Your To Take - Connaghers 03 (12 page)

“Pleased to meet you, ma’am. I’m Colby Wade, Detective
Reyes’s partner.”

“Oh, so you’re a detective too. You used to be a soldier if
that haircut’s any indication. Have you ever done any acting?”

“No, ma’am.” He gave Elias a look that said
what the fuck
is going on?

She squeezed Colby’s biceps like she was measuring his arm
for manacles. “So polite.”

For all Elias knew, that’s exactly what she was doing.
I
hope she doesn’t decide to measure his other equipment.

“How would you like to be
my
partner for just a
little while?”

Elias shook his head, trying to wave Colby off without
drawing Mal’s attention, but she knew what he was doing.

“Oh, don’t pay any attention to him. He doesn’t have any
idea what kind of
fun
—” she squeezed Colby’s arm again, hard enough that
his eyes flared, “—we’ll have.”

Fuck being polite—Elias had to save him from doing something
stupid. “If by fun you mean whips and shit. She’s a Domme, Colby. A Mistress.
She’ll eat you for lunch.”

“And what a delightful lunch that would be.” The fierce
woman somehow managed to pout playfully. “I don’t have a partner for my portion
of the commercial.” She gave Elias a knowing smirk. “Miss Vicki is so attached
to her young man that I doubt she’ll share. It’s only for the commercial,
Detective Wade. You wouldn’t leave a lady alone and desperate, would you?”

“That depends, ma’am.” Colby’s voice remained even and calm,
but he stiffened, like a soldier braced for bad news. “What exactly do you need
me to do?”

“Only this,” she whispered, losing some of her playfulness.
“Stand tall, defiant, insurmountable and tempt me to crack that firm resolve.”

Elias had thought her fierce voice was scary, but this
softness made his blood run cold. His partner stared at her for several long
moments without replying. Surely he wasn’t actually considering it. God only
knew what kind of torture equipment Mal liked to use. Colby was too nice a guy
to tell her to fuck off, especially on tape. He couldn’t…

Colby gave her a thousand-watt smile of pure cockiness.
“Sure. No problem.”

Jesse wasn’t used to people fussing over him. With a stylist
yanking his hair and another powdering his face, he finally pushed up out of
his chair and walked out of the room.
She
hadn’t told him to stay, and
he was sick of the waiting.

Vicki was going to play with him. In front of Elias. In
front of the entire city.
I can’t wait for everyone to see that I’m hers.
Especially her cop.

On set, he scanned the knots of people but Vicki must still
be in the makeup room. Elias stood off to one side and by the tight, cold look
on his face, he wasn’t happy. Jesse hesitated, trying to decide whether he
wanted to face that displeasure. Victor and Shiloh were on set with a man he
didn’t know, coaching him on his part with Mal.

Shuddering, Jesse moved over to stand with Elias. He
definitely felt safer there than anywhere near the Mistress. Vicki didn’t scare
him, not at all, but Mal made him sweat, and not in a good way.

“Christ, I can’t believe he’s going to go through with
this,” Elias muttered, sparing Jesse a glance. “Would you go out there? With
Mal?”

“Hell no. Who is that?”

“My partner.”

Shit. No wonder they were shoving a mask down over the guy’s
face. Thanks to VCONN’s infamous shows, everybody knew Mal was the Mistress of
Dallas. If a detective on the DPD was doing a scene with a Domme…on television…

“Take your shirt off,” Mal said in a rich, smooth voice that
sent cold chills down Jesse’s spine. She wasn’t speaking to him or even trying
to command, but the steel echoed in her voice. When she spoke, she was heard,
and even an innocent request became a demand.

Colby simply arched a brow at her, either oblivious to that
seductive power or so supremely confident that he bordered on stupidity. He
didn’t seem to have a submissive bone in his body. Why did Mal want to play
with a lean and mean cop?

“What’s the harm? You’ll still have your pants.” Smooth and
rich, her voice teased with just enough daring and not enough command to send
the cop running in the opposite direction. “Besides, in that button-up shirt
and tie, you look like a detective or an office employee. That’s not sexy
enough for what we’re doing here.”

Colby glanced back at his partner and Elias shook his head.
“Don’t do it, man.”

With a shrug, he loosened his tie and unbuttoned his shirt.
“I’ll strip down to my T-shirt but no further. I’ve got too many tats for
people to recognize.”

Mal’s eyes smoldered even hotter and she wet her lips.
“Nice. I hope you’ll show them to me someday.”

“Ready on set,” Shiloh called out. “We just need a few
seconds’ worth, guys. Your set up is a dance club. Colby, all we need you to do
is be reluctant but intrigued. Mal will do a little flirting and convince you
to leave with her. We need the belt involved, Mal. Remember the dress and the
message we’re trying to get out. Fun, spur of the moment bondage, nothing
serious. Right?”

“Right.” Mal smiled like she was harmless. “Hit the music
and let the cameras roll.”

Slow rock with a heavy, pulsing bass began playing and
someone flipped on a disco ball to cast sparkling lights across the set.
Letting her body sway to the music, she turned away from the man watching her
so warily. She danced alone, unafraid, not needing a partner on the floor,
moving with a raw sensuality that had him staring at her with a growing hunger.

Even Jesse felt that subtle pull. Mal’s sexual energy was
magnetic, hypnotic, yes. But would it be enough to snag a man confident in his
own sexual prowess?

Playing along, Colby stepped up behind her and settled his
hands on her hips. They moved together, just a couple flirting on the dance floor.
Mal didn’t turn to him or try to take command of the dance. When his hands
flexed on her hips, she agreeably turned in his embrace. She even snuggled her
head up beneath his chin, letting him rock her body against his in time to the
music.

From the sidelines, Jesse couldn’t take his eyes off them.
His muscles were tense, his heart pounding in anticipation. She’d make her
move, he was sure of it, but when? How? So far she hadn’t given any indication
that she was a Domme strong enough to command even the most virile man in her
bed. He’d bet every dollar he’d managed to save on the streets that Colby
wasn’t submissive. The man wouldn’t take kindly to being made to look like a
fool, especially by a woman. In front of his partner, no less.

He jerked hard enough that the swirling lights and shadows
didn’t obscure his movement. It was hard to tell what happened, but Jesse
thought she’d probably bitten the man’s neck. Hard, too, by the way he’d almost
stepped out of her arms. Yet his hands dug harder into her lower back, pulling
her tighter. Mal ran her hands down his arms, a slow rake of her nails that
made Colby’s nostrils and eyes flare with surprise.

Or growing lust.

He growled, low and rough. “What are you doing to me?”

She let out a husky laugh that made him tighten his hands
threateningly. “Tempting you to walk on the dark side with me.”

“You can’t handle my dark side, honey.”

Her mouth quirked and she reached up to cup his cheek in her
palm. “Try me. You might be surprised at the darkness I’ll find and how I’ll
handle it. How I’ll handle
you
.”

Holding his gaze, Mal took a step back and pulled the long
braided red and black belt from her waist. She held it in both hands, lifting
it so he could see it, still swaying her hips back and forth in time to the
music. Teasingly, she reached up to drape it behind his neck. She pulled on it,
bringing him down so she could brush her lips against his.

Jesse watched, breathless, sure that any minute Colby was
going to refuse, laugh and walk away, or maybe even flatten her. His body
vibrated with that kind of violence. Or maybe he was simply fighting himself.
He palmed the back of her head and clamped his mouth down on hers, kissing her
brutally in an extreme show of strength.

Mal even encouraged him, although she took his hand in hers.

So she could wrap the belt around his wrist.

He didn’t pull away or raise his mouth, even as she tied his
hands together in front of him. His shoulders bunched and corded. It was
obvious that he could refuse if he wanted. He could have jerked his hand out of
her grip or shoved her away, but he allowed it. Raising his head, he glared
down into her face, eyes glittering, face dark, but he didn’t walk away.

That’s when Jesse understood what Mal had seen in the other
man. She saw the
challenge
. Colby was a man who could physically and
mentally refuse to bend to her will. If he chose to bend knee for her, it would
be because he wanted to do so for her alone—not because he had to.

Some submissives melt at their Dominant’s touch. Others
fight because they want to be conquered. Mal would relish the battle of
breaking Colby to her will.

She turned and walked off set without a single glance back.
Hesitating a few moments, Colby jerked his shoulders back, head high, and
strode after her with the intent of a man ready to do some serious damage.

Evidently he’ll relish the battle too.

Elias cleared his throat. “Are you free Friday night?”

“Um, sure,” Jesse replied, watching the man’s reactions
carefully. The cop’s eyes were tight and guarded, but he didn’t seem
threatening. Surely he wasn’t going to put a bullet in his skull and drop him
off in the woods somewhere. “What’s up?”

“Can you play five-card stud?”

Jesse let a slow smile spread across his face. “That’s like
asking a wino if he knows where the cheapest bottle can be found. I could play
before I left home. Living on the streets, I learned to play for food. If I
didn’t win, I starved. Why?”

“Colby needs my help.” Elias hesitated, his face as hard as
stone. His throat worked, as though he fought to get the words out. “And I need
your help to pull it off.”

An olive branch, of sorts. A man like Elias wouldn’t ask for
help lightly, especially from the competition. But he wouldn’t want a big deal
made about it, either. Keeping his face smooth, Jesse shrugged. “Sure, no
problem.”

Who knows? Maybe I can actually prove to him that I’m not
completely worthless.

Chapter Thirteen

“Oh, Vicki,” Shiloh said, her eyes bright. “Your gown is
incredible! It’s going to look wonderful on screen.”

Fighting back nerves after what seemed like hours in the
chair while professionals styled her hair and face, Vicki gave a little twirl
so the heavier floor-length turquoise skirt fluttered, revealing the sheer red
layers underneath. A matching long red scarf wound around her neck, crossed
over the turquoise halter-style bodice and wrapped around her waist to tie in a
loose bow in the small of her back. She could use the scarf for bondage in the
commercial, or the neck cloth on Jesse’s shirt.

Assuming I don’t hyperventilate first and pass out.
“Thanks. It’s not my usual style, but it’s certainly eye catching.”

“It’s perfect for a fancy party, which is the set up for
your commercial. We’ve got well-dressed extras scattered throughout the room
with a bar we borrowed from another set. For this first shot, you’re at the bar
and Jesse will come up to you. You think he’s hot, but blow him off and leave
out the right-hand door. Don’t worry about your lines—we’ll add a voice-over
after we’re done.”

“That’s it?” She tried not to sound surprised…certainly not
disappointed. So far, this was a rather clean shoot, nothing to do with BDSM or
risky wear. “Seems rather tame for what I thought we were going to do.”

Shiloh gave her a knowing grin. “It’s the set up for what
happens when he follows you. Don’t worry—we won’t be spending much time on
this. Just look gorgeous and cold. Leave. Then we’ll set up for the next shot.”

Cold and untouchable she could definitely do. She sat down
at the bar while Shiloh lowered the lights. Music played and the quiet murmur
of voices started. Taking a deep breath, Vicki gave the bartender a nod. It was
easy to pretend that she was back at the firm, the reserved, cold-hearted
attorney just off a case, out for a drink or two.

Jesse walked up to the bar at her left elbow. Despite the
cameras she knew were running and Elias watching in the wings, a surge of what
could only be called lust blasted through her. Even in the darkened setting,
his eyes glowed, the silk shimmered, and the low light glanced off his bound
hair. He gave her a wide, hopeful smile. “Could I buy you a drink?”

She arched a brow at him and openly let her gaze run down
his body. “No thanks.”

Ignoring her words, he eased closer, ducking his head down
closer so his breath fluttered over her bare shoulder, his lips a faint caress.
“Are you sure? I’m up for anything you’d care to try.”

His body heated her arm and the subtle touch of his mouth
made her want to arch against him and purr. Her skin sparked to life,
remembering every single lick and nibble of that delicious mouth. She lifted
her mouth tantalizingly close to his and allowed a smug little smile curve her
lips. “I’m sure.”

Slipping off her seat, she turned away and glided toward the
door, head high. With a sinking feeling in her stomach, she noted that Elias had
left.

“Great job, guys!” Shiloh led them down the hall, talking
over her shoulder. “This next part we’re going to film in the parking garage. V
said we could use his car.”

Turmoil roiled in Vicki’s mind, worry and nerves eating her
alive. Elias had planned to stay through the filming. He’d taken half the day
off just so he could be here this morning. Had an emergency come up? Or was it
something else? Was he jealous? Had he been unable to watch her with Jesse? But
they hadn’t even done anything on camera yet, which only made her more worried.

Jesse took her arm, gently pulling her against his side.
“What’s wrong?”

Silently, she shook her head. It wasn’t something she wanted
to discuss in front of Shiloh. Besides, nothing may be wrong. He could have
been called to HQ early.

“Elias’s partner did a scene with Mal and she’s got him
cornered off set,” Shiloh said over her shoulder. “I hope he knows what he’s
getting into. Mal looked like she would gleefully eat him alive.”

So Elias hadn’t left for downtown, not if Colby was still
here. That pit in Vicki’s stomach weighed heavier. By the time they made it to
the basement garage, every butterfly she’d managed to forget had multiplied.
She had to force herself to listen to the other woman’s words.

“In this scene, you’re getting ready to go home, and Jesse
catches you. He’s persistent, which annoys you. You decide to show him a little
of what he’s asking for, hoping to scare him off.”

Vicki’s palms were damp and her heart pounded so hard she
started to get a headache. “Like what?”

“Anything you want.” Shiloh winked, like surely Vicki had a
hundred dirty ideas raring to go. “Just make sure you end up using your scarf
or his cravat. Jesse, you come over here by me. We’ll open with a shot of her
by the car. Wait a minute.”

That didn’t sound good. Vicki turned around, half expecting
to see Elias with his gun drawn or something equally dire, but the other woman
merely frowned at her and V’s red Camaro.

“The reds clash. V’s car isn’t going to work at all.”

“We could use mine,” Vicki said.

Shiloh winced. “I don’t think a Mini Cooper is going to be
dramatic enough, hon. I mean, look at you. You’re not dressed for a Mini.
You’re dressed for an expensive, high-end night on the town.”

“I meant my Jag. I’ve been keeping it here in VCONN’s
garage.”

She led the way a few spots over to her silver Jaguar she
hadn’t driven in months. She’d lived that status-seeking, high-stress
performance lifestyle for far too long.
That’s a phase of my life that’s
thankfully gone forever.
“It’s a leftover from my attorney days. It’s too
good an investment to ditch the car—I just didn’t want to drive it around town
any longer.”

Shiloh whistled beneath her breath. “Perfect. Okay, give us
a few minutes to set up over here and we’ll get started.”

She marched off to move the camera and lighting crew,
leaving Vicki alone with Jesse, who immediately took advantage of privacy. “Are
you worried about Elias?”

She nodded. “Did you notice when he left the set?”

“No. But don’t worry about him. I know he’s not mad or anything.”

Arching a brow, she twined her fingers in Jesse’s and pulled
him closer. “How do you know?” He looked extremely guilty, which almost made
her laugh. “Ah, you must have had a little man-to-man talk in the dressing
room.”

“You could say that. He wasn’t upset at all, not like I
expected. I think it’s going to be fine, as long as you’re fine with it.” He
let out a soft chuckle, but it sounded forced to her ears. “I mean, you can
hardly look at me today, so I’m more worried about you than your cop.”

She had to fight to keep from turning away from his steady,
clear sea eyes. “You’re right. It’s just…awkward. I keep waiting for Elias to
blow a gasket. I feel like I’m walking around on eggshells, which I hate.”

Jesse leaned down so he could press his forehead against
hers. “I know. I’m trying really hard to be patient and not push for more.”

“But you want more,” she whispered. “So much more.”

A tremor shook his body. “Yes. But I’ll wait until you’re
ready. I’ll wait as long as it takes.”

“What do you want? Exactly?”

“I’ll show you.”

Elias couldn’t explain his sudden urge to be on set with
them. One minute he was watching the relatively tame scene at the bar, and the
next, he was in the dressing room, slipping on the black shirt she’d made. He
didn’t bother tying the neck piece, but left the shirt hanging open with the
cloth loose like a scarf. He didn’t know how to tie the damned thing anyway.

He caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror and hesitated.
Everybody in Dallas would recognize him as the cop who’d done a sleazy
commercial. He didn’t care for his own reputation, but he didn’t want to bring
dishonor to the squad or his profession. Luckily, Victor had left a spare mask
beside the shirt. Grimacing at the man’s arrogance, Elias pulled on a mask and hoped
her brother didn’t gloat too much at how his grand plan had played out so well.

It took him a few minutes to figure out where they’d gone to
film the next section. He caught Shiloh’s eye so she knew his intention of
joining the act, and then turned his attention to Vicki.

Shoulders stiff and hands clenched at her sides, she was
struggling and far from the relaxed, confident woman she could be. The cameras
and attention made what should have been a private moment at home all the more
stressful. However, the stiffness did help sell her act as a cold, reserved
woman.

It’s always been my job to help her release that
hot-blooded side.

Jesse came up to her as she unlocked the car. “If you’re
leaving, take me with you.”

“Get lost.” Her voice had frosted over, brittle as ice.
“Look, kid, I’m trying to protect you.”

Ignoring her words, he leaned down and kissed her shoulder
boldly, daring a light nip if the jolt of her shoulders was any indication. “I
don’t need any protection from you, ma’am.”

She stared up at him like she didn’t recognize him, and
Elias had to admit, he was surprised too. He’d never seen this calm, confident
side of Jesse before. The heat in his eyes said he wasn’t going to stop until
he got what he wanted. If he hadn’t ever pushed her before, he was about to get
a shock of his own.

Vicki’s eyes sparked. She shoved him back against the car so
hard his breath rushed out. She grabbed his ponytail and jerked his head back,
pinning him against the car like a bug, and he melted. His body went pliant, boneless,
like she was the only thing holding him up. The only thing still making him
breathe. That dependence and ultimate trust was complete and final, a very
heavy responsibility.

Vicki saw it too, and she faltered. Before she could stop
the scene, Elias stepped up into the shot. She raised her head, her eyes wide
and dark with guilt, desire and fear.

Keeping his manner loose, he leaned down so his mouth
hovered over hers. “I told you to show me what you want. I meant it.”

He kissed her, taking immediate control of her mouth. He
smashed her lips beneath his until her teeth dug into that tender flesh.
Inhaling her mouth, claiming her breath, he left no doubt in her mind that he
wanted her like no one else. Silently, he challenged her.
Fight me. Make me
conquer you, while you conquer him.

When he broke the kiss, she tried to joke, but her voice
trembled. “No shock and awe?”

He let out a low, wicked chuckle. “Not unless that’s what
you want, babe.”

Jesse remained motionless against the driver’s side door,
but his body wasn’t soft any longer. In fact, he looked like a gazelle about to
leap into flight.

Noting the camera position, Elias shifted slightly so they’d
get a good shot of her gown and what he intended to do with it. After all, the
clothes were the commercial—not this awkward yet intensely hot threesome they
were trying to work out. He pulled on the red bow tied in the small of her back
and dragged the red scarf free. “Do you want him?”

Her chin lifted incrementally and her eyebrows rose in
challenge. “Yes.”

He captured one of Jesse’s wrists and looped the scarf
around it, then the other wrist so eagerly offered. Elias had no idea what he
was doing. Handcuff, yes. Frisk, absolutely. But this bondage shit? Hell no. So
he put a big bow in the scarf for show, just like she’d been wearing.

Despite his stick-up-the-ass conservatism, he was starting
to think he really could get off on this. “Then I give him to you.”

“Blindfold me,” Jesse whispered, his voice thick and slow.
“Use my shirt. Make me totally helpless.”

Elias had never seen anyone so willing to do absolutely
anything for another person without a single reservation.
He
didn’t give
her Jesse—he gave himself wholeheartedly, whether Elias approved or not.

With trembling fingers, she pulled the turquoise cravat
loose and wrapped it around Jesse’s head. Before she could start thinking about
the cameras and what his reaction might be, Elias pushed against her, using his
body to trap her against Jesse. While the other man shuddered with bliss
beneath her, Elias bit her neck in that tender spot that always made her hot.
He held her firmly with his teeth, running his left palm down her flank and
hip.

When she began unbuttoning Jesse’s shirt, Elias tugged her
skirt up. He moved his mouth to her ear, biting her lobe hard enough she jerked
against him with surprise.

“I could take you like this while you play with him.” He
heard the violence rumbling in his voice and he didn’t care. Neither did she,
by the way she arched and rubbed against him like a cat. “Would you like that?
Kissing him while I fuck you? Then maybe when I’m done, you might still have
something left for him.”

“Hell yeah,” she growled out against Jesse’s mouth. “Would
you like that?”

“God, yes. Do me now.”

“Cut,” Shiloh called from the sideline.

Biting back a curse, Elias tightened his grip on Vicki and
buried his face against her neck. “If I had my service weapon, I think I’d have
to shoot her.”

She laughed raggedly. Jesse buried his face against her
chest. She held him, running her fingers through his hair, but Elias couldn’t
work himself up to jealousy. Not with her tempting ass tucked against his
groin.

“Shiloh, I hope you got enough for the commercial,” Vicki
said, “because I don’t think we’ll survive another round.”

“At least not in public,” Elias whispered against her ear.

She stilled, tilting her head slightly so she could see him
out of the corner of her eyes. “Are you serious?”

“Maybe.” He blew out his breath in a gruff sigh. “Hell, Vik,
you’re making me crazy, but I can’t seem to make myself care.”

“Well, well, well.”

Vicki went rigid in his arms. Shit, he’d gotten so caught up
in the sensual playing for the commercial that he’d totally forgotten that Mrs.
Connagher was going to stop by. So much for cutting the old hag off at the
pass.