by Leah Brooke
Sin’s low chuckle filled the car, vibrating over her skin. “Are you sure you’re in a position to judge that? I haven’t even taken you—yet.”
Suppressing a giggle, Veronica looked in the rearview mirror to see Robert’s car directly behind her.
In the time she’d spent talking to Sin, she’d forgotten all about him.
Purposely ignoring Robert, she smiled in anticipation of the evening ahead. “I can tell. But you know something else?”
“What’s that, honey?”
“The worst thing about a man who pays attention and notices everything is that he wants to know everything and can be a real pain in the ass.”
Another chuckle sent a shiver of delight through her, heightening her arousal.
“We’ll talk more about that later. In the meantime, I called for a reason. When you get home, there’ll be a package waiting for you. It’s on your bed.”
Chilled, Veronica stiffened. “How did you get into my house?”
“Did you really think I couldn’t pick a lock?”
Frowning, she took her exit. “I don’t want you to buy—”
“One of the pleasures of ownership. I take it you missed that in the contract. You’re to accept gifts with a nice thank you, sir.”
Veronica’s stomach tightened, her nipples tingling.
“Thank you, Sir.”
A pregnant silence followed, and she wasn’t sure Sin had heard her.
“Sin?”
“I’m here. I would much rather you thank me in person. You’re to wear what’s in that package. Nothing more. Nothing less. Understood?”
Veronica sucked in a breath, her pulse tripping. “Yes.”
“Good. Let’s see how well you can follow directions. I’ll see you soon.”
Before she could say anything else, he disconnected, leaving her still reeling over the word ownership.
She didn’t even glance at Robert as she pulled into her driveway, so intent on seeing what Sin had sent her that she didn’t care about anything else.
She raced to her bedroom, pausing at the doorway at the sight of the large gold box on her bed.
Dropping her purse, she kicked off her high heels with a moan of relief, curling her toes into the thick carpet.
Curious to see what Sin had sent her had her moving across the room—the thrill of anticipation forcing her to slow her steps.
Grinning, she lifted the lid and gently pushed the tissue paper aside.
Sucking in a breath, she reached into the box to finger the material of what appeared to be a stunning red dress.
Lifting it out of the box, she realized it was two pieces—a top that looked more like a corset and a long skirt.
Holding both pieces, she went to the mirror and held them up to her, her breath catching when she saw that the neckline plunged almost to her waist.
She’d never worn anything so provocative before.
A curvy woman who’d been raised by an old-fashioned grandmother, she’d been taught to keep everything covered.
Her job at the bank reinforced her need to dress conservatively, and since the few times she’d worn something even remotely revealing on dates had culminated in unwanted advances, she’d stopped wearing anything provocative.
Until the night she’d gone to Sin’s show.
Her eyes glimmered with excitement at the thought of wearing it.
She couldn’t wait to see the look of desire in Sin’s eyes.
He apparently liked seeing her in red.
Turning back toward her bed, she laid the two pieces carefully on her bedspread and dug into the box for the other items she’d glimpsed.
Black, high-heeled sandals decorated with rhinestones on the thin strap that would attach around her ankle.
Thigh-high, black silk stockings.
A small black satin purse.
The box contained nothing else.
No bra, which she knew she’d never be able to wear with the dress anyway.
No panties.
Just a note.
7. Don’t keep me waiting.
Veronica spun to look at the clock with a gasp.
Tossing the note aside, she raced for the shower.
* * * *
Sin took the limo again, partially because he didn’t know his way around Annapolis but mostly because he wanted to focus on Veronica instead of his driving.
He’d spent the day shopping for her and imagining her reaction to the clothing and other items he’d picked out for her.
He was intrigued that such a capable woman could be so confused about her fantasies and humbled that she’d chosen him to explore them.
Getting out of the limo before the chauffer could, Sin waved Sam back and went up the short walk to her door.
Breathless, Veronica answered his knock, the sight of her in the clothing he’d picked out for her stealing his breath.
Hard in an instant, he let his gaze rake over her, taking in each delectable curve before lifting his gaze to hers again.
“You’re stunning.”
Her shy smile delighted him.
“You always say that.”
“And it’s always true.”
He ran a hand over her hair, delighted in its heavily silkiness.
“Thank you for wearing your hair down, Veronica.”
Lifting her chin, she smiled, half-innocent, half-vixen. “You told me to, didn’t you?”
“Yes, I did. I’m pleased to see that you follow orders.”
He hustled her inside her house, closing the door behind him.
Amused when she stepped closer and lifter her face in invitation, he bent to touch his lips to hers, gripping her tightly against him and pouring his hunger for her into his kiss.
She tasted like heaven and melted against him, and swallowing her moan of pleasure, he held her steady, his cock pounding when her knees buckled.
Reluctantly breaking off his kiss, he lifted his head, smiling at the picture she made with her eyes closed, a deeper flush in her cheeks, and her lips parted and swollen from his kiss.
“I have another present for you.”
Her eyes opened, the trust and hunger in them tightening his chest.
“Look, I know you’re rich, but I don’t want presents.”
Gripping her upper arms, he held her away from him. “This present is for both of us.”
Staring into her eyes, he slipped his fingers into her plunging neckline, delighted to find her nipple already beaded.
Holding her gaze, he smiled at her gasp and slipped the loop over her nipple and began to turn the small wheel at the side, which would tighten it.
The piece he’d bought had two loops held together by a chain that would add a weight she would enjoy.
Her eyes flashed with a combination of alarm and arousal, her hands tightening on his shoulders. “Oh God!”
Grinning, Sin tightened the loop. “You are such a delight to play with.”
He couldn’t remember ever being so relaxed with a woman, nor had he ever had such fun dominating one.
He gave the loop a brief tug to make sure it wouldn’t come loose, bending to touch his lips to hers again when she gasped.
“I don’t think I’ve ever met a woman who didn’t like presents.”
Veronica gripped him tighter, digging her nails into his upper arms. “I think I’m beginning to like this one.”
Once he’d finished attaching the second one, he stood back to admire his handiwork—and her.
“I like it, too. Very much.”
Veronica rushed to the mirror above the table in her small foyer. “There’s a chain between them. It looks like it’s part of the dress.”
Moving in behind her, he bent, meeting her gaze in the mirror while touching his lips to her bare shoulder.
“Only you and I know it isn’t.” Reaching around her, he tapped the chain, sending it swaying. “I like decorating you. After all, since you gave them to me, these breasts are mine now to do with as I wish
.”
To his delight, she leaned back against him, lifting her arms to clasp her hands around his neck.
“Haven’t you ever decorated any of your subs before?”
“No. I told you, I’ve never had one of my own before.” Straightening, Sin handed her the small, black purse lying on the small table in front of them. “I’ve never possessed anyone as delightful. Come on. Let’s go. I’m starving.”
* * * *
Veronica giggled when the waiter left, leaning toward Sin.
“He looks a little stuffy. What do you think he’ll do when you start feeding me?”
The opulent atmosphere of the restaurant, low lighting, and soft music compelled her to whisper. “Do you really intend to feed me tonight?”
He’d reserved a private table off to the side, but she was conscious that some of the patrons could still see them.
Taking her hand in his, he brushed his lips over her fingers. “No, Veronica. Tonight you can feed yourself.”
Sipping her wine, Veronica turned her hand to cup his cheek.
“You’re an amazing man.” Setting her wine aside, she studied him, wondering what it was about him that made her feel so good. “I feel good when I’m with you.”
Sin’s smile tripped her pulse. “Good. I’m glad. I feel good when I’m with you, too. Comfortable isn’t the word. I want you too much to be comfortable with you, but I can relax around you more than I can with anyone except Jordan.”
“Jordan?”
Sin smiled. “He’s the closest thing I have to family.”
“Oh? Do you have any other family?”
“No.” Sin sat back, some of the light going out in his eyes. “My parents and brother were killed in a boating accident.”
“Oh! How horrible!”
Sin inclined his head. “It was. I was thrown and hurt badly, but I survived.”
“How old were you when it happened?”
“Thirteen. Jordan King was my father’s business partner and took me in. He was only ten years older than me, but even then, Jordan was a force to be reckoned with.” Sin stared down at his hands. “My hands were a mess. I’d evidently held them out when I was thrown against the rocks my father had crashed into. They were cut, and several bones were broken. I almost lost three fingers.”
Taking his hands in hers, she lifted them to her lips. “How awful. I’m so glad they healed.”
“Thanks to Jordan.” Turning his hands, he wrapped them around hers. “I hated the hours of physical therapy, especially when I was still reeling from the death of my family.”
“I can imagine.”
Sin kissed her knuckles, his gaze softening with sympathy. “I’m sure you could. How old were you when you lost your parents?”
“Barely a year old. I don’t even remember them.” Sitting back when the waiter appeared with their salads, Veronica shook her head. “We were talking about you.”
Reaching across the table, Sin toyed with the chain, the sharp tug to her nipples sending ripples of pleasure through her. “Don’t get sassy.”
Sucking in a breath, Veronica reached for her wine glass.
“Damn. You don’t know what that does to me.”
Slipping a fingertip under the chain, Sin pulled steadily, his eyes hooded and glittering. “Yes, Veronica. I do. Eat your salad.”
Releasing her, he smiled. “I can’t wait to see what you’d be like on the island.”
Veronica stabbed a crisp piece of lettuce, her pulse tripping. “I hope you’ll let me know when you decide if you’re taking me or not.” Sin smiled. “You’ll be the first.”
Veronica smiled and looked at his hands, strong hands that had already given her so much pleasure. “If your hands were in such bad shape, I’m surprised you became a magician. From what I’ve seen, that takes a lot of dexterity.”
Sin finished chewing his bite of salad and smiled. “It does. Jordan knew I was giving the physical therapist a hard time, so he bought me a magic kit. A top-of-the-line one. I left it on a shelf for a couple of months. He never said a word. Never nagged me about it. Even then, he had more patience than anyone I’d ever met.”
Sitting back, he reached for his wine again. “And then one night he took me to a magic show—and I was hooked. I spent hour after hour with that kit and started working harder at therapy because I was so frustrated with my clumsiness.”
“Pretty smart man.”
“He’s brilliant. I’ve never seen him fail at anything.” His smile fell. “Except once.”
“Oh?”
“Never mind.”
Sensing that the subject upset him, Veronica hurriedly changed the subject.
“So, is that why you became a magician?”
Chuckling. Sin refilled both of their glasses. “I do illusions, darling. Not magic. And yes. Jordan wanted me to take my father’s place in the business, but by then, I was hooked.”
His gaze lingered on the chain attached to her nipples, silently watching her while the waiter took their plates.
“You move differently when you’re aroused, you know, and your eyes have a sparkle that I just can’t resist.”
Veronica leaned toward him, inviting his touch. “I feel different. I’ve never felt sexy before.”
Accepting her invitation, Sin sent the chain swaying again before running his fingertip up her neck to her chin. “Which amazes me because you happen to be one of the sexiest women I’ve ever met. I’m just showing you what’s already inside you.”
Veronica’s nipples tingled hotly, sending little sizzles of heat to her slit. “I’ve never wanted anyone this way.”
Holding her chin, Sin pressed his thumb against her bottom lip, his eyes narrowing when she touched her tongue to his thumb, an automatic response that surprised her. “You’ll learn what real hunger is.”
“Like last night.”
Sitting back as the waiter approached, Sin grinned. “That was just a taste, darling. If you come to the island with me, you’re going to see just how sensual you are.”
Veronica clasped her hands together, unsurprised that she trembled.
“I’m nervous about going, but excited, too. I just hope I can be what you need.”
“Going to the island is a chance for you to explore your fantasies. I plan to have a wonderful time helping you with that. This vacation should be very fulfilling for both of us. Have you had a chance to look at the contract?”
Under his sharp gaze, Veronica’s face burned.
“Yes. I ate my lunch in my car and read it.”
“And?”
Veronica took another sip of wine and stared down into her glass to avoid looking at him.
“The things that you crossed off sounded scary. I’m glad that’s not what you want.”
“And the other things? Any of them sound scary?”
Annoyed when a nervous giggle escaped, Veronica shrugged.
“Quite a few of them, especially…”
Her face burned hot, her inability to voice the word ridiculous under the circumstances.
“Show me.”
She lifted her head at Sin’s gentle tone, smiling gratefully. She pulled the contract from her purse and turned to the page in question.
Sin leaned close to see where she pointed. “Anal?”
Blushing, she nodded again, relieved when he took the contract from her and slid it into the inside pocket of his jacket.
Sitting back, he watched her intently, not saying anything until the waiter collected their plates and left again.
Leaning close, he took her hand in his, his green eyes darkened.
“I know you’re a virgin there, Veronica. This is about exploring, after all. If you’re willing to experiment, and truly don’t like it, you can use your safe word.”
Taking her hand in his, he leaned close. “We’ll play a little before we leave. I don’t want you to discount anything out of shyness. If you do, you’re defeating the entire purpose of this.”
He released h
er hand when the waiter brought their entrees, sitting back to study her.
“I’m not interested in doing this half-assed, Veronica. If you are, then you might want to rethink your decision to come with me.”
Veronica’s bottom clenched, the awareness there unsettling her.
Waiting until the waiter left, she lifted her gaze to find Sin watching her.
“Fantasy and reality could be two very different things.”
“Agreed.” His lips twitched again, but his gaze remained steady. “But there really is only one way to find out, isn’t there? The bottom line is you’re going to have to decide if you trust me enough to go with me. I can’t make that decision for you.”
* * * *
Sin couldn’t wait to show her that what she’d already experienced at his hands was only a small taste of what he had in store for her.
Once they got back to her house, he sent the driver away, not wanting her to be distracted at the knowledge that someone sat outside waiting for him.
“Pick me up in two hours.”
Sam frowned and shook his head. “I’ll wait out here. She doesn’t have to know, but I’m not leaving you alone.”
“I’ll be fine, Sam.”
“I know you will because I’ll be out here to make sure you are. Since I can’t go to the island with you, you’re just going to have to deal with it.”
Knowing that anything he said would be ignored, Sin shook his head and caught up with Veronica.
As soon as he closed the door behind him, Veronica moved to the sofa. Sitting, she reached down to unbuckle her shoes. “Would you like some coffee?”
“No, thank you. Leave the shoes on, Veronica.”
Sitting up again, Veronica swallowed heavily. “Okay.”
Hiding a smile, Sin held out a hand to help her to her feet, unsurprised that her hand shook.
And stunned that his own did.
“I know that you have to work in the morning, but you and I have some unfinished business to attend to.”
Nodding, she eyed him warily, her eyes as big as saucers.
Delighted by the hunger and anticipation he saw in them, he let his gaze rake over her, hiding a smile when she shifted restlessly and fisted her hands at her sides.
