by Stone, Piper
“Tell me what’s going on. You’re scaring me,” Emily insisted.
Emily had no understanding of what I was facing, no concept of the dangerous lifestyle that my father had obviously fallen into, one that I was getting ready to embrace. How could I tell her the truth? “I’m spending some time with the gentleman who might purchase my father’s company. Nothing too clandestine, but I wanted you to know.” I’m going to submit to him in every manner, allowing him to use my body. Oh, God. Oh, dear God. I closed my eyes, remembering every detail about a few minutes shared in a dingy bathroom on a rainy afternoon when almost no one else was around. I’d allowed him to go too far. I’d almost... Swallowing, I folded my arm across my chest, dropping my head, trying to keep my tone as even as possible.
Jagger had been the most handsome boy in school and every girl had wanted him. Yeah, I’d known he was the resident bad boy, along with his ruthless fuckhead buddies. Every one of them had taunted me relentlessly, making fun of everything about me from my plain clothes to the fact my father dropped me off at school in a fifteen-year-old car. After the summer in which I turned thirteen, I was noticed in an entirely different way. No longer was I the skinny girl with freckles and a ponytail. And Jagger wanted me.
I licked my dry lips, a flurry of tremors finding their way between my legs. I’d egged him on, teasing him until one day, he waited after school. There was a kiss, a beautiful telling moment of passion that had awakened the woman inside. Did he remember? Then I’d punched him hard. Oh, Christ.
“And you’re not telling me everything, you dirt bag. Where did you meet him? I take it he’s sexy as hell.” Emily laughed, the excitement in her voice adding to my anxiety.
“Nothing quite like that. We’re just getting out of town to talk.” He’s gorgeous. He’s dangerous. He’s everything I’ve ever wanted.
I shoved away the lurid thoughts, trying to return to some level of rational thinking. There’s no way Jagger would or could remember and even if he did, what the hell did it matter? We were kids from different worlds. He followed in his father’s footsteps and I avoided my father’s in every manner I could. How ironic the way things had turned out.
“Right. You’re not a very good liar, girlfriend.”
I knew there would be a knock on the door any minute and I was sweating. Not perspiring. Sweating. I also had difficulty breathing. “I have to go but I wanted to say thank you for helping, and for being my friend. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you.” Jesus. Didn’t I sound like this was the last time I was ever going to talk to her? Or anyone else for that matter?
“What?” Emily gasped. “What did you say?”
I laughed just as I heard the knock on the door. “I’m teasing. I just appreciate you looking after the store. If you need to make any decisions, I trust you. I emailed some instructions, certain passwords you might need and contact information.” I was rushing the conversation, the words clipped, my breathing scattered.
“I can handle myself. You just go have a good time with this business acquaintance. Ha. Ha.”
The second knock on the door was more insistent.
“Very funny. I’ll talk to you soon.” I stood exactly where I was, smack in the middle of the hotel room for a solid minute, one final rationalization of my obvious insanity. Then my father’s face flashed into my mind, bolstering my courage. One week. I could do this with my eyes closed. I shoved the phone into my purse and moved toward the door, throwing it open and not bothering to look at whatever flunky Jagger had sent to pick me up.
“I have a single suitcase. I’ll get the rest. Let’s get this over with. I’m certain the asshole abhors tardiness.”
“The asshole does indeed abhor tardiness, but he’ll make an exception for the first day.”
His deep baritone voice, smooth and tainted with a hint of husk floated behind me. There was a level of amusement in his tone but underlying everything was a clear indication of unbridled lust.
I swallowed and bit my lip to keep from screaming. “Jagger. I thought you were sending a driver.”
“That’s obvious. I’m so sorry to disappoint you. No one knows that you’re with me or where we’re going. I will not be interrupted.”
“Understood.” I grabbed the rest of my things, including the laptop and turned to face him. Shit. Why did he have to look so damn dashing in his black jeans and a vivid blue shirt matching the color of his eyes? Even the jacket was sexy. With his cowboy boots and hint of unshaved stubble on his face, his appearance reminded me more of a ranch hand than a dangerous alpha criminal.
A wry smile shifted onto his face as his gaze danced down the length of me twice before giving an approving nod. “You look incredible. Much more relaxed.”
I knew exactly what he meant. More like a true submissive. The awkward silence that settled between us was unnerving, creating prickles along my naked arms. I’d selected a rather provocative dress on purpose, trying to goad him. “Where exactly are we going?”
He inhaled, his eyes sliding to my cleavage before answering. “A surprise and I’m certain you’ll approve, but then again, you won’t have much of an opportunity to object.” By only taking two steps forward he’d crowded my space, his massive form looming over mine. He parted his lips as he studied my face, the bodice of my dress, and even my shoes.
I knew this time he was scrutinizing what I was wearing, prepared to give me some soliloquy about how I should or shouldn’t dress in order to please him. I squared my shoulders, keeping my feet just slightly apart. “Do you approve, sir?”
A long breath escaped his lips before he lifted his arm, showing me his hand before very slowly easing it under the hem of my dress.
I gasped, tears forming in my eyes, and my reaction was to snap my hand over his wrist, stopping him. All he had to do was issue a single commanding look and I released my hold. He resumed his check-up, sliding his fingers under the elastic of my panties, rubbing the tips up and down my pussy lips. He tugged, pulling the damp material to an uncomfortable state, wedging, the friction as he continued rubbing forcing bumps along my arms, a chill trickling down my spine.
This was far more intimate than a spanking or even sex and I was thrown, pitched into the world of being a bad little girl. Please, Daddy. I promise to obey. Don’t spank me. The thought was both revolting and stimulating.
Removing his hand, he sighed. “Hmmm... Remove your panties.”
“Now?” My voice was so soft, breathless as my cunt continued to tingle.
“You will never question a command unless you are absolutely unclear about my requirements. What I asked is very simple.”
He’d taken full and complete control. “Yes, sir.” I dropped my bags and eased both hands under my dress, sliding the thin cotton down my legs. He stepped away from me, allowing me room to retrieve them then opened his hand, curling his fingers only once.
I was shaking as I handed him the inexpensive thong, smoothing down my dress as he pulled the panties to his face, inhaling deeply. I remained mesmerized by the action, the slow and lust-filled guttural sounds he was making. When he was finished, he winked before pocketing them. “Imagine just how wet you’ll be later.”
Grabbing the suitcase, he headed out of the room, no doubt expecting me to follow.
Fuck me, Daddy for I have sinned. A lump in my throat formed and I was able to gather a whiff of my own sex. I swallowed, trying not to cough or make any sound. He didn’t deserve to hear even the slightest whimper. The man was arrogant as hell and I wanted to scream obscenities for no other reason than to calm my nerves. Instead, I snagged my things and trailed behind him, my eyes glued to his carved ass and his long, muscular legs. I stood in the far corner of the elevator, avoiding him in every manner possible yet I was tingling, breathing hard enough I was nearing the point of hyperventilating.
And him?
Jagger was comfortable, humming whatever ridiculous tune was playing inside the man’s rather large head.
I noticed the outline of a gun
as he moved, the weapon well hidden by his jacket. Was he carrying to threaten me or to protect both of us? The question would be answered at some point.
As soon as the elevator doors opened, I pushed ahead of him, taking long strides toward the limousine. Bad girl. Bad girl. The nagging voice inside my head was right.
“And just where do you think you’re going?” Jagger asked, chuckling under his breath.
God, I wanted to flip him off, to spew a flurry of the most horrific cuss words. Then I realized the limo was rolling, leaving the curb. Groaning, I turned to face him, unable to decipher his expression given his dark sunglasses, but I could read his mind. Bastard.
He pointed toward the parking lot. “As I said, the fewer people who know our destination the better for our safety. My car is over there.”
I could hear the chuckling continue as he led me to a sleek Mercedes, black in color of course. “Suits you.”
His only response was to unlock and open the passenger door, remaining silent as I eased inside. When the bags, including my purse and cell phone were stored away in the trunk, he slid onto the driver’s seat, immediately starting the engine. He didn’t bother to turn in my direction as he spoke, but his words were biting, cold, and without emotion. “From this moment on, you belong to me. Need I remind you that I paid for you and you will do exactly as I please. You will follow my every direction and when you don’t, there will be a form of punishment. This can be a very enjoyable venture or one that will leave you with nightmares. This is also your choice. I will never harm you but there will be pain. There will also be extraordinary pleasure. Do you understand me, Lola?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Do you clearly understand me?”
I nodded before answering. “Clearly, sir.”
“Good. Then sit back and enjoy the ride.” He turned on his satellite radio, selecting a classic rock station, yet another interesting aspect about him. I’m not certain what I expected, some heavy goth music perhaps.
I did exactly as he asked, but my mind was continually working, thinking. Maybe plotting. Jagger was a surprise, the yin and yang of his personality enticing. Terrifying. I leaned against the passenger window, uncertain of my own feelings. How the hell could I understand his?
Minutes went by. How many, I wasn’t certain. I’d closed my eyes, regrouping or maybe just accepting. So much for my bravado, the big plan for retaliation. Maybe I was just fooling myself. When the engine slowed, I opened my eyes, noticing our current location.
The airport. We were flying somewhere. I should have guessed.
“How do you plan on getting a weapon on a commercial flight?”
He didn’t bother to answer other than giving me the same look of amusement he’d been issuing since I’d agreed to the deal.
I glanced out the windshield as he rolled into the entrance but instead of heading in the direction of the parking lots for commercial flights, he drove around the airport itself to a destination I’d only seen once.
Private jets.
He pulled the car into a very small private lot. What seemed like only fifty yards from us was a sleek Learjet, the outer hull glistening in the early morning sun. “Our ride.” He waited until I climbed out of the car before doing the same.
As I stood on the concrete pad, shielding my eyes from the glaring light, I was in awe. I’d rarely flown, certainly never on a private jet. I wasn’t used to the finer things in life and honestly hadn’t missed them. Jagger, on the other hand, no doubt had the pilot on his speed dial, able to come and go anywhere at any time. In some ways, he was a lucky man.
“Come on. We need to keep a schedule.” He held out his hand, this time a smile crossing his face.
The moment I placed my hand into his, I left the other world behind. Every ounce of fear was stripped away, turning into delicious anticipation. Our connection was that strong, ripping at my insides, testing my resolve.
He intertwined our fingers, using his strong hold to pull me closer and kissing my knuckles, dragging the tip of his tongue across my fingers. “My beautiful submissive.” He backed toward the plane, the smile never changing.
“What about the luggage? My identification? Clothes?”
“Not needed. I’ve taken care of passports and other requirements. You’ll have everything you need when you arrive.”
And I knew that I would.
I looked back toward the car only once before being led up the stairs toward the awaiting plane. From where I stood on the platform, I caught a single glimpse of the city. At that moment, I said goodbye to the girl from Chi town, the recent transplant to North Carolina. This was more than just an adventure.
This would change my entire life.
Chapter Six
Jagger
There were no words to express my excitement as we boarded the plane. I’d taken a chance hiring the two pilots, but I didn’t want to spend time in the air actually flying the plane. I wanted every moment spent with Lola. She’d changed to some degree overnight, her cheeky attitude more subdued, her curiosity increasing. “Take a seat until we’re in the air.”
“Yes, sir,” Lola replied, moving to a window seat and sitting down, her body tense.
I yanked off my jacket and the moment I did, she concentrated on the holster, the Glock positioned just in case we had unwelcomed visitors. I hadn’t wanted to terrify her any more than she was and while I hadn’t expected trouble as of yet, I was going to make certain we didn’t have any. The terse conversation with my father had certainly given me pause, even concern. I was no fool. There could be an attempt on my life at any given time. To stop the bleeding, as my father so aptly put his distaste of my particular method of dealing with the situation.
Lola shook her head, mumbling under her breath, her contempt growing.
I’d scheduled the flight, giving basic coordinates to the airport in advance and nothing more. Now, I’d inform the pilots of our destination, leaving them no time to be hounded by any member of my family, extended or otherwise. I’d given my father the basics of why I needed additional time, leaving out the majority of information. Of course, he had his methods of locating me, but I wasn’t concerned about Montego. Only Giovanni. This would be the perfect opportunity to schedule an assassination. No one else from the States knew where I was going or why.
I chuckled as I strode toward the cockpit, wondering if other families had this kind of difficult family business. I tapped on the door before opening. “Gentlemen.” I allowed them to see the holster, making certain they understood my requirements.
“Mr. Bishop. We are ready to go,” the pilot said, giving me a respectful nod, his eyes falling to the gun.
“Prepare a flight plan for St. Martin.” I’d purchased a house almost three years before, needing a rather exclusive location as my private getaway.
“Very good, sir. We should be lifting off in ten minutes. Flight time will be approximately five hours.” This time, there was a slight glitch in his voice, the underlying tone of raw fear.
Good. I wanted them afraid.
“Excellent. Thank you.” I started to leave then lowered my voice, eyeing one then the other. “Needless to say, I don’t want anyone knowing about this flight. For your work as well as your anonymity, I’ll make certain that you’re very well taken care of. I expect to return in exactly one week.”
The pilot glanced at the copilot before speaking. “Yes. Yes, sir,” he muttered. “We... um, both understand, sir. And thank you. Thank you very much.”
I wasn’t entirely certain I appreciated the way they were communicating without words, but at this point, I’d gone too far to consider altering my plans. My authority was strengthened just enough, and they knew by reputation I had no issue using the gun if necessary, even in flight. However, lovely Lola was mine for an entire week and I planned on taking complete advantage of that fact.
She was very quiet, her head turned in the direction of the window, her face pensive. Her hands were folded and resti
ng in her lap, but I could see that one of her fists was clenched. I slid into the seat next to hers, leaning forward and reaching over her.
She shot a nasty glance in my direction, breathing through her mouth, her gaze dropping to the holster.
“Seatbelt. We’ll be taking off soon.”
“You’re going to wear that the entire time?”
“That’s the current plan.” I bit back another laugh. The woman was hell on wheels. If I was required to protect her, I would find doing so difficult at best.
“Whatever,” she huffed.
Lifting her arms, she was thin-lipped as I adjusted and clasped the metal pieces together, ending by brushing my hand down her arm. I was rewarded with goosebumps popping along her naked skin, a slight wisp of a moan pushing past her lips. “This will be a long flight.”
“Where are we going?” This time her question was a demand.
I took her hand into mine, rolling my fingers over hers, squeezing as I whispered in her ear. “Remember, sweet submissive, you are no longer in charge of anything. However, we are going to St. Martin, to a house that I own on the beach. I do hope you enjoy the ocean.” I could see her trepidation pulling away. I eased her hand to my mouth, giving her knuckles an open-mouthed kiss.
Lola exhaled and turned her attention back to the window, the tension in her muscles remaining.
As soon as the flight took off, she seemed to relax, immediately unfastening her seatbelt and running her hands through her hair. “What would you like me to do?”
“Well, that’s a good question.” I unfastened mine and eased out of the leather seat, moving toward the small bar. “Would you like a drink?” My entire body ached for her in every way and I could sense she was testing the waters, trying to determine what I expected out of her. While I’ll admit, the thought of forcing her into a compromising position, fucking her long and hard remained in the back of my mind, I wasn’t the monster she believed me to be.
Or was I?
“Why not?” she asked and rose to a standing position, folding her arms as she walked closer, her eyes fixed on mine.