“I hope you’re not about to accuse me of that as well.”
“No,” she said with a smile. “He had a heart attack a few years ago.”
He sat back with relief. “Fucking bastard,” he muttered.
“She told us, he’d beaten you nearly to death and that her daughter saw you as a weak coward. Mrs. Sinclair said she helped you to become the man you are today. A successful billionaire.” She stood up and looked down at him for only a second as he quickly stood.
“She had nothing to do with my success. I became the man I am despite her. And I don’t care enough for the miserable woman to bother to threaten her in any way. I have walked away from her, much to her disapproval and I have the scars on my back to prove she was a harsh mistress.” He walked around the desk. “I’ll see you out then, Detective Fontaine.”
He walked down the hall to the elevator as she followed behind him. He pressed the button, and the door opened up. She stepped inside and smiled.
“Be seeing you soon, Mr. Sloan. As soon as we get that warrant.” She gave him a wink just before the doors closed.
Arsen stood staring at the closed doors and cursed silently to himself. He had to get to the club and clean up some things before the police went in there. And he would need help. He knew the one person he could count on, but it really wasn’t what he wanted for her.
He had no choice though!
STEELE
Arsen’s face was unreadable as she got into the car with him.
“How’d it go, Arsen?” she asked as she slid in beside him and buckled her seatbelt.
“Not well, and now it seems I need your help.” He ran his hand over her shoulder and down her arm. “I need you to go with me to, Fierce. It’s Friday, so we have the weekend to get things taken care of before the police manage to get a warrant to search my private room there.”
Her eyes lit up.
“So, you’re taking me there?”
“Yes, I wouldn’t get excited about it if I were you.” He looked past her as they waited at the exit of the parking lot of her apartment complex. A car went by them and he saw the man who’d been at the police station earlier that day and outside his penthouse as well.
“It’s Allen White.”
Steele looked out the dark window and saw him too.
“What’s he doing here?”
Arsen called out to his driver,
“Wait a second, Paul. I need to see where the man in that car that just passed us is going.”
They watched out the window as Allen pulled into the parking spot next to Gwen’s car. He got out and used a key to go into the apartment Gwen shared with Steele.
Steele looked at Arsen.
“Oh my God. Gwen told me she was seeing a new man. It’s him, Arsen!”
“This is not good, Steele. She’s in real danger. We have to go in there. We have to let her know about him.” Arsen looked worried and called out to Paul, “Go back and park, Paul. Steele and I have to stay here until that man leaves. We may have to stay the night.”
Paul turned the Suburban around and took them back. As he opened the door for them, he said, “I’ll stay here, in case anything happens, boss. I can sleep in the car. No problem.”
“Thanks.” Arsen took Steele by the hand and led her back to the apartment. “Your roommate didn’t tell you the guy’s name?”
“She was about to but then you called me.”
“I see. Okay. Well, let’s do this. Let’s try very hard not to let things escalate. We don’t need a scene to be made and the police to be called after all.”
Steele opened the door and found a very surprised Gwen and a not so surprised Allen White. But Allen managed to quickly turn his expression into one of complete joy.
“Well, as I live and breathe, it’s my dear friend and old attorney, Arsen Sloan.” Allen stepped forward and Arsen was taken into the smaller man’s arms in a hug.
Arsen let Steele’s hand go to pat the man’s back and gently push him back. “Allen. How are you doing?” Arsen asked with a smile.
Steele could tell he was playing along with the man. Allen stepped back and ran his arm around Gwen. “I’m doing great, Arsen. Really, great.”
“That’s good to hear. So, when did you get out?” Arsen said. Steele guessed Gwen had no idea she was allowing a horrific murderer to put his hands on her.
Allen’s eyes cut sideways to Gwen and his smile faded. “She doesn’t know about that, Arsen.”
Arsen’s eyebrows raised. “Oh, sorry. It seems I might have let the cat out of the bag. Allow me to explain, Allen.”
Allen nodded. “You’re the one who is so great with words. Go ahead.”
Gwen looked oddly at Arsen. “I’m Gwen, by the way. We’ve actually never been introduced.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Gwen.” Arsen looked back at Steele. “Have anything to drink so we can all sit down and get to know one another, baby?”
Steele moved quickly to the kitchen. “Yes, oh, sorry, Arsen. How rude of me, sorry.”
Gwen’s eyes followed her, and she said, “No reason to get all apologetic, Steele.” She looked back at Arsen. “Is there, Arsen?”
“No, no reason to apologize, Steele.” Arsen took a seat on the sofa and Gwen and Allen sat across from him on the other smaller loveseat in the living room. He looked at Gwen. “I was Allen’s attorney in a murder case. He was accused of kidnapping and torturing his high school math teacher when he was nineteen. After a couple of months of doing that, he killed her. I lost the case, and he went to prison. But it seems as if you managed to get out, Allen. Good for you. How’d that happen?”
“I found our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Arsen,” Allen said as he took Gwen’s hand in his and looked at her. “But you know that, darling.”
“But I didn’t know you killed someone. And tortured and kidnapped.” She pulled her hand from his and stared at him in shock. “That’s a big thing to leave out, Allen.”
Steele appeared with a tray of drinks. “Whiskey Sours, anyone?” She handed Arsen one first and made a little courtesy as she did, something which had Gwen’s frown go even further across her face.
Arsen looked at Steele and made a little head shake. She found herself nervous. After placing the other drinks in front of Gwen and Allen, she took hers and sat next to Arsen. His arm ran around her and she leaned into him.
Allen looked at Gwen and smiled. “I’ve come to terms with what I did and firmly believe the Devil made me do that. With Jesus as my leader I have changed my ways and will no longer be following that terrible path of evil any longer. I’ve made it right with God and the Parole Board, Gwen. You have nothing to fear from me, baby.”
Arsen took a drink and glanced sideways at Steele.
“Well, that’s wonderful to hear, Allen,” he said.
Gwen still looked to be in shock and took a drink.
“So, you’re all better then?”
Allen nodded.
“Better, yes, I’m better. Completely not that guy anymore. I was a kid when I did that anyway. A crazy kid who listened to too much hard rock. The Devil got into me with his Devil music and turned me into his pawn. I’m looking into suing those rock bands I listened to back then.” He looked at Arsen. “Say, you couldn’t help me out with that could you?”
“Suing old rock bands?” Arsen asked in surprise.
“Yeah, you know those guys who let the Devil into my soul and robed me of years of my life. Those guys. Could you help me sue them all?” Allen smiled.
Arsen shook his head.
“Um, I’m not that kind of lawyer, sorry Allen.”
“Perhaps you could refer one for me. I’d really appreciate it if you could help me. You have to recall that I told you the Devil was in my head back then.” Allen took a little sip and looked at Arsen intently.
“I do, I recall you telling me that would be a great defense. I don’t remember you saying anything about suing the people who made the music you listened to though
,” Arsen said.
“I came up with that later.” Allen looked at Gwen. “Honey, our kids can’t ever listen to that stuff, promise me.”
Steele had the glass to her lips as he said that and she spit the drink out and choked on the liquid.
“God! Sorry! What did you say? Kids? When you have kids? How the fuck close are you two? Shit, sorry!”
Her hand flew over her mouth and she looked at Arsen with wide eyes. He tapped the top of her thigh.
“I’ll let that slide, Steele.”
Steele nodded and looked down for a brief second then she looked at Gwen who was glaring at her. “We are very close, Steele. And why are you apologizing yet again?”
“I’m trying to stop cursing that’s all,” Steele said and took another drink.
Gwen’s glare moved to Arsen then back to Steele. “You see, Allen is a Christian man, and he doesn’t want to sin so he has asked me to marry him because he doesn’t believe in having sex without being married. He also doesn’t believe in birth control. He believes we should have every child God gives us. We’ve talked extensively on the subject.”
“You left that out when we were talking a while ago, Gwen.” Steele said. “So where’s the engagement ring and when’s the wedding?” She glared at her roommate.
“There’s no ring,” Allen said as he smiled at Gwen. “Those are for people who need to show the world they’re married. We only need God to know that. And as soon as I find us a place to live, I’m going to marry us myself as I am an ordained minister.”
Steele rolled her eyes and looked at Arsen. He tapped her leg and said, “Well, seems like you’re really doing great, Allen. Um, it’s been a long day and I have some things to talk to Steele about in private. We’ll be staying the night here in her bedroom.” He got up and Steele quickly followed.
Gwen watched them leave the room as they all exchanged good nights. Steele smiled at her as she walked by.
“Happy for you, Gwen.”
“You too,” Gwen said as she looked up at her friend. “You two have a good night now.”
Steele’s stomach was in knots as she led Arsen to her bedroom. She closed the door behind them and whispered.
“That guy’s crazy. I can’t see how Gwen doesn’t see it.”
Arsen nodded and pulled her to the bed. He sat down and pulled her to sit next to him. He kept his voice quiet as he said, “He isn’t all there. I’m sure you can tell that. We have to get her away from him. I’m positive he’s the killer. I mean why else would he be here with her? How’d they meet?”
“I don’t know. She didn’t tell me.”
“Go and get a glass of water and ask them, but make it simple, you know not obvious that you’re looking for information,” he said.
She nodded and left the room. Gwen and Allen had moved to opposite sofas. Steele smiled.
“Just getting Arsen some water. Hey, how did you two meet anyway?”
Gwen smiled.
“He almost hit me with his car as I was walking to get into mine in the parking lot.”
“Oh, glad he stopped in time.” Steele said with a little laugh. “What parking lot?”
“Ours, right out there. He was visiting an old friend at one of the apartments down from ours.” Gwen said.
Steele smiled.
“What a crazy coincidence, huh?”
Allen looked at her.
“God always finds a way.”
Gwen nodded and Steele just kept on smiling.
“That’s so true, Allen. So true. Well, good night again.”
She started to go back down the hallway when Gwen stopped her.
“You’re forgetting Arsen’s water, Steele. You don’t want him to get angry with you and punish you for not bringing him his water do you?”
Steele spun around and gave Gwen a dirty look. Then Allen said, “Oh, I know all about Arsen and his dom/sub stuff. It’s all over the news with the murders he’s accused of. Don’t worry, I’m not judging you guys. That’s between you and God after all. Better hurry though, he’s probably adding up the spankings your about to get. You did curse, and that has to be a big one for him.”
Steele was embarrassed and somewhat pissed.
“He said he was letting that one slide,” she said as her cheeks burned and she went to get the glass of water.
She overheard Allen say to Gwen in a quiet voice, “I don’t know how your roommate can do that to herself, she sounds smart. She seems so confident and didn’t you say she was in school to become a criminal lawyer?”
Steele took the water and went to her bedroom, feeling like a fool. She couldn’t explain even to herself why she was so ready to be submissive to Arsen.
She went into the bedroom and right away when Arsen saw her expression he knew something was wrong. He got up and pulled her into his arms.
“What has you so sad, baby?”
There was no way she was telling him she was feeling ashamed of herself for being his sub and yet she knew it was part of their contract for her always to be honest with him about all things and that above all else.
Tears filled her eyes as she looked up at him.
“With it all over the news about you and your lifestyle, I told Gwen about us and our contract.”
“You did?” He frowned. “How did that go?”
She shook her head.
“Not well. As you can imagine.”
“Hmmm. I might like this Gwen. She seems to have your best interests at heart. It’s what makes a good friend. So why the long face now? I mean you told her earlier, and you didn’t wear this sad face.” He pulled her to the bed and sat her on his lap.
“When I was pouring the water I suppose Allen didn’t think I could hear him and he said I seemed too confident and smart to do this to myself.” She looked down and sniffled.
“You are. The nut-job is right about that.” He pushed a piece of her dark hair back and touched her chin, pulling it gently up so she had to look at him. “Tell me how you liked the way we spent today?”
“It was different, but that’s okay. I mean, I’ll get used to it and I don’t really feel demeaned in any way. Not really.” She searched his eyes to see if there was anything in them that told her he was really okay with her talking like this.
His dark eyes were soft, and he smiled at her.
“How’d you enjoy calling me Master during dinner?”
She’d hated it, and she knew he could read her like a book. “You tell me.”
He smiled. “It wasn’t a thing you wanted to do. You see, that lifestyle is for people who want that in their lives. Need it for one reason or another. It’s not about making someone do what they don’t want to. I’m just realizing that now, myself.”
“But it’s how you want things. How you want to live and I want to be with you.” She nearly ran her arms around his neck then stopped herself. “Can I…”
Arsen put his finger against her lips. “Don’t ask. For tonight let’s do what I asked you to do with me. Let’s leave the dom/sub stuff off the table for tonight. Do whatever you want. Tonight, I want us to make love. Show me how much you love me and I’ll show you. No rules, just you and me showing how much we love each other.”
“Really? Are you sure?” she asked as her eyes shined with the knowledge he was allowing her in so much further than she dreamt possible.
“I’m sure.” His hand grazed her cheek. “I love you, Steele.” His lips touched hers and the kiss was so gentle it felt as if silk was drifting over them.
His hands moved over her arms, lightly and left electricity in their wake. Steele found herself more nervous than she’d ever been with him. The fact this was only the second time the man had ever made love was weighing heavily on her. The first time had ended so badly, she was afraid he might have a flashback to that terrible day.
When she looked into his eyes though, any fear she had disappeared as she saw more love in them than she’d ever seen before.
ARSEN
&nbs
p; Arsen laid Steele back and began to pull her clothes away. Piece by piece, he took them off and ran his hands over her smooth and satiny skin. He wanted to take every last bit of her in. Relish her beauty and see her for who she truly was.
Steele had been bending for him so hard he was afraid she was about to break.
“You are perfect, Steele.” He kissed her neck and trailed kisses to her mouth.
Her arms ran around his neck and she held him to her. He so seldom allowed her to touch him when they had sex. The urge to take her hands and hold them over her head was one that he had to fight.
Arsen focused on the way he was kissing her. Slow strokes his tongue was making against hers. He ran his hands through her long hair and again found himself fighting the urge to pull it.
He pulled away from her and stood up, looking at her as he undressed. She ran her hand over one breast and smiled at him. Slowly he undressed, trying to gain control over his dominating instincts.
Finally, naked he stood there and when she held her hand out to him, he took it and climbed onto the small bed with her. It had been so long since he allowed himself to have real feelings.
Slowly he trailed his fingers over her breast, he leaned down and took it in his mouth. Making lazy circles with his tongue, he sucked it gently. Her hands ran over his head and she moaned softly.
He almost smacked her on the side of her ass, but stopped himself and ran his hand over her hip instead. Softly, she ran her hands over his back and he tensed as it triggered a memory.
He pulled his mouth away from her breast and looked at her. It was Steele he was with, not Beth. No one was about to break the door down and start beating the hell out of him.
The way she looked at him made his heart pound. She ran her hand over his cheek and he took it and kissed it. He smiled, weakly.
“You have no idea how hard this is for me, Steele.”
“Lie down, Arsen,” she said as she sat up.
Mallory Page 77
