Daye, Lavender - Bound By Trust (Siren Publishing Allure) Read online

  His arm tight around her waist, he turned toward the stairs, stopping two more times to watch others having sex in one form or another. “Just breathe, Kerri,” he told her at the top of the steps. “I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

  * * * *

  They stopped at the last door on the long hall and Hunter knocked. Kerri straightened her back and inhaled deeply, preparing herself to come face to face with Richard Menton. The memory of his unwanted hands on her sent chill bumps over her skin. But his personal assistant, Alan Pritchert opened the door.

  “Mr. Menton will be here shortly. He suggests that you make yourself comfortable.” Pritchert nodded and closed the door behind him as he left.

  Kerri looked around the room, curious about what would be expected of her. It was a smallish room, about the size of a typical bedroom. A wet bar was in one corner, clean glasses on a tray and on a shelf behind the bar. A few bottles of liquor sat on another shelf but she didn’t bother looking at the labels. Kerri knew she wouldn’t be drinking tonight.

  Hunter hadn’t shared any information about his investigation. Was Menton a suspect or merely a contact in an elaborate scheme? How should she act around him? Left to her own choice, Kerri would rather not interact with him at all. He made her skin itchy, made her nervous about what he might do if left alone with her. She didn’t trust him as she did Hunter.

  Hunter’s hand touched her back and she turned toward a sitting area. Two leather chairs were separated by a small table, and a low, cushioned platform was on the floor in front of the chairs. Hunter stopped her at the platform. It was about two feet square, about ankle height to Kerri, and the cushion looked thick, plush even.

  “You’ll sit here, pretty girl. Knees on the cushion, spread wide for me.” He held her hand as she settled her knees on the soft fabric. “Good girl. Now put your feet together and sit on your heels.”

  Kerri jerked her head up, her eyes on his taut expression. In that position, she’d be completely exposed and flashing anyone that sat in the chairs. And from the look on his face, that was his plan. His brow rose, waiting for her to refuse, but she did as he asked with her head high and her back straight. Hunter stepped in front of her on his way to the bar and she realized that the height of the platform put her at exactly crotch level.

  She could feel her face heating from her blush but refused to look away while he watched.

  “Hands on your knees, sweetheart. Or behind your back. Your choice, just don’t block my view of that beautiful body.” He was sipping his drink when the door behind her opened.

  “Hunter, good to see you again. Sorry I wasn’t here to greet you and your friend. Business crisis in New York.”

  “Always something only you can handle, I’m sure.” Hunter lifted the bottle of scotch and reached for a second glass. Kerri kept her eyes on him until Menton stepped in front of her.

  “She’s a beautiful young lady, Hunter. Maybe a little too young?” He winked at her as he sat and Kerri forced back the shiver. She didn’t feel threatened, but there was something about the man’s demeanor that made her nervous.

  He set a flat, square box on the table and took the drink Hunter handed him. “This should work like a charm,” he told him. “It’s already activated.”

  Hunter opened the box.

  A necklace, a silver band about an inch wide with an oval pendant dropping from what she assumed was the front shone as Hunter lifted it out of the packing. He inspected the clasp, opened it, and Kerri noticed a tiny hinge on one side of the etched band.

  Richard abruptly stood. “Let’s get rid of the old one, first,” he said, removing the black collar Hunter had put on her earlier. She held her breath as his fingers massaged her neck where the fabric had rubbed.

  “This one is a little heavier, Kerri, but won’t abrade like the leather. And it can’t be removed without the key,” Hunter said.

  His hands moved from behind her and she watched as he slipped a tiny key into the weave of his wristwatch.

  “It’s the mark of my possession. I want you to keep it on until we end this relationship, wearing it constantly. It will ensure your safety from the unsavory characters you might meet around here.”

  “With the exception of myself,” Menton added. “As club owner, I have rights beyond the collar.” He grinned wickedly and Kerri wondered if he truly intended to use her or if he was merely provoking Hunter. She couldn’t get a read on either man’s expression and was left to wonder.

  “Richard, back off. Kerri’s a relative virgin to this lifestyle. Give her a little time to acclimate.” Hunter stroked her head, tugged at the hair at her crown until she raised her eyes to him. “It’s time for your first lesson, pretty girl.”

  “Am I allowed to participate in this lesson?”

  Kerri heard lust in the deeper tones of Menton’s voice, his open desire to touch and manipulate her.

  Hunter’s voice swept through her, his comment at once thrilling and worrying. “You’re allowed to watch. For now, that’s all you’ll get from this meeting. But, in time, she may be ready for more.”

  Kerri watched his eyes darken, sparkle in anticipation, and she felt her skin warm under his gaze. The temperature in the room rose and she couldn’t manage to get enough air into her lungs.

  “Tonight, you’ll learn how to please me, to pleasure me.”

  Heat suffused her as he slid his fingers along her chin.

  “Up on your knees, sweetheart.”

  Kerri lifted her body from her heels until her back was straight and waited for the next direction, fairly certain of what he had planned. It wasn’t something she’d ever truly enjoyed, but it had been expected of her once or twice.

  “Open your mouth to me.” Hunter’s fingers tapped her cheek until she opened, and he slipped his thumb onto her tongue. She pressed against it, rubbed the pad then closed her lips and sucked, enjoying the quick intake of his breath.

  A rough chuckle sounded behind her. “She seems to be a natural, Hunter. I believe she’s done this before, just not with the lights on and definitely not with an audience.”

  Gentle hands cupped the back of her head and she heard a zipper’s rasp.

  “Tip your head back, Kerri. Give him more room to move while he fucks your mouth.” Menton’s hands directed her, positioned her as Hunter stepped closer.

  She kept her head in place but dropped her eyes to watch his approach. She’d seen him naked and aroused, but the sight of him, cock fisted and ready to take her publicly, was burning through her body like liquid fire. Kerri opened her mouth as wide as she could, sure she wouldn’t be able to take all of him, wondering what he would do if she gagged or choked.

  A deep, calm voice sounded close to her ear. Menton’s. “Relax your jaw and breathe through your nose. He’ll be gentle at first.”

  The engorged head balanced on her bottom lip for a moment before he pushed into her mouth. Suddenly filled, Kerri moaned. The sensuality of the act, including the place and witness, was more than she expected. He moved deeper, slowly breaching her throat until she felt the gag reflex begin.

  “Control it, Kerri. Relax your throat and swallow against him. It’s what he wants. You want to please him, don’t you, little girl?”

  Menton’s voice was driving her crazy. Hearing him when she wanted to hear Hunter was distracting.

  She lifted her eyes to Hunter’s face and was rewarded with an expression of undiluted pleasure as she forced her throat muscles to swallow instead of gag. He groaned and she felt her body respond, wetness gathering within her, preparing her for more.

  He retreated until just the tip of him sat on her lip again. Kerri flicked her tongue against the smooth head and he plunged in again, his palm on her forehead as he increased the speed of his thrusts, taking her mouth as he would her body. For the first time, she was grateful for Menton’s hands at the back of her head. Without that pressure, she was sure she would have toppled onto her back from the constant surge of Hunter’s body against her.


  “Take it, Kerri. Swallow everything I give you, every last drop.” Guttural, Hunter’s voice rubbed across her skin as his cock rubbed against her lips. He’d hardened past the point of steel, swelling within her mouth. Hot splashes of his release pumped against the back of her throat and Kerri swallowed hastily, trying to keep up with the flow. The need to please him, to keep every fragment of his essence within her body, enveloped her.

  “Perfect, Kerri. Thank you for allowing me to share this moment, Hunter.” Menton ran his hands down her hair to her back, a soft caress that she didn’t expect from him, then stepped back to the bar area, his back to them.

  Kerri watched Hunter fasten his pants and sit, his eyes roving her body. He should be relaxed after his climax, but tight lines bracketed his lips.

  “I’m sorry,” she whispered, wondering how she’d let him down.

  He was on his feet in a heartbeat. “What? Sorry for what, sweetheart?” His warm hands cupped her trembling shoulders.

  “You looked so…disappointed,” she whispered, not wanting to reveal her feelings to the other man in the room. It was hard enough to explain what she felt to Hunter.

  His arms wrapped around her and he pulled her roughly to his chest. “No, sweetheart, I’m not disappointed at all. In fact, I’m contemplating how to keep you.”

  “What?” Kerri’s mind whorled, sorting through their previous conversations to make sense of this one. “What are you talking about?”

  “I’m saying you should remain with me for the duration of your training, little girl. I won’t allow anyone else to touch what’s mine.”

  Chapter 13

  Jase paced across the wide Persian rug she’d brought back from Turkey three years ago, knowing she was probably ruining the fine fibers but not caring a whit at the moment. Kerri had left to spend the weekend with her new boyfriend, leaving not one hint of an explanation. It wasn’t like her to slip out of the house without at least a modicum of girl talk. And the few things she’d let slip yesterday made Jase’s knees weak.

  Bondage.

  It wasn’t a word Jase had ever used in casual conversation. Hell, it wasn’t something she even wanted to think about and yet Kerri had asked her outright if Harvey was into it. That was a riot. Harvey was hardly into sex at all. Sometimes she got the feeling that he could do without for weeks at a time unless she instigated the act. He made up for his lack in the sack by lavishing attention on her when they were in public. Harvey was tall, strikingly handsome, a perfect gentleman. He was a fabulous escort even if he wasn’t a topnotch lover.

  Besides, Jase wasn’t looking for a permanent man in her life. She could make do with her b.o.b. and an escort when needed.

  The phone rang and she snatched it up, hoping Kerri had come to her senses and needed a rescue ride. “Hello.”

  “Hey, Jase. Have you got plans for tonight?” Sara asked, her cheerful tone grating on Jase’s bad mood. “A hot date with Harvey?”

  “No, Harvey is working tonight. Why?”

  “A few of us from work are going out to dinner and maybe to a movie or club after. You should join us.”

  Sara was the most upbeat of her friends, and Jase knew spending the evening with her would ease some of the worry she was dealing with tonight. Sara and her friends would be easy companions, forcing her to let go of the image of Kerri and Bondage Guy that kept sifting through her thoughts. And getting the image out of her brain was a major necessity tonight.

  “Where are you going?” she asked, knowing Kerri wouldn’t want her to obsess.

  “Jimmie’s Roadhouse. We’re walking to our cars now. Meet us there?”

  “Okay, save me a seat if you beat me there. How many people are with you?”

  “If you get there first, get a table for ten.”

  Jase smiled and agreed before ending the call. A small crowd of ten at Jimmie’s would be a riot of laughs, just what she needed. A quick glance at her black pants and bright pink top to make sure she was presentable had Jase sliding into her shoes and grabbing her purse.

  Who needed an escort when good friends were available?

  * * * *

  Kerri woke slowly, exhausted in mind and body from last night’s experience. Every inch of her had thrummed in pleasure for such an extended time that she had aches in places she didn’t know she had. Light filtered into the room and under her lashes, urging her to welcome the new day and whatever Hunter had planned for her. She rolled to her back and stretched, easing the tightness around her spine and through her thighs. Her hands spread out from her body and found cool sheets instead of the warm body she’d curled into when she’d been spent and near comatose only hours ago.

  Eyes finally open, Kerri stared at the ceiling, her body heating while scenes flashed through her brain. On her knees at the club, helpless as Hunter took his pleasure and Richard held her head. A spanking in the private room, again with Richard observing. With a groan, Kerri rolled to her stomach at the memory of Hunter pulsing inside her during the spanking, the heat of his palm against her skin mirroring the heat of him buried within her, his shout at climax reverberating in her brain. And the feel of hot fluid splattering against the bare skin of her back, another moan from above her.

  All the while, Hunter’s voice surrounding her with a need to please him, a need she’d never thought would become a reality. But it had. Even in his bed, away from the watchful eyes of Richard Menton, Kerri continued to feel the all-consuming need to please him.

  Her lids dropped, a hard breath pushing past her lips while images of Hunter bombarded her. He was pushing her for more than she was ready to handle, but it wasn’t just sexual. His dominance, his utter control of her during sex, thrilled her in ways she hadn’t believed possible before she met him. But while the orgasms he’d given her were explosive and addicting, her worry was much more focused on the man himself.

  Hunter made her feel like a woman. He made her dream things she’d never thought possible. He made her want to need him.

  Kerri sat up and flung the sheet off her body, irritation working its way through her system. The air conditioner chose that moment to cycle on and the sudden breeze made her shiver, her bare nipples tightening. A few quick steps took her to Hunter’s dresser, where she found a selection of solid colored T-shirts and pulled one over her head. It was huge, hanging to her knees, but at least it covered the important parts and kept the breeze off her.

  A faint scent of coffee led her down the stairs and into the kitchen. Hunter’s long legs caught her attention before she made it through the entrance, lean muscle strikingly encased in faded jeans stretched out into the walkway that linked the breakfast nook and the kitchen. His gaze lifted from the newspaper in his hands when she stopped in the doorway.

  “Morning, sleepyhead.” His brows dropped with his frown. “Why are you covered?”

  “Hope you don’t mind me borrowing a shirt. I was cold.” Kerri stepped around the island and poured coffee into a waiting cup, then opened the refrigerator in search of creamer. Despite the cool breeze from the fridge, heat enveloped her as hot hands pushed up from her thighs to her hips. With the carton in hand, Kerri turned to face him, or at least tried.

  “Move, please,” she said, turning into his warm body but keeping the milk between them. “I need coffee after last night. Back off.”

  He snatched the carton from her hand and set it on the counter while his left arm circled her waist and pulled her into his body. “Back off? Not likely, pretty girl. Why are you hiding your body?”

  “I was cold, and I didn’t want to walk around naked and shivering. Can I have my coffee now?” She looked him square in the face, forcing all emotion from her expression, her inner voice chanting “this is a game, not real life” as a reminder. She was helping him with an investigation. The sexual game they were playing was just that, a game.

  Hunter’s eyes met hers, dark, sparkling as if he knew what she was thinking before she formulated the thought. When she glanced away, his
fingers cupped her chin.

  “Don’t hide from me, Kerri. Trust me. I won’t hurt you.”

  “How can I be sure?” she asked, jerking away from his grasp, knowing he’d let her go. Adding creamer to her coffee, she realized Hunter was showing her his honesty. The fact that he’d let her step away was reason for trust. But it didn’t stop the irritation in her voice. ”I don’t know much about you, only what you’ve told me, and I can’t be sure any of it is true.”

  “Having second thoughts about last night?”

  His voice was deeper, softer, as it washed across her senses. He was trying to seduce her, would seduce her if she let her guard drop an inch.

  “Just being sensible.” Even with cream, the hot coffee scalded her tongue. Kerri turned away from him, hoping the pain in her mouth would keep her silent, but not counting on it. Knowing her anger was directed more inward than at Hunter didn’t keep her from wanting to lash out. He was pushing her to feel emotions she’d given up on years ago and she was desperate to keep them buried.

  Behind her, a cabinet opened and closed with a soft tap. The clink of a plate settling on the stone countertop followed. A box rustled. She tried to ignore the scent of cinnamon as the microwave hummed, but when the bell dinged and Hunter opened it behind her, the aroma intensified.

  “Come sit with your coffee and eat. Maybe your mood will improve with a little food.” His tone, all cajoling and humoring, didn’t help but Kerri sat in the chair nearest the plate he’d made for her. Two warm scones bracketed a tiny bowl of red jam. Raspberry or strawberry, but either way, she knew it would be good. She used the little spoon he’d placed on the plate and smoothed a smear of jam on one section of a scone, then took a bite.