If I were weak, he wouldn’t have wanted me. It was my strength and ability to be independent that drew him to me. I’m sure Kendrick is the same way.”

  “So, I’m not some co-dependent crazy woman?”

  Jessica gave a loud burst of laughter and shook her head. “Doubtful!”

  “Did Royce make you change your wardrobe?” Kelly asked quietly, nodding at the three bags of clothing in the spare chair.

  “No…not exactly. He has his own preferences.” Jessica’s cheeks blushed, and she averted her eyes.

  “Never mind. I don’t think I want to know.” Kelly groaned.

  Jessica’s cell buzzed on the table, interrupting them.

  “Royce sending out the sex slave signal?” Kelly teased.

  “Something like that.” Jessica’s grin widened and her eyes sparkled.

  “Well, go. I’ve had enough girl talk for the day.” Kelly crumbled up her sandwich wrapping and stood from the table. “Besides. I have laundry to do and papers to grade.”

  “You sure?” Jessica was already standing as she spoke.

  Kelly waved her off. “Yes. Go.”

  Kelly swung her purse over her shoulder and headed for the exit. She tossed her garbage and turned toward the door, smacking into a massive chest.

  She mumbled an apology and stepped back to see the wall she’d walked into.

  Ted grinned down at her.

  CHAPTER fourteen

  There is no Crystal Ball

  Kendrick sat at his desk in his home office, looking over invoices on his computer. Only
a few outstanding accounts. His business was starting to do extremely well. He decided it would be time to put together another crew for the new client he’d managed to sign.

  A new nightclub was scheduled to open in the center of the Loop, and they needed security for each level of the club. They also wanted a private team to secure the top level that would remain private to VIP clientele. With five floors plus the secret floor, he’d need to hire at least seven more guys to add to his team.

  Rarely did he dwell on his past career as a Chicago cop, but the past few days he’d thought about it more often. As a police officer, he hadn’t been able to protect those who needed it; he’d showed up after the crime. He had dealt with survivors and victims, but now he was able to actually protect and serve. If he had remained a cop, moved up the ranks to detective, he wouldn’t have been at that house party to save Kelly. So many things could have happened to her.

  His thoughts seemed to wander to Kelly more often since the night he met her. The shirt she had worn to his apartment the day before was still slung over the ottoman in his living room. She hadn’t wanted to put it back on; instead, she’d asked to borrow one of his until she could get home to change. He didn’t blame her, the shirt did nothing for her body, and she had looked completely ill at ease in it.

  She had given him so much trust when she let him remove her clothing. There had been no hesitation in her actions, just open mindedness to the experience he led her through. The sex had been hot; there was no denying that, but it was more than the physical pleasure her body had brought him. Her immediate obedience, her willingness to submit herself to him…it made him hard just thinking about it.

  They had gone over boundaries, her limits, his limits, and he was pleased they seemed to be on the same page. Although she was impulsive to a fault and wanted to try everything right away, he would take his time. Teach her mental submission could be as fulfilling as physical stimulation.