Starting Over: Starting Over, #1

By Erin Cristofoli

"You can call me Sir."

Left with no option but to leave the only life she has ever known, Katherine White has packed up and moved almost three thousand kilometres for a chance at a new start, with a new job, in a new city.

When her best friend drags her to a masquerade party on only her second night in town, Kate has a chance encounter with a mysterious masked man that dominates her, pushes her limits and leaves her craving more. He tells her there is no long-term in their future, but he wants to continue to explore their sexual chemistry. The only trouble is, he wants their identities to remain a mystery.

Benjamin Hyde has been burned by love and has vowed to never let another woman stomp on his heart. His days are filled with successful business ventures, and his nights with one night stands at the club.

After reluctantly being dragged to a masquerade party by his best friend, Ben is surprised to find a girl that captivates him and he doesn't hesitate to take control.

When Ben's new assistant, Kate, arrives on Monday morning, a glimpse of a tattoo on the back of her neck throws a wrench into his perfectly sorted world. Could Kate really be the one that Ben had hooked up with?

Ben wants to pursue Kate, but she is adamant not to mix business with pleasure.
Normally he would agree, except when it comes to Kate.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Erin Cristofoli
• Release date: Jan 5, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393808657

Book preview

KATE

---

About damn time you got yourself out of that awful little town! Jen exclaimed. It’s been so long since we partied, babe. You’d better believe that we have some serious making up to do.

I smiled warily at my friend. Partying was the last thing I felt I needed. I had traveled across the country just the day before, leaving my life in a small town just outside Calgary. It was the type of town you read about in books-- everyone knew everyone else’s name along with what they ate for dinner on Saturday night. Yup, I had given up all that small town charm and had moved to Toronto for a chance at a clean slate. I didn’t know a single soul here besides Jen, who had been my best friend since the beautiful age of seven. No one cared why I had left, which was exactly what I’d been hoping for.

I can’t believe I actually let you talk me into going out tonight, I said to my friend.

Oh, come on! You’re a sexy, single woman in a brand new city. This is what we should be doing! You really do look HOT tonight. Besides, I know for a fact that this party is going to rock. Jen reached into her bag and handed me a mask. Here, I forgot to tell you it’s a masquerade party, by the way. Masks are mandatory.

I affixed the mask with a sigh. I think I need a drink.

Jen being a member of the party scene had its advantages, I would reluctantly admit. VIP status meant no lines and a private bar in the VIP section. We worked our way through the throngs of people to the rear of the club, where a bouncer escorted us through velvet ropes and to our own booth. Jen grabbed my hand before sitting and led me over to the back corner of the bar, and I took a moment to take in my surroundings. The club itself wasn’t really anything to get excited about. The walls were painted black with various colored splotches, as if someone had flicked paint-filled paintbrushes around to create an artsy-splattered effect.

I returned my attention to Jen, who was giving the bartender a come-hither smolder. Hey, Carlo! Set us up with some shots of something fruity, would you? Jen flirted openly; I envied her sometimes. I watched Carlo eye Jen lustily before he walked to the other end of the bar for a moment. He quickly returned with six shots of something blue, which Jen rewarded him for with a loud kiss as well as a tip. Keep these coming, honey. We’re here to celebrate!

Jen turned to me and raised her shot. Okay, Kate, here’s to your new found freedom, your fresh beginning. May your days be filled with your killer new job, and your nights with lots of alcohol and hard dicks!

I almost choked on my shot as I sputtered, Jen! God, woman, you need a filter. You are ridiculous.

What? You should be out having a good time and seeing all there is to see. Let loose a little. In fact, you should find a guy to hook up with tonight. Hmm, let’s see if we can’t find someone for you... she pondered, looking around the room.

I needed to nip this in the bud. "Uh, no way, Jen, I’m not looking for random hookups or anything else right now. I am definitely not interested in trying to find anyone in a place like this.

Jen shook her head at me, her short, black bob swishing around her face. I’ll have you know, this is one of the best clubs in the city. It’s a classy place, and there are a lot of pretty hot and rich guys that come here.

And the masks? I asked, feeling a little silly to be wearing this thing.

Not a usual thing, don’t worry. But it does add a little mystery, Jen replied with a grin. You don’t have to find Prince Charming, Kate. All I’m saying is that maybe you could find someone to warm your bed for the night.

I rolled my eyes and smiled. You mean my blankets on the floor? No thanks. It’s just too soon for all that. Speaking of furniture, I’m really hoping my furniture will arrive tomorrow. Then maybe I can get settled enough to think about one day finding a guy.

You are missing the point! Jen huffed. Okay, fine, someone to let you warm his bed for the night. She winked. Besides, I told you, you should stay with me until you have your place sorted.

Yes, I know, but I as I explained, I need to give myself a chance to get used to my space. Besides, my apartment is a lot closer to my work than your place.

Jen downed her other two shots and made me do the same. All right, all right, enough chit-chat. Let’s dance!

I don’t know why, but I let Jen drag me out of the VIP area to the main dance floor. Jen started to move, shaking around. Not much had changed; she still danced like a crazy person. I laughed to myself. Jen must have heard me, for she looked at me and grinned widely. The music changed, and I too began to move, a sensual slow wind to the beat, swaying my hips, running my hands slowly up my body to just above my head. My skin began to tingle, and out of nowhere, I suddenly felt like someone was watching me. I looked over at Jen, who was in her own little world, dancing up against a guy I hadn’t seen before. I continued to look around, still swaying to the beat, when in the corner of my eye, I noticed that there were people up on a balcony above us.

As I looked up, one of the masked men there caught my eye. He had the most ornate mask that covered from the tip of his nose to his hairline. I looked a little closer and realized that he was in fact watching me with a hint of a smile on his lips. My cheeks grew warm under my mask at his gaze. Breaking away from his trance, I looked around for Jen, who was still dancing in a haze, but with another man.

The music turned slow, and that was my cue to head back to the bar for another drink, hoping that it would settle the butterflies swirling in my stomach. I tapped Jen on the shoulder and motioned to where I was heading.

I grabbed a stool at the bar and waited for Carlo to take my order. What can I get you? he asked, leaning in close so he could be heard. I’d like another shot, please. And keep them coming, will you?

He smiled shyly at me and nodded. After another few shots, I could feel the tingle that had started in my toes start to climb. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had this much to drink.

It wasn’t long before I began to feel the need to find a restroom. Carlo kindly pointed toward the stairs at the other end of the room, so I climbed the stairs slowly, the alcohol having hit me the moment I stood up from the bar stool. Who the hell was idiot enough to think putting the washrooms upstairs, at a club, was a good idea?

I had just taken the last step up the stairs when I ran face first into a strong chest. Time seemed to slow as I felt my balance waiver and fear set in. Oh shit, I was going to fall! Letting out a yelp, I closed my eyes and tried to prepare myself for the fall, but nothing happened. Instead, I peeked through squinted eyes to find myself plastered to the chest I had run into, feeling a strong arm wrapped around my waist. My hands were splayed across the man’s pec, and I couldn’t help but flex my fingers slightly, feeling the muscle beneath the shirt. Wow.

Are you all right? a rich, gravelly voice above me asked. I blinked and realized just how close I was to the perfect stranger, and tried to add some distance, but his hand remained firmly on my hip.

Yes, thanks to you… just a little unsteady. I looked up and found myself stunned, looking into the eyes of the man who had been watching me dance.

BEN

---

Why had I ever agreed to attend this party? I ran my hands through my hair in frustration. The only good part about this event was that it was a masquerade. I always strived for anonymity in my personal life, so the masks were perfect. The club, however, was not; the décor screamed tacky, and the room was practically overflowing with emotion. Too many people with desperate hopes of finding Mr. or Miss Right filled the club. How stupid they were to think such a thing even existed. This evening was going to be a bust when it didn’t need to be. I could have been at my usual club, having a much better time. I could think of at least a few other things, or people, I would much rather be doing.

I let my mind wander from the disdainful place I was, to the place I was most comfortable. I was lost in thought when my best friend smacked me on the back. Turning to glare at him, I thankfully found him holding a glass of brown liquid out towards me.

Whiskey on the rocks for ya, buddy, Liam drawled.

I took the drink and downed it in two gulps, the burn easing down my throat. If I was stuck here, I might as well endure it with a buzz.

Liam leaned with his back against the railing of the balcony. He had just broken up with the latest love of his life, an unremarkable girl whom I had only met once. Unbeknownst to me, Liam had decided that tonight was the night to jump back in and try to snake another winner. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. What a waste of time. Looking around the dance floor below, I quickly became bored by what I saw-- too many women trying too hard and too many overly eager men. But in an instant, that changed.

My eyes came to rest on a thin brunette who had just come on to the dance floor. She was the first girl around that I actually felt was worth watching. Seeming lost in the music, her own hands roamed up her body as her hips rocked. Her hands rested lightly on the top of her head, where she had her hair piled messily. The short baby blue dress she was wearing, with its scoop neck and low back, hugged every curve of her body. Her mask was a silver feathery number. Mesmerized by her movements, I watched her for a while, before I noticed that she had snapped out of her trance. She looked around the club, maybe searching for someone, her eyes rising up toward the balcony, until they stopped on me and our eyes met. The energy that ran between us was immediate and intense. I felt my groin stir with the thought of having her and smiled to myself. That girl was sexy as hell. Hell, I wouldn’t have objected to getting into her panties for the night.

As I watched her walk away, I considered for only a moment going to find her, but decided against it; I was here with Liam. But that excuse was squashed just as quickly as I thought of it when I brought my attention back to my friend. Liam looked around briefly before a grin appeared on his face.

I think I found one. I’ll catch up with you later, man.

Just like that, my friend was gone and I was left alone. I looked over the balcony, wondering if I could catch a glimpse of that sexy woman again, but she was nowhere to be found. After a few minutes more, I finally decided it was time to get the hell out of there, since Liam no longer needed my presence.

I glanced at my watch; if I left now, my usual club would be just getting into the swing of things, still leaving me plenty of options. I pushed away from the railing and walked toward the stairs. As I went to take my first step down, I collided with none other than the sexy dancing brunette. She wavered at the top of the stairs, leaning dangerously back. Hoping to prevent her injury, and maybe just because I wanted to, I quickly slipped my arm around her waist and brought her to the safety of my chest. I breathed in her scent, a mix of a light floral perfume and sweet sweat. That scent combined with her body pressed closely up against me made my cock stir. Whatever perfume she wore intoxicated me. Her body up against me felt better than I thought it would. I wondered if she could feel how hard I already was for her.

Are you all right? I asked her, my voice sounding a bit deeper than normal. She blinked up at me and tried to take step back, but I wasn’t ready to let her go yet. I stretched to make sure my hand stayed on her hip.

Yes, thanks to you… just a little unsteady, she replied a little breathlessly.

I think I owe you drink for almost sending you down the stairs, I told her with a smile.

I was just heading to the ladies room, actually. Thanks anyway.

I’ll wait right here for you to get back. I could see her wrestling with the thought. It’s just a drink, mystery girl.

She nodded after a moment and headed off. I took a deep breath to calm down, reminding myself that she was just another girl. Her lips called me, daring me to taste them and run my hands all over her sweet little body. She was hot, yes, but she’d be just like all the others.

The girl returned a short time later, so with my hand on the small of her back, I led her to the VIP bar. The bartender obviously knew what she was drinking, bringing her three shots of something indiscernible, and got me another Jack. I raised my glass to her and sipped my drink.

So, do you have a name? I asked her, leaning in close to her ear so she could hear me, and also because I just wanted to be closer to her.

My name is Kate, she replied shyly. What about you? Aren’t these masks silly? How do we even know who we’re talking to?

On the contrary, I countered. I think the masks are fantastic. I prefer to stay anonymous, and as such, I prefer my name to remain a secret, at least for now. Does that bother you?

Kate looked at me and shook her head slowly. Mystery can be good, I guess. So what should I call you then, if I can’t know your name?

You can call me Sir.

Kate’s eyes shot up to look at me with a smirk. Sir? Why? Are you some sort of a kinky BDSM guy or something?

My eyes twinkled with the realization that she had come up with that so quickly. Something like that. A dominant, actually, and kinky can be fun. Wanna run for the hills yet?

Kate was quiet for a moment, seeming thoughtful. No, as you said, we’re just having a drink. No harm in that.

I watched her toss back her shots. You should go easy on those, my dear Kate. Fruity drinks usually hit like a ton of bricks.

You’re right. I don’t usually drink this much. My friend dragged me out here tonight because I’m new in town. And why I am sharing my life story with you, I have no idea. Sorry.

I laughed. Actually, I find it quite fascinating.

Kate smiled. Enough about me. Tell me about this BDSM world you enjoy being a part of, and why you’re here tonight.

I am here because my friend is on the prowl, I stated. "And as for my lifestyle, that’s quite an extensive topic, Kate. I’m not sure I can cover it all for you right at this moment.

She laughed. Okay, so tell me what it is about the lifestyle that you like so much.

I took a moment to prepare my answer for her, not exactly sure what to say. What had peaked my interest, though, was this girl’s apparent fascination of this subject.

I like complete control, it’s as simple as that. I’m not necessarily into the whips and chains that most people associate with the term. I want what I want, and that’s it – no drama, no arguments. I enjoy the control of it all.

Oh really? So you actually have an easy time finding women who want to submit?

You’d be surprised, I told her. The muscles in my chest began to tighten, my lust barely contained. I ached to grab her right there and show her how easily I could get her to submit.

Kate closed her eyes, I guessed to try to clear her head. When she opened them once again, there was something there-- a small fire beginning to burn. She shook her head and downed her last shot.

"Well, Sir, I think I should call it quits and head home. As I said, I just moved here and only have tomorrow to get myself settled before I start my new job."

I stood up and grabbed her hand; I couldn’t let her go just yet. Deciding to give her a little taste of my dominance, I leaned in close. Dance with me. It wasn’t a request. I pulled her to the dance floor where a slow, heavy bass beat was playing, almost animalistic. All around us there were couples grinding against each other. Let’s let loose and have a little fun, Kate, I murmured in her ear. Sliding my arm around her waist, I pulled her close, her pelvis pressed tight against mine, my hand resting on the small of her back. I felt her shiver and wondered what thought running through her mind had caused it. As I began to move in slow, sensual movements, moving Kate’s hips along with mine, her breath hitched, exciting me to my core.

With just a little coaxing, I was sure I could get her to bend to my every word, or just bend over so I could have my way with her. Unfortunately, the club was not the ideal place for that. I looked down, noticing her eyes were closed. Never had I seen a woman dance so smoothly and so in tune with the beat, and it had me imagining what she would feel like moving underneath me. I pulled her even tighter, wanting her to feel my growing erection against her. She gasped and her eyes fluttered open to a shocked expression.

That’s right, Kate. That’s what you’re doing to me, driving me fucking crazy, I growled in her ear. I quickly spun her around so her ass was tucked nicely in between my legs. With her back to me, I was about to lean in to taste her sexy long neck, when I noticed a tattoo on the back of it. Just below the hairline was a beautifully intricate Celtic knot. I leaned in and kissed her neck, causing a breathy moan to escape her lips.

Do you want me to stop? I asked her, giving her a chance at least.

She leaned her head back against my shoulder and shook her head. I know I should. Maybe it’s the drinks, but for some reason, I just can’t bring myself to leave.

Fuck, I’d be damned if I was going to pass the chance up. Scanning the room for a spot that might give us a little privacy, I spotted my friend dancing with a girl with a black bob and wearing a funky party dress. Liam saw me and nodded, and I returned the gesture. I glanced around to the VIP section and noticed there was a private coat-check not too far away. Grabbing Kate’s hand, I led the way. There was an attendant at the counter, a small girl with a hot pink pixie cut and way too much make up. After leaning in to her, I produced a rather generous tip to make herself scarce for a while. Once she was out of sight, I quickly pulled Kate into the coat-check room and led her to the back.

Um, Sir, do you always make a habit of bringing girls in the coat room? she asked timidly. She was looking pretty shocked by the events that were unfolding.

I laughed. Actually, I’ve never done this before. At the club I usually attend, there isn’t any real need to hide behind closed doors, unless you want to. But I don’t want to talk about that right now. I pushed her up against the wall between two groups of coats. You called me Sir, I growled. You have no idea what that does to me, hearing you say that, how sexy you are when you say it.

I leaned in to her, tortuously licking from her collarbone to her jawbone. She moaned softly, fueling my need. I definitely had to hear her do that again. As I grabbed her hands and pinned them above her head, I whispered, Oh, how I would love to see you tied up.

She looked up at me though hooded eyes, clearly turned on. Her nipples were erect, visibly protruding against the material of her dress. I ran my free hand down her arm, down her rib cage, grazing just the side of her perfect breasts, down to her waist and back up again. Pausing on her breasts, I pulled lightly on her hard nipples, causing her to gasp loudly. I moved my hands back down to her hips, where I reached around and slid my hands up her very short skirt before grabbing her firm, bare ass. When I let her hands fall to her sides, I grabbed one and brought it to the front of my trousers.

I want you to feel me, Kate. Touch my cock and feel how hard you’re making me.

Kate groaned, but after a moment, hesitantly touched the bulge, which twitched and grew even more under her timid movements.

I took a breath and hoped. Kate, I have to ask you something. Did you come here tonight to find a potential boyfriend or just to hook up?

Kate shook her head. Neither. I told you, my friend dragged me out here.

So you really weren’t prowling?

God no, that’s the exact opposite... Kate blushed, her words fading.

But you do want something now, don’t you? I can feel it, too, Kate, but I want to be honest with you. I’m not interested in anything more than right now-- no relationship, just sex. I think it could be fucking amazing if it’s what you want, I stated as I bent my knees slightly and ground my erection into her center.

I ran my fingers slowly up her thigh, higher until they touched the hem of her dress. Continuing further up into the heat between her legs, my fingers grazed her mound, where I rubbed them firmly against the material of her thong.

Kate’s breath hitched. I, uh... I, oh God, that feels good... You’re making it hard for me to think.

So don’t think, I whispered in her ear. Just let go for one night. I promise I can make you feel like you’ve never felt before.

I pulled aside the thong and slid a finger along her slit. Fuck, Kate, you are so wet for me. Do you want more?

Her eyes closed. Yes.

Then beg for it, Kate. Her eyes fluttered open to look at me, confusion in her eyes. I want you to beg me to make you come.

She took a shaky breath. Please make me come.

I shook my head. "You can do better than that, baby. Beg me and use my name. Make it good and I’ll give you what you need."

Please, Sir, she panted. I am so wet for you. I want your hands to touch my body. I need to come. Please make me come.

I almost exploded at her declaration, my cock straining to be set free from my pants. Taking my teasing finger, I slid it deep inside her. She gasped and moaned, her head falling back against the wall.

Fuck, you’re tight, I groaned. I pulled out of her and slid in again with a second finger, my other hand grabbing her thigh and bringing it up to my waist, giving me better access to her sweet sex.

You like that, Kate? Do you like that I have my fingers inside you, here where anyone could find us if they bothered to look? Kate nodded in a dazed trance. I drove my fingers into her over and over, curling them to reach her sweet spot. She moaned loudly when I rubbed my thumb against her clit, nearly jumping out of her sexy heels. I grinned; this was going to be easy. As I applied a little more pressure, I could feel her insides begin to tighten. She was panting and moaning, her face the picture of the sweetest torture I had ever seen. I pressed my lips tightly to hers just as her orgasm exploded within her, stifling her scream. My fingers inside her were squeezed tightly, her body shuddering as she held on to me for support. I continued to stroke her clit softly as she came down. When Kate lowered her forehead to my chest with a sigh, I removed my hand from under her dress and smiled at her while she straightened herself out.

Oh my God, Sir, that was amazing, she said on a sigh. She placed her hands on my chest, grabbing the lapels on my jacket to pull me to her, and kissed me hard, opening her mouth to me when I teased her lips with my tongue. The kiss intensified as she molded her body against me, my cock pressing against her, torturing me. I pressed her back