Dangerous Desires

By Adriana Hunter

Dangerous Desires features a full collection of scorching hot romance stories featuring bad boys and the curvy heroines who love them!

In this exclusive collector's edition you'll download 8 sizzling tales of seduction and domination including: For His Pleasure, Under His Spell, Surrender, Billionaire's Bounty, Curve Control and more!

For His Pleasure:
Katherine would never guess that she was ever on Matt's radar until one day, during a boardroom meeting, in a very unexpected turn of events, he comes to her rescue. That one simple move sets the pace for a flurry of give & take, in a dangerous game of submission.

Under His Spell:
Falling for the boss had never been part of her job description, but Zara couldn’t seem to help herself. Chase Morgan was simply the hottest male she’d ever seen. Unfortunately, he barely knew she existed outside her role of secretary. And when she finally catches his attention, she wonders what she’d need to do to keep it. Soon she finds herself willing, and able, to meet even his wildest demands...

Surrender:
From the very first moment that I laid eyes on the mysterious Jake Meyers, I knew that he would change me forever. There was something dark and dangerous in those impossibly blue eyes, and I was powerless to resist. He became my obsession and I accepted every opportunity to satisfy my desperate desire to be his.

Everything about us was wrong but I knew going in that he was a man who refused to be loved. I tried hard to remind my heart of why I was there...with him, allowing him to take from me all that he needed until I had surrendered completely.

Billionaire's Bounty:
Dashing billionaire tycoon Jude Stone had set his sights on the beautiful, curvy Miranda Quinn - and he will do just about anything to make her his.

Maid For The Billionaire:
Savvy, handsome businessman and pharmaceutical tycoon Greyson Marks isn't afraid of a little competition, but when he returns to his hotel room only to find the beautiful and voluptuous Sasha Gold cleaning his room, he is overcome with a mixture of lust...and anger.

Pleasing Her Master:
Anna Pierce is about to discover a world where pleasure and pain meet and her darkest desires come to life in a series of tortuously erotic lessons handed down to her by a mysterious Dom.

Curve Control:
Eva needs a job desperately and she's willing to do just about anything to land one, including fabricating a complete history and references. To her surprise, it works and she finds herself hired on by the prestigious advertising agency, Creative Enterprises. Lies begin to unravel It isn't long before Eva's boss, gorgeous billionaire and CEO of the company, Greyson Stone, discovers what she's been hiding. Eva isn't remotely qualified for the position she's been hired for but rather than fire her, he has

Anything For Him:
He's never met anyone quite like her...
Through a power struggle of forced submission and strict domination, Danny Sullivan and Meghan Lowry discover a whole new way of mending the wounds of their past. But once they allow themselves to trespass into a world of order and obedience, they'll never be able to turn back.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Adriana Hunter
• Release date: Dec 27, 2013
• ISBN: 9781310151514

Book preview

Dangerous Desires

Alpha Male Romance Boxed Set

By Adriana Hunter

Copyright © 2014, Adriana Hunter

All Rights Reserved.

Published by Tangled Press

Adriana Hunter

http://www.AdrianaHunter.com

Connect via Twitter @ http://twitter.com/spicytales

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Join Adriana’s private mailing list at http://www.SpicyTales.com

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations and places are solely the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, including events, areas, locations and situations is entirely coincidental.

Smashwords Edition

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Table Of Contents

For His Pleasure

Under His Spell

Surrender

Billionaire’s Bounty

Maid For The Billionaire

Pleasing Her Master

Curve Control

Anything For Him

About The Author

For His Pleasure

Dangerous Desires

Bad Boy Romance Collection

By Adriana Hunter

Katherine Hewitt waited in line at the Starbucks Drive-Thru, checking her watch every few minutes and trying not to tap her foot too impatiently. She really should have arrived ten minutes earlier, but she’d had a restless night and had fallen asleep late, resulting in her hitting the snooze button one too many times. It was ten minutes to eight and if she didn’t arrive with the coffees for the morning meeting she would be in hot water.

She pulled up to the ordering screen and put in her order for five house blend coffees, three with cream and sugar, one with just cream, and one black. Then she ordered a caramel macchiato for herself, and sat back while she waited for the car in front of her to roll forward. Her tired mind drifted back to work, to all the things she would have to get done for the day, while trying her hardest not to be distracted by the sexy, enigmatic powerhouse that was Mark Donaldson.

In truth, she was only his front desk secretary—his personal secretary (or assistant, as the man liked to call himself) was Dave Harrison, tall, skinny and snooty-nosed, and very much crushing on their boss. Max had a tendency to tumble whichever woman was in his bed across his desk during his lunch hour, and Dave would get outrageously jealous and take it out on Katherine since he knew she had eyes for the boss as well. So he would dump tasks on her that were quite obviously his job—like fetching the morning meeting coffee.

She collected and paid for the orders, then drove down Central Avenue and into the parking garage adjacent to the building Empire Creations was housed in. Balancing the two trays of coffee in her hands, she somehow managed to get to the office on the 30th floor without spilling any on the white blouse she wore—a miracle, since she’d already stained three shirts in as many weeks doing just this.

Her low-heeled pumps clicked against the black tile floor as she headed past the wide console that was her desk, through the hall, and into the meeting room, where several staff were already waiting—including Mark, who was making notes on a pad of paper as he sat at the head of the table.

She set the coffees down near him, and froze momentarily when he looked her way. He was too handsome for a Plain Jane like her to be around him without floundering for oxygen. The ceiling lights glanced off his black hair, slicked back from a tanned face with a straight nose, lips she knew could curve absolutely wickedly when he was looking at a woman he liked, and a strong, square chin. His eyes were such a dark brown they appeared to be black, and they pierced her like arrows now, something intensely carnal in them she wasn’t at all comfortable with.

Good morning, Ms. Hewitt, he greeted her in that deep, rich voice that was like the caress of a man’s hand down her spine.

Morning, Mr. Donaldson, she murmured quietly, dropping her eyes to the coffee tray she’d set down so she wouldn’t have to look into his eyes. She began pulling out the different coffees and reading the labels on them before passing them out. When she got to his she set it down in front of him, her eyes fixated on the glossy wooden table, and she nearly jumped out of her skin as his hand curled around the cup, strong, warm fingers touching hers before she could let go. Startled, she looked up to see that carnal gleam was in his eye, and this time that wicked curve to his lips was there to match it. Her pulse tripped as color heated her cheeks. Surely he wasn’t looking at her like that. She was just a wallflower—a nobody.

The spell of the moment was shattered when Dave came rushing over, his pale face stretched in a grimace of a smile. The loathing in his blue eyes as he looked her way told her loud and clear that he was not pleased with what he was seeing. I’ll take that off your hands, Ms. Hewitt, he told her, elbowing her out of the way none too gently. He spied the caramel macchiato and snatched it up. Ah. I see you’ve forgotten my own coffee, so I’ll make do with this. You can go back to your post up front, Ms. Hewitt.

Katherine balled her hands into fists, but she was still new here and she couldn’t risk speaking out and losing her job. Prepared to walk off without her coffee, her head shot up in surprise as Mark spoke.

Mr. Harrison, you know full well you never ordered any coffee this morning, which is why Ms. Hewitt did not bring any for you. You always complain about the inferiority of the Starbucks brand and blend your own at home, which is in the thermos you’ve left out on the table over there. Mark pointed to where it sat next to the portfolio case Dave was always carrying around, and though his tone was mild there was a hint of steel in it that had Dave’s spine stiffening and a line of sweat breaking out over his pale forehead. Please don’t play games during office hours, and give Ms. Hewitt her coffee back.

O-Of course, Dave stammered, his eyes wide with shock. He turned and handed Katherine her macchiato. Apologies, Ms. Hewitt. It was my mistake. The resentment flashing in those pale eyes told her it was no such thing, and they both knew it. As it was, she gave him a small smirk that didn’t even come close to the tap dance of joy her heart was performing, and took the drink from him.

Thank you, she told Dave, and then looked past him to Mark, who was watching them both. Good morning, sir.

She turned and left the room, and a tingle went up her spine as she felt Mark’s eyes on her the entire way out the door.

* * *

Mark watched the subtle sway of Katherine’s hips as she walked out the door, fancy drink in hand. She really wasn’t much of a looker at first glance—she wore the same black pencil skirts, white blouses and low-heeled pumps every day, and her brown hair, while glossy, was always pulled back into a no-nonsense bun. Her make-up was always professionally done, but low key, the buttons on her blouses were always completely done up so as to show not a hint of cleavage, and she always wore pantyhose over those legs of hers despite the sweltering heat that was summer.

She was always very quiet, very unassuming, and wouldn’t look him in the eye if she could help it. Their conversations were always very brief, and she never tried to engage him in small talk. If it weren’t for the surreptitious glances she would send his way when she thought he wasn’t looking, he would swear she swung the other way. But he suspected she was exactly what she appeared to be—shy, quiet, unassuming. A wallflower that preferred to duck her head and avoid him rather than raise it like many other women did and flirt shamelessly with him.

He was between women right now, the last one having become far too clingy, and normally he wouldn’t have given Katherine a second glance. He liked his women to be sexy and outgoing, to know what they wanted and not be afraid to ask for it. But he was also a Dom, and he sensed that she was a natural submissive, albeit one who was inexperienced with men. His practiced eye eventually saw past the drab exterior and to the exquisite figure beneath that she downplayed, and his instincts told him that the right man could not only bring out her external beauty, but awaken her sexually as well.

He’d seen those fists of hers bunch when Dave had tried to steal her coffee as punishment for drawing his attentions. He glanced sideways at his assistant now, who was busy setting up the projector. He knew perfectly well about Dave’s feelings for him and his proclivity for jealousy towards the women he brought around, but that was just too bad. He wasn’t sexually attracted to men, and if he had been he suspected Dave wouldn’t be his type anyway. If it weren’t for the fact that Dave was the best assistant he’d had in his ten years as CEO of Empire Creations he would have gotten rid of him—it didn’t pay to have an assistant constantly mooning after him that he wasn’t sexually attracted to. But his efficiency more than made up for that problem, so he would deal with it. And if Dave had a problem with his current interest in Katherine, he was just going to have to get used to it. Because now that he’d set his sights on her, he wasn’t going to back down until he got what he wanted.

And as everyone in this office new, Mark Donaldson always got what he wanted.

* * *

Katherine spent the morning answering phones, handling correspondence and doing the other myriad front desk duties expected of her. Every time she sipped from her caramel macchiato her lips curved into a small smile at the memory of Mark giving Dave a set-down. If nothing else good ever happened to her again on this job, she would treasure that memory forever. It was the first time Mark had ever really paid attention to her.

Of course, it was probably going to be the last time too. She knew from office gossip that the runway model he’d been dating was old news, and he had been without a woman for over a week now. She fully expected to see a new one on his arm by the time he came back from lunch today. Sometimes she wondered how he ever got anything done with all the sex he was obviously having. Her cheeks heated as they always did when she thought of him screwing some woman in his office. Did he like for them to kneel on his desk, doggy-style? Or did he sit back in his chair and let them ride him?

Blinking, she shook her head to snap herself out of it and try and lower the color in her cheeks. It was inappropriate for her to be thinking about her boss having sex with other women… even if he did it during office hours. Why should it matter to her, since she was never going to be one of those women? It’s not like his sexual performance affected the performance of the company. Empire Creations’ stock had risen ten percent in the last week alone. Mark was obviously very good at what he did.

Her heart beat a little faster as she heard the sound of Mark’s expensive shoes briskly hitting the tiled floors. He always walked with a powerful stride and she’d learned to recognize when he was coming by the sound alone. Self-consciously, she patted her hair and adjusted her blouse a fraction, not wanting to look less than her best though she knew he probably didn’t pay her any attention.

He came around the corner and she looked up at him through the fringe of her bangs, admiring his powerful body. He was six foot two with broad shoulders and a stocky build—he looked like he’d probably played as a linebacker in college and had maintained the physique despite being in an office position for who knew how long. Fully expecting him to give her a polite smile and walk out the door, she was surprised when he instead made a beeline for her desk.

Good afternoon, Mr. Donaldson. She gave him a small smile, hoping to God her cheeks weren’t as hot as they felt. What can I do for you?

He smiled warmly, placing a palm on her desk. I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind coming out to lunch with me. There are some things I’d like to discuss with you.

Lunch? There was no helping it—her cheeks flushed as her heart pumped faster to deal with the sudden rush of hormones coursing through her body. My lunch break isn’t for another hour… Dave usually comes to cover for me at two o’clock… Well, that wasn’t particularly true. He usually was a half hour late at the earliest, but that wasn’t something she was going to complain to Mark about. Most days she was just happy to have this job.

Mark waved his hand. Don’t worry about it. I’m sure he’d be happy to move up his schedule. Ah, look, here he comes now. He shifted slightly as he turned and Katherine looked past him to see Dave walking into the lobby, briefcase in hand. She saw his pale eyes flash briefly before he fixed a polite smile on his face as Mark waved him over.

What can I help you with, Mr. Donaldson?

I’d like you to take over for Ms. Hewitt for an hour, he said, and Katherine had the pleasure of watching Dave’s face turn pale with shock once again. I’m taking her out to lunch so we can discuss a few things.

Now? His eyes flashed to Katherine and then back, and she watched with interest as his color turned blotchy. But sir… I… he trailed off as Mark’s eyes turned steely. Of course. Of course I will.

Good man. He turned toward Katherine with a smile, who was staring at both of them. Are you ready?

What? she snapped out of it. Yes, yes, of course. She reached down beneath her desk to grab her purse, then stood up and nearly collided with Dave’s chest, who had come around the desk to take her place.

Have a great lunch, he told her with a sour smile, and the look in his eyes told her that she would pay for this if he ever got the chance.

Thank you. Something stirred in her at the look he gave her that demanded she do something else than just slink off like a wounded animal. Is there anything you’d like me to bring back for you? I’m sure they have doggie bags at the restaurant for leftovers.

Dave’s eyes flashed, and Katherine had to bite the inside of her cheek to hold back her grin. No thank you.

She followed Mark outside to the Mercedes parked out front, and allowed him to help her into the passenger’s side. He chuckled, a rich deep sound that had her looking over in surprise as he started the engine and headed down Central.

What’s so funny? she couldn’t help but ask.

He shook his head. It has been a long time since I’ve ever seen anyone other than myself put Dave in his place. You should do it more often.

Katherine shook her head with a small smile. That would be suicide. I like my job.

That doesn’t mean you have to let him push you around like that, Mark pointed out. Dave can be a little overbearing. He’s a good assistant, but he often takes himself too seriously and will walk all over anyone who lets him. And you’re far too pretty to have someone do that to you.

Katherine blushed, her fingers flying to her lips—pouty lips, he noted. Made for long, slow kisses. It’s really not a big deal most of the time, she insisted. I’m really just grateful to be able to work for you.

And I’m grateful to have you. They parked outside the bistro he usually came to for lunch. In more ways than one. His lips curved in that wicked smile again, and her imagination immediately went into overdrive. Did he really mean what she thought he meant? Or was she just being ridiculous? She probably was, and really didn’t need to get her hopes up. He probably just wanted to talk business.

He led her inside, where the maître de greeted them warmly—Mark was a regular here. They were taken upstairs to the terrace where they had a wonderful view of the city, and given a seat right next to the metal railing with boxes off impatiens and other flowers trailing down over the wall, providing a lovely fragrance.

Their server appeared almost instantly to hand them menus. Good afternoon. It’s so nice to see you again, Mr. Donaldson. Can I start you off with anything to drink?

Do you drink wine? Mark asked her.

Katherine hesitated. I do… but I really shouldn’t…

He waved her protests away. One glass of wine over lunch won’t affect your job performance. A bottle of Chardonnay, please.

Wow. Katherine let out a slow breath as the waiter returned with their bottle and poured them both a glass. He left them to decide on their entrees, and Katherine took a sip. It was like drinking gold. I don’t think I’ve ever had a Chardonnay like this before.

This place has an excellent selection, Mark agreed. They chose their entrees, and then he sat back as they waited for their meal to arrive and studied her.

Uncomfortable under the intensity of his gaze, Katherine cleared her throat. So, what is it you wanted to speak to me about, sir? In truth she was a little nervous that all he’d done was made small talk so far… and look at her with those bedroom eyes that made her stomach flip-flop.

He gave her a slow smile. It’s not about your job, if you’re wondering about that. I assure you that you’re doing a fantastic job. To be honest I’ve been curious about you. Dave and Mike— the HR rep who’d initially contacted her —did your interview and so I really know nothing about you at all. Where are you from?

They made small talk for a little while, and then Mark leaned forward. I’ll be honest with you, Katherine. She blinked as he used her first name for the first time since the beginning of her employment. I want you.

You… what? She blushed as she felt his hand settle on her knee beneath the table. Want me where?

On my desk. In my bed. On the floor. He spoke low, his fingers slowly trailing up the inside of her thigh. Your legs are exquisite. I want to know what they feel like without the panty hose.

I… I… Katherine bit down on her lower lip as he started massaging the inside of her thigh; slow circles of his thumb that sent tendrils of heat traveling straight to her core. You can’t be serious.

I’m completely serious. The waiter arrived with their entrees, and without removing his hand from her leg he looked up and engaged in a brief conversation as the waiter set everything out. Katherine had to ball her fists in her lap to keep from trembling, and she was certain the waiter couldn’t have missed the scarlet blush staining her cheeks.

Once the waiter went on, he continued on as though nothing had happened. I know you want me, Katherine. I’ve seen those naughty little glances you’ve tossed my way when you thought I wasn’t looking. His hand trailed down to stroke the area right underneath her knee, sending more shivers through her and making her hot all over. She’d no idea that was such a sensitive area! I’m sure you’ve wondered on more than one occasion what it is I do with the women I’ve brought back to my office. Now you have a chance to find out.

Katherine licked her lips, which had gone as dry as the inside of her mouth. She wanted to reach for her wine glass to wet her throat but she was trembling from Mark’s continuous caresses and wasn’t certain she could be trusted not to spill the wine on herself.

If you do decide you want to do this, you should know it will be a Dom/sub relationship, he continued, picking up his fork and sampling his alfredo as he continued to touch her underneath the table.

What does that mean? she picked up her own fork slowly, but found that she couldn’t concentrate long enough to get anything from her plate onto the utensil.

That means I will be the one in control, and you’ll trust me to do what’s best to bring you pleasure, he told her. It won’t be anything like you’ve ever experienced before sexually.

That wasn’t really saying very much, Katherine thought, but she had the idea that what Mark was referring to was considered… taboo. Is that like when I have a safe word and I tell you when to stop?

He chuckled. It won’t be anything quite that intense, but yet. Don’t be afraid, Katherine, he told her when her nerves flashed in her eyes. I’ll take good care of you. You can trust me on that.

What did she have to lose? It wasn’t every day that devastatingly sexy men told her they wanted to have kinky sex with her. And maybe this was the kind of thing she needed. Her life had been tedious this last year, full of nothing but work and worry.

Alright, she told him. What do you want me to do?

First, he told her, setting down his fork and picking up her own. I want you to eat. He scooped up a bite of pasta off her plate and held it up to her lips. Go ahead, take a bite.

She did as he asked, and admitted to herself she’d never been so self-conscious of eating in her life—his eyes were boring into her face the entire time. There you go, he said huskily. You have such gorgeous lips. Have another one. Go more slowly this time.

He fed her bite after bite, and she learned to slide her lips slowly along the fork, and she knew from the gleam in his eye that he was thinking of having her lips wrapped around something very different. She felt a flutter of embarrassment at first, but as she continued it faded as she realized this simple act was the sexiest thing she’d ever done. She could tell by the expression in his half-lidded eyes that he was aroused, and the knowledge aroused her too—her nipples were stiff beneath her bra, and the space between her legs was moist and pulsing lightly with need. All the while he continued to toy with her leg, brushing his fingers under her knee and down the back of her calf.

Eventually her plate was empty. He looked at his watch and saw their hour was nearly up. Time to go, he said, flagging down the waiter to pay for the check.

He offered his arm and she took it, allowing him to lead her outside. He held her close to his body, possessively so, and helped her into the passenger’s side once again. Then he shifted the car into drive and headed back to the downtown office.

Now that you’ve agreed, I’ll expect you in my office exactly half an hour after closing time, he told her as they entered the parking garage. Don’t be late.

Yes sir, she said meekly, and she couldn’t help but smile a little at the fact that anyone who might’ve overheard them would have thought he meant they were having some kind of meeting.

Well, she supposed they were… but it was going to be unlike any meeting she’d ever been to before.

They walked through the lobby doors together, and Dave looked up and gave them both an over-bright smile. That smile faded after Mark bid her goodbye, and he glowered at her as he rose to his full height so that she could take the chair back from him.

What was all that about? he snapped.

I… I don’t really think that’s any of your business, Katherine told him, not because she was trying to be defiant, but because she had nothing else to say. After all, she couldn’t tell him that she’d just agreed to enter into a sexual relationship with Mark. Not unless she wanted to see Dave have an apoplexy.

I’m his assistant. Why wouldn’t it be my business? he hissed. Ms. Hewitt, you had ought to remember who hired you.

Katherine’s back went up. I’m reasonably certain you can’t fire me if Mark doesn’t want you to, she told him sweetly. And I can guarantee he won’t give the order if you ask him.

Dave’s face turned blotchy, his gangly body going ramrod stiff. We will see about that, Ms. Hewitt. We will definitely see about that.

He marched off, and Katherine had to hold back a grin.

* * *

When closing time finally came around, most of the superiority of having had two victories over Dave had faded, to be replaced by a nervous anticipation that had her palms sweaty and her cheeks unseasonably warm. She loitered at her desk, biding the other employees’ goodnight, weathering a stony glare from Dave as he headed out as well, and then locking the front door. She stopped by the bathroom to freshen up, pulling a tiny bottle of jasmine oil from her makeup back and dabbing some of it behind her ears—when she wanted to smell nice she used that, because she was allergic to perfume. She checked her hair and clothes twice in the mirror, and as an afterthought stripped off her pantyhose and stuffed them in her purse—he’d said he’d wanted to feel her legs after all, hadn’t he?

She arrived outside his office door at exactly half past six, took a deep breath, and knocked. His deep voice called for her to enter, and she pushed open the door to see him sitting at his desk, typing away on his keyboard. She’d only been in here once before when she’d had to deliver some files to his desk, and that was a quick in and out cycle. She took the time now to study the décor—muted green walls with a framed photograph of the Chicago skyline hanging on the one opposite the window, a large, mahogany l-shaped desk holding a computer and scrupulously organized papers. Her footfalls were muffled by the thick, cream-colored carpet as she approached to where he sat behind the desk. He rose with a smooth smile.

Right on time, he told her with a smile. Come over here and sit on the edge of the desk here.

Her blood pumped a little faster at the look in his eye. Yes, sir. She sat on the edge of the desk, and then jumped a little as his hands settled at her waist, pushing her back a little farther. She winced as she felt her butt press up against a paperweight and heard it clatter against the polished wood of the desk.

Don’t worry about it, he murmured. I’m not going to hurt you.

Are… are we doing this here? she wanted to know. Now?

He smiled at her. Not exactly. I am… preparing you for our first night together.

Leaning past her, he reached out and grabbed a large white box sitting on the desk. He set it down next to her and lifted the top off. She tried to get a look at what was inside but was distracted when he reached to the zipper at the side of her pencil skirt and tugged it down.

Lift your legs for me, he commanded, and she did as he said. Shivers of pleasure went through her body as he slowly slid the skirt down her body, ensuring that the pads of his fingers stroked her legs as he did so. Good girl. Now your panties.

I… I thought we weren’t doing this here?

His hands stilled at the waistband of her plain, white cotton panties. One of the rules to this game is that you must place your trust in me. If I give you an order, you obey. If not, you are punished. Right now, I order you to not question my directions. If you aren’t willing to play by the rules, we can end this here and now, and you can walk out this door without getting a chance to experience the sensual delights in store for both of us.

Heart hammering, she stared up at him wordlessly for a moment. His countenance was expressionless, smooth, but his eyes were hot with the promise of those sensual delights just around the corner. A large part of her, the coward that kept her from exploring her sexual side as a woman, that bound her within the confines of her apartment when she was outside of work, begged her to get off the table and walk away. But the other part of her, the one that longed for excitement, adventure, for sexual fulfillment, demanded she stay. It was that part of her that, deep down inside, made her realize she would deeply regret passing up this opportunity.

I will stay.

Good. He smiled, then slid her panties off. No, he murmured when she tried to close her legs. I want to see you.

Pressing her palms hard against the desk, she held her breath as he spread her legs wide, exposing her most private area to his gaze. Her legs trembled as she fought against the impulse to snap them shut—she’d had sex before, but the few encounters had been sloppy and quick. She had little experience with foreplay.

Beautiful. His fingers gently stroked her dark blond curls, sending her muscles aquiver for different reasons now. They moved down to her lips, and she could feel her core heat. Already wet. By the time we’re done tonight you’ll be dripping for me. Begging for me. Do you want that?

Yes, she whispered.

Good. He lifted a black, lacy thong out of the box, then clipped a small device to the inside of it before sliding it up her legs. He adjusted the string around her hips and squeezed her ass cheeks lightly, his fingers digging in and massaging. She could feel the cold metal of the device right up against her clitoris. You’re wearing a remote-controlled vibrator right now, he explained, holding up a small, black remote to prove his words. You’ll keep it on at all times when you are wearing clothing, even when you are not with me.

All the time? When he arched an eyebrow, she lowered her eyes. I mean, yes, of course.’

He lifted her chin with the tip of a single finger. That means when you’re at home on the couch, watching TV, or sitting at the front desk answering phones at work. It will serve as a constant reminder, so that you’re always thinking of me, always ready for me. Do you understand?

Yes, she said, a breathless note to her voice this time at the images he was putting into her head.

Very good. Removing his hands from her hips, he brought them up to her blouse and undid the buttons. Her blouse and bra went fluttering to the floor where her skirt lay, and she bit her lip as he slid his warm palms beneath her breasts, hefting them in each hands. She gasped when he tweaked her nipples, then licked her lips when he pulled a column of fluid black silk from the box and slipped it over her head.

Stand up. She did as he asked, and he smoothed the dress over her hips, her thighs, the curve of her ass. It was a little black dress with a short, ruffled skirt that barely reached the end of her fingertips when she let her arms hang to the sides

There was enough support built into the bodice to accentuate and lift her breasts and so she tried not to be worried about the fact that it was strapless. Altogether it showed off far more of her skin than she’d ever done before.

Gorgeous. He came around behind her, his fingers sliding against the column of her neck as he fastened a black onyx choker around it, then fixed a matching pair of dangling earrings in her lobes. Each touch was like a brand, leaving a trail of fire in his wake. Her attention was so completely fixated on what he was doing that her knees buckled when the vibrator suddenly sprang to life, pulsing against her clit and sending bone-melting sensation through her body. A small cry escaped her lips as he hauled her up against him, and she could feel his erection pressing up against the curve of her ass.

Now, now, he murmured, his lips touching her earlobe. I can’t have you doing that in public. People will wonder what’s wrong, and what will you tell them?

Her cheeks burned at the thought. W-will we be g-going to a place with lots of people? she managed, though it was incredibly hard to formulate words with the vibrator still vibrating against her clit. She tried to lock her knees so that she wouldn’t fall over when he let her go.

He chuckled. Katherine, we’re going to a soiree. There is going to be a fundraiser tonight for a political campaign, and because I’m on the board I’m required to be there. I’m taking you as my date.

A fundraising soiree? a laugh bubbled out of her, surprising her as the rebellious part of her rose up. Awfully… strange place for… a first date... she ended on a gasp, squeezing her legs together tightly as the pleasure built. She was so close to coming, she was certain she would go over the edge in just a few seconds.

Uh-uh-uh, he wagged a finger as he bit down sharply on her earlobe, the stinging pain an admonishment. The vibrator shut off and she sagged, both relief and frustration sinking through her. Another rule. You aren’t allowed to come unless I give you permission.

Katherine bit back a groan. How was she going to last the night? They hadn’t even left yet and she was already dripping wet and on the verge of begging. She bit the inside of her cheek to try and get a handle on herself. Yes, Mr. Donaldson.

In private you must call me Master. He pinched her bottom through her dress, making her jump. In public, when we’re with other people, you may call me Mark.

Yes, Master.

Good. He took her arm in his. Our carriage awaits.

Their ‘carriage’ was a black stretch Lincoln limousine with a fully-stocked bar and seats that stretched along the sides of the limo’s interior rather than facing forward. Katherine wondered if the driver who held the door open noticed her flushed face or stiffened nipples—his expression was polite yet unfathomable, so she couldn’t tell what he thought of her. She was certain she didn’t look like any of the women he normally took around in this limo. She was too short, and not skinny enough.

His phone rang almost immediately when they got into the limo and after glancing at the screen, made his apologies to her before answering it. She sat across from him, her eyes restlessly drifting across the interior as well as the view outside, but inevitably coming back to the tiny bulge in his pants pocket where she knew the remote lay. She could feel the metal of the vibrator pressed intimately against her still, and try as she might it was impossible to relax—the knowledge that he could turn it on kept her in a mixture of dread and anticipation.

They arrived at their destination—a Hilton—and took the elevator up to the hall where the soiree was being hosted. The hall—tastefully decorated with gold and silver ribbons, flowers and balloons—was packed with people dressed in evening finery and holding champagne glasses while they sat at round tables draped in white table cloths set with candle and flower centerpieces. A band was playing soft, tasteful music up on the stage, and the banners clearly proclaimed the fundraiser and its message.

Mark snagged a champagne flute from a passing waiter’s tray and handed it to her. Drink some of this, and relax. You’re so tense you feel like a wooden board pressed up against my side.

Katherine flushed as she took the glass from him and took a breath, trying to release the tension in her muscles. The task was made more difficult when he placed his hand at the small of her back, rubbing up and down gently—she knew he was trying to soothe her but his touch only heated her more. Placing the cool rim of the champagne flute to her lips, she allowed the bubbly liquid to slide down her throat, filling her with warmth. The knot of tension in her stomach eased slightly.

Thank you, she murmured, then thought to add, Master.

Smiling, he kissed the top of her head, then took her arm again and led her through the crowds of people, stopping by tables as well as clusters of people standing to talk. She was introduced to businessmen, politicians, even a few celebrities, and though initially she was a little flustered she found herself getting into the rhythm of things, learning to give and receive polite introductions, make small talk, take and give compliments. She couldn’t quite hold back the blushes on the many compliments she was given, either directly or indirectly when one of the men or women spoke to Mark and ask where he’d managed to find her. She wasn’t certain if they were being polite, or if they really meant it, but with Mark’s arm around her and the constant smiles he flashed her it didn’t matter.

Eventually dinner was served, and they sat at a table with several other patrons. As introductions were passed around she realized they were board members of the charity, just like he.

Who is your friend, Mark? a woman with silver hair dressed in a trim navy suit asked. Despite the color of her hair there was not a wrinkle on her face, and her dark eyes were warm, but vigorously alert.

This is Katherine, my assistant, Mark told her, and Katherine had to fight to keep her eyebrows from rising. She supposed it would be rather awkward for Mark to introduce her as his receptionist, since he would have no reason to bring her to a social function otherwise. At least as his assistant she had a reason for being there with him. Katherine, this is Emily Sandoval. She is the Chairman of the Board.

Very nice to meet you. Katherine held out her hand and exchanged a firm handshake with the woman.

Likewise. Emily turned back to Mark. So you finally got rid of that greasy stick, did you?

Fred is still around, Mark said as Katherine’s lips twitched. Katherine assists me in… other capacities.

Katherine’s eyes dropped to her plate as she suddenly became very interested in her meal—she knew she would blush if Emily met her eyes. Thankfully the woman was content to converse with Mark, and paid Katherine no mind. She was just beginning to relax again, having finished a second glass of champagne and a good portion of the food on her plate, when Mark’s fingers gently slid up the hem of her dress, fingers gliding along her inner thigh. Breath caught in her throat, she glanced over at him, but his attention was firmly fixed on Emily.

Wondering if she was imagining things, she dared a glance beneath the table, and saw his fingers curled around her leg for an instant before his grip tightened subtly. His eyes were still fixed on Emily as he conversed with her and other board members at the table, but the message was clear; he didn’t want her drawing attention to herself, or what he was doing with her.

So how is it that you’ve come to work for Mark, Katherine? one of the other board members, a man in his forties leaned in to ask her.

Oh! I… uh… the pad of his thumb began massaging the inside of her leg in slow circles, and she had to fight to marshal her thoughts as the man led her into a conversation. It was everything she could do to keep her voice steady, and though she considered slapping at his hand or kicking him underneath the table, she had the feeling that would violate the rules of the game.

Eventually they had a moment of silence in which no one was talking with them, and she leaned over to whisper in Mark’s ear. You’re tormenting me.

Just a taste of what’s to come, darling, he murmured back.

She stiffened as the vibrator hummed against her clit, and at the same time the lights dimmed and Emily ascended to the podium to make her opening speech for the fundraiser. Chuckling, Mark stroked her back briefly as everyone clapped—Katherine would have joined in but her hands were gripping the sides of the chair for dear life.

Remember, he whispered wickedly in her ear, you can’t come unless I say so.

The fundraising dinner lasted an hour and a half, and it was the longest hour and a half she’d ever lived through. Mark didn’t keep the vibrator on the entire time, but would turn it on and off at random intervals, keeping her on her toes so that she never knew when it was going to hit her. Sometimes it was when someone was talking up on the podium and no one was paying attention to her; other times it was when someone was talking to her, or even when she was mid-sentence—those were the most mortifying. By the end of the fundraiser she was in a state of such heightened need she could barely walk, and clung to Mark’s arm for dear life as he escorted her out and into the limo.

Please, Master, she told him once they were safely inside and the car was moving. I can’t take this anymore.

He only smiled and crooked a finger, beckoning to her. Come and sit in my lap.

She scrambled to obey, and he positioned her so that she was straddling his lap. His erection pressed right up against her panties, and she whimpered.

Uh-uh. He gripped her hips tightly when she began rubbing herself against him, forcing her to stop. if you do that, you’re going to come. I didn’t say you could come yet.

When will you let me? she asked breathlessly. Please, I want to.

I know. He framed her face with his big hands so that she was staring up into his deep brown eyes. They were darkly seductive, beckoning with hot promise, and they filled her vision so that she felt as though she were drowning in them. His thumb stroked her lower lip gently. But I haven’t kissed you yet, Katherine. I haven’t tasted that luscious mouth of yours.

Katherine blinked. You haven’t. She’d not dwelled on it, but now that he mentioned it seemed absurd. She’d shown him the most private areas of her body, allowed him to touch her, and he’d never even kissed her. Her heart pounded as he angled her head properly, then pressed his lips firmly against hers. He seduced with soft, tender kisses, tiny nips that sent shivers down her spine, and strokes of his tongue that had her opening her mouth willingly. He slid his tongue in and out, rubbing it against her own tongue and the roof of her mouth, and the motion was overtly sexual, mimicking the act. He nipped her tongue between his teeth and sucked on it, enticing a moan from her.

So sweet, he growled against her lips, pulling back slightly. So innocent. Haven’t you been with a man before?

Very few times, Master, she admitted softly, her eyes drifting away from his. And it has been a long time.

He lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze, which was surprisingly gentle. Then this will be a night to remember, for both of us. I will take great pleasure in your sexual awakening. And I promise, you will too.

The limo came to a stop, and Katherine looked over Mark’s head and out the window to see the lighted front steps of what looked to be an apartment complex. Or maybe it was a hotel—it looked far more elegant than any complex she’d ever seen, but she knew Mark lived in Chicago so she didn’t understand why he’d live in a hotel anyway.

Good evening, Mr. Donaldson, the man at the front desk greeted him as they walked into the foyer. His grey eyes passed over Katherine with no comment. She supposed he saw women come and go often enough.

Evening, Richard.

They rode the elevator up to the top floor, and stepped right into an anteroom. Her eyes took in the arched ceiling, the marble floor, the tastefully decorated walls as he took her hand and led her to the French doors on the other side. The entered a thirty-foot living room with vaulted ceilings, lapis lazuli fireplace and a seemingly endless stretch of glass walls that offered a panoramic