“Try thousands. And no, I haven’t.” His gaze shot over to me. “Do you want me to hide what’s going on?”
“Not what I’m saying. But if you’re confronted, you won’t deny you have a relationship with Troy?”
Trent reached over and took my hand, linking our fingers together. My heart picked up speed once more. I was mindful of Zeke in the backseat, but he was so quiet, at times it was difficult to remember.
“I do my best to keep my private life out of the news, Clarissa. I don’t share information that isn’t necessary. However, it’s not because I care what they say about me. I’ve learned to deal with it.”
“But Troy hasn’t.”
“Nor have you,” he added. “And I’m in a relationship with you, am I not?”
I shrugged, then glanced out the window.
“Answer me, Clarissa.”
“Yes. I guess you could call this a relationship of sorts.”
He chuckled. “By morning, you’ll feel differently.”
I glanced over at him, trying to figure out what he meant. My body heated another few degrees as my mind managed to catch up with what was going on. There was no doubt this wasn’t going to be a platonic sleepover tonight.
And I couldn’t say I was disappointed. Not in the least.
*
When we finally arrived at my house a solid forty-five minutes later, my heart was practically in my throat. I’d spent more time than was appropriate thinking about all the things I wanted Trent to do to me when we got back to my place. That session on his jet had seemed like a tease. I already wanted more of him.
And now, as he opened the truck door and helped me out, I forced my shaky legs to carry me to my front porch. Zeke quickly took my keys from my hand, unlocked the door, then stepped inside and flipped on all the lights. A minute later, he returned with a silent nod to Trent.
“I’m gonna take Tank out back for a while. When we’re done, I’m gonna shower if that’s all right?”
“Of course,” I told him.
His gaze swung to Trent. “Pretend I’m not even here.”
“I plan to.”
Once Zeke and Tank slipped out the back door, I smiled at the handsome man who looked very little like the Trent Ramsey I’d been with all day. The disguise wasn’t quite as flimsy as I’d thought when I had pulled the items out of the glove box.
When he shut and locked the door, I could practically hear my heart hammering against my sternum. He set the ball cap and glasses on the small table by the door, then turned to face me. Not thinking about what I was doing, I reached up and ran my hand over his hair, smoothing down some of the strands that had been mussed from the hat. When I realized what I’d done, I pulled my hand back.
Neither of us moved for what felt like an eternity, but then Trent reached up and brushed his thumb along my cheek. He smiled down into my eyes, then took my hand and led me to the sofa. Although he didn’t say anything, I could see his intention. He hadn’t come back here for more conversation.
Part of me was happy about that because, in the short time we’d been together, my body had become accustomed to his touch. I was primed and eager to feel his hands on me. Ever since our kiss on New Year’s, I had tried to force him from my mind, attempted to distract myself, but it never worked, and the thought of being with another man always left me feeling cold, so I had finally given up. For so long, the only man I wanted to touch me was Trent and since I couldn’t have him, I’d opted to go without.
His eyes perused the room slowly and I felt a flicker of discomfiture. I hated the predicament I was in, but the fact that I was being proactive helped a little.
“When are you moving, sunshine?” His eyes slid back to my face.
I allowed my gaze to drop to the floor. “As soon as I can get everything packed. Can I get you something to drink?”
“Sure.”
“I’ve got water, tea, wine.” I glanced toward the kitchen. “Probably a couple of Bud Lights.”
“Tea is fine,” he said.
While I went into the kitchen, he watched me. I could feel his presence even across the fifteen or so feet that separated us. Giving myself a chance to relax, I took my time getting the glasses, depositing the ice, then pouring the tea. Once that was done, I had no more reason to stall.
I peered over at him. “Can I get you anything else? Maybe something for dessert?”
“No, thank you. You’re going to be my dessert. That’s all I need.”
My heart thumped double time at the words, and I briefly wondered if the man had taken a class on how to say the right things to a woman.
I carried the glasses over to him and he took one, freeing up one of my hands. He quickly placed his around mine. Trent’s thumb brushed over the back of my hand and I realized I had dropped my gaze to the floor again. Lifting my eyes, I met his gaze and my heart pretty much stopped.
It was in that moment that I knew I was in so much trouble.
Trent Ramsey was everything I’d ever wanted and everything I should’ve been running from.
Yet my feet were rooted in place.
Trent
I ENJOYED WATCHING CLARISSA.
The woman’s beauty had captivated me from the very beginning. Long auburn hair, light hazelnut eyes, lips that beckoned a man to kiss her. Clarissa’s fair skin was smooth and soft. Not even the small scar on her chin could detract from her loveliness.
I was fascinated by her. Had been for a while now. And here I was, less than a foot away, unable to stop staring.
In the beginning, I’d been confused about my obsession with her. Didn’t matter how much time passed, my infatuation never lessened. Ever since the night I watched her scene with Xander and Mercedes, I’d known I wanted this woman for myself.
For some reason, she was under my skin, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get her out of my head. I even knew that having her once would never be enough and that was likely a first for me. Although I had my fair share of available women, I’d long ago accepted that I wanted Clarissa with a fierceness I couldn’t deny.
That didn’t explain why I immediately thought about Troy, wondering what he was doing, wishing he was here with us. The things I could do to them…
I shook off the thought.
Troy needed time to process what was going on. He’d done far better than I’d ever thought he would for his first day experiencing this lifestyle, but he needed to wrap his head around what I was proposing and decide for himself if he was going to proceed.
Not to mention, this wasn’t about Troy. Not tonight, anyway. I’d waited all this time to have Clarissa to myself and I fully intended to jump on the opportunity.
While I hadn’t balked at teasing her in front of Troy, I was still anxious to have her alone, all to myself, to see how she reacted to me without outside stimuli.
As I urged her to sit on the sofa beside me, I reached up and touched her chin, brushing my thumb lightly over the faint silver line in her skin. “How’d you get the scar?”
She took a sip of her tea, then placed the glass on the end table. I placed mine beside hers.
“I fell out of a swing when I was four. Had to get a few stitches.” She smiled sweetly. “I have quite a few of them. Scars, that is. I was what my mother called a wild child, never sitting still, always getting into things.”
“Just curious,” I said, “but why the lack of floor covering?”
She blushed and giggled. “I’d been hoping to renovate but got ahead of myself.”
Well, that explained some of it.
“Care to tell me why you’re moving?”
Her eyes dropped to the floor. “Not really, no.”
I wasn’t sure why I allowed her to hide from me, but I sensed she still needed some space. One of these days, she would open up. Hopefully when she fully trusted me with her secrets. For now, I had no choice but to let it go.
“So, are you considering the job offer at Chatter?”
Her e
yes widened. “I am, yes.”
“Good.” I leaned back, getting comfortable, hoping she would relax. “Regardless of whether you accept, I’d like to hire you.”
She frowned. “But I thought you only needed me in the interim if you were going to be without an agent. If you’ve come to an agreement with Chatter, doesn’t that change things?”
“I’ll still need someone to go over the contract Landon’s having drawn up. Being that we’re going into business together, it’s pertinent we get it right the first time. Doing business with friends is tricky. More so when we’re dealing with a ridiculous amount of money.”
That explanation seemed to settle her. “Oh. Of course.”
I grinned. “Unless you’re not taking on additional clients in the meantime.”
She blushed. “Don’t be silly. Yes, I am.”
Clarissa was nervous. I’d noticed she didn’t have an issue when it came to sex, but when the topic turned to personal details, she tended to sink into her shell.
Neither of us spoke for what felt like an eternity. The energy between us continued to swirl through the room, the sexual chemistry strong enough I could practically taste it. Although I hadn’t initially intended to move fast with Clarissa, I couldn’t help myself. I’d waited so fucking long for this moment, to spend time alone with her, to have her undivided attention. The other day at the restaurant, as well as earlier on the plane had been a mere tease. I wanted to taste more of her.
“Come here,” I urged, reaching out and snagging her wrist.
Clarissa scooted closer.
“On my lap, pet.” I kept tugging until she was right where I wanted her, straddling me with her skirt laid out over her sexy thighs. Although I liked the outfit, I wanted to see more of her. In fact, I wanted to see all of her.
I slid my hands up her thighs, inching beneath the skirt until my fingertips curved around her luscious ass, my hands cupping her hips while my thumbs brushed over the smooth skin of her thighs. I looked up at her, taking a moment to enjoy her nearness, the warmth of her against me. My dick came to life, unable to ignore the sweet submissive pressing down on me.
“God, you’re beautiful.”
Her eyes were locked with mine and I could tell she was trying to determine whether I spoke the truth or not. I willed her to see my sincerity, to know that what I felt for her was genuine. This wasn’t simply lust. It was a hell of a lot more than that.
“Kiss me, sunshine,” I whispered, freeing one hand so I could brush her hair back from her face.
The few kisses we’d shared had been innocent, chaste even. Even during our scene on the plane, I hadn’t kissed her and it was all I could think about.
I didn’t move, allowing her complete control as she leaned down and brushed her lips against mine. Had she hesitated at all, I would’ve known where I stood. However, there was nothing remotely cautious about the way her tongue slid over my lower lip. And when I pulled her head closer, our lips fusing together, I knew without a doubt I was going to taste more of this woman tonight.
The kiss lingered for long minutes while I kneaded her thigh and ass with the one hand still hiding beneath her skirt, while the other cupped the back of her head, holding her close. The longer we remained like that, the more vocal she became, moaning softly as she pressed down against my hard-on, our tongues dancing together.
Finally, I pulled back, cupping her face in my hands as I met her gaze and held it. “I want you to know my intentions weren’t entirely pure when I had you invite me over.”
She grinned. “I didn’t think they were.”
“I want to spend the night with you, pet. I want to explore every inch of you.”
“I want the same thing, Master.”
Unable to resist, I kissed her again, savoring the soft moans that rumbled against my lips. The woman was as eager as I was.
I lost myself in her kiss for a moment, then gave in to my urges, pulling back to meet her hooded gaze. “Stand up for me, pet.”
Taking her hand in mine, I shifted positions when Clarissa easily got to her feet. I widened my legs, allowing her to stand between them. Her gaze dropped to the floor again.
A true submissive she was.
I knew for a fact she’d undergone submissive training. Perhaps not formally, but certainly from a Dom who had specific preferences. She’d been under Shane Gibson’s watchful eye for quite some time. Although I wanted to punch him for touching Clarissa, I still considered Shane a friend, albeit not a close one. I’d harbored a small amount of ill will toward him for his relationship with Clarissa alone. However, I knew he was a good Dom, one who put his submissive first.
“I don’t want to rush you, Clarissa,” I admitted. “If you tell me to slow down, I will. I’m certainly not in any hurry.”
Her eyes were glazed when she looked back at me. “No, I don’t,” she whispered. “I don’t want you to slow down. I’d like you to … touch me.”
“Where, pet? Where do you want me to touch you?”
“Everywhere.”
Ah, Christ. This woman was going to be the death of me.
“Strip for me, sunshine.”
There was a second of hesitance, but then Clarissa slowly worked the buttons free on her blouse before allowing the black silk to slide down her shoulders. She grabbed it and placed it on the table behind her. I watched the striptease, admiring all the smooth skin she uncovered as she went. She truly did have beautiful breasts. Not big, but enough to fill my hands.
When she reached for the zipper on her skirt, I stilled her with a brief touch to her arm.
“Let me admire you first.”
Clarissa straightened her stance, her breasts jutting forward, hands clasped behind her back. It was a perfect demonstration. Almost too perfect.
The only time she nearly lost her composure was when the back door opened and Zeke stepped inside.
“Look at me,” I commanded Clarissa. “I am the only person you should be paying attention to.”
“Yes, Master,” she whispered, her back straightening as she locked her eyes on my face.
I met Zeke’s gaze and he nodded before leading Tank through the living room and down the hall.
“When was the last time you scened?” I asked when we were alone again.
She swallowed hard. “It’s been a while.”
“How long’s a while?”
“Nine months.” It was obvious that was hard for her to admit.
“Why so long?”
“I’ve been … busy.”
“Too busy to indulge in the lifestyle you crave?”
Her eyes lifted to meet mine. “I’ve wanted to play. I just … haven’t. And when I did, it was only with Xander and Mercedes.”
“Not Shane?”
She shook her head.
“Why not?”
Several seconds passed as she stared back at me. I could tell she was weighing her answer.
“Tell me.”
“You,” she said on a rush of air.
“Me?”
“Yes.” She swallowed hard, but I was proud of her for not looking away. “I didn’t play with any other Doms because … I wanted you.”
I liked that she hadn’t.
“Remove the skirt.”
A little less hesitant than before, Clarissa unzipped the skirt and lowered it down her legs before folding it neatly and setting it on the table. Because she’d removed her panties and bra earlier, she stood before me stark naked and so fucking beautiful.
Although I appreciated the fact that she followed my instructions so dutifully, I wasn’t sure I liked how trusting she was. Or how well-behaved. It seemed Xander was right. Clarissa and I didn’t know each other all that well, and truth be told, she had absolutely no reason to trust me. Yet here she was, naked before me.
“Look at me, pet.”
Her eyes lifted to mine and I saw a flash of heat.
Perhaps my instinct was right and we knew each other better than we thought.
I took a few moments to admire her from head to toe, ensuring she saw my appreciation for her beauty before I met her gaze once more. “We’ll go over more rules in the near future, but for now, I only have a couple.”
Her eyebrow arched as though she was curious.
“From here on out, you do not have permission to wear panties when you’re around me. Understood?”
“Yes, Master.”
“And you are not allowed to masturbate without explicit instruction from me.”
She sucked in a sharp breath but nodded her agreement.
I sat there for a moment, watching her. I was looking for any signs that she was uncomfortable. Being that she’d been immersed in this world for so long, it didn’t surprise me that she had it down to an art form. She knew just when her eyes should lower to the floor, the perfect stance to remain in for her Dom’s pleasure. All her actions were choreographed perfectly.
Too perfectly.
“Your safe word applies now, just as it always does. Understood?”
“Yes, Master.”
“Good girl. Now take a seat on the coffee table and spread your legs wide for me.”
Again, I was testing her.
She did exactly as I instructed.
I leaned forward, resting one elbow on my knee while I trailed over her smooth thigh with the backs of my knuckles.
“Do you want me to touch you, Clarissa?”
“If it pleases you, Master.”
Yep. She was the perfect pet.
Oddly enough, I wasn’t looking for the perfect pet. I had my choice of those at the club. Submissives who had undergone training, learning exactly what they were supposed to learn, only forgetting one very important thing along the way. Although their objective was to please their Master, some submissives forgot to remain true to themselves. It was a delicate balance.
“Look at me,” I demanded.
Clarissa’s eyes met mine.
“Do you want me to touch you?”
A small crease marred her forehead. She was clearly confused. “Yes, Master.”
“Why? Why do you want me to touch you?”
Their Famous Dominant (Office Intrigue, 4) Page 24