Walking past her, Flynn crossed to a large desk, bare on top except for a small lamp and an old-fashioned phone with a coiled cord connecting the receiver. She stared at it, thinking it had to be another leftover from his grandparents. He turned and leaned his backside against the front edge of the desk. It was a neutral pose until he crossed his arms again and leveled his steely gaze on her.

He nodded at the chair in front of him. She obeyed his silent order, perching on the edge while waiting for the thunderstorm to hit. Cassie gained newfound compassion for the candidates who found themselves on the receiving end of Commander Dalton’s displeasure.

“I spoke to Lieutenant Commander Jameson.”

Horrified, she looked up. “Why would you do that?”

He appeared equally shocked by her question. “Why would you think I wouldn’t? You came to a private club under his protection. Then, after seeing me, ran out like your ass was on fire. You didn’t stop when either of us called, and you left your purse and phone behind. According to him, you didn’t answer your door when they came by to see you the next morning. They were worried about you, as was I. We would have had this discussion yesterday, but he wouldn’t give me your address without your permission, which you couldn’t give since you were unavailable by phone.” Anger and frustration were creeping into his voice. “I also called your company, which turned into a damn awkward Q&A session with your boss, who wouldn’t give it out either.”

She stiffened, stifling a groan. Getting such a call on a weekend, from an officer on base would have freaked George Austin out. He was high-strung and when hit with the unexpected, tended to do one of two things: think the worst, or panic. Usually, he did both. That he hadn’t called the police to break down her door when he couldn’t reach her by phone all weekend stunned her. And short of that, hadn’t flown out and been waiting to rake her over the coals that morning.

“What did you tell him?”

“Nothing personal, I have some tact.”

Her shoulders slumped in relief. Then she realized how insulting that could appear and peeped up at him. He was watching her, his face blank, the same expression she had seen him use when counseling a trainee who kept failing the simulator. Cassie suspected it was the calm before the storm. Often, those SEAL applicants didn’t return. She hoped that wasn’t her future too.

“What did you want to talk about?”

“I want to know why you didn’t tell me who you were, and when you were unmasked, why you ran from me—into the street, at midnight, in downtown LA, in a skirt up past your ass with your panties showing. Did you even consider what could have happened to you?” Flynn walked around his desk and bent to open a bottom drawer. He withdrew her purse and dropped it onto the desktop with a resounding clink. “You had no money, no credit card, no ID, no keys, no phone. What the fuck, Cassie?”

At last, his stony facade cracked. He was livid.

“You didn’t look in my purse for my address?”

His face darkened. “Your driver’s license was issued in Massachusetts.”

She swallowed hard. “Yeah, I’ve been meaning to change that.”

His hands clenched into fists on the top of his desk as he leaned forward and growled, “What the hell were you thinking, Cassie?”

“I didn’t want… I mean, when I saw you… And I was there to... uh—” She closed her eyes, her face flaming hot with shame. “This is so embarrassing.”

“Why? I’m a member of the club. We’re adults. There isn’t anything wrong with it.”

“Well, no…” she whispered. “But you must know why I was there.”

“To meet someone, as was I since I joined in on the game. Do you think less of me or the others who did?”

“No.”

“Sir,” he corrected sternly.

She flushed hotter, and not just her face. “No, sir.”

“I thought you were shy, Cassie, not submissive.” He straightened, his hands lifting to rub his face, as he muttered to himself, “Damn, I must be getting old for my radar to be so off.”

“I haven’t been submissive for a long time.”

His arms dropped to his sides, and he frowned at her. “You make it sound like the need to submit is something you can turn off and on, like a light switch.”

“I meant it’s been a long time since I’ve been with someone, as a submissive.”

“Why?”

She shook her head while looking down at her hands. Did she explain she was searching for something but wasn’t quite sure what until she met Flynn?

In the silence, she heard him move, saw his boots and a flash of camo as he came around the desk to stand in front of her once more.

“Answer the question.”

“I haven’t had much success with relationships.”

“It can be hard to find a good match in the lifestyle. How long has it been?”

“Years. Since college.”

“So, what? Two or three?”

She looked at him with disgust. “How old do you think I am?”

“Twenty-four?”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m thirty, and my birthday is next month.”

His brows rose. “You look much younger.”

“Yeah, I get that a lot. And men who want to dress me up in little girl clothes.” She shrugged. “Not that I’m judging, but that’s not my kink. A plaid skirt and knee socks are about as far into age-play as I go.”

“You made a very sexy schoolgirl.”

She drew in a quick breath, stunned by his words. Did he mean the redhead who was playing a fantasy role or the dull blonde underneath the disguise who was the real Cassie?

“You’re surprised. I enjoyed our dances and thought you did too.”

“You danced with someone else.” She dropped her eyes. “I could tell you were disappointed when you found out there was a geeky computer nerd under the wig and short skirt.”

Arms folded over his broad chest once more, he announced with stinging sarcasm, “So you’re a mind-reader and a computer whiz. Good to know.”

“Flynn, I—”

“I believe I told you to call me sir, Cassie.”

“Why are you doing this?”

He bent suddenly, his hands moving to the arms of her chair. This brought his eyes level with hers, and his handsome face close. She could hardly breathe, and it got worse when he said, “Because I’ve wanted you since the first day I saw you, but I thought you were shy and conservative. I didn’t know a sub, out of the lifestyle for some time and bold enough to come to a club like Decadence LA in search of a way back in, lay beneath the girl genius surface. I also thought you were in your early twenties, which made me feel like a pervy old man.”

“But you’re what? Thirty-six? So little a difference is hardly perverted.”

“No, except I’ll be thirty-nine soon, and what I thought was a fifteen-year gap is pushing it for me.”

“You never asked,” she whispered.

“True, and that’s on me.”

“I might look like a teenager, but I’m an adult.”

His finger beneath her chin forced her eyes to meet his. “If that’s true, maybe it’s time you started acting like one.”

She blinked back tears. Though he was right, it didn’t make the cold, hard truth hurt any less.

“You went to LA to find a Dom. You know the club has a reputation?”

“My friends told me.”

“Then you know it’s edgier than most, and since it’s private, nudity and sex is the norm, not the exception. And many of the members enjoy ménage or practice polyamory. Some things that go on in the dungeon would curl your hair.” His eyes rose to the blonde locks she had straightened and worn down today before coming back to hers.

“I’m not so innocent,” she replied. A stray thought occurred to her. “Colt and Jules, do they, uh…”

“That is for them to share, isn’t it?”

“Of course. I don’t know why I asked. It doesn’t matter, anyway.” She looked at him, wondering if threesomes were something he was into. He would be in great demand if it were so. Then her mind whirled with conjecture about all the other things he might like to do.

“Do you?” she blurted out.

One brow quirked upward. “We’re going there now?”

“Well, I, uh…” She wasn’t sure she wanted to know. Heaven forbid she should have to detail her own past. “No,” she admitted, looking away from his knowing gaze.

“I don’t share, Cassie. If a sub is mine, she belongs only to me.”

Relief flooded through her because ménage wasn’t her cup of tea, at all. Not that he’d offered. He said he wanted her but hadn’t asked her to become his submissive. Confused about where this was going, she asked him, “Why am I here, Flynn?”

“I don’t want my presence at the club to alter your plans. You came in search of a Dom, so I offer you two choices. Option one, come back next week, and I’ll introduce you to some single Doms whom I think you might like.”

There it was, the rejection she feared, but it didn’t hurt as she expected. It was worse, so much worse, like a knife in the gut. Biting the inside of her lip as she fought the tears that threatened, she jerked away from his hand still holding her face.

“There’s another option.”

She barely heard, her emotional misery so acute it became a physical pain.

“Imp, look at me.”

Shaking her head, she couldn’t. He’d see how shattered she was. Why had she let Jules talk her into going to the club? It had ruined everything. She’d have to get a new job, start over, swear off men, yet again. And more devastating than anything else, never see Flynn again. Biting the inside of her cheek to contain a sob, it escaped anyway.

Strong fingers recaptured her chin, angling her face upward.

“Look at me, Cassie.”

She blinked, trying to keep the tears under control. But when she looked at him, so close, and still so handsome, despite the watery image he’d become, she lost her battle, and several rolled down her cheeks.

“Don’t cry, baby. You haven’t heard the other choice yet.”

“I’m not.” Her ludicrous denial came out in a croaky whisper.

He smiled, flashing his dimple, but he didn’t call her on the out-and-out fib. Instead, his other hand rose to cup her face, and both thumbs slid across her damp cheeks, removing the proof.

“Option two is you become my submissive.”

She shook her head, more hot tears escaping. “You’ve never shown the least bit of interest. I don’t want a pity offer.”

“I’m not so self-sacrificing I’d be with someone out of pity,” he grumbled. “I never mentioned my inclination because I didn’t want to shock the pants off you, Cassie.” His lips twitched into a fleeting grin. “I wanted them off because that tempting ass of yours has been haunting my dreams, but I thought you were vanilla and innocent, and you gave me no signs either. Therefore, I kept my distance. Besides, relationships between co-workers can be difficult.”

“Then why are you doing this?”

“I said difficult, not impossible. And I’ve found that the sweetest berries are often the most challenging to reach, though well worth the extra effort.”

Her heart fluttered at how endearing that was, but it couldn’t be so easy, could it? “What about the Navy? Isn’t fraternization frowned upon?”

“You’re a contractor and don’t report to me. I have input into the project, nothing else.”

“My company values your contribution. They listen to you and the captain, so it’s important for me to do what I can to keep their biggest customer happy.”

“Having you as my sub would certainly make me happy.”

“Flynn, I mean, sir…” She let her lashes drop, concealing the yearning she felt sure was reflected in her gaze. “What happens when it’s over? It would be more awkward than it has been these last few days.”

“You’re calling it quits before it begins?”

“I’m trying to be realistic.”

“You’re a skeptic. I see things differently, and in my scenario, we work.” His hand slid along her cheek, brushing back the strands of hair sticking to her tear-dampened skin. Tenderly, he tucked them behind her ear. “I don’t need your answer now. I want you to have time to think. Whatever your decision is, we’ll go on as we always have at work. You run the lab, train the men on the simulations, encourage them when they get frustrated, while I chew them out when they fuck up.”

His description of their roles was accurate, so much so, her lips trembled on the verge of a smile.

“And we’ll have our Friday lunches. You owe me one, by the way. I’ll need to claim my rain check later, though. One of the other instructors had a family emergency. I had to cover his rotation. That’s why I waited until the end of the day to come find you.”

“I wondered where you were. I assumed you were mad at me.”

“I am. Which brings us to the matter of your recklessness on Saturday.”

“What?”

“I warned you a sore bottom was in your future.” He stood up, his eyes scanning the room. “The window seat should do, I think. Hands flat on the cushion and wait for me.”

“You’re going to spank me before I’ve made a choice?”

“Yes, this is for running out of the club without concern for your safety. Jameson was furious, not to mention worried sick. You came in his care, and it was incredibly rude of you to leave him the way you did. And your friend Jules was out of her mind.”

“I’ve apologized.”

“As you should have, and this spanking will reinforce the lesson. Head on over. Both hands flat on the cushion and wait for me.” He extended his arm toward the window, as if it was an invitation, although it was nothing short of a command.

Their eyes met, an arc of electricity passing between them. She couldn’t deny she had dreamed of him taking charge of her. This would be a little taste of his dominance. She glanced at the wide bench seat with its thick padding and the view of the garden beyond. It was the perfect place to curl up and read a book or snuggle in a lover’s arms to watch the rain, and the height was just right for a spanking. She’d prefer he take her over his knee and hold her while he did it, but knew once she agreed to this, it wasn’t up to her.

“Do you have a safeword, Cassie?”

“I used red in the past.”

“Red it is. Now, do as I instructed and get to the window. Or use your safeword, and we end this and go to dinner.”

“You’d still—”

“Yes, opting out doesn’t get rid of Flynn the man, and the friend who cares about you. Like work, that will not change.”

He was an unusual dominant if he could compartmentalize his feelings should she decline. And he seemed confident he could. For her, it wouldn’t be so easy—more like impossible.

“I won’t wait all day, Cassie, and frown upon stalling. To be clear, I consider not using a safeword as good as consent. If I need to, I’ll put you there, but don’t recommend you push me that far.”

Okay, maybe not so unusual. Despite her doubts and fears, she wanted to move forward with Flynn, had craved it for months.

Decision made—good or bad—she stood, conscious of his watchful eyes. As she walked to the window, she cursed her choice of a pencil skirt that morning and tried to remember what underwear she had selected while dressing in an anxiety-induced haze.

At the window, she bent forward, hands on the cushion as she faced the glass. Through it, she saw his backyard, also private with a thick, high hedge. It was lush, green, and well-tended. Adjacent to the deck off the back of the house, with its cushioned wicker furniture, she saw a gorgeous gazebo with clematis in full bloom, the big star-shaped purple blossoms climbing up the rails and posts.

When he touched her, she jumped, unaware he’d followed her over.

“This is a spanking, baby, not a firing squad.”

She nodded, murmuring, “I’m just nervous because it’s been awhile. And, for a big guy, you’re silent when you move; you startled me.”

“It’s a skill ingrained over the years.” His hand between her shoulder blades pressed her down until her bottom tilted up, reminding her why she was at the window gazing at the beautiful sight in the first place.

“I’ll be careful with you, Cassie.”

“I trust you, Flynn. Even if I haven’t shown it.” She glanced back at him, meeting his eyes before she said quietly, “I’m sorry.”

His smile was gentle, and to her relief, reached his blue-gray eyes and the little white tan lines at his temples crinkled a bit. He was the most handsome man.

“Let’s get this done. Palms flat on the cushions, feet apart,” he repeated.

When she was in position, his hand slid along her back, over the curves of her bottom and down her thighs to her hem, which hit just above the knee when standing. An appropriate length for work, in this pose, it had risen to mid-thigh. He tugged it upward, over her behind to her waist. His hand slid over her lace-trimmed hipster panties.

“Pink, very nice,” was his barely audible murmur, which made her wonder if he meant to say it aloud.

She had no question his next action was deliberate. Hooking his fingers into the waistband of her panties, he peeled the satin and lace down over the curves of her bottom, baring everything. He lowered them to just above her knees, which was as far as they would go with her legs spread.

Warm and light, his fingers trailed over her cheeks, the barest touch making her skin tingle and sending a jolt of arousal straight to her clit. Too soon, it was gone only to return, swift and sure, as the flat of his hand connected with her right cheek. Just as quick, another landed sharply on her left side. In a staccato rhythm, he laid down a good, even dozen. Moving from side to side, up and down, and all around, his big hand covered considerable territory in every swat. Flynn spanked hard, heating her skin to a low burn.

Abruptly, he paused, and gently rubbed the areas he’d just set on fire. “You have beautiful skin, imp, flawless and petal soft, like the roses out front. It blooms to a pretty pink under my hand, which is even more stunning.” He squeezed, massaging her deeply on both sides and across her upper thighs. “You took that well. It seems taking a spanking is like riding a bike.”

“Easier, sir. I haven’t been on a bike in years, and the last time wiped out in a nasty fall.”

“And have been afraid to try again,” he surmised. “There’s an old tandem bicycle in the garage we’ll have to try. It belonged to my Gran and Gramps. How does a ride along the bay, or the Pacific at sunset sound?” He ran his fingers over the crest of both cheeks, sending delicious chills up her spine. “Could you put your fears aside and try again with me steering?”

She couldn’t be sure if he was still talking about the bike or being with him as his submissive, so she answered both. “I think I could with you, Flynn.” His fingers flexed, and she was quick to correct her mistake. “I mean I could with you, sir. Sorry. I’m a bit rusty.”

“From the little you told me, it’s the same with your submission, but it seems to be coming back.” He patted her one bottom cheek affectionately. “I won’t let you fall, Cassie.”

“I’m counting on that, sir.” Again, was it bikes or D/s? She breathed out, trying to control her skyrocketing pulse and the need coursing through her veins, impossible though it was.

“I’m at a disadvantage without a limit list. No doubt you’ve been on the receiving end of a hand spanking. What about with a paddle, lash, or a cane?”

“All of them, sir, although, as I mentioned, it’s been awhile.”

His hand left her, and the blinds on the window swayed, tapping against the glass. Glancing up, she gulped another deep breath of air, part dread, part excitement, as she watched him remove the tilt wand from the hook on the top rail.

“With me, you’ll learn the harshest punishments come when you place yourself in danger. Otherwise, making you tremble with desire and beg for release is what I enjoy; however that happens. Nonetheless, when a lesson is earned, I expect it to be remembered and if the situation arises again, for it to inspire a different choice. Do you understand?”

“I do, sir, and won’t run off like that again. I promise.”

“Six strokes should prevent memory lapses.”

A whoosh through the air preceded a line of fire exploding across both cheeks. She hissed, breathing through the pain as she’d been trained to do long ago. After a brief pause, another followed a fraction of an inch lower but as fiery hot as the first. Two more came at constant intervals. Tears stung her eyes, and a small whimper accompanied each one, but neither swayed him from continuing.

“Put your cheek on the cushion and come up on your toes, these last two go on your upper thighs. They’ll be a reminder of this lesson each time you sit for the next day or so.”

She obeyed, not sure what tiptoes had to do with anything, until the wand came zipping down yet again, connecting with precision on the crease between her ass and thighs.

“Sir!” she cried.

“One more, Cassie. Take your punishment for me like a good girl.”

Her fingers curled into the seat cushion as she steeled herself for the final stroke. When it came, it burned like the five before it, except across the uppermost aspect of her tender thighs, it blazed even hotter. Unable to hold still, she came off her toes, standing, as her hands flew back to her bottom. And, she did a little dance, providing her own music in a wail of “oohs” and “aahs”.

Setting the wand aside, Flynn gathered her in his arms. He lifted her and took her place on the window seat, curling her toward him on her hip as he settled her on his lap, his broad hand caressing her fiery skin. She clung to his shoulders as he held her against his chest, rocking her while his lips brushed her temple.

“It’s over, imp. Let’s not have to repeat it, all right?”

“Yes, sir.” Her response came out muffled with her face in his collar. “I’d prefer that as well.”

He chuckled softly, moving his kiss to her forehead, as his hand expanded his stroking up and down her back. “We’ve talked, you’ve had a sample of my style of discipline, next will be your decision.”

Her head fell back, knowing her answer already. “Flynn, I—”

“Not now, when emotions are high.”

“But—”

He laid a finger across her lips, stopping the words ready to come out. “If you choose me, come to the club this Saturday at eight o’clock. Wear the same outfit as the last time, and we’ll start fresh. I’ll personally show you all Decadence LA has to offer. Be prepared to spend the night in one of the apartments upstairs.” He traced her lower lip with his thumb before he went on. “If, on the other hand, you decide I’m not the dominant you want; I’ll accept it and will work with Colt to identify someone you do. From there we’ll go back to being co-workers, perhaps fellow club members if you decide to join, and friends who share lunch every Friday. No hard feelings.”

“If I decide no, do you think it will be that easy to go back to the way we were?”

“I didn’t say it would be easy, but I’ve come to care for you, and I don’t want to lose what we had, so I’ll make it so.”

With a crooked finger, he nudged her chin up, the touch of his lips on hers creating a delicious sensation she didn’t want to end. She lifted her mouth, seeking more, but he pulled away.

“No. We can’t let kisses or the intimacy of a spanking and aftercare interfere with a lucid decision. No pressure, Cassie. I want you to do what is right for you and insist you take the week to consider it before making up your mind. Is that clear?”

“Yes, sir,” she replied, the strain of disappointment in her voice of a sexually frustrated nature. “But I have to say I don’t like it.”

His face so near she could see the gray in his irises had again turned shimmery, like liquid silver, which she was starting to associate with his more intense reactions, both anger, and desire. One finger trailed down the line of her jaw before setting her on her feet. He eased her panties into place and smoothed her skirt over her warm and still smarting behind.

“Now then, dinner. What do you feel like?” Flynn asked while standing and turning her toward the door. He moved them forward, his arm curled around her shoulders as in the past. “Italian, Mexican, Chinese, or a burger? Name your poison.”

“A burger sounds good, but I need to use the powder room before we go.”

In the hall, he motioned to the next door.

She scurried out from under his arm and was just closing the door when his hand came up to stop it. “I almost forgot one other rule: no touching.”

Her eyes went wide. She couldn’t have heard right. “What?”

“No touching yourself and getting off. If you come to me at the end of the week, I’ll want you as hungry as I am.”

A wave of unadulterated pleasure swept through her at the notion he could be even half as aroused by their spanking session as she was. She leaned weakly against the doorjamb as she clarified, “Does that mean you are going to, um, abstain, as well?”

“Yes, not to would be rather unfair, don’t you think?”

She took a step forward, then another, rejoining him in the hall.

His eyes flicked over her shoulder. “I thought you needed the powder room?”

She flushed; the purpose of going now moot. “I don’t have to anymore.”

While gazing down at her for a moment, his eyes flashed with understanding. Then, in a sudden change in plan, he pulled her into the circle of his arms and hauled her up on her toes, his lips a scant distance above her own.

“Fuck interference, consider this while you decide.”

Flynn crushed her to him, his mouth smothering hers with demanding intensity. As his enveloping embrace molded her curves to the hard contours of his body, she felt the hard proof of his desire against her belly. In addition to the heady caress of his tongue slipping inside to tangle with her own, it left her head spinning.

She wanted him more than anything and would have told him how much she wanted to be his submissive and was more than ready to come to him willingly, whether to his caring, tender touch or the stern, stinging bite of his displeasure. It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him how much she wanted to be his in every way, but she held back. Since he seemed adamant about this week-long contemplation period and her butt stung enough already, she didn’t want to test him. There was also some reticence on her part considering her past disappointments, although none of the men who came before had been anything like Flynn Dalton.

The kiss went on while she clung to his shoulders, opening wide to his possession, yielding to the demand of his lips and tongue which sent shivers of desire racing through her. Then, as quickly as it had begun, it ended, and with them both breathing hard, he set her away from him.

“You make me forget my good intentions. In the truck with you, imp, and on to Nicky Rottens. Instead of having you, I’ll sublimate my need with a beer, and a peppercorn burger with Swiss, well done.”

With food the last thing she was hungry for; she made that clear as her hands slid over the contoured muscles of his chest. “A week is longer than you think, Flynn. What if I sleep on it and give you my answer in the morning?”

“With an instructor out, I won’t have time in the morning, or for the rest of the week. And I want you to think long and hard about this decision, Cassie. We’ll wait.” He took her by the shoulders, next, and sent her into the bathroom, adding a swat to her backside when she dragged her feet. “Go splash some water on your face and cool off. And while you’re in there, lose the dreamy-eyed look, or I’ll never make it until tomorrow, let alone Saturday.”

She gazed at him over her shoulder as she went, thinking that wouldn’t hurt her feelings at all.

“Yep,” he groaned, “that’s the look.” With a scowl, he reached in and firmly shut the door.

She gaped at it for a moment, then unable to stop herself, she giggled. But the joke was on her because it was going to be a trying, unfulfilled, long ass week.