Cassandra avoided all eye contact as she headed for her office. Today was a brand new day. After coming home from the club, she’d finished a bottle of wine, soaked in the tub and had forced herself to go to bed.

And very much alone.

She clenched the steering wheel, her thoughts swimming with possibilities. Zach. Why hadn’t she asked his last name? There was a chance she’d never see him again. She wiggled and could still feel the effects of the spanking, even though the whipping had been light. A chuckle bubbled up from her throat. Light. My God. She’d allowed a man to whip her, a stranger. A gorgeous and very sexy stranger.

Your fantasy…

The realization was easier to admit than she would have thought.

Parking, she remained in her car while she tried to force herself to get past the night before. Chances were, she’d never see him again. Maybe she could go to the club one last time.

Just as she was about to grab her things, her cell phone rang. “Rebecca.”

“Are you going to talk about what happened now?” Rebecca asked as she laughed.

“I just met someone. I had a good night.” She eased onto the pavement and glared at the morning sun.

“Right. That I could tell. I’m glad. If you want to give me any details about this man…”

“Maybe later. Gotta run.”

“Party pooper,” Rebecca huffed. “Just be careful. Okay?”

Cassandra heard the tone of her voice. Her friend knew only a small amount of what had happened. The rest would remain a quiet nightmare. “It was one night.”

“Okay. If you say so. Knock ‘em dead today.”

As she walked into the building, she realized she was ready for more. The thought gave her a delicious boost.

She rolled her eyes as she rounded the last corner, clenching her briefcase as if it was a lifeline. At least the alcohol had allowed her to sleep, dreamless even after her amazing experience. To say she was excited that she’d pushed past her comfort zone was an understatement. She was elated. Her new mantra? Fuck ‘em all.

By the time she reached her office door, she had a wicked smile on her face.

“Cassandra.”

The single word sent tingles down her spine. Tipping her head, the sight of Diego Myers standing a mere two feet from her was a delicious start to the day. Sadly, his eyes only reflected corporate needs. “Sir?”

“I’d like to see you in my office immediately.” He turned on his heel, not allowing her any chance of objecting.

She watched him saunter down the hall and resisted brushing the single bead of perspiration from above her brow. What in the hell had she done now? After dumping her briefcase, she didn’t even bother taking a pad and pen as she headed for his office.

He’d left the door open and was alone, standing by the floor to ceiling window. When she walked in, he nodded, a slight smile on his face.

“You needed to see me?”

“Go ahead and close the door.”

She did as he requested and walked closer, remaining standing. When he continued staring out of the window, she took another long stride. “Sir?”

“Diego. You’ve certainly worked here long enough to call me by my first name.”

“All right. Diego. What can I do for you?”

Placing his hands on his hips, he turned around and launched into the conversation. “I realize how disappointed you are with the promotion. Ken and I talked. You very much deserve credit for the work you’re doing. I’m also very aware that you loathe what you’re designing.”

“Loathe is a strong word.” His words seemed practiced.

He raised a single eyebrow. “Let’s be candid. Shall we?”

Cassandra allowed herself to smile. “Yes. Loathe works.”

“Well, I can understand why.” Diego walked closer to his desk, easing down on the edge. “The fact is, I pretty much feel the same way about the crap we’re designing. I didn’t create this firm in order to pass by basic shoeboxes all day long.” He sighed and rubbed his temple. “Unfortunately, very few exquisite designs come along in our business. Bills have to be paid.”

“I do understand.”

“I know you do, which is why when the firm received a phone call yesterday, I thought of you immediately.”

She took a step closer, excitement building. “For?”

“Designing an office building, well a complex actually, complete with recreational and exercise facilities.”

Her increased hope all but disappeared. “Wonderful.”

For the first time since she’d started to work for him, he burst into laughter. “It’s not what you think. Take a look at their first building.” He selected a file from his desk, handing it to her.

She kept her eyes on him as she accepted the file. When she looked at the photographs, she had to admit, she was impressed with the architectural design, the modern lines and use of glass. “Impressive.”

“Rush Enterprises. They want a second building, which will be much larger than the one you see in the pictures.” Diego continued studying her, his eyes moving back and forth.

“Budget and timeframe?”

“Budget is whatever we need. Timeframe is a bit more complicated.”

“Why?” There was always a catch.

Diego exhaled. “There is an organization fighting to stop the sale of the land, but Rush is certain they can squelch the concerns. They don’t want any holdups. You’re to meet with the attorney and a member of the Board for a preliminary meeting today.”

“Organization? Why try and stop the sale?” She had to admit, she was thrilled at the possibilities.

He looked up and down, hesitating before answering. “The Apache Tribal Council.”

“I’m sorry?” A red flag jumped to the surface.

“Yeah, I know. Why would they try and stop the purchase? Right?”

“They usually have valid reasons. The various tribal councils don’t want any additional trouble or even press given to the majority of their causes. They prefer to live in peace and harmony.”

“I knew you were the right person for this job,” Diego said as he grinned.

She bit back a nasty retort. “And why is that?”

Diego gave her a slight smile before standing, walking with purpose toward her. “I’m well aware of your heritage, Cassandra. I check out all my perspective employees prior to hiring. I can’t afford to make another mistake.”

Another mistake. Now, she was seething. “My heritage. Interesting.”

He inched even closer. “If you don’t think corporations use what attributes they have within their ranks to advance in decisions, sales, basic functions, you’re wrong, Miss Jeffries. I’m a businessman. I’m here to make money, which is something I assume that you want to do as well. If you can give any comfort to the Apache people, then, by God, you are the architect I want to use.”

Cassandra held her tongue and after a few seconds, looked away. “I doubt there’s anything I can do to influence a land sale, sir.”

Huffing, he took a step back. “You might be surprised. You’re influential in your own right and quite formidable I might add.”

She could hear amusement in his voice. Anger shifted up the length of her backbone.

“Given the nature of this assignment, you will obtain a portion of the fee as an incentive. I was thinking ten thousand dollars is appropriate. I think that will soothe whatever beast you have lurking underneath.”

Even the words selected, the tone in which he said them was infuriating. She took another glance at the pictures then looked him directly in the eyes. The red flags were flying high, even if she was unsure as to why. “Fifteen.”

Diego seemed taken aback then broke into a huge grin. “Deal. You should have been given that promotion. If this goes well, we’ll have to see what we can do. Here’s the information you need to get you started as well as the address. I trust in your abilities. Allow your creative mind to flow and good luck.”

Why did she feel like this was nothing more than a competition? “I’ll do my best.” As she walked out of his office, she clenched her jaw. What an asshole. Still. Fifteen thousand would go a long way to… A smile crossed her face. To open her own firm.

Maybe the spirits were talking to her alone, offering her guidance for the future.

Then again, maybe they were warning her.

* * *

“I understand, Officer Gentry. I know you’re trying.” Zach sat in his office, poring over the details of the Tribal Council’s complaints. The phone call wasn’t unexpected. They had no leads, no witnesses and no reason to believe that this was anything but an isolated incident.

“And you can’t think of anything else that might help us, Mr. Goodman?”

The tone was almost accusatory. “As I mentioned, between the rain and the darkness, it was difficult to make out anything. I do believe there were two men in the vehicle.” He wasn’t entirely certain he’d told the police the detail before.

“Hmmm… Okay, well that’s something. We’ll keep looking.”

“Thank you, Officer. I appreciate it.” He ended the call and held the cell phone to his head. Had he contemplated telling them about the finger? Not at this point. There would have been more questions than answers. Two days had passed since the horrific event. Two full days of intense soul searching. The single word was one he’d never forget, but how and why now?

A light rapping on his door was followed by Mitchell walking inside. “Hey. Have you seen the news?”

“About?” Zach dropped his phone onto his desk.

“A damn press conference. Now, of all times.” He grabbed the remote, flipping on the small television.

He eased from behind his desk, walking closer. “You have to be kidding me?” As the camera zoomed in, highlighting a portion of the land involved in the contract, he hissed. “They mean business.”

“I’m afraid so,” Mitchell said as he sighed. “I know that reporter. She’s not on our side.”

“I didn’t know we had opposing sides at this point,” Zach muttered under his breath.

“As you can see, the Apache Tribal Council and their many followers are waging war with New Horizons Development Corporation, attempting to block the sale of this pristine piece of spiritual land to Rush Enterprises. Some of you may know the name Rush as they have been in the news several times over the last few months. The oil company is set to build, but are they truly going to turn the land into the latest oil dig site?” She smiled toward the camera then shifted her arm, pointing to the group of Indians, several dressed in traditional garb.

“You have got to be fucking kidding me!” Mitchell exclaimed. “We need to issue a Press statement.”

Zach folded his arms and watched as the various members stood in silence, their protests speaking volumes. “Even if we do that, they’ll garner the public’s support, which will make the sale even more difficult to close.”

“Fuck them!”

“They have every right to be concerned.”

“Why?” Mitchell turned in his direction.

“I’ve been doing some research. The land was designated as spiritual over ten years ago. A burial ground.”

“Then how did the initial sale go through in the first place?”

“That, I don’t know but I’m digging to find out. What do you know about New Horizons?”

Mitchell paused.

Zach narrowed his eyes. “What do you know, Mitchell?”

“And now in other news, a young woman was found dead in her apartment late last night. This is normally considered a very safe area of the city with few crimes, which makes this crime more of a concern. While the police are still investigating, our sources tell us that she was found murdered, her body disfigured.”

The news bulletin caught Zach’s eye. He inched closer.

“What do I know?” Mitchell asked, ignoring the reporter.

“Hold on.” He eyed the area, the apartment building and street.

“The girl’s mutilated body was found by a neighbor. Sir, what can you tell us?” The reporter shoved the microphone in front of an older man’s face.

“Terrible. Such a shame. She was a sweet girl. Worked two jobs just to get by.” The man shivered visibly, his face ashen.

“I understand she had a word carved into her chest.”

“What are you looking at?” Mitchell flanked Zach’s side.

“They can’t ask that question,” Zach said under his breath, but he waited, his hackles raised. How in the hell would the reporter know something like this?

“Remember. I’ll never forget it. It said, remember,” the man whispered.

Zach froze, his blood chilling. This was no coincidence. His body swayed back and forth.

“Are you okay?” Mitchell gripped his arm.

He tried to make sense of what he was hearing.

“That’s horrible,” the reporter stated, her gleaming smile remaining. “It’s our understanding that the next of kin has been identified. Such a tragedy. As you can imagine, neighbors are very concerned given there are no clues at this point as to her attacker.” The reporter pressed on her earpiece, nodding several times before moving closer to the camera. “We’ve just been informed that the victim’s name was Sandra Mullins, a recent graduate of the University of Houston. Sir, did you know Ms. Mullins very well?”

“Cherry. She went by Cherry,” the bystander said then fisted his mouth.

Zach blinked as his heart raced. “Fuck.”

Mitchell turned off the remote and turned to face him. “What is going on? Did you know that girl?”

He took slow steps as he moved back toward his desk, his vision clouded. Cherry. The girl at Club Ravage. If someone was trying to get to him, that meant they were either in the club on the same night or had access to the records. “I… No, it’s just tragic.”

Closing the distance, Mitchell leaned over Zach’s desk. “Does this have anything to do with the car chasing you the other night?”

“It can’t.”

“What aren’t you telling me, buddy? You’re white as a damn sheet.”

Zach swallowed and adjusted his tie. “There’s nothing to tell. The police have zero clues.”

“Uh-huh. You’re hiding something.”

“Can we just get back to business for God’s sake?”

Mitchell held up his arms. “Sure. Whatever you say, but I know you too well, my friend. If you need to talk, I’m here.”

Nodding, Zach couldn’t look him in the eye. “I need to get back to work. We have a meeting set up with the owner of New Horizons tomorrow. I want to have every question prepared. They have some answering to do.”

“And I’m sure that you will be; however, that’s going to have to wait. I set up a meeting with the architectural firm we’re going to use. I want you to get a feel of the designer they assigned.”

“Mitchell, I’m not at all certain this is going to happen and if it does, it’ll take weeks if not months to weed through all the red tape bullshit. A little premature.”

“Camden had already made the call before we knew how deep the shit was going to get. Just one meeting. Okay? I want you on board with this project.” Mitchell gave him a half smile.

“Why is it so important to you? Last I heard, you were working long hours at the hospital.”

“I’m on the board of directors, nothing more. The doctors have been hired, the renovations are almost complete. I’m now splitting my time. Does that bother you?”

Zach had to think about the question. “I think you need to tread carefully. Two leaders doesn’t bode well for exacting decisions.”

“You’re a constant worrier, my friend, and I’m not usurping any of Camden’s decisions. He has some business out of town. Nothing scandalous, I assure you. Come on. The meeting is in thirty minutes. Shouldn’t take more than an hour. I have dinner plans tonight anyway.” Laughing, he patted Zach on the shoulder. “Incidentally, I set up the meeting at the local café. I don’t know about you, but this has been a long week. I think a beer is in order.”

He glanced at his watch. “It’s only three-thirty.”

“Five o’clock somewhere.” His eyes twinkling, he walked toward the door then stopped, darting a look over his shoulder. “Whatever happened the other night rattled you. I can understand why.”

“But?” He knew there was more.

Mitchell sauntered back in his direction. “But I know you, better than Camden does. Whatever is going on is scaring you half to death. Whoever the girl is to you, her death will be investigated. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

Zach had already thought about the fact the police could find the connection. “I hear you.”

“We can help, but only if you’ll let us in.”

His relationship was much closer to Mitchell and always had been. They used to talk about everything, but there were far too many aspects about his past that he didn’t want to revisit. Not for any reason. There’d been no need to discuss an ugliness waiting in the shadows. “I appreciate that. Let me concentrate on this deal. Okay?”

“Sure,” he said after a few seconds of hesitation. “We’ll get through this crisis like we do every other one.”

“Whatever you say.” When Mitchell left his office, he slunk down into his chair. There were too many connections, too many unanswered questions but he knew in his mind, whoever the assholes were, they would expose the ugly truth. Placing his head into his hands, he shivered and for the first time in several years, he wished he were dead.

* * *

“Who are we meeting with?” Zach asked absently as he glared at his phone. He wanted nothing more than for the asshole to contact him, extend the rules of this game, but he had a feeling that wasn’t going to happen any time soon.

“Diego Myers just mentioned that he was sending one of his best architects. I have no idea.” Mitchell took a gulp of his beer and glanced around the café. “Waiting for a call?”

“Nope.” He eased the phone down on the table. “Tell me about New Horizons.”

“There’s very little information other than what you can find on the internet. Firm was created over twenty years ago by two men who’d originally worked for one of the largest developers in Los Angeles. Took a significant number of their respective clients from what little I’ve heard. They have tremendous success with condominiums and large homeowner associations. They are award winning and seem to have some very powerful friends. If you know what I mean.”

Political clout. “Then why sell the land?”

Mitchell laughed. “From what one of the owners said during the initial meeting, they had difficulty obtaining clearance from the county. Too many proffers required including new roads, schools and a fire station. Too rich for their blood.”

“Or they knew about the burial ground.” Zach watched as a young woman entered the café, her long dark hair blowing in the breeze of the open door. He was surprised that a rush of current pulsed through every cell, leaving his cock aching. The reaction was startling. When he could see her face clearly, he shrunk back. Karma. A bead of sweat trickled down his forehead.

“That’s a question we will need to get the answer to. Keep in mind they purchased the land free and clear.” He studied Zach’s expression.

“Or that’s what they told you.” Zach shifted his eyes toward Mitchell before being drawn to her again. She was obviously searching for someone. When she noticed them, she hesitated before walking in their direction. Her eyes were open wide, her mouth slack. She blinked several times and her body seemed to be swaying back and forth.

I hunger for you. I need you. Come, be with me.

The thought sizzled in his mind, creating a line of sweat racing down the back of his neck.

He realized he was holding his breath and could swear he could hear every one of her footsteps, even in the crowded setting. She was beautiful, in an unassuming way. Her bright blue dress was form fitting but professional, her long legs accentuated by very tall heels. She had an aura about her, different from the night before.

“What are you looking at? Jesus.” Mitchell laughed and followed the direction of his gaze. “Beautiful woman. Whew. If I wasn’t engaged.”

“Mr. Rush?” Her eyes remained on Zach even though her body was angled toward Mitchell. Her words were shaky, and she gripped the back of the chair, her knuckles white.

Both men rose to their feet. “Mitchell, please. And you are?”

“Cassandra Jeffries.” She took his hand, her smile widening, her control regained. “Oh, from Myers and Logan Associates. The architectural firm?”

“Of course. Thank you for coming.” Mitchell shook her hand.

When she turned toward Zach, her mouth went slack, a look of fear and apprehension.

Zach swallowed and realized his hands were clammy. “Zach Goodman.” The moment they touched, he was breathless, unable to focus. The electricity drawing them together was powerful, the connection off the chain. The woman from the night before, the beautiful yet timid submissive, was standing in front of him. This was uncanny. Jesus. Now, he was nervous.

You are mine.

Jesus Christ, he was losing it. One spanking. A stranger and he thought he owned her. What she must be thinking.

She blinked several times, her eyes appearing dilated. Her mouth pursed as she leaned forward.

Her hand was soft, her skin silky and for a few seconds, there was no one else in the café. “Cassandra.” Her eyes were the bluest he’d ever seen, a deep turquoise with flecks of gold.

“Wow,” Mitchell managed then cleared his throat. “Why don’t we all sit down and talk. Would you like a glass of wine, Ms. Jeffries?”

“Cassandra, please. I hope we’re going to get to know each other very well. I would love a glass of wine. It’s been a very long week.”

As he sat down, Zach had an uncanny series of sensations, blips of visions. The club experience had been so unexpected, an enlightening of his soul. But there was more and while he’d felt drawn to her the night before, today was different. There was a powerful draw with the woman and not merely because she was at least part American Indian. Yes, she recognized him, but to her credit, she acted as if this was the first time they’d met. He forced himself to look away, his cock pushing hard against his pants. He shifted but remained uncomfortable, his pulse skyrocketing.

“Why don’t you tell us about your work?” Mitchell asked as he shot Zach a look of concern.

“Um. Yes. Of course.” Cassandra eased her hand through her hair before picking up her portfolio.

Zach sat back in his seat, only half listening. What are you doing? What are you thinking? He was drawn back to the two clubs, the odd moment when a chill had filtered throughout his body as if he was being watched. Studied. He could have sworn someone else was in the room with Cherry. What about last night? Had someone been watching them? He twisted the bottle of beer as a light ringing echoed in his ears. While he’d abandoned his spiritual side years before, he knew this meeting wasn’t a coincidence.

“I would like to see the land before I give you any ideas,” Cassandra mentioned, her attention drawn back to Zach. She licked her lips as the words remained strangled, difficult.

“We may have a few complications,” Mitchell admitted. He glanced back and forth between them.

“I heard,” she countered then lowered her head, breathing out. “I may be able to help you with that.”

“How so?” Zach managed to ask. He shifted again, his balls swelling to the point he was almost panting.

She leaned in as if she was afraid she’d be overheard. “There is no way that any member of the Apache tribe would allow burial ground to be released, sold out and especially to the white man. What little land is left is precious. My guess is that either the sale was forced, or the land fell out of favor.”

“Meaning?” Mitchell asked.

“The Chief blesses every piece of sacred land as long as the spirits are considered to be good, beings of true belief.” Zach heard himself saying the words.

Cassandra opened her eyes wide as she nodded. “Very true and not widely known. I’m impressed with your knowledge. If they are considered demons for whatever reason, the land is discarded after a ceremony. Some would call it an exorcism. It’s not widely known and very few tribes follow this ancient rule.”

“So, you’re saying the land we’re attempting to purchase is full of demons?” Mitchell exhaled and took a gulp of his beer. “This we don’t need.”

She shrugged. “In a sense, but they shouldn’t bother the white man.”

“What if they open a door?”

Her gaze shifted to Zach, a knowing settling into her eyes. She swallowed hard and reached for her wine, her hand shaking. “What do you know of the door?”

“What my grandmother taught me when I was a boy,” Zach said as the memory slipped into the forefront of his brain. “If the door is opened and certain spirits allowed to roam free, various cataclysms can occur.”

Cataclysms. He hadn’t heard or used the word in years, but he was convinced the virtual door had been ripped open. Inhaling, he watched her expression and could swear she was looking into his very soul.

“Okay, all of this is fascinating, but is there a way to find out what’s really going on?” Mitchell interrupted the connection.

“Of course. I will know almost instantly,” she insisted.

“How?” Zach whispered, growing more uncomfortable.

“I’ll just know. I have a… gift.”

Zach sat back, his mind racing. He was right. They were connected and whether by the door opening, allowing a break in the spirit world or by something else, he’d never felt so strongly about anyone.

“I like this girl already.”

They talked for a few minutes as she showed them her work, every move perfunctory.

“Very impressive,” Zach offered, his throat tightening up. He remained on edge, watching everyone coming and going in the café.

“I agree.” Mitchell grinned then looked at his watch. “Shit. I’m going to be late. My girl will kill me.”

Broken out of his trance, Zach sat back, wiping his mouth. How had an entire hour flown by?

“I should go as well.” Cassandra zipped her portfolio.

“Please stay. You haven’t finished your wine.” Zach could have sworn someone else said the words. He felt a tightness in his chest, a hard thumping of his heart.

She locked eyes with his and smiled. “I’d like that.”

“Cassandra, a pleasure to meet you. If you’re available tomorrow, we’re going out to the site. The meeting could be testy given the recent protests by the Apache Council, but I’m certain that’s something that you can handle.” Mitchell rose to his feet.

“I’m certain I’ll be just fine,” she said absently and took a sip then a gulp of her wine.

“Later,” Mitchell said to Zach before grabbing his things. Just before he walked away, he winked, a coy smile crossing his face.

Zach fiddled with his now warm beer, uncertain of what to say. His entire mind was filled with thoughts, salacious and lurid desires. This wasn’t who he was supposed to be. They were both professionals. Even her voice was alluring, drawing him in. He wanted to get to know everything about this girl, absolutely everything.

He also wanted nothing more than to take her to bed. As he stared into her beautiful blue eyes, he knew in his heart and in his mind.

One day, she would belong to him.