For the Sub

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen

Lost in his outrageous commands, Brandy closed her eyes and thrust, gyrating frantically, imagining the scene exactly as he said.

The idea of never being allowed another orgasm compelled her complete obedience.

He played with her clit, and water splashed everywhere, and neither of them were concerned.

“Oh, heavens! Sir!”

He rubbed her harder, then he shoved three fingers deep inside her pussy, stretching her wide, driving her mad.

“Come, beautiful Brandy. Gush all over me.”

Unbound, whimpering, she did.

On and on, he finger-fucked her, holding her in place, and a second climax claimed her.

When she’d ridden that crest, she crashed back to earth, her energy drained. Her body vibrated, and her knees weakened.

As always, he was there for her, turning off the water while still managing to support her weight, then sweeping her against him.

“Such a good sub.” With his soothing words, he dried her off, then he reached for a robe that he’d placed on the vanity and wrapped it around her.

“I bet you’re ready for something to eat.”

Maybe when I can think straight.

“Some champagne, perhaps?”

“That might be nice.” Because of her relationship with Reyes, she wasn’t gaga over the finer things like she used to be. But this, on a Friday afternoon, after recovering from shattering orgasms and while enjoying delicious food with her temporary Dominant, a glass of something to relax with sounded perfect.

Naked, he led the way into the main part of the suite, uncorked the bubbly, and poured them each a glass.

He offered the first to her before picking up the second and angling it toward her. “Thank you for joining me.”

“Sir…” Inexplicably, her eyes filled with tears. “After that, I’m not sure I would have wanted to miss it.” And to tell the truth, even without the sex, his gifts for her pets would have been enough.

She mentally sighed.

There was a deeper truth here that she didn’t want to admit even to herself.

If her presence really meant something to him, she might not have been able to refuse him.

Part of her yearned to make him happy.

Which could well be detrimental to her own well-being.

Even as she took the first sip, Gregorio’s warnings once more clanged in her brain.

Maybe stupidly, she shoved them aside.

“I’m going to take a quick shower. Make yourself comfortable.”

She nodded. “Thank you.”

While he was in the bathroom, she wandered to the bedroom to unpack, and she hung her dress next to his tuxedo in the wardrobe.

Her mouth watered at the idea of seeing him in it. On so many different levels, he appealed to her, and this was just one more way to add to the dynamic fire he lit in her. At least for tonight, he was all hers.

That small task completed, Brandy returned to the living room.

Suddenly realizing she’d eaten very little today, she selected a piece of cheese that had a toothpick sticking out of it.

She enjoyed her snack near the window, admiring the view. Could life get any better?

Then it did.

“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” Master Niles said, joining her with only a towel wrapped around his lean hips.

“I started without you,” she said, indicating the food. “I apologize.”

“No need.”

Together they returned to their small, makeshift buffet, and they each filled a plate.

“This whole experience…you’re spoiling me.”

“You deserve it.”

She slid onto a chair at the bar, and he sat next to her.

“Thank you for being here.”

“When you get the credit card bill, you might not be so pleased.”

“Oh, I think I will.”

A cherry tomato halfway to her mouth, she paused. He was looking at her with those all-knowing hazel eyes. And she knew he meant what he said.

“Your massage is at two,” he said. “Don’t worry about the tip. It’s been taken care of.”

“Really, Sir—”

“Please.” He placed a finger on her lips. “Let me. You’re going to earn this.”

“Is your aunt that horrible?”

“Worse than you can imagine.” He shuddered.

She laughed and popped the tomato in her mouth. “Can I bill stuff to the room?” She glanced at the tray. “After what you just said, I may need more chocolate.”

He brushed his fingertips across her jawbone. “Anything you want, Brandy.”

“Anything?” She glanced at his towel.

“Especially that.”

When she reached for him, he captured her hand. “Later.”

She sighed.

“I have work to do, and you have a massage and pedicure scheduled. Insatiable wench.”

After checking the clock, she excused herself to get dressed.

“I’ll see you back here for cocktails,” he said.

He kissed her before she left the room.

In a way, she wished he hadn’t done that.

With his behavior, it would be so easy to think they had a relationship, so easy to believe in forever and happily ever afters.

Things that didn’t exist for her.

No matter how much she wanted them to.

“Brandy?” he called from the living room.

“Sir?” she shouted back.

“Slap your pretty cunt a couple of times for me. I want you thinking about me all afternoon.”

As if she could do anything else.

“Do it now. Before I come in there, tie you up, and use my belt on you…”

She didn’t answer. Couldn’t.

Because his terrible-sounding threat was suddenly the thing she craved most…

* * * *

Brandy spent the afternoon being pampered and telling herself not to fall in love with Master Niles while alternately praying it wasn’t already too late.

When she returned to the room, her body feeling like melted butter from the massage, he was standing in the living room and talking on the phone.

Captivated by this new side of him, she remained just inside the doorway and took him in.

Wearing the same wool slacks as he had earlier, this man didn’t at all resemble the Niles who’d cooked burgers at her house or driven her to her friends’ diner for breakfast.

Nor would anyone recognize him as the Dom who put subs into the strictest bondage imaginable on video.

As he spoke on, his tone was clipped, not at all like anything she’d ever heard from him.

With her, with models and actresses, he could be gruff. With the people at her party, he’d been conversational. But now, he sounded as if he were negotiating to buy a small country.

Giving him a quick smile, and not wanting to be guilty of eavesdropping, she indicated that she was going to take a bath.

He shook his head and beckoned her to join him.

Obediently, excitedly, she went.

While he talked, he lifted the hem of the skirt she’d worn downstairs.

After pressing a finger to her lips, warning her to be quiet, he stroked between her legs.

Despite his warning, she gasped.

He couldn’t mean…

But he did.

While totally focused on his call, he slipped a finger inside her panties to find her clit.

Desperately, not trusting herself to be totally silent, she clamped her hand over her mouth.

Within moments, she had to squeeze her eyes shut, trying to block out as many of her overwhelming sensations as possible.

As she rocked back and forth, he continued his motions, and her body went limp as an orgasm unexpectedly overtook her.

Her knees weakened, and because he was occupied and couldn’t hold her, she grabbed one of his shoulders for support.

When she finally looked at him, he grinned.

He was impossible.

Instead of pulling his hand away, he spanked her pussy several times, making her whimper.

No doubt he’d punish her for not being silent later—despite the fact he’d caused her to make the tiny sounds.

After letting out a small breath, she smiled at him, conveying her gratitude.

He nodded sharply, dismissing her.

D/s.

She wouldn’t want her life any other way.

Now that she was completely out of energy, she made her way to the bedroom, where she discarded her clothing, then snagged her robe on the way to the oversize bathtub.

Maybe fifteen minutes later, when he walked in, she was soaking up to her chin, feeling grateful the hot water heater hadn’t run out like it might have at her house.

“Mind if I join you?” he asked, wearing nothing other than a towel.

It hadn’t taken her long to learn there was no such thing as privacy with this Dom. If she were truthful with herself, she’d admit that was one of the things she enjoyed most about him.

“You do know what day this is?”

“Friday,” she said. “Why?”

“We talked about you bathing me becoming a weekly, perhaps Friday night ritual.”

“I recall.” Warmth spread through her. “And if you want me to, Sir, of course I will.”

“But you look too relaxed to move.”

Barely lifting her head, she grinned at him. “It’s your fault for treating me like a princess.”

“I’ll treat you like something else after the event,” he said.

“Is that a promise, Sir?”

“Most certainly is.”

She exhaled her satisfaction. “Mmm.” He filled her every submissive desire.

“Can I get you another champagne?”

“Only if you want my undying gratitude.”

“I’ll take that as a yes.” He produced a glass from behind his back.

“You’re full of tricks, Master Niles.” With a squeal of delight, she accepted it and took a sip.

“And now,” he said dramatically, “for my next trick…”

He dropped the towel.

His cock was erect, and it made her suck in a breath. “That’s hardly a trick, Master Niles. It seems like it’s more of an everyday occurrence. Maybe every hour.”

“A little appreciation, if you please, beautiful Brandy?”

“It’s definitely impressive, even if it happens all the time,” she replied with a giggle.

He left the room for a moment only to return with a glass for himself. Then he climbed into the tub with her.

“You don’t have work to do?” she asked, moving to make room for him.

“Nothing is more important than spending time with you.” He took a drink from the flute he’d brought for himself. “How was your afternoon?”

“Amazing, Sir. Thank you. I’m honestly not sure I’ve ever been this relaxed in my entire life.”

“I’d say you’ve earned it.”

“And yours?”

“Glad you returned when you did. I was getting frustrated, and masturbating you helped.”

“Did it?”

“Most definitely.” He considered her. “You were the distraction I needed.”

She warmed, from the outside in.

“At any rate, I had information on my website, or at least I thought I did, but my potential client couldn’t find it.”

“A few days ago, I sent you an email through there, thanking you, letting you know you were wearing me down.”

“If it had been working correctly, I would have responded.”

“You should let your webmaster know you have an issue.”

“I think I just did.”

“I…” She blinked. “What?”

“Write up a contract. You’re hired.”

“You’re—”

“Serious,” he finished. “Yes I am.”

“You don’t know my price.” If she weren’t in the tub, she’d be doing a jig in the bathroom. That wouldn’t be professional, but then again, neither was negotiating a deal while soaking up to her neck in lavender-scented bubbles.

“I saw your mock-ups. I think I told you I was impressed not only with what you did, but the fact you took the initiative.”

She tried not to squeal. Adding his company to her résumé would give her some much-needed credentials.

Emboldened by his enthusiasm, she gave him her hourly rate—one much more than she usually charged.

He blinked, but she didn’t back down. “And a deposit so we can get started right away.”

“You drive a tough bargain.”

“What’s the cost of business you lose?” she countered.

With a sigh, he relented. “Sold.”

“Yes!” Unable to contain her excitement, she leaned forward to give him a kiss, soaring when his eyes darkened.

“That was unprofessional, wasn’t it, Sir?”

“So was finger-fucking you while I was on the phone.”

Almost everything between them was unconventional.

“But it made a difference. I signed the deal.”

“Wahoo!” They clinked their glasses together, then she gave him another kiss.

“You’re a good luck charm. Every time I have an important meeting, I will need to have you lie on your back on my desk and play with yourself.”

Rather than scandalizing her, his wicked suggestion aroused her.

“Or maybe I could get a massive dildo and fuck you with it.”

“Or maybe…” She met his gaze. “I could give you a blow job.”

“Yeah.” His eyes darkened. “You’re definitely hired.”

Oh, Sir.

This teasing might be too much for her heart.

He always talked about a future that they would likely never share.

“Red.”

Confused by what he’d just said, Brandy blinked. “Red?”

“Betting you chose red for your toenails.”

She grinned. “How in the world do you do that? Juggle twenty things in your mind at once? And I take it that’s the end of the business discussion.”

“Am I right?”

She lifted her right foot.

“With a flower on the big toe. I wouldn’t have guessed that.”

“Do you like it?” Trying to gauge his reaction, she studied him. “I hope you do. You paid for it.”

“Ms. Hess, no matter what you chose, it would have been perfect.”

Instead of letting her emotions spiral out of control, she reined them in.

After taking another sip, he took Brandy’s flute and set both glasses aside before pulling her against his chest.

She was straddling him, and she felt his erection.

Brandy expected him to enter her, and she would have liked that, but he didn’t, opting to wrap her in his arms.

In that moment, she felt safe, protected, as if the two of them could take on the world.

Ridiculousness—her practical side warned.

She could make her own way in the world, and how foolish would it be to fall for a man who’d sworn never again to risk his heart? Especially when they moved in two separate worlds.

“I’m glad you’re here,” he said.

“Me too.”

“As much as I’d like to stay like this, we’re expected to meet my aunt.”

“Are we?” Reluctantly, she eased away.

“An early dinner, if that’s okay?”

Though she was a little nervous, she nodded. “I’ll get ready.”

They disentangled, and he climbed from the tub first, then he offered her a towel.

When she refused it, he grinned. “Good girl.”

His expression turned to a frown when she wrapped herself in the robe again.

“I’d keep you naked if I could.”

“And chained to a wall?”

He drew his eyebrows together, as if seriously considering the idea. “That could work.”

She laughed.

While she dressed, Master Niles excused himself to the living room to answer a few emails.

Less than ten minutes later, he returned with the bottle of champagne and topped off her glass as she styled her hair.

“I’ll be honest,” he said. “I had more work to do, but I wanted to look at you.”

She tilted her glass toward him in acknowledgment. “Now, Sir, get out of here, otherwise we’ll keep your aunt waiting.”

“At this point, I’m willing to take the risk.”

Making a good impression mattered to her. “Out,” she said, closing the door behind him.

Half an hour later, she smoothed down the front of her dress then slipped into the stilettos and joined him in the living area.

From his place by the window, backlit by the setting sun, he looked up.

His jacket hung from one of the barstools, and the sleeves of his white shirt were turned back. The ends of his tie hung loose.

To her, in this disheveled state, he’d never looked more dashing.

“Turn around,” he instructed.

Slowly, she did so, her dress swaying with each movement.

When she faced him again, he said, “Stunning. Everything I imagined and more.” He held out a hand, and she went to him. “I know that you being here was a big ask. So please accept my sincere thanks.” With that, he kissed her hand.

She lowered her gaze then glanced up at him through her lashes. “I’m happy, if you’re happy. Thank you. For everything.”

“I have a gift for you,” he said.

“You’ve done too much as it is, Sir. I can’t possibly—”

“Indulge me.” After releasing her hand, he went behind the bar.

He returned carrying a jeweler’s box.

Her eyes widened.

Shaking her head, she took an instinctive step back. “Sir, no. Really, I can’t accept anything else.”

“Open it,” he said, voice brooking no argument.

“But—”

“I hope you like it.”

Her heart stopped as she accepted the gift and removed the lid.

A silver necklace lay there, its pendant a circle.

Immediately she recognized the triskelion, an ancient Celtic symbol, and she knew it’s significance, representing BDSM.

Friends and acquaintances who knew him as Master Niles would also garner its meaning. Others, though, would think it was nothing more than a stylish piece of jewelry. “Master Niles, I’m speechless.”

“Thank you is the customary response when you receive a present,” he said wryly.

“It’s more than a gift,” she said.

It wasn’t a collar. It wasn’t gold. And there were no diamonds.

But still, it meant something to him. To them both.

“It will look beautiful with the dress.”

“You’re right about that.” The neckline called out for adornment, and now she realized why he’d selected this particular dress.

“It doesn’t have to mean anything more than you want it to. It’s a stunning accessory. It also says you’re with me. I want you to know how much you mean to me. And I want you to wear it, but I’ll understand if you choose not to.”

With him standing so close, she could hardly think.

Though she ached to feel the weight of the jewelry on her, she worried about its implications.

He’d never suggested they make their relationship anything more than friendship, and even if he did, she wouldn’t accept.

“What do you say, Brandy? Will you wear the triskelion for me?”