by Measha Stone
For several moments, he lay with his head resting on her chest, catching his breath. Softly, she ran her fingers up and down his arms as she tried to contain the wild emotions her release had brought on. She had been completely wanton. Wanting to suck his dick? Asking to? The disappointment she’d felt when he didn’t come in her mouth? Desires she’d shoved down deep for so long slowly surfaced. If she wasn’t careful, he’d turn her into someone she’d struggled to suppress.
Slipping from her, he gave her a quick kiss and disappeared into the bathroom. When he returned, he wore a pair of boxers and carried a wet towel. He wiped her down carefully. “Are you sore?” he asked, a smile hinting on his lips.
“Only a little,” she answered, wishing she could pull the covers over her naked body. His attention on her, after the haze of their lovemaking dwindled, ramped up her vulnerability. He tossed the towel into the hamper and joined her in bed. He pulled her to him, tucking her head beneath his chin.
Being wrapped in his arms eased her worries, leaving her with the warmth of his protection. Seeing James had jarred her, brought forward painful memories. Royce had managed to soothe them all away.
“James was an idiot,” Royce said when she thought he’d fallen asleep. She turned around to face him.
“What?” she asked, unsure she heard him right.
“James. He’s an ass. He’s never to going to be happy, and he’ll always hurt the people around him.” Royce pushed a few stray hairs from her face and rolled to his back, pulling her to lie on his chest. “I would never, ever hurt you like that.” His vow was given with such force, his chest tensed. “And I won’t let anyone else hurt you either.” A tender kiss to her forehead sealed his promise.
And heaven help her, she believed him.
Chapter 10
Royce sat at his desk checking emails and doing his best to concentrate on work. Jessica had spent the weekend with him, and the memory of each session continued to play over in his mind. Try as he might, the erection he sported from the memories, wouldn’t fade away.
She’d been so open with him about James, and the way she’d allowed him to push her on her anal limit surprised him as well. Could the little nicks he’d been making in that wall of hers be having an impact? Other men had hurt her, had built that damn wall brick by brick. He couldn’t change her past relationships, but he meant it when he promised never to hurt her. How could he when all he wanted to do was wrap his arms around her and hold her close. The woman was wiggling herself into his heart.
“Hey, you got a minute?” Alex walked into his office and plopped into a chair before Royce even glanced up from the computer screen.
“Sure.” Royce turned his attention to Alex, shifting in his chair. He owed Alex. Not only had he been helpful in bringing him up to speed with the company and getting him settled, he’d been the one to introduce him to Jessica. Although, he doubted that had been the man’s intention at all. The way Alex tensed at the mention of her told him he wasn’t exactly thrilled at the way things had progressed. To his credit, Alex hadn’t said a word. Royce knew Jessica saw him as a brother, and he was sure it was a source of frustration for Alex. He couldn’t help but feel for him in that regard. Jessica was a very special woman, and if he was forced to watch her from the outside, it would be his undoing.
“Jansen wants a rundown of accounts and teams, I told him I’d let you know.” Alex tapped his fingers on his knee.
“Okay, not a problem.” Royce looked at him, willing him to continue. That wasn’t a reason to stop by his office—that was a one-sentence email. “What is it?” He sat back in his chair, taking a more relaxed stance.
“It’s Jessica,” Alex breathed out, his gaze meeting Royce’s. Discomfort and apprehension lingered in his eyes. “She told me about James,” he continued, piquing Royce’s interest.
“Yeah. We ran into him and his girlfriend on Saturday,” Royce confirmed. “He looked every bit the asshole. As much as of an ass as he is for walking out on her like that, I’m not upset he did.”
Alex shifted in his seat. “Yeah, she told me what she said. She wasn’t being completely truthful, though. James was bad news. He…well, he put her through hell for several months before he finally walked out. Cheating on her right in front of her face, promising he stopped, then doing it again. It was almost as if he wanted her to know each time, like it gave him a sick thrill.” Heat underplayed Alex’s tone.
“That’s more than she described.” Royce tried to keep an even tone, not showing any sort of reaction. Alex may have understood he sat firmly on the sidelines, but it didn’t mean he didn’t want in the game.
“I know. I just…fuck…I don’t know why I thought you should know, but I did.” Alex stood from his chair. “I guess…be careful with her, Royce.” The warning was unmistakable. “She’s been through enough, and I won’t have her going through more.”
Before Royce could respond to the warning, Alex walked out. Jessica hadn’t given him the full truth of the matter. Considering she’d given him any of the truth had been a big step for her. He couldn’t hold it against her for not spilling the whole story. It sounded like James had done a real number on her.
“Mr. Bradford, you have a call holding on line one. A Ms. Sterling. She said it’s urgent,” Sarah, his assistant, said over the intercom.
“Thanks, Sarah.” He clicked off and stared at his phone. How had she managed to find out where he worked, and why wouldn’t she give up?
“Melody.” He hoped she would hear the tension in his voice, and finally realize they were over.
“Hi!” The chipper response told him she was not aware. “I’m sorry to bother you at work, really, I am. It’s just—I was planning a little vacay to Chicago and was wondering if you wouldn’t mind a roommate for a weekend?”
His hold tightened on the receiver. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Melody.”
“It’s just a short weekend. I’ll be there Friday and leave by Sunday. I thought I’d see the museums, go to a few fancy restaurants, you know—live it up for a few days. You always wanted me to be worldlier.”
“I wanted—” He paused to take a calming breath. He’d wanted her to be more open to the world. She was very close-minded, and, as usual, she misunderstood him. “Melody. I’m seeing someone, and I don’t think staying with me would work. I’m sure you can find a hotel in the city. Why not bring a friend, then you can share a room?”
“Oh. You’re seeing someone.” She worded it as more of an accusation than resignation at the situation. “Well, I’m sure she’s wonderful, but if she’s your submissive, you can simply tell her I’m a friend, and she’ll have to accept—”
“Melody. It doesn’t work that way, and you know it. Not with me.” He tried to remain civil but knew he’d bitten out the words. They had had this discussion more than once, and it was the majority player in the reasons of why they broke it off. She wanted more than he was willing to give her. She wanted complete dominance—a Master. She wanted all choice taken from her, to bend completely to the will and whim of another. In the world she wanted, being told to simply accept the presence of another woman would be normal and fully expected. It wasn’t what he wanted or what he could give. Especially to Jessica.
“I’m sorry,” she rushed to say. “I do know that. I just, well, I really need a weekend away and thought Chicago would be great.”
“It’s not much different than New York, Melody. If you’re looking for a getaway, I would suggest somewhere more luxurious and warmer.”
“Royce, really. Chicago is chock full of fun. It’ll be a nice weekend, you’ll see.” Subtle never fit her.
Alex stood in the doorway waving at him. They were expected in a meeting. “I understand, but my answer is still no. I have to go now. I have a meeting.” Before she could respond, he hung up the phone.
He grabbed his things and headed out with Alex. Between Alex’s warning and Melody’s phone call, his erection no longer threatened to ruin his
focus.
Chapter 11
“So, what has you so spooked? It sounds like everything is going great.” Kelly downed the last of her wine and signaled for a waiter to bring her another. Jessica sipped hers and looked at her watch. She was to meet Royce in an hour.
“I’m not spooked,” she defended.
“You are too,” Erin chuckled, checking her cell for messages.
“You have that don’t make any sudden movements or Jessica’s going to flee look.” Kelly exchanged her empty wine glass for the full one.
“Aren’t you going out with Alex later?” Jessica asked, pointing to the third glass of wine.
“Yeah. So?” Kelly gave a small shrug. “And don’t go changing the subject. You’re worried about Royce. He’s fucking hot, smart, and the man oozes confidence. So, what is it?”
“We ran into James last week.” Jessica sighed.
“Oh, hon...” Erin reached over and patted her hand. “That asshole.”
“What did Royce do?” Kelly asked.
“Nothing. Well, he just dismissed him like he was an annoying fly buzzing around.” Jessica couldn’t help but smile over the memory.
“Did you give him the rundown of what happened?”
“Well, sort of. The abbreviated version… seeing James again, I don’t know, just sort of reminds me to be careful.”
“Careful?” Kelly snorted into her glass. “If you are any more careful, you’ll be hosting our next dinner at a convent.”
“I’m not that bad. It’s just, compared to you—I’m a saint.” Jessica gave a sarcastic smile and popped a tortilla chip into her mouth.
“Oh, don’t start on me again. I’m letting Alex chaperone, aren’t I?”
“I’m just saying, you are never going to find the guy at these bars. It’s not going to happen like that.”
“I met Jonathan at a bar,” Erin piped up, checking her phone again.
“What’s with the phone?” Kelly asked.
“I’m waiting to hear from Jonathan. He had some board meeting tonight, and it’s running late. I was hoping to take the train home with him, but, unless he texts soon, I’m going without him.”
“You could come with me and Alex,” Kelly teased.
Erin shook her head. “No thanks. Besides, won’t Alex be bringing what’s her face?”
“No. Either she doesn’t want to come, or he doesn’t want her there, or they aren’t talking. I don’t remember the reason this time.”
Jessica’s phone danced on the tabletop, signaling a message. Royce. She still had time, but he had further instructions for her.
When you arrive, the front door will be open. Undress and go straight to the bedroom. Kneel next to the bed, hands behind your back.
Her cheeks heated at the message. Kelly noticed her discomfort and made a grab for the phone. Luckily, Jessica managed to scoot away from her and out of reach. She typed her response of acknowledgement and tossed the phone into her purse.
“It was something juicy.” Kelly grinned. “Look, Erin, we could cook an egg on her face.”
Erin laughed and nodded. “You do look a little…flushed.”
“Oh, grow up!” Jessica shot at them, grabbing her glass of water.
“Well,” Kelly checked her watch, “It’s been a slice, girls, but the hunt beckons.” She flagged down the waitress and asked for the check.
“Oh, the bill has already been taken care of,” the young woman informed them.
“By whom?” Jessica looked around the nearly empty restaurant. Wednesday evenings weren’t extremely busy.
“Royce Bradford called a few minutes ago and picked up the tab.”
Jessica’s face heated again but for an entirely different reason. “I know that look,” Kelly murmured as the women thanked the waitress and gathered their things. “Don’t go off half-cocked. He was just being nice.”
“Yeah, Jess. It was a really sweet thing to do,” Erin interjected.
Jessica didn’t bother discussing it with the two of them. They wouldn’t understand. He had promised to stay out of her personal life. No control there. That was the agreement. She didn’t need his money. She did fine on her own. Her salary may not be as large as an executive’s, but she got by without help from anyone.
By the time the cab pulled up in front of Royce’s apartment building, she’d managed to work herself up into a thick lather. When the elevator door opened and she noticed his front door slightly ajar, the irritation didn’t slow. She would have her say before they did anything. He wasn’t going to give her one spank until she’d gotten her anger out. Realizing how silly she sounded in her own head, she took a deep breath. Being irrational wouldn’t aid her cause.
“Royce!” She called out into the apartment. He was probably waiting for her in the bedroom, but there were too many distractions there for her to concentrate on what she wanted to say. “Royce!” She called again, sliding her feet out of her shoes.
Royce sauntered into the living room and into the front hall where she stood. He regarded her with raised eyebrows and tightly pressed lips. “You beckoned?”
“You paid our tab.” She took him in. His broad chest was bare, his hair hadn’t been combed, and he wore a pair of black jeans, hugging his hips in such a way that her eye immediately went to his belt, forcing her eyes to stray even further south.
“Yes.” He nodded, stopping a few feet from her, and folded his arms over his chest. The muscles in his arms thickened with the movement and didn’t hide the strong stomach muscles, leading her eyes once again to his belt. “You aren’t in position,” he said after a moment of a silence.
“I don’t need you to pay my bills.” She dragged her gaze to his face, concentrating on his eyes. But the narrowing of his lids and the slight tilt to his head only made her stomach flutter more.
“Is that what has you in a snit?” His voice dropped, indicating he wasn’t pleased and there was a very good chance the evening’s plans would be changing. “I wanted to. It had nothing to do with you needing me to and everything to do with my desire to take care of you.” He took another step closer. “If I want to pay for your dinner. I will. If I want to buy you a new dress to wear for me, I will. If I want to buy a new toy to use on you, I will. And each time I do these things for you—for me—your response—the only correct response—" Another step. She swallowed hard. “Is to say thank you.”
He seemed so…dominant. She waited for embarrassment and resentment to fill her. Instead, a sense of chastisement warmed her cheeks. He’d simply done something nice, because he’d wanted to, and she’d been less than appreciative.
Uncomfortable with the new sensation, she shifted from foot to foot. He continued to watch her with a willingness to wait for her to work it all out in her mind. He hadn’t been taking over her personal life. He’d been generous. It was a new concept for her. A man giving without ulterior motives. She’d let him down. She’d been a spoiled brat, and that was new for her too.
“I-I’m sorry,” she said, moving her gaze from his to his bare chest. “I’m—I’ve never had—” She shut her mouth and looked him in the eye. Straightening her shoulders and thrusting out her chin, she gave a curt nod. “Thank you for dinner.”
The corners of his lips curled slightly. “You’re welcome.” Silence lingered thick in the air. “Would you like to do this over? Your entrance?” She noted the levity in his tone and felt a little lighter for it.
“I wasn’t very gracious,” she breathed out. A sense of guilt sat in her chest.
“No, you weren’t,” he said slowly. “What are you thinking?”
She did not want to answer that question. Wishing she’d simply gotten into position when she’d arrived, she shuffled her feet again. He would wait her out. “I don’t like feeling like this. Like—” She really didn’t want to put her thoughts into words—especially words he would hear.
“Like what?”
“Like…a naughty child.” She clamped her eyes shut after blurting
it out. “I don’t like it when you look at me with those eyes…all disapproving.” She was suddenly very aware of her hands swinging at her sides, and she wanted to shove them into her pockets, but she’d worn leggings.
“Hmm.” He sounded pleased with her reaction to the situation. “You prefer it when I’m pleased with you. When I can call you my good girl.” He wasn’t clarifying at all; he was helping put words to her feelings. The damn mind reading again. “Would a spanking help?”
Her gaze shot to his, and fresh heat crept up her face. Is that what she was asking for? Did she need his punishment to clear this up?
“Do you want to spank me?” she asked instead.
“I always want to spank you.” He grinned. “Turn around and face the door. Pull your pants and panties down to just below your ass.” His hand went to the buckle of his belt, and the twisting in her stomach began. So did the swelling of her clit.
Once facing away from him, she slid her leggings and panties down where he wanted them. Lifting her sweater, she imagined what she looked like to him, with her bare ass perfectly framed by her clothing. “Put your hands on the door and stick your ass out. Offer it to me for your punishment.” She took a deep breath and leaned forward, bracing herself on the door and arching her back. “Good.” Her clit clenched at the sound of his belt being pulled from his jeans.
“The neighbors…” she whispered, suddenly aware she was leaning against the front door where anyone walking past his apartment might have overheard.
“Not your concern,” he stated flatly. “Five.” And with that, the first strike landed. A blazing line across her cheeks took her by surprise. The second landed directly below the first, setting fire to the lower portion of her ass. She rose on tiptoe but did not break position. She’d asked for this. The memory of relief she’d felt after her last punishment kept her in place as the third lash shook her. Her fingers curled, and she bit hard into her lower lip, not wanting anyone to hear her cry out from her punishment. “Ass out, Jessica. Almost done,” he corrected her when she leaned inward toward the door.