by Dakota Black
“Wake up, sleepy head. The day is beautiful.”
Dani stretched and opened her eyes, smiling when she saw Mitchell’s twinkling eyes. “What time is it?”
“A little after nine. I thought we could have some breakfast,” Mitchell said as he eased down on the edge of the bed.
“Wow. I don’t normally sleep that long.”
He cocked his head and with a single finger, lowered the edge of the sheet down her chest, exposing her breasts. “Well,” he whispered as he circled her nipple. “We were a bit busy last night into the wee hours of the morning. I didn’t hear you complain.”
Moaning, she arched her back when he pinched her already hardened bud. “No. I wasn’t complaining about anything.” As a slice of pain rushed into her system, she realized she could wake up this way every day.
“I’m glad to hear it.” He traced a zigzag line over to her other nipple, pinching and twisting until she gasped. “I certainly didn’t want you to think I was a boring date.”
“Is that what we had?” Teasing, she slid the palm of her hand down his bare chest to his lap, flicking her finger up and down his groin. “I thought we were just fucking.”
“Such a naughty girl.” Leaning down, he palmed either side of her shoulders and licked the tip of her nose. “Remember what all bad girls receive, even in the morning.”
A single remembrance of her life before slithered into the back of her mind and she tensed. “I know.”
“Why don’t I pour us a cup of coffee?”
“Sounds delicious.” She waited until he’d left the room before slipping out of bed, smiling when she noticed her clothes strewn across the room. Her head was fuzzy from the amount of wine, but she remembered every detail about their conversation regarding discipline, submission and engaging in the lifestyle. She’d shared so much with the man, her fears and desires, her wants and needs. He’d listened patiently, never challenging or chastising. He seemed genuinely interested and hadn’t pushed.
As she slid into her clothes, she realized she was falling hard for the man. This wasn’t the best scenario for several reasons, but she had confidence they could work through the obstacles. Her thoughts drifted to the earlier conversation regarding business. Who in the hell was out to get the man and why? She thought back to her discussion with Garcia in El Paso. She’d scribbled his name and contact information down, promising not to call him unless she thought the situation was dire.
This was pretty damn dire. Whether or not Mitchell could place a positive spin on the Steele site was out of her control, but she knew the press wouldn’t be easily fooled. Sighing, she ran her fingers through her hair as she walked into the bathroom, turning on the light. Her reflection told no lies. “You look freshly fucked.” Chuckling, she realized her purse remained in her car. Perfect. This was going to have to do.
The moment she opened the bedroom door, she heard a second male voice. Slinking against the wall, she debated waiting until his visitor left. Perhaps this was just a ranch hand, coming to ask questions about his day. Either way, she couldn’t stay locked in his bedroom forever. Besides, her car was parked smack in front of the house. She had work to do, including hounding her contact. They needed the full details prior to Monday morning.
Dani walked toward the kitchen, cringing the moment she inched into the doorway.
“Look, this can wait until tomorrow,” Mitchell said as he rubbed his eyes.
She knew he was angry by whatever Camden had said.
“There’s an emergency meeting tomorrow of the Board of Directors. We need to get our stories straight. I don’t plan on losing everything I’ve worked for and you shouldn’t use this company as bait. Your father built Rush from nothing. Ground zero. We came into the merger knowing there would be obstacles, but damn if this isn’t out of control,” Camden said, his tone full of discord. “Besides, I tried to call you last night.” His gaze shifted in her direction. “But I guess you were otherwise occupied.”
“Our stories?” Mitchell didn’t acknowledge her presence. He remained glaring at Camden. “This isn’t a game or a ruse for that matter. This is a company I’ve worked very hard for over the years to achieve success, my kind of success, not my father’s. He was running the corporation into the ground. The place would have gone bankrupt in a year if I hadn’t taken over, infusing capital and merging our collective ventures. He didn’t have the business savvy or the desire for that matter. He was too busy flying in the jet, spending time with hookers and thieves. I think I can handle myself tomorrow.”
“You mean ‘we’ don’t you? We worked very hard together over the years to make certain Rush could succeed. While the damn business might have your name on the door, I’ve been by your side the entire time. Or did you forget?”
“Damn it, Camden. Yes, we both worked hard. You have as much at stake as I do. I’m terrified of what’s going to happen, but I refuse to allow that to stop me from doing my job and I suggest you do yours.”
She held her breath as Camden’s face grew beet red.
“I don’t know you any longer. You play the part of CEO very well. That much I’ll give you,” Camden retorted.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Mitchell snapped.
“Gentlemen. This isn’t doing us any good. I suggest we all work together to try and figure out what is really going on,” Dani offered as she walked into the room.
“The new engineer. How enchanting. Tell me, Mitchell, what is really going on?” Camden asked, his eyes remaining locked on Mitchell.
Mitchell held out his arm as she advanced. “Cut her some slack. She’s only trying to help.”
“She knows nothing about this company or about the difficulties we’ve faced over the years. I don’t want this firm destroyed because of a single bad business decision.” Camden huffed and turned away.
Sucking in his breath, Mitchell gave her a half smile as he swaggered forward. “Camden. We’re not going to lose the company. That I can promise you.”
The tension was palpable.
“I’m scared, Mitch, really scared. I love what I do. I’ve enjoyed working by your side, starting from nothing to get where we are.” His voice strangled, Camden looked down.
“Stay with me, my friend. We’ll get through this. Be prepared with facts and figures about the other sites so we have ammunition. All the Board of Directors and our investors want is a profitable business. We have that. Okay?” Mitchell smiled as he patted Camden on the shoulder. “We’ve been through worse.”
“Yeah. I know we have.” Camden exhaled and tipped his head in her direction. “I’m sorry you had to hear that. I wouldn’t have come if I’d known you were here.”
“All thoughts to the contrary.” The words slipped from her mouth before she could stop them.
“Dani,” Mitchell said under his breath.
Camden exhaled. “Dani is right.”
“Don’t worry. This is important. I need to leave soon anyway,” Dani said quietly as she studied both men. There were more secrets to tell. Whatever had occurred with Mitchell’s family was an ugly story to tell. The darling of Dallas had a damning past.
“No,” Camden said as he walked toward her. “I’m going to leave. Mitchell is right, we can deal with the crap tomorrow. Enjoy this beautiful day together.” Before anyone had a chance to stop him, he took long strides out of the kitchen.
“Whew.” Mitchell let out an exaggerated breath. “Everyone is tense. I can’t keep doing this. I can’t continue to fight when I don’t know the enemy.”
“You’re the one fighting here, but not the battle you should have. I don’t know what you’ve been through in your past or what hold your father continues to have over you, but you need to make your own decisions based on your needs and those of your employees.” She waited until she heard the front door closing before walking closer.
He rubbed his eyes. “You’re very wise but you don’t know the circumstances.”
“You’re right. I don’t.
You can tell me or not tell me, but looking from the outside in, you’re a haunted man. If you don’t find solace with your personal demons, this threat is going to consume you, destroying everything you’ve ever loved. That, I can assure you.”
Exhaling, he glanced into her eyes, a knowing settling in. “You’re right. I need to take some time and figure out how to do that. I have far too many doubts.”
Dani stood quietly. “I’ve always had a shadow of doubt about almost every aspect of my life. Some would say that’s simply me being cautious. Others might call me foolish. Either way, my doubts have kept me from seeking everything I’ve ever desired.”
“What do you want out of life?”
The question had been shoved to the very forefront of her mind. Answering would mean she’d be forced to let go, of her past and of her internal demons – something she wasn’t prepared to do. “I’m still determining.”
Mitchell nodded, his eyes clouding over. “Take a single piece of advice. Don’t wait too long or life will simply pass you by.”
She thought about his words, so full of fear and anxiety. This wasn’t the time for soul searching. She wasn’t prepared. “Camden doesn’t know about this other business venture. Does he?”
“No. Maybe I shouldn’t have kept the decision a secret, but I didn’t think he’d understand.”
“Why? What are you hiding behind those big, beautiful eyes of yours?” She meant the question as a tease, but the moment his eyes flashed, she knew she was right.
Swallowing, he leaned over, kissing her forehead. “That’s for another discussion, my dear. Let’s have some coffee on the veranda.” He turned away, moving toward the cabinet.
Secrets and lies. No one had the capability of hiding from their wretched outcome forever.
Dani left just before noon, heading out into the bright sunshine.
“I’ll call you later,” Mitchell said after giving her a kiss.
“I’d like that.”
He glanced at his watch. “I have a phone call. Will you be all right getting out of here?”
“Of course. I’m learning Dallas quickly.” She brushed the side of his face and nodded. As he walked toward the house, she leaned against the car. Mitchell had his back against the wall and she now wondered whether whatever decision he was hiding would be exposed, and if so, would that ruin the man as well as the corporation? She made a mental note to find out what she could about his deceased father. What in God’s name had happened, placing such a rift in the family?
She scuffed her toe against the driveway and went over the facts once again. There were too many hanging details, far too many hands involved. When she got back to her place, she was going to pull out Garcia’s phone number. She’d bet on anything that the man had been too afraid to tell her the entire story. She’d get it out of him, one way or another.
Determined, she opened her car door and climbed inside. Reaching for her purse and phone, she was surprised she’d knocked the leather clutch onto the floor. She glanced into the rearview mirror as another red flag reared its ugly head. Was someone watching? Had they realized she’d taken another sample? If so, she had no doubt they’d stop at nothing to thwart the truth. After searching the contents of her purse and finding nothing missing, she breathed a sigh of relief. Her job was already getting to her. Whether or not there was some conspiracy wasn’t her concern. She simply needed to do her job to the best of her ability.
She pulled out of the driveway, continuing to monitor the road. There was almost no traffic. The nagging feeling remained. What was she missing?
Ten minutes later she pulled into a convenience store, purchasing water and gassing up. When she was finished, she smiled as she noticed the time. A little afternoon entertainment would be beneficial, if for no other reason than to get her mind off the next few days. She flipped on the radio, turning the dial until she found the correct station for the discipline show, her guilty little pleasure. After opening her water, she rolled out of the parking lot, enjoying the already lively conversation.
“Master Gregory, how do you convince a woman to become your slave?”
“Slave. I don’t like that word, although I realize there are many societies where the term is used in place of submissive. The simple answer is, you can’t convince her. Either she is willing to submit or she isn’t.” Master Gregory’s voice faded in and out given the bad reception.
“Ugh.” She increased the volume.
“We have another caller. Mindy, what can I answer for you?”
“Master Gregory, have you lived with many submissives and what was your experience like?”
“Well, Mindy, I have indeed had the good fortune of living with several submissives. Every relationship is completely different, of course, but I am lucky enough to say that I’ve enjoyed learning and training several women, molding them to become an enhanced version of themselves.”
Dani rolled her eyes. “Are you kidding me? Molding?” While his voice was soothing and seductive, she could tell he was such a player. The man knew his prowess over the airwaves and used his power and influence to find women. The only difference was these women enjoyed living the subservient life. Sighing, her original desire to meet the man had changed.
“My current submissive is bold and brash, very untrained but absolutely willing to do anything to learn. Intelligent women need guidance, as I’ve often said, but they also need to be the one to open their own Pandora’s Box. My submissive is almost at that point. She’s open minded and I adore her spunk, even though she needs strict discipline,” Master Gregory continued.
Arrogance. The man had a hell of a lot. The poor girl probably had no idea he was touting her need for punishment on the airwaves. What a jerk.
“Remember that the lifestyle is about trust and love. Love can come in varying forms, but my belief is that sharing a D/s or DD lifestyle is one of the utmost love two people can have. When the master has the absolute control, anything is possible.”
She wondered if the man was even a Dom or Master. He did manage to say all the right words, no doubt the very reason for his popularity. This is exactly the kind of man you desire. She rolled her eyes, shouting at her inner voice silently. Even if she had the opportunity to meet the man, she guessed he was a toad hiding behind the microphone.
Groaning, her thoughts were interrupted by her cell ringing. She rolled her eyes before grabbing the phone.
“This is Dani.”
“Hey, Dani. This is Mike Trevors from Tech Touch labs in Baltimore. I’m sorry for calling you on a Sunday, but I understand the test results are very important to you.”
Fearful of losing the call, she pulled over on the side of the two-lane road. “You’re absolutely correct. Please tell me this is good news.” Please. Dear God, please.
“Well, interesting news anyway.”
“Now, you have me intrigued.”
“First of all, this is very unusual. Secondly, you have several issues on your hands,” Mike began.
“Fuck!” After the call ended, she sat quietly in her seat mulling over the results. This was interesting to say the least. She cradled the phone, staring at the screen then placed a call to her boss.
When Mitchell didn’t pick up after the fifth ring, she tossed the phone. This was absolute proof that someone was out to get Mitchell. Over her dead ass body. This was definitely not information she wanted to leave on a voice mail. Moments later she pulled out onto the road, the radio show continuing.
Tomorrow was going to be a difficult day.
Chapter 10
“To be honest with you, I believe that all men should be trained in the art of using implements. This doesn’t necessarily mean that education must come from an outside source. There are many wonderful forums and websites showing positions, methods and providing exercises. For example, using a cane or a switch is very much about the wrist, a snapping action. When using a paddle, position of both the submissive as well as the location on the body need to be take
n into account. Masters should take the time to educate themselves in order to use it effectively. Margie, I believe you have a question.”
“Master Gregory. What is your favorite implement to use?”
“Fabulous question, Margie. I have several favorites including the use of a quirt, a rattan cane and my personal favorite, my well-worn belt. Many a butt has been reddened by hard lashes from my inch and a half wide strap.” He sat back in his seat, swiveling the chair back and forth. He wasn’t into the show today, his mind constantly shifting to his drowning business. Thank God, there was only time for one additional question. “We have time for just one more. Let’s see. Who will that be?”
“I have a question.” The words floated just behind him.
Startled, Mitchell turned around and immediately rose to his feet. A rush of adrenaline coursed through every cell in his body. Oh dear God, no. “Dani.”
Dani was white as a sheet, her entire body trembling, but he suspected with rage. She walked closer, as if wanting to be heard by the audience. “I said, I have a question.”
“Dani, of course. I’m waiting to hear that question.” Unable to tell what she was thinking, he gripped the edge of the six-foot table, the one he’d used for the radio show since inception. This couldn’t have happened at a worse time. What in the hell was he going to do? How could he explain?
She took several steps forward, her face showing no expression. “Does your current submissive understand what a lying snake in the grass you really are?” When he hesitated, she stood her ground. “Did you hear me or do I need to ask the question one more time?”
“Dani, I’m not lying to you. This is a show. This isn’t real.” He cupped his hand over the mic. “Wait. Please just wait. We need to talk. You don’t understand.”
“This appears to be very real. You have thousands of people hanging on your every word given you’re the expert. Wait for exactly what, Master Gregory? So, you can make fun of your submissive on the air, telling everyone how terrified she is of trusting again? Or perhaps you’d prefer to go right into detail about how inept she is at kowtowing to you? Would that work?” Dani spit out the words.