Page 56 of Required Surrender


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“Who said I’m submitting to you?”

“Your reaction to my commands.”

Her mind was processing a retort, but she couldn’t seem to think of a viable objection. “Five days. No longer.”

“Let’s get you a glass of wine.” I couldn’t hide the amusement in my tone as I led her toward one of the bars. Within seconds, the bartender stood in front of us.

“Your usual, Mr. McKenzie?” he asked, giving my lovely companion a genuine smile.

She remained tense, chewing on her bottom lip.

“That would be perfect, Charlie. Open a bottle of the Screaming Eagle Cabernet and set it aside.”

“Yes, sir.” As Charlie quickly retreated to fill our order, she glanced up at me with scrutiny in her eyes.

“That’s forty-five hundred dollars a bottle. Are you trying to impress me?”

“You know your wines and would it bother you so much if I was?”

Her brow furrowed, her mouth twisting as she thought about the question. “Yes and no. Why? You alreadyownme for a week. You’ve made that perfectly clear a half dozen times.”

I lowered my head, nuzzling against her neck as I whispered my answer. “Perhaps I want much more.” As I backed away, her eyes were glistening more than before.

Instead of retorting, she swallowed and purposely glanced toward the crowd. Then she shuddered, trying to shift her position.

“What’s wrong?”

“An attorney from my office is here and oh, God, no. He’s seen me.”

I wrapped my fingers around her arm, keeping her in place. “We’re in a dance club frequented by thousands of people a month. Given the popularity, that’s not unusual.”

“You’re not dressed like a whore.”

I spun her around quickly, cupping her face. “Let’s get this straight, Lark. Submitting to someone you trust and care for doesn’t make you a whore by anyone’s standards. Owning a submissive is a gift and one not to be taken lightly. An honor. I am honored to have you here with me. Do you understand?”

For a few precious seconds, it seemed like she did, her expression softening as she nodded.

I tightened my grip, cocking my head slightly. “I need to hear you say it.”

“Yes… sir. Thank you.”

As I softened my hold, brushing my fingers across her cheek, she trembled from my touch. I’d never wanted her more than I did at this moment.

“Lark. I’m surprised to see you here,” the man said from beside us. “You look entirely different.” His laugh was far too predatorial. My hackles were raised, the possessiveness burning through the surface.

I’d seen him inside the club several times, although I couldn’t place him as being a member. I only remembered those who required my interference for some infraction or disturbance, with a few exceptions. He certainly wasn’t a power player.

She took a deep breath, the smile on her face as plastic as the one I’d seen at the auction. “Jeff. I’m surprised to see you as well.” Our drinks had arrived, and she grabbed the glass of wine, looking him directly in the eyes. Her rebellious side was in full force. “Jeff Carter, this is Lachlan McKenzie.”

“Yes, I know all about who he is. Good to meet you, Lachlan. I’ve been a fan of yours for years. She’s a fabulous catch. Isn’t she?” He grinned and took a sip of his drink, glancing around the room. “Blackout is a very popular club. I enjoy the music.” When he returned his gaze, he allowed his eyes to fall toward her stilettos then shifted to me for a few seconds. “I’m curious,” he quipped. “What brings you here?”

“Certainly, you heard about the auction,” she commented in passing.

As he rubbed his jaw, I had an instant dislike of him as I would any man who attempted to lord something over a woman he believed beneath him. “That’s right. Aren’t you lucky to be bought by one of the most powerful men in town.” His dislike of me was easy to spot, although I couldn’t care less about what anyone in DC thought about me or my club.

“All for a very good cause,” I piped in. When he inched closer, his expression turning to one of hunger, I slipped my arm around her protectively. If the man dared to fuck with her, he’d learn how I personally handled infractions. “As far as being a catch. You would be right on that regard. I value the company of highly intelligent, beautiful women.”

“Yes, I’ve heard you do,” Jeff retorted.

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