by S. J. Maylee
Hundreds of times now she’d been in a conference room with powerful people and she’d held her own. She’d worked hard to develop a respectable reputation, one that left the opposite impression of what she gave off back when she had no respect for her life.
The framed poster on the wall caught her attention. You’ve got what it takes. She wanted to believe she had what it took to obtain everything she wanted, but the man in front of her was simply not to be hers. She’d worked to come to terms with it.
“Yes, right here.” Brad tapped his fingers on the table. “Well, maybe they’ve set up this room to resemble my fantasy more than yours. Although it’s not quite right.”
“Is that so?” She shook her head. She was a damn fool for ever thinking they’d have a chance. It was a fantasy alright. He may have enjoyed her body when the lights were off, but now it was clear he didn’t see anything to entice him.
“Anyways, we could move our date to the main part of the club.”
“And how do you suppose that would go?” She may not know him well, but she could see a courteous shove off coming a mile away.
“We could get a drink at the bar or take a turn on the dance floor.”
“Right. You can stop with the polite act.”
“Okay. How about I take you to the spanking benches and crack a paddle over your ass until it’s bright red?”
“You wouldn’t dare.” She stood, pushing back her chair.
“Unfortunately, I don’t think you’re going to find out tonight.” He forced back his own chair, got up, and walked toward her, stopping once she had to arch her head back to look up at him. “I’m getting the sense tonight hasn’t turned out as you’d hoped.” The same cold expression she’d noticed early blanketed his expression. “I propose you take some time to think about what’s happening here, and I’ll schedule a session for us with Mistress Charlie.”
“Why bother?”
“Because, the night hasn’t turned out as I’d hoped.” He leaned down and kissed her. His lips were strong like steel and soft like feather pillows.
She leaned into him as an unfamiliar feeling sent a storm of longing swirling around her. A moment later, he walked out the door, leaving her standing there wondering.
****
Brad walked straight out of the room, knowing if he stayed he wouldn’t be able to keep his feelings in check. Seth had told him time and again that the submissive deserves a man in control and nothing less. If he couldn’t keep his cool for a single, simple conversation, how in the world was he going to keep his cool through a scene?
He should have known. After all, he hadn’t much nerve to talk with her all those times he waited for Seth in Ivy’s lobby. As he closed the door to their observation room behind him, he remembered the first day he’d ever seen her. She’d been waiting for Ivy to come out of Seth’s office and he’d been about to leave a conference room across the hall from where she sat. The silkiness of her creamy skin drew him in and the richness of her blushing cheeks reminded him of sweet cherry blossoms. At first he thought her hair was dark brown. That was until the light of the setting sun kissed her lovely locks and revealed the lively red hues.
He’d watched her for about fifteen minutes that evening. She’d crossed her legs at first before stretching them out and crossing them again. He could have watched her all evening, but Ivy came out of Seth’s office and the two walked out.
“Brad, where are you going?” Mistress Charlie said.
“Mistress.” He lowered his eyes. He’d promised her he’d trust her and follow his training throughout the evening. “You warned me tonight would test my training, but she hasn’t accepted me as I’d hoped.” He reached back and pressed his fingertips into the door.
“Are you ready to give up?”
“No.” He stood tall and focused directly on her. “I won’t give up on her until she tells me to directly.”
“Good.”
“I don’t think she’s ready.”
“Is that code for you’re not ready?” She took hold of his hands.
He shook his head back and forth. He’d told her on his first day of training, he had his sights set on one submissive. He’d been clear. When Charlie had asked him to trust her this week with her match, he’d almost backed out. Back in Club Blind, when his touch ran over the first mole, his heart almost stopped until he brushed over the second. Those two tiny brown marks he’d know anywhere. Apparently, he didn’t even need light to know the woman who’d captured his heart. “I am glad I trusted you. You’re a brave woman, Mistress.”
“I’ve heard that before.” She squeezed his hands. “I had a feeling you’d figure my plan out before we got up here for round two. So, tell me. Did she feel right when she was with you?”
“Her taste will keep me up at night. I knew she was amazing, but I had no idea just how good. But she’s so different from all the people I’ve known. She’s a tougher cookie than any of my dad’s fortune five hundred friends. She’s extra special, and I don’t know if I have what she needs.”
“At this point, I can only tell you what I sense from knowing the two of you and from what my analysis tells me. Tonight was no experiment, Brad. The two of you are quite capable of making a lasting match. Whether or not you’re successful depends greatly on how open the two of you are.”
“I was afraid you’d say something like that.”
“What do you think should be your next step?”
“I’ve told her I’d set up a session for us with you.”
“Perfect. That’s my thought as well. I have an opening for tomorrow afternoon or would you like to wait a week?”
“I’ve waited long enough. I’d prefer tomorrow.”
“Excellent.” She walked him toward the end of the hall. “I’ll confirm the time with Candy and email you tonight with the details. I already have everything I need at the B&B.” She opened the door.
“Thank you, Mistress.”
She cupped his cheek. “You’re most welcome. Now, go on and get a good night sleep. Many things will change tomorrow one way or another.”
Chapter Four
Candy kept her head down and focused on the screen in front of her when Ivy walked into the office Monday morning. “Good morning, boss. I’ll have the plans for the Martin party ready for your review by lunch.”
“Already? Don’t tell me this is where you were all day yesterday.” She leaned on the ledge at the front of Candy’s reception desk.
“I often work in the office on Sunday when we don’t have a party. You know that.” She double checked the times in the schedule, flipping back and forth between the screens.
“Not since Charlie started having her brunches.”
“I’m sure I wasn’t missed.”
“Not true. I like it when you’re there. Jane asked where you were too. Mary and Emma did the best they could defending your no show decision, but I don’t get it.”
“There’s nothing to get. I had work to finish. Now, there’s no reason for you not to take the time and bid on the Anderson wedding.”
“Oh, right.” Ivy stood straighter. “I was hoping to have time for that today.”
“See. It’s a win.”
“A win, win you mean.” Ivy walked around the desk. “What are you so afraid of?”
“I’m not afraid. My priorities are just in order. My career comes first. That’s all.” With the last date and time double checked. Candy saved the plans and emailed them to Ivy. “You have mail.”
“Fabulous!” Ivy took a step toward her office and halted without turning around. “Do you have time to run a quick errand for me?” she called out when she started walking again.
“Sure. Whatever you need.” Candy got up and followed her.
“I need you to take this envelope to an estate planning firm downtown. It’s a small firm, but they recently hired a CPA and he’s been wanting to throw a little party.”
“Oh. I didn’t know about this one.”
; “I know him personally. So, I know what he wants, but I keep forgetting to send my plans over. There are a few samples I need him to see.” Ivy finished writing on the envelope, sealed it, and handed it to Candy.
She looked at the address on the envelope. “East Erie.”
“Yes, their offices are at the corner of Michigan Avenue.”
“The Magnificent Mile, nice.”
“Nice guy too. I think you’ll like him.” Ivy opened her laptop. “Feel free to take the rest of the afternoon off since you worked yesterday. I’ll have plenty to keep me busy.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely.” Ivy concentrated on her screen. “Candy?”
“Yeah?”
“Excellent work here.”
“Thanks, boss.”
Candy clutched her bag, sauntered out of the office, and skipped down the steps. Once at the curb, she hailed a cab. She worked hard and deserved a treat and not trudging along to the bus stop sounded outstanding.
In no time, she was stepping out of the cab at the front of the building. Too bad she couldn’t afford to always take a cab.
“B. Chambers, CPA.” Chambers, the name sounded familiar but she couldn’t place it. She hadn’t grown up with anyone named Chambers. She also didn’t know anyone who worked on the Magnificent Mile. The guy probably grew up with a silver spoon in a world far from hers. The farther she got into the building, she predicted the clients who came here all had silver spoons too. She was so glad Ivy didn’t have her office downtown. This kind of wealth made her uncomfortable. The rich tones in the wood and fabrics reminded her she didn’t belong.
She yanked hard on the heavy front door and walked into an opulent waiting room. The vase on the entry table alone probably cost more than she made in a year. A young woman sat at the reception desk.
When the woman didn’t greet her, Candy said, “Excuse me.”
“Do you have an appointment?” The woman didn’t look up.
“No, I—”
“Candy?” A deep voice rumbled from behind her. She turned and found Brad standing on the other side of the lobby.
“Brad?”
“What are you doing here?” He stepped toward her.
She examined the envelope. B. Chambers. She chuckled. “Ivy.” She held up the envelope.
“Follow me.” He turned and made his way down the hallway.
She turned back to the receptionist.
“You better get moving. He’ll be turning the corner soon and then you’ll lose him.”
“Thank you. You’re so helpful.” She took off after Brad. The receptionist was wrong on several accounts. Brad stood waiting for her at the end of the hall. Plus, if she had any chance at all with Brad, it was probably long gone by now. When she got closer, he turned down the hall and stopped in a doorway.
“Step inside.” He angled his head toward the office.
She took a deep breath as she stepped past him. He smelled deliciously refined, natural and woodsy, all man. It was the same scent from the club.
Her thoughts filled with their few moments in the dark. She clamped her lips shut before the moan escaped and tried to focus on his office. It appeared half occupied. There were boxes on the floor and empty bookcases lined the walls.
He closed the door behind them and the distinct click of a lock tumbling over echoed around the room. Maybe no showing yesterday was a mistake. If they’d had any chance at all, she’d blown it for sure. How could she expect him to trust her now? The air, thick with unsaid words, closed in around her.
It was time to take care of business and escape before she embarrassed herself. “This must be for you.” She held out the envelope.
“Thank you.” He took it from her and tore it open, revealing a piece of paper. His cheeks pulled into a little smile, then it disappeared. He maneuvered around his desk and sat. “Do you like me, Candy?”
“Of course I do.” She clasped her arms around her middle. The bigger question is what he thought of her before Club Blind and now.
“Then why didn’t you show last night?” He pressed his lips together and kept his gaze on her.
“To be honest…”
“That’s all I’ll ever expect from you.”
“I’ll give it to you straight. You don’t want a girl like me.” She blew out a breath as if it could help her raging pulse. Never in a million years would she have guessed she’d want a man to tell her she was wrong.
“Is that what you believe?”
“Yes.” She kept her focus on him. He gave nothing away. His expression didn’t change, only his fingers tapped on his desk which was irritatingly neat.
“Then we have a problem.” He stood. “We’d agreed to meet. I kept up my end.”
“And I didn’t.” She blew out a deep breath.
“Come here.”
She didn’t move. She didn’t take her next breath either.
He pointed to the ground in front of him. “Don’t make me ask twice.”
She jumped and then slipped around his desk. Damn, he really did smell good. No matter whether it was aftershave or him, the deep woodsy scent turned here on. Everything about Brad turned her on.
“Did I ask you to join me at Mistress Charlie’s yesterday?”
“Yes, but—”
“Do you believe I’m a liar?”
“No.”
“I don’t think you are either.” He tapped under her chin, lifting her focus back to him. “But I don’t believe you’re being honest with me right now and that’s a problem.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t show yesterday.”
“I appreciate the admission, but I can’t let the action and the attitude go unpunished.”
“What, are you going to spank me?” She chuckled.
“I think it’s time.” He tucked some of her hair behind her ear and his touch lingered along the side of her neck over her ugly mole. “Don’t you agree?”
“Agreed, Sir.” She leaned back on his desk. It was the only thing holding her up.
“Safeword?”
“Red.”
“Very good. Bend over my desk, please.”
“Right here?” She looked around his office. She didn’t find any windows to the hall, but his windows facing the next building were wide open. “You really are pissed.”
The corner of his lips lifted slightly. “The windows are treated. No one can see in here.”
“Oh.”
“You’re stalling.”
“Can you blame me?”
“You do know I’m an accountant, right?” He tugged on her hair. “We like to add.”
“You’re referring to how many times you’re going to spank me?”
His face lit up like Christmas morning.
“Shit.” She turned around and saw his perfect desk. The papers stacked neat and tidy. The pencils nestled together side by side with perfectly sharpened leads. She picked up his things and arranged an orderly pile on the right side of his desk.
He leaned in close to her ear. “Stop cleaning my desk and bend over.”
“Okay. Okay.” She lay over the now clear space and grasped hold of the front edge of his desk.
“Thank you.” He lifted her skirt and yanked down her panties, leaving them hanging over her ankles. “I don’t expect you to count. I do expect for you to think about how you’ve handled yourself these last couple of days.” He rubbed her bare ass, down to her thigh and back up. “We’ll talk about it when I’m done. Acceptable?” He squeezed her right cheek.
“Yes, Sir.”
The first slap landed white hot on her right side. The second quickly followed. Each blow pitched her forward against his desk. The movement pushed her breasts back and forth. Her nipples tingled along with the heat building in her pussy.
He struck her upper thigh. She squeaked, but he didn’t slow down. His hits landed harder up and down from her ass to her thighs. She’d experienced a single slap during training from Mistress Charlie, but it had been nothi
ng like this.
How in the hell did she get here with her backside exposed and Brad Chambers spanking her ass? It was all her fault. For months, she’d wanted him to notice her and, in her first opportunity, she’d stood him up. Hiding her face between her arms, she had to wonder what he must think of her behavior.
He squeezed her left butt cheek a few times and rubbed in big circles before sending a barrage of stings up and down her left side. Her right side cooled and burned while he worked over the left. The back and forth married perfectly with her thoughts.
The sign back at the club drifted into her thoughts. You’ve got what it takes. She hadn’t believed it. She could see that now. After all her practice at boosting her self-esteem, she’d failed to step up and instead had hid behind an excuse. The work had needed to get done, but it didn’t have to be done yesterday when Brad was expecting to see her.
There was a second line on the sign. If she could only remember, maybe it would give her an anchor to hold onto. Something to build back up her strength, because right now she didn’t think she could ever look at him again.
He squeezed her ass right where it met her thigh. She rocked against the desk and hissed through her teeth, trying to concentrate on the rest of the message and not the sting of punishment.
“It will take everything I’ve got.” The whole message came to her. She could see it clearly.
“To do what?” His touch turned gentle.
“To make this up to you.”
He pulled up her panties and lowered her skirt. “Come on now. Let’s sit for a few minutes.” He took hold of her hand and led her to his seat. After settling himself, he helped her onto his lap. She cuddled in close. “You took that very well.”
“Thank you, Sir. I’m sorry I disappointed you.” She laid her head on his shoulder.
“What do you suppose will happen if I reschedule our session with Mistress Charlie?”
“I’ll show up this time.” She sat up enough to look him in the eyes. “I promise, Sir.”
“I was hoping you’d say that.”
“You’ll give me another chance?” This was it. She may not deserve it, but she wanted it more than anything.
“I’ve already set up a tentative time.”
