She saw the hurt but he didn't come closer.
"I need you to come with me."
"What? No!"
"Yes, Trisha and I'm not asking."
"That's kidnapping."
"I'm fully aware what it is. You can make this hard and give the security people something to talk about or you can get in the car with me. I will not touch you. This is not about domination and submission. It's about you and me."
"There is no you and me." Her eyes flew back and forth looking for the best way out.
"Have it your way." He stepped forward and lifted her into his arms. He turned and dumped her into the back of the vehicle. She landed on her ass with her legs up in the air. He moved in quickly and she pulled her legs down and shuffled to the far door. It wouldn't budge. He settled across from her.
"Are you seriously going to do this?" Anger pulsated with every word.
"Yes, you’ve given me no choice."
"Where are you taking me?"
"You'll find out when we get there." He leaned his head back against the seat and closed his eyes.
She could see his exhaustion but refused to feel sorry for him. She knew she probably looked just as bad and felt the tears start to fall. Once they started she couldn't stop.
Warm gentle hands pulled her sideways and into his lap. "Please don't cry. My purpose is not to scare or upset you though I'm sure that's hard to believe. I just need you to trust me, the same way you did with your body." He moved the hair out of her face and pried her fingers loose. He kissed her gently on the lips.
More than anything she wanted to give into his seduction, wanted to feel his hands on her again. "I'm okay now, please no more."
His hands left hers immediately but he did not remove her from his lap and when she tried to scoot off he held her in place. She remained still until she noticed the airport traffic.
"Where are we going?" Her entire body stiffened.
"I'm sorry but I won't answer that just yet."
The first chance she had she would scream bloody murder. His wife could bail him out of jail. They drove through winding narrow passages and she finally figured out they were not going to a main terminal.
"You have your own plane?" Her anger and frustration were evident in her voice.
"No, I'm taking advantage of Damian's plane. I use it a few times a month for personal business."
"Is that what I am? Personal business? You kidnap women and then hide them away where no one finds them again?"
He actually laughed.
She began to struggle, "Put me down now."
He moved to the other side of the car again and let her calm down. She sat still and seethed.
The limo drove them directly to the plane’s airstairs. He tried to take her hand but she got out of the Limo, and went up the steep steps unassisted. Walking as far to the back as she could she sat down at a dinette table built to accommodate the space.
"I'm afraid for takeoff and landing you will need to be seated in one of the flight seats but you can move back to your spot as soon as the pilot gives the go ahead." His voice held dominant authority.
"Fine." It was the best she could come up with even if it sounded petty and childish. He was kidnapping her for god's sake. She moved to one of the large leather seats and refused to look at him."
"Put your lap belt on." He used his damn Dom voice again.
She began struggling with the buckle. It probably wasn't hard but she was past being able to make her hands work properly. It was taking everything she had to not break down and cry again. If she did, she knew she would never be able to stop.
His hands came down and buckled her in. She wanted to punch him.
A young woman approached, "Good evening Mr. Garson, may I get you and your companion something to drink?"
"Yes Denise, we'll each have a glass of white wine."
Trisha had kept her head down but now looked up. "No thank you Denise, I don't feel white wine goes well with kidnapping. If you have a red I’m sure it’s more appropriate."
Denise's eyes almost came out of her head. "Ahh, okay."
"Sorry Denise, she's not crazy, I am kidnapping her, but she will be flying back early tomorrow morning. Damian is aware Miss Carpenter is with me."
"Yes sir, I'll get your wine to you before we leave. The Captain wants you to know we'll be taking off momentarily."
"Thank you." She walked away as quickly as her legs would carry her.
"Was that really necessary?" He seemed exasperated.
If her eyes could strike someone dead he would be laying in a pile of cinders. She continued her childish behavior and turned sideways without speaking.
Denise delivered the wine and quickly left. Trisha forced herself to drink the red though it wasn't something she cared for.
The flight was two hours long and when they disembarked another limousine was waiting. She saw a sign and realized they were in South Carolina
The jerk. She figured he was aware he crossed state lines and the FBI would handle the case. Not that the thought made her feel any better.
The drive took about forty-five minutes and they slowly made their way into a less populated country area. It was dark but she could see the large trees. They took a long winding road that seemed to go on forever.
The car finally came to a stop. The grounds of an extremely large mansion were lit up with soft lighting. The house was beautiful.
"Where are we?"
"At my home."
"Seriously? Is your wife in residence?" It was snide and mean but she couldn't help herself.
"Yes she is."
"What? No, hell no!"
"Trisha, you can make this easy or I can carry you in but you are going in."
"How could you do this to me, to her? I hate you."
He opened the door and got out of the car. His hand came out but she ignored it and managed to get herself standing upright though her knees felt like they wouldn't support her. She walked to the front door.
Chapter Fourteen
Kyle turned the handle and the door opened wide. It was late and there was only a low light glowing from accent lighting displaying artwork. Her heartbeat sped up and dread filled her. He walked to a staircase that went up to the second floor which overlooked the lower landing. His hand waved for her to precede him but she didn’t budge.
"If you don't go up I will carry you."
"Please?" Desperation was in the plea.
"Trisha, up."
Her legs felt like lead but she put one foot in front of the other and climbed each step. She mentally counted them; twenty-six. She stopped at the top and Kyle stepped around her.
"Follow me."
They made their way down the long hallway. There was a room up ahead that had a faint light shining out. All the other rooms they passed were dark.
She heard the odd noise first. It was almost like air swirling in short bursts. Kyle preceded her inside but her legs froze at the entry making it impossible for her to step forward.
"Carol, do you mind giving us a few minutes. I'll come and get you before I leave."
"Yes Kyle, no problem."
The middle aged woman cast a curious glance at Trisha as she closed the book in her lap and stood up and left the room.
Kyle walked over and extended his hand placing it on the cheek of the woman lying in the bed. There was a soft light shining above her head but the rest of the room remained in shadows. She was small, ethereal. A ventilator breathed for her and numerous tubes ran from her body into assorted machines. Her hands curled into themselves.
"This is my wife Amanda." He leaned forward and placed a kiss on Amanda’s pale unresponsive lips. He never looked up just sat on the side of the bed and watched the woman next to him.
Trisha’s feet wouldn’t move they were completely locked into place.
"I was driving; neither of us wore seatbelts when another car struck us head on. The driver who hit our vehicle had a heart attack. Amanda was ejec
ted and suffered a major brain injury. I remained trapped until the fire department used the Jaws of Life to get me out. I could see her lying there and I knew she was gone. But I was wrong; she was still alive though barely.
Trisha felt the tears falling down her cheeks. She could hear the pain in his voice and it tightened her stomach painfully.
"We were married for two years. I was her husband and master and she was my wife and slave. It was a perfect match. We loved each other and were incredibly happy. She was pregnant with my child but lost the baby in the accident." He inhaled deeply and finally his eyes rose to meet hers. "It was my fault. I didn't insist she wear her seatbelt. It was my job to keep her safe. She always obeyed whatever I told her to do. When we started our relationship I promised to always keep her safe.” His voice was tortured. “Turn on the light switch beside the door Trisha."
The command was so unexpected that she wasn't sure what he was asking.
"The light switch beside you, turn it on."
Her hand went to the switch and the soft glow stung her eyes for a moment. She allowed them to adjust and then looked around. The walls were a shrine to his wife. Her pictures were everywhere. The person she had once been. Amanda smiled, laughed, and held daisies. She even rode a horse. Her love for life was evident. There were pictures of the two of them together. He was smiling, happy, and incredibly in love.
It took her a few moments but finally she noticed it; the missing piece of the puzzle. His wife, Amanda looked like Trisha. Same hair, similar eyes, and bone structure. They could be sisters.
"The first night I saw you I thought you were her. The way she used to be. You were so embarrassed and shy and I remembered Amanda being just like that. I looked at you and fell in love all over again." His head turned back to his wife. "This is why I give pain. I have so much built up inside and I realized others do to. If they want to feel a whip and take away some of the heartache for just a little while, I can help. It also gives me a chance to escape with them."
Trisha knew her knees were going to crumple, she could no longer see through her tears. Strong arms lifted her body and carried her from the room. He took her into a large room that must have been the master bedroom. He didn’t go to the bed but sat in a love seat a few feet away. He pressed her head into his shoulder and inhaled slowly.
"I never wanted to hurt you. I didn't know how to explain."
"You, you need me to replace her." Sobs shook her body.
"No my love. I knew very quickly that you were nothing like Amanda. Pleasing me was her one and only pleasure. She wasn't feisty and she never disobeyed me. She was the perfect slave. You on the other hand push me at every turn. You gave me back my passion for life and this lifestyle."
Her hands went to his shirt and fisted the material crying even harder against his chest. She felt soft kisses on her hair and then the side of her face. Long fingers lifted her chin and he placed a gentle kiss on her tear dampened lips.
"I love you for you, but I don't think it's enough. I cannot marry you. I will never divorce Amanda. I couldn't do that to her. Part of my heart will always be hers. She is often unwell and I need to be here. She was hospitalized more than a week ago and that's why I left you.”
She looked up. He was so beautiful, so perfect but he suffered unimaginable internal pain. “I need time to think. I’m sorry. I don’t want to hurt you more but I can’t do it here or even around you.”
“I understand. The car is waiting.”
Chapter Fifteen
They drove back to the airport in silence. Trisha felt like the biggest bitch on the planet but her brain was on overload. She didn’t blame him. She loved him, but could she accept the fact he was married, even when his wife would never be by his side?
The sun was rising when the limo stopped in front of her office. Before she could scoot out of the car his strong arms brought her close and he kissed her with everything he had. She felt his love, his worry, and she also knew he was kissing her goodbye. He released her and then leaned back into his seat closing his eyes, and allowing the driver to assist her from the vehicle.
She had slept in short fits on the plane and exhaustion was weighing her down. Lying in her bed she was too shattered to rest. Before finding out about his wife, thoughts of Kyle brought dreams of marriage and children; about having more than their relationship at El Diablo. When the tears started they refused to let up. Finally her mind went numb and she fell asleep.
Her days blended together. Gloria tried to get together with her a few times but Trisha always had an excuse. She woke up at night, her body trembling because of her dreams. She loved him and nothing that had happened stopped her feelings.
He would always love his wife but if Amanda was dead it would be easier. Her thoughts made her a horribly selfish person. None of this was his fault and he was just as much the victim as Amanda.
Finally Gloria called and invited her to Lydia’s baby shower the next afternoon at two. The party was sub exclusive. No Dom’s but Lydia herself. “I’m picking you up. No arguments.”
She wore a dark blue skirt that ended an inch above her knee with a pale peach blouse. Nothing like she would wear to the club. Lydia’s stomach had grown in the two weeks since Trisha saw her and her cheeks were fuller. It only made her more beautiful.
Trisha received curious glances but no one mentioned Kyle. They ate, talked, and laughed with one horrible labor story being topped by another. Though Gloria and Trisha were childless it was hard not to commiserate with mothers everywhere.
Finally the women began to clear out but Trisha insisted on staying and helping with the cleanup.
When they finished, the words Trisha had not wanted to hear came from Lydia, “I’m heading up to collect Damian from the club would you both like to come?”
“Sure.” Gloria answered at the same time Trisha said no.
“He’s not there. You can go to the club without seeing him.” Lydia understood.
Trisha took a deep breath. “The problem is I want to see him so bad it hurts.”
“Damian told me about his wife, I didn’t know.”
“It’s okay, I’m glad he was able to share with someone.”
“Come to the club and work with another Dom. You will feel better. It’s not only about sex. Anna is there and she would do wonders for your mood.”
“I just can’t. Maybe next week. Do you know when Kyle is coming back?”
“His wife has been in intensive care and I’m not sure but I know he won’t return until she’s out of danger.”
Trisha felt like a dull knife stabbed straight into her heart. “What happened?”
“Apparently she came down with a temperature and fluid formed in her lungs. The last I heard she was in stable condition.”
“I need to get to South Carolina.”
“What do you mean?” This question came from Gloria.
“I’ve been really stupid and I need to be with Kyle. He shouldn’t be alone.”
“It’s about time. The plane is here in Houston and I’ll call Damian to have it placed on standby. My pre-pregnancy clothes will fit you and I’ll have housekeeping bring up a toothbrush and other necessities. You don’t even need to go by your apartment first.”
“Were you planning this?”
“No, but Kyle needs you and you need him.”
“Yes, I do. Gloria, will you drive me to the airport?”
“Not a problem girlfriend. It’s about time some life came back into your voice. I was getting sick of your moping.”
“I don’t know his address.”
“We’ll have a driver meet you at the airport in South Carolina and he will have all the information.”
The flight took forever and though she needed sleep, she couldn’t. Her biggest fear was that Kyle had given up on her. With all his pain, she had only added to it.
It was eight-thirty at night when the limo turned down the long drive. The house looked the same; dark and silent. Damian called befor
e Trisha’s plane landed and informed the limo driver that Amanda was moved home earlier in the day and was no longer in the hospital.
Her hand grasped the cold door handle and it turned. She walked up the stairs and at the top she saw the light coming from Amanda’s room. She could also hear the voice that haunted her dreams. As she drew closer, she realized he was reading out loud. How could she not love this man?
She didn’t make a sound just stood at the door and absorbed the sight of him while he melted her heart. He wore flannel pajama bottoms with no shirt. The book was propped on the bed by Amanda’s head. He read slowly in his deep Dom voice that sent shivers down her spine.
Trisha looked around the room but it was hard to see the pictures. His voice stopped and her eyes jerked to him. He was looking at her with such intensity she felt her knees grow weak.
“Don’t hate me Kyle. I’m sorry.”
He closed the book and placed it on the nightstand. His hand ran lovingly over Amanda’s hair and he kissed her on her cheek. He whispered something into her ear and then stood and came toward the door.
His arms pulled her in and she was wrapped within his warmth. His nose went to her hair and he inhaled. His body rocked while he held her tightly.
A few minutes passed and then she felt herself lifted. He carried her down the hallway to his room. Laying her on the bed, he picked up the phone and pushed one button. “Carol could you please stay with Amanda, I have a guest.”
Trisha didn’t hear the reply just watched as he disconnected. His hand ran down the side of her face, his intense eyes following the path they took. One finger wiped her tears and he brought them to his lips.
Her hand reached up and took his. “I love you.”
She was in his arms again and his mouth consumed her. Finally, he let her come up for air and pulled away slightly. “Share my life. I’m not perfect but I love you. I can’t promise to protect you always. I want you to think for yourself and tell me I’m stupid when I am. I want to tie you up and do unmentionable things to your body. I want pain mixed with pleasure but never so bad you stop me.”
Touched by a Dom Page 8
