Red & Her Big Bad Dom (9 page)

Instead, they’d strolled through the woods—naked—beneath the moon and stars. That had been thrilling. She’d had no idea she was such a nature girl. Sure, she enjoyed hiking whenever time allowed, but to take on Snow Creek Trail au naturel... It was as though he was trying to provide her with normal dating activities, something they’d never had. She sighed.

What did he have in mind for after the ball? Was he saving their energy for the grand finale? She grew giddy inside just thinking of all the things he might do and hoped he would be in full Dom mode and ready to punish her for each and every disobedience.

Total Dom mode.
She shivered, her body humming at the thought of a spanking, then his crazy denials that drove her to tears but gave her the biggest and best orgasms. No other man could reduce her to a quivering, desperate, sobbing mass as he did. And god, she couldn’t wait.

The door to the suite opened, and Jaimie stepped inside. Lucy jumped up and ran to hug her friend. She pulled back, studying Jaimie. “Well? Are you having a good time?”

“Oh, my god, Luc!” Jaimie whirled around and dropped dramatically into a matching overstuffed chair across from the one Lucy had been sitting in. “I cannot believe this.”

Grinning, Lucy sat, noted the bright eyes, and flushed skin. “But you’re enjoying yourself?”

“Oh, my god, the sex is fantastic. I never knew it could be this good.”

Lucy sighed with relief. “I’m glad.”

Jaimie grinned, and her face flamed. “No need to ask if you’re having fun.”

Lucy giggled. “You were there?”

“You didn’t know?” Jaimie’s eyes widened with horror.

“I was told there would be people watching.” She shrugged. “It was one of my fantasies.” She leaned back with a sigh. “It really turned me on to hear everyone coming when I did.” She laughed softly. “You’re blushing.”

Wrinkling her nose, Jaime rolled her eyes. “Well, yeah, I’ve never—” She shrugged. “I’ve never done any of this before.”

“You’re not mad at me, are you? You were so unsatisfied, especially after that jerk, Mike. I wanted to show you there are men out there who can please you.”

“God, Lucy, if I’m
pleased
any more, you might have to carry me away on a stretcher. My muscles are so sore from all this—activity.”

“Good thing we have nice, long massages scheduled.”

“Really?”

Hearing sounds from the next room, she stood. “Yep, let’s go get pampered.” She led the way into the bedroom where two massage tables waited. Soothing music flowed, and there was a small, tabletop waterfall.

The afternoon consisted of a soak in a Jacuzzi big enough for four adults, massages that included stone therapy, then a light supper. She had her nails and hair done, and there was even someone to help with her makeup.

Sharing the dressing room, Jaimie stared into the full-length mirror. She wore an ice-blue confection of silk, satin, lace, and ruffles.

Jaimie looked like a princess, like Cinderella with her blonde hair piled on top of her head and glittering combs tucked here and there. The equally sparkly tiara finished the transformation, as did the diamond and sapphire pendant around her neck.

Lucy studied herself in the mirror, loving the blood-red gown and black accents. Jaimie’s gown was full and bell-shaped. Lucy’s clung to her curves with a skirt that rippled around her calves. A flowing silk cape completed the dress. “You look wonderful, Luc.”

Lucy twirled, loving the matching heels in the same deep red. She was eager to glide across the dance floor in her wolf’s arms. She glanced at Jaimie, who grinned, awed at her own reflection. “You look like a princess, Jaimie.”

Cinderella let out a long, happy sigh. “I can’t believe this weekend is almost over.”

Jaimie grinned. “Yeah, when the clock strikes twelve, it’s back to reality.”

The sound of a gong echoed, and Jaimie frowned. “What’s that?”

Lucy put on her silky red-and-black mask, loving the air of mystery it added. “That, my friend, means the ball is starting. Ready to go find our men?”

“You bet.” Jaimie donned her mask.

Hand in hand, they followed one of the maids to the main staircase. There was a line of women, each wearing an elaborate gown. One at a time, each woman descended the curving staircase.

At the bottom step, each woman was announced. Lucy picked up the hem of her gown and headed down. Hastings, in his deep, authoritative voice, called out, “Little Red Riding Hood.”

Lucy’s breath caught in her throat. Her wolf, handsome as sin, in a black tux that fitted so well it had to have been tailored for him, stepped forward. “Ready to dance the night away?”

Lucy’s heart melted. A tingle of both lust and love settled in her center. Dance, make love, and sleep in her wolf’s arms. Life couldn’t get much better. Well, if her Wolf declared himself to be madly in love with her and trusted her with his identity, that would make life perfect. She smiled and held out her arm. “Lead the way.”

****

Graham expertly swung Lucy across the crowded dance floor. She felt weightless in his arms. Magical. He wasn’t one to give in to fits of fancy, but the only way to describe the evening was definitely magical. Special. The bright chandeliers above glinted off her sequined mask, and her silky dress shone as he whirled her around the ballroom. And he loved the way her cape rippled behind her when he spun her around and around.

And those strappy heels gave him an idea for later. He’d imagined her bent over, holding onto the bedpost, wearing those fuck-me-to-hell-and-back heels.

The music ended, and Glorie’s voice had everyone clearing the dance floor. “We have a treat for you. Two of our own are professional dancers, and I’ve asked them to entertain us. First up is a tango.”

“Ready to show them how it’s done, Red?” He’d given Glorie the titles of the songs he and Lucy picked out. They’d even put together a couple of routines yesterday. He smiled when he remembered dancing naked in the woods with her, in the same spot they’d played out her first fantasy.

Graham led Lucy into the tango, then a saucy salsa, and finally a romantic waltz.

“I could dance with you forever,” Lucy said, her voice soft and dreamy.

The music ended, and Graham kissed her tenderly. Applause sounded, and the music started back up. Couples filled the floor and surrounded them. “You’re pretty incredible, Red.” He wrapped his arms around her, and they slowly rocked back and forth.

“You’ve given me so much, my lovely—wolf.”

He heard her hesitation and understood that it was awkward for her not to have a name. “Soon,” he whispered. He would reveal the truth very soon, for he needed more from her, from them. He wanted to show off his home, share it with her, spend the entire night with her, and in the morning, shower with her as they both got ready for work.

And most of all, he wanted to walk into her office, plant his ass on her desk, have her give him that saucy grin, and see love shining in her eyes instead of irritation. Graham Winters, geek, vice president, Dom, and a big, bad wolf wanted this woman totally and forever, but he wasn’t going to risk ruining this incredible weekend.

Because if things didn’t go his way, it would be his last.

****

Happily, Lucy felt her wolf’s heartbeat blend with the music as they danced with her head tucked into the crook of his shoulder and neck. His spicy male scent enveloped her. She breathed him in.

The weekend had been so much more than she could have imagined. The only thing that marred it was not knowing who this man was and the knowledge that when they left tomorrow, things would return to normal. That meant seeing him maybe once a week and only for a few wonderful hours. It meant sleeping in her own bed, alone. Waking alone. And waiting until he called her.

She put what she wanted out of her mind and concentrated on what she had—tonight. Her wolf wouldn’t disappoint.

“I can feel your heart pounding, sweet. What are you thinking?”

She smiled. “What we are going to do later.”

“Ah. We have some unfinished business, don’t we, my naughty sub.”

“Oh, yes, Sir. I’ve been bad. Very bad.”

He leaned close and whispered, “When we get back, you’re going to wear only those fuck-me heels. I’m going to tie you to the bed post, bend you over, and paddle your ass.”

Moisture gathered between her legs, and she nearly stumbled. Sucking in a breath, she lifted her head and stared into his masked eyes. The lights had dimmed in the room, but lust glittered behind his mask.

“Is that what you want me to do?” His deep voice vibrated through her.

“Oh, yes, Sir. That and more. Tell me what else my big, bad Dom is going to do.” She fingered the escaping wisps of blond hair curling at his neck. Her finger glided up, circled absently around the small bump on the back of his head.

“I bought a new toy for you.”

Her eyes widened. “What kind of toy?” It wasn’t the vibrator Glorie had used. She’d seen that one before.

“It’s a surprise.” By the time the music ended and the lights brightened, Lucy was a quivering mass of need. Her wolf stopped near Jaimie and Bryce.

“You’re a great dancer,
Red
.” Jaimie looked dreamy and enchanted.

Lucy grinned, sure she wore that same expression. “A bit out of practice. I need to freshen up. Want to join me,
Cinderella
?”

“That’s a good idea.” Jaimie glanced at her prince. He smiled and bowed.

The two women stepped out of the ballroom and headed down the corridor.

“Be still my beating heart,” Jaimie whispered.

Lucy giggled and shoved open a door. “In here. Used to be an office or den. Owner converted it to a ladies’ room.”

The main room boasted vanities with lit-up mirrors as well as a maid who was helping Rapunzel with her hair. A short hall led past several full-length mirrors and into a room with sinks and half-a-dozen stalls, each bigger than a handicap stall. She was glad she didn’t have to deal with a full skirt.

Finished with her business, she headed for one of the vanities and checked her makeup. She heard voices from the other room, recognized the whiny, high-pitched voice of Bo, and realized they were talking about Bryce.

“—didn’t know he was going to be here. Sure would love to get him into my bed and tie him up.

Mary’s voice was softer. “Thought you said he didn’t take part anymore, not since his wife died.”

“Doesn’t. First time I’ve seen him. Lucky Cinderella. Every woman here would love to have him for an entire weekend. Bryce Langston is one of the sexiest men alive. Rich as sin, too. Can you imagine living here? Sure would love to snag him.”

“Won’t happen, Bo. He’s a Dom.”

Lucy glared at the two women when they stopped in front of one of the vanities. She crossed her arms, stood toe to toe with Jerri. “You know the rules, Jerri. No names.”

“Don’t be a bore, Lucy. Just because you work with him.” She removed her mask and checked her makeup. Her eyes narrowed into catty slits. “Bet he spanks you on the job. What’s it like having a Dom for a boss.”

“You have a big mouth, and you’re a fool,” Lucy said, her voice low.

The woman shrugged and nodded to her friend. “Let’s go, Cath. Time to find our lovely subs.”

Lucy glared at the two women as they left the restroom. Damn, Bryce needed to know about Jerri. Her heart slammed to a stop. “
Shit!
Jaimie.” She dismissed the maid and ran back into the other room. “Jaimie?”

Jaimie burst out of the middle stall. “You knew Bryce Langston,
The
Bryce Langston, was my prince, and you didn’t say a word.”

Lucy took Jaimie by the arm and pulled her into the now deserted dressing area. “Yes, I knew.”

Pacing, Jaimie waved her hands. “This is his mansion. He’s the one who put this on, our missing host.”

“Yes.”

“Is this why you signed me up? Because I wouldn’t come in and see the mighty man himself?”

“No! Sweetie, you were so depressed after things didn’t work out with Mike. I wanted to show you there were men out there who could please you, that sex wasn’t boring, that there wasn’t anything wrong with you.”

She held out her hands. “I’m Bryce’s personal assistant, and he usually asks for my help with the organizing of the club’s events, but Jaimie, I had no idea he was going to participate when I signed both of us up. He hadn’t taken part in any event since losing his wife. Normally, Bryce and the head Domme are the only ones who have access to the names of those who attend. Even Annie, Bryce’s wife before she lost her fight with cancer, never knew who was paired with whom.”

“But you knew this time.”

Lucy grimaced. “Yeah, I knew. I wasn’t happy about it.”

“You didn’t say anything.”

“That would have broken the rules.” Lucy hugged herself. “Please don’t be mad. I understood why Bryce needed this. I knew you were innocent, and so did Graham, but Bryce isn’t a man to take everyone else’s word, especially after so many broke his trust. He needed to talk to you before he could be sure.”

Jaimie choked back a sob, whirled around, and ran out.

Lucy followed. Jaimie ran down the hall and out the door that led to the gardens. She glanced toward the ballroom and saw Bryce. Her stomach ached and her head throbbed. She felt sick and miserable.

Bryce joined her and searched her face for answers. “How?”

“Bo Peep has a big mouth. She was talking to her friend, Mary. Jaimie overheard. Should I follow her?” She’d give up the rest of her evening with her wolf if Jaimie needed her.

Bryce shook his head. “No. Go back in. I’ll take care of it.”

Lucy blinked back her tears as Bryce went after Jaimie. Strong hands closed over her shoulders. “What happened? What’s wrong with Jaimie?”

Lucy leaned back, seeking warmth and strength from the man she loved. “Bo Peep has a big, fucking mouth.” She wanted to tell her partner but couldn’t without revealing that Bryce was taking part in the activities.

Graham turned Lucy in his arms and tipped her chin. “Do you want to cancel the rest of the evening? We can go for a walk and just talk.”

His kindness nearly broke the dam of her control. He’d really end things if she were too upset to go on. Well, she was upset, but there wasn’t anything she could do tonight, so she’d give herself over to her wolf and take comfort from their last hours together. She wrapped her arms around her Dom. “No. I want this night with you. I can’t do anything about my friend, not now anyway.”