Claiming Ruby: Mission Pleasure, #1

By Scarlett Sanderson

First book in the sizzling Mission Pleasure series...

 

Ruby has a secret. Beneath her prissy exterior lies a submissive in desperate need of a Master. After her past disastrous attempt at exploring her fantasies, she buried her cravings deep and told herself she'd be fine without giving in to them. Then she meets Joshua. He's everything she's ever fantasized about—and everything she's feared.

 

Joshua didn't start out wealthy—he's an ex-marine who made his fortune after seeing his fair share of war. His wealth and lavish lifestyle are nothing next to his driving need to claim Ruby for his own. He'd give up everything to collar her for a lifetime, and he'll have to use every sinful dominant trick he knows to make her let him in.

 

Inside Scoop: This book features a hero who knows what his submissive needs, whether it's being tied up or being taken in public with the assistance of two other hot marines. Please note this book was previously published by Ellora's Cave.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Scarlett Sanderson
• Release date: Jul 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393173113

Book preview

First book in the sizzling Mission Pleasure series....

Claiming Ruby

Ruby has a secret. Beneath her prissy exterior lies a submissive in desperate need of a Master. After her past disastrous attempt at exploring her fantasies, she buried her cravings deep and told herself she’d be fine without giving in to them. Then she meets Joshua. He’s everything she’s ever fantasized about—and everything she’s feared.

Joshua didn’t start out wealthy—he’s an ex-marine who made his fortune after seeing his fair share of war. His wealth and lavish lifestyle are nothing next to his driving need to claim Ruby for his own. He’d give up everything to collar her for a lifetime, and he’ll have to use every sinful dominant trick he knows to make her let him in.

Inside Scoop: This book features a hero who knows what his submissive needs, whether it’s being tied up or being taken in public with the assistance of two other hot marines.

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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Claiming Ruby Copyright © 2017 Scarlett Sanderson

Edited by Carrie Jackson

Photography/Cover: Shutterstock.com/RedFoxx

With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher.

Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.  (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

The publisher and author(s) acknowledge the trademark status and trademark ownership of all trademarks, service marks and word marks mentioned in this book.

CLAIMING RUBY

Scarlett Sanderson

Dedication

To K. For everything. Body, heart, soul. Always.

To Chris I. Good friend. Honorary kinkster. Thanks for providing me with one of the best lines in the book!

Acknowledgements

As always, massive thanks to my lovely editor, Carrie Jackson. Your dedication and belief in me is astounding. I could not do this without your support (and sorting out my comma splices!).

Chapter One

Ruby slipped her fingers under the leather collar around her friend’s neck and tested the tightness. Is that okay for you?

Jamie tugged. Yep, feels good.

She patted Jamie’s shoulder before attaching a metal leash to the ring on the front of the leather. All set?

Jamie nodded. They’d built a lasting friendship based on trust, respect and the same wacky sense of humor. When she’d employed Jamie at her bookstore, Ruby hadn’t expected them to click so quickly.

Eighteen months ago Jamie had opened up about her secret life. She had an alter ego called Gigi L’Amour—a burlesque dancer and submissive act.

Excitement bubbled in Ruby’s blood. Although she wasn’t the one dancing, she got a buzz from watching Gigi perform for high-end clientele in fancy locations, usually huge mansions like the one they were in now. It added glamor to Ruby’s normal life.

I’m pumped. Jamie rolled her shoulders and cricked her neck from side to side.

As Jamie did a few warm-up stretches, Ruby packed away some of the makeup. The bathroom they’d been shown to on arrival was plush and opulent, bigger than some kitchens. There were even two full-sized lounge chairs.

Jamie whistled Let’s Get It On while brushing some more rouge on her cheeks.

Ruby glanced in the Hollywood-style mirror above a marble basin and was struck by the startling difference between them. Jamie looked amazing—dressed in a black bustle skirt, high heels, black stockings and a black leather corset, she oozed sex appeal. A jet-black wig, smoky eye makeup and scarlet lips completed the burlesque look.

In comparison, Ruby appeared drab. A sleek black wraparound dress showcased her curvy figure. Her cleavage spilled out, hopefully taking attention from her thighs. She’d pulled her titian hair into a chignon, showing off her heart-shaped face. She scrubbed up well but nothing like Jamie, who was stunning.

How do I look? Jamie performed a little curtsy.

Ruby pulled her into a quick hug, careful not to dislodge the Gigi look. Gorgeous. Knock ’em dead.

Daniel, an actor friend Jamie paid to lead her on stage, knocked on the bathroom door before coming in and taking hold of the leash. You look amazing, darling. As always. Shall we go?

Sure, Jamie answered. Wish me luck, Ruby. See you later. With a little wave, she was gone.

Ruby grabbed her clutch, closed the door behind her and watched her friend being led through a hallway into a large ballroom. Daniel expertly maneuvered Jamie into the crowd and toward the center. She lost sight of the couple as people closed in around them. She loved this moment—the point where she could kick back and observe.

The mass cheered and Ruby slipped into the ballroom to get a better view. The heat of a hundred guests hit her. Expensive perfume, champagne and musk assaulted her senses.

She scanned her surroundings before looking up. The walls were lined with mahogany paneling. A crystal chandelier hung from a vaulted ceiling. The light alone probably cost more than her car. She snorted to herself. Wealthy businessmen had shitloads of money to splash around. The opulence of their homes never failed to amaze her. There was nothing wrong with having nice things but this was extravagant. She frowned and tensed before forcing herself to relax. She wouldn’t allow her anger issues over such frivolous decadence to ruin the night.

Gentlemen, ladies. Please welcome Master Daniel and his submissive Gigi.

The cheers and whistles died down to a murmur. Ruby snaked through the throng and found a quiet spot to watch the show.

At the end of the ballroom facing the door stood an actual stage. The guy who’d hired Jamie had gone all out to impress his guests. It looked like something straight out of a movie. Dark and sleek, it was raised a few feet off the floor with steps on either side. Black drapes hung behind it. Spotlights shone directly onto the two performers and a single white wooden chair.

Daniel attached Jamie’s leash to the chair. The long chain gave her enough room to move around. He stood in front of her, stroked her face and neck before putting pressure on her shoulders. Sit.

The crowd fell silent and the first flutters of excitement beat against Ruby’s skin.

Jamie obeyed.

Don’t move. Be a good girl and I might reward you.

Even though Daniel hadn’t spoken to Ruby, the command stirred something inside her. Her nipples beaded. Heat ignited in her belly and she clenched her thighs as a slither of moisture dampened her panties.

Yes Sir, came Jamie’s sultry reply.

Daniel walked offstage and the music began. The seductive strains of Portishead’s Glory Box filled the room. Jamie swayed. With everyone’s attention fixed on her friend, Ruby sneaked a look at the people surrounding her.

Women wearing designer dresses. Men in tailored suits. They oozed wealth and arrogance. Exactly the type she’d expected to find at a party like this.

They were all mesmerized by Jamie, and fierce admiration burst through Ruby. Her friend was starting to carve out a career doing something she loved.

Ruby let the beat wash over her and imagined she was on stage instead of Jamie. She swayed her hips. Music seeped into her pores, firing her synapses.

In her mind she ran her hands up her midsection, caressed her breasts and gripped the leash. She would stare into the anonymous faces and gyrate, the words of the song echoing through her as she danced for her audience.

She was a perfect submissive. A toy to be used and controlled for the pleasure of her Master.

Jamie bent over and spanked her ass. Once. Twice. Gentle then hard—hard enough that the crack of flesh resonated above the music.

Ruby’s lips parted and she drew in a shaky breath. Her clit throbbed and her ass stung as if someone had spanked her. She drew a fingertip along the edge of her cleavage, desperate to touch her breasts and massage the aching flesh.

These performances were the only time she indulged her fantasies. Secret moments of longing stolen in the dark.

She glanced to the side, hoping no one could see the intense effect Jamie’s show was having on her.

She connected with icy green eyes. They swirled with something dark and sensual, drew her in until she almost drowned in the intensity. Ruby stopped gawking, blinked and took in the rest of him. An angular yet masculine face. A mass of thick tawny hair. A shadow of stubble adorned his jaw. His sculpted lips were set in a grimace as if in pain.

Danger and dominance rolled off him and crept toward her, reeling her in like an invisible tether. Everything she’d fantasized about stood just a few feet away and her instincts screamed at her to go to him.

Her pulse pounded in her ears and she gasped, mortified at being caught in a state of arousal. How embarrassing.

She looked away, forced the stranger to the back of her mind and focused on Jamie. She was here to support a friend, not indulge her deepest desires.

Was he still looking at her? She wouldn’t give in to the impulse to turn around.

The song changed and Jamie kept on dancing.

Ruby’s imagination flew into overdrive. She imagined them alone. The stranger as her Master. He’d command her to dance for him, to please him, to express how he made her feel.

She turned and they locked stares. His gaze burned into her soul, setting her hormones ablaze with need. She’d never had such a violent reaction to a man she’d looked at for a few brief moments. It defied logic.

The final chorus kicked in and Jamie dropped to her knees, hands behind her back, chin resting on her chest. A perfect pose of submission.

When the song ended, silence descended. Lengthened. Ruby’s nostrils flared as she sucked in air. She vibrated with sexual tension. She hadn’t been a submissive for years but she still craved it.

The crowd burst into applause. Whistles and catcalls of encore erupted.

Warmth spread through her. She added to the applause, glad Jamie had proved popular.

Now that the act was over, Ruby ducked out of the ballroom and back into the bathroom. She glanced at her reflection. Her pupils were dilated, her lips pink and plump from constant licking. Her nipples poked through the thin material of her dress. She covered her breasts, hoping the heat would soften them, but the contact made her hiss. She was so turned-on.

Daniel bustled into the room with Jamie. Honey, you rocked. He unclipped the leash and removed her collar.

Really? They seemed to like it.

It amazed Ruby how unsure Jamie was. Men and women drooled over Gigi. Even without the burlesque outfits, Jamie went on a lot of dates. If Ruby got that kind of attention her confidence would be through the roof. She’d have the courage to explore submission instead of stuffing it into a locked box in a dark corner of her psyche.

You had them mesmerized. I thought one guy was gonna come in his pants, Daniel said.

Ruby remembered the stranger’s face. His burning expression tightened her stomach. To cover her arousal, she started packing some of Jamie’s props in a tote bag and said, You were amazing, sweetie. Always are.

Jamie dropped a kiss on her forehead. And you are always my biggest supporter. She stripped out of her burlesque outfit and threw on a sweater and a pair of jeans. Me and Daniel are going to grab some food, wanna come?

No thanks. Just going to head home and read. Most likely watch some porn and play with her plastic friend.

Okay. Jamie gave her a quick hug as Daniel gathered up the tote bag. You walking out?

Ruby shook her head. Right behind you though. She needed a few minutes of peace and quiet to gather herself together. The submissive act and the stranger’s eyes had really affected her.

See you tomorrow.

Bye. When the door clicked shut, Ruby ran a shaky hand through her hair.

God, what a night. Jamie’s act didn’t usually