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He took the chance, breaking every speed limit as he maneuvered through traffic until he reached the Fan area of Richmond and a vacant parking spot. The tires squealed when he came to a stop. He jumped out and glanced up and down both sides of the street. An eerie feeling of being watched, even followed lingered in his mind as he walked toward her house. This wasn’t his best idea. If he terrified her, she would never work with Mistress Jade again, let alone allow him anywhere near her. Why should she?
Exhaling, he climbed up the stairs and onto her porch. After ringing the bell, he took a step back. Seconds later he heard footsteps.
When Destiny opened the door, she didn’t appear scared of him, merely angry. “What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to apologize for last night.”
“Apologize? You mean for breaking the rules, finding out who I was? Or perhaps for tracking me down and coming to my home, my sanctity? Perhaps even apologizing for being an arrogant ass who thinks he can get what he wants just because he’s supposedly worth something? Am I getting close?”
For any other person, Christopher would have lashed out. This woman, this incredible and feisty woman knew no bounds and didn’t care who or what he was. “For all of the above and I probably could add two or three additional reasons.”
The words caught her off guard. She wrinkled her nose, frowned and after a few seconds took a step outside. “You are tenacious. That I’ll give you.”
He grinned. “I hope that’s a redeeming quality.”
She scanned the street. “Maybe. The questions are why and what do you really want?”
“Honestly? To apologize and to see if we could actually have lunch? Maybe that would be a safe enough haven for you?” He wasn’t certain why he wanted to get to know her. This wasn’t his usual methodology with submissives in any manner, but this was natural and almost normal.
“Lunch?” Laughing, she shook her head. The tone of her voice was filled with disdain. “Not a night at the club or in your playroom?”
“Destiny, I’m not going to lie to you that I wouldn’t enjoy, but you’re not ready. Lunch seems to be the most prudent manner in which to get to know you.”
“Why?”
“Why? Because you intrigue me more than the majority of women I meet. Do you need another reason?” He looked her up and down. She remained on edge, as if debating whether or not he would hurt her. “I assure you, I’m merely a man who enjoys a woman of fortitude.”
She seemed to debate, her expression full of doubt. “Fortitude. Interesting. All right. Today?”
“I’d like that. May I pick you up at the office?” When she took a step back, shutting down, he allowed her the space, but lowered his voice. “I assure you, I’m not going to take you somewhere out of the ordinary. In fact, there’s a little Mexican place near your office I think you’ll like. You do like Mexican, don’t you?”
After a few seconds she smiled, yet her eyes reflected continued doubt. “Very much. All right, but I will have mace with me. Just keep that in mind.”
He burst into laughter. “I wouldn’t expect any less. Is one all right?”
“Yes. That’ll be fine.”
“Looking forward to a wonderful time with a beautiful woman.” When he walked down her stairs and toward the car, he smiled. Peace replaced the turmoil from earlier. Later, he would introduce her to his playroom. Of that he had zero doubt.
* * *
“Michael, this is Dr. Blade. I’m very concerned about you. I haven’t heard anything from you. Please give me a call.” Destiny hung up the phone and bit her lip. Her sixth sense was kicking into overdrive. There was something terribly wrong. She rubbed her hand absently across the cool wood of her desk. A nagging sensation, one of horror mixed with anxiety remained.
She typed in several key words, including Club Noir as well as BDSM. There was nothing on the club itself, but she was directed back to the references for BDSM in Candance, Michael, Jenna and Mark. Sitting back, she closed her eyes and mentally went back to as many sessions as she could really remember. If Michael was involved, then how was Mark? Other than a direct invitation. Why would anyone kill him?
Destiny tapped her pen. Mark had mentioned very little about the lifestyle, except he desired to… She eased back and quickly pulled up his file. The notes were certainly not as extensive as Michael’s by any means. She found the BDSM keyword and read the passage. “Huh.” He wanted to work in the industry and he had a friend teaching him. He thought he could teach to some degree. The idea seemed incredulous at the time. Now? Anything was possible. They’d never explored the particular comment. Maybe this was a break. Maybe this was nothing. She made mental note to tell Montana.
“So, who is this guy you’re having lunch with?” Gina folded her arms as she eased against the doorway.
“Jesus!” she exclaimed.
“Jumpy today I see. This guy must have a powerful hold over you.”
The words were far too pointed. She gave her assistant a quick look and wrote a few notes in Michael’s file. “Just a guy I met. We had a glass of wine last night. He’s…fascinating.”
“Really? Tell me all about him? What’s his name? What does he do?”
“Honestly? I have no idea.”
