by Dakota Black
The sounds of his footsteps pulled her out of her quiet bliss and she knew the time was close. He was selecting a whip, deciding the perfect implement for the evening. There was never any explanation, no reason given for his choice, but she knew when he was angry or upset. She always knew. She kept her head down, her eyes positioned on the floor. She could be an obedient girl, behaving in an effort to please him.
He moved in front of her, the change in his methods one of surprise. Using a single finger, he lifted her chin, gazing into her eyes. In his, she noticed remorse. Tilting his head, he eased his hand down her neck, wrapping his fingers around her skin and squeezing.
Her air supply cut, she blinked several times, the moment cathartic. She’d given him absolute control over her safety and her life. This was nothing more than a test of her will. She didn’t squeal or make any sound, only concentrating on remaining calm.
He seemed impressed and rewarded her by pinching and twisting her nipple then chuckling. There was a difference in him tonight, a quiet resolve unlike any of the other times they’d been together. Something had changed. When he moved around her, she held her breath, waiting for the pain to begin.
Crack!
The whip sliced along her upper buttocks, the strike expertly placed. She bit back a scream and clenched her eyes shut, willing her mind to find her special place, the peace she needed in order to fulfill her requirement. Her payment.
Slap!
The snap of his wrist seemed more powerful than the strike, yet the agony was intense.
Crack! Pop!
Katherine winced, her body shuddering but he didn’t seem to notice.
Smack! Crack!
He moved back and forth from side to side, as if making certain his marks would be even, perfectly placed on her buttocks and upper thighs. He never marked her where others could see. There was never a threat of exposure.
Pop! Slap!
The pain was vibrant, creating a sickening feeling in her stomach, but she was able to endure. He was far from being finished.
Smack! Crack!
With each hard strike, every lash powered across her body, she began to slide into a place of freedom, her body no longer shivering.
Pop! Slap!
Katherine was lulled into heightened bliss, her breathing now even, no longer struggling in any manner. She was free.
Crack! Smack!
She was alive, every cell in her body electrified.
Whap! Pop!
She was exactly the woman she needed to be.
Crack!
Thirty minutes later, Katherine walked out of his brownstone. Her heart continued to race but her mind was clear. She remained in a state of peace, her skin tingling, her arms popping with goosebumps. A smile remained on her face as she headed for her car, her eyes scanning the darkened area. She tugged the key fob from her coat pocket and continued on her path, taking quick steps toward the Mercedes.
Clink! Snap!
Hair stood up on the back of her neck. The sound reminded her of metal dancing against metal, but there was no breeze. She glanced up and down the deserted street then toward the group of shadowed buildings. There was no one around. An animal. The sound had to be from some animal roaming the streets.
She had her hand on the door handle when she heard a scraping sound, as if something or someone was being dragged. Sensing the noise was coming from in front of her, she blinked but was unable to focus given the darkness.
Ping!
Now, she was shaking all over. Fumbling, she finally managed to open the car door and once inside, she started the engine immediately, putting the car into gear. The doors locked, and a sense of relief flooded through her. Seconds before she put her foot on the gas pedal, she heard her phone, neatly tucked away in her purse on the floor. She struggled to grab it then seeing the set of zeroes crossing the screen, she snarled. “Whoever you are, cross this phone number off your list. Do I make myself clear?”
Jerking away from the curb, she floored the accelerator. As the lights flashed on an object ahead, she sucked in her breath.
“I’m coming for you.”
Chapter 3
You’re certain you want to do this?” Camden sat back, his fingers remaining wrapped around the glass of scotch.
Snake pushed back his drink and studied the ominous looking sky. The last thing he needed was to spend two weeks with a woman he barely knew, one who was hell bent on pushing every button. If he had to admit the truth, he’d expected Senator Wallace to laugh in his face, sputtering like a terrified little girl. The acceptance and the subsequent demand was formidable. He’d given the women an ounce of respect. “Thought the idea was good at the time.”
“And now?”
Shrugging, he didn’t give a shit about the chit chat, or the concerns Camden had raised. He was here to do his job. Period. “I’ll handle it.” The fact Camden Dane had insisted he meet with Snake, evening coming halfway to Houston before the flight left had sent a message. Rush Enterprises and the powers that be were scared of the senator, or perhaps her constant digging.
Camden snorted. “Senator Wallace is due back in Washington in a few days. Did she tell you how she’s planning on getting out of her requirement?”
“Not my position to ask nor do I care. She accepted the proposal, made me a counter offer and we’re leaving for her chosen location in roughly five hours.”
“Uh-huh. You have no idea where?” Camden laughed.
“Didn’t ask and she didn’t tell.”
“Trusting. I’m surprised.” When Snake gave him a harsh sneer, he shook his head. “She’s a beautiful woman.”
“And I care, why?”
“Wow. You are a hard ass.”
“Mr. Dane. This is business and I never mix business with my rather intense needs. Never. You hired me to do a job because this particular senator, this beautiful woman as you call her, has decided to make you public enemy number one.” Snake kept his voice low, the tone dark and cold. He also wasn’t here to make any friends. He sure as shit didn’t need any.
Camden lifted his glass. “Well said and understood. We are all over the news again today and it’s not a place Rush Enterprises wants to be. There’s too much at stake.” After taking a sip, a slow and strangled breath was followed by a wave of his hand. “Here are the credit cards you requested and cash. You have a line of credit at the bank, but don’t overuse.”
He resisted lashing out as he grabbed the envelope, shoving it into the inside pocket of his jacket. He knew exactly what was at stake. A brand new offshore rig. “I do know what I’m doing.”
“Of that, I have no doubt.” Camden took another sip of his drink. “You know she has a hidden agenda.”
He toyed with his glass, pushing the shot of bourbon back and forth across the table before tossing the entire contents back. The expensive whiskey was more of a soothing mechanism than anything else, but he wouldn’t have another until he was on the ground. “Women always have a hidden agenda, Mr. Dane. Always. When you stop understanding this, you’re fucked.”
“Words said from an angry man and no doubt one who’s been shafted more than once.”
Snake pushed back from the table, rising to his feet. “If there’s nothing else you learn about me, know this, I’ve never been shafted by men, business or especially by a woman. I take what I want when I want.” He grabbed his keys. “I’ll give you a report in a couple of days.” He turned to leave.
“Mr. Driscoll, I may not be an expert with anything, including women, but I do know this, being lonely and alone is a long, hard road. One that leaves you bitter and asking why bother living.”
Glancing over his shoulder, he could see a single flash of pain in Camden’s eyes. Without saying anything, he walked out of the corner pub, heading to his car. When he was safely away from prying eyes or ears, he hissed. That’s why he’d had a death wish for several years. What the hell did he care about living?
Jumping into the Charger, he was on the
interstate in less than five minutes. He had just enough time to grab his bags from the house, as well as spend some time on the ranch before he left. The time alone in the car was good for him, allowing his disciplined mind to process what he was going to do. The first leg of the trip belonged to the senator. He’d allowed her enough of a leash to hang herself.
The second was all about the grunt work. If she wanted to be a part of the oil rigger world, she was getting it in spades.
Pressing down on the accelerator, he pushed the speed limit, jockeying around the heavy line of traffic. The rain was following him, the blackened sky darkening, the wind whipping the trees along the highway. His thoughts drifted, his mind wandering to the night that had changed his life. Her face. Her bloody face.
Fuck no! He wasn’t going down this road. Never again. He stepped on the gas, going seventy, then eighty, the car picking up speed. When he hit ninety, he let out an anguished cry and eased off the gas, panting as several vehicles around him blasted their horns, drivers giving him the finger.
His head was killing him, throbbing to the point his vision was blurry. This was the second time this week. Stress of the new position was kicking his ass. Shaking it off, he headed off the interstate, checking the time. He was still on schedule. If not? The bitch would wait.
As he turned down the last road, he realized his hands were white knuckled from clenching the steering wheel. He took several deep breaths, the exercise the only thing that killed the anxiety and could see the ranch in the distance. A smile crossed his face. This was the only place he cared about, the only location on this earth that would allow him any comfort.
As if he deserved a single minute.
He passed by the various pastures, looking to see if he could spot a rider. No one was out given the approaching storm. Even the cows and horses seemed spooked. The various ranch hands had secured the livestock and were no doubt huddled in the bunkers, waiting for the weather to pass.
The gravel road leading to the old farmhouse seemed bumpier than normal, forcing the Charger’s oversized tires to skid on the surface. Or maybe he was just driving too damn fast. He pulled beside the gleaming Dodge Ram, his brother’s favorite vehicle and sighed. The man would no doubt have something to say about his business trip.
He walked into the house and immediately heard the sound of video games, the chirping and booming noises he’d become accustomed to. The noise was coming from the den, what had been affectionately termed ‘the fun zone’. He was glad to have semi-permanent visitors staying in his house, even though he and Logan had a tumultuous relationship. The damn place was too big for just one man.
After grabbing a bottle of water, he headed into the den, standing in the doorway as he watched the only two people in his life sitting side by side. The tiny giggles and fist pumping into the air gave him a smile. Tyler, was the joy of the house, although the almost five-year-old had decided fairly recently to use the name ‘Tiger’ in deference to his game playing skills. Then again, the little man had difficulty saying his real name. “How you guys doing?”
“Unkie!” Dropping the controller, Tiger bounded off the couch, scrambling to get to him, pressing his face into Snake’s legs.
Snake rubbed the little boy’s head as he nodded to his brother. “I see my favorite boy is playing video games again. What about school work?” The kid was brilliant, already in first grade and no doubt destined to become a doctor, or perhaps an attorney. He had to smile at the thought.
Tiger pushed away from his legs and huffed. “Done that. Through.”
Logan eased off the couch. “He did very well today, and especially in spelling. Didn’t you, Tiger?”
“Got. A. B plus.” The words said empathically, Tiger’s eyes flashed, pride brimming in his contorted face.
“That’s fantastic! I think that deserves some ice cream. Don’t you think so, Daddy?” Snake eyed his brother, the almost hurt look on his face. Times had been difficult for the entire family.
“I think ice cream is a great idea. Do you think you can get it out of the freezer?” Logan turned his attention to Tiger.
“Duh. I’m five years old. I can do lots of things now.” Huffing, Tiger stomped out of the room, the sound echoing.
Logan placed the controller on the coffee table, the simple move exaggerated. “I guess you don’t have much time before you leave.”
“An hour or so.”
“Yeah. I guessed.”
“Don’t start!” Snake snapped, hissing under his breath.
Walking around the back of the couch, Logan sighed. “I’m not starting anything. You’re never home any longer, which is what you told me you wanted. No, you insisted. You took a goddamn job that’s going to take you away for weeks at a time and now this.”
“This is my job. I have to go.”
“Right.” Logan moved to walk past him.
Snake grabbed his arm. “I do. You know why.”
His body sagged, his head lowering. “I get it, but I don’t think Tiger does.”
“He has you.”
After a few seconds, he finally looked into Snake’s eyes. “He needs his entire family. He misses you so much when you’re gone.”
“And I… I miss him too. And I’m grateful you’re here. More than you know.” Snake hated this shit more than anything. Logan had looked up to him as a little boy. Then they’d refused to talk to each other for years. Now? The man could barely stand to be in the same room with him.
“Yeah. I get it. We’ll be here when you get back. Just like always. Can you at least have ice cream with us?”
Snake blinked several times, the headache remaining but he was no longer certain it had anything to do with stress. His heart was breaking. “You bet.”
“Good.” Logan offered a waning smile and walked toward the kitchen, the sound of his well-worn cowboy boots clicking against the wooden floor.
He studied the planks, the selection one that had taken almost two weeks. Two weeks of going from store to store from Houston to Dallas. Two weeks of fretting over the color, the angle and the size. Two weeks of precious time spent. God. He hated the fucking floor. He hated the house. All because she was no longer there. He walked toward the oversized mantel and ran his hand over the carved piece of stone. Also hand selected. Also, a two-or-more week project. He groaned and rolled his eyes. All the time spent on refurbishing a hundred-year-old house.
And for what?
The picture was there, the faces glaring at him. He hated it as he did almost everything else in the house, but no one could touch even the frame. He’d beaten a man unconscious for something less. Just as he was about to ease the photograph from the mantel, he heard the sound of little feet, the huge stomp in the background.
“Unkie. The ice cream is melting.”
Cocking his head, Snake adored the way Tiger reacted, his actions that were a mirror to the way he and Logan had been as kids. Their mother had been a saint. “I am so right there. If you eat my portion, I’m going to tickle you to death!” He took off running, following the squealing Tiger just on the little boy’s heels.
When he entered the kitchen, he realized he had tears in his eyes.
Katherine tossed her bags into the trunk and eyed the wretched looking sky. The weather was getting worse by the minute, clouds swirling and the wind creating flying debris. If the damn plane was delayed, she was going to be pissed off. Frank’s call hadn’t offered her too many additional details. Snake Driscoll was an ex-Marine and from what she’d been told, a man who’d been highly trained then left after only serving four years. So what? There were many military men who decided their calling wasn’t what they’d thought.
She unlocked the car door and eased inside, now happy that she’d decided to stay in a hotel in Houston. The extra uninterrupted sleep had been worth the price of a hotel room.
That wasn’t even close to being the truth. She hadn’t wanted to stay at her condo. Her mind had been working overtime, fear keeping her on edge
. The last threatening phone call had taken her over the top.
The phone call from John’s attorney had also been a disaster. She wanted to accuse John of stalking her, but she had no proof. The fucking attorney must be getting paid a hell of a lot of money to try and convince her to leave the ugliness out of the courtroom.
Nope. She was going to make certain John got his just desserts. She headed for the airport and even though she’d be there far too early, she didn’t want to sit around the dank and depressing hotel room for another hour.
Traffic was surprisingly light but as soon as she got on the interstate, the storm rolled into the area, rain pelting almost sideways. Perhaps she wasn’t going to be early at all.
She was only five miles from the airport and the next time she looked down at the clock, twenty minutes had gone by. This was no way to start out a… What was she doing? This wasn’t a vacation by any stretch of the imagination nor was it a conventional business trip. Research. She’d called what they were doing research.
Another ten minutes went by then fifteen and the traffic was still crawling. By the time she pulled into the extended trip parking lot, she was barely going to be on time. When she managed to get into the terminal, she was drenched, her crisp white shirt and tailored skirt a complete mess.
While she’d never been argumentative with airport employees, everything they did or said got on her nerves, to the point she was nasty, and dragged off to the side for a full body scan. The trek through the terminal couldn’t have been any worse. She was freezing, her hair sticking to her face and her carry-on bag wobbling, the right wheel finally falling off.
The last escalator ride was the worst and she debated very seriously yelling at the minions in front of her, who didn’t seem to want to budge even a single stair. Jerking the heavy bag into her hand, she glanced at the departure time and gasped. The plane was leaving earlier than she’d remembered or paid any attention to. She’d planned the entire trip and she’d gotten it wrong? Which meant she’d told Snake the wrong time as well. Shit. And she didn’t have the man’s cell phone number. She was insane.
