by Piper Stone
“Do you know where she works?”
“Not a clue.”
“But you know her name,” Carter said almost casually.
“Yes. I know her name.”
He shook his head several times, a chuckle coming from his lips. “For an intelligent guy, you can be dumb as a box of rocks. Why don’t you locate her address? Take her roses, candy, bags of lingerie and grovel if you want her to forgive you.”
This time, Dominick laughed. “She sees me as a man of authority.”
“What, and men who pretend to have power since they have tiny dicks can’t figure out a way to get beautiful ladies to forgive them?”
“I guess I deserved that one.”
Carter nodded several times, lifting his beer. “Yep. You certainly did.”
“Am I a fool, Carter? I know Catherine is up to something. My VP mentioned that certain files are missing from the office, important information about prospective clients. Then two appointments cancelled back to back with no explanation. And last night? After pretty much everyone in the room knew in their hearts I was two-timing? Well, let’s just say that I was going to talk my way back into those appointments until the incident with Jenna. I think my reputation as a fine upstanding citizen is over.”
“Fuck the rest of the world, Dom.”
“What?” Dominick choked on his beer.
Carter walked closer. “I’m serious. You haven’t been happy since you were in college. The company you took over from your father isn’t rewarding to you at all any longer, if it ever was. Money doesn’t mean anything to you. However, it means something to Catherine. You worked your ass off and she took the spoils. If this girl makes you happy, then who the fuck cares whether you get another deal or not and definitely who gives a rat’s ass if some old conservative types can’t handle the fact you have kinky proclivities. Hell, I do as you well know. My guess is that half of them have basements with dungeons and real little girls, if you know what I mean. I shudder at the thought. Old men. Pretty young things. Oh, hell, I might have to consider it some Daddy time with Molly.” His laugh was guttural.
“I noticed you didn’t take her to the Arts Council dinner,” Dominick said, wincing almost as soon as he’d said the words.
Carter hesitated. “Yeah, you’re right. I guess I’m a damn hypocrite.”
An awkward tension settled in.
“No, you’re not. You’re a realist. Business is business and in Richmond, that means toeing the line in a certain fashion. You and I can hate the fact all we want, but it’s the truth. Opinions can make or break careers.”
“Yeah, you might be right, but I prefer play time versus nine to five. Shoot me for stating the truth.” He grinned and swished his bottle. “Time for another brewski.”
Dominick scrunched his face, unable to stop laughing. “I know why you and I get along so well. You’re one sick motherfucker.”
“And don’t you forget it either.” After grabbing Dominick’s bottle, he walked into the house. “Think about what I said. You’re ready for a change.”
Ready for a change. Dominick leaned over the railing, admiring Carter’s expansive back yard. His buddy didn’t live in a huge estate nor did he drive a hundred-thousand-dollar car. What he did have was happiness in his career and with his friends and family. The man had refused to get married even though he’d found the woman of his dreams—his kinky fantasies anyway. Carter’s life was simple.
His friend was right. If Catherine was trying to one-up him, let her find the satisfaction and joy in making him look bad. He honestly didn’t care. Even Troy’s outburst he suspected was out of frustration and not some grand plan to sink his company. If he was wrong, he’d make movements to have Troy disbarred. Or maybe not. He laughed again. Now, he simply had to get the girl back and he had a terrible feeling that he would have some difficulty.
Never give up on a challenge.
Isn’t that what one of his old college professors had drilled into him?
“You’re laughing. That’s a damn good sign.” Carter returned, handing him a bottle.
“I’m going to keep you around. You’re good at kicking me in the ass.”
“My expertise.” He leaned against the railing, turning in Dominick’s direction. “I was right about the business, wasn’t I?”
He exhaled, trying to figure out how best to answer the question. “I was groomed to take it over from the day I was a teenager. Dad wanted to leave me a legacy. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy parts of it, but after you’ve purchased all the land in the world and built beautiful buildings, you forget why you’re doing it. You know that I almost pushed away a damn good business deal because the guy selling the property placed a condition about building townhouses for senior citizens. I didn’t want any towns built. And why? Subsidies and governmental policies. In other words, I wouldn’t make as much money.”
“You’re a good businessman, Dom. You know how to handle deals better than any man I’ve been around.”
“Nope. Not any longer. These townhouses will allow men and women to not only live in a safe and affordable home, but they’ll also have medical facilities, grocery stores, and even a library to be able to walk to. I nixed the idea in the beginning. That was never me, at least a few years ago.”
“Times change.” Carter took a long breath as a quiet moment settled between them. “Does that mean you suddenly had a change of heart?”
He chuckled and fiddled with the beer bottle. “I was distracted by texting her and next thing I knew, I agreed to the deal, much to the chagrin of my asshole attorney I might add.”
“To hell with him. I’m proud of you for the change. You need to find something that makes you happy in business as well as pleasure.”
“Yeah, I know. I just have no idea what that means.”
Carter shrugged. “With all those millions you have? Do some good in the world. Become a farmer. Buy a vineyard. I don’t know. How about a horse farm?”
“Right. As if any of those are things I have a clue about.” He had to chuckle. Horse farm. Right.
“And I thought you liked Troy.”
“We will continue to have a professional relationship as long as he keeps his trap shut.”
“What in the hell did he do?”
“Said some shit about Jenna.” Dominick bristled again, his muscles aching. Suddenly, he was the knight in shining armor, ready to protect the woman he loved? If only he could explain that to the fair maiden.
Carter patted him on the back. “Going to give you a piece of advice. You need to find this girl, no matter what you have to do. Take whatever chances you need to. If not, you’re going to kick yourself for the rest of your life.”
Dominick gave him a half smile. A thought slid into his mind. He stood upright, slapping Carter on the chest. “You, my man, are brilliant. Fucking brilliant.” He could show her that he wasn’t a lying sack of shit.
“Dare I ask? I mean I know I am. About time you figured that out.”
He turned, handing Carter the beer. “I have some things to do.”
* * *
“Asshole. Jerkoff. Motherfucking slime bag.”
Jenna was hunkered under a blanket, watching her bestie pacing the floor, back and forth. Back and forth. “I think you already used those before.”
“Pansy ass piece of shit. How about that?” Camie stopped short, glaring over her shoulder. “I’ll cut his dick off.”
When she mimed using a pair of scissors, Jenna couldn’t help but laugh. “He’s not that bad. Besides, I wasn’t actually dating him. Remember?”
“But he didn’t have to lie to you. He could have politely said, hey, I have a date tonight and your presence would be a third wheel. That is, unless you like a ménage.”
As Camie began to strut across the floor again, taking sweeping strides, cursing under her breath, Jenna grabbed another cookie from the open bag, disgusted she’d eaten a solid dozen by herself. Then there’d been the ice cream as promised, the bag of
Doritos, and some marshmallow cream stuff that looked disgusting almost twelve hours later. Leaning back against the couch, she resisted a moan, given her wine headache.
“I need a drink.”
“Ugh. Do not mention alcohol.”
Camie waved her hand. “A Bloody Mary will do you some good. Perfect for a hangover.”
As her friend stormed out of the living room, she hunkered further under the blanket. Yes, she was proud of herself for keeping her cool. As least she hadn’t tossed the wine in his face or grabbed a sharp knife, gutting him. She’d acted like a lady, simply reminding him that he was a big. Fat. Useless. Asshole. Liar. There. Now, she felt better.
Like hell she did.
She missed him, everything about him. What little sleep she’d gotten had been filled with visions of him. And she couldn’t even say his name. Wasn’t she a piece of work? She’d known better than to fall hard for him. Everything about the situation had spelled disaster from the beginning. And what did she do? Slide down the slippery slope into love. Well, he wasn’t going to get the satisfaction of even trying to apologize. Her phone was turned off and he had no idea where she lived. She could simply stay miserable and eat herself to death.
Perfect plan.
Closing her eyes, Jenna wanted to forget all about him, his arms and his sultry kisses, his absolute amazing dominance. And the spankings. Whew. She wiggled and could still feel a slight sting from the last round of discipline. Maybe she was going to miss that more than anything. She could find another man to fill those shoes. Right? She touched the side of her neck, almost falling back into her dreamlike state.
“Here you go. One very tall and very alcoholic Bloody Mary to put a smile on that pretty face of yours.” Camie had a huge smile on her face as she strutted back into the living room, half slamming one glass on the coffee table. “Drink up, Shriner. You’ll forget all about asshole butt boy in a day or so. And why in the hell did the man have to bite you? Un-fucking-believable.”
“Butt boy? That’s a new one. I don’t even want to know what that means.” She almost choked as she realized she was still wearing the ass plug. My God, she was a fucking loser.
“I have more names. Believe me.”
“Thank you for staying with me. You didn’t have to. After all, I almost ruined your event.” She leaned forward, wincing given the angle made the position of the plug even more pronounced.
“You didn’t ruin anything. I’ve never seen such restraint in a scorned woman. Priceless if you ask me.” Camie took a gulp and pointed a finger. “I just can’t believe that Dominick Asbury is… I mean was… Shit. I can’t believe he was interested in being a disciplinarian.”
“You seem to know all about him.” Jenna wasn’t entirely certain she wanted to know any of the additional details.
“You said you vetted him out, so you should know all the gory details.”
Jenna finally took a sip of her drink, trying her best not to toss her cookies. “I looked him up on the internet and glanced at his Linked In page. I noticed he worked for a real company and had legitimate friends; that’s all I needed.”
“So, you never discovered just how rich this man is?” Camie’s eyes were flashing.
“Should I have?” Jenna slumped back against the couch.
“Girl. This man is filthy rich. We’re talkin’ millions of dollars.” She eased onto the couch. “He owns a commercial land development firm in town and from what I’ve been told, he’s responsible for some of the largest real estate development deals in Richmond. He’s also trying to branch out, build in Northern Virginia. Heard that scuttlebutt the other night. He’s very frugal and there isn’t a lot of dirt on him, but that’s not to say there isn’t any. I just need to find it.”
“No wonder he doesn’t want to be seen with a tramp like me.”
“If you ever, and I do mean ever say that again, I will beat you myself!” Camie snapped as she jerked to her feet. “You are one of the most intelligent and beautiful people I’ve ever met in my life. There isn’t a day that goes by that you don’t try to make the world a better place for everyone else. Never yourself. You are a fabulous catch and if that asshole can’t see it, then I am going to cut his dick clean off.”
The vehemence in her friend’s voice made Jenna burst into laughter. She struggled to stand, easing the glass on the table before dragging Camie into a hug. “I adore you.”
“I adore you, but never say that crap again. Never. Promise me.”
“I promise.” She eased back, wanting nothing more than to text her daddy. Shivering, she couldn’t help but think about the wonderful night they’d shared. No more. She was done with Master Dominick and all his lies.
The knock on the door made both women groan.
“I know you’re not expecting anyone,” Camie said, shifting a glare toward the front door.
“Not a soul.”
“Why don’t I find out who had the misfortune of stopping by on a day like today. I’ll be thrilled to tell any solicitors off.”
Jenna was grateful that Camie was so protective. She hid away from the hallway, grabbing her drink and nibbling on the celery. At least she didn’t hear any shouting. When her friend returned, holding a vase with at least two dozen of the most perfect red roses, she almost tripped over the coffee table. “Oh, no.”
Peeking her head from around the side, Camie frowned. “My guess is Mr. Asbury knows where you live.”
She had difficulty finding the coffee table in order to set down her drink. Taking tentative steps, she folded one arm across her chest as she moved forward, almost terrified to read the card.
“Go on. Might as well read what the asshole punk has to say.”
Sighing, she reached for the note, her fingers numb. Very slowly she tugged the small card from the envelope, swallowing hard as she read the inscription.
“Read it out loud.” Camie held out the flowers, her utter disdain crossing her face.
“I’m sorry.”
“That’s it? No profession of love? No romantic words to try to keep you?”
She fingered the writing, unsure if he’d even bothered to write the two words himself. “Nice.”
“Nice is for puppies and rainbows, not for opening up your soul. Do you want these?”
Jenna debated. “Just put them in the kitchen.”
“You’re sure.”
“I’m not certain of anything.”
Huffing, Camie took booming steps toward the other room, shaking her head the entire time.
She nibbled on her bottom lip, wavering about texting him. At least he’d attempted to apologize. When her BFF returned, she could see a content look on her face. “What?”
“I put them where they belong, in the trash.”
“You didn’t!”
“I most certainly did. He’s the biggest—”
Another knock on the door was followed by the shrill ringing of the doorbell.
“What. The. Fuck?” Camie growled.
“I’ll get it.” Jenna glanced down at her attire then moaned. Wearing sweatpants and a clingy tee shirt, she wasn’t fit to have any kind of company. “Not like this.”
“Don’t worry, sunshine. I’ll get it.”
She hung back, her thoughts all over the place. What had been so wrong in not telling her that he had dinner plans? This time, she heard Camie cursing. “What is it?”
Camie sauntered back into the room, several bags in her hands. “Does this guy actually think he can buy you? There are a few more by the front door as well. Some messenger kid. I need to get my purse and at least give the poor guy a tip. Do you want me to refuse them?”
There were at least eight colorful bags from various stores. She was overwhelmed, her stomach in knots. “No. I just…”
“Fine.”
Jenna sank to her knees, fingering the various shopping bags. She didn’t want to even bother looking, but she was drawn to the lengths he would go in order to say he was sorry. If that’s what he
was doing. As she pulled the contents of the first bag, she tingled all over. The dress was scarlet in color, beautiful and silky and no doubt costing more than a month’s salary. She held the slinky material to her face, relishing in the way it made her feel.
The second held an exquisite pair of shoes, stilettos with rhinestones. And they were in her size.
The third was a sinful corset, black lace and leather.
Now she was giggling.
“Don’t get too attached to them. They need to go back,” Camie said before dumping the remainder of the bags.
“Camie. At least I can have spoils of war.” Jenna couldn’t resist opening the fourth package and was taken aback. The baby doll outfit was so unexpected, she coughed several times.
“You know what? You’re right about the war. Keep them. You deserve everything that man wants to give you and what the hell is that? He’s serious about the daddy bullshit.”
Jenna blinked several times, envisioning herself in the scandalous outfit. “I wore a schoolgirl uniform one day and he just…” She wasn’t able to finish the sentence, especially given the way her friend was staring at her. Groaning, she studied the all black with no lettering bag, her curiosity getting the better of her. The gift had weight and as she began to pull the passion purple tissue paper, peering inside, she could feel the heat rising on her face. The man was more than just interesting.
“Do I want to see?”
“Maybe not.” As she lifted various implements from the bag, wooden brushes and leather straps, a vicious-looking flogger and two paddles, her entire body was shivering but this time from burning desire.
“Wow. I have no idea what to say.”
“I can’t believe he did all this.”
“He no doubt had some flunky make the purchases with a credit card or two. You know that. You know how men are. Don’t fall into his trap.” Camie folded her arms, her expression one of fury.
Her heart skipped several beats and she had difficulty focusing as she unwrapped the remainder of the gifts. He’d literally tried to think of everything that she would enjoy from perfume to bath beads, expensive cream, and stockings. Everything a woman could desire in romance and passion. “This is amazing.”
