by Piper Stone
“Oh, okay. Sure thing. He’s here.”
Shannon rubbed her eyes.
“Talk to me, girl. What is happening?” Wendy folded her arms.
Shannon shook her head. “It’s not pretty.”
“It never is with you,” Wendy teased.
“Shannon?” Bruce asked, coming on the line.
Did she hear an odd inflection in the tone? “Yeah, sorry to bother you. I can’t seem to get ahold of David, and I have a couple of questions to ask him. Is he there?” There was a definite hesitation. “Did I lose you?”
“I’m here. Look, David doesn’t want to talk right now,” Bruce said quietly.
“He said that?” Shannon’s blood ran cold.
“Not in so many words, but he’s behind closed doors refusing to talk to anyone.”
“What is going on?” Wendy leaned over the desk, her look imploring.
Shannon waved her off. “Bruce, I need to try and talk to him. Something happened, and I was, well… He probably took something out of context and I want to clear the air. I need to talk to him.”
“Shannon, I know what happened. I know. Just give David some space, okay? Time and space.” Bruce suggested.
There was such strain in his voice. “It’s not what you think and we’re going away on a trip. I need to talk to him.”
“I promise I’ll mention you called. That’s the best I can do.”
“Bruce, please.” Now, she was begging his partner. “You know me very well. I was just out doing business and I…”
“Shannon. I’ll tell him you called. I have a client coming in. I need to go.” Bruce ended the call.
Shannon held out the phone and shook her head. “My marriage might be over.”
“What? What is going on? David is really being this much of an asshole about the promotion?” Wendy scoffed.
“He doesn’t know about it yet and there is no way I can tell him now. None. I did something stupid last night and I think he believes I’m having a full-fledged affair.”
“You were out with Mr. Cooke, weren’t you? Going over details?”
“Yep.” Shannon sucked in her breath. What could she do or say to get him to listen?
“You were just talking business.”
Shannon gave her a look.
“Wait a minute. Is there more to this story?”
She eyed the open door and lowered her voice. “Let’s just say we have a little history together. It was way before David, but still, it’s there.”
“Jameson Cooke? Are you freaking kidding me?” Wendy’s eyes opened wide.
“Shh… I don’t need this flying around the rumor mill.”
Wendy promptly walked toward the door, taking long strides. After closing it, she turned around and tsked her finger. “You aren’t sleeping with the boss, are you?”
“Been there, done that, the tee shirt is flaming red in color.” Shannon cringed.
“Why flaming red?”
“Because… because it was during a holiday Christmas party and I rode him on top of his desk.”
“What?” Wendy blinked furiously. “The doors don’t lock.”
“I know.” Shannon could feel the heat rising on her neck.
“You naughty little vixen. Mmm… Can’t say I could resist him myself.” Wendy licked her lips. “Seriously, though. What did you do?”
“I stayed out until two in the morning with him and I can’t remember half of what we talked about because I was intoxicated. So much so he had to drive me home. I have no doubt how it appears to David.”
“But you were talking about business. Right?”
“Initially,” Shannon nearly whispered.
“Initially? I don’t like the sound of this. What happened?”
Shannon moved from around her desk. “I remember a kiss. I’m hoping that’s all.”
“Hoping? This isn’t like you at all. You don’t lose control with anything or anyone. Is this the DD trip you’re going on? Is that what’s bothering you so much?”
“It’s not that. It’s…” She didn’t want to talk about Mark, didn’t need to have the past dredged up yet again. Mark had fucked up so many lives and she refused to allow him to continue to do so. “I used poor judgment. Let’s just leave it at that. I really want to go on this trip. I think once both David and I get comfortable in our respective skins, with him as Head of Household, things will be much better between us. I truly do.”
“I agree. Jim and I went through a more traditional boot camp when we first switched to a domestic discipline lifestyle. It was brutal and I hated everything about the experience at the time, but damn if the harsh practices didn’t work. We came back refreshed and so much in love. To this day, I swear by the process, no matter how much negativity the course gets in the press.”
“Everything I’ve read about Stephen Robbins has been amazing.”
“Then this course should really help. My suggestion is you go home right now and prepare for a harsh whipping,” Wendy said as she pointed her finger.
Shannon nodded. “I would if David would just talk to me.”
“He’s a man. You know how they can be. Soothe the savage beast. Take the bull by the horns.”
“Meaning?”
“Don’t wait for him to initiate this. You acted impetuously, childish even.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Shannon growled.
“You know I’m right. Go home and offer up several of his favorite spanking implements, text him and let him know you are waiting for punishment. When he’s home, you either are standing in a corner, on your knees or over pillows on the bed so he understands completely you are submitting to his authority. At minimum, he’ll be very encouraged that you’re initiating and offering to take punishment so readily.”
“I don’t know. I have work to do and he’s not that easy to read with this stuff.”
Wendy slapped her hand on top of the desk. “This stuff? Come on, Shannon. You are either ready to completely turn over control, total power exchange, or you’re merely playing at this. I personally think David’s strife is that he knows you’re not giving up the reins. You are controlling and dominating in all aspects of business, shared moments with friends and family. How could he think you’re going to give up control? I wouldn’t. I honestly don’t think you have it in you.”
Grabbing and tossing a handful of paperclips, Shannon grinned. “You’re fired.”
“I quit.”
“You leave I kick your ass.” Shannon knew Wendy had a damn good point or five. She’d pushed back every time David had tried to take more control. He’d been patient with her, supportive of all that she was going through. All she’d done was give him lip. Then this bullshit. “You’re right.”
“Of course, I am. Go and do this only if you’re ready for absolute TPE.”
“Total Power Exchange, huh? That makes me sound like I’ll be his submissive.”
Wendy wagged her finger. “Exactly. I’m beginning to see more of that need in you, to completely submit. First things first. You have to search your inner soul about this. You’re tense and fearful of letting go.”
“I…” Shannon couldn’t deny the words. “Yeah, I am. I don’t know why.”
“I think you do and what needs to happen is you need to talk to David. You have to open up and this trip you’re going on is about letting all the ugliness from the past go. Completely. You can both be yourselves without fear of retribution in any manner.”
“I have to get him convinced to go on the trip first.”
“Then do it and start right now. That’s an order.”
Shannon smiled and grabbed her things. “You’re a great friend and a nearly perfect assistant.”
“Too bad you suck at being a boss,” Wendy chortled.
“You are so pushing to get fired. I have one thing left to do, then come hell or high water, I am convincing my husband to go on this trip with me. Period.”
“Good girl.”
&nbs
p; Good girl, indeed. What Shannon did remember from the night before curdled her blood. Jameson was still here, pouring over details of the expansion project and had taken over his old office, the one in which… “God.” She headed down the long hallway and stood in front of the door for a full minute before knocking.
“Come in.”
His voice was booming, all powerful. Damn him. Twisting the knob, she walked in, wearing a plastic smile. “Jameson. I wanted to speak with you before I left for my trip.”
“So, he’s decided that you’re going then?” Jameson stood.
She could detect a hint of disappointment in his voice. “Of course, we’re going. We had a disagreement and worked through our issues.”
“Well, I’m very happy for you.”
“So am I. About the promotion.”
“I’m glad you’re going to accept. I can tell you that…”
“Stop,” Shannon interrupted. “I didn’t come here to completely accept, no matter what we talked about last night or even this morning.”
Jameson moved from around his desk, closing the distance. “I see. You’re looking for more money. You’re turning out to be a very good negotiator. I’ll have to keep that in mind. How about another twenty thousand on top for salary and another week of vacation? Would that do for starters?”
Maybe she should take this out for a serious spin. “I appreciate the additional perks. I really do, but it’s more that I need more time to answer you.”
“You have until Tuesday. We can probably stretch until Wednesday.”
She shook her head. “That’s not going to do it. I need until the day I return to work. It’s a deal breaker.” The look on his face was priceless. “Plus, I’ll take the additional income, of course, and I’d like a company car.” Might as well throw out everything she could think of. “And an expense account.”
Jameson’s eyes sparkled. “A very good negotiator. All right. You can have everything, but I want an answer on the day of your return by nine in the morning. As a matter of fact, I’ll be here that day to talk with you personally, so don’t make any plans. I am going to assume you’ll say yes with open arms. Then we’ll have a lot of planning to do. You’ll be spending long hours with me working by my side. Make certain your husband is well aware of this fact.”
What an arrogant bastard. “Oh, I will. He’ll know every detail from now on.” Giving him a huge grin, she took a step back and looked him all the way up and down, allowing her eyes to linger over his crotch. Two could play at the sexual harassment game.
“Very well, Shannon.”
She took another step backwards before turning around. “One thing. What happened between us last night will never happen again. I want that very clear to you. Very clear.” When he didn’t say anything, she fought the instinctive urge to turn around. She could tell he was coming closer to her. When he was directly behind her, she could feel his hot breath.
“And I’ll make this promise to you, Shannon. Before the year is out, you’re going to be my submissive, totally and completely. That’s what you crave, what your mind and body need, and you know as well as I do, I’m the only man who can control you.”
Shannon was shocked, but almost instantly, her body reacted to the brazen words. She was wet and hot all over. The man had managed to see into her inner core. As she walked to the door, without saying another word, she envisioned being collared and leashed. Now she was shaking all over.
Chapter 5
David rested his head in his hands, completely unsure of what he was going to do. He’d sat in his car watching the man leaning against the doorjamb, knowing this was more than some business conversation. The guy had a look on his face that David knew well, one that screamed possession. To be so blatant, and at their home was… How could he be thinking this way? He couldn’t help feeling betrayed, devastated. After all, she’d come home drunk, without her car and reeking of men’s cologne as well as alcohol. He had to admit he was shocked she’d go this far. Where had they both gone so wrong? Unable to concentrate he rose from his chair, glanced at his watch and walked toward the window. He’d impetuously told her there’d be no trip, but he wanted to go. This was the last resort. Sadly, there wasn’t a doubt in his mind.
Sighing, he rested his head against the glass. When he heard his door open, he snarled. “I said zero interruptions. Zero!”
“Whoa, buddy. I might start thinking anger management here.”
He turned toward Bruce and shook his head. “I’m sorry. I really am.”
“All right. Look. We need to talk,” Bruce stated as he closed the door.
“I don’t want to discuss the state of my marriage any further.”
“Well, you’re going to listen then. Shannon called looking for you and I can tell she’s very upset.”
“I guess so with me telling her the trip is off.”
Bruce raised his eyebrow. “You need to go, and you know it. You have to have time together to figure all of this out.”
“I don’t need to figure anything out to know my marriage is toast,” David hissed.
“Stop it. What I told you I shouldn’t have.”
“What you told me only added fuel. Seeing her in the arms of another man, no matter what they were doing or not doing, is just another part of this.”
“I think you and I both know there’s more to this story. I got to thinking about where I’d seen her ex before,” Bruce insisted.
“It doesn’t matter where you’ve seen him,” David countered. “An affair is an affair.”
“As in Anastasia? As in the woman you were pretty close to snacking on yourself?”
“That was different.” David shot him a look. His friend merely remained quiet. “Okay. You’re right. I’m just at a loss for what to do.”
“It’s called communication. Ever hear of it?” Bruce moved closer. “You two have been sparring for months. The bit with Anastasia and what was boy toy’s name?”
“Zach or Zeke or… Hell, I don’t know.”
“It was just a symptom of what’s really going on between you two. You’re both trying desperately to figure all of this out. You must realize that. Even your thick skull should be able to get it. She loves you and you love her. Period.”
“You don’t get it. Do you?” David was filled with anger.
“What is there to get?” Bruce huffed as he moved closer. “You love each other. You’ve told me a thousand times, if not more, she’s the only woman you can ever love and the one who can soothe you, calm you. You know it.”
David heard what he was saying. He was enraged, but at himself, for almost tossing away the best things that had ever happened to him. “I don’t know how to open up to her.”
“What are you afraid of if you do?”
Tears brimmed his eyes. He took a long look at his best friend, the single man who knew him so well. “I’m terrified she’ll finally see the horrible man I really am.” He could see the hesitation in Bruce’s eyes.
“Why, because of your first wife?”
Bruce had only heard a part of the story because David was far too ashamed to see what he was. “Exactly because of her.”
Bruce shook his head and closed the distance. He placed a firm hand on David’s back. “Whatever you think you are or were, you can’t let it influence decisions you make today.”
“But don’t you understand? Everything I am, the man I turned out to be, is because of horrible decisions I made before.”
“Then don’t make them again.”
The words had never seemed so simple. “How did you get to be so smart?”
“Born that way. Good lookin’ too.”
David burst into laughter. “One out of two ain’t bad.”
Grinning, Bruce nodded toward the phone. “Call her. Don’t be an idiot.”
“You may be right about some things, but what she did last night is reprehensible. I’m not going to give in… that easily, anyway. Besides, she’s texted me all day, left ten m
essages.”
Sniffing, Bruce folded his arms. “What does that tell you, lug head?”
“What’s it supposed to tell me?” David felt the vibration of his phone and heard the subtle chime of an incoming text.
“My God, you are pigheaded. It’s after closing hours. Go the hell home and talk to her. Spank her like a good HOH, but be honest with her and go on this damn trip or I’m going to change the locks.”
David pulled out his phone. The text was short and sweet.
Sir, I was wrong
I am waiting, ready for my punishment
Please come home
“What is it?” Bruce asked.
“A peace offering.”
“Then take it.”
David watched his friend leave and knew, of course, Bruce was right. Somehow, his pride was still getting in the way. He moved back toward the window and studied the way twilight was taking over, usually his favorite time of day. They both deserved better than this.
He grabbed his keys and shut down his computer. As he passed by Bruce’s office, he tapped on the door. “Wish me luck.”
“You don’t need luck, buddy. You just need to let go and talk with her. She needs to understand about the demons you’re carrying around,” Bruce stated.
“Demons.” A chill trickled down his spine.
“I’ve known you a long time. If you don’t tell her what is really going on, you’re going to lose her. Talk to her about the ex. Talk to her about what’s really eating you. And tell her she’s not to blame.”
“And if she leaves me because of the man I truly am?” David could see the concern growing in Bruce’s eyes. They hadn’t talked about his past life, the one he’d been racing away from for years. David had simply begun a new life, perhaps much like Shannon had.
“I did some checking on this ex-husband of hers.”
“You did?”
Bruce nodded. “You were pretty upset.”
“Still am.”
“I hear you. You need to know that Mark Preston was, by all rights, a man on the verge of stardom.”
“Stardom? What are you talking about?”
“Wide receiver for the New England Patriots about thirteen years ago.” Bruce’s eyes flashed.
