He took a deep breath, his anger increasing.

  “It means relax. Sinclair. Jasmine Sinclair.”

  He seemed surprised or impressed, I wasn’t certain which, nor did I care. But honestly, I didn’t see any real sign of recognition. “Now that you should realize I am serious about having you arrested, I need your decision. Punishment my way or a possible lengthy jail term?”

  I sensed the clock wasn’t just ticking. It was getting ready to be smashed just like I’d done with his phone. While I was exasperated, it would seem I had no choice.

  Even if I wanted nothing more than to toss out the words ‘diplomatic immunity.’ Sadly, I wasn’t entirely certain how or if that applied to the Caribbean. I guess I’d just taken the status for granted all these years. Part of the reason was that this was the first time I’d been caught in my toxic yet fun criminal activity.

  However, as usual with my brash personality, my haughty attitude remained. “What do you have in mind?” This should be good.

  He seemed far too pleased with himself, not just smug any longer but as if he was lord and master.

  I kept my arms folded, even lifting a single eyebrow, which was a little trick of mine to try to look badass. I could tell he wasn’t buying it.

  Braxton inched closer once again, taunting me by tapping his long index finger across his lips. I should say his succulent, rosy lips. No man had that color lips without having makeup on and did he have a personal collagen advisor on standby at the resort?

  “Let me think,” he said, returning to the edge of his desk. Now he was the one who crossed his arms, peering at me like I was fresh meat. “First, a hard spanking. After that? Well, here’s the thing. Afterwards, you will belong to me for one. Entire. Night.”

  “I’m sorry?” There was no way I’d heard the bastard currently.

  “You heard me. You need a firm hand controlling you and I just happen to have one.”

  Oh. My. God.

  “A spanking?” I was concentrating on the harsh punishment aspect first, barely giving the second part to my penance a second thought. “What are you, a Neanderthal?”

  “No, I believe you could call me sadistic in general. In case it bypassed you, Ms. Sinclair, this resort isn’t only about allowing wealthy people to gamble to their heart’s desire, it’s a kink resort catering to every dark, sadistic, and savage kink.”

  Oh, shit. I’d totally ignored that part, my bestie not clueing me in either. A lump formed in my throat and for the first time in as long as I could remember, I had no quippy comeback.

  Sadistic. As in causing pain with joy.

  Purr-fect.

  My mouth was dry and I was unable to say a thing, just listening to the horrible sound of my thumping heart echoing into my ears. When he concentrated on staring at his watch, I felt all the choices float into the ugly abyss.

  The thought of a spanking was bad enough. The thought of spending all night long with the powerful, seductive man doing his bidding was reprehensible.

  “I assure you that I’m no whore,” I finally spouted off.

  “And I assure you that no one will ever mistake you for being one. That doesn’t negate the offer I made or the severity of your crimes.”

  It wasn’t every day I was propositioned like some common tramp and my reaction when someone said something stupid was similar, and my next big mistake around the handsome, infuriating man.

  I tried to slap him, as if that would soften the blow of receiving a spanking. But the hunk of a man was too quick for me, snapping my hand almost entirely back. The pain was blinding, but when he jerked me between his legs, the force causing me to slap my other palm against his sculpted chest, I knew I’d met my match.

  “Not very nice, my little koala bear. That will cost you. Now, a deal is a deal. Time to make your choice.”

  He wasn’t going to make this easy, dipping his head so low I was instantly intoxicated by his rugged scent and the desire for him to kiss me with wild abandon.

  Would spending one night being his sex slave be that bad?

  The debate wasn’t that tough. At least my father wouldn’t discover what I’d done. The secret could be safe with me.

  “Fine. I’ll accept your deal but no repulsive kink or I’ll kill you and cut off your balls as a souvenir.”

  His grin made me want to go ahead and show him how I handled business. “Excellent. Then let’s get started.”

  CHAPTER 5

  Braxton

  One tough as well as beautiful lady.

  Far more attractive than most women I’d met.

  And way too mischievous for her own good. It also seemed as if she truly had no clue who I was or what I was capable of. Why did that ignite the sadistic side of me? She wasn’t a toy. No, she was a criminal who’d attempted to make the lives of my guests and in turn me miserable. I couldn’t allow that to stand without some form of punishment.

  There was something mysterious about her. Obviously, she wasn’t interested in providing me with the absolute truth. That was fine as long as she obeyed me.

  Our lips were mere centimeters away and I had an overwhelming desire to kiss her passionately. And I wasn’t certain anyone could ever call me a passionate man. I was rough, taking what I wanted, which lately hadn’t been much.

  Her perfume was as intoxicating as the woman herself, her defiance tearing through me like ragged jolts of wildfire.

  Her name sounded familiar but until I checked it out, for all I knew she could have provided me with yet another bogus answer.

  What did it matter? I’d forced her to enter into a deal with the devil, namely me. And I planned on enjoying every minute of our sinful pact.

  “You are… incorrigible,” I told her, my voice unusually husky.

  “You should see me when I’m pissed.” She dared tilt her head.

  The woman was pushing every boundary on purpose and God, I loved it. Very few women ever challenged me on any level both in business and in pleasure. I was going to enjoy breaking down all her defenses. “I’m certain I’ll anger you but that will only make seducing you that much more delicious. And I’m certain you’re going to choke a wobbly.” The Australian slang I knew was minimal, but I could tell I’d gotten her attention.

  And irked the woman even more.

  “I assure you I’m not into throwing tantrums, American chump.”

  The insults were also adorable and I forced our lips to brush together. She could be the undoing of me or vice versa.

  She issued a slight moan and I was ready to devour her, even if meant skipping her discipline. Sadly, with a woman like Jasmine, I had a feeling the only way she’d learn to fall into line was from harsh punishment.

  I pulled back before things got out of hand. I had all night to do that. First things first.

  “Time for your spanking.” Yes, I was the person in charge of a swanky kink club, but I needed to be conscientious about the decisions I made. Besides, I didn’t want to scare her off. Not that I didn’t control the planes arriving and departing but she could foil me by running, even stowing away on an early morning flight. I just couldn’t have that.

  “Let me guess. You’re one of those men who prefer to use his belt, which will make you feel like a big man. I bet you use that to try and make up for your tiny little dick.”

  I’ll be damned if she didn’t cup my cock, squeezing. At least she had the decency of opening her eyes wide upon her unapproved copping of a feel.

  “Wow,” she said. “I could almost be impressed.”

  “Oh, you will be, little koala bear.”

  She laughed and the sound was as delightful as the woman herself. “You don’t know much about koala bears, do you? They are vicious creatures. If I were the furry little beast, I’d eat you alive.”

  “And I’d love to see you try. To answer your question, given I own and run a kink club, there are various other methods of doling out needed discipline to unruly women. Now, while I decide, you’ll need to remove that slinky dress of yours. Panties too.”

  That grabbed her attention.

  “You are insane. I am not going to be naked for a spanking.”

  I did nothing more than give her a stern look and she rolled her eyes all over again. “You will do as I say. Remember?”

  “Fine, you beast of a human being. But I will find a way to get you for this unscrupulous deal you forced me to enter into.” She continued her foreplay by using her index finger, trailing it down my chest, even purring like a kitten.

  “And I will enjoy watching you try.” I pushed her away gently, wanting nothing more than to drag her to one of the private rooms, tying her to one of the very expensive apparatuses purchased with pleasure in mind.

  And pain.

  I couldn’t forget about pain, something I appreciated just like my brothers did. I moved away, heading to the wooden cabinet nestled in the corner of my office. I’d collected implements of my own through the years, those crafted by the finest artisans across the world. While it had been a long time since I’d indulged in the use of one, I was more than eager to now.

  She grumbled behind me, which made me smile all over again. How long had it been since I’d sparred with a luscious woman?

  The answer was easy.

  Too long.

  It had also been too long since I’d spanked a girl, including in my office. I wasn’t entirely certain that had ever occurred before. I’d adhered to the rules developed the moment we’d stepped foot on the two islands. However, she was a special circumstance.

  Grinning, I opened the door to my cabinet, breathing in the scents of exotic woods and leather. I’d forgotten how enticing the aspect of sharing aspects of BDSM could be. I’d been so busy building the family wealth I’d lost several years of my life. Hmmm… That was about to change.

  There was something special about using a leather tawse or a cane. I had several, some specially designed with my particular needs in mind.

  But tonight I felt called for a paddle. A nice wooden one that would bring about a hard thudding sound as well as what I believed was the required level of pain.

  Plus, it was something the girl wouldn’t likely forget any time soon.

  I grabbed the handle of one, the size perfect for her lovely, rounded bottom. I’d taken enough time that after smacking it against my palm and turning around, I was shocked to see she’d obeyed me completely. My breath was completely sucked out of my system and I was surprised that I couldn’t move at all for a full five seconds.

  For all her defiance, all her arrogance that I’d already seen through, she was a girl missing something in her life. That alone made me even more curious as to who she was and why she would dare risk going to jail. For the attention? Because she was a spoiled brat? A significant part of me wanted to solve the puzzle.

  Another chided me as to what the hell I thought I was doing. I wasn’t into a relationship of any kind, including spending more than a couple of days with a woman. I wasn’t ready or simply didn’t have that gene built into my DNA.

  But right now, my cock was throbbing, my balls as tight as overstretched drums. Finally, I moved toward her, smacking the paddle against my hand with every step.

  Jasmine threw her head in my direction, narrowing her eyes and there was no doubt what she was thinking. That she’d get me back for this. I really did want to see her try. By the time I made it behind her, she was cursing under her breath all over again, tossing out Australian phrases. She was also wiggling and whether she knew it or not, all she was doing was enticing the beast inside of me.

  Her feminine wiles and the delicious scent of her perfume were pushing limits I hadn’t known I had.

  “Here are the rules,” I told her and she scoffed, even pushing up from the desk. I pressed my hand on the small of her back, returning her to the required position. “You’re going to be polite and respectful, which means not cursing any longer. You’re going to remain in position until I am finished. And you will thank me for disciplining you when I am finished instead of sending you to jail.”

  She laughed, looking over her shoulder and glaring at me. “You are fucking out of your goddamn mind if you ever think I’m going to thank you for this shit.”

  I cocked my head, giving her another stern look. In turn and as expected, she rolled her eyes. One tough cookie. “If you’d prefer, I’ll end this right now. My security guards are right outside and they’ll be happy to parade you in front of the other guests in shackles and devoid of clothing so everyone knows I will not tolerate deceit or any other criminal activity on my island.”

  As she narrowed her eyes, I could tell she was attempting to figure out if I was lying to her or not.

  I wasn’t.

  The quickest way to change someone’s erratic, repulsive behavior was to issue the most embarrassing punishment possible. In her case, she certainly didn’t want anyone knowing who she was.

  Or maybe who her parents were.

  Jasmine sucked in her breath. “Fine. Just get this over with before I lose my patience.”

  “While I realize you’ve been spoiled your entire life, the holier than thou behavior won’t bode well with me. Unacceptable.” I rolled my fingers down her spine, also shocked at the electric connection that refused to go away.

  “And you’re not spoiled, rich boy? I bet you own several huge mansions, dozens of cars, and the biggest yacht in the fleet. I wonder how many employees you need to get you ready on any given day.”

  All I could do was shake my head as I adjusted her legs further apart. “Yes, I’m a very rich man, little koala. However, I also follow the rules. It’s a penchant of mine, important in life.”

  She opened her luscious lips, likely to throw me a few barbs then snarled. Maybe she knew she’d met her match.

  I was finished with being patient to any degree, bringing the paddle down across both her ass cheeks. I was honestly shocked she didn’t jerk up and run away given her reaction.

  Yes, I was a sadistic man who adored when a woman expressed how pain coursing through her body made her feel. I waited as she gasped for air, still cursing. Still calling me hateful names.

  And I’ll be damned if my hunger for her wasn’t increasing exponentially.

  I brought the paddle down twice more and her scream was high pitched, cut off barely two seconds later.

  “You fucking drongo. I hate you.”

  “Drongo. Sounds fascinating,” I told her and couldn’t help myself, pressing my fingertips against her already heated skin. I’d missed punishments. It was interesting that just like riding a bike, once you regained your verve for a hobby or activity, you wanted more.

  And I gave her more, one coming right after the other.

  “That means you’re a loser,” she hissed, gritting her teeth as she slapped her hands on my desk.

  “Wow. I haven’t been called that before.” I was still grinning as I brought the paddle down three additional times directly across her sit spot. There were men, and women for that matter, in my position who found a plain leather belt to be their implement of choice. In my mind, while there was a place for a more intimate position, dragging the little princess over my lap and using nothing more than my hand, a belt was passe. Pedestrian.

  My, wasn’t I as arrogant as she accused me of being.

  I twirled the wood, still delighted in her grumbling. She definitely wasn’t the kind of woman who’d been required to obey laws of decency or follow rules of any kind. I wondered more and more about her upbringing.

  When I cracked the thick wood across her bottom twice more, she almost involuntarily tumbled off the edge. I was forced to grab her arm, keeping her from doing so.

  “Whoa, little koala.”

  Panting, she clawed the surface of my wood with her long, manicured nails. “You are… a terrible… man.”

  “Why, yes, I am. It’s best you never forget that either.” My fingertips were tingling as I brushed them across one side of her bottom and the other. Jesus Christ. Her pussy lips were swollen, rosy and glistening with trickles of juice. I almost drove all four fingers inside, managing to resist only a split second before doing so.

  Shit. I could easily do filthy things to her. I would, but I was still interested in getting to know the woman first.

  Damn it.

  Exhaling, I returned my mind to the action at hand instead of pining away for her luscious body.

  The wooden piece had done a very effective job of adding a warm blush to her skin color. Perhaps she would have difficulty sitting for a day or so.

  As she deserved.

  “I assure you I never forget anything. Ever,” she huffed again, her breathing even more ragged than before.

  For about a million reasons, I wasn’t interested in elongating the session. Normally, I would take my time, allowing the agony and endorphins to build over a lengthy period of time. However, I was more interested in getting her behind closed doors. Not only for my obvious longing to ravage her body but also to see what I could learn about who she was.

  It shouldn’t be important to me in the least, but my instinct told me otherwise.

  This woman had entered my life for a reason. It was up to me to figure out what that was.

  I swiftly brought the paddle down four times, trying not to get caught up in the glorious thudding sound.

  “You fucking bastard. I will find a way to destroy you.”

  Her threat wasn’t necessarily idle, but I doubted she had any idea how powerful I was. My entire family had our share of enemies, companies and individuals envious of our lifestyle and our success. That came with owning two billion-dollar companies.

  In other words, she’d need to get in line if she wanted to pick apart me or my world.

  It was time to bring this part of our time together to a close.

  “Four more.”

  “Why not a thousand?” she barked.

  “Hmmm…” I rubbed my jaw on purpose as I twirled the piece close enough she could see what I was doing. “I could add that many. Of course, you won’t be able to stand or walk but that would be fine. I’ll just shackle you to my bed for an extended period. If that’s what you’d like, then I’m game.”