by Lang, Chloe
Austin pointed, not to the wingback chairs meant for prominent guests, but to the black leather sofa that sat against the wall to her right, looking like an afterthought to the other decor. “Sit there.”
With her pulse pounding through her body Jessie walked across the room and took a seat exactly where he’d pointed—right in the middle of the couch. She sank back into its leather that hugged her bottom like a catcher’s lucky glove swallowing its owner’s fingers. She folded her hands in her lap and looked down at her own shaking fingers. She just couldn’t handle Austin’s stare at the moment. She wanted to try and gain some composure. She steadied her breathing, and her heartbeats slowed slightly.
Jessie looked up from her folded hands to find Austin’s intense fixed gaze back on her. She closed her eyes. When she opened them again, he was pouring the contents of her purse onto his desktop. He made neat piles of her things on the mahogany. His inspection of each item took time. Even her pens, which apparently she had seven of in her purse, he studied as if they were some kind of alien thing he was trying to document for science.
Unnerved by his actions, she asked, “Austin, are you looking for something in particular?”
He turned and narrowed his eyelids. “Quiet.”
She opened her mouth to refute him, but snapped it shut.
“Excellent.” He turned back to his research of her possessions.
His one word of praise filled her up to the brim. Jessie could not deny how much she craved his approval, though such desire might seem odd to some.
After what seemed like hours but was likely only a few minutes, he put everything except her phone back in her bag. He slid the purse to the side and put the cell in the top left drawer of his desk. He pulled out a key and locked that drawer.
A little quiet gasp slipped past her lips, knowing the phone was her last way to contact the outside world.
Austin turned to her. “Almost time to go.”
Jessie started to complain about the cell, but kept silent about it. Instead, she asked, “Where?”
He slammed his fist on the desk, startling her. “You don’t get to ask questions unless I give you permission. I tell you what’s going to happen, and you make the choice to proceed or use your safe word. That’s the way this works. Do you understand?”
Suddenly mute, she nodded.
“Good. I need to cover a few things with you before we leave this room. First, I know why you’re here, pet.”
Does he? Really? She wasn’t sure herself.
“Let’s see if you’re really up for the challenge, shall we?”
She squeaked, “Yes, Sir.” Though her cheeks burned from embarrassment, Jessie was glad she’d found her voice.
Austin raised an eyebrow. “You think you know a thing or two about being a sub because my brothers trained you?”
“Yes, Sir.”
He shook his head. “Drop the Sir.”
That confused her. “What shall I call you? Austin?”
His fist came down again on the desk a bit harder than the earlier. A shiver shot down her spine.
“I didn’t give you permission to ask a question.” His voice was controlled and even. Not an ounce of anger or frustration shook it. “When you address me, you will call me Master. Do you understand, pet?”
The terms that he’d chosen for himself and for her should’ve been off-putting. Strangely, they weren’t. Instead, his fit him perfectly. Hers seemed right to her, too. “Yes, Master.”
Chapter Two
Jessie sat on the sofa with her hands folded in her lap, looking good enough to eat—which was exactly what Austin planned on doing very shortly. He handed the bag back to her, thinking about the thin ice he was treading upon.
Ever since meeting Wilde’s little invader, he’d reluctantly worked hard to steer clear of her. That was no longer an option for him. Instead, he would be spending seven days and nights alone with her. The risks were obvious to him. Yet he would see this through to an end not of Jessie’s and his brothers’ making, but of his own.
“So, you think you are up for my ways, pet?”
She placed the purse in her lap. “I hope so, Master.”
Hearing Master fall from Jessie’s lush lips caused his cock to harden. He should’ve busted his brothers’ lovesick butts weeks ago, but he couldn’t blame them for falling for her. He cupped her chin and inhaled her scent of jasmine and honey, which drove him mad with lust. “I guess we’re both going to find out soon enough. What is your safe word?”
She chewed on her lower lip like a scared girl, which looked so fucking sexy he thought about stripping her right then.
No. I’ve got to stick to my plan. “I don’t like to wait for an answer.”
“I’m sorry, but I haven’t said it aloud since…well, since Dallas tricked me into his truck.”
“My brother is such a wannabe.” Austin thought Dallas had potential as a Dom, but he needed a lot more training. “Pet, saying your safe word now isn’t the same as you using it later. If you ever invoke it, I will stop everything that instant. But right now I don’t know what it is. If I am going to honor it, I’ve got to know the word you’ve selected. Tell me what you’ve chosen.”
“Yes, Master. My word is Alaska.”
“Good selection.”
Actually, it was a perfect choice with its images of frozen glaciers and wilderness devoid of humanity. Other subs had given him ambiguous picks for a safe word like sugar, stop, no, and one foolish woman had actually offered up fire. He’d dismissed them all until the subs made a choice that would work. With Jessie, she instinctively selected the most fitting word.
He wondered what other surprises he’d discover from her in the next seven days. “Close your eyes.”
Jessie obeyed. “Yes, Master.” She was flawless perfection.
Why the hell would anyone want to murder her? Still, she’d been in the crosshairs of a lunatic since coming to Wilde. Austin had tried but failed to uncover the culprit behind the three attempts on her life. He should’ve guessed Paul King was behind everything. The man had been angry ever since Austin had written him up for being late and for insubordination.
King had been at the top of his list of suspects for some time, but there were things that hadn’t added up. Still didn’t, but that would get straightened out soon enough once the sheriff captured the prick. After that happened, Austin would be sure to make a visit to Paul King’s cell, delivering his own brand of justice to the asshole. If pounding the guy’s head into the floor landed him in jail, so be it.
Serving time might be the best way to get free from Wilde, and from the trance-inducing Jessie. Everything about her begged him to action and to take possession. Her body was curvy with full, soft hips that called to him like a bullhorn. If her beautiful shape, sexy lips, fair skin, and auburn hair had been all he had to deal with, then he might’ve found a way to resist. But it wasn’t all he had to deal with. Not by a long shot. Her foolish bravery coupled with her soft femininity ignited his Dom nature to a full blaze. And the way her eyes sparkled when he gave her a command…
Fuck!
Austin couldn’t comprehend the new urges inside him that burned like a furnace. Didn’t matter. He had a plan to execute, and by God, he was going to do it.
He put his hat on and held his hand out for her to take.
Clinging to her bag with her left hand, she leapt from the sofa, and placed her other tiny hand in his. The moment he felt the softness of her slender fingers, his dick hardened. He’d enjoyed dominating his fair share of women before, but none compelled him like Jessie. His brothers would never fully understand his upcoming actions, but a future for them with the woman of their dreams would be ensured if, and only if, he followed through with his plan.
Austin already had an idea about Jessie’s hard limits. Soon, he’d know them for certain and much more. “Do not speak to anyone as we leave the club. Stay focused on me alone. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Master.”
Her voice was laced with delicious submission. Her quivering mouth was so inviting, but he knew he must resist.
He had no doubt her kiss would be spellbinding, preventing him from doing what he must. Regretfully, he silently vowed that there would be no tasting her sweet lips. Still, she had other candy-coated treasures he could enjoy.
“Let’s go.” He pulled her tight into his side and draped his arm around her small shoulders. Imagining how gorgeous she would look naked, restrained, and spread-eagled sent a charge of primal heat to his dick.
Jessie’s body melded into his. He walked her out of his office, and found his brothers were gone. He looked down at her and saw the disappointment he expected.
Fools. They should’ve waited. How could they not know that she’d want one last glimpse of them before starting her sentence they’d pushed her to? He knew the answer. They hoped he would become part of the new family they were creating. He loved them for it, but it also troubled him.
He’d made it very clear for years that he would not take part in a typical Wilde family marriage. His brothers, mother, and even fathers had asked the reason, but he’d never answered them. Did he even fully know himself? He knew some, but not all. Didn’t care to know more. He understood quite a bit about the subconscious and how it worked. To be a good Dom, one had to know. Still, digging into his own subconscious depths wasn’t something he was interested in. Ever.
As Austin walked Jessie through the main chamber, several members he’d shared women with ogled her. Though it pissed him off, he didn’t acknowledge them, but kept moving forward. They likely were mystified by his angry departure. He didn’t give a damn, or bother to stop to tell them.
In a flash, he and Jessie were out of the club and at his truck. He opened the driver’s door, and lifted his new prisoner up in his arms and then moved her into the cab.
He gazed into her eyes, which showed confusion and uneasiness. “What are you worried about?”
“Am I driving, Master?” she asked.
He had to fight his lips from curving up into a smile. This woman was like no other. “No, pet. Slide over just a bit. I want you next to me.”
Jessie nodded, and moved to the middle of the bench seat. She had a sassy side, but that was more of a performance than anything else. Clearly, she wanted to please. That was her true nature.
“Put the middle seat belt around your lap. I want you safe.”
She grinned. “Yes, Sir.”
Her temperament was exactly what had gotten her into trouble. She could be quite stubborn. Even though Austin knew she was incredibly smart, she’d been foolish to stay in Wilde with the danger surrounding her. Though all reports indicated Paul King was likely in another state by now, still, the best path for her obviously should’ve been to get out of town—and fast. The moment Austin had seen her in the club’s public shower playing with her lush breasts, everything turned red hot inside him—part lust and part rage. His brothers should’ve been smarter than to take her to such a public place.
Jessie leaned into him as he started the truck’s engine. Instantly his desire to open her up for his pleasure thundered inside him.
Not good. Not good at all.
* * * *
Much more than a touch of trepidation rolled all over Jessie. Just sitting next to Austin had her heart pounding and her skin buzzing. I’m actually doing this? Yes. No turning back now.
She’d convinced herself to attempt the crazy act for the four men she’d fallen in love with—Austin’s brothers. As they passed Carlotta’s, Jessie wondered if this had been a mistake.
The dark, mysterious cowboy began fondling her chest with his right hand, while keeping his gaze forward to the road and his other hand on the steering wheel. “You have nice tits, pet.”
Jessie never before liked the word “tits,” but somehow coming from him it didn’t seem inappropriate. “Thank you, Master.” Why did it feel so damn right to call him by that title? She wasn’t sure, but it did.
Austin turned his attention away from her and back to the road. Was he only playing her, or did he have some sense of possession over her already? The latter thought spoke to something really deep inside Jessie—a secret place where she craved to be controlled and mastered. Before coming to Wilde and meeting the brothers, she’d wondered if such a desire existed inside her. Now, she knew it did.
With his gaze still on the highway, Austin commanded, “Remove your top.”
With some hesitation, she obeyed. She placed her shirt on the seat.
“Your bra, too.”
Jessie’s heart raced, but she complied. When she was free of her bra, she placed it neatly next to her top. Nervousness blazed hot inside her. Even with the low light of dusk, any other driver on the road would be able to see her naked torso. Back East, she’d never enjoyed looking at her body in a full-length mirror, but after spending time with the Wilde brothers in Nevada, a new wicked desire flared up even hotter to be bare and exposed. Jessie suddenly realized she was unconsciously fondling her breasts.
She looked over at Austin, who was admiring her hands’ play. “Pet, I told you to remove your top, not tease your nipples. That’s my job.”
She jerked her hands away and felt the heat in her cheeks. “Yes, Master.”
He reached over and tweaked her left nipple just hard enough to deliver a mouth-watering, little sting. She couldn’t help but yelp as he pinched harder, sending her into a state of dreaminess.
“Now that’s a sweet sound. More to come.” Austin’s torture of her breasts changed to gently strokes.
As tempting as his voice sounded, her mind raced ahead, producing all kinds of images and scenarios. Again she wondered if she could handle whatever he had in mind for her. Denver had said she needed more training before facing Austin. Her mouth went bone dry.
“Close your eyes, pet. You need your rest.”
Her eyelids felt so heavy, so she gladly shut them. Then she heard soft music fill the cab. Austin had either turned on the radio to a station that played soft jazz or he’d put in a CD. Either way, she didn’t care. The music worked like a charm to take her jitters down a notch.
As Austin continued massaging her breasts, she afforded herself a few sneaky peaks at him. He manipulated her mounds with one hand, while keeping the other on the steering wheel. His eyes wandered back and forth from the road to her chest. His fingers were magical, enticing so much response from her body. Heat flooded in and out of her.
She closed her eyes again, letting the miles pass while enjoying the feel of his hands on her. Her anxieties melted as time ticked away on their drive.
Suddenly, the vibration of the truck ceased as Austin’s hand left her chest.
“We’re here, pet.” He opened his door and left the cab.
She grabbed her discarded clothes.
“Leave your bra and top in the truck. You won’t be needing them for the next seven days.”
Jessie gulped. Nodding, she put her things back in the seat. She looked around. Austin’s place was very remote, thank God. She peered through the windshield to take in Austin’s home. It was hidden behind a large wall. She spotted wide steps that reminded her of a gentle waterfall, leading up to a red gate crowned by a square Japanese-style roof. The gate was closed. Along the wall were lanterns placed five to six feet apart. They illuminated the red-leafed dwarf trees around the place.
“Get out of the truck, pet. Now.”
“Yes, Master.” She wanted to see more, knowing that like all his brothers, Austin had actually built his home during his teenage years. At eighteen, he’d moved into it.
She slid out of the truck, feeling the night breeze hit her chest. Her nipples jutted out and gooseflesh popped up on her chest.
Austin pointed to the gate. “Go.”
She nearly leapt up the stairs to the gate. He followed behind. Jessie put her hand on the handle to open it, wondering what surprise would be revealed.
“Stop.”
She jerked her ha
nd back, and turned to him.
“You will not be wearing clothes behind that gate.” He stood in front of her. “Strip.”
“For the whole seven—ouch.”
Austin pinched both her nipples, causing them to throb and burn. He released them and shook his head.
“I’m sorry, Master.”
“I know you are, but you will still be punished for your disobedience.”
She wondered what kind of torture he had in mind. Could she really hold his attention for seven days? He was a twenty-four-seven. She liked being dominated, but wasn’t sure if a never-ending scene would work for her. Play was one thing. Life was another.
She looked up into his stormy eyes. Damn! I’ve done something wrong again. What?
“Why are you still wearing your pants, pet?”
“Oh, crap. I mean, sorry, Master.” In two blips, she was handing the rest of her clothes to him.
He walked around her, inspecting every inch of her naked body. Jessie stood completely still, though her nerves were popping like firecrackers. He’d already seen her nude at The Masters’ Chambers’ public shower, but this was more up close and personal. What if he didn’t like what he saw? Maybe, unlike his brothers, he liked the waify-model types instead of someone like her with a full-figure body.
“Stay here.” He opened the gate and walked through, leaving it ajar.
She didn’t move a muscle. Beyond the gate and wall was a very authentic Japanese garden. What she could see of his home reminded her more of a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple than a house. The space exuded an air of tranquil formality with its style and grace. Austin walked up to the front door and then disappeared inside.
Jessie trembled like a leaf, realizing she didn’t have a stitch of clothing on in Nevada’s great outdoors. Without a doubt, any bear or wildcat would easily make a meal of her. She sighed when she saw Austin reappear from his home. He was holding something that looked like a circle made of steel in his hand.
When he reached her, he cupped her chin. “Kneel, pet.”
