I’d admitted to myself that I wanted Lark as uncomfortable as possible, at least initially. Her hatred of the lifestyle was evident in every word mentioned, every facial expression. Seeing her in the costume had driven my thinking process to an entirely different level. She was born to be submissive. I was certain of it.

  “I look ridiculous,” Lark hissed through clenched teeth.

  “You look stunning,” I told her in response as I purposely walked us through the Blackout Club, gloating the entire time. Several of my employees seemed surprised given how long it had been since any of them had seen me with a woman on my arm.

  She ran her finger under the collar, throwing me a hateful gaze. “What’s the purpose of… this… thing?”

  I pulled her to the side, flicking my finger across the small lock. If she were really mine, she’d have a collar of leather and diamonds. “This collar is an indication that you are owned. That you belong to me. It’s a symbol of our relationship.”

  “We don’t have a relationship. We are nothing but partners in saving animals.”

  I laughed, her spitefulness part of the reason I was beginning to adore her more than I should. “For five additional days, yes, we do and you’re going to respect that you’re my possession.”

  I didn’t need to look at her face to know she was rolling her eyes. The woman had a lot to learn.

  “You say that so callously,” she muttered, struggling with yanking the short skirt further down on her legs.

  When I cupped and lifted her chin, she dragged her tongue across her lips. I so coveted the fire in her eyes, the spirit that I hoped would never be broken. “Now I said the words with reverence. I don’t take your submission lightly.”

  “Who said I’m submitting to you?”

  “Your reaction to my commands.”

  Her mind was processing a retort, but she couldn’t seem to think of a viable objection. “Five days. No longer.”

  “Let’s get you a glass of wine.” I couldn’t hide the amusement in my tone as I led her toward one of the bars. Within seconds, the bartender stood in front of us.

  “Your usual, Mr. McKenzie?” he asked, giving my lovely companion a genuine smile.

  She remained tense, chewing on her bottom lip.

  “That would be perfect, Charlie. Open a bottle of the Screaming Eagle Cabernet and set it aside.”

  “Yes, sir.” As Charlie quickly retreated to fill our order, she glanced up at me with scrutiny in her eyes.

  “That’s forty-five hundred dollars a bottle. Are you trying to impress me?”

  “You know your wines and would it bother you so much if I was?”

  Her brow furrowed, her mouth twisting as she thought about the question. “Yes and no. Why? You already own me for a week. You’ve made that perfectly clear a half dozen times.”

  I lowered my head, nuzzling against her neck as I whispered my answer. “Perhaps I want much more.” As I backed away, her eyes were glistening more than before.

  Instead of retorting, she swallowed and purposely glanced toward the crowd. Then she shuddered, trying to shift her position.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “An attorney from my office is here and oh, God, no. He’s seen me.”

  I wrapped my fingers around her arm, keeping her in place. “We’re in a dance club frequented by thousands of people a month. Given the popularity, that’s not unusual.”

  “You’re not dressed like a whore.”

  I spun her around quickly, cupping her face. “Let’s get this straight, Lark. Submitting to someone you trust and care for doesn’t make you a whore by anyone’s standards. Owning a submissive is a gift and one not to be taken lightly. An honor. I am honored to have you here with me. Do you understand?”

  For a few precious seconds, it seemed like she did, her expression softening as she nodded.

  I tightened my grip, cocking my head slightly. “I need to hear you say it.”

  “Yes… sir. Thank you.”

  As I softened my hold, brushing my fingers across her cheek, she trembled from my touch. I’d never wanted her more than I did at this moment.

  “Lark. I’m surprised to see you here,” the man said from beside us. “You look entirely different.” His laugh was far too predatorial. My hackles were raised, the possessiveness burning through the surface.

  I’d seen him inside the club several times, although I couldn’t place him as being a member. I only remembered those who required my interference for some infraction or disturbance, with a few exceptions. He certainly wasn’t a power player.

  She took a deep breath, the smile on her face as plastic as the one I’d seen at the auction. “Jeff. I’m surprised to see you as well.” Our drinks had arrived, and she grabbed the glass of wine, looking him directly in the eyes. Her rebellious side was in full force. “Jeff Carter, this is Lachlan McKenzie.”

  “Yes, I know all about who he is. Good to meet you, Lachlan. I’ve been a fan of yours for years. She’s a fabulous catch. Isn’t she?” He grinned and took a sip of his drink, glancing around the room. “Blackout is a very popular club. I enjoy the music.” When he returned his gaze, he allowed his eyes to fall toward her stilettos then shifted to me for a few seconds. “I’m curious,” he quipped. “What brings you here?”

  “Certainly, you heard about the auction,” she commented in passing.

  As he rubbed his jaw, I had an instant dislike of him as I would any man who attempted to lord something over a woman he believed beneath him. “That’s right. Aren’t you lucky to be bought by one of the most powerful men in town.” His dislike of me was easy to spot, although I couldn’t care less about what anyone in DC thought about me or my club.

  “All for a very good cause,” I piped in. When he inched closer, his expression turning to one of hunger, I slipped my arm around her protectively. If the man dared to fuck with her, he’d learn how I personally handled infractions. “As far as being a catch. You would be right on that regard. I value the company of highly intelligent, beautiful women.”

  “Yes, I’ve heard you do,” Jeff retorted.

  What the hell was the asshole getting at? Now wasn’t the time to grill him as I usually would, if for no other reason than Lark didn’t need the additional stress.

  At least she pressed her back against my chest, accepting my gesture.

  After a few seconds, he shifted his attention to something else. “Incidentally. Thank you for handing over the case. I’m looking forward to gaining national attention.”

  “Good luck with it, Jeff. I’m certain you’ll do well.” Her remark was laced with her usual anger.

  “Good to meet you, Lachlan. I’ve enjoyed spending time in your club and plan on continuing to do so. See you around, Lark. Enjoy your week of… caring for the animals.” Jeff laughed as he walked away, and she immediately bristled.

  “Why are all men such animals?”

  I laughed. “Because they can be. It’s in our nature to be primal. Hunters and gatherers?”

  “That’s why women should rule the world.”

  “I agree with you. Another case you’re working on?”

  She didn’t answer me at first, narrowing her eyes as she walked away. “One I shouldn’t have been assigned in the first place.” The fact she remained annoyed with the man didn’t surprise me, but I sensed a hint of nervousness remaining.

  “Come. You wanted to see if I worked for a living. Why don’t you meet my two partners?”

  That seemed to surprise her. “I’d like that. Perhaps I’ll learn more about what makes you tick.”

  “That could take several years,” I teased, guiding her toward the locked door leading to the bowels of Carnal Sins. As soon as I led her through the door, I glanced over my shoulder, noticing Jeff was still watching us. His abject sense of superiority grated my nerves.

  When she started to walk away from me, I wrapped my hand around the back of her long neck, keeping her close. She shivered from my touch, the softness of her delicate skin a scintillating contrast to the rough pads of my fingers. Maybe it was wrong of me to enjoy parading her in front of hungry, powerful men, but the desire to gloat in a sea of expectant wolves was an unexpected pleasure.

  I led her up the stairs, moving through the main sequestered bar. Both Grant and Jameson were entertaining Philip Dumas, the Frenchman celebrating his signed contract.

  If she noticed there wasn’t a single man who wasn’t interested in her presence, her body language didn’t reflect it.

  Jameson noticed us first, lifting his head in recognition, a sly smile crossing his face. “Our illustrious CEO had decided to join us,” he said, giving Lark a onceover.

  “Welcome,” Grant murmured, lifting his glass. “The beautiful woman from the auction.”

  “Lark Winston,” she said before I had the opportunity to introduce her.

  Philip immediately rose to his feet where my partners remained in their chairs. As the Frenchman took her hand, bringing it to his lips, a fleeting moment of jealousy slammed into my system. I’d yet to determine whether I could trust Dumas, even though every deep dive into his personal life hadn’t offered a single indication that he was anything other than the accolades featured on his lengthy resume.

  “When a woman of such exquisite caliber surrenders both her body and soul to a man such as Lachlan, it must be considered a gift from the heavens above.” Philip was stretching himself, yet I’d gotten used to the same kind of arrogance Lark had accused me of.

  Lark’s reaction didn’t surprise me, her disdain toward dominating men the armor she enshrouded herself in to keep from facing the truth buried deep inside.

  “That’s what I’ve been told, but I won’t be finding out,” she answered, both Jameson and Grant tossing me amused looks. Oddly, she shifted her body so she could see my reaction, tilting her lovely head to do so.

  “My guest for the week doesn’t believe that Carnal Sins is a true business.”

  “I didn’t say that exactly,” she corrected. “I just don’t understand the significance or the need for such a club.”

  “Ah,” the three men said at the same time.

  “Jameson, I thought you could provide a brief history of our creation. It might be beneficial for Mr. Dumas as well, if he hasn’t already heard about our illustrious careers ad nauseam.” While I provided the recommendation, I studied the men in the room. I’d heard a recent report on the girl’s murder as well as a report of another woman who worked at a sex club, as they’d called it. Although no details had been provided whatsoever, the reporter had alluded to the BDSM scene, his reaction much like Lark’s had been initially. The press was touting the murder as a sex crime when I knew otherwise. Perhaps it was because of misused instinct, but it was my belief that the person responsible for taking the young woman’s life had used the lifestyle as a cover.

  Did that make it impossible that Davidson or another member wasn’t the killer? Of course not. But I’d bet my right testicle that it was a convenient shadow for his otherwise monstrous nature.

  My gut also told me the police would be pounding on my door a second time, demanding information as well as insisting I turn over a membership roster.

  That wasn’t going to happen.

  “Details are a part of my world, Lachlan. I would enjoy hearing the story for a second time.” Dumas was genuinely eager, pulling out the fourth chair for Lark.

  She accepted only after obtaining my approval. Another nice surprise. However, she’d also been searching my eyes to see my reaction.

  “I’m the one who’s heard Jameson’s account of our adventure to nauseum,” Grant said as he rose from his chair. He grinned until he turned toward me. Together, we headed to a quiet place in the bar away from everyone else. “Did you hear the news about the girl?”

  “I’m certain everyone in Washington did,” I answered.

  “Did you happen to hear the girl’s name?” He lifted his eyebrows.

  “That I didn’t hear.”

  He sighed and glanced around him, eyeing the closest members. “Ashley Neeples. Does the name ring a bell?”

  He made the question sound like I already had the answer. Suddenly, it dawned on me. “Senator Jarvis Neeples’ daughter?”

  “You got it. What do you want to bet that members of Congress are listening to Senator Bastard Winston about the demise of America morality given sex clubs such as ours?”

  I gritted my teeth, shifting my full attention to Lark. If Ashley turned up dead, there wouldn’t be a newspaper or television station in the freaking country who wouldn’t connect the dots. “Fuck.”

  “That’s what I thought you’d say, which brings me to my second question. Any news on the case?” While the man tried to be casual with the question, I could tell he remained concerned.

  “I’m certain I’d be the last to know.”

  He casually glanced in Lark’s direction. “She hasn’t mentioned it.”

  “It’s not like we’ve been having lengthy discussions.” I chuckled as I studied her. She seemed fascinated at Jameson’s rendition of how Carnal Sins came to be. I only hoped he wasn’t embellishing as he usually did.

  “All’s fair in love and war. You’re a dog. You know that, right?”

  I lifted my glass in a private toast. “She is mine for the week.” When he shook his head, I gave him a harsh glare. “What?”

  “You do like her.”

  Sighing, I leaned against the wall. “I do.”

  “Aside from the fact she might be the target of a serial killer at any time. Any nightmares?”

  “None so far. Just thoughts. And let’s not jump to conclusions. The girl could turn up.”

  “Whatever you say. If it’s any consolation, Lark isn’t a wallflower. My guess is she can handle whatever is tossed in her direction.”

  Not a serial killer. If the bastard as much as tried to hurt her, I’d have no issue handling justice myself. “Yeah. I hope you’re right.”

  Grant narrowed his eyes. “You’re worried about what I told you, aren’t you?”

  “Even before that. Call it a damning sixth sense. I’m worried about her handling the case.” Now I wanted to demand that she walk away.

  “You think Davidson is guilty.”

  “Not necessarily, but with her name being plastered all over the place given the auction, it won’t take long before the killer’s attention is drawn, especially given her father’s stance on sex and crime.”

  He seemed as concerned as I was. “Then back away from her or make certain she’s not handling the case. You have enough influence over Trent Abbot. Use that black book of yours.”

  “If I do either one, she’ll walk away from me entirely. For some crazy reason, I feel like I’m in a time warp, losing the control I’ve gained.”

  “With her or with your past?”

  “Hell, I don’t know. Maybe both.”

  My buddy wasn’t the warmest person in the world, preferring numbers to people, so the minute he patted me on the shoulder, I sucked in my breath.

  “She’s intelligent. She’s beautiful. And it’s easy to see how much you like her. I was the one who encouraged you to enjoy your life again before it was too late, but you jumped into the freaking fire. I just hope this time you don’t suffer more than first-degree burns. If she continues working that case, I can guarantee you that what happened to Morgan will come up.”

  “Acknowledged.”

  When Lark laughed, we both glanced toward the table. While I wasn’t certain whether Jameson or Philip was the reason, I didn’t like it. My jaw clenched automatically, a thick haze forming across my eyes. I barely knew the woman, yet I felt possessive about her.

  Just like I’d been with Morgan.

  A few seconds later, Lark pushed back her chair, leaning over the table before heading in my direction.

  “I think I’ll leave you to enjoy your interesting evening. Shibari or perhaps the cross?”

  “She’s a newbie,” I said, forcing the grin on my face.

  “Cross it is. I’m jealous.” He winked before walking away.

  As Lark approached, her eyes twinkled, the low voltage lighting shimmering across her long strands of hair as well as the ceremonial lock on the collar. She noticed my gaze had drifted, wrapping her long fingers around the decoration. Tension sparked between us when passion wasn’t allowed, yet the firecracker of energy remained exposed.

  To hell with my concerns. Maybe she’d come into my life for a reason.

  “The story is amazing. What the three of you have done truly inspiring.”

  “Inspiring?” I had the distinct feeling Jameson had sugarcoated the story, which I’d caught him doing before.

  “Yes. Taking all your hard-earned trust fund money, and the power and influence offered by your families to lock in low-interest rates for loans and parlay it into an empire of sin.” At least I could tell by the twinkle in her eyes that she was teasing.

  “Hmmm… At least you heard the gospel spoken by the talented man who designed the joints.”

  “I wouldn’t call them joints given their substantial price tags.” She laughed as her expression softened. “Your partners seem very nice. I really like Jameson. He’s down to earth and worships the ground you walk on.”

  Huffing, I shook my head. No one had ever said anything like that to me before. “Why would he?”

  “I asked him the same thing. He said because of your history, your determination to create a powerful regime without sacrificing your humanity.”

  Chuckling, I threw him a look. Jameson knew she’d tell me what he’d said. “I didn’t sacrifice it, Lark. I never had it. That wasn’t a family trait.”

  “That’s part of your history.”

  “And what history is that?”

  “A controlling father, an absentee mother. Sent away to school, unwanted. I must admit I admire your tenacity. However,” she said, giving me a mischievous look. “That doesn’t mean I’ll submit to you forever.”