BLACKLIGHT:EXPOSED

JENNIFERBENE

BlackLight:Exposed

ByJenniferBene

AllRightsReserved

Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyformorbyanyelectronicormechanicalmeansincluding
informationstorageandretrievalsystems,withoutpermissioninwritingfromtheauthor.Theonlyexceptionis
byareviewer,whomayquoteshortexcerptsinareview.

Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentseitherareproductsoftheauthor’s
imaginationorareusedfictitiously.Anyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,events,orlocalesis
entirelycoincidental.

PublishedunderBlackCollarPress.

CoverdesignbyErisAdderly,

http://erisadderly.com/

CreatedwithVellum

Thisbookisdedicatedtoallofmyamazingreaderswhoalwaysliftmeupwiththeir

comments,messages,andreviews.Tomyfantasticfriendandco-crazyconfidantLivia
Grant,whocameupwiththeideaforBlackLightandletmebeapartofthisfunworld,

andaspecialshout-outtoNanettewhohelpedmenamethiswonderfulbook.

Withoutallofyou,lovelies,mylifewouldbeso,soboring.

“

ChapterOne

ThursdayNight

ome on, let me hear you!” DJ Elixxir’s voice poured like honey out of the
speakers, and the crowd of college co-eds screamed on command while Maddie

yawned and rolled her eyes. She just wanted a real drink, a fucking nap, and a
goddamnstory–but‘PeopleEnjoyDancingatPopularDanceClub’wasabsolutelynota
headlineanyonewouldcaretoread.

“Everyone’salreadywrittenaboutthisfuckingplaceanyway,”shegrumbledtoherself.
FortheseventhtimeintwoweeksMaddiewasperchedonachair,watchingaseaof
writhingbodiesastheyhadwaymorefunthanher.RunwaywasthenewitclubinDC,
andwhileshecouldunderstandthedensecrowdofGeorgetownstudentsandtourists
rockingitouttoDJElixxir’slatestset,shecouldabsolutelynotfigureoutwhereallof
therandompoliticians,lobbyists,andothersocialeliteweregoingaftertheyarrived.

That was the story she needed, but for all her efforts she wasn’t getting anywhere.
Taking another sip of her diet coke she winced and rubbed at her temple as the
poundingheadachestartedtocreepdownherneckfromthebaseofherskull.

“Fuck.” Maddie tried to block out the flashing lights and moving laser show that
seemedtobobandweavewiththebassline,butthatwasafutileeffort.Noamountof
caffeine,orheadmassage,ormagicalfairydustwasgoingtomakeupforthelackof
sleep she’d been rocking for over three weeks. But giving up and sleeping wouldn’t
changethefactthatAntoinewasgoingtoshutheroutcompletelyifshedidn’tgivehim
something soon, and this was the only interesting lead she’d found after months of
nothing.

Comeon,Maddie,youcandothis.Provetheassholeswrong.

Withadeepbreathshetriedtoshakeoffallthebullshitandliftedherheadtoglance
backattheVIPareaagain.Itwascordonedofffromthemainfloorbyawall,asifthe
city’s elite needed any further reminder that they were above the rest of the
population,andwhileitheldsomebarelydressedwomenwhowerealsointhebarely

eighteencategory,therewasnooneofinterest.Atleast,nooneshe’dgoogled.

TappingherphoneshescannedherthumbprintandwatchedheriPhonecometolife
onthelittlecounterinfrontofher.Inanothermomentshehadherlistup,theonethat
held every single person of importance she’d seen pull up outside of Runway in the
monthithadbeenopen.Black,shiningtowncarsthatdroppedoffsomeofthetopA-list
of Washington, DC for them to come party inside the club – and yet? She’d found
nothing.

Nada.

Zilch.

Maddiewasdraininghermeagersavingscomingtotheclubalmosteverynightitwas
open,andsheknewsheshouldstop,butthelittlepuzzlekeptpullingherback.Ifyou
watch someone enter a building, and then you go inside and they aren’t there, then
wherearethey?

It was the million-dollar question, or at least the seventy-two thousand dollar a year
question if she could finally land a job at the Washington Post as a reporter. Antoine
would have to give her a position if she could just figure out where everyone was
going. Every part of her knew something was up. That tingle buzzing through her
bloodstreamwitheachnewnamesheaddedtoherlist,andMaddieknewthatthiswas
it. This was the story that would let her finally work for a real newspaper, doing real
reporting.

Shejusthadtofigureitthefuckout.

Finishing off her soda she tucked her phone back in the little black purse and
abandonedherseat.Shehadn’ttakenmorethanastepbeforesomewaif-thinblonde
hadsnaggedit,andMaddiecouldonlysighasshepushedpastpeopletogettothecoat
check.Thelittleticketearnedherthethickwoolcoat,andthebottleofAdvilhidingin
thepocket.

Tipping the last two dollars in cash she had on her she sought out the bathroom,
prayingtherewasn’talineofchatteringgirlswaitingtomakeherheadacheworse.As
she navigated her way through the packed room she tried to remind herself that at
twenty-fourshewasprobablyinthemiddleoftheagerangeoftheroom,butshefelt
mucholderthanthetwenty-somethingsgrindingagainsteachotheronthedancefloor.
She’dneverbeeninterestedinpartying,neverbeentheonetodokeg-standsatPenn
State,andbeingsurroundedbydrunkco-edswasnotexactlyoneofherfantasies.

APulitzer?Thatwasafantasyshecouldsinkherteethinto,andonethatwascurrently
waytoofaroffworkingathershitcopyeditorjob.

Withapushattheswingingdoorshefoundherselfinthecool,insulatedspaceofthe
women’sroom,andforthefirsttimeinhoursshefeltlikeshecouldbreathe.Whoever
haddesignedthisplacehadclearlyknownhowmiserableitwastotryandfindatoilet
ataclub,becauseRunwaywasthefirstclubshe’dseenwitheightstallsandafucking

sittingarea with two full-lengthmirrors. It was paradiseinside chaos, and the instant
reductioninsoundmadeherheadalothappier–evenifherearswerestillringing.

There was only one girl at the sinks, applying eyeliner one-handed with the skill of a
master,butMaddiedidn’tevenhavetheenergytofeeljealous.Inthemirrorshesaw
thesilverydressthatclungtoherhips,withanecklinethatdrapedjustlowenoughto
reveal her moderate cleavage, boosted by Victoria Secret’s best. It wasn’t the nicest
thing she owned, but she was running out of outfits for the club – which meant she
reallyneededtodolaundry.Justonemorethingforhernever-endingto-dolist.Great.
Stepping forward she turned the water on and rinsed her hands before pressing the
coolnesstohercheeks.

Wakeup.Comeon.

Meeting her blue-gray eyes in the mirror she took a deep, steadying breath as she
stared at her reflection. There was not enough make-up in the world to hide the
exhaustion she felt, it was drawn like an undeniable map in dark circles under her
eyes.

“Perfect,” she muttered, and the beautiful woman next to her glanced over. Maddie
offered a slight smile as the girl started applying lipstick. The woman who was now
pouting at the mirror had sleek, pin-straight dark hair, while Maddie’s own fiery red
waveswerefrizzy,andeventhoughshe’dspenttwentyminutescarefullyblow-drying
itthatmorningaroundsixamtheeffortwaslongdissolved.

Aswashermake-up,herabilitytothink,andherpatienceforthenight.

Fuckit.

Itwasalmosttwoam,andthatmeantifshecouldcatchanuberbacktoherapartment
quickly she might get two and a half hours of sleep. Another night wasted with
absolutelynothingtoshowforit.

PoppingopentheAdvilbottleshetossedthreeofthepillsbackandleaneddowntothe
faucet,takingafewsipsofwateroutofherhandtoswallowthemdown.Ignoringthe
othergirl’ssidewaysglance,Maddieheadedtothebackofthebathroom.Aftersomany
nightsinsidetheclubshe’dpickedupontheseconddooroffthesittingareathatledto
therearexitoftheclub.Muchlesschaoticandeasiertogettothestreetfortheuber
pick-upsincethefrontofRunwaywouldstillbelinedwithpeopletryingtogetinsideat
thishour.

Tuggingonhercoatshedugherphoneoutofherlittlepurse,andheadedintotheshort
hall behind the dance floor. Just as she pulled up the app to ask for a car, her eyes
caughtsomethingoutofplace.

Therewasnosecuritybythecurtainforbackstage,andthecurtainitselfwasn’tpulled
allthewayacrossandlatchedtothewalllikeitusuallywas.Thatcouldbesomething
interesting.

Locking her phone she moved quietly towards the curtain, suddenly grateful for the
overwhelmingmusicthatfeltlikeitwastryingtovibrateherbones.Itwasaremixof
Bad Romance, and Maddie sent up a silent prayer of thanks to Gaga as she leaned
against the wall to peek into the backstage area. She couldn’t see anyone, but light
spilledfromanopendoorjustinsidethecurtain,andsheslippedthroughtogetacloser
look. Three people were standing in what looked like a supply closet for the club,
completewithshelvesofcleaningproducts,andtoiletpaper,andotherrandomstuff.

Thatwouldhavebeenstrangeenough,butoneofthebigsecurityguyswastalkingtoa
man in a suit, handsome with silvering hair at his temples, and in a flash she
recognizedhim.HewasoneofthebiggerlobbyistsinD.C.,DavidAlchert,andhewas
definitelyonhergooglelist.Nexttohimwasagorgeouswoman,probablyinhermidto
late thirties, and wearing a black dress so short Maddie wondered how she wasn’t
flashingherunderwear.

Whatthefuckaretheydoinginacloset?

Theyallstartedlaughing,thewomanwrappingherselfaroundAlchert’sarm,andthen
thesecurityguywenttopickupamopinthebackcorner–exceptitdidn’tmove.He
pulledittowardshim,thenpusheditforward,angledittotheside,andadoorpopped
open.

Holy.Shit.

The couple waved at him as they stepped through into some room with pale purple
light, and he waited there until the door snapped back into place. From where she
stood there didn’t even seem to be a seam to mark the door’s existence, and there
definitelywasn’tahandle.Beforehecouldturn,shedartedbackpastthecurtainasa
smilespreadacrossherlips,stretchingthemsowideherjawached,butshecouldfeel
thattingle.Thesameonethathadappearedwhenshe’dfirstcaughtsightofallthose
distinguished members of society hungrily lining up to gain entrance to Runway. A
danceclubstartedbyapairofmalemodelsembroiledinamessysexscandalthathad
beenfront-pagepoliticalnewsforanentireweek.Noneofithadmadesense,notone
bit of it, but now there was a secret entrance frequented by some of the city’s most
affluentandinfluentialpeople?

Thathadheadlineexposéwrittenalloverit,andMaddieO’Neillwasgoingtobetheone
tobreakitwideopen.AntoinewouldbepositivelybegginghertoworkforthePost.

Thesoundofadoorclosingmadeherstumblebackafewsteps,unlockingherphoneas
she leaned against the wall a yard or two from the curtain. A gruff voice sounded a
secondlater,“Hey,whatareyoudoingbackhere?”

“Huh?”Maddieglancedoverathim,playingtheconfusedgirlactasshenavigatedback
totheUberappwithherthumb.“I’mcallingaride,why?”

“Youshouldn’tbebackhere.”

Rollinghereyeswithpracticedannoyance,sheshowedhimherphonescreen.“LikeI

said,I’mabouttoleave,”shepointedatthebackexit,“outthatdoor.”

“Whydon’tyougoaheadandleavethen?”

“Oh,thanksforyourpermission!”Maddiepushedoffthewallinahuff,stompinginher
heelstothedoortoshoveitopenasshewrappedhercoataroundherselftofightthe
chillofearlyJanuary–butthemomentshewasoutsideshecouldn’tstiflethegrinany
further.

Shehadalead.Areal,solidlead,andnowshejustneededtofigureouthowthefuckto
getpastMr.QuestionstothatentrancesoshecouldfindoutwhatsecretsRunwaywas
hiding.

ChapterTwo

Friday

henextmorningwasn’tjustbrutal,itwaspost-nuclearblastdestructive.Maddie
felt like she’d been shoved into a meat grinder and then reformed into some

shapethatresembledahumanbeing.EvenassheslumpedoverherdeskattheDaily
SaverD.C.office,shecouldn’tmakesenseofthetextonherscreen.

Itwaslikesomeevileyetest,andshewasfailingbadly.

“Morning,Ginger!”

“Fuckoff,Gilligan,”shegrowled.

Jamar laughed as he took his seat at his desk, glancing back at her as he swiveled
aroundtounlockhiscomputer.“Badnight?”

“I’mgoingtoshoveapenthroughyoureyeifyoukeeptalkingtome.”

“Hungover?”hemused,lookingoverhisshoulder.“Ordidyoujustgetlaidandspend
allnightmakingan‘O’face?”

“Neither,”shehissedandwaitedforhimtoturnbackaround,butshewasn’tthatlucky.

“Seriously,areyousick?Ifyou’resickyoushouldleave.”

“Yes,Ihavetheflu,andIlickedallofyourstuffbeforeyougothere.”

“Alwaysthinkingofothers,that’smyGinger.”Flashingawildgrinatherheturnedto
hisinbox,whichwasalreadyfullofadsandshortarticlestobeeditedbeforetheeight
o’clockprintdeadline.

“You’resuchanasshole.”

“Hey,I’mnottheonethatlookshalf-dead.HasBrendaseenyouyet?”Jamar’scasual
questionmadeherflinch.Brendahadalreadycommentedoncethatsheneededtopick
upherpace,andonMondayshe’dsuggestedthatMaddielookedunwell–thelastthing

sheneededwasanotherchatwiththeirtaskmasterofaboss.

Asifsomeshittydailycouponpaperwasgoingtomakeorbreakthenewscycleinside
theBeltway.

“Why don’t you pay attention to your own work, Gilligan?” As she snapped at him
JamarseemedtogiveupandtuneintohisscreenwiththekindoffocusMaddiewished
shecouldsummon.Shealsoneededtotonedownthebitch-o-meterabouttennotches.
As snarky as she could be to him, she was grateful to have him and his playful jabs.
Theirnicknamesforeachotherhadformedherfirstweekthere,aftershe’dappliedto
everyrealnewspaperintheD.C.areaandfinallysettledforajobthatwouldjustpay
the bills. Jamar had taken one look at her red hair, pale skin, and freckles, and
immediatelystartedcallingherGinger.

Asinthesoul-sucking-creepy-redhairedkind.

Bytheendoftheweekshewasfedupwiththeterm,soshestartedcallinghimGilligan.
Thedopey,accident-proneidiotfromtheshowGilligan’sIsland,thesameshowwhere
Ginger was actually one of the hot girls on the island and not some rude Irish
stereotype.But,insteadofbeingbotheredbyitJamarhadlovedthebanter,andthey’d
quickly become friends – which would have actually made work pretty nice if they
weren’tbothcurrentlytrappedincareerpurgatory.

A four-year journalism degree, top marks, and all she had earned was two years as a
copyeditorforafreedailyadpaper.So.Fucking.Glamorous.

The Daily Saver wasn’t doing much more than providing a shitty studio apartment,
cheap food, and transport in and out of the city every day – but it was a job, and it
meant she wasn’t moving back home. That was all Maddie could hope for until she
earnedherachanceatarealjob.

“Don’tstabmeintheeye,butdoyouwantmetomakeyousomecoffee?”Jamarasked,
hoveringattheedgeofherdeskwithhishandpoisedoverherPennStatemug.

“ForcaffeineIwillforgothestabbingfornow.”Shemanagedasmallsmile,buthejust
chuckledtohimselfashewanderedawaywithhercoffeecup.Reachingintohergiant
sack of a purse she fished around until she found the hand mirror she wanted and
opened it to look at herself. Somehow she actually looked worse than she had at the
clubthenightbefore.Herskinwaswaxypale,hereyesbloodshot,thebagsunderher
eyes even darker, and when she tried to look back at her screen she knew she was
fucked.Aleadornot,sheneededanightortwoofsleepbeforeshetriedtounlockthe
mop-triggeredsecretsofRunway.

Andifsheplannedonaffordinggroceriesthisweek,she’dneedtomakesureshegot
throughthecrapinherinboxbeforeBrendahadmorereasonstofireherandhirethe
nexthungry,collegegradlookingforajobintheDistrict.

Just as she opened the first email of the morning, an ad for one-hour phone screen
repair, Jamar returned with her coffee and set it beside her. Cream and sugar filled

ecstasy,theliquidinsidelookedclosertomilkthancoffee,andshepracticallygroaned
asshepickeditupandtookasip.“You’retoogoodtome.”

“Iknow.Ialsoaddedanicecubesoitwouldn’tbetoohot.”Hesmiledandtookadrink
fromhissteamingcupofblacktar.

“Thisisthebenefitofknowingyou,Gilligan.SometimesIforgetwhyIkeeptalkingto
you,andthenyoubringmecaffeinatedmagic.”

“Firstofall,I’mnotevensurethere’sstillcaffeineinthatconcoction,andsecond,coffee
isn’tcoffeeunlessit’shot,but–”

“There’sadifferencebetweenboilinganddrinkable.”

“Butyouobviouslyneedcoffee,andsincethatlukewarmmessisallyou’lldrinkthat’s
whatIbroughtyou.”Jamarleanedonthecornerofherdesk,hisbrowneyescatching
hers.“Nojokes,areyouokay,Maddie?”

Plasteringasmileacrossherface,shenodded.“Yeah,absolutely.I’vejustbeenworking
onsomestuffatnight,butIpromiseI’mgoingtotakeabreakandgetsomesleep.”

Foranightortwoanyway.

“Yousure?Ifyouneedhelpwithsomething,Ican-”

“Nope! Nina would have my head if I bugged you after hours. I’m pretty sure she’s
alreadyannoyedenoughthatIlikeyourpostsonFacebook.”

Jamardidn’trespondtothat,whichwasalltheconfirmationsheneededthathiswife
wasn’thappyathowfriendlytheywere.Hetookalongdrinkofhiscoffeeandstood
up.“Okay,well,theofferstands.Ihopeyouknowthat.”

“Right,Ido.”Keepingtheforcedsmile,shemethiseyesforamomentbeforeglancing
backatherscreenasifshecouldreallyreadit.“Timetowork!Bye,Gilligan!”

“Drinkyourcoffee,Ginger,”herepliedashewalkedthefewstepsbacktohisdesk,and
Maddieblinkeduntiltheblursonthescreenturnedintowords.

Three hours, and four coffee refills later, and she was halfway through her inbox for
the day. It still amazed her that the people who did the marketing at some of these
smallbusinessescouldn’tdosimpleproofreadingoftheiradsbeforepayingmoneyto
have them printed. Without her checking the advertisement for Caroline’s Fabrics &
More they would have been offering 50% off ‘patented’ prints instead of ‘patterned’
prints.

Withagrin,andaslightlylessfuzzyhead,shesentascreenshotoftheerror-filledadto
Jamar,butjustassheclickedsendBrendaappearedontheothersideofhermonitor.
“Madeline,Ineedtotalktoyou,doyouhaveaminute?”

“Sure.” There was a sinking feeling in her stomach as Brenda sat down on the short
cabinetbesideMaddie’sdesk.

“DoyouremembertheWashingtonCleanersadfromyesterday?”Shit.Shewasusing
hercorrectivetone,theonethatalreadyconfirmedshe’dmadesometerriblemistake.
Whatwasthatad?

WashingtonCleaners,WashingtonCleaners,WashingtonCleaners…

“Ofcourse!”Maddieliedthroughherteeth.“What’swrong?”

“Well,whydon’tyoutellme?”BrendapulledaDailySaverD.C.fromunderherarm
and laid it out beside her mouse, flipping to the second page where a red circle had
beendrawnaroundanadforWashington…Clearers.

Fuck.

And below that it said they were the best in shirts, pants, and dreses. That’s right,
dresseswithone‘s’.

Doublefuck.

“This was in your queue yesterday, right? And you approved it?” Brenda’s tone was
edgingfromcorrectivetooutrightirritated,andMaddierealizedthatfivecupsofcoffee
onanemptystomachwasabouttobearecipeforthrowingupinhertrashcaninfront
ofherboss.

“Idon’tknowhowImissedthat,Brenda.Iam–”

“Well,youdid,andthat’sthefourtherrorinthelastthreeweeks.Idon’tknowwhat’s
goingonwithyou,Madeline,butyouneedtoleavewhateveritisatthedoor.Wedon’t
havespaceforpersonalissueshereattheDailySaver,wehaveareputationtouphold.”
Withasteelygazefrombehindherglasses,Brendasnatchedupthecopyofthepaper
as heat flushed into Maddie’s cheeks. “Do you need to take a day off? Or two? You
didn’ttakemuchforChristmas.”

Swallowinginanefforttocalmherchurningstomach,andtocoolthecrimsonblush
thatsheknewwasturningherpaleskinintoanembarrassingneonsign,Maddiespoke
softlysothattheaudienceinthecubiclesaroundherwouldn’thear,“I’mfine,Brenda.
Itwon’thappenagain.”

“Ifitdoesitwillbemorethanatalk,Madeline.”Theuseofherfullnameforthethird
timemadeherteethgrind.

“Iunderstand.”

“Good.Ireallyexpectmoreofyouthanthis.”Withthatfinaljab,Brendawalkedback
towards her office at the end of the room, and Maddie bowed her head to avoid the
bevyofeyesthatsuddenlyfocusedonherfromalloverthefloor.

So stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid. You’re going to lose the only job you have paying the
bills trying to become some hotshot investigative journalist, won’t that make mom and
dadproud?

Openingthenextiteminherqueue,Maddiecouldfeeltheburninhercheeksslowly
fading,buttheembarrassmentwaslikeabrandingironoverherchest.Shehadalways
beentheAstudent,thesmartgirl,theover-achiever–andthiswasjustnother.

Asshethrewherselfintowork,goingoverandovertheadsandbriefarticlestoensure
theywereperfect,sheignoredthedingsofheremailuntilawadofpaperhitthesideof
her desk and bounced off. Jamar was staring at her, pointing at his computer with a
look of exasperation. With a sigh she flipped back to her email and saw a series of
emailsfromhim.

Thefirstwasabadlyeditedpictureofastackoffabricwith®and™symbolscopy-and-
pastedalloverit.ThesecondwasapictureofoneofthedragonsfromGameofThrones
breathingfirewiththename‘Brenda’writtenonitinbrightgreentext,andthelastwas
ascreenshotofanorderfortwosubsfromtheirfavoritelocalsubshop,alongwithtwo
largesidesoffries.Shecouldn’thelpthesmilethatcreptoverherlipsassheglancedup
athim,andthenJamarpointedatBrenda’sofficeandmimedshootinghimselfinthe
head.

Maddiegrinnedathim,andheshruggedandturnedaround,alreadybrushingoffthe
incidentlikeitwasn’taproblem.Withaheavysigh,shewentbacktowork,committed
tocatchingupandmakingnomoremistakes–butthenherphonelitupwithaGoogle
alertforRunwayappearinginthenewsagain,andshehadtofighttheurgetoreadit.
Her hand hovered over the screen for a moment, her thumb itching to scan into the
littledevice,butthensheflippedherphonefacedown.

Afterwork.

Youcancheckitafterwork,andthenyou’lleatasensibledinner,andgothefucktobed.
RunwayanditssecretdoorwillbethereSundaynight.

ChapterThree

SaturdayNight

hirteenhoursofsleep,fourtripsupanddowntheelevatorforlaundry,andone
grocery trip later – Maddie was finally nestled in front of her laptop again. She

definitely felt more human than she had, and as she glanced at the clock it was
temptingtoheadintothecity.Itwasn’teveneleveno’clockyet,andthatmeantthere
would still be plenty to find at Runway if she could make it past the mop’s security
detail.Maybejustafewhours…

No.

Youcangotomorrownight,whenyougetyourdressesbackfromthedrycleaner.

Rolling her eyes at her own brain’s responsible suggestion, she moved to the open
Word document on her computer. It held her list of names, with notes next to each
showingwhattheydidinthecity,andwhethershehadbeenabletofindtheminside.
Thebadlylitpicturesshehadbeenabletotakewithherphonewerebelowit.Someof
thoseweremarkedbecauseshe’dyettofindouttheirnames,butanyonearrivingwith
acarservicehadtobeofsomeinterest.

“What are you hiding?” Maddie whispered under her breath as she opened a new
internet window and searched Jaxson Davidson, the owner of the damn club, for the
hundredth time. As usual, the first two pages of results were about the infamous
displayhe’dputonathisfather’scampaigndinner.

Talkaboutamajorpoliticalfauxpasbyaménage-a-trois.

Searching Chase Cartwright brought up articles about his modeling in addition to the
political shit, but she was still full of questions. What were they doing starting a
nightclub anyway? And why would any of the D.C. elite get within a hundred feet of
Jaxson Davidson after the stunt he’d pulled? He should have been toxic waste after
destroying Senator Gregory Davidson’s attempt at the presidency, and yet Runway
wasn’tjustdoingwell,itwasstillthetalkofthetownoveramonthafteropening.

Tappingapenonanotepadbesidehershestartedtowritebyhandinanefforttoclear
outthemuddledmessinsideherhead.Questionone…whatwouldmalemodelswant
tokeepsecretataclub?

Undergroundclothingline?Asweatshop?

Withagroanshescratchedthroughsweatshop.Itwouldbestupidtoinviteabunchof
fancy dressed people into a sweatshop, but the secret clothing line wasn’t beyond
possibility–albeitrelativelyuninteresting.

Startingtheirownmodelingagency?Possible,butweirdtorunitconnectedtoRunway.
Unlessthatwasthereasonthey’dchosenthenameanddesignedthestagethatway…
shestarredthatoptionandthentriedtoshiftgears.

Newangle.

Why were the people who went through that secret door dressed so nice? Maddie
leaned back in her chair and took a long drink of her wine, a splurge purchase she’d
made because she knew she needed to relax – even though all she was doing was
obsessingwhileshedrank.Whatwashidingbehindthetrickmop?Wasitjustaspecial
VIParea?WhatwouldmakeitbetterthantheseparateVIPareaalreadyonthefloorof
Runway?

She scratched a series of question marks next to her terrible sketch of the mop, and
begantotapherpenagain.Thump.Thump.Thump.CouldJaxsonbeusinghisfather’s
politicalconnectionssomehow?Allowingahiddenplaceforpeopletobrokerdealsout
ofsightofthepolice,reporters,andothers?

It was another possibility, especially because while there were a lot of things you
couldn’tcountoninthenation’scapitol,therewasalwaysatleastoneofthreethingsat
playwhenitcametoWashington,D.C.:power,money,orsex.

So,whatwasinplayatRunway?Thatwasthenewquestionburningaholeinhermind
asshetriedtomakeherselfsleep.

SundayNight

Maddiehadbeenattheclubforoveranhour,buteverytimeshewanderedtowards
therearhallwaythesecurityguardatthebackstagecurtainwasstandingwithhisarms
crossedlikeaformidablewall.

Damnhim.

Curvingherpathasifshe’dmeantto,sheheadedintothebathroomanddroppedonto
thelittleloveseatintheloungearea,staringatthedoorthatseparatedherfromher
mop of destiny. Here she was well-rested, in her sexiest little black dress, her nicest
heels, with her hair and make-up done… and it looked like tonight was going to be

anotherbust.

No way she had enough money in all of her accounts combined to bribe the asshole
intolettingherpast.

As she glared through the wall at her nemesis, a group of loud-mouthed Georgetown
co-edsburstintothebathroomfromthedancefloorentrance,lettinginthepounding
beatoftheDJforamomentbeforeitwasmuffledagainasthedoorclosed.

Thentheyallwentintostalls,stilltalkingtoeachotheraboutnonsense.

“CanyoubelieveAmandashowedup?”

“AndwithRiley?Imean,fuckoff,right?”

“YouknowsheonlycamewithRileybecauseshewashopingtopissoffClarissa.”

“Well, I already texted Clarissa and she said she doesn’t give a shit. Riley cheated on
her,andshe’salreadygoingoutwithMarkonTuesday.”

“Why didn’t she come out tonight? It would have been perfect for her to snag some
hottieanddancewithhimrightinfrontoffake-assAmanda.”

Maddie groaned and pulled out her phone to check the time. Barely eleven, which
meantifshecouldn’tgetbacktothemopandintothatsecretdoorshe’dbelisteningto
idiotslikethisallnight.Laughterechoedoffthetileastoiletsflushedandseveralofthe
girlsgatheredtogetheratthemirrortowashtheirhandsandchecktheirmake-up.

“Natalie!Areyoucomingornot?”

“Onesecond!”

“Okay,we’llbeonthedancefloor.Meetus!”Thelargergroupofgirlsleftandthenthe
last girl wandered out of her stall to wash her hands. Maddie was deep in thought as
sheheardtheclickingofheelscomingtowardsher,andthatwaswhenshesawtheone
called Natalie tugging at the hot pink crop-top as she stared at herself in one of the
floor-lengthmirrorsinthesittingarea.Shelookedlikeeveryothercollegegirlthatwas
tryingtoohardandwouldprobablyenduppukinginoneofthesestallsbeforetheend
ofthenightafteronetoomanyshots.

AndthatgaveMaddieanidea.

“Hey,Natalie,right?”

Hervoicemadethegirljump,andshelookedatMaddiealittlenervously.“Uh,yeah…
why?”

“Iwantedtoknowifyoucoulddomeafavor?”

“Likewhat?”ThegirllookedevenmorefreakedoutasMaddieduginhertinypursefor
thetwentybucksshehadtuckedinside.

“It’snotabigdeal,Ijustneedyoutodistractsomeoneforme.”Sheheldupthetwenty
andthegirllookedslightlylessnervous.

“Whatexactlydoyouwantmetodo?”

A few minutes later she had her arm around Natalie’s shoulders as they stepped into
thebackhallway.ThegirlsuddenlylurchedtothesideandMaddiealmostfelltryingto
holdontoher.

“I think I’m going to be sick,” Natalie moaned in fake agony, bending at the waist to
braceonehandonthewall.

“You’ll be okay! We just need to get you some water!” Maddie raised her voice,
glancingthroughherhairtoseeifthesecurityguyhadbudged.

Nosuchluck.ComeonNatalie,playitup.

“No,I’mtotallygoingtothrowup.”SomeOscar-worthygaggingnoisescamefromthe
girl,andthesecurityguytookafewstepsforward.

Just a little more. “Oh shit! No, just stand up. You’ll feel better if you stand up!”
Pretendingtotryandleanthegirlbackuponlybroughtanevenmoredramaticround
offakemoaningandpre-vomitnoises.

“HEY!” Security guy finally walked towards them. “Go back in the bathroom, do not
throwupbackhere!”

“I can’t move, I’ll be sick if I move!” Natalie was playing her part beyond perfection,
probablybasedonexperience,whileMaddieplayedthepanickedfriend.

“Shit,shit,I’llgetyousomewater,andI’llgrabTiffany!Justwait!”Steppingawayfrom
Natalie, the girl started to slide to her knees, the fake retching increasing in volume.
Security guy tried to grab her arm and lift her as Maddie took a few steps back, but
Nataliejustshoutedthatshewasgoingtobesick.

“I’ve got a code four in the back hall by the women’s room.” He was speaking into
somethingonhisshirt,andheglancedoveratherasshemovedtowardsthedoorway
backtoRunway’sdancefloor,butassoonasheturnedtofaceNatalie’sgroaningform
again she ran and darted under the curtain. With her heart pounding in her ears,
Maddiesteadiedthefabricandthensteppedawaysohewouldn’tseeherheelsunder
theedge.

Shecouldstillhearthesoapoperastyleactingontheothersideofthecurtain,butthe
rushinherownveinswasmorepowerful.Ittookamomentforhereyestoadjustto
thedimlightinginthebackstagespace,butthenshesawthedoor.

Thankyou,Natalie.

Maddie couldn’t stifle her smile as she eased it open, grateful it didn’t make a sound,
andsheslippedinside.Thebright,sterilelightoftheclosetfeltweirdafterthedimness
oftheclub,butshesawthemopexactlywhereithadbeenbefore.Wrappingherhand

arounditshepulledthemoptowardsher,justlikethesecurityguyhad,andtherewas
a distinct click of some kind of mechanism underneath it. Pushing it forward she felt
anotherclick,andwithaslightmovementtotheleftsheheardthesnapofalockasthe
edgesofadoorwererevealed.

Bathedinpalepurplelight.

She stepped inside fast, pushing the door closed behind her just in case. It was a
stairwell,brightlylitinthatpalepurpleglowthatemanatedfromrecessedlightingin
the ceiling, leading all the way down. Swallowing, Maddie walked down carefully,
tryingtogetapeekofwhatawaited,buttherewasonlyanotherdoor.

“This is it,” she whispered to herself, grabbing the door handle. Preparing herself for
whatever lay beyond, she pushed it open and almost tripped as she stumbled into a
largeroom.Thereweresmalllockersliningonewallfromfloortoceiling,andanother
heavilymuscledsecurityguysittingbehindatalldesk.

Oh.Fuck.

SmilingwiththatI’m-supposed-to-be-hereconfidence,Maddiewalkedforward.Theguy
glancedupatherandarchedaneyebrow.“Memberorguest?”

“Guest,”sheansweredsmoothly,butinsidenewquestionswerefiringtolife.

“Of?”

“Hmm?”Sheaskedasshefiddledwithherpursetopulloutherphone,tryingtobuy
time.

“Whoseguestareyou?”

Shit,shit,shit.Hereyesroamedovertheroom,tryingtomemorizeeveryinchofit,but
therewasn’tanythingexcitingtosee.Therewasaglasswindowinthewall,justbeyond
some more lockers, that resembled a ticket window for a movie theater, and then a
door. On the other wall there was yet another door tucked by some lockers, and the
wholeroomseemedtoglowwiththesamepalepurplelightofthestairwell.Therewas
nothing helpful except for a sign that said all forms of electronics had to be left in
assigned lockers, and while interesting, it did nothing to help her now. How the fuck
wasshesupposedtogetpastthisguy?

“Miss?”

The twin cameras aimed at her from the corners of the ceiling only made her heart
pound harder as she struggled to think of an answer. There was so much security,
whatevertheywerehidingunderneathRunwayhadtobesomethinghuge.

Thiswasit,thestorysheneeded.

Shejusthadtogetinside,hadtocomeupwithsomethingthatwouldmaketheguylet
herthroughwhicheverdoorledtotheunderbellyoftheclub.Hewasgettingagitated,
herbrainwaswhirlingwithpossibilities,andthenthestupidestpossibleresponsefell

outofhermouth,“Jaxson.”

“Mr. Davidson invited you.” The blatant doubt in the man’s voice made a chill rush
downherspine,butsheflashedherbrightestsmileandnodded.

“Ofcourse.”

“What’s your name?” Security guy lifted a tablet and started tapping away at it, and
thensheheardthedoorbehindheropenandshut.

Ohpleasedon’tbetheothersecurity–

“Evening, Daniel.” The silken voice was most definitely not the security guy from
upstairs,thiswassomeonemuchhigherontheincomescale.Assheturnedtolookat
himMaddiehadtoswallowhard,becausethenewcomerwasincrediblygoodlooking.
Hehadthearistocraticsmileandtailoredsuitofsomeonethatcamefrommoney,and
hiswarmbrownhairwastrimmedtoperfection.

“It’sDanny,Mr.Hathaway,andgoodevening.”Desksecurityguy,Danny,gaveabrief
smile,momentarilydistractedfromhertrespass.“Getlost?Youdon’tusuallycomein
fromRunway.”

There’s another entrance to this place? As she made a mental note of Mr. Sexy’s last
name, the man laughed warmly and gave her a once-over that sent a thrum of heat
acrossherskin.“Ihadtheurgetopeoplewatchforabittonight,mycoatisatthefront
oftheclub.Nowwho’sthis?”

“Madeline.”SheansweredbeforeDannySecuritycouldspeakandsteppedovertohim,
only to realize he towered over her by at least six inches. With a kind of old world
elegance,hetookherhandandleaneddowntokissherknuckles.

“I’mThomas,andI’mverygladtomeetyou,Madeline.”Hisvoicedidsomethingfunny
to her insides, and she couldn’t tell if it was the slight growl he seemed to add to her
name,orifitwastheintensityofhishazeleyes.Eitherway,forabriefmomenttherest
oftheroomseemedtofallaway–thatis,untilsecurityassholeinterruptedthemagain.

“Shesaysshe’saguest,butIdon’thaveaMadelineonthelist.”

There was a spark of something behind Thomas’ gaze when he glanced back at her.
“Whydoyouwanttogoinside?”

With a delicate shrug, she decided to play flirtatiously coy, which was not difficult as
gorgeous as he was in his dark gray suit and pale blue button-down looking like he
mightbeoneofJaxsonDavidson’soldmodelingfriends.“Curiosity.”

“Just curious, or do you want to play?” His lips ticked up at the edge, a slight smile
teasinghismouth,andshecouldn’thelpbutgrinback.

Play?Holyshit,coulditbeillegalgambling?Jackpot!

“Oh,Idefinitelywanttoplay,Thomas.”Keepingtheflirtyconfidenceinhervoice,she

reveledinthebriefflashofdesireonhisface.

Helaughed,squeezingherhandbeforehereleasedittopullhiswalletandphoneoutof
his pocket. “Are you planning to play with someone else, or are you looking to have
someoneplaywithyou?”

“Areyouoffering?”ForamomentMaddiethoughthewasgoingtobackdown,orthat
she’doverstepped,andthenshe’dhavenohopeofgettinginside,butthenheshrugged.

“Idon’thaveanyotherplanstonight,soIguessIam.”

“She’s not on the list, Mr. Hathaway,” Daniel ‘Danny’ the security asshole chimed in
andshewantedtothrowsomethingathim.

“That’sfine,I’llhaveherasmyguestforthenight.”Thomaswalkedthefewstepsover
totheglasspartitioninthewallandpressedabuttonthatresembledadoorbellbeside
it.

“Ofcourse,Mr.Hathaway.”Thesecurityguygaveheralonglook,butsheignoredhim
andsteppedupbesidehertall,gorgeoussavior.

Ayoungwomanapproachedontheothersideoftheglassandslidthewindowaside.
“Goodevening,areyouamember?”

“Yes,”Thomasrepliedandopenedhiswallet.

Maddie couldn’t stop smiling, because not only had she actually discovered a secret
within Runway, she had also managed to get passage inside. The headline floated
behindhereyes:IllegalGamblingbeneathRunway.WhichoftheDistrict’selitewould
she find caught in the act? The reporter inside her was positively salivating, but as a
thankyoutoherwhiteknightshe’dleavehimoutofthearticleshe’dwrite–assoonas
she found out who exactly Thomas Hathaway was anyway. Trust fund aristo?
Politician?Lobbyist?

He handed over a plain white card, and for a moment nothing was visible on it, and
thenthelightingintheroomchanged.Allofthenormallightswentout,andthepurple
glowwasallthatwasleft,revealingalogoandtextonthecard.

Noway.

‘BLACK LIGHT’ was written in bold, all caps across the middle of the card, and
underneaththatwassmallertextwhichsimplyshowed‘MemberID’andthenaseries
ofnumbersthatshecouldn’tmemorizebeforethelightscamebacktothenormalpale
purple. A combination of the black lights tucked around the room with the recessed
lighting.

The girl tapped away at the tablet in front of her, and she smiled as she returned the
card to him. “Mr. Hathaway, so nice to have you back. I see you have a guest this
evening?”

“Ido,thisisMadeline…”

“O’Neill,”shefilledin,andblushedwhensheheardhisquietlaugh.

“Abeautifulnameforabeautifulgirl.”Hewinkedatherandthenturnedbacktothe
womaninsidethewindow.“Aone-nightguestpass,please.”

“Of course.” The girl gathered some pages together and attached them to a clipboard
before offering them with a pen. “Madeline, please fill this out while I process the
payment.”

“Right.” She took it and stared down at the dense legal speak, swallowing as she
recognized what seemed to be a pretty serious non-disclosure agreement. The Post
would surely defend her if they took the story. That’s what they did when reporters
exposedillegalactivities,right?

“You’lljustinitialeachpageandsignthelastone.CanIhaveyourID?”Thewomanwas
still looking at her, and now Thomas was too. Fumbling with the clasp on her little
purse she tried to juggle the pen and clipboard, but he reached over and took them
fromherwithaslightsmirk.

“Sorry,”shewhisperedasshepulledoutherlicense.

“Noneedtoapologize,beautiful.”

TheblushfurtherheatedhercheeksasshepassedthewomanherID,butThomasjust
smiledwiderashereturnedtheclipboardtoherwaitinghands.She’dbarelyglanced
downtostartreadingitwhenthewomanspoke,“That’sone-hundredandfiftyforthe
pass,Mr.Hathaway.”

“Sure.”Hedidn’tevenbataneye,butMaddiealmostchokedonhernextbreathofair.

Wasthatthebuy-inforthegambling?Shit,that’salot.

Quickly,sheinitialedthethreepagesandthensignedthelastone,clappingthepenon
top to slide it back across the short counter. Thomas signed his receipt and then the
womanhandedeverythingbacktothem.“Alright,MadelineI’lljustneedtogiveyoua
stamp.”

Maddieofferedherlefthandandthewomanturneditoverandpressedthestamponto
her wrist, where it was almost invisible to the eye. The barest shimmer of it showed,
evenmoreblacklightink.

Thisplaceisborderingridiculouswiththeirsecurity.

“Danny,canyouopenlockerthirty-four?”

“Got it,” the security guy replied to the girl and she heard the metallic clunk of it
poppingopenbehindthem.

“Please remember, there is no technology allowed inside. This includes phones,
wearable devices, recording devices, and anything mechanical that is not medical in
nature.”

Guess they were serious about stopping cheating, which meant there had to be some
majormoneybeingexchangedbehindthatdoor.

Ka-ching,ka-ching!

“Thank you.” Thomas nodded before turning that intense gaze on her again as he
tucked his wallet away and pulled out his phone. “So, we’re sharing a locker since
you’remyguest,butIwanttomakeitclearthatifyouwanttoleaveallyouhavetodo
istellme.I’llbringyoubackoutheretogetyourthingsimmediately.Alright?”

“That works for me!” She followed him over to the locker that had its door ajar, and
pulledherphoneoutofherpurse.Thomashadalreadylaidhisphoneinsideandwas
removinganApplewatchwhilehelookedherupanddown.

“We’lltalkmoreoncewe’reinsideandhaveaseat,butIjustdon’twantyoutofeellike
you owe me anything. I bought the guest pass because I want to get to know you
better,andwhileI’dlovetoplaywithyou,it’snotanobligation.”

Maddierolledhereyesbeforeshethoughtaboutit.“Ipromise,I’mfine.”

Didthisguythinkshe’dneverplayedpokerbefore?Didshereallylookthatsheltered?

Thomaslaughedlowashiseyesroamedslowlyoverhercurves.“Wonderful.Nomore
technologyunderthatnicedress?”

“No. Why, do you want to check?” Looking up at him she knew her cheeks were
burning bright from the situation, the flirtation, and the fact that her offer wasn’t an
innocentone.Hewashot,andithadbeenwaytoolongsinceshe’devenhadadate.If
hewantedtopatherdownshe’dlethiminaheartbeat.

“Maybeinabit.”Heansweredsoftlyandthenofferedherhishandandshetookit,the
next door popping open as they approached. There was low, wordless music coming
from the room beyond, with soft, warm lighting – and then Thomas pulled the door
wideandMaddierealizedtheerrorshe’dmade.

Itwasmostdefinitely,unequivocallynotgamblinghidingunderneathRunway.

Whatthefuckhadshejustgottenherselfinto?

ChapterFour

homassqueezedherhandandpulledherforwardwithhimintoasceneoutof
thedarkestrecessesofherimagination.Leather,andchains,andthesoundsof

what could only be sex. The sudden snap of something striking skin, and the yelp of
pain after, made her jump. Thomas turned to look at her and Maddie instantly
summonedaneasy,relaxedsmile.

Heleanedtowardsherwithahungrylook,hisvoicemeantjustforher,“Let’sgositand
talk.”

“Thatsoundsgood.”Shenodded,tryingtotalkherselfdownintoacalmstate,whilehe
walked forward confidently, obviously because he’d been here many times before.
Hell, Daniel ‘Danny’ the security asshat had known him by name, and that meant
ThomasHathawaylikedthisstuff–and,moreimportantly,hewantedtoplaywithher.
Here.

Maddie,whathaveyoudone?

The sights and sounds were overwhelming, and her heart was pounding so hard she
wondered if he could feel her pulse where their palms were pressed together. She
wasn’t ignorant, she knew she was in some kind of BDSM sex club, complete with
everything she’d heard of and a lot more she had not. There were couches scattered
across the dark carpet, most of them facing various raised platforms where women
werestrappedontofurniture.

This was beyond her imaginings, or at least out of some of the more secret fantasies
she’d harbored growing up. A fucking sex club? Under the hottest new dance club in
DC?Howthehellhadthishappened?

ItwasstartedbyJaxsonDavidsonandChaseCartwright–that’show.

Forcing a steadying breath, she tried to focus, but it was difficult. As they walked
throughthemiddleoftheroomshelookedonewayandsawamandrawbackathing
withalotofleatherstrips,landingthemacrossawoman’sassandthighs.Shejumped,
andthensquirmed,beforehediditagain.Lookinganotherwayshesawawomanass

upoveraman’slapashestrokedherandthenspankedher.Fromthecryshereleased,
itdidnotseemtobetheplayfulkindofspankingMaddiehadtriedexperimentallyin
thepast,butthegutturalmoanthatfollowedspokeofanythingbutagony.

Therewereaboutathousandwarringthoughtsinsideherhead,pingingbetweenpanic
and interest, fear and arousal. A warm flutter in her lower belly was only amplified
when Thomas stopped them for a moment and leaned close enough that she felt his
breathagainsttheshellofherear,“Seeanythingyoulike?”

Shehadtoswallowpastadrymouthbeforeshetriedtospeak,butallshemanagedwas
a crimson-cheeked nod. Fortunately, that seemed to be enough, and he continued to
movetowardsthebartuckedinthefarcorner.

You’ve got an opportunity here, Maddie. A way to substantiate your reasons for being
here, to give you an excuse to look for the people on your list, and most importantly…
ThomasHathawayisnotbadtolookat.

“Thomas!”Amancalledoutandwavedathim,andheraisedhisfreehandinresponse,
butshebarelyhadthechancetoseewhoitwasbeforeshewasdistractedbythemostly
nakedmanwearingaballgag,onhiskneesbesideahigh-toptable.Aleashwaslatched
toacollararoundhisneckandtiedofftoaringembeddedonthestand.Awomanina
beautifuldresswassittinginthetallchairnexttohim,chattingwithamaninalong-
sleevedshirt,casuallyrunningherfingersthroughtheman’shairthatkneltatherside.

Was she a dominatrix? Maddie knew that term, and it took a mental shake to make
herselfstopstaringbeforetheynoticed.

Getittogether.Youneedtobefocused,memorizingeverything,notgawkinglikeadamn
tourist.

Observe.Evaluate.Remember.

They stopped at a table, farthest from the action of the main floor, near what looked
likeasmallshopthatstockedeverythingfromcondomstotoys.Ahandsomemanwith
longhair,wearinganelaborateleatherharness,wassittingbehindthecounterreading
abook,andMaddiehadtosteadyherselftoeaseintothechairthatThomaspulledout
forher.

He slid into the seat beside her, both of them facing out to the floor, and she noticed
thatnowhecarefullyrestedhishandsonhislap,nolongertouchingher.“So,isityour
firsttimeatBlackLight?”

Speak,Maddie.

“Isitthatobvious?”Shelaughed,tryingtosummonbacktheflirtatioustoneshe’dheld
sowellupstairs.

“Youdohaveacharmingblushonyourcheeksandabitofthatwide-eyedwonder.”
Thomassmiledatherandgaveaslightshrug.“I’mprettysureIwasalittlewide-eyed
whenIfirstgothere.There’sreallynowhereelselikeit.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Well,everythinghereisthebestofthebest,andtheycatertoprettymuchanykink
you could think of. Also, as I’m sure you noticed, you can’t really beat the security
here.” Thomas leveled his gaze at her, a more serious tone taking over. “So, whose
guestwereyousupposedtobetonight,Madeline?I’mverygladyouagreedtocomein
withme,butI’mnotlookingtosteponanyone’stoesifyoualreadyhave–”

“I’mnotmeetinganyone.”Maddieshookherheadandtuckedastrandofhairbehind
herear.“Imean,Iwasinvited,butwedidn’thaveplansoranything.”

“Who invited you, Madeline?” There was a definite edge to his voice now, one that
madeherfeellikeshewastheonebeinginterviewedwhenitneededtobetheother
wayaround.

Summoningawickedgrinsheleanedback,restingherarmsonthesidesofthechair,
tryingtodisplayacasualcomfortwithhersurroundings.“I’mnotreallysureIshould
namenames,Thomas.”

He leaned back as well. “Ah, I see. Well, that’s probably a good idea considering that
talking about this place is sort of against the rules unless you’re bringing a play
partner.”

“Securityisimportant,”sheanswered,loggingthatbitofinformationaway.

“Itis.MayIaskifitwasamanorawomanthatinvitedyou?”

“Youmay,butIdon’thavetoanswer.”Theflirtationwasfinallybackinhervoice,and
shebitherlipashesmiledslowly.

“What if I wanted to spank that bit of information out of you?” Those dangerously
attractive eyes were on hers, and she tried to stifle the sudden intake of breath his
wordsbroughton.

Becalm.Beconfident.Actlikeyoubelong.

“Youcouldtry,Thomas.”

“Feisty girl.” Chuckling, he broke their gaze to let his eyes wander the room. The
soundsofsexwerecomingfromsomewhere,theslapofskinaccompaniedbymoans
andgroans,combinedwithachorusofleathercracking,theclatterofchains,andthe
buzzofconversation–alloverlaidatopthatlowthrummingmusicthatseemedtocall
toallthebasestneedsofhumanity.Hedonismatitsfinest.“So,beforewegetstartedwe
canhaveonedrinktorelaxandgettoknoweachotherabit.Whatwouldyoulike?”

Beforewegetstarted…right.

Maddieshiftedinherseat,turningtolookbackattheincrediblywell-stockedbar.“One
drink?”

“Justone,youneedtobeclearheadedandsodoI.”

“Ofcourse.”Shesmiledandblewoutabreath,goingforanoldfavorite.“I’dloveacape
cod,it’svodkaandcranberryand–”

“Lime.Iknowthedrink.”Thomaspushedupfromhisseat.“Justamoment,I’llberight
back.Whydon’tyouthinkofsomeofyourfavoritekinkssowecandiscussthemwhen
Ireturn?”

“Sure.” Maddie answered confidently, but internally she was a ball of knots and
anxiety. Kinks? What the fuck was she supposed to say to him? Looking around she
wished she had her phone so she could quickly Google some BDSM terms, because
relyingonwhatshe’dheardinmovies,andreadinafewnaughtybooks,wasprobably
notgoingtogetherveryfar–anditmaynotevenbeaccurate.

Shit.

Lookingacrosstheroom,sheleftbehindallhernervesandshiftedintoreportermode.
Whatcouldshesee,andwhatdidshealreadyknow?

To her right was a tiled area with a huge hot tub, but there were only two people
soakinginit,andfromthelackofstrapsitseemedthewomaninitwastopless.Beyond
thatwasanopendoortosomeshowers,butgettingcompletelynudeinherewasnot
onherto-dolist.Swinginghereyesbacktothemiddleoftheroom,shewasn’tturned
off by the idea of a spanking. Although she’d prefer being on one of the chairs or
couchesinsteadoftheraisedwoodenplatformslikesomekindofshowpiece.

Therewerevariousthingsinuseamongthethirtyorsopeopleinside,butsinceBlack
LightlookedtoberoughlythesizeofRunwayabovesheknewitcouldholdalotmore.
MaybeithadbeenwisetocomeonaSundayafterall?

“Onecapecodforyou,andascotchforme.”Settingthedrinksdownhetookhisseat
andthenliftedhisglass.“Tomeetingnewpeople.”

“Thankyou.”Liftinghersshetappeditagainsthis,andthentookalargersipthanshe
probably should have. It was a cool, clean burn all the way down. Sitting up a little
moreshesmiledathim.“So,doyoumeetnewpeopleherealot?”

“Sometimes. Does that bother you?” Thomas rested his glass back on the table, his
voicestilllightandcasual.

“Notatall!Iwasjustcurious.”

“Madeline.”Therewasachastisingtonetothewayhesaidhername,somethingabout
itmakingherwanttoapologizealreadyeventhoughshehadnoideawhatshe’ddone
wronginhiseyes.“It’sfineifitbothersyou,andI’mhappytodiscussit.Noneofthis
works if we’re not honest with each other. Honesty and communication are
everything,andwhileI’mnotaskingyoutoblindlytrustmerightnow,theredoesneed
tobesometrustifyoutrulywanttoplay.”

Thewordssettledlikeaweightinherchest,formingalumpinherthroatthatshehad
to take another sip of her drink to push down. Honesty was definitely not her forte.

Lickingatraceofvodkafromherlowerlipsheglancedoverathim,puttingeverything
intomaintainingtheappearanceofcalm.“Iknowhowimportanthonestyis,andthat
was honest. I’m not a child, I know you’ve been with other people, as have I. We’re
bothadults,right?”

He nodded and edged back to smile at her a little. “You’re absolutely right. So, why
don’tyoutellmewhatsomeofyourfavoritekinksare?I’mnotsayingwe’lldothem,
butI’dliketogettoknowyoubetter.”

“Well,youbroughtupspanking.”Thegrinthatstretchedherlipswas honest, and he
returnedit.

“Idid.Doyouliketogetspanked,Madeline?”

She felt her damnable blush returning, the curse of freckled people everywhere, but
shespoke.“Ido,andyoucancallmeMaddie,bytheway.”

“Hmmm,Maddie…”Therewasapurrinhisvoiceashesaidhernameanditmadeher
pressherthighstogether.“Tellme,doyouliketobetieddownwhenyougetspanked,
Maddie?”

Thesuddenlackofairintheroommadeherheadswimalittleassheimaginedwhat
someofthoseleatherstrapswouldfeellikeacrossherlimbs,andtherewasnodenying
therushofwetnessbetweenherlegs.“It’sadefiniteturn-on.”Notalie.Itwaslikehe’d
reachedintoherfantasiesandpluckeditfree.

“Whatelsedoyoulike?”Heleanedforwardandrestedhishandonherleg,inchingup
thehemofherdressjustenoughthatthecoolbrushofhisfingersteasedtheinsideof
herknee,andsherealizedshehadpartedthemforhimwithoutthinking.

Acrackofleatherstrikingskinmadehermusclestwitchandshemethisgaze.“That.”

Thomastiltedhisheadwithasmile.“Ithinkthatwasabelt,orastrap.Doyouliketobe
spankedwithabeltlikeanaughtygirl?”

Ifanyonehadaskedherthatonanyotherdayoftheweekshemighthavethrownher
drinkintheirface,orflippedthemoffandsaidsomethingaboutmisogyny,butthelow
growl in his tone made her pussy clench with unexpected anticipation. “Maybe,” she
admitted, and his fingers traced a little higher on her thigh, sending a rush over her
skin.

“You’reblushing,Maddie.”

“I’msorry.”Pressingherdrink-cooledhandtohercheekshefelttheburningheat.Her
cheekshadtobeflushedbrightredfromherownnervesandthebeginningsurgesof
thevodka.“Ican’thelpit,itjusthappens.”

“I don’t want you to help it. It makes you look so beautiful, just… a little touch of
innocence.” Thomas slid his touch higher, brushing the place where her thighs still
touchedandshewastemptedtospreadherlegswiderforhim.Toofferherselfuplike

somesacrifice.“Butyou’renotthatinnocent,areyou,Maddie?”Hishazeleyesbored
into her with an eerie kind of power, and she felt her breath grow shorter as arousal
stormedthroughherveins.

“No,I’mnot,”shewhispered.Truth.

“Doyouwanttoplaywithmetonight?”

“Yes.”Definitelynotalie.Shewantedhim.Probablymorethanshe’deverwantedany
stranger.Therewassomedarkmysteryinhim,someforbiddenthingthatcalledtothe
goodgirlinherandbeckonedhercloser.Somethingshewantedtotaste,tofeel,and
thiscouldbeheronlychance.

“Say ‘yes, sir’ for me.” Not a request, a command… and, strangely, it only made her
heartrace.

“Yes,sir,”sherepeated.

Hegaveheralookthatpromisedcorruption,andsherealizedsheactuallywantedit.
Wantedallofit.Thespanking,theleather,thebondage,andotherthingsshecouldn’t
evennamebutsheknewhecouldgivethemifshe’djustgivein.Andshewasdefinitely
goingtogivein.

Forthesakeofthestory,ofcourse.

Lie.

Sheknewitwasalieassoonastheideapassedintoherhead,becausewhileshewas
surethiswouldmakeforonehellofaheadline,thefactthatshewaseasingherknees
apartinhopesthatthisabsolutestrangerwouldinchhisfingersjustalittlehigherwas
all about her own wicked little desires and the epic sexual drought she’d been in for
almostayear.

Dragging his trimmed, manicured nails across the delicate skin of her thigh, he
capturedhereyesforamoment–andthensatbackandremovedhishandcompletely.
Sheleanedforwardasifshecouldsomehowfollowhistouch,butthencaughtherself
andsnappedherkneesbacktogether.

Hechuckledsoftlyatherobviousself-correction.“You’realovelysubmissive,Maddie,
that’sforsure.”

“Thanks,”sherepliedlamely,hermindwrappingaroundthetermandaligningitwith
everything she’d ever heard, or read, and everything she could see now. Time for a
gamble.“Andyou’redominant.”

“Ifiguredthatwasprettyclear.”Hewatchedhercarefullyovertherimofhisglassas
hetookasipofthegoldenliquid.

Right.Alcohol.Thatwasagoodidea.

She took another hearty drink, appreciating the warmth blossoming in her stomach

that matched the heat in her cheeks and the growing fire between her thighs. “So,
question.Doyouwanttoplaywithmetonight?”

“I do.” He inclined his head towards her as he tilted his glass back and forth on the
tabletop. “But I want to remind you again that although you’re my guest, you don’t
havetodoanythingyoudon’twanttodo.Ipaidforyouradmissionhere,notforyou.”

Ah.

Whileshehadn’tbeenthinkingofitthatway,hearinghimsayitalouddidbringsome
levelofcomforttoher.Hewaslikesomewhiteknight,no,adarkknight.Thekindof
knightthatwouldrescueaprincessanddoahellofalotmorethankissherwhenhe
foundher–andforthefirsttimeinherlifeshedefinitelywantedtobetheprincessin
thestory.“Thankyouforsayingso,butI’mfine.”

Justhopelesslyturnedonandsoakingwet,butfine.

“Good.Backtoyourquestion,Iwouldabsolutelyenjoyplayingwithyou.Theideaof
tying you down over the end of one of those couches and turning your ass as
beautifullyredasyourcheekshasme,admittedly,veryturnedon.”

Talk about honesty. Her throat was dry, and she tilted her drink up only to be
disappointed as she swallowed the last bit of the only alcohol she’d have before
whatevercamenext.

“Doesthatinterestyou,Maddie?”

Shenoddedslowlyassheloweredheremptyglass,forcingherselftospeak.“Itdoes.”

“Look at me when you answer me, please.” That edge was back in his tone and she
liftedhergazetohis,unawarethatshe’dbeenstaringdownintotheiceandlime.

“Itinterestsme.”

“Sir,”hecorrected.

“Sir,”sherepeated.

“Wonderful.” Thomas smiled like a wolf and finished the last sip of his scotch before
standing. He offered her his hand again, and she took it, abandoning her glass to the
tabletop.OnlyMaddiestoodmorecarefullythanhehad,becauseherlegsseemedtobe
as unsteady as a newborn foal. “What is your limit for our play tonight? I won’t go
beyondabeltorastrap,sincethat’swhatwe’vediscussed,butmayItouchyou?”

“OhGod,yes,please.”Sheansweredtooquickly,borderlinepatheticanddesperatedue
tothepulsepoundinginagreementbetweenherthighs.

Smooth.

Hislaughwasfullofdarkpromiseasheliftedhisfreehandtobrushathumbacross
hercheek,tuckingastrandofunrulyhairbehindherear.“Iwouldlovetowatchyou
comeundermytouch.”

Maddie’skneesalmostbuckledasshestaredupintohismaddeningeyes,sometimesa
hintofgreen,orgray,amidsttheforest-tingedbrown.“Thatwouldbefantastic.”

“Sir,”headdedforher,again.

“Sir,” she repeated, again, and the smile he gave her was full of approval that she
devouredlikeshewasstarving.

Grippingherhandalittletighterhestartedtoleadthembackintothemaelstrominthe
center of Black Light. Everything was more intense now, people were half-dressed, a
woman was crying as she held onto a bar embedded in the back of a chair, the man
behind her using a riding crop across her thighs. Instead of the fear she expected,
Maddiefeltaheadyrushthatmadeherbreathinggrowshort.

Then she almost tripped over her own feet when she realized she was looking at
SenatorRobertPaulsongettingablowjobfromawomanonherkneesinfrontofhim,
his hand clenched in her dark curls. More shocking was the fact that his wife, the
womanshe’dseenpicturedatacharityeventinthePostjustafewmonthsbefore,was
sittingnexttohim,nibblingherwaydownhisneckbeforehepulledherintoanopen-
mouthedkiss.

Ihavefallenthroughthefuckinglookingglass.

Thomasledthemtowardsawallthathadaseriesofdoors,oneofthemproppedopen
to reveal what looked almost exactly like the exam room at her doctor’s office,
including a set of stirrups tucked into the table. She swallowed, relieved when he
paused at an oversized, plush leather chair away from it, but from somewhere deep
insidetherewasaflickerofregretthathehadn’tledherintothatroom.Hadn’tshown
herwhatpossibilitiesexistedtheretoleadherevendeeperdowntherabbithole.

‘Nexttime,’atinyvoiceinsideherwhispered,butshebalked.

Whatnexttime?Youdidn’tevengetinvitedtonight!

SteppingbehindherThomaspulledherbacktorealityashebrushedhishandsacross
hershoulders,downherarms,beforetransferringthemtoherwaist.Hesettledhisgrip
attheswellofherhips,pullingherfirmlybackagainsthim,andtherewasnomistaking
theerectionpressingagainstherass.“We’regoingtousetheclub’ssafewords,Maddie.
Yellow if you want me to slow down, and red if you want me to stop. I will always
respectthemandlistenforthem,andIwantyoutorepeatthemformesoIknowyou
rememberthem.”

Therewasabuzzinginherears,anintenserushinherbloodstreamthatmadeithard
tofocus,butshemanageditassheshiftedherhipsagainsthimtotherhythmofthe
lowmusic.“YellowifIneedyoutoslowdown,redifIwantyoutostop.”

Hestilledhermovementswithagroan,digginghisfingersmorefirmlyintoherhips.
“Youwillnothesitatetousethem.Promiseme.”

“I promise.” She gasped as he slid one of his hands up her stomach to tease the
undersideofherbreastthroughtheinfuriatingbarriersofthedressandbra.“Sir,”she
addedandhepressedhishipsmorefirmlyagainsther.

At least she wasn’t the only one drawn tight by their tempting discussion and the
orchestraofsexaroundthem.

“I want this dress off, are you okay removing it?” He barely finished speaking before
shedroppedherlittlepursetothefloorandstartedreachingbackforthezipper.Witha
softchucklehebrushedherhandsawayandbegantoslideitsouth.

Itwasagonizinglyslow,hisknucklesbrushingeachnewlybaredinchofskin,andthere
wasstaticelectricityrushingthroughherinhiswake.Finally,henudgedtheshoulders
of the dress forward and she pulled them down, letting the fabric fall to pool at her
heels.

“Step out,” he commanded, and she did, his touch grazing her ankles as if he were
readytosteadyherincaseshelostherbalance.Suchatinygesture,butitcaughther
attentionintheoddestway.Nothinghadeverbeenlikethis,noonehadeverbeenlike
this. Making her somehow feel important moments after she’d met them. Feeling
special,protected,eventhoughshewasinaroomfullofpeoplewhowerenowseeing
herinherfavoritebraandpantyset.

ThankGodIdidlaundry,shethoughttoherselfashisfingerstraileduptheoutsidesof
hercalves,herthighs,herhips,herwaist,andthenhecuppedherbreastsandpulled
herbacktohischest.Shefeltthebuttonsonhisshirt,thestrainedfabricofhispantsin
frontofhishardcock,andherbodyrespondedinstantly.Asurgeofwetnessbetween
herthighs,herpussyslickwithneed,urgingherforwardwiththepoundingbeatofher
heart.Urginghertodiveintowhateverhehadplanned.

“You are so gorgeous,” he whispered directly into her ear. One hand roaming lower
overhersoftbelly,thecurveofherwaist,andthensqueezinginatthehipsshealways
complainedweretoowide–andyet,againsthimshebelievedhiswords.Nottoopale,
toocurvy,toospeckledbyfreckles,butgorgeous.“Areyoublushingforme,Maddie?”

Henudgedherhairawayfromherneck,leavingchastekissesacrossthefleshleading
downtohershoulder.Withaquietedmoanshearchedagainsthimandnodded.“Yes,
sir.”

A low groan thrummed against her back, the rumble of it felt by her ribs. “Bend
forward,armsoutstretchedtotheothersideofthechair.”

Shefollowedhisdirection,pressingherhipsagainstthearmofthechairandreaching
totheotherside.Thomasranhiswarmhandovertheswellofherass,toyingwiththe
edge of her underwear. Then he spanked her, a sharp sting that made her jump, but
shereturnedherhandstotheotherarmofthechairquickly.

“Whatdidyouforget,beautiful?”

“I don’t know,” she breathed, so beyond aroused that she was struggling to think
straight. Fuck the story for the moment – this was intense, kinesthetic, experiential
research.

“Whenever I give you a command, let me know you’ve heard it by saying ‘yes, sir’,
alright?”Therewasinfinitepatienceinhisvoice,andshenoddedasshelookeddownat
thedarkbrownleatherofthechair’sseat.

“Yes,sir.”

“Mmmm,Idolovethewaythatsoundswhenyousayit.”ThomasHathaway,hertall,
gorgeous,incrediblyhotsaviorranhishandovertheplacehe’djustswatted,squeezing
thefleshinafirmgrip.“Stayrighthere,donotmove.I’mgettingsomethingtotieyou
upwith.Wouldyoupreferropeorleathercuffs?”

Histouchhadn’tleftheryet,andshechewedonherlowerlip,imaginingthetextureof
bothandunabletodecide.“Surpriseme,sir?”

The devious laugh that came from him was followed by a gentle kiss pressed to her
spine.“Alright,Maddie.Don’tmove.”Thenhesteppedaway,andshecouldfeeltheair
coolingthedampnessofherunderwear.

Howonearthwasshesoturnedonbeforehe’dactuallydoneanythingtoher?

It felt insane, shewas insane for being half-naked and bent over a chair in public, in
frontofatleastonesenatorandGodonlyknewwhoelse.Doubtandpanicstartedto
edge their way in, competing with the mind-numbing arousal that had owned her so
completely a moment before, but then he was back. He trailed his fingers over her
lower back, then up the line of her spine before he gathered a fistful of her hair and
gentlyliftedherhead.

Thomas crouched on the far side of the chair, his eyes level with hers. “Still okay,
beautiful?”

“Yeah,” she nodded, and it made her hair pull slightly against his grip. The tingle of
each little pin-prick like sting made her squirm against the armrest. He tightened his
fistinherhairandtheshortmoanthatescapedherlipswasunconscious.“Imean,yes,
sir.”

“Good girl.” Those words flooded her with warmth, and there was no hiding the self-
satisfied smile across her lips. “So beautiful,” he mused as he released her hair and
liftedtherope.Itwasshinyandblack,notthecoarseropeshe’dimaginedinherhead,
butshequicklyrealizedthatwasprobablyagoodthing.Hefiddledwithitoutofsight
foramoment,hischestnutbrownhairfallingoverhisforeheadasheworked.Thenhe
liftedwhatlookedlikecuffs,exceptinthecenterwasacoilofropeinsteadofchain.

“Wow,”shewhispered,mostlytoherself,buthesmiled.

“They’recalledTexasHandcuffs.Now,putyourhandsthrough.”

She obeyed, and with the tug of the two ends of rope the silky cuffs tightened. The
effectwasimmediate,herheartrateincreasingfurther,andtheknottingtensioninher
lowerbellygrewstronger.Hepulledherarmsstraight,strainingheroverthemiddleof
thechair,andsheliftedherheadtoseehimworking.

Oh,shit.He’styingtheropetothechair.

Foramomentshefeltaflickerofpanic,butthenthearousalwasbackashemether
gazeandpressedtwofingerstothecentersofbothofherpalms.“Squeezeforme.”

“Yes,sir,”sherepliedassheobeyed.

“Ifforsomereasontheygettootight,youtellme.Sayyellow,andI’llcheckinandfix
it. You shouldn’t lose circulation to your fingers, alright?” His concern for her safety
edgedbackthehintofpanicevenfurther.Whenshestayedsilenthetiltedhisheadat
her,hisbrownhairshiftingacrosshisforehead.

“Oh!Yes,sir.”Maddieswallowedashegrinnedather,reachingahandforwardtotrace
herstillflushedcheek.

“I’ve got some questions for you, Maddie.” He stood, withdrawing his touch as he
walkedaroundthechairtowhereshecouldn’tseehim.

“Questions?”sheasked.Wasn’tshesupposedtobeaskingthequestions?

“Yes.”Thomas’voicewasalowrumblebehindher,andthenthesharpstingofaspank
landed on her ass. It shocked her more than it hurt, but she still gasped loudly and
pulledagainsttherope.“Keepyourheelsonthefloor,beautiful,andlistentome.”

“Okay.”Shenoddedandthenanotherswatlanded,alittleharder.“Imean,yes,sir!”

“That’sagoodgirl.”Hehadasmileinhisvoice.“Let’sgetyouwarmedup.”Hebeganto
spankher,sharpstingsfollowedbywarmheatthatbloomedoverherskin.Nevertruly
painful,butalwaysashockthatmadeherpushupontohertoesbeforesheforcedher
heelstopressbackintothecarpet.

Thethree-inchliftfromhershoesseemedtohaveherassattheperfectheightforhim
to pepper every inch of her skin, and he did. Starting out slow, with a breath or two
betweeneachsmack,butthentheygrewfaster.Moreintense,untilthestingsstartedto
overlay one another and she knew she was squirming, tugging against the rope that
slidlikesilkacrossherwristswithoutgivinganinch.Murmuringincoherentpleasthat
shebitdownon,becausesheknewhewasbeinggentle,thattheteasingburnhewas
buildingwasnothingmorethanthat–atease.

Becauseshe’dhadspankslikethisbefore,andshewantedtoknowwhatcamenext.

“There.” He stopped, running his hand over the warm skin of her ass, and she could
feelthelowheatinitashesqueezed.“Sobeautiful…allpinkandreadytoplay.Areyou
ready,Maddie?”

The bravery came from some dark, hungry place inside her, but she nodded and

pushedhervoicetogivemorethanawhisper.“Yes,sir.”

“Alright,nowtellmethetruth.Wereyouinvitedheretonight?”

“Yes,sir.”Ahardspanklandedonherrightcheek,andshecriedoutastheshockmade
hergasp.“Whatthe–”

“Wanttotrythatagain?Remember,honestyisimportant.”Hishandbrushedoverthe
placehe’djuststruck,andsheshivered.“Wereyouinvitedheretonight,Maddie?”

“Yes,sir.”Sheliedagain,andthistimetheswattoherothercheekwasevensharper.It
was a burst of fiery sting that made her bounce her hips trying to settle it, and if her
handshadn’tbeenboundshewouldhavereachedbacktosoothetheskin.

Thomasleanedoverherback,thebrushofhisshirtacrossherribsmakinghershiver.
“See, I don’t think that’s true, beautiful. It’s in the rules that any member bringing a
guesthastobepresent.So,eitheryourfriendbroketherulesanddidn’tmeetyou,or
youheardaboutthisplacefromsomeonewhoshouldnothavebeentalkingaboutit
andyoutriedtocomeinonyourown.”Hepressedanall-too-gentlekisstoherribs,and
shedrewinashudderingbreathashernervesrampedup.“AndIsincerelydoubtthat
anyone would invite you and then not be here to play with someone so impeccably
beautiful.So…whichisit?”

Shit.Shit.Shit.

“Maddie?”Hisvoicehadthatedgeinitagain,thatchastisingtonethatmadeherwant
toapologizeforthingsshecouldn’tpossiblyadmit.

“You’reright,I,um,Iheardaboutit,butIcan’ttellyoutheirname.It’smyfault,not
theirs…sir.”Anotherlie,butthiswasoneshehopedhe’dbelieve.

“So,youplannedtojustcomeinhereand…what?OfferyourselftothefirstDomthat
wantedtoplay?”Hedeliveredahardspanktotheplacewhereherassmetherthighs
andithurtevenmore,forcingherupontohertoesbeforeshedroppedherheelsagain.

Shenodded,agreeingtothelie.“Yes!Yes,sir.Ijustwantedtoseeit.”

Thomas laughed low, standing up behind her. Another hard swat, but she gritted her
teethtostiflethewhine.“You’vebeenaverynaughtygirl,Maddie…andwhileI’mvery
gladIwastheonetofindyou,Idon’tlikeitwhensubslietome,andIlikeitevenless
whentheyputthemselvesatrisk.Anyonecouldhaveofferedtoletyouin.”

“I’msorry,sir.”Notalie.Guiltsurgedinsideher,andshefeltbadforcontinuingtolie,
buttherewasnowayoutnow.Shewasin,she’dalreadyseenonesenatorembroiledin
this devious little underground sex club, and where there was one – there had to be
more.Awholenew,excitinglayertotheJaxsonDavidsonscandal.

Ithadfrontpagewrittenalloverit.

Suddenly, Thomas slipped his hand between her thighs, cupping the evidence of her
arousalasheappliedthebaresthintofpressuretoherclit.Theshockofitpulledthe

brake on her thoughts, shifting gears to the thrumming heat inside her, the pulse of
desirethatbeckonedhereverclosertothedarknessallaroundher.Maddiepushedher
hipsforward,seekingalittlemore,andsheknewthatthestorywasn’ttheonlyreason
shewasbentoverthischair.No,she’dlethimtieherdownbecausesomepieceofher
wanted this, wanted more than what she knew, and he seemed more than willing to
giveittoher.“Please,sir…”

“Please what?” he asked, his hand staying still against the damp fabric of her
underwearassherockedmoreurgentlyagainsthistouch.

“Please touch me!” It was begging, something she wouldn’t have imagined herself
capable of, but her mind was spinning out of her control, and her nerves were a
networkofneedthatsheknewinstinctivelyThomasHathawaycouldsatisfy.

“Oh, no. Not yet.” He pulled his hand away and she actually whined, twisting against
theropeandshiftingherweightfromheeltoheelinaminiaturefit.Thedarktonein
his voice instantly quieted her, “You know the deal, Maddie. Naughty girls don’t get
rewards,theygetpunished.Then,ifthey’revery,verygood,theygetareward.”

Thenextswatfromhishandwassolouditseemedtobouncebackofftheceiling,and
shetriedherbesttoswallowtheshoutasthefulloutlineofhishandburnedtolifeatop
thestillachingskin.

“Areyougoingtobegoodandtakeyourpunishmentforlyingtome?Fortryingtoget
intoBlackLightwithoutanykindofrealinvitation?”Shecouldheartheslightlyplayful
toneinhisvoice,butdeepinsideherguilttwistedlikeaknife.Thomasthoughthewas
punishing her for just sneaking in because she wanted to play at the club, when the
realitywassomuchworse.

Maddienoddedherhead,thefieryredofherhairprobablycompetingwiththeshame-
filledcrimsonofhercheeks.Atleasthecan’tseethat.“Yes,sir.”

“Goodgirl.Rememberyoursafewords.”

Therewasnowarningexceptthebarestwhisperofleathercuttingair,andthenaline
of molten fire landed across both cheeks of her ass. She screamed, digging her nails
intoherpalmsasthepainpeakedandthenfadedintotheburningheat.‘Red’,danced
on the tip of her tongue, some part of her brain desperately enacting a fight or flight
instincturginghertoshoutit,butinsteadsheclenchedherjawtight.Anotherlashfrom
theleather,eitherabeltorastraplikehe’dsaid,andthepainwasunlikeanythingshe’d
ever felt. Sharp, unforgiving for a moment, and then it would fade and she would
suddenlygaspinair.

Again.

Andagain.

Andagain,andagain,andagain.

Somehowalwaysonanewplace,alittlehigher,oralittlelower,andshewouldcryout,

but she knew she deserved it. She quietly begged him to stop, but there was no
sinceritytothewords.Sheknewshedeservedthepainthathadhersotenseshewas
scratching furrows into her palms with her nails. There was no way she’d speak the
wordshe’dgivenhertoreallystopthis.

Shedidn’tdeservethem,didn’tneedthem.

Itwasanunvocalizedapologyforusinghimlikeshewas.Usinghimtogainentranceto
thisplace,usinghimtolieherwaypastalloftheirelaboratesecurity,andusinghimto
explore this new, dark place inside herself that was steadily tipping her from the
agonizingpainintosomekindofhummingenergy.

Thereweretearsonhercheeks,capturingstrandsofherhairagainsthercheeks.Her
breathinghadbeenraggedatfirst,butitwascalming,andasthenextstrikelandedshe
felt the burning heat of it, the flash of pain, but it faded so quickly into the blur of
sensationthatshealmostcouldn’ttrackit.

Anothercrackoftheleather,anotherdistantsting,andMaddiewasfloatingsomewhere
outsideherself.Somewheretheguiltwasbutatinyblipintheseaofhermind.Itwas
glorious,andquiet,andsomuchsimplerthanthechaotictorrentherbrainwasona
dailybasis.

Thisisincredible.

Thefirstlashacrossthebacksofherthighs,justbelowherass,madeherliftherhead,a
quietyelpofpain,butthenshewaslimpagain.Asoft,lowsoundescapingherlips,and
shecouldn’timagineusingasafewordanymore.Whyhadsheeverwantedtoescape
this?Itwascatharsisembodied.Itwasperfect.

Shejustneededittocontinue,tokeepgoing.Towaitinthisplacewhereherbodywasa
lightningstormoftinglingenergy,wherehermindwashushedandguiltlessandfree.

Anothersnapthatsheheardratherthanfelt,andshewaswarmandglowingthrough
andthrough.

“Suchagoodgirl,you’resuchagoodgirl,Maddie…”Thomas’voicefiltereditswayback
into her awareness, and then she felt his hand between her thighs again. Rubbing,
pressingthesoakedfabricofherlacyunderwearbetweenherfoldsashefoundherclit
and focused his attention in delirious circles that had her hands twisting in the ropes
again.

“Oh,God,”shewhisperedonamoan,archingherbacktoliftherheadandpushback
more firmly against his touch. Her head was swimming, so close to some kind of
glorious, sparkling horizon, as the tense pleasure built and built. Every touch was
expert,andwhenhisotherhandlandedinthesmallofherback,pressingherdown,
shereveledinit.Inhisstrength,thewickedrhythmhisfingersmaintainedonthefocal
pointofherbody,andtheconstantassuranceshevoicedfrombehindher.

“That’sit.Youdidsowell,comeforme,beautiful.Goon,letgoandcomeforme.You

didsowell,you’resuchagoodgirl…”Hissweetliespushedhertotheveryedge,the
pleasurebuildinguntilitwasanalmostagonizingboundarythatsheteeteredover,her
bodytensetothepointofpain–andthenshefell.

Whitelightburstbehindhereyes,andshecalledoutsomethingincomprehensibleas
shecameagainsthishand,everythoughtobliteratedoncemoreforablissfulmoment
ofnothingnesswhereshedriftedinwarm,goldenperfection.

Bliss.

Thiswaswhatthatwordmeant.Languid,pure,unfetteredbytheboundsofreality.

Thomas’touchleftheramomentlaterandshefeltlostforasecond,confused,untilshe
felthisdeft,talentedfingersattheropenearherhands.Hereleasedherandthenhis
arms were under her, lifting her like she weighed nothing before he spun them and
settled her in his lap in the chair. His strong arms wrapped around her, holding her
firmlyuntilshemeltedagainsthisfirmchest.Coolclothbrushedoverherskinandshe
opened her eyes to see that he’d covered her with his suit jacket, the silk lining set
againsther.“Shhh,Maddie.Relax.Thatwas…incredible.”

She mumbled something in agreement as he adjusted her in his lap and pulled her
closer,lettingherheelsdrapeoverthesideofthechair.

“Youaresobeautiful,”hisvoicepurredagainstherhairandsheletherselfjustbe.Allof
thepiecesofherself,thepartsthatwereusuallyinsuchafrenzyremindingherofher
never ending to-do list, her failures, her mistakes – they were all hushed and calm.
Satedbeastssleepinginthecornersofhermind.

For a few minutes she wasn’t the disappointment she always saw herself as, she was
justMaddie.Justalanguidsetofmuscles,andbone,andstilltinglingnerveswrappedin
hiswarmth.

Ifonlytheworldwouldreallyfallaway.

Awarenessreturnedslowly,firstwiththesteadybrushofhisthumbupanddownher
arm,thegentletouchofhishandnearherkneewhereheheldherinhislap.Thenthe
strong, pounding beat of his heart under her cheek. Even and powerful. When she
wenttoshiftshefelttheotherstrongthingnudgingher…ThomasHathawaywasstill
hardasarockunderherass.

Twistinginhisarms,herelaxedhisgripalittlesoshecouldmove,butassoonasshe
reachedbetweenthemtobrushthesteelofhiscockthroughhispantshemovedhis
armfromunderherlegsandcaughtherhand.“Justrest,Maddie.”

“Butyou’re–”

“Fine. I’m just fine, I want you to relax. That was intense, and I’m not sure I’ve ever
hadasubdropintosubspacesoquicklyfromabelt.”Helaughedanditwasawarm,
shakingfeelingsinceshewasproppedagainsthischest.“Youkindofsurprisedme.”

“Subspace?”sheasked,stillalittledazed.

Heleanedforwardtolookather,hishazeleyesshadowedwithconcern.“Hasnoone
everputyouinsubspacebefore?”

Theblushthatfiredtolifeinhercheeksseemedtoanswerforher.“Thomas,I–”

“Oh, Maddie… that’s...” He sighed. “It’s terrible that no one’s taken care of you. You
deservesomuchmore.”Hisinterruptioncutoffherconfession,andshebitdownon
herlip.Hewastoogood.Toogoodtohavestumbledintohertwistedplans.“Masochists
don’talwaysgettreatedwell,butyoudeservethat.Youknowthat,right?Youdeserve
tobetreatedwell?”

Her brows pulled together, because thatwas a word she definitely knew. Masochists
werepeoplewholikedpain,butthatwasn’ther.Shewasn’tmesseduplikethat…right?

“Madeline.”Hisuseofherfullnamemadeherlookupintohisgaze,shiftinginhislap
untiltheywerealmosteye-to-eye.“Justbecauseyouenjoythis,doesn’tmeanyoudon’t
matter.Peoplecan’tjusttakeadvantageofyou,andyoucan’tletthem.Okay?”

“Okay.” She nodded, still unsteadied by everything that had happened, and then she
cursedherselfsilently.“Imean,yessir.”

Thomaschuckled.“Playisover,beautiful.YoucanjustcallmeThomas.”

“Alright,Thomas.”Maddiewenttogetoffhislap,buthetuggedherback.

“You don’t have to get up, I’m enjoying holding you. Aftercare is one of my favorite
parts of play.” He leaned his cheek against her hair, hugging her against him once
more.“Hasnoonedonethisforyoueither?”

“No,” she confessed, but when he sighed and held her a little closer she flinched.
Aftercare?Shedidn’tevenknowwhatthefuckthatwas.Noonehadeverdoneanyof
this, any of it, because she was pretending to be someone she wasn’t – or she was
discoveringsomethingshewasforthefirsttime–orshe’dliedsothoroughlythewhole
damnnightshecouldn’ttellanymore–butregardless,shedidn’tdeservethiskindness.
Thiswarmth,thisgenerosity.Notfromsomeonelikehim.

“I was only going to give you ten with the belt, but I thought I felt you teetering on
subspace,soIwentforit.Yousureyou’reokay?”

“Itwaswonderful,Ican’tthinkofthelasttimemyheadwasthatquiet.”

He hugged her tight again. “Oh, Maddie… women like you are so unique. I have to
admit I’m glad you showed up tonight trying to sneak in, even though that was very
wrong.”Therewasaplayfultoneinhisvoice,butherguiltwokeuplikeanangrybear
insideherchest.

“I’mreallysorry,Thomas,Inevershouldhave–”

“Oh,no,beautiful…shhh…”Headjustedheronhislap,tuckinghiscoattighteraround

hertotraphisbodyheatagainstherskin,warmingherwhenshehadn’tevenrealized
howcoldshe’dbeen.“That’sthebeautyofpunishment.Youmakeamistake,youtake
apunishment,andallisforgiven.Ithinkit’soneofthemanythingsBDSMgetsright
when it comes to relationships. Vanilla people will sit on things for years, bring it up
laterjusttotossitintheirpartner’sface,becauseit’sneverreallybeenresolved.This?
Allresolved.Overanddonewith,andIwon’tspeakanotherwordaboutit.”

“Thanks,” she whispered, but his words had only poked the bear of guilt. The
punishment had felt good because she’d known she needed to be punished, but he
didn’tknowwhatshewasreallydoinghere.

Whatshewasstilldoinghere,ifshewerehonestwithherself.

As she’d slowly woken up out of her daze, her eyes had been roaming the room.
Catchingsightofdifferentpeople,memorizingfacesjustincasesherecognizedthem
later.Buildingupherlittlelistinsidehermindsoshecouldupdatehernoteswhenshe
gothome.

Goodforyou,Maddie,you’rejustlikeeveryotherselfish,self-righteousreporteroutthere
now.

It’swhatyou’vealwayswanted.

Despite the undeniable guilt for how she was using him, she knew that it was
secondary to the whole mission of the night in the first place. Before she’d been
sidetrackedbyhishandsomeface,histemptingflirtation,andhiswickedwords–she’d
comeforastory,andnowshehadthebeginningsofonehellofanarticle.Achanceto
expose a fresh layer of scandal to the Davidson story – Antoine was going to lose his
mind.

“HowaboutonemoredrinkbeforeItuckyouintoacarhome?”Thomas’lowwhisper
tuggedattheguiltagain,andshesatupinhislaptolookhimintheeye,theinsistent
nudgeofhiserectionstillpresent.

“ButIhaven’ttakencareofyou.”

“IgotwhatIwanted,beautiful.Trustme.”Heliftedherinhisarmsandthensettledher
onherfeet,hissuitjacketstillheldagainstherfront.“Let’sgetyoudressed.”

Hewasasgoodatgettingwomenbackintotheirclothesashewasatgettingthemout
ofthem,andwhenhefinishedzippingherup,heturnedheraroundtotakehisjacket,
smilingashepullediton.Thenhecheckedbothofherwrists,rubbingthemwithhis
thumbsinanefforttoeasetherednesswithakindofgentlenessthatbeliedtheactions
thathadputthemthere,beforeheranhishandsoverherhairandcuppedhercheeks.

“Youarewonderful,youknowthat?”

“Sure,”shewhispered,butitwashalf-hearted.Thomaspulledherintoahuganyway,
and pressed a kiss to the top of her head, then he caught her hand and walked them
back to the bar. The chorus of moans, cries of pain, and the whisper and crack of

leatherintheroomnowseemedtobenothingmorethanbackgroundnoisetoher.

Hesettledheronabarstool,andshehissedasthepressureofthestoolwokeupthe
weltsacrossherassandthighs.“Oh,hell.Areyouokay?Wouldyourathersitononeof
thechairs?”

The sudden concern for her pain made her genuinely smile, because, after all, he’d
been the one to cause it. Maddie shook her head, and squeezed his arm. “I’m fine, I
promise.Itjustsurprisedme.”

“Well, I’m sure those marks will look even more beautiful tomorrow.” He winked at
her and then waved down one of the bartenders. “Order whatever you want, I just
needtoruntothebathroom.I’llberightback,Ipromise.”

“Okay.”Shemaintainedthesmileashewalkedawayfromher,andshewavedwhen
heglancedbackather.Thensheturnedaroundtofindaprettybartenderinfrontof
herwithpin-straightblondehair,tanskin,andacuriousexpressiononherface.

“Hey,whatcanI–”Thewomanslowedherspeechandthenpaused,leaningforward
onthecounter.“Youokay?”

“Yeah,I’mfine.”Maddietriedtosmile,butitfeltbrittle.Shecouldfeelthestingoftears
attheedgesofhereyes,andsheshookherheadandlookeddowntryingtohidebehind
thecurtainofheronce-againfrizzyhair.

“Oneminute,”thebartenderspoke,butbythetimeMaddiefeltcomfortableliftingher
eyes,thewomanwasdownthebarpouringadrink.

Forcing a deep breath, she tried to settle her emotions, but they felt like they’d been
shakenupsohardthatnoneofthepieceswerefallingbackintoplace.What the fuck
hadshejustdone?

“Hereyougo.It’sanactual cape cod, the other girl shorted you on the vodka, and it
lookslikeyouneedit.”Therewasahintoffrustrationinthewoman’svoice,butitwas
directedattheotherbartenderandnother.

“Thanks,”shewhisperedasshepulledtheglasstowardsher.Takingasmallsip,shehad
toadmitittastedbetterthantheoneearlier,andtheimmediateburninherstomach
confirmedthepresenceofmorealcohol.

ThebartendersmiledbrightlyandleanedherheaddowntocatchMaddie’seyes.“Your
hair is unbelievable, you know that? I’m sure people tell you that all the time. Is it
natural?”

She was a little surprised by the question, but she nodded. “Yeah. Just as red as my
mom’s.Irishfamilies,youknow?”

“Ilovehaircolors,somuchcoolstuffyoucandowithit.Iwentredforawhile,butit’s
abitchtomaintainwhenitisn’tnatural.”Thewomansmiled.“Justknowlotsofgirls
arejealousofthathair,andprobablyyourdress.Itlooksnice.”

Maddie felt a blush creep into her cheeks, but it pushed back the urge to cry a little
further.“Thanks,it’smyfavorite.”

“Well, your date certainly seemed to like it, and damn if he’s not cute.” The almost
wistfultoneinthebartender’svoicemadeherlipsliftattheedgeinaweaksmile.

“Yeah,butitwasjustkindofaspontaneousthing.Notarealdate.”

“Working the bar I’ve seen a million dates. Trust me, the way he looked at
you?Thatlookedlikeadate,withaguythat’sprettyintoyou.Luckygirl...”

“Right.”Maddie’sstomachturned,theguiltroaringinherchest,butshetookahearty
drinkofthevodkainanattempttosilenceit.

“Anyway,wheredoyouwork?”

“It’s this daily ad paper, it’s called the Daily Saver D.C., I do copy editing, nothing
fancy.”Sheshrugged,stillembarrassedtoadmitshehadsuchashitjobinoneofthe
mostincrediblecitiesinthecountry.

The bartender tapped the counter in front of her. “I know that thing! It’s in a bin
outsidemyapartmentinAdam’sMorgan!FoundthisgreatlocalChineseplace…”The
blonde rested her hand against her stomach like she was already hungry. “Happy
Familymealwithaneggrollandriceforjustelevendollars,it’smyfavoritepre-shift
dinner.”

Maddieshruggedandsmileddespitethesourfeelinginherownstomach.“I’mgladit
helpedyouout.”

“Suredid.Girl’sgottaeatonthecheapbeforeD.C.pricessuckyoudry.Couponsmake
my world go round. I’m Klara by the way. I keep the sailors salty every night we’re
open.” She leaned forward conspiratorially, all smirks and trouble. “Until I can whip
mycohortsintoshape,makesureyouorderfromme.Otherwiseyou’llgetthatkindof
shit.”Klaraangledherheadtowardstheotherbartender,andthenlaughed.

“I’mMaddie.”

“Nicetomeetyou,Maddie,andooohitlookslikeyourdateisonhiswaybackover.”
ShewinkedatherandthenputonaprofessionalfaceforThomasasheapproached.
“WhatcanIgetyou,sir?”

“I’lltakeascotch.Bowmore,twelveyear?”ThomasmetKlara’sgazeandsmiledasshe
nodded.

“Neatorontherocks?”

“Rocks,please.Thankyou.”

As Klara walked away, Maddie took another hefty drink before she met Thomas’
beautifulhazeleyes.“So…”

“So, this is where I’m supposed to be a gentleman and get your phone number, and

then wait a few days to call you, but I’d really just like to ask you to dinner on
Wednesday night.” Thomas stunned her again with his casual confidence, but at this
point she shouldn’t have expected any less. It was just the layers of lies she’d
constructed that held her back. He was perfect, or he would be perfect if she hadn’t
alreadyfuckeditallupsobad.“Comeon,Maddie.Sayyes.”

“Thomas…”SheflinchedandwasgratefulwhenKlarareturnedwithhisscotch.

“Anythingelseyoutwoneed?”

“We’regood,”Thomasanswered,offeringhisstellarsmilebeforetheywereonceagain
alone.“Comeon,Maddie.Didyouenjoytonight?”

Shesighed.“OfcourseIenjoyedtonight,itwasfantastic,butIdon’tthink–”

“Then don’t think, just say yes. Let me at least give you a chance to get to know me
outsideofBlackLight.I’mnotgoingtolietoyouandsaythatIdon’thaveadominant
personality,hell,it’swhatgotmeelected,butIcanbeanormalevery-daymantoo.”

Elected?

Maddiefeltlikethegroundwasmovingunderherfeet,quicksandwaitingtoswallow
herwhole,butassheshiftedontheseatandfeltthesparksofpainremindingherofthe
deliriumhe’dgivenher–shewantedtosayyes.Wantedtoletthequicksandswallow
herjustsoshecouldtastewhatitwasliketobewithhimonemoretime.

Justoncemore.

Oncemorewouldn’thurt,right?

“Okay,Thomas.”

Thepridethatlituphisfacewasinfectious,andasheletoutaquietcheerandraised
hisglassofscotchshecouldn’thelpbutsmileback.“Thatdeservesatoast.Tosecond
datesbeingevenbetterthanfirstdates!”

“You’recountingthisasafirstdate?”Maddielaughedastheirglassesclinkedtogether.

“Oh, absolutely. Makes for one hell of a story, doesn’t it?” He laughed and took a sip,
butherheartsankasshedranktoo.

“Right,onehellofastory.”Hereyesroamedtheroom,andshesawDavidAlchert,the
lobbyistfromThursdaynightthathadhelpedherdiscoverthemopmarkedentrance
toBlackLight.Hewasleadingthesamebeautifulwomanhe’dhadwithhimthen,but
nowshehadacollarandaleashastheywalkedtowardsoneoftheraisedplatforms.
Tearinghereyesawaysheupendedherglasstofinishit,almostchokingasshetriedto
swallowtoomuchatonce.

“Whoa,Maddie,areyouokay?”

Plasteringasmileonherface,shenodded.“Absolutely.Justtired,youknow?AndI’ve
gotworkinthemorning,and–”

“Saynomore,I’llgetyouhomequickly.Wheredoyoulive?”

“Arlington.NeartheBallstonmetrostop,”shespokeashedugouthiswalletandlaida
blackAMEXdownonthecounter.

Shit.He’sreallygotmoney.

“That’snotfaratall,we’llhaveyouinbedinnotime.”Hechuckledtohimself,pushing
ahandthroughhishairasKlaraswungbytosnagthecard.“Imean,youwillbeinbed
innotime.”

His correction made her smile, because they both knew he could have her if he just
asked.Fuck,she’dofferedtotakecareofhishard-onearlierinthemiddleoftheclub,
buthe’drefusedher–andwhatguydidthatanyway?

Thomas Hathaway was unlike any man she’d ever met, more interesting, more
confident,moretempting,moreeverything–andshewasgoingonaseconddatewith
him.OnWednesday.Therealitysettledonherashescribbledatipandhissignatureon
thetinyreceipt,andthenputhiswalletaway.“Ready?”

“Yeah.”Shelethimhelpheroffthestool,andsheglancedbackjustintimetoseeKlara
waveatherbeforewalkingovertoanothercouple.

Theywerebackoutsideinamatterofmoments,buteverythingseemedtobemoving
infitsandspurts.Theywerewalkingthroughthestillactiveplayarea,thentheywere
inthepalepurplelockerroom,andThomaswaspressingherphoneintoherhand.

Hehadhisphonealready,andhetouchedhershoulderandtheworldseemedtocome
backintofocus.“Maddie,areyouokay?Iaskedwhat’syournumber?”

“Yeah, I’m great. Sorry.” She smiled and rattled it off, and then opened her phone to
addhis,typinginThomasHathawaywithabittertasteonhertongue.

“Alright,youdefinitelyneedsomesleep.”Assoonashe’dgivenhiscellnumber,hewas
onthephonewithhiscarservice.Inanotherflashtheywereupstairsmovingthrough
Runway, in another they were gathering their coats from coat check, and then they
were outside. It was almost two am, and she was shivering on the sidewalk as he
wrappedhisarmsaroundher.“Idon’tknowaboutyou,butI’mgoingtobecounting
downtoWednesdaywhenI’mstuckinmeetingsalldaytomorrow.”

“Metoo,”sheagreed,andtriedtofocusonhiminsteadoftheguiltgnawingawayinside
her.Afewminuteslaterasleek,blacksedanpulledupandamanjumpedoutofthe
driver’ssidetoopenthebackpassengerdoorforher.

Justlikethepeopleshe’dwatchedbefore.Thesamepeopleshehadlistedinherphone,
andinagrowingdocumentathomethatwasnowgoingtoincludealotofresearchon
BDSMclubsforthearticle.

You’resuchabitch,Maddie.

Sheswallowed,hesitatingwhenthedrivergesturedtotheinterior.“Ireallydon’tneed
totakeyourcar,Thomas.IcangrabanUber,it’sokay.”

Hekissedherontheforeheadwhenshestoppedspeakingandnudgedhertowardsthe
car.“I’dratherknowyoumadeithomesafely.Pleasedrinksomewaterwhenyouget
there,andifyouthinkofit,sendmeatextsoIknowyoumadeit?”

“Sure.”Maddiedroppedontotheseat.

“I’dliketocheckonyoutomorrow,ifyou’reokaywiththat?”Therewasacharming
softnesstohistonenow,aconcern,butsheflinchedbackfromitinternally.

Idon’tdeservethis.

“Okay.”Nodding,shelookeddownatthephoneinherhandtobreakeyecontact,and
he waved at her as he shut the door. The driver was inside an instant later and they
were pulling away, leaving Thomas on the curb. Nothing felt right as they drove
towardsherapartment,butitwasnicenothavingtoworryshe’dneedtostabsomeone
withherkeysincasethedriverturnedouttobecrazy.

Itdidn’ttakelongatallinthenighttrafficbeforeshewasinsidehertinyapartmentand
turningthelocks.Shestrippedoutofthedressandtosseditontoherbed,grabbinga
glass of water from her kitchen, which was only about fifteen feet from her bed, and
tenfeetfromherdesk.Livinginonebigroomhadsomebenefits.Openingherlaptop
shedranksomeofthewaterbeforeshebroughtupGoogleandsearchedtheonething
sheknewshewouldn’tbeabletosleepwithoutknowing:ThomasHathawayelection.

A second later the results returned, and she clicked on the first link which showed a
smiling headshot of him, looking even more gorgeous. Underneath the picture were
the words she hadn’t even known she’d been dreading: Congressman Thomas
Hathaway(D),NewYork.

Hewasapolitician,afuckingmemberoftheHouseofRepresentatives,andamember
ofBlackLight.TheclubshewasgoingtoexposetogetapositionatthePost.

AndshehadadatewithhimonWednesdaynight.

Fuck.

ChapterFive

Monday

hedecisiontosleeponthecouchinhisofficehadbeenagoodone,becauseatsix
o’clock in the morning his desk phone was already ringing. With a groan,

Thomasshovedhimselfintoanuprightposition,rollinghisneckbeforehetookthefew
steps towards the phone. “Hathaway,” he answered, and then sighed and walked the
rest of the way around his desk to drop into his chair as one of his fellow
representativesstartedtalkingfast.

Off to a stellar Monday already. As he let his peer rant about their need to get more
supportbehindaproposedbill,Thomasunlockedhisphoneandfrownedwhenhewas
stillmissingatextfromMaddie.

“Right,I’mlistening,”hehalf-liedashetappedoutatexttoher.‘Justcheckingtomake
sureyougothomealright.LookingforwardtoWednesdaynight.’

Locking the phone he tried to block out the images of her draped over the chair at
Black Light. The curve of her ass, outlined by those lace edged black panties, the
delicatecurveofherwaistandtheswellofherhips.Hiscocktwitchedbehindhisslacks
and he clenched his teeth, forcing his attention back to the call. “Do you want me to
talktoDonnaforyou?Ifyou’resoconcernedabouthervote,I’lljustask.”

Hewaitedforthefrenzyontheotherendofthephonetocalmdownwhileheopened
hislaptop.Fifty-threeunreademails.Great. This was why he’d headed to Black Light
thenightbefore,he’dneededtotaketheedgeoffbeforethisshitstartedupagain.

“Eric. Eric,” Thomas interrupted him, channeling the authoritative tone that calmed
bothupsetmembersofCongressandsubmissivesalike.“IwillspeaktoDonnatoday,
nowgohavesomebreakfastandwe’lltalklaterinthemeeting.Alright?”

Nodding, even though Eric couldn’t see him, he listened to the man’s blood pressure
drop, and then he smiled as the volume of his voice finally reached normal levels
again.

“Wonderful,seeyouthen.”Hangingupthephone,heblewoutabreathandscratched
anoteonapadofpaperonhisdeskaskinghisassistanttosetupthelunchwithDonna
andexplaininghewasheadingoffforaworkout.Grabbinghisgymbag,andachange
ofclothes,hestuckhiscellphoneinhispocket,anddroppedthenoteonAlan’sdeskas
heheadeddownstairs.

Wireless headphones blaring Nine Inch Nails he was in mile two of his treadmill run
when‘Closer’wasinterruptedbyanincomingcall.Glancingdownatthescreenhewas
disappointed to see Jaxson Davidson’s name plastered across the screen instead of
Maddie’s.Hetappedthedeclinecallbuttonanduppedtheinclineonthetreadmillwith
asigh.WhateverJaxsonwantedcouldwaituntilhe’dshowered,andthatwasn’tgoing
tohappenuntilatleastmilefour.JustashismindhadstartedtodriftbacktoMaddie’s
delicateblush,theimpossiblyarousingwayshe’dsquirmedunderhishand,thefucking
phonerangagain.

Declined.

Dammit,Jaxson,layoff.It’sbarelysevenam.

As‘TheDownwardSpiral’albumpickedbackupinhisheadphonesheshookhishead
andfocusedonkeepinghisbreathingsteadyfortherun.It’snotlikehewasn’talready
distractedenough,butahard-onwasonlygoingtomakefinishingimpossible.Shifting
gearsfromthinkingofthebeautifulsubmissivetoreviewingtheparticularsofthebill
he’dbediscussingwithDonna,andthenEric,hementallyzonedoutonwork.

Justashestartedtoreallythinkhisphonedingedwithavoicemailalert.Hedidn’teven
have to glance at his screen to know it was from Jaxson. The guy had gone from jet-
setting model party boy to obsessive businessman almost overnight. He barely
recognizedhimanymore,butnomatterhowmuchthey’dchangedonethingwasstill
true about both of them – they were dominant. It was actually Jaxson’s decision to
openBlackLightthathadbroughtthetwoofthembacktogetheraftersomanyyears
onvastlydifferentpaths.

Still,long-timefriendornot,hecouldwaitthirtyfuckingminutesforhimtofinishhis
morningworkout.

Turninghisphonefacedowninthelittletray,hecrankedupthevolumeonhismusic
andpushedhimselfuntilthehazefromhisfewhoursofsleepwasobscuredbyawave
of endorphins. Four point six miles later and he hit the cool down button, pouring
sweatintheuncomfortablystagnantairofthecardioroom.

He was walking with the treadmill when he turned his phone over, hoping to see a
replyfromMaddie–buttherewasnothingmorethanthereminderofthetwomissed
calls, the voicemail, and a few news alerts. Swiping it open he was about to text her
againwhenhestoppedhimself.

Doyouwanttolooklikeacreep?Calmdownandgotakeashower.

Lockinghisphone,hetookhisownadviceandwenttomakehimselfpresentablefora

dayonCapitolHill.

“So,you’vegotthatmeetingwithCongresswomanTaylorat9:30,thenthewaterworks
brunchat10:00,whichyouwillbelatefor,”Alanglancedupathimfromhisnotepad,
andThomasjustshrugged.“IwasabletogetDonnaMuellerfornoon,butIknowthat’s
two–”

“Iwon’teatatboth,Alan,don’tworry.”

With a slight smirk, his assistant returned to his list, scratching something off with a
pen. “Then you’re in committee meetings from 1:30 to 4:30, and there’s the cocktail
receptionfortheCarrindiFoundationat6:00.”

“DidIagreetogotothat?”

“YoutoldmetoRSVPlastmonth.”

“Areyousure?”Thomasgroanedandtookalongdrinkofhiscoffee.“I’mprettysureI
wouldn’thave–”

“YousaidRSVP,andIdid,andIgotyourtuxcleanedonFridayforit,soyou’regoing.”
Alan gave him a serious look, and then waved his hand to the side. “Honestly, if you
didn’twanttogo,whydidyouagreetoit?”

“Iprobablydidwanttogothen,butnowI’mtired.”

“Too bad, you’re going. You already paid for a plate.” His assistant ticked off another
thingonhislist.

“Wait,I’mpayingtogotothisthingIdon’twanttogoto?”

“Yes.”

“Youshouldgoinsteadofme.Rubelbows,enjoythedrinksandthefood.Ialreadypaid
afterall.”Flippingoverhiscellphonehecheckedagainforatext,buttheonlyperson
he’d received one from was his brother back in New York asking about their father’s
birthday.

“IfonlyIwerethreeinchestallerandhadyourshoulders.”Alangavehimasmart-ass
smile,andThomasraisedhiseyebrowsathim.Withasigh,Alandroppedhishandsto
hissides.“You’regoing,CongressmanHathaway.”

“Firstofall,youknowtocallmeThomas,andsecondofall,Iseemtorememberbeing
yourboss,andnottheotherwayaround?”

“Whatevermakesyoufeelbetter.Isnaggedyousomefruitandabagel,wholewheat,
low-fat cream cheese, it’s on your filing cabinet because there wasn’t a single inch of
deskspacevisible.”Alanheadedtowardsthedoor.

“Wait, I need dinner reservations for two on Wednesday night. Around eight.
Somewherenice,alright?”

Hisexecutiveassistantfrozeinplaceandturnedtofacehim.“DoIgettoaskquestions
aboutthis?”

“Notatall,Alan.”

Therewasblatantcuriosityontheyoungman’sface,butaftertwoandahalfyearsof
working together, Alan knew when he could push his luck, and when he couldn’t.
“Alright,I’llgetyoureservations,butyourscaryglaredoesn’tworkonme,remember?
It’swhyyoukeepmearound.”

“Right. Thank you, Alan.” He couldn’t help but smile as his assistant shrugged and
pulledhisdoorclosedbehindhim.Spinningaroundinhischairhefoundthelittleplate
of food next to a stack of files that he really needed to sort through so he could find
themagain.IfheaskedAlantodoit,they’dbeputinsomekindofalphabeticalorder
thathe’dneverbeabletoremember.

Stabbing a piece of pineapple with a fork he took a bite and continued through his
email,makingnotesonwheredifferentpeoplestoodonvariousdiscussionshappening
on the hill. It was a few minutes after nine when he felt his iPhone vibrating on his
desk.

JaxsonDavidson.

Again.

Thomas answered and tucked the phone against his cheek so he could continue
workingbeforehisfirstmeetingshowedupat9:30.“Goodmorning,Jaxson.”

“Avoidingmycalls,orjustpretendingtobeabusy,importantpolitician,Thomas?”

“Being an asshole on purpose, or just for the usual reasons?” He smiled as he heard
Jaxson’sheavyexhaleontheotherendoftheline.

“Youwereattheclublastnight.”Therewasanoddnoteintheotherman’svoice,and
hecouldfeelaheadachecomingonbeforetheirdiscussionevenstarted.

“Yes,Iwas.”

“Withagirl.”

“Why,yes,withagirl.Idon’tbatforbothteams,remember?”Hischucklediedonhis
lipswhenthefrustratedgrowlthatJaxsonreturnedrumbledovertheline.

“I remember, and I still don’t care, asshole. How exactly do you know this Madeline
O’Neillgirl?”

“Whydoyouask?”

“BecauseshegavemynametoDanielatthesecuritydeskinthelockerroomandsaid

thatIwastheonetoinviteher.”

“Ah.”Thomascouldn’thelpbutsmile.Maddiewasanaughtygirl,andsheprobablyhad
noideajusthowpoorofachoicethatwas.IftherewasonethingJaxsonhated,itwas
someonedroppinghisnamewithoutpermission.

Perhapsthatcouldbetheirnextcorrectivediscussion.

“Ah?That’sallyouhavetosay?Thisgirlofyoursshouldn’tbeusingmy–”

“Stop.”Heusedthecommandingtoneautomatically.“Firstofall,she’snotmine,Imet
herlastnight.”

“Whatthefu–”

“Andsecondofall,”ThomasinterruptedbeforeJaxsoncouldgoonarant,“Maddiewas
justcuriousabouttheclub.She’dheardaboutitfromafriendandsheshowedup.Her
choiceoflistingyournamewasbold,butIdealtwithit.”

“You dealt with it? What the fuck, Thomas? We can’t just have a bunch of people
wanderingintoBlackLight!It’ssupposedtobeprivate,secure.That’stheentirefucking
point.”Thegrowlinhisfriend’stonespokeofhisfrustration,buthejustshruggedand
repliedtoanemailashetalked.

“Look,it’snotmyfaultsomeonetalkedtoheraboutit,butI’mjustgladIwastheoneto
meether,andtheclubneedsmoresinglesubsanyway.Youtoldmethelackofpick-up
playwouldchange,butit’sbeenoveramonthandMaddieisonlythesecondoneI’ve
seen.”

Therewasagrumbleontheotherendoftheline,andthenthesilencestretched.Notin
arushtocontinuetheargument,Thomasusedthetimetofinishhisreplyontheemail
andclicksend.HetookabiteofhisbagelashewaitedforJaxsontodecideifhewanted
toargueorcrawlbackintobedwithhislovers.“Fine.Soyoudealtwithit.”

“Ipunishedherappropriatelyfortryingtogetintotheclubwithoutaninvitation,and
potentiallyputtingherselfatriskbywaltzinginwiththefirstDomtooffertopayfor
herguestpass.”

“Yeah,shecouldhavedonebetter.”

“Kindlygofuckyourself,Jaxson.”

“Idon’thaveto,remember?I’mwelltakencareof,andI’mmoreconcernedaboutall
ofyourpentupfrustrations.”Therewashumorbackinhisfriend’svoice,andThomas
knew the potential fight had been diffused, which was good for him – and good for
Maddie.Jaxsonwasnotanenemysheneededtomake.“So,yousaidweneededmore
singlesubs.IsthisMadelineO’Neillsingle?”

“IhaveadatewithheronWednesdaynight.”

“Isthatano?”

“It’sanIdon’tknow. Nothing is set in stone.” Thomas rolled his eyes at the question.
Shehadn’teventextedhimbackyetafterall.

Maybeshe’sbackingoutofthewholething.

“Then if she shows back up at the club, I should tell Daniel to let her in? Let her test
drivesomeoneelse?Youdidsayweneededmoresingle–”

“I’dpreferifshedidn’tplaywithanyoneelsebeforeWednesday,butshe’sanadult.She
can do what she likes.” Hitting the enter key a little too hard on the email he was
writing, he felt the tension in his shoulders as he imagined someone else with their
handsonMaddie.

Ithadonlybeenoneplaysession,butshewasspinningcirclesthroughhismind.Every
moan,everywhimper,everyshiftofherbodyplayingonrepeat.Hewantedhishands
on her again, wanted to make her come again, he wanted to do so many things with
her. Dammit. His cock was getting hard just remembering her and that was the last
thingheneededbeforeameeting.

Youdon’thaveanyrighttofeelpossessiverightnow,reinitin.

Thinkofpuppies,Christmascarols,theawkwardrelationshipchatyouhadwithmom–
andthatdidit.Erectionavoided.

“Hmm…”Jaxsonmurmured.“Didyouenjoyyourselfgettingtoactuallyplayandnot
justbeavoyeur?”

“Idid.”Don’tthinkabouther,don’tthinkabouther.

“You know, there have been plenty of couples that would be glad to have you
participateif–”

“I don’t share well, Jaxson. You know this.” Thomas wanted to hang up, but Jaxson
wouldjustcallbackuntilhesaidhispeace.Itwaseasiertojustlethimgetitout.

“I’maware.DoesMadelineknowhowpossessiveyouare?”Hewastauntinghim,andit
wastemptingtorisetothebait,buthedidn’thavethetimeforit.

“I’veplayedwithheronce,we’lltalkmorewhenwemeetagain.”

“Alright.AreyoucomingtoBlackLightonWednesday?”

“We’regoingtodinner.”

“Afterdinner,then?”Therewasanoddtonetohisfriend’svoicethatmadethehairon
thebackofhisneckstandup.

“Whyareyouasking,Jaxson?”

“I’m just curious as to what’s so special about this Madeline that has your voice
soundinglikethat.”

“Like what?” Thomas wasn’t sure what he was referring to, but he was definitely
startingtofeelirritated.

“Edgy.Usuallyyouonlybreakouttheassholevoicearoundsubsandpeoplewhopiss
youoff.”

“You are pissing me off right now.” Thomas went to click on a new email before he
realizedhehadn’tevenreadtheonethatwasopen,he’djuststaredatitwhiletryinghis
damnedestnottorememberpalepinkskincoveredinstripesfromabelt.Abelthe’d
hadinhishand,withabeautiful,willing,wonderfulmasochistofasubmissivegiving
himthechancetoplay.

“No,I’mnot,you’rejustworriedthatI’llscarethegirloffifImeether.”

“Areyouplanningtotryandscareheroff?”LikehellI’llletyoumeetheranytimesoon.

“She might thank me.” Jaxson had a hint of a laugh in his voice, but the twist in
Thomas’ stomach gave the comment too much validity. He didn’t want to act like a
possessivejerk,andthatmeantnottextinghereveryhour,evenifhewantedto.

“RemindmewhyIeverstartedtalkingtoyou?”

“Becausewewerebothboredoutofourmindsatbullshitdinnersforourfathers,andI
wasatleastinterestingconversation.”

“You were eight when I met you, and I talked to you because you wouldn’t stop
followingmearound.”Thomasrolledhiseyesatthememoryofthefirstdinnerwhen
they’dbeensatneareachother,bothrestless.He’dbeenthirteen,butbecausehisolder
brother wouldn’t even speak to him at the time, the young dark haired kid with an
attitudehadbeenhisonlyentertainment.“Also,youkindofworshippedmeforafew
years.Thatwasniceformyego.”

“Ineverworshippedyou,Tommy.”

Thomas’teethcreakedwithhowhardhegrittedthem.“YouknowhowIfeelaboutthat
nickname,Jaxson,andthisisaperfectexampleofyoutryingtopissmeoff.”

“Look,Iwon’ttryandscareheroff,I’mjustcuriouswhatthisredheadcouldpossibly
havethatinterestsyousomuch.Youliterallyjustmether,andwhenthefuckwasthe
last time you took someone out on a date?” Redhead. He must have looked up the
security footage, which meant that by tomorrow morning he’d probably have
researchedMaddieintooblivion.

“Igoondatessometimes,Jaxson,butnotallofuslivethelifeofaplayboyinfrontof
thecameras.Ihaveanactualjob,remember?”

“Right, I forgot you’re the good kid that followed in his father’s footsteps. I’m the
disappointment.” There was bitterness in his tone, but Thomas had met Gregory
Davidsontoomanytimestonotunderstandwhy.

“Youdidmakeoutwithyourgirlfriend,andyourboyfriend,infrontofanentirepress

corpsatacampaignevent.”

“True,”Jaxsonpreened,“anditwasworthittoshowallthoseassholes–”

“MayIremindyouthatIamoneofthoseassholes?”Thomassighedasheglancedat
theclockinthecornerofhislaptop,justoverfiveminutesbeforehismeeting.

“I’dneverforgetwhatanassholeyouare,butIalsoknowyourvotingrecord.Youand
yourfatherneverexactlyagreedwithmyfather’spolitics,it’swhywe’restillfriends.”

“Wonderful.Listen,I’vegotameetinginafewminutes,ifyou’redoneberatingmeI
needtoprepare.”Thomasgatheredtogetherthepapersheneededtorefreshhismind
beforeTaylorarrived.

“IfyousayyouhaveMadelineO’Neillundercontrol,I’llbackoff.Justmakesureshe
doesn’tdropmynameagain.”

“Considerittakencareof.”

“Great.”

“Hey,”ThomasspokeagainbeforeJaxsoncouldhangup,“onemorething,ifyouwant
tostayfriends,don’tdoyourinsaneresearchthingonthisgirl.”

“Welookintoallmembers,Thomas.”

“She’snotamember,isshe?She’smyguest,andIdon’twantyourootingaroundin
herlife.”

“You really like this girl, don’t you.” It was a statement, not a question, and Thomas
blewoutabreathasheshuthislaptopandevaluatedhowhewantedtorespond.The
suddentaponhisdoorcuthistimeshort.

“Look,Ijustwantthechancetoseewhatmighthappen.Payattentiontoyourownlove
life,youhavemorethanenoughtohandle.Mymeetingishere,Ihavetogo.”

“Fine,gobethepolitician,asshole.”

“Gobacktobed.”

Jaxson laughed low, and Thomas heard the soft voice of Emma over the line, sleepy
andfeminine.Apangofjealousystruckhimjustashisfriendreplied,“Ialreadyam.”

“Right.” He ended the call and flipped his phone face down on the desk, taking a
cleansingbreathtopushawayallthepersonalstuffsohecouldgettowork.Shakingoff
the memories of the night before, and the strange conversation, he raised his voice,
“I’mready,Alan.”

ChapterSix

ittinginthebreakroom,Maddiepickedupherphoneagainandstartedanewtext:
I’mnotsuredinneronWednesdayisagoodide-

Backspacing she erased the twelfth attempt at a text to Thomas and slammed her
phone down on the table, spearing her salad with an angry fork jab. If she were a
decenthumanbeingshewouldcancelthedatewithhim.Hewaskind,averitablenice
guy, who also happened to be incredibly hot and kinky and everything her darkest
fantasies had ever dreamed up. Maddie groaned to herself. Representative Thomas
Hathaway,democratfromNewYork,didnotdeservetobeusedlikesomecheapticket.

HowareyousupposedtogetbackinsideBlackLightwithouthim?

Right.Thatwastheissue,becausetherewasnowayshecouldgetpastDannySecurity
again,andthelikelihoodofgettinganothersaviorwasslimtonone.

Doyouevenwantsomeoneelse?

Shegrowledunderherbreath,stabbinganotherbiteofsaladtoshoveinhermouthso
she wouldn’t start cussing, because she didn’t want anyone else. If it were a perfect
worldshewouldhavemetThomasinanormalway,andthere’dbenocomplications
intryingouteverythinghiddeninthatclubburiedunderneathRunway.Noissueswith
havingdinneronWednesday.Noproblemsexceptforthenormalones,butlifeseemed
totakegreatjoyinscrewingherover.

As if the gods were listening, her phone buzzed with a text message, but it wasn’t
Thomasthistime–itwasAntoinefromthePost.Fuckityfuck.Allitsaidwas‘callme’.

Swallowing her last bite of food she took a sip of her diet coke and pressed the call
button.ItrangtwicebeforeAntoineanswered,“Hey,Maddie.”

“Hey!Howiseverything?”shetriedtosoundpeppy,buthedidn’treturnthefavor.

“Listen,Iwanttohelpyouout,butyou’vegottogivemesomething.They’vefilledthe
otheropenposition,andIcan’tstallonthelastoneforever.Youeitherhaveastory,or
youdon’t.”

“I’m working on one, right now, and it’s going to be big, I swear.” Maddie put her
foreheadinherhand,feelingtheguilttwistalittlefurther.

“You’vebeentellingmethatforweeks.I’mnotjustbeinganasshole,youwouldn’tbe
able to pull this if you worked here either. Can you at least give me an outline?”
Antoinewastryingtohelpherout,andsheknewit,butshealsodidn’twanttohand
thestoryovertohim.Theywereonlyfriends,acquaintancesreally,andshecouldn’t
trusthimwithsomethingthisbig.

Ithadtobehers.

“I’m still researching, but I have a way into the place now. I’m gathering names and
details,andIswearitwillbeabigstory.”

“Maddie…”Hesighed.“YouknowIbelieveinyou.ThefirsttimewemetItoldyouthat
Isawthesparkin you,thathungerfor agoodstory.Youcould beagreatreporter if
youjustgetafterit.Poundthepavement,dothegruntwork,get–”

“Iam,Antoine!Andit’skindofhardtodothiswithoutanysupport,youknow?I’mthe
one that caught onto this thing, I’m the one that’s spent weeks pounding the fucking
pavement,asyousay,togetthedetailsonthisstory.Ijustgotabreakinitlastnight,
and I’ll get you the story, I just need time!” She’d raised her voice, and she felt bad
aboutit,butherheartwasracing.ItfeltlikeherdreamofworkingattheWashington
Post was dangling by a slowly unraveling thread, and Antoine was holding a pair of
scissorsreadytojustcutitcompletely.

Silencereignedforamoment,andshethoughtaboutapologizingforheroutburst,but
he spoke first. “Alright. Shit, Maddie, I want you to work here, but you’ve got no
experience and I’m putting my neck out anyway. This better be a fucking amazing
story,gotme?”

“It is, I swear. I swear to you, it’s got front page written all over it.” Relief washed
throughher,andshefoundherselfnoddingatthecokemachineasifAntoinecouldsee
her.

“Okay,justgivemeahint.What’sthesubjectmatter?”

“Sex,”shesaiditsoftly,ablushcreepingintohercheeksassherememberedthefeeling
of Thomas’ hand between her legs, the delirious orgasm he’d pulled from her with
expertskill.

“Sexalwayssells.I’massumingthere’sapoliticianinvolved?”

“More than one.” Her blush went full crimson, the heat in her cheeks almost
uncomfortable.

“Well,well,well,thatdoessoundlikeagoodstory,Maddie.”Antoineblewoutabreath
andshecouldhearhimshufflingpapers.“Howlongdoyouneed?”

“Anotherweekortwo.”

“You’vegotit,butyouoweme.Bringmesomethinghotandthejobisyours.”

Hope filled her up from the inside, crushing the guilt to a pinpoint. “Thank you,
Antoine.Seriously,thankyou.Iwon’tdisappointyou,Ipromise.”

“Ilookforwardtohearingmoreaboutit.Emailmeanoutlineassoonasyoucan.”

“Definitely.”

“Bye,Maddie.”Hehungupbeforeshecouldsaygoodbyeinreturn,butitdidn’tmatter.
Shehadhisattentionagain,andassurancethatthejobwashers.Bynextmonthshe’d
be a reporter at the Washington Post, and she’d be out of Daily Saver D.C.’s dimly lit
officesforever.

Cradling the phone in her hand she pulled up Thomas’ text message again: ‘Just
checkingtomakesureyougothomealright.LookingforwardtoWednesdaynight.’

Takingadeepbreathshereplied:‘Thanks!Idid,sorryIdidn’ttextlastnight.Wednesday
worksgreat,wheredidyouwanttomeet?’

She cleaned up her lunch and tossed the remnants in the trash, refilling her water
bottle before she headed back to her desk. It hadn’t been more than a couple of
minuteswhenherphonebuzzedwithatextfromThomas:‘Fiolaat8:00.I’mgladyou
messaged,Iwasstartingtoworryyou’dchangedyourmind.’

“If only you were that lucky,” Maddie mumbled under her breath, but it only took
anotherthought of standing inthe Washington Post officesto get her fingers moving
again.‘WhywouldIchangemymind?Istillhaven’treturnedthefavor.’

Theblushinhercheekswasbackasshesetthephonedownandtriedtofocusonwork,
butJamarwalkedbyandstoppedinhistracks.Helaughed,brightwhiteteethamidst
hismochacomplexion.“Okay,nowIknowwhatthatfaceis.Who’stheluckyguy?”

“Noneofyourbusiness,Gilligan.”

He sat down on her filing cabinet, leaning on her desk. “Come on, tell me. I’ve been
marriedalmosttenyears,letmelivevicariouslythroughyourexcitingnightlife!”

“No.”

“Ginger.”

“No.”Sheyankedafolderfromunderhiselbowandhegrinned.

“Ginger,Ginger,Ginger,Ginger,Ginger,Gin–”

“Stopit!I’mnottellingyouanything.”HerphonebuzzedandJamarwenttograbitbut
shecaughtitfirstandhishandlandedonhers.“Letgo.”

“Thentellmewhoitis!”

Ripping her phone away, she tucked it under her leg on the chair. “Not a snowball’s

chanceinhell.”

“Isheimportant?Isthatwhyyou’rebeingsecretive?”Hisgringrewevenwiderasshe
felttherednessinhercheeksreachforherears.“Itis,isn’tit?You’vegotaboytoyfrom
insidethebeltway,don’tyou?”

“Dropit,Jamar.”

“Yougotsomefromsomepolitico.Didn’tyou?”

“Actually,no.”She’dcomeharderthanshe’dthoughtpossible,andspenttimeinwhat
Thomascalledsubspaceafterhe’dtakenabelttoherass,andspankedher,andtiedher
up–buttheyhadnothadsex.

“Justblinktwiceifhe’sapolitician.”

Maddieturnedandstaredathim,tryingherbesttokeepherexpressionflat.“Whosays
it’saguy?”

Jamar laughed too loud and the graphic designer on the other side of her, Brad, who
never spoke to anyone, looked over the cube wall at them with an irritated glare.
“Alright, I get it, Ginger. You don’t want to tell me. Just invite me to the wedding,
okay?”

“Ha.Ha.”Sheflippedhimoffandhestood,raisinghishandsupindefeat.

“Look, whoever he is, I’m happy for you.” Shrugging, Jamar moved back to his desk
and she gave him a smile. Sometimes it was good to have friends like Jamar, and
sometimesitwasaliability.Thelastthingsheneededwassomeonesnoopingaround
hereveningactivities.

Pulling her phone free she checked the last text message: ‘Naughty girl. Now I’m
distractedfrommylunchmeeting.LookingtogetpunishedagainonWednesday?’

Atinglerusheddownherspine,bloomingintowarmthbetweenherlegsthatmadeher
squeeze her thighs together. Punishment. The word felt like it purred through her
mind. Pure temptation. She never thought the idea of getting spanked with a belt
would actually excite her, but as she wiggled in her seat she felt the dull ache of the
bruisesathersitspotanditmadeherwet.‘MaybeIam’,shereplied,andthenplugged
herphoneintochargeunderherdesk.

Theirdate,andwhatevercameafter,wouldbetheresoonenough.Untilthen,shehad
tofocusonwork,andonherresearchforthearticleintheevenings.Antoinewanted
anoutline,andsheneededtostartwritingthatstory.Oneofthetopdanceclubsinthe
city,ownedbythetriowho’dalreadyhadonesexscandalonthefrontpagelastyear,
and now they were running a BDSM club out of the basement where the well-
connectedwerecomingtoplay.ThePostwantedsomethinghot?Well,she’dseehow
hottheycouldhandle.

WednesdayNight

The Uber driver stopped in traffic several cars back from the entrance to Fiola, but it
was already 8:03 and that meant she was late. “Hey, I’m just going to get out here.
Thankyou!”

Beforetheguycouldrespondshewasoutofthecar,slammingthedoorbehindheras
she hurried over to the sidewalk. Her legs were freezing, but the dress didn’t exactly
work with leggings, and the tights she wore were not enough to keep out the cold. It
wasaveryniceItalianplaceonthecornerofabuilding,butshedidn’tcaremuchabout
theexterior–shejustwantedoutofthefrigidair.Whenshesteppedinside,windblown
and shivering, Thomas was standing there with his coat over his arm, even more
gorgeousthansheremembered.

Wow.

Talk about an award-winning smile. He was in a sharp suit, again, only this time the
littleUSflagpinonhislapelmadeherbreathcatch.Right,makethatelection-winning
smile.Maddiehadtoswallowbeforeshecouldspeak,summoningabrightsmiletoher
faceasthedoorclosedbehindhertoblockthewind.“I’msosorryI’mlate,trafficwas
worsethanIimagined.”

Thomassmirked,awickedlittletilttohislipsasheglanceddownathisApplewatch.
“Fourminutes,butI’vealreadybeenherefifteen.”

Her eyes widened as she tried to tame the mess the weather had made of her hair.
“Right.Sorry,Ireallydidn’t–”

Laughing,hetookastepforwardandleaneddowntopressakisstohercheek,hislips
pausingbyherearforjustamoment.“Don’tworry,”hewhispered,toolowtobeheard
inthedinoftherestaurant,“Yousaidyouwantedapunishment,didn’tyou?”

Shefeltherlipspartinshock,buthesteppedaroundherwithouttheslightestchange
inexpression.Hiswarmfingersliftedhercoatfromhershouldersasshequicklyundid
the two buttons holding it on so he could take it. “I, um…” Maddie’s mind had short-
circuitedsomewherenowthatshewasbackinhispresence.Somethingabouthimhad
her heart racing before he’d even spoke, but after those words? She was lost. Speak,
Madeline.“Thisplacelooksnice.”

Smooth.

“My assistant said it’s great. Apparently I’ve been here before, but I honestly don’t
remember.”Thomaswinkedatherandthenoneofthestaffarrivedtotakethecoats
fromhisarms.“Readyfordinner?”

“Absolutely!”Shenodded,prayingthatshewasn’tasmuchofadisasterontheoutside
asshewasontheinside.

They were seated in moments, and he offered her the booth side of their little table,
whilehetookthechairopposite.Itwasalongbenchaccompaniedbyarowoftables,

and she wondered what kind of conversation he expected to have when the couple
besidethemwasthreefeetaway.“Doyoulikewine,Maddie?”

“Huh?”Sheglancedathim,drawingherattentionbacktohishazeleyesandawayfrom
thebeautifuldécor.“Wine?Oh,yes,Ilovewine.Doesn’teveryone?”

He smirked again, and she cursed herself internally for acting like such an idiot. “I
thinkwinemightbeagoodidea.Youlooklikeyou’retemptedtorunoutofhere,and
I’dhatetohavetochaseyoudown.”Thepurrwasbackinhisvoiceasheloweredit.
“Actually, that’s a lie. I’d love to chase you down, and do all kinds of things when I
caughtyou,butthat’sprobablynotappropriateforaMichelinStarrestaurant,isit?”

The shock on her face must have been entertaining, because he leaned back and
laughed. It took several seconds before she reminded herself to shut her mouth and
nod,butthegrowingwetnessbetweenherthighswasenoughofanansweronhowshe
felt about Thomas Hathaway chasing her down. Swallowing, Maddie did her best to
makehervoicesteady,“Winedoessoundlikeagoodidea.”

“Agreed.” Thomas glanced back at one of the waiters and they were beside him in a
moment. As he asked for a wine list, she tried to center herself. She’d had plans to
arrive in control. She’d planned to actually stickto her plan, but then she’d changed
outfits five times, and there had been traffic, and then there was Thomas Hathaway.
Themanlookedlikehe’dfallenoutofsomehigh-endmen’smagazine,allcharmand
sophisticatedgrace,buthealsohadthisaurathatspokeofsin.Anedgetohiswords,to
thelookshegaveher,thatpromiseddark,unspeakablethings.Well,unspeakablefor
heratleast,heseemedtohavenotroublesayingwhateverwasonhismind.Nomatter
howitmadeherblush,ormaybebecauseitdid.“Maddie?”

“Yes?”Sheliftedhereyesbacktohimandhelookedlikehemayhavealreadysaidher
nameonce.“Sorry,justalongday.”Andnight.Shortonsleepagainsinceshewasup
untiltwoworkingonthedamnarticle,andshe’dreadsomanywebsitesaboutBDSM
thatshehadactuallydreamedaboutaSt.Andrew’sCross.

“Yousureyou’reokaytonight?Wecanresched–”

“No!” Her voice had been a little too loud, but she smiled and tucked her wild hair
behindherears.“Ipromise,I’vebeenlookingforwardtotonightallweek.”

Getyourshittogether,Maddie.

“Me too.” The menus interrupted him as they arrived, along with two glasses of ice
water. She stole a drink of hers before he reached across the table and slid his hand
underhers,thosehazeleyescapturinghergaze.“Infact,you’vebeenprettymuchallI
couldthinkabout.Very,verydistracting.”

“Allthosetextsyou’vebeensendinghavemadeitdifficulttofocusformetoo.”Finally,
the flirtation was back in her voice, and she felt like she’d found her footing in this
verbaldance.“Specifically…theonesmentioningabelt.”

“Howarethosemarksofyours?”heaskedquietly.

“Quitepretty,actually.Why,doyouwanttosee?”Theslowsmilethatstretchedherlips
feltlikeavictory,becauseforthefirsttimeitwasactuallyThomaswhohadtogather
histhoughts.

Clearinghisthroat,hesmiledather.“You’reanaughtygirl,MadelineO’Neill.”

“Ithinkyoulikeit.”

“Oh, I do. Very much.” Squeezing her hand before he released her, and lifted up the
menu.“Whatdoyouthinkyou’dliketotrytonight?”

“Otherthanyou?”Shegrinnedwhenonlyhiseyesliftedbacktohers,hiswarmbrown
hairalmostbrushinghiseyebrows.

“Itfeelslikeyou’dliketoskipdinner,whichwouldnotbeagoodideabecauseyou’re
going to need your energy.” The chastising, playful tone was in his voice, and she
squeezedherlegstogethertofightagainsttheurgetosquirminherchair.

Lickingherbottomlipshepulleditbetweenherteethtobitedownforamomentand
hisgazetrackedeachtinymovement.“ThenIthinkweshouldprobablyeat.”

“I’llbeeatinglatertoo,butdinnerdoessoundlikeasmartchoice.”Thewickedgrinthat
flashedacrosshismouthbroughtherpulsetolifebetweenherthighs.

Howdidhealwaysmanagetopushthingsastepfartherthanshethoughthewould?

Abottleofwinearrived,andittasteddelicious,andexpensive.Justliketherestofthe
meal.Maddiehadjustlethimorderaftershe’dscannedthemenuandseenaboutten
wordsshedidn’tevenrecognize,butThomashaddonewell.Everythingtheytriedwas
perfect,andtheconversationstayedlight.ShetalkedaboutworkingattheDailySaver,
and had to literally bite her tongue to keep from saying she wanted to work at the
WashingtonPost.HetalkedabouthisfatherworkinginCongress,andthentheSenate,
and how he’d followed in his footsteps. One term under his belt, starting his second.
Thomas had an older brother, she was an only child, and they both laughed at their
penchant for over-achieving. She’d beat his college GPA by 0.2 points, but he’d only
smiledandtoldherthathefoundintelligenceanddriveveryattractive.

The way he’d looked at her, combined with the glass of wine she’d already finished,
madetheblushunavoidable.

Withabarelytouchedchocolatedessertconcoctionbetweenthem,thatshe’dalsobeen
unable to pronounce, he leaned back in his chair to sip the wine. The restaurant was
much quieter now, even though there were still plenty of patrons buzzing with
conversation,butthosehazeleyeswerefocusedonherlikeshewastheonlyonethere.
“So,Maddie,Ihaveaquestionforyou.”

“Askaway.”Shesmiled,toyingwiththestemofherwineglass,turningitonewayand
thentheother.

“I’dlovetoknowwhyyoutoldDanielthatJaxsonDavidsoninvitedyoutotheclub.”
Theslightcurvetohislipsdidn’tchangeatallashespoke,andshetrieddesperatelyto
readhimasherlungsclenchedtight–butitwastonoavail.Washeamused?Angry?
Howhadheevenknown?

Maddieclearedherthroat,satupinthechair,andtoldthetruth.“I’dlookedupsome
stuffaboutRunwayandreadthatheownedit.Whenheputmeonthespotforaname
itjustsortofcameout.”

“Hmm.”Allhemadewasthesinglehummingreplyashestudiedherface.“Well,that
wasn’tverysmart,andwebothknowhowsmartyouare.”

“DidDanieltellyouwhatIsaid?”

“No,Jaxsondid.”

She almost choked on the sip of wine she’d taken, but managed to swallow it down
insteadofspittingthecabernetsauvignonalloverthewhitelinen.“Jaxsontoldyou?”

“Yes,hewas…irritatedthatyouusedhisname.”Thomas’smirkgrewalittle.“It’sone
ofhispetpeeves.”

“I–um…”Herwordstrailedoffashermindwentintooverdrive,andpanicmadeher
heart race a little faster. Thomas Hathaway apparently knew Jaxson Davidson well
enough to be told about her little indiscretion. He knew him well enough to know
abouthispetpeeves,andshewasplanningtoblowthelidoffofJaxson’ssecretlittle
club.Fuck.

“Don’tworrythough,Ihandledit.Jaxson’stemperhasbeenappeased.”Temper?

“How?”Maddieaskedthewordonabreath,soquietshewasworriedhehadn’theard
her.

“BytellinghimthatIwouldhandleyou.”

“Handleme,”sherepeated.

“Yes,andyou’vebeenaverybadgirl,haven’tyou,MadelineO’Neill?”Thomasleaned
forward on the table, nudging the dessert to the side so he could reach for her hand.
Holdingitpalmuphetracedhistouchacrossthecenter,leadingupherpointerfinger.
“Youliedmorethanoncetryingtogetintotheclub,anddidn’tadmitallofittomeon
Sunday.That’sone.”

“Onewhat?”Herheartwaspoundingfromtheborderlinepanicattack,butthetingle
rushing over her skin from the point of his touch was from something entirely
different,andmuchfarthersouth.

“You sent me so many teasing messages in the last few days, just begging to be
punished.”Hetracedoverherpalmagain,uphermiddlefinger.“That’stwo.”

“Ithoughtyoulikedthem?”shewhispered,incapableofmakinghervoiceanylouder.

“Oh,Idid,butIwasalwaysplanningtoobligeyourrequests.”Againhetracedoverher
palm,leadingupherringfingerthistime,thesmoothedgeofhisnailsendingashiver
overherskin.“Andthenyouwerefourminuteslate,sothat’sthree.”

“Threewhat,sir?”Thetitleseemedtoinsertitselfontotheendofherquestionwithout
a conscious decision, but the dark flash in his eyes made it clear it had been a good
choice.

“Three sets of whatever punishment I deem appropriate, unless you’ve decided you
don’t want to play anymore?” There was a wicked edge to his words again, more
promisesofcorruptionhiddeninthebreathsbetweenthem.Hepaused,waitinguntil
sheliftedhereyestomeethisagain.Astormcloudofdesiresweptthroughher,andhis
nextwordswereaspowerfulasaclapofthunder.“Well,MadelineO’Neill,doyouwant
tobeforgiven?”

Heremovedhishandfromunderhers,leavingitonthelinentablecloththatsuddenly
felt much cooler without the heat of his skin. Forgiven? She found herself nodding,
chewingonherbottomlipagaintokeepthewordsshewantedtosayinside.

Yes,shewantedtobeforgiven,forallofit.

Notjustthethingshe’dlisted,butthewholesituation.

Unfortunately,thatwasn’tpossible.

“I need to hear you say it, beautiful. We don’t do anything without your express
permission.”For a moment hisvoice had lost thecool, chastising tone, replaced with
warmth.Hewastoogood.Sheshouldsayno.Sheshouldgetupandwalkaway.She
shouldapologize.

“I want to be forgiven. I’ll accept your punishment, sir.” The last sane part of her
damnedhermouthforspeakingtheoppositeofwhathermindhadcommanded,but
the fire in her blood and the humming wetness between her thighs was running the
show. All of her reading on BDSM 101 websites had paid off, because judging by the
hungry look on Thomas’ face, she’d said the right things – even if they were so very,
verywrong.

“I’dliketotakeyoubacktotheclub.”

“When?”Maddieraisedhervoicesoshecouldhearherselfoverthepoundingofher
heart.

“Now,actually.”Hetouchedherhandwhenshereachedforthestillhalf-fullwineglass,
shakinghisheadalittle.“Nomorealcohol.Finishyourwater.”

“Yes, sir.” She obeyed without question, and she wanted to evaluate that. Wanted to
figure out what it was that let Thomas twist her up so easily, tangle her mind into a
spiralofdesireandanurgetopleasehim.

“Good girl,” he purred, and from that moment she lost the ability to even care about

whyitwasallhappening.

ChapterSeven

t some point he had paid, and she had finished her water, and now they were
pressed close in the backseat of his car as it wound its way through the District

towards Black Light. Thomas had one hand on her knee, inching up the hem of her
littlemaroondress,whiletheotherwaswoundinherhair.Hisfisttightenedatthebase
ofherskullandherlipspartedonthesoftestofmoansbeforeshebitdownonherlipto
silenceit.

Hechuckledbesideher,easinghisfingersalittlehigher,andherkneespartedtogive
him room. Brushing his lips against her ear, he spoke, “I love seeing you like this,
Maddie.Flushedandpantingandwanting.”

Wasshepanting?

The quick rise and fall of her chest answered her, but before she could think twice
aboutithehadturnedherfacetowardshisandshelookedupintohisconfusingeyes.
Nowsomedarkshadeofforestbrownandgray,andtheyweretracinghermouth.

“Iwanttokissyou.”

“Okay,”sheanswered,distractedbyjusttheideaofit,butthenhedid.Warmandsoft,
histonguebrushingherliplikeaquestionbeforesheopenedtogivehimaccess.The
firsttasteofhimwasheavenly,chocolateandwine,andjustashepulledatherhairto
angleherbacksohecouldcontrolthekiss,hishandfoundthejunctureofherthighs.A
gasp escaped her between their lips, but he didn’t relent. He nipped at her as he
delicatelystrokedthesoakedfabricofhertights,thebarestoftouchessendingherhead
reeling.

Shewashelplessasherhipstriedtolift,toseekmore,butheheldback.Neverstopping
the delirious caresses, but never increasing the pressure, or relenting on the
demanding way he took her mouth. Maddie was lost. Lost inside the energy
thrummingunderherskinthatwhisperedtoherthattherewasmore,somuchmore,
ifonlyshewouldgivein.Completely.

Someoneclearedtheirthroat,andThomasbrokeofftheirkiss,hiseyesholdinghersfor

justamomentbeforeheturnedtowardtheirdriver.

Theirdriver.Fuck.

Maddiesnappedherkneestogether,andshewasgratefulThomashadshiftedhishand
toherthigh,skillfullydrawingthehemofherdressdowntoamorereasonablelevel.

“We’re here, Mr. Hathaway.” The driver’s expression didn’t change at all, even when
Thomastightenedhisgripinherhaironcemore,causingherbodytoarchawayfrom
theseatagainstherownwishes.Asembarrassingasthatwas,shemanagedtosilence
themoanthattriedtoslipfromherthroat.

“Wonderful,thankyouPaul.”Heturnedtowardsher,thatwickedgrinbackalongwith
theunmistakablehungerinhisgaze.“Areyouready?”

“Mmhmm.” She nodded, not confident enough in her ability to form actual words to
eventry.

When he stepped out of his side of the car and walked around, she looked out the
windowandrealizedtheywerenotinfrontofRunway.Instead,itwasadimlylitstore
with a neon sign in the window in the shape of a hand with the word ‘PSYCHIC’ in
purplelettersbeneathit.Thomasopenedherdoorandhelpedheroutontothecurb.
Pulling her coat tighter around her, Maddie looked up at the store and somewhere
underthehazeofarousaltwoofherbraincellsbumpedtogethertoelicitspeech,“This
isn’tRunway.”

“We’renotgoingtoRunway,arewe?”Hesmiledandtookherhand,leadinghertothe
door of the shop. It jingled as he held it open for her, and she stepped inside to the
smell of incense and candles. Colorful decorations and scarves were everywhere, but
he walked them straight to the back. Just past a half-drawn curtain, they found a
Hispanic man sitting on a chair, the light of his phone highlighting the scar on his
cheek.

Foramomenthelookedforeboding,andthenhesmiledandstood,holdinghishand
outtoThomas.“Hathaway,nicetoseeyouagain.Who’sthegirl?”

“ThisisMaddie.”TheyshookhandsbeforeThomaswenttopullouthiswallet.

Themanwavedhishand.“Noneedforthat,Iknowyou.Dannywillwantitforcheck-
inthough,youguyscangoahead.”

“Thanks, Luís.” Thomas reached for her again as Luís opened a door behind him,
revealinganothersetofwell-litstairs.

As they walked by, the man winked at her, and she summoned a smile. “Yes, thank
you.”

He nodded at her as they descended, Thomas keeping a hold on her hand over his
shoulder.Thensheheardthedoorshutbehindthemamomentbeforetheyreacheda
tunnel.Itwasbrightlylit,butcold,andasshemovedtowalkbesidehimshetriedto

memorizeeverythingthathadjusthappened.

Asecondentrance.Anothersecurityguard.Afuckingtunnel.

Black Light was beyond her imagination, and it would make for one hell of a story
when she could think straight again, but the lingering buzz of Thomas’ touch on her
skin was keeping her higher brain function to a minimum. She touched her lips and
foundthemasswollenfromtheirkissesasshethought.Makingoutinthebackofacar
like she’d never even dared to when she was in high school – but if she were honest
with herself, a tiny part of her had always wanted a guy to take control like that. To
grabherhairand…

Just before they reached the next door Thomas spun her in front of him and then
pressedherbacktothewall.Hisbodywasfirmagainsthers,hardintosoft.Itwaslike
he’dreadherfuckingmind,likehecouldalwaysreadhermind.

Wouldsheeverbeabletocatchherbreatharoundhim?

Whenhislipsfoundhersagainshedecidedtheanswerwasno.Hecuppedherfacewith
hishands,oneofhisthighspressingbetweenherlegstorockagainstthecoreofher.
Desperatesoundsslippedfromhermouthasoneofhishandssliddowntoholdfirmly
toherhip.

Dominant.

Inallofherresearchthatwasthewordthatappearedamilliontimes,anditwasthe
perfect word for him, the perfect summary of everything that he was. The aura of
powerthatcaughtherwhenevershewasnear,likethedangerousgravityofsomedark
star.

Breakingtheirlipshetrailedkissesdownherjaw,endinginaniptotheplacewhere
her neck met her shoulder. A sinful shift of his leg between hers, and then he was
kissingheragain.Shemoanedagainsthismouth,wantonintheirsolitude,clutchingat
hiscoatandwishingshecouldfeeltheheatofhisskinonhers.Hepressedmorefirmly
againsther,thefrictionofthelayersoffabriconherclitcausinghertorockherhips
forward.“Please,”thewhisperescapedbeforehislipscollidedwithhersagain,histeeth
tracingapathbeforehistonguerejoinedhers.

“Begmeagain,”hegrowled,onehandacrossherneck,liftingherchintomakeherlook
upathim.

“Please, sir…” She sounded as pathetic as she’d imagined, the cold of the wall behind
herslowlyleachingthroughhercoat,butshecouldn’tbringherselftocarewiththose
eyeslockedonhers.

“Oh, Maddie. You are so perfect.” His thumb brushed across her lips, and she flicked
hertongueouttotastehisskin.Thegroanthatlefthimwasjustasfullofneedasher
softpleas,buthegrinnedslowly,wickedly,andshookhishead.“It’stoobadyouwere
suchanaughtygirl,orwecouldskipstraighttothepleasure.”

“What?”

“You’ve earned three sets. Remember?” He tapped her lower lip. Once, twice, three
times.“AndIwouldn’tbeaverygoodDomifIforgotthem,nowwouldI?”

“Sir–”

“Youtoldmeyouwantedtobeforgiven,didn’tyou,Maddie?”Fuck.Ifonlyshecould
bottlehisvoice.Theroughsoundofitwhenhedroppedhistonethatlow.Ithadher
squirming against him in a moment, but he stilled her with a sharp push of her hip
backtowardsthewall.“MadelineO’Neill,answerme.”

“Yes,sir.”Noddingagainstthehandhehadholdingher,shefeltafloodofreliefwhen
hesmiledather.Thatbright,aristocratic,election-winningsmile.

“Goodgirl.Now…”Heslidhisthighbetweenherlegsoncemore,aslowteasingfriction
thathadherwhining.“Ithinkyou’rejustaboutreadytocome,aren’tyou?”

“Yes,please.Please,Iwanttocome,sir.”

“Yousoundsoincrediblewhenyoubegmelikethat.”Thomascrushedhertothewall
withhisbody,thehardnessathishipsfinallypressedtoherstomach,andshesuddenly
hadaveryclearimageofwhatitwouldbeliketohavethoseeyesstaringdownather
on her knees. “But I need you to listen very carefully.” He had leaned down just
enough to speak against her ear, pulling her back from her fantasy. “If you come
duringyourpunishment,Iwilladdawholenewset.Doyouunderstand,beautiful?”

Maddiewhined,actuallywhined,inherdesperation.

“Youhavetosayit.”

She forced the words through her lips, even though what she wanted to do was beg
untilherelented.“Iunderstand,sir.”

“Wonderful,thenlet’sgoinside.”Hesteppedback,andshesaggedagainstthewallin
hisabsence,herheartdrummingatattoobehindherribs.

“Where?”Maddieaskedquietly.Braincompletelyfuzzyagain,drowninginthesingular
urgetohavehimtouchherwithhisskilledhands,tofindoblivionwithhislipsonhers.

ThomasHathawaysmiledlikethedevil,“BlackLight,ofcourse.”

“

ChapterEight

fcourse,”shewhispered.

Thomas took her hand and pulled her forward, and she managed to walk after him
without tripping over her own feet – which was its own kind of miracle. When he
openedthedoor,shewasstunnedtoseethepalepurplelockerroom.Completewith
Daniel ‘Danny’ the security guy. The smirk on the man’s face made her brows pull
together,becauseitlookedlikeheknewajokeshewasn’tapartof.

“Thomas,”henodded,thesmirkonlygrowingwider.“IseeyoubroughtJaxson’sfriend
back.”

Ifshehadn’talreadybeencompletelyflushedfromallofThomas’calamitoustouches,
thatcommentcompletedtheprocess.Shewasspeechless,andwhilethatwasdefinitely
not normal for her any other time in her life, it was quickly becoming normal in
ThomasHathaway’spresence.

“Danny, it’s not nice to torture the subs outside of the club.” The chiding laughter in
Thomas’voicemadeherlookupathiminshock,buthewinkedatherandbrushedhis
handdownthelineofherspine,renewingtherushoftinglesacrossherskin.

“Lookslikeyougotaheadstartalready.”

“Ihadaninvitation.”Therewasthatwarmflirtationagain,andhesqueezedherhand
as they walked over to the window. Waiting for someone to respond to the bell, he
leanedcloseandwhispered,“Don’tlethimtortureyou,beautiful,that’smyjob.”

Herlipspartedtorespond,butthensheclosedhermouthtight.Everyinchofherwas
still a mess of hormones, the buzz of need between her thighs louder than her
thoughts.Amanarrivedatthewindowthistime,andshebarelytrackedthediscussion
theyhad,onlyprovidingherIDwhenshewasprompted.

Nocontractthistime,becauseshe’dalreadysignedtheNDAsheplannedonbreaking.

Hetooktheircoatsthroughthewindow,handingThomasaslipofpaperthathetucked
intohiswallet.Afreshstampforher,thenanotherreceiptforhim,andsheswallowed

astheguiltflickeredtolifesomewhereamidstthefogofarousal.

You’relyingtohim,thelittlevoicewhispered,andsheflinchedbeforetryingtopushit
away.

Itonlytookaminutetolocktheirthingsupbeforetheywerewalkingthroughthedoor
intoBlackLight.Herestedhishandonthebackofherneckassoonastheywereinside,
the pressure of his grip making her shiver as he stepped close. “Take off your dress,
Maddie.”

Theclubwaslaidoutbeforeher,somanyothersinvariousstatesofundress.Tiedto
differentthings,kneeling,crawling.Itwasaworldwithdifferentrules,aplacewhere
shecoulddoexactlyashesaidandtherewouldbenoconsequences.

Onlyrewards,adifferentvoiceinsideherspokeup.Urginghertoletgo,toignorethe
guilt,tostoptryingtocontroleverysinglemoment.

Therewasonlyonepersonincontrolrightnow,andsheknewit.

“Maddie.”Ahintofthatchastisingtone,butshelovedit.Lovedtheheatbloominglow
inherbelly,thereturnofthatbreathlessfeelingthatsentherpeskythoughtsspinning
somewhereelse.

Beforehespokeagain,shereachedbackforherzipperandstartedtolowerit.Thomas’
handtouchedhersandhetookover,glidingitsmoothlydown.Histhumbwasrubbing
in circles on her neck, and it felt soothing, and enticing – amazing. It seemed like
everythinghedidwithhishandswascustommeantforher.Nudgingthefabricather
shoulders, he slid it down, and she pulled her arms free of the three-quarter length
sleeves.

Whenthedresswasapoolatherfeet,hespokeagain,“Whatdidyouforget,Maddie?”

Yes,sir,theinnervoiceprompted,andsheturnedtolookathimoverhershoulder.“I
forgottosayyes,sir.”

“That’sright.”Hesmiledandthenranhispalmsoverherwaist,beforecatchingather
hips.Slowlydrawinghertightsdown,hepausedinacrouchtofreeherfeetoftheheels
and tights. Always ensuring she was balanced, one hand on her calf. With a gentle
push,henudgedherforwardsoshewasoutofthenestoffabric.Therewashumorin
hisgazewhenhestood,soclosetoherbareskinshecouldfeeltheheatofhim.“What
happenswhenyouforgettorespondwhenweplay?”

“Spanking,sir.”Evensayingthewordmadeherbodywakeupinawholenewway,the
druggedlanguorhiskisseshadbroughtonfadingintotheshimmerofexpectation,her
skinwaitingforthestingofhispalm.Insteadofaswat,heslowlyranhispalmoverthe
roundofherass.

“Right again.” Leaning down he scooped her things from the floor, and placed the
bundleofclothandshoesintoherarms.“I’lljustaddthattothelist,won’tI?”

“Yes,sir,”sheanswered,wonderingexactlywhatwasonthatlist.Three sets of what?
Thomas returned his touch to the back of her neck, walking her through part of the
play area. Her eyes flickered over the people there, a few faces bringing sparks of
recognition,butjustasshetriedtofocus,tomemorize,hisfingerswouldsqueezeand
she’dfindherselffacingforwardagain.

Theystoppedatanolderlookingwoodendoor,whichseemedbothcompletelyoutof
place, and somehow appropriate in the hodge-podge of items scattered across Black
Light.Ithadasmallwindowwithironbarsaboutheadheight,andhepeekedthrough
beforeheopenedthedark,metalhandle.“Inside,beautiful.”

Herbreathcaughtinherlungsassoonasshesteppedthrough.Itwasdimlylit,amuch
moreyellowtonethaninthemainclub,andeverythingaboutitlookedlikeithadbeen
takenfromadungeon.Anoldworldkindofdungeon.“Sir,”shewhispered,hervoice
wavering,buthewasrightbesideherassoonasthedoorwasclosed.

“Doyourememberyoursafewords,Maddie?Repeatthemforme.”Therewasarough
edgetohisvoiceagain,theonethathadhermeltingfromtheinsideout.

“YellowifIwantyoutoslowdown,redifIwantyoutostop.Sir.”Goosebumpsrushed
over her skin as he traced his fingers down the line of her spine, even more intense
nowthatherdresswasgone.Justhisskinonhers.

Sheneededmoreofit.

“We’regoingtowarmupjustlikewedidbefore.”Hestartedtalkingasheledhertoa
corner of the room, lit by what looked like actual medieval sconces, except the
flickering light was artificial instead of a flame. “But with each set of punishment
you’ve earned, I’m going to choose something a little more intense. If it’s too much,
you’lluseyoursafeword.Understand?”

“Yes,sir,”shespokequietly,unabletobeanylouderbecausehehadstoppedthemin
front of the St. Andrew’s Cross. It looked even more foreboding than the one in her
dream. Braced to the dull gray wall with dark iron rivets that were flush with the
surfaceofthewoodtoleaveitsmooth,gleaming,awarmreddishtoneinthefictional
firelight.

“Tellmetheimplementsonyourlimitslist.”

“What?” Her eyes found him just behind her left shoulder, and his eyebrows pulled
togetherlikehewasconcerned,ormaybeupset.“Sir?”sheadded,butitdidn’tchange
hisexpression.

“Yourlimits.Wedidn’treallyneedthemlasttime,butIneedtoknowwhatyourlimits
arebeforeIchooseimplementstonight.”

Maddieshookherheadandlookedbackatthecross,herwriststinglingasshestaredat
thebeautifulleatherstraps.Twoforeacharm,andtwoforeachleg.Whatwillthatfeel
like?“Idon’thaveany,sir.”

“Madeline.” Thomas grabbed her arm and turned her to face him, her shoes almost
tumbling from her arms before she adjusted. “You have to have limits. It doesn’t
matterwhatanyoneelsehastoldyou,youarealwaysallowedlimits.”

“ButItrustyou.”Turningtolookbackatthecross,sherememberedthewaythebelt
had felt at first, and then how the pain had changed. Morphed. Become something
betterwithhim.

Suddenly, she was looking into his eyes. Intense, forest brown. His hands were on
either side of her head, and Maddie didn’t look away this time. He was searching for
something,andshewascuriousifhe’dfinditinher.Afteraslowbreath,inandout,he
nodded.“Okay,Maddie.Alright.Promisemeyouwillsafewordifyouneedit.”

“Yes, sir,” she answered automatically, but she wasn’t sure if she would. If tonight
wouldbemoreintense,howmuchbetterwouldshefeelafterit?Whatcouldheseein
herthatshecouldn’tidentifyinherself?Whatwouldshelearnifshejustgavein?

Theshiftinhimwasfeltbeforeshesawit,theintensitywasback,andshebitherlipto
try and stifle her smile. “Put your clothes down, out of the way. Then get against the
cross.Armsup.”

Theauthoritariantonemadeherinstantlywet.Well,morewet.

She obeyed, tucking her little pile of clothes to the left of the cross, and then she
stepped up to it, raising her arms to brush against the smooth wood. “Yes, sir,” she
remembered to answer once she was in position. In position, another phrase she’d
learnedinallherresearch.

Watchinghimworkthistimewasfascinating.Insteadofhimbuildingropecuffsoutof
sight, he was touching her. Holding her in the right place as he threaded the leather
strapthrough,andthenlockeditinplace.Leftarm,thenwrist.Rightarm,thenwrist.
He ran his hands down her sides, pausing at her hips to squeeze. “I want your
underwearoffthistime.Areyouokaywiththat?”

“Yes, sir.” Nodding, she wiggled her hips, and he tugged them down in a single
movement,touchingheranklessoshecouldstepout.Withoutherunderwearinthe
wayhermindspunoffinahundreddirectionsdreamingupwhatitmightfeelliketo
havehimtouchheragain.Tohavehimslidehisfingersinsideherandpushherover
theedge,orfuckheragainstthehardwoodofthecross.Asoftsoundleftherlips,and
sheknewshewasonebrushofhisfingersawayfromcomingapart.

He’dwoundheruponpurpose.Madeherdeliriouswithneed–butitwasn’tnecessary.
ShewouldhavewalkedbackintoBlackLightwithouttheteasingtouches,thefevered
kisses.Wouldhavereturnedtothisplaceevenifitwasn’thim…butbecauseitwashim
shefoundherselfpressingherribsagainstthehardwoodofthecross,fantasizingabout
thefirstlicksofpainhe’dpromisedher.

Thomasspreadherlegswide,andwhenshetriedtoliftontohertiptoeshepressedher
heelbacktothefloor.“Noneedtostrainyourlegs,you’llbeuncomfortableenoughin

justafewminutes.”

Right.Threepunishments.

Hedrapedhisjacketoverahookononewallthatsheassumedwasnotactuallymeant
tobeacoatrack.Herbreathsweregettingshorterasheundideachcuffonthesleeves
of his button down, rolling them up his forearms. When he caught her staring he
smiled,awickedgleaminhiseyes.“Somanymessagesthisweek,Maddie.Youliked
thebeltalot,didn’tyou?”

“Yes,sir.”Crimsonheatflushedhercheeks.

“Ihavetoadmitthathavingasublikeyouisararegift.”Hiscoolhandstouchedher
ribs as he moved behind her, out of her line of sight. “A real masochist… tell me,
Maddie,areyouexcited,ornervous,aboutwhatyou’veearned?”

“I–”Whateveranswermighthaveleftherdisappearedasoneofhishandsslidoverher
hip, trailing down her soft stomach to swipe at the damning wetness between her
thighs.

“Naughtygirl,”hegrowledagainstherhair,lingeringhistouchathercorewithoutthe
slightestbrushofherclit.“Ithinktheanswerisexcited.Justremember,beautiful,this
is punishment for your transgressions. There will be no coming, no subspace, no
matterwhat.Understand?”

“Yes,sir.”Maddieagreed,eventhoughhiswordsstillfeltstrangetoherears.Whenhe
pulledawayshealmostaskedhowshecouldpossiblycomeduringanythinghecalled
punishment, but then the sharp crack of his palm against her ass made her hips jolt
forwardintothecross.Itstung,butithadbeensosuddenshe’dnoteventhoughttocry
out.

“That was for forgetting to respond properly inside the club.” Without more than a
heartbeatofapause,hestartedtolandspankafterspankacrosstheroundglobesofher
ass, a warming burn building slowly after each spike when his hand met her skin.
“ThesearebecauseIlikehowyourasslookswhenit’spinkandglowing.”

Maddie was chewing on her bottom lip, soft whines slipping out, but even though he
was spanking her harder than he had the first time – she knew this was not the
punishment.Eachsnapofhispalmwasafreshsurprise,andshefoundherselfshifting
from foot to foot, already reaching for that confusing place where the sting would
becomesomethingelse.

“Beautiful.” Thomas stopped as quickly as he’d begun, and then his footsteps moved
awaytoherleft.

Peekingthroughherhairshesawhiminfrontofsomekindofblackcabinet,gathering
thingsintohishands.Whatwillheuse?Thebeltagain?Maddietwistedherwristsinthe
restraints,anticipationmakingherevenmoreantsynowthatshecouldn’tmove.

“What was the first reason I gave you for punishment tonight?” The question floated

over to her and she looked away from him, turning her eyes up to the sight of her
hands loosely fisted on the other side of the leather cuffs. What had he said at the
restaurant?

“I told them Jaxson invited me,” she answered, and Thomas returned to his place
behindher.

“DoyouknowJaxson,Maddie?”

Sheshookherhead,feelingherwind-tornhaircatchonhershoulder.“No,sir.”

“Have you ever met Jaxson Davidson?” There was an odd tone to his voice, but she
couldn’tthinkstraightenoughthroughthefireinherbloodtoevaluateitfurther.Her
heartbeatwaspickingupspeedasshewaited.

“No,sir.”

“Thenyouunderstandwhythatwasamistake?TonamehimasyourinviteintoBlack
Light?” Leather stroked over her skin, and she dug her nails into her palms in
preparation.

“Ido.Yes,sir.”Nodding,shetriedtofocusonhim,onthecrosspressedintoherskin,on
whatwasabouttohappen–butatthementionofJaxsonhermindwaspulledbackto
theteensy,tiny,itty-bittydetailthatthemanbehindherknewtheJaxsonDavidson,the
ownerofBlackLight,themanwhohadbuiltridiculouslevelsofsecuritytokeepout
peoplejustlikeher.

Fuck.

A line of fire across the right side of her ass lifted her onto her toes as she hissed air
between her teeth. Its twin landed on her left, and she jerked her wrists against the
cuffsoninstinct,bitingdownonthecriesshewantedtoreleaseasthepainseguedinto
heat.

“IpromisedhimthatIwoulddealwithyourlittleindiscretion…”Inthepausebetween
hisnextwordshedeliveredahardswatoftheleatheralittlelowerthanthefirstset.
“Tensoundslikeagoodnumber,doesn’tit?”

Twomoreblisteringstings,andhepausedwhensheshoutedsomethingunintelligible.
Maddie was tense, up on her toes, pressing forward against the cross as if she could
escape – but she was bound, exposed, and had no intention of avoiding whatever
punishmenthe’ddeemedappropriate.Nomatterwhatfellfromherlips,itwouldn’tbe
red.

IfonlynamingJaxsonwasmyworstsinhere.

“Whatnumberareweon?”Thomas’voicewaslower,arollingthunderthatmadeher
shiverasshetriedtothinkthroughthestingingskinandthethrobbingneedbetween
herthighs.

“F- five?” The word turned into a question as she doubted herself, and his chuckle

behindherdidn’thelptovalidateit.Anothersnapoftheleatherandshearched,biting
downonthecry,buthetappedherfootwithhisshoeandshepressedherheelsbackto
thefloor.

“Right,sonowthere’sjustfourmorewiththestrap.”

Strap.

Hermindwrappedaroundtheword,focusingonthedifferencesbetweenthisandthe
belt. The belt was slightly more forgiving, longer, and it stung more, while this felt
morepowerful,heavier.

Stingversusthud.

Allofherresearchsnuckthatphraseintoherbrain,andsheknewexactlywhatthey
meant now. There was more weight to the strap, more – “Fuck!” she yelled as he
landedthenextonejustbelowthecurveofherass.

“Ohno,we’renotevendonewiththefirstsetyet,beautiful.Anypossibilityoffuckingis
stillfaroff.”Anotherhardswat.

“Please,” she begged, but his only answer was the last two snaps of the strap on the
backsofeachthigh.Thewhinethatleftherlipshadmoretodowiththesuddenassault
onthedelicateskinofherlegs,thanwiththepleaforhimtohaveher,eventhoughthe
visualhadherhipsshifting.

“Strapisdone,Madeline,butthatsetwasn’tforme,wasit?”

“Sir?”

Thesoundofhimmovingbehindherwasdistractingenoughthatshewasabletolet
theheatofthestrapsettle.Therewouldbenewbruises,shewassureofthat,butshe
was also sure he wasn’t done. He was close again when he spoke, “That set was to
appeaseJaxson.So,tellme,areyousorry?”

“Yes,sir.”Shetriedtoswallowdownthepiqueoftroublesomeguiltthatattemptedto
emergefromthewavesofconfusingarousal,discomfort,andnewfoundsubmission.

“Sayit.”

“I’msorry.”

“Say what you’re sorry for.” Thomas’ voice was colder, stronger, and she felt a little
breathlessassomethingswishedthroughtheairbehindher.

“I’msorrythatIsaidJaxsonDavidsoninvitedmetoBlackLight.Sir.”

“Forgiven.” There was a snap just behind her, and she jumped, but nothing touched
her.Thepurrtohistonebecamemoreseductivethanthreateningasheasked,“What
isyoursecondpunishmentfortonight?”

“It’sfor,um…”Maddiewrackedherbrain.“You’reupsetaboutthetexting?Sir?”

Hisshirtbrushedagainstthebareskinofherback,hislipsgrazinghershoulder.“I’m
notupsetatall,Madeline.Thissetyouaskedforyourself.Eachtimeyoureferencedthe
belt.”Teethcaughtherskinforamoment,sendingavibrantrushthroughhernerves.
“Everytimeyoutoldmehowmuchyouwantedtofeelitagain.Didyoulieaboutthat?”

“No,”shewhispered.Truth.

Aspanklandedatopthemarksfromthestrapandshegasped.

“Sir!”

“Suchagoodgirl.I’mjustgivingyouwhatyouaskedfornow.Anotherten–”Aswish
throughtheairagainmadehertense.“Withthecropthistime.”

Thecrop.

Aridingcrop.

“Shit!” she shouted as the hard, thin, leather bound object landed almost perfectly
acrossbothglobesofherass,thebaresthintofastingwrappingtoherrighthip.

He had said ten, but then two, three, and four landed in such quick succession that
Maddiefoundherselfsquirmingagainstthecross,herarmspullingattheleathercuffs
asshetriedtostiflethestingofthetearsinhereyeswhilethealreadyblisteredskinof
herassscreamed.

“Please!”

“Please what, Maddie?” There was humor in Thomas’ tone, a hidden challenge there,
and she bit down on the request for him to stop. Swallowed it. Each line was still
vibrant,somehowdifferentthanthelingeringburnfromthestrap,buttheinitialpanic
hadebbedashepacedbehindher,asthethrobbingfadedintoadullachesurrounded
byheat.

“Nothing,sir,”shewhispered.

“Areyousure?”

“Ihavesixmore,right?”

Asharpsnapofthecropathersitspot,thatpainfulplacewherethecurveofherass
met her thighs, had her bouncing on her toes, and the tears she’d been struggling to
holdbackspilledontohercheeks.“Fivenow,”heanswered.

Despitethepain,therewassomethingelseinsideher.Thebeginningsofablurtothe
peak of each painful swat, the hum of her arousal filling the gaps, and there was the
promiseshe’dsought.Thedarkpromiseofmore,ofoblivion,ifonlyshecouldholdon.
Steeling herself, she settled her body on the cross, reveling in the hard press of it
againstherribs,thewayshecouldbraceherkneesintothewoodsoshecouldtakeit.
Fivemore.“Yes,sir…”

Twomore,backtoback,butsheheldinthecry.Threemore.

Another across her thighs, and she jerked, crying out as her mind walked some
indeliblelinebetweenpleasureandpain,teasingherwiththepossibilityofsomewarm
andsparklingquietplacejustbeyondthebiteofthedamncrop.

“Yourscreamsarelovely.”

Lovely?

The impact of the crop on his next swing criss-crossed with a blur of other marks,
wakingthemallup,andsendinganothercryouttoechointheroom.Asshetriedto
breathe,triedtosniffleandholdbackthetearsthatwereblurringhervision,asingle
thoughtfloatedtothesurface–couldallofthoseD.C.elitehearherthroughthedoor?
Did they think her screams were lovely too? Were they listening to each powerful
crackofleatheragainstherskin?

“Areyouwetforme,Maddie?”

“Sir…”hervoicewobbled,herbreathcatchingonthenextinhale.

“Answerme.”Acommand.Cold,anddark,andhard.

She nodded. As insane as it was, she could feel all of the heat in her skin focusing
betweenherthighs.Herclitwaspoundingintimewiththestillthrobbingacheofher
ass,andwhiletherewasnowayshecouldhaveexplainedittoanyone,theanswerwas,
“Yes,sir.”

“Fuck,Maddie…”Thomas’wordswerealmostagroan,andthenthecroplandedforthe
tenthtime,forcingherupontohertoesassheshouted,whiningasmoretearsfell.

Thishurts.Ithurts.

Therewasabuzzinginherhead,adeliriumthatwasmercifullydullingtheedgesofthe
lingeringpain.

“How’smygirldoing?”heasked,steppingaroundtoliftherheadupandpushbackher
hair.Ittookaminuteforhimtobrushitoffherdampcheeks,histhumbsrunningover
her skin. Beneath the hazy green-brown of his eyes was a veritable forest fire, an
intensity that stole the last of her breath. “You are so beautiful like this, you know
that?”

Slowly,sheshookherhead.Hernosewastryingtorunfromthecrying,andithadto
be as red as her cheeks at this point. With her luck, her mascara and eyeliner had
probably smeared into raccoon eyes – and Thomas Hathaway was calling her
beautiful?Impossible.

Asmilecreptoverhisface,andthenhekissedherfiercely,onehandshiftingtotangle
inherhairandpull,holdingherlipsinplaceastinysparksracedacrossherscalp.His
tongueclashedwithhers,fierceandhot,andhewasbreathingashardasshewaswhen
hebrokeaway.“Beautiful.Absolutelybeautiful.Canyoutakemore?”

Therewasnodoubtinsideherthathewouldstopifshesaidno,thathewouldtakeher
off the cross and do all kinds of wonderful things if she just refused. Her body was a
conflicting swarm of messages, urging her to end it, and begging her to continue.
Questioninghersanityatstayingtetheredtothewood,andrewardingherforholding
on with a tingling rush that flooded over her skin in a shiver. As she stared into his
hazeleyesagain,sheknewonethingforsure–shehadn’tlied–shetrustedhim.“Yes,
sir.Icantakethelastset.”

Hegroanedandkissedheragain,nippingatherlipandtighteninghisfistinherhair
until pinpoints of electricity burst into life and rushed across her body to nestle
between her thighs. His voice purred against her lips when he spoke, “I’m going to
makeyouscream.”

Maddiewasdizzywitharousal,andthatbuzzinghuminherveinswasgettingstronger,
butitwashiswordsthatleftherbreathless.

Steppingback,Thomaskepthiseyesonherasheunbuttonedhisshirt.Thefabricslid
from his shoulders, and he dropped it on the floor. His undershirt came off next and
shehadtoswallowtokeepherselffromstaring.Lean,muscularlines,withahintofthe
abs under his skin. Strong arms, a hint of dark hair scattered across his chest and
another line leading down from his belly button to where his belt stopped her eyes.
None of that hopped-up-on-steroids, vein-bulging insanity – just real, and incredibly
sexy.“Howlatewereyoutodinnertonight,beautiful?”

Ittookamentalshaketogethertofocusenoughtoanswer.“Fourminutes,sir.”

“Then, I think you deserve one for each minute you were late.” His fingers wrapped
aroundathin,longwoodenthingthathadbeenlyingonthefloor.“Andonemoreto
helpyourememberhowimportantitistobeontime.”

“What –” is that? The question evaporated as she stared at him. Asking would reveal
justhowuneducatedshewas,butwhateveritwas…itlookedlikeitwasgoingtohurt.
Alot.

“You’lltakefiveasyourpunishment,andthenyou’llbeforgiven.Thinkyoucanhandle
it?”

No.“Yes,sir.”

“You’re incredible.” A smile tugged at the edge of his lips as he walked behind her,
holdingthewoodenimplementdownathisside.

She tried to breathe, tried to prepare, but the first swish of the wood cutting the air
made her tense. It landed evenly across both cheeks, and for a heartbeat there was
nothing, and then she screamed. Pain, worse than anything she could remember,
rushedoutfromthethinlineoffire.Redsurgedtothetipofhertongue,pleadingwith
her lips to shape the word. Instead, she bit down and whined as the torment slowly
recededintoapulsingache.

Thomaswaitedlongerthanhehadbetweenanyoftheotherthingshe’dused,butthen
thesoftwhisperofitmovingagainfilledherears.Strike.One,two…

Maddiesobbedasherbodycaughtuptotheimpact,failingtoholdinthesoundsasthe
burnenvelopedherandshetwistedintherestraints.Thismarkwasjustbelowthefirst,
andeverysynapseinherbrainwasfocusedonit,hermindpullingtheproverbialfire
alarm.Urginghertorun,fight,flee.Wordswereleavingherlips,pleasanddesperate
requests for him to stop, but he stayed silent somewhere behind her. The flickering
light of the false torch made the wall in front of her eyes dance through the haze of
tearsasshetriedtocalmherself.

Itwouldjusttakeoneword.

The little voice in her mind sounded like him. It had the same purr, the same low
rumblethatcaughtherattention,andsheknewitwaswhathewaswaitingfor.Itwas
whyhewasquietandstillbehindher–heexpectedhertousethesafeword.

Withastrengthshehadn’tbeenawareof,Maddiepressedherheelsintothefloorand
clenched her fists tight until the distant sting of her nails digging into her palms
competedagainsttheechoofthelaststrike.Thomaswascloserwhenhespokeagain,
“Areyoureadytocontinue?”

Unabletomakehervocalchordsformtheyes,shesimplynoddedandbraced.Another
quietswish,anotherboltofagony,butsheclenchedherteethtightagainstthescream.
The pain crested, and ebbed, as she whined behind closed lips. A brief lull of peace
followed,herbodyshivering,andthenthefourthlandedathersitspot.Maddie’slegs
buckledforaninstantasthetorturousthingstruck,pullingherwristshardagainstthe
cuffs,butshewasrestrainedtoowelltothecrosstoactuallyfall.

Hadshescreamed?

Therawfeelinginherthroatsuggestedshehad,buttherewasahummingedgeinside
her, the glistening horizon of that thing he called subspace – the same thing he’d
forbiddenherfromattheonset–andshewantedit.Itwasquitepossibleshewascrazy,
more than a little realistic to imagine some deep place in her was damaged in some
way,butthethruminherveinswasacallshecouldn’tignore.Allofthedarknesshis
wickedwordspromised,thestrangepullshefeltwhenevershewasaroundhim,itall
beckonedhertoholdon.Towaitjustalittlemore.

Justonemore.

Soft steps across the hard floor buzzed in her ears, as if she could sense his presence
eventhoughshecouldn’tseehim.Inhermindshetrackedhim,pacingtoaplaceon
herrightwhereshecouldseehimifshejustlooked–andthenmovingbacktoherleft.
Thesensationofhiseyesoverherskinfeltlikeaheatedtouch.

Hestilledandshefroze,airheldinherlungs,sealedbehindherlipsastheobjectcut
towardsheragain.Herbreathexplodedonawail,butasshecriedoutshewasalready
fallingthroughsomethingindescribable.Painonthesurface,pureandimpossible,and

thenjustbeneathit–awarmrush.Apromisefulfilled.Theachefledherconsciousness
evenfasterthistime,leavingbehindjustthememoryofit.Thedulledsurprisethatshe
haddoneit.

Five.

Forgiven.

Swimming.Thatwaswhatherheadfeltlike,swooshyandfuzzy,butnotquitegone.Not
backtothatplacefrombefore,fromthefirsttime.

“Maddie.”Thomas’voicewasalightatthesurface,callingherbacktoaplaceshedidn’t
wanttoriseto.Notyet.

Therewassomuchmoretoseeinthedark.Shewasalmostthere.

“Onemore.”Itwasbarelyawhisper,butithungbetweenthemlikeatangiblething.A
wickedanddangerousrequest,gleaminginthedarknessshewassinkinginto.

Hewaspacingagain,quietfootfalls,theshuffleofhisshoesacrossthefloor.Thedebate
asmuchinhimasitwasinherownhead,butthensheheardthelowhissofit,feltthe
blindingburstofpain–butthewashofdeliriumthatfloodedintowashitawaywas
worth it. Static tingles, a sweet buzzing inside her head that pushed away everything
elseandleftherlimpagainstthecross.Aclatterofsomethingfallingmetherearsjust
before his bare skin pressed against her back, one arm slipping around her waist to
supporther,butshewasbeyondcaringaboutthecuffsbitingintoherskin.Hisfingers
brushedoverthewelts,raisedandtender,andthenhesqueezed,wakingupthepainto
makeherwhimperandarchagainsthim.

“Sir…”shemurmured,andherespondedwithagroanashishandtrailedoverherhip
tofinditswaybetweenherthighs.Onestrokeatherlipsandshebecameawareofthe
silky,liquidheatthathadheropenandwaiting.

“You’resowet.”Therewasaweinhisvoice,theedgeofagrowlinhistoneashiships
pressedagainstherbruisedskin,thehardnessbehindhiszipperarewardsheintended
toreceive.

“Please–”Herwordswerecutshortashedelicatelytoyedwithher,brushingherclitto
sendherbackintotheblurryplaceinherheadwherelanguagewasn’tpossible.

“Please what, beautiful?” The arm around her waist squeezed, and she dropped her
head back against his shoulder, pulling languidly at the binding leather as he slowly
teasedher.Shewasadreamygroupingofmusclesandtinglingnerveendings,floating
inthehushedemptinessofhermind.“Tellmewhatyouneed,”heurgedher,hislips
grazingherneck.

“Pleasetouchme.Fuckme.Ineed–”

Thomas groaned as he pushed his fingers inside her effortlessly. A shiver pulsed out
from the place where he stroked her, so close to the edge, an unspoken summons to

fallovertheedgeandbedonewithit.“Maddie…”

Herhipsshifted,grindingintohishand,herpussysqueezingathisfingers.Soclose.

“Fuck.”Hisvoicewasawhipcrackasheslidhistouchfromher,immediatelyworking
atthebucklebindingherwristtothewood.Hemovedquickly,theleatherfallingaway
sothatherleftarmdroppeduntilshemadetheefforttoliftitagain.Thenherrightwas
freeandshegrabbedontothemid-pointofthecrossasherheadswam.Bloodrushing
through her limbs as Thomas crouched beside her, legs free, but uselessly trembling
likeanewfawn.

Hemusthaveseenit,becausewithoutawordhescoopedherup,tuckingheragainst
his warm, bare chest to spin her away from the cross. Gently, he sat her in a strange
chairlikething,alsoboltedtothewall,andcoveredinstraps.Theweltsstung,butthe
painwasadistantflutteramidstthedesperatebuzzingbetweenherthighs.Liftingher
eyestopeekthroughherhairshewatchedashehurriedbacktothecabinet–did he
reallyexpecthertotakemore?

Youdeserveit,anasty,smallvoicepipedupinsideher,andinsidetheblurryswirlof
herheadsheflinchedatthetruthofit.Liar,liar,liar…

Maddieopenedhermouthtospeak,tearsburningattheedgesofhereyesasshetried
to imagine how she could explain, but then he pulled open the door to reveal a red,
velvetyinterior.Grabbingablanketfromalowershelfheturnedandlaiditoutonthe
floor,theflickeringlightshighlightingthestrengthinhisarms.Thegleaminhiseyes
whenhelookedupatheragainwashungry,andthetruthdiedonherlips.

Thomas was with her again in an instant, his kiss so powerful he forced her back
againsttherigidwoodofthechair,tonguestanglinginawarthatdissolvedanythought
of ruining this perfect moment. She pushed her hands into his hair, silken strands
running through the spaces between her fingers, his quiet moan buzzing against her
lips.Itwaswrong,shewasn’tworthyofhiscaresses,butshedidn’tevenattempttostop
himasheunclaspedherbra.“Sayitagain,”hisharriedwhisperforcedhertolookat
himtounderstandwhathewasasking.

“Sir?”

“Tellmewhatyouwant,Maddie.”

“You.”Thatwasallittookforhimtotugherlastshredoffabricfreeofherarmstotoss
ittothefloorbeforeliftingher.Allthatstrength,wrappedaroundherasshetightened
herlegsaroundhiswaist,itwasmorethanshedeserved.Hisunbearablegentlenessas
heeasedhertothefloorwithhimalmostbroughtthetearsback,buthislipsfoundhers
assoonasshelaydown.Anippingbite,ateasingtugathernipple,andshewasarching
up.Kneesspreadwideandinviting.

“Areyousure?”Hisquestionwasbarelyaudible,thetensionbetweenhisbrowsashe
stareddownathermakingitcleartherestraintittookforhimtowait,toholdbackfor
herconsent.

“Pleasefuckme,”shebeggedwithoutashredofmodesty,andThomasansweredher
with another fierce kiss. Their lips collided almost painfully as she poured every
hummingwaveofdesireintoit,telegraphingherneedsohewouldbelieveher–andit
worked.

He pulled away to kneel between her legs, working at his belt before he stood
completely to push his pants down. Shoes toed off, fabric kicked away, but her eyes
weredrawntotheboxerbriefssealedtohisskin,outlininghiserectionsoperfectlythat
hermouthwatered.Sittingupshereachedforhim,intentonfulfillingtheoffershe’d
madeonSunday,butThomascaughtherhandandshefroze.“Maddie…”hisvoicewas
alowrumble,hiseyesalightwithforest-tintedfireashelookedather.“Aftertheshow
youjustputon,youcaneithertastemeorIcanfuckyou,butnotboth.”

Biting her lip, weighing the options for a fraction of a moment, she leaned back onto
herelbows,nakedbeforehim.

“Goodchoice.”Hesmiled,butinsteadofclimbingontopofher,hemovedbetweenher
legs,shiftingbackwardsuntilthedarktousleofhishairbrushedherinnerthighs.

“Sir?”Shesatup,buthewasalreadytracingafingerbetweenherwetfolds,brushing
herclitjustenoughtohaveherliftingherhips.Theheatthathaddimmedtoasimmer
flaredtolifeashedippedhisheadandlickedherinonelongstroke,thehumofhislow
moanvibratingthroughher.

Thomaslookedupatherfrombetweenherthighs,awickedsmirkonhislips.“Istill
wanttotasteyou,beautiful.”

“But–”Therewasnoarguingashestartedtolapatherinearnest,torturingherwith
indolent licks, only to draw her clit into his mouth for the briefest of moments, a
completelydifferentkindofagonyashedraggedhertotheedgeofbliss–andthenhe
would pull back. Warm breath brushing across the center of her, wordless whimpers
escaping as she fisted her own hair, her hips lifting into empty air as he chuckled,
waiting.“Please!”sheshoutedwhenhestartedupagain,delirioustensiontwininglike
alineofsilverlightdownherspine,thepinnacleofitboundjustunderhistongue.

“Breathethroughit,beautiful.Pushitbackandwait,Ipromiseitwillbeworthit.”

Impossible.Hewasaskingtheimpossibleinthatdamnablecalmvoice,thatwickedlow
tonethatwasjustasmuchofateaseashislicking,stroking,sucking.Shewassoaked,
finally aware of the wetness spilling from her to slide down her ass and dampen the
blanketunderneathher.

Wait?Hehadtobemoreinsanethanshewas.

When he drew on her clit again she let out a scream of frustration, digging her heels
into the floor to try and push away, but he caught her hips, yanking her back to his
mouth to scald her nerves with his devious tasting. “I can’t! I can’t hold it, I can’t, I
can’t,Ican’t…”

Her babbles were bordering incomprehensible when he finally sat up, chin wet with
her,andhegrabbedforhispants,rippingacondomfreefromhiswallet.Hisgazewas
stunning,dark,pupilsdilatedashestareddownatherandtorethewrapperbetween
histeeth.Inanotherinstanthe’dpushedhisboxersoutoftheway,grippingthehard
steelathishipsbeforerollingthecondomdowninasmoothmotion.

“Please,”shebegged,andhefinallyleanedoverher,nudgingherthighsfurtherapartas
hebrushedagainsther.Withatiltofhisheadhekissedher,andshecouldtasteherself
onhislips,histongue.Hermoanmethisashepushedherlegswiderwithhisknees,
openingherup,andshedughernailsintohisshoulders,tryingtopullhisskintohers.

“Tsk,tsk.”Hecapturedherwristsandpinnedthemaboveherhead,holdingthemwith
onehand,theweightofhimcrushingthefinebonesagainstthefloor–butshedidn’t
care.Shelovedtheache,thepowerofhimashelinedupbetweenherthighs.Hiseyes
met hers just before he thrust inside her in one sharp movement, completely to the
hilt,andtheirsoftmoansblendedashestretchedher.

“Oh, fuck…” The whisper left her lips as she arched off the floor, but he didn’t wait.
Bracinghiselbowintotheblanketbesideherhekissedher,drawingbackandthrusting
hardagainsothathernextcrywastrappedagainsthismouth.

“You’re perfect,” he breathed against her lips before he dropped his head beside hers
andspokeagain,“Youcancomeasmuchasyouwant,beautiful,butI’mnotgoingto
begentle.”

Tuggingatthemercilessgriphehadonherwrists,sheliftedherhipssharply.“Idon’t
wantyoutobe.”

Thomas growled as his hips swung back and drove home, each brutal thrust making
her ache, but the swimming feeling of pleasure was building and she knew she was
going to drown in it. Happily. It was close, so close that she could feel the tension in
everymuscle,everyinchofherreachingforwhathe’ddeniedherfortoolong.

Releasingherwristshereacheddownandliftedoneofherknees,pushingittowards
herchestsothenextthrustwasevendeeper.Asharpertwingeashebottomedout,and
Maddie released a cry as she finally came, that line between pleasure and pain
fracturingintoamilliongoldensplintersthatfilledherwithlight.

Perfection.

She was breathless, gasping under his weight as he continued to move inside her,
spiraling her higher and higher, the orgasm drawn out until she thought she might
shatter as well. Dissolve into the blur. They were slowly inching across the blanket,
eachharddriveforcingherforward,butheshiftedandgrabbedontohershoulderto
holdherstillforhisnextthrust.

Thefullpowerofeachswingofhishipsmether,andsheslidherarmsunderhis,her
nailsdiggingfurrowsintohisbackashisfingersleftbruisesonherskin.Itwasalltoo
much. Too much waiting, too much pain, too much pleasure, and suddenly she was

backattheedgeofsomeunknownvoid.

“Comeforme,”hecommanded,andsheobeyedinstinctively,takingherbliss.

Guiltlessandwarmasitwashedthroughher.

Arching against him, holding on to the firm strength of him, she felt the shuddering
pleasure as she came again, squeezing him inside her. “Fuck, Maddie,” he groaned,
beforethrustingdeep,hiscockjerkingashejoinedher.

Their breaths competed in her ears, unsure whose was quicker as his weight settled
overher,keepingthemlinked.Hewaswarm,hot,andtheywerebothslickwithsweat
ashekissedhiswayfromherneckbacktoherlips.

Sinfullysweet.That’swhatthegentlepressofhismouthtohersfeltlike,becauseshe
was damned by how much she reveled in the taste of him as their tongues brushed.
“You’reincredible.”

“Youare,”sherepliedlamelyashechuckledandslidfromher,instantlyshiftingtoher
sidesohecouldpullheragainsthisfront.

“HowinthehellwasIluckyenoughtobetheonetostumbleuponyou?”Withhisface
buriedinthenestofherhair,sheletherselfflinch.

Lucky?

“Idon’tknow.”

Hisquietlaughwaswarmashehuggedhertohim,morekissespressedtoherneck,
hershoulder,herhair.“Youdidsowell.Rest,beautiful.I’mrighthere.”

Itwasn’tuntilhesaidthewordsthatsherealizedhowcloseshewastosleep,theyawn
crackingherjawasshetuckedherarmunderherhead,hisstrongbodycurvedaround
her.

“I can’t believe you asked for another stroke of the cane…” Thomas was smiling, she
could hear it in his voice, but she was barely able to focus as the exhaustion finally
suckedherunder.

“Acane?”sheasked.

“Yes,”heanswered.

“Ididn’tknow…”shetrailedoffassleepurgedherintoquiet.Relaxingintothesilence
inside her head. No guilt, no to-do list, no constant checks – just a hushed peace,
wrappedinhisarms.

Thomas watched her profile as Maddie’s breathing evened out, her body softening
againsthis.Alllushcurvesandsweetskin,skinthatshe’dlethimmark.Over,andover,

andover.

Acane.

Hadshereallynotrecognizedit?Thefurrowbetweenhisbrowswasgoingtogivehim
a headache if he didn’t stop it, but he was confused. His heart was still racing in his
chest,hisbodystillcomingbackfromoneofthemostincredibleorgasmsofhislife,but
Thomascouldn’tshaketheideathatsomethingwasverywrongwithhowMaddiehad
beentreated.

Runninghisfingerslightlyoverherwaistheleanedbacktotraceafewofthemarkson
her skin. Raised, wide, pink ones from the strap. Narrower lines, already leaning
towardsbruises,madebythecrop.Thestrangelittledoublelinesthecanealwaysleft,
thin cuts in the skin from each stroke. She’d taken each set like an experienced sub,
evenhermomentarypanicwiththecanehadn’tbeenaccompaniedbyanythingmore
than begging and pulling at the cuffs. Totally normal, expected… but sometimes the
thingsshesaidtriggeredlittlewarningsinsidehim.

Nohardlimits.

NorecognitionoftheriskassociatedwithplayingwiththefirstDomtofindher.

Shehadn’tevenexpectedaftercareonSunday.

Hadsomebastardjustbeenabusingher?

Angerfloodedthroughhim,pluckingatthetemperthatheusuallykeptincheck,but
when he imagined some asshole taking advantage of her – of her submission, her
masochism,herincredibletoleranceforpain–hefeltlikehewantedtohitsomething.
Instead,Thomaspulledhercloser,reachingovertowraptheblanketacrossherfront
incasesomeonepeekedinthroughtheopeninginthedoor.

A surge of protectiveness pulsed through him as he stared down at her soft lips, the
delicatearchofhereyebrows.Noticingastrandofherfieryredhairangledoverher
stillblushingcheek,hetuckeditbehindherearbeforerunninghisknucklealongher
jaw.Ithadonlybeenafewdayssincehe’dmether,notevenanentireweek.Justtwo
eveningstogether,buthealreadywantedmoretimewithher.Hewantedtoshowher
what it was like to be cared for, taken care of, treated like the wonderful person he
knewshewas.

“Don’t worry, Maddie, I’ve got you.” The words were barely a whisper, but he meant
them. Which meant he needed her off the fucking floor of the dungeon space inside
BlackLight,andthenintoarealbed.

Carefullyeasingawayfromher,hedrapedtheblankettherestofthewayacrossher
andthenstartedtocleanup.Disposingofthecondominabaskettuckedinthecorner,
hegotdressed,shookoutherclothestodrapethemoverthespankingbenchnearthe
door,andthenstackedtheimplementshe’dusedatthebaseofthecrosssotheycould
becleaned.

Asoftraponthedoormadehimlifthiseyes,andhesawoneofthedungeonmonitors
through the small window. Glancing back to ensure Maddie was safely hidden from
view,hewalkedoverandcrackedthedoor.“Hey,Garreth.”

“Mr. Hathaway.” The tall man nodded at him, angling his head to look past him.
ThomassighedandpushedthedooropenwidersothatthemonitorcouldseeMaddie
curledupbeneaththeblanket.

“Isthereaproblem?”heasked.

“No,justcheckingin.Ibelieveafewothermemberswerehopingtousethedungeon
tonight–”

“Right.”Thomascuthimoffandcursedunderhisbreath,pushinghishairbackfrom
hisforehead.Howlonghadtheyevenbeeninhere?Whattimewasit?“We’reaboutto
leave.”

“Isshealright?Igotaniceearful,itsounded–”

“Ofcourseshe’salright.”

Garreth smiled a bit and raised his hands at the defensive tone. “I wasn’t trying to
offend. It’s kind of my job to make sure she’s okay, especially when play happens in
thesemoreprivatespaces.”

“It’smyjobtoo,”Thomasadded,andthenrealizedhowaggressivehesoundedwhenit
definitely wasn’t necessary. Giving himself a mental shake he forced himself to offer
theothermanasmileandahandshake.“Listen,Iappreciateyouwatchingoutforthe
subs,Ido.I’mgoingtowakeherupandtakeherhome.”

“Iunderstand.”Shakinghands,Garrethsteppedbackfromthedoor,makingitclearhe
hadnointentionofpushinganyfurtherwhenitcametoMaddie.“Wantanyhelp?”

“I’vegotit.”

You’re being a possessive dick, Thomas. Somehow that internal voice sounded like
Jaxson,andhehadtoadmititwastrue.

“Alright, if you do just flag me down. I’m hanging out over by the wet area, there’s
someneedleplaythatIneedtokeepaneyeon.”Garrethturnedtowalkaway,waving
ahandoverhisshoulder.

“Thank you,” Thomas finally answered with something resembling a civil tone, and
closedthedoor.

AsheturnedtoseeMaddiecurledintoasmallerballunderthecoversheknewhefelt
somethingforher,oratleastthatthiscouldbesomething.Thatis,ifhedidn’tscareher
offbyactinglikeapossessivejackass.

Jaxson’schoiceofwords,nothis.

Movingcloserhesatdownbesideherandranhisfingersthroughherhair,pluckingat

thetangleshe’dgivenherthroughouttheirfun.“Maddie…hey,beautiful,Ineedyouto
wakeup.”

Herfacescrunchedslightlyandshecurledupeventighter,grumblingsoftly.

Thomascouldn’thelpbutsmile,shewascute,buttheyreallyneededtoleave.Reaching
tofistthehairatthebackofherhead,hetightenedhisgripjustalittlesothatagasp
slippedthroughherprettylips.“Isaidwakeup,Madeline.”

“Huh?”Herblueeyesfinallyopened,andwhenhertongueflickedoverherbottomlip
hemomentarilyregrettednottakingthechancetofeelhermouthonhim.

Focus.

“I’mnotsurehowlateitis,beautiful,butIknowIneedtogetyoutobed.”

“Late?” she asked, her voice still groggy. Maddie was likely exhausted, maybe even
experiencingalittledropaftertheirintenseplay.

“Yes,Iwanttotakeyoutomyplacesoyoucansleep,andIcankeepaneyeonyou.
Okay?”Thomasimmediatelylethergowhenshepushedherselfintoasittingposition,
theblanketfallingawaytobareherbreasts.Ittookanactofwillpowernottomovehis
eyesfromherface.

“No,no,youdon’tneedtodothat.Ijustneedtogethome.”Assoonassheshiftedonto
herass,shehissedairbetweenherteeth,leaningforwardagaintoeasethepressureon
herwelts.

He lifted his eyebrows. “You’re going to be sore, just –” let me take care of you.
Swallowingtherestofthewords,hemadeanefforttopullback,torespectheranswer.
“I’mhappytoletyousleepatmyplace,inyourownroom.Icanmakesureyougetto
workontime,IhavemorningmeetingssoIpromisewewon’tsleepin.”

“Thomas…” The way she said his name was a soft whine, and it made his very sated
cocktwitchinhispants.

“IpromiseI’mnotaserialkiller?”hejoked,andshepausedtheeffortsofcombingher
hairwithherfingerstostareathim.Heshrugged.“Thatwassupposedtobefunny.”

“I know you’re not a serial killer.” Maddie sighed and pushed herself to a standing
position, and he rose with her, reaching out in case the sudden change of elevation
made her dizzy. She wavered for just an instant before she stepped away from him
towardsthecross,andheclenchedhisfistathissidetokeepfromtouchingher.

“Yourclothesareoverhere.Ipickedthemup,movedthemtothebench.”

“Thanks,”shemutteredandwalkedtowardsit,siftingthroughtheclothtofindherbra.
Hefeltsuddenlyawkwardstandingnexttoherasshebegantocoverallofhercurves,
hiding the marks he’d given her beneath underwear, tights, and then her dress.
Memoriesofthewayshe’darchedagainsthim,ofthetight,warmfeelofhersqueezing
him, the sounds she’d made against the cross and underneath him – they all ran

through his head – but his questions were still there too, and it felt like she was
avoiding his touch when all he wanted was to wrap her up and make sure she was
okay. Doubts flickered to life in his head, coloring their fun in ways he didn’t like, in
waysthatmadehisstomachturn.

“Maddie,Ineedyoutobehonestwithme,areyouokay?”

Shepausedforasecondassheslidherfeetbackintoherheels,holdingontothewallto
steadyherself.“I’mfine,justtired.”

The weak smile she tossed him as she brushed her hair back from her face wasn’t
enough, and he was standing in front of her before he could stop himself. Gently
holdinghershoulders,hewaiteduntilshelookedupathim.“Didsomeonehurtyou,
Maddie?”

Rollinghereyes,shegaveashortlaugh.“Um,you?Earlier?”

Thomastookaslowbreathtokeephisvoicecalm,andthelittlesmileonherlipsfaded
when his eyes returned to hers. “I mean before tonight, before I met you. If this is
goingtoworkIneedtoknowthingslikethat,IneedyoutobehonestwithmesoIcan
keepyousafe.”

“No,nothinglikethat.”Shetriedtoshrugoutfromunderhishands,avoidinghiseyes,
butheheldon.

“Youcantalktome.”

“Thomas–”

“Honestyisthefoundationhere,youknowthat,nothingworksrightwithoutit.Look
meintheeyesandtellmethetruth.DidyouhaveaDomthattookadvantageofyou?
Some asshole who just liked to hurt you? It was absolutely not your fault if it
happened.”

Maddiestaredupathim,andhecouldhaveswornthereweretearsattheedgeofher
eyes.“No.Noneofthat.Therewasnoone,Thomas.”Whenshetwistedawayfromhim
thistime,helethergoandsteppedback.

“Okay.That’sgood.”Henoddedandrubbedthebackofhisneck,tryingtoeasesomeof
thetensionformingtightlittleknotsbesideeachofhisvertebrae.“Okay,Maddie.Ijust
–Idon’twanttoevercrossalinewithyou.Wasthistoomuch?Areyousureyou’re
alright?”

“I’mfine.”Whensheturnedbacktolookathim,hersmilelookedreal.“Ipromise.I
mean,I’msore,butIthinkthat’sprettynormal.”

Hiseyesflickedheroverface,takinginallthelittlenon-verbalhintshecould,tryingto
seeifwhatshewassayingwastrue.Hadhecrossedaline,andshewasn’ttellinghim?
Was there something in her past she didn’t want to discuss? She looked like herself.
Beautiful,allputtogetherinthatmaroondresswiththefireofherhairbrushingher

shoulders,andshesoundednormaltoo.Still,therewassomethingbugginghim,ticking
awayinsidehisheadlikeaproblemhehadn’tsolvedyet.

Areyougoingtogiveherthethirddegree,orareyougoingtolethersleep?

“Let’s get you home.” Reaching out for her, he offered his hand, and there was a
momenthewasnervousshewouldn’ttakeit–butthenherpalmtouchedhisandher
fingersinterlacedtosqueeze.

“Ireallydidhavefuntonight,”shespokequietlyastheyleftthedungeonroom.

“Tonight was phenomenal.” He smiled, some of the tension easing in his chest as he
tucked her to his side and leaned down to kiss the top of her head. “You amaze me,
Maddie.”

Shedidn’tanswerhim,butherarmwentaroundhiswaistandtheypausedjustbefore
the exit door, embracing tightly for a solid minute. As he stood there, with her held
close, smelling the lingering shampoo in her hair and the scent of her skin that was
someheadymixofwarmthandflowers,heknewhehadtowatchhimself.Madeline
O’Neillwasthekindofgirlhe’dfallhardfor,thekindthatwouldfillhisthoughts,and
that made it even more important not to push too fast, not to be too intense – not to
scareheroff.

Andatleastshe’slettingmetouchheragain.

“Comeon,beautiful.IthinksomeonemightcomplainifyoufallasleepandIcarryyou
outofhereovermyshoulderlikeacaveman.”Hemanagedtofinallycrackajokethat
madeherlaugh,breakingthetensionbetweenthemasshereachedforthedoor.

“That might be something fun to try, having you carry me off to your cave.” That
wicked,enticingtonewasbackinhervoiceanditwasworkingmiraclesonhiscock,his
bodygettingtoointerestedintheideaofanotherroundwithher.

Sheneedssleep.

“You can text me about that fantasy tomorrow.” Thomas swatted her ass and she
groaned,butendedupsmilingastheyleftBlackLight.Shewasbeautiful,andbeyond
anythinghe’dimagined,andthewaysheliftedherblueeyestohimasDannyopened
theirlockeralmosttookhisbreathaway.

Oh,yes,hewasinverydeeptroublewithMadelineO’Neill.

ChapterNine

alking into her apartment, Maddie leaned back against the door, clutching the
smallboxinherarmsthatshe’dfoundinhermailbox.Itwasalmostthree,and

Thomashadspenttheentirecarridetoherapartmentapologizingforthelatehour–
but she didn’t even care. The moment she’d seen the time on her phone she’d
immediatelydecidedtocallinsick.

Kicking off her heels she padded over to her desk and dropped the package and her
purse.Withasigh,shecrackedopenherlaptopandtappedthespacebartowakeitup,
the glowing light of her screen filling the space. The browser window was still open
with twelve different BDSM websites in different tabs – all of her pre-date studying –
and now she could add her crash course in impact play to the things she’d only
skimmedbefore.

Switching to the Word document she tried to memory dump as much as she could:
cane,crop,strap,chairwithstraps,bench.HowdoesJaxsonknowThomas?2

entrance

toBL.Psychicshop–whatstreet?Luís.

“Shit,thestamp…”Hurryingintothekitchenareasherippedopenadrawerandfound
her scissors. She tucked them under her arm and pulled open a cabinet to fill a glass
withwaterbeforeshemovedbacktothedesk.Settingthewaterdown,shecutintothe
boxandtossedtheairpacksontothefloorbesideheruntilshefoundthepackaging.
“Bingo.”

The easiest thing to find in her research had been a flashlight equipped with a black
light,andithadarrivedjustintime,butshegrowledwhenshetriedtoturnitonand
nothinghappened.

“Nobatteries?Reallyassholes?”Droppingitbackintotheboxsheflippedonthelights
inherkitchenarea,diggingthroughdrawerstoscroungetogetherthreeAAAbatteries.
Shefoundoneinthebottomofadrawer,andthengaveupandtorethelasttwofrom
her blu-ray remote. As soon as it was on she grabbed her phone and went into the
bathroomtoshutthedoorwhereitwouldbethedarkest.Thensheaimedthepurple
lightatherwrist.Thestampwasalittleblurredfromsweat,andalloftheirefforts,but

the words were still mostly legible as ‘BLACK LIGHT’ with ‘guest’ underneath it in a
swirlingscript.Holdingtheblacklightinherteethshestartedsnappingpictureswith
herphone,adjustingthesettingsuntilshehadthebestphotoshecouldmanage.

Real.Evidence.

As exhausted as she was she still gave a little cheer as she stared down at the image,
and then moved back to her desk. Maddie dropped into her chair without thinking
twiceandthesuddenpressuremadeherletoutanotherflurryofcursewords.Welts
and bruises instantly reminded her of what she’d done, and for a flash she was back
against the cross, filled with that thrilling anticipation. Waiting for Thomas’ voice,
waiting for what he’d do next, and she knew she was growing wet again. He was
dangerous.Dangerous,becauseeveryminuteshespentaroundhimmadeherwantto
stay longer. When he’d offered to take her home, to watch over her, it had been too
tempting. Everything about him was temptation. His voice, his words, his smile, his
fucking body with his ability to know just the right way to touch her, to fuck her, to
makehercomeapart.“Stopit,Maddie.”

Growling under her breath she emailed the photos to herself, and focused on the
article.Theopenerwasdone,arevisitofthedramabetweenJaxsonDavidson,Chase
Cartwright,andEmmaFischer.Juicyinandofitself,especiallywiththeaddedbitabout
SenatorDavidson’swithdrawalfromthepresidentialrace,butthensheseguedintothe
reveal that their ménage-a-trois was also connected to a kinky secret hidden under
theirnewenterprise,thepopulardanceclubcalledRunway.

TheparagraphsonBlackLightwereprobablytoolong,toodescriptive,butshedidn’t
wanttomissanything.Sexdidsell,afterall,andAntoinecouldtrimoutwhateverhe
wanted.Takingasipofherwater,shestartedtoedit,andaddtoit.Wordsflowingout
aboutthesecondentrance,thelevelsofsecurity,weavingitallintoanarrative–and
then she got caught down a rabbit hole of research trying to find the name of a man
she’dseenthere.ScrollingthroughbacklogsofarticlesonthePost’swebsitetotryand
rememberatwhateventhe’dbeenphotographed.

Maddiehadalwaysbeengoodwithfaces,andsheknewshe’dseenhis.Specifically,ina
photograph,inatuxedo,andshehadtoknowifthisguywasapolitician,orsomeother
D.C. elite. Was he more important than David Alchert? Less important? The article
needed more names. It had been pure luck to see him, and recognize him, the night
she’ddiscoveredtheentrance,andthenagainthenightThomashadletherintoBlack
Light.

Likeawolfamongsheep.

Guiltnaggedather,butshekepttyping,researching,outliningBlackLight’ssecretsin
detailbeforeshelostthem.TheonlythingsheleftoutwasThomas.

Eventually,heralarmwentoffandshejerkedbackinherseat,surprisedtorealizeit
was already 5:45am. Wandering to the clock she turned it off, and then went back to
her desk. A text to Brenda about being sick, an email to Jamar’s work inbox so he

knew,andthenshewasbackinthearticle.

Acoupleofhourslater,asthewintersunlightstartedtopeekthroughherwindows,she
realizedshewasjuststaringdumblyatthescreen,herfingersfrozenonthekeyboard.
She’d been up for too long, and the pounding headache behind her eyes was bad
enoughtodullthelingeringacheofherass.Pullingupheremail,shewrotetoAntoine
explainingthatshewasconfidentinthearticleandgaveafewveryvaguebulletpoints
thatwouldn’tallowsomeonetoscoopherifhedecidedtoshareit.Concludingitwitha
snarkycommentthathewasn’tgoingtogetafulloutlineuntiltheytalkedaboutajob
offer,shesentitandshutthelaptop.

Inamatterofminutesshehadstrippedoutofthedressandtights,anddroppedinto
bed. Hiding her face under the covers to block out the sounds of the city waking up
outsideherbuilding,shetriedtosleep.

Buzz.Buzz.Buzz.

The clatter of her phone against her desk pulled Maddie from a groggy sleep. Every
inchofherwassoreasshewokeup,flinchingasshewenttostretch.Notonlydidthe
weltshurt,butsodidhershoulders,herback,andherheadwasn’ttoohappyeither.

“Shit.”Throwingthecoversbackshesquintedagainstthedaylightasshestumbledto
herdesktosnagherphone.TwotextsfromThomas,anotherfromJamar,andthena
missedcalledfromAntoine.Blinkingandshakingherheadtowakeupfurther,Maddie
openedherlaptoptocheckheremail.

Yes!

Antoine had replied that morning, saying he wanted to meet for lunch. Around one.
Glancingatthetimeinthebottomcornerofherscreen,shealmostscreamed.Itwas
11:43am.Pushingbackfromherdesksheranintothebathroomtostartwarmingup
theshower,usingherotherhandtocallhimback.

“Maddie?”

“Hey!Antoine,”shespokeupasshesteppedoutthebathroomsothewatercouldn’tbe
heard.“Ijustsawyouremail,wheredoyouwanttomeet?”

“Youtellme,canyoudooneo’clock?”

“Sure,howaboutsomeplaceneartheGWUmetrostop?”Herheartwasracing,butshe
wastryingtomakeitsoundmorelikeexcitementinhervoice.

“Let’s meet at C

IRCA

. After the morning I’ve had I need a drink and some good news.

Youarebringingmegoodnews,right?Youremailwasalittleshort.”Antoinesounded
stressedanddistracted,butshefoundherselfnodding.

“Ido,Idohavegoodnews.”Reinitin,Maddie.“Imean,Ihavegoodnews,ifyouhave

goodnews.”

“Thejobisstillopen,ifthat’swhatyou’rehintingat.”

“Obviously.”Shesmiled,andAntoinechuckled.

“I’llseeyouatone,Maddie.”

“Seeyouthen.”Tossingherphoneontothebed,shestrippedtherestofherclothesoff
and hopped in the shower. It was probably the fastest she’d ever got ready, but she
caughtthesilverlineandmadeittotheFoggyBottom/GWUstationinplentyoftime.

Maddieorderedtwoglassesofwhitewine,thelastthingshe’dseenAntoinedrink,and
waited nervously at the table, refreshing her email on her phone obsessively as the
timegotcloserandclosertoone.Atthreeminutespast,shewouldhavebeenbouncing
inherseatifshewasn’tstillveryawareofallofthemarksshe’dcaughtsightofinthe
mirroraftertheshower.Arainbowofcolors,withseveraldarkredlinessheknewwere
fromthecane.

Thomas.

Thinkingofthecanebroughthimtotheforefrontofhermind,andasshegrippedthe
phoneinherhands,watchingthetimetickby,shecouldn’tforgetthatthosemarkshad
beenearnedbecauseshehadbeenlatetomeethim.Atarestaurant.

Asiftheuniversewastryingtomockher,thephoneclickedto1:04PMjustasAntoine
walked through the front door. Four minutes late. She raised her hand to wave him
over,flippingherphonefacedowntoignorethetimeasheslippedpastotherdiners
andtookhisseat.“You’rewonderful,”hesaidashesnaggedtheglassofwineandtook
asip,groaning.“ThatisexactlywhatIneedrightnow.Promisemethatwhenyoustart
working at the Post you won’t be one of these prima donna journalists talking about
howI’mdestroyingyourvision.”

Thequotesheputintheair,accompaniedbythehuffandrollingeyes,hadhersmiling
– but she smiled further when she processed what he’d actually said. “When I start
workingatthePost?”

Antoinelaughed,glancingatthemenubeforehetookanotherdrink.“Youdidsayyou
have a great story. I think your bullet points were: the people involved have already
beenfrontpagestoriesbefore,lotsofkinkysex,andthatyouhadthenamesofpeople
insidetheBeltwayinvolved.DidImissanything?”

“JustthestuffIhaven’ttoldyouyet.”

“Well, I’m all ears.” He smiled at her, and Maddie took a sip of her wine, that turned
intoseveraldrinksasshetriedtofigureoutwhatshewaswillingtoshare.

Fortunately, the waiter arrived a moment later. They ordered, chatted about a few
updateswithmutualfriends,andthenshewasproddingthesaladinfrontofherwith
herforkasAntoinewaited.

“So,yourstory.Youcantellmethedetails,Maddie.”Heleanedforward,loweringhis
voicetoaconspiratorialwhisper,“Howhighprofileisit?Well-knownpolitician?Doesit
touchtheWhiteHouse?”

“Now,Antoine…ifyouthinkI’mjustgoingtohandthisovertoyouwithoutajoboffer
soyoucanhanditofftosomeonealreadyonyourstaffyou’vegottobe–”

He had started digging in his messenger bag as she’d been talking, but she stopped
when he slapped a stapled packet of paper on the table between them. “You were
saying?”

Hands unsteady, Maddie picked up the pages. The Washington Post emblem blazed
across the top like the light from a lighthouse. It looked official, and it even had the
details on the job title and salary level – with her name in bold in the first full
paragraph.LiftinghereyesbacktoAntoine,sheswallowed.“Isthisreal?”

“Asrealasthestoryyou’vebeenteasingmewith.”Antoinetookabiteofhissandwich,
takingadrinkofhiswaterbeforehepickeduphiswine.“It’sallthere.Youturninthe
storythattouchesonthosekeypointsyousentmethismorning,andthejobisyours.”

“Wow…”Itwasallshecouldsayasshestaredatit,andthenAntoine’sphonerangand
heliftedhishipsintheseattodigitfromhispocket.

“Dammit – what? No, no, that is not what I fucking said!” He growled and pulled his
wallet out to slap two twenties on the table, giving her a look that told her just how
muchofamesswasbackatworkforhim.“Look,I’mtenminutesaway,justdon’tdo
anythinguntilIgetthere.”

“Problem?”sheaskedasheendedthecall.

“Justmoreobnoxiousjournalistspullingshitthey’renotsupposedto.”Antoinepointed
ather,andthendroppedhisfingerontothepapershe’dsettledbesidehersalad.“Read
throughit,finishyourdamnstory,andsendittomesoIcanhireyou.AtleastthenI’ll
beabletocommiseratewithyouaboutthesefucks.”

“Oh,sonowyou’reallconfidentinmystory?”Shesmirkedathimashestoodupfrom
hischair,tugginghiscoatbackon.

“Maddie, I was always confident in you, I just need you to show it. So, get on it. I’ve
gottarun.”Antoinewavedashedodgedawaitresscarryingatrayofdrinksandthen
duckedoutintothewintersunshine.

Shesunkdowninherchair,flippingthroughthepagesofthedocumentasshefinished
herwine,andthenAntoine’s.Itwaseverythingshewanted,everythingshe’ddreamed
aboutsinceshe’dmovedtotheDistrict,sowhywasn’tshealreadysigning?

Friday

Workhadgonebytooslowly,andJamarhadbeengrumpybecausehe’dhadtopickup
her slack when she’d called in, but all of Thomas’ teasing text messages had made it
better.

He’dspentThursdaycheckinginonher,makingsureshewasokay,andthenhehad
started flirting. That night he’d asked about her marks, a teasing comment about if
she’d found it difficult to sit, and she’d responded by sending him a picture of the
bruisesonherass.Thedirtyconversationthathadfollowedhadlefthersoakingwet,
andconvincedherthatphonesexwasalostartthatThomasHathawaycouldprobably
bringbackwitha1-900-HOT-REPSnumberonsomelatenightchannel.

She’dbehisfirstcustomer.

As soon as she’d woken up today, it had been more of the same. More teasing, more
flirting, more hints of dark promises she wanted him to fulfill. He’d even sent her a
selfie of him in some room at the Capitol, full of other representatives, and he had
looked completely miserable. It had been accompanied with a simple reminder that
duringtheirphonesexshe’dagreedtogooutwithhimagain.Tonight.

He had promised it would just be dinner, that they wouldn’t be heading back to the
club,butnowthatshewasbackathome,infrontofherdesk,BlackLightwasallshe
couldthinkabout.Thejobofferwastuckedunderhermousepad,andshestaredatthe
screen reading and re-reading what she’d written for the article, because she wasn’t
satisfied with it. It was missing something, and she was pretty sure she knew what it
was.

Morenames.

Morehigh-profileattendees.

More politicians, more movers and shakers inside the Beltway. Just more, and there
wasonlyonewaytogetthat.AnothertriptoBlackLight–withThomas.

Growling under her breath she opened her phone and checked the address of the
restaurant he had picked this time. It was maybe fifteen to twenty minutes away, so
shestillhadanhourorsotoburnbeforesheneededtocallacar.Trailingherfinger
over the track pad, she pulled up the separate document she’d been using for
informationonThomasthatshewasn’tincludinginthearticle.

Ithadbitsandpiecesofhislifethatshe’dpulledfromtheinternet,mostlyarticlesabout
his campaign and election, but she’d barely scratched the surface on his history with
JaxsonDavidson.Bothofthemwerethesonsofpoliticians,butMichaelHathawayhad
spentyears of his politicallife as a representativein Congress, before he’d eventually
becomeasenator.GregoryDavidson,ontheotherhand,hadbecomeasenatorearlier
inhiscareer.Moreimportantly–HathawaywasaNewYorkDemocrat,andDavidson
wasaRepublicanfromVirginia.

WhenwouldtheyhaveeverbeentogetheroutsideofCapitolHill?

Maddiesighedandscrolledbackthroughherdocuments,herbookmarksofoldstories
about the two politicians whose sons had taken such different paths, searching for
anythingthathintedwherethosepathscrossed.JaxsonDavidson,internationalmodel,
poster problem child, lived a life of excess until he seemed to suddenly settle down
withEmmaandChase.Inwhatseemedlikethecompleteoppositepath,Thomashad
gonetoPrinceton,receivedadegreeinPoliticalScience,withaminorinHistory,and
then started working with his father on campaigns and around the Hill. Then Jaxson
had blown up his father’s career when Senator Davidson had attempted a run at the
presidency, while Thomas’ father had left at the end of his last term as a senator on
goodterms.Hehadevenbeenquotedsayinghissonwascarryingthetorchforward.

Thetwofatherscouldn’tbemoredifferent,morediametricallyopposedintheirbeliefs,
andthesonsseemedtobethesameway–exceptapparentlybothThomasandJaxson
enjoyedBDSM.

Tappingherpenonthespacebarshetickedhercursorforwardacrossthedocumentas
shestaredattheuselesswords.Nomatterhowmuchshereadtherewerenoanswers
astohowthetwomet,orwhytheywouldbecloseenoughtotalk.

Whydoyouevencare,Maddie?

Slammingherlaptopclosed,shestoodupandwalkedtotheclothingrackthatserved
ashercloset.Flippingthroughthedressesshecouldn’tletthequestiongoinherhead.

Whythefuckdidshecare?Easy.

ShecaredbecauseJaxsonknewthatshe’dtriedtogetintoBlackLightusinghisname–
astupidchoice,forsure–butthenhe’dtakenthetimetocallThomasandtellhim,and
knowinghewasfriendswithThomasmadeitallmorecomplicated.

Yes,shewasleavingThomas’nameoutofthearticle.She’dbeensocarefultocraftitin
suchawaythatitwasclearshehadbeeninside,thatshehadattendedwithsomeone,
buttherewerenohintsastowho.

Except…thepeoplewhohadseenherfacewouldknow.

Dannythesecurityguy,Luísintheshop,thefriendshehadintheclub,andultimately
JaxsonfuckingDavidson.Themanwhowouldendupatthecenteroftheshitstormno
matter what. He had taken the brunt of the attention during the drama around his
father, while Chase and Emma had been names, pictures in photographs, and this
wouldbethesameway.Himatthecenterofthestorm,andeveryoneelsesweptalong
withit.

IncludingThomas?

Shoving the clothes away from her she walked back across her studio apartment,
whichdidn’ttakenearlyenoughstepsforhertothinkproperly.Everytimeshepassed
her desk and saw the job offer, the beautiful heading from The Washington Post, she
feltthatsurgeofexcitement.Joy,achievement,finallyathingshecouldbringhometo

her parents so they could tell everyone back home about how Maddie had achieved
herdream.Shewasarealjournalist.Theycouldgetasubscriptiontothepaper.They
could see her articles. Her mom would probably scrapbook them all, while her dad
wouldstartsendingherpossibleleads,delvingbackintothosedetectivenovelsheused
tolove.

Itwaseverything–everything–shehadwantedwhenshe’dmovedtoWashington,D.C.

Herphonelitupwhenshepassedherdeskforthetwentiethtime.Itwasatextfrom
Thomas,andMaddiefeltherheartratepickup,feltthebutterfliesthatfilledthespaces
behind her ribs with a fluttering hum. A different kind of excitement, a tingling buzz
thatbrushedheralloverbeforeitcenteredbetweenherthighs.Shewantedtopickit
up, to read it right away, but that only confirmed what she already knew – Thomas
Hathaway was dangerous. Like a drug that she’d had a taste of and now she wanted
more. Wanted to know everything he could show her, everything they could do
together,andthendoit.Allofit.

“Fuck,fuck,fuck!”Maddiewalkedtoherfridgeandopenedthefreezer,pouringmore
thanareasonableamountofvodkaintothebottomofwhathadbeenherwaterglass.
She started to drink it just as her phone started ringing, and she moved back to the
desk.Itwashim.Ofcourse,itwashim.Shetiltedthealcoholuptofinishitbeforeshe
scoopedupherphoneandhittheanswerbutton.“Hi!”

“Well,hitoyou,Maddie.”Thomaswaslaughingontheotherendofthephone,andshe
hatedhowmuchhisvoiceaffectedher.Therewasstillthataristocraticedgethathad
caughtherattentionthefirstnightinBlackLight,onlynowshecouldheartheedgein
itwithouteffort.Thepurrthatturnedhernameintosomethingsinfulwhenitlefthis
tongue.“Iwantedtogiveyouaheadsupsoyoudon’tgetsurprised,orpayforone,but
I’msendingacartopickyouup.”

“Why?”sheasked,buthereyesweredriftingbetweenthejoboffer,herrackofdresses
fortheirdate,andthebottleofvodkastillcallinghernameonthecounter.

“Tonight is about spending time together, and I figured you didn’t want to be late
again.”Histonewasplayful,hewasinagoodmood,andshewascontemplatinggetting
drunk.Notexactlythesamepage.

“Youdon’thavetosendacar,Ican–”

“IknowIdon’thaveto,Maddie,Iwantto.Infact,Iwanttodosomanythingstoyou.
Areyoureallygoingtoturndowntheride?”

“No,” she acquiesced, and bit down on her lip when she found herself smiling as he
shockedheronceagainwithhisbrazencomments.WashestillinhisofficeonCapitol
Hill? Saying things like that to her? Could someone hear him? The blush was
inescapableassheimaginedit.

“Good, I gave Paul your cell number so he could call you when he arrives.” Papers
movedonhisendofthephone,andthenhespokeagain,“Ihaveafewmorethingsto

takecareof,butI’llbethere.”

“Ontime?”sheasked,smilingevenwider.

“Oh,Maddie,youareaskingfortroubleandI’mtryingtoplananiceevening.”There
was a low, hushed growl to his voice, and it turned all those fluttering feelings into
somethingmoredevious.

“IthoughtitwasaniceeveningthelasttimeIgotintrouble.”

Thomas laughed, warm and loud, and it tapered into a groan. “Then I did not do
somethingright.HowareyouevergoingtolearnalessonifyoulikeeverythingIdo?”

“Iguessyou’lljusthavetokeeptrying.”

“Thatwouldmakemeaveryhappyman.”Histonewasseriousforasecond,andthen
itwasbacktolaughter.“Now,gogetreadysoyoudon’tmakePaullate,hegetsvery
upset.”

“Oh,doeshenotlikethecane?”

More laughter. “He never sits still for it, and he’s not nearly as beautiful as you are
wearingmymarks.Alright,Ireallyhavetogo,Maddie,I’llseeyousoon.”

“Seeyousoon,”sherepliedbeforehehungup,andthenshesatdownontheedgeof
herbed.Aridiculousgrinplasteredacrossherface,hercheeksachingfromsmilingso
hard,awarmglowfillingheruptothepointthatshewonderedwhyshecouldn’tseeit
onherskin.

Whydidhehavetobesodamnperfect?

ChapterTen

OneWeekLater

itting in her bra and underwear on the shining, smooth counter in Thomas
Hathaway’s breathtaking kitchen, Maddie smiled as he finished chopping up a

cantaloupeandwalkedovertosetthetoofullplatebesideher.“That’stoomuchfood.”

“Open up.” He speared a bite of the fruit and held it in front of her sealed lips as he
moved in close, nudging her knees wide so he could stand between them. “Madeline
O’Neill,areyoutryingtogetspankedagain?”

“Is that a sincere offer?” She grinned for a moment, and when he just raised his
eyebrows she relented and opened her mouth. The melon was sweet against her
tongue,andshebitdownwithasmallmoan.

“See?Delicious,andIknowyou’rehungry.”Thomasleanedforwardtobrushhislips
downherneck,nuzzlingintoherhair.“Youburnedalotofcalorieslastnight.”

A blush singed her cheeks remembering the way they had barely made it inside the
gorgeousVictorianhomethathisfamilyownedinGeorgetown.Afterdinner,theirsixth
dateashehadremindedher,theyhadn’tbeenabletokeeptheirhandsoffeachother
in the car. As soon as the front door closed he’d stripped her and fucked her on the
hardwoodfloorintheentryway,andherkneesstillachedfromwhenthey’dmovedto
thebaseofthestairs.Hisfistinherhair,herarmsbracedononeofthesteps,andshe’d
comesohardshecouldhaveswornshesawstars.Roundtwohadhappenedsometime
inthenight,whenshe’dwokenupandtakenhimintohermouth,andhe’dfuckedher
throatuntilhecame–andthenspankedherfornotsleeping.Buthehadkeptthemup
a while longer giving her orgasm after orgasm with his tongue and fingers until she
wasbegginghimtolethergobacktosleep.Fourdatesinthelastweek,twomoretrips
toBlackLight,eachdaybetterthanthelast.BeingwithThomasHathawaywaslikea
dreamsheneverwantedtoend,averysexy,kinky,wonderfuldream.Sheswallowed
the next bite of melon he tucked between her lips, and then turned her head. “You
havetoeattoo.”

“Isthatasincereoffer?”herepeatedherwordsbacktoher,smilingashishandtrailed
upherinnerthigh,histhumbbrushingagainstherclitthroughherunderwear.

“I’dratherhaveyouinsideme.”Maddiewrappedherlegsaroundhiswaist,pullinghim
closer and he leaned down to kiss her, the food abandoned for a moment as their
tonguesclashed.Hewasgrowinghardagainsther,thethinfabricofhisboxersdoing
nothingtosuppressthefrictionastheymovedtogether,butthenhesqueezedherhips
andpulledbackwithagrowl.

“Webothhavetogotoworktoday.I’mnotgoingtobethecauseofyoumissingagain.”
Thistimeheliftedabiteofeggwhiteomelet.“Eat.”

Grumbling,shelethimfeedher,becauseshe’dlearnedhowmuchhelikedto,buthe
finallystartedtoeataswell.Betweenthetwoofthemtheplatewasalmostemptyby
thetimesheshookherhead.“Icannoteatanymore,especiallyifIwanttohaveroom
formorecoffee,whichisveryimportant.”

“I know. You get feisty without it.” He placed her coffee cup back in her hands as he
wenttodroptheplateinthesink,alongwiththepansandutensilsfromhimmaking
thembreakfast.Again.Thedoorbellrangsuddenly,makingherjump,andhewipedhis
handsoffonatowel.“Berightback!”

“Wait!” Maddie hopped off the counter, panicking. “Why is Paul so early?” She was
abouttofollowhimwhensheheardhimopenthefrontdoor,andshefrozemid-step.

Another male voice, and they were talking in hushed tones, but she wasn’t going to
peekintothehalljustincasehe’dopenedthedoorwidetoshowallofGeorgetownhis
boxer-briefs. She strained to hear what they were saying, but only caught their
laughterjustbeforethedoorshutagain.“Maddie,youcancomeoutnow.”

Hewassmilingatherasshesteppedintothehallway,thelittletableinthefoyerhada
stackofshoppingbagsonitandshecrossedherarmsunderherbreasts.“What’sthat?”

“Some clothes for you to wear today, a few outfits to choose from. The rest I’ll keep
herejustincase.”

“Youboughtmeclothes?Wait,whoboughtmeclothes?Andwhen?It’sbarelysixinthe
morning!”Shewalkedtowardshim,ignoringthebagsashertemperflared.

Beforeshecouldreallystartranting,hesqueezedherupperarmsandsmileddownat
her.Gorgeous,evenwithbedhead,hishazeleyesmoretawnyinthemorningandtoo
damndistracting.“Myassistant,Alan,hasasisterthatrunsaboutiqueclothingstorein
Arlington,wherehealsolives.Afteryouwokemeupsoverynicelylastnight,Irealized
we’dplannedforyoutogobackhomeandsoyoudidn’thaveanythingwithyou.Isent
himatext,withyoursizes,andaskedhimtobringsomeoptionsbyonhiswayintothe
office.”

“But–”

“Maddie,youneededclothesforwork,andI’msureAlanisgoingtooverchargemefor

theclothestomakeupforhissisteropeningtheshopearly.So…ithelpsherout,Alan
wasmorethanhappytogettoexpensehiscommuteintoworktoday,andnowwe’ve
got some options here if it happens again.” Thomas leaned down to be closer to eye-
levelwithher,andshewasspeechless,unabletofindanotherargument.“Iwishyou’d
justletmetakecareofyou.”

“But you don’t have to do that! You don’t have to spend money on me, or have Paul
pickmeup,ortakemetonicerestaurantsallthetime,I–”

“IknowIdon’t.That’sthebestpart.Youdon’twantorexpectanyofthatstuff,butyou
makemehappy,Maddie,andsoIwanttodoit.”Hekissedhersoftly,oneofhishands
movingtocradlethebackofherheadashisotherpulledhercloserbyherwaist.

Shewantedtotellhimthatshedidn’tdeserveanyofit,didn’tdeservehim,butherlips
werebusyandbeforeshecouldthinktwiceaboutitshehadmeltedagainsthim.Lostin
thewayhistonguebrushedhers,allofherthoughtsscattering.

Thekissendedgently,neitherofthemtryingtoturnitintosomethingmore,andthen
he looked down at her with a slight tilt to his smile. “When are you going to stop
fightingmeeverytimeIdosomethingsmallforyou?”

“Thisisn’tsmall.”

“It’safewoutfits.”

“Icouldhavejustaseasilyranhomeandchanged.”Shecrossedherarmsagainashe
sighedandsteppedovertopeekinsideoneofthebags.

“ThenIwouldn’thavehadtimetomakeyoubreakfast,andIlikeanyexcusetowatch
yourmouth.”Thomasglancedoverather,hissmileturningwicked.“Becauseyoudo
suchdelightfulthingswithit.”

“Flirting with me doesn’t change the fact that you sent your assistantout to buy me
clothesatsomeungodlyhourofthemorning.”

Hechuckled.“Well,Iknowhowyoucanmakeituptohim.”

“How?”sheaskedashepulledabeautiful,emeraldgreensweateroutofabag.

“Let him meet you before he dies of curiosity.” A black, flowy skirt, came out of the
samebagandhetosseditoverhisarm.“HowdoesMondaysound?Lunch?”

“Thomas…” It wasn’t the first time he’d brought up her meeting people he knew.
Friends,otherpoliticians,andnowAlan–butshecouldn’tbringherselftosayyes.Even
whenhe’dcancelledonotherdinnerplanstomeetupwithherinsteadthatTuesday.

Youmakemehappy,Maddie.Hiswordsechoedinher,andshewishedshehadsaidit
backinsteadoffocusingontheclothes.

“I’mnotpressingyou,butjustknowthatyouaretheonebreakinghisheartrightnow,
not me.” He winked at her and handed over the clothes, including a package of

patterned,blacktights,andahotpinkthong.Whensheraisedhereyebrowsathim,he
grinned.“I’msurehethinksthat’sfunny.”

“So,you’resayingneitherofyouarefunny?Wasthataprerequisitetoworkforyou?”
Maddiecouldn’tevenstiflehergrinasshedodgedhisattempttospankher,dashingup
thestairstothefirstlanding.Thomasstoodatthebottom,allleanmuscularlines,ready
tochaseher–andherheartspedupasadrenalineandarousalbloomedinsideher.

“MadelineO’Neill,Iknowthishousebetterthanyou.Youarenotgoingtooutrunme.”
He placed one foot on the bottom step, and she countered by moving onto the next
sectionofstairs.

“WhosaysIwanttooutrunyou?”Twomorestepsandhewasprowlingontothefirst
landing,hisexpressionhungry.

“Wedonothavetimeforthisgame,beautiful.”

“ThenIguessIshouldgogetdressed.”Shewasfacinghim,slowlywalkingbackwards
upthestairs,buthewasn’tstopping.

“Goodidea,mybeltisupstairsanyway.”Withthatcomment,sheturnedandtookoffat
full speed. She could hear his footsteps chasing her, moving faster than hers up the
stairs.Heartpounding,laughingassheslidonthehardwoodsinherefforttoturnright
towardsthemastersuiteheused,sheknewhewasgoingtocatchup–butshedidn’t
careiftheywerebothalittlelate.

Hewasanaddiction,andshewantedanotherfix.

“So,whoisshe?”AlanaskedassoonasThomaswalkedin.

“Nope.”

“Oh,comeon,givemeaname.”HegotupandfollowedasThomasenteredhisoffice,
tossing his laptop bag onto the couch, and he couldn’t help chuckling at the slight
whineintheotherman’svoice.

“Nothappening,Alan.”

“Iwon’tcontactheroranything,Ijustwanttoseeapicture.I’llfindheronLinkedIn,or
Facebook, or something – but I promise I won’t reach out.” Alan was standing just
insidethedoorway,watchingashepulledoutthepapershe’dtakenhometoreview.

“Letmesee…no.”ThomasgrinnedwhenAlanletoutagroanandleanedagainstthe
doorframe.

“You’vegottobekiddingme.Youhaven’tusedthathouseinmonths.Whenyouasked
metohaveitmadeready,Ifiguredyourparents,oryourbrother,werecomingtovisit!
Thenyousendmeatextattwoo’clockinthemorningaskingmetograbclothesfrom

Sandra’sshopandbringthemthere?”Hethrewhishandsup,exasperated.“Whoisthis
girl?”

“Anyupdatestothescheduletoday?”Tryingtochangethetopicofconversationdidnot
work,andthedeadpanlookAlangavehimwaspriceless.

“I knew I should have just shown up at the restaurant the last time I made a
reservation.”

“Thatwouldnotbeasmartchoice.”

“Scaryvoicedoesn’tworkonme,remember?”Alansighed.“Whyareyouhidingher?
DoIknowher?Isshefamous?”

The sudden excitement in his assistant’s voice made him roll his eyes. “No, she’s not
famous,butsheiswonderful,andifyouupsetherbystalkingusthere’sgoingtobea
problem.Understand?”

ForamomentitseemedlikeAlanmightrefusetodropit,butthenherelented.“Fine,
itsnotlikeIwon’tmeethereventuallyifit’sthatserious.Asfarastoday,ClaireIbson
fromNewYorkHumanitarianAidneededtomovehermeetingfrom1:15to10:30this
morning,andsoIswappedyourbriefreviewontheparksintoTrisha’sschedule.You
wantedtomeetClaireinperson,right?”

“Yes, just make sure Trisha gives me a summary on the parks brief.” The world was
already coming back in on all sides, and Thomas wondered for a moment how he’d
everhandledthenon-stopworkingwithoutmomentslikethatmorning.Maddie’speals
of laughter were still clear in his mind from when he’d caught her and dragged her
with him to get the belt. Her sweet whines as he’d peppered her skin with quick
strokes, and then that look she’d given him as she’d wiggled free of his grip. Bright
blushacrosshercheeks,herbreastsrisingandfallingwithherrapidbreaths,andwhen
she’dtriedtorunagainhe’dcaughtherandtossedherontothebed.Thesexhadbeen
quick,hard,butithadbeentheperfectreleasebeforeadayliketoday.

Everyonewastryingtogeteverythingdonesotheycouldleavefortheweekend.

“Thomas!”Alanraisedhisvoiceabit,andthenlaughedasheshookhishead.“Ihave
gottomeetthisgirl.You’veneverlookedlikethat.”

“Maybe.”Thomassmiled,becausehe’dneverfeltlikethiseither.Shewasallhethought
about in his brief moments between meetings. Even in meetings he caught himself
remembering her smile, or the way she would suck her lower lip between her teeth
justbeforeshesaidsomethingparticularlynaughty.

“Alright, Congressman Hathaway. You’ve got maybe ten minutes before your first
meetingarrivesouthere.”Withawave,Alangrinnedandwalkedout,pullingthedoor
closed.

Itwasalmostsevenatnight,andThomaswasfightingayawnathisdesk.Evenwith
everylightoninhiscrampedoffice,hewasstillfading,butwhatdidheexpectwhen
he’dsnaggedahandfulofhoursofsleep?

Thedayhadbeenanever-endingsprint,andhislastmeetinghadn’tlefthisofficeuntil
after six, which just left the hundred or so emails in his inbox to go through. There
wasn’tamomentspentwithMaddiethatheregretted,butitwasbecomingveryclear
whathe’dbeenfillinghistimewithbeforehe’dmether:work.

Beingsingle,andrelativelyyoung,inD.C.meantthathewastakingonmorethanhe
really had time for, but he was still new, still proving himself worthy of his father’s
legacy. Even though he’d been working around most of the other people on the Hill
sincehewastwenty-two,andworkingathisfather’sofficebackinNewYorksincehe
couldwalk,hestillhadtomakeanameforhimself.TobeThomasHathawayinsteadof
being referred to as Michael Hathaway’s son. It was because of that history that the
workhadn’treallybotheredhim–itwashisnormal.

“And now you’ve got too many commitments,” he grumbled at himself, filing his
emailsaccordingtothevariousbills,andinitiatives,andcommitteemembersthathe
hadofferedtohelp.Whenhismom,andsometimesevenhisfather,commentedonhis
relativesolitudehe’dneverreallythoughttwiceaboutit.WorkingonCapitolHillhad
beenhisdreamsincehewasakid–marriage?Afamily?Thosewerethingshe’dalways
putintothe‘later’pile,somethinghe’deventuallygetaroundto.Butashe’dsatinone
of his fellow representative’s office today and stared at all of the happy photos of the
man and his wife and their kids, it had been the first time he’d actually seen that as
somethinginhisfuture.

Somethingthathemightactuallywantinsteadofsomethingthatwouldeventuallyjust
becomeanecessity,whichwasabsolutely,positivelyinsane.

Thomas rubbed a hand over his face, refusing to connect Maddie with his sudden
interest in a personal future outside of Congress, and eventually the Senate. Just
becauseshewasn’taonenightstanddidn’tmeanweddingbellswereinhisfuture.Hell,
he couldn’t even get her to meet Alan, or let him buy her some clothes without a
discussion.

As if Maddie could sense him thinking about her, his phone buzzed with a text from
her:Stillinameeting?

Hesmiledandleanedbackinhischairtoreply:Notanymore,justcatchinguponwork.
Crazyday.

The little dots in the text message told him she was typing, and he waited, unable to
look away. Eventually a message came through: Tell Alan thanks for the clothes.
Followedbyabreathtakingpictureofherbentoverinfrontofamirror,thathotpink
thongframingherasslikethepieceofartitwas.Afewstilllingeringbruisesandmarks
showed,andhiscocktwitched,becausethosewerehismarks.

He groaned and started laughing as he wrote her back: I will most definitely not be

sharingthatwithhim.

Thereplywasquick:Whynot?

Because you’re mine. That’s what he wanted to answer, he was even poised to start
typing,buthepulledhimselfback.Instead,hewrote:GooutwithmeSundaynight.

Timestretchedafterhesentit,noteventhetrillingdotstotellhimshewasplanningto
reply. Muttering under his breath, he took a drink of water and turned back to his
laptop, leaving his phone beside him. He’d skimmed a half a dozen emails, sorting
themasheneededto,beforehefeltthebuzzthroughthedesk.Whenhepickedupthe
phone his heart did a hazardous little somersault in his chest before pounding hard
enoughtodrawhisattention.She’donlysentthreewords,‘I’mallyours’,buttheyhad
power.Strongenoughtomakehimsitbackinhisseat,smilinglikeadamnfoolathis
emptyoffice.

ChapterEleven

Monday

eachingover,Maddiepressedthesilencebuttononthesideofherphoneasshelet
yetanotherofAntoine’scallsrolltovoicemail.Herstomachwasturning,andher

facefelthot,andshecouldn’ttellifshewasactuallygettingsick,orifshewasjustsuch
amiserablehumanbeingthatherbodywasrevoltingagainsther.

Thebuzzaminutelatersignalingthathe’dleftheranothermessageonlymadeherfeel
worse.

Whensheclosedhereyesshecouldstillfeelthatgoldenwarmththatalwaysfilledher
when she was around Thomas. Their play the night before had been incredibly fun,
sleeping in his oversized, plush bed had been wonderful, and waking up to toast and
coffee had been perfect – even though he’d had to leave extra early to head to New
Yorkforsomethingwithhisfamily.

“What are you doing, Maddie?” she whispered, burying her face in her hands for a
moment.Thesoundofherbreathagainstherpalmsusuallyhelpedcalmherdown,it
hadbeenanoldtrickbeforetestsinhighschoolandcollege,butitwasn’tdoingathing
toeasethetwistingnauseathatseemedtobegettingworsebytheminute.

“It’s five o’clock, come on, Ginger.” Jamar was beside her desk, his dark skin a sharp
contrasttothecrisp,whitedressshirt.

“I’llleaveinabit.”

“No,you’regoingtocomewithmenow,andwe’regoingtothatplacewiththefancy,
glassedinpatio,andwe’regoingtodrinkandwatchthesnowandyou’regoingtotalk.”
Hesnappedhisfingers.“Comeon,upandat’em.”

“Jamar.”Maddiegroanedanddroppedherhandstoherdesk,lookingupathim.“DoI
looklikeIwanttogodrink?”

“Youlooklike someone just made you watch Old Yeller on repeat, and I don’t know

what’s going on, but I have two sisters and a wife and I’ve become an expert at
listening.”Hewalkedaroundherchairtopickuphercoat,holdingitoutforher.When
she didn’t stand up, he stared her down. “Do not make me dress you like I do my
nephews.”

“I’mnotgoodcompanyrightnow.”

“Icantell,butwe’regoingtogoanddrinkuntilyougetwhateverisgoingonoffyour
chest.IcannotdealwiththisplacewithouttheGingertomyGilligan,alright?”Jamar
shookhercoat,andangledhisheadtowardstheexit.

“Fine.” Pushing her chair back, she ripped her coat from his hands and pulled it on,
pilingonthescarf,hat,andglovesthatwouldhelpherhandlethefallingsnowoutside.

Thewalkwasaslushymess,butitwaswhyshe’dwornherboots,andoncetheywere
insidetheheatedpatiowithvodkainherhandshehadtoadmitthatthealcoholwasn’t
a bad idea. Jamar sat in silence for a few minutes, nursing his drink as he people
watched,buteventuallyhegaveuponwaitingforhertostarttheconversation.

“Alright,talktomeaboutit.Isitabouttheguy?”Hetiltedhisheaddowntowardsthe
tabletocatchhergaze,andthenhesatup,nodding.“That’sayes.Didhebreakupwith
you?”

Maddiesighedandlookedupathim,andhewatchedherforamoment.

“Nope,thatisnotthe‘I’vebeendumped’face.Trustme,Iknowthatface.So,whatisit,
Ginger?Henotmakingenoughtimeforyouorsomething?”

“Shouldn’tyoubehomewithNina?”sheasked,alittlesnarkierthanshemeantto.

“Absolutely,butyou’remyfriendandIdon’tlikewatchingyoumopearoundtheoffice
likesomezombie.”Henudgedhercapecodtowardsher,andthenwavedatawaiter
foranotherround.“Drinkup.”

Thatshecoulddo,andshefinisheditinasinglego.

“Didyoubreakupwithhim?”

“No,”shesaid,andthepaininhervoicewassomethingtangible.That’swhatsheshould
havedonebeforeanyofthisstarted.Beforeshesawhowgoodhewas,howkind,how
wonderful.Sheshouldhaveleftitatakinkyencounter,crossedoffsomethingonher
lifegoalslist,andmovedthefuckon–butinsteadshe’dusedhimagain,andagain,and
again.

“Didhehurtyou?”Jamarasked,anintenseedgetohislowvoicethatshe’dneverheard
inhimbefore,butthequestionmadeherlaugh.Tearsburnedtheedgesofhereyesas
she thought about all of their enticing times inside Black Light – but that was not a
conversation she’d be having with Jamar. “Ha, ha, Maddie. I don’t find this funny.
Somethinghasyouoff,andifthisguyhashurtyouIwanttoknowaboutit.”

“I’mfine,”shelied.Shemostdefinitelydidn’tfeelfine,buttherewasnowayinhellshe

wantedtotalkaboutThomasHathawaywithhim.

“Ishemarried?”

Shescoffed.“No.”

“Isheterribleinbed?”

Maddierolledhereyes,fightingtheurgetosmileathisquestion.“Definitelyno.”

“Thankfuck,thealcoholishere.Canyougoaheadandjustbringustwomoreofthose
forher?”Jamarsmiledatthewaitressthathadbroughtthem,andMaddiegawkedat
him.

“Tryingtogetmedrunk?”

“I’mtryingtogetyoutotalk,becauseyouobviouslyneedto,andifIneedtopouryou
into an Uber and help you up the stairs to your apartment to get the normal Maddie
back,I’lldoit.”

“Ninawouldnotlikethat.”

Jamarsighed,shakinghishead.“Ninalikesyou,Maddie.Youguyshavemetmultiple
times.Shejustwishesyouhadmorethanonefriend.”

“Ihaveotherfriends,”Maddieretorted,defensivelycrossinganarmoverherstomach
asshescoopedupthenextdrink.

“Who?”heasked,andshestaredathim.

It was true, at one point she’d had some people she used to hang out with, meet for
drinks like this, but other than Antoine there weren’t many people she saw in D.C.
anymore.“Okay,soIhaven’tmadeatonoffriendshere,butit’shard.”

“Isthatwhat’sbotheringyou?”

“No,”shewavedahandathimassheworkedherwaythroughanothercapecod.The
steadywarmthofthealcoholwasbleedingintoherveins,andsherealizedthatshe’d
beenavoidingpeople,avoidingfriends,sothatshe’dhavemoretimetolookforastory.
Forherbigbreak.“Youknow,Iusedtogotothesehappyhourmixerthingsforpeople
injournalismintheDistrict.”

“Why’dyoustop?”

She shrugged. “I made some good contacts, but they all made it pretty clear that
breakingintoajobherewashard.Somanyofthemjustkepttellingmetogotoother
cities,othermarkets,togetajobsomewhereelseandthencomebacklater.AfterIhad
arésumé,somethingtogetmyfootinthedooratoneofthebigpapershere.”

“So, why didn’t you do that? It makes sense.” His expression was neutral when she
lookedathimagain.Nojudgment,justwaitingtohearheranswer.

“I don’t know.” Maddie took another long drink, trying to anesthetize herself against
theuncomfortablequestions.

“Comeon,Ginger.Talktomeaboutit.”Whenshejuststareddownatthetable,tracing
agrooveinthewoodwithherthumbnail,Jamarfinishedhisfirstdrinkandreachedfor
hissecond.“Alright,thenI’lltalkfirst.YouknowthatNinaisalawyer,right?”

Maddienodded.“You’vementioneditbefore.”

“Well,beforewemovedherewelivedoutinLAtogether,metatUCLAandIknewshe
wastheonethefirstweekwemet.IwasaJunior,shewasaSophomore,andIsawher
and it was just… boom.” He tapped the table in front of him. “I was done. Gorgeous,
smart,funny–couldkickmyassatpoker–IwasinlovebeforeIevenknewit.So,after
I graduated we moved in together. I got a journalism degree, just like you, but the
papersinLAwerethesameway.Theyallwantedexperience,arésumélikeyousaid,
andsoinsteadofworkingatanewspaperIworkedoneortworandomjobsatatime
buildingalifeforus.Boughtheraringdoingthat,marriedherduringherfirstyearat
lawschool.Thenshegraduated,gotagreatjobatafirmdoingcorporatecontractlaw,
and I started to get involved with some of the papers. A little freelancing, nothing
major,buttheLATimeswasusingsomeofmystuff.Then,theystartedtalkingabouta
job.”

“Sowhathappened?”

“Ninagotacallfromoneofthefirmsouthere.Lambert,Urbanski,andReed.Bigtime
clients,alotofmoney,andIknewshewantedit.Icouldseehowexcitedshewas,but
shewasholdingbackforme.”

“Andyoumovedhere,”Maddiefinishedforhim.

“Yep.”Heraisedhisglassandtookalongdrink.“TookthejobatDailySaverD.C.and
hereIam.”

“Aren’t you angry about that?” She shook her head, shocked that Jamar had never
shared that story, even with all their discussions about their journalism degrees. “I
meanyouworkedsohardtogettothatpoint,andthenjustthrewitallaway.”

“I won’t lie and say it didn’t hurt. It was hard for a while, especially since she works
seventy-hourweeks,butIalwayswantedafamily.SodoesNina,andbecauseofmyjob
we’reokaytodothat.IfIwassomehotshotreporter,travelingallover,we’dneversee
eachotherandhavingakidwouldneverhavehappened.”Asmallsmilelituphisface
alloverashestareddownathisdrink.

“Wait–areyouguys?”

Jamargrinnedwide,andhermouthdroppedopeninshock,butthenhewassuddenly
more serious. “We’re not even ten weeks yet, I’m not supposed to talk about it. Bad
luckandallthat.”

“Holy shit, congratulations!” Maddie almost shouted it, and a few other tables looked

overtoseewhatwas goingon,buthe justlaughedandwaveda handatherto calm
down.

“Don’tyoudarementionanything,she’dkillme.”Heshrugged.“But,yeah.We’llhave
alittleboyoralittlegirlintimeforChristmasnextyear,andinthegrandschemeof
thingsworkingsomeexciting,high-profilegigjustdoesn’tcompare.”

“I’mjustsohappyforyouguys.”Itwasmorethanthealcoholgivingherwarmfuzzies
when she looked up at him. He already looked like the proud papa, swiping at his
phonewithaglowingsmilebeforeheturneditaround.

Thegrainyimagedidn’tmeanmuchtoher,buttherewasablobinit.Jamarpointedto
theblob.“Thatwasthefirstultrasound.Strongheartbeat,butNinaisamess.Tryingto
figureouthowshe’llhandlematernityleavewithoutruininghercareer,etcetera.ButI
keeptellingherthatI’llbethere,thatIcantaketimeofftoo,thatIcanpickthekidup
fromdaycare.Feedthem,changethem,allthatstuff.”

“You’regoingtobeagreatdad,Gilligan.”Shesmiled,andhesmiledback,lockinghis
phonetopickuphisdrink.

“Thanks,Ginger,butI’vetalkedplentynow.Talktomeaboutwhyyouhaven’tpursued
thefancyreporterjobifthat’swhatyouwant.”Hesnappedhisfingers.“Youknow,you
could totally go back to Pennsylvania and build up some experience and then come
back,itwould–”

Maddiegroaned,cuttinghimoff.“No,no.That’stheissue.Iwantedtobeareporterin
D.C. doing important work. I wanted to cover politicians, and world leaders, and do
somethingmeaningful.”Asthewordslefthermouth,sherealizedtheyweretrue.She’d
become so focused on getting the job at the Post she’d forgotten why she wanted to
workthereatall…anditwasn’ttowritetabloidfodder.

Shit.

“Whocaresifittakesyouafewmoreyearstogetthere?You’rewhat,twenty-five?”

“Twenty-four,”shecorrected.

“Jesus, Maddie, you have time. Nina didn’t even graduate law school until she was
almost twenty-five. You can do anything you want right now, you can go anywhere
youwant.Ifthat’sreallyyourdream,goforit.”

His words settled somewhere inside her, grating against everything she’d defined
herselfbyformorethanayear.MeetingAntoineatthateventhadbeenlife-changing
for her. An editor at one of the biggest papers in the world talking to her like she
mattered, telling her she could do it, she could achieve her dreams the way she’d
alwaysimagined–nomatterwhatotherpeopletoldher.Ithadbeeneverythingthat
matteredtoher,allthatmatteredforsolongthatitwasdifficulttogetanythingelseby
theidea–andnowshewassoclose.“But,whatifyouhadbeenofferedthejobinLA.If
ithadbeenwithinyourgrasp,wouldyouhavetakenit?”

Jamardidn’tanswerrightaway,hetookaslowdrinkandlethiseyesstaresomewhere
inthemiddle-distancebetweenthem.“Idon’tthinkIcananswerthat,Ginger.It’slike
some sci-fi movie, if I were to go back and say yes to a job at the LA Times, where
would my life be now? Would Nina resent me? Would we have a baby on the way?
Wouldwestillbetogether?Wouldyoubesittingherewithsomeoneelsegettingeven
worsehelp?”Heshookhishead.“Inlife,sometimesIthinkwejusthavetomakethe
bestdecisionswecanatthetime,knowingwedon’tknowwherethey’regoingtolead
us.Itallcomesdowntowhatmattersmosttoyou,andonceyouknowthat–youknow
whatchoiceyouneedtomake.”

“Right…”Maddietookadrink,thinkingoverhiswords.

“Ifeellikewekindofgotofftopicfromyourmantroubles.”Jamarchuckled.

“Notreally.”

“Well, you definitely look better, but that could be the alcohol talking.” When he
grinnedshewaddeduphernapkinandthrewitathim.

“You’resuchadick,Gilligan.”

“So,tellme,what’sreallybotheringyou?Careerstufformanstuff?”Hewasrelaxed,
leaningbackfromthetableasheheldhisglassandwatchedher.Jamarwasprobably
herbestfriend,anddefinitelytheonlypersonwhowouldhavetakenthetimetohave
thisconversationwithher,butshedidn’treallyhaveananswer.

“It’sboth.”

“Both?”Heletoutalowwhistle.“NowonderyoulookallDawnoftheDead.”

“You’redoingwondersformyegorightnow.”

“Ah,justkeepdrinking,you’llfeelbettersoon.”Laughing,heraisedhisglassoverthe
table and she leaned forward to clink them. “Did any of this help, or am I now just
usingyouasanexcusetoenjoyhappyhourbeforeIheadbackintohormonecentral?”

“Youhelped.I’mjustnotsurewhatisgoingtohappenwhenIdowhatIneedtodo.”

“That’spartofthefun,isn’tit?Ifweknewhowourlivesweregoingtoturnout,they’d
beprettyfuckingboring.”Jamartiltedhisdrinkup,andnudgedthelastcapecodacross
thetabletowardsher.“Theonlythingleftistofindoutwhereyourdecisionsaregoing
toleadyou.”

ChapterTwelve

Tuesday

addie woke up the next morning with a violent headache, and her alarm
screechingmuchlouderthanitnormallydidjustafootortwofromherhead,or

atleastitdidn’tnormallyfeelthatloud.Likeamarchingbandoffirealarmssettingoff
small explosives. Groaning, she turned it off and shoved the thing onto the floor as
punishment.She’dbeentoastedbythetimeshestumbledintoherapartmentthenight
before, the quick drinks catching up to her in the car, and as she peeked down she
realizedshehadn’tevenundressed.

Nice.

She really had to stop drinking so much. Hopping out of bed, she started the coffee
beforeheadingintotheshower,hurryingthroughherroutinetomakeherselfatravel
cuptonursethehangoveronthewayin.Jamarlookedevenworsethanshedidwhen
shesawhim–butevenwiththenastyside-effectsoftheirhappyhour,Maddiefeltokay
forthefirsttimeinamonth.

Workbreezedbythatmorning,sheorderedsurprise,greasysubsforJamarandherfor
lunch,andthenBrendacamebyintheafternoon,andthebrakesscreechedinsideher
brain.“Madeline,doyouhaveaminute?”

Doing her best to keep the wobble out of her voice, she spoke quietly, “Sure. Is
somethingwrong?”

“No, actually I just want to talk real quick. Can you come to my office?” The older
womangaveherasmallsmile,butMaddiestillfeltnervousasshestood.

“Okay,Imean,areyousurenothingiswrong?”

“Let’stalkinmyoffice.”Brendastartedwalkingtowardsherdoor,andMaddiestared
down Jamar as she walked by, but he looked just as bewildered as she was. No help
there.

Assoonasthedoorclosed,Maddiestartedtalking.“Listen,I’mreallysorryaboutthose
mistakesImade,butI’mreally–”

“Madeline, please take a seat, and relax.” The woman seemed much warmer in the
seclusionofheroffice,andeventhoughhernervesweremakingherhandsshake,she
satdowninoneoftheuncomfortablelittlechairsinfrontofthedesk.“Iwantedtotell
youthatIknowyouwerehavingaroughtimeacoupleofweeksago,butIappreciate
youtakingmyfeedbacktoheartandgettingbackonboardwiththeteam.”

“Right,Iwasjustalittledistracted,butI’mgoodnow.”

“Iknowyouare,you’rebackontrack,andthat’swhyI’msogladtobeabletogiveyou
this now.” Brenda opened her day planner and pulled out an envelope, handing it
acrossthedesk.“Goon,openit.”

More confused than ever, Maddie tore open the top of the envelope and took out a
piece of paper. It was mostly typed, and Brenda’s signature was at the bottom, along
withtheowner’sname.Forcingherselftoreadmoreslowlyshefinallyprocessedwhat
thepapersaid.“Wait,I’mgettingapromotion?”

“WeweregoingtotellyouatthebeginningofJanuary,butthenyoustartedactingso
strange. Your performance slipped, and we had concerns.” Brenda waved a hand.
“Noneofthatmattersnow,Icanseeitwasjustaroughpatch,andwe’reveryhappyto
haveyouhereattheDailySaver.”

“This is my new salary?” It was an almost fifteen thousand dollar increase over her
currentsalary,andshecouldn’thelppoppingoutofherchairwhenthewomansmiled
andnodded.

Holyshit.

“Ittookalotofstringpulling,theyreallyfeltlikeweonlyneededoneseniorlevelcopy
editor,butIputmyfootdownaboutit.Isaidwewereluckytohaveyou,anddamnit
youdeservedthetitle.”Brendalookedalittleuncomfortablewithheruseofthecurse
word,butMaddiewalkedaroundthedeskandpulledherintoahug.Shewasstifffora
moment,butthenthewomanrelaxedslightlyandpattedherontheback.

“Thank you, thank you so much! You have no idea what this means, it’s just – it’s
perfectlytimed,andI’msosorryaboutthatstuffafewweeksago.Ihadsomepersonal
things, but that’s done. Over with.” She leaned back from Brenda, smiling, and her
managersqueezedherfreehand.

“I’mgladit’sdone,youwouldbesomechallengingshoestofill,Madeline.”

“Youknow,youcancallmeMaddie,Brenda.”

Looking even more uncomfortable, the woman nodded. “Okay… Maddie. Well, that
wasit.NowthatI’vetoldyou,I’llgoaheadandsenditthroughpayrollprocessing,and
youcanchangeyouremailsignatureassoonasIsendouttheemailannouncement.”

“Thankyousomuch,Brenda.Really,thisisfantastic.”

“You’re welcome, but it was your hard work that made it possible.” Brenda was
standing next to her desk, her fingers toying with the edge of her day planner, and
Maddiefinallyjustmovedtothedoor.

“I appreciate you going to bat for me.” She offered a smile, and then left her office
before things got any more awkward. The smile wouldn’t leave her lips though and
Jamargaveheraquestioninglook,butsheheldupafingeraskinghimtowait.

Feelinglikeshewasabouttoburstwiththenews,Maddiepulledupherphoneandsent
offatexttoThomas:Ijustgotapromotionatwork!

Jamar threw a pen at her and she looked up to see him shrugging his shoulders, his
handsout.“What’sgoingon?”hewhispered.

Rollinghereyes,Maddieclickedonherinbox,waitingfortheemailtocomethrough.A
minute or so later she saw the message from Brenda to all internal staff, and she
snappedherfingersandpointedathercomputerscreen.“Email!”shehissedatJamar,
andhesighedandturnedbacktohiscomputer.

“What?Congrats,Maddie!”Jamarannouncedacrossthefloor,standingupathisdesk.
Headspoppeduparoundtheroomfromvariousdepartments.

“Wouldyousitdown?”Maddielaughed,herblushcreepingintohercheeks,butthena
fewofthecoworkersaroundherstartedtoleanoverthecubewallsandcongratulate
her.Emailresponsesstartedtotumbleintellinghercongratulations,andshewavedat
Brendaasshepeekedoutofherofficeforamoment.

“Totallywell-deserved,Ginger.”

“Thanks, Gilligan.” Smiling at him as he snagged the spot on top of her filing cabinet,
shewaitedforhimtocrackajoke,buthedidn’t.

“Doesthisaffectyourdecisionatall?”

Shakingherheadshetoyedwiththecaseonherphone.“Notabit,IthinkIknewwhat
Iwasgoingtodobeforeweevenleftthebarlastnight.Ithinkthisisjusttheuniverse
tellingmeImadetherightchoice.”

“This is big time enough for you?” He gestured at the dingy, rather small office, but
whenshelookedarounditdidn’tbotherherlikeitusedto.

“Ithinkit’swhereIneedtoberightnow.I’vegotplentyoftime,right?”

“Plenty of time,” Jamar laughed. “You’re not even knocking on thirty yet, Ginger.
Worldleaderswillbetherewhenyou’rereadyfortheleap.”

“Right,thanks.”

“You’re welcome, Senior Copy Editor.” He said the last words way too loudly and she
triedtokickhimashehoppedoffhercabinet,butshemissed.Instead,helaughedas

shescruncheduphernoseathim,butsheknewhewasonlymessingwithherbecause
hewasproudofher,andbecausehewasherfriend.

Her phone buzzed and Maddie snagged it, excited, but that faded when she saw
Antoine’s name. He was asking about the article again. Swiping her phone open, she
tappedoutaquickreply:Weneedtotalk.

Theresponsewasquick:When?

Sighing,shewavered,andthensent:Tomorrow.

Setting her phone down, she tried to focus on work, but she was too amped up. So,
instead, she updated her email signature, and then did some math on what she
estimatedhernewpaycheckswouldbe.Withthatbumpshecouldprobablyaffordan
apartment with actual rooms. The last two hours of the workday were spent making
sureherqueuewasempty,andreplyingtodelayedcongratulationsaspeoplesawthe
email.Itwasallasign,asignthatwhatshe’dfeltinherheartwastherightchoice.

Justbeforetheendofthedayherphonebuzzed,butthistimeitwasThomas,andshe
couldn’t hide her smile. His text took her day from amazing to spectacular: I am so
proudofyou,beautiful.We’regoingtocelebrateassoonasI’mback.Noarguing,Igetto
spoilyouonthisone.

Jamar kicked her desk just as she was about to type out a reply. “Come on, time for
yourbigdinner,GingertheSeniorCopyEditor.Ninaisevengoingtomeetus.”

“We’renotdoingarepeatofhappyhour,arewe?”

“Noway,moderatedrinkingonly.”Helaughedandclappedhishandstogether.“Party
time!Let’sgo!”

Afewofthepeoplearoundthemstood,askingiftheycouldjoinin,andshewasalittle
surprised that anyone else cared. Jamar looked at her, clearly signaling it was her
choice,butsheshrugged.Itwasaworkthing,andtheyprobablyjustwantedtoavoid
the bustle of people commuting out of the city. Raising her voice, she announced,
“Anyonecancometodinneriftheywant!”

“Italianfoodforall!”Jamarlaughed.

People started to gather their things, and she rushed to finish her text to Thomas,
hittingsend:Ican’twaittoseeyou.

“So,wherearewegoing,Gilligan?”

“Justaroundthecorner,wecanwalk.”

Bradstoodupthen,herultra-quietneighborwhodidsomeofthegraphicssupportfor
their ad clients. When he saw her looking at him, he stopped. “You did say anyone
couldcome,right?”

“Of course.” She smiled and waved him over. “Come on, Charlie Chaplin.” Maddie

laughedwhenhelookedconfused,pausingwithhiscoathalfon.“It’sajoke,youknow,
becauseyou’resoquiet?”

“Oh,likehowyoupretendJamar’snameisGilligan?”

“Exactly.”Laughingonthewayoutthedoor,shewasalittleoverwhelmedbythesmall
crowdofpeoplethatleftwithher.EvenBrendataggedontotheendofthegroup.By
thetimetheywalkedintotheItalianplace,shecountedeveryoneupandrealizedthey
neededatablefortwelve,whichwasalmosthalfthefreakingoffice.Jamarheldaseat
openforNina,andBrendasnuckintotheseatontheothersideofMaddie,andassoon
as appetizers arrived, and the wine started flowing, everyone was talking. Actually
talkingtoeachother,whichwasalittleweird.Itwasalittlestiltedandawkwardatfirst,
butthenpeoplewerechattingaboutTVshowstheywatched,andMaddiejoinedinon
theonesshe’dcaughtonNetflix.

Talk turned to the nicknames she and Jamar had for each other, and Brad proudly
spokeupthathewasCharlieChaplin.Groansofjealousycamefromaroundthetable,
and she realized that while she’d thought the little joke with Jamar had just been a
stupid running gag – it actually mattered to the others. Soon enough, everyone was
pickingoutnamesofoldtelevisionandfilmcharactersforeachother.

OneoftheadguysgotthenicknameDonDraperforhisjobandhissmokinghabit,a
womanindistributiongotthenicknameDanaScully,bothforherhairandheraffinity
forsci-fi.Bytheendofthemealeveryonetherehadone,andpeoplewerepickingout
onesforothersbackattheoffice,textingthemthenameswithmoreexcitementthan
she’dseenanyofthemdisplayinalmosttwoyears.Afterawhile,Brendaspokeupand
askedeveryonetogiveheranickname,butonlyJamarwasgutsyenoughtospeakup,
“DefinitelyLeslieKnope.”

“Who?”DonDraperasked.

“She’s the lead on Parks & Recreation? Plucky, blonde boss who thinks her tiny
departmentinsomeno-nametownisthebestintheworld?”Jamarstartedlaughing,
and Maddie couldn’t hold it in, and then the whole table was laughing – including
Brenda.Theirmanager’ssingle-mindedprideoftheDailySaverD.C.madeheraperfect
LeslieKnope.

“ToLeslie!”Maddieraisedherwineglass,andeveryoneelsecheeredback.

Itfeltlikeherlifehadturnedapageinthelasttwenty-fourhours.Areallybig,really
scary page, but when she looked around at all of the people she’d spent a year and a
half working with – she realized she’d never even given them the chance to be her
friend.Neverreallytakenthetimetotryandmakefriends.Jamarhadbulliedhisway
into her life with his loud, funny personality, but everyone else had been mostly
ignored. She’d been so focused on leaving, on getting a different job, that she hadn’t
evenpaidattentiontowhatwaspossiblerightinfrontofher.Funcoworkers,anoffice
thatdidn’thavetobemiserableandquiet…andthiswasjustthebeginning.

Thebeginningofanewkindoflifeinmorewaysthanone–ajobshewasdiscovering

she could actually enjoy, an exciting new relationship, and a whole world of kink to
explore–anditfeltright.Asifpiecesofapuzzleshehadn’tbeenawareofwereslowly
clickingintoplacerightbeforehereyes.

It’sallaboutthechoiceswemake.

Maddie was on cloud nine as she hopped out of the car in front of her apartment
building.Itwasfrigid,thesnowwasdirty,andshealmostlostherfootingintheslush
bythecurb.Mutteringtoherself,sheclutchedherphoneinherhandandtriedtowalk
carefully towards the stairs, but a few steps away from the handrail that would have
keptherupright–sheslippedonsomehiddenice,andwentdownhard.“Fuck!”

Her nice, office jeans were soaking up the grime on the ground as she tried to get
herself upright without falling again, and then she heard someone shout her name.
“Maddie?Maddie!”

Lookingup,shewassimultaneouslythrilledandmortifiedbywhatshesaw.“Thomas?”
Healmostslidtooashegottoher,butmanagedtoretainhisfootingandhelpheroff
theground,justliketheknightsheknewhewas.Alwaysrescuingher.

“Are you okay?” His strong arms wrapped around her, hugging her tight, and she
smiledagainsthischestasshebreathedinthescentofhiscologne,herembarrassment
startingafireinhercheeks.

“I’mfine,Ijustcan’tbelieveIfell.Sostupid.”Leaningbackshefeltlikeshehadtomake
sureitwasreallyhim,butthosehazeleyesmethersandtheyweredefinitelyhis.Still
themixtureofforestgreenandbrownthatsheloved.“Howonearthareyouhere?I
thoughtyouwerestillinNewYork.”

“I was going to fly back tonight anyway, but I snagged an earlier flight so we could
celebrateyourpromotion.”Hechuckled.“ButIthinkyoumighthavecelebratedalittle
toohardalready?”

Rollinghereyes,sheshookherhead.“Notatall,Ijusthadoneglassofwine.Itwasa
bunchofworkpeoplethatwenttodinnerwithme.Thefallingwas,unfortunately,all
mycompletelackofcoordination.”

“Ithinkyou’reprettycoordinated.”Thomassmileddownather.“So,ifyou’veonlyhad
oneglassofwine,thenhavingacocktailwithmeisn’toutofthequestion?”

“OnceIgetsomedryclotheson,cocksoundsfantastic.”Maddiegrinnedathimwhen
hestartedlaughing,andthenhesqueezedherassandturnedthemtowardsthesteps.

“Alright,beautiful,let’sgetyouchanged.ThenI’llhappilygiveyouoneofeach.”

“Thatsoundslikeaperfectcelebration,but–wait,shit,IdroppedmyphonewhenIfell.
Canyouseeit?It’sgotabrightbluecase.”Tryingtoturnaroundcarefully,shelooked
forit,butitwashardtoseeinthedark,andthelightsfromherbuildingweren’thelping

much.

Thomaspulledhisphoneoutandflippedtheflashlightfunctionon,andamomentlater
heletgoofhertoreachdownandpullthelittlemiracleoftechnologyfromapileof
slush.“Gotit,butwe’regoingtowanttodryitoffquickly.”

“Fantastic,”Maddiegroanedandhenudgedherupthesteps.

“Goon,I’llworkonitwhileyouchange.Noneedforyoutogetsickstandingouthere
inwetclothes.”

“Right.”Assoonastheywereinside,sheturnedandkissedhim.“Thankyou,Thomas.”

“Ihaven’tevendoneanythingyet,”hegrinned,andthenkissedheragain.Nippingat
herlipsbeforeleaningherbacktodeepenit–rightinthemiddleofthelobby.

Grinning like a fool, she pulled away and pressed the elevator button. “You’ve done
moreformethanyoucouldpossiblyknow,andyouaretheperfectendtoanalready
wonderfulday.”

“Oh,Ihaveafewideasforhowwecanmakeitevenbetter.”

“Really?” Her voice was a soft purr as she pulled him with her into the elevator, and
aftershe’dpressedfloorsixhepushedheragainstthewall,shamelesslycapturingher
mouth. It was delicious, but they were both in way too many clothes for this to be
happening. Not to mention they were on camera, in her building’s elevator, and she
wasstartingtoshiverfromthesnowthathadsoakedintoherglovesandherjeans.

Thomas’laughsentathrilldownherspinewhenthedingsignaledthey’darrivedather
floor.“I’mgoingtoneedyoutogetchangedquickly,becausemyplansarejustgetting
moreelaboratethelongerI’mthinkingaboutthem.”

“Plans,”sherepeatedastheysteppedintothehall,andshepulledhiminthedirection
ofherapartment.

“I’mthinkingonedrinktotoastyourpromotion,andthenI’mgoingtotieyoudownto
thebedandmakeyoucomeover,andover,andover.”Heleanedclosetoherearashe
spoke,andshepracticallypanted.

Definitelyneedtogetchanged.Fast.

“I’m all yours.” She smiled, but just before they got to the door she flinched,
remembering he’d never seen her place. “I do have to give you fair warning, my
apartmentiskindofsmall,andsoit’sprettymuchalwaysawreck.”

“NowI’mcurious.”Thomaswatchedherassheduginhermassivepurseforherkey,
andfiddledwiththelockuntilitfinallyturnedover.Inthehalllightshefinallyhadthe
chancetocheckhimout.Darkslacks,withshiningshoes,ablackpeacoatthatfithim
like it was custom cut – which was completely possible – and his warm, brown hair
seemedtohavebeenstyledbythewindtolookabsolutelyperfect.

Ridiculouslyhot.

Maddieshookherhead,andshovedthedooropen.Assoonasthelightscameonshe
groaned,becauseherapartmentlookedworsethanshethought.Dirtyclothesscattered
across the floor, a pile of unwashed dishes in the sink, and then Thomas moved in
behindher.“Please,just,ignoreallofit.IswearI’mnotthisbigofawreckallthetime.”

Asshehurriedovertothecorneroftheroomthatheldherdresser,herclothingrack,
andthelaundrybasketofstuffshestillhadn’tputaway–Thomaslookedlikehewas
strugglingnottolaugh.

“Iknow,it’stiny,butit’sanexpensiveareaandIdon’tneedmuch.”Shestrippedoutof
hersoakedgloves,andtossedhercoatovertheemptyendofherclothingrack,before
shesatdownonthefloortopulloffherboots.

“I’m not judging, Maddie. I spend most of my nights in my office, on a very
uncomfortablecouchbecauseI’mtoolazytousetheblowupmattresstuckedinmy
closet.”

“Really?” She stared at him as she stood back up to shimmy out of her jeans, which
wereevenmoredisgustingthanshe’dguessedwhenthey’dbeenoutonthestreet.Her
handsandlegsweregrimy,andshereallyneededtowashoff.

“Yep.Alotoftherepresentativessleepintheiroffices.”

“Butyou’vegotthathuge,gorgeoushouse,”shehurriedovertothebathroom,theonly
doorintheroombesidestheonetothehall,andwatchedhimshrug.

“It’sabig,emptyhouse.NopointinsleepingtherealonewhenIjustneedtobebackat
theoffice.Usuallylessthantwelvehourslater,youknow?”Hesmiledather,hiseyes
trailingdownherbarelegs.“IthinkImighthavetofuckyouinnothingbutasweater,
becausethatlooksgoodonyou.”

“Isthatapromise?”

“Well, maybe in the morning. I want you completely naked when I tie you up.” The
subtle edge to his voice made her shiver for entirely different reasons than the
lingeringchillonherskin.

“I–”Maddie’svoicefailedherforamoment,andthenThomasraisedhiseyebrowsat
her. “I am going to clean up, and make myself look at least somewhat presentable.
Quickly.”

“Quicklysoundsperfect.”

She shut the door before she wasted more time, and turned on the bath to get some
warmwatergoing.Whileitheatedup,shescrubbedherhandsinthesink,rollingher
eyesatherreflection.Onlyshewouldwipeoutinfrontofherownapartmentbuilding,
rightinfrontofoneofthehottest,mostamazingmenshe’devermet.

“Where’satowelforyourphone?Ordoyouwantitinrice?”Thomas’voicewashardto

hearoverthebath,butsheshoutedback.

“I don’t have rice, but there should be a towel in the laundry basket by the rack of
clothes!”Grumblingtoherself,shegrabbedherfacewash.Themake-upshe’dputon
that morning was raccooning around her eyes, and since she had a few minutes she
mightaswellfixit.

Beforehetiesyoutohisbed?

She bit her lip as she visualized it, remembering the way he liked to tease her to the
edgeashelickedher,holdingheragainsthismouthsoshecouldn’tescape.

Youshouldbegettingready.

Cursingherselfforgettingdistracted,shescrubbedatherface,usingmake-upremover
onhereyes,andthenpatteddrysoshecouldsitontheedgeofthetubtorinseoffher
legs. Her knees were sensitive to the touch, and she was sure she could see the
beginningsofbruiseswherebothhadlandedontheice,butatleastshehadn’ttwisted
an ankle. Scrubbing as fast as she could, she washed the soap off her legs and then
madesurethetapwasn’tleakingasshecalledout,“I’malmostdone!”

Shedidn’tcatchhisanswerasshegrabbedatowel.Hairbrushed,teethbrushed,and
then some quick make-up. Mostly focusing on her eyes so she at least looked alive,
instead of a pale, freckled mess. Practicing a smile in the mirror, she frowned at her
hair,butgaveupbecauseshe’dtakentoolongalreadyandsheknewit.

“Thomas?” Maddie stepped out of the bathroom, still trying to tame the impossible
frizz,andthenherheartstopped.Hewassittingatherdesk,herlaptopopen,andshe
knewwhatwasonthescreenbeforeheeventurnedaround.“Icanexplain.”

“Antoinewastextingyouwhileyouweregettingready.Heaskedifyou’dfinishedthe
article for him.” Thomas tossed her phone onto the bed, raising his eyes to hers. “He
calledyouaswell,butIthoughtitmightbeawkwardifIanswered.”

“Thomas,wait–”

“Iwasconfused,becauseIthoughtyoudidn’twritearticlesatwork.Iwaseventrying
tothinkofsomeexplanation,andthenIsawthis.”Heheldupthejobofferfromthe
Post,anditfeltlikethefloordroppedoutfromunderher.Shewantedtospeak,buthis
expressionwassomethingshe’dneverseen.Cold,hard–angry.

“I–”

“You’re a fucking reporter?” He almost shouted the question, sounding more like an
accusationthananythingelse,andthenheletoutabitterlaughashestoodup.Pacing
awayfromherdesk,heclenchedhisfistaroundthepagesoftheoffer,crumplingthe
edges.“Ican’tbelieveIfellforyourbullshit.Ican’tbelieveIbroughtyouinthere!”

“Please,pleaselistentome.Iwasn’tgoingto–”

“What,Maddie?Or–wait–isthatevenyourfuckingname?Whothefuckareyou?Tell

me! Who the hell have I been fucking for the last two weeks?” His voice was a roar
when he asked the last question, his footsteps carrying him towards her until she
backpedaled,tearsspringingtohereyes.

No,no,no,thiswasn’tsupposedtohappen.

Itwasover,I’ddecided.

I’dmademychoice.

Shewassniffling,backingupfromhimasifshewereafraidofhim,andfuckifpartof
him didn’t feel like a bastard for making her cower like that. Growling, he forced
himselftowalkawayfromher,throwingthedamnofferletterfromTheWashington
Postintoapileofclothes.Heshovedhishandsintohishair,pullingatit,tryingtofocus.

Jaxsonisgoingtokillme.

“Thomas…” Maddie’s voice was shaky, and she was crying now, but he refused to let
hermanipulatehimagain.

“AmIinthefuckingarticle?WasIjustsomemarktoyoubecauseI’mintheHouse?
Didyouputme–”

“NO!”Sheshouted,shakingherhead.“No,you’renotinthere.Iswear!”

“IsawyouwroteaboutJaxson,andChase–andfuckingEmma?Youdon’tevenknow
them!Whathavetheydonetoyou?WhathasanyoneatBlackLightdonetoyou?”

“I wasn’t going to publish it, I wasn’t. I swear, Thomas, just please let me explain.”
Maddiewalkedtowardshimandherecoiled,backinguptowardsthefrontdoor.

Hewantedawayfromher.

“Idon’twanttohearit.Youusedme.Youusedmeagainstmyownfriends.Youused
people’s personal lives as a fucking sideshow – and for what? So you could get some
shitreportingjob?”Helaughed,grabbinghisforeheadashestaredather.“Wasthatthe
promotion?Wereyougoingtohavemecelebrateyoudestroyingoneoftheonlysafe
placesinthefuckingcityforpeopletoplay?”

“NO!”Shewasstartingtohyperventilate,herbreathsturningintohiccupsasshestood
barelysixfeetawayfromhim,andhehadtosquashthetinypartofhimthatwantedto
makehersitdownandslowherbreathing.Maddiewasn’thistowatchover,shewasn’t
hissub,shewasn’thisatall.“It’snot–that’snotit.Ichoseyou, Thomas. I decided, I
decidedyouwere–”

“Iwasafool,that’swhatIwas.Ithoughtyou’dbeenhurt,Ithoughtthatwaswhyyou
didn’t understand some things – but you were just a fucking liar. You lied about
everything!”

“I’msorry,I’msorry.”Maddiehadherhandsinfrontofher,herfieryredhairinwaves
over her shoulders, her breaths cutting short as she sobbed. “Please, don’t leave. I
nevermeant…”

“Whydon’tyoucallAntoineandtellhimhowyoufeel?Heseemsdesperatetotalkto
you.”Turningaway,hepulledthedooropenandslammeditbehindhimashestepped
into the hall. The wail he heard as he started towards the elevator plucked at him,
tempted him to go back and comfort her, to stop her pain – but she wasn’t who he
wantedtohold.Shewasaliewrappedinapretty,distractingpackage.Hewantedthe
girlhe’dthoughtshewas,andhehatedhimselfforfeelinganythingforthewomanin
therenow.

Hisheadwasbuzzingandeverythingwasahazeasheleftherapartmentbuilding.Paul
didn’tevenhavethechancetogetouttoopenthedoorbeforeThomaswassettledin
thebackseat,hisragecompletelyoutofcontrol.

“IsMs.O’Neillnotcoming?”

“No,she’snot.IneedtogototheGeorgetownhouse.Immediately.”

“Ofcourse.”Paulnoddedandimmediatelypulledawayfromthebuilding.Thedriveto
the house was a blur, because he spent the whole ride replaying the argument in his
head.Maddie’stears,thesobs,herprettyvoiceshapingevenmorelies.Hischestached
asherememberedherpleading,butthenhewouldrememberthewayherphonekept
buzzingwithtextsfromAntoineCano.

Whendoyouwanttomeettomorrow?Hadmadehispossessivestreaktwitch,buthe’d
pushed it down. Then came the text that had confused him: Are you done with the
article?

Atfirsthe’djustwantedtositdown,andsohe’dpulledoutherchair,butherdeskwas
coveredinpiecesofscrappaperwithBDSMtermsscrawledonthem,quickdefinitions,
andthenhe’dseenthejoboffer.Hisheadhadspun,tryingtoprocessitall,andbefore
hecouldthinkaboutithe’dopenedherlaptop.Thearticlewaswaitingonthescreen
likeshe’djustbeenworkingonit,andthenAntoinehadcalled,andshehadcomeout
and–

“Fuck!”Heshouted,slammingthesideofhishandintothedoorpanel.Pauljumpedat
the sudden break of silence in the car, and Thomas forced himself to breathe slowly.
“Sorry,Paul.Ijustgotsomebadnews.”

“Is Ms. O’Neill alright?” The question was a strange break in normal protocol for the
man,andThomasmethiseyesintherearviewmirror.

“She’sfine.”

Paulnodded,andthenputhiseyesbacktotheroad,stayingsilenttherestofthedrive,
whichwasn’tlongatall.Whenthecarpulleduptothecurb,Thomasopenedthedoor
beforeithadevenfullystopped.“Headhome,Paul.Thankyou.”

“Ofcourse,Mr.Hathaway.”

Assoonashegotintothehouse,darkandemptyandquiet,hewalkedintothelibrary
andpouredalargescotch.Itburned,butitdulledtherawfeelinginsidehimashesat
downandtriedtoclearhisheadenoughtofigureouthisnextsteps.

First,hetextedAlanthathewouldneedtodelayhisreturntotheofficeanotherday,
andthenhetookabigdrinkandcalledJaxson.Thelinerang,andrang,andwenttohis
voicemail. Thomas debated about what to say, but figured the discussion would be
betteriftheyweretalking–becausethenJaxsoncouldtearhimanewoneinrealtime.
Hetookadeepbreathandtriednottosoundasinsaneashefelt,“Jaxson,it’sThomas.I
needtotalktoyouassoonasyougetthis.Itisveryfuckingurgent.Callme,orcometo
theGeorgetownhouse.I’mhere.”

ChapterThirteen

Wednesday

heextendedchimeofthedoorbellechoingthroughoutthehousemadeThomas
jerkoutofthechair,andthenhegroanedashisheadpounded.Pryinghiseyes

openhecouldseetheunfinishedglassofscotchonthetablebesidehim,butwhether
thathadbeenhisfourthorfifthpour–hecouldn’tremember.

Shit.

Everythingfromthenightbeforecamerushingbackinfull,horrificTechnicolor,justas
the damn doorbell went off again. Growling, he stomped to the front door and knew
beforehe’devenopeneditwhowasoutfront.Onetall,broadframeintailoredclothes,
anotheralittleshorter,withslightlylongerhair.

Jaxson had brought Chase with him. Flipping the deadbolt, Thomas pulled the door
open.“Icalledyou,Jaxson.Justyou.”

“Where I go, we all go. You’re just lucky Emma had plans.” Jaxson shrugged, and
pointed towards the interior. “Are we going inside for whatever emergency you’re
having,orareyougoingtotellmewhileIfreezeonyourfrontporch?”

Rolling his eyes, he opened the door wide and let the two men into his house. Chase
gavehimagrinashewalkedin.“Thisisabeautifulhome.”

“Thankyou.”Thomaskickedthedoorshut,thewindowsshakingwiththeforceofit,
but he didn’t even flinch – he just walked back into the library and picked up his
unfinishedscotch.

“Thisisawhiskeyatnineinthemorningkindofproblem?”Jaxsonasked,crossinghis
arms as he paused just inside the room, Chase filling the rest of the doorway to his
right.

“It’sscotch,actually,andIhaveafeelingyou’reabouttowantsome.”

“Why?”Chaseasked.

“BecauseMaddieisafuckingreporter.”Thomasshouldnothavefeltthedarksurgeof
self-satisfaction as the shadow passed over Jaxson’s face, but he did. Now, the man
understoodthesituation.

“What?” His old friend’s voice was dangerously quiet, but Thomas had spent half the
night torturing himself over every mistake he’d made, every stupid choice, and he’d
numbedthemallwithliquor.

“MadelineO’NeillhaswrittenanarticleexposingBlackLightforTheWashingtonPost.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Jaxson roared, but Chase just stood there silent and
wide-eyed. “When does it go out? What kind of lead-time are you giving me on this
colossalfuckup?Goddammit,Thomas!”

“From what I understand, she hasn’t turned it in yet.” Thomas flinched as he
rememberedhervoice,unsteadywithtears,butthenhepusheditaway.“Shetoldme
lastnightshewasn’tgoingto,butIhonestlydon’tbelieveafuckingthingshesays.”

Jaxson laughed, a bitter sound as he walked over to the scotch and poured himself a
glass, and Chase shadowed him to do the same. His friend took a rough drink of the
liquidandthenlookedupathim.“So,youdiscoveredthislastnight.”

“Yes.”

“How?”

“Iwaspickingherupatherapartment,andIsawsomethingswhileIwaswaitingfor
hertogetready.ThenIsawthearticle,and…”

“And?”Chaseprompted.

“Ilostit.”Thomasfinishedthelastofthescotchinhishand,lettingitburnalltheway
down as he remembered how he’d shouted at her, the way she’d backed away from
himwithgenuinefear.

“JesusChrist,thisisanightmare.Pleasetellmeyoudidn’thurther,Icannotdealwith
thatshitrightnow.”

HeliftedhiseyestoJaxson,andforamomenthewasangrythathe’devensuggestedit.
“YoureallythinkI’mcapableofthat?”

Jaxson ran a hand through his hair, pacing away from him to take a drink before he
turned around again. “Look, you said you lost it, which I understand, but I’ve been
dealingwithalotlatelywhenitcomestofriendsmakingstupidchoiceswhenthey’re
angry.”

“Ihaveneverhit a woman,” Thomas growled, taking a few steps towards Jaxson, but
hisfrienddidn’tevenshiftafoot.

“Non-consensually.”Chase’svoicefloatedoverandbothheandJaxsonturnedtostare

at him. “I just think that’s an important distinction to make in this conversation,
because you have used things on women consensually. Hit them with crops and
floggers and stuff, but not to really hurt them. I just mean that it’s probably a good
thingtoclarify.You’venevernon-consensuallyhitawoman.”

Thomas turned his eyes back to Jaxson, but instead of the annoyance he felt, he saw
humorinthetiltofJaxson’smouth.“Seriously?”Thomasasked.

“Chasehasapoint,andfortherecord,Thomas,I’mgladyoudidn’tdoanythingtoher,
butI’llhandleitfromhere.”

“Wait, what are you going to do?” Some fractured part of him still felt the urge to
protecther,toputhimselfbetweenJaxsonandMaddie.Fool.

“Talktoher.Scareheralittle.RemindherthatwedohavehersignedNDAonfile,and
a lot of lawyers that will make her life hell if she breathes a word about the club, or
you.” Jaxson shrugged. “If I have to approach the Post, I’ll have my lawyers handle
that.Theywon’twanttofuckwithalegallyoperatingentity,especiallywhentheironly
sourceisinviolationofacontract.Don’tworry,I’llmakeherregretthedayshemet
you.”

“Right.” Thomas nodded, knowing he should have been comforted by the words, by
Jaxson’scommitmenttohelpingcleanthismessup–butnoneofthisfeltgood.Chase
approachedhim,swappingtheemptyglassofscotchinhishandforafreshone.

“Iknowyoulikedher,Thomas.I’msorrythishappened.”Theblonddroppedahandon
hisshoulderandsqueezed,stayingbesidehimforamomentbeforehewalkedoverto
Jaxson.Chasewhisperedsomethingtoolowtohear,andthentookJaxson’sunfinished
scotchandleftbothglassesonthewetbar.

His friend looked up at him, taking control of the situation. “We need her address,
Thomas.”

“I’vegotitinmyphone.”HisstomachtwistedashebrushedhisthumbacrossMaddie’s
contactinformation,rememberingthewayshe’dstooddazedinfrontofhimaftertheir
firstnightatBlackLight,stillcomingbackfromsubspaceasshe’dtoldhimhernumber.
Clenchinghisjaw,hepushedawaytheimageofherblush,andsentherinfotoJaxson.
“There.Youshouldhaveit.”

HisfriendslidaniPhonefromhispocket,staredatitforamoment,andthennodded.“I
do.Don’tworryaboutthis,we’llhandleit.”

“Just–”Thomasswallowedthefirstsetofwords,andchasedthemwithsomescotch.
“I’msorry,Jaxson.Thiswasmyfault.”

“You’reright,”heagreed,butthenheshrugged.“Ifithelpsatall,Ithoughtshewasa
differentpersontoo.Atleast,basedonwhatI’dheard.”

“Whathadyouheard?”

Hisoldfriendwaveditoff,movingtowardsthedoorway.“Itdoesn’tmatternow.”

“Tell me,” Thomas demanded, and Jaxson turned to face him, pity etched into his
expressionforamoment.

“I’dheardyoutwowerewell-matched.Thatshewasasubmissivewithapenchantfor
pain,butwhetherornotshecouldhandleacrop–”

“–ornippleclamps,”Chaseadded.

“Shewasn’twhoshepretendedtobe,Thomas.Nomatterwhatshedid,nomatterwhat
youdidwithher,itdoesn’tmatter.”Adjustingthecoatonhisshoulders,hewaitedfor
Chasetocomestandbesidehim.“We’llhandleit,”Jaxsonassuredhim.

“Thank you.” Thomas’ throat felt tight as he spoke, and he self-medicated with more
alcohol.

“I’llcallyoulater.”

Henoddedinreply,butthesoundofthefrontdooropeningandclosingseemedtosap
therestofhisenergyandhesunkintothenearestchair.Abehemothleatherthingthat
waslargeenoughtoswallowhim,evenathisheight.

Shewasn’twhoshepretendedtobe.

Right.Itwasallabunchoflies.Noneofithadbeentrue.Nothersubmission,nother
moans,andnothersmilesorthepealsoflaughterthathe’dheardinthisveryhouse.

I’mallyours.

No. It was all a mirage, and he just needed to wash it away. He needed more scotch.
Enoughofittomakehimstoppicturingherbitingherlowerlip,staringupathimwith
blueeyesthathe’dthoughtheldsomethinggoodwithinthem.

“Youdon’tneedtocomewithme,”Jaxsonmutteredastheelevatorrosetowardsthe
sixth floor, but Chase didn’t even react. He just stood beside him, quietly, which was
weird.“I’mjustgoingtotalktoher.”

“Mmhmm.”Chasemadeasoundofagreement,buteventhatsoundeddoubting,andit
wasmakinghimdefensive.

“Shedeservestogetscaredalittle.SheliedherwayintoBlackLight,she’splanningto
exposeeveryone.Everything.”

“Iknow.”Theelevatordinged,andChasewaitedforhimtostepoutofthedoorsfirst.

“She lied to Thomas, too.” Jaxson continued, checking his phone again for her
apartmentnumber.

“Yep.”

Muttering under his breath he scanned the doors, looking for the right one. Thomas
was one of his oldest friends, one of the few people who had understood the crap he
went through growing up, and seeing him that morning had been a shock. The man
was normally perfectly put together, pristine like most politicians, but he’d looked
completely destroyed. All thanks to Hurricane Maddie. His anger flared to life again.
ThisbitchhadusedThomas,justlikesomanywomenhaddonetohim,forherown
selfishpurposes.Withoutevenasecondthoughtaboutwhatwouldhappenwhenshe
wroteherfuckingarticle.

Six,two,seven.Thiswasherapartment.

Raisinghisfisthebangedonthedoor,rattlingthethingonitshinges.Hewaitedafew
seconds,andthenbangedagainevenlouder.

“Shemaynotbehome,wecan–”BeforeChasecouldfinishspeakingthesoundofthe
deadbolt turning silenced him. Then the door creaked open and the redhead peeked
throughtheopening.

“Weneedtohaveafuckingconversation,Ms.O’Neill.”Placinghisfootagainstthedoor
soshecouldn’tshutit,heleanedforward.“Now.”

“You’re Jaxson Davidson.” Her voice was quiet, shocked, but he didn’t have time for
hertoplaythestar-struckfemale.

“Yes, I am, and for the discussion we’re about to have I don’t want to be in the
hallway.”

Maddiejustletgoofthedoorandtookafewstepsbackintotheapartment,soJaxson
pushedittherestofthewayopen,lettingChasefollowhimintoshutit.Hedidn’twaste
anytimebeforehestartedtalking,“Iwanttomakesomethingveryclear–ifyouhave
turned in that article, I am about to make your life a living hell. You signed a non-
disclosureagreementwhenyoutrickedyourwayintoBlackLight,andwhetherornot
Thomaspaidforyou,Icanpromiseyouthatyouaretheonlyonemylawyersaregoing
totearapart.”

Shenodded,herarmscominguptocrossjustunderherbreasts,butshedidn’tspeak.
Instead,shewaschewingherlipsohardhewouldn’thavebeensurprisedifitstarted
bleeding.

“You need to listen to me. There’s nothing illegal about Black Light, everything that
happensthereisconsensual,andIdon’treallycarewhatyoufuckingthinkaboutit,but
ifyoubreatheawordaboutittoanyone,muchlessthefuckingPost,Iwilldestroyyou.
AndIwon’tbepullinganypunchesafterwhatyoudidtomyfriend.”

Maddie’sblueeyeswentwide,andthenhewatchedasherfacecollapsed.Tearscame,
and then she was sobbing, and Jaxson was so taken aback as she bent at the waist,
huggingherself,thathecouldn’tthinkstraight.

“Ididn’t–Iwasn’t–”Herwordsweregettingcaughtbythegaspsofairshewaspulling

inbetweenrawsobs.

Shit,eithershewasthebestactresshe’devermet,orshewasactuallyupset.

“Ifyouthinkthisisgoingtohelpyou–”

“Idon’twantyourfuckinghelp!”shescreamedathim,snifflinghardandwipingather
cheeks as she turned away from them. Maddie started stacking things on her desk,
ripping cords out of her laptop, and the wall, piling them up. “You can have it all, it
doesn’tfuckingmatter.Noneofitfuckingmatters.”

“Maddie,”Chasespokeup,butshedidn’tevenreactasshepickedupthemessypileof
papersandtechnology.

Stomping back towards him she shoved the pile at Jaxson’s chest, and he raised his
armsoninstinct.“Justtakeit,takeallofit.Noneofitmatters.Iwasn’tgoingtoturnit
in!Iwasn’tgoingtoturnitin…”herfingerswerestilltouchingthepileinhisarmsfora
moment,andthenshebrokedown,foldingoveragainasthesobsreturned.

JaxsonturnedtolookatChasewhohadanItoldyousolookonhisface,andthenthey
bothwatchedasMaddiestumbledtoherbedandsatdownontheedge,hiccuppingas
shetriedtobreathethroughthetears.

Well,fuck.

Withhispreparedthreatsdelivered,hefinallytookamomenttolookaroundthetiny
space.Everythingwasinoneroom,andtheplacewasawreck.Herkitchenwasagainst
oneendoftheroom,herbedinfrontofit,facingthewindows.Shemusthaveeaten,
and done everything else, at her desk because it was the only real surface in the
apartment.Theoppositecornerhadadresser,aclothesrack,andalaundrybasketfull
ofmore,andthentherewerelittleshelvingunitsonthewallclosesttothefrontdoor.It
wassmall,toosmallforanexperiencedreporteratthePost.

Chaseapproachedherslowly,easingtohiskneesinfrontofher,andJaxsonknewwhy
hisloverhadinsistedoncoming.He’dsomehowexpectedthis.

Maddieliftedhereyestolookathim,andforthefirsttimethatdayhereallysawher.
Herredhairwasatangled,frizzymessdowntohershoulders.Noserawandredfrom
crying, skin ghostly pale other than the smattering of freckles, which only served to
makethecontrastsharper.IfhehadthoughtThomaslookedbad,thiswasawholenew
levelofdisaster.

“Justtalktome,I’mhere.I’mlistening.”Chasewaswhisperingtoher,usingthatsoft
voicethathealwaysdidwhensomeonewasinpain–askillJaxsonwasstilltryingto
developforEmma.

The girl shook her head, another round of sobs making her shake, and he found
himself standing awkwardly with an armful of stuff, across from the woman he’d
plannedtoruinjustfifteenminutesbefore.Timeforanewtactic.Hemaynotbegood
at the emotional side of things, but he did have one thing he’d always been good at.

JaxsonturnedonhisDomvoice,authoritativeandclear,“Explain.Now.”

Maddiestilledinstantly,asniffletheonlysoundshemadeforamomentasshelooked
upathimwitheffervescentblue,bloodshoteyes.“Why?Hedoesn’tcare.”

Debatable.Andthatwasoneofthemainreasonshewasstillstandingintheroom.

“Yousaidyouweren’tgoingtoturnitin,sowhatwereyougoingtodo?”

“Nothing.IturneddownthejobatthePost.”

“Youdon’tworkforthem?”heasked,confused.

She shook her head. “My contact there said I had to bring him an article, something
that would wowthem, before they’d hire me.” Maddie hugged herself a little tighter,
droppingherheadforamomentasmoretearsfell…andthenshetoldthembothher
story.Howshe’dshownupatRunwaylookingforastory,anystory,andthennoticed
theD.C.elitearriving–butshewasn’tabletofindthemonceinsideanditpiquedher
interest. The rest flowed fast. Her discovery of the secret entrance, her sneaking in,
Thomaschoosingtopayforherguestpass.

Itwasamess.Areallybigmessthatpointedoutsomeweaknessesinhissecurityhe
neededtotightenup,alongwithsomenewdirectivestomembersabouthowtoenter
BlackLight–butwhenitcametohertears,herbreakdownoverThomas,hestillwasn’t
surewhattobelieve.

“I chose him, I don’t care about the rest of it. Any of it. Everything was going to be
perfect,Iwashis,butitdoesn’tmatternow.Iruinedit,IruinedthebestthingI’veever
had,andthere’snopointtoanythingbecausehedoesn’tcareaboutmeanymore.”

“How about some water instead?” Chase was talking to her again, easing a bottle of
vodkaoutofherhands,andthenhewasinherkitchenopeningcabinetstofindaglass.

“Isthiseverything?”Jaxsonasked,jostlinghisarmfulofpapers,cords,andtechnology
thatincludedherlaptopandwhatlookedlikeanexternalharddrive.

“Youcanhavethistoo,itdoesn’tmatter.I’mnotgoingtotalk.”ShegrabbedheriPhone
off the little folding table that sat at her bedside. “The passcode is four, two, eight,
eight.”

“Drink this,” Chase demanded, employing his Dom voice with her as he gave her the
water,andthenhetookthephonefromherhands,lookingdownatitforamomentas
hestoodbeforeher.

Maddiesatontheedgeofthebed,mostlylimpasshetookasmallsipofwaterandthen
helditbetweenherknees.Thenicegreensweaterlookedstrangewiththepink,plaid
pajamapants,butJaxsondidn’tcomment.

“Well?”ChasewhisperedashemovedcloseandofferedJaxsonthephone,opentoher
home screen with a backdrop of a starry sky. They shifted the pile of stuff between
themsohecouldlookatit.

“I’mnotsure,”Jaxsonansweredquietly,tryingtodecidewhattodonext.Heraisedhis
voicewhenhespoketoMaddie,“Look,I’mnottakingyouronlyphone,butIneedtobe
sureyou’veremovedeverythingfromit.”

“Feelfree,”sheanswered,wipingatherfacewithhersleeve.“Itooksomepicturesof
thegueststamp,I’vegotanoteinthere,justwipeitall.Smashit.Throwitaway,Idon’t
care.”

Jaxsonsighed,herdefeatedtonetuggingathimashefocusedbackonthedevice.He
deleted the note first, a collection of names and details that never needed to see the
light of day. Then he opened her photos and started swiping through. Chase almost
chokednexttohimasanimageofwhathadtobeMaddie’sassappearedonthescreen.
He swiped past, seeing a few more images that he instantly tried to erase from his
memory.Thenhefoundphotosofthestamp,andothersofRunway,andcarsinfront.
Hedeletedthemallbeforehewalkedovertoher.“Isthateverything?”

She sat back, staring up at him as he towered over her and offered her the phone.
“Yes.”

“Nomoreback-ups?Otherthings?”

“No.”Hersnifflewasalmostcute,andhecouldseewhatThomashadseeninthegirl.
Shewasprobablygorgeouswhenshewascryingfordifferentreasons.

“If there’s anything you’re holding back, you’re going to regret it.” The threat was
probably not necessary, but he felt like he had to leave no doubt in her mind. “And
you’renotwelcomebackatRunwayorBlackLight.”

“Right.”Shenoddedandherbreathshookasshesighed.

“I’ll have my people go through your equipment and return it once we’ve cleaned it,
buttheNDAisstillineffect.Ifyousuddenlychangeyourmindand–”

“Iwon’tchangemymind.”

“Okay. Then, we’re going to go.” Jaxson stepped back from her, but she was already
staringatherlap.

Chasewasstilllookingatthegirl,concernplasteredalloverhisface,ashepassedhim
tomovetothedoor.Jaxsoncouldtellthathisloverwantedtostay,wantedtocomfort
thegirl,buthewasn’tsureshedeservedthatkindness.Withoutanotherwordtheyleft
herapartment,Jaxsonmakingsurethedoorwaspulledtight,andthenChasespokeup,
“Sheseemssincere.”

“Yeah,butwhetherthetearsareforgettingcaught,orforsomethingelse,I’mnotsure
yet.”

As they walked towards the elevator, Chase scoffed. “You know as well as I do why
she’ssoupset,andithasnothingtodowiththearticle.”

“First things first, we need to go through this shit and see what she was able to write

about.I’mgoingtohavesomeonedigintowhatthePostknows–becauseifshegave
themtoomuchtheymightbetryingtolookatBlackLightevenifshepulledherstory.”
Jaxsonsighedashepressedthecallbutton.“Then,andonlythen,amIgoingtoeven
thinkaboutwhatelsemightneedtohappen.”

“Good.”

“Itmaynotevenmatter,Chase.”Heglancedathimastheysteppedinsidetheelevator
andheadedbackdownstairs.

“Ithinkitwill,”theblondsmiledathim,fullofunbeatableoptimism.

Jaxsonhuffed.“We’llsee.”

“

ChapterFourteen

Thursday

hoa, Ginger, you really don’t look good.” Jamar sat the cup of coffee on her
desk,paleandmilky,justlikeshelikedit,butshewasn’teveninterested.

“Iknow.”

“Whatwasit?Foodpoisoning?”Helookedaroundtheoffice,whichwasbuzzingwith
chatter,aburstoflaughterofftooneside.“Idon’tthinkanyoneelsegotsick,andI’m
prettysureCruellahadthelasagnatoo.”

“Who?”Maddielookedupathiminconfusion.

“TammyinIT,she’sgottheblondehairwiththeblackstreakunderneath?Theycalled
her–nevermind.Look,I’mworriedaboutyou.Youstillfeelsick?”

She shrugged. It would be so much easier if what she felt was food poisoning, but
insteaditwasworse.Somuchworse.“I’llbefine.”

“Okay, well, if you need anything all you have to do is ask.” Jamar started to turn
towardshisdesk,butMaddiestoppedhim.

“Actually,IthinkIwanttogoseemyparentsnextweek.They’vebeenonacruiseand
Ihaven’ttoldthemaboutthepromotionyet,itwouldbenicetosurprisethem.”And
getthefuckoutoftheDistrictforawhile.

“AreyousayingI’mgoingtohavetohandlethequeuesbymyselfforawholeweek?”
Hesighedasheaskedthequestion,butsheknewhewasn’tupset.

“I’llbuyyouguysareallynicebabyshowergift.”

“Noneed.OfcourseI’lldoit.Briberyisn’trequired,”hegrinned,“butitisverymuch
appreciated.”

“Thanks, Gilligan.” She forced a smile, but it felt strange and brittle on her face.

Fortunately,heseemedtoignoreit.

“Backtoworkwego!Heighho,heighho!”

Shakingherheadathim,shetriedtofocusonherwork.Toblockoutthebittertastein
hermouthwheneversherememberedthelastwordsshe’dhadwithThomas.Hehad
beensoangry,hisfaceemptyofanyofthecharmingkindnessshe’dfalleninlovewith.

Shit.

There was the pain just behind her ribs again, a twist that made her rub over her
sternuminanefforttoeaseit.BeforeThomasHathawayshe’dthoughtheartbreakwas
just a phrase, but now she understood the word. It actually felt like her heart was
broken,nothingbutshrapnelinherchest,butitwastoolate.Everythinghadbeentoo
late.

Discoveringhowshefeltabouthim.ThecalltoAntoinewhere’dheshoutedatherfor
lyingtohim,formakinghimwaitaroundforanon-existentstory.

Sheshouldhavecomecleanwhenshe’dhadthechance.Thatfirstmorningwhenshe’d
wokenupinhisarms,inhisbed,andknownthathewasn’tsomethingshecouldlive
without.

Except, now she had to. She’d never get to hear him call her beautiful again. She
probablywouldn’thearhimsayanythingagainunlessshewatchedC-SPANforthenext
decade,andthatwouldbeexactlywhatshedeserved.

Alonely,emptylife.

His cell phone buzzed in his pocket, but Thomas squeezed the button on the side to
silenceit,keepinghisfaceplacidashetriedtopayattentioninthemeeting.

Therestoftheworldhadn’tstoppedjustbecausehishadfallenapart.

Therewasalistofpeoplewhowantedtimewithhim,alitanyofmeetingsbookinghis
calendarfromeightinthemorningtoeightatnightbecauseofhisabsence.Alanhad
evenapologizedfortheback-to-backnatureofthem,butThomasdidn’tevenmind.It
kepthismindoffeverythingelse,offher.

“Whatdoyouthink,Hathaway?Willwehaveenoughsupport?”CongressmanBowen
was looking at him, and the collection of aides and other representatives turned
towardshimaswell.

“Ithinkwe’reinagoodplace,aslongasweverifywithRichardandgetonemoreofthe
swingvotes.”

“Whowouldyourecommend?”Bowenasked,andThomaswantedtojusttellhimtodo
hisowndamnresearch.Dohisownjob.Beasfamiliarwiththeirpeersashewas,but

thatwastheonlyreasonThomaswaseveninthismeeting.Hiscomfortlevelwiththe
Democrats in Congress. As one of the more junior members, he should have been
gratefultoevenbeintheroom.

Focus.

Hetookaslowbreath,runningthroughthepeopleinhisheaduntilanameappeared.
“Charles,fromGeorgia.Ithinkhewasontheedge.”

“NotLauraCohenoutofMaine?”

“Ifyouthinkyoucanswingbothofthem,talktobothofthem.”Thomassoundedas
tiredashefelt,andthesuddenbuzzofconversationintheroomwasmoreirritating
thaninvigorating.Hisphonevibratedinhispocketagain,andheclosedhiseyestotry
andpushbacktherushoffrustration.

“Thomas–whydon’tyoutalktoCharles,andMaryBethwilltalktoLaura.Thenwecan
meet again on Monday when we’re all back. Does that sound good to everyone?”
Bowen looked around the room, and Thomas followed suit with the chorus of
agreements.Anythingtoendthemeetingsohecouldhavefiveminutestograbsome
waterbeforethenextone.

“Great,seeyouallthen.”

It was several hours later when Thomas was finally walking back into his office, and
Alanwasrighttherewithanotepadinhand.“Iorderedyoudinneragain,itshouldbe
here soon. Trisha wanted to talk to you before she left for the day about the brief
summary, and Representative Billings’ assistant asked me again about the golf
tournamentintheSpring.Theyneedananswer.”

“Fine,”ThomasagreedashewalkedbackintohisofficeandAlanfollowed.

“Perfect,I’llconfirmthatthen.Yourmothercalled,bytheway.Askedyoutocallher
backwheneveryougotachance.”Heheldoutashortstackofpost-itnotes.“Andhere
aretheothermessagesfromtoday.”

“Thankyou,Alan.”Hetookthepapersfromhimandsettledintohischair,rubbinghis
handsoverhisface.“Isthereanythingelse?”

His assistant was standing beside his desk, shifting his weight from foot to foot as he
stared.“DidsomethinghappeninNewYork?Youhaven’tbeenrightsince–”

“Everythingisfine,Alan.WhenwillTrishbein?”

“Probably soon. Friday is a light day with most of the representatives leaving for the
weekend,you’vegotafewmeetingsinthemorning,andnothingintheafternoon.”

“Good,”Thomassaggedinhisseat,notevenlookingatthestackofworkhestillhadto
do.Noneofwhichevenremotelyinterestedhimatthemoment.

“Can I do anything for you?” Alan asked, and he knew it was a sincere offer. His

assistant,hisfriend,knewhimbetterthanmostpeople.He’djoinedhimjustafterthe
successful campaign in New York for his first term, and now they were starting their
second.

Summoningasmilefortheman,heshookhishead.“No,butIappreciateit.”

“Nodinnerreservations?”Alanprompted,atingeofhopeinhisvoice.

“No.Nodinnerreservations.”Thomasinstantlyshutdown,turningtohislaptoplikehe
actuallywantedtodowork,andAlantookthecue.

“Alright.I’llbeleavingafterthefoodgetshere.”

“Thanks,”heanswered,andwaitedforAlantopullhisdoorclosedbeforehepropped
his elbows on his desk and pressed the heels of his hands against his eyes. Just as he
was trying to empty his head of visions of Maddie, his phone buzzed again and he
growledandrippeditfromhispocket.

ThreetextsfromJaxson,andamissedcall.

ThephonebarelyrangoncebeforeJaxsonanswered,“Thomas?”

“Hey,letmeguess.Morebadnews?”

“No,actually.IdidconfirmshewasspeakingwithanAntoineCanoatTheWashington
Post,butImadesomecallstosomefriends,andthere’snostory.NotaboutRunway,or
asexclubinD.C.,oranything.”Jaxsonblewoutabreathontheotherendoftheline.
“Itseemslikeshewastellingthetruth.”

“Except for all the lying before that,” he retorted, feeling that uncomfortable twist
insidewheneverhethoughtaboutthethingsthey’ddone.

“Right.”Thelinewassilentforamoment,nothingbutdeadair,andthenJaxsonhuffed.
“Look,Iknowshefuckedup,but–”

“There’snobutstothis,Jaxson.SheusedmetogetintoBlackLight–”

“Forastoryshedidn’tactuallydoanythingwith.”

“It doesn’t matter!” Thomas raised his voice, leaning back in his chair to stare at the
ceiling. “I played with her, I had sex with her, and it was all a game. Just a research
sessiontoher.”

“Haveyoucalledher?”Jaxsonasked.

“Why would I call her? I have nothing to say.” He shook his head, wishing that
everyone on his staff had left so he could dig out that bottle of liquor someone had
giftedhimamonthbeforeforChristmas.

“Becauseyoutoldmelastweekshewasthemostinterestinggirlyou’devermet.That
youcouldn’tstopthinkingabout–”

“Well,I’mnotthinkingaboutheranymore,”Thomaslied,andheknewJaxsondidn’t
believehim.Shestillpoppedintohisheadwheneverhehadamomenttobreathe,only
nowthememoriesweretingedwithanacidicdiscomfort.

“MyITguysfinishedwipingtheinformationoffherlaptop,andherharddrive.I’vegot
acourierservicedeliveringittonight.It’salloverifyouwantittobe.”

“Good.There’snothingmoretobedone.”

Jaxson sighed heavily, letting out a round of quiet curses on his end of the phone
beforehespokeagain,“You’rereallygoingtogiveuponthis?”

“Giveuponwhat?Agirlwholiedtomeabouteverythingshewas?Wholetmeplay
with her when she was uneducated and had no fucking idea what we were doing?”
Thomaslaughedbitterly,strugglingtokeephisvoicedownsonooneoutsidehisdoor
wouldhear.“Imean,howcouldsheevenhaveconsentedtowhatwedid?Tometying
herup?Usingagoddamncaneonherwhenshedidn’thaveacluewhatitevenwas?”

“Youdidn’tdoanythingwrong,Thomas.”

“ItsureasfuckfeelslikeIdid,andshebrokesomanyrulesIcan’teventhinkofthem
all.Sheliedtome,tomyface,somanytimes…”Hisvoicetrailedoffasflashesofher
flickeredthroughhismind.Thesightofheragainstthecross,onherkneeswithnipple
clamps making her beautiful face contort with pain and panting pleasure. All lies.
“There’snofixingthis,Jaxson.Iappreciateyouhandlingthis,makingsurethearticle
didn’tgoout,becausethatwouldhavebeentheworstoutcome–butthere’snothing
moreyoucando.”

“Okay,listentome.So,shewasn’tintothelifestylebeforeshefoundBlackLight,before
shemetyou.Didyougiveherasafeword?Tellhertouseit?”

“Ofcourse,”Thomasgrowled.

“Anddidsheever,evenonce,accuseyouofcrossingthelinewithher?”

“Whywouldshe?IwasherfuckingmealticketintoBlackLight.Toyou.ToChase,and
Emma,andeveryoneofthemembers.”

“She didn’t send the article, Thomas. I read it. It was done, and she didn’t send it in.
She’sgotajournalismdegreefromPennState,she’sworkingasacopyeditoratalocal
coupon paper, and she just declined a very lucrative job offer from The Washington
Posttojointheirstaff.”

Foryou.

The words hung, unspoken, in the silence on the call, but Thomas couldn’t bring
himself to feel anything beyond the bitter betrayal that had tainted every moment
betweenthem.“There’snofixingwhatshe’sdone.”

“Ittookastrokeofluckandaleapoffaithformetofindmyhappiness,Thomas,andit
wasn’teasy.Itwasmessy,andhard,butsometimesthat’swhatittakes.”

“I’mhappyforyou,Jaxson.I’vetoldyouthatbefore,andI’mgladyoumovedtoD.C.so
wecouldreconnect,butIdon’tseeawaypastthis.”

“Justtellmeonething,andbehonestorI’llcomeoverandcallyouanassholetoyour
faceinfrontofallyourpoliticianfriends.”Jaxson’svoicehadahintoflaughterinit,but
itfeltserious.

“What?”

“Didyoucareabouther?”

Thomassighed,rememberingsoftskinandsweetlipsandherperfectvoiceagainsthis
ear.“Idid,butitdoesn’tmatternow.”

“Alright.” His old friend sighed against the phone, and he heard the clink of ice that
signaledhewasalreadydrinking.“I’maroundifyouwanttotalk,orjust–Idon’tknow
–stareateachothersoyou’renotbyyourself.”

“Thanks,”heanswered,buthedidn’twanttobearoundJaxsonandallhishappiness.
He didn’t want to be around anyone. After a moment they said their goodbyes and
hungup.Withtheheavyconversationstillweighingonhim,hetriedtoburyhismind
backinwork.Fillinallthecrackswithmeetings,andbriefstoread,andthesmallpart
heplayedinhelpingthecountryrun.

Thefirststickynotehepickedupwasthenoteaskinghimtocallhismomback,buthe
knewshewouldjustwanttotalkaboutthegirlhe’dmentionedathisfather’sbirthday
lunch–andtherewasnothingmoretosayaboutthat.So,instead,hereachedforhis
phonetocallTrisha’sdeskandaskhertocomebyfortheirmeeting.

ChapterFifteen

Sunday

addie propped the laundry basket against her hip, and used her free hand to
openherdoor.Thephonebuzzinginherbackpocketatarhythmthattoldherit

wasaphonecall,andshepulleditoutassoonasshewasabletokickthedoorclosed.It
wasanumbershedidn’trecognize,andsosheletitrolltovoicemail.

Placing the basket beside the suitcase on her bed, she started to fold clothes, either
packingthemorputtingthemonthefloorbehindher.Itwasamindlessactivity,which
felt like all she was good for these days. Cleaning her apartment like she’d suddenly
developedOCD,bikingendlessmilesinthebuilding’sgym,anythingtokeepherfrom
sittinginsilencebecausethatwaswhenshestartedtothink.

Herphonerangagain,butthistimeitsaidaname:ChaseCartwright.

“What the hell?” she dropped the pair of yoga pants in her hand and stared at the
screenforamoment.Herstomachtwisted,nervous,butsheknewhe’djustcallbackif
she ignored it. If they wanted to yell at her some more, she might as well take it.
Pressingtheanswerbuttonshespokesoftly,“Hello?”

“Hey,Maddie.”

“Chase?Whyareyouinmy–”

“Iaddedmynumberwhenyougaveusyourphone,andIwashopingyou’dcall,butI
guessyoudidn’tnotice.”

“No, I didn’t.” She’d been avoiding her phone, avoiding everything that brought up
memoriesofThomas.

“Howareyoudoing?”hisvoicewaswarm,sweet,andsheknewexactlywhathewas
askingabout,butsheknewifsheeventhoughtaboutitshe’dburstintotearsagain.

“Fine.”

“Ithoughtyouweredonewithlying.”Itsoundedlikeaplayfulprod,butitmadeher
angry.Whythefuckwasheevencallingher?

“I’mhangingupnow.”

“Wait!”Chasesoundedpanicked,andsoshebroughtthephonebacktoherear.

“What?I’mreallybusy.”

“Jaxsonwantstotalktoyou,butyoudidn’tanswerwhenhecalled.”

“Hedidn’tputhisnumberinmyphone,andIonlyansweredyoubecauseitsurprised
me.Iclearlyshouldhaveignoredboth.”Thebitingangerwasinhervoicenow,buthe
seemedunfazed.

“Well, will you talk to him for a minute?” Before she could respond, she heard soft
wordsonhisendoftheline,andtheshuffleofthephonechanginghands.

“Maddie?” It was Jaxson Davidson, that low voice something she would have
recognizedanywhere.

“Igotthelaptopandstuff,ifthat’swhatyou’recallingabout,andifyouwanttoyellat
mesomemorejustgetitoverwith.”

“It’snot,butI’mgladyougotitback.Actually,there’sonemorethingweneedfrom
youbeforewecanputthisallbehindus,”Jaxson’svoicewasalmostgentle.

“Whatelsecouldyoupossiblyneed?”Maddieasked,defeattakingovertheangerinher
voiceasshesatdownontheedgeofherbed,shovingthelaundrybasketfurtherback.

“I need you to come to the club tomorrow night and sign some things. Simple
confirmationsthatyou’renotgoingtotakeanyfurtheractionwiththeinformationyou
have.”

“YouhavetheNDAonfile.Youremindedmeofthat.”

“Yes, but since that didn’t seem to faze you before, the lawyers want a little more
assurancefromyou.Howdoesseveno’clocksound?”

“I’m not going to do anything with what I know. The Post won’t even talk to me
anymore.Whatmoredoyouwant?”Shefeltexhausted,andallshewantedwastobe
back in her parent’s house, eating her mom’s food, drinking with her dad while they
watchedsomeold,filmnoirdetectivemovie.

“I want you to show up at Black Light tomorrow, at seven PM.” Jaxson’s tone had
shifted,notwelcominganyargument.

“Fine.I’llbethere.Doyouwantmetogotothepsychicshop,orRunway?”Maddiefelt
aslimflourishofsatisfactionremindinghimthatsheknewaboutbothentrances.

“Runway will be fine I’ll be there to open the door for you. Both clubs are closed on
Mondayssotherewon’tbealineoranything.”

“GuessI’llseeyouthen.”

“Good.” He hung up before she got the chance to do it first, and she growled at the
phone before switching to text her parents, telling them she’d be home on Tuesday
instead.

Atleastthenthiswouldallbedone,andshecouldfigureoutwhatwasnextwithoutthe
purpleglowofBlackLighthauntingher.

MondayNight

PaulwassilentinthecarashepulledupinfrontofRunwayjustbeforenine,theneon
and lights all turned off, but there was a single security light above the front doors.
ThomassighedasPauljumpedoutandwalkedaroundtoopenhiscardoor.“I’llhave
Jaxson’s people give me a ride home when we’re done meeting, no need to wait
around.”

“Ifyou’resure,Mr.Hathaway.”

“Iam.Haveagoodnight,Paul.”Thomasshutthecarhimself,andthenwalkedtowards
the doors. He pulled out his phone, ready to call Jaxson, but his friend was standing
therewhenheraisedhisheadagain.“Hey.”

“Hey,”Jaxsonanswered.“Readytotalk?”

“Itoldyouitwasn’tnecessary,I’mfine.”Followinghimintotheinterioroftheclub,it
looked strangely naked when it wasn’t packed with people and covered in colorful
lightsandlasers.

“Look,you’remyfriend,right?”Jaxsonaskedastheymeanderedtowardsthebackhall
andthroughthecurtainintobackstage.

Whatthefuckwashedoing?

“Yes,”Thomasnoddedandwaitedintheclub’ssupplyclosetforhimtoopenthedoor.
“We’regoingtoBlackLighttotalk?Whydon’twejustgotoyouroffice?”

“It’sthebestplaceforthisconversation.”Jaxsonheadeddownthestepstothesecurity
roomashefollowed.“Anyway,I’mdonedoingthisdance,soI’mjustgoingtolayitout
foryou.IknowyoucareforMaddie–”

Hetriedtointerrupt,butJaxsondidn’tevengivehimthechance.

“AndIknowthissituationwasanightmare.Foryou,forme…andforher.Butyou’re
myfriend,andI’mnotjustgoingtoignoresomethingwhenIthinkyouhaveachance
tobehappy.”Jaxsonstoodinthestrangepale,purplelightofthelockerroom,facing
offwithhim.“You’remiserable,andsoisshe.”

“She doesn’t have any right to feel miserable! This is all her fault!” Thomas snapped,
irritated at having to follow Jaxson around like a puppy as he threaded his way
downstairs.

“Butshedoes.DoyouknowwhathappenedwhenChaseandIwenttotalktoher?”He
barely paused. “She handed over everything. Her notes, her laptop, even her phone,
andshestartedcrying.Fuckingsobbingsohardshecouldn’tbreathe.Shekepttelling
us that none of it mattered, because youdidn’t care – but here’s the thing, Thomas, I
thinkyoudocare.Ithinkyoucarealot.”

“No,she’sright.Itdoesn’tmatter,becausesheliedtome.She’snotasubmissive,she’s
not honest, and she used me to try and take down your club. Why are you even
defendingher?”Thomaspushedahandthroughhishair,contemplatingwalkingback
outthewayhe’dcome.“Isthiswhatyoubroughtmeherefor?Torehashthisbullshit?”

“You’rewrong.”

“What?”hegrowled.

“Maddieisasubmissive.”

“Youdon’t know what you’retalking about.” Thomas felthis anger pulsing again, his
temper ready to snap, because the worst part of everything he’d been stuck
rememberingforthelastweekhadbeenthememoriesofhowshe’drespondedtohim.
It had felt so real, but it had all been fiction. A clever ruse by a very smart, very
beautifulgirl.

Jaxson reached over the desk Danny usually sat at, and then the door to Black Light
opened.“Ineedyoutolistentome,Thomas.Yougotintothelifestylebeforeme,and
wedidn’ttalkforawhile,butsincewe’vereconnectedthere’salwaysbeenonething
you’vetoldme:it’sourjobasDominantstotakecareofoursubmissives.Totakecare
ofthem,toteachthem,toguidethem–andtoforgivethemwhentheymessup.”

“Thisisn’tsomelittlemistake,Jaxson.”Hisvoicewasawhisper,buttheyoungerman
steppedclose,andtheywerealmosteyetoeye,hisfriendjustalittletaller.

“Shithappens,Thomas.Lifeismessy.Thequestionhereiswhetheryou’regoingtoleta
mistake,bigorsmall,affecttherestofyourlife…”Jaxsontookaslowbreath,andtilted
hisheadtowardsthedoor.“Orifyou’regoingtoreallylookatwhat’sinfrontofyou.”

Thomas’heartwaspoundingbehindhisribs,anervoustensionmakinghisshoulders
tight.“Whatdidyoudo,Jaxson?”

“I haven’t done anything, I’ve just laid out the options. For you… and for her.” He
turnedawayandpushedopenthedoorintotheclub,whichwaseerilysilent.Empty.

Forher?

Thomas walked forward in a daze, pulling the door shut behind him as he watched
Jaxsonheadontothemainfloor,stoppinginfrontofoneoftheraised,circularstages.

Therewasawoodenwhippingposterectedinthecenterofit.“Whatisthis?”Thomas
whispered,andJaxsonpulledhimtowardsapairofleatherchairsthathadbeenmoved
tofacethestage.

“Sitdown,watch,andlisten.”TheauthoritativetoneinJaxson’svoicemadehimwant
toargue,butthenhesawSpencer,theclub’sDungeonMaster,walkoutfromoneofthe
locker rooms. The man’s normal suit jacket was got, the sleeves of his button down
rolled up. What was going on? He blamed his shock for how he let Jaxson push him
downintotheseat.

Spencerpausedbesideacouch,leaningdowntoripagirlinagrayshirtandblackyoga
pantsupright,fieryredstrandsinhisfingersasshegasped.Maddie?“Comeon,girl.”

Itwasher.

HesawherfacethesecondSpencerturnedheraroundtopushhertowardstheraised
platform, and Thomas immediately tried to stand up – but Jaxson’s hand on his
shoulderforcedhimbackintohisseat.“Listen,”hisfriendwhispered.

“Up,”Spencerordered,andshewalkedbarefootupthestepstothestage.Partofhim
wantedtocallouttoher,buthepusheditdown,remindinghimselfthatwhoeverthis
was–shewasn’this.

SowhythefuckwasJaxsonmakinghimwatch?

“Beforewebegin,tellmewhyyou’rehere.”Spencerwalkedtheflooraroundthestage.
“Speak,girl.”

“Tobepunished,”shewhispered,anditwasonlytherelativesilenceoftheroomthat
madeheraudible.

“Excuseme?”

“To be punished, sir,” Maddie spoke louder, but her eyes stayed down at her hands,
fingerstwistingtogether.

“Good.Stripdowntounderwear.”ThecommandwasgivenasSpencerwalkedawayto
the wall of toys and implements, but Thomas’ eyes couldn’t leave her, his muscles
bunchingashealmostgotupagain.

“Staydown,andlisten,Thomas,”Jaxsonurgedhim,andhetried,butasshestartedto
pull the shirt over her head he wanted to cover her up. Stand between her and
everyoneelse.

She’snotyours.She’snotyours.

Her eyes found his for just a moment as she finished taking off her pants, but she
pulledhergazeawaybeforehecouldreact.ThenSpencerwasreturningwithseveral
things in his hands. “Face the post,” the man snapped and Maddie turned away from
Thomastoobey.

“Yes, sir,” she spoke softly, and he hated hearing her say that to anyone else. Even
someone like Spencer, who was clearly only acting in his role at the club at Jaxson’s
request.

Thecuffswereonherwriststooquickly,andtheothermanhookedhertothepost,her
heels lifted off the floor, leaving her stretched out and taut against the wood. A
beautifulexpanseofpaleskin,wherethelastlingeringmarksoftheirplayshowedas
mereshadowsononecheekofherroundbacksidebeneaththeedgesofherthong.

“Your safe word is red.” The Dungeon Master spoke, but she didn’t answer, and he
spankedherhard.“Acknowledge.”

“Yes,sir,”Maddiedroned,lifelessly.“Mysafewordisred.”

She’snotgoingtouseit.

Thomas knew it instantly, but Jaxson’s grip on his shoulder tightened to the point of
pain, forcing him to stay seated. Spencer leaned down and picked up a long flogger
madeofathick,oiledleather.“Youtoldmeyou’reheretobepunished.Why?”

The man stepped back, shaking out the flogger, and Thomas tensed. “Because I lied,”
Maddiespokethewordsevenly,butshegaspedasSpencerbroughttheleatheracross
hershouldersinahardswing,thelinesappearingfast.

“Whatdidyoulieabout?”heasked,andstruckherwiththefloggeragain,mid-back.

“IsaidIwasinvitedtoBlackLight!”shecriedout,whimperingastheleatherlandedthe
otherdirectionacrosshershouldersagain.Bright,pinkskinalready.

“Why did you sneak into my club?” Spencer asked, and Jaxson made a noise behind
him just as the leather struck again, turning her upper back into a network of lines
fromthemanyfalls.Maddiewasbarelylettingoutanoisewitheachstrike,butinhis
experience that kind of oiled leather could sting and thud enough to send other subs
intotears.

“Iwasgoingtowriteanarticleaboutit.”Thestrikethatfollowedwasharder,thecrack
of the leather loud, and Maddie whined, her fists balling up on the other side of the
cuffs.“Idid–Ididwriteanarticle.”

“That’s right, you did,” Spencer replied, and delivered a series of hard strikes of the
viciousfloggeracrossherassandthighs.Maddiejerkedwitheachofthem,bouncing
onhertoesattimesasshepressedforwardagainstthepost,buttherewasnobegging,
nopleading,noscreaming.Justastifledwhine,orashortenedgasp.

“She’s not going to stop him,” Thomas hissed, twisting to look up at Jaxson, but his
friend’s face was expressionless. Neutral. As if he were the one delivering the
punishmenttothegirl.

LookingdownathimJaxsonnodded,“Iknow.”

“She’snotasub,Jaxson.Youcan’tmakeherdothis.”Hefeltdefensive,angry,buthis

friendsimplyliftedaneyebrow.

“Ididn’tmakeherdoanything.Italkedtoher,Iaskedherwhatshewanted,andIgave
heranoptionforhowshemightgetit.”Themansighed.“And,despitewhatyouthink,
Thomas,sheisasub.”

Theloudpopofleatherstrikingskinwasechoedbyaquietcry,andThomasglanced
back at Maddie’s red, striped skin before he turned to Jaxson again. “What do you
mean?Whatdoesshewant?”

“Forgiveness,”Jaxsonansweredquietly.“AndItoldherawaythatsubmissivescantry
to earn forgiveness, but she chose this. So, will you stay seated? Listen to her
confession?”

“Why did you do this?” he asked as his friend released him and moved to the chair
rightnexttohis.

“Because you both need it.” Jaxson tilted his head back towards the platform, where
another strike had just landed on her thighs, leaving glowing marks behind. “Watch.
Listentoher–andthinkaboutwhatyouwant.”

“Whyelseareyouheretobepunished,girl?”Spencerdroppedtheheavyfloggertothe
platform,pickingupaquirt.Thesplitendswereangledtoapoint,andhecouldtelljust
bythelookofithowmuchitwouldhurther.

Maddieliftedherhead,shakingherhairoutoverhershouldersasshelookedupatthe
ceiling.“BecauseIdeserveit.”

Thefirstlashacrossherassmadeherjerk,aquietcryleavingherlips,butthenSpencer
shookhisheadashepacedbehindher.“Iknowyoudeserveit.Confess.”

Anotherstrike,harder,andshescreamed,“Thomas!”

Healmostansweredhercall,butJaxsonreachedoverandgrabbedontohisarmasshe
continuedwithtearsinhervoice.

“Hetriedtohelpme,hebroughtmeinherebecausehebelievedme.Hewas…hewas
goodtome,toogood.Hewasperfect,andI–Iusedhim.Ididthis.”Maddiedidn’teven
tryandholdbackhersobsthistimeasSpencerdeliveredthelashesineven,measured
strokes.Adjustingtoevenouteachsideashemovedfromherasstoherthighs,leaving
darkredspotsthatpromisedbruises.Shewaspullingatthecuffs,squirminguponher
toes,butshedidn’tevenbeg.Didn’taskhimtostop.

“Whatelse?”Spencerasked,thequirtdanglingfromhishandlikeahungrything.

“Iruinedeverything.Iwasselfish.Ilied,andIlied…”shesobbed,herbodyshakingand
hewasupoutofthechairbeforeJaxsoncouldstophim.Thenextlashlanded,andhe
wantedtoripthequirtfromSpencer’shand.

“Spencer!”Thomasshouted,andthemanturnedtolookathim.Calm,andcold.“Stop.
I’lltakeover.”

“Wedon’tallowpunishingwhileangryinthisclub.Ifyouhavesomethingtoaddtoher
list,speakup,butyoustayseated.”

“Iwillhandletherest,”hegrowled.

“Notinmyclub,boy.”

Maddiewassniffling,herforeheadpressedagainstthewoodofthepostasshecaught
herbreath,andhefoundhimselfspeakingbeforehecouldquestionit,“She’smysub.I
haveit.”

“Absolutely not.” The Dungeon Master was staring him down, but he’d already made
thedecisionandhewasn’tgoingtobackoff.

“Lethim,Spencer.Youcanwatchwithme.Ifhegoestoofar,we’llstophim.”Jaxson’s
wordsshouldhavefelthelpful,butinsteadhewantedtopunchhimforquestioninghis
self-control–whichwasn’tthemostlevel-headedresponse.

Maybeitwasagoodideatheywerehere.

Thomaswalkedtothewallandpulledoutathin,whippycanefromarack.Something
thatwouldhurtfarmorethanitwouldmark,sinceSpencerhadleftherwithsomany
already. As he stalked up the steps, he found himself face-to-face with Maddie for a
moment. Cheeks flushed, blue eyes bright with tears, but she stilled her breathing as
shemethisgaze.

“You lied to me about being a sub.” He accused as he walked around her on the
platform,swishingthethingthroughtheair.

“IneversaidIwas,Ijustletyoubelieveit.”Maddie’svoicewasharder,anditspikedhis
temper.Theswatwiththecaneacrossherassmadeheryelpthroughclenchedteeth.

“Lying by omission is still lying, that is clearly still a lesson you need to learn.”
Adjusting the cane in his hands he prowled to her other side. “Did you know about
me?”

Sheshookherhead,fieryhairflaring.“No.YoujustshowedupafterIfoundmyway
downstairs, and security stopped me, but then you –” Maddie’s breath was shaky, a
groanfillinginthepause.“ButthenIflirtedwithyou,Iwantedinside.Iwantedtosee.”

“So,itwasanaccident,Iwasjustconvenient.”Heheardtheangryhissofhisvoice,but
hepurposefullykeptthecanestillathisside.

“Ididn’tevenknowwhatwasdownstairs.Ididn’tknowyouwouldbethere,Ihadno
ideaaboutanyofit,abouthowmuchI’dlikeit–”

Helandedthecaneacrossherassandshescreamed,twistinginthecuffs.“Don’tlieto
me!”

“I’m not lying!” Maddie bounced on her toes, her legs shivering, the high cut black
underwearframingthemarksonherass.

“Youlikedthis?”Thomasaskedanddeliveredanotherstrike,andanother,andanother,
andthenhesawJaxsonandSpencerstandupinhisperipheralvisionandhestopped.
Breathing hard, finally able to hear the desperate whines coming from her as she
pressedherhipsforwardtotheposttryingtoavoidthenextblow.

“Yes,”shechokedout.“Idon’tknowwhy,Idon’tunderstandit,butyes.Youcalledit
subspace!”

“She’samasochist,Thomas,”Jaxsoninterjected,movingtotheedgeofthestage.

“Iknow!”Thomasroared,andhethrewthecanedowntothefloor,offtheplatformso
he couldn’t reach it. His mind was spinning too fast, a flurry of emotions making it
impossibletothinkstraight.“Goddammit,Iknow!”

“Whydon’tyouletustakeherdownnow?”Jaxsonoffered,butThomasignoredhim.

“Iwanttohearthetruth!”Hemoveduntilhecouldseeherface,tear-streakedandred.
“Wasanyofitreal?”

“Everythingwasrealwithyou.Allofit,”shespokesoftly,justforhim,butthepainwas
backinhischest.Doubting,questioning.

“Idon’tbelieveyou.”Thomasturnedtowardsthesteps,unwillingtoletherhurthim
again,andthensheshoutedafterhim.

“Thenpunishmeuntilyoudo!Dowhateveryouwant!Justplease,pleaseforgiveme!”
Maddie’svoicebrokeattheend,tornbyhersobs,anditstoppedhimhalfwaydownthe
steps.

Heturnedtofaceher,buthereyeswereclosed,tearstracingpathsdownhercheeks,
strandsofherredhairstucktothem.“Thatisaverystupidrequest,Madeline.”

Sheopenedhereyesashecameback,steppingclosetoher.“Idon’tcare.”

“You’renotscared?”Thomasasked.

“Itrustyou.”Herwordsweresurprisinglysteady,andtheflashbacktotheirtimeinthis
veryclub,infrontofthecrossinsidethedungeonroom,overwhelmedhim.

Thefire inside his hazel eyes was something she couldn’t look away from, because it
wassoperfect,andbecausepartofherwasworrieditwouldbethelasttimeshe’dsee
it.Foramomentshe’dwonderedifhe’dreallyleaveherthere,ifallofthediscussions
with Jaxson, and Chase, and Spencer had been for nothing – but then she heard the
jingleofhisbeltasheundidit,followedbythewhisperofhimpullingitfree.

“Youhadsomanychancestotellmethetruth,”hegrowledashesteppedbehindher,
butshesettledagainstthepost,ignoringtheacheinherlegs,herass,herback.

“Iknow,sir,”Maddienodded,andhelandedthebelthard,overlayingtheothermarks

pepperedacrossherbackside,andthenhediditagain,butshebitdownonthecriesof
pain.

“Youpretendedtobesomeoneyouweren’t,whetheryousaiditaloudornot.”

“Yes, sir, I know,” she agreed, and the confession made the bite of the belt easier to
take,eventhoughshecouldn’tholdbackthecryashelandedswatafterswatafterswat
downherassandthighs.

“Thomas!”Jaxsonyelled,anoteofpanicinhisvoice,butsheneededthis.Everything
was getting out in the open, every dark thing she’d hidden exposed to the light, and
he’d told her this was her only chance. There would be no second meeting with
Thomas Hathaway. Heavy footsteps came around the platform, muttered curses
accompanyingthem,beforeJaxsongrowled,“That’sit.Backoff.Now.”

“NO!”sheshoutedathimashegottothebottomofthesteps,andhepaused,hisface
questioningassheforcedherbreathingtoevenout,tryingtostopthetears.“Don’t.I
wantthis.Please…I’mokay,Iswear.”

“Askmeforanother,Maddie,”Thomasgrowledbehindher,andshenodded.

“MayIhaveanother,sir?”Justassheasked,hedelivered.Strokeafterstrokeuntilthe
pain blurred, and she found herself leaning hard against the wood, bracing her
foreheadtoitsoshecouldalternatewhichfootheldheraloft.Somuchguilt,somuch
painandlonelinessinthelastfewdays,andshe’dalreadyseenherfuturestretchedout
beforeherwithoutThomasinit–andshedidn’twantthat.Shewantedhimmorethan
she’deverwantedanything.Aparticularlysharpstrikemadeherscream,andthenshe
shoutedthewordsshe’dneversaid,butalwaysshouldhave,“Iloveyou!I’myours.I’ll
always be yours…” She sobbed, her mind humming in some glorious place between
painandpleasure.

“What?”Hemovedtohersidetopullherheadbackbyherhairsohecouldmeether
eyes,thehardgripsendingasparklingrushdownherspine.

“Iloveyou,”sherepeated.

Thomas’ eyes flickered over her face, a pained look pinching his brows together, and
then he kissed her hard. It was forceful, leaving her lips feeling bruised before he
parted them to delve his tongue inside and claim her mouth completely. She arched
against the post, wishing her hands were free to touch him, but the low hum of his
moan was perfect just before he pulled back and leaned his forehead against hers.
“Dammit,beautiful…”

“I’msosorry,”shewhispered.Sogratefultofeelhisskinonhersthatthetearsstarted
again,butinamomenthewasunclaspingherarmsfromthepost,catchingheraround
thewaistwhenherlegsdecidedtheywerenolongerinterestedinkeepingherupright.

“Ineedyou,”hegroanedashepushedherbacktothepost,painflashingsomewhere
underneaththehazeinhermind.

“Yes, sir. Please.” Maddie’s world spun as he picked her up and tossed her over his
shoulder,stompingdownthestepstomovetowardsawallofcurtains.Shecaughtsight
ofJaxsonandSpencer,bothstandingwiththeirarmscrossed,ashewalkedthemaway.

Thomas didn’t put her down until they were inside the curtain, tossing her onto a
narrow bed, waking up the vicious network of welts, but it didn’t matter when he
immediately covered her body with his. Their lips clashed again and she moaned
againsthimastheyshiftedbackwardsonthebed.“Maddie…”hewhispered,slidinghis
handbetweenherthighs,beneathherunderwear,tostrokeatherwetness.

“Fuck,”shehissed,liftingherhipsintohistouchasheslidtwofingersinsideher,and
thenathird,makingherwhimperashedraggedherbacktothatfinelinebetweenpain
and pleasure that was so blurry it may as well have not existed. “I’ve missed you so
much.”

“Swear to me you’ll never lie to me again.” Thomas nipped her lips after he said it,
kissingher,andshehadtoturnawayfromhimtoanswer.

“Iswear.Iwillneverlietoyou,sir.”Anotherthrustofhisfingers,strokingatthatspot
insideherthatwaspushinghertowardsdelirium.“Pleasefuckme,please…”

Sittinguphepulledhistouchfromherandrippedherunderweardownherlegs,the
weltsacrossherbacksideasecondthoughtasheshovedherbacktothebed,pinning
her down so he could spread her legs with his knees. Thomas traced her collar bone
with his mouth as he worked at his pants, and then he growled and sat up suddenly.
“Dammit!”

“What?”

“Nothing,”hesnapped.Climbingoffthebedherippedhisshirtoffbeforehegrabbeda
condomfromabowlonthesmalltablenearthecurtain.Thomaskickedoffhispants
andshoesandclimbedbackontothebedwithher.Helookedasdesperateasshefeltas
hetorethepackageopen,andshesatuptowrapherhandaroundthesteelofhiscock,
nudging his boxers out of the way. The low, barely contained groan he released was
music to her ears, and she quickly shifted until she could lean forward and take him
into her mouth. The taste of him was everything she’d craved, and as his fingers
threadedintoherhair,slidinghiscockdeeper,shemoaned.Hebrushedherthroat,and
thenpulledfreeofherlips.“No,Ineedyouunderme.”

“Yes,sir.”Maddienoddedashemovedthem,forcingherbacktothesheet,thecondom
rollingonjustbeforehepushedherkneeswide.

“Fortherecord,I’vemissedyoutoo,beautiful,”hespokerightbyherear,justbefore
he plunged deep. Her body arched against his, and she felt complete as he bottomed
out,makingheracheinthebestofways.

“I’myours,”shewhispered,andthenhebitdownattheplacewhereherneckmether
shoulder, holding her still so his hips could swing to deliver each hard thrust. Nails
draggingdownhisback,shetriedtofightbacktheorgasm,wantingtoridethedelirious

waveaslongasshecould,butsoontheedgewastooclose,eachshiftofhiminsideher
too perfect – and she came. Sparks exploded behind her eyes as she gasped out his
nameandheldontohim,whilehethrustagainandagain.

“Maddie,” he groaned, and then he came, his cock kicking deep inside her, and she
wrappedherlegsaroundhishipsholdinghimtoher.Hisbreathspistonedagainsther
ear,theirheartsracing.“Maddie,Maddie,Maddie…”

Hisvoicebroughttearsbacktohereyes,andsheburiedherfaceagainsthisshoulder,
tryingtostifleit,butshewastoograteful,toohappy.“I’msosorry,sir.I’msosorry.”

“Forgiven, beautiful. I promise, I forgive you.” Thomas lifted up to kiss her, and the
sweetness of it mended something inside her as their tongues brushed, a soft moan
risinguptomeetthemastheyheldontooneanother.

“Really?” she whispered when he slid from her, moving to her side so he could look
downather.

Thomas brushed her hair from her forehead, cupping her cheek. “Yes, but not just
becauseyoutookthepunishment.”

“Thenwhy?”sheasked,lookingbetweenhiseyes,ashadeofforesttintedgold.

“BecauseIloveyou,too.”Hesmiledwhenshefeltherfacelightup,allofthatwarmth
andpost-orgasmicjoyoverflowinguntilshehuggedhim,rollinguntilshewasontopof
him.

“Areyousure?”

“Iam.”Histhumbpluckedherbottomlipfrombetweenherteeth.“Thispastweekhas
beentheworstweekofmylife,anditwasallbecauseyouweren’tthere.Icouldn’ttext
you,callyou,orseeyouwhenIgothome.Itwasempty,anddark,andIhatedevery
minuteofit.”

“Iamsosorry,Thomas.”Maddiefeltthetearscomingonagain,butasshesatuponhis
hipshereacheduptocupherface.

“I love you, Madeline O’Neill, and what hurt the most was thinking you’d never felt
anythingforme.ThatIwasjustsoblindedbyhowIfeltforyouthatI’dignoredevery
signal.” He shook his head, sighing as he stared into her eyes. “Seeing you tonight, I
realized what an idiot I actually was, because I didn’t see what Jaxson knew the first
timemeetingyou.”

“What?”sheasked,herheartracingsohardshethoughtshemightfaint.

“Thatyouhavealwaysbeensubmissive,thatourmomentstogetherwerereal,andthat
you’re mine.” His thumb brushed across her cheek. “I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you
whenyoutriedtotellme.”

“No,no,thiswasmyfault.Iwashorrible,Iwas–”

“Forgiven, beautiful. I just hope you can forgive me for putting us through the past
week.IpromiseI’lllisteninthefuture,okay?”Thatelection-winningsmilecrossedhis
lipsashesatup,facetofacewithhersinceshewasproppedonhislap.

“Iwillneverdoanythinglikethisagain.”

Thomas chuckled a little. “I would hope not. If you didn’t learn a lesson after that
punishment,Ithinkyoumightbebeyondallhelp.”

Atthementionofit,sherealizedjusthowsoreshewas,thepoundingacheinherback,
andass,andthighs.Evenhershoulderswerethrobbing.“Igotthemessage,sir.”

“Good,”hespokesoftlyandthenkissedher.Itwasgentle,andsheknewshewaslucky
toevenbenearhimagain.“Iloveyou,Maddie.”

Tearsthreatened,butshewasabletoholdthemback.“Iloveyoutoo,andI’myours,
Thomas,always.”

“AndI’msogladthatyouare.”Hewasabouttokissheragainwhensomeonecleared
theirthroatoutsidethecurtain.

“Areyoutwosafetoleavealone?BecauseIhaveChaseandEmmatogethometo,and
Spencer probably wants to go sharpen his knives, or oil something.” Jaxson’s voice
madeherblushfuriously,andshedroppedtothefarsideofThomas,coveringherface.

“Giveusfiveminutesandwe’llbedressed.Iwantherbackhome.”

“Fine,butbequick.Listeningtoyoutwofuckhasmeveryreadytobehometoo.”

“We’regoingtoyourhouse?”sheasked,fightingthefuriousblushassherealizedthey
had heard them loud and clear. Thomas turned back towards her, warm brown hair
fallingoverhisforeheadasheleaneddowntokissher.

“Ifyou’llletmebringyouthere,yes,butIhavetowarnyou,Imightneverwantyouto
leave.”

“Thatsoundsgreat.”Grinning,shelaughedwhenhepickedherupandplantedheron
thefloorbesidethebed,liftingherunderwearfromthefloor.

“Thengetdressed,MadelineO’Neill,becauseIhaveplansforwhenwegethome.”

“

Epilogue

OneWeekLater

oonewillmiss us if we just skip work,” Maddie whispered just before her lips
collidedwithhisagain,andThomascouldn’thelpbutgroan.

So.Damn.Tempting.

Sometimes it really, really sucked being a responsible adult with a job and people
waitingonyou.Slidinghishandintoherhair,hetightenedhisfistandbentherneck
back,watchingasshepanted,herpupilsdilating,perfectlypinklipsswollenfromtheir
kisses. Her eyes were on his, and he made sure she was focused before he shook his
headslowly.“Tsktsk,beautiful.Weplayedhookieforalmostanentireweek,andyou
justgotapromotionatajobthatexpectsyoutoactuallybethere.Plus…”Hesqueezed
herthigh,pushingherkneesapartjustenoughtohaveherwhiningquietly.“Ihaveto
go sit in meetings all day, thinking of what I’m going to do to you when I get home
tonight.”

“Whatareyouplanning?”Hervoicehadthatdreamyqualitythatshealwaysseemedto
developwhenevershewasslidingintofullsubmissivemode–andunfortunately,now
wasnotthetimeforthat.

“You don’t want me to spoil the surprise, do you?” Thomas grinned and leaned in to
placeonelastchastekisstohermouthbeforeshecouldstartchewingonherbottom
lip.Then,asdifficultasitwas,hereleasedherandpulledbacktohissideofthecar.

“Thomas.”Shegroaned,pushingbothofherhandsintoherhairtodropbackagainst
herseat.“Youtortureme.”

“Youlikeit.”

“That is notthe point.” There was steel in her voice, but she was smiling at him, the
flush in her cheeks making her hair look even more fiery in the morning sun
streamingthroughthewindow.

TothinkIalmostlosther.

Hehadtoswallowbeforehisthoughtsturneddark,butshereachedoutandtookhis
hand like she could sense it in him anyway. “We’re almost to your office, beautiful.
Better straighten out your clothes or everyone will know what you were up to this
morning.”

Rolling her eyes she adjusted her top, running her hands through her hair before
wipingatherlips.“Well,howdoIlook?”

“Positively fuckable.” He laughed when she gawked at him, enjoying that even after
spendingalmosteverydaytogethersinceherpunishmentatBlackLight–hecouldstill
shockher.

“Iamnevergoingtobeabletoconcentratetoday.”

“Yes,youare,becauseyouaresmart,anddedicated,andthehottestSeniorCopyEditor
ontheEastCoast.”

“Only the East Coast?” She grinned at him, that flirty tone becoming a challenge his
cocktwitchedinhistrouserstoanswer.

“Ihaven’tbeentotheWestCoastinawhile.”Thomascaughtherhandwhenshewent
tosmackhisarm,smilingslowlyashetightenedhisgripuntilheheardthetempoof
herbreathingpickup.

Sofuckingirresistible.

“You’reterrible,”shewhined.

“Butyouloveme.”

“Ido.”Thebrightsmiletransformedherfaceintosomethingbeyondbeautiful.Angelic.
Pureperfectionthathidunderneaththesurfacethenaughtylittlesubmissivehe’dhad
thechancetobeltuntilshe’dscreamedhisnamethenightbefore.

Interlacing their fingers again he knew they were getting close to her office, and her
eyeswanderedoutthewindowassherecognizedthebuildingsaswell.Thomascould
actuallyseethemomenthermindswitchedintoworkmode,herthoughtswhirringto
life, back into gear for the day ahead. “I’m going to miss you today, too, but we’ll be
backhomesoon.”

“Iknow.”

“You’rethinkingaboutthisweekendagain,aren’tyou?”heasked,buthedidn’tactually
needto ask, it was written all over her face as she crinkled her nose and sucked her
bottomlipbetweenherteeth.

“No,”shelied.

“I’mgoingtospankyouforthattonight.”Hegrinnedwhensheturnedtostareathim,
irritated.“Listen,it’sgoingtobefine.Everyonewilladoreyou,andthenwe’llbeback

andwecanplanwhatwe’lldoforValentine’sDay.”

ThatmadeMaddiesmileagain.“MaybewecouldgotoBlackLight?”

“Jaxsonisplanningaspecialclubeventthatnight,butIwantedtodosomethingjust
forus.”Hebroughtherhandtohislips,kissingherfingers.“Doesn’tthatsoundbetter?”

“AslongasI’mwithyouitsoundsperfect.”Leaningtowardshim,theirlipsmetagain,
andhecouldn’tresisttastingheronemoretime.Thesoftestsighleftherassheturned
herheadsothathecouldtakeover,andhetooktheinvitationlikehealwaysdid.

“We’rehere,Ms.O’Neill,”Paulspokeupwiththemostperfectlycalmtone,oneofthe
reasons he valued the man so much. Discretion, professionalism, and – most
importantly–hetrustedhimwithMaddie.

“When will you be home?” she asked as she sat back, bright blue eyes looking up at
him.

“AssoonasIcan,butyouneedtohopoutofthecarorwe’rebothgoingtobelate.”
Thomasnudgedher,andshegrabbedhercoatasPaulopenedherdoor.

Shesteppedoutside,pushingherarmsthroughthesleevessoshecouldwrapthecoat
around her to block out the cold, and then she dipped her head back into the car, “I
loveyou.”

Heprobablylookedlikealovesickfoolwhenhesmiledbackather,buthedidn’tcarea
bit–becauseheabsolutelywas.“Iloveyoutoo,beautiful.Now,go!”

“Yeah,yeah,”shecalledoverhershoulderasshehurriedtotheentrance.Paulshutthe
door and was back in the driver’s seat in a matter of moments. The car immediately
startedforwardagain,andasThomascheckedhiswatchhewassurehewasaboutto
getthethirddegreefromAlanforcuttingitclosetohisfirstmeetingoftheday.

“Any chance we can speed a little?” Thomas asked, half-joking, but when he caught
Paul’seyesintherear-viewmirrorhesawthatthemanwassmiling.“What?”

“Nothing,Mr.Hathaway.”

“Oh, come on. Out with it.” He waited until the man caught his eyes in the mirror
again.

“I’m just glad you have Ms. O’Neill. You’re different with her, in a good way.” Paul
shrugged as he turned down the street that would take them to the congressional
offices, weaving between other cars as he ignored the speed limit. “I don’t mean
anythingbyit,justanobservation.”

Thomaswasamused,smilingtohimselfinthebackseat.“Isthatall?”

“Well,tobehonest,ashigh-strungasyouwerebeforeher,Iwouldhavebetmoneyon
youhavingaheartattackbeforeyouhitforty–andthenI’dbeoutofajob.”Paulgave
arealsmileinthemirror,andchuckled.

“Ithinkthat’sthefirsttimeI’veeverheardyoulaugh,Paul.”

“There’sanotherthingMaddiehasbeenrightabout,Mr.Hathaway.”

“What’sthat?”Thomasasked,raisinganeyebrow.

“Youreallyaren’tveryfunny.”Themanhadastoicexpressionforjustamoment,and
thentheybothstartedlaughing.Loud,andfreeing,andwarm.

“Cutting it close, Ginger?” Jamar asked, as she slid into her desk barely two minutes
beforeherofficialstarttime.

“Fuck off, Gilligan.” She flipped him off, but he just laughed and turned back to his
computer,withthegrainy,blobbyultrasoundtapedtothesideofhisscreen.

Maddieloggedintohercomputer,andwaitedforthethingtoslowlywakeupandstart
loading her emails. Just as the first ones started to appear, filling her inbox with her
editingqueuefortheday,Bradpoppedupoverthecubewalltoherleft.“Hey!”

Shejumped,andthenlaughedasshelookedupathim.“Hey,Charlie.”

“DidyougetthechancetowatchBlackMirror?”

“Oh,yeah,Iwatchedacoupleofepisodes.It’sweird,butkindofinagoodway?”

“Iknow!”Hehadsomuchenergytohisvoice,andshewasstillastoundedthattheguy
wasevenspeakingtoheratall,becauseintheyearandahalfbeforetheinfamousday
of her promotion he’d been so damn silent. “There’s this awesome episode in season
three,Iwon’tspoilitforyou,butmyfriendsandItalkedaboutitforaweekstraight.It
just–boom–blewourminds.”

Maddie grinned at him. “You know, I think we’re going to have to give you a new
nickname.”

“Why?”Hisfacefell,andsherolledhereyes.

“BecauseCharlieChaplinwasasilentfilmstar,andyouaren’tsilentanymore.”

“Oh.” Brad shrugged. “I just didn’t think anyone wanted to talk to me, and I kind of
zone out when I’m working on the graphics. I kind of like the Charlie Chaplin thing
though,Imadehimmybackground.See?”

Standing up, she peeked over the wall to see the infamous actor emblazoned on the
screenwithhistrademarkmustacheandbowlerhat–andnexttohimwasaquote:A
daywithoutlaughterisadaywasted.

Howtrue.

“Alright, Charlie. We’ll stick with that in memory of the days when you used to be
quiet.It’llconfusethehelloutofanynewhires.”Shecouldn’thelpbutgrinwhenhe

bouncedbacktohisfeet.

“Sweet,that’swhatIwashoping.Everyoneknowsmebythatnicknamenowanyway!”
Heshrugged,suddenlyalittlereservedagain.“And,youknow,peopleactuallytalkto
menow.”

The comment made Maddie sad for a moment. She’d really been a bitch at work.
“GilliganandIweregoingtoordersubsfromtheshopdownthestreet,wouldyouwant
oneforlunchtoday?”

“Uh,yeah,definitely.”

“Great,I’llemailyouthelinktotheirmenu.Weusuallyeataroundtwelve,ortwelve-
thirty,doesthatworkforyou?”sheasked,butbasedonthebarelycontainedjoyinhis
expression,hewasexcited.

“Thatworksgreat!AndI’llbuythistime,mytreat.”

“Youdon’thaveto–”

“No!I’vegotit,really.”Hesmiledandsatdowninhischair.“Anyway,Iknowyouneed
towork,Ijustwantedtoaskyouabouttheshow.”

“Remind me at lunch to ask you about the episode with the grain recording device
peopleimplantinthem.”

“Ilovethatepisode!”

“Itwasprettycool.Alright,talktoyoulater,Charlie?”Shewavedoverthecubewall,
movingtositbackdown.

“Later,Ginger!”Bradcalledback,andsheshookherhead.Thethingsyoulearnedabout
peoplewhenyoutookthetimetotalktothem.

Maddieblewoutabreathandstartedtosorttheemails,flaggingherto-dolistitemsso
she’dhaveasnapshotofherdaybeforeshewenttogetcoffee.Ittookafewminutes,
but she was pleasantly surprised to see that the workload wasn’t as insane as it had
beenthedaybefore.EveryonehadbeenincrisismodeonMonday,butitseemedlike
Tuesdaywasgoingtobesmoothsailing–andfullofcheesy,greasygoodnessatlunch.

GrabbingherPennStatemugshewanderedbacktothebreakroomtorinsehercup,
beforepouringthepowderedcreamerandsugarintothebottom.TheKeurighadjust
started to make coffee when Jamar walked in with his mug. “Hogging the machine
already?”

“Jerk.”ShethrewaSplendapacketathim,andhescoopeddowntopickitup.

“Thanks, I needed one of those.” Jamar palmed it and then smiled at her. “So, you
readytomeettheparentsthisweekend?”

JustthementionofitsentMaddie’sstomachintoknots.“Ugh,pleasedon’tremindme,
Iwanttoenjoymycoffee.”

“Comeon,itwasn’tsobadwhenhemetyourparents.”

“Correction – it was a nightmare. Having them show up here in D.C. because I didn’t
come home when I told them I was going to, was not the best introduction.” She
groanedunderherbreathasshepulledhercoffeecupfromthemachineandstartedto
stirthemixturetogether.

“Yousaidtheylovedhim.”

“Ofcoursetheylovedhim!He’sfuckingcharming,it’swhatgothimelected!”

Jamarmadeafaceashesteppedupandproppedhismugunderthespouttostarthis
own cup. “I still can’t believe you’re with a politician. There’s a reason people think
they’reslimy.”

“Thiscomingfromtheguymarriedtoabloodsuckinglawyer?”Maddieasked,dropping
anicecubeintohercoffeesoshecouldbringitbackfromthebrinkofboiling.

“Hey now, that bloodsucking lawyer is carrying my beautiful child inside her.” He
grinnedatherasheputthesinglepacketofSplendaintohiscoffee,stirreditforhalfa
second,andthentookalongsipjusttotormenther.

“You’regoingtohavenosensationlefttoyourtongueifyoukeepdrinkingcoffeethat
hot.”

“Ninanevercomplains,”herepliedcalmlyandshealmostchokedbeforeshewasable
toswallowenoughtolaughoutloud.

“Gilligan,thatissowrong.”

“You don’t get to play the blushing game with me anymore. Not when you come in
herewithsexhairprettymucheverydamnday.”

Maddieloweredhervoicetoahiss,“Idonothavesexhaireveryday.”

“Yes,youdo.”

“No,Idonot!”Shehuffed,takinganotherdrinkofhercoffee,becausesheneededway
morecaffeinebeforeshewasabletodealwithJamar.

“Listen,slimypoliticianornot,I’mgladyou’vegothim.You’rehappy,that’sobvious,
andhisparentsaregoingtoloveyou.”

“We’ll see.” Maddie shrugged, still so nervous anytime she thought about meeting
formerSenatorHathawayandhisstillstunningwife,alongwithThomas’olderbrother
andhiswifeandtwogirls.Anentirefamily,fromanentirelydifferentwalkoflifethan
hers, who lived on a veritable estate in upstate New York. “I’m about ninety-percent
sureI’mgoingtosayfuckwithinthefirstfifteenminutesofmeetingthem.”

This time it was Jamar who almost choked on his coffee. “Yeah, you might want to
avoidthat.”

“I always do something stupid when I’m nervous like that. Did Brenda ever tell you
abouthowIknockedovermycupofwaterinmyinterviewwithher?”

“LeslieKnopewouldneverspeakillofanyoneonherstaff,”heanswered,butthenhe
grinned.“Ididhavetobringherpapertowelsthough.”

Maddiegroaned.“See?I’mgoingtodosomethingridiculouslikethat,andthey’regoing
toquestionwhyonearthhe’sslummingitwithsomeonelikeme.”

“Ginger?” Jamar said her nickname in a quiet way, and she forced herself to look at
him.“Theywouldbeluckytohaveyouintheirlives,ifthat’swherethisthingendsup,
but I can tell you one thing for sure… A man like Thomas Hathaway wouldn’t be
bringing you within fifty miles of his parents if he didn’t have plans on keeping you
around,andImeankeepingyouaroundinthegonna-put-a-ring-on-itkindofway.”

Oh.

Sheswallowedslowly,suddenlyfeelingalittledizzy,andweirdlyexcitedatthesame
time.“We’veknowneachotheramonth.”

Withabiggrin,hesimplyshrugged.“Whenyouknowsomeone’stheone,timedoesn’t
reallymattersomuch.IknewIlovedNinaonourfirstdate,andthelookyou’vehad
onyourfacelatelytellsmethatyoualreadyknow.”

“This isn’t a fairy tale, Jamar. We didn’t exactly have the most perfect start to
everything.” The memories of the dark week when she’d been without him haunted
her. That horrible series of days when her lies had been uncovered and nothing
seemedtomatteranymorebecauseThomaswasn’tthere.

“All the greatest love stories start off messy. It’s the fact that real love can overcome
anything,cancarryyouthroughanything,canforgiveanythingthatmakesitgreat.”

Maddiecouldn’thelpbutsmileathim.“Sincewhendidyoubecomearomantic?”

“I’vealwaysbeenaromantic,you’vejustbeencynical.”Hewinkedather,andsnagged
herlefthandfromwhereithungatherside.“Iwouldn’tbesurprisedifhe’salreadygot
aring.”

“Don’t be stupid,” she said as she snatched her hand back, but as Jamar laughed and
walkedbacktowardshisdeskshestaredattheemptyringfingeronherleft,andshe
realizedThomashadkissedthatveryplaceinthecarthatmorning.“Noway...”

Liftinghereyes,shesawJamarlaughingwithsomeoneashesatdownathisdesk.He
pointedatthelittlegrainyphotowithpride,andforaninstantsheimaginedalittleboy
withThomas’ brown hair runningthrough the halls ofthe Georgetown house. A red-
headedlittlegirlproppedonthecounterinthekitchenasThomastried,andfailed,to
flippancakes.

Shakingherhead,shetriedtobrushthevisionsfromhermind,butasshewalkedback
intotheofficesheknewonethingforsure.IfThomasHathawayaskedhertobehis,

she’danswerlikeshealwaysdid:

I’myours.Always.

THEEND

EndNotes

Ihope you loved this new story in the world of Black Light. Before you go, it would
meantheworldtomethatifyoulikedthisbookthatyoutakeafewminutestowritea
reviewandcapturehowyou’refeelingrightnowsootherreaderscanfindmywork!
Reviewsaretrulyoneofthemosteffectivewaystohelpauthorsout,andIwouldbe
verygrateful.

Wanttoalwaysknowwhat’sgoingon,orgettheinsidetrackonupcomingreleases?All
of that is sent out in my mailing list, and I only send out one message a month – so
please

signup

Again,thankyouforreadingandifyouenjoyedthisoneIhopeyou’llcheckoutoneof
my other books. They’re all listed on the last pages, but firstI have a delicious sneak
peekoftheupcoming‘BlackLight:ValentineRoulette’anthologywhichwillcomeout
in early February 2017! Eight of your favorite authors, eight very kinky stories, and
you’reabouttoseetheopeningchapterthatdescribeshowitallcomesabout.Notto
mention,aspecialscenewithJaxson,Chase,andEmmafromLiviaGrant!

Enjoy,lovelies!

SNEAKPEEK

Theincrediblyhotanthology‘BlackLight:ValentineRoulette’willbeheresoon!

Don’tskipthissneakpeek!

Threehours.Fourhardlimits.Eightsexystories.

EarlyJanuary,RunwayClubOffices

"All right. We've been at this for two hours and need to wrap things up." Jaxson
Davidsontriedhishardesttowranglethevocalgroupofmanagersgatheredaroundthe
conferencetableintosomesemblanceoforder.He'dpurposefullyhiredstrongleaders
whenhe'dopenedRunwayamonthago,becauseafterspendingmostofhisadultlifein
front of cameras, he knew he didn't know enough about the dance club and bar
industry,evenwithChaseandEmmaathisside.

Thegoodnewswasthathisnewbusinesswasofftoanoverwhelmingsuccess.

Thebadnewswasthathavingallofthesestrongpersonalitiesinthesamespacewas
notworkingasthewell-oiledmachinehe'dhopedfor,yet,whichmeanthewasstaying
moreinvolvedinthedaytodaydecisionsthanhe'dplanned.

"I'm sorry, but we still haven't nailed down the Valentine's Day ideas and since we're

onlyfiveweeksout,weneedtofinishthoseplans,evenifittakesanothertwohours."
Maxine Torres, Runway's general manager, was the antithesis of Jaxson's style, but
althoughhewantedtostranglehermostofthetime,hewasgratefulhe'dhiredher.He
andChasemightponyupthebankrollandnamerecognitionfortheclub,butheknew
Maxinewasthereasonitwasarunawaysuccess.Shewasadamnfinebarmanager.

"Fine.What'sstilloutstanding?"Heimpatientlytriedtopushheralong.

Maxineclickedawayonthetabletshecarriedwithhereverywhere.

"Westillneedtodecideondoorprizesandgiftstobepassedouttoallattendees."Carrie
Fung,theirpublicistandmediaspecialist,rarelygotawordinedgewise,butshesatat
attention,readytobeheard."ItneedstobesomethingwecanputtheRunwaylogoon
andthatpeoplewillwanttokeepandseeoften."

"Howaboutpacketsofcondomswithourlogo?Wecouldaddacommentwishingthem
a'HappyandSafeValentine'sDay’."TheirDJ,MarvinWashington,betterknownasDJ
Elixxir,hadmadethesamesuggestionattheirlaststaffmeeting.

Asexpected,BlakeHoward,theheadofsecurity,shottheideadown."Ikeeptellingyou
thatwehavetobreakupenoughcoupleshavingsexonthepremisesalreadywithout
encouragingitbypassingoutrubbers."

DJElixxirgrinned."Iknow,butit'ssofuntolookdownfrommybalconyandwatch
peoplegoingatitlikerabbitstothebeatofmymusic."

Blakeshotback,"There'saplaceforthatshitinthisbuilding,andthedancefloorisn't
it."

Jaxsonshothisheadofsecurityawarningglare.Mostofthepeoplecrowdedinaround
thetablewerenotprivytothefactthatatop-secretBDSMclubwasonefloorbelowthe
dancefloorandJaxsonwantedtokeepitthatway.Knowledgeofthesecretclubwason
aneed-to-knowbasis,andblabbermouthElixxircertainlydidnotneedtoknow.

Carrieinterjectedwithathankfullybetteridea."Iwasthinkingwecouldbuysmalltins
of breath mints with our Runway logo on it and pass those out. And maybe for the
women… long-stemmed roses with a Runway ribbon. And as always, we'll have the
stepandrepeatwiththeredcarpetwherethephotographerwilltakecommemorative
photos–ataheftyprofitforusofcourse."

Jaxsonjumpedin,"Ilovethoseideas.Let'smakeithappen."

Maxineglaredathimforhiscontinuedrushjob,butdidn'tinterrupt.

Blakegaveawarning,"We'vebeenturningpeopleawayatthedooreverynightsince
weopenedsoIknowitwillbeamadhouseontheweekendbeforeValentine'sDay.Just
areminderthatI'mgonnaberidingmyboysatthedoorhardtoavoidgettingdinged
by the fire marshal again. We've already had one warning that we were over our
approvedcapacity,thenextone'sgoingtocomewithabigassfine."

"Well that's your department so you'd better watch that closely. I'm gonna kick your
assifyougetusshutdown."Jaxsonmeantthewarning.

Sensing the meeting was wrapping, Maxine took charge as she always did to recap
actionitemsanddecisions.Sheranatightshipandasannoyingasitwas,heknewthey
neededher.

"Sotorecap,we'llhavetheCrushingStonesbackagainforaconcertonthatSaturday
night.Theshowwillstartat8pm.Doorswillopenat6pmandwe'llbesellinglimited
VIPticketsinadvanceatsixtimesthedoorticketprice."

"Holyshit,thatwouldbe$120bucks,"thestagemanager,AriannaEsposito,squeaked.

"Yes,andabargain.Theirbigarenashowshaveticketsgoingfortwicethatandthey'll
get an up close and personal view of Cash and the boys here at Runway," Maxine
countered before continuing. "We'll pass out the roses to the women and the breath
mintstothemenastheyarrive.Noah,remindusagainwhatyou'vegotplanned."

Their head bartender, Noah Garner, piped up, "I've got two thousand glasses ordered
for that night with the Runway logo on it. We'll be serving a new drink I've created
calledaRunwayLovePotionandthey'llkeeptheglassasasouvenir."

Jaxson had almost forgot Chase was in the room, sitting on the couches behind him
with Emma, until he piped in, "They are fucking awesome. I think we should keep
themonthemenuyearround."

Jaxsonhadn'ttastedthedrinkyet,buthe'dbeenthebeneficiaryofaprettytipsyChase
and Emma the week before, when they'd come home frisky as hell after acting as
guinea pigs for Noah's experiments for just the right recipe. He could attest that the
cocktailshadworkedasaveryeffectivelovepotionthatnight.

"Alright,that'sitfornow.We'llhaveonemorestaffmeetingintwoweekstonaildown
any last minute items. Everyone have a great day and get back to work." Jaxson
dismissed them, anxious to get on to the second and more important meeting of the
day.

Mostoftheoccupantsoftheroomstoodandheadedforthedoor,chattingamicably.As
expected,theheadofhissecurity–andtheonlymanwhohadsatcompletelysilentin
thefirstmeeting–SpencerCook,remainedbehind.Unfortunately,sodidMaxine.

As soon as the door closed on the office, Maxine spoke up, "Okay, it's time I find out
whatthehellisgoingonaroundhere."

Jaxson had known this day was coming. He'd been dodging her prying questions for
weeks."Maxine,it'sbestifyoujustgetbacktowork.It'sgettinglateandIknowyou
havetopickupyourkidsafterschoolsoon."

Shegrinnedtriumphantly.“Nottoday.ItoldErichehadtopickthemupbecauseIhad
tostaylateforameeting.”

Blakepipedin,“Yourmeetingwrappedontime.”

“Not that meeting. THIS meeting. The one you guys always have without me,” she
glowered.

The serious looking man in the sharp suit, who’d sat silently for two hours, finally
spoke. “You’re not invited. Out.” Jaxson’s friend, Spencer, had always been a man of
few words. He was used to dealing with women who were the antithesis of Maxine
Torres. As a result, Jaxson’s top two employees were like two sheets of sand paper
whentheygotcloseenoughtorubeachother.

Maxinedidn’tbackdown,insteadsheputherhigh-heeledshoesuponthenowvacant
chair next to her as if to convey she was settling in for the long haul. She stared
Spencer down with her best glare before responding, “I’m the manager of this club.
ThatmeansIneedtoknoweverythingthatgoesonhere.”

“Youknoweverythingyouneedtoknow.”

“Apparentlynot,sinceIdon’thaveacluewhatthehellyouguysareupto.”

SpencerbrokeintoathreateningsmilethatJaxsonhadseenmanytimesbefore.“You
couldn’thandleit.”

“I’mamarriedmotherofthreekids;oneateenager.Wehavethreedogs,twocats,and
onerabbit.Myseventy-threeyearoldmotherlivesnextdoorandI’mthepresidentof
thePTA.Nottomention,IputinfiftyhoursaweekmakingRunwaythepremierclub
eastoftheMississippi.Icanhandleanything,”Maxinecounteredwithconfidence.

“Well, this meeting has nothing to do with Runway, pets, or families, so you are
excused,”Spenceransweredinhiscondescendingway.

MaxinecrossedherarmswithahumphshowingnosignofbackingdownandJaxson
wasn’tsurprised.

“Maxine,Spencerisright.Itisbestifyouheadtoyourownofficenow.”

Shechangedtactics,turningtolookbackatChaseandEmmastillsittingonthecouch
totheside.“WhydotheygettostayandIdon’t?I’mthemanager.”

“OfRunway,yes.Thefollowingmeetingisaboutanotherventurewehaveinvestedin
thatisnotunderyourcontrol,”Jaxsonarguedmoresternly.

Hesawhereyeswidenasliver,excitedshehadhimtalking.“Butitisunderthesame
roof, which means I need to know about it. Don’t think I don’t notice you all
disappearingdownthebackhallwayeverynightaroundtenwhenyouthinkI’vegone
homeforthenight.”

She’d hit a sore spot with Jaxson. He hated to admit it, but he’d been trying to sneak
downtoBlackLightwithoutMaxinenoticinganditwasquitefranklypissinghimoff.
Heresentedhavingtocurtailhismovementsinhisownclubbecausehedidn’twantto
makewaveswithanemployee.

I’mtheboss,dammit.

“Maxine,don’tforgetthatyouworkhere.Weowntheplace.Chase,Emma,andIcan
comeandgoasweplease.”

“That’snotwhatI’mtalkingaboutandyouknowit.Thereissomethingfishygoingon
around here and I don’t like it. If you guys are selling drugs or running some other
secretiveundergroundillegalbusiness,Ibetterdamnwellknowaboutit.Ididn’tsign
uptobeinvolvedwithanythinglikethat.”

Spencerbarkedanannoyedlaugh.“OhforChrist’ssake,thereisnothingillegalgoing
onhere.”

“Proveit,”Maxineshoutedback.

“I don’t need to prove shit to you. You have your job. I have mine and God willing,
never the two shall meet,” Spencer’s voice was rising. Jaxson knew his friend would
blowsoonifhedidn’tgetMaxineundercontrol.

She barged ahead with her next argument. “Then why is he even here during the
Runwaymeetings?IfIdon’tgettocometohismeetings,heshouldn’tbeatmine,”the
managerreasoned.

Jaxson had wondered himself why Spencer chose to come. His friend’s answer only
increasedthetensionintheroom.

“Ineedtoknoweverythingthatgoesoninthisbuilding.”

“AndIdon’t?”Maxinecountered.“Andwhat’swiththatanyway.Blakehereisheadof
security.Ifanyoneneedstoknowwhatisgoingoneverywhereinthebuilding,it’shim,
notyou.”

“Whichiswhyheisallowedtostay.”Spencer’snormallyunreadablefacewasturninga
bitredasMaxinecontinuedtochallengehim.

“JusttellmewhatisdownstairsandI’llleave.”

“Youcouldn’thandlefiveminutesdownthere.”

“What,youhaveabuilt-intorturechamber?”Maxinechuckled.

“Somethinglikethat.”Hisreplystartledherintosilence.

Jaxsonhadhadenough.“Allrightyoutwo.Youarebothimportanttooursuccesshere.
IthinkSpencerisright,though,Maxine.Icanassureyouthereisnothingillegalgoing
on.Ithinkyou’llbehappierstayinginthedark.”

“And I know I won’t rest until I know.” She changed tactics. “He sat silently for my
meeting. All I’m asking for is the same courtesy. I want to sit silently during his
meeting.”

Tit-for-tat.Thatwasthegameshewasplaying.Spencer’seyeslitupwithadangerous

twinkleatthethoughtofshockinghiscounterpart.

Jaxson relented. They were barely a month in and Maxine was already acting like a
sleuth.Theymightaswellcutherinontheirlittlesecret.“Notonewordoutofyou,got
it?”

Maxinemadeashowoutofpretendzippinghermouthandthenturninganimaginary
key before tossing it over her left shoulder and then returning her arms into their
defensivecrossedposition.

SpencerglaredatherforafewlongsecondsbeforeturninghisattentiontoJaxsonat
theotherendofthelongtable.Hedidn’tbothergettinguptomoveclosertotheother
occupantsintheroom,insteadelectingtoremainremovedasheoftendid.

“You’rereallygonnaputupwithhershit?”hechallengedJaxson.

For some reason, Spencer’s aggression bothered him more than Maxine’s. “She’s no
moreofaprimadonnathanyouare.Youbothcanbeapaininmyass,butIhiredeach
of you because you are experienced and the best. So the answer to your question is,
yes.Yes,I’mputtingupwithhershitbecauseshe’sright.WhileBlackLightisasecret,
asthemanagerofRunway,Maxinehastherighttoknowwhatisgoingonbelowher
club.”Hepaused,turningtopinMaxinewithathreateningglare.“Butshebetterkeep
inmindthatwhatsheisabouttohearisone-hundredpercentconfidential.Itisnotto
be discussed with anyone outside of this room. Not her hairdresser, the other
employees...notevenherhusband.She’sasmartlady.Idon’tneedtoremindherof
theNDAshesignedwhenshetookthejob.”

Keepinghermouthclosedtightly,shenoddedheragreementtoJaxson’swarning.

Spencerdidn’tlikeit,butheproceeded.“Fine.We’vewastedenoughtime.Ifsheloses
hershitoverthis,it’snotonme.”

“Duly noted,” Jaxson reassured him. “Continue. What have you and the guys cooked
upforValentine’sDay?”

“Holdon.”Spencerpulledhiscellphoneoutofhispocketandpunchedinwhatlooked
likeashorttextmessage.Within ten seconds, the door to the office opened and four
meninleatherpantsandblackT-shirtsshuffledin.Theyhaltedbrieflyatthesightof
Maxineintheroom,butrecoveredquickly,takingtheseatsaroundthetablerecently
vacatedbythemanagersoftheRunwayteams.

JaxsonsawMaxine’seyesfillwithsurprise,buttohercredit,sheheldhertongue.

Spencer opened the plain manila folder in front of him, taking the top sheet out, and
began to fill them in. “We’ve come up with an excellent idea that’s going to get the
place packed on Valentine’s night. We’re going to setup a mixer game of Valentine
Roulette.”

The dungeon master paused dramatically giving the occupants of the room time to
assimilatewhathe’dsaid.

Chase stood and pulled out the chair next to Jaxson at the table, taking a seat as he
questionedSpencer.“Roulette.AsinRussianRoulette?”

Blake looked at him, annoyance in his eyes. “Yeah, we’re gonna off the participants
until the last man is standing. Nothing like killing participants to drive up
membership.”

The newest men in the room broke into snickers at Chase’s expense, which annoyed
Jaxson.

“Explain.Now.”HeknewhowtotalktoSpencer.Thesnickersendedabruptly.

“We’llhaveaprivatesign-upperiodstartingnextweek.Dominantandsubmissiveclub
memberswillbeabletoreadtherulesanddecideiftheywanttosignupandconsent
on-line in advance. The night of the party they will be randomly paired up to scene
withoneperson.Theywon’tknowwhotheywillplaywithinadvanceandtheycan’t
refusetheirplaypartnerwithoutusingtheirsafewordwhichwilldisqualifythem.”

Jaxsonwasintrigued,buthehadalotofquestions.“So,howdotheygetpairedup?”

“We’llhavetwolargeroulettewheels,justlikeinacasinoonlythefirstonewillhave
thenamesofthesubmissivesonit.TheDomswilldrawnumberstoseewhogoesfirst
andonebyone,theywillgoupandtaketheirchancesspinningthewheel.Theyplay
with whomever the wheel names and then we take her name off the wheel and the
nextguyspins.Rinseandrepeatuntiltheyareallpairedup.”

Chaseinterrupted.“So,isitjustasinglesnight?”

“Not at all. If couples want to play, they can, but they are committing to most likely
playingwithotherpartners.Couplesnotwantingtoplaywillbespectators...voyeurs...
We’ll have small cocktail tables setup throughout the club and we’ll serve top-end
champagne and appetizers. We’ll sell tickets over and above membership fees as a
specialeventsincetheclubisnormallyclosedonTuesdays.”

Jaxson suspected he knew what the other roulette wheel was for. “And the second
wheel?Theyspinfortheirscene?”

Owen,thedungeon’sMasterShibaristansweredhim.“Exactly.Eachparticipantwillbe
allowedtoputthreethingsfromthewheelontheirhardlimitlistwhentheysignup.If
they roll something on either of their hard limit list, they can spin again. If not, they
havetoplaythescenetheyrollforaminimumofthirtyminutesbeforetheycantake
theirchancesbyspinningagain.”

Chaseasked,“Howmanyactivitiesareonthewheel?”

“Webrainstormedovertwentyactivitiessofar.I think we could come up with a few
moreideas,too,”Owenreplied.

“Whatkindofstuffarewetalkingabouthere?”Jaxsonpressed,curious.

Spencer picked up the top piece of paper from the open manila folder and started

readingthelist.“Bondage,AnalPlay,PetPlay,WaterSports,ElectricalPlay,Suspension,
WhippingPost,MedicalPlay,HighProtocol,PainPlay,Humiliation,Water/Tub,Sybian-
Orgasm Torture, Latex Encasement, Fire Play, Age Play, Oral Sex, Breath Play, Blood
Play, and Needle Play. We also decided we could put several role-play options on for
thingslikeprincipal/naughtystudent,royalty,lawenforcement.We’veaccumulateda
prettyextensivewardrobeforscenesalreadyandwillcontinuetoaddtothecostume
optionsovertime.WecouldeventhrowaDom’schoicerole-playinthereforfun;likea
wildcard.”

Maxine fidgeted in the chair next to him. He suspected she might be regretting
promisingtoremainsilent.

Jaxson’scockwasexpandinginhisjeansatthementalimageofthesexyscenesthat
couldplayoutonValentine’snight.Hehadtoadmit,theplanwasappealingforseveral
reasons.

“I like it. We’ve wanted to introduce more of a variety of activities and try to get the
currentmemberstocomeoutoftheirshellabit.Thiscouldhelpwiththat,butsomeof
thoseactivitiesareheavyduty.WhatifwegetanoviceDomwhohastodoacomplex
fetishlikeBloodPlayorSuspension?Iftheyfuckitup,itcouldgosouthquickly.”

Spencerreassuredhim,“That’sthegreatestpartoftheplan.Betweenmyfourdungeon
monitors, and me, we have all of those activities covered. We’ll each be assigned
stationsthatwewillmonitor,butalsoactasatrainerforDomswhoarelearningnew
activities.Safetyfirst.”

Jaxsonnodded,relievedtheyhadaplantokeepthesubmissivessafe.

Chase challenged Spencer next. “This seems pretty risky for both the Doms and the
subswhoparticipate.Whatincentiveistheretogetpeopletosignup?”

“Theprizeattheendofthenightwillbeonemonth’sduesfreeforanyonewhofinishes
the night and who played by the rules. Then the monitors and I can give out extra
compdaysorweeksforextragoodscenes,andwe’llchooseonecoupletoawardthe
grandprizeoftwomonthsfreemembership.”

Jaxsonwasn’ttoocrazyaboutthat.“That’salotoffreemembershipcashtobegiving
away.”

“Weplanonmaxingoutatfifteencouples,anddon’tforget,I’msuresomeofthemwill
drop out when it gets too intense for them. And we’ll more than make up for it by
sellingtheVIPticketsfortheobserversthatnight.Ithinkwhat’smostimportantisthat
we continue to distinguish ourselves as the premium BDSM club on the east coast.
BlackLightisnotonlysecureandconfidential,butalsofocusedonprovidingsafe,sane,
andconsensualplay.We’llbeofferingtrainingforDomsandsubsboth.”

Garrett,oneofthemosthardcoreDomsofthegroupspokeupnext.“Don’tforget,I’m
also an EMT. I’ll come prepared in case anything gets out of hand with the needle or
fireplay.”

“Well, you’d better make damn sure nothing gets out of control. It’s great we are
preparedforanemergency,butwecan’tputsubsindangerintentionally.”

Spencer spoke up, out of patience. “I’m counting on the sign up process to weed out
anyonewhoisn’tgoingtobeabletohandleit.”

Chasechallengedhim,“Andwhyisthat?”

“Because,itwillbealegaldocumentthatwillscareawayanyonenotfullycommitted.”

Upuntilnow,Emmahadbeensittingquietlythroughbothmeetings,butJaxsonheard
thequaverinhervoicewhenshespokeupsoftlytoquestiontheplan.“SoifIwereto
signup,Icouldonlysaynotothreeofthosethings?WhatifIwantedtosaynotomore
thanthree?”

Jaxson turned and could see the fear in her eyes. He rushed to help her relax. “You
don’thaveanythingtoworryabout,sweetheart.We’llbeobserversthatnight.Ihave
zerodesiretoplaywithanyoneotherthanyouandChase,angel.”

Visiblereliefpassedacrossherfacebeforeshepressedforwardwithanotherquestion.
“Andwhataboutsex?Aretheyexpectedtohavesexwiththeirpartnerwhowillmost
likelybeastrangertothem?”

Garrett answered her and Jaxson was relieved to hear the respect in his voice as he
recognized he was talking to the boss’s submissive. “Intercourse will be one of the
thingsonthelistthattheycanputontheirhardlist,butiftheyrefusetohavesexthen
thatwillleaveonlytwootherpicksfortheirlimitlist.”

EmmaglancedhiswayandJaxcouldseeconcerninherbeautifulvioleteyes.“Whatis
it,sweetheart?”

“Idon’tthinkthat’senoughoptionsforhardlimits.Therearealotofscarythingson
thatlist.”

Jaxson gave her a reassuring nod. He trusted her instincts. “You heard the lady,
gentlemen.Webumpthehardlistchoicesfromthreetofour.”

“Now,waitaminute.We’regonnabespinningallnightlongbecausetherearesomany
freepasses,”Spencergrumbled,carefulnottodirecthisangerdirectlyatEmma.

Jaxsonclosedthediscussion.“Therewillbefouroptionsforsubmissivestoputontheir
hardlimits.Nexttopic.”

Chase thought of the next controversial question. “What happens if a male Dom gets
pairedwithamalesubmissiveandtheydon’tbendthatway?”Astheonlyswitchinthe
room,ChasehadauniqueviewintotheD/sdynamicsatplaywithaneventlikethis.

Jaxsonwasn’tthrilledtoseethesurpriseonSpencer’sface.Ittoldhimtheothersinthe
roomhadn’tconsideredthisobstacle,whichannoyedhim.Justbecausehisemployees
were strictly male dominants who topped female submissives didn’t mean there
weren’tmanyotherD/scombinations.Jaxson,ChaseandEmmawereproofofthat.

Spencerreluctantlyanswered,“Idon’tthinkwehavealargeenoughmembershippool
yettoofferanythingotherthanmaleonfemaleoptionsthisyear.Maybebynextyear,
assumingthisisasuccess,wecanbemoreinclusiveduringthesignupprocessandtry
to accommodate our gay and bisexual members, as well as our female Dommes and
malesubmissives.”

“Iagreewithyouforthisyear,butlet’smakeitmoreinclusivegoingforward.”

Spencernoddedhisagreement.

JaxsonglancedatMaxinewhowasstillsittingsilentlyatthetable.Hehadtostiflehis
grinasherealizedshewasturningbeetredinherattemptatholdinghersilence.She
looked as if a rant was literally bubbling up, ready to spew from her mouth at any
moment.

Movingtoamoretacticaldiscussion,Jaxsonspoke,“Sotalktomeaboutthelegalities.
Thisobviouslygoesoverandaboveournormalcontractformembership.Whatarewe
doingtoprotectourselvesfromlawsuitswhenoneoftheparticipantsisn’thappywith
thewaythingsturnoutforthemonthewheel?”

Owenanswered,“Wehadthesamelawfirmyouusedtobuythebuildinganddoallof
the contracting for Runway and Black Light write up the contract for participants. As
theyalso wrote up themembership agreement for BlackLight, we figured they were
setupforthisaswell.”

“Yeah, good thinking. How much is that gonna cost us?” Jaxson hadn’t been thrilled
withthebillthey’dgotfromLambert,UrbanskiandReed’slawfirmtheirlastgo-round.
They’dluckilybeenabletoworkoutadiscountmembership,andasetoffreemonths,
forthepartnersofthefirmtoreducethebillablehours.

Spencer grinned. “They did it pro-bono. I just had to offer Alexander a free pass to
participate.”

“Excellent.”

Maxineshiftedinherseat,sittingboltuprightasshetookherfeetfromthechairnext
toher.Shelookedasifshewereabouttospringoutofherchair.Jaxsoncouldn’thide
hisgrinanylonger.

“Wouldyouliketobeexcusednow,Maxine?”heprodded.

Shehesitated,unsureifshewasallowedtospeaktorespond.Hewasbeinganasssince
heknewMaxinedidn’thaveasingleounceofsubmissivenessinherbody,buthejust
couldn’tresist.“Youmayspeak.”

Her eyes flashed angry at his condescending approval. “Let me get this straight. You
barbariansarerunningasexclubbeneathmyRunway?”

Spencer looked like he wanted to throttle her, but Jaxson waved him off before
responding. “We are running an exclusive BDSM club beneath my Runway.” He

stopped and looked at Chase and rephrased. “Correction. My, Chase, and Emma’s
Runway.Yes,thereissexinvolved,butitiswaymorecomplicatedthanthat.”

“Listen, I’m no prude, but I’m not entirely sure I’m comfortable with this,” she
objected.

“Whichpart?ThesexortheBDSMpart?”

“All of it. Particularly the fact that young women are going to be used and possibly
abusedformen’ssatisfaction.”

Jaxsonleanedforward,placinghishandsonthetableandleaningclosertohertomake
surehewasgettinghispointacrossasheansweredherasbesthecould.“Emma,”he
didn’ttakehiseyesoffMaxineashewaitedforhislovertoanswerfrombehindhim.

“Yes,sir.”

“HaveyoubeentoBlackLight?”

“Ofcourse.Manytimes.”

“Haveyoueverseenanyone,manorwoman,beingabusedagainsttheirwill?”

“No,sir.”

“Asmysubmissive,haveyoueverfeltabusedbyourlifestyle?”

Hecouldhearthehumorinhervoiceassheanswered.“Abused?Goodness,no.More
likepamperedandloved.”

“Evenwhenyou’vebeenpunished?”

Shehesitatedbeforeansweringthisquestion.Hesuspectedshedidn’tcareadmittingit,
butheknewheranswerwasthetruth.“EspeciallywhenI’vebeenpunished.”

“Goodgirl,”Jaxsonpraised.

“Goodgirl?Seriously?She’snotafuckingpuppy!”Maxine’sangerwasbubblingup.

“That’s enough. We asked you to leave. You insisted on staying. You said you could
handleit.”

“ThatwasbeforeIknewwhatwasgoingon,”shecountered.“I’mnotsureIcandeal
withthis.”

Jaxsonpressedherhard.“ThenI’msorrytoseeyougo.Acceptit,orI’llbeexpecting
yourresignationbeforeyouleavetoday.”

Her eyes widened at his threat. He prayed she’d back down. He really didn’t want to
loseher.ShewasadamnfinemanagerforRunway,buthealsoknewhewouldn’tput
upwithhergivingthemshitfortheirlifestyleorrunningBlackLight.

Anawkwardsilencehungintheairasheandthebossywomanintheroomsquared

off. He could see indecision flitting through her eyes as she weighed her options. He
was a bit surprised when Emma came into his peripheral view, coming to sit in the
chairnexttoMaxine,recentlyvacatedbyherproppedupfeet.

“It really is okay, Maxine. I remember not understanding the whole lifestyle at all
whenImetJaxsonandChase.Itconfusedmetoo.Afterall,I’dbeenraisedtobeaType-
Acareerwoman.IneverwouldhavedreamedI’denjoybeingasexualsubmissive,but
honestly,I’veneverbeenhappier.I’vemetsomanysubmissivesintheclubandIcan
assureyou,everythingthatI’veseenhasbeenconsensual.Itmaynotbeforyou,but
pleasedon’tquitoverthis.Weneedyouandyou’regreatatyourjob.”

JaxsoncouldhavekissedEmma.Shewassayingexactlywhatneededtobesaid,and
withacredibilitythatonlyawomancouldpulloffinthissituation.

MaxineglancedbackupatJaxsonandhesitatedonlyafewsecondsbeforegivingher
answer.“Fine.Aslongasyouallkeepitprivate,I’llbackoff.I’mnotsureIunderstand
itall,butit’snoneofmybusiness.”

Spencercouldn’tcontainhisresponse.“That’swhatIsaidinthebeginning.”

Sheglaredathimandthenwenttowork.“So,whodoyouhavedesigningthewebsite
sign-upfortheevent?”

Spencer glanced at his four employees for support, but all five men got a deer in the
headlightslookontheirface.

Maxinecontinuedon.“That’swhatIthought.Iassumeyouhaveafoodandbeverage
operationdownthere?Whereareyougettingyourliquor?Areyoudoinganyproduct
ordering that we could combine with Runway to get volume discounts? How about
yourscheduling,memberships,accounting?”

The more tactical things Maxine rattled off, the more sheepish the Master of the
Dungeonlooked.Jaxsonhadtohideanewgrin–thistimeathisfriend’sexpense.He
wasenjoyingSpencerbeingschooledbytherealoutletmanagerintheroom.

“Maxine,youbringupexcellentpoints.I’msuretherearesomescalesofeconomywe
couldgainbycombiningsomeoftheresourcesbetweenthetwoclubs.”Hepausedto
pin Spencer with a glare. “You are an excellent Master Dom, Spencer, but you don’t
know shit about running a club. Effective immediately, I’d like you two to work
togetheronthenon-BDSMcomponentsofBlackLight.”

“Youhavetobeshittingme.Youwantmetoworkwithher?YoutoldmeBlackLight
wasallminetorun.”

“Anditis.YouhavecompletecreativecontrolovertheBDSMcomponents,butMaxine
canhelpwiththeF&Bandpurchasing.Letherhelpyouwiththewebsitesetupforthe
event.Keepinmind,ithastobe100%confidentialandhavealogin/passwordsetupto
protectidentities.”

Maxinedidherbesttoignorethegrumblingattheotherendofthetableassheturned

backtoJaxson.“Iunderstandtheneedforconfidentiality,butI’dliketoletNoahinon
thesecret.Hedoesallofourorderingofsuppliesandliquor.Tryingtoaddanythingto
orders without him knowing will be impossible, and I’ve put him in charge of
inventorycontrol.”

JaxsonandSpenceranswered,“Agreed”,and,“Nofuckingway”,simultaneously.

Spencergrumbled.“IalreadyhiredmyownbartendersforBlackLight.Wedon’tneed
hishelp.”

Maxine rounded on him. “Let me guess. Old friends of yours?” When Spencer sat
silentlyshehadheraffirmation.“I’mnotsuggestingNoahworkdownstairs.I’monly
sayinghehelpswithinventorycontrolandpurchasing.Don’tworry.Hewon’tinterfere
withyourboy’sclub.”

“Allright,Ithinkwe’vehadenoughfortoday.Gettingthewebsitesetupisatoppriority
andthensendingoutaconfidentialemailtoallofourmembershipwiththeinvitation
toparticipateorattendasobserverscomesnext.Let’sgetbacktogetherintwoweeksat
our next staff meeting. I’ll expect to hear how we are doing with participation. And
Spencer?”Hepinnedhisfriendwithaglare.HeknewtheDomwasn’tgoingtolikehis
next request any more than he’d liked the rest of the meeting. “Emma is our
accountant. I’d like her to run the numbers with the planned participation and ticket
sales to understand where our breakeven number is. We need to set target sales
thresholdstomakesurewearen’tlosingmoney.”

“For Christ’s sake. You act like you’re running a huge corporation or something. I
thought you wanted to have a private place for the BDSM elite to play safely here in
D.C.withoutfearofbeingoutedwiththemediaorpublic.”

“Yes,butIneveroncesaidIwantedtoopenBlackLighttolosemoney.It’sabusiness.
JustlikeRunway.I’mwillingtogiveitafewmonthstogetthingsrolling,particularly
since we can’t do any wide advertising and keep our anonymity. We’ll only get
businessthroughprivatereferrals,whichwilltaketimetohappen,butletmebeclear.
Weeitherfigureoutawaytostartmakingaprofitwithinthenextfewmonthsorwe’ll
shutitdown.I’mnotrunningacharityhere,particularlysincealmosteveryDominant
memberwe’vesignedupsofarisamillionaire.”

“That’s the problem. We are heavy on Doms and since many of them already have
regularsubs,theypaythecouplerate.Itissinglesubmissivesweareshorton.Manyof
themdon’thavethemoneyfortheheftymembershipfees.”

“Well then, this is a great opportunity for many of them to come and play with the
possibilityofwinningamonth’sfreemembership.Justbecarefulwhoyouinvite.Even
iftheyareaguest,theyhavetostillagreetoalloftheconfidentialityclauses.”

Terry,theburliestofthefourdungeonmonitors,hadsatquietlyinthemeetingupuntil
thatmoment.Jaxsonalwaysthoughthe’dearnedhisnickname,Muscles,honestly.

“I’mstilldoingpart-timesecurityoverattheOvertimeBDSMclubnexttotheCapitol

Building.Beenthereacoupleofyearsnow.Icangettogetherashortlistofsubmissives
Ithinkwouldbeagoodfitifyou’dlike.Mostcouldn’taffordthemonthlyfeeforBlack
Light,butIthinkthey’dlovetoparticipateintheValentineRouletteevent,especiallyif
theyhadachancetowinamonthortwoofregularmembershiptocomeandplay.”

Spencer cautioned, “That’s a good idea, but just be careful. Confidentiality is a top
priority.”

Jaxsonhadworriedaboutthis.“Weareinabitofabind,though.Wecanletthesubsin
forfreefortheeventtogettheinterestup.We’llneverhaveenoughmemberstomake
thebusinessworkifwedon’twidenourinvitationsalittlebit.”Ashisdungeonmaster
startedtoargueback,heclosedthemeetingwith,“I’mnotsuggestingwetakeoutafull
page ad in The Post, but we need to get a buzz going among the known BDSM
communityifweplanongettingenoughmembers.”

Inthebriefsilencethathungintheair,heheardEmma’stummygrowling.Theblush
acrossthebridgeofhernosewasadorable.Astheireyesmet,heknewtheyneededto
wrapupsohecouldtakecareoffillinghertummy.Hisgrowingcockwantedtofeed
heranappetizerofcumbeforetakingheroutforaproperdinner.

“Sowehaveaplan.Let’sclosethismeeting.We’llgetbacktogetherintwoweeksfor
our next meeting. Don’t wait until then if you need to run anything past me. Have a
good evening, everyone.” The tone in his voice didn’t leave room for uncertainty.
Everyonearoundthetableknewthey’djustbeendismissed.

Maxine grabbed up her tablet and cell phone and almost sprinted from the room to
avoidfurtherinteractionwiththemenofBlackLight.Spencerhesitatedasifhewanted
to stay to debate something with Jaxson, but eventually left, trailing behind the four
dungeonmonitors,andBlake.

Oncethethreeloverswerealone,theatmosphereswitchedinaflashfrombusinessto
pleasure.Chasealmostattackedhim,slidingtohiskneesandcrawlingunderthetable
tostartgraspingatJaxson’spantszipper.

“I fucking love watching you dominate the meeting like that. Watching you keep
Spencerandhisboysincheckisthehottestthingever.I’vebeenlikesteelforthelast
thirtyminutes.”

Jaxson chuckled until he felt his lover’s warm hand pulling his own hardening cock
freefromtheconfinesofhisunderwear.Histouchwastheperfectaphrodisiactoadd
to the growing sexual need hanging in the air. Jaxson reached his hand out as an
invitationtoEmmawhosatnearbywatchingherloversstartingwithouther.

“Comehere,sweetheart.Iwanttogiveyouabigkiss.Youwereperfectinthemeeting.”

“ArewereallygoingtohavefrontrowseatsthatnightfortheValentineRoulette?”He
sawexcitementinhereyes.

“Thatwastheplan.”

Emmarushedtostandnexttohischairwherehecouldpullherdownintoanurgent
kiss.Jaxson let the pleasure of the two mouths connecting with him intimately wash
overhim.Withinseconds,hiscockwasrockhardandreadyforthenextphaseoftheir
tryst.Astemptedashewastolethisloversfinishhimoff,heknewtheydeservedto
cometoo,andhereallydidwanttofeedEmmahisgrowingload.

He broke out of the kiss and pushed his rolling executive chair away from the table,
leavingapantingChaseonhiskneesunderthetable.

“Getonuphere,Chase.You’regonnapoundourEmmawhileshekneelsonthechair.
Comehere,sweetheart.”

Hepushedtohisfeetsoshecouldplaceherkneesontheseathisasshadjustvacated.
Shefacedthebackofthechair.“That’sit.LeanoverthebackofthechairandI’llfeed
youwhileChaseservicesyourhotlittlepussy.Don’tforget.Weallcometogether.”

Chasewasalreadyonhisfeet,freeinghisownmanhoodfromhispantsandsteppingup
tobareEmma’score.JaxsonwaiteduntilChase’seyesmethisown,tellinghimallwas
ready. The only indication to Chase that it was time was a small nod. The men both
entered Emma, one in her mouth and the other in her pussy, in one strong push.
Jaxsonfelthergaggingasthetipofhisengorgedpenishitthebackofherthroat.Her
gurgling cry as Chase went equally deep at the other end of her enhanced Jaxson’s
pleasure.Shewasholdingontothebackofthechairforstability,whichmeanthehad
completecontroloverthespeedanddepthhefuckedhermouth.Thesoundofbodies
slappingtogetherwasjoinedbytheslurpingofwetchannelsbeingplunderedfrontand
backontheirsubmissive.

Thesoundtrackoftheroomwastoofuckingsexytoletanyofthemlastforlong.He
couldfeelEmmatryingtopulloffhiscockassheattemptedtoaskpermissiontocome.
Hewastooclosetoallowhertostop,evenforasecond.Instead,hewrappedhisfingers
throughherlongdarkhairandusedherwetorificetochasehisownpleasure.

Jaxson was so focused on plunging into Emma’s throat he missed Chase leaning in,
seeking his own intimate connection to his Dom. The men’s mouths connected in an
openmouthkiss,completingtheirfavoritetriangleofconnectionforthetrio.

Withinseconds,theyalltippedintoaloudorgasmwiththemendepositingtheirloads
intoEmma’swarmbody.

Chase grinned his lopsided smile as they began to peel apart from each other. “That
shouldtideusoverforafewhours.I’mstarving.Ivotewegotodinnerbeforewehead
downtoBlackLightforroundtwo.”

Jaxsonpulledoneoftheclothhankieshealwayscarriedwithhimoutofhispocketto
startcleaningupEmma’sspunkfilledmouthwhereshe’ddribbleddropsofstickycum
shecouldn’tquiteswallow.

“That’soneidea.Ikindathoughtwecouldorderupapizzaandstartroundtwowhile
wewaited.”

EmmagiggledasChasegottoworkstrippingher.“Perfectplan.Youorderthepizza.”

Excitedtoseewhatcomesnext?Wecan’twaittoshowyou!

Watchforthereleaseof‘BlackLight:ValentineRoulette’todivebackintothe

worldofBlackLight!

BooksbyJenniferBene

Dark/BDSMRomance:

SecurityBindsHer(ThaliaBook1)

StrikingaBalance(ThaliaBook2)

SalvagedbyLove(ThaliaBook3)

OfFogandFire(PartsI&II)

TakenbytheEnemy

LethalSin(DangerousGamesBook1)

EarlySins(DangerousGamesBook0)

BlackLight:Exposed

Dark/ParanormalRomance:

Fae(DaughtersofElteraBook1)

Tara(DaughtersofElteraBook2)

BDSMNovellas:

TheInvitation

TheRite

ChristmasatPurgatory(ThaliaExtra#1)

Reunited

AnthologyAppearances:

TheMoreTheMerrier(Ménage/BDSM)

TheDarkerSideofLove(Dark/BDSM)

Twist(BDSM)

TheMoretheMerrier2(Ménage/BDSM)

MÉNAGErie(MénageBoxedSet)

TheDarkForest:ACollectionofEroticFairytales

BlackLight:ValentineRoulette(ComingFebruary2017)

AbouttheAuthor

JenniferBeneisaninternationalbestsellingauthorofromanceanderoticawholoveswine,hiking,whiskey,and
keyboards - not necessarily in that order. She's been writing for years, but it's always been the dark stuff that
makeshertingly,soherbooksarefullofaggressivealphamales/Doms,feistywomenwhomayormaynothave
a submissive streak, and intense, psychological storylines. Whether it's showing up in romance, erotica,
paranormal,ménage,oranythingelseshedecidestoventureinto,it'salwaysalittledark.But,don'tworry,she
alsoinsistsonhavinganicelittlehappily-ever-after!Afterall,withoutthedark,we'dnevernoticethelight,now
wouldwe?

Want to get a FREE book, news about upcoming releases, giveaways, takeover appearances, and more? Sign up
forher

monthlymailinglist

KeepintouchwithJenniferBene:

@jbeneauthor

jbeneauthor

jenniferbene.com

jbeneauthor@gmail.com

Document Outline

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Epilogue

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