Chapter Eleven
Dominick walked into the conference room, moving to his usual chair. Instead of sitting, he headed straight for the window, peering down at the traffic rolling down Cary Street. He’d spent the better part of four days going over the financials, as well as the various proposed and already contracted land deals. He’d also made several phone calls, surprised at what he’d learned. He was also excited at certain possibilities. Carter’s words had hit home, and he’d taken a good look in the mirror. He’d been forced to admit that his company was ceremoniously ignoring anything but their bottom line, building what would garner the highest return with no care regarding the needs or desires of the various communities. What he’d learned had made his skin crawl.
His father had been a shark, but not to this degree. He certainly wouldn’t approve of what his son had turned the business into. Dominick was ruthless, uncaring, and most of all, bordering unscrupulous.
They were destroying forests and other ecosystems in their efforts to build skyscrapers and shopping centers. He remained quiet, well aware that his entire executive staff were waiting. The mandatory meeting had been called only hours before and no one, not his second in command or his attorney knew what was going on.
He kept his eyes on the moving cars, sadness filtering into his heart. He was resigned to the fact that Jenna wanted nothing to do with him. He blamed himself for the loss. Now, he was simply cold inside. The light she’d brought into his life had certainly opened his eyes. If only he hadn’t ignored his heart.
At least she’d reminded him that there was more to life than simply the bottom line. He’d immerse himself in his company, revamping the concept. Perhaps in doing so, he wouldn’t go straight to hell. Catherine’s last wretched words also reverberated in his mind. The yin and yang of the two women was almost a case study in actual love versus greed.
Turning, he walked closer to the table, looking every one of them in the eye before speaking. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming. I won’t take up much of your time. I’m here to make an announcement, one that is long overdue.” He gathered a sense of absolute tension in the space.
Penny entered the room as he’d instructed, placing his updated mission statement and marketing plan in front of everyone. She left in a hurry after fulfilling her duty, as if terrified to see the outcome. He shook his head, holding back a smile. There were going to be significant changes in the upcoming months.
“What you have in front of you is a new game plan. We are no longer going to focus on commercial buildings. We are going to invest in myriad business ventures. Wineries, horse farms, assisted living, and various communities allowing everyday people to live. We’re going to be about the people and life in the way it was intended. Joy. Celebration of family and friends. The ability to work and play close to home.” An incredible rush entered Dominick’s system, refueling the innovative and eager young man he’d been far too long ago.
“And what does this mean exactly?” Fred asked, his voice strained. He flipped through the pages before glancing around the table.
“I’m glad you asked. I’ll have certain final updates on various proposals on your desks by the end of the day. The Waterman Exchange is our first project.” Dominick placed his hands on the table. “These projects will mean reasonable cost living for lower and middle income families. We are going to do some good for a change.”
He heard the mumbles. No, the company itself certainly wouldn’t make nearly the amount of money it once had. What a glorious idea. He wasn’t going to tell them at this point their salaries and every benefit would remain the same, if not increased. He was ready to test the loyalty plate, finding out who he could count on.
“Brice Waters?” Troy asked through clenched teeth. “He’s the reason for the change.”
“To a point, but I’ve been thinking about this for some time. However, I love the idea of a prototype.” He hesitated, waiting for backlash. Everyone sat dumbfounded, as if afraid to ask a question. “Get behind this, everyone. A new era is dawning at Asbury Associates.” Dominick headed for the door. “And one other thing. Mr. Waters is coming to work with us as a consultant. Make certain you extend a warm welcome when he arrives tomorrow.” That should frost some assholes.
“You have to be kidding me. We have outstanding contracts, Dominick. We can’t renege on them. You know that as well as I do.” Troy jerked to his feet.
“I do have some concerns as well, Dom,” Fred stated quietly.
“I’m sure everyone does.” Dominick shot a look over his shoulder, making certain his attorney could sense his displeasure. “We will honor all signed contracts, but the remainder of proposals are already in the process of being updated. If we lose some clients, so be it. We’ll gain others.”
“You didn’t consult with your own attorney. Why?” Troy demanded. “I do have a handle on this business.”
“Dominick owns the company. He can do with it whatever he likes,” Fred stated.
“But Mr. Asbury had to report to the board of directors. I have a feeling they won’t appreciate or approve of what he’s doing,” Troy countered.
He didn’t want to have the same argument. What no one in the company knew was that Troy had an actual stake in the business, owning almost fifteen percent of the stock. For this reason alone, his hackles continued to be raised. Of course Troy wouldn’t want any changes. The man was making a six-figure salary plus money every quarter. And he had other clients. “I assure you, everyone, that I know what I’m doing. We can finalize the details later, Troy.” Yanking open the door, he heard the bitter sound of Troy’s laughter. No. He was ready to settle this once and for all. A new era was indeed dawning. “As a matter of fact, why don’t we go over those details now?” He locked eyes with the man, curious to see what he’d do.
“Perfect.”
Dominick waited until Troy walked past him, heading down the hall to his office. He would find out today what he was dealing with. He waited for a full two minutes before following behind, closing the door with a soft click. “Would you care for a drink, Troy?”
“Why not. This is the last appointment of my day,” Troy answered as he walked closer to the window.
He waited until he poured two scotches, debating on what to say. “Do you enjoy working with this company?”
“Do I enjoy it?”
“Yes.” Dominick walked closer, handing him a glass, studying the man’s eyes.
“I enjoy the business transactions.”
“Then why are you challenging me on every aspect of business lately?”
Troy swirled the drink and took a sip.
He had the distinct feeling that Troy was biding time. Keeping a smile on his face, he moved behind his desk, easing down onto the chair, making certain that he appeared relaxed.
“When you hired me, the one thing you said to me was to make certain to keep you honest in all aspects of business and to make certain that no one had the upper hand.”
Dominick snorted. “I remember that. What I’m about to embark on is very much on the up and up.”
“But not necessarily a good business decision.”
“I think differently.”
“Because you’ve changed, Dom. You’re a different man than you were two weeks ago and I know there’s been a single change in your life. One. What does that tell you?”
“Actually, there have been two.” He kept the smile on his face. “But this is interesting for me. I believe what you told several of my perspective clients, the ones who recently cancelled meetings was that my judgment had become cloudy due to some irresponsible personal behavior given my recent divorce. I believe you also mentioned that I was immoral in both my business and my personal life.” He allowed the words to linger, almost echo in the room.
Befuddled, Troy took a deep breath, shaking his head. “Who told you?”
“You just did.” He’d taken a chance, hoping he was wrong.
“You son of a bitch.”
“I could ask why but you know what? I don’t care. Troy, thank you for all your work over the last ten years but you’re fired. You still own a portion of my company, but I will make plans to buy you out.”
Troy narrowed his eyes. “Buy me out. Jesus Christ. After all I’ve done for you.”
“Including betray me.”
“You’re going to be very sorry one day when you wake up and realize that your fortune is gone.”
“That sounds an awful lot like a threat.”
He polished off his drink and walked closer to Dominick’s desk, slamming the glass on top. “I don’t have to threaten you. It’s merely an observation. This town had a long memory and no matter what goes on behind closed doors, Virginia is still a very conservative state. I’ll make certain that all the various ties are cut in the most efficient manner. All necessary paperwork will be on your desk by the end of the week. As far as buying me out, that will be just fine with me. I don’t want to see Asbury go down in flames.”
Dominick nodded, keeping his anger at bay. “That will be fine, Troy. If my relationship with Jenna Parker taught me anything, it’s that I don’t appreciate betrayal in any fashion.”
Troy narrowed his eyes. “Dominick, I—”
The loud rapping on the door interrupted them and Penny walked in without waiting. “Sir, I’m terribly sorry to interrupt you but you have a visitor and she refuses to go away.”
“Who is it?” Dominick eased to his feet, trying to look over her shoulder.
“I don’t know but she certainly seems to know you,” Penny said and tipped her head, taking a few steps back into the hall, her hands out. “No, I told you that you can’t come in here.” She attempted to block the door.
He rounded the corner of his desk and sighed, seeing Jenna. He was elated for a few seconds until he saw his baby girl’s face. Rage. “It’s all right, Penny. Let her in.” Giving Troy a harsh look, he waited until the man nodded before turning his attention to Jenna. In her arms were various bags, the very presents that he’d sent or given her.
“I’m so sorry to cause such a commotion but I figured you wouldn’t allow my entrance unless I pushed.” Jenna stormed into his office and closer to his desk and without hesitating, dumped the bags on top, one after the other. As various spanking implements and lingerie slid to the floor, she wore an expression of satisfaction. Taking a step back, she folded her arms.
“Oh!” Penny exclaimed. “Goodness!”
“I can see you have your hands full. Remember what I said about memories,” Troy snickered before walking out the door.
From where he stood, he could see that the majority of his employees were curious as to the outburst. “Penny. Please leave us and close the door.”
“That won’t be necessary, Penny. I only have a few words to say to Mr. Asbury.” Jenna smiled brightly as she walked closer. “You lying sack of shit. I’m nobody’s mistress. That’s not what I’m made of. You can take your gifts, your daddy dom bullshit, and your deceit and shove it up your ass.”
Stunned, Dominick heard the words but was shocked at the vehemence. What the hell was she trying to insinuate? “Jenna. Let’s talk. I don’t know what you think you’ve heard but I’ve never lied to you.” Thoughts regarding the Arts Council dinner filtered into the front of his mind. He hadn’t intended on deceiving her in any manner. And still, his impetuous decision to attend the function without a mention continued to disturb him. He moved toward her, cognizant that he’d no doubt be the laughing stock of the company and after Troy left the building, no doubt the display would be social media fodder.
“Right. I’m no fool. As if you didn’t think I’d figure out your particular brand of deceit. What was I, a little snatch on the side that you could whip into shape?” She snorted and kicked the paddle, sending the wooden implement skidding across the floor.
Another round of mortified gasps could be heard
“What is going on?” Swallowing back his pride, he attempted to keep his tone of voice soft and comforting. “We need to talk.”
Jenna stepped out of his reach. “There is absolutely nothing to talk about.” Turning on her heel, she took long and hurried strides out of his office, her long hair flowing behind her.
Faces peered into his office then gazes turned to watch her leave as the whispers began.
“Are you all right, sir? I’m so sorry. She just bolted in and would take no for an answer.”
Lights swarmed around his head, leaving him unable to focus. “Fuck.” After a quick glance at the items, he half jogged past Penny. “Shut the office down.”
“Yes, sir.”
He could see that Jenna had made it to the elevator, her hand pressed on the button. “Jenna. Wait.”
Giving him a nasty look, she slapped her hand on the button again just as the doors swung open.
Dominick made it to within ten feet when the doors closed. He slapped his hands on the metal, cursing under his breath. He slapped his hand on the button for the second elevator, waiting for at least thirty seconds before growing impatient. He took off running toward the stairs located on the other side of the corridor. Taking them two at a time, when he made it down to the landing, he immediately bolted out, racing toward the elevators. “Goddamn it!”
He caught a glimpse of her long hair swishing in the small visitor parking lot. She wasn’t going to get away from him that easily. “Jenna!”
She took a single look over her shoulder before sliding into her car, seconds later pulling out of the lot, accelerating as she roared past him.
“Jenna! Damn it!”
* * *
Jenna allowed herself to laugh as she pulled out of the parking lot. Seeing the look of utter shock on Dominick’s face at least yanked her out of her sadness, if only for a moment. Clarity had set in the moment she’d issued the damning words. What Camie had told her was no doubt the truth. The man was still married to the lovely Catherine Asbury, old Virginia money and who had been touted as the love of his life. The recent pictures on the internet from their rekindled honeymoon, or whatever the reporter had called the two week’s stay in Paradise, had been only four weeks ago. They certainly looked like lovebirds at the time.
“Fool. I’m a fucking fool.” Well, at least the man would be laughed at by his peers. They’d learn exactly what he was made of. “Asshole. Prick.” She slowed down when she hit the interstate, trying to catch her breath. At least she knew now and not months from now. Maybe she’d send the lovely Catherine a note. She snickered again before the tears began to flow. How could she have allowed herself to get in this kind of predicament?
“Damn it!” Sobbing, she rubbed first one then the other eye furiously, trying to keep her vision cleared. Feeling any heartache for the man was ridiculous. But you want him. You crave him. Her little voice wasn’t going to make any headway this time. Hell, no. She heard her phone ringing and knew Dominick was calling. There was no way she’d ever talk to him again. What did he want? To shove her stupidity in her face?
Both hands now on the wheel, she tried to concentrate on driving, doing everything she could to control her emotions. Anger rolled into her system, replacing the sadness. The second her phone rang again, she was unable to stop herself. Digging into her purse, she grabbed her cell phone, barely glancing at the screen. “I told you that I don’t want to talk.”
“What was that about?” Dominick asked. “What?”
In her mind, his question as well as his tone was far too demanding. “The truth, which is something you can’t understand. I told you I valued that more than anything.”
“You’re not my mistress. You’re so much more.”
“Oh, please. You’re right. I was nothing to you. Nothing. Have a great life, which I’m certain you will.” She ended the call, huffing and tossing the phone onto the seat. The end. Final. No more.
The tears returned, sliding down her face.
She managed to control her emotions long enough to drive safely, getting off the interstate and onto a side street leading to her apartment. She’d never felt so humiliated in her life but at least she’d learned a valuable lesson. When she rounded a corner, she noticed a car coming up fast in the rearview mirror. “No way.” He was not following her. Bastard.
Her nerves on edge, she made a quick turn into the parking lot, zooming past several cars in an attempt to get to her normal space. Too late. He’d cut her off by coming in the other entrance. “Damn it!” She managed to slide into the parking spot and cut the engine just as he roared the Porsche behind her car, blocking her in. After grabbing her things, she climbed out, pointing her finger as he slid out of the driver’s side, shaking his head. “Don’t come any closer.”
“You’re going to listen to me,” Dominick said, ignoring her comment. He closed the distance, stopping just short of the sidewalk. “Jenna. I never lied to you, not officially. The dinner was nothing, two people sharing dinner together. Nothing more. I should have told you. I get that, but Jesus, to assume you’re nothing but my mistress is preposterous.”
“Oh, now. You’re not going to charm me again. Never going to happen, buster.” Her voice was almost shrill, certainly floating up to the dozens of apartments surrounding her. Who gave a shit. “You’re still married. I saw the pictures on the internet of your steamy romantic getaway just a few weeks ago. Some gorgeous tropical island adventure?” Don’t buy anything he has to say. Nothing.
“What are you talking about? My ex-wife delivered the divorce papers to me the other day. Whatever you saw was from a long time ago. I haven’t been on any kind of vacation, romantic or otherwise with Catherine in over a year.” He jerked off his sunglasses, tossing them into his car, his face full of exasperation.
“Pictures don’t lie.”
“Then show them to me. I need to see exactly what you found.” Dominick crossed his arms, keeping his stance. “Prove that I’m some asshole.”
Jenna exhaled, noticing that there were several of her neighbors watching, no doubt enjoying the floor show. “Fine. Then will you leave?”
“If that’s what you want, yes.”
Seeing the level of hurt in his expression shoved another pang into her stomach. “Fine.” She walked away before she was unable to resist his charm, sucking in her breath and fiddling to find her apartment key. She left the door ajar, hearing the sound of the powerful engine in his car as he moved the steel machine into a space. Dropping her things, she headed straight for her laptop in the kitchen. She didn’t bother to look away from the screen or care if he’d come inside. This needed to be finished here and now. She simply moved to the bookmarked page that Camie had found after unloading everything she’d found out about the elusive and wealthy Mr. Asbury.
As the vivid images of shared passion came into view, she blinked back another round of tears. No, he wasn’t worth crying over. The moment he walked in, she glanced at his face, following his trail to the vase still positioned on her counter.
“You kept the roses.”
“Weak moment. That won’t happen again, I assure you.” She moved off the chair, pointing to her computer. “There you go. Explain those.” Holding her breath, she walked to the already open bottle of wine, keeping her back turned to him as she grabbed a clean wineglass, pouring a hefty amount. Her hand was shaking as she attempted to take a sip, doing her best not to spill a portion all over her dress. She’d made a big enough fool of herself for one day.
In what seemed like ten minutes later, he finally exhaled, the sound exaggerated. “Jenna. The pictures are from three years ago. The very last trip we took together and one she planned without consulting me, I might add. We did nothing but argue on that supposed vacation and I knew then that our relationship was over.”
“The dates don’t lie.”
“This is an article that was written about one of the projects that was just completed. This asshole asked me months ago for an interview and I refused. Piece of shit paper. Evidently, the reporter found his own information to use. No one in the public was or still is aware of the divorce at that point. We tried to keep our separation quiet on purpose. Business in this town can be fickle. I’m learning that the hard way.”
She jerked around to face him, shaking her head, but she could tell he was furious. “I don’t believe you.”
Groaning, he tapped his fingers on the keyboard then simply got to his feet, moving toward the counter. “Take a look at the date on the bottom of the photographs.”
Biting her lower lip, she stood her ground until she could no longer take the aching in her stomach, or her heart. She had to know the truth. Sliding into the chair, she hung over the screen, eying the zoomed-in picture, trying her best not to make a single sound.
“Do you see the date?”
She could only nod. Shit. Had she really made this kind of mistake? Her eyes were hazy, and she blinked several times, taking another look. Oh, dear God. When she spoke, her voice held resignation. “The divorce is final?”
“The divorce is final. Hot off the presses so to speak,” he snarked from behind her, exhaling a deep breath. “Why didn’t you just ask me? I would have shown you the divorce papers and I will, just to ease your concerns.”
“First of all, Stephanie Kannaday.”
A flush crept up on his face. “Blame my best friend for that particular connection. He convinced me to go to this dinner. Said it would be good for my business. He also told me at the last minute about having a companion.”
“Looked like a date to me.”
Dominick groaned, tapping his foot on the tile floor. “Okay. I should have told you. I thought I’d make an appearance and leave. I was wrong to assume that I could manage even that.”
“Yes, you were,” she insisted but was unable to take her eyes off him. For all his dominance, his absolute power, he seemed conciliatory.
“And I tried to explain that when your bulldog of a girlfriend kept me from talking with you.” Dominick’s eyes were twinkling.
“She can be a ferocious mama bear when she wants to be,” Jenna admitted, some of the weight lifted off. Could she trust him? Please, let me make the right decision.
The awkward tension remained.
“Okay, I’m sorry, but everything pieced together was damning. You have to admit that,” she murmured, her lip twitching. Fuck. Fuck!
He inched closer, lowering his head. “But that still doesn’t explain why you arrived at my office in such a…”
“Destructive manner,” she answered, cringing at her own behavior.
“Hmm… I’ll accept that.” He inched closer, lifting a single eyebrow.
“The truth is because Camie found the pictures and some other information. When she showed me, I was convinced everything you’d said to me was a lie. We put two and two together after that.”
“Camie. That’s what good friends are for.” Dominick’s voice remained smooth, far too sexy.
Hearing the lilt in his voice, she tossed him a nasty look. “At least she cares about me.”
“And so do I.” He hung his head, chuckling. “Well, you certainly know how to make an entrance to my office. Everyone will know about our arrangement now. No more hiding. You can be my baby girl in all regards.”
As if that could be true. She cringed as she slid out of the chair, fiddling with her hair. “Okay. Maybe I went a little overboard.”
“A little?” He burst into laughter. “Do you mind if I have a glass of that wine? It’s been one hell of a day.”
“Not at all. Wineglass in the right-hand cabinet.” She reached for her wine, studying his lithe back and his long legs as he found the crystal stem, filling and taking a sip. He was such a handsome man. Her own guilt was killing her. “I haven’t been totally honest with you either.”
“Oh, you haven’t?” He darted a mischievous look over his shoulder. “Confession time and we’re still going to add whatever you need to tell me to your growing list of infractions.”
Jenna laughed but a heavy feeling fell into the pit of her stomach. “About my family.”
“Okay.” Dominick leaned against the counter. “You haven’t told me much about them other than your mother is in Florida.”
“That’s because there’s nothing to tell. I don’t have one.”
He narrowed his eyes. “What does that mean?”
She took several deep breaths. You can do this. Trust him. “Okay. Here goes. I’m an orphan. My parents were drug addicts, my father shipped off to prison before I was born. My mother was forced to give me up for adoption and in truth, I don’t know what happened to her after that, but it was clear that she wanted nothing to do with me.”
“What?” His body sagged, his eyes searching hers.
“I know what it sounds like. I was never adopted because of my background. Even though the records are supposed to be sealed, well, sometimes things don’t happen the right way.” Jenna couldn’t stand looking in his eyes.
“Oh, Jenna. I’m so sorry, honey. You could have told me from the beginning.”
“I didn’t want you to judge me like almost everyone else in my life. It’s funny when you tell certain people the truth, what happens to them. They shy away as if I’m exactly like my birth parents. I learned to shut down their nasty comments in school, the teasing that was so vicious. When I met Camie, she was the first person who treated me with total respect.”
“No wonder she’s so protective of you.”
She nodded and took a gulp of her wine, her hand shaking. “I thought I should tell you.”
Dominick smiled, his expression reassuring. “I’m glad you did. I wish I could find the right words to say.”
“There’s nothing to say that will change anything. That’s why I have to make my life on my own. I won’t take from anyone, including you. You mean a great deal to me, Dominick. You really do but how I manage my professional life is vital to me. I have to provide for myself before I can be happy. Just something that I promised myself years ago.”
“I understand. I’ll never try to take that away from you. I promise you.”
Taking a step forward, a sense of relief flooding her, she tried to smile just as she tripped over the leg of the chair, flying forward and straight into his arms, her glass tumbling to the floor. Hearing the shatter of glass, she cringed. “Oh!” The slight thud as she fell against his chest caught her by surprise. Clutching his shirt, she inhaled, the scent of him filling her nostrils. Even the heat of his body was overpowering, creating a wave of desire rushing down her spine. “Dominick, I…”
Dominick wrapped his arms around her, keeping her tight in his arms and pulling her away from the broken pieces. “That’s Master Dominick to you. God, you have no idea how much I’ve hungered for you, to taste all of you, every inch of your glorious skin. Thank you for trusting me again.” Lowering his head, he captured her mouth, thrusting his tongue past her pursed lips.
The words were stilling, creating ripples in her heart. By all rights, Jenna should push away, refuse to believe him, but her gut told her that he wasn’t lying. Yet everything about this was confusing, terrifying, and without a doubt, breathtaking. As the tension eased, she slid one arm around his neck, allowing their tongues to touch and tease, their lips to meld together as the passion intensified, sending a shower of electricity into every corner of her shaking body. She’d never wanted him as much as she did right now.
Lifting her off her feet, he crushed his groin against her stomach, grinding back and forth, his hand cupping and squeezing her ass.
Her nipples were hard and aching, her panties soaked from her wild longing. As the kiss continued, primal and savage, teeth gnashing, tongues entwining, she knew she would give this man anything he asked and everything he desired.
When he finally broke the heated moment, he pressed his hand against her cheek, caressing, his eyes shimmering with relief as well as unbridled need. “You scared me, baby girl. I was afraid I was going to lose you.”
“No, Sir. I’m right here.”
Easing her down to her feet, he kissed her forehead, breathing out, his whisper husky. “However, if you act like a child…”
Allowing the words to linger gave her a series of shivers dancing down every muscle in her body. Her mouth was suddenly bone dry, anticipation leaving her pensive, without words.
Dominick slid his hand down to her arm as he gently pushed her back. “You do know that you exposed our secret against my will and without proof of anything.”
“Yes, Sir.” She could no longer feel her legs.
“You also likely put my reputation in a very tough spot.”
“Ugh. I’m sorry, Sir.”
“And,” he whispered as he took her hand, “you endangered your life on the freeway driving like a maniac.”
Swallowing, she clamped every muscle. “I didn’t mean to, Sir, but you followed me.” Her quip was followed by a groan. “Well, you did.”
He chuckled darkly. “That’s entirely beside the point. Do you think everything I mentioned means that you deserve a severe spanking?”
Lowering her head, she was resigned to whatever punishment he was determined to dole out. “Yes, Sir.” Yes. Yes! She craved his firm hand. There was no way she could deny the fact or the ache burning between her legs.
“First things first.” He lifted her chin with his index finger. “Are we all right? Do you still want to go on with this? I want the truth.”
The slight hesitation made him frown.
“Yes, I want this more than anything.” There was no way to deny the truth.
His exhale was scattered, his gaze darting across her face. “I’m glad to hear that because you’re very important to me. More than you could know.” He kissed her lips again, this time in a soft brush. “Shame you tossed out all the prized implements I purchased for us. I guess I’ll have to spank you with my belt, unless you have a wooden spoon available.” He placed her hand on his belt buckle, his fingers squeezing.
“I saved one,” she whispered, the sound almost inaudible.
“You did, huh?”
She nodded several times. “I don’t know why. A paddle.”
“Because you knew in your heart that you couldn’t let me go, not without a fight and thank God for that.” He rubbed his thumb across her lips, giving her a commanding look. “Now, where is the paddle?”
“In my bedroom. In a drawer. Under my panties.”
He narrowed his eyes, his luscious lips twisting as if deciding her fate. “Then go and undress and wait in the bathroom for me, the paddle on the counter. I’ll be right there. Bad little girls deserve harsh punishment as well as an early bedtime.”
“Yes, Sir.” Jenna backed away, the dazzling sensations increasing. She felt lightheaded as she headed into her bedroom. A warm wash of happiness kept her breath short and her mind reeling. He’d come after her. She wasn’t entirely certain that he would or if she’d wanted him to.
But he had.
He’d refused to accept what she’d thrown at him. She closed her eyes as she gripped the dresser, reveling in the thought. Maybe he was her knight in shining armor, the very one she’d dreamt about all those lonely nights in the orphanage. She didn’t care about his money or his influence, his clout or his expensive toys. She cared about the man who seemed to have a heart of gold and a dangerous longing for passion. Now, she was almost giddy inside.
Don’t get too far ahead of yourself, sunshine. There’s more to the story. Use your brain, not your cunt.
Hissing, she slapped her hand on the dresser. She was going to be happy for once in her life.
The same little voice that had been nagging her for days reared its ugly head, tugging at her mind. While she was able to filter out the majority of superfluous jabber, one notion remained troubling, her gut instinct almost never wrong.
They weren’t finished with the ugliness and what would rear its ferocious head might destroy what they’d fought so hard to protect.