All He Needs (All or Nothing) (27 page)

She smiled. “Oh, yeah. You?”

“More than you know,” he said gently, looking forward to being with her in London. “Sleep if you want. We have until ten.”

“And?”

“The attorney comes at ten.”

“You sure you want to do this? You don’t have to do it for me. I’m not going anywhere unless you want me to.”

He kept his voice benign; previous talk of shackling her to his bed hadn’t been greeted with approval. “Contracts are routine for me. Humor me, if you don’t mind.”

“I don’t mind. You’re the one who’s used to exercising his sexual freedom. Exclusivity isn’t a problem for me. I don’t want anyone else. You know that.”

She made it sound so simple, when it had never been simple before.

When he’d never been interested in simplicity when it came to the women in his life. Even Julia had brought with her exotic adventure and thrill-seeking world travel. Now he was happy and content doing nothing, lying here with Katherine, the sun warm on his face, the person who gave meaning to his life beside him.

It was enough.

He didn’t need anything more.

And this time he was determined to keep the subversive demons at bay.

While he couldn’t change his past or wash away a single bitter memory, he could shape a new destiny, create a new world. Perhaps even learn to understand the meaning of love.

D
ominic’s attorney was well dressed in a navy suit that was beautifully cut by a tailor who knew his business, charged what some people made in a year, and sent his clients out in the world with the authority serious money commanded.

Dominic hadn’t changed from his sweats and T-shirt. Katherine was equally dressed down, but Chris Robbins smiled politely when Katherine was introduced, pretending he didn’t see the cuff bracelets and treating Dominic and Kate with professional deference. Or more likely with the extraprofessional deference awarded to a billionaire client and this woman who’d warranted a change in Dominic’s will.

Patty brought in a tray with coffee and cookies, set it on a small table between Katherine and the two men, and left. While Chris extracted several documents from his briefcase, the men discussed the season the Golden State Warriors were having and the point spread from last night’s game. They agreed that they needed more rain and that the opera needed more funding, after which Dominic suggested that Chris send the opera whatever he thought appropriate and let Roscoe know the amount.

Chris set a small stack of papers on the table, carefully lined up the edges, and took out a lacquered black pen,
quite beautiful, like fine jewelry. He unscrewed the cap and handed the pen to Dominic.

Gee, rich people didn’t even have to get up for their own pen
, Kate thought, glancing at the desk where several pens resided in a leather canister.

Dominic leaned forward in his chair. “Show us where to sign.”

“Would you like to read it?”

“The draft was fine.” Dominic turned to Kate. “You should read it though, Katherine.” He nodded at the attorney, who slid a copy toward Kate.

“I don’t want to.”

Dominic gave her a quick look. “I’d advise you read it. Tell her Chris.”

Chris smiled politely. “I always suggest a contract be read before signing.”

Kate pointed at the papers. “Do you include my e-mail out clause? That’s all I need.” It meant she could leave, as they’d agreed in Singapore, whenever she wished.

The attorney glanced at Dominic, then ran a quick hand over his thinning hair.

Dominic stared at him for a heartbeat, his expression blank. “Katherine’s referring to the revocation clause.”

“Yes, of course.” Chris swallowed. “The clause is in there.”

Kate sat up a little straighter in her chair. “Then show me where to sign.”

Dominic gave her a pointed look. “I’m going to make sure your CX Capital contract is reviewed before you sign it. They won’t be as amenable as me should you change your mind.”

“You’re amenable? Really?” She grinned playfully. “Since when?”

“Enough, Katherine,” Dominic warned softly, flicking his eyes toward the attorney.

“I expect the nature of our friendship isn’t in doubt since Mr. Robbins drafted this contract for you, Dominic,” she said as softly.

Dominic sighed. “Then just sign the thing.”

“That’s what I was going to do before you started giving orders.”

Dominic’s mouth clamped shut, a twitch appeared high over his cheekbone, and he handed her the pen.

Afterward, Chris Robbins relayed the news to his business partner that not only had Dominic wanted this woman badly enough to sign an exclusivity contract, but that Miss Katherine Hart apparently was not the docile type because she’d argued with Dominic until he’d given up. “Well, not docile except for the handcuffs,” he said with a grin and went on to explain the pricey bracelets.

“That’s her appeal,” Bob Thorp, his partner, said, grinning back in that leering way typical in male discussions of sex. “Docile when it matters, otherwise not docile. Keeps Knight guessing.”

“Her only interest was in the revocation clause. She refused to look at the contract. Dominic pressed her and she resisted.”

“Did you tell her the revocation clause is worthless?”

“She didn’t ask.”

“She doesn’t know about the codicil to Knight’s will either, right? Or do you think she does know and that’s why
it doesn’t matter that the revocation clause is completely ineffectual?”

“No, Dominic was absolutely clear on that. She doesn’t know. The codicil was in a separate envelope I was told to put in his desk. I was ushered into his office first.”

“So what does this potentially rich woman look like? Something extraordinary, I’d say.” Bob adjusted the cuff on his twenty-grand suit. “Maybe she’ll be looking for a new friend.”

“She’s way out of your league, Bobby my boy, so don’t get excited. And she’s rich only if some meeting Dominic has on Tuesday goes wrong. He’s not expecting trouble, he said, but just taking precautions. He didn’t give any details beyond that. But Knight Enterprises does business in some dodgy regions of the world. Even with security, there’re always risks.”

“I still don’t know what this extremely clever and apparently too-beautiful-for-me woman looks like.” Bob Thorp didn’t take his partner’s put-down personally. Very few men could challenge Dominic Knight when it came to looks.

“Here.” Chris tapped some icons on his phone. “I downloaded the photo from my pen camera. Here.”

Bob Thorp laughed. “You and your spy shit,” he said, taking the phone. “Oh, baby… she’s fine. No makeup, no fancy clothes, and she still blows you away. Leave it to Dominic to find her.”

“It’s not as though he hasn’t been checking out female perfection around the globe both before and after his marriage. His percentages were good he’d find something he liked.”

“To the tune of what?”

“Half.”

Bob’s eyes bulged out like a cartoon character’s. “You’re fucking kidding me.”

“Uh-uh. Half. Signed, sealed, delivered.”

“Jesus, she must be good in the sack.”

“Don’t ever say that to him. The guy’s serious about her.”

“Yeah, I got that.”

Y
ou have no discretion,” Dominic muttered after the door closed on the attorney.

“You of all people complaining. Considering your attorney drafted that contract”—she lifted her brows—“what’s the point?” She held out her hands, displaying the cuff bracelets. “Speaking of discretion, you didn’t seem to care about these. Because you like this don’t you?”

He smiled. “Very much.”

“So who’s indiscreet now?”

He dipped his head. “Agreed.”

She made a check with her finger in the air. “Won that one.”

He laughed. “You like to win, don’t you?”

“Damn right. You do too. Yin, yang, never a dull moment. That’s why—”

“Katherine.”

“What?”

“Come here.”

She shot a quick glance at the door. “Patty might come in.”

“She won’t.”

“How do you know?” But her voice trembled.

“I know. Now get up and walk over here.”

Their eyes met.

“Slowly,” he said, his voice serene, his arm resting on
the table, his fingers lightly placed on the contract they had just signed… as though to remind her that her addiction had become legal. To remind her of his incredible power over her.

Dominic’s dispassionate voice banished objections and dignity, firm beliefs and any reference to reality. He had only to speak in that soft, lazy tone, look at her with lust in the unfiltered blue of his eyes, expect obedience, and she was instantly wet, her nipples peaked, her sex pulsing in welcome.

Drained of all emotion, save a vast and unconstrained longing.

She stood.

He slowly swung around in his chair, spread his legs, and watched in silence as she walked across the small space separating them. When she came to a stop before him, he looked up from under the dark fringe of his lashes and surveyed her breasts, his gaze fixed and cool. “You’re obscenely easy to arouse, Katherine. I’ve never seen anyone who needs sex as much as you. Your nipples are stiff in seconds.” His gaze slowly lifted and a small moment of time unraveled. “Take off your T-shirt. I want to see my tits.”

As she pulled off her shirt, he put out his hand.

She dropped the T-shirt in his open palm, and he let it fall to the carpet without taking his eyes off her.

“Touch your nipples for me.” His voice sharpened slightly. “Now, Katherine. Do it now.”

“Sorry,” she whispered, focused on the liquid heat shimmering between her legs, on the flutter of arousal spiking through her body.

“Did you hear what I said?” His voice was rough.

She moved then, prompted by the harshness of his tone. She took her nipples between her thumbs and fingers, gently squeezed.

“Harder.”

She tightened her grip, felt the tissue yield, shut her eyes against the spiraling pleasure streaking downward, hot and lush, primitive in its untrammeled beauty. And softly moaned.

“Harder,” he ordered quietly.

She increased the pressure, compressing her sensitive flesh, and felt searing desire leap inside her. White-hot lust flared through her body, wildly beating at her brain, and she gasped. With her eyes shut, she whispered, “I need you.”

“Are you sure?” he murmured. “Or can anyone fuck you when you’re this horny? Do you really care whose dick it is, baby?” He leaned forward, grasping her wrists in a viselike grip. “Do you?” he growled.

His low growl, his savage grip, required a response. Even distracted by a building hysteria she understood. Breathless, fevered, she forced her eyes open, struggling to answer a question she’d hadn’t fully heard. Finally she replied in blanket assent. “Whatever you want, Dominic.”

Aware of her dilemma, he smiled faintly, his hands fell away, and he leaned back in his chair. “That’ll do,” he said. He flicked one finger. “Resume.”

Incomprehensively, the single word was as potent as the hard thrust of a cock plunging deep inside her. She shuddered as a lurid jolt mauled her senses and her body slavishly opened, eager and willing.

“Jesus, Katherine.” His voice was soft as silk, amused. “Do you even know I’m here?”

“How could I not?” Her voice was low and lush, her heated gaze on the only man who made her helpless with longing, who could make her do anything for the pleasure he offered. Then she gripped her nipples, slowly pulled on them until they were stretched taut. “Could you help me?” she said on a caught breath, turning left, then right, offering him an unlimited view. “I can’t… reach them with my mouth… but you could.”

She took note of his surging erection and, releasing her fingers, slid her hands under her breasts and lifted her pale flesh into high, plump mounds. “Just asking.”

Dominic smiled. “Fucking tease.” He crooked a finger.

Smiling back, she moved between his legs. “Finally,” she said.

“I really am going to have to lock up your pussy. No question,” he murmured, gazing up at her from under his half-lowered eyelids.

“Maybe I’ll let you.”

“No maybe about it. You like to fuck too much. We can’t have you out trolling for a one-night stand.”

“I promise not to.”

He snorted. “Like I believe that.”

“Maybe you have to.”

“And maybe I don’t.” He placed his large hands on either side of one breast, curled his fingers, captured her soft flesh, and dipped his head. Just before his mouth touched her nipple, he glanced up and said, “They’re working on your chastity belt now.”

“You wouldn’t!” She tried to jerk back.

His finger tightened. “Of course I would. I can do anything, Katherine.” Then his mouth closed on her nipple and he made her forget everything but raw sensation, fevered need, orgasmic frenzy. In seconds she was panting, the throbbing between her legs turbulent, issues of authority and compliance forgotten with her blood on fire and orgasm hovering on the brink.

Then he slid his hands away from her breast, sat back, and quietly said, “Turn around and put your hands behind you.”

She stood stunned, insatiable lust beating at her brain.

“Anytime, Katherine. You want to come don’t you?”

No, she wanted vengeance, to retaliate by slapping him in the face for his asshole behavior. She didn’t want to wait or play games.
But vengeance could wait until after she climaxed, she pragmatically decided, so close to orgasm her pulse was pounding in her ears.

She turned.

“We do get along don’t we?” he sardonically murmured, drawing the coiled chains from the bracelets. Binding the bracelets together, he placed his hands on her hips and swung her back around. “You can’t ever come unless I’m with you. Do you understand?”

She nodded, desire pulsing hot inside her.

“I didn’t hear you, Katherine.”

“I understand,” she whispered, trying to keep from trembling.

“One more thing. I’d like you to apologize for being disagreeable in front of Chris.”

His eyes flared wide, hot with temper. “Fuck you.”

“Not yet. Apologize first,” he said gently.

“No.”

“Maybe I can change your mind.” Untying her sweats, he slid them down her legs, lifted one foot, then the other, kicked away the puddle of fabric, then slipped a finger inside her.

“That’s not fair.” But her voice was a wisp of sound.

“I’m not interested in being fair. I’m interested in an apology.” He slipped in a second finger, gently stroked her slick flesh. “All you have to do is say you’re sorry and I’ll let you come.”

“I’m not going to.”

He slid his other hand over her breast and lazily rubbed her nipple between his finger and thumb, until she was shuddering under his hands, drenching his fingers, panting in a little flurry of need. “You like that? Would you like to come or should I stop? What does winning mean now?”

“I want to come.”

“Who can do that for you?”

“You can, Dominic. You can win the next hundred times if you let me come now. Please?”

“Sure, baby. Just making sure you understand who does what to whom in that yin-yang equation.”

Her eyes narrowed; even near-orgasmic, her temper was in hot dispute.

He smiled. “Are we clear?”

A long taut silence; he could feel her orgasm begin to ripple up his fingers. He pulled his fingers out, dropped his hand from her breast.

“Should I put your sweats back on, uncuff you?”

She bit her lip, shook her head.

“That’s what I thought. I don’t need a lengthy apology.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Thank you, baby.” Coming to his feet, he unclasped the bracelets, eased her back onto the chair, knelt, and lifted her legs on his shoulders. Slipping a hand under her bottom, he pulled her close, slid his fingers back inside, gently stroked her G-spot, dipped his head low and tenderly sucked her clit—the pressure of his mouth painstakingly attuned to her swiftly peaking climax. Having gained his objective in clarifying their relative positions, mollified and content, he took particular care to see that Katherine’s orgasm was drawn out for long, delirious, soul-stirring moments.

Downstairs in the kitchen, Patty looked up at the frenzied scream, smiled, and went back to her cooking. It was nice that Dominic had someone to play with instead of brooding in his room like he usually did when he was home. Maybe she should make steaks for dinner. If those two kept up their heavy-duty screwing schedule they were going to need some red meat in their diets.

After Kate was once again composed, Dominic changed places with her, lifted her onto his lap, saw to his climax, then another for her, and held her close while they both reached a more tranquil state of mind. Then he said, “Break time? Feel like a swim?”

Kate’s head was resting on his shoulder, her arms draped over his shoulders. “I’ll watch you.”

“You can read a magazine or watch TV. I’ll just do a few laps. Now if you’re shy, shut your eyes when I carry you downstairs. I have clothes and robes down there.”

She sat up, gave him a hard stare. “Don’t you dare say Patty’s seen you nude before.”

Scooping her off his lap, he stood, holding her in his arms. “We met surfing. So that’s minimum clothes, but it’s clothes. Is that okay with you?” He moved toward the door.

“Have you slept with her?”

“Uh-uh. She and Jack have always been together. They lived in my ratty apartment in Half Moon Bay for a few years, but that’s as close as we got to seeing each other nude. Satisfied?” Opening the door, he turned to his right.

“Since I can’t send people off to Greenland like you do, I suppose I don’t have a choice.”

He laughed. “You couldn’t get Patty that far north for love or money. She’s like you. She’s a whole lot of trouble. But she’s a damned good cook, so the trade-off’s worth it.” Another smaller staircase at the end of the corridor led to the lower level. He took the stairs in a fast, smooth descent and entered a lighted room.

Kate nibbled on his earlobe. “Speaking of trouble and trade-offs, Mr. Knight. I know what you’re talking about.”

He grinned. “At least it’s never dull, baby.” He set her down in a small locker room with closet-size lockers. “Clothes there.” He pointed. “Some of the workout clothes are supposed to fit you. Swimsuits there.” He pointed again. “Don’t feel you have to wear one if you don’t want to. No one uses the pool but me and the water is constantly recirculated and filtered a thousand different ways. I don’t like chlorine or chemicals.” He lifted his brows. “What are you doing?”

She ran her finger down his arm. “Is this a turn-on for
you too? Look how dark you are.” Standing nude under the bright locker-room lights, Dominic’s bronzed skin was even more conspicuous. “How dark I’m not. It reminds me of—do you read graphic novels?”

He grinned. “Am I your barbarian fantasy?”

She slid his hand between her legs, looked up, and smiled. “My real-life fantasy.”

He pulled her close, slid two fingers inside her slippery heat. “I have this lurid urge to plunder and pillage when I look at your pale fragileness, baby. And it has nothing to do with fantasy. You’re so fucking small. It’s been tantalizing as hell from the first. Here, look.” He half turned her so her back was to him, his fingers still deep inside. “See?” His powerful arm slanted across her body, his hand resting on her mons, his fingers cupping her sex, the two fingers inside her bringing a flush to her cheeks. His skin was shades darker, the black hair on his forearm, the network of veins in low relief faintly visible over his corded muscles in prurient contrast to her creamy skin.

Taking her chin in his other hand, he lifted her face to the mirrored wall. “Look at that.” His tall, powerful body dwarfed hers, their skin tones unfiltered dark and light, the divergent images reeking of hunter and hunted, of liberties taken, of urgency and entitlement. “Look how small you are. You’re my unspoiled gift, my sweet relief”—he smiled—“my flame-hot riot of need.”

Her heart did a little flip because his voice had dropped, as if he were talking to himself. But she knew how little he wished to hear about love so she smiled back, and brushed his arm with her fingertips. “The sensation of
being overwhelmed by all this heavy-duty maleness turns me on too.”

“It’s weird.”

“But nice weird. I like that you’re stronger than me, bigger… taller, all muscle and mojo.”

He circled her with his arms. “I noticed the difference the first time I saw you. I felt”—he blinked, grinned—“probably just lust. I’m not good at distinguishing much else.”

She softly exhaled. “You scared me that first day.”

“Hey, remember who you’re talking to.” He bent his head and nuzzled the back of her ear. “You felt something else too.”

She turned her head and smiled at him. “I wasn’t sure what. Or if I had a chance.”

Every woman who stood still long enough had a chance with him in those days. “I’m glad you decided to stay,” he said politely, lifting his head. He drew in a small breath. “Sometimes I think of how close we came to never meeting and I start believing in fate. I
never
interview. But Max was busy and he was hot on hiring you so he insisted I fill in; he wanted me to see for myself how good you’d be for the company. And the reason I was late getting there was because I was thinking of blowing you off. Until Max called. Like he knew he had to nudge me.”