WindSwept Narrows: #22 Erika & Vianne

by Diroll-Nichols, Karen

  “When have you found time to shop?”

  “The internet is a marvelous invention,” he tossed back, laughing at her and quickly finishing his pasta. “I’m going over to the workout room for an hour.”

  “I’ll be here,” she replied, cleaning up with him. “I want to go over the files I have and re-watch some of the interviews. I’m just not sure how to resolve it to make them leave Erika alone. With all the secrets involved…” she shook her head, filled her water bottle with ice and water and carried it to her computer.

  She watched him stride out after a tender kiss that made her sigh. The man seriously knew how to kiss.

  She slipped one leg beneath her and pulled files from the side drawer. Vianne stared toward the sand, sunshine glinting and sparkling off bits of things as it rose in the Saturday sky.

  She really didn’t have to go to the Seattle club. She pulled both feet to rest on the edge of the chair and wrapped her arms around them, just staring.

  What she needed to do was figure out how to make them leave Erika alone. They deserved to have all their careers shattered, but the workers for Vincent Technologies did not deserve that kind of solution. She could try getting them all in the same room and showing them a copy of the story that she would let loose on the world if they stepped out of line.

  Blackmail in any form was a little tenuous, though. She sighed wearily. Maybe a chat with Erika and Zee, first and let them know all the information she now had and guessed at. She chewed on her lower lip. Maybe invite Carter to the meeting and get his perspective as well.

  Deciding that was the best course, she slowly unfolded her legs and picked up her phone. One to Carter for a Monday appointment and then to Erika and Zee. She’d lay out everything she knew and let them decide how they wanted things handled. She didn’t like the idea that Erika’s parents would probably be alienated, but that wasn’t Vianne’s fault. They’d lost their daughter on their own. That was never a happy thing to think about.

  Vianne stood staring at the outfit on the bed, one eye closed before she moved it to the chair and stretched out across the middle, face down and eyes closing. The man wasn’t even in the house and he managed to get her heart pounding.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Bound and Tied occupied a large, two level industrial building that had been deserted for many years before the group purchased it. It sat on a corner just at the edge of what would be considered the more social part of downtown Seattle. On one far corner, a regular sports bar had been established for the more mainstream people.

  The remainder of the building had been insulated and fitted with supports for the various activities that would be taking place inside the BDSM club.

  Vianne would have bet her bank account that she’d never be caught dead in a red silk corset and mini-leather skirt that barely covered the cheeks of her behind. Okay, add to that, she mused as they walked toward the busy entrance to the club, Bound and Tied, she wore a pair of heels that screamed ‘fuck me’ at the tops of their lungs.

  “I feel terribly exposed,” she whispered and realized she was breathing way too quickly.

  “I prefer deliciously displayed,” Tanner assured her, his palm possessively on her waist. He watched her for a long moment. “Take slow, deep breaths, Vianne. Mouth closed.” He waited patiently until she did as he said. “Good girl. What exactly are you hoping for from Louisa?”

  “I don’t know. I thought confirmation of what I overheard,” Vianne unconsciously stayed close to his side. The atmosphere around this club was very different than at the Independence. The caliber of people felt vastly different.

  She doubted there were people watching for drugs or alcohol outside like at the other location. She read the signs: alcohol limited to two drinks. But that was only inside the club.

  Outside, people shared bottles and weren’t even trying to be discrete about it. No brown paper bags here. And with all the smaller bars along the street, there wasn’t a doubt that people went into the Bound and Tied just a little inebriated. The only thing that would deter them would be the twenty-five dollar entrance fee to the BDSM club.

  “And now?” Tanner reached into an inner pocket of the soft leather jacket he wore over the plain T-shirt. He held out a card, similar to one of his business cards, and handed it to the receptionist behind the tall counter. A guard outside acknowledged their age and had opened the door for them while another guard stood across from the counter, watching them. “Is Heather Malcolm on site tonight?”

  “Yes, Sir. Shall I contact her for you?”

  “Please. Just let her know I’m in the building with my sub,” Tanner tipped his head and guided Vianne to the large swinging doors. One thing about the BDSM community, it taught manners and taught them well. English was proper and correct and instructions were followed without back talk or questions. Usually.

  “Will she come speak with you?” Vianne asked as they stepped through a set of large swinging doors. It wasn’t until they were on the other side that she lost just a little focus as the slight differences between this club and the other came to her senses.

  The music was different. Modern bands replaced the low, deep chanting type music used at Independence. The scent seemed more perfume department at the mall than anything else. She was looking at the collection of vinyl and latex when she realized Tanner had shifted them slightly to the side. It was then she realized his palm was around her chin, holding it up and aimed at him while her eyes had continued taking in the various styles of clothing.

  “Oh, god…sorry…sir,” Vianne gulped and focused on the amused dark eyes peering down at her. “It’s very different.”

  “Heather came to us about a year after we started Independence,” Tanner answered, the memory making him smile as he reached to the pack he had hitched on one shoulder. “Give me your wrists, Vianne.”

  Tanner liked the heat he saw flash in her eyes, the shading of them shifting to a deep hazel with green tints at the edges.

  She kept her gaze on him even as she lifted her wrists and held them together for him.

  “Good girl,” he said softly, fastening the lined cuffs to her wrists and connecting them with the clasps in the center. He waited while she looked at the initials on the leather, the little smile on her face sending a warm wave through him. “Heather wanted to establish the adjourning regular bar with the BDSM club. The rules are basically the same, they’re part of the over-all philosophy we share. We wouldn’t have backed her if she were that different in her beliefs. The difference is the type of involvement in the participants. Here, you’ll have about forty percent serious and the others are people exploring and not certain what they’re looking for…which accounts for the clothing differences, not to mention the vast age differences. You’ll find them much younger here,” he stopped when her gaze shifted to a point off his shoulder and then went to the floor.

  Tanner stepped to the side, his grin crooked at the sight of the tall, leggy blonde in black leather mini skirt and corset. He waited while she offered a politely interested glance over Vianne before meeting his gaze.

  “Heather,” Tanner greeted her with a tip of his head.

  “Tanner, you never cease to amaze,” the silken voice broke from wine tinted lips, her smile evident in her eyes. “Sweet looking little sub,” the riding crop in her hand tapped lightly on the ring on Vianne’s hand. “Congratulations.”

  “Thank you,” Tanner lifted her chin. “Vianne, Heather Malcolm.”

  “Hello, Mistress,” Vianne knew the words even as the reporter wanted to take over.

  “Do you have a few minutes to talk?” Tanner asked politely.

  “Come over to my private corner and we’ll get drinks. Rumors had been filtering around since last night. People calling people…” Heather guided them through the very busy scene room, the sounds of intense pleasure and intense pain mingling with the music playing as a methodical background. “Does this concern the club?”

  “No,” he answe
red immediately. “This is personal. Do you know if Louisa is in the club tonight?”

  “Louisa?” Heather sunk into one of the comfortable chairs, the long legs stretched out and then crossed. She signaled to one of the waitresses. “Bring me an orange juice, Candace. Tanner?”

  He took a chair across from her, gesturing for Vianne to the thick pillow at his side.

  “I’ll have a dark ale and a bottle of water for my sub, Candace. Thank you,” he told the scantily clad waitress. “Mixing sub training with waitressing?”

  “It works. They also get play hour credits,” Heather told him, her mind shifting to his earlier question. “Louisa is here. It’s the weekend. I don’t know if she’s alone, but I can have someone check for you. Is there a problem?”

  “Vianne?”

  “I don’t know if she’ll help me or not, Mistress, but I need to ask her about a man she’s topped before,” Vianne sighed, her head shaking. She quickly described Neil Vincent before going on. “He’s the father of a close friend of mine. I’m trying to resolve an issue where she was drugged by her mother because of…politics and corporate control. To be honest, I’m not sure what I’m looking for…I’m sorry we bothered you.”

  “I know of the man you described,” Heather said slowly, pausing while their drinks were laid on the table before them. “Thank you, Candace.” She waited, taking a drink of the cold juice. “He’s been coming here for a few years now. Tidbits and rumor tell me he visits a few of the lower end clubs seeking mistresses like Louisa. He’s polite enough,” she shrugged. “He is a sub when he’s here.”

  “Thank you, Mistress,” Vianne said thoughtfully. “We don’t need to speak with Mistress Louisa. The timeline you’ve given me explains how the other two men involved discovered his…hobby.”

  “Can you describe the other two?” Heather asked curiously. She listened to the descriptions and nodded. “They frequent here. You know our rules regarding clientele privacy.”

  “Yes, and this isn’t an expose, Mistress. I am just trying to find a way to make them all leave my friend alone. Forcing her into a marriage to gain control over company voting stock…” Vianne shook her head. “It’s like something out of the dark ages when father’s made every possible decision for their daughters.”

  “I think you might be trying for a peaceful resolution with people who won’t allow you to have it,” she told Vianne quietly. “I understand that you’d like everyone to walk away friends.”

  “They don’t have to be friends. They simply have to leave her to her life. I’ll bury the information I have. I don’t care about that. I care about Erika,” Vianne said vehemently. “I’m sorry, Mistress. When I found out what her mother had done to her…I’ve known her as long as I’ve known Erika. I would never have thought she’d do something like that to her daughter.”

  “I would have thought you much more cynical.” Heather continued watching the older woman. “You’re a public figure as well, Vianne. I’m sure people recognize you.”

  Vianne stared down at the palms resting on her thighs, the warm, massaging palm at the back of her neck soothing and loving.

  “It would be easier to be cynical and expect it of everyone,” she admitted sadly. “But it would also hurt a lot more, I think…inside.”

  “If you’ve no other questions, I’m going to make some rounds and keep my staff in-line. If I can do anything to help, Vianne, please give me a call. It really was a pleasure to meet you. Tanner knows how to reach me,” Heather walked off after a nod to Tanner.

  “Bring your water and we’ll take a little tour,” Tanner drained the small bottle of ale and held his palm out to her, waiting while she came to her feet. “With a little adjustment,” Tanner said quietly, reaching for the side zipper on her skirt and lowering it. He kept his eyes on hers, his cock hardening with every little sup of air she held in. Wide eyes asked questions but she was silent when he removed the skirt and folded it, sliding it into his pack before taking one step back and drinking in his sub from heels to the freely curling blond hair.

  The black garter and stockings; the expanse of soft, pale skin from the thong to the end of the corset and the dappling of freckles above the black and red corset managed to pull together an incredibly sexy package.

  It was after midnight when they pulled into the parking space in front of the condo. Vianne had drifted off, held up by the seat belt and his shoulder. Tanner eased her upright and stepped from the SUV, striding around to her side and carefully lifting her out. He locked the door behind them and took her to bed, glancing up at the stars and thanking each and every one of them.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Vianne had just stepped from her car, carrying the soft leather briefcase when she heard another vehicle pull up behind her. She turned to face it, expecting to see Zee and Erika but was surprised when Tanner came striding toward her. She blinked a couple times, taking in the very nicely made suit in a deep, dark charcoal with the tiniest of stripes along its length.

  She’d never seen him in a suit before. Damn. The girl in her sighed in pure female appreciation. Until she glimpsed the look in his eyes.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “Why did I have to hear about it from Carter?” Tanner tossed back tensely.

  “Because it doesn’t have anything to do with you,” Vianne frowned and swallowed hard when he paced forward and backed her against the side of the building. “Tanner…”

  “We have idiots following us around, Vianne. Like it or not, you put yourself in the middle of the conflict,” Tanner shook his head. “You believe I’d step aside and let you deal with this alone?”

  “I honestly didn’t think about it. It’s what I’m accustomed to…” Vianne felt the moisture evaporate from her mouth. “Obviously, I was wrong. No one’s approached me, Tanner. I really don’t think they’re focused on me as much as on Zee and Erika.” She’d pushed the words out quickly but could tell they weren’t making a dent in his temperament at the moment. “You’re worried about me.”

  Tanner closed his eyes. Working at forcing the head of steam vanish. She wasn’t locking him out of her decisions, he realized, mentally telling himself he had to adjust his perception. His wife wasn’t accustomed to anyone worrying about her, or standing at her side in support.

  “I’m worried about my wife and friend,” he finally said quietly. “I don’t trust them.”

  “This looks serious,” Zee commented lightly, his arm on Erika’s waist as they came from the SUV in front of Carter’s office. “Didn’t know you were in the meeting, Tanner.”

  “I’m working on convincing Vianne that she’s part of a couple now for the serious stuff,” Tanner reached for the door and held it open for them. “And nothing personal, but I don’t trust any of them.”

  “Don’t blame you there,” Zee agreed, sliding his hand to surround Erika’s. “She’s been silent, won’t eat and has hands like the Arctic.”

  “I’m sorry,” Erika pulled her hand free and shoved it into the pocket of her jeans.

  Zee simply wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her against him, his mouth next to her ear. “This is not your fault.”

  “You can go in,” the receptionist gestured to the open door. “He’s been waiting for you.”

  “Morning, Carter,” Vianne entered first, setting her case on the corner of his desk and pacing to the window. “I don’t know how to fix this and I’m hoping we can figure something out.”

  “I get the feeling solving this problem won’t be as easy as it was fixing the last political mess, Vianne,” Carter Shipley leaned back in his chair, watching the two couples.

  “Compared to this, that was a cake walk,” Vianne told him, her head shaking. “I got lucky this last weekend and picked up some information we didn’t have before,” she faced Erika and bit her lip as she tried to fix the words together in the right way.

  “What is it, Vi?” Erika straightened in the chair.

  “I don’t
know how to discuss your father’s sex life,” Vianne said slowly.

  Erika exhaled. “So…Adam and Richardson are gay lovers and now something in my father’s sex life is involved with this whole thing? This keeps getting better and better.”

  “Let’s start with the timeline,” Vianne suggested carefully. “It began when your grandmother died and left you a block of voting stock. Somewhere before that, however, Wayne and Richardson discovered your father at one of the BDSM clubs in Seattle. If you want to know what he does there, I can tell you. Otherwise, let’s just say it set him up for becoming a very big supporter of Richardson in the political arena,” Vianne explained, watching her friend’s eyes widen. “And don’t ask me how I got the information, please. Anyway…”

  “I knew there was…I knew my father and mother weren’t sexually active,” Erika said quietly. “At least, not with one another,” she added hastily. “But it’s not something a child gets involved with.”

  “Moving right along,” Vianne cleared her throat. “You weren’t involved for those months. There was no reason. Your grandmother had given your father a proxy for her stock and never paid attention to what he was doing. Then you got the block and changed that. It upset his plans. That’s when he worked to get you involved with Wayne. I don’t know how he planned to force a marriage, that’s still a bit baffling to me.”

  “So essentially they were using each other,” Zee commented dryly. “I’m taking a guess that Wayne and Richardson also play at this Seattle club?”

  “According to a source, yes. That’s where they saw Neil Vincent,” Vianne answered.

  “At least part of it makes sense now,” Erika nodded to herself. “Father backing Richardson made sense until I…and he’s known all along. He’s known all along that Adam was gay and yet he set me up with him. And it’s why they all made sure we were always in crowds so I wouldn’t cause a scene.” She shoved her hands against the chair and paced the large office.