by Hart, Rye
According to the contract I’d signed, Chance’s wants and need were on the kinky side. Though there was a promise of no injury, I had also seen the words, ‘light bondage’, ‘blindfolds’, and ‘sexual aides’, whatever in the hell that meant. I couldn’t help but feel like I’d be a bit worried, even if I wasn’t a virgin.
I wished Rick could have come along and then I’d have someone to talk to, but I’d brought my contract and was prepared to read it again, though it was not very long, and to the point. Showing up meant I belonged to him for the two weeks and in that time, he had the right to do with me whatever he desired as long as it posed no threat to me. There would be no permanent markings allowed by either party, and I was to eat three meals a day, provided by his staff, and get at least eight hours of rest per twenty-four-hour period.
I could understand and appreciate the no markings rule, but it scared me to think how rough he might be able to be without leaving a mark.
I thought again about Chance and his strong, muscular frame. He could do some damage if he wanted to, or bring me to the brink of begging. There was no rule about pain, and Lindy had said it would hurt the first time. I wondered if he’d be gentle, as I had disclosed that I was a virgin. A man of his size must be large in other areas as well. A warm, tingling sensation spread through me thinking about him above me. He was so strong and handsome, and I still didn’t understand what he wanted with someone like me.
I glanced down at the contract’s list of rules as my stomach growled. As if on cue, Ruby came out of the back.
“Would you like something to eat?”
Three meals a day, and I’d managed to skip two. “Sure.” I hadn’t been hungry from the nerves, but I supposed I should try and eat something. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had three meals in one day. And sleep? I’d gladly take eight hours a day. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had that either. Maybe this wasn’t going to be so bad after all.
Ruby prepared my dinner, and I ate a small portion of it and then decided to take a nap. I’d have to be rested, though I hoped that when I arrived, he wouldn’t want sex immediately.
I had always hoped my first time might be special and with someone I loved. I’d dreamed of marrying a rich man when I was younger, one who would take care of me and treat me like a princess. I believed that marriage and love were that fairy tale type of romance up until my mother passed, and then my stepmother had taught me that love was not always unconditional and marriage was a choice.
She’d chosen to leave my dad when the going got tough, though I suppose it was for the best. She’d always hated me. But Daddy loved her, and I was content to deal with as long as he was happy.
I didn’t realize how much I cared about her until she was gone, or how much of a hole she’d filled until she’d decided to leave it empty again.
What was I doing? I tried to put it all out of my mind and get some rest. I needed to be on my toes if nothing else.
Ruby woke me as the pilot announced our landing and I held my breath. I was about to be taken to his castle, where I hoped to be treated like a human being, and not a piece of meat.
I exited the plane and the night sky greeted me, as did Chance’s driver.
The man gave me a polite nod as he opened the door and I slid inside. I’d freshened up a bit on the plane and was glad that Ruby had suggested it.
Before I knew it, the car slowed and turned down a different road. I peeked out the windows into the darkness and saw there was light ahead. I kept my eyes on it, hoping that soon I’d be able to tell where I was, and then I saw something that took my breath away.
We were headed toward one of those magical castles that Lindy had told me about. It's pale stone walls were covered with ivy and moss, and glowed in the moonlight. I wished I had a camera to send a picture to Lindy because she would never believe it.
A warm glow came from several of the windows and I began to feel more at ease.
The driver stopped beside a smaller entrance to the side of the castle, and then got out and opened my door.
“Thank you,” I said with a polite nod.
He brought my bags to the doorstep and left them as a large shadow filled the doorway. My heart skipped a beat as Chance walked out to greet me. His perfect hair was mussed and was dressed casually in loose jeans and a fitted T-shirt that showed off all his muscles. Desire ached in my core as I trembled slightly.
He smiled warmly at me as he reached out to take my hand. “Welcome to my home Carrie. I’m so glad you’re here.”
CHAPTER FIVE - CHANCE
I hurried out to greet Carrie, and my blood pumped like fire in my veins when I saw how amazing she looked. She was more beautiful than I remembered and it suddenly felt like it had been ages instead of a week since I’d seen her.
I stepped out to meet her, and she smiled. “Finally, a familiar face.”
“How was your trip?” I took her hand and headed into the house, but she turned and looked at her bags which were left by the door. “I’ll have an attendant gather those and bring them up to your room.”
“Oh, thank you. It was fine—the trip. I’ve never flown before. Actually, I’ve never left Nebraska before.” She gave a little shrug and glanced around as we walked down a long hall and into the great room. Her eyes widened. “This place is so big. It’s a real castle.”
I chuckled softly and nodded. “Yes, it’s a real castle, and while I’ll show you most of it, we’ll stay in this tower.”
She nodded, still taken aback by the scale of things. “Right. Tower. And there are others?”
“Four; one for each corner.”
She narrowed her eyes. “You’re not like a prince or something?”
“No. I’m a billionaire. I own a few businesses, but if I were to tell you which ones, I’d have to kill you,” I teased, trying to break the tension.
She rolled her eyes gave a reluctant laugh.
“Ah, right. Anonymity.” She folded her arms across her front.
“Come, let’s get you something to drink and make you comfortable. I know it’s late, but I’d like to talk a minute. Give you time to acclimate.”
“That would be nice, thank you.”
I took her hand and led her to the bar area on the far wall and poured her a drink. She started to take a seat on the nearest barstool, but I took her hand. “I think there are more comfortable places here.” I led her to my den where the furnishings were less formal.
One of the first things I’d done to personalize my castle home was order four custom-built black leather sofas. I placed them in the room in a square formation, and they were comfortable to lounge on and the perfect place to get more acquainted.
“Have a seat.”
She lowered herself onto the leather and smiled. “This is amazing. I could sleep right here.”
“You’ll have a bed that’s twice as amazing as this. You’ll see. But first, I wanted to talk to you about the contract and answer any questions you have. I like to get this out of the way to avoid any confusion.” I also didn’t like the ugly talk of arrangements screwing up the mood once we got started.
“I believe I understood it just fine. Everything will be at your whim and in your control for the next two weeks. I’ll have no say.” She made a face as if that part wasn’t to her liking.
“I think you’ll be surprised at how much control you’ll have. You’ll influence every decision I make. I’m not a monster, Carrie. I want this to be fun for you.”
She seemed to mull that over for a moment. “I haven’t had much fun lately. My father’s sick. He’s got to have surgery, and since we’re broke, I’m hoping to use the money so he can get it.”
I had lost my own father a few years ago to a heart attack. He’d been a tyrant who had made most of my life miserable to make is fortune. Though we hadn’t been close, it had still been painful to lose him. Carrie’s face softened when she spoke of her father, and I imagined that seeing him in failing health was exc
ruciating for her. I wanted to make her forget all about that for a while.
“I’m sorry to hear that your father is so sick,” I said, to which she shrugged. Deciding to change the subject to more pleasant things, I cleared my throat. “When you do get a chance, what do you like to do for fun?”
“I used to paint; acrylic mostly, but sometimes I’d work with oils. My father used them. He loved the textures. I thought they were too messy and took too long to dry. I prefer faster results, I guess,” she answered.
“Impatient?” I’d have fun with that. She’d get a good lesson in patience while she was here with me.
“I suppose. But I love creating, and I have so many ideas that I do better with smaller projects; ones that give me instant gratification.”
A sly smile played around the corners of my mouth as I thought about gratification and how much of it she’d be getting. I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
Seeing her in the dress she’d worn, per my dress code, really showed off her curves and her long legs. Her skin was like honey and hair was a pale blond that complemented her bright green eyes. I could feel my dick straining against the fabric of my jeans.
She cleared her throat, and I snapped out of my daze. “Your father is an artist too, then?”
“Yes. He’s really good.”
“I bet you’re good too.” I had a feeling she was going to be good at whatever I threw at her,
“I’m okay, I guess. I was featured at a local art show, and one of my works hangs in the library back home. It’s not much, but other people seem to enjoy it.”
“That’s amazing. There is a gallery here in the castle. I’ll show it to you tomorrow if you like. There are some amazing old portraits throughout the castle, as well.” I suddenly wanted to show her all those things and was glad she seemed to share my love of art. “You know, my mother used to paint some. I have one of hers hanging in my bedroom. You’ll see it.”
“Right, when we—”
“Right.” I looked at her, and she shifted in her seat and sipped her drink,
“I’ve never been away from home.”
“Well, you certainly picked a good place for your first visit. Is someone caring for your father back home or is he in a facility?” I hated that I put her out to come, but on the other hand, I was selfish and couldn’t help but want her.
“He’s in a home. Our old house is a bit behind on taxes, but I hope that some of this money will fix that too. It also needs a bit of repair. I’ve been taking care of things since my stepmother left. She took my dad’s savings on her way out.”
She had seen hard times, and it made me feel for her. I’d had some rough times with family issues as well, and it was never easy, rich or poor. Money didn’t solve everything, and it didn’t make a home a happy place to be.
“Is there anything else about the contract that you needed to know? I don’t mind explaining the reasons behind some of my rules, but I’d rather discuss these things now instead of later. And I especially think you should ask before we have sex.” I wasn’t going to tell her, but if she felt she had to leave, I’d do the courteous thing and pay her fares and see her home safely. I could certainly afford it, and it was only put in the rules so no one could try to take advantage of me.
“I do have one question, and I hope that you won’t take it the wrong way, but I’m a little confused by it.” She raked her hand through her pale hair and took a deep breath.
“Of course, ask me anything. Now’s the time.” Her question was sure to be a familiar one. It wasn’t too often that the women I’d brought asked me something I’d never heard before.
“Why go through all this just to have sex with someone? I mean, you’re kind of super hot, so it’s not like you should have to pay for it or buy someone’s time.” She let out a breath and then looked away.
“You think I’m super hot?” I leaned in and gave her a smoldering look.
“Oh, that’s it; you totally didn’t know it, right? Well, let me be the first to tell you.” We exchanged a laugh, and she shook her head. “I can’t believe I’m here.”
“Why? Because I’m so hot?” I chuckled. “Yes, I’ve been told that before.”
“A few times?” she asked, her tone still steeped in sarcasm.
“How often are you told?”
The question took her by surprise, and she looked down to her drink and then finished it off. She swallowed hard and then looked up to the ceiling.
“Maybe once or twice by someone other than my father. He thinks I’m the most beautiful girl in the world.” She rolled her eyes and made a silly face.
“I’d have to agree with him.” She was by far the most beautiful, and I could tell she thought I was not being serious. I made a mental note to change that.
“You didn’t answer my question.”
“I like controlling all my business arrangements so that no one can sue me, trap me, or use me. Besides, this way I get what I want when I want it.”
Her eyes burned into mine, and that look of uncertainty returned to her face. “When are you going to want it?”
“Carrie, I’ve wanted it from the first time I walked into that diner.”
CHAPTER SIX - CARRIE
Being able to sit and talk with Chance had put me at ease, but knowing that I was sure to disappoint him in the bedroom was weighing on me. He’d admitted that he wanted to start the sexual part of our arrangement soon, and since I’d signed the contract, I wouldn’t have any say in it.
I hadn’t known what to say since his admission, and though I wasn’t afraid of him and found him attractive, I felt like I should tell him that I was uncomfortable. But then he leaned forward and offered me his hand.
I took it, and as he helped me to my feet, I decided I better speak up. “Where are we going?” My nerves were like a knot in my stomach.
“I’d like to show you the bedroom and where you’ll be spending a large portion of our time here together.” His lips parted showing me a toothy grin. “You know, having pillow fights and building forts with the sheets.”
His kidding put me at ease as he led me up the stone stairway and down another long hall. After walking around two corners and up another small flight of stairs, we reached his master bedroom.
Though beautiful, the room was sparsely decorated, and aside from the large, black bed, which took an entire corner of the large area and was dressed in white silk, there wasn’t much else. There was a small table beside the bed with a drawer and a trunk on the far side of the room. Long billowing drapes hung from the windows which went from floor to ceiling and didn’t offer much privacy. The was a chair positioned in front of the window as if someone had spent some time there, contemplating life.
“It’s nice. I love the bed. Is it hand-carved.”
“Take a closer look; it’s metal.” He nodded for me to go ahead and he stayed put as I walked across the room to get a better look.
“Impressive.” It truly was. I had never seen anything like it, and the entire structure must weigh a ton. “How’d you get it up here?” I trailed my fingers along the vines that wrapped around the heavy columns. The entire bed reminded me of a wrought iron gate with roses and thorny stems, intricate and beautiful.
He chuckled and stepped closer. “You’re the only person who has ever asked that.” He took a deep breath as if it were a long story. “Let’s just say that sometimes it helps to be so wealthy. I had to do a bit of structural research, and then I hired the artist to build it right where it stands.”
“That’s amazing. It must have taken her forever.”
He gave me an incredulous look. “How did you know it was a woman?”
“Because of the lines. It feels strong but still feminine.” He seemed impressed that I’d caught that detail.
“Then you’ll be a perfect fit.” He took my hand and stepped closer.
“Why do you think that?”
“Oh, I know it from all you’ve told me. You’re a beautiful, strong yo
ung lady, Carrie.” He cupped my chin and then tilted it upward as he leaned forward to meet my mouth with a gentle kiss.
I didn’t move at first, not because I didn’t want him to kiss me, but because I was afraid I’d ruin the moment. Then his hand landed in the small of my back and nudged me forward, deepening the kiss, and I melted into him.
Without stopping, he turned us around and walked me back to the bed, and as my bottom hit the side of the tall mattress, I put my hand on his chest and pushed, hoping he’d stop.
He glanced down at my hand and gave me a curious look. “Is there something wrong?”
“I just feel there’s something I should tell you.”
His brows lifted and he took a step back to give me space. I could tell that he was less than enthused and probably thought that I was about to turn him down.
“I told you I’m not very experienced, but the truth is, I have no experience.”
His brows lifted in surprise and he took a step back, folding his arms across his broad chest and walking toward the window. He got about ten steps away and then walked back, shaking his head. “This was something you could have told me before.”
“I’m sorry, I thought you knew what I meant when I said I wasn’t experienced, but then I thought I should make sure.”
He stepped close. “It’s not that it’s a bad thing. It’s just that I have certain ways and if I’d—”
He looked away and then raked his hand through his hair. “If I’d taken you, as I would someone else, I could have hurt you. I’m not into hurting women like that. I truly want this to be as enjoyable for you as it is me.” His arm came around me and then he leaned closer. “I’m glad you told me, and I’ll take it slow. But I understand if you want to back out.”
“No.” I couldn’t afford airfare back home, and despite everything, I was hot for him. “I want you.”
“Mm. That’s what I want to hear, angel.”
I figured he came up with the nickname because of my purity, but I didn’t mind it. Hearing it roll off his lips gave me a tingle, and no one had ever given me a pet name before.
