CHAPTER FOUR

 

Crystal paced around her apartment. Jordan had insisted on picking her up to go to the club. She’d put her coat on, not wanting Jordan to see what she was wearing until they reached the club. Hopefully he wouldn’t think her black dress was too conservative.

He’d offered yesterday to send her an outfit, but she told him it was fine, she had one. He raised his eyebrows, but didn’t say anything. Crystal smiled. Jordan was going to be surprised.

A knock sounded on her door. She checked to see who it was, then opened the door. “Hi, Jordan. I’m ready.” She picked up her small purse.

“So I see.” He stared at her. “Don’t I get a preview?” His eyes gleamed with mischief.

“No.” She shut the door behind her and locked it.

“You torture me, fair lady,” he said, placing his hand over his heart.

“Dramatic much?” She couldn’t suppress her laughter.

“I got you to laugh.” He took her by the elbow and guided her to the elevator, then out to his SUV.

“What will happen when we get there?” She tangled her fingers in her lap.

“Nervous?” He covered her hands with one of his.

“A bit.”

“Tonight is for you to see the club and what goes on. Remember, if you want to talk to a sub or slave, you will need to talk to their Dom or Master first.”

“Okay.” She’d spent all day reviewing the case, and getting a better understanding of the lifestyle would help the case. Her nerves tingled. This was about more than the case, though. Tonight was about getting past her upbringing. She loved her parents, but their views on sex were not hers. She was curious about kink, and tonight would give her real-life experience beyond the books she’d read. It would also help her make a decision about pursuing a relationship with Jordan.

“When we get there, once you put your things away, we’ll go over the rules, and then go into the club.”

“All right.” She shifted in her seat.

“You’re holding something back. What is it?”

“Nothing.” Crystal glanced out the window. They were leaving town now. She remembered driving this road the first time she picked up Sierra at the club that fateful night Sierra met Max.

“Crystal.” His tone was firm.

She sighed. “What happens if I can’t handle the club?” It was a worry in the back of her mind.

He squeezed her hands. “Tonight is for you to see what goes on. If you are bothered by anything, we can leave. I don’t want you to worry about it. Relax and explore.

“But what if another Dom won’t take no for an answer?” Her brain had been coming up with different scenarios.

“You’ll see when you get there that we have specially coded bracelets. Remember, it’s all about consent. You have the right to say no.”

“Safe, sane, and consensual.” The words slipped from her lips.

“Right.” They fell silent.

Crystal’s mind kept going over the information Sierra had given her and the application itself. How would other members of the club view her? Sierra told her Thursdays weren’t super busy, so she should be fine, but Crystal wasn’t so sure. Damn, why was she trying to borrow trouble?

When Jordan turned, Crystal’s nerves tightened. He stopped at the gate. Interesting. The night she picked up Sierra, the gate had been open. He rolled down his window and punched in a code at the call box. The gates parted, and he drove through.

The club was lit up, as she remembered. There were about a dozen cars in the parking lot. Jordan parked, and Crystal reached for the door handle.

“Stay there,” he ordered as he jumped out of the vehicle. Then he was at her door, opening it and holding out his hand to help her out of the SUV. A gentleman. She’d almost forgotten what one was like.

“Thank you.”

He locked his SUV, and they walked to the door. A big WS was carved into the door with the W and S entwined in an aqua-blue color outlined in black.

“WS?” she asked.

“Wicked Sanctuary.”

Crystal brought her hand up to her mouth to stifle her laughter. What a play on words. Jordan pushed the door open and guided her into the foyer.

The man behind the desk greeted Jordan. “Good evening, Master Jordan.”

“Evening, Ralph.”

“Master?” Crystal muttered.

“Behave.” Jordan’s arm went around her waist. “Crystal is here tonight to observe as my guest. Max cleared it.”

“Yes, I have all her information right here.” Ralph smiled at her. “If you would sign right here, Miss Crystal.” He pointed to her name on a large journal.

Crystal signed beside her name.

“Very good. Here you go.” He handed Jordan two of what looked like wristbands.

“Thank you, Ralph.” He guided Crystal away from the desk as other people arrived, then through a set of double doors. Once they cleared the doors, music floated in the air. “Ladies room to your left. Go ahead and put your coat and purse in a locker.” He gave her a pat on the butt.

Crystal glared at him, but his eyes danced with mischief. Darn the man. Technically they weren’t on the clock, but she was here because of the case. Oh, get honest with yourself. She was here because she wanted to be, case or no case. She walked into the ladies room.

“It’s about time,” Sierra said before Crystal could even look around the room. Sierra pulled Crystal into a hug.

“I don’t think we’re late.” Crystal looked at her friend, who was dressed in a short skirt and lacy top.

“You’re not. I was anxious for you to arrive. Let’s get you a locker and put your stuff inside. I can’t wait to see the dress you’re wearing.” Sierra took her hand and dragged her over to a set of lockers.

“Breathe, Sierra.” Crystal glanced around the bathroom. Well, if one could call it a bathroom. Yes, it had stalls, but also there were showers, lockers, and racks of towels and robes. “This is one heck of a bathroom.”

“I know. The first time I saw it, I wondered about it.” Sierra took Crystal’s purse and put it in an open locker. “Come on, I want to see your outfit.”

“You’ve seen this dress before. It isn’t new. Patience.”

“Not tonight.”

Crystal laughed. She undid her coat and slipped it off.

“Damn, I forgot the dress showed a lot of skin. Has Jordan seen you yet?”

“No. Too much?” Crystal thought the black cocktail dress was perfect for tonight. Yes, it showed a lot of skin. The top of the dress was cut low in the front and back, but not so low her breasts were on display. The lacy sleeves allowed the air to caress her skin.

She glanced at herself in the mirror. Actually not too much skin was showing. The skirt fell to above her knees, and as long as she was careful, she wouldn’t flash anyone when she sat down.

“It’s fantastic. You look super sexy.”

Crystal’s expression changed from anxiety to relief. . “Thank goodness.” She placed her coat in the locker and started to shut it.

“Shoes,” Sierra said.

“What?”

“Are you sure you want to walk around the club in heels all night?”

“It shouldn’t be an issue for me.” Crystal sat down on the bench. “Is there something I should know about the flooring?”

“The flooring is specially made and sanitized each night, and no food or drink is allowed in the play area. Most of the women go barefoot or in ballet type slippers. Everyone is very careful not to step on toes. But it’s up to you if you want to wear them.”

“Okay.” Crystal adjusted the ankle strap of her shoes. “I’m going to leave them on.” She didn’t feel comfortable in bare feet.

“Come on, let me show you how to lock up your things, and we’ll go.” Sierra showed her how to lock the locker with her thumbprint, then arm-in-arm, they walked into the hallway.

Jordan was waiting, and Crystal’s mouth went dry. Apparently he’d changed out of his khakis and polo. He was wearing a pair of well-fitted, low slung black jeans, black boots, and no shirt. Da-yum! The man had a six pack. His eyes widened when he saw her.

“Sierra, would you give us a minute? We’ll be right in.” His voice was deep and husky. A tingle shot through her body at the low rumble of his voice.

“Sure.” Sierra squeezed her arm before letting go and crossing over to another set of doors. When Sierra opened them, the music grew louder, and Crystal caught a glimpse of other people.

Jordan took Crystal by the shoulders, the heat from his hands penetrating to her bones. “If I’d known what you had on under your coat, we never would have made it out of your apartment.”

His tone was so husky she had to lower her lashes so he didn’t see the satisfaction in her eyes at how she affected him. She’d thought long and hard last night and today. It was time to put aside her fears and let nothing stop her. She was a grown woman with feelings and desires.

“I feel like I should say I’m sorry. But I’m not.” Her gaze met his. She wanted to be sexy and desirable tonight.

“Never be sorry. You are an alluring and beautiful woman. I want to get to know you.” His fingers tightened on hers. “I’ll have to beat the Doms off with a stick tonight.”

Crystal drew in a deep breath. “Yourself included.” Being able to tease Jordan was new for her, and she liked it.

“Maybe. But I have iron control.”

“Oh?” What would it take for him to lose that iron control? Not tonight, she reminded herself. Tonight was to understand more about the lifestyle for the case.

“Let’s go into the club before I change my mind, bundle you out to my car, take you back to my place, and ravish you.” He released her shoulders and slipped his arm around her waist. “Don’t forget to call me Sir.”

Crystal took two steps then stopped. “From my reading, since we’re not in a committed relationship or in the lifestyle, I’m not required to call you sir.”

Jordan closed his eyes and then opened them. “You’re right. Habit.”

“But I’m not saying it might happen or not. I need to understand kink first, especially related to the case.”

“Then you will make a decision if we explore our attraction to each other?”

“Yes.” She was jumping into the deep end with both feet. “Don’t rush me, Jordan. I still need time.”

“Noted.”

He opened the doors, and they walked into the club.

Crystal’s eyes went wide. Books never described this. The club was huge with muted lighting. Off to her right was a bar, beyond the cubes she assumed were for storage. There was a big seating area with tables and chairs, sofas, and over-stuffed chairs.

There was a big open area in the middle. Open, but not completely. She shook her head. There were sofas and equipment in different places. To the left were raised platforms with various equipment scattered along the walls. St. Andrew’s Cross, bondage table, a massage table, another with a wheel-looking thing, and yet another with a big wood structure.

“Welcome to Wicked Sanctuary,” Max said, walking up to them. “I’m pleased you’re here, Crystal.”

“Thanks.” She swallowed. Max, like Jordan, was wearing a pair of pants and shoes. Now that she thought about it, she’d barely paid attention to what anyone was wearing.

“I’ll let Jordan remind you of the rules.” Max looked at Jordan. “Don’t forget the wristband.”

“Oh yeah, thanks. I was so taken aback by what she was wearing, I forgot.” Jordan reached into his pocket and pulled out two wristbands.

“If you need anything, and Jordan isn’t around, find me. But I have a feeling he isn’t going to leave your side.” Max smiled and then left them.

“Wristbands? You mentioned them on the drive, and I saw the man at the desk give them to you.”

“Yes. Remember you asked me about the questionnaire and negotiations?”

“I do.” He slipped the black band on his wrist and took her left arm.

“These help Doms know the sub’s interests.” He slipped a white one on her wrist. “A pure white band means you’re a new member and not allowed to play yet.”

“Yours is black.”

“It’s for a club Master.”

“So much terminology. I’ll never remember it all.”

“I don’t expect you to. Not tonight. Ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.” Be confident. You are in control.

“My brave Crystal.” Jordan guided her over to the first area. “Massage tables.”

“Probably the most vanilla thing in here.”

Jordan’s husky laugh sent a quiver of awareness over her skin.

“You are learning the vocabulary. Yes and no. It is used to give massages and to help both Doms and subs relax. But it’s also used for fire cupping.”

Crystal tilted her head. “Fire cupping sounds dangerous.”

“It’s very relaxing.” He guided her to the next area, which was larger. There were several pieces of equipment. “Bondage and spanking area.”

She took a deep breath at the thought of being tied up and at Jordan’s mercy. “How popular is this area?”

“Very. Thursday night is usually pretty light.”

“Then why open the club?”

“If we have new members, this would be class night. We’d have to be here anyway, so we figured why not open. Some of our members like to come on less crowded nights.”

They moved again. This area was much larger, taking up most of one wall. Crystal swallowed.

“The flogging area.” Jordan nodded to a couple who were at one of the stations. “St. Andrew’s crosses, bondage horses, and the wheel.”

“What is the wheel? I’ve never seen anything like that.”

“The wheel is an interesting piece of equipment.” He guided her closer to it.

“It almost looks like a spider web,” she said, trying to control her breathing. She hadn’t expected this to be so arousing. Her skin tingled under his touch.

“Easier to catch you in my web,” Jordan whispered. “Basically,” he continued. “You can restrain a sub to the wheel and flog or tease. There is also a pin that allows the wheel to move, for even more fun.”

The sound of something hitting flesh caused Crystal to jump and turn her head. The couple Jordan nodded to had moved to the St. Andrew’s cross. The man had a flogger in his hand.

“Would you like to watch?”

“Not now.” Crystal hoped her voice was steady.

“All right.” He led her to the big wooden structure. “This is called a bondage system, but we refer to it as ‘The Tormentor’.”

This time, Crystal couldn’t repress the tingles going through her body. Jordan slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her to his side.

“It was named by the subs here in the club. The wooden sections can be moved around so one can place their sub in several different poses. There are the usual stocks for neck and arms as well as cock and ball stocks.”

“Ouch,” she whispered.

“I’m not a sub, but they seem to like it…sometimes.” He guided her away and toward the social area.

“Jordan, can we borrow you for a few minutes?” Max asked.

Jordan looked down at her. “I’m fine. I’ll wait in the social area.” He nodded.

Crystal noticed a beautiful woman in a leather outfit sitting in the social area. Since Jordan was in a conversation with Max and Damon, she walked over and sat down across from the woman. Her brown hair was arranged in a simple updo. The leather pants fit her like a second skin, as did the deep red corset. Her black knee length boots were magnificent.

The woman’s brown eyes assessed Crystal. Oh crap, she made a mistake. This woman was no submissive, she was—what was it, oh yes—a Domme.

“My apologies,” Crystal said, starting to get up.

“No please,” the woman said in a soft voice. “It’s okay. I saw you come in with Jordan.”

“I don’t want to break protocol on my first time here.”

The woman laughed and several people turned their heads. “No worries. I’m Sage.”

“I’m Crystal. Wait. Did you say Sage?” The name of Jordan’s client.

“Yes. Is there a problem?” The laughter disappeared, and her eyes grew cold.

“No, ma’am. I work for Jordan as a paralegal; that’s why he brought me here. So I could learn about the lifestyle.”

Sage relaxed. “I see. Leave it to Jordan to cover all the bases. Ask me any question you want.”

“Thank you. First off, tell me how you knew you were a Dominant?”

* * * *

When Sage laughed, Jordan turned his head. It had been a while since anyone made Sage laugh. He saw Crystal sitting with her and thought about going over, but Sage smiled at Crystal. They were talking. Good. That was the part of the point of tonight.

He knew Sage would be there. She’d told him she could come on Thursday nights because Brady wasn’t there. He noted Sage looked lost and alone without Brady at her side.

Jordan hated he had to keep the two separated, but until they had the preliminary hearing, he didn’t have a choice. Not that Brady cared about anything right now. He was as miserable as Sage was.

Jordan kept his gaze on the two women as they talked. Crystal’s face was animated, and her hands moved as she talked. He was glad to see her taking the club in stride. He hadn’t been too sure how she’d react. She’d asked him questions while they walked around, but nothing too detailed.

“Crystal looks like she’s doing well,” Damon said.

“Yeah.” He looked at his friend. “You okay?”

“Peachy. Tessa shot me down again. The woman has gotten under my skin.”

“I can tell.” Jordan smiled. “All I can say is tread lightly. Tessa might be the quiet one, but I have a feeling she has steel in her spine. I mean that in the most flattering way. She’s cute.”

“She is.” Damon looked around. “At least tonight is a light crowd.”

“That’s why I brought Crystal tonight. This way she can ask questions and explore without too many people trying to capture her attention.”

“So is she going to be your sub?”

“Jury’s still out.” Jordan wouldn’t mind if she was. Hell, he’d already told her that, but it was up to her to give her consent. Some might say her signing the employment agreement and the club paperwork was consent enough, but the two things were completely dissimilar, one having no bearing on the other. He wanted specific consent.

“Master Damon,” one of the Doms said, approaching the pair. “I need some help setting up the bondage chair, and Master Jordan, if you have time, would you instruct me on how to get my sub to relax? This is her first time playing in public.”

Jordan looked over at Crystal. She was deep in her conversation with Sage. She’d be safe there. “Sure.”

“Thank you.” The trio walked over to the bondage station and began working.

* * * *

“Much of what you’ve told me, I’ve never thought about. Thank you,” Crystal said.

“Will it help you with my case?” Sage asked.

“I think it will. I need to further digest the information, but it sure seems like we’re on the right side of this.”

Sage reached out and captured Crystal’s hands in hers. “Thank you. I feel so lost without Brady.”

Crystal empathized with Sage. Sage had told her how she and Brady met and how they managed to mesh together.

“I’m going to do my best, along with Jordan, to make sure you and Brady are back together.”

Sage nodded and let go of Crystal’s hands.

Crystal tilted her head as she noticed a small group gathering near one of the stages. “What is going on over there?”

Sage turned in her seat. “A scene along with some instruction. Come on.” Sage rose to her feet and took her by the arm. “This will help you learn more.”

Before Crystal could say anything, Sage was pulling her across the room. She found an empty sofa and pushed Crystal down before sitting next to her. “I’m sure Master Jordan told you about protocol, but you don’t interrupt a scene.”

“Right, I remember.” Crystal glanced at the stage. There was a beautiful blonde woman being restrained to a chair, and Jordan stood off to the side. What was he doing up there?

“Take your time,” Jordan said, his voice clear and loud enough those close to the stage could hear.

Crystal froze. The music was still on, but much softer than before, as if it had been turned down. Interesting.

“That’s it,” Jordan said. “Run your fingers over her skin, touching, finding those spots that make her squirm or flush.”

The woman shifted as the man ran his fingers over the top of her breasts, and it was then Crystal realized the woman was naked. Funny how, once she entered the club, she never gave a thought to how people were dressed or, in this case, not dressed.

“You like this, baby?” the man said, squeezing the woman’s nipple.

“Yes, Sir.”

“Help me.” Crystal leaned closer to Sage and kept her voice low. “I don’t understand the Sir and Master bits.”

“It’s a sign of respect and knowing who is in charge, like you called me ma’am.”

“But why do some people refer to Jordan as Master Jordan?”

“Because he’s one of the founders of the club in addition to Master Max and Master Damon.”

Jordan had mentioned the three of them started the club, but he’d left out the Master part. “Got it.”

The woman squealed, and Crystal turned her attention back to the stage. The man had a feather in his hand and was running it over her breasts, then down her belly and back up.

Crystal squirmed in her seat. How would the feather feel on her skin? Would Jordan torment her as this man was doing or just tease her a little bit? Both, she bet. And suddenly, she knew she wanted to find out.

She drew in a deep breath. Oh, brother. She wanted to explore kink with Jordan. Not that she hadn’t been thinking about it, but now her brain lit up with let’s go for it, and at the same time, her heart said, Trust Jordan. Play with him.

Crystal clamped a hand over her mouth before the laughter bubbling up escaped. Was she crazy? Not really. She wanted to explore this attraction to Jordan, and this seemed like a good way. Who knew, maybe kink was her thing?

Slut. Whore. Sinner. Her parents’ voices filtered through her head, but she pushed them away. They were in the past. She controlled her life now.

“Very good, now take the next toy and run it over her skin,” Jordan said.

For the next thirty minutes, Crystal watched as the Dom, with instructions from Jordan, tormented his sub. Crystal was fascinated at how the sub reacted, but also the Dom. They both seemed to be enjoying themselves.

“Please, Sir, no more. Yellow,” the sub called out.

“Ah, my pet,” the Dom said. “You are so ready to go over, aren’t you?”

“Yes, Sir. Please, Sir.”

The Dom turned to Jordan and spoke quietly before he began to remove the restraints from his sub. Crystal almost breathed a sigh of relief. Her nipples were tight, and her clit throbbed. She was sure her thong was soaked with her own need.

“Damn, that was a good scene,” someone behind Crystal said.

“Yes, Master Jordan knows his stuff,” another voice said.

“Excuse me, Mistress Sage, is this your sub?” a dark haired male asked, coming up to them.

“No, she’s not, but you’re not paying attention, Remy.” Sage gestured to where Crystal’s hands rested in her lap.

“Ah, you’re right, Mistress. I wasn’t. Maybe next time.” He wandered away.

Over the next few minutes, several men approached her and Sage only to walk away with a shake of their head.

“What the heck was that all about?” Crystal asked Sage.

“They were looking for someone to play with tonight.”

Crystal shrank against the sofa, and Sage smiled.

“No worries there. The white band signifies you are not ready for playing or a scene yet.”

“Thank goodness.” Crystal let out a breath. She didn’t want anyone but Jordan.

“Don’t worry. I get the impression Jordan isn’t about to let anyone take you away from him.”

Crystal’s head jerked up at Sage’s statement. “I didn’t say anything out loud.”

“No, but it’s written on Jordan’s face.”

Crystal glanced up to see Jordan marching toward them, a frown on his face. “Mistress Sage, thank you for taking care of Crystal and talking with her.”

“Any time.” Sage stood. “She’s a keeper. She needs some instruction though, Master Jordan.” With that, Sage walked away.

Jordan sat next to Crystal so her body tilted toward him. “How did you like the scene?” He put his arm around her shoulders.

“It was interesting.” Her skin vibrated at his touch. “Why were you giving instruction?”

“The Dom and his sub are newer to the club scene. She’s been having trouble relaxing, so her Dom asked if I’d help him tease her until she relaxed and was on the verge of climax.”

“You did that.” Crystal tried not to shift in her seat. Her body was overheated.

“You’re flushed.” Jordan leaned over. “Are you aroused?”

Heat flooded her cheeks.

Jordan ran a finger over her hot cheek. “I’m glad you’re aroused.”

“Why?” The question popped out before she could stop it.

“Some women are not visual creatures like men are. Watching others doesn’t always arouse them.”

“Oh?” She never thought about that.

“Did Sage look aroused to you?”

Crystal tilted her head. “No, not really, but she’s sad. She misses her sub.”

“True. It takes a bit more than a little foreplay for Sage to get her engines going.”

Jealousy swept over Crystal. “How do you know that?” She crossed her arms over her chest.

“Easy, my little spitfire.” He slipped his hand behind her neck.

Crystal inhaled at his hold on her neck, her nerves going on alert. Hell, her whole body was on alert now. Awareness and need flashed through her. His touch was firm and gentle at the same time.

“As one of the Masters of the club, it’s my job to know about the members.”

“You know everyone?”

“I know names, faces, and what most of them like. For example…” He glanced around the room. “See the man and woman by the bondage system?”

Thank goodness the lighting was muted so she could see. “The Tormentor?”

“Yes.”

“I see them.”

“That’s Dom Thomas. His sub is Rose. Rose enjoys being bound, having her body played with until her Dom fucks her.”

Heat flooded Crystal at Jordan’s words.

“Dom Thomas wants to please his sub. He enjoys seeing her at his mercy, the cries she makes when he touches a sensitive spot.”

Crystal lowered her lashes. Jordan’s hand tightened on her neck. “Open your eyes and watch them for a few minutes.” He waited until her eyes were open. “Notice how little touches make her vibrate, the smile that plays around his lips, the way their gazes meet.”

“He’s talking to her. I can see his lips moving.”

“Yes. A good Dom will check in with his sub as they’re playing to make sure she’s okay. He’ll also watch how she’s reacting to what he’s doing.”

“I don’t understand.” So many nuances.

“Like I’m watching you now.”

Oh yes, he was watching her all right. The impact of his gaze caused her breathing to hiccup.

“Your breathing has increased; your skin is flushed, but there’s more to it.” He shifted in his seat. “Your nipples are hard, poking against your bodice, and I bet if I slipped my hand between your legs, I’d find you’re wet.”

She tightened her abs and pressed her legs together.

“See there. You reacted to my words.”

Damn it! He was right; she did. “Jordan—”

“We’re not on the clock. We’re two people in a club, exploring.”

While his words inflamed her, this wasn’t the place or time. Some might argue with her, but they barely knew each other. She twisted in his hold and placed her hands against his chest. “Yes, we are two people exploring, but for professional purposes. You haven’t earned the right to more—yet.”

Crystal swallowed. This was so overwhelming, both mentally and physically. She’d never reacted to a man this way before, not even to her boyfriends in college.

His lips turned up. “I will earn the right. I can promise you that.” He loosened his hold on her, and her breathing eased. “Are you ready to leave?”

She blinked. “Leave? Oh, yes. Please.” She needed time to digest everything she’d seen. And to deal with the want and need flowing through her.

“Let’s go say good-bye to Max and Sierra.” Jordan stood and pulled her to her feet. He kept his arm around her waist as they said good night.

Crystal went into the ladies’ room and retrieved her things, then met Jordan by the front door. Thank goodness he’d pulled on a t-shirt and changed into loafers. Once they were inside his vehicle and on their way, her brain began working again.

Maybe that wasn’t right. It had been working, but more on a sensual level than a logical level. Now her logic was kicking back in.

“I think I have a plan of attack for Sage’s case,” she said as he pulled out onto the main road.

“We’re off the clock. No shop talk.”

“But…” He reached over and put his hand on her bare knee since her coat was open. Crystal swallowed.

“Not tonight. Relax while I drive you home.” He removed his hand.

Easy for him to say. A single touch from him made her body sit up and go “let’s play”. Crystal stared out the window. She had to figure out a way to handle this attraction. If a single touch did that to her, what would a kiss or an intimate caress do?

Wait a second. He’d already kissed her. If one could call a quick brush of the lips a kiss. What if he gave her one of those deep, penetrating, sensual kisses she’d read about. Her body heated. She shifted in her seat to calm her throbbing clit.

This was so unfair. She wasn’t a virgin, and she wasn’t as closed up as her family wanted her to be. Ice filled her veins at the thought of her family. How many times had their remonstrances and condemnation filled her with shame? Even the most innocent of actions could mean hours in the sin closet. And even now, when Crystal’s life was her own, she could feel them passing judgment over her.

Thank goodness they were still in Kansas. She lit out of there the second she turned eighteen, no longer willing to live under the thumb of their warped beliefs.

She talked to her parents around the holidays, but that was about it. She hadn’t visited them in years, mainly because, on her one trip back, after she graduated with her degree, they tried to convince her a woman with a job was a sign of the devil at work.

Crystal had smiled and left for home. Her home. She loved her parents, but she wouldn’t allow them to control her life. Not like her brothers and sisters. Her siblings still lived in the same town and followed their parents’ example. How the heck she had four brothers and three sisters was a mystery. Then again, maybe not. Her parents considered sex outside of wedlock a sin.

Sometimes she missed her family, but she had friends here. Sierra and Tessa.

“Crystal.” A touch on her shoulder caused her to jump. “Sorry,” Jordan said. “You were lost in thought. We’re at your apartment building.”

“Oh.” So they were. “Sorry.” She reached for the door handle.

“Sit there.” Jordan opened his door, came around to hers, and helped her out of his SUV and locked it.

“I’m fine making it to my apartment,” she said.

“My mother raised me to escort a woman to her front door.” He cupped her elbow.

“Your mother raised a gentleman.” She loved his manners. Old-fashioned, some might say, but she didn’t mind. They were real manners, not the faked ones because your family told you to be nice.

When they got to her apartment, Crystal opened the door. Jordan entered, turned on the lights, and looked around before he allowed her to enter. She shook her head.

“Why did you check out my apartment?”

“To make sure you were safe.” He snagged her around the waist and drew her to him. “Until tomorrow.” He paused. “I want to kiss you. Is that okay, my beautiful Crystal?”

“Yes,” she whispered. She wanted to taste him.

He lowered his head.

Their lips met. Crystal melted against him when his tongue brushed over her lips. Then her lips parted. He tasted of mint as their tongues tangled and dueled with each other.

Her breathing stuttered as he pulled her tighter against him, and his erection pressed against her leg.

“So damn beautiful,” he whispered as he broke the kiss. “Lock the door behind me, and don’t worry about what time you come into the office tomorrow.” Jordan released her, grabbed the door, and shut it behind him.

Crystal stood there.

“Lock the door, Crystal.”

His voice snapped her back to reality. She locked the door, then placed her palms against it. She heard his footsteps recede as he walked down the hallway. Then she placed her fingers against her throbbing lips.

She wanted more. Another kiss. A caress. Let the devil take her. She wanted everything Jordan would give her and more.