Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fourteen
“I hope not.”
He waited.
“It seems we’re having lunch with my mom and her new boyfriend.”
“We are?” He watched her until she fastened the safety belt, then he eased away from the curb.
“Yeah. Sorry. I couldn’t get out of it.”
“I’m looking forward to it. Where are we going?”
“There’s a brew pub at Denver west. Steaks aren’t bad.”
“You’re hungry again?”
“You would be, too, if you’d been beaten.”
“Good point.” The farther west they drove on I-70, the quieter she became. He slid her a quick look. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah. Fine.”
“It’s okay to talk about it.”
“My mom’s getting married.”
“Congratulations?”
“I’ve never met him.”
A little lost by the conversation, he asked, “Is that a prerequisite?”
“You don’t get it,” she said, staring straight ahead.
Rather than argue, he suggested, “Enlighten me?”
“This is so out of character for my mom.” Catrina was silent for so long that he thought she might not answer. “They’ve known each other less than six weeks. In fact, until recently, I didn’t know she was dating. I don’t know anything about him. Hell, she can’t know anything about him. And they’re already shacking up.”
“Meaning, they’re living together?”
“You say that like it’s okay.” She scowled.
“She is an adult, I presume. Of sound mind?”
“I thought so, until this.”
Wondering why it suddenly felt as if he were navigating a minefield, he asked, “What’s your concern?”
“I wish she’d slow down, make sure she’s making wise decisions.”
“You’re assuming she’s not.”
“Whose side are you on, anyway?”
“Yours.” He took her hand. “Always.”
Catrina reclined her seat a little. “She made a disastrous decision with my dad.”
“That was at least twenty-five years ago, unless I’m mistaken.” He waited until she nodded to confirm his guess. “Other than that, does she have a bad track record?”
“No. She’s dated a little, and she’s had some long-term relationships. But that doesn’t mean I like this. What if he’s a gold digger?” She drummed her fingers on the dashboard. “He’s probably trying to take advantage of her. You know, one of those men who drain women and then dump them.”
“I don’t blame you for being concerned.”
“Really?”
He exited the highway at Colfax. At a red light waiting to turn left, he flicked his thumb across her fluttering pulse.
“It’s just sudden. Do you think I’m overreacting?”
“No. I think you care. I think you want her to be as cautious as you’d be.”
“Thanks for that.”
The light turned green, and he accelerated. “Does she know I’m with you?”
“Yes. You’re a business associate whom I’ve known for a few years. We see each other from time to time. Nothing serious.”
“That works.” He nodded. “Close to the truth.”
“Better than telling her you made me strip and kneel before caning me then using your fingers to get me off.”
“Good call.” They exchanged grins, and he saw her vulnerability beneath her tough-girl exterior. He wanted to see that more and more.
Her mother and boyfriend were already seated at a table with large mugs of beer on the table when Catrina and Damien arrived.
“When did you start drinking beer?” Catrina asked with a scowl after introductions were performed.
“I’ve developed quite a taste for it,” Evelyn said.
“So fast?” Catrina kissed her mother on the cheek but limply shook Milton’s hand. Damien pinched her ass before they sat down. “Behave,” he warned against her ear.
Catrina shuddered, but she didn’t protest.
Evelyn, bursting with enthusiasm, started talking about their upcoming wedding plans. The woman surprised him in some ways. Both she and her daughter were tall and slender, but Evelyn was as outgoing and vivacious as Catrina was reserved. It made him double his determination to break through her shell, prove the world wasn’t an unsafe place.
The server dropped off menus and silverware then nodded when Catrina ordered red wine. Damien took Milton’s advice and asked for the house amber ale.
“Traitor,” Catrina whispered.
“Brat,” he responded with a smile. Then he looked at Evelyn. “When’s the big day?”
“In three months,” Evelyn said.
“Three months?” Catrina repeated.
“The chapel isn’t available any earlier than that.”
“Any earlier? You just met,” Catrina responded. “What’s the rush?”
“Young lady, I assure you we don’t have to get married,” Milton said with a grin.
Catrina’s eyes widened.
“Miltey! Behave!” Evelyn scolded, but she ruined it by laughing, and the two clinked their beer glasses together.
“So will it be a large wedding?” Damien asked.
“Small,” Milton said. “Several hundred guests or so.”
Catrina straightened her spine.
“He’s kidding, my Cat,” Evelyn hastened to reassure her. “We’re only inviting those closest to us.”
“How did you meet, anyway?” Catrina asked.
The engaged couple looked at each other, then Milton nodded.
“Miltey and I met online.”
“Oh my God.” Catrina’s face drained of color. “Mom? Don’t you know how dangerous that is?”
“Of course I do.” She scowled. “I joined an online group that has a page where you can ask about men you’re interested in. It’s called Date Him or Dump Him? Let me tell you, the stories I hear. Some men have all the red flags. Like at a circus.”
“I…” Catrina floundered. “Is this really happening right now?”
“What? Did you expect us to say we met playing bingo?” Milton deadpanned.
Damien already liked the man.
“He sent me a flirty little heart icon. And I swiped up.” She frowned. “Or down. Whatever it was.”
“You captured mine the minute I set eyes on you.”
The pair made eye contact as if no one else were there. Catrina played with her rolled-up silverware, her face pale.
Recognizing how difficult this was for her, Damien placed a reassuring hand on her knee. She went still for a moment then, hesitantly, she swirled her fingertips across his knuckles.
How long had it been since he’d had this kind of intimate interaction with a woman?
Had it ever happened?
Less than a minute later, the server dropped off drinks and took food orders.
During their meal, Damien took charge of the conversation, keeping it light, away from the things that were upsetting to Catrina.
“What kind of business are you in, Damien?” Milton asked.
It was his and Catrina’s turn to exchange glances.
“Mostly investments.”
“So, that’s how you and my Cat met?” Evelyn guessed.
“We share similar interests,” he replied as he squeezed Catrina’s thigh.
“Well, Cat, you’re welcome to bring a guest to the wedding.” Evelyn looked at Damien before taking another drink of beer. “Damien can be your plus one. Say you’ll come.”
Catrina’s eyes were wide, and she quickly replied, “Damien’s a busy man, Mother.”
“Well, if you’re free that day, we’d love to have you,” Evelyn said.
Further conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the bill, and he and Milton wrangled for the honor.
As he pulled out his credit card, Damien promised to let Milton pay the next time they all went out.
And he realized he’d enjoy that.
In the restaurant’s foyer, they all exchanged goodbyes and promises to get together again soon, and Evelyn repeated her wedding invitation.
Catching Catrina’s frown, he gave a noncommittal reply.
Finally, outside, his temporary submissive turned her collar up against a sudden burst of wind.
“You didn’t need to pick up the bill. The restaurant could have split it up for us.”
“It was my pleasure.”
“I’ll pay you back,” she said as they walked to the car.
“Don’t piss me off, Catrina.”
She missed a step, and he took her elbow as he bit back his flare of temper.
“It’s okay to let people do things for you.”
“I… I mean…”
“Let me do things for you.”
“That’s…”
“Unusual?” he guessed.
“And…”
He really had thrown her for an emotional loop.
“I like paying for myself.”
“Keeps things more equitable? You don’t owe any man for anything?”
“How do you do that?” She scowled. “Know me so well? Lucky guesses?”
“No.” Damien shook his head. “Putting together the complex puzzle that you are.”
They arrived at the car, and he touched a button to unlock her door, but when she reached for the handle, he curved his hand around her wrist. “Allow me.”
Her shoulders notched up a fraction of an inch.
“I enjoyed myself with your mom and Milton.” He captured a stray lock of her hair that the wind had dislodged. “And with you.”
Slowly he wound the strands around a finger. “When you’re with me, I like taking care of you.”
“But—”
“You will owe me nothing. We’re always equals.” He leaned in a little bit, and her lips were so kissable, temping. “Surely when you’re advising clients, you tell them to be generous, but also to be gracious when others do things for you?”
“That’s different.”
“How so?” When she didn’t respond, he added, “Try saying thank you, and allowing me to show you some appreciation.”
After blinking a couple of times, she nodded. “Thank you. I’ll pay for the next meal.”
“Nice try, Catrina.” He released her hair. “But hell no.” With that, he opened her car door, waited for her to get settled then sealed her inside.
“I’m not used to any of this,” she admitted once they were exiting the parking lot.
“Our two weeks together are about learning. Which is why I won’t give you a spanking for continuing to challenge me on this.”
She shifted in her seat.
At least the argument was over, and they were back in familiar territory.
A few minutes later, he headed west on the interstate.
They were nearing Lookout Mountain before she spoke again. “Do they still do that part in a wedding ceremony where the minister asks if anyone objects when a couple gets married?”
“I’m afraid not.”
“What harm is there in them waiting until they know each other better?”
“How long is that?” he asked.
She tugged on her safety belt. “I don’t know.”
“A year? Five years?”
“Longer than a few weeks.”
“If it’s right, it’s right. Time doesn’t make a lot of difference when it comes to matters of the heart. You can know in two weeks if you want to be with someone. And you can still be uncertain after five years.”
“After our earlier conversation, I hadn’t figured you were a romantic.”
“More of a realist,” he countered.
She wrinkled her nose. “I’m not sure how you consider that realistic.”
“Doesn’t it somewhat depend on how they spent their time together? What if they’ve been talking? Sharing their secrets and dreams.” He paused. “Being intimate.”
“Eww. If you mention the fact my mother may be having sex, I promise you that I will wash your mouth out with soap.”
“If they are living together, it makes sense that they’re doing the—”
“No.” She put her hands over her ears. “Just…no.”
He chuckled.
After a deep breath, she nodded. “I’ll talk to her about protecting her financial interests. Maybe I’ll suggest a prenuptial agreement. I have a couple of lawyers I can recommend.”
“Or consider the possibility she knows what she’s doing.”
She exhaled. “You don’t ask much.”
“Look, Catrina. She raised you to be a strong, capable woman. I think she did okay.”
“I’m not sure what to say about that. I think it’s supposed to be a compliment.”
“Do you think you’d be able to change your mother’s mind?”
“About Miltey?”
“Give him a chance. He’s done nothing wrong.” He shrugged. “Except, in your opinion, move too fast. But that may be your mom, as well. Maybe she’s been lonely?”
Leaning forward, she turned up the heat on her side of car. “He seems nice enough. Which is why I’m suspicious.”
“You’d be suspicious no matter what.”
“You might be right about that. And there probably is no way to change my mother’s mind, no matter what I say.”
“Agree. If things do end badly, you can support her.”
“True.”
“And if you’re wrong, doesn’t she deserve happiness after everything she’d been through and the sacrifices she’s made?”
She folded her hands in her lap. “That’s harsh.”
“Untrue, though?”
“You know it’s not.”
Then she stunned him by reaching across the cab to place her fingers lightly on his forearm.
“Thank you,” she said. “For going with me without argument. I appreciate it. Having you there helped me. A lot.”
“Anything for you, Milady.” He was surprised how much he meant it. “I enjoyed myself. I liked Milton’s sense of humor, and your mom’s a firecracker.”
Now, she was more relaxed, seemingly giving the couple a break. “She volunteers for a hundred different things. And she is still a substitute teacher.”
Catrina removed her hand. For safety, that was probably a good thing. Her feminine touch was magic, but it was a hell of a distraction.
After a short discussion, they agreed to stop at a grocery store in Evergreen.
He picked up a basket and headed for the produce section as he asked, “How are your feet? You okay to walk through the whole store?”
“Thanks for the reminder.” She shook her head. “They were fine until you reminded me of your wickedness.”
“More in store for you later, Milady.”
Momentarily she closed her eyes.
“Bananas?” he asked, holding up a bunch.
“You’re impossible, Damien.”
They wandered each aisle, and she compared price per ounce on almost all products.
When she reached for a less expensive version of the cream she liked, he grabbed the quart and added it to the basket.
“Damien! That’s not necessary.”
“It is. You should enjoy every morning coffee.”
“Items are a lot more expensive up here than they are in town.”
“Cost of living in paradise.”
“In that case…” At the checkout counter, she added three bars of chocolate to their purchase. “This will help keep my energy up.”
“And because of that…” He tossed another one on top.
By the time they arrived home, the sun had already set, and the sky resembled inky velvet.
“This is a whole different place when there’s no party here. Peaceful.”
Though the grounds were brilliantly lit, the house was mostly dark. A light was on in Gregorio’s quarters across the way. Other than that, it seemed they were on a hundred acres of deserted land. The way he liked it.
After parking his vehicle in the garage, he grabbed the groceries and her luggage.
“May I help with some of that?”
“Open that door. We’ll take the back stairs.”
“You can come and go as you please without anyone knowing you’re here,” she said when they reached the top. “Like a superhero.”
He juggled groceries and set down her bag to unlock the door to their suite. “After you.”
“Wait, give me a minute. I’m enjoying the image of you in a cape and a sculptured suit. I’m thinking tight pants, too. More like leggings. Really tight.”
With a grin, he said, “I’ll give you something else to enjoy.”
“Will you, Sir?” Her voice purred with sensuality and sass.
How many hours had it been since he fucked her? Not that the answer mattered. It had been too damn long, and his cock was suddenly making him aware of that fact.
He put down the shopping bags, dropped her luggage then took hold of her shoulders and backed her against the wall. “Open your mouth for me.” He leaned in. “I’m going to give you something else to do with that tongue of yours.”
Eyes wide, she followed his command.
He traced her lips with his thumb, and when her eyes fluttered shut, he took hold of her wrists and pinned them above her head. “That’s my girl.”
“Damien…”
He kissed her, tasting the first hint of resistance then the sweetness of her response as she opened her mouth wider.
Their tongues mated, and he insinuated his leg between her thighs.
Needing her, Damien plundered her depths, teasing, retreating then advancing again, deeper.
As her body relaxed, she rubbed herself against his thigh.
His Catrina was so responsive, and he loved uncovering her fire.
Softly, she moaned.
He propped his knee higher, granting her silent permission to take what she wanted.
Her movements became faster, and she ended the kiss before burrowing her head into his shoulder.
“Ride me.”
She made tiny circular motions against his leg, fucking herself, as she sought to get off.
Enjoying her immensely, he wrapped his arms around her to offer his support. “Come whenever you’re ready.”
Her breaths came in rapid little bursts. This beautiful woman was as hot for him as he was for her.
In under a minute, she cried out as she convulsed.
Releasing her wrists, he caught her against him.
Now that she was out of her own way, the guarded Catrina was nowhere around.
“How do you keep doing that?” she asked eventually. “An orgasm a week usually keeps me happy. Now I seem to need them every few hours.”
Damien stroked his fingers lightly down her spine. “I’ll give you as many as you want, Milady.”
“You might be creating a monster here, Damien.”
He grinned. “That’s a chance I’m willing to take.”
When she straightened and pulled back a little, he advised her to take as much time as she needed to unpack and settle in while he fetched her backpack and their remaining items from the car.
“I should help put away the groceries.”
“No need.”
When she opened her mouth to protest, he cocked his head to one side. “Take the opportunity I’m offering. You have a long night ahead of you.”
“That sounds ominous.”
“It might be.”
With a shiver and a small nod, she dragged her suitcase toward the bedroom.
Over the years, he’d kept his suite private. But having Catrina here seemed natural and inevitable. He refused to consider how quiet and empty it might seem when she left.
Once everything was where it belonged, he carried her backpack to her temporary workspace.
In their absence, Gregorio had been in.
The empty brandy snifters were gone, and cables protruded through a hole in her desk. A printer stood on top of a wheeled stand, and office supplies were arranged in a pile next to an inbox.
Satisfied, Damien entered the bedroom to find her stowing her bag on the top shelf.
A few items hung from the hangers, and a drawer stood slightly ajar. He was inordinately pleased. “May I offer you a glass of wine?”
“Not if we’re playing.”
“We’re not.”
“Oh?” She blinked rapidly.
“We’re listening to music, enjoying the fireplace, and seeing where the conversation leads.”
“But I thought you brought me up here to be your submissive?”
“That’s only part of a broader relationship.”
“I didn’t sign up for that.”
“Yeah.” He nodded. “You did.”
“So…would you like me to change?”
“No.” It was tempting, though. Since he’d been at her house and decided on the majority of things that had gone into her suitcase, he knew she had a corset that left her breasts bare.
But she was fine as she was. The fact that he could see the swell of her breasts and a faint outline of her nipples was enough for now.
“I’m afraid you’re confusing me.”
“Good.” For her, this had to be unique. Her subs showed up, scened, then likely left.
After removing her boots, she followed him back into the living room.
“Red wine? Or white?”
“Either works for me. Why don’t you surprise me, since you seem to be full of them today?”
He uncorked a bottle of his favorite and set it aside for a few minutes while he adjusted the blinds. She perched on the arm of the couch, watching him, with one leg crossed over the other at the ankle.
He flipped the switch to turn on the fireplace then selected a jazz station on the satellite system.
“Frank Sinatra?” she asked.
“Is that okay?”
“Fine. Just…” She paused and linked her hands on one thigh. “I don’t know what I thought you’d choose, maybe classic rock. But not that.”
“Were you thinking I’d strip you down, or better yet, dress you up?”
“Actually, yes.”
“Maybe shackle your naked body while I arouse you to the point you’re begging for release?”
She licked her upper lip. “Well…”
Foreplay took many different forms. With a grin, he poured them each a glass of wine.
She was on the couch when he turned back around, but she was pressed against the far side.
“We could watch television,” she suggested. “A news show. Or surely there’s some sporting event on. Or maybe a movie. I’m even up for an action adventure, doesn’t have to be a chick flick.”
“No.”
“No? That’s pretty domineering.”
“It is.” He offered no excuse or apology. “Move a little closer to the middle, if you don’t mind.”
He sat and held her glass just a little out of reach.
“I’m on to your nefarious plan,” she said when she’d moved.
“Are you?” He took a drink. “Do tell.”
“All this is part of your idea of submission. And it’s so different from mine that you’re illustrating how complex it is.”
“It’s part of submission, how?”
She looked at him over the rim of the glass. “I’m guessing you’re going to tell me a true sub doesn’t get to hide any part of who they are.”
“Well done. And yes, you’re right. I want to know all about you. What makes your heart flutter? What things sneak up on you when you’re trying to go to sleep?”
“I didn’t agree to all this,” she said.
“You did. You couldn’t have imagined that I’d keep you tied up twenty-four hours a day.”
“No?”
“Not that the idea is without merits. I love how your nipples harden when you’re anticipating the touch of my leather. But I invited you to explore for a couple of weeks. I didn’t invite you to my dungeon for a few random scenes.”
“It is a nice dungeon.”
“I’m glad you think so. But when I extended my invitation to you, I intended to share everything, a bed, an office, our time.”
The wine sloshed in her glass.
He took the stemware from her and slid both glasses onto the coffee table. “And I’m happy you’re here.” He took her hand, raised it, and kissed her. Then, still holding her gaze captive, he gently bit her thumb.
She moaned and closed her eyes. “That’s—”
“Just the beginning,” he said. “Are you curious about what’s next?”