“You did, huh?” I grabbed his shirt with both hands, clutching onto him as if he’d disappear. I’d gone through so many emotions that I was drained as well as relieved. It was as if the last twenty-four hours were nothing more than a nightmare, one that I’d awakened from. He’d held me overnight, molding my body against his. I’d gathered strength from his hold, able to allow the horrible images to drift away, if only for a little while.

  He lowered his head until our lips were touching. “I love you, even if you’re reckless and determined to get your own way. I’ll break that soon enough.”

  “You just think you will.” I dragged my tongue across his lips, the taste of him sweet as ever.

  “Oh, I will. Trust me.”

  “I trust you more than anyone in my life.” I craned my neck, pressing my body against his. Everything about him was powerful and demanding, yet I felt safe and protected.

  As he captured my lips, the swell of emotion coursing through me threatened to bring tears, but I refused to allow that to happen. He’d saved me. He’d saved my cousin. And I loved him with all my heart. The taste of him was incredible, scintillating every cell in my body, my heart thudding against my chest. How could one man cause so many sensations all at one time?

  When he pulled away, he lifted a single eyebrow. “You disobeyed me. You constantly place yourself in danger.”

  “I couldn’t allow Charlotte to be hurt.”

  “And what happened?”

  “I know,” I half whispered. “I deserve punishment.”

  He rolled his hands down my arms. “Yes, you do. Soon.” As he allowed his gaze fall to my breasts, a wave of vibrations tore through me, the ache in my nipples slowly starting to subside. His smile was a promise of things to come.

  “You’re so mean.”

  His laugh was far too enticing. “Yes, I am. But fair.”

  “That remains to be seen.” I nuzzled closer, my thoughts drifting from Charlotte to a few past memories. It was time to put them aside. Somehow, I knew my brother was smiling. He’d been the first real protector in my life, someone I could count on.

  Now I had the man who I hoped would be my entire future.

  My friend.

  My boss.

  My lover.

  My master.

  CHAPTER 24

  Jameson

  Jagger didn’t just enter my office, he swaggered in, the usual grin on his face. When he didn’t say anything right away, I glared at him. “What?”

  “What do you mean, what? You know what.”

  “No, I don’t think I do.”

  He rolled his eyes. “I didn’t know you had it in you.”

  “What exactly are we talking about?”

  His snort almost made me laugh. “Taking on two crime syndicates singlehandedly. I didn’t know you were capable of such violence, but I was damn glad you were there.”

  I allowed myself to laugh. “Part of the job.”

  “Right. Well, I’ll tell you this. If you ever want to switch positions, I think I can get you a mercenary job with a couple buddies of mine from the Marines.”

  “Uh. No, thank you. I have other interests.”

  “The feisty woman who captured your heart?”

  “Maybe.”

  “It’s good to see you smile, buddy. Just don’t let all this lovey-dovey stuff keep you from business. We have two bachelorette parties coming in later this week.”

  “Don’t remind me. That’s your baby, my friend.”

  “Oh, now you throw the ladies in my direction.”

  “Somehow, I don’t think you mind.”

  He took a deep breath, rubbing his jaw. “Nope. You’re right. Does that mean you’re taking time off?”

  “Soon. Very soon.” I thought about the letter from Pamela’s attorney still buried inside my desk. Avoiding it wasn’t going to make dealing with her thoughts or wishes any easier. I suspected it was an apology for the manner she’d chosen to break my heart.

  Jagger nodded. “What do you want me to do with the information you gave me to send to the press?”

  I’d already contacted the judge, backing down on my threats. For now. As long as he walked the straight and narrow, his secret was safe with me. “Place it in the safe.” Only my partners and Jagger had the code to the safe or knew what I kept inside. I had second copies of information and evidence I’d gleaned over the years at my house as well.

  He looked at me for a few seconds then nodded. “Keep your friends close but your enemies closer?”

  “Exactly.” While the alliance I’d made with both the Bratva and the cartel left a bad taste in my mouth, I had a feeling their assistance might prove helpful in the future.

  As with all things, time would tell.

  “What about the kid?” he asked.

  All I could do was smile. “It would seem the judge has taken his son’s punishment on with a vengeance. He’s no longer a member of the club, his trust fund on hold, and he’ll be doing grunt work for a construction company for a few months. Talk about community service.”

  “It’ll be good for the brat.”

  “Amen, brother.”

  Before he had a chance to leave, both Grant and Lachlan stepped through my door. “A full house today, I see,” I said as I grinned at my friends.

  Jagger winked at me before leaving.

  “An unexpected surprise,” I told my college buddies.

  “We thought we’d take the opportunity to meet the woman that turned you into a badass,” Lachlan said as he headed to the bar.

  Grant shook his head. “This girl must be pretty damn special. I didn’t know you had it in you, buddy.”

  I’d relayed the events briefly to them over the phone, amused at their surprise the country boy football star had it in him. “Maybe there’s a lot you don’t know about me.”

  “Maybe so,” Grant said before turning his attention toward Lachlan. “Do you remember the first time we met this guy?”

  I eased onto the edge of my desk, amused at both, curious as to what they did remember. Both arrived in fifty-thousand-dollar sports cars. I’d been lucky my beat-up old Chevy had made it to Pennsylvania at all.

  “It was outside Gregor Hall. Jameson pulled up in some old Ford with a busted muffler,” Lachlan mused then handed us both a hefty tumbler of scotch before retrieving his.

  “That’s right,” Grant said as he nodded. “He had no clue where he was going and I had to give him directions. We became his heroes that day.”

  I lifted my eyebrows, trying to keep quiet. Heroes, my ass.

  Lachlan took a sip of his drink then swirled the liquid in his glass. “He begged us to become his friends shortly thereafter. Then he threatened us that if we didn’t help him pledge the fraternity, he’d hunt us down with his big rifle.”

  “I guess we were smart in taking him seriously, huh?” Grant teased.

  All I could do was shake my head. “The two of you acted like I was some freaking redneck from a Podunk town. First of all, it was my beloved Chevy. You didn’t talk to me for thirty days, which was fine since you still had the silver spoons in your mouths. Only when you were failing your classes did you come to me for help.”

  The truth was somewhere in the middle, although even after all these years, as I looked back it was hard to believe the three of us had become friends.

  “Then you needed relationship advice since I had all the hot women,” I couldn’t help adding.

  “Oh!” both chimed in.

  We laughed for a few seconds then Lachlan looked away. “You took a risk, buddy.”

  The very words I’d said to Alexandra. “Sometimes the risks are worth the rewards.”

  Grant caught the meaning first. “She’s the one?”

  “The beautiful but bratty Alexandra is absolutely the one.”

  Lachlan lifted his glass first. “‘May you both be blessed with the strength of heaven, the light of the sun and the radiance of the moon, the splendor of fire, the speed of lightning, the swiftness of wind, the depth of the sea, the stability of earth, and the firmness of rock.’”

  I turned my eyes, studying his expression. “That’s beautiful.”

  “An old Scottish toast,” he offered, taking a sip. “Usually for weddings.” His eyes twinkled, his usual bad boy attitude returning.

  “Hold on. Are you getting married?” Grant chortled.

  The question was one I’d thought about more than once. “Maybe. We’ll see. I just met the girl.”

  “Trust me, lad. That’s all it takes.” Lachlan lifted his glass again. “To the woman who managed to capture Jameson’s heart.”

  “It’s funny how your accent is heavier when you’re taunting someone,” I threw out.

  I’d spent far too much time living in the darkness, remaining in an ugly limbo that I couldn’t dig my way out of. Alexandra had brought the light that had guided the way back.

  There was nothing I’d enjoy more than spending the rest of my life with her.

  But that couldn’t happen until I’d finally shut the door to the past.

  Alexandra

  I’d always heard that life could change on a dime. I’d learned in my short duration on Earth just how true that was. Tragedy could destroy everything in seconds, the insufferable damage lingering for years to come. I hadn’t realized how deep the quicksand I’d allowed myself to succumb to had been until I’d met Jameson.

  He was my rock, someone I could count on to keep me on the straight and narrow while reminding me to enjoy every moment possible. He didn’t just do so in words, but also in actions and his expressions. With a single look, I could melt into a puddle or know that I’d done something wrong. Yet at the same moment, he’d shower me with compliments, making me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.

  Even the way he was looking at me now was a mixture of domination and raunchy hunger, the combination irresistible.

  I knew exactly what he was waiting for: my acknowledgement as well as my request for discipline. Admitting I needed guidance and correction for my bad behavior would never be easy for me. However, I was at the point I just wanted to get it over with.

  As I walked closer, he lifted his eyebrows. “How is my gorgeous pet doing?”

  “Fantastic. I have a lead on a position at a local elementary school.” The ocean breeze drifting in through the open doors was invigorating. I loved being in his house. In the five days since the attack at the condo, he’d helped me move my things into his house. There’d been no question as to whether I would, the understanding from the day he’d saved my life.

  Now I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.

  “You were keeping things from me,” he said in his gravelly voice, the one that encouraged the fire to grow, the wetness to increase between my legs.

  “I just wanted it to be a surprise.”

  Jameson grinned. “And it is. I’m very proud of you. However, I’m curious. You don’t enjoy working at the club?”

  “Don’t you have a strict rule about no fraternization among employees?” The fact he was proud of me meant a great deal. I’d wanted nothing more than to have the opportunity to work with children, nurturing them into becoming good humans. Plus, I loved their laughter and their bright eyes. Maybe one day I’d be lucky enough to have a family of my own.

  “I do but I’m the boss.”

  “Oh, no. You must set the standard.”

  He laughed and moved closer, his presence as overwhelming and intoxicating as it always was. “Perhaps you are trainable.”

  “Only under your… tutelage,” I teased and rolled the tips of my fingers down his cock.

  “I can tell my precious submissive is hungry. Aren’t you forgetting something?”

  “No, I don’t think so.”

  He gave me a stern look and I wrinkled my nose.

  “Okay, fine. I’ve been a very bad girl. May I please have a spanking?”

  “Are you certain that’s what you need?” he asked, his voice sending another wave of heat through every cell.

  I started to be sarcastic then thought about the question. The strange truth was that his firm hand was exactly what I needed. It brought peace and relieved tension. “Yes, I am.”

  “Then remove your clothes and bend over my desk.”

  Every time he spoke about discipline, his tone dipped into the delicious darkness that I adored. “Yes, sir.”

  I backed into his office, brushing my hand along the edge of his giant desk. The ornate wood and carved legs reminded me of him. Sophisticated yet tough. I removed my dress, folding it neatly, not nearly as self-conscious about removing my panties as I’d been before. When I leaned across the desk, I still had a magnificent view of the ocean to help calm my nerves.

  I doubted I’d get over being antsy and nervous any time soon. Maybe that was the entire point. In order to become his good little girl, I would need the heightened anticipation.

  As I expected, he kept me waiting, allowing me to wrestle with demons inside, questioning why I’d gone off halfcocked in heading to the condo. I’d been lucky.

  When Jameson finally entered the room, he remained quiet, walking behind me. I sensed he was selecting an implement. I’d learned that he kept several in one of his drawers. I could only imagine what today’s choice would be.

  My nerves continued to increase, and an insane urge to laugh bubbled to the surface. I’d actually started requesting to be spanked like a bad girl. Never in my wildest dreams would I have anticipated doing something so… crazy.

  When I heard a drawer close and his footsteps, every muscle tensed. Now I felt exactly like that bad girl longing for forgiveness.

  He was completely silent, which made tiny goosebumps pop all over my skin. Yet as he caressed my back, taking his time sliding the pads of his fingers down my spine, nervousness turned into swooning.

  “Do you realize what could have happened when you disobeyed me the other day?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  He tapped my bottom, hearing the slight hint of rebelliousness. It was ingrained in my system. “I can see we have a long way to go before you understand the word ‘consequences’ but I’ll make certain to remind you from time to time. Hands over your head, gripping the edge of the desk.”

  I obeyed him without hesitation, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath. When the first strike came, the dull echo surprised me, the pain immediately more than I’d experienced before. Yelping, I pushed up from the desk, immediately realizing I’d broken the rules.

  Jameson said nothing, merely pushing his hand against the small of my back, rubbing his thumb up and down until I settled against the cool wood. Then he started again.

  But by the third or fourth brutal smack, I realized he had a thick piece of wood in his hand. Wait a minute. I was being spanked by a paddle? The thought was both scintillating and slightly offensive. Didn’t they used to use paddles in school in ancient times?

  “That’s it. As I said, you can be a good girl when you want to be.”

  I cringed inside while my pussy reacted to every strike of the thick wood, clenching far too many times. If I wasn’t careful, I’d orgasm right here and now. The thought was as embarrassing as it was the first time but was becoming the norm. Maybe it was all about the man providing the discipline.

  When he issued four in rapid succession, my mind drifted into a fabulous place of peace. Although the anguish was insufferable, I knew it would be over soon enough. He continued the round of discipline for at least another ten or twelve smacks, enough I’d lost count, my bottom on fire.

  Strangely enough, I wasn’t even aware he’d finished until he’d gathered me into his arms, cupping my breasts tenderly. As he nuzzled into my neck, the endorphins kicked in and I was swaying on my feet, so wet I was terrified I’d stained the surface of his desk.

  “Perhaps later we can talk,” he murmured.

  “Mmmm… always.”

  “You did very well. I’m proud of you.”

  His praise almost made me giggle. My emotions were still all over the place. “Thank you, sir.”

  “Why don’t you get dressed and we can talk a walk on the beach.” He turned me around and brushed hair from my shoulders.

  “Is something wrong?”

  “Nothing is wrong, baby. When I’m around you, nothing could be. I’ll grab us a couple glasses of wine. Meet me on the beach when you’re ready.”

  When he moved away, giving me privacy, I was certain he was going to break off the relationship. A dull ache already formed in my heart, so much so it was difficult to catch my breath. I hadn’t considered that what we’d shared, the trouble he’d been forced to go to because of my reckless behavior would finally be too much to handle.

  As I slipped into my dress, the material scratching my bruised bottom almost immediately, I was shocked that he’d end our… fling now. No, I couldn’t call it a fling. Or should I? I hated second guessing myself, but at this point, I couldn’t handle a breakup. If that’s what he’d call it.

  After easing my panties over my hips, I fluffed my hair with my fingers, determined to keep from becoming emotional. There was no reason to. I was a big girl and could handle anything. Well, almost.

  I moved to the deck, shielding my eyes from the late afternoon sun with my hand as I searched for him. He was standing inches away from the water, which was the first time I’d seen him bother to step foot on the sand. Something was definitely wrong. I moved down the stairs, tossing my sandals on the steps before heading toward him.

  When I moved beside him, he didn’t acknowledge my presence at first. “Jameson?”

  It took a full five seconds before he realized I was there, trying to shake off his odd behavior with a smile. “I’m sorry. Here’s your wine. Let’s walk.”

  “Why don’t you just tell me what’s going on. I mean if you’re going to break up with me, go ahead and rip that bandage off. I can take it. Well, I’m not certain I can take it. I’ll probably shatter into a dozen pieces, but that won’t be in front of you. Nosiree.” I was doing it again, so nervous I was prattling on.

  He cocked his head. Whereas I expected amusement or even a stern look, his expression was so serious that I was even more terrified. “Baby. Did anyone ever tell you that patience isn’t your virtue?”