I reach between us and my fingers scrabble over his belt buckle. For just a moment, I wonder if this is the same one he used on me. The thought does something funny to my throat, and I hiccup before I get back to business.
Buckle.
Button.
Zipper.
Cock.
I reach through the fly of his boxers, and he’s waiting for me, hot and hard. I trace the length of him with a fingernail, following one raised vein, and he makes a sound that isn’t human.
“Fuck, Kate,” he groans, staggering back a step, which gives me more room to work.
I close my fist around his length, stroking all the way to the end, where a silky drop of fluid waits. I shift my wrist, ready to?—
A knock pounds on the door behind me. “Ms. Lynch?” someone calls. “Are you in here?”
The doorknob starts to turn.
15
COLE
Iturn my back and take three painful strides to the closet, studying the empty hangers like they’re sending a message in hexadecimal code. Behind me, Kate plays the role of dutiful granddaughter perfectly. She’s grateful Three Oaks moved her granny. She appreciates the nurse coming to track her down. She just needs a minute to say goodbye to this room, to the place she’s shared so many wonderful memories with her beloved grandmother…
She’s magnificent.
In some ways, things would have been simpler if I’d scared a confession out of her. She’d admit to sending the email, one last gasp of independence before she gives in to her father’s plan. I’d explain exactly how she’ll pay if she ever threatens my business again.
I wouldn’t threaten as her Dom. As her Dom, my primary concern is unlocking her pleasure. My punishments aredesigned to teach her just how strong she can be, just how much power she holds.
No. Once she confessed to attacking my livelihood, I’d threaten as a ruthless businessman with billions on the line. My twin goals would be pain and terror. I’d break her here, now, so I’d never be concerned about her loyalty again.
But she didn’t send the email.
I grew up watching Shannon lie. I know every trick of the human body—facial expressions, vocal tones, how to move with confidence. I’m better than any lie-detector machine in the world. I had to be, so I didn’t fall victim to my own mother’s cons.
Kate didn’t try to scam me. But the principle that brought me here—holding my enemies close—remains. So I wait until she closes the door on the nurse, and then I take out my phone. “Will you tell your father, or should I?
Immediately, she’s wary. She has good instincts. “Tell Da what? That you moved Granny without his permission? Or that you’ve got a kink for role play, and fairytales really get you racing?”
Fine. I’ll tell her father.
I pull up Lynch’s number, from when he called last Sunday. I leave the phone on speaker, just as I did in Boston.
“Hello?” Lynch sounds wary.
“Wolf here,” I say.
Kate’s eyes have gone wide. She doesn’t believe I’m doing this.
“I didn’t think I’d hear from you for two more days,” Lynch says. He sounds more confident. He must have realized I’d only call with good news.
Goodfrom his perspective. Kate won’t agree.
“I have an opening in my schedule, so I can get started on your computer project immediately. I’ll just need a signed non-disclosure agreement. And, of course, full payment of my fee.”
“Of course,” Lynch says, and I can practically hear him drool. “Will you tell Kate, or shall I?”
