What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 7)

by Lexi Buchanan

  “The assassin in the FLC?” she asked.

  “Probably. At least one. The file doesn’t mention if the bullets were of the same caliber.” He took her hand and squeezed it. “She was a threat to national security.”

  “I know.” She nodded. This was a typical conversation between two intelligence agents. Normally, she would easily accept it, but in this case, Zoe was really bothered. “Okay. I get it. I won’t mention her name at a meeting.” A look of fear crossed her face. “I understand they didn’t want her exposing the FLC, but I can’t believe they would kill her.”

  “Stranger things have happened. Before my aunt died a few years ago, she gave me letters she’d saved from my uncle. He was in the Secret Service when Kennedy was assassinated. JFK and my uncle were friends, and my aunt recalled phone calls from JFK to the house in Florida. When he and his fellow agents were on the road with JFK, my uncle would write to her, telling her about their adventures. Quite a few interesting stories. Days after JFK’s death, my aunt received a call that my uncle had died of a sudden heart attack. He was only forty-three and hadn’t had any health issues. She tried contacting authorities to make arrangements to have his body returned to Florida for a funeral. After two days of calls, a coroner called and said he had been cremated.”

  Leaning forward, Zoe put her mug down on the coffee table. “Cremated? Did your aunt request that?”

  “No. My aunt insists there was no record in his medical files or any files requesting cremation upon his death.”

  “Sounds suspicious,” she said. “Did you or your aunt ever find out what happened?”

  “It’s not unreasonable to believe someone in the government felt my uncle was a threat to security and had him killed. We can’t prove it.”

  “Do you think the FLC had anything—”

  “No, I don’t think so,” he continued. “This proves the government will go to extremes to protect secrets.”

  “Where are those letters now?” She smiled, curious. What secrets had they thought they were burying by killing his uncle and cremating him?

  “Hidden. A safe place.”

  “Good.” She leaned back and closed her eyes.

  “What’s wrong?” He rubbed her shoulder.

  The hairs rose on the back of her neck. “Can we never leave the FLC? Does anyone leave?”

  Knowing what he knew, hadn’t he considered that? He laughed. “Don’t start getting all paranoid on me. Of course, people leave. With every new administration, a new first lady takes over.”

  Zoe gave a wry laugh. “I can’t imagine Charlotte Ellison having anything to do with the FLC.”

  “She didn’t. She appointed someone, although not much happened during that administration.”

  The doubt remained, no matter how much she tried to ease the worry. He took her hands in his. “Hey, be honest with me. Do you want out? If you do, I’ll figure out a way to get you out safely. Tell me now.”

  She groaned. “No, I want to do this. I believe in what the FLC is trying to accomplish, even though the methods are extreme. We can survive this, can’t we?”

  Shaking his head, he drew her across his lap and bent his head to kiss her. The kiss, deep and slow, melted away the worry. All she wanted was him, now, in every way. She opened her mouth for him as the kiss heated. Breathless, she gripped his shoulders as her pulse quickened. She wanted to forget the past, the present and their obligations for the future.

  “Nothing is going to happen to us,” he said. The tip of his tongue glided across her jawline to her ear, and he tugged on her lobe with his teeth.

  She shivered. “I believe you. What should I do with Celia’s badge?”

  “Give it to me. I’ll give it to Frank.”

  “Okay, now can you tell me why the president doesn’t attend our FLC meetings?” Zoe asked, sitting back up.

  “Plausible deniability.”

  She shrugged her shoulders. “I guess that makes sense in light of what’s going on. Who could possibly be the leak? If there is one.”

  “No clue. I was talking to Frank about it. He’s started an investigation of each FLC member.”

  “Terrific. Right in the middle of an operation? I guess I expected that.” She sipped her coffee. The hint of cinnamon cleared her head. “Time to stop talking about this.”

  “I agree.” His tone perked right up. “What would you like to talk about instead?”

  “Actually, I’d like to show you what I bought.” She stood up and walked to her bedroom. “I’ll be right out.”

  “Hmmm. I think I’m going to like this.”

  Several minutes later, Zoe came out of her bedroom. She leaned on the doorframe with one hand, a leather flogger dangling at her side in the other. She wore a shiny leather or pleather corset outfit with silver studs and lacing. Ankle boots, thigh-high stockings and a studded collar. Jason felt himself get hard.

  “Do you like it?” She spun around, and the thong showed off the cheeks of her ass nicely.

  He swallowed and heard his pulse pounding in his ears and felt it down in his dick. Fuck.

  She dropped her arm and pouted. “You don’t like it.”

  “No, no. I do like it. It’s hot. I’m blown away. Wow.” He stood up and looked at the flogger.

  “I thought I’d wear this with Kadir. Melissa said I needed an outfit. She helped me pick it out. So you think I’ll look okay for the scene with Kadir?”

  He didn’t answer right away. “It’ll work,” he said stiffly.

  She laughed a little. “Jason. Remember this is a role to take down a monster.”

  “I know. I was remembering his file. The guy is certified.” He picked up the flogger and slid the tassels through his hand. The idea of another man, let alone a madman, using this on her ripped him up inside.

  “And I’ll be surrounded by Secret Service. He won’t be able to hurt me.”

  “You will give the safe word if he goes too far, right?” Jason touched her cheek.

  “Yes, I will. Stop worrying.”

  “Okay. I’ll trust you.” His hands roamed over the tops of her breasts. “This is nice. It’s turning me on.” Did she get turned on by the BDSM routines?

  “Can I ask a favor?”

  “Name it.” His hands smoothed over her ass and squeezed. She moaned and went up on her toes.

  She handed him the flogger. “Here. I want to see how much I can take.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Zoe held out the flogger to Jason, but he wouldn’t take it. The lustful look in his eyes suddenly turned dark. She had to admit, she wanted to practice more of the BDSM techniques at home to see if they’d both become aroused. When he’d restrained her in her office, they had. This was a new side to their relationship she had to understand. “Jason, come on. Help me here.”

  “Why? You know as much as you need to know to play a submissive to Kadir. Melissa will go over a few things this weekend. Etiquette, what else is expected of a submissive during a scene, what else is expected of a Dom, safety, hopefully anything that could happen.”

  “I want to know my pain limit. The reception is tomorrow, and Kadir is coming Saturday. I can have my presentation at any time. If I quit after three lashes, he’ll know I’m not a true submissive.” She took his hand and smacked the handle into his palm. “Let’s get this over with.”

  “Fine.” He didn’t sound happy.

  She knelt on her hands and knees on an area rug in the middle of the living room. A sandalwood candle burned with a sweet earthy scent, and the lights were dim. She took a deep breath to relax. “My safe word is red.”

  “Okay. Don’t push yourself too far,” he warned. “I will stop if I feel I’m injuring you.”

  “Not unless I say the safe word,” she argued.

  “The Dom always must protect his sub. His partner may be in subspace, too dazed to register that the pain is at a harmful level. As your Dom, I will stop before you call your safe word if I think I’m injuring you.”

&nbs
p; “That’s your call, then.”

  She waited there, on her knees, expectantly. The whoosh of the leather thongs circled in a figure-eight pattern. Jason cracked the tips of the flogger in the air. “I love the outfit, but it has to come off. Stand up and remove it for me.”

  She stood, facing him, and unfastened the front hooks. The back laces were tied tightly to fit her curves, and the garment had hooks in the front to make it easy to put on and take off. Melissa had pointed that out when they were shopping.

  Her nipples puckered when the cool air brushed them. She dropped the corset in a nearby chair.

  “Now the panties,” he commanded. “And don’t forget to respond when given an order.”

  “Yes, sir.” She had forgotten, caught up in the moment. A chill went through her, and her pussy throbbed with need.

  “Now kneel again.”

  “Yes, sir.” She did and was thinking about the party the next night, how turned on she was getting, wondering if Jason was getting hard, when the first strike hit her shoulder. Zoe wasn’t expecting it because her mind was everywhere but in the moment. The leather bit into her skin, and she yelped.

  “Stay focused.”

  “Right.” Lesson one for the evening: Don’t let your mind drift during a scene. He continued to lash her shoulders, back and buttocks with light and hard strokes, stopping at times to smooth her skin.

  “How are you doing?”

  “Okay, sir.” Her skin felt tingling and heated but not too bad so far.

  “Kadir may be harder on you, and he may not check in to see how you’re doing. Don’t be afraid to ask for a break.”

  “I understand.” She was wet and so freaking hot. What would Jason think of her if he knew pain got her excited?

  “You’re stiffening up. Too much?” He stopped swinging the flogger.

  “I’m fine. Don’t stop. You’re not hurting me.”

  “We’ll take it up a notch and try something else.” He slid his hand between her thighs and shoved her legs apart, then slid his hand to her pussy. “Wow, you’re getting wet.”

  Heat rushed to her face. She laughed awkwardly. “That’s because I’m naked, and you’re not. And I’m thinking about what we’re going to do later.”

  “Focus on the now, Zoe.”

  His sharp words stung. The flogger caressed her skin gently this time. Then he swung it like a pendulum between her legs, the thongs stroking her swollen clit. She groaned and raised her ass. If he continued, she’d come like this. No, she didn’t want to come. But a coil of sheer pleasure stirred deep in her belly, and the rhythm of his strikes continued. She couldn’t bear it any longer. “Jason. Slow down.”

  “What? Are you giving me your safe word?”

  “No, not yet.” Too late, she cried out as the orgasm slammed into her. He must’ve realized what was happening, because he dropped the flogger and knelt beside her. His hand slid between her legs, and a finger slipped inside her channel, thrusting in and out until her cries subsided. Pulling her into his arms, he held her close.

  He half-laughed and kissed her. “Hmmm. I guess you were enjoying yourself.”

  “You don’t think that’s weird?” She searched his eyes and wasn’t sure what she saw.

  He shook his head. “Just the opposite. I couldn’t see doing this twenty-four/seven, but I don’t mind mixing our love life up a bit. As long as you’re not turned on when you’re with your targets.”

  Her stomach churned as reality gripped her. “I won’t. Don’t worry.”

  “Hey.” He lifted her chin and brushed his lips over hers. “Don’t worry. I’ll be there.”

  Did she want him there, or would she be too self-conscious? She picked up the flogger and handed it to him. “This time don’t hold back.”

  “Since this will be a cocktail party, we don’t have to worry about seating arrangements,” Faith said to Julia and Melissa. Rarely did the first lady show signs of fatigue, but bloodshot eyes and slumped shoulders made Melissa think she hadn’t been sleeping well. This evening she was serving coffee, not tea, in the East Hall.

  “What would you like us to do, ma’am?” Julia asked delicately. Melissa sensed Julia also noticed Faith’s worn state. “When do you expect the delegates to arrive?”

  Faith took in a long breath and let it out slowly. “By eight p.m., security will be stationed outside to keep the media away. Secret Service will be inside. I’ve asked General Guzman not to wear his uniform. We want the delegates to feel at ease, especially the ones I plan to pull to the side for a private tour. A few of our most attractive interns will be invited. They’ve been instructed to be friendly and make the delegates feel welcome, although these young women have no idea I’m using them to stir the men’s interest.”

  Melissa rested her cup in her lap. “Would you prefer Zoe and I not engage with these men?”

  Faith nodded. “I’d rather you observe them from a distance, let the interns talk to them. But don’t ignore them if they speak to you.”

  Red marks crisscrossed Zoe’s back and buttocks, and yet she still hadn’t called the safe word or even for a break. Every time Jason stopped to check in, she moaned for more and harder. Her skin was heated, and she wasn’t even flinching when he struck her. She had to be in subspace, drifting through the pain. He reached her limit and beyond.

  Something inside his chest twisted in a knot. Was she pushing too far again? Getting too immersed in her role? Was she going to put herself in danger again? He cursed under his breath. Damn it. She hadn’t learned. A black and blue mark appeared at her right shoulder blade. Fuck.

  He tossed the flogger on the chair. “We’re done, Zoe.” He tried to keep the anger out of his voice. Gently, he stroked her hair back from her face. “Are you with me?”

  “Did I call my safe word?” she asked like a drunken person.

  He groaned. “No, you did not.” He regretted his harshness when he saw her cringe. He picked her up in his arms and took her into the bedroom and gently laid her down on the bed, covering her with a blanket. Then he went into the kitchen and brought back some water. He held the glass to her lips so she could drink. “Slowly.”

  She took the glass and looked up into his eyes, a little dazed. “I got it, thanks.”

  “I’ll be right back.” He went into the bathroom and started a bath, testing the water to make sure it wasn’t too hot. On a side shelf, he found some bath salts and thick towels. The tub was an old-fashioned free-standing tub with claw feet. While the water was filling, he went back into the bedroom to check on her.

  To his surprise, she was sitting up, looking tired but alert. “Are we taking a bath?” she asked with a sultry smile.

  Warmth slid down his spine and soothed all his tense muscles. She was okay, thank God. “You are. The bath salts will help soothe the lash marks and bruising.” He helped her into the bathroom and grimaced when he saw the ugly purple bruises on her back and shoulders. “I had no idea I was hurting you so badly, Zoe. I’m so sorry.” He stroked her shoulders and back.

  Looking at herself in the mirror, she gasped. “Wow, I felt it, but it didn’t seem to hurt so badly. Guess it’s like walking into a cold lake. You go in up to your ankles, then your knees, and by the time you’re up to your waist, you don’t feel the cold.”

  “The last thing I wanted to do was hurt you.” Seeing the bruises made him sick inside. He should’ve stopped sooner. How could he let her do this?

  She touched his cheek with her fingertips. Then she kissed him, her lips featherlight at first, then hard, opened wide to tease his lips apart with her tongue. He deepened the kiss until they were both gasping for breath. When they parted, she gazed up at him. “I’m okay,” she said. “Thanks for not holding back. I needed to know my limits. I expect my scene with Kadir may be rough, so I wanted to be prepared.”

  He could tell she was still half out of it, still in subspace. Her eyes had that faraway, glassy look. Melissa had told him about this. She held on to his arm as she stepped
into the tub and slid into the warm, scented water.

  “You have to remember not to let it go that far,” he said, sitting on the edge of the tub. “Don’t trust Kadir to be a thoughtful Dom to stop a scene.”

  “I know,” she said, patting his leg.

  “You seemed to enjoy it.” The idea that she enjoyed the bondage role-playing made him even harder. Since when did he get off on this stuff? He watched porn, watched some of the bondage flicks. What guy didn’t? But he hadn’t thought he was interested in that lifestyle. He smoothed his hands over her shoulders and back, careful not to press on the bruises.

  She shrugged. “Would that worry you if I did?”

  He didn’t answer right away. Would it? “I don’t know.”

  She stiffened. “Well, don’t worry. It’s all for the FLC.”

  He turned on the hot water to keep the water from cooling. “I know. We have to take this guy down.”

  “I can do it. He won’t harm me with Secret Service around.”

  “As long as you don’t get reckless like Alana.”

  She furrowed her brow. “I’m smarter than that.”

  He thought about it. She was right, but he was damn well going to make sure she didn’t get overconfident. On a shelf, he found a thick sponge. He soaked it and added a ribbon of shower gel and smoothed it over her back, shoulders, and arms. He was tempted to move to her breasts but waited for the moment. This was sweet torture for him. She was so beautiful.

  “Hmmm. That feels good,” she murmured. “I’m going to do this, and we’re going to have a successful mission.”

  “It’ll go just fine,” he agreed, but inside he hoped Kadir turned the offer down.

  “Could you come in here with me?”

  He blew out a breath, thinking how much she meant to him. He did love her, damn it. But telling her now might distract her. “Sure, baby, I can try.” He got out of his clothes and slid into the tub.

  She spun around and faced him, hooking her legs over his and around his back so his cock barely touched her pussy.