“Your muscles are tense again, poppet.” He rose up on an elbow to look down at her, his gaze like a tender hand stroking her face. “What was that thought?”
“Noth—” She caught herself before committing the punishable act of avoiding an answer. What would be inoffensive? “I was thinking I should get up so I can clean you. If you would like that.”
“I probably would at some time in the future.” His gaze penetrated deeper than skin level, making her want to hold up her hands as a shield. “But I intend to refuse most of the duties Serna insisted upon.”
She winced at the sound of the other’s name, then blinked. “You…what?”
“Stay here, pet.” Rolling off the bed, he unselfconsciously walked into the bathroom, completely comfortable in his nakedness. She heard him clean up. He returned with a washcloth. “Spread your legs.”
B-b-but… Despite the war going on in her head, she obeyed. She knew better than to deny a Master.
The warmth of the wet cloth penetrated and soothed her pussy. Yes, she was sore. It had been a long time. Still, he was a Master. “Sir, this is something I should be doing.”
His lips twitched. “I think the way it works—at least in your mind—is: if Sir Ethan wants something, he gets his way.” Ignoring her squirms of protest, he gently, but firmly, washed her clean.
“No, that isn’t how I think.”
His brow arched.
It was. It was exactly what she thought.
Straightening, he drew a fingertip down her body, around a breast, tapping the nipple, watching it rise into a peak. “We’ll continue working on your beliefs, Piper. Your fears as well as your assumptions.”
His eyes hardened. “The rules and beliefs that were beaten into you need to be examined.”
Her supine position put her at a disadvantage. She sat up. “I’ve been through therapy.”
“When?”
“After I escaped.”
He nodded, as if unsurprised. “Excellent. Did your counseling help you work through the actual Master/slave dynamics and expectations?”
“Well, no.” Not even close since the counselor had acted like Piper’d deserved being abused for having willingly wanted to be a slave. Or…or…had that been Piper’s own guilt warping her perception of the counselor’s words?
“I see. Did you discuss Serna with your family?”
“No.” He hadn’t let her call them. Then again, they hadn’t come to look for her. Once free, she’d wanted to go home, even knowing she wouldn’t be welcomed, but her mother and stepfather were already dead.
One person was left. The thought of Jerry ran through her mind, and she stiffened. “I don’t have any family. None.”
His gaze took in her stiff shoulders, her jutting jaw, but he simply said, “That’s rough. I’m sorry, poppet.”
She breathed out, realizing she’d been holding her breath.
He stroked her hair. “I get the impression you’ve avoided talking about BDSM. That’s logical; you never expected to be back in a power exchange. But here you are.”
Here she was. Dear God, she was in a Dom’s bed.
He chuckled. “Such an expression.”
His long pause let her absorb the change several years had made.
“Piper, I want you to think about the service you gave and the rules Serna insisted on. Decide what kind of power exchange you want for yourself. What rules you will follow, not because you feel you have to, but because you choose to. That’s what submission is all about.”
When he tapped her cheek with a fingertip and walked back to the bathroom, she stared after him, feeling the terrifying tug in the center of her chest.
Because he was everything she’d wanted back in the days when she’d first dreamed of having a Dom.
Chapter Twelve
Two days later, Ethan drove through the Financial District. Casting a glance to his right, he smiled.
In the passenger seat, Piper held a box carefully on her lap. After breakfast on the waterfront, they’d strolled past a candy store, and she’d sniffed the air like a pup scenting a steak on the grill.
Ethan had taken her inside to pick out a treat and received quite the education. Apparently, there was candy, and then there was chocolate. In the past, he’d wasted far too much money on flowers when he should have been buying carefully selected chocolates for his women.
Of course, the preference might only be Piper’s. She truly was unique.
He found her remarkable in so many ways. Her courage in leaving Serna and turning her life around. Her integrity in how she ran her business. Her honesty. Her generosity. Her way with Churchill. Her willingness and joy in submission even after what she’d been through.
Their first time together, Tuesday afternoon, had shown him she was someone very special.
Last night confirmed it. The sex had been superb. She gave as sweetly as she received, and admittedly, he’d never had a finer blowjob. Nevertheless, he needed more than excellent sex to be interested in a woman. Piper was quite simply fun to be with—whether they were cooking, cleaning, watching a movie, or just talking. She had the ability to be both bubbly and peaceful at the same time. And when she submitted to him, she captured his heart.
In just this short time, he’d grown to care for her a great deal—and the realization was somewhat unsettling.
Now he needed to decide whether to continue on this path. To get more involved or to pull back.
Damned if he wanted to let her go.
The light turned red. Stopping the car, he glanced over.
She was looking out the window and smiling at a dog-walker. Two shepherds and a Maltese paced obediently beside the young man.
Piper turned to Ethan. “That was one of my first jobs when I came to San Francisco. I never did learn how to keep the leashes from tangling. All too often, I got wrapped up like a May Day pole.”
“I’m sorry I missed seeing it.” Knowing Piper, she’d merely laughed at the mess.
As the light changed, Ethan picked up her hand and kissed the center of her palm. “Are you sure you don’t want me to drop you at your office?” He’d picked her up there after work last night.
“These are the clothes I wore yesterday.” Her eyes widened in horror. “You don’t want me to do the walk of shame, do you?”
Women were strange and fascinating creatures.
“Heaven forbid.” His lips quirked. “It’s not a problem males have—our clothing is bland, and, I’ll admit, no man would notice anyway.”
“Too true. You guys are pretty oblivious.” She realized she’d insulted him and froze…then relaxed. Because she was finally catching on that he wasn’t an abusive arsehole like Serna.
Progress.
He halted the car at the curb in front of her building.
She turned to him, obviously expecting a quick kiss.
He shook his head. She’d learn, beginning now, that her Dom liked to do things for her, especially things that kept her safe. “I’ll walk you to your door, poppet.”
“But, there’s no—”
His look silenced her, because she had learned when an argument would be futile.
Getting out, he helped her out of the car and walked her across the sidewalk.
“Well, Mr. Worthington, I had a lovely time last night.” Her eyes glinted with amusement as she dutifully observed the ending-of-a-date etiquette. “Thank you for the chocolates, for dinner and breakfast. I—”
“You are most welcome.” Putting an arm around her waist, he yanked her against him and fisted her hair. A ruthless pull tilted her head back so he could silence her with a long, wet kiss.
She tasted of the chocolate she’d nibbled in the shop. He might begin to understand the appeal.
When he lifted his head, she had one arm around his neck and was mashed up against him, a far better way to end a date than talking. Satisfied, he rubbed his lips over hers. “By the way, this weekend on Saturday, and if you wish, Sunday, we’re going to k
ink camp.”
Her brows drew together. “I’m not sure whether to be thrilled or scared. What exactly is kink camp?”
“The Bay area’s BDSM groups and clubs host a three day weekend in a campground farther inland. Trees, tents and cabins, and every variety of kink you can think of. We’ll drive over Saturday morning, enjoy the camp, and spend the night in a tent.”
“Kink and camping.” She laughed as she stepped back. “It sounds like fun. Should I bring anything?”
She was energetic and sociable—she’d be delighted with the friendliness of the people there. “Bring casual clothing for two sunny days and a night that might be somewhat chilly.”
“I can do that.”
“I’ll be helping with the setup on Friday afternoon and evening.” He didn’t like the thought of not seeing her for two nights. “But I should be free after eleven. Would you like to join me for a late-night Dark Haven visit?”
“Yes.” She bounced on her toes. “I’m meeting Abby and Dix for a late supper, so that should work out well.”
“Excellent. If something comes up, we can readjust. No matter what, I do expect to see you at my house bright and early on Saturday.”
Rather than flinching at the reminder, she smiled, her eyes kindling with desire. “Yes, Sir Ethan. Absolutely, Sir Ethan.”
“Bratty little subbie.” He turned her toward the door, giving her a swat on the ass.
After she was safely inside, he headed for his car, grateful this pair of pants weren’t as tight as jeans. Because kissing her left him half-erect every time.
“Hey, Worthington. Good fight last week.” The hail came from a passing car. From a member of Ethan’s boxing gym who must have watched the matches last week.
Ethan lifted his hand in acknowledgment.
As he drove to his office building on the other side of the Financial District, he considered the happiness buzzing in his veins. Years ago, he’d felt like this—the heady slide as lust for a woman turned into something more.
It hadn’t ended well.
Two more attempts at relationships had failed as well. He’d learned his wealth was more important to a woman than he was. Now when he dated, he made it clear that any “relationship” would never progress past informal dating.
Recently, Xavier had been urging him to forget the past and find someone permanent. Was Piper the one? He certainly hadn’t intended to get involved with her.
Yet how could he not?
He should think long and hard about where this relationship was going, but…what was the point? Somehow, he’d gone straight past attraction into serious without pausing at casual.
And he was all right with that.
Now he just had to convince one wary, adorable submissive that he would be part of her future.
Hidden in the doorway next to his stepsister’s building, Jerry rubbed his jaw. That had been a very…interesting…interaction. One he’d been lucky to see.
The day had certainly started badly. At Piper’s office, the fucking receptionist had called security on him. But after hearing her tell the rent-a-cop that Piper hadn’t come to work yet, Jerry’d staked out Piper’s apartment building.
Now he had some information to work with. His bitch of a stepsister was late to work because she was fucking around. Oh yeah, that’d been a hell of a morning-after kiss he’d watched. The man seemed pretty gone over her. Even bought her expensive chocolates.
From the looks of his suit and car, the dude had some bucks.
Damn her for landing on her feet and using money that should have come to him to start her business.
If he couldn’t get it from her, he might have better luck with her rich boyfriend. There had been quite a few revealing tidbits in that conversation. The man’s name: Ethan Worthington. She’d called him Sir, and he’d called her a bratty subbie.
Jerry headed down the sidewalk. Some time doing research would fill in the gaps.
Piper should have handed over his inheritance instead of threatening him with the police. And punching him.
Bitch.
Before he left this city, he’d do his best to rip apart her fucking perfect life.
Chapter Thirteen
On Friday night, energized from helping set up kink camp, Ethan walked into Dark Haven shortly before eleven.
“Hey, Sir Ethan. You have a visitor.” At reception, Lindsey looked up from scanning cards for three members and motioned toward a man by the far wall.
Tall and thin, the stranger was good-looking in a clean-cut, blond, blue-eyed way. He wore khaki pants, polo shirt, and a pleasant smile. “Ethan Worthington, how are you?”
“Quite well, thank you.” Ethan frowned. “Have we met?”
“No, I’m afraid not. Although, I know you.” The man gestured toward the door. “Would you mind if we went outside where it’s quieter?”
Used to new Doms asking for help, Ethan followed him out onto the sidewalk. The night air was thick with fog, holding the briny scent of the bay along with the stench of old urine common in many parts of the city. “What can I help you with?”
“This…is a little awkward, I’m afraid.”
Having seen and heard about far too many scene disasters—from ripping out nipple piercings to accidental self-whippings, Ethan set himself to listen without laughing or judgment. “Let’s hear it.”
“All right. You see, Sir Ethan, my sister told me all about you and your hobbies.”
What did this have to do with anything? Ethan raised an eyebrow. “Your sister?”
“Your bratty little subbie, Piper.”
The wording was familiar…and this did not sound like a Dom wanting help. “You and Piper are siblings?”
She’d said she had no family.
“That’s correct. She’s my little sissy. Of course, there was a reason she didn’t tell you about me. My name is Jerry, by the way.”
Ethan’s gut tightened. This man had an agenda.
“Now, Mr. Worthington, I hate to do this and ruin your evening, but I have to ask you for some money.” The light tenor voice remained pleasant despite the subject matter.
Ethan kept his own voice polite, even as he scanned Jerry for hidden weapons. None. “Is this a robbery?”
“No, no, nothing like that.” The blond pulled on his earlobe. “It’s like this—you have a fine reputation in this city. Your business depends on that reputation. It would be unfortunate if your company’s customers discovered how the CEO spends his time. Slaves and BDSM clubs and all that are rather unsavory, after all.”
Ethan knew where this was going. Too bloody well. “You want to be paid off to stay quiet. Is that what you’re saying?”
“Yes, I’m sorry, but that’s correct.” The arsehole shook his head. “I hate to ask for money, but it’s a tough world.”
Ethan smiled slightly, not averse to dragging this out. Because he intended to flatten the bastard before they parted. “If you’re short on cash, ask your sister for funds.” If Piper really was his sister. There was no resemblance.
“Oh, she needs the money, too. Who do you think targeted you?”
No, Piper wouldn’t do that. Ethan straightened. Time to put an end to this lying wanker.
“You don’t believe me, do you?” Jerry snorted. “You think I picked you out of a hat or something? Hardly. Piper and I have got this down to a science.”
An ugly feeling slid into Ethan’s gut. “I doubt that.”
“Oh yeah. She does the planning, and I’ll admit, I pretty much take orders.” Jerry had a rueful smile on his face. “Like yesterday, she shared her chocolates with me—damn good chocolate, thank you—while we figured out how I’d approach you.”
She’d given this person the chocolates he’d bought her? Ethan kept his face impassive. “She has a good business.”
“She does—and she spends more than it brings in.”
If she was having financial difficulties, she should have asked Ethan. He would have helped. But sending
her brother to blackmail him? This was utter betrayal.
And still…she couldn’t be a blackmailer. Not Piper.
“She really gets off on gutting you BDSM bastards. After all, she has a score to settle after the way one of you made her a fucking slave.” Jerry smiled. “The money doesn’t hurt, though. How else do you think she got the money to start her business?”
Ethan’s thoughts fragmented. She’d escaped Serna. Come to San Francisco with nothing. How had she gotten the money to start Chatelaines?
No, Piper wouldn’t do this.
“And yeah, I need the money, too.” Jerry sighed. “I’m the only family she has left. She’d do anything for me.”
“Would she now?” When asked her about her family, she’d gone stiff. He’d noticed, but let it go, thinking it was from grief at not having anyone. Instead, she’d been hiding the existence of this bastard.
The taste of betrayal was so bitter Ethan choked on it.
Jerry took a step forward. “We need to wind this up. Mr. Worthington, as rich as you are, you’ll barely feel the sting of ten grand.”
“It’d be less expensive to simply kill you.” With an effort, Ethan kept his voice level. The last woman to betray him had died. Badly. Screams and shouting. Nicola choking. Drowning in her own blood. Shaking off the memories, he gritted out, “I’d enjoy it more, too.”
Jerry’s friendly expression slipped. “Don’t be stupid. I always leave papers with friends, just to keep people like you from over-reacting.”
The threat of exposure didn’t bother Ethan. That fact Piper had deceived him and planned this… Pain deep in his chest suggested he cared more than he’d realized.
Apparently, she didn’t care at all.
Or did she? He frowned, thinking of her open, hearty laughter, her eyes that revealed every emotion. How she responded, holding nothing back. Doubt edged in again.
Did this stupid sod even know Piper? Maybe he’d just picked up some—
“Jerry!” Piper, accompanied by Dixon, came down the sidewalk. She stared at the blond in obvious surprise before her expression turned hard. “I told you—”
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