Chapter Two
“Don’t worry, John. The contracts will be on their way to you tomorrow.” Dominick Asbury sat with his legs up on his desk, gazing out at the late afternoon sky. He’d had a busy week, four contracts signed and another two in the wings. His accountant was going to either love or hate him, depending on how the well paid man looked at things. “Yes, we’re very glad to be doing business with you as well. Things couldn’t have worked out any better.”
At least he’d kept the promise to himself years before when he’d taken over the business. No negotiations. No compromises. He was ruthless in his practices. The thought gave him a smile.
He heard a tapping on his door and swung his head, annoyed with the interruption. With the hours he’d been working, grabbing a beer or two with a buddy then going home sounded like a slice of heaven at this point. Seeing the pensive face of his assistant, he waved her in. “That’s perfect. Let’s get together next week for a round of golf at the club.”
She scurried in, her smile waning.
“Sounds great to me. See you then.” He hung up the phone and leaned back in his chair. “Pencil me in for golf with John Bookman next Tuesday at the Dominion Club, Penny.” He was actually tired of the game, even though he refused to admit it to any of his clients. Personal service, including his expensive membership at two individual clubs in town had certainly helped garner new clients. Business was booming. During the last few years, he’d become a very wealthy man. All because of his business acumen, or as his competitors would say, learning the right way to become an asshole. What the hell? He was enjoying the spoils of war.
“Will do, sir and sorry to bother you. Your ex-wife called, insistent that she talk with you.” Penny placed a handful of files on his desk. “I tried to tell her that you were very busy, but she was very… forceful.”
“You mean she was and will always be a bitch,” he stated, only half chastising himself for admitting the truth. At least Penny had seen the good, the bad, and the wretched during her tenure with him. The girl also had no issue with his brusque personality.
She didn’t react, other than a slight blush creeping up on her face.
“You can say it, Penny. I know she’s been horrible to you as well.”
“She’s a handful, sir. I’m sorry you continue to have to put up with her.”
“Me too. Why don’t you take off? You’ve been a Godsend this week.”
Penny grinned, her eyes opening wide. “I’m glad I could help and thank you. That will be very nice.”
“Absolutely. I’ll be leaving myself here in a few minutes.” He dropped his legs and stood, arching and stretching his back. He’d toyed with taking a couple of days off but going to the islands by himself wasn’t tops on his agenda.
“Sounds good, sir. See you tomorrow.”
“Night, Penny.” He stood at the oversized window, the floor-to-ceiling glass allowing him a fantastic view of the James River. Asbury Associates had the entire top floor of the building, overlooking the downtown area as well as the river district and Shockoe Bottom, the most fashionable nightclub section of Richmond. He’d paid his dues, working twelve- to fifteen-hour days for over twenty years to get where he was. No wonder his marriage had crumbled.
Well, at least the divorce was final, and he could consider living again, instead of spending what little free time he had inside a courtroom. That is, if Catherine would stop hounding him for additional capital. To say she was bitter was the hugest understatement of the year. They both were, but he’d won the battle, curtailing her spending habits. He chuckled and grabbed his keys, heading out of his office, whistling as he walked down the expansive hall.
“Night, Mr. Asbury.”
“Good night, Sheila. Have a great evening.”
“Are we still having that meeting in the morning, Dom?”
He stopped as Fred walked out of his office. His second in command certainly had a handle on the business, even thinking a step ahead of him. “We are indeed. And celebrations are in order.” He could tell Fred was surprised, given he was almost never in this good of a mood.
Dominick was well known as being tough, expecting absolute perfection from his staff. Granted, he paid well, but his expectations were off the chain. He couldn’t have accumulated his wealth or the amount of business if he hadn’t.
“Wow. You are in a good mood. Sounds fantastic. Don’t forget we need to finalize details for the Northern Virginia properties.” Fred grinned, tapped on the doorframe to his office, and walked back inside.
Dominick knew the man would be here for at least another two hours, if not more. He’d been that way eagerly once in his life. Now? He was searching for more. The ‘what’ he was having difficulty with. “I remember. You keep me on my toes.” Expanding had been his attorney’s idea and for once, he’d agreed with the man. His firm had purchased everything that seemed to matter in Richmond, turning shit into shining buildings, attracting new companies from other states. Asbury Associates was known as the player in town. He wanted more.
He tossed his jacket and briefcase into the trunk, rolled up his sleeves and loosened his tie before climbing into his Porsche, the one luxury he’d purchased after his divorce. Some would call his selection a midlife crisis. He maintained he was finally living for a change. They were decidedly different.
After grabbing his sunglasses, he let down the convertible top before taking off, heading in the direction of his best friend’s favorite bar. The quaint corner café and bar located in the Fan had been around for decades, serving locals from every walk of life. He found a parking spot given the early time only three blocks away, clicking the lock and alarm. The area wasn’t crime-ridden, but he was in no mood to deal with theft or the police. He chuckled at the thought as he strolled the few blocks. For the first time in years, he felt free to be able to do anything he wanted.
He was also incredibly lonely.
“Hey, my man. Glad you could make it.” The man grinned as he rose to his feet.
Carter Wallace was his best friend and had been from the early days, when he they were both poor and sharing a two-room place on Grace Street, dreaming of the finer things in life. Now, he had everything money could buy. “I do own the place.”
“Right. And how many times have I tried to get you out for a drink, dude?” Carter chortled as he thumped down in his seat. “Did you sign those oh-so important contracts?”
“I did. We’re going into business building condos along the river. They will be the finest in town.”
“I have no doubt since you’re going to take over the world one day. Congrats. First drink is on me. You know, since you’re poor given the divorce.” Carter laughed as he held up his glass to the bartender, indicating two more.
“Very funny. The settlement was amicable to a point. She’s happy she can still shop anywhere in the world and I’m happy she’ll leave town in order to do so.” Dominick had never wanted his relationship to go so far downhill, but Catherine had never really been in love with him, or so he’d convinced himself anyway. Then again, she’d been more of a status symbol. He’d finally admitted the truth to his divorce attorney over drinks.
“Ouch, but glad you have your verve back. Just need to get you back on the dating circuit.”
“Not gonna happen. I have no desire to even engage in useless conversation.”
Carter shook his head. “Catherine certainly did a number on you. All women aren’t as shallow as she was. And, some can even hold a decent conversation.”
“Uh-huh. So how are you and that blonde bimbette I saw you with a few weeks ago?”
He leaned forward, waiting until the waiter dropped off the drinks. “Molly is the wildest girl in bed I’ve ever had. What she can do with her mouth alone is sick, man. I mean sick. We went to the theater last night and she gave me the best blowjob, in the middle of the second act, I’ve ever had.”
Dominick wanted to believe the kinky act incensed him, but in truth, his cock was throbbing at the sheer thought alone. He would love a woman to submit to him in every manner, uninhibited enough to perform a sex act anywhere he desired. As if that was going to happen. “Good for you, buddy.” He took a sip of the smooth scotch, savoring the flavor, allowing the tension to ease.
“Come on. Molly has a few girlfriends. We could double date. Might be fun. You know how those twenty-somethings are.” Carter lifted his glass.
“That sounds fantastic. Two aging dudes and two hotties. Wonder how many father-daughter comments we’ll receive.”
“Christ!” Carter admonished. “Did Catherine obtain rights to your balls as well?”
The comment stung, but Carter was right.
“You’re worth millions, Dominick. You work out on a regular basis and you actually can be fun to be around; that is, when you don’t have your head stuck up your ass.” Carter took a swig of his drink. “And don’t you dare punch me. Molly kind of likes the mug on me.”
“You might be right. I allowed Catherine’s nastiness to get to me, but I need some peace and quiet.”
“One blind date. One.”
“Nope. Not my thing. You know that.”
Carter gave him an evil eye. “I forgot. You need them on the socialite pages.”
“Now you’re being an asshole. That is not what I’m looking for and you know it.” He’d thought more than once what he wanted in a woman during nights that he’d questioned everything about the demise of his marriage.
“You know? I don’t know what you’re looking for, not any longer,” Carter said quietly as he scanned the bar. “All teasing aside, I never could see you and Catherine together. She was not only money hungry, but she wanted control and that’s definitely not you. You’ve changed a lot since college.”
“You’re right about that.” He sat back in the seat and toyed with his glass. Yeah, he’d become hardened over the years in both business and pleasure. After taking a sip, he nodded several times. “I want a submissive woman. I know that much. I crave training her. Disciplining her.”
“A true submissive, as in following rules, sucking your cock when you point kind of thing?” Carter winked.
Dominick chuckled as he dropped and shook his head. “You are one crude bastard. You have certain basics, but there’s a hell of a lot more to the relationship than that, including trust and respect, even love. But yes, there would be rules and discipline when she wasn’t obedient.” His cock twitched again, driving into his linen pants, forcing him to shift in his seat.
“Wow. I need to get me one of those.”
“What about Molly?”
Carter took a long sip of his drink, swallowing, his eyes full of amusement. “You and I both know I’m just the flavor of the week. She’ll move on and so will I within a couple of months.”
“If it makes you happy.”
They sat quietly, listening to the combination of music blaring from the speakers and the various televisions located over the bar.
“Where do you find one of these submissives, a kink club?”
“You can, yeah. Like anywhere else, you get to know the person. A few good ones in town.” Dominick hadn’t been to one in years. Catherine would never have agreed to entering such a wretched place, let alone following any of his rules.
“Well, there you go. You can start going there and find the love of your life,” Carter teased.
“Like I said, I’m not rushing into anything. Business is booming. I need to concentrate.”
“Ain’t getting any younger and how much more money do you need? Doesn’t buy you happiness.”
Dominick exhaled. “I guess that’s true.”
The club idea wasn’t bad. Maybe in a month or so, he’d frequent one or two, see how times had changed. He allowed his mind to wander, imagining a beautiful young woman, trusting in all avenues, submitting to him in every way. He took another sip of his drink, his heart racing. Carter was right. He needed to get back out into the world of dating, and he would.
When the time was right.
* * *
Jenna sat at her desk, trying to concentrate, the same screen on her computer that had been in front of her for at least thirty minutes. Thank God her boss was out of town or she’d be in his office, explaining why work wasn’t completed. She tossed her pen and sat back, eyeing the pad of paper she’d been doodling on. The various sketches of handcuffs and floggers made her laugh.
She’d fantasized every night since her lunch with Camie, the dreams so vivid and wild that she awakened in a sweat, her pussy wet and aching. Thank God she’d picked up a fresh set of batteries a few days before. She’d shoved her passion pink vibrator in her cunt so many times, she was actually sore.
Yanking the paper off the pad, she balled and tossed it into the garbage. Last thing she needed was some flunky in the next room finding the piece of paper and making a federal case out of it. A flash of her phone drew her attention. Another Instagram notification. Yes, she’d consumed too many glasses of wine the night before, posting some rather racy pictures of dominating men, all with various spanking implements in their hands. That had garnered her thirty-two additional followers and more likes than she could count. Even the ten messages had been tasty, tantalizing the naughty little girl inside of her.
She took a sip of water as her phone flashed again, only this time a text from Camie. Grabbing the phone, she groaned, seeing the words.
Have you found a hot hunk with a firm hand yet?
She wanted to reach out and smack the woman. Her finger hovering over the letters, she was resigned to answering: Not yet.
Craigslist…
“Smiley face. Of course.” Jenna rolled her eyes after saying the words out loud and dumped the phone on her desk. The woman was going to make her crazy. She’d looked up the various clubs Camie had mentioned, even making a few inquiries. No, she wasn’t ready to go to a spanking party and no, she didn’t have the kind of funds to hire a disciplinarian even once every two weeks. And a huge no, she wasn’t borrowing money in order to get her kink on. At this point, going to a club was her only answer and she wasn’t keen on going by herself. She absently gathered a bead of sweat from her brow as she thought about the wooden spoon self spanking she’d attempted. Yes, she’d managed to slap herself a few times, but the act wasn’t the same, only leaving her horny, not ready to repent her sins.
Mr. Vibrator was going to be her best friend. Forever.
A string of expletives was ready to slide right out of her mouth. SubmissiveLife was more interesting but to venture any further, she’d need a profile. What was she supposed to call herself? Woman in need? Hell, who wasn’t? Who didn’t want an assertive man in the bedroom, a rogue with a heart of gold and a cock that could go all night?
That wasn’t what she was talking about. Was it? No, don’t confuse the two. If she would ever, ever consider working with a mysterious stranger, trusting him enough to spank her ass on a regular basis, there would be no relationship. No sex. Period. Ever. Wasn’t going to happen.
Nope.
Her nerves shot, she grabbed a bottle of water, shoving the plastic lip into her mouth. She snarled at her phone as another Instagram flashed up, several hearts attached to yet another message. This was getting out of hand. No more drunk Instagramming. She laughed softly, slapped the water down on her desk, and brushed her hand through her damp hair. Time to get busy. She had real work to do, not pining away for some perfect man who didn’t exist.
Five minutes went by.
Ten.
Fifteen…
“Fuck it.” She moved her mouse, clicking on the internet and pulling up Craigslist. She knew that the concept of meeting a stranger in any fashion was ridiculous and perhaps could get her raped or killed, but she could look. No commitment to doing anything. Nibbling on her finger, she pulled up various ads, looking at jobs and certain personal messages. She was aware that the folks running Craigslist were very careful about personal ads, but she noticed a few that were intriguing.
What could it hurt if she tried to find the right guy this way? She could create a Gmail account and if, only if any of the guys checked out, she could talk to them on the phone. She’d figure out a way to check them online somehow. She folded her arms, her head swimming in what-ifs then went to Gmail, debating what to use. Feeling particularly naughty, she typed in ‘babygirlinneed.’ To her surprise, the name hadn’t been taken. “It’s mine now.” Maybe this could be her SubmissiveLife profile. Hmmm…
Ten minutes later, after garnering some level of courage or insanity, she put together an ad.
Seeking a daddy dom. Must be professional, trustworthy, respectful, stern, and honest. Searching for the right man who can provide established rules and serious discipline for a bad little girl. Bonus points for rugged, attractive qualities. No attachments. No strings. No sex. Willing to come to you for punishment sessions.
She shifted back and forth in her seat, trying to decide what to do. This could be the dumbest thing she’d considered in her life or the absolute best. Either way, no pain, no gain. Attaching the email address and pulling out her credit card, she placed the ad. Satisfaction rushed into every cell in her body and she smiled.
Then she tumbled out of her chair, racing to the bathroom, dropping to the floor just in time before she upchucked everything she’d had to eat or drink in hell, the last four days.
One thing she knew for certain. She was positively certifiable.
* * *
Dominick pulled down the driveway leading to the gatehouse, waving at the guard as he approached. When the older man flagged him down, he slowed to a stop. “Hey, Sam. How are you doing today?”
“Doing just fine, Mr. Asbury. I wanted to let you know that your wife is waiting for you at your house.”
“My wife?” He instantly bristled, ready to snap at the poor aging gentlemen. He had no doubt that Catherine bullied her way in to the community, threatening the guy in some manner. “What did she say to you?”
“She just, well, she wasn’t very nice, but she made certain to tell me that she could have my job if I didn’t allow her in.” Sam smiled sheepishly.
Dominick wasn’t prone to violence, especially toward women, but Catherine was pulling out the stops in her effort to make his life a living hell. They’d lived in the house for approximately one month together. She’d acquired the condo in the West End. He’d kept the house he wasn’t entirely certain he wanted any longer. “Sam, don’t worry about my ex-wife. However, I don’t care if you have to call the police. She’s not to be allowed in again.”
Sam smiled, as if being given the authority to take matters into his own hands was exactly what was needed. “Will do, sir. Not an issue.”
He chuckled as he drove past the brick structure, winding his way past the tree-lined street and pristine landscaping. He’d been goaded into purchasing the house, a perfect setting for rekindled love, Catherine had insisted. Interesting how things had worked out. His anger increased as he headed for the back of the community, down a shady street to the end of the cul-de-sac. His house was located far off the road, the entire Mediterranean-style home hidden by trees and foliage. He did enjoy the privacy and seclusion the community offered as well as the location of the house afforded.
Catherine wasn’t in or by her Mercedes and while he’d changed the locks after her in the middle of the night move, he wouldn’t put it past her finding a way to get inside. After pulling the car into the garage, he sat quietly for two full minutes, controlling his anger. He walked inside, immediately walking through the house, noticing Catherine outside by the pool, her face half covered by massive sunglasses.
He tossed his keys and briefcase in the kitchen, grabbing a beer before heading outside. The air was humid for a late spring afternoon and she sat in heels, stockings, and a dress that she’d no doubt recently purchased from her monthly allowance. “Catherine. What are you doing here?”
Only after a few seconds did she shift, letting him know she’d acknowledged his presence. She was no doubt sizing him up, checking his attire, perhaps the kind of beer in his hand to see if he measured up. Dominick almost burst out laughing at the thought. Perhaps if he’d been strict with her in the beginning, refusing to allow her day-to-day undermining, they might have worked. Uh, no. He’d made a mistake, one of few in his life.
She slithered out of the seat, sauntering in his direction, not bothering to remove her shades. “I wanted to deliver the divorce papers.”
“You could have had your attorney do that,” he countered.
“Not as much fun, darling.” Her smile was sickeningly sweet. “I signed on the dotted line just like you’ve been cajoling me to do. That’s what you wanted all along. You never cared about me.”
“That’s bullshit, and you know it, Catherine. I tried to make our marriage work. I really did.”
She shook her head. “Whatever you’d like to believe, Dominick. We were a perfect match and you fucked it up.”
“What do you really want from me?” He took the papers from her hands. He didn’t bother looking, at least not in her presence. She was still the piranha searching for a jugular to snack on. Giving her the satisfaction of double checking the details wasn’t on his agenda for the day.
“Yes, well, I wanted to say goodbye, I suppose. And see this beautiful house for the last time.” She swept out her arms.
“How lovely of you and cut the crap, Catherine. You never gave a shit about this house or anything else in our marriage. However, you’ve accomplished your task. Now, you can leave.” He took a long pull on his beer, belching on purpose afterward.
Catherine exhaled and glanced toward the pool.
Her lower lip was jutted out, the sassy pouty look she’d used on him the first night they met. This was interesting. He remained quiet. What did she really want?
“I also have something to tell you.”
“I’m certain you do. Go ahead.” This time, he looked away.
“I’m getting remarried.”
In truth, he was shocked, enough so a shiver slid down his spine. He’d known she would find another victim, a man who would be blinded by her beauty as well as her lies, but this soon was more than unexpected. “And who’s the lucky man?”
“You wouldn’t know him. He’s… special. Handsome.”
“And no doubt very rich.” Dominick heard the slight hiss, knew he’d touched a nerve.
“If you’d been any kind of man, our marriage would have stayed together. But you’re nothing but a wimp.”
There was that perfect cathartic moment, the one that allowed whatever last tether he had to the woman to disappear. Poof. Hearing the clip-clop of her heels against the concrete decking was like music to his ears. He waited the appropriate amount of time until he knew she was out of hearing distance before tipping his head back and roaring. This was the best news he’d had in over a year.
* * *
Dominick had never felt so free, at least since the moment he’d said, ‘I do.’ He sat in a tee shirt and jeans, bare feet and another beer in his hand, glancing over the company financials, even though his mind wasn’t on business. Maybe Carter had the right idea about pulling out of his comfort zone. But dating? He had several reasons for his reservations. However, finding out what there was to offer certainly had its perks. He didn’t have to commit to anything.
After an hour of probing various internet dating sites, he realized finding a date in that manner wasn’t his thing. Perhaps a part of the reason was that he was much older than the mere waifs he’d seen gracing the glossy marketing pages. He pushed away from his desk, swiveling back and forth. No, he refused the double dating concept as well. Just wasn’t into the pomp and circumstance. If he had to admit to himself, what he wanted had little to do with romance in any regard. He was beyond flowers and movies, dinner dates leading to a basic sexual encounter. While he craved companionship, his desires bordered around something else entirely.
Domination. Discipline.
He was through and through a dominating personality, preferring the training and discipline to sexual submission—at least in the beginning. He’d remembered his profile he’d established on SubmissiveLife, almost three years before, during the first break he’d had with Catherine. They’d almost divorced at that time. Then she’d begged his forgiveness. A deep sigh rumbled from his chest from the memory alone.
“What the hell?” Sliding closer to the computer, he typed in the address, trying to remember his penname, let alone his password. After three unsuccessful attempts, he was in, staring at the black and white photo he’d selected as his avatar. Not bad, even for an old guy. Grinning, he set out to update certain information. “Not bad.” There was just enough to be enticing without giving anything away.
His fingers hovering over the computer, he held back, thinking about his actions before scanning through certain submissive profiles. They had to be close, at least in one of the surrounding counties, and he would prefer a younger submissive. Easier to train. Easier to mold. He narrowed his selection criteria, scrolling through more, uninterested in the heightened level of kink the majority of submissives deemed ideal. A single penname caught his attention—babygirlinneed. The name was direct, somewhat creative. When he clicked on the small avatar, he smiled. It appeared she’d used her real picture, only hiding her face with a lacey mask. Fascinating.
His cock twitched, a gut instinct kicking in. She’d only set up the profile the night before and there was little information, a single connection made. Taking a gamble, he sent a friend request just as he heard his cell phone ringing. Groaning, he yanked the phone from the edge of the desk, snorting when he saw Carter’s number appear. The man was worried about him. How sweet.
“Carter. I’m just dandy.”
Carter laughed. “Who said I’m calling to check up on you?”
“Cause I know my buddy.”
“Yeah, well… Hey, I happened on an ad I thought I’d tell you about. Don’t shoot the messenger.”
“An ad? For a hot new house in the Bahamas? A sinful car I just have to purchase? Better be something of that nature.”
“Um… Like I said, don’t shoot the messenger,” Carter chortled. “I found this ad on Craigslist I thought you might be interested in.”
“Excuse me? I’m not looking for a leather couch or a new employee,” Dominick stated, giving his buddy attitude in his tone.
Clearing his throat, he exhaled before answering. “For a submissive.”
“On Craigslist? You have to be shittin’ me.” Why in God’s name would anyone place an ad in a cheap online selling service? The person had to be out of their mind, or naïve as shit. “And what the hell are you doing looking on Craigslist in the first place?”
“Looking for a spanking bench. Okay? Geez. Crucify me, will ya?”
It was Dominick’s turn to laugh. “Wonders will never cease.”
“So, listen to me about the ad. The girl sounds perfect for you.” Without waiting, he proceeded to read the wording, his tone full of inflections.
He had to admit, he was at least slightly intrigued. “Interesting.”
“You say that about entering a new restaurant. What do you really think?” Carter asked, some excitement in his tone of voice.
“I think the girl is nuts. That’s what I think. She’ll be dead by the end of the week.”
“Jesus Christ. Why don’t you just email and tell her that?”
“Not my thing.”
“Just do it. For God’s sake. What in the hell do you have to lose?”
Dominick rubbed his eyes, tired of the same argument with the man. “What is her email address and I’ll consider it.”
“Yes!”
“I said consider, asshole.”
Carter mumbled under his breath. “You’re going to die old and alone.”
“I just might,” he hissed as he grabbed a pen. “What’s that email?”
“Babygirlinneed at Gmail.”
“What?” He blinked twice before shifting his gaze toward the computer screen. Coincidences he didn’t believe in. His cock twitched, creating a pinching sensation between his legs. He inhaled as he thought about the kink site. Was there such a thing as karma? Nope. Not in his life.
“You heard me. Email her.”
Dominick fingered the screen. “What the hell. I just might.”