Passion's Claim

by Devyn Douglas

  “She’s okay, in case you’re wondering.” Lance’s footsteps echoed in the room. A chain nearby rattled. “Amazing how much trust that little sprite has in you—to let us all chain her up and do what we have.”

  “Do you have a specific reason for being here, or are you just going to twist that knife in me a little more?”

  “Depends on whether you intend to pull your head out of your ass anytime soon.”

  Kade turned. He punched at Lance and cursed his friend’s abnormal reflexes when pain shot up his arm, now wedged between their bodies as he found himself turned.

  “Not many people get to do that and come out of it standing, friend, so I’d listen up if I were you. Get your ass to your sub, or so help me God, I’ll go after her myself.” Lance shoved him toward the door. “Don’t stop short when you know the payoff is worth the risk. Don’t you fucking dare.”

  Kade bit back the curse lodged in his throat. He hated admitting his friend was right. He’d done the hard part and admitted his mistake, his stupid irrational need to prove she wasn’t like the women of his past. He’d already known that. He should’ve trusted her and his ability to figure that out on his own.

  Autumn was his.

  He stalked toward the door and paused, his hand on the doorknob. “Thanks, man. I owe you.”

  “Don’t fuck this up.”

  The corridors never seemed so long and cold. He paused at her doorway and contemplated knocking. Cursing his apprehension, he slid the master keycard into the slot and entered.

  Vanilla wafted through the room. Soft candlelight flickered, spotlighting an unusual trail along the carpeting. Rose petals, pink and red, littered the floor leading to the bed. His gaze followed, his gut twisting. His pulse hammered in his chest when he found her.

  Her hair tumbled in waves around her bare shoulders. Desire sparkled in her eyes. Her soft lip disappeared into her mouth on one side. Leather restraints shackled her wrists above her head on the massive bed he’d longed to spread her out on. His cock hardened.

  He approached, not trusting his voice. Her smile captured his breath.

  “I was starting to think this was a bad idea.”

  “Never that, sweetheart.” He trailed a tendril to her chest and ran his finger across the swells of her bared breasts. He licked his lips and savored the hardened buds awaiting his tongue. “Damn.”

  “Not exactly the response I expected.” Her gaze swept down him and paused at his erection. “That’s more like what I was hoping for.”

  “If I’d known you were here—like this—I would’ve been here a hell of a lot sooner. I’m sorry, more sorry than you’ll ever know.”

  “I can think of a few ways you can make it up to me.” She waggled her eyebrows and grinned.

  “What did you have in mind, sweetheart?”

  “Get naked and join me and you may find out.”

  Kicking off his shoes, he made quick work of his jeans and tossed his shirt over his head. He straddled her and stroked her abdomen. She trembled under his touch. Leaning down, he grazed her lips with his, a tentative claim of what he intended to plunder all night.

  Her groan undid his resolve. He cupped her face and deepened the kiss, demanding she surrender to his lead. One day he’d let her be in control, just to prove he could. But not tonight.

  Severing contact with her mouth, he pulled up and reached for the nearest candle. Curiosity flickered in her gaze. The candles had been a crucial part of the scene he’d ended. “What made you light all these?”

  A wicked grin spread across her face. “Lance.”

  He tensed. “He was here?”

  “Just long enough to help me with these.” She moved her restraints. “He and Stryker helped me realize I’d overreacted. I should’ve discussed everything with you instead of running. I’m sorry, Kade.”

  “I’m the one who’s sorry, sweetheart.” He grinned and lifted the candle. “You know, we could pick up where we left off earlier. Just you and me.”

  “I’d like that.”

  “That’s how I want it. You and me—at least for a while. You okay with that?”

  She squirmed under him. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

  He chuckled and set the candle down. Wax play would have to wait for another time. “Don’t worry. Once I’ve got this jealousy under control, I’ll make sure you have playtime with the guys. I believe in keeping our sexual curiosity open for new experiences. I just need some time with you first.”

  “Does that mean I’ll be sharing you with someone else?” Her gaze narrowed. “I might have to scratch you if you say yes.”

  Kade kissed her lips softly, then laved a trail down her body to her nipples. He sucked a hard bud into his mouth.

  “You’re avoiding the question?” Her moan filled the room.

  He looked up at her. “I can’t promise you I’ll never touch another woman, sweetheart. This place, The Brigade, is all about educating and helping women explore their sexual fantasies, their submissiveness. I can promise I won’t ever fuck anyone else, Autumn. And if by some crazy turn of events anything remotely close to that occurs, you and I will discuss it first and I will have your understanding and approval.”

  “And if I refuse?”

  “The scenes we may or may not share with others are for our mutual pleasure, sweetheart. I will push your limits because that’s who I am, but I will always respect your right to refuse. Always.” He thrust into her and savored her small gasp. “Never doubt that.”

  “Kade.”

  He ground his teeth and withdrew. This was how he’d intended to have her the first night, slow enough to relish the feel of her pussy clenching his cock. In time they’d learn what they liked best. She was his now.

  “I’m glad I chose that apartment. I never expected such a gorgeous minx of a voyeur living next door.” He maneuvered her legs to his shoulders and thrust deep. Her moan mingled with his ragged breathing. “I still remember the first time I heard your gasp through that fucking wall.”

  “I’d never heard someone so assertive,” she whispered. She writhed upward as he pulled out.

  He pinned her hips to the bed. “I almost banged on your door that night.”

  “I wish you had. I wanted you so bad.” Her pussy gripped his cock as spasms seized her body.

  He groaned and kissed her. His release followed hers. He collapsed on her, allowing his hard breathing to mingle with hers. “Damn.”

  “That’s an understatement,” she replied. “Is it always going to be this intense?”

  “God, I hope so, but I think it may kill me.” He couldn’t think of a better way to die. His mind raced with a list of the things he wanted to share with her, show her. Would his family treasure her as he did? Surely his little sister would latch onto her.

  He groaned at the thought.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I just realized that my sister’s going to love the hell out of you.”

  Autumn laughed as he released her arms. “And that’s a problem because…”

  “She’ll tell you all the naughty things her big brother did growing up. I’m not sure I’m ready for you to hear all about my childhood exploits.”

  “I’ll love each of them because they made you the man you are today.” Autumn snuggled into his side.

  He savored the feel of her body pressed softly against him. “You know I don’t live in New York.”

  “I’ figured that out. You live here?”

  “Near here.” Kade rose from the bed and walked to the small fridge in the corner of the room. Opening the door, he reached in and grabbed a bottle of water. “I’ve got a few places here and there.”

  “Here and there?”

  “You ever wanted to live anywhere in particular?” Kade’s gut clenched. He’d make damn sure he had something near wherever she mentioned. Come hell or high water he wanted to be near her. He could run his part of The Brigade from just about anywhere.

  Autumn sat up and reached for the
bottle as he approached her. He held it to her lips and watched her swallow. Her hazel gaze slid softly over him like a warm caress.

  “I’ve always heard good things about Austin. This isn’t that far from there.”

  “No, it isn’t.”

  “I think I’d like this area. At least the winters wouldn’t be as harsh.”

  “I’d keep you warm no matter where you chose,” he whispered. Then her statement struck him, resonating deep within the part of him he’d locked away until she somehow shattered the carefully constructed barrier. “You’d move for me?”

  “No.” His pulse pounded in apprehension until he saw the smile on her face. “I’d move for us.”

  About the Author

  Devyn Douglas is the edgier, more erotic alter ego of Cara Carnes. She resides in Austin, Texas where she writes in assorted genres, from contemporary to sci-fi.

  You can find out more at www.devyndouglas.com, or by subscribing to her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/cCOV8j

  The journey continues in Passion’s Training…

  Book Two in the Pleasure Brigade series

  What happens in The Brigade stays in The Brigade…

  Viviana Marks crashes the annual Brigade masquerade with one mission—submitting to Chief of Security, Stryker. She isn’t about to pass up this opportunity to dabble in her BDSM fantasies with one of the best Doms around.

  Returning from a mission, Lance is surprised to discover an unknown woman posing as a former submissive of his. Curious, he assists Stryker in taking control of the sweet bundle of curves, sensuality and attitude.

  Viviana soon finds herself in a two-week training session with the two men, who are determined to unleash her darkest desires and awaken a need she’s ignored too long. When the time draws near to decide whether to continue her journey of sensual discovery, the true test is whether the tentative trust she’s built with the two Doms is enough to overcome her bitter past.

  Here’s a sneak peek at Passion’s Training.

  Sneak Peek at Passion’s Training…

  Chapter One

  Viviana Marks infiltrated the hallowed grounds as easily as she had their security before she’d been contracted to render their computer systems impenetrable. Wouldn’t Stryker just love to hear someone had been lax on perimeter security? She’d expected a veritable legion of guards flanking every inch of immaculately sculpted lawn for tonight’s grand foray into the forbidden.

  The Brigade’s masquerade ball was an event any self-respecting dabbler into the BDSM lifestyle wanted a ticket to. The only problem for Viviana had been admitting that she was more interested in the chief of security than she was in the ball itself.

  She shivered as a burst of cool wind whipped across her exposed thighs. Wearing a skintight leather skirt and matching bustier wasn’t exactly her typical style, but tonight was all about attracting Stryker’s attention. If the outfit didn’t do it, then she hoped the fuck-me-’til-I-scream, knee-high stiletto boots would.

  He’d better be worth the blistered feet.

  Moisture trickled down her thighs. Wearing a thong had been out of character, but necessary. Granny panties simply wouldn’t work with her ensemble’s message unless there was a secret fetish she didn’t know about. She’d fantasized about Stryker for too long. Hell, he had no idea who she was.

  She was a voiceless sender of never-ending email streams under her brother’s name. He’d be beyond pissed if he ever learned about tonight. Clint didn’t believe in mixing business with pleasure, but what he didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him. After all, he’d decided to throw her headfirst into one of the largest jobs they had landed in the past six months. It wasn’t her fault her raging libido wasn’t appreciating the fact she’d dedicated every waking moment to the project.

  Secure Pathways had been their vision. This job was a catalyst into a sea of other potentials. Brigade Enterprises was a large firm with a huge client list and an equally long membership roster for their private club, The Pleasure Brigade.

  Enough with the shop talk.

  Viviana tucked away all the reasons she shouldn’t be here and allowed her raging desires to saunter her up the well-sculpted lawns of The Brigade. Her brother had been the mouthpiece and the face behind their agreement with Stryker and his group. She’d been the fingers, sweat, brainpower and exhaustive determination behind the perfection that was their new security system.

  Fortunately all that hard work was about to pay off.

  She smiled as a young man motioned for her to stop. She’d rendered all the employee photos into the system herself, so she immediately recognized him as their newest addition—Gabe Santiago. Of course, not all the employees had photographs, much to Viviana’s dismay. Knowing everyone she’d have to be steer clear of tonight would’ve been simpler.

  Mischievous brown eyes scanned her barely there attire as a grin spread across his face. “And what are you this evening, miss?”

  “I’m either a covert operative, or dessert.”

  “If you’re a dessert, then I’m suddenly even sadder to be diabetic. Morsels like you would be worth a sugar spike.”

  “I doubt your sugar would be the first thing that would rise.” Viviana inwardly winced at the obvious and lame comeback. She’d been away from dating and flirtation way too long and had never been that good to begin with.

  That’s why God had blessed her with a decent body and a spunky attitude. Thanks to having four older brothers and a passion for all things high-tech, she was officially a geek used to handling her own with just about any type of man.

  She pulled out her identification and remained calm, knowing her final hack into the newly minted computer systems had been flawless. As far as everyone here knew, she was Viviana Jackson and a guest for this evening.

  “I see you’re a guest of Lance’s.” Gabe moved his fingers across a touch screen and retracted a computerized band from a container at his waist. “It’s a shame he’s been on assignment the past couple of months. It puts Stryker in a real jam handling this place and the other less interesting ones.”

  Lance’s penchant for being away all the time had made him the perfect master for her to be invited by. He wouldn’t be here to call her on her farce, and she had no intention of returning after tonight. This was a one-time indulgence.

  “Good thing he has men like you to help him then.”

  “I won’t bother to go over the rules with you if you know Lance.” Gabe motioned for her to produce her left wrist. “The safety word for the resort is cobra. This stores your pertinent data, such as hard limits, and the like. There’s an emergency button here for you to press if you get into trouble.”

  “Thank you, Sir.”

  “Welcome to The Brigade Masquerade.”

  Viviana smiled and trudged her way up the inclined lawn toward the exterior portion of the party. Tiki torches surrounded the perimeter of a carefully orchestrated arena for guests to wander about and mingle. Only the most observant would notice the small cameras strategically placed within the trees, torches, rocks. Every inch of the area was monitored.

  And Viviana suspected she knew exactly who was doing the monitoring tonight, much to her annoyance. If she intended to sate her hunger for Stryker, she’d have to draw him out of his inner sanctum. Somehow.

  She perched on a knee-high boulder and crossed her legs. A cool breeze swept up her exposed thighs, reminding her she was now exposing more of herself in that one movement than she had in months. Hell, it’d been almost a year since she’d exposed anything to anyone.

  Not bothering to wander to the bar she knew served only nonalcoholic beverages for tonight’s festivities, she studied the thickening crowd. She’d arrived earlier than expected and would have a while to kill before Stryker would appear, since she assumed he was in charge of security tonight.

  Rhythmic thrums vibrated off the ground from unseen speakers. The music incited a few brave souls to the wooden, circular floor. Soft lighting from an overhead system acce
ntuated their sensuous gyrations. All women wore the same nondescript computerized bracelet as Viviana. Some of the men did as well, but most wore a platinum cuff emblazoned with a symbol of some sort in a triangle. A peace symbol. It resembled a peace symbol but was somehow different.

  Had Gabe been wearing one as well? Did that note the members of The Pleasure Brigade?

  Curiosity almost surged her into the crowd. Perhaps writhing up against some of his friends would bring Stryker out. Either way, she knew there were plenty of prospects in the dominant pool and she was more than willing to be the bait.

  “It’s a shame to see someone so flawlessly dressed adorning the wallflower section.”

  The voice startled Viviana. She spun around and lost whatever response she’d thought. A wall of sinewy flesh overwhelmed her gaze. The man’s chest was almost as large as Stryker’s. Not that she’d know since she’d only really seen him from across the room. All other conversations had been by email or instant message.

  Obsidian eyes tracked her movement with curiosity as she stood. “It’s early still.”

  “Quite true, Viviana.”

  “You know my name.” She noted the apprehensive tone to her statement as she glanced around. She’d never met this man before. Black cotton stretched over wide shoulders and biceps big enough for her to hang on to for a rough, long ride.

  The thought made her groan softly. Black hair cut short accentuated a strong, firm jaw. Whoever this man was, he exuded the same don’t-fuck-with-me vibe that had drawn her to Stryker.

  Silence greeted her statement as he moved slightly and crossed his hands in front of him, drawing her gaze to the biggest thighs she’d ever seen. Straddling them would be a challenge—one she was more than prepared to take on if Stryker didn’t make an appearance. Hell, she’d take them both on if given half a chance.

  “I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage.”

  “At a disadvantage, Sir.” His voice was husky velvet encased in steel. His perusal swept across her with an intensity that left her more exposed than she had been in a long time. “The security device you were given broadcasts your information to anyone with one of these on.”