I gasped for air, trying to find an exit. There it was. “Stop it. I would never do such a thing. There’s nothing to talk about.”

  “Fine. Don’t tell your best friend but never say never. I see the connection the two of you have. You’re not leaving.”

  Connection. Did she mean the burning desire I’d seen in his eyes? It was twisted, filthy.

  “Yes, I am.” I took long strides down the corridor, managing not to glance over my shoulder a single time. Thank God there was also a wedding reception going on at the same time, the ballroom close to where I’d been paraded like a prima donna princess.

  Before I had a chance to slap my hand on the door, Jackie swung in front of it, throwing her arms out to the side. “You’re an adult. You agreed to this. If you don’t go with that man, do you know what they’ll say about you tomorrow on channel eleven?”

  “I don’t care.”

  “Don’t be an idiot. You’ve already probably appeared on twenty-five different TikTok videos seen racing out of the room. You wanted to make a mark for yourself, but I doubt it’s to the tune of senator’s daughter seen running away from the most eligible bachelor in DC. Now, the animals will suffer.”

  I groaned, snapping my hands on my hips. “You’re a terrible person.”

  “Maybe so, but I’m looking out for your best interest. Or trying to. You’re going to be a social media darling, but for all the wrong reasons. Get your ass back in that room and smile. I don’t care if it’s plastic, fake it.”

  Jackie had never talked to me so harshly. While a part of me wanted to scratch out her eyes, she was right.

  Damn it.

  “I can’t handle a week,” I told her, hating the whining in my voice.

  “Well, why not try it for a little while. The charity will already have the money in their account. Then give him a reason to send you home. Okay?”

  Hmm… That wasn’t a bad idea. If he tossed me aside, then I’d happily leave without question. As I pondered the suggestion, it suddenly dawned on me that a man like Lachlan would never give up that easily. His arrogance alone would prevent him from doing so.

  I glared up at the ugly ceiling of the hotel, questioning why the universe hated me. As suspected, there was no answer. While the entire situation was disconcerting, the real reason for it was the way my stomach had responded when I’d realized who’d bid the ungodly sum.

  Being unable to take my mind off the man and what had occurred was beginning to take a toll. A single day had passed yet I was still in a crazy, almost hypnotized state of mind.

  Because of him.

  “Come on, before the reporters and sexy man who owns you misses you. We’ll just say you were freshening up. They’ll want pictures.”

  Her choice of words made me want to vomit a little in my mouth.

  “I’m not certain it’s in my best interest to be seen standing next to him,” I retorted.

  Hissing, she jerked me by the arm, dragging me down the hallway.

  “Why?”

  “I’m an attorney for one thing.”

  “And the winning bidder just so happens to be a client? Or did you forget?” Jackie rolled her eyes.

  “Oh, yeah. There’s that.” I was running out of excuses other than to come out with the truth. That I was terrified I’d enjoy surrendering to his every need. My mouth was parched just thinking about it. Shouldn’t it be watering if I was eager to spent time with him? “And what does it mean, a full week? Like nights too?”

  “I don’t know,” she exclaimed. “Why don’t you ask him, but if you really want my answer, I’d say you’d be nuts not to crave spending seven blissful nights with him.”

  Fortunately, by the time we made it back to the ballroom, part of the large crowd had already dispersed. Maybe Lachlan had decided to do something nice and nothing else.

  “There he is. Go get him, tiger,” Jackie encouraged, pushing me forward.

  Lachlan was commanding the room, reporters still throwing questions his way. He had that kind of smile that made you wonder what was brewing inside his mind. As soon as I got within fifty feet of him, he transferred his entire attention in my direction. But the brilliant white smile he’d offered the group of women clamoring around him changed into something much darker.

  “You don’t need to do this, sweetheart,” my father said as he flanked my side. “He’s not worthy of you. There are plenty of other men prepared to offer the same amount of money.”

  Uh-huh. I scanned the room. There wasn’t a single man my father had blackmailed into being here who remained, eager for a second chance.

  “Oh, come now, Senator,” Lachlan said in his charming tone of voice. “I’m not asking for her hand in marriage. Yet.” He turned his head, obviously loving this, the bastard.

  “Trust me, Mr. McKenzie. Marriage will never happen,” I snapped, giving him the sweetest smile I could manage under the circumstances. We stared at each other for what felt like a lifetime, the reporters clinging to every second of my degradation.

  “This is outrageous!” my father claimed again.

  I’d finally had enough. I was a big girl and didn’t need to ride my father’s coattails for a single thing in my life. This might be my single chance at living my life the way I wanted to. “No, Daddy. This is perfect. Think of the animals. They will receive the full five million dollars.” I narrowed my eyes as I studied Lachlan, using my last few words to challenge him.

  “The money is already there, sweetheart.”

  I’d rip the sweetheart right out of him.

  “That’s enough,” Lachlan said to the reporters in his commanding voice. Then he slowly pushed his arms to the sides, forcing them out of his way as he walked forward. It was almost as if he was parting the Red Sea by his aggressive actions. Then again, it seemed as if playing God was one of his favorite things to do.

  I tried to hold my ground, acting as if I didn’t care about him in the least, but the closer he came, the harder it was to breathe normally.

  He was the masterful in his control as he slipped his hand underneath my hair, wrapping his fingers around my neck. Against everything I thought I was as a strong woman, I allowed him to pull me closer. I could see the photograph now in every DC newspaper and magazine, online in a matter of hours.

  “There’s my good girl. I wondered where you’d gone.” His sultry voice pinned me in the moment, pulling me into an airtight vacuum that seemed inescapable.

  Which was exactly what he wanted.

  As pictures were taken, the cameras rolling, he never allowed his eyes to roam in any other direction. It was as if he wanted the wretched moment in time catalogued for future reference. Then less than two minutes later, he simply said one word, but it carried the weight of danger and darkness.

  “Enough!”

  Another moment of the parting seas occurred, every person who’d been hovering around us backing away. He took me by the arm, leading me toward the entrance to the ballroom. A part of me wanted to struggle for freedom but I sensed it wouldn’t do any good. When were outside the first set of double doors, he pushed me against the wall, his expression darkening even more.

  “How do you do that?” I asked, cringing from the change in his pupils, both dilated, flecks of gold shimmering as if made from pure gold.

  “What exactly was I doing, Lark?”

  His voice was husky, dropping to an entirely different level of seduction. When he said my name, elongating the syllable, I became weak in the knees, as if I was ready to ask for punishment for some unknown sins.

  “Commanding people you don’t even know.” The corridor was crowded, eyes watching our every move. Jackie had been right. We’d now been elevated to the status of a celebrity couple, if only for a typical fifteen minutes of fame.

  He smiled genuinely, not the quirky holier-than-thou look I’d gotten several times. “It’s not something I try.”

  “Domination comes naturally to you.”

  “Yes, and that’s something you’ll soon start to learn. I’m going to take the time to explain the rules to you so there’s no chance of misunderstanding.”

  He lowered his head, his lips dangerously close to mine, so much so that the memory of when he had kissed me filtering into my mind. As much as I didn’t want it to, I was thrown into a haze of lust. “Okay. You do that.” That certainly didn’t mean I’d follow them.

  “Not okay or sure or fine. It’s yes, sir and no, sir. Do you understand?”

  I gritted my teeth, trying to keep from lashing out. “Yes. Sir.”

  “Excellent. During the time you spend with me, you will follow my command without question. Yes?”

  “Why, yes. Sir.” I couldn’t wait for the week to be over with. When it was, perhaps I’d find a creative way of destroying him.

  Lachlan raked his eyes down my face, taking a deep breath. “It’s time for us to leave.”

  “Now?” I asked, incredulous that he’d think I could just drop everything and run.

  “Now.”

  “Wait a freaking minute. Where am I going? I demand you tell me.”

  The man’s aftershave was entirely too intoxicating, musk and citrus colliding with a forest after a spring rain. When he reached out, trailing his index finger along my jaw, I was completely frozen to the spot, peering at him as if I was a lost waif in need of being provided with instructions.

  “You’re in no position to demand anything. You’ll go wherever I say.” His eyes twinkled as he grinned. I wanted nothing more than to wipe it off his face with my fist.

  “You’re serious about a solid week?”

  “I am. I meant what I said. The money has already been wired to the charity in question,” he said with such authority. A single click of an app and he’d spent five million dollars. How much money did the man make with his sex club?

  “I have work. I can’t just take a week off.” Now I was befuddled, uncertain how to handle this. “I’m the maid of honor in my friend’s wedding on Saturday. I’m certain you won’t want to go.” The challenge made me feel better. I doubted the man would be caught dead at a wedding.

  “I arranged your leave of absence with Trent, at least for a portion of the time we will spend together. I’ll also enjoy being your date for the wedding.” His counter was followed by a brief smile, his eyes twinkling as if to challenge me in return.

  I shook my head, grinding my teeth. “That’s not possible.”

  “Which one?”

  “Well, I have a new client. Mr. Abbot wouldn’t agree so readily. And I have no intentions of dating you. Ever.”

  His laugh irritated me even more.

  “The trial for the man in question is at least four months away. You will have plenty of time to try and defend the cockroach. If that’s possible. As far as dating, I guess we’ll see how you feel at the end of the week.”

  The audacity of this man was incredible. He knew about the case I was working on? God. His assumption that I’d want to have anything to do with him after this terrible week boosted my hatred. He wasn’t just used to getting what he wanted. He took it when necessary. Not me. Not this girl.

  Of course he’d know all about the horrific case. The girl who’d been killed had been involved in the BDSM scene. The investigative side of me slipped into gear. Maybe I could learn something that would help the case. If I could tolerate his arrogance. He crowded my space even more and I was forced to take a deep breath. Everything about the man screamed of possession.

  I shook my head until he dropped his, his hot breath skipping across my face. I was caught off guard, my panties already damp and I’d only been around him for a few minutes. I was totally thrown by his prowess. His aftershave now seemed overwhelming, and I wanted to swim in it, basking in the undertones and richness. That threw me even more. “So I’m staying with you.”

  “You are.”

  “I need clothes, Lachlan.”

  “No, you won’t.” He held up his index finger, taking his sweet time to place it across my lips. “Not unless I say it’s allowed.”

  “You’re crazy!”

  Lachlan gave me a commanding and very stern look. I suddenly felt like the bad girl who would soon be standing in a corner, ready and eager to admit her sins. My body betrayed me, my mind unable to stop the tingles from slamming into my system. This was getting out of hand.

  I glanced to see if my father was anywhere close, and I had a feeling Lachlan had already dealt with him once and for all.

  “Now, do I make myself clear? You are mine for seven days and nights. And I can and will do anything I want to that luscious body of yours. I will discipline you when necessary, control your actions, take what belongs to me. In doing so, I’ll awaken the woman you long to become, freeing your soul. And in the end, you’ll thank me.”

  Thank him? No, I might find a way to destroy him.

  There was nothing else I could say but what he was expecting. “Yes, sir.”

  However, I was already plotting my moment of revenge.

  CHAPTER 9

  Lachlan

  The feisty woman wasn’t just trouble with a capital T. Lark was sin and shame, filth and a taste of the forbidden all wrapped up into a tantalizing package. Her hatred of me only added fuel to the flames already licking at my mind. There was almost nothing I adored more than an excellent verbal sparring match.

  And I planned on indulging in both multiple times.

  Even though ugly, angry thoughts had crept into my mind. I was playing with fire on two fronts, maybe more, including the fact she was representing a man who could present difficulties for my corporation. I’d been shocked when Trent had mentioned it, likely given he knew about the difficulties in my past. Spending time with her could certainly resurrect ghosts I’d driven away with the help of too much liquor and random acts of destruction.

  Along with acts of blackmail I wasn’t proud of.

  Even Jameson and Grant had taken turns babysitting me for almost three months. The ugliness of my past was something I’d worked diligently to put behind me. Why was I risking any additional unwanted limelight because of a single woman?

  The answer was startlingly as refreshing as it was ludicrous. The beautiful attorney unnerved me in all the right ways. My need to control and possess her was more powerful than anything I’d felt in a long time.

  As I guided her to my car, she remained as far away from me as possible, keeping her head high. She looked stunning tonight, her voluptuous curves calling to the sadistic man like a beacon flashing in the darkness.

  I’d enjoyed her father’s reaction more than I should have and I fully expected to hear from him again. I almost laughed from memories of the horrified look on his face. When I chuckled out loud, she threw me a hateful look.

  “You’re enjoying every minute of this. Aren’t you?”

  “I am. However, contrary to what you might believe, I’m all about saving the animals.”

  “The. You make them sound like objects, not beautiful creatures to be adored, cared for, and treated like family.”

  I pressed the unlock button on the key fob, the beep forcing her to jump. “I can see you’re a bleeding heart.”

  “Ha,” she scoffed. “And I know you’re a cold-hearted bastard.”

  “You know what they say. Opposites attract.” As I opened the passenger door for her, she pulled away, acting as if she wouldn’t dare allow any man to treat her like a lady, least of all the asshole who’d purchased her time.

  “Let’s get something straight, Lachlan. I understand you… won the bid, but that doesn’t mean I intend on pretending to like you for a split second of the drudgery I’m going to be forced to endure.”

  I moved closer, crowding her space. Her perfume was as intoxicating as her caustic mouth. When she flinched, I took a deep breath, allowing my exhale to float across her cheeks. “As I told you before. You will follow my every command. While I appreciate your rebellious attitude, there will come a time I’ll lose my patience.”

  Her lower lip quivered, the fire in her eyes shifting into apprehension.

  “Do I frighten you, sweetheart?”

  “A man like you certainly couldn’t scare me. You act as if your arrogance is justified, but that’s because you’re a tiny little man with an even smaller cock.”

  “My. My. I can see I’ll need to add washing your mouth out with soap to the regime of discipline.”

  That floored her, Lark’s mouth twisting in frustration and anger. “Don’t call me sweetheart ever again.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh, longing to rip off her mask, tasting the sweetness of her dazzling body. That would come soon enough whether she was appreciative or not. I planned on devouring every inch of her multiple times. When I pointed to the seat, she tossed her hair, huffing as she climbed in.

  The sight of her long legs made my mouth water.

  “Where are we going?” she demanded.

  I thought about the question. Perhaps I hadn’t thought this out as well as I believed earlier. “We’re going to begin your training immediately.” She was far too naïve to the lifestyle. I’d need to handle her with kid gloves at first.

  If my lack of patience would allow it.

  “That means I’ll hate it.”

  When I closed the door, I couldn’t help but whistle, a clear indication everything was going according to plans. And I was one happy man.

  As soon as I eased onto the leather seat, she launched into me again. “Did you plan this all along?”

  “Not initially. The idea presented itself and I couldn’t resist.”

  “You’re insufferable.”

  “I assure you,” I said as I started the engine, “I’ve been called worse.” After throwing the gear into drive, I sped around the curves leading to the exit, allowing her to feel the full power of my Maserati.

  Once on the street, she slowly turned her head. “That confirms it.”

  “Do tell.” I hadn’t been this aroused in years, my cock aching.

  “Your driving and the flashy car. Boys with big toys are compensating for their itsy, bitsy man equipment.”