Now, there was a chill in every room that was starting to settle into her bones.
“That was always the hardest for me. Seeing an ex after the breakup,” Simone murmured and closed an arm around her friend’s shoulders.
“My boss assigned me the first piece on lesbian businesswomen in the city,” Chloe said softly. “I got Darice’s name, and I went to interview her today.”
“I’m sorry, honey,” Simone said. “I guess you couldn’t beg off?”
“I’m up for a promotion and I want to show the boss that I can be professional no matter what,” Chloe said shaking her head. She’d wanted to refuse the assignment yet at the same time, she’d wanted to jump up and down in joy. She’d have an excuse to see Darice until she’d finished the piece.
“Last night, Zyra told me there was a woman at the studio two nights before you broke up,” Simone said as she withdrew her arm.
Pain prickled through her like a thousand needle pricks at once. Her hand went to her stomach even as her heart still rebelled. Her head told her she had to trust what she’d seen, the lipstick and the perfume, but her heart—it just didn’t want to believe.
“I don’t want to hear the rest,” she said softly as tears formed behind her eyes and stung their way free.
“Darice is still negotiating a contract with her. Be U, the clothing company,” Simone told her. “The woman had been coming on strong and dangling the contract in front of Darice but refusing to follow through, leaving Darice frustrated.”
“So, she just gave in,” Chloe said in an anguished tone.
“It’s a big contract, and it could really rake in the dough for Darice, but no.”
Chloe’s head snapped around, confusion filled her. “What?”
“Zyra said she heard Darice tell the other woman that she wasn’t interested. She had a girlfriend,” Simone told her. “Nothing happened, Chloe. Zyra said Darice threw her out.”
“And I just pushed her right into that woman’s arms,” she said on a sob. “I can’t believe it. Why didn’t she try to make me listen?”
“Probably because you didn’t want to hear,” Simone said gently. “And I understand. Your last girlfriend was a real slut, but Darice isn’t. She’s a little emotionally reserved, but Zyra said she’s been like that since she’s known her. I can tell she had feelings for you by the way she looked at you when she thought no one was watching.”
She’d always felt Darice watching her but when she looked her way, Darice’s eyes would be someplace else. “I threw away a perfectly good relationship,” she said, pain making her voice shrill. “No wonder she was so distant today. I feel like an idiot. She’s probably seeing the woman now. Getting the contract should be a breeze.”
“She’s not seeing anyone. In fact, Darice is crashing in our guestroom.”
She blinked. “You should have left me a message.”
“I wanted to tell you face-to-face,” Simone said with a laugh. “She’s looking for a place though.”
Chloe wiped away a hot tear as regret burned through her. “I was scared. I didn’t want to get played again, Simone.”
“You know what?” Simone asked capturing her friend’s hand.
“What?”
“If I‘d kicked my woman out, but I still loved her,” Simone said softly. “I’d call her up and tell her to bring her ass home.”
Chloe laughed despite the pain clenching her heart. “Are you kidding?”
“No.” Simone laughed too. “I would. I swear. After all, she is your woman. You have every right to her.”
“That’s crazy,” Chloe protested. “Any way, she’ll just tell me to go to hell.”
“The question is, do you want her back?” Simone asked. “Ask yourself that and if you do, go get her.”
****
Darice set her glass down as she held the gray gaze of her possible client. Marie St. Claire was an attractive woman in her early fifties with an air of confidence that could put any CEO to shame. Her company was a multi-million dollar grossing business that could bring in more contracts for Darice.
“I’m sure you understand the damage a single word from me could do to your little business, Darice,” Marie said in a steely tone with eyes filled with determination.
Darice knew women like her. She’d dealt with them on a regular basis when she was just starting out. All they really cared about was getting what they wanted and hearts be damned. She was similar to Marie, ruthless and willing to make whatever sacrifices it took to succeed. However, Darice had never played with a woman’s emotions professionally or personally.
“I know what you can try to do to my company,” Darice said coldly. “I won’t weather all the storms, but in the final analysis, I’ll still have a business to run.” Like Marie, she wasn’t a quitter, and she had the balls to go after what she wanted.
“The contract with Be U will introduce you to the world as a commercial director as well as elevate your status as a photographer because you’ll handle all our ads.”
“I know that,” she said evenly. Darice had considered the opportunity a plum one, but she was tired of Marie’s games. The contract would be nothing compared to her peace of mind.
“So, you’re just trying to play hardball,” Marie said and smiled. “Okay. Let’s take this back to my place.”
“Why?” Darice asked coldly. She was not a little girl to be controlled by an older woman. Neither was she a toy to be used and discarded once the novelty had worn off. “So you can attempt to seduce me again? I don’t think so, Marie.” She glanced at her phone vibrating on the table. It was a message from Chloe. She wanted her to come get some of her stuff now. Damn it. “Marie, I’m bowing out of this. The contract doesn’t actually mean that much to me.”
“Going home to your little girlfriend?” she demanded, anger lacing her words and frost in her eyes. “I heard she’d broken up with you. Don’t tell me you went crawling back.”
There was a mocking disdain in her eyes that made Darice want to bitch slap her. Instead, she clenched her fingers on her lap. “Where I’m going is none of your business,” she said softly. “If you wanted that right, you’d come out of the closet, and you’d be a little less aggressive.”
“I’m not a simpering little rat,” she retorted in a hard tone. “I know what I want, and I’m not afraid of going after it unlike your little girlfriend. Does she even know what you really like?”
She’d introduced Chloe to S&M on a small scale, too afraid she’d scare her away if she showed her what she really needed from her. However, Marie had no idea what she was really like either. She’d only given her a taste when she’d tightened that scarf around her neck.
“You think you do?” she asked leaning toward her. “You think you can handle the woman I really am? Then, tell all of your country club pals you like eating pussy, and you want me in your bed. Plenty of them keep glancing over anyway. I’m sure they’re all eager to know exactly what we’re talking about.”
Marie glared at her mutinously. “You’re so vulgar.”
Darice snorted. “I didn’t think so. Beneath all that bravado you’re ashamed of what you are.” She got to her feet and jerked her wallet from the jacket pocket of the Berber suit she’d donned for dinner. She hadn’t wanted to be out of place in this swanky little country club with its rich colors and attempt at understated beauty. She tossed a one hundred dollar bill onto the table. “That should cover the drinks. If it doesn’t, you can make up the difference.”
Marie grabbed her arm, her eyes glittering with retribution. “No one walks away from me until I tell them too and if you try it, I’ll destroy your career, but first I’ll make sure that simpering little bitch never speaks to you again.”
Darice fought the urge to break Marie’s neck as the muscle in her jaw worked furiously. “I’m not a school girl,” Darice told her icily. “I’m woman enough to take on anything you throw at me. Just remember when you start throwing stones, I have pictures of your way too
amorous attempts to get me in your bed and on your payroll.”
Zyra had actually wired her studio and gotten the footage. They’d exchanged a few blows over that, but she was glad Zyra had overstepped her bounds. The footage might come in handy.
“You bitch,” Marie muttered said in a low snarl, eyes dark with fury.
“When it’s necessary,” she replied evenly. “And keep your ass out of Chloe’s face, or I will kill you, Marie. I won’t even think twice about it if you hurt her.”
Marie paled but only for a second. Then, the fire was back. “She’s not worth your time or mine. I want the video,” she said, eyes shooting daggers.
“I think I’ll keep it and show it to my little girlfriend. I’m sure she’ll laugh her head off when she sees how pathetic you are.” She jerked free. “Have a good evening, Marie.” Darice strode from the club amid curious stares.
She raked a hand over her hair and cursed under her breath. This was turning out to be some evening.
****
Chloe sat on the sofa with her fingers curled around a goblet of red wine. Candles lit the room as she carefully contemplated the events she was setting in motion. She’d always planned everything carefully before she did it even the night she’d gone to the club and met Darice.
She hadn’t planned on getting involved with her in particular, but she had gone looking for someone to start a relationship with. She’d been tired of being alone and Darice had been the answer to a prayer.
Hearing her on the phone that night had shattered every dream she’d had of building a life with her. Today, the interview and seeing Simone had brought Chloe face-to-face with one truth. She wanted her girlfriend back.
Chapter Three
The lock of the apartment clicked, making an ominous sound in the silence. Her heart kicked harder, her palms dampened, and her stomach fluttered. Her hands shook slightly, and Chloe set the glass down quickly before taking a deep breath and slowly releasing it. The door closed, and she sat back and placed her palms on her stomach.
“Chloe.” Darice came to a stop next to the chair and stared at her with enigmatic eyes.
She cleared her throat wondering if she’d be able to go through with this. “Hi.” The word came out a husky whisper.
Darice’s eyes narrowed on her for a moment before she said, “I can’t get my stuff tonight. I’ll come by tomorrow and get some of it.” Her eyes slowly slid from Chloe’s face over her breasts barely concealed in the sweetheart neckline of her short dress. “You haven’t worn anything like that in months,” she murmured. “Are you coming onto me, baby?”
Darice’s voice was so low and sexy it washed over her making her nipples harden and her pussy clench. Her eyes darkened with a hunger that vibrated in Chloe, made her ache from it.
“Yes.” She got to her feet.
The careful look on Darice’s face told her she was trying to decide what to do. Darice always took the lead, but right now if she wanted her back, Chloe knew she’d have to make the first move.
“I don’t have time to play games with you, Chloe,” Darice murmured.
“You said you didn’t cheat on me, and I’m going to trust that.”
Darice stepped back from her with suspicion ripe in her eyes as she pushed her hands into her slacks pockets. “I know you don’t want to be alone, Chloe, but I’m not going to be the fallback woman,” Darice told her coldly. “I deserve to be happy too. I need a woman in my life who wants me and I thought that was you. I thought we were building something special, that we’d have kids together.” She shook her head. “I don’t know what the hell I was thinking.”
Shock shook her so hard Chloe stumbled as a hand went to her stomach. It clenched beneath her touch and her skin flushed as heat washed over her in a powerful wave. “My God.” She covered her mouth with her hand. She hadn’t known Darice wanted children.
“Later, Chloe.” She turned to go and pain was a knife blade in Chloe’s chest. Her breathing was suddenly constricted.
She grabbed Darice’s arm, desperation closing a hand around her throat. She could not lose her now because of one moment of fear and uncertainty. “Darice—” Chloe cast about wildly for something that would keep Darice here.
****
Darice looked at Chloe over her shoulder, seeing a plea in her eyes that tore at her. She extricated herself and ran a hand over her short wavy hair. This was something she hadn’t expected. Chloe was only the first woman she’d ever met that she’d do damn near anything for—well not counting her mother.
Her mother had meant everything to her and for so long after her death, Darice had been unable to trust or make strong emotional connections with anyone. She saw deception and trickery in every face, especially men, but men weren’t the reason she was a lesbian.
Her love for women, the pleasure she took from being with them was something she’d been born with. It was a good damn thing too because if not, she’d have been worse than a praying mantis and a black widow spider put together.
“Darice, stay,” Chloe said in a pleading tone.
She doesn’t trust you, that voice of reason whispered. She’ll create a climate rife for argument. Don’t get involved with her again. You don’t want that kind of life after the way you grew up.
Damn, but Chloe was beautiful and smelled so good. She could get lost in her perfume and never try to find her way back. “Chloe are you wearing panties?”
Chloe gave her a curious look. “Yes.”
“Why? You wore that cute little thing to seduce me didn’t you? So why wear panties?” Darice asked. “Didn’t you plan to give up some pussy?”
Chapter Four
Darice saw the hunger in Chloe’s eyes before her lashes lowered. “That was exactly my plan.” She met Darice’s eyes again.
This time heat sizzled in Chloe’s stare. She wanted to burn Chloe alive with all that fire and make her beg for release.
“Don’t tease, Coe,” she said using her nickname for Chloe. “You know I don’t like it unless you plan to follow through.” Don’t, that rational voice warned. If you do you won’t let her go this time.
“That is the reason I sent you that message,” she murmured. “I wanted to see you.”
“See? Sounds like you manipulated me,” Darice said softly. “You know I hate those kinds of games. All you had to do was say you didn’t want to be alone.” She reached down and pushed her fingers into Chloe’s hair and tugged her head back hard.
Chloe swallowed, and she saw a flicker of fear in her eyes, but Darice ignored it as she urged Chloe to her feet. She brushed her lips against Chloe’s, trailing a path to her ear.
“I’m going to whip you before I fuck you,” she whispered. Chloe’s breathing hitched and Darice led her to the bedroom and went to the closet to remove a bag. She turned and gave Chloe a slow smile. “Undress, Coe.”
Darice turned her attention to the bag and its contents while Chloe undressed. She made quick work of getting the over the door tethers secured in place before grabbing a pair of black leather cuffs. She crooked a finger at Chloe.
“Come here.”
Chloe studied Darice, seeing a dark fire in her eyes. The excitement was brighter than she’d ever seen it. They’d engaged in S&M but this felt like it was about to go beyond that into the realm of BDSM, the darker side of sex and love.
“Now,” Darice ordered. “Unless you’re too afraid.”
She was slightly afraid. There was always that layer of dominance that Darice kept tightly reined, and now it was coming out. Chloe had a feeling that to really claim Darice as hers, she had to walk into the darkness.
So, she went to her.
“Lower your gaze, Coe. You’ve been a bad girl tonight. You don’t have the right to look into my eyes unless I give it to you.”
Chloe blinked. “D—”
“I said lower them.” Her words were spoken quietly, but were a whip nonetheless and Chloe quickly lowered her gaze. “You called me because you didn’
t want to be alone, but you used deceit and trickery to get me here. That won’t be tolerated. Understood?”
She nodded.
“I asked you a question, now answer it,” Darice commanded.
“Yes, ma’am. I understand.”
“Good. Now turn around.” Chloe turned to face the door and Darice secured her using the tethers and then her hands caressed over Chloe’s back and down over the curve of her ass. “Tonight you’re going to burn hotter for me than you ever have.”
Chloe heard the rustling of clothing being removed behind her and smiled. She liked their sex best when they were both naked and their bodies hot with sweat melding together.
A light swat to one ass cheek caused Chloe’s stomach to tighten.
“Relax, Chloe, if at any time you really want to stop just say red, and I’ll stop. If you want to slow down say yellow. Close your eyes. Don’t tense up. Let yourself just feel.”
A hard swat landed on Chloe’s ass, and she gasped. It wasn’t painful. Another tap landed on her other buttock, and she whimpered as the sting heated her skin. Darice always took it easy on her, but it didn’t look like that would be the case tonight.
Darice caressed Chloe’s butt. “I’m the last woman you believed yet the first one you called,” she murmured and warm breath whispered over Chloe’s ear and hard nipples caressed her back. Then, she landed another heavy tap. “Why? You could have gone out and picked up someone.”
“I needed you,” she whispered. “Just you.”
The threads of a whip kissed her skin and Chloe hissed. She drew in a breath and expelled it. The ribbons were a stinging thud that caused her pussy to moisten and her clit to swell.
“You are all I need too,” Darice murmured. “The only woman I want in my bed.”
Another tap followed another and Chloe closed her eyes as the pain sank into her. Her nipples were painfully tight and her juices flowed from her. Darice smoothed a hand over Chloe’s ass and landed a heavy tap.
Another thwack and Chloe cried out. The pain was a heady sensation that rippled through her, made her breathing rough. “Darice!”
Mad About Her Page 2
