Page 54 of Delicious Surrender
His eyes glittered. “Nothing. Get back to work.”
She didn’t need to be told twice. Brynne huffed out a curse and made for the door, half expecting him to call her back to pick up the garbage.Smug bastard.
After sprinting up the stairs, she needed a minute to compose herself before going back out to the lounge. Those images were burned in her brain.
If only she had the balls to ask him if that’s what he doeswith his submissives. She swallowed a moan and forced the thoughts out of her mind. The trouble was, she couldn’t conceal the way her eyes had dilated, and the heightened color on her cheeks.
Mel came over to where she stood. “No new tables. It’s been slow.” Her eyes roamed over Brynne’s face, and she tilted her head in a way that reminded Brynne of Aunt Josie, who could spot asituationa mile away.
“What’s the matter? Did Gage get you all hot and bothered again?”
She wrinkled her nose at Mel, who most would disregard as a bubble-headed blonde, but she knew it was just an act. “I am not hot and bothered. Well, okay, I might be, but it’s not about him. He is being a prick tonight—all cold and demanding. But he had me unpack some new artwork, and it was seriously erotic.”
“Ooh, I hope he hangs them up where I can see them.”
Brynne smiled. “Fair warning, you won’t be able to concentrate if you do.”
Mel sighed. “I would love the distraction. But hey, we’ll have plenty of excitement on Saturday night. Since this is your first fetish night, I’ll show you what the plan is.”
Half an hour later, Brynne was fully briefed and quite wigged out by what she learned. This was going to be a full-on sex party. Mel assured her that nobody was going to be having sex in the lounge and most of the guests would keep theirpartscovered—until after midnight. The rooms upstairs were all booked for private scenes—some allowed observers and some didn’t. In the Pareo playroom where she was spanked, itwould be a free-for-all sheik’s harem. If luck was on her side, she might get to deliver refreshments up there. Extra security would ensure nobody took liberties, but the alcohol would flow, so everyone needed to keep a close eye on all the patrons and report anyone getting out of hand.
This was her big break. A chance to see people who lived the lifestyle and some who just played in it. Mel offered to stay so Brynne could cut out early; she welcomed the chance to get home. She remembered to get a taxi chit from Garrick and sneaked out without seeing Gage again. The next time she saw him would be Saturday. Hopefully, he would be in a better mood.
The black cab pulled up, and she got in, taking an extra look around. She forgot to tell Jared about the Range Rover. No matter—it was probably nothing.
14
Arabian Fetish Night
Fetish night had finally arrived. Gage couldn’t help feeling on edge, even with extra security stationed in every corner on every floor. As soon as Cole arrived, they would head up to the lounge. He wanted to be on the floor to monitor everything—especially Brynne.
Paperwork remained unread on his desk as he watched her on the video monitor. God help him. She looked more stunning than he could have imagined in her harem outfit. She was laughing and flirting with the patrons. The timid girl was gone. Now when someone tried to take liberties, she laughed and swatted away their wandering hands.
So much for devising ways he could push her buttons. Instead of scaring her off, she met his challenges and managed to turn the tables on him. They hadn’t spoken since she flew out of his office on Thursday. He knew he’d been contradictory, drawing her in, then pushing her away. Why couldn’t he stayaway from her?
Last night Cole teased him about his fascination with Brynne. Part of him wished he wasn’t coming to the party tonight. The tall Texan had an effortless charm and charisma that attracted women like bees to honey. Together with Aaron, they had been quite the team during university. Work first, women second, sleep third. They spent countless sleepless nights perfecting a software program to detect anomalies, fraud, and patterns in trading. The results of their hard work led to a patent which set them up for the rest of their lives. Cole invested in oil and gas and commercial property development. Aaron built a New York-based VC firm and invested in real estate, publishing, and broadcasting. His own VC firm had netted strong profits since he founded it seven years ago.
During dinner, he finally told Cole what happened with Sierra, and how much it had affected him. He was no longer interested in trying to find asuitablegirlfriend, especially one that his mother approved of. They were all looking for money, social standing, and a big house in Mayfair. No, thank you. He was content to stoke the fires of his inherent distrust of women.
Cole suggested he find another outlet, even if it meant hiring a professional or going to Germany to get back into the club scene. When he admitted he hadn’t had sex since breaking it off with Sierra, Cole nearly choked on his drink.
It was galling but true—he hadn’t hooked up with anyone or sought any revenge sex. He tried to convince Cole he couldn’t go fucking his way around London when his mother was up for a judicial appointment. A mocking face stared back at him.
“That’s a lame excuse. Good thing I’m here to rescue you. And thanks to your wonderful assistant Fiona, we have the jetbooked to Berlin tomorrow afternoon. Garrick can run this joint for a few days.” Then he told him, “It’s only been five days and my balls need emptying.”
Gage knew he was right. The trip was exactly what he needed.
Cole texted ten minutes later that his car was pulling up. Gage told him to have Miles bring him to his office. He wanted to show him his latest artwork, which now hung over the fireplace. Anyone who stood at the door to his office wouldn’t see it. Only those allowed into the inner sanctum would get the full impact.
When he arrived, Gage handed him a glass of scotch and suggested he take a seat while he finished up an email.
Cole raised his glass. “Cheers, my friend. Take your time.” He sat on the long leather couch that faced the fireplace and Gage watched him as he took in the view.
“Jesus H Christopher, where did you get these?” He rose and went over so he could study them more closely. “Fucking stunning. Where can I order some? Who is the photographer?” He turned to Gage. “And who isshe?”
Gage laughed. “I’ll give you the number of the studio; the photographer works here part time. I’ve seen the model before, but not like this. These are one of a kind.”
“That is some serious ropework. Makes me itchy to play.”