by Piper Stone
“Damn it!” Sobbing, she rubbed first one then the other eye furiously, trying to keep her vision cleared. Feeling any heartache for the man was ridiculous. But you want him. You crave him. Her little voice wasn’t going to make any headway this time. Hell, no. She heard her phone ringing and knew Dominick was calling. There was no way she’d ever talk to him again. What did he want? To shove her stupidity in her face?
Both hands now on the wheel, she tried to concentrate on driving, doing everything she could to control her emotions. Anger rolled into her system, replacing the sadness. The second her phone rang again, she was unable to stop herself. Digging into her purse, she grabbed her cell phone, barely glancing at the screen. “I told you that I don’t want to talk.”
“What was that about?” Dominick asked. “What?”
In her mind, his question as well as his tone was far too demanding. “The truth, which is something you can’t understand. I told you I valued that more than anything.”
“You’re not my mistress. You’re so much more.”
“Oh, please. You’re right. I was nothing to you. Nothing. Have a great life, which I’m certain you will.” She ended the call, huffing and tossing the phone onto the seat. The end. Final. No more.
The tears returned, sliding down her face.
She managed to control her emotions long enough to drive safely, getting off the interstate and onto a side street leading to her apartment. She’d never felt so humiliated in her life but at least she’d learned a valuable lesson. When she rounded a corner, she noticed a car coming up fast in the rearview mirror. “No way.” He was not following her. Bastard.
Her nerves on edge, she made a quick turn into the parking lot, zooming past several cars in an attempt to get to her normal space. Too late. He’d cut her off by coming in the other entrance. “Damn it!” She managed to slide into the parking spot and cut the engine just as he roared the Porsche behind her car, blocking her in. After grabbing her things, she climbed out, pointing her finger as he slid out of the driver’s side, shaking his head. “Don’t come any closer.”
“You’re going to listen to me,” Dominick said, ignoring her comment. He closed the distance, stopping just short of the sidewalk. “Jenna. I never lied to you, not officially. The dinner was nothing, two people sharing dinner together. Nothing more. I should have told you. I get that, but Jesus, to assume you’re nothing but my mistress is preposterous.”
“Oh, now. You’re not going to charm me again. Never going to happen, buster.” Her voice was almost shrill, certainly floating up to the dozens of apartments surrounding her. Who gave a shit. “You’re still married. I saw the pictures on the internet of your steamy romantic getaway just a few weeks ago. Some gorgeous tropical island adventure?” Don’t buy anything he has to say. Nothing.
“What are you talking about? My ex-wife delivered the divorce papers to me the other day. Whatever you saw was from a long time ago. I haven’t been on any kind of vacation, romantic or otherwise with Catherine in over a year.” He jerked off his sunglasses, tossing them into his car, his face full of exasperation.
“Pictures don’t lie.”
“Then show them to me. I need to see exactly what you found.” Dominick crossed his arms, keeping his stance. “Prove that I’m some asshole.”
Jenna exhaled, noticing that there were several of her neighbors watching, no doubt enjoying the floor show. “Fine. Then will you leave?”
“If that’s what you want, yes.”
Seeing the level of hurt in his expression shoved another pang into her stomach. “Fine.” She walked away before she was unable to resist his charm, sucking in her breath and fiddling to find her apartment key. She left the door ajar, hearing the sound of the powerful engine in his car as he moved the steel machine into a space. Dropping her things, she headed straight for her laptop in the kitchen. She didn’t bother to look away from the screen or care if he’d come inside. This needed to be finished here and now. She simply moved to the bookmarked page that Camie had found after unloading everything she’d found out about the elusive and wealthy Mr. Asbury.
As the vivid images of shared passion came into view, she blinked back another round of tears. No, he wasn’t worth crying over. The moment he walked in, she glanced at his face, following his trail to the vase still positioned on her counter.
“You kept the roses.”
“Weak moment. That won’t happen again, I assure you.” She moved off the chair, pointing to her computer. “There you go. Explain those.” Holding her breath, she walked to the already open bottle of wine, keeping her back turned to him as she grabbed a clean wineglass, pouring a hefty amount. Her hand was shaking as she attempted to take a sip, doing her best not to spill a portion all over her dress. She’d made a big enough fool of herself for one day.
In what seemed like ten minutes later, he finally exhaled, the sound exaggerated. “Jenna. The pictures are from three years ago. The very last trip we took together and one she planned without consulting me, I might add. We did nothing but argue on that supposed vacation and I knew then that our relationship was over.”
“The dates don’t lie.”
“This is an article that was written about one of the projects that was just completed. This asshole asked me months ago for an interview and I refused. Piece of shit paper. Evidently, the reporter found his own information to use. No one in the public was or still is aware of the divorce at that point. We tried to keep our separation quiet on purpose. Business in this town can be fickle. I’m learning that the hard way.”
She jerked around to face him, shaking her head, but she could tell he was furious. “I don’t believe you.”
Groaning, he tapped his fingers on the keyboard then simply got to his feet, moving toward the counter. “Take a look at the date on the bottom of the photographs.”
Biting her lower lip, she stood her ground until she could no longer take the aching in her stomach, or her heart. She had to know the truth. Sliding into the chair, she hung over the screen, eying the zoomed-in picture, trying her best not to make a single sound.
“Do you see the date?”
She could only nod. Shit. Had she really made this kind of mistake? Her eyes were hazy, and she blinked several times, taking another look. Oh, dear God. When she spoke, her voice held resignation. “The divorce is final?”
“The divorce is final. Hot off the presses so to speak,” he snarked from behind her, exhaling a deep breath. “Why didn’t you just ask me? I would have shown you the divorce papers and I will, just to ease your concerns.”
“First of all, Stephanie Kannaday.”
A flush crept up on his face. “Blame my best friend for that particular connection. He convinced me to go to this dinner. Said it would be good for my business. He also told me at the last minute about having a companion.”
“Looked like a date to me.”
Dominick groaned, tapping his foot on the tile floor. “Okay. I should have told you. I thought I’d make an appearance and leave. I was wrong to assume that I could manage even that.”
“Yes, you were,” she insisted but was unable to take her eyes off him. For all his dominance, his absolute power, he seemed conciliatory.
“And I tried to explain that when your bulldog of a girlfriend kept me from talking with you.” Dominick’s eyes were twinkling.
“She can be a ferocious mama bear when she wants to be,” Jenna admitted, some of the weight lifted off. Could she trust him? Please, let me make the right decision.
The awkward tension remained.
“Okay, I’m sorry, but everything pieced together was damning. You have to admit that,” she murmured, her lip twitching. Fuck. Fuck!
He inched closer, lowering his head. “But that still doesn’t explain why you arrived at my office in such a…”
“Destructive manner,” she answered, cringing at her own behavior.
“Hmm… I’ll accept that.” He inched closer, lifting a single eyebrow.
“The truth is because Camie found the pictures and some other information. When she showed me, I was convinced everything you’d said to me was a lie. We put two and two together after that.”
“Camie. That’s what good friends are for.” Dominick’s voice remained smooth, far too sexy.
Hearing the lilt in his voice, she tossed him a nasty look. “At least she cares about me.”
“And so do I.” He hung his head, chuckling. “Well, you certainly know how to make an entrance to my office. Everyone will know about our arrangement now. No more hiding. You can be my baby girl in all regards.”
As if that could be true. She cringed as she slid out of the chair, fiddling with her hair. “Okay. Maybe I went a little overboard.”
“A little?” He burst into laughter. “Do you mind if I have a glass of that wine? It’s been one hell of a day.”
“Not at all. Wineglass in the right-hand cabinet.” She reached for her wine, studying his lithe back and his long legs as he found the crystal stem, filling and taking a sip. He was such a handsome man. Her own guilt was killing her. “I haven’t been totally honest with you either.”
“Oh, you haven’t?” He darted a mischievous look over his shoulder. “Confession time and we’re still going to add whatever you need to tell me to your growing list of infractions.”
Jenna laughed but a heavy feeling fell into the pit of her stomach. “About my family.”
“Okay.” Dominick leaned against the counter. “You haven’t told me much about them other than your mother is in Florida.”
“That’s because there’s nothing to tell. I don’t have one.”
He narrowed his eyes. “What does that mean?”
She took several deep breaths. You can do this. Trust him. “Okay. Here goes. I’m an orphan. My parents were drug addicts, my father shipped off to prison before I was born. My mother was forced to give me up for adoption and in truth, I don’t know what happened to her after that, but it was clear that she wanted nothing to do with me.”
“What?” His body sagged, his eyes searching hers.
“I know what it sounds like. I was never adopted because of my background. Even though the records are supposed to be sealed, well, sometimes things don’t happen the right way.” Jenna couldn’t stand looking in his eyes.
“Oh, Jenna. I’m so sorry, honey. You could have told me from the beginning.”
“I didn’t want you to judge me like almost everyone else in my life. It’s funny when you tell certain people the truth, what happens to them. They shy away as if I’m exactly like my birth parents. I learned to shut down their nasty comments in school, the teasing that was so vicious. When I met Camie, she was the first person who treated me with total respect.”
“No wonder she’s so protective of you.”
She nodded and took a gulp of her wine, her hand shaking. “I thought I should tell you.”
Dominick smiled, his expression reassuring. “I’m glad you did. I wish I could find the right words to say.”
“There’s nothing to say that will change anything. That’s why I have to make my life on my own. I won’t take from anyone, including you. You mean a great deal to me, Dominick. You really do but how I manage my professional life is vital to me. I have to provide for myself before I can be happy. Just something that I promised myself years ago.”
“I understand. I’ll never try to take that away from you. I promise you.”
Taking a step forward, a sense of relief flooding her, she tried to smile just as she tripped over the leg of the chair, flying forward and straight into his arms, her glass tumbling to the floor. Hearing the shatter of glass, she cringed. “Oh!” The slight thud as she fell against his chest caught her by surprise. Clutching his shirt, she inhaled, the scent of him filling her nostrils. Even the heat of his body was overpowering, creating a wave of desire rushing down her spine. “Dominick, I…”
Dominick wrapped his arms around her, keeping her tight in his arms and pulling her away from the broken pieces. “That’s Master Dominick to you. God, you have no idea how much I’ve hungered for you, to taste all of you, every inch of your glorious skin. Thank you for trusting me again.” Lowering his head, he captured her mouth, thrusting his tongue past her pursed lips.
The words were stilling, creating ripples in her heart. By all rights, Jenna should push away, refuse to believe him, but her gut told her that he wasn’t lying. Yet everything about this was confusing, terrifying, and without a doubt, breathtaking. As the tension eased, she slid one arm around his neck, allowing their tongues to touch and tease, their lips to meld together as the passion intensified, sending a shower of electricity into every corner of her shaking body. She’d never wanted him as much as she did right now.
Lifting her off her feet, he crushed his groin against her stomach, grinding back and forth, his hand cupping and squeezing her ass.
Her nipples were hard and aching, her panties soaked from her wild longing. As the kiss continued, primal and savage, teeth gnashing, tongues entwining, she knew she would give this man anything he asked and everything he desired.
When he finally broke the heated moment, he pressed his hand against her cheek, caressing, his eyes shimmering with relief as well as unbridled need. “You scared me, baby girl. I was afraid I was going to lose you.”
“No, Sir. I’m right here.”
Easing her down to her feet, he kissed her forehead, breathing out, his whisper husky. “However, if you act like a child…”
Allowing the words to linger gave her a series of shivers dancing down every muscle in her body. Her mouth was suddenly bone dry, anticipation leaving her pensive, without words.
Dominick slid his hand down to her arm as he gently pushed her back. “You do know that you exposed our secret against my will and without proof of anything.”
“Yes, Sir.” She could no longer feel her legs.
“You also likely put my reputation in a very tough spot.”
“Ugh. I’m sorry, Sir.”
“And,” he whispered as he took her hand, “you endangered your life on the freeway driving like a maniac.”
Swallowing, she clamped every muscle. “I didn’t mean to, Sir, but you followed me.” Her quip was followed by a groan. “Well, you did.”
He chuckled darkly. “That’s entirely beside the point. Do you think everything I mentioned means that you deserve a severe spanking?”
Lowering her head, she was resigned to whatever punishment he was determined to dole out. “Yes, Sir.” Yes. Yes! She craved his firm hand. There was no way she could deny the fact or the ache burning between her legs.
“First things first.” He lifted her chin with his index finger. “Are we all right? Do you still want to go on with this? I want the truth.”
The slight hesitation made him frown.
“Yes, I want this more than anything.” There was no way to deny the truth.
His exhale was scattered, his gaze darting across her face. “I’m glad to hear that because you’re very important to me. More than you could know.” He kissed her lips again, this time in a soft brush. “Shame you tossed out all the prized implements I purchased for us. I guess I’ll have to spank you with my belt, unless you have a wooden spoon available.” He placed her hand on his belt buckle, his fingers squeezing.
“I saved one,” she whispered, the sound almost inaudible.
“You did, huh?”
She nodded several times. “I don’t know why. A paddle.”
“Because you knew in your heart that you couldn’t let me go, not without a fight and thank God for that.” He rubbed his thumb across her lips, giving her a commanding look. “Now, where is the paddle?”
“In my bedroom. In a drawer. Under my panties.”
He narrowed his eyes, his luscious lips twisting as if deciding her fate. “Then go and undress and wait in the bathroom for me, the paddle on the counter. I’ll be right there. Bad little girls deserve harsh punishment as wel
l as an early bedtime.”
“Yes, Sir.” Jenna backed away, the dazzling sensations increasing. She felt lightheaded as she headed into her bedroom. A warm wash of happiness kept her breath short and her mind reeling. He’d come after her. She wasn’t entirely certain that he would or if she’d wanted him to.
But he had.
He’d refused to accept what she’d thrown at him. She closed her eyes as she gripped the dresser, reveling in the thought. Maybe he was her knight in shining armor, the very one she’d dreamt about all those lonely nights in the orphanage. She didn’t care about his money or his influence, his clout or his expensive toys. She cared about the man who seemed to have a heart of gold and a dangerous longing for passion. Now, she was almost giddy inside.
Don’t get too far ahead of yourself, sunshine. There’s more to the story. Use your brain, not your cunt.
Hissing, she slapped her hand on the dresser. She was going to be happy for once in her life.
The same little voice that had been nagging her for days reared its ugly head, tugging at her mind. While she was able to filter out the majority of superfluous jabber, one notion remained troubling, her gut instinct almost never wrong.
They weren’t finished with the ugliness and what would rear its ferocious head might destroy what they’d fought so hard to protect.
Chapter Twelve
You need a hard spanking.
Jenna wrinkled her nose as she glared at her reflection in the mirror. Whatever they had to face, they would do so together. “Yes.” Darting a glance at the paddle, she ran her fingers over the smooth wood. Whatever had possessed her to keep the piece, when she’d tossed everything else in his face was beyond her. Maybe wishful thinking. And here they were. Together.
Hearing a slight noise, she stiffened, preparing herself for what would be a painful round of punishment. She bit back a moan seeing his naked body standing in the doorway, his eyes sweeping down the length of her body. “I’m ready, Sir.”
