by Vonna Harper
“What about your reputation?”
Korbin snorted. “What about yours? That’s right. Your name isn’t on the sides of executive airplanes. You don’t have a boulevard named after you. Politicians aren’t fawning over you trying to convince you to endorse their re-election or candidacy. I’ll go out on a limb and state there’s more risk in exposing me than you. I wield more power than most.”
Instead of replying, Ethan waved at someone. Lainey couldn’t see who had caught his attention, but there was no missing the fact that the man was slouched on a couch while a kneeling woman held his cock in her mouth.
“Jeffrey.” Korbin acknowledged the man being suckled. “Fancy meeting you here. Is that delectable creature yours?”
“Korbin? Shit. What the hell are you doing here?”
“I could ask you the same thing. How about we cut to the chase? Acknowledge each other’s presence.”
“If you want to.” The man still sounded hesitant.
“I do,” Korbin answered. “Back to my question. Is she yours?”
Relaxing a little, Jeffrey patted the woman’s head. “Going on three years.”
“Interesting.” Korbin stroked Lainey’s shoulder. “I’m just getting into this.”
“It’s addictive.”
Korbin snorted. “So I’m discovering.”
Jeffrey gave Lainey an appraising look. “You made a good choice.” He gripped the sides of the woman’s head. “I’m getting tired of this one’s technique, thinking about replacing her, which is why I’m here.”
“What do you think of the selection?” Korbin asked.
“Not bad. I’m still getting used to running into you.”
“I could say the same thing. One thing about tonight, we can blackmail each other. Do you know anyone else?”
“Do you think I’d say if I do?”
“Of course not. I just wanted to see if I could make you sweat.”
“I am.” Jeffrey’s legs shot out. His eyes closed. “See you, ah, on the course?”
Korbin laughed. “Of course. Don’t let me interrupt you.”
Hating that she was party to what was going on between Jeffrey and the woman, Lainey waited for someone to speak. This was crazy. Unreal. She was here in large part because Joe Risinger’s brother had died in a suspicious car fire.
Also because the feel of leather around her throat had turned her on.
“Does that tell you what you want to know?” Korbin asked Ethan. “If I was so inclined, I have no doubt I could convince every man here to play in my playground. I might have to employ you to supply the females until I’ve figured out the technique. However, if I took on that pleasurable chore it would cut into time I need to spend on other matters.” He folded his arms across his chest. “As fascinating as your setup is, I want to learn more so I can decide how involved I should be.”
“Involved?” Ethan asked.
“Of course. This might be an unexpected business opportunity. I can see it becoming quite lucrative. If I decide to become a silent partner, I must be sure I can trust you to keep your mouth shut about my involvement.”
“You’re really—”
“I never joke when it comes to financial matters.”
Ethan looked miserable. “I know you don’t.”
“So, can I trust you?”
“Of course.” Now he sounded as unhappy as he looked.
“Excuse me if I don’t take you for your word.” Korbin looked around. “What do we have here? A county commissioner. A banker. Ah, a judge. And—yes, a potential state senator. Now there’s someone I wouldn’t expect to find under your roof tonight. Guess it shows there’s no limit to a man’s desire to play a particular game.”
“And to show off,” Joe said.
Joe’s voice unmoored her from her determination to make sense of what was taking place. He hadn’t let go of the leash and although there was no tension, she felt the connection. Considering how focused he’d been on breaking her down earlier, she wasn’t sure how to react. His agenda hadn’t changed. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be there, but maybe his priorities had flipped.
Maybe despite his resolve to make her submissive so he could use her, the reality of what tonight represented had sunk in.
“You’re right,” Ethan agreed with Joe. “There’s a considerable amount of self-importance involved; I wasn’t sure how willing these esteemed gentlemen would be to reveal their kink. It appears I’ve underestimated egos. If I hadn’t had those doubts, I would have launched my operation before now.”
“You think that’s why these men accepted the invitation?” Joe asked. “Ego?”
“Without a doubt. Men who consider themselves at the top of their particular heap crave new goals. New challenges. A different kind of ownership. What’s more of a turn-on than having their possession suck their cocks in public?”
“Point taken.” Joe pulled down on her top, exposing a breast. To her discomfort, her nipples tightened.
“Shit,” Ethan hissed. “And to think I believed I understood my darling stepdaughter. Are you two sharing her?”
“Yes and no,” Korbin said.
“What do you mean?”
“There’s little competition,” Joe said. “Some, but nothing we can’t handle. Part of why we’re here is to pick up some tips on how to get her to behave at all times in all ways.”
Ethan grunted. “She’s strong willed. I’ve considered what it would take to alter her behavior so she’s useful to me, but that’s hard to work on let alone accomplish with her mother underfoot.”
“My mother? Keep her out—”
“See what I mean?” Joe jerked on the leash so she was off-balance. “She’s problematic. Fascinating, but difficult to control.”
“Do you really want a docile slave?” Ethan asked. “There’s a lot to be said for spirit.”
“I’m not your slave. You have no—”
“Enough!” Joe yanked again. “Darn it, Korbin, I told you she wasn’t ready to bring out.”
Ethan held up a hand. “Her behavior is more than fine with me. We need to see her in her natural state. Not drugged like some of these creatures.”
She’d spoken because she wanted to draw Ethan’s attention to her. Otherwise, how could she hope to give Joe the information he was after? How else could she walk out of his life feeling she’d done her job?
“What kind of drugs do you use?” Korbin asked.
When Ethan didn’t reply, she realized Ethan wasn’t sure he could trust the wealthy man. He wouldn’t have reached the level of power he had if he wasn’t suspicious of everyone and everything.
“I’ve seen what’s available here,” she said. “Believe me, the options are almost limitless.”
“Shut the fuck up!” Ethan practically bellowed. “You’re right. She must be disciplined. Brought down. Taught her place.”
“What do you mean by discipline?” Joe asked, still holding her close. As much as she wanted to cover up, she didn’t.
“You must know. The loss of freedom goes a long way and takes many forms.” Ethan’s voice rose. Even in the unnatural lighting, she could see the excitement in his eyes. “I’m particularly fond of spanking the object of my—attention.”
“That’s one way of putting it,” Joe said. “Korbin has more on his plate than I do, which means I’m in charge of her training.”
“You aren’t doing a very good job.”
If Joe took exception to Ethan’s statement, it didn’t show. Chuckling, he positioned her so her back was to Ethan. “Show him,” he ordered.
Holding her breath, she lifted her micro-mini skirt and exposed her tender ass. Ethan whistled. “Shit. You did that?”
“Of course. And I enjoyed every moment.”
“I bet you did. How did you—never mind, I want to hear from her.” Ethan rubbed his hand over where Joe’s hands had landed. She flinched, but forced herself to stay in place. “Gentlemen, how about you two avail yourselves of tonight’s e
ntertainment? I’ll take care of her.”
“What do you mean by take care?” Joe asked.
“No marks. At least none that last.”
Joe’s grip on the leash prevented her from trying to bolt. She had all she could do not to curse her stepfather.
“What makes you the expert when it comes to managing her?” Korbin asked.
“Do you think tonight’s the first time we’ve pared powerless bitches with powerful men?”
“We?” Joe demanded.
“Other members of this organization. I’ve long wanted to set something like this up, but I had to work my way into a position of power. Now that I have, I’m committed to anything that increases the profits. And my leadership.” He jerked his head at the room. Two overweight, middle-aged men had lifted a woman’s arms over her head and were lashing her wrists to the T device. She sniveled more than cried, and her attention bounced around as if she didn’t grasp what was happening.
“To hell with playing some damn role,” Ethan said. “That doesn’t satisfy these bastards.”
“The men.” Joe’s voice was tight. “Did anyone ask the women what they want?”
“No need. They’ll go along with the show just like she has.” He swatted her buttocks making her gasp in pain. “Give me some time with her so I can determine where she is with regards to her—mindset. I might have some tips you can use.” He chuckled. “Maybe I’ll learn from you. Drinks are on me. So are the bitches.”
Feeling as if she’d been abandoned, Lainey struggled not to let it show. Tonight was all Joe was going to get in the way of cooperation. Either she provided him with what he needed to take to the D.A.s office or she didn’t. She was done.
They were done.
“I didn’t expect this,” Ethan said as Joe and Korbin headed for the bar. When they reached it, they positioned themselves so they could keep an eye on her. “I never believed I had you figured you out, but this—shit. Does Megara know?”
“Know what?” She wasn’t sure she could hold back from kicking Ethan in his crotch if he reached for the dangling leash.
“Don’t play stupid. The way she goes off about your collar, I figured she wanted no part of that game. She sure doesn’t in the bedroom. Fortunately, I get what I want from the likes of her.” He pointed at the secured woman.
“You aren’t faithful?” she asked sarcastically.
“Shit. I’ve never tied myself down with just one partner.”
She settled her top back in place. “Then why did you marry her?”
He pondered. “I like Megara. I might even love her. She’s beautiful. Famous in her own right. Well respected. She’s given me access to a class of people I can’t reach on my own.”
“Including some who crave what your so-called organization can provide.”
“Let’s not play word games. We’re talking about compliant females and illegal drugs.”
Fighting disgust, she flattened her hands over her bare middle. Fabric covered her breast and ass, but she still felt exposed.
“Where did the women come from? Maybe they couldn’t resist your sexuality.”
“Yes and no.”
“What do you mean?”
“Why would you care?” He eyed the leash. “Answer me something. What are you doing with those two?”
Think. Concentrate.
“This.” She slid the collar around so the leash reached her back. “Korbin was curious. Direct. Was I serious about its meaning? When I admitted I was, he invited me to his place and…”
“And what?”
Ethan’s eyes were alive in a way that chilled her. She figured he was aroused, not that she’d check.
“Just conversation the first time. Then I decided to come clean with him about how presenting a submissive persona helped me deal with the aftermath of what life was like when my broken body confined me to a bed. That’s how I handle PTSD.”
The conversations hadn’t taken place, but there was something about Korbin Aldrich that made her suspect it could. “When I told him I wasn’t sure I could be a real submissive, he, ah, volunteered to help me decide. Neither of us had much time to explore that kind of relationship.”
“Plus, you wanted to keep it private.”
“Yes. Korbin doesn’t care what people think of him, but he didn’t want to damage my reputation.” She debated saying more then decided to go for it. “A lot of people know what you are. At least they suspect—I’ve had coworkers and classmates ask if my stepfather is a higher-up in the mafia.”
He stepped toward her, forcing her to back away. She wasn’t sure whether Joe and Korbin were still watching, but they could hear.
“What do you tell them?”
“Nothing.”
“The hell.”
“I don’t… I’d never say anything that might harm Mom’s reputation. Besides, it’s none of my business. You and I live separate lives.”
Ethan snorted. “Not any more we don’t.”
“What do you mean?”
“This.”
Before she could react, he hooked a finger through the collar. “I’m thinking—you might not know the men in here, but Korbin sure as hell does. The fact that he recognizes them is making them nervous. Hopefully, none will bail, but they might think twice about returning.”
She hadn’t thought about that possibility. In fact, this was the first she’d considered the lecherous men who hoped tonight would fulfill their dreams of domination. Ethan was in pretty new-for-him territory, balancing himself between providing unwilling subs for his clients and said clients’ need to protect their reputations and maybe their freedom.
“You don’t get it, do you?” His liquored breath made her sick. “All right, I’ll spell it out little girl.”
Don’t say that.
“My guests know who you are,” he continued. “And if they don’t, I’ll make sure they do before the night’s over. At the same time, your safety and security means the world to me.”
“No, it doesn’t.”
He forced her to look up at him. “Only you and I need to know that. I have to come up with the most profitable way to take advantage of our relationship. I didn’t buy you all new teeth for nothing.”
His logic was so skewed she nearly laughed.
“Then there’s Megara. My beloved wife. It would destroy her if she learned who is keeping a roof over her head and why. I’m risking as much as my guests. We cover each other’s asses with mutual silence.” He snorted again. “Speaking of your ass—where does Daniel factor in?”
“Dan—he’s one of Korbin’s financial advisors.”
“Yeah, right.”
“He is. But there’s more than money to their relationship. They share an interest in training women to obey.”
“You expect me to believe their shared hobby came up during a conversation about mutual funds? I don’t think so.”
“I wasn’t there so I don’t know, but the things they agree on…”
“What things?”
Juggling what Joe wanted from her had her feeling as if she was teetering on the edge of life itself. If Ethan had orchestrated Nate’s death, he could do the same to her.
“I don’t know much about Daniel. Maybe he isn’t a financial advisor. I have no way of checking that out, not with him keeping me in a cage.”
“Say what? What’s this about a cage?”
“That’s where I’ve been.”
“Shit.” He licked his lips. “I knew you weren’t off somewhere with Korbin. You wouldn’t skip your classes or miss work. Your mother believed Korbin had swept you off your feet or some damn thing, but that isn’t you. What happened?”
“Daniel grabbed me. Drugged me.”
“Shit. Shit.”
Feeling more confident than she had a moment ago, she hurried to explain that she’d woken to find herself locked in a cage inside a large room.
“I panicked. Screamed and tried to claw my way out. Then Daniel started asking me a lot o
f stuff and—”
“What kind of stuff?”
Why had she said what she had? “About Mom’s career and contacts. He wanted to know if she was acquainted with certain directors and actors. He’s ambitious. Having a percentage of Korbin’s business isn’t enough for him. He figured—”
“Where was Korbin?”
“I don’t know.” She tried to pull away only to have Ethan tug her close again. How could a man with plenty of money for dental care have such horrible breath?
“He didn’t participate?”
“No.”
“Hmm. And why did Daniel decide you needed to have your ass tanned?”
“He didn’t need a reason,” she said loud enough that Joe had to hear. “He got off on spanking me, repeatedly.”
“What about you?” Controlling her with one hand, he roughly massaged her buttocks. “The pain turned you on, right?”
“Some.”
“No, not some. What did he do to make you come?”
Coming from Ethan, the question was sordid. “You’re right about my reaction to pain. I don’t understand why, but—maybe I’m into that.”
“Now there’s something I’d love to find out. Something I have the suspicion I can use to my advantage.”
“What are you talking about?” she asked around her disgust.
“Exploitation. Ah, that’s not quite what I have in mind. What about offering my darling stepdaughter up to the highest bidder. Allowing others to watch her be put through her paces, for a price of course.”
Fighting her growing need to throw up, she forced herself to recall Joe’s tattoo of his brother. Despite her mother’s flaws, she loved Megara with every fiber of her being so she understood Joe’s devotion to Nate. She couldn’t face herself if she didn’t try to give Joe what he most needed.
“You can’t cage me.”
“Can’t I?” He swatted her ass. “Who’s going to stop me? Hell, I’ll rent you to Korbin and Daniel. They can play with you without having full-time responsibility for you. Unfortunately, in a year or two you’ll no longer be useful or worth the trouble of maintaining.”
Run. Get the hell out of here! “What happens then?”
“I have a number of options. The most rewarding would be to sell you.”
