by Chloe Lang
“Anna, who works at TBK?” Jena asked. “Anna Banks?”
“Yes. She lives in my apartment complex. We started going on runs together a month ago.”
Phoebe’s eyes narrowed. “A month ago was when Jennifer got served with papers from Walter Steele’s attorneys.”
“Yes. In fact, as I recall it was the very next day she invited me to run with her. That can’t be a coincidence, can it?”
“It’s not,” Jena said, pointing to the screen. “See this coding? I’ve run across it before. It’s Kip Lunceford’s work. Anna infected your computer. Someone has been able to access it remotely since yesterday, and I have a good idea that someone is Kip’s sister, Cindy Trollinger. Ashley, thank God you saw this when you did. Any later, and the fallout would’ve been horrible.”
Phoebe brought out her phone. “I’ll call Jason and tell him what we’ve discovered thanks to Ash. If Anna is in town, he can bring her in for questioning.”
Jena also held her cell out. “I’ve got to let Matt and Sean know immediately so that we can cut off her access to TBK. If Anna is working for Trollinger, I have no doubt she’s re-infected TBK’s network with Lunceford’s viruses.”
As Phoebe and Jena filled in their husbands about what they’d discovered, Ashley wondered how long Anna had been working with Trollinger.
“Thanks, honey. Please keep us in the loop.” Phoebe ended her call. “Jason is going to Anna’s apartment now and will call Easton Black on the way.”
“Jason is sending Nicole and Jaris to TBK to see if she might be there.” Nicole and Jaris were Jason’s deputies.
Jena clicked off her phone. “Anna has been working from home all this week.”
“I guess we know why now,” Phoebe said. “I’ll call Jason back and let him know they don’t need to go to TBK.”
“Actually, I think it’s good that Nicole and Jaris are headed to our offices. Matt and Sean might be able to help figure out where Anna might be if she isn’t at her home. Plus, we don’t know if Anna was working alone or if there were others at TBK helping her. The moment we hung up, Matt was going to call the Knights to fill them in.”
“I wonder what this has to do with Jennifer’s case.” Phoebe tapped her fingers on the desktop, something she always did when she was trying to figure out a difficult issue. “There has to be a connection. Why else would someone change Walter Steele’s middle initial?”
“I agree,” Ashley said. “This man must be an imposter. Once we research the change in his initial, I’m betting we’ll have proof. My guess is that Trollinger wants to get a foothold close to Destiny. If she could get title to the Steele Ranch, which is valued at over twenty-eight million, through the man claiming to be Walter Steele, then Trollinger could work through him to keep up her attacks on our town. Her M.O. is always to use others to get her dirty work done. Anna is just her latest patsy. You know what happened with your sister-in-law and the Reverend Willie. “
“If it hadn’t been for Josh and Jacob, we would’ve lost Carrie for good.” Jena sighed and looked at the screen. “Shit.” Jena started typing feverishly on Ashley’s keyboard.
“What’s the matter?” she asked.
“Whoever has remote access to your computer has been watching and listening to us through your computer’s microphone and camera.”
Shit was right.
Chapter Eleven
Having finished his crash course at Phase Four, Sylas couldn’t wait to talk with Ashley. “Thanks, Zac. I really don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”
“No need, buddy. Great job for your first lesson. I find you to be a natural. Embrace your Dom side. Go find Ashley. Let her know how you feel. Be happy.”
“I will.” Sylas left the club, knowing that this lifestyle—the one Ashley desired—was what he wanted, too. Zac had told him that there would be many more lessons in the future, but today had been a very good start.
He brought out his cell and sent Ashley a text. I need to talk to you. Can we meet?
Everything Zac had showed him spoke to something deep inside. Being a Dom wasn’t about abuse. It wasn’t only about control, although that was definitely a part of it. Being a Dom, as Zac had showed him, was primarily about trust. The submissive gave her trust after the Dom earned it. The relationship between a Dom and his sub was a thing of beauty and mystery, something sacred between them alone. Just like the safe word given to the sub, every part of the lifestyle had a reason and a deep meaning.
He intended to be the Dom Ashley wanted him to be. He would have to learn even more about her than he already knew so that he would be able to give her the pleasure she needed the most.
His phone buzzed. He looked at Ashley’s response to his text. I need to talk to you, too. Can you meet me at my apartment in ten minutes?
Yes, sweetheart.
He got in his rental car and drove north on West Street. Passing the Dream Hotel, he turned left on McDavish. He was glad that Ashley had suggested her apartment instead of the hotel. He didn’t want to accidentally run into Nic in the lobby before the big ambush. He wasn’t certain how Nic would respond to the O’Learys’ intervention plan, but he had no doubt that Nic would respond positively to Zac’s instruction about what it meant to be a Dom. Sylas knew Nic better than anyone. The BDSM lifestyle was tailor-made for Nic.
He pulled up to the call box next to the complex’s driveway gate. He punched in Ashley’s apartment number.
“Hello?”
“It’s me, sweetheart.”
“Okay, I’ll buzz you in. Park in the visitor space next to the office. I’ll meet you there.”
He heard three beeps and the gate opened. When he cut the engine, he saw Ashley walking his direction. He jumped out of the car and pulled her in tight.
She wrapped her arms around him.
He gazed into her deep blue eyes. “Hi, sweetheart.”
“Hi.” She led him to her apartment, which reflected her personality in so many ways. Warm colors and soft fabrics filled the space.
Without hesitation, he put his arms around her and pressed his mouth to hers. “I’ve been waiting a long time to taste your lips again, Ashley.” Before she could respond, he gave her another kiss, and another, and another. “God, I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you, too.” Her face was beautifully flushed. “Why don’t we sit?”
He nodded.
She sat down and he moved next to her.
“I like your place, sweetheart.”
She smiled. “I can’t believe you went to Phase Four.”
“Man, this is a small town.” He grinned. “How did you find out?”
“Phoebe told me.”
“I’m not sure how she knew, but you are right. Destiny is a small town.”
Ashley laughed. “There are no secrets here.”
“That’s why I wanted to talk to you. To tell you about my visit to the club.” He touched her cheek. “You’re everything to me, sweetheart. I love you. That’s why I came to Destiny. I wanted to learn everything about the life you wanted, so I went to the club you belong to.”
“Who told you I was a member of Phase Four?” She looked a little nervous, which made her even more desirable to him.
“The O’Learys. My appointment with them was to ask questions. They certainly gave me some answers. They were the ones who introduced me to Zac.”
“The O’Learys, was it? I’m not surprised.” She giggled. “Seems that you’re fitting into this small town quite well.”
“Easy to do with the people who live here. I’ve never been anywhere quite like it. I’ve learned so much in such a short time.” He stroked her hair. “I want what you want, sweetheart. I get it. All of it. I was blind back in Chicago. A fool. We belong together.”
“We? You and me? What about Nic?” Doubt appeared on her face.
“When I say ‘we,’ I mean you, me—and Nic. He’s my brother, and he loves you, too.”
“I know he does, but it’s over. He
told me so.” She told him about what had happened between her and Nic last night.
“It may seems hopeless, Ashley, but Sam and Patrick have planned an intervention for him.”
“I know about that, too. I’m not even sure that will be enough to turn Nic around.” She leaned her head into his chest. “Do you think I should join the men when they meet with Nic?”
“I would love for you to be there, but this is an intervention by the men of Destiny for Nic. He needs to hear what they have to say, sweetheart. The only person who knows Nic as well as I do is you, Ashley. I never saw him open up to anyone like he did when you were dating. I’m sure he told you about his childhood. That’s why he has so many issues.”
“I agree. I have no idea how he was able to survive such hell. No wonder he’s pushing me away. I can understand why. I ran away from both of you trying to protect my heart. It didn’t work. It only made things worse.”
“Sweetheart, I know Nic, and I know you. You think he’s pushing you away to protect himself. It’s the other way around. I’m sure that Nic believes he’s protecting you by ending it.” He told her about what Nic had said to him in the diner. “He called me the winner and left before I could convince him to stay.”
“You might be right, Sylas. Maybe he believes he is somehow protecting me. But he also is taking care of himself. He has trust issues because he has lost so much his whole life.”
“Trust. That’s where you and I come in. We will assure him until he is confident that we aren’t leaving. No matter what. That the three of us belong together. We are family.”
“I hope he can see that,” she said.
“He will. Trust me. Nic may not feel like it right now, but he is still my brother.” Sylas thought about what Sam had told him earlier. “Always will be.”
“If you have faith in him staying, then I have faith, too.”
“That’s my girl.” He leaned in and kissed her deeply. His balls grew heavy and his cock hardened. “Now, sub, we are going to your bedroom where I can show you some things I learned today at Phase Four.”
Her face brightened. “Yes, Sir.”
He stood, trying to remember everything Zac had taught him. Commanding tone. Confidence. Clear instructions. “Where’s your bedroom, sub?”
“Down that hall, Sir.”
He loved hearing her call him “Sir.” It heated his blood. “Follow me.” Taking his first step to her bedroom, his foot caught on the leg of her coffee table and he landed on his ass.
Her hands flew to her mouth and she burst out laughing. “I’m sorry, Sir. I can’t help myself.”
He started laughing with her, reaching up and pulling her on top of him. “Zac said I needed more lessons, and I guess he was right.”
“You’re doing great, Master.” She kissed him. “It means the world to me that you want to learn.”
“Maybe we just make love how I know best right now, throwing in a few things I learned at the club. I promise, with more training, I’ll be the Dom of your dreams, baby.”
“You’ve always been a great lover, Master.” She smiled. “But maybe today you could use my help getting to the bedroom.”
“You’re a sassy sub, aren’t you?”
“Wait. I thought we were going vanilla.”
“Vanilla? Zac said that meant conventional sex. Right?”
She nodded.
He lifted her in his arms as he got to his feet. “Is that what sex with me was like back in Chicago?”
“No. Never. You may just be learning about the life, but you have tricks up your sleeves that would make most Doms green with envy.”
“Like what?”
Her cheeks turned red. “That thing you do with your tongue.”
“Oh, really?” He carried her into the bedroom. “Would you like me to do that trick with you now?”
“More than anything.”
“Good.” He could see that she was getting turned on and that made him want her all the more. He lowered her feet to the floor. “You want my wicked tongue. Then earn it, sub.” He sat down on the bed. “Give me a show.”
Ashley’s face lit up. She grabbed her cell. “I have the perfect song for you, Master.”
Suddenly a tune with a heavy bass beat filled the room.
She sat her phone down and began moving her body to the sensual song. Seeing her hips sway so seductively made him rock hard. Damn, I shouldn’t have asked for this. I’m not sure I can hold myself back.
Slowly, she unbuttoned her blouse to the rhythm of the music. When she tossed it to the floor, he leaned forward, wanting more. She removed her bra, exposing her gorgeous, full breasts. She smiled and once again gyrated to the music.
Concentrate, Sylas. Be a Dom. Be the Dom she needs. “Tell me what you want me to do to you, sub.”
“I want you to touch me.”
“Touch you where? Be specific.” He was getting into his role. He loved how she responded to his words.
“My breasts, Sir. I want you to touch my breasts.”
“Show me. Use your hands. Pretend they’re mine.”
She nodded and moved her delicate fingers over her mounds.
“Pinch your nipples, sub.” He took off his shirt. He couldn’t hold back much longer. He wanted her. Wanted her more than anything. Two months had gone by since he’d seen her naked. But a Dom was supposed to put his sub’s needs before his own, and Ashley seemed to need him to take things slow, to raise her desire to a state of deliriousness. To do that for her he must keep his self-control. With that in mind, he willed himself to stay put on the bed despite the hunger for her inside him. “Pinch them hard.”
She obeyed, closing her eyes and moaning.
“Do you just want me to touch your breasts, sub? Or do you want me to touch you other places, too?”
She opened her eyes and their gazes locked. “Other places, Master. Please.” Her breathy words poured gasoline on his internal fire.
“Take off the rest of your clothes and show me,” he commanded.
“Yes, Sir.” She took off her shoes, slipped out of her slacks, and stepped out of her thong. As the song she selected continued playing, Ashley ran her hands over her gorgeous naked body, writhing to the music.
He stripped out of the rest of his clothes and stood. Dom or not, he couldn’t wait any longer. He lifted her into his arms and lowered her onto the bed.
He moved on the mattress next to her and started massaging her breasts. “God, you feel so good.”
She licked her lips. “So do your hands.”
He pinched her nipples lightly, and she moaned. He bent down and kissed them, circling his tongue around her buds. She arched her back off the mattress, clearly wanting more. Her scent of desire made him crazy and hungry for her body.
He ran his hands down her sides. She felt warm, soft, perfect. Moving down her body with his mouth, he tasted her smooth skin. So sweet. So delicious. He had to have more. He positioned his head between her thighs and lifted her legs over his shoulders.
“God, your pussy is beautiful.”
She laughed. “No pussy is beautiful, Sylas. Not even mine.”
“Sylas? What happened to Master?”
“I’m sorry, Master.”
“How would you know if your pussy is beautiful or not, sub? You’re not a Dom. I am.”
He felt her tremble and looked in her eyes.
“Yes, you are a Dom, Master.” She was excited by his dominance, and that pleased him. “You’re my Dom. My Master. I’m your sub.”
“Yes, you are.” He ran his tongue over her wet pussy, loving the taste of her sweet cream. He licked her folds, taking in every drop on them.
“Oh, God. That feels so good, Master. Please. Don’t stop.”
He had no plans on stopping. He wanted her to come so he could drink down her orgasm.
She pushed his head down tight onto her pussy. “More. Please. More.”
He sucked on her clit, and she gasped.
He continued ba
thing her pussy and drinking her juices.
“Oh. Oh. Oh. Master. I’m coming.”
Liquid poured out of her pussy and he drank it all. He could feel her writhing, and he knew he was pleasing her.
His cock was throbbing and his balls were aching. He was mad with want, want for her, want to be inside the woman of his dreams.
“Please, Master. I need you in me. Please.”
Impossible to hold back any longer, he grabbed the condom out of his jeans and put it on. He got on top of her, sending his cock into her sweet, tight pussy.
“Oh my God. You feel so good.”
He kissed her trembling lips. “This is where you belong, sub. With me.”
“Yes, Master. With you.”
He pushed into her, loving the feel of her pussy tightening around his cock. In and out. Holding her tight, he kissed her neck, continuing to thrust into her. She clawed his back. The frenzy between them was hotter than it had ever been before. Now that he had her back in his arms, he was never going to let her go.
His entire body stiffened and then he came with a groan.
He held her close, kissing her tenderly. Their bodies remained entwined together as their heartbeats and breaths began to slow.
He gazed into her blue eyes. Being with her again felt like heaven. She was his future. “I love you, Ashley.”
“I love you, too.” She kissed him. “You will be my Dom forever.”
She dozed off in his arms. After hearing what had happened with her and Nic last night, he had no doubt she hadn’t slept much. She looked so peaceful. He knew there was only one way to ensure her happiness. Nic had to let his walls down and realize that the three of them belonged together. The only hope he had was the intervention. He prayed it would knock some sense into Nic.
Sylas left the bed, careful not to wake Ashley.
Chapter Twelve
Ashley awoke to her doorbell ringing. She reached for Sylas, but he was gone. Making love with him again had been amazing. Where was he? Her head was still foggy.
The doorbell rang again.
She glanced at her alarm clock on the nightstand. 7:11pm. Sylas is at Nic’s intervention. She’d slept over two hours. She got out of the bed.