by Rynne Raines
* * *
The Wild Rose Press
www.thewildrosepress.com
Copyright ©2008 by Rynne Raines
* * *
NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.
* * *
CONTENTS
Dedication
Reviews
Welcome to Eden
Also available
* * * *
Welcome to
Eden
by
Rynne Raines
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.
Welcome to Eden
COPYRIGHT ©
2008 by Rynne Raines
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
Contact Information: [email protected]
Cover Art by Rae Monet
The Wild Rose Press
PO Box 706
Adams Basin, NY 14410-0706
Visit us at www.thewilderroses.com
Publishing History
First Scarlet Rose Edition, 2008
Published in the United States of America
Dedication
For my readers who like a little kink with their coffee.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Reviews
Welcome to Eden is smart, sensual and supremely sexy. Rynne Raines masters a wickedly delightful story with a healthy does of naughty. If you're looking for satisfaction you will find it in Eden.
~Reece Herring, Author of Soar into Ecstasy
The Awakening was by far the best short story I have ever read, and one I will definitely read again and recommend—Rynne Raines has written a beautiful short story that will charm itself onto your keeper list. Raines's realistic and honest approach to storytelling is refreshing.
~Reviewer Mandy, Rogues and Romance
In Reflections, Ms. Raines spins a compelling web of betrayal and passion with the supernatural. From start to finish, this tale is gripping, an excellent read!
~Sky Purington, Author of Fate's Monolith
In my years as a professional writer/editor, I have seen many new writers emerge, and also some extremely interesting books. I found The Awakening to be not just well written but an enjoyable, interesing read, that was difficult to put down. When it ended, I wanted more!
~Charleen Micheles/EDITOR
The Awakening is a story I would read over and over. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys love stories that capture all the five senses. It's the kind of fantasy you can't run from once you've read the first page.
~Tanya Snow, Author of GHOST OF MY PAST
[Back to Table of Contents]
Welcome to Eden
Caitlyn Ward swung one long stocking-clad leg over the other and fingered through her notes to where her patient had left off at the end of last week's therapy session. A creature of habit, Caitlyn readjusted the thin wire-framed glasses on the bridge of her narrow nose, then took a sip of cool water from a black marble coffee cup. Across the room, Janet Pennington shifted along the curved brown leather sofa, twisting her diamond-embedded wristwatch back and forth.
"Anxious today?” Caitlyn asked.
The middle-aged woman's mousy hazel eyes shot up from her watch and bulged. “Is it that obvious?"
Caitlyn gave her a gentle smile. “I'm afraid so. Is there something specific causing the anxiety, something you'd like to discuss rather than picking up where we left off last week?"
"I—I'm not sure. It's kind of off topic from what we normally talk about.” Her voice cracked on the last word and resulted in Caitlyn's further scrutiny.
When Janet had arrived six months ago, her mother held the focus of most their conversations. Apparently, the sixty-five year-old woman felt necessary to call her forty-five-year-old daughter fifteen times a day and rattle off a long list on the “proper way” to live her life. Yet today, it appeared something far worse than the dragon lady, as Janet referred to her mother, had her upset.
"You understand these are your sessions, we can discuss whatever you want. We aren't limited in any way. If there's something bothering you, it might help to talk about it.” She tried not to push too hard. When a person felt cornered it only made matters worse.
Janet's light peach lips curved down at the corners. “Dr. Ward, I'm afraid I might be turning into some kind of freak."
"Why would you think that?"
"Because of my boyfriend,” she muttered. “You do remember me mentioning him, right?"
Caitlyn skimmed her notes. “Yes, of course, Henry. During our last session, you said you were blissfully happy in the relationship. Has something changed?"
"Yes, something has changed all right, something huge.” She let out a nervous laugh. “It has to do with our ... sex life.” Her voice dropped to a whisper on the last words.
Caitlyn's expression remained neutral. It wasn't out of the ordinary for people to discuss intimacy issues in therapy, but as Janet fidgeted with the ivory pearl necklace dangling around her throat, she couldn't begin to imagine what had the woman so wound up today.
"Okay, here it is, Doctor. The other night Henry and I were experimenting in bed. He had brought home this bag, you know, from the sex shop. Now, as you're aware, I am a woman of the new millennium. I'm open-minded, despite what my mother says ... anyways, I thought fine, I'll give this a go. To tell you the truth, I was even kind of excited about it, so I let Henry tie me down to the bed with these straps. Then he began pulling out more stuff. Let me think ... oh yes, some vibrators, a whip, a gag and...."
Caitlyn's fine brows drew together. “Henry didn't hurt you, did he?"
"Oh, no.” Janet quickly shook her head, then paused. “Well, sort of, but that's the thing.” She lowered her eyes. “I think I liked it. No. I know I liked it. I loved it."
When the breath locked in Caitlyn's throat finally worked itself out, she set down her pen and notepad. “Janet, couples often experiment after being together for long periods of time. It's not unheard of, and it does not make you a freak."
In an act completely out of character for the conservative beauty, Janet leapt from the sofa. “You don't understand. I ... loved ... it. I loved it when he spanked me, gagged me, and when he screwed me as if I had no choice in the matter. Oh lord, then he put the blindfold over my eyes and it was like having sex with a stranger. I nearly went out of my mind. Now lately, we've been going to these clubs—you know, fetish clubs? Frankly, it's all I want to do."
Well, this session had certainly taken an interesting turn from what they normally discussed. Caitlyn reached for her water again. Although she had attended a brief seminar on the introduction of dealing with sexual identity issues, she didn't specialize in it.
"You're a woman, Dr. Ward. Haven't you ever experienced anything that drove you so completely wild you didn't want to come back to the office for weeks?"
No, unfortunately she had not. In fact, she hadn't been laid in a damn year, and sadly, she sure as hell had never experienced anything close to the ecstasy this woman described. Briefly, her mind drifted as her eyes scanned over her notes. Restraints.
Vibrators. Whips. Blindfold. Gags. Unexpected warmth gathered between her thighs as she read. Although her vibrator had become her nightly best friend, she hadn't found a man interested in dabbling with any of the other things.
"Doctor, what do you think could cause this? Am I sick? Do I have some subconscious desire to have sex with a stranger? Could it have to do with issues about my mother's controlling nature?"
Janet pinned Caitlyn to the wingback chair with a wide stare, and for the first time since she had become a psychiatrist, she found herself the one confused. Honestly, she knew little about what triggered fetishes and even less about “the lifestyle", as her colleagues referred to it. What did cause a person to enjoy being tied up? Lack of power, immobility, or a submissive nature? Deep down she had always wondered what it would be like to have a dominant partner—someone who took control, demanded surrender, and screwed her with the ruthless desperation of an animal. At that thought, she arched a brow and found herself uncrossing and re-crossing her legs to try to rid the heat there.
Janet's foot started to tap against the Persian rug. Caitlyn forced herself from the fantasy and cleared her throat. “Well, if you want my honest opinion, I don't think you're sick at all."
That didn't seem to satisfy Janet. She simply gawked and waited for more of an explanation. Regrettably, Caitlyn didn't have one, and it would hardly be professional of her to comment on something she knew so little about.
After a few seconds of uncomfortable silence, Janet said, “Forgive me, Doctor. I just thought you might be able to explain some of it to me. I'm sorry for mentioning it. You must think I'm horrible."
Uneasiness crept into Caitlyn's chest as tears formed in her patient's eyes. She quickly leaned forward and shook her head. “Of course I don't think you're horrible."
This wasn't right. She was a damn professional and here she couldn't even help her patient with a little information on sex. Suddenly, all those years of university didn't seem so prestigious—not when a woman was experiencing this type of emotional turmoil and she could do nothing to help her. Caitlyn locked her jaw. It definitely didn't seem appropriate to push past an issue that hadn't been resolved, but then where did she go from here?
Janet started inching towards the exit. “Umm, I'm sorry, Doctor, but I completely forgot about an appointment I have to get to."
"But we have twenty minutes left."
As if not hearing her at all, Janet scurried out the door past reception and disappeared down the hall.
Smooth, Caitlyn, real smooth.
Frustrated, she slumped against the back of her chair and reached for the notepad again. While her fingers traced over the words, she couldn't help but question her own sudden curiosity. Was her fascination caused by lack of answers for her patient, or could it be something more? The latter seemed more likely. Even shrinks got hot ... very hot.
Her lips moved side to side as the thought became more intriguing. Perhaps she should do a little research on the subject—strictly for educational purposes, of course. Knowledge never hurt anyone. And who knew, one day Janet might return to her with the same questions. If she did, it would be nice to have some answers for her.
Caitlyn bit her bottom lip. Well, if she was serious about getting real answers, there was only one place she could think of that might have them. If nothing more, it would be an experience to remember.
* * * *
"Welcome to Eden.” A handsome man with rippling biceps unlatched the red velvet rope from its post to allow her access inside the hottest fetish club in Los Angeles. “And may all your fantasies come true."
With as casual a smile she could manage, Caitlyn slipped past the refrigerator-sized door attendant and into the crowded foyer. Damn. If she were to blend in, it would help if her knees weren't knocking together and making her look like an idiot. Maybe these new clothes were the cause of her apprehension. After work, she had searched her entire wardrobe for something to wear to a hot club like Eden and found zilch. In fact, it startled her to know how many pantsuits she actually owned. When did she turn into such a prude?
She glanced down at her newly purchased outfit and smiled. The tight, short black plastic-looking dress and boots to match were perfect for a place like Eden. Not to mention the blood-red lipstick she had treated herself with to top it all off. The vibrant shade wasn't one she would normally wear, but it emphasized her long blonde hair and fair features nicely. Overall, she had been successful in her transformation from tightass shrink to carefree sex kitten.
Inside, music boomed while the scent of cigar smoke, expensive perfume and sex drifted through the air. Caitlyn waited for her eyes to adjust to the darkness of the club before she started toward the bar. Shoulder-to-shoulder, people laughed and drank, kissed and fondled. Their clothing appeared just as she had imagined—leather and chains, theme outfits of naughty nurses and schoolgirl uniforms and plenty of ... skin.
"What can I get for you, honey?” A young, gorgeous male bartender asked.
"White nectarine martini?"
"You got it, baby."
Caitlyn let her shoulders relax, then put her back to the bar rail and soaked in the scene. So many people gathered in the same place with similar interests. It reminded her of a rock concert where everyone went to see the same band. The energy that circulated somehow exhilarated her. She turned for her martini and held out a ten-dollar bill, but the bartender refused to take it. Instead, he mouthed “on the house,” and shot her a quick wink.
Wow, a girl could get used to this.
Without argument, she picked up the martini and took a small sip, but within minutes, she practically drank the entire thing. Sweet Lord, she had forgotten how good these things tasted. The fruit chunks in the bottom were a nice touch, too. After she ordered another, she dipped her fingers into the glass and fished out a few melon balls. Okay, so she would indulge in a few more drinks for liquid courage, then find someone who might be able to give her some insight into “the lifestyle."
The next five drinks went down as smoothly as the first while the fruit helped fill her growling stomach. With all the excitement earlier, she hadn't thought to eat, but now, as her head swam in circles, she realized that had been a big mistake.
"I've been watching you all night, honey.” Startled, Caitlyn looked from her glass to where the voice had come. Blond and attractive, a man stood before her with a sweet little grin on his face. Damn. He hardly looked in his mid-twenties. Man, this dress did work wonders for her thirty-two-year-old figure. “I'm sorry, what?"
"Oh, you really play the part. I like that. Come on, let's get out of here.” He reached for her arm.
"Umm, no offense, but you're a little young for me."
He laughed at that and continued to pull.
"No. Seriously,” she repeated.
"The woman belongs to me."
Caitlyn jumped at the low growl behind her. When the young man's grip loosened, she instinctively turned. As she slammed into a wall of rock-hard muscle, the liquid bounced from her glass and splashed across the second stranger's shirt. She cringed and looked up. One jet-black brow slashed above a similar colored midnight eye while he glanced from her to his now wet clothes. Caitlyn swallowed. He didn't look pleased. Nor would she expect him to after she had doused him with a full drink. She continued to stare, taking in his massive size.
"Sorry, Mr. Chambers,” the first stranger said, “she ate all the fruit. Sorry honey, I didn't know.” He stepped back, hands held up in a defensive gesture, and moved on.
Mr. Chambers? Fruit? Huh? She really should have stopped after number three on the martinis. Did the second one say she belonged to him?
Caitlyn turned back and gave him a quick once over. His strong jaw remained locked in a fierce scowl while those dark eyes surveyed her carefully. The long-sleeved navy blue shirt stretched across his broad shoulders defined all the taut corded muscle perfectly. Nice tan, too, probably lived somewhere near the beach. And that chest ... wow.
; Without a doubt, he had to be the most attractive man she had ever laid eyes on, and thanks to the liquid courage, she didn't even feel embarrassed ogling him as if he were a slice of New York cheesecake. Well, if she had to belong to someone, it might as well be to a man who looked like a Roman God....
You had to have those extra martinis!
Caitlyn winced at the voice of reason in her head and cleared her throat. “I'm sorry, but you must have me mistaken for someone else. I don't belong to anyone."
"Of course you don't. Evan Chambers. Eden is my club,” he said smoothly in a tone rich as Kahlua. Her eyes automatically closed while his creamy voice tingled in her ears. It didn't help her concentration that he smelled fantastic, too, sandalwood and pure man. She gave herself a mental shake and opened her eyes. Now, he stared at her impatiently, his brow arched higher.
"Oh, sorry, I'm Caitlyn.” She held out her hand, but he didn't seem at all interested in shaking it.
"Take a walk with me, sweetheart. There are some rules you might want to know about this club, and I can't stand being sticky. I need a new shirt."
"Sorry about that.” She couldn't help but wince when he blew off her apology and gestured to the bartender. Another drink appeared on the counter, but she hardly had time to scoop it up before he dragged her away.
His pace swift and strides long, she could barely keep up in her three-inch boots. Her feet were really starting to ache. At five-foot ten, she rarely wore anything but flats and now, she remembered why. “Mr. Chambers, where are we going?"
"Mr. Chambers was my father,” he said in a flat tone. “And to answer your question, my office.” He shoved open a set of double doors that led into another corridor.
Caitlyn continued to follow close behind until taking her eyes off his perfect backside. She came to a halt, her stare wide. Where in the hell were they? The walls appeared to be glass, and behind the glass were rooms, she realized—rooms with people in them, very naked people. Her lips parted, and an unexpected sigh surfaced.