The Unexpected Submissive-Book One

By G.J. Cox

I, Sebastian Kane, had everything a man could want. Money, Power, Prestige. I thought I was content in life with the occasional submissive to occupy me. Then one night, at the sound of a woman’s laughter, things suddenly changed. After meeting Miss Belle Anderson, I found myself wanting her, needing her and demanding her submission. Then I did something I'd never done before, I fell in love with my submissive.

Could I, Belle Anderson, who had never been in a relationship in her entire adult life, cede control over my body to a man? It wasn’t just for sex, because if was just about a repeat of what we did the previous night, I’d be all in. No, it was about discipline, floggers, canes, whips, nipple and genital clamps. It was about being restrained, blind folded, and gagged. It was also about trusting someone enough to know how far to push your limits, to command you to do something so far out of your comfort zone it was downright nerve racking. Could I? More importantly though could I do all this without falling in love with my Dom.

• Language: English
• Publisher: G.J. Cox
• Release date: May 25, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311286741

G.J. Cox

I live in the Pacific Northwest with my wonderfully supportive husband, five furry children and one fish. When I'm not at the 9 to 5, I'm either reading or writing.

Book preview

Sebastian

Her laugh was what got my attention. I’d finally given in to my Uncle’s wish to attend his bi-annual charity event, so I found myself listening to a bunch of rich old men lamenting about their younger days. Her laugh, though, got my full attention. It was light and sweet.

She was laughing at something Dr. Fitzgerald said. The man had to be at least ninety, yet whatever he’d said to her brought a pretty blush to the girl’s cheeks. She hugged the old man, patted his cheek then moved along to someone else who wanted her attention.

I wasn’t sure how long I’d been watching the young woman flit around the large ballroom but my uncle had obviously noticed. I’d stopped paying attention to the conversation around me some time ago.

Would you like me to introduce you to her? My uncle Philip asked with a knowing smile. He’d walked up to me while I was doing my observing. 

I broke my stare away long enough to look over at him. She was uniquely different than all the other women that were at the charity event. She wasn’t dressed in the latest designer’s creation, nor was she was sporting hundreds of thousands of dollars in jewels. As a matter of fact, her simple black dress probably came from Nordstrom Rack. She had a pair of small diamond solitaires in her ears that were barely noticeable. That was the limit of her jewelry. Her dark hair was up exposing her neck, but a few curls had dropped down to frame her pretty face. She wasn’t beautiful, but she was pretty in a young and innocent sort of way. She looked vaguely familiar to me.

Who is she? I asked turning my eyes back toward her. Another attendee of the charity ball was once again embracing her. She was standing next to the table that listed all the items that were up for auction. Her smile was captivating.

Come on, I’ll introduce you, Uncle Philip instructed.

I followed him across the room. As we got nearer to her I picked up her lilting southern accent. It was very subtle, only occasionally slipping through on some of her words. The person she was speaking to noticed our arrival and smiled politely at us. She hugged the young woman again before departing.

My uncle reached out and touched her elbow. Belle, dear, I’d like you to meet my nephew Sebastian Kane. Sebastian, Ms. Belle Anderson.

She smiled up at me. She was a short thing, maybe five foot three inches. Her brown eyes were bright, and kind. She extended her hand out to me.

Very nice to meet you finally, Mr. Kane. Thank you for your donation of the weekend getaway in Aspen. I’m sure it will be a popular item.

I took her hand in mine, returning her smile. Her skin was soft, her grip firm. You’re welcome Ms. Anderson. I’m sure one of the busy doctors here will make good use of it.

Oh, I think so. Mrs. Carter has already informed Dr. Carter that she plans on winning so they can celebrate their twenty-year anniversary there.

My uncle excused himself to go greet a college friend that had just arrived. So how do you know Uncle Philip, Ms. Anderson?

I guess you wouldn't know who I was, as we've never been formally introduced. I'm his executive assistant for St. James Holding, but I manage Hope House Charities, among others.

 Her polite smile never wavered. It wasn't the all-consuming smile that reached her eyes like the ones she'd given some of the other patrons. This one was just a polite smile.

I still held her hand in mine and when she gently tugged on hers I tightened my grip slightly. A nice blush covered her apple cheeks. Just then my cousin and his rambunctious five-year-old son joined us.

Bas, are you harassing Belle? Damien, Philip’s only son asked. He leaned in and kissed Belle’s cheek, forcing me to release her hand.

Belle, you promised to dance with me, William, Damien’s son proclaimed loudly taking Belle’s hand in his own tiny one. Belle smiled sweetly down at him.

That I did, good sir, she said to William. She turned to Damien and me gifting us with a genuine smile this time. If you gentlemen will excuse me, my date would like a dance. William giggled happily tugging Belle to the dance floor.

Come cousin, let’s get a drink. I’m surprised to see you here, Damien said pointing toward the bar so I followed him. The champagne that was floating around on trays was not my thing.

After we’d ordered, I shrugged in response to Damien’s comment. He was right, I typically avoided these type things like the plague. I didn’t mind giving handsomely to whatever cause, but I never felt the need to actually attend. These things were usually over run by rich bored housewives looking for their next fling, or young single women hoping to find a rich husband. Surprisingly enough this one was a bit different; maybe it had to do with the organizer. I let my gaze roam the room looking for Belle. She was nearby, dancing slowly in a circle with young William. She laughed at something he said and the sound gave me goose bumps. Interesting.

How well do you know Ms. Anderson? I asked Damien.

Quite well. She started off as Mom’s assistant, then when Mom died, Dad kept her on. She keeps the old man in line and she does a damn fine job managing Hope House. When Donna left me she was a lifesaver. I didn’t know the first thing about caring for a five month old infant.

You sound fond of her. As a matter of fact my cousin sounded downright infatuated.

I am. She’s a wonderful friend. Damien turned to also watch his son and Belle dance.

Friend? Nothing more? I asked curiously.

What’s this about Bas? Damien asked scowling at me.

Again I shrugged. I find her interesting, I said simply.

Interesting eh? She’s not your type. For one thing, she’s not a cold hearted bitch. Damien didn’t pull any punches. Again, he was right. The few women I’ve brought out publicly over the years knew the score. They were with me to serve a purpose. There would be no entanglements, proposals or drama.

Sebastian, Damien started but left his thoughts unsaid as Belle and William joined us.

Ok, the auction will start soon so I need to make sure everything is ready, Belle announced while straightening William’s bow tie. Billy, honey, thank you for the dance. Please don’t find another girlfriend while I’m gone, ok? A giggle escaped William. I couldn’t help but smile at the happy sound. Belle stooped down and gave William a hug before turning him over to Damien.

Get some dinner and I’ll see you guys in a bit, she instructed before kissing Damien's cheek. She gave us a little wave and headed toward the make shift stage set up in the corner of the room.

I watched as she made her way across the room stopping to greet a guest or receive a hug from a friend. She had a smile for everyone and seemed to genuinely give each person her undivided attention. An announcement that the auction would start in ten minutes had everyone scurrying to find a seat.

I followed Damien and William to the table that had been reserved for us. Philip soon made his way back to the table but Belle stayed off to the side of the stage. Her eyes widened a bit when she caught me staring at her. I nodded my head and gave her a small wink. The pretty blush covered her cheeks again. She was so fair skinned, I knew when she came, that blush would extend past her neck to her full bust and curvy hips down to her plump thighs. The thought of spanking that full ass and seeing my hand-print reflected on her skin made the front of my tux trousers bulge. I absently wondered how she would react to my little deviance and if she would be willing to join in the pleasure. I was in need of a distraction and Ms. Belle Anderson looked like she just might do nicely.

Belle

He made me nervous. In a room full of obscenely rich people, I could feel those gun metal gray eyes watching my every move. Sebastian Kane was one hell of a male. At least six and half feet tall, shiny black unruly hair that touched his shoulders and seemed to have that constantly tousled look about it. He filled out the custom tailored tux like no body’s business. Holy hell the man was hot.

I didn’t live under a rock so I knew who he was by name. I, however, hadn’t known that he was my boss’s nephew and my best friend’s first cousin. The last names were different and no one ever mentioned Sebastian Kane being a relative. He was always included on the guest lists and he always gave to the charities but he’d never attended before. The man was almost a recluse. He wasn’t often in the society pages but his business dealings always made the news. He was one of the wealthiest men in the country and any time he bought or sold a business worth the net value of a small country it made the news.

I felt my face heat at his wink. Jesus, what game was he playing? Why would he pick me out a room full of people to torment? I turned my attention back to the MC who was starting the auction.

For the next hour I forgot about Sebastian Kane as I helped auction off each of the items that were donated. The MC invited Philip to the stage to make a small speech at the conclusion of the auction. Philip took my hand and pulled me on stage with him.

On behalf of my late wife Hope and Hope House Charities we thank you all for your very generous donations. The money raised here today not only will help feed many of the city’s homeless and put much needed food in the mouths of needy children, it will also help clothe them and ensure they get the medical attention they need. A big round of applause followed.

Without the dedication and tireless support of Ms. Belle Anderson, Hope House Charities wouldn’t be as successful as it is. My beloved wife, Hope, was a very wise woman. She made the right move when she left not only her beloved charity, but, also me, in the very capable hands of Belle, Philip announced to the room with a smile and a wink to me.

I wiped a tear from the corner of my eye, smiling indulgently at Philip. I missed Hope every day. She took a huge chance hiring me all those years ago. I was just a small town girl with a high school diploma when she’d hired me to help with the everyday running of her charity.

The funds that we collected tonight are all earmarked to fund the projects you see posted about the room. It has come to my attention, however, that the animal rescue project so close to Belle’s heart is in great need right now. So there is one other item that we’d like to auction. Every cent from this item will be donated to the rescue program in Belle’s name. Now, in saying that, I want to remind Belle how much she enjoys running Hope House and how much I mean to her. Everyone laughed at the joke.

I looked at Philip quizzically. It was very sweet of him to want to do this for the dog and cat rescue program that was so important to me, but we didn’t have any items left to auction. The twinkle in his eye told me he was up to something.

What did you do Philip? I whispered. His guilty smile told me I probably wouldn’t approve of what he was about to do or had already done.

So, the last item up for auction is …., an evening of dining and dancing with the very special Ms. Belle Anderson. The bidding will start at ten thousand dollars.

My mouth fell open. I was speechless and embarrassed. No one would want to spend that kind of money just to have dinner with me. I was a plump, unsophisticated glorified secretary. For god’s sake the dress I was wearing came from Nordstrom Rack and my earrings had been a gift from Hope several years earlier!

When someone rang out ten thousand closely followed by fifteen thousand my head swiveled trying to follow the voices. I didn’t see who made the first couple of bids but then Damien offered up twenty thousand dollars and my tearful gaze fell on him. He gave me a sweet smile and William clapped happily. I mouthed a thank you to Damien and blew him a little kiss.

Twenty thousand dollars going once, going twice…, Philip called getting ready to drop the gavel.

One hundred thousand dollars, a male voice rang out. A hush fell over the crowd and all eyes turned to the bidder sitting so casually at the table in the center of the room.

My mind whirled and I could barely breathe. I let my eyes find those of Sebastian Kane and what I saw scared the bejesus out of me. He looked ready to eat me alive. I adamantly shook my head no at him and took a step back. He gave me a little smirk and stood up from the table.

A hundred thousand dollars in Ms. Belle’s Anderson’s name to the animal rescue program of her choice. In return I get a full evening of Ms. Anderson’s delightful company. From what I hear from Mr. William St. James, Ms. Anderson is quite a dancer. The room laughed at his joke and William’s cute smile as he waved at Sebastian. Damien glared at his cousin.

Philip smiled. Sold, he said with a slam of the gavel on the podium. The room broke out in applause.

I stood there glued to the spot. Philip took me by the arm and led me to the stairs where Sebastian met us. He extended his hand out to me and I just looked at it.

I won’t bite, He said softly. Philip laughed and returned to the mike. He graciously thanked everyone for coming and reminded them to see the cashier to pick up their prizes and tax-exempt receipts. The party would continue for several more hours at least. After a moment, I took Sebastian’s offered hand and let him lead me down the stairs.

What did you just do? I asked. I was in shock. The man just pledged to give a hundred thousand dollars to have dinner with me. Or at least I hoped he knew it would just be dinner.

He smiled down at me as he led me to the bar. I just bought an evening of your time, he said simply.

Yes, but a hundred grand? Are you out of your mind? I hissed. I couldn’t hold my tongue. It was outrageous. I’m sure the rescue society would welcome the funds but a hundred grand for dinner? The man had to be certifiable. His rich laughter caught me off guard.

I can afford it Ms. Anderson. Again with the smirk. Would you like a glass of wine?

I wrinkled my nose and he laughed again. Sure, anything is fine, I said. It was embarrassing that I didn’t really know what to order. I wasn’t keen on wine so I had no idea how to select a decent one. He named something off to the bartender then ordered a scotch for himself. The bartender handed him the two drinks and Sebastian dropped a fifty on the bar as a tip. It was an open bar so the tip was extravagant. I smiled at the bartender as he took the bill and walked away.

Mr. Kane, I began.

Sebastian, please. After all I think we can move past the formalities now don’t you agree?

I sighed, took a sip of my wine and realized it was actually pretty good. It didn’t leave that awful after taste I’d found in most other wines I’d tried. I’d have to ask the bartender the name again for future reference.

Sebastian. Thank you for what you did. I had no idea Philip was going to do such a thing, but really, bidding that much money is outrageous.

He shrugged nonchalantly. What would it feel like to be able to shrug off the thought of dropping a hundred thousand dollars for no other reason than to eat with someone? I’m sure I’d never have that experience. I noticed a rather large muscular bald man walking toward us. If I wasn’t mistaken, the man had a gun in a holster under his jacket. Sebastian must have noticed my diverted attention because he turned to see who was approaching.

My apologies for interrupting, sir, but Mr. Maddox is on the phone. He called me when he was unable to reach you. There’s a problem at the Taiwan site. The man spoke softly after giving me a slight nod.

I’ll be right there Jackson, Sebastian said, before pulling a business card out of his wallet. He grabbed a pen off the bar and wrote something on the back of the card before handing it to me. I took it slowly.

My contact information. The number on the back is my personal cell phone. The number under that is the authorization code I want you to give to the charity cashier. She can call my secretary and give her that code. The money will then be transferred to your animal shelter. I’ll be in touch about our evening Belle.

He gave me another one of those smirks, a wink, then turned to follow Jackson, the bodyguard, out of the room. I looked down at the card in my fingers and felt my body go hot. Sebastian Kane gave me his private cell phone number and spent a hell of a lot of money to have dinner with me. I closed my eyes, hoping that when I opened them, I’d be in my bed and this was all a dream. No such luck. How the hell was I going to spend an evening with a man like Sebastian and not make a fool of myself? Heaven help me.

Chapter Two

Sebastian

It had been three weeks since the charity auction. The problem in Taiwan turned out to be something that I had to fly out to attend to. My secretary told me that the money transfer had occurred to the animal rescue of Belle’s choice. They had been very appreciative and thankful. When I got back to my office I found a personal thank you note from Belle herself. She’d been a constant on my mind while I’d been away and now that I was back I found myself anxious to see her again. My secretary had given me all of Belle’s contact info, including her work and home email addresses, her home address and cell phone number.

I picked up my phone and dialed her cell phone. Four rings later she picked up. There was an abundance of noise in the background.

Lo.

Ms. Anderson, did I get you at a bad time? I asked. I could hear music and clinking glasses in the background.

Who is this? She asked. She sounded quite different, her accent more pronounced.

It’s Sebastian Kane. Have you been drinking Ms. Anderson? The thought of her out alone, drinking in a bar worried me; the thought of her not being alone infuriated me. It wasn’t at all a pleasant feeling.

Maybe. Why are you calling me Mr. Kane?

I sighed. I wanted to talk to you about scheduling our dinner. The noise level suddenly decreased. She must have walked outside.

It’s been three weeks since the charity ball Mr. Kane. I figured you’d changed your mind. She sounded a little wounded or maybe it was just my imagination.

I didn’t realize there was a statute of limitations on the dinner. I smirked at her huff.

There isn’t. Look, I have to get back inside. Call my office on Monday and we can schedule it then. Good night Mr. Kane.

I looked down at my phone. She’d hung up on me. Well, that just wouldn’t do at all. I dialed Jackson’s number. I’d find out where my plump southern belle was located then she and I could discuss our dinner and the fact that I’m not the kind of man one hangs up on, without an ensuing a punishment. I smiled. She was going to be so much fun to train.

Belle

I was weaving my way back toward the table where my friend Jenny and a few other girlfriends were celebrating Jenny’s thirtieth birthday. My head was spinning. Maybe I should cut back on the margaritas. I looked down at the phone in my hand. Did I just hang up on Sebastian Kane?

Served him right, calling me up at damn near midnight on a Friday night after not hearing from him for three weeks. He’d said he’d be in touch about our dinner. Well, he’d never gotten in touch. I’d even sent him a Thank You card as a sort of reminder but nope. Nothing. Nada. At first, I’d felt stupid, then embarrassed, then down right pissed off. Why would he make a contribution to my favorite animal rescue program and then not contact me? Was it really just a tax right off and he had no intention of actually going through with the dinner? I’d wanted to ask Damien about it but I thought that would probably be crossing some family line. So, in the end I’d said screw it, and moved on.

Back at the table I finished my margarita and shoved my cell phone back into my purse. The girls hit the dance floor dragging me along with them. I wasn’t much of a dancer but I figured since we were all a little tipsy, my less than choreographed moves wouldn’t stick out too much. I wasn’t going to allow Sebastian Kane or my insecurities stop me from having a good time. I threw my hands in the air with the rest of the girls and shook my ass.

Three fast songs later we made our way back to our reserved table. The waitress brought another pitcher of margaritas. I excused myself to go to the ladies’ room. After waiting in line for what felt like forever, I finally got in to take care of business. As I was washing my hands I looked in the mirror. I’d taken my hair down hours before so all my curls were falling around my shoulders. My cheeks were rosy and my eyes were a little glassy. I touched my nose. Yep, it was a little numb. I think I was done with the margaritas. I decided I needed to get some fresh air before returning to the girls. Thankfully the woman’s bathroom was close to the front door of the pub.

I walked out the door into the crisp Seattle night air. I leaned against the building and sucked fresh air into my lungs. Hopefully it would help my spinning brain. When had margaritas gotten so potent? I giggled, maybe I was just getting old.

Nothing about this situation seems even slightly humorous to me Ms. Anderson.

I jumped and my head swiveled around at the sound of that deep voice. Holy shit, Sebastian Kane stood directly in front of me as I turned. My eyes popped wide. He was wearing a pair of faded jeans, a white button down shirt and a black leather jacket. He looked casually yummy. He also looked angry.

What are you doing here? I demanded, gathering what little senses the margaritas had left me.

He leaned toward me. I had to tilt my head back to look him in the eye. He was so damn tall.

You hung up on me, he said simply but gruffly.

Ok. He obviously didn’t like that. How did you find me Sebastian?

Traced your cell. What are you doing out here alone?

Traced my cell? Isn’t that illegal? I scuffed. And why is my whereabouts any of your business? The man was certifiable. He gave me that maddening smirk and shrugged.

Answer me, he said, taking a step closer. I could smell his shampoo and body wash. I wanted to run my nose along his neck. My hands had somehow found their way up his chest. The shirt was soft, so very soft. Probably cost as much as my car. Watching my hands play with the open button of his shirt, I wondered if I was certifiable too.

Belle, I won’t ask again. What are you doing out here alone? His voice had become gruffer, sterner.

I needed some air. My head was spinning. Margaritas are a lot stronger than they use to be, I confessed.

Did you have anything to eat before you decided to have margaritas?

Birthday cake, I giggled. He growled low. What? I asked innocently.

Come, he demanded taking hold of my arm. I had no choice but to follow him back inside. We stopped at the bar, and within a second or two a big glass of water showed up in front of me.

Drink, he instructed.

I wrinkled my nose at him. He raised an eyebrow, the left one, and pushed the glass of water to my lips. I took a few sips then pushed it away. He shook his head at me and pushed the glass back to my lips. We continued this silent back and forth until the glass was empty.

Setting the glass down, he asked curtly, Do you have any belongings at your table?

I looked up into his gray eyes. He still looked angry but I wasn’t really sure why. My purse and jacket. Why?

He sighed. I’m taking you home. I think you’ve had enough for tonight.

What? No way! It’s my friend’s thirtieth birthday party. I just can’t leave. He was starting to piss me off. First he stalked me here to the pub, then made me drink water, which I’d later admit, but not to him, helped with the spinning head, and now he was demanding I leave Jenny’s party.

He took my arm again and was leading me to the table in the back corner that had been reserved for us. It was obvious which table it was, because there were balloons strung from the chairs and a half eaten birthday cake sitting on the table. Most of the girls were on the dance floor except for Stephanie, who was our DD and also six months pregnant.

Hey Lil’ Momma. She smiled at my greeting and rubbed her belly absently the way pregnant ladies do.

This is Sebastian, I said indicating the stoic giant beside me.

This is Stephanie, I said, turning to him and pointing to Steph.

Sebastian extended his hand and shook Stephanie’s. She looked up at him in awe. I’d also noticed that the eyes of every woman in the place had followed him to our table.

Stephanie, I’m going to be taking Belle home now, so there will be one less inebriated female you need to worry about, he said sweetly. Oh, he was so smooth. Stephanie giggled! Actually giggled. I scowled at her and she stuck her tongue at me.

Really? I said pouting at her. She took my purse and jacket from the chair next to her and handed them over to Sebastian.

Thank you for seeing Belle home Sebastian. I’ll let the other ladies know. Stephanie smiled at him admiringly with her big blue eyes.

Trader! I hissed but she only waved me off.

Belle, behave. The words were said right into my ear and they made me shiver. He held out my jacket for me. Once I got my arms through he buttoned it up then handed me my purse. He turned to say goodnight to Stephanie then took my hand and led me out of the pub.

He directed me toward a low slung black sports car and opening the door growled, Get in.

So bossy. I rolled my eyes at him but did as I was instructed. The leather seats were plush and the inside had that new car smell.

He leaned into the car, pulling my seat belt over my lap and hooking it. His lips were a breath away from mine. My eyes focused there. Do you know what I do to little girls that roll their eyes at me and talk back? The words were no more than a whisper.

What’s that? Was I brave enough to close the distance between us and kiss him? Would he reject me?

I turn them over my knee and spank their asses red. He murmured just before his lips touched mine. My panties became instantly drenched. It felt like lighting stuck me, the shot of desire was so strong. I heard myself whimper. When he pulled away I followed him. He laughed, but pushed me back into my seat. He closed the door before walking around to the driver side and climbed in.

Well, I guess it’s a good thing I’m not a little girl then. I gave him my sweetest smile before turning to look through the windshield. I had to bite my lip to stop the laugh that wanted to follow his low growl.

He pushed the button on the dash to start the car, then we were off. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. My nerves felt raw and my lips still tingled from that way too short kiss. What did it all mean? Why had he come looking for me? My brain was still too fuzzy after all the margaritas so I told myself to stop worrying over it for the night. Whatever the hell was going on would keep till I had a good night sleep and could actually think straight.

Chapter Three

Sebastian

I pushed her curls away from her face after laying her down on my bed. She was sound asleep. I’d originally planned on taking her to her small apartment but she fell asleep on the ride over. The thought of leaving her there alone while she was clearly intoxicated didn’t sit well with me, so I drove to my place. There were three other guest rooms in my apartment but I liked seeing her on my bed. I pulled off her shoes, then worked the buttons loose on her jeans before pulling those off. I pulled the comforter up over her hips and tucked it in around her. She rolled over onto her side and tucked her hands under her chin. She was adorable.

I had a moment of regret for what I was going to propose to her the next day. A part of me felt like a bastard but another part of me wanted her badly enough to not give a damn. There was something about her that pulled at me and I wanted to see where it would take us. I walked to the other side of the king size bed and stripped down to my boxers. I climbed in and did something I had not done since I was married; I snuggled up to the woman lying in my bed and fell fast asleep.

Several hours later I woke and immediately fell still as I tried to assess the weight I felt on top of me. When I opened my eyes I took in the sight of Belle draped across my chest, her small hand curled above my heart. She was still sound asleep. I relaxed for a moment before I started easing myself from underneath her. She grumbled in her sleep. I couldn’t fight the smile that emerged. She was precious.

I went to my home gym for a quick workout. When I was done putting my body through its paces I peeked in on Belle and she was still asleep. She was snugly wrapped around the pillow I’d been sleeping on.

I used the shower in one of the spare rooms so as not to wake her. When I was done, I stopped over in the kitchen, filled a glass with juice and shook out two ibuprofen. I made my way back to my bedroom and placed the items on the nightstand next to the bed where she’d see them when she woke up. After I pulled on a pair of jeans and t-shirt I headed back out to do a little work while my guest slept off her margaritas from the night before.

Belle

I woke up to silence, which was not what I was used to. My little apartment was old and had thin walls. I could usually hear my neighbors getting ready for their day, but not this morning. I opened my eyes to an unfamiliar room but the view was amazing. The sun was just coming up over the Olympic Mountains, an incredible view framed by a large picture window.

Lying in the big comfortable bed, I took in the expensive furnishings in the large room. I noticed the glass of juice and ibuprofen sitting on the nightstand next to the bed. I sighed. Guess Sebastian didn’t take me home after all, but how the hell did I end up in his bed? I had no recollection of walking into this room. I took stock of myself. I still had on my t-shirt, bra and panties from last night. I noticed my jeans and shoes sitting on a chair next to the door that was slightly ajar.

I swallowed the pills and half the glass of juice before venturing from the bed. I pulled on my jeans and headed to the connecting bath. I made quick use of the facilities, ran my fingers through my curls, washed my face and looked around for a toothbrush. I found one still in its packaging in a drawer so I cleaned my mouth.

Taking a deep breath and stiffening my shoulders, I headed out to face the devil himself. His home was amazing. Everything about it spoke money and elegance, from the paint on the walls to the lampshades.

I finally found him sitting at the breakfast bar in a large, airy room. He had a laptop open in front of him, one hand moving the cursor while the other held a cup of coffee. Not sure of what to do, I clasped my hands together in front of me and stood quietly watching him. He was wearing another pair of faded jeans and t-shirt. His feet were bare and his hair was still a little damp from a recent shower. He seemed to sense me standing there because his head turned and those gray eyes locked onto me.

He tilted his head to the side then gave me a slight smile. Good morning Ms. Anderson.

Good morning Mr. Kane. Why was I so intimidated by this man? What was it about him that made me so nervous and unsure?

How do you feel? Did you take the medication I left for you? He leaned back in the high backed bar stool, resting his coffee on his knee.

I nervously rubbed my palms on my jeans, avoiding his eyes. I did. That was very thoughtful of you, so thank you. Um, I should probably be going, I said looking at everywhere but at him.

He rose from his seat, put his coffee cup down on the bar, and took the half dozen or so steps to stand in front of me. He had this way of walking that made me feel like I was being stalked. I found myself taking a step back which made him grin.

Come sit. I’ll get you some breakfast then we can talk. He took my hand in his, giving me a tug toward the bar.

That’s not necessary, really. But I found myself being lifted off my feet and placed in his vacated seat. My mouth fell open. I was not a small woman and he lifted me like I weighed nothing.

He closed the laptop as he walked around the bar. He went to the fridge and pulled out a pitcher of orange juice, filled a glass then placed it in front of me on the bar. I’m not much of a cook, but I can make scrambled eggs and toast. Any objections? he asked.

I shook my head. I reached for the juice to give myself something to do. Sebastian Kane was actually going to make me breakfast. I watched him as he puttered around the kitchen. He looked over at me and pointed to the glass of juice then tilted his chin at me. I rolled my eyes but followed the silent command to drink. As soon as the glass was back on the counter I found my chin being held by his thumb and forefinger.

Do you remember what I told you last night about what happens to little girls who roll their eyes at me? His eyes had an unnerving gleam to them. I felt my face go crimson.

Ah, I see that you do if that pretty blush tells me anything. Keep that in mind next time you feel like rolling those big brown eyes Ms. Anderson. He released my chin, turning back to the stove to finish with the scrambled eggs.

Why did the thought of him spanking my backside turn me on? I felt chill bumps race across my body, my nipples hardening. I licked my suddenly dry lips. Why was it suddenly so hot?

Before too long he slid a plate in front of me with perfectly fluffy scrambled eggs and two slices of buttered toast. He pulled a small basket of individual jars of jam from a cabinet placing it on the bar also. He then took