“I’m not doing anything of the kind.” She hated lying. Danger? She heard the glitch in his voice. He was worried about her. “Okay, I have some information I think you need to know. I don’t know if it’s anything, but-”

  “Go ahead,” he interrupted.

  She yanked a red velvet top from her closet as she tried to figure out what and more importantly how to tell him about the previous Dom. “Hold on. Okay? I had a date last night and I have a bad feeling about the man.”

  “A date. Right. Someone you met on KissMe.com perhaps? Or better yet, one of your patients?”

  “No. Someone…else.” Now she rolled her eyes. What had she been thinking by calling him.

  “You mean someone that Mistress Jade fixed you up with?”

  “No. I mean, it’s not like that.”

  Montana exhaled in an exaggerated fashion. “Where are you? We need to meet and I mean right now.”

  “I can’t. I have a date.”

  Detective Givens hesitated. “Same guy?”

  “No. I won’t see him again.”

  “Christ, Destiny. Stop lying to me. Please tell me you’re not returning to the house.”

  “No! No.” Why was she so jittery? “I’m going to have a drink with a friend. That’s it. Nothing nefarious. Last night was something else. I took a chance.”

  “A chance? Christ, lady. You don’t understand the seriousness of the situation.”

  Clink… Tap…

  Sucking in her breath, she turned in a full circle. “I…” On edge, she walked toward her bedroom window. She was sick to death of being edgy.

  “Yes?”

  “I just can’t talk…right now.”

  Pop…

  There was someone in the alley. She’d bet on it. Fingering the blind, she flipped a blade and peered into the darkness. There was no boogeyman coming for her. Michael had all but disappeared.

  “Is everything all right?” Detective Givens asked, a question in his voice.

  “Fine. Just fine.” Unable to detect anything, she eased against the back wall and let out a slow breath. Now she was terrified of her shadow and everything around her.

  “Dr. Blade, call me after your date. I’m serious here.”

  “I don’t know how long I’ll be.” She thought about the night before. Was she crazy to think someone else might have been in the house? The noises she heard now seemed muddled in her mind. The man might have had a dog in the other room for all she knew.

  “If you have information, then I need to hear what you have to say.”

  Destiny groaned. “I might just be making something out of nothing.”

  “I’m not playing games, Dr. Blade. Call me when you’re finished with this date and I’ll meet you. If you’d like, I’ll have a squad car pick you up from your said date.”

  “Not necessary, detective.” While he was goading her, she wouldn’t put the concept past the detective. “I’ll call you.”

  “You do that.”

  “Fine.” As suspected, he’d ended the call. She clicked off and held the phone to her forehead. “Damn it. Damn it.”

  Clink!

  Destiny jumped. She took another quick look just as what sounded like a metal trash can was tossed to the side. In the next seconds the screeching sound was easily recognizable. She exhaled and laughed, wiping perspiration from her forehead. She better get going.

  “Damn cats.”

  As she drove, she couldn’t shake the terrible feeling sweeping through her. Every few seconds, she glanced into the rearview mirror, terrified at what she’d see.

  The street in front of the Café was crowded but Destiny managed to find a spot in the small parking lot behind the festive wine bar. She grabbed her purse and walked around the side to the entrance, standing and glancing through the front windows for a full minute. There was no one she recognized hovering in the darkness, ready to tie her to a cross.

  The joke settled her nerves and she plastered on a smile as she walked inside. Elbow to elbow, she scanned what she could see of the perimeter. There was no man sitting alone in wait. She realized she wasn’t certain what he looked like, but her instinct told her he’d seek her out. Did she hope this Dom was the man she’d met at the club? Perhaps. The moment her nipples scraped against the thin lace of her bra, she sucked in her breath. She was more than attracted to the stunning man with piercing blue eyes.

  She walked toward the mahogany bar, pushing past the pretty people, all dressed as if they’d just come from work. Jeans. Why in the hell had he wanted her in jeans? Sighing, she looked up at the oversized chalkboard, trying to determine the perfect type of wine for meeting a stranger and a Dom. She bit her lower lip to keep from laughing and tried her best to patiently wait her turn.

  Crammed into a barstool, she finally managed to flag down one of the three bartenders.

  “What will you have?” The young man barely looked into direction then glanced up, his eyes open wide as if seeing a ghost.

  “We’ll have a bottle of the 2011 Opus One Napa Valley Red and please have that brought to a table on the roof patio.” His voice was husky, laced with a seductive tone.

  The bartender blinked then craned his neck. “The 2011 Opus. Are you certain?”

  He tapped on the bar, tilted his head and narrowed his eyes. “Absolutely.”

  She swallowed hard, sensing his presence. A sultry blend of spices wafted across her nose and she dared not blink or move. There was such a powerful aura, a vacuum of intense pressure that everyone in close proximity sensed. A dozen people were drawn to the tall and evocative man, who held his stance, alluding wealth and stature in society without lifting a muscle.

  “But sir, that’s a five-thousand-dollar bottle of wine,” the bartender croaked.

  “I’m very well aware of the cost, young man.” The tone of his voice was even, the sound a sultry mix of arrogance and domination.

  The slight accent was definitely European and the same one she’d heard at Club Noir. Out of the corner of her eyes she noticed the four one-hundred-dollar bills thrown in the bartender’s direction. The man at least had good taste. Without a shadow of a doubt she knew his identity. He was here and he wanted her.

  The twelve standing were leaning in, eager to hear the outcome, to learn from such a man.

  “You do have the wine in stock?” His voice remained calm, hypnotic.

  “Of course,” the blond whispered.

  He tapped the bar and a slow breath escaped his mouth. “Then I will anticipate the wine delivered to our table within five minutes. Am I correct?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Excellent.” His hand captured hers and without another word, he led her past the suffocating crowd and toward the back of the café.

  A collective gasp was slight, but a definite sound. The dozen souls had just witnessed a man of action.

  Destiny held her breath as she was led up a narrow flight of stairs. His hand was cool but the hold was strong, the fingers clasping as if he’d never let her go. Her heart raced as her pulse doubled. A haze shifted into front of her face and she refused to succumb to his prowess, at least immediately.

  He opened a door and she trailed behind him as he walked to a small table for two, one nestled next to an iron railing. She noticed that every other table on the rooftop was taken with standing room only. Except for the one table and the location had a four-foot perimeter around the chairs.

  He seemed to notice her look of surprise and smiled as he pulled out a chair, easing her into the seat. ”I took the liberty of arriving early and securing a table. I hope you don’t mind. I enjoy the outdoors as well as the sounds of the city. I thought this would be an excellent choice to spend some quality time.”

  “This is fine,” she whispered and cleared her throat. Every single one of the people on the deck had turned to look at them. She eased her purse to the deck and attempted to seem nonchalant. Her mystery date was in a fabulous suit and she was in jeans. His intent was to keep her off guard. “Why did you ask me here?” The Café was in a well-to-do part of the West End, where all the fashionable twenty-somethings came to play. He’d selected as if testing her.

  “As opposed to?” His eyes twinkled.

  “Somewhere else.” She realized the irony of her question.

  He leaned forward. “You mean as in a dungeon perhaps or at least a dark basement?”

  The way he was staring at her, his eyes full of mischief, helped ease the tension. She offered a genuine smile. “Something like that.”

  He held out his hand. “I appreciate your directness and thank you for meeting me here. I enjoy getting to know the women I become close with.”

  Destiny studied his eyes. They weren’t cold as she’d anticipated, but full of life. His features were strong, handsome in a sensual way. This was indeed the man she’d met briefly. However, there was no voice inside, no secret lover reminding her what she should and shouldn’t do. “Close? Are we going to become close?” She took his hand. There was a connection, a single jolt of electricity. There was also a knowing shared between them. Instead of being nervous, she was excited, her pussy clenching. She could tell by the look in his eyes that he was well aware of her condition – wet and hot.

  “I very much hope so.” His eyes never leaving her, he lifted her hand, pressing his lips across her knuckles.

  Shuddering, she was surprised how comfortable she felt with him.

  He let go of her hand only when a waiter approached.

  She didn’t know how name, fake or otherwise, and decided she wasn’t going to ask. He remained quiet until the wine was poured and in the two minutes she studied his attire.

  “And what did you determine?” he asked as he lifted his glass.

  “I’m sorry?”

  “You were sizing me up. So tell me who I am as a man. Every graphic detail.”

  They touched glasses and she took a sip while she thought about her answer. The words were a challenge. He was toying with her. She swirled her wine and sipped, as if the expensive bottle was her usual selection. Leaning forward, she licked the rim of her glass. He seemed amused but remained quiet. “You run or own a company, one in which your position allows few if any friends. In fact, no one either cares for or appreciates your brand of authority. You make a significant amount of money and playtime to you involves aspects and things only the upper echelon of society could ever dream of. In truth, there are many in society who would consider you a freak, given your love of all things kink. You live in a sterile environment. No pets. No plants. You’ve never been in love and in truth, never plan on being. How am I doing so far?

  His expression changed for a mere second and he nodded, the gesture one of reverence. “If I were a betting man, I would have won a significant sum of money.”

  “I observe. I listen and learn. Few people do these days. They are too busy pontificating their own worth.” Destiny found herself drawn into his web.

  “Yes. You are so very right.” He took a sip of his wine then eased back. “Why Club Noir?”

  “I’m not certain.”

  “I think you are.”

  “Any why is that?” Destiny found herself leaning further forward.

  He eased back in his seat. “Because you are formidable but have no interest in the normal man or perfunctory dates. You require a challenge. You’ve never met a man who’s been able to peel the onion. Your power isn’t just in your beauty, but your desire to submit, give all of yourself and soul to one man, but you will choose wisely.”

  “You are right that I find the majority of men egotistical. They are little more than boys who can’t play well in the sandbox, let alone give up a toy or a prized possession. To them, everything means ownership. Submission is the true gift.” She hadn’t realized they’d both inched forward until they were only inches apart. Tingling, she was suddenly in a vacuum, hearing nothing but the beating of her own heart.

  “Beautiful,” he whispered as he touched underneath her chin with the tip of his index finger. Lifting ever so gently, he closed the distance, pressing his lips against hers.

  Drawn, she parted her lips as his tongue swept across the seam of her mouth. She could taste the wine, a hint of bourbon and was unable to move. She heard a moan and no idea if the sound came from her throat or another table. As quickly as the moment of passion began, he moved away. She swallowed hard and sat quietly until she was able to focus. No man had ever had this effect on her.

  “Sweet. You’re very right. Submission is the ultimate gift and one I believe you’re ready for. Pain and pleasure mixing together in an incredible dichotomy of sanctity and salvation. You are the one.”

  “The one?” The spell was broken and she narrowed her eyes. “I’m not for the taking so easily.

  He laughed and shook his head. “Your work as a psychiatrist suits you.”

  The bombshell was meant as just that. Destiny sat back and shook her head several times. “Oh my God. Mistress Jade. What a bitch. I should have known.”

  “She didn’t divulge your true identity. If I am all those things you say I am, then you have to believe I have several methods of finding out any and all information I deem important. You, Dr. Blade, are a woman I admire very much.”

  The words hung in the air.

  “Important,” she said quietly.

  “Very. What I go after something or someone I must have, I will stop at nothing, especially when they belong to me.”

  The words weren’t troublesome to her. She understood the concept of how powerful men believed their own bullshit, obtaining and using women like prized possessions. Mixing the burning need with dominating desires was a too much fuel for an already electrified fire. She waited a full minute before reacting. Dropping her head, she pushed back her chair and stood, planting both hands on the table. “I’m not for sale and you, sir, will never own me. You don’t have what it takes to be the man I need.”

  The satisfaction of saying the words and walking out was the most freeing moment she’d had in months.

  Too bad she had no doubt she was going to regret the moment and maybe with her life. She hugged her purse to her chest and kept her head down and just as she reached her car, she stopped cold.

  “You will be mine in life or in death.”

  CHAPTER 15

  Enraged, he looked over his shoulder as he climbed into his car. No one could do this to him. He was somebody. He was important. He mattered. He slammed the door and jammed the keys into his car, turning and gunning. Every muscle in his body was tense. There was no way to relieve the pain or the need. Hunger embroiled every cell, encapsulating his heart muscle.

  He gripped the steering wheel and continued to check into his rearview mirror. Right now, he required relief, something he thought he had, as well as control. Now, he knew what he had to do. She was trying to get to him. What a fool he’d been. He thought he could trust, perhaps form a bond with her. No women deserved such kindness. Stepping on the gas, he sped through the darkened streets, lights swirling past in neon flashes. Tonight would be his. He would be the king.

  Pain tore through his neck and head and he rubbed his eyes, blinking several times in an effort to wipe away the fog. Panting, he leaned forward, squinting as he peered out into the night. Calm down. Calm. Breathe.

  Yes, he could do this. He could be calm and make the right decisions. He screeched to a stop at a red light and used the opportunity to yank open the glove compartment. There had to be some pills, anything to stop the agony. He held up the aspirin bottle, hissing. Two. Two pills. Snorting, he popped the top, pouring the contents into his mouth. He chewed, savoring the bitter taste coating his tongue.

  Glancing to his right then left, he pressed his foot on the gas pedal, running the light. One more check in the mirror and he smiled. He was all alone.

  Within ten minutes he was in the driveway. After cutting the engine, he sat quietly, glancing out the windshield at the oppressive house. Now wasn’t the time to hold back, run away from his desires. He adjusted the collar of his shirt, pinching his tie, and eased out of the car. Humming, his mood dramatically improved as he danced up the steps, inserting the key into the lock. When he walked inside, he breathed in the sweet aroma of wood polish and a faint hint of her perfume.

  “Honey, I’m home.” The echo bouncing off the ceiling was a profound and extremely sweet sound. He was indeed at home. As he walked into the kitchen, his mood continued to improve. The moment his hands touched the knobs for the double doors, he was euphoric.

  He flung open the doors and stood just inside the landing. Even from across the room, her beauty was unmistakable, classic in a nonconforming way. “You were waiting for me. Such a good little girl. Good girls who obey are rewarded.” When she didn’t answer, he grinned and took off his suit jacket, rolling up his sleeves. “What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue?”

  Even her reflection in the bank of mirrors was incredible. Her long hair was freshly washed, her body glowing in crisscrossing marks. Even her makeup, while garish was icing on the red velvet cake. Chuckling, he sauntered toward her.

  She didn’t struggle or make a whimper around the ball gag. She was docile and ready. Her eyes reflected his presence and a single tear slipped from one eye.

  “My pet. I’ve so missed you.” Rubbing the side of her face, he eased a single finger down her nose to her lips, tracing a circle around her swollen and cracked lips.

  Saliva dripped past the red rubber, oozing on both sides of her mouth. Her eyes were no longer vacant, merely an understanding that she belonged to him.

  He slipped the gag from her mouth, allowing the circular piece to dangle past her chin.

  “Master,” she croaked.

  He closed his eyes. There was nothing like having a family.

  “What do you mean you have no idea where he is?” Montana snapped into the phone. He jerked the steering wheel to the right until the tires squealed. Their only lead was MIA. Of course. They couldn’t catch a break.

  “Watch out, partner. Jesus Christ.” Grant was pitched against the passenger door.