Whip Me Real Good

Evernight Publishing www.evernightpublishing.com

Copyright© 2012 Kassanna

ISBN: 978-1-927368-59-6

Cover Artist: Sour Cherry Designs Editor: JC Chute

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION To all those that helped me accomplish my dream. I am blessed to know each of you. From my family, especially my husband, to the absolutely amazing people I have met in this industry. Thank You for your support.

WHIP ME REAL GOOD Club Lexx, 1 Kassanna Copyright © 2012

Chapter One

John noticed her the minute she stepped into Club Lexx’s seating area from the entryway off the foyer. The woman clutched her ticket like it was a lifeline, holding it close to her body in a fist so tight the silver and blue embossed paper crumpled where her fingers gripped it, as if it would disappear at any moment. She’d pulled away from a line that snaked around seating arrangements, and people mulling about sipping their complimentary drinks, to explore the ornately decorated sitting room. She stood before a five-foot-tall black marble fireplace, trailing her painted fingernails along the carved mantel before moving on to study a gold and red lacquered lamp sitting on an end table at one of the seat groupings. Intrigued, John watched her while she observed the crowd, waiting to be admitted into one of the most exclusive parties of the year: The Erotic-Exotic Event. From the monitor inset behind the bar, John smiled at the buzz of excitement that zipped through the room. The crowd shifted, moving in place but not really going anywhere. The gilded double doors groaned, pushed open to reveal the main hall of the club. Masses of people surged forward, and the feeling of anticipation was palpable, as people in groups as well as individually broke off in search of their iniquity. John leaned a hip against one of the shelves lining the back of the bar and watched the mysterious woman maneuver through the throng of people. Viewing her in person, she looked familiar, but he couldn’t place her. Without a thought, he reached for the handset under the bar, next to the monitor, and called the head of security. John described

the woman that had caught his interest, telling his friend to find her and put the silver admittance band on her arm. John took a few steps, keeping a watchful eye from the side bar as his friend, Adam, laughed and went in search of the enigmatic woman. The interplay between them kept his attention, as she looked at the head of his security personnel with confusion, then shrugged, shoving her arm out to show her current admittance band. Adam nodded, leaned down and said something to her, speaking directly into her ear. John stretched his torso to see around the small crowd that had stepped in his way. He only saw when she thrust out her arm and walked further into the club after Adam secured the new band to her wrist. He couldn’t help but wonder what Adam said to get her to accept a new admittance bracelet. She bobbed her head back and forth, taking in all the sights and sounds going on around her. John’s curiosity was piqued. The woman looked lost amongst the hedonistic patrons that frequented this particular party. He felt his protective instincts surface: her look of innocence was sure to draw some of the more hardcore regulars, who might think she was part of the evening’s programs. John needed to make sure the woman was looked after, preferably by himself. That is, after he found out what the hell she was doing there in the first place. John told Mick, his chief bartender, to make sure all the boys and some of the girls knew that the woman with the silver band was off-limits and got anything she wanted, on the house. John picked up the club paperwork he was checking and moved from behind the bar, quickly crossing the room to the V.I.P. entrance. He still had to prepare for the evening’s exclusive party. Slipping through the door, he moved down the hall and through a second entry that led to his upstairs apartment. Opening the door to his home, John picked up the remote as he passed the bank of security monitors lining his living room wall. He pressed the 'on' button of the remote and tossed the device behind him, and it landed with a soft thud on his sofa. One by one, the screens came to life, showing various areas of the club. He located the mousy woman that had stirred his primal urges. John had no idea why he felt so strongly. He’d dated much prettier women. The woman passing under his security cameras appeared to be plain at first.

John tilted his head, studying her. There was something about her: the way she held her back straight, the defiant lift of her chin as she navigated the various crowds surging into the main dance hall. He chuckled. She knew she was out of place, but she was daring anyone to point that fact out. John walked closer to the monitors and touched his fingers to the screen, outlining her body with his index finger. Perhaps it was her aloofness, the way she held herself away from the others. This woman appeared to have some very interesting qualities. And he couldn’t shake the feeling that he knew her from somewhere. She wore cream slacks with a red loose furry top. The dark shade enhanced the latte color of her skin, and her pleated blouse had a deep V in the front that exposed the swell of her breasts with every move she made. Soft brown eyes dominated her face, behind black rectangular eyeglass frames. Her dark hair hung in a thick ponytail atop her head, reminding him of genie images from an old television show. The flair of her hair as she turned her head was what initially caught his attention. Dark brown hair splayed and momentarily caught the bright reds and golds of the dying sunrays, shining through the vaulted windows. But a pert nose above full luscious lips the color of ripe cherries is what kept his interest captivated. His eyes drifted down her body. She was compact, but curvaceous. She had cushioning in all the right places. His dick jumped momentarily, pushing against his fly. John started to strip, dropping clothing as he strode to the bathroom, leaving the image of the woman behind him as he headed to the shower. His apartment consisted of four rooms that easily blended into one another: bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living area, in one big open space. He could have had a second bedroom installed, but instead opted for a huge bathroom with a dual-headed shower set in natural stone tile. A big man needed a comfortable shower, and his six-foot-four, imposing frame liked having all that room. He stepped into the large stall and turned the knob, letting the spray of hot water pour over his body from multiple jets. The steam fogged the glass walls and small droplets of water ran down the enclosure walls. John couldn’t shake the look of her berry-stained, glossy lips from his mind. The water beat against his shoulders, loosening his tense muscles. He picked up the shower gel and poured a good amount into the washcloth he’d retrieved from the shelf.

Sliding the soapy fabric across his body, the rough material felt good against his skin. He closed his eyes and turned to let the hot water run down his back. An image of luscious reddened lips floated before his mind’s eye. The washcloth slipped from his hand and hit the tile floor with a smack. His hand slid across his taut stomach to his proliferating erection. Slipping his fingers around his shaft, he slid his hand slowly up and down. John grunted with pleasure as he tightened his grip, giving his rod an upstroke that glided around the head lightly and then swiftly down. He took a few steps back, bracing his feet, and resting his shoulders against the warm tile wall. Water plastered his hair to his head as heavy droplets fell from the showerhead centered above him. Thinking about those plump, parted lips had him pumping himself with slow strokes to just under the plum-purple head of his cock. Heat raced through his body as he increased the speed of his hands movements. A flurry of bubbles washed down his legs as his hips thrust against his fist. He felt the pleasure build at the base of his spine as his sack drew tighter. Twisting his hand, he pumped faster. John rubbed his head against the tile, lifting his chin. Water washed across his face. His thighs bulged as he stroked his cock and wondered if she liked to be spanked. As John wondered whether she kept her pussy natural, the idea of soft tight curls tickling his balls as he thrust into her wet channel pushed him over the edge. He shot a pulsating stream of cum on the stone tiles of the shower stall’s opposite wall. A few drops splattered back onto his tense belly as he dropped his head and growled in satisfaction. The resonance of his voice bounced around the bathroom. The rest of his essence rolled down the wall and swirled down the drain with the water. John bent, snatched up his washcloth from the floor, and resumed his shower. As he stepped away from the stall, he smiled. No doubt, he craved this unknown woman and he would have her. Grabbing a thick towel from the warming rack, he stalked into his bedroom. Vigorously rubbing the moisture from his hair and body, he thought about the best way to approach her. She had looked skittish. He threw the towel in the basket on his closet floor and, his attention elsewhere, grabbed the first clothing his hands touched. Picking up a pair of boots, he shoved his feet in to them quickly.

Checking the television screens before he left, John located his unidentified mystery woman. Reaching the object of his desire took longer than he anticipated. Female acquaintances grabbed at him, demanding attention. Patrons stopped him to chat, hoping for a sneak -peek into the club’s upcoming events. Different employees appeared before him, needing approval for various requests. John was starting to believe maybe he wasn’t meant to meet this particular woman. Exhaling a breath of relief that he hadn’t been accosted by further distractions, he took a seat at the bar, next to the woman he’d been watching from afar. She shifted in her seat and the sweet scent of strawberries wrapped itself around him. John couldn’t help the smile that lifted his lips, when it didn’t take long for her to notice him. *** Mattie stared at the dazzling purple door. With a spotlight shining on it, the door visibly glittered. She’d come to the club for two reasons. She wanted to thank the proprietor, John W. Lexington, personally for his contribution to her charitable foundation and to experience the Erotic-Exotic Event. And that was exactly what she was going to do, damn it. She wasn’t sure about this particular lifestyle, but she’d done research. Mattie wasn’t sure if she’d like BDSM, the theme for this year’s ball, but hell if she wasn’t willing to try it. Every year Club Lexx held an exclusive gathering for charity. The elusive club owner picked the charity and generously matched the club’s donation with a personal one. The man was a rarely- seen mystery wrapped in an enigma. Truthfully, one of the reasons she was anxious to get into the event was to meet the man behind the Lexington Corporation. If rumors were true, the man had the face of an angel, the body of a Greek god and the stamina of an elephant. Mattie wanted to see for herself if any of the three were even possible. She smirked. She’d find the man after she had a chance to play a little. No, scratch that, a lot. Mattie still pinched herself since receiving the embossed invitation. She couldn’t believe how lucky she’d gotten this year. The shelter she founded for abused women was the chosen charity. They’d close the doors for the next twenty-four hours. The only allowed club clientele were those who purchased admittance prior to the exclusive

party. Anyone with a ticket got locked in and those that couldn’t or wouldn’t stay were not given re-admittance if they left. There was never a hint of what went on in this social establishment during the Erotic-Exotic Event. Mattie’s ticket had arrived via courier the day before, and she’d quickly hidden it away. After doing a happy dance in the middle of her office, she’d gleefully locked the dark blue envelope in her office safe. The tickets were worth a few thousand dollars apiece, and the guest list comprised the who’s who of society. Because J.W. Lexington, club owner, decided to support her charity this year, she’d received a complimentary ticket. Hers was a small non-profit organization, nothing like the larger associations that had also applied for his grant. The shelter would receive fifty percent of the night’s proceeds, giving Here’s Help the infusion of cash it so desperately needed for the program to continue. For the last few months, she’d dug into her own savings to help keep the charity limping along. Club Lexx’s support was an answer to some very fervent prayers. Mattie took a sip of her drink, a Screaming Orgasm. She turned her head and studied the brightly lit chalkboard above the bar. In huge colorful letters, the board denoted the top fifty sexiest drinks. Mattie planned to try most of them before security reopened the club doors to the public. This was her time, and she planned to make the most of every moment, including thanking Mr. Lexington in person. That would satisfy her business obligations. On the personal front, no one knew who she was and for one complete day, Mattie planned to be as adventurous and, outspoken as she liked. The kind of woman who attracted men, like bees to honey, and not the bookish, shy person that hid in her office crunching numbers most of the time. Now if only she could actually figure out how to be that self-possessed woman. A loud mewl cut across the music, and Mattie followed the sound to one of the four enormous cages suspended from the ceiling. In a metal cube, a man and woman danced to the beat of the thumping house music flowing from the speakers, embedded in the walls around the room. Grinding against each other in an imitation of a sexual act, the man in a hooded mask had a muscular body that glistened with sweat under the lights directed at them. Wearing low-slung leather pants, he gripped the woman by the hair and twirled her around, then

pushed her against the bars of the cage and quickly covered her body with his own. The woman, in a black string bikini, pulled her hair free, pushed back with her body and bent over before the man, grabbing her ankles and tilting her ass into the air. He gripped her hips, slipping his fingers under the thin straps that held the miniscule pieces of cloth together, bent over her, and ran his tongue along her spine. Mattie turned in her seat, pressing her thighs together and took a deep sip of her drink. She looked into the mirror flanking the bar and found herself staring right into the ice-blue eyes of the man sitting next to her. He smiled, flashing shockingly white teeth under the black lights. Mattie nodded and quickly turned away to look at the human petting zoo on the other side of the large open space. Men and women were clad in various fake furs and collars with chains. A mock wooden fence formed an enclosure around its occupants. Some people held their hands over the fence, trying to coax one of the “herd” over to them. Within the corral itself, a man was trying to mount a woman. Mattie squinted, adjusting her glasses, trying to get a better view. She was wrong, not a man. A woman with a...okay, she wasn’t quite ready for that visual. Mattie took the straw from her drink and laid it to the side. Picking up the glass, she took a big gulp. Shifting in her seat, she peeked over the glass pressed to her lips. Tilting her head, Mattie spied the sexy couple, partially hidden by bales of hay. The woman’s hips pumped frantically, one arm extended against the pale grass. Mattie pulled the glasses down the bridge of her nose and narrowed her eyes to get a better view. “First time here?” Mattie felt the light touch of gentle lips against the rim of her ear. A soft waft of liquor-imbued air brushed her cheek. “First time here?” His words felt like a caress. She swirled her bar stool around to face the man she’d briefly glimpsed in the mirror. Her knees brushed his hard thighs. “Yes. Is it that obvious?” Mattie put a smile on her face and prayed her nervousness didn’t show. He backed up a step but stayed close. Mattie’s eyes were drawn to the way his fingers fondled the smooth sides of the glass. His voice reminded her of the brown liquid swirling in his tumbler, even and still with hidden torrents beneath its surface.

“A little. Newbies are rare for this party, though. My name is John.” Mattie held her hand out. “Mattie Bedlam.” John raised an eyebrow. “Bedlam?” She raised her chin. Mattie felt the devil on her shoulder, prodding her on, when she answered. “Yeah. It’s a known fact that I leave chaos in my wake.” John leaned in closer. “Exactly what kind of mayhem do you cause?” That devil was using his damn pitchfork creatively. She apparently didn’t need that much help finding herself. “What kind are you looking for?” “Any you’re willing to provide.” John straightened and cocked his head at the dark door she’d been eyeing earlier. “All you have to do is step over the threshold with me.” Mattie shifted in her seat and took a good look at the man standing in front of her. The bootleg cut of his dark jeans showcased his lower body in the right places, and combined with scuffed boots conveyed the image of a working man. He was a walking contradiction. A casually dressed man attending a party that cost thousands of dollars to get into, if a ticket could be obtained, and he carried himself with a confidence as if he hadn’t a care in the world. She followed the lines of his legs up to his crotch. Noticing the large bulge, she hastily turned her head to look away. Trust her to zero in on his package. Noticing how others were dressed, maybe not: people were in various states of dress and undress. Her eyes came back to the man in front of her. His sand-colored dress shirt resembled soft suede, stretched across broad shoulders. The fabric pulled at the seams around his thickly muscled forearms and biceps. Mattie’s lifted her hand to run her fingers along the fabric, wondering about the body beneath the material, before she caught herself, placing her traitorous appendage under her thigh. The shirt opened at the neck revealed a smattering of dark hairs on his tanned chest. His straight black hair fell loose around a sharp jaw line, brushing his shoulders. The touch of gray hair at the temples gave him a distinguished air. She looked at his face and into his hypnotic blue eyes, everything happening around them seeming to pale in comparison than to simply basking under his gaze.

“Like what you see?” Mattie was startled out of her reverie. The smile that broke his face started slowly, like cool molasses being warmed by the sun, and exposed dual dimples etched themselves deep in his cheeks. The laugh lines at the corners of his eyes gave his face a craggy character. He raised a hand and ran a finger down her arm as it rested on the bar. “I promise you, behind that door are things you’ve never witnessed and if you come with me, I’ll personally guarantee you an experience you’ve probably only fantasized about.” He laid his palm flat on the bar top, his blunt fingertips brushing against hers. Mattie fought the urge to gulp and moved her hand. “Said the wolf to the lamb.” He laughed deeply, and the cadence of it reverberated up her spine. Mattie sucked in a breath and crossed her arms to cover her hardening nipples. She felt his callused finger under her chin as he lifted her face. “Do I scare you, Ms. Bedlam?” “Not at all.” “Prove it.” “How would I go about doing that?” Mattie couldn’t help her nervous tinkle of laughter. The hopping house music switched to a slow, rhythmic tempo. John stepped away from the bar and held out his hand. “Dance with me.” Mattie didn’t think. If she had, she wouldn’t have taken his large hand. Instead, reaching out, she gripped his fingers and slid off the stool. Within a few steps they were on the dance floor, and without warning she was pressed up against the solid mass of his body. He swayed to the music, taking her with him. She felt every move of his muscles with the shift of his body as his arms wrapped around her. Mattie tensed. John’s hair brushed her collarbone when he dipped his head. His lips brushed her temple. “Move with me.” His hands slid down her back and took hold of her hips, moving them with his. He whispered in her ear. “Close your eyes, and feel the music.” Mattie’s eyes drifted shut. Her hips started to move free of guidance as his hands slid around, gripping her ass. He pushed her fully against him.

Her eyes flew open when she felt the full length of his cock snug up against her hip. John met her mystified gaze as she stopped. His large hands encompassed her waist, holding her in place. “I promised you an experience.”

Chapter Two John slid his erection along Mattie’s hip, shifting to move behind her. She hadn’t tried very hard to get out of his arms. Instead, she allowed his embrace and slowly resumed moving with him on the floor. Still, her movements remained rigid. Her body didn’t roll with the music, instead fighting the sensual beat. Mattie’s round behind provided the perfect nook to for his burgeoning erection. Sliding his hands around her waist, he pressed his palms against her lower stomach and rolled their hips in a circular motion to the beat of a popular love song. Mattie’s head dipped to the side, exposing her neck. John leaned in and ran his tongue along an exposed spot. Errant hairs in her ponytail brushed his cheek, catching on the budding scruff of a beard, as it moved across her shoulders. “Are you enjoying the music?” John pushed his solid shaft against the cushion of her ass. “Umm hmm.” He watched as a soft smile lifted the side of her mouth. “There is so much more I want to do with you. Open your eyes to a much more interesting evening than sitting at a bar watching other people enjoy themselves.” He dropped tiny kisses at her collarbone. “Maybe I like to watch…the other people.” She spoke in a low husky voice. He felt her body gradually give way to the undulating rhythm of the music. “That could be arranged. But why watch when you could be an active participant?” John slid his hands up her torso, to rest below the curve of her breast. “Exactly what did you have in mind?” Her tone was curious. John moved his hands, placing them on her upper arms. He ran his knuckles down along her skin. He took her hand and swung her out, away from him, then swiftly pulled her back, to press her body up against his. John’s body melded seamlessly, from breast to thigh, to hers. He maneuvered them to the edge of the dance floor, closer to the purple door. Cold air blew across John’s arms as the door silently opened and select club members eased out. Two women chatted excitedly, making dinner plans. They lightly tugged on thick chains. The door widened and the rest of their dinner party emerged. At the end of

those chains were two men, with heavy leather dog collars. One man was nude as he trailed behind his mistress on all fours, while the other man wore sheer boxers. John bent his head to whisper in Mattie’s ear. “Look.” John loosened his arms, allowing Mattie to twist around. Her eyes widened and she stared at the quartet as they crossed the room. He chuckled at the way her mouth dropped open at the sight of the two submissive men with their doms. She blinked several times before turning to face him. She pulled back marginally and looked him in the eye. “I don’t think I’m ready… No, I take that back. I know I’m not ready to drag some man who’s pretending to be a dog around by a chain. Hell, I don’t even know a man that would get on his knees for me.” She spoke rapidly, not bothering to take a breath until she finished. The loud music drowned out John’s laugh. “Well, I’ve never heard it put quite like that. You’re lucky I understood the gist of what you were trying to say. I simply wanted to show you that I could fulfill any fantasy you can dream up. Now though, I can say with utmost sincerity, I don’t believe you’re ready for most of them. But I think you could handle the basics.” Her eyes narrowed. “The basics of what, exactly?” John shook his head. “Never mind. I thought, maybe you would be my playmate. But I can see you aren’t prepared to handle what goes on beyond that closed door.” “What the hell are you talking about? I can handle anything that’s thrown at me. And what do you mean by playmate?” “Nope, I won’t be responsible for what could happen to you in those other rooms.” He sighed, shrugging. His arms dropped away from her body. “So playing with me is a moot point.” John watched, amused, as she gritted her teeth and spoke. “What other rooms?” He reached out, rubbing her arms in a consoling manner and looked around him. “Forget about it. Allow me to buy you dinner in the club’s restaurant. Then I will gladly deposit you back at the bar so you can continue your observations of … human nature.” John reached for her hand. Mattie snatched it back from his grasp. John was making every effort not to smile, but damn, he never

thought those psychology courses from college years ago would ever pay off. He tried to school his features into a look of innocence. He hadn’t been innocent since he was sixteen, when he deflowered his very first and only virgin. Since then he’d made it a point to introduce women to all the enjoyable pathways to sexual fulfillment. Of course, that was after he had a lot of lessons from some older and much more experienced ladies in the ways of pleasing women. Those women were the ones that opened up the world of doms and subs to him, teaching him how to give and receive pleasure by taking it to a whole other level. Now, Mattie was turning out to be quite the challenge, and all he wanted to do was show her the joys of sex. *** Mattie couldn’t believe the audacity of some people. There she was, minding her own business, when Mister Walking Sex started a conversation with her. It would have been rude to ignore him. Okay, so maybe she enjoyed the attention said good-looking man paid her. But, what the fuck? A little slow dance and some interesting conversation… Mattie shook her head and stared at the man with the face of an angel. His smile made her chest hurt from the pounding of her heart. Well, she would only listen the badass demon on her shoulder for so long. Even if it was right, and this was her chance to be that self-possessed woman she coveted. Mattie took a calming breath, slipped on her most brilliant smile and turned to face John. She would not let him intimidate her. She was there to have an adventure, and so she would. “Dinner sounds good.” “Wonderful.” John placed his hand under her elbow to direct her toward the restaurant. The crowds literally parted for them, like he was Moses, she was his staff, and those in the writhing crowd were the Red Sea. Mattie wasn’t sure how to question the phenomenon without appearing naive. The bartender who had made her drink held the elevator door open for them and briskly nodded before the doors closed. The elevator cab started, then suddenly jerked to a stop. Caught up in her thoughts, she looked over to see John lift his hand from the stop button. She couldn’t hide the way her throat caught as

she swallowed deeply and sputtered, “W-W-Why did you stop the cab?” “Tell me one of your wildest fantasies.” He rested a shoulder against the wall, waiting for her response. “I don’t think that would be appropriate. I hardly know you.” Mattie backed up until she hit the metal wall. The more space between them, the better, at the moment. From the time their conversation started, she’d wanted to do things with him that she only just witnessed while walking around the club. She was out of her depth and the scary thing was, she was loving it. “All right, then let me tell you about a dream of mine.” “I certainly can’t stop you. Go for it.” Mattie shrugged, hoping she appeared cool and collected. Praying he couldn’t hear the rapid beat of her heart. “I want to know, after I kneel before you in this elevator and remove your panties with my teeth, exactly how you want me to eat your pussy. I’d rim those beautifully large lips with my tongue as your nails scrape my scalp. Imagine it, Mattie, your legs wrapped around my shoulders as I bury my face against your lush vagina and tickle your g-spot with my probing fingers.” Mattie’s eyes closed as her mind drew a visual of his broad shoulders holding her thighs aloft and his head wedged between them as he licked her nether lips. A low moan passed through her parted lips before she could snap her mouth shut. She felt the tacky dampness between her thighs from the deluge her panties were unable to dam. The devious man continued to build her an erotic pictorial in her head. “The idea of lapping in your honey pot makes my mouth water and my cock hard. I’d dip my tongue deep into your cleft as a temporary replacement of my fingers. My hands would slide up your body, under your blouse, to cup your breasts. Tell me, Mattie: do you want me to play with your nipples? Tease them with my fingers, pull on those pebbled nubs as I tongue fuck you?” Mattie felt his words glide over her heated skin. If her heart beat any faster she was going to have a fucking heart attack. Her eyes fluttered open and he was right there before her. She lifted her arms, ready to push him away, but instead her palms settled against his chest. She couldn’t bring herself to push him back.

“All you have to do is tell me what you want, Mattie.” He trailed a finger across the swell of her breast. “You make me want to do things…” Mattie sighed. “What do I make you want to do? Tell me, Mattie. There’s nothing to stop you.” John raised his arms, putting a hand on each side of the wall, caging her in. “I just met you.” “And?” He leaned in, stopping a few inches from touching her face. Mattie ran her tongue along her lips before she sank her teeth into her bottom lip. He had a point. It wasn’t like he knew who she was. This was her chance. She could experience life, as opposed to watching it pass her by. That damn devil on her shoulder egged her on. Really, when had a man, any man, ever propositioned her, the geeky shy girl? This time Mattie’s common sense chimed in, ticking off one by one all the reasons why she should push the delectable man away, disengage the stop button and run for the exit. The deep cadence of his voice was a lifeline out of her turmoil. “I want to give you an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime … with fondness.” She ignored the voice of reason whispering in her ear. “I want the best orgasm I’ve ever had.” “No pressure, then.” His eyes crinkled from a crooked smile that warmed her insides. “Take off your slacks. Leave on your panties.” John stepped back to give her room and unbuttoned the sleeves to his shirt, pushing them up his forearms. Mattie fingered the button on her waistband. John stopped, leaving one arm fully sleeved. She watched, enthralled by the play of muscles rippling over his lower arm. With a twist of her fingers, she flicked the button loose and unzipped her zipper. Her pants dropped to the floor. Mattie pulled one heeled foot from her pants leg. Kicking the garment back with the heel of her other foot, she’d pulled free. She met John’s cool eyes and watched them heat up as he took in her appearance: cream lace boy-cut panties and red wooly top. Whatever she did to deserve this night, right then Mattie vehemently hoped she’d do it again. John was on her, his mouth claiming hers before she could take another breath.

His tongue pushed between her lips, licking the inside of her mouth. John’s large hands ran down her torso and cradled her hips. Deft fingers slid under the thin elastic band of her underwear. He pulled the seams of both sides taut and a quiet snap preceded the drift of her underclothing to the cab’s floor. John pulled away and bent his head to study the bare lower half of her body. She looked down at herself to see what had him so entranced. Mattie saw nothing out of the ordinary with her slightly rounded stomach, thick hips and thighs. His words surprised her. “Well, hello there, paradise.” John dropped to his knees and gripped her hips with both hands. “You’re full of surprises.” He glanced up to meet her eyes. “The Brazilian wax is interesting.” “My new year’s resolution was to try something I’ve never done before at least once a month.” “Then tonight, I will make sure you enjoy several new experiences within a few hours.” He chuckled deeply before leaning in to kiss the top of her mound. With a dull thump, Mattie’s head hit the wall at the first swipe of his tongue. She needed to remember to breathe through her nose or she’d hyperventilate. Mattie braced herself against the thick bar, gripping the steel rails bolted into the wall. The cool metal ledge felt good against the heated skin of her bottom. John clasped her ankles and spread her bare legs further apart. He stared at her pussy for a long moment. Mattie tried not to squirm under his intense perusal. Looking at his mouth, she saw it curve into a slight smile, and the sensuality of his shuttered gaze heightened her anticipation of the sexual pleasure to come. Mattie would never admit it to him, but this was her first experience with oral sex. When he began to stroke the sensitive skin on the inside of her thighs, Mattie shut her eyes. She could feel his breath drift across her vagina, warm and soft, but not that close. She knew he was observing her body’s involuntary reaction to the slight caress, getting off on looking at her labia, slick and swelling. His strong hands caressed her thighs, soothing them as they began to tremble. John still hadn’t touched her core. He just kept stroking her thighs, mound and belly. Then he settled his hand to the skin below her navel, rubbing her there in an erotic semicircle that made her arch

and push her mons closer to his face. He dropped a kiss on her inner thigh, keeping his hand against the soft flesh of her belly. The wait between caresses only intensified the sensations playing havoc on her body. John leaned in. She felt his lips glide across her smooth skin. His tongue darted out and flicked over her swollen clit. Mattie moaned, wiggling her buttocks over the bar holding her up. John moved his hands to hold her thighs apart and buried his face in her pussy, licking the thick folds of her nether lips then sucking her clit into his mouth. Mattie twisted her head back and forth. Her ponytail loosened as her hair caught between her back and the wall. He slid a finger into her juicy pussy while he continued to suck her clit, pinning it there. She could feel her muscles pulsing around his finger. John pulled his mouth away, gently blowing cool air over her heated pearl. Mattie threaded her fingers through his loose hair in careless strokes. Supporting herself with one hand, she held tightly to the railing as he began to push between her labia, spreading them wide with his fingers to get deeper inside. His tongue was long and strong. She couldn’t help thinking it felt a lot like a dick. Mattie gasped at the intense carnality building in her belly. The bite of the metal rail into her ass added a touch of pain to the ton of pleasure. The sensuality of the experience pushed her over the edge as he sucked her clit between his teeth and thrust another finger into her soaked channel. His broad shoulders kept her legs splayed as he added a third finger, driving them deep into her body as he rolled her pearl across his tongue. Without realizing it, she moved her other hand, pushing both hands into the inky silkiness of his hair. Her body pitched forward without her hand bracing her and she impaled herself on his fingers. Her scream echoed off the walls of the elevator as her orgasm hit her like a tidal wave, rolling over her senses. John replaced his fingers with his tongue while her body shook from the force of her release. Mattie opened her eyes to watch John lap up her fluids. After a few minutes, he rose to stand above her, his mouth wet with her juices and her torn panties dangling from his hand. He lifted them to his face and wiped his mouth. Tucking them in the front pocket of his jeans, he smiled down at her. Mattie tried to stand, but her weakened legs

gave way under her. John’s strong arms enveloped her shoulders, pulling her up against him. Her throat worked double time: she’d never been in this position before, and she wasn’t sure if she should say something. Hello, awkward moment. He momentarily drew her attention back to his body when he released the stop button. The cab groaned to restart and vibrated as it moved to the floor above. “What would you like to eat now?” she asked.

Chapter Three The elevator had more stops in this one ride than since its installation. John had to engage the stop button a couple of times to give Mattie a chance to adjust her clothing, allowing her to tidy her make-up and hair. The elevator doors finally opened with a swish into the waiting area of the intimate dining room exclusive to Club Lexx’s VIP’s. John’s eyes searched the room with satisfaction: full to capacity, the restaurant would help them meet their goal of half a million dollars. The women’s shelter would get a very nice infusion of cash from this event’s proceeds. He looked down at the woman he’d secured to his side with his arm casually draped over her shoulder. Her face was flushed with a nice golden glow. She looked like a woman that had been well ravished. Her arm hung around his waist, but he didn’t think she’d realized it. “I don’t think we’ll be eating here.” She sounded disappointed. “It’s not a problem… we’ll be seated in a few minutes.” He pursed his lips as he searched the room for Mia, his food and beverage manager. “Why? Was eating here another thing to do on your bucket list?” “You’re kidding, right? It’s a known fact that if you are ever lucky enough to get into Club Lexx, then maybe you’ll get the chance to eat at The Strata. It’s a freaking five-star restaurant, which the average person would have to trade their firstborn to get into.” John chuckled deeply. “It’s not that serious, and forgive me for asking, but were you cloistered in a nunnery?” Mia walked up to them before Mattie could respond. The way her mouth shut with an audible snap, John was willing to bet her response would have been razor-sharp. He had to admit he was a little disappointed at not hearing her retort. “Hey, Mia. Mattie and I were hoping to get a table now, but it looks like you’re booked solid.” John leaned in to kiss Mia on the cheek she offered. “No more than usual.” Mia turned to Mattie, smiling and offering her hand. “Of course I’ll be happy to find a place for you and your conquest.” Mia spoke the last few words barely above a whisper. John coughed and Mattie cocked her head questioningly at Mia.

“Sorry, slip of the tongue. I have no idea where that came from. I meant to say guest.” Mia consulted an open book on the podium, looked at John and wriggled her fingers in a come- hither motion. John placed his hand on the small of Mattie’s back and guided her in the direction he saw Mia head toward. His eyes followed the sway of Mattie’s hips as she navigated the obstacle course that had become the floor plan of his restaurant. Mia stopped at a table for two in a small, secluded alcove surrounded by faux trees that reached to the ceiling. The table was set with a trio of lit candles at various heights in the center. The candlelight reflected in the dark glass on the other side of the table. John pulled out a chair for Mattie. She gave him a half-smile before she looked at Mia and the lift of her lips withered before his eyes. He glanced over at Mia, and saw the scowl that twisted her face as her eyes darted back and forth between him and Mattie. John made a mental note to have a long talk with Mia. They’d had a fling a couple of months ago, and Mia apparently still had a problem with him ending their physical relationship. Mia flipped her red hair over her shoulder and practically threw Mattie her menu. John inhaled as he took his seat, turning toward Mia to accept the one she was placing in his hands. It was time to put Mia securely back in her place. “Thank you, Mia. We won’t need your assistance any further.” John turned away, effectively dismissing her. Mia hovered for a moment before she turned and stalked away, her heels beating a sharp staccato on the tiled floor. Mattie perused the menu, quickly folded it, and set it down in front of her. “Mind if I ask what that was all about?” “Mia and I have a bit of history.” John didn’t bother opening his menu, instead placing it to the side of the table. “I don’t believe she’s accepted our separation, even though it was a mutual decision.” “It wasn’t mutual if she hasn’t gotten over it. You appear to be a very popular man, John. You must frequent this club often.” Mattie resumed looking at her dinner options. John studied Mattie, her brows drawn together as she contemplated something. It seemed she took everything seriously. He was enjoying her intensity, wondering if she applied that depth of

concentration in her lovemaking. It dawned on him then, she had no clue as to who he was. John found he liked the idea of a woman enjoying his company simply as a man and not for what he had acquired or who he was. The waiter appeared and John made his selection from the extensive wine cellar. Mattie placed her order. The server looked at him expectantly. John nodded and the attendant left. John looked up and met her chocolate eyes, watching him. “You didn’t order?” “I have a standing order. He was just confirming it.” Faint moans drifted from the next table. John caught glimpses of bare skin through the barrier of leaves which separated the tables. Mattie glanced over her shoulder then turned her attention back to him. She opened her mouth to speak when the sommelier appeared with their wine, pouring a glass of the deep burgundy liquid for him alone. John took a taste, swirling it around in his mouth. He swallowed, then nodded. The attendant poured them both a glass and set the bottle on the table before disappearing behind the foliage. “You were saying?” He ran a finger up and down the stem of the glass. “I’m thinking this is a no-holds-barred type of club. Everywhere I look I see someone doing something illicit.” Mattie looked at everyone but him. “Only for tonight, hence the name Erotic-Exotic Event. Everyone will return to normal by the time Club Lexx reopens its doors to the public.” “Do you attend every year?” “Every year since the event’s inception.” The sounds coming from the next table drew John’s attention as they became louder. Branches rattled, and leaves shook. For the briefest of moments John thought he saw the rise of a leg. He chuckled, rubbing the bridge of his nose before returning his attention back to Mattie to gauge her reaction, but his eyes were drawn to her breasts. Her nipples poked through the loose fabric of her blouse and her skin was flushed. “Does the sound of someone having sex turn you on, Mattie?” “No.” She folded her arms over her breasts. “Liar.” John mouthed the barely voiced word.

“I actually think that their them rather bold, considering anyone could walk up on them.” Mattie reached out, picked up her glass and took a large sip of her wine. “Not really. On this side of the restaurant, a niche was created to hide most of the tables individually.” John reached across the table and grazed her other hand with his fingertips, drawing circles on her skin. “Would you do me a favor?” Mattie leaned back in her chair, pulling away from his hand. “Depends, what do you need from me?” “Touch yourself for me, wherever and however I tell you to do it.” “Forget it.” “Come on, let loose. No one can see us.” John tried for look of innocence, widening his eyes and managing a slight downward turn of his lips. “That expression won’t work, buddy, you look like you’re constipated.” Mattie giggled. “Please. To see you touch yourself would give me immense pleasure.” The sounds from the table beside them crested as a woman let out a muted howl. John wasn’t sure he liked the devilish grin that formed on Mattie’s face. She pulled the neckline of her top down, just under her breast, exposing the cocoa brown aureoles and nipples. Then she pulled the top back up quickly and laughing, fell forward, before sitting up straight. John frowned. “‘Don’t pout. I gave you a peek.” “I want more that a peek. I want the whole damn show.” *** Mattie’s damn flipping demon sat on her shoulder, working overtime. The next words out of her mouth shocked even her. “Meet me in the ladies’ room in five minutes.” She picked up her glass of wine and swiftly emptied it. Rising, she left the table, teetering on her heels because two drinks had her swaying. Mattie felt his eyes burning into her back as she sauntered across the room. She blew Mia a kiss and gave a little finger wave on her way out. She hoped her knowing smile spoke volumes that Mia would understand. She located the ladies’ bathroom next to the restaurant and slipped in. The lush washroom had two suede sofas in burnt orange.

Heaped on the wide surface, pillows in muted tones of browns, yellows and reds added some contrast. Tasteful flower arrangements decorated the end tables. The scent of cinnamon wafted through the air. On the bank of sinks at intervals, baskets overflowed with soaps, lotions and scented oils. Music from the club's main room drifted in from well-placed speakers. Mattie walked the row of doors, gently pushing them. The last stall didn’t give, so Mattie pushed again. A muffled voice announced the stall’s occupancy. Mattie stood at the door tapping her foot, at a loss as tot how to get the woman to leave. Her slight high was quickly deflating. John pushed through the bathroom door, and walked past the ladies’ room mini-foyer. Mattie watched as he stalked her, soundlessly shortening the gap between them. He swept her up against him and pressed his lips against hers, invading her mouth with his tongue. His hands slid down her body, stopping at the small of her back. Mattie felt his erection pressing against her stomach. He rubbed his lips against the corner of her mouth, then her cheek, and traced his tongue along her earlobe. “I’m here as requested.” The bass of his voice resounded within her, making her core quiver. Mattie turned her head and nodded to the stall door. John looked at her and shrugged, pulling her toward the stall. She resisted his tugs and pointed to the open bottom of the stall. Mattie watched as John realized they weren’t alone. He walked up to the door and knocked. “Sorry, ladies––this bathroom is having a few plumbing problems, and we’ll have to shut it down. The ladies’ room on the other side of the restaurant is available.” Mattie heard muffled groans. A banging made the walls of the stall vibrate. There was a high pitched “yes” as then a foot appeared from beneath the open bottom of the stall and quickly disappeared. A quiet settled over the room, and after a few minutes, Mattie listened to the click of the lock releasing. The door swung silently open, and one woman came out while the other rose from her seated position behind her. The previously seated woman had the grin of a Cheshire cat, while the other had the distinct look of dissatisfaction. Her lips were definitely turned down. The unhappy woman made her feelings apparent, whining. “Why can’t you use the other bathroom?”

Mattie watched as John placed himself between the women, a hand at their backs, as he manipulated them toward the door. She cocked her head in an effort to hear what he said to them. At the lavatory door, the satisfied woman pulled a piece of paper and pen from her purse. Mattie watched as John wrote something. Both women giggled as they trotted out of the door. Mattie narrowed her eyes, placing her hands on her hips. John pushed the door closed behind them and turned to face Mattie. She spoke before a word left his lips. “Making plans for later?” John stared at her. A smile slowly dominated his face. “You’re quite the spitfire, aren’t you?” “Not at all. I do think it’s rude to give someone your number when you are currently otherwise occupied and she is standing not three feet away.” “Do you always jump to conclusions, or am I just lucky?” John approached her, palms up, in a placating manner. “You know, getting snotty doesn’t stop change the fact that you issued the invitation. If you need to renege, I understand.” “I am not being snotty. I saw you.” She used her best prim and proper voice. “Fear is a powerful emotion.” He inched closer. “I can assure what you saw is not what you think.” “Hmph.” Mattie chewed her bottom lip. She watched him move as he took the opportunity, given her indecision, to grab a hold of her. It was her moment of truth. She either went along for the ride or stayed at the stop. Right then her pet demon piped up, telling her it was only one night. Mattie hoped the jaunt was a damn good one. Mattie closed her eyes, reveling at the soft sweep of his hands over her back and bottom. She hadn’t thought her plan through. She’d gotten him into the bathroom, but she didn’t know quite what to do with him. His hands grazed over the sensitive spot in the middle of her back and her head fell forward against his chest. She couldn’t think with him touching her like this. Mattie took a deep breath and inhaled the clean scent of his cologne. This was her first attempt at seduction, and creativity was not one of her better skills.

She pulled away from his embrace, tightly gripping his hand. Walking ahead of him, she pulled him around to the front of the closest sofa. The D.J. switched up the music, and popular rock hits from the eighties poured from the speakers and seemed to be paying homage to the eighties. Mattie stopped turned and pushed two fingers into John’s chest. He fell into the seat behind him, lifted his head and cocked a brow. One of Mattie’s favorite songs floated through the air. Her hips swayed. Mattie twisted her body to the furious beat of the music, dancing before John. Her ponytail whipped across her shoulders, tendrils flying across her face. She raised her leg and put one black-heeled toe on his knee. Fingers caressed her ankles, unbuckling the strap of her shoe. John slipped the shoe off her foot. His hands slid up her calf. Mattie shimmied away, prancing back to substitute one leg for the other. John quickly rid her foot of the other shoe. Mattie danced out of his reach before he could grab her. He leaned forward, his elbows on his knees as she rolled her hips. Mattie turned around, bent, and ran her hands up her legs as her ass bounced in front of his face. She straightened, glided her hands over her hips and grasped the waistband of her slacks. Mattie quickly turned, and with his face level to her belly button she flicked the button on her pants through the loop and unzipped the zipper. She went down with her pants as the garment fell from her body. She looked up and met his eyes, smiling as she rose. Completely naked from the waist down, she twirled. The bathroom door opened. John reached out and grabbed her. He flipped their bodies as they crashed into the couch, landing on top of her. Covering her bare body from prying eyes, he looked at her and winked. Black ribbons of hair tickled her neck. He shifted and Mattie felt his arousal rub her belly as he moved to look above the sofa's top. She felt the bass of his voice rumble through his chest as he whispered to her. “Guess I forgot to lock the door.” Mattie tapped her fingers on his back. “Ya think?” This trip was taking longer than she expected. “Has anyone ever told you that you have no patience?” He rubbed his nose against hers and lifted his head. “Sorry, ladies, this restroom is out of order.”

The three chattering women stopped talking. Mattie could hear the interest of the first woman that spoke. “Really, and exactly what’s wrong with it?” John chuckled. “Well, right now it’s fully occupied. The ladies’ room on the other side of the restaurant is available.” A second woman chimed in, and her high-pitched voice made Mattie cringe. Her tone was waspish. “Well, which one is it? Out of order or fully occupied?” John glanced down at Mattie, and dropped a kiss on her forehead before he lifted his head again. “A little of both.” The man smiled and those dimples had Mattie melting. If he had this effect on her she could imagine what was going on in those women’s minds. It must have worked on someone. A third woman added her opinion. “Come on, girls, it’s obvious this bathroom isn’t working. We can find another one.” Mattie could have sworn she heard one of the women comment about wanting to watch as the door closed. John looked down, his hair forming a dark curtain around their heads. “So, where were we?” John’s hand slid down her body to rest on her thigh. Mattie shifted, widening her legs. John’s body easily slipped into the nook she created. The jeans material rubbed against the delicate skin of her inner thighs. He raised his other hand to brush his fingers over her lips. Mattie pulled her arms from between them and circled his neck. “I forget at the moment, so remind me.” Her voice was husky. Mattie briefly wondered what the hell had come over her. John needed no more encouragement. His tongue traced her jaw line to her neck. He gently sucked her neck as his hand glided up over her body. It slid under the hem of her blouse and up her ribcage. He pushed her bra cup aside. His hand closed over her breast, his calloused palm squeezing her soft mound. His mouth moved lower. John raised his head from the swell of her breasts. “You better tell me how I get you out of this shirt before I rip it off you.” “You’d have to let me get up.” “Fuck that. I’d rather buy you a new one.” He gripped the hem of the bunched material. Mattie heard the ripping of fabric. “Wait!” Too late. The seams gave way, exposing her creamy brown skin. His fingers trailed between the open ends of the only piece of

couture she’d owned. John dipped his head, his lips closed over her exposed nipple. John tugged at her nipple with his teeth, rolling the distended nub over his tongue. His hands gripped her ribcage, keeping Mattie in place as he ran his tongue down the valley between her breasts. Mattie heaved up her pelvis as John pressed his groin down into the crook between her thighs. She felt the hard bulge of his penis as he pushed up and down between her widened legs. Her hands glided down his body, and she fingered his button fly jeans, slowly releasing each button from its hole. John pulled his hands away from her body and placed one at each shoulder, raising himself off her. With more room Mattie eased her hands underneath his jeans, gripping his buttocks. She sat up and pressed her lips against his throat, licking her tongue on his pulse point, slanting her head for better access. She felt the rumble of his groan deep in his chest. His jeans pocket shook before the loud shrill of a telephone’s ring split the air. Mattie pulled her mouth away. “Can you ignore it?” John grunted, unlocking his arms. They dropped to the cushions and he resumed kissing her. The piercing peals stopped and started again. “Damn it all.” John reached into his pocket but he didn’t get up. He got the small cell phone in front of him and stabbed the talk button. “This better be good.” Mattie watched his face as he listened to the person on the other end. His facial expression was thunderous. Clenching his jaw, he clutched the phone tightly. Mattie expected to hear the plastic encasing the phone crack. He looked down at her and she raised her eyebrows. He shook his head and pulled the phone from his mouth. “Business.” John sat up, thumbed the ‘end’ button and stood. He pulled his arms from his shirt, revealing taut muscles across his back and thick biceps along his arms. A tattoo of an eagle in flight sat on the back of his shoulder. Mattie bit her lip. He turned back, dropping his shirt across her lap. “I have to go.”

Mattie let John pull her to her feet in the ladies’ room and help her with his shirt, slipping it over her shoulders and tenderly buttoning the first couple of buttons before she placed her hands over his and finished what he started. She looked of longing at her blouse when he balled the fuzzy red top up and tossed it in the trash. Mattie’s tried not to show her disappointment when he told he had to go. They’d returned to the restaurant where they’d gone for dinner before she’d decided to play with him in the bathroom. John made sure Mattie had everything she needed, telling her he’d meet her later. She briefly wondered how he would find her in a club this size. Try as she might, she couldn’t keep the displeasure out of her tone when she voiced the question. Briefly brushing his lips against her soft ones, he left her waiting for her meal. She lifted the wine glass to her lips and met his eyes when he took one more look at her before he exited the restaurant. She was left the sole occupant of a table meant for two.

Chapter Four Taking the back stairs to the club’s main floor, John looked heavenward. “Can’t I catch one break with Mattie?” Gripping the stair railings, he swung to the next set of steps. His footfalls were heavy thuds on the concrete stairs. He stopped on the landing and for good measure added, “Please.” John remembered her look of longing when her threw her shirt away and made a mental note to take her on a shopping spree at Saks. He was astonished by the idea that he wanted to do so, as that meant seeing her again. That was new for him. He preferred not to form attachments. The reserved smile she gave him as he left made his heart thud against his ribcage. John couldn’t shake an ill feeling that he might not see her again, if he left. He simply had no choice. Rubbing the place over his heart, he tried to push away the burning feeling, John pulled the door open and the blast of house music hit him as he crossed the threshold. Telling himself it was probably heartburn, he took brisk steps as he crossed the club in record time, stepping behind the purple door, up a side stairwell, which led to the mezzanine floor and his office. He was lucky when he found this old warehouse for sale. It was full of nooks and crannies. And the price… That was probably what Donovan wanted. To have another fight. It was about that time for him to come back and demand more money. John inhaled deeply, getting ready for the ensuing battle. Donovan sat at John’s desk sipping his cognac and watching the bank of monitors, which showed every angle of the club and the outside of the perimeter. John glanced past his personal pain in the ass, his brother Donovan, to the wall of glass overlooking the main dance floor. He walked past Donovan to the bar and poured himself a shot of whiskey. He needed to get control of his temper before he dealt with Donovan. The idiot was in the mood for power plays. It looked like he wouldn’t get to see Mattie for a while. “The ladies’ room. Surely you have more creativity than that.” Donovan’s voice held contempt. John’s hand tightened around the glass. “You have no idea how creative I was once we were in there.” John turned to look at his brother and ex-partner, letting the hint of a smile grace his lips.

Donovan’s laugh grated John’s nerves as he continued. “She’s not your usual type.” “There’s nothing that I can do about the fact that were family, but we haven’t been friends for some time. You wouldn’t know my type.” He took a sip of his drink, slamming the glass down. The wet bar’s glass top wobbled. John took the few steps back to his desk. He picked up the remote and stabbed the 'off' button. The flat screen televisions each faded to dark. “Jealous? A woman of that caliber wouldn’t look twice at you.” Donovan looked up at his brother, his cold eyes unblinking. “Oh, she would not only notice me, but I promise you before the night was over she would be at my beck and call.” John placed a hand on the top of his office chair and the other hand flat on the solid wood desktop. “Exactly what is it you want?” A lick of dark brown hair fell into Donovan’s face when he pulled away from John. Sinking into himself, his head hit the back of the chair. “I need funds. Some things have come up that I must attend to.” “There is no money. You got all I’d planned to give you when I bought you out.” “Bullshit. You’ve made money hand over fist. You’re at full capacity tonight. Come on, brother. Share.” Donovan wailed as he tried to maneuver the chair away from John. John held fast, listening to the chair’s wheels screech against the wood floor on the half- turn, and leaned in. “Half-brother, and right now I have no sympathy for you. You’ve drunk, gambled or snorted your funds away. I am not your personal piggy bank.” He pulled his hands away and the chair flew back on spinning wheels. “You’re here, I’ll let you stay … but the first time you screw up I will personally kick your ass out. Do we understand each other?” John turned around and walked back to the wet bar to fix another drink. “You promised to watch out for me.” Donovan’s resentment wasn’t masked by the petulant tone of his voice. “I have looked out for you. You had dad bamboozled, but I’m not so easily fooled. Enjoy the party and get the fuck out when it’s over.” John swallowed, embracing the burn that flowed throughout his chest. He turned, bracing his elbows on the bar. He leaned back. “And get the hell out of my office.”

John watched as his brother slinked out of his office, sad that he had to leave Mattie for his sorry excuse of a family member. He walked over to his desk: nothing was out of place, but he knew Donovan. John’s gut told him Donovan came looking for something. He didn’t want to take the time to figure out what. John looked from his desk to the door and back. He would have to get the locks changed again. John wiped a hand down his face. Donovan was a puzzle he would have to figure out ... later. John walked over to his office closet and pulled out another shirt. Shrugging it on, his thoughts turned to Mattie. His erection pushed against the buttons of his jeans. Making sure to lock his office, he went in search of his growing obsession. John stopped on the landing. His attention split between getting to Mattie and figuring out just what it was Donovan wanted. He knew his half-brother would keep coming back for handouts if he gave in. But he couldn’t let the idiot be homeless, either. Huffing out a breath, he refused to worry about it now. This problem, better known as Donovan, couldn’t be solved in one night. He wanted to find Mattie and bury himself in her innocence. Maybe he’d finally get her behind the purple door and into a VIP room. Before he actually found Mattie, he’d have to talk to his chief of security. Adam needed to know he was letting Donovan stay. John found Adam in a shaded corner of the main room. He looked up at John and nodded then moved from his spot, meeting John halfway. Adams lifted his lips in a half-smirk. “I thought you’d be busy with the wallflower.” John slapped his friend across the arm. “Mattie has a very sensual side.” “Uh-huh. So I’ve heard.” John let the cryptic message pass. “The only reason Donovan got through the front door is because you let him through, so we’ll skip the small talk and you can explain to me later why you let him into my club. He can stay just until the event is over, and if he doesn’t leave on his own, put the bastard out.” “Yes, sir.” Adam touched two fingers to his forehead in salute. “One more thing…” John looked his friend in the eye, gauging Adam’s reaction to what he had to say. “I found Donovan in my office. I’m guessing you were a little too busy to notice, but if there is

ever a breach in security like that again, friend or no friend, you will be out of a job.” John noted that his head of security didn’t move a facial muscle. Adam simply cocked his head and nodded in understanding. The tense moment between them passed. Now that they had an understanding, John added, “And see if you can find my date.” “So we’re at the date stage, are we? That’s interesting.” Adam spoke into his mic. He covered his mouth when he received an answer. “Well, where is she?” John crossed his arms. Adam’s laughter couldn’t be contained behind his hand. “Sorry, you were right. Your missing lady appears to have a very sexy side. She’s in the Loyalty Lounge upstairs.” Adam’s body shook. His mirth was no longer containable. “You better get there fast. It seems a few men may already have her attention, and I don’t believe you’ll like one person in particular being around her.” “What the hell does that mean?” John took a menacing step toward Adam, then changed his mind about beating the man into a bloody pulp for all the stupid mistakes and hidden messages. Instead he charged in the direction of the lounge, muttering. “Sometimes you men are worse than women.” John walked through the open doors of the smaller anteroom. He spotted Mattie immediately on the dance floor, surrounded by four men. Her hands were above her head, swaying with the shift of bodies around her. She was in a hip lock with the men in front of and behind her. “Un-freaking-believable.” He’d created a monster. John headed for the dance floor, ready to carry her off and finish what they started in the bathroom. He walked around the edge of the dance floor past the latex boutique. A plastic-covered hand reached out and gripped his arm. John turned slowly and cocked a brow at a face and body engulfed in latex. Narrowing his eyes, John realized he was looking into the masked face of Tate, an employee. Tate wore a Club Lexx embossed body suit. The neon yellow letters painted across the forehead of the mask as well as various other body parts was attention- grabbing, or would be if Tate didn’t hover in the darkened corner. “Whoa, went a little overboard with the latex, didn’t you?” John leaned back to get a good look at Tate’s garb.

The black rubber-encased hand pulled a silver piece from his mouth. “Just pushing the product, boss.” Tate turned his head in the direction John was looking. “She’s a hot one. Walked on the floor about fifteen minutes ago and the men followed her like moths to flame.” John rumbled. “I see.” John decided Tate didn’t know when to shut up. “Oh yeah, she looks like a librarian but moves like a stripper. A personal wet dream of mine.” John couldn’t see the admiration on Tate’s face but he could hear it in his voice. He watched as the men around Mattie switched positions, rotating her. That’s when he saw Donovan. That SOB was one of the men rubbing up against her. The idea that those men would benefit from his hard work, and that bastard of a half-brother got to put his hands on her, pissed him off. Tate’s voice was lost on him as he marched to the dance floor, pushing past club patrons. Reaching through Mattie’s admirers, he slipped his fingers into the tight waistband of her slacks and tugged. *** Mattie danced backwards and hit a wall. At least, it felt like a wall. Thick, strong arms encircled her waist. A clean, woodsy scent enveloped her. Heat seeped into her from shoulder to back thigh. The body fused to hers moved slowly, swaying from side to side. The hands locked on her waist slid up the sides of her torso, resting right below the heavy orbs of her breasts. Mattie fleetingly thought of pulling away. That damn shoulder-lodging demon quickly discarded the idea, whispering in her ear what a good idea it would be to go prancing onto the small dance floor in the first place. She’d closed her eyes and let the beat flow over her, and before she knew it she was surrounded. Mattie figured what the hell and went with the flow. One particular man was extremely touchy-feely. Mattie was forced to constantly shift to keep his hands in decent places. Tender lips brushed the shell of her ear. “I should spank you.” The threat in John’s words rippled over her skin, cutting short her relief at being rescued from her entourage. The idea of his large calloused hand landing on her bum with the sting of skin-to-skin contact had liquid heat pooling in her pants. Mattie wasn’t sure how to respond and instead pushed her butt back against his hard-on.

Rubbing her hands along his arms, she continued to move to the music. His palms, shifting from her movements, stroked her sides, alternately slipping to the front of her body to dip low on her belly. John’s hands felt as if they were all over her body at once and she reveled in the sensation. Mattie was losing herself in a world of sensual delight. She turned in the loose embrace John’s arms created. Running her hands up the planes of his chest to rest on his broad shoulders, she’d finally come up with a quip to respond to his earlier statement. “What makes you think I’d let you spank me?” John looked down at her, his brow cocked and his cerulean blue eyes brightening. They contrasted sharply against his tanned skin, and the dark hair hanging around his face. His expression was unreadable. John tightened the circle of his arms, pulling her closer to him. He palmed her ass, patting it to the beat of the song. Mattie laid her head in the nook created where his shoulder met his neck. The thump of his heart resonated against her breasts. Sliding her arms further along his shoulders, Mattie locked her hand behind his neck. His chest rumbled as he spoke. “When I’m done, baby, you’ll be begging for a whipping only I can give you.” His palm came down harder on her butt cheek at the crescendo of the music. Mattie turned her face into his chest, moaning into the black shirt he now wore. He rubbed the spot he’d smacked, soothing the sting. Mattie closed her mouth, breathing in through her nose. She changed the subject. “Maybe you should be the one to be punished. You left me alone in a restaurant to go do who knows what.” What the hell? She sounded whiny. “There was business that needed my attention. I came back as quickly as I could.” He rested his cheek against the top of her head. “Hmm, okay. I mean, I found other things to keep me occupied.” Mattie bumped her forehead against his sternum. Now who was she channeling? “So I saw.” “I have to admit it was nice having all that attention.” Mattie didn’t know how to stop baiting the man. Reason voiced its opinion. Stop poking the bull before you get the horns.

John reached back and took one of her palms within his, pushing her hand down between their bodies over the smooth muscles of his abs. He stopped when her hand covered the bulge of his jeans. “You have of all my attention now.” Mattie felt his thick shaft thump against her palm. She would have to throw away her slacks after this adventure. The stains in her crotch would never come out. Her words slipped out before she could censor them. “I’m so wet for you.” She felt his smile against her temple. “That’s good to know.” Suddenly, John stiffened. Mattie lifted her head to see a man standing to the side of them. A cocky smile pulled across his face. It was the man with the wandering hands. His hair appeared black but unlike John’s, she could see brown highlights under the sweep of lights that crossed the room. Mattie looked between the two men. John was a picture of controlled anger, with his clenched jaw and narrowed eyes. She pulled back and further studied the stranger. She couldn’t help cringing at the look on John’s face when the stranger spoke. “I think you stole my dance partner.” He was almost John’s height. The stranger’s shoulders fell an inch, maybe two below John’s, and they weren’t as broad. Where John’s body was taut with muscles, this other man was softening where he’d once been muscular, and probably had what she suspected was the beginning of a paunch in his middle. Mattie raised an eyebrow at John. He glared at the man before speaking. “Mattie, this is my half-brother and ex-partner, Donovan.” He stepped in closer, crowding her. Caught between the two men, Mattie inched closer to John. She wouldn’t swear to it but she thought she heard John growl. Donovan’s smile widened. “It’s my pleasure to meet you, Mattie. I apologize for the way my brother manhandled you. You’re more than welcome to come to my table if you need to escape.” Mattie took a step away from Donovan. “That’s an interesting, umm, well…” She turned toward John. “Is there some sort of sibling rivalry I should know about?” The smile that broke across John’s face was priceless. Confusion marred his almost perfect features. “No, not at all.”

The glower on Donovan’s face was equally entertaining. “Perhaps, you’d like to experience a gentleman as opposed to a...” Donovan leaned in, brushing her shoulder and lowered his voice as if they were sharing a secret, “…Neanderthal.” Mattie smelled the alcohol, thick on Donovan’s rank breath. Felt the way he conveniently stumbled into her, brushing his hands and cock across her body under the guise of straightening himself. John moved laying an arm over her shoulders to place himself between them. Disappointment flooded her as she thought just maybe she was being played with. “Wow, this is new. Please don’t tell me you two play some sort of game off each other, hoping to share the prize.” Mattie looked at both men, and shook her head, walking a few feet away before adding, “I’m new to your…lifestyle, not stupid. I know exactly what things I’m ready to try. However, boys sharing me, isn’t one of them.” Mattie walked to the dance floor’s edge and turned, adding to her dramatic exit. “I’m not sure if I would mind men sharing what I have to offer, though. Too bad.” She shook her head at them and walked off. Mattie wasn’t sure what was going on, but she did not like the feeling of being a pawn in some man’s childish game. She made a beeline to the bar. She had a long list to drink her way through. The fantasy of sharing her bed and body with a gorgeous man almost became a reality. She’d have bypassed everything in her catalogue and skyrocketed right to the top of her “what to do before the world ends” file. Her silver-tongued pet demon she had chimed in, telling her the evening was still young. Club Lexx was full, with plenty of other hot men to choose from. It prodded her on, to pick another man. She may not be up for a ménage yet, but she could certainly rock the world of at least one man. Perhaps she should switch gears and focus on trying to meet Mr. Lexington to thank him. A little diversion from her world of forbidden pleasures was probably just what she needed. Mattie sauntered up to the bar and ordered a Climax, the first thing her eyes touched on when she reached her destination. It seemed appropriate to have one, given that it would possibly be the only one she got. The Erotic-Exotic Event was turning out to be a truly dismal affair. The bartender left two drinks before her. “Hey. I only ordered one.”

The bartender backed -up and lifted his chin. “Both are compliments of that guy. He paid for the one you requested and the drink he ordered for you. He also wanted me to add…” The bartender leaned over the bar, while she tilted forward, and whispered in Mattie’s ear. Her eyes widened.

Chapter Five John watched Mattie sashay away. His eyes followed her to the bar. She didn’t bother to look back. He briefly closed his eyes, dropping his head back to open them to the ceiling. One finger at a time, he slowly unclenched his fists. John rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck before turning his head toward Donovan’s smirking face. He took a menacing step in Donovan’s direction. The fleeting look of satisfaction on the jerk’s face chafed. Donovan backed up fast, but not fast enough. The throng of people on the dance floor hindered his escape. John caught him by his shirt, yanking him forward and swinging him around. John lifted his little brother by the back of his collar and marched him forward. “You must have lost your ever-loving mind.” John spoke quietly as they weaved between the people. Donovan flung his arms back, grabbing at John’s wrist as he was dragged along the hallway’s tile floor to the employee-only back entrances. “John, come on, it was a joke.” “You picked the wrong time to play with me.” John pushed Donovan’s face into the wall as he stabbed a finger on the down button for the service elevator. “Need some help?” John turned his head as Adam and a few of his security personnel prowled down the hallway. Ignoring Donovan’s howls of pain as he dragged his face along the exposed brick, John turned his body to respond to Adam’s question. “Nope, just taking out the trash.” A loud ding announced the elevator’s arrival. The floor bounced when John shoved his brother into the steel box, and pushed him onto the back of the cab. When the metal doors closed, John thought he heard the word “Epic,” followed by the raucous laughter of his employees. Absolutely perfect, John thought. He could imagine being the butt of several inside jokes. Donovan spun around, swearing at him while he held a hand against the abraded side of his face. “I hate you.” John cocked his head. “What else is new? I let you stay for the party. All you had to do was keep out of my way. No, your dumb ass had to try something. Cock-blocking me was not a smart move.

You’re lucky all you’re getting are a few scratches and a kick in the ass.” The bell rang announcing their arrival to the floor he’d selected. The door slid open soundlessly. John gripped his brother by the arm, and led him into the hallway. “One more chance. I’ll stay in the main club. You won’t even know I’m there.” Donovan’s voice took on a high pitch. “Please.” “No.” John had heard it all before. Donovan was a walking catastrophe, and tonight John did not feel like being the dutiful brother. Right then he did not feel like being responsible for his sibling. Let the little shit figure out how to take care of himself for once. At the service entrance, John keyed in the code to unlock the door. The flashing green button and the snick of the locks opening told John he could now put Donovan out of his club. John yanked Donovan across the threshold, as wind whipped loose papers and trash around the loading dock. Cool night air wrapped them in its dark cloak. Donovan turned on his brother. “You know, if the tables were turned I’d treat you better.” John shook his head. “Whatever you tell yourself to sleep better. The bottom line is you screwed up, and now you think I’m your personal bail bondsman. Grow up, Donovan… and take a word of advice. You might want to get that scratch checked, as I’d hate to see it scar.” Donovan screamed obscenities at John’s back as he walked back to the service door and fingered in the key code. The door opened and slammed shut, cutting off the sound of his brother damning him. Weary, John rested his shoulders against the cool metal door, rapping his head on the insulated glass insert over the dismal familial relationship with his brother. With most of his family, actually. He’d no idea what his dad was thinking, having several children by different women. John Lexington Senior gave a whole new meaning to “Papa was a rolling stone.” At least he only had to deal with one brother tonight. John straightened, shaking off his melancholy. He still had a light brown beauty wearing his shirt and no panties to get back to. He poked his hand in the front pocket of his jeans, fingering the torn satin. John decided his evening was looking infinitely better.

He took the stairs two at a time to the upper levels. The idea of seeing Mattie, beneath him or above him, spurred him on. The idea of having her before him on all fours, ass high, moved him that much faster. He reached the lounge in record time. Walking to the bar’s central vantage point, he searched the room for her familiar figure. Mattie was nowhere in sight. John left the club, making his way to The Strata restaurant. Mia stood at the podium, going over paperwork. A seductive smile broke her lips when she looked up. John strode to her. “Have you seen Mattie?” Mia’s smile was hastily replaced by a scowl. “Sorry, John, have you lost your pet?” “Mia, you seem to have misinterpreted my kindness for weakness. Allow me to clarify your position within Club Lexx.” Mia closed the leather binder, which contained the restaurant’s nightly receipts. Running her palms along the edge, she tilted her head up and faintly pursed her lips. “I’m open to any suggestions you have. After all, it’s my goal to be a model employee for The Lexington Corporation.” He didn’t like the way she met his eyes, or the way she challenged him. John placed his hands on the pedestal’s edge, falling forward to within inches of Mia’s face. “It’s actually very simple.” Mia took a deep breath. John saw a brief glimpse of hope in her eyes as she pushed her chest forward. Her blouse gaped open, the tiny pearl buttons straining to hold breasts that practically spilled over, out of their confinement. Her voice took on a breathless quality. Mia walked her fingertips across his chest from his open collar and rested her palms on his shoulders, giving them a brief squeeze. “You know, you could explain this to me at your apartment, just like old times.” John shook his head for a moment before pressing his cheek to the side of her face and pursed his lips close to her ear. “No need. Like I said, it’s easy. As good as you are at your job, with the amount of jobless people in today’s economy, you can be replaced. Tomorrow, if need be. Don’t forget who’s your boss again.” John pulled back in time to watch bright red creep up her neck. Before turning to go in search of Mattie, he took another look at Mia and added, “You’re a trusted employee. I’d hate to lose you.”

He turned away from, averting his eyes from the shocked expression on her face. What the hell was wrong with his people? John seriously wondered if it was the full moon or if there was something in the water. They were all acting like they called the shots and he was at their freaking beck and call. All he wanted to do was get Mattie behind the purple door and tap that ass in more ways than one. John headed to the surveillance room. It would take too long to find Mattie any other way. *** Mattie walked off with a total stranger. Granted, he was a good-looking stranger, and one that could give John a serious run for his money in as far as hotness was concerned. Still, she had to blame her new-found openness on the potent drinks and the figment of her wicked imagination, that silver-tongued devil attached to her shoulder. Henry led her to the third floor, opened for one night only as the Sinful Show Room. In the center of the floor sat a stage, surrounded by a red velvet curtain. Spotlights touched on the thick fabric at various spots and the recessed lighting in different areas of the room added to the carnal ambiance of the room. The furniture was arranged in small settings for intimate conversations. He chose a quiet corner away from the crowd still close enough to view the stage. Henry sat across from her after she claimed a seat. Drinks in hand, they stared at each other for a few minutes. He broke the stilted silence. “Is this your first time at the ball?” Mattie smiled. “Yeah, you’re the second person to ask me that. Is it so obvious?” “No, not so much, you just struck me as being a little out of depth and it looked like you needed a friend.” He pushed his round silver-framed glasses up his nose. Mattie scooted back in the deep lounge chair and stared at her companion. Henry’s closely cropped dark hair created deep waves across his scalp. He had smooth, coffee-colored skin and a cleanshaven face with the exception of a thin moustache and goatee. The man looked absolutely edible. Add in liquid brown eyes that looked a little large behind the glasses and he had a look of sexy innocence that made you want to lead him down a path of debauchery. The dark green linen suit hung neatly on his six-foot frame, and he filled it out well. Mattie glanced at his feet, unsurprised at his matching gators.

Henry would have been right up her alley if she hadn’t already met a tall, sexy man who wore work boots to a club and made more than one of her body parts sing. Henry touched her leg, his palm covering her knee. “So, tell me what brought you to the Erotic/Exotic affair?” Mattie took a sip of her drink. “I was looking for an adventure, among other things.” “Did you find it?” His hand lingered on her knee, drawing nondescript signs over her fabric-covered skin. Mattie crossed her legs, pulling out of his grasp. “Let’s just say it's been an interesting night thus far.” “I bet I could make your night a lot more stimulating.” “Really… and how would you do that?” Henry leaned back in his chair and sipped his drink. “I have a room in the VIP section. You do know about that area, don’t you?” Mattie nodded, a faint smile on her lips. “Behind the shiny purple door.” All chatter stopped in the room. The lights around the room dimmed while the spotlights brightened. The heavy velvet curtain opened with a swish as it swept across the floor. In the middle of the stage sat a huge king-sized bed, layered in red and black sheets, covered in pillows. Slow music started, the instrumental melody weaving a sensuous spell across the room. Mattie looked around the room: people stared at the stage, and anticipation hung thick in the air. Mattie turned her head and caught Henry’s gaze. He took a sip of his drink and tilted his head. Mattie opened her mouth to ask him a question when he reached out and placed a finger against her lips. “Shhh. Sit back and enjoy the show.” He turned to continue watching the show unfold. Mattie pulled away from his finger and turned her head to watch the stage. A woman wrapped in creamy white satin was being lowered from the ceiling. The closer to the bed she came, the more of her body was revealed as she was unraveled from the material. Her movements rocked the cloth, swinging to the beat of the music. The sway of her body trapped in the thin material created an erotic picture against the backdrop of red and black. There was a shuffle throughout the room. Mattie turned to check the entrances, and noticed men wearing absolutely nothing. She rubbed her eyes and looked again. Yes, those were two very naked

men approaching the stage. Their hard, muscular bodies glistened in the spotlights as they walked the few steps onto the stage. Mattie pressed her palms together, unsure what to do with her hands. She glanced around her once more. No one appeared to notice her, too riveted by the show progressing in front of them. A hand gripped her knee, slowly inching its way up her leg. The heat from the friction of the palm rubbing the thin fabric of her slacks seared a path forward. Mattie swallowed. Before her, on the stage, the woman had been caught between the men. Her body completely exposed, one held her in an embrace from behind, tweaking her nipples as he nibbled on her neck. The other man buried his face in her pussy, pushing her thighs far apart. The woman arched her back, her body lifting away from the man at her back. Her breast pushed against his hands as a keening mewl passed her lips. The man gripping her legs shifted his head, giving the spectators a clear view of her glistening pussy, and the woman bucked her hips while thrashing her head back and forth. The woman’s moans of ecstasy eclipsed even the sexy beat of the music. The hand on Mattie’s thigh came perilously close to her vagina. With a flick of a finger he would touch her nether lips. Mattie pressed her thighs together. The hand stopped. She looked up into the knowing eyes of Henry. His smile dazzled. Mattie turned away, then looked toward the stage. The men had switched places, and now the woman lie between them, writhing on the bed as one man lay beneath her suckling one breast and palming the aureole of the other while the other man entered her body from behind. His hands gripped her hips to keep her still as she tried to curve her body around the man beneath her. The sound of their skin-to-skin contact became a thunderous clap that grew louder with his every thrust. The man beneath changed positions, moving to kneel before the woman, his cock in hand. The man behind her caressed her ass, rimming her asshole with his index finger as she took the first man’s shaft into her fully into her mouth. Mattie’s nipples pearled, creating sharp points in her thin bra cup. Rubbing against the heavier fabric of the shirt she wore caused a tingling sensation, which shot through her entire body. She wiggled in her chair. Warm liquid pooled at the apex of Mattie’s thighs. Her eyes fastened to the twisting trio.

Low moans drifted from the stage. Fingers gently dug into her leg. Mattie closed her eyes, breathing deeply. A tongue traced the fingers of her tight fists she’d held locked in her lap. Her eyes flew open. Henry crouched before her. His mouth slowly encompassed a digit from her hand, while his eyes never left hers. Mattie felt a bead of sweat slide down the valley between her breasts. Her breathing was starting to come in short pants. She felt strong hands cover her shoulders, adding slight pressure. Then she felt a warm breath glide over her throat and soft lips against her cheek. “Hey, baby, I was wondering where you got off to.” John’s whiskey-smooth voice rode ruffshod over her raw nerves. Her body trembled with want desire. John looked down. “Henry, how are you? What brings you out of your V.I.P. cave?” Henry’s attitude changed with the blink of an eye. He hastily moved back to his seat. “Oh, you know, John… just checking out the scenery.” Henry didn’t waste time leaving as he rose from the chair and adjusted himself. “I’ll just be going now.” Mattie cocked her head at how fast the man moved. John’s straightened. The smile on his face exposed all his teeth. “That would be smart.” John moved to crouch in front of Mattie. “You are definitely in for a spanking, the way you keep disappearing.” Mattie was flippant. “Promises, promises. How the hell do you do that?” “Do what?” He peered up at her, eyes wide. Mattie took a sip of her drink. Her luck, it went down the wrong way, and she coughed up the milky alcoholic beverage. She cursed under her breath for breaking the image of cool seductress and covered her mouth with a napkin. “I have had one hell of a chaotic night, Mattie Bedlam, and I blame you.” John reached out, slipping an arm around her waist. He rose and tossed her over his shoulder, fireman-style. Her screech went unnoticed as the small group trio on the stage came to climax. John spun on his heel and headed for the exit. The flashing lights made her dizzy and the bouncing on his shoulder did not sit well with the drinks in her stomach. Mattie half-

heartedly beat her fist on his back. He finally set her down beside the entrance to the VIP section. Mattie wobbled on her heels, trying to get her balance. Squinting, because at some point she’d misplaced her glasses, she looked up into John’s cool eyes. “You’re not really going to spank me, are you?” John trailed his fingertips over her lips, down her throat and over the swell of her breast at the neckline of his shirt. “Baby, I plan to whip you real good.” He touched his lips to her forehead. “And when I’m done I promise you will beg me to do it again.” Then he stepped back, giving her space. “But the choice is and always will be yours.” Mattie hugged her body. She looked back and forth between the door and the man. He watched her, true to his word, leaving the decision up to her. She watched as he leaned a shoulder on the wall and crossed his ankles. Now, when she needed an opinion, the voices that had been prodding her on all night, abandoned her. She looked John in the eye, but he tilted his head. “Fine, alright all right. I’m ready to go to the VIP section.” Mattie’s stomach tightened. Her skin broke out in a fine sheen of sweat. John pulled himself straight. “Let me make one thing clear: behind that door, you’re mine. So I want to make sure you’re OK with this. I also want you to remember your safe word is whip.” Safe word... what the hell do I need a safe word for? Mattie searched her conscience. “Yeah, I’m good with that.” John walked up to Mattie and turned her toward the VIP section with a hand at the small of her back. They walked in the direction of the purple door. John reached over her, placed his hand on the knob, and turned it.

Chapter Six John wasn’t surprised to see Adam sitting on a stool by the entryway of the V.I.P area. He just shook his head at his friend and employee. Adam nodded, giving Mattie a once over. “Yep, and can I say it’s about time.” Then Adam checked his watch and spoke into his mouthpiece. “Let Tate know he won the playmate pool.” John raked a hand through his hair, guiding Mattie through the door and down the hallway. John stopped at the very last doorway at the end of the corridor. He keyed in his code and after the snick of the lock he pushed the door open. John waited as Mattie hesitated in the entry way and stood looking around the large room. A flurry of expressions crossed her face, ending with surprise. Her mouth formed an “o” as she stepped across the entrance to his sanctuary. John wiped a hand over his mouth to hide his smile as she brought her features under control and tried to appear impervious to his space. John tried to see his personal playroom through her eyes. At the center of the room sat a king- sized bed with no headboard or footboard, looking like a floating island of decadence draped in dark blue satin and covered in pillows. From the ceiling hung hooks, with thick black fabric, hung which he could lower to cocoon the bed. Against one wall, he’d set up a wet bar. Chains with leather cuffs were embedded in the wall and floor next to it. On the opposite wall was a rack with a variety of whips, collars, and clamps. He took her hand and pulled Mattie further into the room. He shut the door behind them with a soft thud. The thick carpeting absorbed the sound of their footsteps. John walked to the bar, opened the small refrigerator, pulled out two bottles of water, and offered Mattie one. She shook her head in refusal. He set it down on the bar for later and watched her as she perused the room. Lightly running her fingertips over the different items that made up his personal den of iniquity, she picked up a small battery-powered dildo. “What’s this?” “Do you want to find out?” He crossed the room to the small closet and removed his boots. Unbuttoning his shirt, he hung it on a hanger. Clad only in his white undershirt and black jeans, he cocked his head and watched Mattie.

She slipped her feet from her shoes where she stood. John shook his head and tilted his chin toward the cubbyhole. “No, baby. Your shoes go in there.” He needed to establish his dominance over her while in this room. She huffed, but she moved the heels. Mattie placed her shoes next to his and straightened. Standing before him, she lifted her hands to run them along the ridges of his chest. He felt her palms trailing along his skin, reveling in her soft touch. Sure, she could feel the quick thud of his heart beneath her palm. John lifted a hand, running his fingertips from her temple to her cheek. He wanted to make her this experience a mind-blowing one. It shocked him to realize he wanted her to come back to him after this night. John cupped her cheek and leaned down, pressing his lips to hers. Her response was immediate: she opened her mouth and wrapped her tongue around his. He pulled her up against his body and took deep long licks inside her mouth. He felt her hands slide over his shoulders to grip the back of his arms, her nails pressing into his skin. Placing minute kisses along her jaw, he nipped at her throat. As he sucked the sensitive skin below her ear, her head dropped to the side, giving him better access. John pulled back from the kiss, to see her reactions to his touch. His hands slid down her body to rest them on her hips. Her mouth swollen from his kisses, Mattie’s face was flushed, her skin damp. John started to unbutton her shirt. He pushed it off her shoulders to let it flutter to the floor. The sight of her creamy skin totally exposed to his perusal hardened his dick. It pushed painfully against his button fly jeans. Her black bra with the ivory lace lovingly cupped her breasts, holding them high. The thin material did nothing to hide her excitement, however, as tight nubs peeked above the demicups. His fingers trailed down her abdomen. Her stomach fluttered under his touch. He flicked the button on her slacks loose and slid the zipper down, revealing her body in increments. He pushed her pants down. They fell to the floor in a puddle at her feet. John pulled back further, taking his time to study the soft contours of her body. Her skin, flushed, was the color of brown sugar and her taste was just as sweet, making his mouth water for another turn at her nectar. Her legs looked strong as the muscles in her thighs and calves smoothed

and bunched when she moved from one foot to the other. His eyes briefly zeroed in on her Brazilian wax. “You’re beautiful.” John walked around her. Patience had never been his strong suit. His palms itched from his desire to possess her right then. “Pick up your clothes and hang them up in the closet.” John turned, walking toward his toy shelf. Staring at his collection, he decided on the flogger and grasped its braided leather handle. She did as he ordered before turning her head to look at him. He watched as her eyes widened when they landed on the black instrument he held loosely in his hand. He smiled as she gulped. John took his time stalking her, gently tapping the loose satin tassels against his thigh. She stayed still, giving him great satisfaction in her apparent trust in him. “Mattie, I want you to go and climb on the bed. The only parts of your body that I want to rest on the mattress are your hands and knees. If you understand what I want, from now on you’re to refer to me as Sir or Master. From this point on, if there is something you need or want from me you will need to ask permission. ” John watched intrigued as her mouth formed a grim line. “Does my request bother you?” She raised an eyebrow, meeting his eyes. “John, I’m willing to play…” She sauntered to the bed, making a show of gliding across the sheets. John felt his skin heat as she slowly arched her back like a cat, getting comfortable before settling into the position he asked her to assume. Mattie twisted her head to look over her shoulder. “…But I will call no man Master… Sir.” John walked over to her and gently rubbed a hand over a butt cheek. Her head dropped, her high ponytail falling forward to cover her face. He caressed one cheek, then the other, sliding his index finger along the crack of her ass. He watched as she flexed her back, trying to escape his touch, moaning into the sheets. “Fair enough, Mattie.” John took his position behind her. John laid the interwoven silken strands against her back and dragged them across her skin. When he reached the small of her back he flogged her again, each stroke harder than the last. Getting her accustomed to the gentle bite of his flogger was easier than he’d have thought. He dangled the ends of the loose threads over her buttcheeks. She wiggled her hips, making her ass bob. The sway of her

cheeks enticed him. As he did with her back he started slowly brushing the individual strips over her sensitive skin. Her color deepened with every stroke of his hand, as he continued whisking the flogger across her buttocks. Her guttural moans became his motivation. John bent to kiss a deep red welt. He gripped her hips when she pushed back against his mouth, his fingers pressed into her skin as a reminder of who was in charge. She stopped and raised her head to look over her shoulder. He met her eyes and saw banked desire. “Please stop teasing, sir.” He gave her another lash with the whip. Multiple strands of satin splayed across her skin. “Did I give you permission to speak?” The crack of another lash sounded throughout the room. John pushed her legs apart with the handle of the whip. Slipping a finger into the well of her vagina, John probed as Mattie rocked her hips, riding the digit. He pulled his wet finger back and stuck it into his mouth. He removed his finger with a pop. “You’re so wet for me, and heaven knows you taste phenomenal. You could easily become an addiction.” “Touch me again… please.” Mattie wiggled her hips. “Baby, you don’t talk unless I ask you a direct question. Now I have to punish you.” John moved from his position behind Mattie and walked to his toy shelf. He picked up a black leather contraption used for a strap-on dildo. Instead, he placed the little vibrator she fingered earlier inside the small pocket and flipped the tiny switch. He took the few steps back to the bed and touched her ankle. When she looked back at him, he held up the vibrating straps. “Put these on, sexy, and pleasure me.” *** Slowly she turned to face him, and crawled toward him, eyeing the jumble of thick straps that shook in John’s hand. She felt the moisture, which had seeped from her slit during her spanking coat her inner thigh as she held them clamped tightly together when she stopped in front of him. Mattie rose up on her knees. She plucked the straps device from his fingers and sat back on her legs trying to figure out exactly how to put the contraption on. She heard John clear his throat. “Swing your legs around, baby.” He held out a hand to help her place her legs over the edge of the bed.

Mattie eased her legs from under her and scooted to the edge of the bed. His light- skinned hands, such a sharp contrast against her darker skin, eased the device up her legs. She watched enthralled at how he knew which strap went where. When he got to her knees he told her to stand. He pulled the apparatus over her hips. The thick leather straps felt heavy on her body, and the metal buckles, that held them together, cool on her skin. When the last belt was fastened, the little vibrator nestled in a pouch, rested just between her nether lips. The slightest movement would result in direct contact of her clitoris with the mini-massager. Mattie shivered when the small vibrator touched her clit. The vibrations intensified when she pressed her thighs together. She quickly relaxed her muscles in an effort to ease the constant barrage of pulsations rippling through her vagina. It took great effort to look up at John, and she saw him at the side of the bed removing his clothes. The play of his muscles on his arms and back as he removed each item made her mouth water. Mattie moved to walk toward him and hastily stopped her steps, faltering. The little rabbit had shifted and was rapidly bringing her to release with its relentless juddering. Her limbs shook with her effort to control her body’s reaction to the onslaught of sensations. Mattie bent, placing her hands on her knees, and raised her head. She saw the half smile on his face as he climbed onto the bed turning to rest against the pillows. With a slow hand she watched as he folded a hand around his penis and slowly rubbed his shaft. His erection bobbed against his palm when a low moan escaped her lips. “Come to me, sweetness.” He placed the arm behind the back of his head, waiting for her. Mattie rose and placed a knee on the mattress, vibrations shooting through her body. She stopped, taking deep breathes to steady herself. Every move she made pushed the vibrator against the most intimate parts of her body. Mattie swallowed a moan when she reached him. Her body was covered in a fine sheen of sweat. Her hands gripped John’s thighs, the coarse hairs on his skin tickling her palm, as tremors pulsed at her core, and rolled over her body. Mattie panted while she shook from her release. John placed a hand at the back of her head and leaned forward. He slid his tongue over her collarbone, down her heaving chest, and kissed the swell of her breasts.

She felt the rough pad of his thumb slide over her cheek and looked up to see an Arctic storm swirling in his icy blue irises. He graced her with the dual dimples in his cheeks as a smile broke on his face. Caught up in the multitude of sensations he introduced her to, she felt his fingertips trail down her body, . They left a trail of goosebumps in their wake. John pressed his fingers against the crotch of the apparatus attached to her body. Mattie’s head dropped against his shoulder as color exploded behind her eyelids. Her orgasm ripped from her core and rode through her body like to the pounding hooves of a thousand horses. Her body shook from their thunderous onslaught. Mattie cried out against John’s shoulder and strong arms held her as the tiny tremors continued to course over her delicate nerves. Mattie dragged her mouth down his shoulder and across his chest to close over his tight nipple. John lurched under her inept attention. Tugging on the bud with her teeth, she laved his quartersized aureole. She trailed her palm down his tight abdomen to stop briefly at the dark crop of hair at the base of his cock. Pressing down, she enjoyed the tactile sensation of the strands scrubbing her palm. She circled his shaft with her fingers and with a twist of the wrist, slid her hand up and down the length of his cock. Dropping kisses along his chest, as she sank to her knees. Mattie paid special attention to his stomach, and circled his belly button with her tongue. She moved lower, thrusting her tongue out to curl it around the base of his shaft and ran her tongue along the length of his cock in tandem with her hand. Mattie inadvertently pressed her legs together and a spasm sizzled along her nerves. She moved her body, rocking from the constant bombardment of vibrations the vibrator gave her. Mattie licked the tiny drop of fluid seeping from the slit in his crown of his shaft. She opened her mouth to suck his dick into its warm, wet depths. Holding his cock tightly at the base she took as much of his lance into her mouth as she could, sliding the underside of his penis over the flattened length of her tongue. He’d tangled his fist within her ponytail as he thrust his hips forward, pushing his cock-head against the back of her throat. Pulling her fingers away from his cock, Mattie slid her hand lower to cup his balls. She massaged them, smiling around his cock when she heard his grunt of satisfaction. Motivated, she continued her

exploration. She slid her fingers lower to caress the sensitive skin between his balls and his anus. She gently pressed his flesh. John gripped her arms and pulled her away from his body. Mattie sat back on her legs shuddering, as another orgasm rolled over her. Changing to all fours, Mattie gasped from the force of the tremors racking her body. John sank down in front of her and ran his hands over her damp skin, placing kisses at random places on her body. “I think you’ve been punished enough, baby.” He unbuckled the harness and eased the wet device away from her pussy. She dropped her head against the mattress, rubbing her face against the cool satin sheets. After a few moments, John eased behind her, grasping her hips with his hands. Her hair covered her face, tendrils sticking to her damp face and shoulders. Mattie felt his cock pressed up against the opening of her pussy as he covered her back with his body. “Protection, sir?” Brushing his lips against her ear, he answered her simple question and slid his hands up and down her thighs. “Yes.” Mattie felt him thrust his cock into her sheath, filling her completely. He paused for a minute allowing her to get used to his girth. She rose up on her elbows, looked over her shoulder, and winked at him. “I’m waiting … Sir.” John pulled out almost completely before thrusting balls-deep into her channel. Mattie rocked back against him to meet every stroke, taking him deeper inside her. The sense of fullness gave her the most intense pleasure she’d ever experienced. Mattie screamed out. “More…faster… now.” John needed no further encouragement:; his thrusts became short and frenzied. Mattie tightened the muscles in her vagina. Her body quaked from the explosive orgasm and she lost the feeling in her limbs. John came with a roar of unintelligible words. His hair brushed her body as he collapsed against her back, and they both fell onto the mattress. She turned her head away from the rumpled sheets, needing to breathe. John rolled off her back, grabbing her by the waist to pull her against his side. Mattie thought about getting up, but instead she nestled into his side, and pulled her arms under her. She turned her head to watch John. His features were still sharp even in a relaxed sleep. The

baritone in his voice made her jump. “Get some sleep, sweetness, you actually wore me out. For now.” Mattie smiled as she let sleep claim her. She wasn’t sure how long they slept. At some point she’d curved herself around his body and he’d held her ponytail so tight she couldn’t turn her head. She raised her hand carefully, sore from all the bedroom gymnastics, to pry his fingers loose. Mattie shifted to slide from the bed. “Where are you going?” Mattie froze and turned to face the bed. He was pulling himself up to rest on his elbows as he spoke. “I was hoping you had a bathroom in here so I can could clean up a bit. Or do I need permission to do that too?” Mattie pursed her lips to hide the smile. “No, smartass, you don’t need permission for that.” John pointed to a sliding pocket door just beyond the closet. Mattie moved carefully to the door, surprised when she opened it. The bathroom was large and beautiful. The sunken tub had a wide variety of soaps, bath salts, oils and lotions on a ledge beside it. She walked to the wide sink and looked for a way to turn on the water. Mattie looked all around for the damn knob before she noticed the tiny red light under the faucet. Mattie passed her hand over the light and the water gushed out. She threw water on her face, reaching out for the thick towel in the basket next to the sink. She straightened and searched her surroundings for a shower. Wrapping one towel around her she wiped her face with the other and stared at her reflection in the mirror. Well, you just got your toes curled. Now what? She glanced down at her shoulder. Hello, Mr. Demon… where the hell is all that advice now that the deed is done?. Mattie finished wiping her face and squared her shoulders. She’d hung out in John’s bathroom long enough. Get it together, girl. You wanted an adventure and you got your wish plus some. On to plan B, go find Mr. Lexington, thank him, and get the hell out of Dodge before acting like some groupie because the man made you see rainbows and unicorns. Mattie nodded to herself in the mirror before she left the bathroom. She stared from the doorway at the picture John made. His hair splayed out around him, those beautiful blue eyes closed. His powerful arms stretched out across the bed, the sheets tangled around him hiding his body from mid-belly to mid-thigh. One leg hung off

the bed while the other was bent tenting the sheet. Mattie was committing his image to memory. She moved to pick up her ruined clothes. “Leave them. I’ll buy you new clothes to replace those.” She looked up to meet his stare. Her heart beat a tattoo in her chest. “Well, we certainly won’t be going shopping right now, and I need to put on something in order to leave this room.” The idea of leaving him made her mouth dry and her chest hurt. “Why are you leaving?” He tilted his head and raised a brow. “I still have something I have to do and I assume we’re finished here.” “Wow, that’s cold. You know what they say about assumptions?” He waited for a response and when she didn’t answer he continued. “You make an ass of yourself for guessing instead of asking.” He narrowed his eyes. “Exactly what else do you have to do?” Mattie stood in the middle of the floor, confused. “I thought it was what you wanted.” He chuckled and shook his head. “Baby, I have no problem telling someone what or how I feel. I’m a simple man. What I say is usually how things go.” “You’re also an arrogant man, and I still need to take care of some unfinished business.” Mattie watched as he shifted in the bed and swung his legs over the side. He rose and walked to Mattie, taking the clothes from her hands and tossing the items across the room. “Tell me what else you need to do?” Mattie placed a hand against his chest. “I need to find Mr. Lexington.” “Why?” His eyes narrowed. “You’re going to think it’s silly.” “I can’t until you tell me.” He placed fingers under her chin. “What exactly do you need with Lexington?” Mattie huffed out a breath. “I wanted to thank him for choosing my non-profit organization for this year’s charity.” John’s laugh was hearty, tugging her close. “That’s where I know you from. Your picture is on the back of the organization’s pamphlet.”

Mattie eyes narrowed to slits and she shook her head. She pushed a palm against his shoulder as realization dawned on her. “Oh, damn. You’re J.W. Lexington… John W. Lexington?” “In the flesh. Now come back to bed so you can thank me properly.” “And…?” “And later we’ll have breakfast, brunch or maybe dinner. Depends on what time we finish playing. Then I believe I owe you a new wardrobe.” Mattie allowed herself to be tugged back to bed. Leaving her to lie there, John rose from the mattress and went to his toy shelf. She watched as he fingered different whips, finally settling on a black contraption with feathers on one side and long braided leather strap on the other. He turned around and cracked the whip, making her jump. Mattie smiled as he came to stand next to the bed. “Turn around and get on all fours for me, Mattie.” Mattie whimpered in anticipation, rocking on her hands and knees. She looked back over her shoulder, taking in the sight of his hand gripped tightly around the handle of the lash and whispered. “Don’t forget your promise.” The End

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