Chapter Eight

Rylee, seated at her desk, faced Glorie. The woman had come to deliver the final contract. Instead of meeting her in the conference room, Rylee had chosen her office. She wanted the seat of power. Since returning from that wonderful, magical weekend that had ended in a total disaster, she needed the confidence booster.

Realizing she was twisting and turning a pen with nervous fingers, she set it down and folded her hands on top of the desk. “I assume Hunter isn’t back yet, or did he send you?” Was he back and didn’t want anything more to do with her?

Glorie leaned forward and covered Rylee’s hands with her own. “I’m sorry your weekend didn’t work out.”

Rylee sighed, her shoulders sagging. So much for being in control. She fought her tears and wished she could do over the ending. She made her decision. Too bad it was the wrong one. “It was the best weekend I ever had,” she confided. “Until the last night, anyway. I wish now I’d stayed, but I was angry. And hurt.” Instead of staying with the man she loved, trying to work out her feelings of hurt and betrayal, giving them both permission for a second chance at love and a future, she’d spent the night in a limo heading home with her bitter feelings.

“Understandable. No woman likes to be manipulated.” Glorie released Rylee’s hands and sat back in her chair and crossed her legs.

“Exactly.” Rylee smacked her palm against her desk.

Glorie lifted one arched brow. “But that’s not much of a consolation, is it, Ms. Kincaid?”

Rylee’s anger deflated. She shook her head. “No. And considering what you saw of me, I think you can dispense with the formalities.”

Glorie smiled gently. “Very well, Rylee. Now, what are you going to do about Hunter?”

Rylee stared at the other woman. Even dressed business professionally, the woman’s commanding presence, her aura of power, was unnerving. She shrugged. “Not much I can do. He didn’t call or send any texts or even one stingy email for the last three weeks.” And she’d ignored him as well. She covered her face with her hands, unable to stem the tears. “I blew it.”

Gentle hands drew her up and over to a small sitting area near the window. “Dry those tears, my dear. You know Hunter loves you.”

“He has a funny way of showing it.”

“I know my partner well. He was devastated after you left. He doesn’t believe he deserves you, pet.”

Startled by the name a Dom calls his or her sub, Rylee lifted a brow. Glorie shrugged. “Habit. I admire you, Rylee. Consider it a term of affection.”

“I suppose you know he was right about me. I am submissive by nature.”

Glorie nodded. “In the bedroom, perhaps, but not in business. You’re a strong woman. If you want Hunter, take charge.” She narrowed her dark eyes. “You do want him, don’t you?”

Rylee nodded. “More than I’ve ever wanted anything.”

“Are you going to let pride stand in your way?”

“No. But what can I do?”

Grinning, Glorie moved closer and outlined her plan. Rylee’s jaw dropped. “Has anyone every told you that you are one sneaky, devious, woman?”

Glorie lifted a brow.

“And a scary Domme besides?”

“Better.” Glorie stood. “I’ll leave you to get ready. This is one show I’m going to enjoy.”

****

“For such an intelligent man, you are an idiot, partner.” Glorie crossed one leg over the other and admired her new red heels.

“Not helping, Glorie.” Hunter glanced around his spacious office, ignoring his luggage in one corner. He hadn’t been back an hour before his partner strolled into his office with the look of a woman intent on punishing him. He half expected to see her pull a whip out of thin air.

Tired and heart-sore, he wasn’t in the mood to face anyone. He should have gone home. Everywhere he looked, he saw Rylee—bent over his desk, her ass wiggling, on the couch, her legs wrapped over his shoulders as he hit her G-spot and made her cry out, on the floor beneath the window, on her hands and knees, rocking back against him, and full circle, back at his desk, between his legs, swallowing his cock, taking him hard and fast as she’d done that first night at Pleasure Manor.

“Shit, there go my fantasies,” he murmured, forgetting he wasn’t alone. “And hers.”

Glorie glanced around. “You do have a nice office. Perfect for a bit of playtime. No spanking bench though.”

He started, unaware he’d spoken aloud. Then her words sank in. “Fuck, Glorie. Don’t tell me you have one in your office.”

She stared at her nails. “Okay, I won’t. So what was her fantasy?”

He sighed. “Spread out on my desk, at the mercy of the boss when someone walks in—you, the big, scary Domme.”

Glorie chuckled. “Ah, an exhibitionist. Perhaps the two of you might like to star in our next production?”

Remembering how excited she’d been while watching Red and her Wolf, he rolled his eyes. “In case it has escaped your notice, partner, Rylee ran from me.” And now he’d never get to explore that part of her sexuality.

“So what are you going to do about it? Have you called her?”

Exasperated, Hunter glared at Glorie, hating those cool assessing eyes that didn’t miss a thing. In business, it was an asset, but when she focused her attention on his personal life, not so much. “No. I couldn’t bear it if she sent me to voicemail. I waited until I got back. I plan to go see her tonight.”

“You really should have called her, Hunter. Three weeks is a long time to be ignored.”

He got up and threw his hands in the air. “I blew it. Ten years ago, six months ago. Hell, the minute I knew Jerry was gone, I should have found her and told her the truth. And I wanted to call. Every day.”

Glorie shook her head and stood. “Well, it’s a good thing one of us can think and plan when life goes to hell in a hand basket.” She glanced at the slim, gold watch on her wrist. “I hope you’re not planning on leaving anytime soon.”

“Got an appointment with Rodgers in a couple hours.”

“Mmm, I’ll take it. I think you’re going to be too busy.”

“Doing what?”

She studied her nails again. Blood red, to match her fuck-me heels. “If you were my sub, you’d be crawling on your hands and knees and eating crow.” She checked her phone when it signaled a text message. She stood, smiled, every bit the scheming, wicked queen.

Hunter narrowed his eyes. He recognized that pleased as shit expression. “What are you up to, Glorie?”

“Now, Hunter. I’m just being my normal, sweet self.”

Choking on swallow of coffee, Hunter glared. “There’s a reason why you’re always the evil queen, Glorie.”

“Yeah, I’m a real bitch, aren’t I?” She sounded pleased. At the door, she hesitated. “Seriously, Hunter, I’d get on your knees.”

****

Rylee didn’t bother to stop at the admin’s desk to request a meeting with Hunter.

“Excuse me, Miss. You can’t just go in there.”

She swiveled her head, wishing she were Carrie so she could freak out the admin who’d jumped to her feet. “It’s Ms. Kincaid, and you’re not going to stop me from seeing that slimy snake. I’d hate to knock you on your ass and run over you.”

Reaching out to shove open the door, she startled as it opened, then closed. Glorie stood there, her back to the door, one delicate brow arched.

“I’ll go through you, Ms. Amadori.”

Glorie chuckled. “Ah, Ms. Kincaid. Had a feeling you might show up.” She stepped forward, patted Rylee’s cheek. “Nice acting,” she whispered. Now go in and make him beg, pet.”

“Beg hell, he’s going to bleed. You’re going to need to call 911 when I’m done with his sorry ass.” She bit back a grin at the look of outraged shock on the admin’s face, then entered the office and slammed the door.

Standing in front of his corner window, Hunter stared at Rylee. She stood, back to the door, glaring at him. Regardless, his heart jumped with joy. The last three weeks seemed a lifetime. She’d been so angry when she left their camp, walking back to the mansion. He’d let her go, following, staying in the shadows to be sure she was safe.

That had been the hardest thing he’d ever done—let the woman he loved walk away from him when he wanted to grab her and make her understand, to take her back to their bed and show her they were meant to be together. So he’d given her time and space. Unfortunately, his two-week trip had become three. He’d planned to go to her tonight. Instead, she’d come to him.

His gaze swept over her, taking in the furious flush to her cheeks and the sparks glittering in her eyes. She had a pretty impressive mad tucked around her shoulders like a cloak. So much for time calming her.

“This is getting to be a habit, Ms. Kincaid,” he said, remembering how she’d burst into his office before. There was no heat in his voice. Just wariness. And hope hovered close to the surface.

She stormed over to him. For the second time in his office, she tossed his contract at him. Papers whirled around him like a snowstorm. “You traitor. You bastard. How dare you change what we agreed on? Fix it. Fix it now, and give me what you promised.”

The spark of fury in eyes was more violet than blue, and they were just a bit too bright. She was close to tears. He put aside his desperate need to pull her into his arms and convince her that she was his. “What are you talking about, Rylee?”

“You changed the deal. Again.” Her voice rose.

He lifted a brow and frowned, all business. “No. It’s precisely what we agreed upon.” He crossed his arms. God, she was all fired up, spittin’ mad with claws out, ready to scrape him raw. And he rather liked seeing her so out of control. Like when she’d submitted to him totally, giving him everything, gifting him with her trust and allowing him to love her completely.

Bending over, Rylee picked up several pieces of paper, tossing and discarding until she found what she was looking for. She waved it in his face, then poked him in the chest with her finger. “This is not what we agreed on.”

Taking the sheet from her, he glanced at it, and then scooped up a handful, skimming them until he read the name of the business purchasing her company. And understood. He couldn’t help grinning. Now Glorie’s comments made sense. His matchmaking partner had taken matters into her own hands.

Rylee glared at Hunter. The late afternoon light formed a halo around him, leaving his face shadowed. He’d been gone nearly three weeks after that wonderful and bittersweet weekend. She’d missed him, wanted him so bad, but not once had he tried to call her. Or stop her from walking away from him.

Her heart ached as his masculine scent surrounded her. She’d never forget her time with Hunter. He would always remind of her of pine and wood smoke. Her throat clogged with emotion and tears pricked her eyelids, but she refused to cry. She wasn’t having to try so hard to act hurt and angry. She was both. “I’m so glad you find this amusing.”

This was crazy. Glorie’s plan wasn’t going to work. She whirled around as if to leave, but he grabbed her around the waist and yanked her into his arms. His body was hard, comforting, and she wanted to rest her cheek against his chest, hear his heart beating, and most of all, know he was hers. Totally and forever.

He caressed the side of her face tenderly. “I was coming to see you tonight.”

For three weeks, she’d felt cold, like Snow White after she’d bitten into the poisoned apple. Even now, she felt as though there was something stuck in her throat. “You didn’t call.”

She could have quoted the hours and minutes. She’d thought about calling him, taking the first step, but fear kept her silent. But no more. It was foolish to let the past steal her future. Part of her understood what he’d done all those years ago.

Family.

Didn’t people often make the ultimate sacrifices for their family, even if those who were supposed to love you and have your best interests in mind were selfish and self-centered? Jerry had been a good husband, but she’d never been blind to his faults. He’d been an only child, doted on by his mother, and had expected everyone to fall in with his wishes.

But Hunter was an only child, and he’d put his father’s happiness over his own. Not Jerry’s. Not hers. Not his. He’d sacrificed everything for his father.

Deep down, she admired his devotion, understood it even as she’d cried hurt tears over it. Still, what was done, was done. She had no control over what he’d done ten years ago. But she had control over the here and now.

“I was angry.” She met his gaze. “Angry that you didn’t call me. Angry that you let me walk away. You didn’t try to stop me. I thought you’d just been playing with me.”

Hunter cupped her face in his hands. “I wanted to give you time to think and get past the feelings of betrayal.” He sighed. “Not true. I was afraid you’d refuse to take my calls. I knew if that happened, I’d have gotten on the first flight back home. I needed a clear head for the negotiations so I didn’t call.”

“You let me go,” she reminded.

“And I shouldn’t have.” He bent his head and swept his lips over hers. “I followed you. I wanted to be your Huntsman, to grab you, hold on, and never let you go. You took my heart with you when you left me, Rylee.”

Rylee rested her forehead against his chest. “I was so hurt. I felt as though everyone had betrayed me, taken away my choices.” She lifted her head and smiled weakly. “I felt like poor Snow White, turned loose in the woods by her huntsman, so lost and alone.”

She blinked back tears when he lowered his head and kissed her gently. “Before we get to the you and me part, you have to believe I didn’t send that contract, Rylee. That’s not the one we agreed on.”

She sniffed, hiding her smile. “Are you sure?”

Hunter laughed and picked up the sheet he’d dropped. “Look closely, sweetheart.” He pointed to a paragraph. “Read the name of the business.”

“Kingdom of Dom. Well, why didn’t I notice that?”

Eyes narrowed, Hunter tipped her chin up and read the humor she couldn’t hide. “I’ve been had. I should have known. You and Glorie planned this. Glorie mostly, as that woman has this irritating tendency to play matchmaker.”

Still reeling from the sheer joy of being in her Dom’s arms, Rylee reached up and ran her fingers along his jaw. “Are you angry?”

“Never. I guess I deserved it. Besides, you have no idea how beautiful you look when you have a good, hot mad going.” He rested his forehead against hers. “I’m sorry I didn’t put you—us—first ten years ago.”

Rylee cupped each side of his face. “No. When I realized how much you sacrificed for your father’s happiness, that made me love you even more. I can’t even blame Jerry. He loved me. Maybe his wasn’t a selfless love, but it was love. We both know he didn’t have it in him to sacrifice himself the way you did. But still. We had a good life.”

“I don’t want to tarnish your memories of him. To tell the truth, I don’t know what kind of man he was as I was never a part of his life, but when it comes to you, I can’t blame him for being so upset when he learned I’d spent the weekend with you. After all, I fell in love with you as well.”

“What now?”

He kissed her, drawing her close, his arms wrapped around her. “I recall a certain fantasy involving a desk.” He backed her toward it.

“Hmm.” It was all she could manage as his lips took possession of hers.

“I think we’ll forgo the interruptions though. He jabbed a button on his phone. “I’m not to be disturbed, Ms. Wilson.” He went to the door and locked it.

“There. I have you all to myself, baby.” His arms swept around her, his head lowered, and her mouth welcomed his.

The minute he used his Dom voice, a hard jolt of lust bloomed between her legs, and she was lost in the joy of being his sub. “Oh, yes, Sir,” she whispered against his lips, her hands gliding up his chest as his mouth devoured hers again. Letting him take control, she absorbed his passion and his love. As always, his kisses weakened her knees, awakened the desire deep in her core, and made her hungry for more.

Her fingers tangled in his hair and gripped him hard, holding on as they dueled for control. He might be in the ultimate driver’s seat, but she was no wimp or doormat. She gave as good as she got, strove to give more.

Seeing her chance, she sideswiped his tongue with hers and triumphantly entered his mouth. She tasted him, reveled in the heat and texture of his hot, yummy mouth, then moaned when his lips closed and captured her tongue. He’d trapped her neatly. He stroked and sucked until she thought she’d melt and end up on the floor in a puddle of desperate need.

Hunter trailed his lips along her throat. For three long weeks, he’d dreamed of doing this. “I need you, Rylee. I want to take my time, be in control, but it’s not going to happen. You make this Dom lose control. Maybe after five years, I’ll get it back.”

His hands made quick work of her blouse. Another time, he might have admired the lacy white bra, but need raged. Her bra landed on the floor. He cupped her soft, silky breasts in his palms and rolled her pink nipples between his thumb and forefinger until they were tight little buds. Her soft mews of pleasure sent a flaming arrow of need straight to his aching balls.

His fingers found her zipper. He slowly lowered it. Her skirt fell and pooled at her feet. “Holy Mother of God!”

His gaze latched onto her bare, shaved mound. Heat flared from his balls and zipped along his dick. Both began swelling and throbbing from the sudden onrush of blood. Every coherent thought fled as his blood supply gathered in one spot. His slacks were suddenly too snug. He stared at her stockings, held up by a matching garter belt and nearly choked with the effort to breathe.

“Turn around.” His voice was hoarse.

She grinned as she turned slowly. “You like?”

Hunter’s mind went to mush as he eyed the bow that sat at the crest of her ass. She was a gift just waiting for him to unwrap and enjoy. “That is totally hot.” He wrapped his arm around her waist, used his foot to spread her legs, and went straight to ground zero. His fingers cupped her bare pussy, parting her, easing into her. “Fuck.”

She was wet and naked and so ready for him. And she was all his. He bent her over his desk, stared hungrily at her pale ass as he kicked off his shoes, removed his slacks and shorts, and freed his swollen cock. His hard cock bobbed as blood pulsed into him.

Rylee wrapped her hands around the opposite edge of the desk. “Hurry,” she begged, wiggling her ass. “I want you inside.”

Hunter complied. One firm thrust joined them. He shouted his triumph, forgetting they were in his office, that there might be people outside. Nothing mattered but this. “You’re mine,” he panted.

She whimpered with each plunge in and protested every time he pulled out. Her hot juices soaked him, and her pussy tightened around his dick, squeezing, sucking, and pulsing. He groaned as he continued to tease and torment them both. “Baby—”

Something hard smacked his ass. His eyes shot open, and he moaned against the hot, flare of pain that had him thrusting hard into Rylee’s pussy. Gasping, he swung his head around. “What the hell?”

Glorie stood behind him, gloating. Rylee lifted her head and stared at Glorie, but instead of being outraged or embarrassed, she laughed.

“Well, well, it’s about time, partner.” Glorie ran her hand over her paddle, walked to his other side, and before he could pull out and confront her, she paddled his ass. Harder.

Another burst of sweet pain bloomed, and again, he rammed his cock into Rylee. “Glorie! Get. Out!”

Smack.

Another moan. Another uncontrolled thrust inside Rylee’s sweet pussy. “Dammit!” It came out a cross between a moan, a plea, and a squeak of shock. He clenched his teeth to keep from losing control.

Glorie shook her head. “This is her fantasy, pet. And judging from your reaction, I think you might like to be spanked as well. Do yourself a favor and let her top you once in a while. Should keep your sex life interesting.” She strode to the head of the desk.

“My gift to you, Ms. Kincaid. Let me know if you want lessons in spanking.” She set the paddle onto the desk. “Keep him on his toes. I’d judge four might be enough to get him off.” She grinned and patted her partner’s red ass on her way out. “I’ll buy you your own spanking bench for your office, partner.”

The bright flare of heat of his backside had him barely able to breathe. He didn’t dare move, or he’d come right then and there. He grit his teeth against the violent need coursing through him. “Want to explain? And dammit, quite squirming.”

Rylee laughed so hard, her shoulders shook, sending tremors into her pussy, which clung to him like white on rice. Though Hunter wanted nothing more than to pump his cock in and out of her slick channel, he ripped himself out and was unable to swallow his cry of pain. He flipped her over onto her back and lifted her legs. With her legs open, bent at her knees, her ass on the edge of the desk, she was open and inviting. And his. He shoved two fingers inside her pink pussy. “I’m waiting.”

Rylee’s breasts jiggled and heaved. “That was priceless—”

He curled his fingers and stroked her G-spot. Her laugh morphed into a high squeal.

“You liked what Glorie did, didn’t you?” He fingerfucked her hard and fast. If he had to suffer, so did she.

“Hunter. God, yes, but I like this much better.” Her voice rose.

He stopped, framed her sex with his hands. He loved the feel of her shaved labia, the skin smooth and sensitive to his every tough. He lowered his head and kissed each bare lip then moved lower to lick her sweet cream. “Spill it.” His tongue darted deep.

Her hips jerked. “That’s your job,” she moaned, still smiling.

“When did you talk to Glorie?” He tasted his way up through her swollen folds, the tip of his tongue zeroing in on her clit.

“Yesterday,” she admitted, moaning, her back arching.

“You set me up.” He yanked her forward and drove his cock into her.

“Yes!” Rylee’s scream mingled with his hoarse shout.

Hunter fucked her hard. Sweat from the strain of holding back his own orgasm ran down his back and the sides of his face. His balls felt like they were going to explode. Pain from the need to come pounded with a vengeance. He leaned over her, running his hands up her sides. “I love you, Rylee. Be mine forever.”

“Yes.” Her head rolled side to side as she moaned and whimpered.

“Marry me. Be my partner. Fifty-fifty. Everything I have, everything I am is yours. Be my equal partner.”

“God, yes.” Rylee’s hips rose to meet his every thrust.

Hunter kissed her hard and deep. “Except the bedroom,” he murmured. “I’m thinking ninety-ten there. After all, I’m the Dom, though there are times when it might be nice to let my sub take charge.”

Rylee’s giggle turned into a moan when he wiggled his hips and circled. “Sixty-forty,” she said, panting, whimpering when he eased back and plunged in again. “And I get to spank you.”

“Fuck. What else do you want?” He set a hard, fast pace.

“More shows. Maybe even a threesome.” She was breathless, could barely talk.

“Not with Glorie.” His ass burned brighter just thinking of his partner welding that paddle. He fondled Rylee’s breasts with one hand, pinching her nipples, groaning when he felt the responding jerk deep inside her pussy. The other hand found her clit peeping out from beneath swollen folds. He circled his finger, matching the rhythm of his hips as he drove her higher.

“She’s scary, but I bet she’s good.”

“Good god, you shock me.” His little vanilla playmate had blossomed. Time to end their exquisite torture. “Seventy-thirty. Some spanking, and we’ll see about the rest. Final offer,” he huffed, fighting the need to explode inside her as she gripped him, pulsed around him, and throbbed in tune to the blood raging through his veins.

Rylee’s palms were flat on the desk, her body writhing with sheer ecstasy. “Deal.” She held out her arms, wanting him close.

Hunter tangled his fingers with hers and leaned over, thrusting her hips higher as he drove them both over the edge. Music swelled in his head, carrying them away on that waltz of lovers. He swallowed her scream even as she absorbed his own hoarse shout, and together, they soared on the wings of their orgasms.

“That was incredible,” Hunter panted a moment later, his hands cupping her head, his fingers threading through her hair. “I love you, Rylee.”

“I love you, Hunter.” Rylee shivered. His cock still pulsed deep inside her while her body continued to convulse and spasm around him, grabbing him, holding him. “I love you so much it scares me.” And filled all those empty places she hadn’t known were there. She sighed. “And I swear I heard birds singing.”

“Right there with you, baby.” He kissed her tenderly. “Better birds than a bunch of dwarves whistling in the woods.”

She giggled and ran her fingers down his chest then back up. “We have our own happy-ever-after.”

“That we do, my lovely Snow. I think I’m ready for another happy ending.” He picked her up, carried her to the couch, and sat. “Ride me, love. Claim me as I claimed you.”

Rylee didn’t need to be told twice. Making her own choices was important to her in every area of her life. Except the bedroom. She mounted her huntsman and rode him deep into the woods of pleasure where dreams did come true.