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Ready for Him

ISBN # 978-1-78184-462-5

©Copyright Tanith Davenport 2013

Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright August 2013

Edited by Eleanor Boyall

Total-E-Bound Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2013 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, United Kingdom.

Warning:

This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Total-e-melting and a sexometer of 2.

This story contains 43 pages, additionally there is also a free excerpt at the end of the book containing 3 pages.

READY FOR HIM

Tanith Davenport

She’s ready for him—is he ready for her?

In the bar at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Jade Bleecker celebrates with her three best friends, all of whom are there to get married. Jade is their bridesmaid, and beginning to believe that three times a bridesmaid really does mean never a bride. Tattooed, pierced and a martial artist, Jade is used to inspiring fear rather than desire in men, and even if she did find one who could handle her—well, no man is worth trusting with her body.

But as she is leaving the bar, she comes upon a mugging in progress and, with a few swift moves, makes short work of the mugger. Invited up to the victim’s room for a nightcap, she is stunned to discover he is Will Vandenmeer—billionaire poster child of the Vandenmeer hotel and casino chain, and owner of The Sanctuary, one of the best-known BDSM clubs in New York City.

Jade finds herself hopelessly attracted to the sensual, dominant Will, and when he offers to induct her into the world of BDSM, she accepts…but can she truly give herself to him, and is Will ready for what Jade has to offer?

Dedication

For my mother, whose hairdresser reads my writing to her and who will be very shocked when she hears this one.

Chapter One

Looking at each of her friends in turn, Jade Bleecker raised her glass of champagne and smiled. “A toast, everyone. Piper, you first.”

Piper tucked her brown hair behind her ear and thought for a moment. “To marriage.”

Beside her, Shaundra giggled. “Oh God, I can’t think of one. You guys go ahead of me, I’ll get one in a minute.”

“To Vegas, baby,” Leonie announced, pressing a red-lipped kiss to her glass before raising it, capping the gesture with an exaggerated wink.

“To us,” Jade added, lifting her glass higher with mock solemnity.

“Ooh, ooh, ooh, I got one!” Shaundra cried. “To fucking!”

Their glasses clinked together and all four let out a cheer.

Ten p.m., and the bar at the Bellagio was buzzing with life. Jade sat back in her chair and observed her friends as they drank, all three in their own way thrumming with excitement. All three ready to get married in four days’ time, with her as their joint maid of honour.

Three times a bridesmaid, never the bride…

It had already been quite the upheaval. Jade had moved out of the New York apartment she had shared with Piper a month earlier. Joey had moved himself in immediately, ready for married life. Leonie would be uprooting herself completely to live in her fiancé Darren’s home state of Iowa. As for Shaundra, no one knew what she would end up doing. She and Andrew were already sharing a studio apartment, spending money on the funkiest fashions and eating beans on toast for dinner.

Jade took a mouthful of champagne and scanned the bar, careful not to let her eyes linger on anybody for too long. The slightest hint that she might be man-hunting and she’d never hear the end of it.

“See anyone you like?” Piper murmured in her ear.

“Nope,” Jade murmured back, restraining an eye roll. “These aren’t my kind of men, you know?”

Piper shrugged airily. “You never know.”

Well, maybe. Maybe opposites did attract. But Jade knew her appearance set a lot of these men—rich men, businessmen, professional gamblers—on edge. With a modern mohawk in black and green, her tattooed arms and her nose and brow piercings, she made most men quail at the sight. They looked at her as though she was going to either punch them or stab them.

Even the men at her dojo were scared of her—although at least they had a reason. They knew what she could do to them.

Shaundra’s voice broke into her thoughts. “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m going shopping tomorrow. I saw a great little vintage place when we were in the cab.”

“I’ll go with you,” Leonie immediately chimed in. “I’m sure I saw an artwork store a few blocks away.”

Oh God. Jade raised an eyebrow at Piper, who mirrored the gesture with a knowing look.

“I’ll pass. I feel like hitting the casinos tomorrow. What do you think, Jade? You in?”

“I’m in.” Jade threw her a look of gratitude. She loved Shaundra and Leonie, but God, could they shop.

As she glanced across the bar again, her eye rested on a young man at the far end of the room. Where had she seen him before? He was tall, his blond hair messy and streaked with green, matching piercing green eyes which seemed to be taking in everything around him. Although he was dressed very casually, Jade recognised his T-shirt and jeans to be designer label. A big spender who wanted to look like a nobody.

She definitely knew his face. Maybe he was an actor. Probably not much of a name, though. He was standing alone, glass of red wine in hand, with space around him as though he was radiating a force-field. Nobody seemed to recognise him.

Cute, though.

Piper nudged her, and Jade reluctantly dragged her eyes back to the table. Shaundra was pulling on her jacket, adjusting the jagged collar, which stood up in spikes and was catching on her chandelier earrings.

“I’m going to head upstairs. Andy wanted an early night tonight—you know how it is.”

“Mwah!” Leonie pressed her lips to her fingers and waved them at her as Shaundra sidled out of the booth. On the table in front of her, her cell phone vibrated and she picked it up, pulling an exaggerated disappointed face as she read the screen.

“Oh, damn it. Darren wants me to come up too.”

“Go right ahead,” Piper commented airily. “Us girls can have fun without you.”

Leonie flipped her off as she shimmied out of the booth and ran to catch up with Shaundra, who had already reached the door to the reception area. As Jade watched, Leonie staggered on her heels and lurched forward, blonde hair and short skirt flying wildly.

“The queen of grace and ladylike behaviour,” Piper drawled.

Jade laughed. “Bless her.”

Piper picked up the bottle of champagne, refilled both their glasses, then sat back in the corner of the booth and looked hard at Jade.

“So who were you looking at really?”

Jade’s eyes were automatically drawn back towards the blond man. She snapped her gaze back to the table, but Piper had already noticed, her own eyes narrowing teasingly.

“Oh, him! Well, try not to break him.”

“He wouldn’t touch me with a barge pole.”

Piper cocked her head appraisingly, still looking at the blond man. “I don’t think he’s anywhere near a barge pole. Maybe a baguette.”

“Fuck off.”

Piper responded by raising her glass in a toast, and Jade mentally began to count down to the moment when her friend would be too drunk to carry on. It wouldn’t take much more. Piper liked a drink, but was something of a lightweight, especially with champagne.

Half an hour later, her predictions came true.

“I need to go upstairs. You coming?”

“Nah. I’ll have another before I go up.”

Jade stood to let Piper out of the booth, hiding a grin as her friend wobbled on her heels. Piper turned and laid a hand on her shoulder, looking at her with slightly drunken concern.

“I don’t like leaving you down here on your own.”

“Relax, Piper. I’m not going to die.”

Piper leant down to hug her, whispering in her ear as she did so. “Make sure you fuck him.”

Oh, Piper. Jade shook her head indulgently as Piper stumbled away from the table. Always looking out for my welfare—or my sex life.

Instinctively she glanced across the bar to where the blond man had been standing. He had disappeared. All that remained was an empty wine glass on the counter.

Oh, well. That’s that then.

There was still some champagne left in the bottle. Jade refilled her glass and let her mind wander, picturing the man in her head.

Tall. Firm-bodied. A trail of blond curls leading to a hard, jutting cock. Holding her wrists, holding her down—instinctively knowing what she would want, never doubting, but never pushing her too far. Nudging her thighs apart, thrusting inside her, pinning her arms as she moaned and writhed, and she knew, she knew he would release her if she asked, but would hold her and tie her and restrain her and finally—

It was impossible. No man could be trusted that far. Jade tipped her head back and swallowed the last drops of champagne, blinking as the room swirled.

Okay, that was enough. Any more to drink and she would collapse. She slid out of the booth and made her way towards the far door. She had seen earlier that it opened into a corridor that, after leading past the bathrooms, turned a corner and came out in front of the elevator, which saved having to stagger drunkenly across reception.

As she reached the doorway, she heard noises in the corridor. Voices. The language was Spanish, but the accent was too heavy for her to pick out more than a few words. It sounded…angry.

And then she saw it.

Halfway down the corridor were two men, one with his back to her, pinning the other to the wall. His hand was held to the other man’s throat. Jade recognised the tell-tale glint of a knife.

She also recognised his victim. It was the blond man from the bar.

As silently as she could, she moved through the open doorway towards the pair. The blond man’s eyes widened slightly, but she didn’t allow herself to meet his gaze—if his attacker noticed, she would lose the advantage.

And this was dangerous enough as it was, although the alcohol coursing through her system seemed to make that thought much less important than it should be.

The attacker was now directly in front of her. His dark hair was tousled, his skin sweaty. Jade could smell smoke on him, mixed with the tang of too much aftershave. He wore a black shirt and trousers, all the better to conceal him if he made a break for it in the dark.

“Look.” The blond man spoke, his eyes focused on the man. He’s holding his attention. “I don’t carry cash. This is pointless.”

“Cash?” the other man sneered, not moving, the knife still glinting against the blond man’s throat. “That doesn’t—”

Jade moved.

In one sharp motion she gripped his right arm and pulled it back, using her other hand to force his wrist into an unnatural bend. The man cried out, either in shock or in pain, and the knife fell from his hand.

Leave it.

Jade already knew what his next move would be. The man spun round, his left arm raised, ready to strike. Jade’s arm was already up, blocking the blow. She kicked out with one foot, catching his ankle, and with an angry shout the man was falling, his legs swept out from under him.

Before he could recover, Jade had dropped to the ground behind him, wrapping one arm tightly around his neck.

“Jesus Christ,” said a breathless voice behind her. “Fuck.”

Yeah, I know, Jade thought grimly, tightening her hold as the man struggled against her. Skinny little chick saved your neck. How terrible.

There were footsteps behind her, and the voice spoke again, this time angrily.

“Oh, now you rock up? Where the fuck have you been? This asshole had a knife! Get him out of here!”

“I’m sorry, sir.” The second voice was also male, deeper, with a curious timbre to it that suggested military, or ex-military at least. Someone squatted down beside Jade. Turning, she saw there were two more men, both in dark uniforms, carrying walkie-talkies and weapons on their belts.

“I’ve got him, ma’am.”

Jade surrendered her position, watching as the newcomer—a bodyguard, possibly?—forced the attacker’s hands behind his back. Standing, she turned to face the blond man, who was glaring at his other guard, apparently oblivious to the stream of angry cursing and struggling that was going on behind her.

“We need to get upstairs and”—the blond man glanced at her appraisingly for a moment—“I need a drink. This young woman deserves one too.”

“Oh, look, you don’t need to—” Jade automatically responded, even though her mind was screaming. Shut up! He’s offering to take you up to his room! Take it!

“Oh, I insist.” The blond man looked at her, cool green eyes locking with hers, and Jade met his gaze unflinchingly, forcing herself to ignore the tingling in her gut. He held out his hand to her.

“I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Will.”

“I’m Jade.” Jade took his hand, feeling her face form into a smile that matched his own.

“It’s good to meet you, Jade. Not the best circumstances, I admit. Let’s go up to my room and I’ll make us a nightcap.”

It was the best offer she had had all night.

Chapter Two

Okay, Jade thought. This is just nuts.

Will had invited her up to ‘his room’ for a nightcap. By ‘room’, Jade had assumed that it would be similar to her own standard double room—or maybe a king or queen, since he was obviously able to afford his own bodyguards. At no point had she expected to be where she was now.

It was the fucking Penthouse Suite.

The ‘room’ covered the entire top floor of the hotel. At the moment they were in the living area, carpeted and furnished in shades of white and teal green with accents of gold. Through a door at the far end Jade could just make out a four-poster bed and a second door which presumably led to an en-suite bathroom.

Facing her as she sat on one of the chaise longues was a marble-topped bar, where Will was pouring two glasses of pink champagne.

“Okay. Who are you really?”

Will paused, a wicked smile crossing his face.

“Who am I really? I don’t believe I lied at any point.”

“No, but you missed out a bit. Or a lot.” Jade looked at him coolly, not breaking her stare as Will crossed the room, placed the glasses on a carved coffee table and sat down opposite her.

“Actually, I’m rather surprised you didn’t recognise me.”

“Is that the polite version of ‘do you know who I am?’”

“No, I quite like it. But okay. My name is Will Vandenmeer.”

Jade caught her breath. Well, that explained the security and the Penthouse Suite.

Oh my God. Will Vandenmeer.

She had seen his photos, read his interviews. How had she not known his face? Will Vandenmeer, the public face of the Vandenmeer hotel and casino chain. Though his father, Eric Vandenmeer, was still owner and director, Will was the company’s main asset, always used for advertising, always quoted in the press.

She looked at him again as she sipped her champagne, hiding her eyes behind her bangs. Without the strategic lighting and makeup he looked quite different, although she could see now where the familiarity had come from. His blond hair was mussed rather than carefully styled, his green eyes paler than she remembered, catlike in an angular face, all cheekbones and pointed jawline.

And while he knew how to work a camera, the carefully chosen emotions he used publicly were absent tonight. He was watching her now, one eyebrow raised, his mouth twisted in a sardonic smile.

“Do I pass inspection?”

Jade smiled back at him.

“You don’t look like your photos.”

Will bowed in mock acknowledgement, then a darker expression crossed his face.

“Enough that that asshole knew who I was. And he won’t have been alone, either. I’m sorry, but I can’t let you leave tonight.”

“What?”

Will held up a hand, cutting off Jade’s outrage.

“Don’t worry, you’re in no danger here. I’m putting the suite under lockdown. It’s not the first time this has happened, and I won’t have any more innocent rescuers hurt in retaliation. Bryn and Matt have radioed my team and they’re dealing with it.”

For fuck’s sake!

Jade screwed her eyes shut for a moment, forcing herself to calm down.

Okay. I don’t like it, but he’s right. Shit, what have I got myself into?

“Relax,” said Will, and Jade opened her eyes again to glare at him. “You’re safe with me. Despite what you may have heard.”

And Jade’s stomach spiralled as she remembered the other, less-publicised aspect of Will Vandenmeer.

His club.

It had created a frenzy in the press at first, but the stories had come to an abrupt halt—probably, Jade guessed, due to a heavy-handed legal team. The Sanctuary was hidden in the heart of New York City, a haven for those who lived the hardcore BDSM lifestyle. Patrons were protected, behaviour was strictly regulated, and membership was revoked for the slightest infringement. It was not a place for dabblers.

Will Vandenmeer was a dominant, and didn’t care who knew it.

‘You’re safe with me’. Will was holding her gaze now, and Jade refused to look away, although her body was rebelling against her—torn between the flutter of nerves in her gut and a stab of desire in her cunt.

Maybe she was safe with him. Maybe she wasn’t.

Or maybe she didn’t want to be.

“Okay. Tell me what you know about me.”

Jade’s fingers involuntarily clenched around the stem of her glass.

“Wait.” Will picked up his own glass, holding his other hand out as though calming a spooked horse. “Scrap that for now. Let me tell you what I’m getting from you.”

Oh really? Jade raised one pierced eyebrow at him.

“What’s your full name?”

“Jade Bleecker.”

“Nice. Jade Bleecker.” Will took a sip from his glass. “You’re a strong woman. You clearly know how to handle yourself. You’ve got at least three tattoos and two piercings that I can see, and probably more that I can’t, so you’re not afraid of pain. And you know what BDSM is, right?”

Jade nodded slowly. Where are you going with this?

“Right. And you’re curious about it.” Will was watching her very closely as he spoke, and Jade held herself very still. “But you think it means all the worst things people say. You think dominants beat their submissives down, that we don’t give a damn about their pleasure, that we expect them to give up everything for our benefit. Right?”

I’m not telling you anything. Jade could feel her face falling into a mask. If Will noticed, he made no comment.

“Are you single?”

“Mmm.”

“‘Mmm’? Okay.” Will’s eyes were dancing, and Jade’s jaw set in annoyance. “What would you say if I told you that BDSM is nothing like that, Jade?”

Silence fell between them.

“What would you say if I offered to—?”

“Wait.” Jade held up a hand, cursing inwardly as she realised it was trembling.

What the hell am I doing?

You want this, a voice taunted in her head.

I don’t even know him and he’s talking about BDSM. I can’t do this. I can’t.

But the image from the bar of herself held down, tied down, putting all her trust in one man, still flickered in her head, and something inside her was urging her forward.

“Tell me what you’re thinking,” Will said, breaking into her thoughts, and Jade found herself answering without thinking.

“I couldn’t do it.”

“Do you want to?”

“That doesn’t matter. I couldn’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because I don’t trust any man with my body.” Jade snapped her mouth shut abruptly, hating the look that had come into Will’s eyes at the words.

Because I’ve been fucked over before. Because I’m a screw-up. Because I don’t need your fucking pity. Go to hell.

“That’s actually a very good reason why you could.”

Jade looked up at him, torn between curiosity and defiance.

“What does that mean?”

Will tilted his head to one side, looking her up and down. “You look like a person who might like dangerous sports. Think of bungee jumping. The danger is what attracts people, but any reputable company has a thousand regulations in place before they let anyone do it, precisely because of that danger. Right?

“BDSM works the same way. You’re right not to trust just anyone—but in the community—in my club, for instance, relationships are tightly controlled. Every Dom has rules to follow, as does every sub. Break the rules and you’re thrown out. We protect our patrons.”

Jade nodded slowly.

“Not everyone uses contracts, but even without them, limits and boundaries are agreed beforehand. So are safewords. The universal word is ‘red’, but many people choose their own. If I did anything to you that you didn’t want, you would use your word and I would stop—no questions asked. The trust is absolute.”

“I see.”

Jade reached for her drink, but her hand was shaking, and hastily she put it back on the table. As if he could tell what she was feeling, Will’s voice took on a seductive quality, and Jade bit down on her lip as a rush of desire flashed through her body.

“It’s all about needs. Ours are different, that’s all. You take pleasure in doing what I want. I take pleasure in fulfilling your needs. It has to be reciprocal.”

I take pleasure… You take pleasure… He’s talking as though we’re going to—

The thought made her catch her breath. Immediately Will’s eyes were on hers, and Jade found it impossible to look away.

“Do you still think you couldn’t do it?”

“No.”

Will arched an eyebrow. “Would you like me to show you?”

I want…

“Yes,” Jade heard herself saying, unable to drag her gaze away from Will’s. He smiled.

“Then let’s begin. Let me see you. Take them off.”

Jade stood, narrowing her eyes at him. “Just me?”

“For now.”

Okay. I can do this. Maintaining eye contact, Jade drew up the edge of her sequinned vest, slowly lifting until it was over her head. The glittering material dropped to the floor at her feet.

Her black trousers were more difficult—close-fitting, they refused to simply fall. She unbuttoned the top and crouched to lower them, standing again as they pooled around her ankles before kicking them aside. Her boots slid off at the same time.

“Do you always wear black underwear?” Will asked. His tone was casual, but there was an edge to his voice that made Jade shiver.

“Not always.”

“Good. Keep going.”

Reaching behind her, Jade unsnapped her bra and let it slide down her arms. She lifted her chin defiantly as Will’s eyes widened. This always got a reaction.

Will crossed to stand in front of her, looking down at her breasts. Jade bit back a smirk. She knew exactly what he was staring at.

“Big enough for you?”

“Perfect. Big enough, perky enough. Tell me, Jade—” Will reached out to cover one breast with his hand, drawing one thumb slowly over the peaked nipple. “What made you decide to get these?”

Jade glanced down at the tattoo, coloured a matching shade of pink, designed to give the illusion of heart-shaped nipples. “I like them. Do you?”

“Very much.” His thumb was still moving, and Jade caught her breath. “Did you know you can get this done surgically?”

“I had heard, but I don’t have that kind of money.”

Will’s eyes glinted. “I do.”

“Would you like me to take the rest off…sir?” Jade threw in the last word with a coy look, meaning to provoke him, but something in the deferential term sent a sting straight to her clit. The corner of Will’s mouth quirked slightly, as if he knew exactly what she had just done to herself.

“Turn around before you do. I want to check out your ass.”

Slowly Jade turned on the spot, hooking her thumbs into the waistband of her panties. She heard shuffling behind her, and guessed Will had stepped back for a better view—fine, then she would give him something to see. Rather than let them fall, she lowered her panties all the way down to her ankles, feeling herself grow wet at the thought of how exposed she was.

“Stop. Don’t move.” And, before she could even breathe, she felt his fingers sliding inside her.

Jade gasped, tightening her grip on her ankles as she struggled to keep her balance. She felt another finger slip forward to torment her clit in soft, slow motions, teasing, daring her to move.

“Oh, yeah,” Will said behind her, low and breathless. “To die for.”

Jade bit her lip to stifle a moan as his fingers continued to move. His other hand ran over the curve of her ass, his thumb tucking into the cleft, and she groaned as the pad of flesh ran over her tight hole.

“First rule.” Will’s voice had taken on a commanding tone. “Most Doms don’t allow their subs to come without permission.” His fingers twisted, and Jade gasped. “I don’t work that way. Unless I tell you otherwise, I don’t want you holding back your pleasure. I expect you to come as often as you can, and as loudly as you can, because I want you to remember who’s in control here. Is that understood?”

“Yes,” Jade moaned as his thumb pressed down on her hole, feeling the familiar aching tingle begin in her gut.

“Good.” The teasing movements on her clit grew stronger. “Then stop biting your lip and come when you’re ready, or I’ll have to remind you who’s in charge.”

His fingers twisted again, and Jade let go with a cry. Her knees buckled as the pleasure overwhelmed her, and she staggered, letting go of her ankles, but a hand on her hip steadied her.

“That’s it. Stand up when you’re ready.”

Fuck. The room swirled around her as she stood. Will’s hands were resting on her waist—as her vision cleared, she felt his grip tighten, turning her to face him. His eyes bored into hers, sharp in their intensity.

“You’re doing well so far. Now undress me.”

Jade responded to the order before she realised what she was doing. God, I can’t believe I’m doing this. As she closed her fingers on the hem of his T-shirt, she found herself wishing he had been wearing something more formal. A suit and tie would have been easier to remove than something that needed lifting over his head.

On the other hand, it saved time on buttons and knots.

Will’s bare chest was smooth—both nipples were pierced with silver rings, each dangling a small diamond. A light trail of blond hair led from his navel to the waistband of his jeans. He was already hard, and Jade was unable to resist caressing the tip of his cock as she unzipped his fly, kneeling as she did so. A gasp from above her, followed by a low chuckle, told her that this wasn’t unwelcome.

“Oh, you’re going to be a hot one, I can tell. Keep going.”

He wore no underwear, and his cock sprang free as Jade tugged his jeans down to the floor. Jade paused and glanced up at him, still on her knees, wondering what he had in mind next.

Will arched an eyebrow at her. His cock twitched, immediately drawing her attention.

“I would give you instructions, Miss Bleecker, but I think you know what to do here. Make it good.”

Jade raised herself on her knees, putting herself level with his shaft. She licked her lips as she clasped one hand around the base, watching as a sparkling droplet of pre-come oozed free.

Make it good? She’d show him.

Chapter Three

She began by cupping his balls.

Above her, Will gasped, and his cock twitched again. Jade leant forward, feeling the soft skin tighten in her hand, and slowly slid her lips over the head, pressing her tongue to the tip.

He was uncut. She liked that in a man—it made jerking him off so much easier, and gave blowing him more variety. Carefully she drew more of the firm flesh into her mouth, tucking her lips over her teeth—although maybe he didn’t mind teeth? Best not to test that at this stage.

“I suggest you don’t tease, Miss Bleecker.” There was a strained edge to Will’s voice. “Unless you like the idea of discipline.”

Oh, discipline? An image of herself over Will’s knee, naked rump in the air, him spanking her into a state of flushed arousal, came into Jade’s mind and for a moment she considered making him wait even longer. Ultimately she decided against it. Blowing him was a pleasure in itself—no point making them both suffer.

She took a deep breath and surged forward, swallowing him down to the root.

Will cried out, a howl somewhere between surprise and delight. Jade drew back, dragging her lips almost to the slit, running her tongue hard along the underside of his cock. She pushed forward again, feeling his head bump the back of her throat, and wrapped her other hand around the base as she felt his hips start to jerk rhythmically.

“Oh, yeah. Oh, yes…”

The familiar salty taste of pre-cum filled her mouth as she worked, swallowing over and over, and she slid a finger behind his balls to tease the sensitive skin there. Will’s fingers clenched in her hair—he was moaning, his thighs were trembling, he was close, so very close, and she—

“Stop.”

Seriously? For fuck’s sake! Jade sat back on her heels and looked up at him, a little irritated. Will was flushed, gasping for breath, as though he was right on the edge.

“Stand up,” was all he said.

Jade stood, deliberately brushing the tip of his cock with her breasts as she did so. The look in Will’s eyes stopped her in her tracks.

“Go sit on the edge of the bed. Don’t argue.”

The tautness in his face, in his muscles, was enough to convince Jade. Without a word she crossed to the far doorway and into the bedroom.

Wow. This place is amazing.

The bedposts were ornately carved wood, decorated with swathes of Oriental silk. The satin bed sheets slid under her bare ass as she sat down on the bed. Craning her neck back, she saw that the ceiling and the top of the four-poster bed were elaborately decorated in swirls of gold, some of which looked like dragons.

Then Will appeared in the doorway and, without stopping, strode straight up to her, and Jade immediately snapped her attention back to him.

“I would have tied you to the bedposts, but right now I don’t want to take the time. Lie back and spread yourself out for me.”

Jade threw herself back on the bed, letting her arms fall on the pillows and planting her feet on the mattress, drawing her knees back. Will’s eyes were on her, scorching, and for a moment Jade imagined how she must look—splayed on the bed, upturned breasts tipped with pink hearts, butterflies and roses tattooed along arms and ribs, the glinting green of an emerald navel ring—and lower, moist rosy lips and coral centre standing out against the pale skin of her thighs.

And wanting him. God, the need was rising again, and he was watching her, his eyes resting on every part of her body in turn, and when Jade pulled her knees back farther something seemed to snap in Will’s eyes and he dived onto the bed, landing with his elbows either side of her head and his face directly above hers.

Jade was barely able to register his nearness—so close, his fresh scent, so hot—when Will roughly covered her mouth with his in a brutal kiss. Her body jerked as a sudden fullness told her that he had entered her at the same time.

Will broke the kiss briefly and Jade shivered at the look on his face. “Don’t move,” he snarled, and Jade had time only to nod before his mouth was on hers again, his tongue strafing hers.

She fisted her hands in the pillows, resisting the urge to clutch at his shoulders. Her nipples peaked, brushing his chest with every thrust—his pelvic bone pressed down on her clit, sending aftershocks of pleasure through her body. Will groaned with every stroke, she could feel the vibrations from his tongue to hers, and the sensations were building again, that ache in her clit, her inner walls clenching down on him…

“Oh!” Will gasped, tearing his mouth from hers, and Jade screamed as her body convulsed around his for the final time.

* * * *

At eight a.m., Jade closed the door of the Penthouse Suite behind her and made her way back to the elevator.

Her own room was a few floors below. Quickly she let herself in, showered and changed into a vest and jeans before heading downstairs to the restaurant for breakfast.

She had left Will ordering room service. After they had fallen asleep the night before, she had woken to a beautiful vista of light from the wall-to-wall bedroom window. Her own room was attractive enough, but she had to admit that spending the night with a billionaire had its perks.

Even if one of those perks was utter exhaustion. She had been out cold almost immediately after Will had hit the light switch. Even now she still felt a residual ache in her legs.

Will Vandenmeer. God, what the others would say. Leonie would turn into a squealing wreck. Shaundra would be hopelessly jealous. And Piper—well, Piper would be wondering if Jade was going to see him again.

Was she?

It wasn’t something they’d discussed. Maybe he just saw it as a one-night stand. Hell, maybe she just saw it as a one-night stand. Her head was in a whirl.

But there was one way to help sort her brain out, and that was to switch it off for a while. As she crossed the lobby to the restaurant, she could already see the others standing at the buffet, and she quickened her pace.

Jade chose not to tell where she had spent the night over the breakfast table. As the only one not hopelessly hungover, she kept the conversation on lighter topics. Leonie and Shaundra still wanted to go shopping, while Piper was still keen to spend the morning in the casino—the afternoon was booked up for a hair and makeup trial run, although by the look of Leonie in particular it would take a lot of foundation to make her look human.

Piper had recovered sufficiently after her pancakes to be quite chatty on their way into the casino. As they settled at a pair of slot machines, Jade took a deep breath and said it.

“That guy in the bar last night? He was Will Vandenmeer.”

Piper paused for a moment, then her eyes widened.

“Will Vandenmeer? As in Vandenmeer Hotels?”

“That’s him.”

“And I take it you two—”

“Yeah.”

Piper whistled approvingly. Jade gave a casual shrug and turned back to her machine. It would take a few minutes for Piper to process it, she knew.

After several more quarters had dropped, Piper spoke again.

“Are you going to see him again?”

“I don’t know.”

“Do you want to?”

Jade paused for a moment, thinking. Before she could answer, Piper broke into her reverie.

“Isn’t he the one who’s into BDSM?”

“Yeah, he is,” Jade answered a little too quickly.

Piper raised an eyebrow. “Oh yes? Does that mean he—?”

“A bit.”

Piper whistled again, this time in amazement. “No wonder you’re not sure. I don’t think I’d want that.”

“It wasn’t—” Jade tried to think of the best way to frame it. “It wasn’t scary or anything. Or hardcore. It was different, but nothing I couldn’t handle. I’m just not sure if I want any more of it.”

“Do you like him?”

“Yes.”

“Well, that’s a good starting point.”

Piper dropped another quarter into her machine, and Jade turned back to her own, biting her lip as her thoughts began to untangle themselves.

I’m not sure if I want any more of it.

And there was the problem.

She did want more of it.

But did he want more of her?

* * * *

“You know, you have beautiful hair. It’s such a shame you have it in this style. It’s harder to work with.”

Jade exchanged glances with Piper, who was sitting in the stylist’s chair to her left. The girl behind Piper was creating a complicated up-do with pearl-topped pins, folding sections of hair into a criss-crossing design. Jade’s stylist was standing with arms folded, obviously stymied by her mohawk.

“Just pin back the front in twists and do the rest in spiral curls,” Leonie suggested from her other side. “Then it leaves space for the fascinator.”

From the expression on the girl’s face, she was unimpressed by both Leonie’s idea and the peacock feather fascinator that stood on the counter. Jade bit back a grin as the stylist reluctantly reached for the curling iron.

“You wanted your eye makeup in shades of green to match it, didn’t you?”

“Yes,” Jade confirmed. “And a black-tulip lipstick if you have it.”

“I’m not having an up-do either, Jade,” Shaundra added from the other side of the room. “You won’t stand out.”

“Only because your hair is diagonal.”

“It’s asymmetrical, thank you very much.” Shaundra returned her attention to her stylist. “Make sure you straighten it properly or the cut’ll look wrong.”

Jade turned back to the mirror, letting her mind drift as she felt the heat of the curling iron next to her head.

What was she going to do about Will?

Of course, she didn’t know if he was even in the hotel. He might have checked out this morning. But even if he hadn’t, maybe he would be out on the town tonight. She could sit in the bar all night and never see him.

But she could go up to his suite.

The thought sent her gut spiralling. Am I afraid of what might happen? No—she already knew the answer to that question.

She wasn’t afraid that he might have left. If someone else was in the room, she’d be embarrassed briefly, but would never see them again.

Was she afraid he might reject her? Maybe a little. But that wasn’t it.

It was anticipation. She wanted to see him again. She wanted him to command her, to dominate her, to…

Why?

I knew he wouldn’t hurt me. He made me feel protected. Safe.

Every order he had given, she had wanted to follow. Everything he had done had been for his pleasure and hers. Not what she had imagined at all.

And she wanted more. She wanted to know where else he could take her. How far he could take her.

In fact, it almost scared her that she wanted it so much.

“Close your eyes,” said the stylist behind her, and Jade obediently closed them, at the same time hearing the words in Will’s voice.

From him, they would be a promise of future pleasure. Close your eyes. Put your hands behind your back. Lie across my knee. The last one sent a jolt to her cunt, and she forced the thought down hastily. The last thing she needed was to be getting excited in a room full of people.

But even that, even discipline—that would still be enjoyable. Instinctively she knew there would be no anger involved. No Dom would touch his sub in anger.

She would always be safe.

“Okay, now open.”

Jade opened her eyes. Her eyelids had been painted a deep green, fading to a paler shade towards her eyebrows. Beside her, the stylist was holding an eyeliner wand, ready to lean in.

“That looks great,” Leonie commented from behind a veil of blonde hair. Her stylist was creating a messy pile on top of her head, decorating it with silk roses.

Jade smiled.

I’m going up to his suite tonight.

* * * *

Her first question was answered when she stepped out of the elevator. One of his bodyguards was standing outside the door.

He’s still here then. Good.

She was still wearing the makeup from earlier, her hair still in the unfamiliar curly style. To match the eyeshadow, she had chosen a teal green satin top with an off-the-shoulder neckline, but had stuck to the black trousers and boots from the previous night. Best not to go too far outside her comfort zone.

There’ll be enough of that later.

The bodyguard eyed her as she approached. Recognition lit his eyes, but his face remained impassive.

“Could I speak to Will, please?”

“Is he expecting you?”

Good question. Is he? “No.”

The bodyguard pulled the radio from his pocket, but before he could speak, the door opened to reveal Will himself.

“Jade.”

“Will.”

Will turned to the bodyguard. “It’s all right. She can come in.”

The guard gave a brief nod, and Jade followed Will into the suite, her heart beating strangely. Maybe he was expecting me after all.

As the door closed behind her, Will turned to face her, fixing her with an intense gaze. Jade held her head up, conscious that her uncertainty was showing in her face, but also aware that Will’s expression was—not fully controlled.

He was obviously in the grip of some emotion—she could see it in his eyes, in the slight tremor in his mouth—but she couldn’t tell what.

“You came back.” It wasn’t a question.

“Yes.”

“You want more of the same?”

“I want to—” Jade tripped over her words, and inwardly cursed. “I want you to push me.”

A small smile briefly lit up Will’s face before the strange emotion took over again. He looked her up and down, lingering on her cleavage.

“I will. As long as you allow me to explain what all this means for me as a Dom—and I expect the same honesty from you.”

“That’s fine.” The words sent a shiver through Jade’s body. What this means for me as a Dom?

“Good.” Another, more wicked, smile. “Then let’s begin.”

Chapter Four

“We can start with discipline.”

Discipline. There was that word again. Jade stood and watched Will, noticing how his eyes glowed as he spoke. This was clearly something he was passionate about, and the thought of being passionately disciplined sent a tingle along her nerves.

“Discipline isn’t about anger. If I’m angry about something, I talk about it. It’s for your benefit, and not just to make you a better sub. Many subs enjoy the demonstration of control.”

She had already known it, but Jade still felt her muscles relax. “What do you use?”

“That depends. I prefer physical discipline—I don’t like chaining, or isolation, and I never use food deprivation or orgasm denial. I have canes, whips and paddles, but my favourite?” A sudden flash of intensity in his eyes. “Good old-fashioned hand spanking.”

His eyes were on Jade’s face, and Jade couldn’t hide the surge of desire that hit her at his words. Hand spanking. Jesus. The image of herself over his knee was breathtaking.

“You like that, don’t you? Strip for me.”

It was a simple, casual order, but Jade found herself obeying. Before she realised it, her clothes were in a pile on the floor and Will had sat down on one of the chaise longues. He beckoned to her, and Jade moved to stand in front of him.

“Across my lap.”

His jeans were rough under her ribs. Jade rested her hands on the floor, feeling a shiver run over her skin at the exposed position. Her ass was pointed upwards, over his knee—he could touch her, caress her, spank her and she would be unable to resist.

She was completely vulnerable, and the knowledge made her tremble.

His hand was resting on the small of her back. As it glided lower, over the curve of one cheek, he spoke again, his voice low and dangerous. “Count out loud for me, Jade.”

“Yes, sir.”

The hand disappeared, and then—

“Ah! One!”

The first smack had startled the breath out of her. Before she had recovered, the second blow landed, and Jade dug her fingers into the carpet, gasping.

How many of these is he going to do?

At the sixth stroke, Will stopped. Jade kept her head down, her hair concealing her face, but after a moment Will reached around her waist, rolling her over on his lap.

“Look at me.”

He was looking down at her with a strange expression, somewhere between pride and lust.

“Are you all right?”

“Yes. Sir,” Jade added, almost as an afterthought. The look on his face was somehow unlike any she had expected a Dom to wear.

“Good. Then we’ll move on.”

Will slid his arms under her shoulders and knees and stood, lifting Jade easily. At the other side of the room was a large beanbag. Will lowered her onto it, taking care over her abused ass, and Jade let her head fall back as her body sank into softness. She turned to watch him as he took one of her wrists, stretching her arm out, and noticed a projection that looked a little like a rubber hoop.

“What’s that?”

“A cuff.” Will flashed her a smile as he fed her wrist through the circlet, tightening it carefully. “This is a bondage chair. It will keep you comfortable for this next part. Okay?”

Jade mulled it over briefly. “Yes.”

Seriously? A bondage chair? Her mind was spinning, and yet, to her surprise, she wasn’t panicking. Even as Will began to fasten her other wrist, she found herself relaxed. Maybe it was the comfort. She had always thought bondage would be painful and awkward. This was decidedly not so.

The ankle cuffs were a little harder to manage, and Jade winced as one pressed against a bone. Will loosened the strap, moving it higher, and Jade tested it with a gentle tug. There was movement, but not enough to free her, and she bit her lip, growing wet at the knowledge that she was completely at his mercy.

Will stood, looking down at her, and Jade couldn’t hold back a moan as his eyes lingered on her splayed thighs.

“Remember what I said last night?” His voice was low, and a tremor ran through her. Automatically she tugged again at the restraints—they were securely fastened, and the smile that crossed Will’s face as he watched was almost predatory.

“This is all about needs. I fulfil yours as your Dom, you fulfil mine as my sub. You submit to me, you do what I want—I take care of your needs. You need never worry when you’re with me. You are always safe, always protected.”

“Yes,” Jade croaked. The wetness in her cunt was leaking onto the beanbag, and her fingers clenched convulsively. Touch me, damn it.

“Anything you might want, we can discuss. Anything you don’t like, we can strike out. Fisting. Anal sex. Toys. It’s all open. People often forget just how much power a sub has. If you say no, if you use your word, it doesn’t happen.”

“I—”

“You want something, Jade. Ask for it.”

I want you to fuck me. I want you to—The words came out before Jade could stop them. “I want you to go down on me.”

Will’s smile took on a hungry quality.

“Request granted.”

Jade lifted her head to look at him as Will dropped to his knees. Crawling forward, he loomed over her, one hand on each side of her head. In one swift movement he pushed down on the back of the beanbag so that Jade’s head and shoulders fell into the hollow created.

Fuck! The bonds tightened on her wrists and ankles as Jade squirmed, struggling to see him. His breath tingled on her collarbone, her nipples pebbling, and she was suddenly conscious of her position—sprawled helpless in front of him, breasts upturned to be touched, cunt bared and aching for his mouth.

“Will—Sir—I—”

“Shhh.” His lips brushed against her breast, his tongue curling around her nipple, and Jade’s words were swallowed up in a moan.

Every nerve seemed to be on fire, responding to his touch with a jolt. His mouth trailed along her ribs, her stomach, his tongue tracing patterns on her hipbones, his lips pressing light kisses to the soft skin on her inner thighs. Then her lips were parted, and Jade cried out as a hard lick to her clit made her buck into his mouth.

“Oh God!”

The cuffs dug into her wrists as she writhed on the beanbag, arching up as she felt two fingers slide inside her, stroking her spot over and over. Will’s tongue seemed to be everywhere, tormenting her clit, teasing her folds. Her nipples ached to be touched and she tugged at the bonds, but they had her pinned tightly, and she moaned with longing.

“Please—”

Pleasure coiled in her gut. His fingers twisted, his tongue laving her clit, then sparks were flying, her fingers and toes were clenching, and Jade screamed as her climax hit her full force. Before her body had stopped convulsing, Will’s weight descended on her, his cock breached her and she gasped at the sudden invasion.

“Tell me how it makes you feel,” Will growled in her ear, his breath stirring her hair. “Let me hear you.”

“I—” The words came in a rush as another surge of ecstasy built, rippling outwards from her cunt. “You’re so good, so hard, I want you, I need you, I’m going to—”

With a cry Jade came, and Will’s groan told her he was coming as well, his hips hammering into hers one final time.

* * * *

“What do you think, Jade?”

“I don’t know.”

“Well, look at it. Does it need pinning anywhere?”

Shaundra sounded exasperated, and Jade shook her head, coming out of her reverie. She looked at herself in the mirror, at the bridesmaid’s dress she was trying on for the final time. It had been difficult to choose a dress that all four liked—Jade had been reasonable in the face of three brides and their dramatically differing tastes, but she was paying for it, after all, and a hideous dress she would only wear once just wasn’t in her budget at the moment.

The dress was green satin, one-shouldered, with a close-fitting skirt embroidered with leaves. Jade ran an eye over the seams and edges, checking the neckline and the fit around the hips. It looked fine.

“It’s fine.”

“Good. One of us is happy then.” Shaundra turned back to the dressmaker, who was doing some quick work on the hem of her bridal gown. It had somehow dropped on one side.

One of us is happy. That was a joke. Jade had never been less happy in her life.

She knew there was a good reason why she didn’t do relationships. It was much too easy to let herself get hurt, and much too hard to find a man who could handle her. Except now she had, and it was Will Vandenmeer.

And the bastard had left her.

She had woken up that morning a little stiff, her muscles protesting at the activity of the night before. Rolling over, she had found the bed empty and paused in confusion.

Maybe he’s in the shower?

Except he hadn’t been. Nor had he been in the living area. Nor had he left a note. If his bodyguard hadn’t been in a chair by the door, she could have believed he had never even been there at all.

She had waited.

Half an hour passed. The bodyguard was snoring in his seat, and Will had not returned. In the end, her skin flushed and her movements hurried, Jade had dressed, crept past the guard and left.

What a fucking bastard.

Will Vandenmeer. A BDSM-loving billionaire. She had never even dreamt she would want something like that, like him. It sounded ridiculous—she hadn’t wanted to get hurt, so she got into BDSM. And yet it had made perfect sense. Will had taken care of her, made her feel secure. She had wanted everything he offered—she had been willing to do anything for him.

God, she was a fool.

I let myself trust him. I was weak.

No. She hadn’t been weak.

The look on his face that night in the corridor was still in her mind. She had rescued him—he hadn’t seen her as weak. He hadn’t taken advantage of her, that night or last night. She could have stopped him at any time. It had been her choice.

Just maybe not the best choice.

Maybe when she got home she could look into clubs. Find another Dom, see if she liked it.

Yeah, right. You know that’s not what you want.

Jade narrowed her eyes at herself in the mirror. In her mind she saw herself meeting another Dom, one more like she had expected, who would command her and cane her and tell her not to come, and who would follow the rules exactly and leave her feeling empty.

She had learnt a few things about herself in the last couple of days, and she had him to thank for that. But now she was going to have to watch her three best friends get married, all the while knowing she wanted a man she couldn’t have.

And she had him to thank for that, too.

* * * *

It was eleven p.m. when Jade unlocked the door to her room.

They had gone to dinner at a nearby Italian restaurant. Piper had insisted on ordering champagne—Leonie had got very drunk and spilled her spaghetti bolognese down her shirt, and Shaundra had fallen off her six-inch heels and knocked a waiter over. Jade had been slightly tipsy, but had managed to get through the meal with no mishaps. In fact, thanks to the constant chatter and the presence of three of her favourite dishes on the menu, it had been a good evening.

Returning to an empty room was less pleasant, but unavoidable.

As she opened the door, her eye was immediately drawn to something on the bed. It was a black box, about the size of a shoebox but cubical, with a gold envelope resting on top.

What the hell? Had reception sent this up? She crossed the room, picked up the envelope and looked at the front. ‘Jade’ was written there in a simple script.

A thought struck her, and she tore the envelope open, catching the enclosed card as it fell out. She could already see the card was written in the same handwriting, and her heart pounded as she read the words.

Jade,

There is no one else I would give this to.

Will

The box was velvet-coated, with a heavy lid that opened on a hinge. Jade flipped it open and stared down at the sparkling contents.

It was a jewelled collar.

She lifted it up, watching as the light reflected from the facets. It was black leather, encrusted with diamonds and emeralds. Turning it in her hands, she found the buckle, gold with an amethyst stud, and so shiny it was almost a mirror.

A knock on the door startled her so much she almost dropped the collar.

Will.

He was standing there when she opened the door, dressed in black jeans and a T-shirt. Automatically Jade stepped backwards to let him in. He was looking at her with desperate eyes, as if he thought she would disappear.

The silence was broken by the thud of the door closing. Jade asked the question that had been on her mind all day.

“Why did you leave?”

“I went to get the collar.” A flicker of anger crossed Will’s face. “I told Matt to let you know and keep you in the room till I got back, but the jackass fell asleep. He’s lucky he still has a job.”

Jade looked down at the collar, which was still in her hands. He went to get me this. He didn’t leave me.

When she looked back up, Will had moved closer, his eyes still fixed on her face.

“So what do you say?”

“I—What does this mean?”

Will raised his hand and cupped her cheek, holding her gaze.

“It means I’m asking you to be my submissive. Permanently. No others—I don’t share, and I don’t expect you to. I’m asking you to be mine.”

“With a contract?”

“I’ll get one drawn up that we both agree on.” Will bit his lip, and Jade felt something flutter inside at this sudden vulnerability. “So—what do you think?”

There was one word that still stood out for her.

“Permanently?”

Will took a deep breath.

“I’m also asking you to marry me.”

Chapter Five

“Oh God. I swear I’m going to faint.”

“Oh, relax.” Jade swatted Leonie’s shoulder. “You’re going to be fine.”

“It’s all right for you,” Leonie muttered, leaning towards the mirror to check her makeup for the fifth time. “You wait till next month. You’ll be shitting yourself.”

Jade shook her head indulgently, inwardly admitting Leonie was probably right. Next month she would be terrified.

Because next month, on a Friday to be exact, was her own wedding to Will Vandenmeer.

She crossed the room to where Piper was posing in front of another mirror, watching how her ivory column dress swished as she turned. Piper raised an eyebrow at her, one corner of her mouth quirking in a smile, and Jade grinned back, suddenly overwhelmed with how events had snowballed.

This was just going to be amazing.

“It’s nice to see you so happy.”

Jade was about to protest that it was Piper’s day, not hers, but stopped. “Thanks. I still can’t believe how quickly it’s all happened.”

“Neither can I, but you know what you want, so you may as well grab it.”

Jade flashed her a wicked grin. “I did.”

“Thanks. I didn’t need to know that.” Piper made a mock-fingers-down-the-throat gesture.

“I’m so jealous,” Shaundra called from across the room, where she was adjusting her tiara. “Your wedding is just going to be huge.”

“I’m just glad I don’t need to organise it all.” Jade shuddered at the thought of trying to plan a wedding in a month. The Las Vegas trip had been complicated enough. Fortunately, Will apparently had contacts in every company on the West Coast, since he had managed to pull strings to organise everything at the last minute.

He had offered his help right from the beginning.

“Seriously. Just tell me what you had in mind, and I can fix it.”

“Had in mind? I’ve never planned my own wedding. I’ve no idea.”

Will had rolled his eyes. “Typical. I’ve picked the one woman on the planet who hasn’t been designing her wedding since birth.”

Remembering the detailed lists Leonie, Piper and Shaundra had had, Jade had found herself laughing. All this had just been too much. In the end, Will had made some calls, and a few hours later had presented Jade with an itinerary.

“What’s this?”

“Appointments with a dress designer, a florist, a wedding cake company and a jewellery designer. Oh, and a couple of potential venues. We can take the rest from there.”

And so they had. After a whirlwind day of silks, roses, glitter icing and hotel ballrooms, Jade had collapsed in Will’s room, exhausted but secure in the knowledge that the ball was rolling on just about every possible issue, and ready to let Will strap her to the beanbag and fuck her into breathless submission.

She glanced down at her left hand, where a pear-cut diamond sparkled on a platinum band.

“I knew you’d pick a weird ring,” Piper commented, pulling back the hem of her dress to admire her ivory shoes.

“Oh, shut up. It’s a solitaire, same as yours.”

“It is not. Mine’s a diamond cut. Only you would go for pear.”

Jade flipped Piper off with her other hand, joining in as Piper laughed. The mood in the room was beginning to grow tense as the time of the triple wedding drew nearer—Jade thought they needed all the laughter they could get.

“It’s so romantic, you guys.” Leonie sat down on an upholstered chair, smiling beatifically at her. “Getting married in a month…”

Piper snorted. “I’d hardly call that collar romantic.”

“It’s a Prada collar,” Shaundra commented. “That makes all the difference.”

The collar was something Jade had worried about, but her friends had been surprisingly accepting. More surprising had been Will’s insistence that she not wear it for the wedding.

“I thought you’d want that. I’m not ashamed—”

“I know, and neither am I. But you’re not just my sub. You’re my fiancée, and what we do behind closed doors is our own business. Besides, I’m not going to hold you up as an example. The press are going to have a field day as it is.”

That much was true. Will’s PR team had been working for days to ensure that nobody gatecrashed the triple wedding in an attempt to get a photo of Jade. How they would handle the actual day was giving Jade nightmares. The comparison between Will Vandenmeer, billionaire, and Jade Bleecker, tattooed freak, would be enough for pages of comment.

But she was happy, and Will was happy, and that made up for a multitude of annoyances.

Especially when she was about to play bridesmaid for three different, panic-stricken brides. Looking around her, Jade could see the tension gradually building in each of their faces, the knowledge that in an hour’s time they would all be walking down the aisle.

It was a good job that she was so relaxed, because she could sense meltdowns on the horizon.

* * * *

The ceremony was beautiful.

Despite Leonie’s pleas, there was no Elvis impersonator. Nevertheless, as she floated down the aisle in a cloud of white daubed with colour—bright blue eye makeup, glittering red heels and a huge bouquet of pink roses—Leonie looked happier than Jade had ever seen her. And Jade had seen her very happy.

Shaundra came down the aisle like a runway model, towering heels and short skirt with a cascading train, but the look she gave Andrew as she reached the altar was pure adoration, and Jade smiled to see them.

Piper insisted on walking alongside Jade, a vision of ivory and pearl next to Jade’s teal green. She was the picture of cool control, but as she held Jade’s arm a tremor communicated between them—Jade squeezed her hand in sympathy.

Even with all three together, the nerves were there, but there was no need.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the officiant announced warmly, and Jade inwardly cheered as all three couples kissed. After a few moments she diplomatically turned her head away, looking back at the sole guest at the back of the room.

Will.

He smiled, looked her up and down, then gave an approving nod and a wink. Jade bit back a laugh. Glad he likes this outfit, anyway.

The one thing she had held firm on was that Will should not see her dress before the day. Will had graciously bowed to this request, possibly because Jade had worded it politely and addressed him as ‘sir’, but more likely because she had been on her knees at the time.

The dress was one-shouldered, close-fitting ivory silk, worn with a diamond-threaded mantilla veil and gold heels. If Will liked her bridesmaid’s dress, he was bound to love her wedding gown—but that could wait until the big day.

The thought made her stomach catch. So little time to get used to it. So little time before she would be calling herself Jade Vandenmeer.

And yet she knew, instinctively, that she had made the right choice.

* * * *

Jade closed her eyes for a moment as the elevator doors opened, breathing in the familiar, welcome scent that always greeted her on the top floor of the Bellagio.

They had arrived back yesterday after three weeks in New York City. Despite the glinting jewel on her finger, Jade had found herself floundering in first-date nerves. What had happened in Vegas could have stayed in Vegas, but back in New York things were suddenly very real—and just a little unnerving. She had pulled Will aside immediately after they got off the plane and insisted on dating him properly for the few weeks they had.

I refuse to be carried away by wedding planning and amazing sex. I need to know you outside of that—I need to know I’m right about you.

And Will had agreed.

Their first official date had been at the Sanctuary. Jade had raised an eyebrow at this, but Will had explained his reasoning—security. Having a recognisable face, the last thing he wanted on a date—especially a first date—was to have a camera or microphone shoved into it. The Sanctuary was a safe haven in more ways than one.

It also served very good food. Over a bottle of champagne and a bowl of squid ink pasta, Jade had admired the surroundings and bantered back and forth with Will about anything and everything.

Will was—entertaining. Fun. Intense. He was passionate about his work, yet never took business calls at dinner. His eyes would light up whenever she hit on a topic he was interested in, and their conversation would flash and glow for hours, hopping from one point to another, never getting dull.

He had been fascinated to hear about her own career.

“So what do you do for a living? I don’t think you ever said.”

“I’m an EFL teacher. I spent a year teaching in Japan.”

“Wow. That’s somewhere I’ve always wanted to go.”

“Seriously? You’ve never been to Japan?” Somehow Jade had assumed that every rich businessman would have been there.

“Nope. One of many places, actually. We’ll have to go sometime.”

He had even suggested it for their honeymoon, but Jade had managed to strike a compromise. They had booked one week in Tokyo and one on a beach in Thailand.

After three packed weeks of private restaurants, wedding planning and nights spent in Will’s apartment—which Jade had been unsurprised to discover was a penthouse at the top of an extremely expensive skyscraper—they were back in Las Vegas for their wedding. The previous night Will had arranged a helicopter flight out to the Grand Canyon for a candlelit dinner, something Jade had known was possible—Leonie had found it in one of her Vegas wedding brochures—but had never expected to experience.

“This is the most amazing place I have ever seen.”

Will had smiled lazily from the other side of the table, a forkful of shrimp risotto halfway to his mouth. “There are so many places I want to show you.”

And there were so many things, and places, Jade wanted to be shown.

Now Will stepped behind Jade and unfastened her emerald necklace, dropping it into his pocket. Jade said nothing, recognising what this meant.

The collar.

It was in its box on her bedside table. As they entered the room, Will closed and locked the door while Jade retrieved the sparkling band of leather, sweeping her hair aside to bare her throat for him.

“Good,” was Will’s only comment. His breath tickled the nape of her neck as the collar brushed her skin, and Jade shivered as he unzipped her dress and unfastened her bra. “Strip for me.”

“Yes, sir.”

She slid the dress over her arms, letting it drop to the floor along with her bra. As she untied the sides of her panties, Will moved to stand in front of her, holding out his hand, which was filled with gold chain.

“Step out of those and stand still.” He flashed her a wicked smile. “I’m going to decorate you.”

The gold glinted in the light. Will lifted a section of chain with small jewels dangling from the links and fastened one end to her nipple with a clamp, making Jade gasp. She forced herself to remain still as Will attached the other end, catching his eye as he looked up to see her reaction.

“It gets even better. Part your legs for me.”

A second section of chain hung from the centre of the first, also ending in a clamp. Jade bit her lip as she realised where this would go, even as she obeyed his command.

“Do you need to stop?” His fingers were already spreading her lips.

“No—oh!”

Will had attached the third clamp to her clit while she was distracted. Before Jade could catch her breath, he caught hold of her hips and turned her to face one of the chairs, which had been moved to present its back to her.

“Bend over the chair.”

Jade gripped the seat, arching her back to present her ass to him. The movement tugged on the clamps and she moaned, her knees weakening.

His hand caressed her rump for a moment, then disappeared. “Count for me.”

At the first blow, all three clamps jolted and Jade cried out. She forced the number out through clenched teeth, resting her forehead on the seat back.

“Good.”

“Two!” Another jolt, and Jade bit down on her lip so hard she tasted blood. At this rate, she wouldn’t last until the end of the spanking.

Which, of course, might be what he wanted.

At the sixth blow, she heard a shuffling behind her and prepared herself for Will’s entry. Seconds later his cock slid inside her to the hilt. Jade groaned at the scratch of his hair against her tender skin.

“Come when you’re ready,” he growled, his mouth close to her ear. “I want you to lose control.”

He thrust inside her again, hard, and Jade gasped as the clamps tugged on her clit. Could she even come with it attached? But Will was ahead of her, and as she clung to the chair, moaning as every movement rocked her body, she felt his hand snake around her hip and unclip the lower clamp, leaving the others in place. Instantly Jade cried out as the orgasm rippled outwards from her clit, sending her into convulsions.

“Oh God!”

Another, harder, thrust and Will’s arms tightened around her as he groaned, shuddering against her.

It was all Jade could do to reach the bed, where she collapsed beside him, dropping the nipple clamps on the bedside table.

She would definitely be asking to wear them again.

* * * *

There was a knock at the bedroom door.

“Mr Vandenmeer, sir?”

“What is it?” Will stirred, his voice drowsy.

“Just thought you’d want to know there’s been a suspicious call to reception, sir. They think it was a reporter. We’re stepping up security in case they try to get in the room, sir.”

Will raised himself up on his elbows. “Good work, Matt.”

“Thanks, sir.” There was the sound of footsteps walking away.

“Reporters.” Jade’s stomach sank. She could already see the headlines, and none of them were flattering.

“Relax.” Will reached across and squeezed her hand. “They’re not getting in here.”

“They know you’re at the Bellagio. It doesn’t take much to guess you’re in the Penthouse Suite.”

“Unless they scale the wall, they’re not getting past Bryn and Matt. Anyway, don’t worry. We’re not that interesting. Vandenmeer Hotels might be well known, but I’m not Brad Pitt.”

Jade opened her mouth to say “Shame,” then decided against it. However, Will noticed and grabbed her round the waist.

“You were going to say ‘pity’, weren’t you?”

“Me? Never.”

“Do I have to remind you who you belong to, Miss Bleecker?” Will rolled himself on top of her, pinning her arms above her head.

“I think, Mr Vandenmeer,” Jade retorted, “that I have that down already.”

“Oh yes? Shall I discipline you, then?”

His cock hardened against her thigh, and her answer was swallowed up in a moan. Will looked down at her, his eyes momentarily intense before they softened.

“You sure you’re ready for all this, Jade?”

Am I?

She already knew. It made no sense, and yet it made all the sense in the world. Jade smiled up at him.

“I was born ready.”

“Good,” Will told her, and entered her in one thrust.

Also available from Total-E-Bound Publishing:

The Hand He Dealt

Tanith Davenport

Excerpt

Chapter One

A third red-backed card flipped over on the green baize. The ten of hearts.

“Twenty-four. Bust.”

With a scowl, the man pushed his chips to the centre of the table and got up to leave.

“Too bad,” Astra called after him. “Have a good night.”

It was four in the morning and the casino was closing. Around the room, the croupiers were clearing their tables and preparing to leave. Astra’s table was the first one closed—as the lights began to snap off she was already halfway to the door.

She passed another croupier, an attractive blonde, just unhooking her coat, her forehead smeared with blood, and she paused.

“Hey, Becky? What happened to you?”

The girl scowled. “Some jerk threw a glass at me. Think he just lost the expense account.”

“Ugh. Men.” Astra could taste the bitterness in her words. “They’re all pricks.”

The cold air hit her like a wall of ice. The skies were still pitch-dark. The night was clear, starlit, the edges of the full moon sharp. Streetlamps spilled pools of light across the sidewalk as Astra started the long walk home.

Thank God she didn’t have an early lecture.

Across the street, shouts and raucous laughter filled the air as the door of a neon-fronted bar opened and a group of twenty-something men fell out. Astra’s stomach twisted as a painful image forced its way into her mind.

Are you out tonight?

She dropped her head, fighting against the picture that haunted her. Oh God, she was beginning to hate this walk home. The surrounding dark engulfed her like a wave, weakening her, dragging her down.

Every time you do this, I lose another part of you, something I’m afraid to forget.

Her feet knew the way home as well as her mind did.

I can’t remember the scent of your hair.

It was amazing how quickly the sidewalk was passing.

I can’t remember the feeling of your breath on my neck.

It really wasn’t such a long walk after all.

She broke into a run, one hand over her face, tears choking her. Astra stumbled up the main road through the campus and into the Omega Zeta sorority house. She dashed up the stairs to the first floor, dived into the bathroom and locked herself in a cubicle.

It was stupid to feel this way. Stupid. But the aching feeling of loss was rarely absent these days.

She had only herself to blame. She had been too intelligent, too arrogant, to believe she could lose herself in the intense gaze of a pair of blue eyes. Too clever to recognise her own weakness in the face of a cheeky smile.

Fuck. The door had opened. She wiped her face and stepped out of the cubicle, her carefully-crafted neutral expression dissolving when she saw the girl turning away from her reflection.

“Sash.”

“Astra?” Sasha looked her up and down in concern. “Are you okay? What’s…”

“Don’t ask.”

Sasha nodded slowly and turned back to the mirror with an assumed casualness.

“Oh—by the way. News.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“It’s Ash.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“He knows.”

Astra caught herself in the middle of a third “Oh yeah?” and stepped behind Sasha. Their eyes met in the mirror.

“What?”

“Ash knows.”

Astra leant back against the row of sinks and ran her hand through her hair in shock.

“Ash… Fuck.”

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About the Author

Tanith Davenport has been writing for ten years and first got into erotic romance through the Romantic Novelists’ Association New Writer’s Scheme. Besides writing, her first loves are rock music and travel. She lives in Yorkshire with her long-suffering husband and cat.

Email: tanithdavenport@gmail.com

Tanith loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at http://www.total-e-bound.com.

Also by Tanith Davenport

The Hand He Dealt

Haunted By You: I Heard Your Voice

Clandestine Classics: The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

Tied to the Billionaire: Ready for Him

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