Bondage Seduction (6 page)

“Are you my Dom?” Meri stole a glance at his face and watched a frown touch his lips.

“I was this evening and hope to be again in the near future.” He traced his finger along her bottom lip.

Meri was feeling a little bratty and a smidge desperate. “Then I guess my secret is safe for a short time.”

Ted replaced his finger with his mouth. He gave her a tender kiss until he pulled her bottom lip between his teeth and gave her a gentle bite.

She was startled as a fire lit within her.
Oh, all right.
She’d be here tomorrow even if it meant wearing street clothes.

“You, my dear lady, are a brat, and I will take great pleasure in training you to behave.”

* * * *

“I’ll be in the security office,” Ted muttered as he walked past Amanda.

Meri was getting under his skin, and he didn’t like it even a little bit. Well, maybe a little bit. As he entered the office, he was relieved to see it empty. Technically, he was within his purview. He was part owner of the club and had access to any and all records, but he preferred to manage the toy end of the business. While he enjoyed being the Dungeon Master Supervisor and even took the role as Dom in Residence on occasion, he was content to let André handle the business end of the clubs.

He was proud of what he’d accomplished. When he and André had first come up with the idea back in their grad school days, neither had dreamed it would one day grow to a multi-million dollar business. Oh, the clubs didn’t bring in anywhere near that kind of income. Some of their clubs barely made enough to keep the lights on, but the toys were the cash cows. Ted’s knowledge of the supply chain and management strategies teamed with André’s sales and marketing skills had taken a lark and turned it into an international powerhouse.

Holiday
by Nazareth began playing from his cell phone. Ted’s shoulders dropped and he hung his head.
Fuck.
“Hello, Mom. How are you this evening?” Ted leaned against the wall and began massaging the back of his neck.

“I have a headache, Theodore, a migraine actually.”

He wiped his hand over his face and forced his voice to remain calm. “I’m sorry to hear that, Mom. Perhaps a dry martini and putting your feet up would help.”

“What would help is if you would get a real job. Why don’t you come to work for your father or let us help you start a legitimate business?”

Every week it was the same thing. She’d play bridge with her fellow blue hairs then call and give him a ration of shit. “How are your lilies doing, Mom? Did the vitamins perk them up?”

“Don’t try to change the subject with me, young man. It’s about time you stopped all this foolishness and took stock of your life.” The phone cut out for a moment. “Oh, Gabriella is calling. I must speak with her. You know she is presiding over the murder trial that’s making all the headlines. Call me, later, son.”

“Sure, Mom.” He let out a sigh of relief as he hit the end button.

Of course, he knew his sister was making his mother proud and keeping the family name in good standing. Mom reminded him every time they spoke. If Gabby hadn’t saved him, he’d have been regaled with his brother’s latest lifesaving feats as well.
Fuck this.
He wasn’t going to change their opinion so why bother worrying about it?

Ted opened up the file cabinet containing the members’ files. Each applicant went through a thorough investigation before they were granted membership. They turned down anyone with a history of abuse. Money never overrode the need for safety. Everyone at the club felt a sense of duty to protect the other members, especially the submissives. Because of the success with their toy line, they didn’t need to rely on a steady income flow from the membership dues and had the ability to remain an exclusive club.

He scrolled through the files until he came to Meredith Whitmore.
Hmm, Meredith, that’s a pretty name.
He wondered why she went by Meri. Pulling the file from the cabinet, he set the one in front of hers at a cocked angle so he could easily replace it. Ted sat in one of the two wheelie chairs and began to look through the report.

She was thirty-two years old, lived in Scottsdale and was on the board of directors for one of the leading credit unions in the state.
Fuck!
She was definitely out of his league.

No way in hell would she be content with a part owner of a kink club and sex toy business. Sure, she’d enjoyed being his plaything for the night, but she would want someone of a high social ranking to stand beside her during the daylight hours.
Well, fuck that.
There were plenty of Doms at the club who would fit that profile. He needed to wash his hands of her before he got burned.

He had enough people telling him he needed to make something of himself outside the club. He didn’t need to hear that shit while he was here too. Maybe he should set her up with his brother, the fucking neurosurgeon. Yeah, that would make family events even more special. Hell, by the look of her zip code she didn’t live too far from brother dear.

With a heavier heart than he’d expected, he slid her file back into place, adjusted the rest of the files to fit neatly and closed the cabinet. Glancing down at his watch, he saw the club was open for about another hour. He decided he didn’t want to be around people and went to his office instead.

Sitting down at his desk, he ran his hand over the cool surface and remembered how perfect Meri had felt as he’d beaten her ass. Oh, how he’d like to do it again, but this time as a punishment for getting his hopes up. Damn it, he had to stop thinking about her.

After booting his computer, he pulled up the backlog of reports he needed to analyse. There was never a shortage of things to do.

As the lights dimmed, he realised he’d been sitting there staring at the screen for the better part of an hour and hadn’t actually read a damn thing. All of his thoughts were of Meri and her beautiful pinkened ass. Why did she have to be a fucking bank officer and member of the elite movers and shakers guild that his family belonged to? Why couldn’t she be a waitress or a secretary? Something normal…

He gave up trying to work and shut down his computer. If Meri decided to grace their little club with her presence then he’d spend tomorrow night working on the reports. No way in hell did he intend to play out the scenes he’d begun planning before he’d looked at her file. He and Meri had scened for the last time.

Chapter Three

Meri bought a cute outfit at a local intimate apparel store. She’d found a strapless, deep, rich blue corset that mirrored the shade of Ted’s eyes and a multi-coloured, silk hankie skirt. The sales clerk had helped her adjust the ties, so as long as she could work the hook closures, she was all set. She changed quickly, wanting to see Ted again. He was all she could think about. He’d even invaded her dreams last night.

This time, she left the locker room with much more confidence. She took a quick look around the great hall before deciding to visit with Eva and wait for Ted to find her. As soon as she sat down, Eva came over to her.

“It’s nice to see you again, Meri. Can I get you anything?” Eva asked with a beaming smile that didn’t quite seem to reach her eyes.

“A water would be great.” She knew the club had a strict alcohol policy and since she hoped to play again with Ted this evening, she didn’t want to risk running afoul of the rules.

“You got it.” Eva was back in just a moment with a glass full of ice and a bottle of water. “I wasn’t sure if you were a straight shooter or not,” Eva joked.

“Either way is fine for me. I’m not picky. How are you doing tonight?” Meri noticed Eva had a ready grin, but there was the same solemnness to her as the night before.

“I’m great. Life is always good…even when it isn’t.”

Meri wondered what her story was. How did she end up with eyes much too old for her body? Eva’s smile was contagious though and Meri found herself laughing for no reason. “I don’t know for sure, but it seems like it would beat the alternative.”

“You look like a woman on a mission tonight. Tell me what you seek and I will help you find it.”

Eva was a hard one to figure out. For a few unguarded seconds she had an air of a little girl lost then poof, it was gone. “Do you believe in love at first sight?”

Eva’s smile vanished. “Not anymore,” she whispered, with such an ache in her voice that Meri wished she hadn’t asked the question. A moment later, Eva’s smile was back in place. “Sorry, Meri, that is an elusive hunt much like the search for Atlantis. Personally, I don’t think it exists. It’s just folklore or a fairytale.”

Meri wasn’t sure if she was talking about love or Atlantis or both, but she did know when to mind her own business. “You may be right, Eva. I certainly have no personal knowledge of either one, but I hold out hope.”

Eva took the glass and ice that sat unused on the bar in front of Meri and disposed of them. “There’s a book discussion group and zipper’s demonstration going on tonight. Do either of those interest you?”

“Master Ted had suggested I stop by tonight…”

Eva gave her a surprised look. “Master Ted is grouchier than usual tonight. And that’s saying something. I think we can find someone a little nicer for you to play with. There are a couple of Doms who tend to stop by on Thursday nights that I think you would enjoy meeting.”

Well, now what the hell did she do? She didn’t want to pick up some random man. She’d had her mouth whetted for Ted. He was the one that’d turned her dreams into an erotic playground and had kept her panties damp all day. But she couldn’t say that. Not to Eva. “I thought I might watch the demonstration and call it a night. I have a busy day tomorrow.”

Meri began to squirm under Eva’s intense gaze.

“Seriously, Meri, Ted is kind of a by the book blowhard. I’m sure in the right mood, he has his moments, but he’s…coming this way so please don’t turn around.”

Meri’s stomach knotted. Eva knew Ted a lot better than she did and she was obviously trying to steer her away from him. This was not what she wanted to hear.

“Ladies.” Ted tipped his head in greeting as he passed by them. His shoulders slumped for a moment before he turned around. “Meri, I’m glad you could make it this evening. Unfortunately, club business has me tied up tonight. I hope you enjoy the demonstration. It begins shortly on the north stage.”

Just that fast, she was dismissed. Before she could even reply, he was gone. She turned to Eva and gave her a knowing look. “There isn’t any club business, is there?”

Eva cocked her head to one side. “I doubt it. I’m sorry. I haven’t heard of anything going on tonight, but something might have come up that I’m not privy to.”

“And pigs can fly if you use a big enough cannon.” She felt the urge to cry.
Damn it.
She hadn’t cried since Dan had left her. Not that she’d cried over Dan. More to the point, she’d cried over the wasted years and lost dreams. Maybe that’s why the tears were burning the backs of her eyes now. Another dream was shot to hell. She’d begun to believe the fantasy, love at first sight and all that drivel. When would she learn?

Eva’s hand clamped over hers. “Ooh, here comes Master Reed. Now this is a Dom you might like,” she whispered to Meri.

“Master Reed, it’s so good to see you this evening. I’d like to introduce one of our new members, Meri.” Eva went into matchmaker mode.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Meri.” Reed held out his hand to her.

Meri gave her hand to the tall, handsome Dom. He had a ready smile and put her at ease. After a few moments, she began to pull back, but he tightened his grip. When he ran a finger down her arm, her brain scrambled. She was grateful she managed to answer on autopilot. “Thank you, Master Reed. It’s nice to meet you as well.”

“She was thinking about watching the zippers demonstration Master André is giving this evening,” Eva explained, then quickly walked away.

“I’d be happy to escort you if you’d like,” Reed offered. “It doesn’t start for a few more minutes. Tell me about yourself. How long have you been a member?”

“I just joined. This is my second visit to the club. I’m a newbie in every sense.”

“We love newbies at DiscipliNation. You’ll find a lot of good people here at the club. I’ve been a member for a few years now. I’ve made some great friends, and I’m sure you will too.”

Reed was nice. He was terribly good looking with his shoulder-length blond hair and devilish brown eyes. It wasn’t a combination she had seen often, and she was intrigued. He didn’t set her panties on fire like Ted, but he seemed sweet. If you could call a ripped, leather wearing bad boy sweet…

“I’m sure I will. Everyone I’ve met has been so kind. I’m glad I joined.” Meri considered pulling her hand from his, but caught sight of Ted coming back. She plastered a smile on her face and turned her full attention to Reed. If Ted could dismiss her so easily, then he didn’t need to know he’d left a six-foot-five-inch hole in her ego.

She wanted so badly to turn and look at Ted. He should have been at the bar by now, but she refused to turn his way. Reed moved his hand from her arm to her face and pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear. Reed’s fingers brushed along her neck and she remembered Ted’s kisses. The memory of his rough whiskers abrading her skin almost made her moan aloud.

“Master Reed, thank you for keeping Meri company while I attended to club business. We were just about to head over to the north stage. Would you care to accompany us?” Ted asked as he slid his arm possessively around Meri’s shoulders.

She looked up at Ted’s handsome face and immediately forgave him for ignoring her earlier.

Reed glanced first at Meri then at Ted. He pulled his hands back down to his sides and bowed out of the party. “I think three would be a crowd in this situation. You two enjoy yourselves and I’ll sit here and discuss bourbon with Eva.”

“I’m sorry, Ted. I misunderstood and thought you’d be busy all evening.” Had she misunderstood? If she had, then Eva must have, too.

What the hell was he doing? As soon as he’d seen Reed’s hand in Meri’s hair, he’d lost it. Every cognizant thought had fled his brain and he’d stepped in.