CHAPTER SIX

 

Monday morning, Crystal checked her hair before she left her apartment. Jordan would be here any minute to pick her up. They’d spent all day yesterday going over strategy and… Heat filled her body.

A smile played around her lips as she took the elevator down to the lobby. Jordan had been a gentleman all day. Well, except for those damn hard, passionate kisses he kept giving her.

The second they’d finished preparing for the case, he’d pulled her into his arms and hadn’t let her go until early this morning. The things Jordan could do with his hands and mouth. He’d teased and loved her into the early morning hours, driving her home this morning so she could change and get ready for work.

A shudder slid through her body. She enjoyed everything he’d done to her last night, including each and every orgasm he’d given her, and for once, the tapes in her head were silent. Crystal had tried to reciprocate, but he refused, telling her it was all for her. This way she would get used to his touch.

She didn’t think she’d ever get used to his touch or the husky tone of his voice when he gave her a command. Crystal bit her lip. She’d more than enjoyed herself last night. Even following his commands didn’t dim her need for him.

Jordan pulled up in his dark blue SUV, and she climbed in. His gaze went from the top of her head to the tip of her shoes. “Something wrong?” She’d dressed for court, but opted for pants rather than a skirt, and she’d put her hair up.

“Court Crystal has me all hot and bothered.” He leaned over and brushed a kiss against her lips. “Later I’ll kiss you silly,” he whispered before he pulled away from the curb as she put on her seat belt.

Sage was pacing around the small waiting room when they arrived. “Hi,” she said. Crystal noticed the slight tremor in her hands.

“Good morning, Sage.” She walked over and hugged the woman. “It will be okay,” she whispered.

“Thank you.” Sage hugged her back and released her, and Crystal stepped back. “What’s our plan of action?” Sage asked Jordan.

“Our first move is to ask for a delay.” He held up his hand when Sage opened her mouth. “We’re prepared if we need to go forward today, but with the judge change at the last second, we need more time to get some professionals lined up.”

Sage nodded. “Okay. I want this to be over with.”

“I know you do.” Jordan looked at his watch. “Come on. Let’s get into that courtroom.”

Two hours later, Crystal had a pad full of notes. The judge granted them more time. It had been a fight. Crystal also noticed Brady’s family glared at him and kept whispering to the lawyer. Then, whenever Brady tried to say something, the lawyer would object, saying Brady’s comments were not relevant to the hearing. Anger welled in her. His family acted like hers did when she was a teenager. She hadn’t been allowed to question anything. A shiver slid down her spine. She loved her family, but she would never again put herself in a position that allowed them to control her.

Sage’s gaze stayed on Brady as he left the room. “He’s lost weight,” Sage remarked.

“I noticed,” Jordan agreed. He took Sage’s arm and escorted her out of the courtroom with Crystal following. After seeing Sage off, they got into Jordan’s vehicle.

Jordan took his tie off and tossed it on the seat. “That was not fun.”

“No, it wasn’t.” Her notes were her observations, but still, they were valuable.

“Why don’t we stop by Sweet and Savory and have lunch before we go back to the office?”

“I’d like that.”

Twenty minutes later, they arrived at Lara’s cafe. The place was bustling. “Lara is going to need more help,” Crystal said.

“Yeah, I’m glad to see the place so busy.” Jordan looked around for a place to sit. There was an empty table next to a group of bikers. He led Crystal over to the table and held out her chair for her. “I’ll go order. What would you like?”

She gave him her order, and he got in line. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched Crystal as she talked with the bikers. While some people in the cafe avoided them, Crystal didn’t seem to have an issue with them. Good. The bikers he knew were good guys who enjoyed life to the fullest.

Jordan got to the counter, ordered, grabbed their drinks, and returned to the table. The bikers nodded and went back to their food. Crystal turned to him when he sat down.

“Thanks.” She opened the water bottle and drank. “I was thirsty.”

“So I see.”

“I feel for Sage and Brady.”

“I do too. I saw you taking notes; what did you write down?” He’d been surprised to see her scribbling furiously in the notebook as the proceedings went on.

“A lot.”

Just then, his name was called, and Jordan retrieved their food and came back. “When you told me you wanted a BCL, I was confused.” He set the plate down in front of her.

She laughed. “Bacon, cheese, and lettuce. I hate tomatoes, but Lara knows what I mean.”

Crystal picked up her sandwich and took a bite. “Delicious every single time.”

Jordan picked up his own ham and cheese and took a bite as Crystal pulled her notebook out of her bag. “Things I wrote about Brady’s family. How they were treating him and how they won’t let him talk at all. We’ll need to get him on the stand to tell his side of the story.”

“I noticed the lawyer silencing him. They were like that at the first hearing.”

“Something is fishy there.” She took another bite of her sandwich and grabbed a napkin when a little bit of mayo dripped on her chin.

“What makes you say that?”

“I observed the dynamic between Brady and his family.” She placed the sandwich on the plate and leaned forward. “They remind me of mine.” Ice slipped down her spine. She loved her family, but she wouldn’t live like they did.

Jordan’s warm hand covered hers where it rested on the table. “Tell me.” His voice was soft, yet the command was there.

“I told you I grew up in a very strict household. School, homework, chores, that was about it. We weren’t allowed to play outside until everything was done to our parents’ satisfaction.”

“Doesn’t sound like fun.”

“Nope. I rebelled off and on, but it was like beating my head against a wall. Eventually I stopped when I realized I wasn’t going to change and neither were they.”

“But you didn’t give up on your dreams.”

“No.” A small smile tilted her lips. “I kept my dreams of a new life in my head.” She never wrote any of them down, not after she found her mother reading her sister’s diary.

“There’s another story there.”

“Yes, but not today. Anyway, my parents were religious. We had to go to church every Sunday. The thing I liked was being able to play with the other kids after church and, when I was a teenager, being able to sneak away for a bit.”

“I can picture that.”

She grinned at him. “I bet you were a terror with your parents.”

“Maybe, but we’re not talking about me. Go on about Brady’s family.”

“Well, I saw things that used to happen with my parents. Not allowing us kids to talk. The stern looks and—” She gave a little shake. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but there was something in the way Brady’s father looked at Sage. Downright hatred.

“And?”

“I know Brady’s an adult, but they treat him like he’s a helpless child. I also sense hatred and malice. That’s the vibe I’m getting.” She glanced over her notes.

“I wouldn’t be surprised. What else?”

“Well, I think it would be good if we could talk with someone who knows both Sage and Brady. Someone who has seen them play together, to show this is truly consensual.” Jordan frowned, and Crystal pulled her hand from his. “Did I say something wrong?”

“No.” He waved his hand in the air. “We can ask. First though, I’d have to make sure Max is on board. But I’ll be honest with you, this would likely mean bringing club business into the open.”

“Yeah. I don’t want to out anyone or the club. I was thinking, if Max was willing, he’s probably known them both the longest and can convince the judge of how important consent is in the lifestyle.”

Jordan rubbed his hand over his face. “Maybe. I don’t want to hang Max and his business out to dry.”

“Of course not. That’s why this is difficult.” She didn’t want anyone else to get hurt by this case. “How much does Brady’s family actually know?”

“They know about his and Sage’s relationship. They don’t understand it.”

“Do they know about the club?”

“I don’t think so. Brady wouldn’t have told them.”

“All right.” She blinked when someone stepped up to the table. Crystal stiffened when she saw a woman holding a cell phone, obviously recording the encounter.

“Mr. Frost, would you care to comment on the case you’re working on for Ms. Montgomery?”

“What the—” Jordan clamped his mouth shut.

“Mr. Frost has no comment, and you’re disturbing his lunch. Please leave.” Crystal stood and faced the woman reporter.

“And you are?”

“None of your business.” Crystal stepped forward, her body language giving the woman the choice to either step back or get pushed. “Out.”

“Freedom of the press,” the woman said.

“Not in a privately owned business. Once again, Mr. Frost has no comment.” Crystal waved her hand toward the door. “You’re interfering with the cafe’s business.” People had stopped and stared, causing a bit of a stir.

“I’m the owner, and I’m asking you to leave now and stop bothering my patrons,” Lara said approaching them.

“I have a right to be here.” The woman continued.

“The owner has asked you to leave. You are now trespassing. Does she need to call the police?” Crystal kept her tone even. No sense in letting this reporter see she was upset. Which she was. More than upset. There were stringers at the courthouse, and because the judge had denied a motion to seal the record, the case was public. She couldn’t see the press being interested since this was listed as a domestic abuse case. Crystal suspected she might know how. Brady’s family.

The woman huffed. “You haven’t seen the last of me.” She turned and stomped out of the cafe.

“Thanks, Lara,” Crystal said.

“I swear, some people don’t understand personal space.” Lara turned and went back to work.

Crystal returned to her seat, her stomach churning. “Now we have a problem.” Thank goodness she’d already finished her sandwich. Her stomach was in knots.

“Yes. Stringers are my least favorite people.” He gestured out the window to the Channel 5 news truck parked at the curb.

“We need to warn Sage.” Should she tell him her suspicions? She didn’t have any proof. “I have a feeling Brady’s family is behind the reporter.”

Jordan swore and pulled his phone out. Crystal put her notebook away and took their empty dishes to the clean-up station. The second they walked outside, the reporter would pounce. They needed another way out.

“Lara,” Crystal said. “Can Jordan and I slip out the back to avoid the reporter?” Thank goodness they’d parked in the back lot.

“Sure. Let me know when you’re ready.”

“Thank you.” Crystal went back to the table. Jordan’s forehead was lined with worry.

“I told Sage. She’s not happy. What a mess.”

“Lara told me we can use the back door to leave without the reporter seeing us.” She motioned with her head to the news vehicle. Luckily, the occupants couldn’t see where she and Jordan were sitting due to the tinted windows.

“Let’s go.” He took her hand, and they followed Lara out the back.

* * * *

In the following two weeks, they hardly had any time to see each other. The depositions had been completed, and she was busy preparing briefs and doing research, while Jordan was working on his other cases. She was tired, but glad to meet up with Sierra and Tessa for book club night.

“So are you going to tell us about Jordan?” Sierra said as she drove to the adult store on Wednesday night.

“I’m so curious,” Tessa said from the back seat.

“Jordan’s a nice guy.” Oh yeah, very nice. They hadn’t had much alone time since they both had to dodge the reporter every morning and afternoon at the office. Thank goodness, once the woman was escorted from the law office, she didn’t come back, but it didn’t stop her from being outside every morning and evening.

They were being very careful not to give her anything to speculate about, but Jordan was grouchy.

“Of course, he is,” Sierra said.

“Have you slept with him yet?” Tessa asked.

“Tessa.” Crystal turned her head in mocking outrage at her friend.

Sierra groaned in sympathy, then asked, “How did you enjoy the club the other week?”

“It’s okay.” Crystal touched her friend’s arm. “It’s bound to come out. I’m sorry I haven’t had time to catch you two up. Work has been crazy.”

“You went to the club? But you’re working for Jordan,” Tessa said.

“Yes, but the job is short-term, and we have an agreement.” Her friends were aware of her mess with dating a lawyer she’d worked with.

“But you went to the club with him?” Tessa asked again.

“I did.” She wasn’t going to lie to her friend. Sierra already knew because she’d been at the club with Max on Thursday night. “Look, I know I’ve been busy. But let’s have a girls’ night on Friday; I have a feeling I’m going to need it.” Between the reporter and all the reading she was doing, she needed to give her brain a break.

“I’m game,” Tessa said.

“I’ll let Max know.” Sierra pulled into the parking lot of the store, and they piled out of the car. The monthly book club was something Crystal looked forward to. She’d barely finished the book for this meeting.

They walked in, and Destiny, who ran the store and the book club, waved them to the back. Crystal sighed. She needed to check out the store. If she was going to be Jordan’s sub, she needed to get an idea of toys and other stuff.

She looked at her watch; they had twenty minutes before the meeting started. “I’m going to look around,” she said, and left her two friends staring after her.

Crystal wandered up and down the aisles, stopping in front of the toy section. There were vibrators, bullets, feathers, dildos, and other items. Her blood heated. She’d never used a toy. She gave a bitter laugh. Her parents would have a heart attack seeing her in this store. What would Jordan think if she brought a toy to the bedroom?

“See anything you like?” A male voice whispered in her ear.

Crystal jerked her head to the left to see Jordan standing there with a grin on his face. “Don’t startle me like that.” She wanted to be angry with him, but she couldn’t. “You didn’t mention you’d be here tonight.”

“I wasn’t sure I would be, but it worked out.”

“You are an infuriating man.” Tessa’s voice carried across the store. Crystal looked over to see her going toe to toe with Damon.

“Oh no,” she whispered.

“Damon can handle himself.” Jordan cupped her chin and turned her face to him. “Did you find something you’d like to try?”

Crystal ducked her head. Okay, she wasn’t a total prude about sex, but this was different for her. Was she ready to share her thoughts with Jordan?

“Sweetheart.” Jordan’s voice was soft. “It’s okay. Am I pushing you?”

“A bit.” What was wrong with her? This man had brought her to orgasm with his mouth and his fingers, yet she felt as shy as a girl on her first date. Glancing at the sign on the wall, she smiled. Embrace your sensuality. Exactly what she needed to do.

“Crystal.” Jordan placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her to him. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too.”

“Ass! Just stay away from me.” Tessa’s voice broadcasted her exasperation.

“Ummm, Tessa’s not happy, and the book club is about to start.” While she wanted to talk more with Jordan, now wasn’t the time. They needed to be alone for what she wanted to tell him.

“We’ll talk later,” Jordan slipped his arm around her waist and guided her to the back where they held the book club meetings. Tessa sat in the aisle seat with Sierra and Max next to her, two open seats next to Max, and then Damon.

Tessa’s arms were crossed over her chest. Damon looked amused. Crystal and Jordan took their seats as Destiny walked into the room.

“Good evening, everyone. Let’s talk about Master Cole.”

An hour and half later, the group walked out, talking and joking, except for Damon. He told them he was going to stay behind and look at some items. Tessa snorted and marched out of the store.

Sierra shook her head, and Crystal laughed. Their friend certainly was passionate about not liking Damon. Even so, there was an underlying vibe of attraction from both of them.

“Coffee?” Max asked.

“Not me,” Tessa said. “I have an early meeting tomorrow.”

“Damn,” Crystal whispered. She’d hoped they could talk with Max and Sierra.

“I can run you home and come back,” Sierra said.

“I’ll take Tessa home,” Damon said, stepping outside.

“I’ll grab a cab,” Tessa countered. “Don’t worry about me.”

“Like hell you will.” Damon put a hand on her shoulder before Tessa could take a step. “Listen. I’ll keep my hands and opinions to myself.” He lifted his hands in front of him.

Crystal waited. If Tessa said no, she’d back her up.

Tessa nodded. “As long as you keep your word.”

“I always keep my word.” Damon glanced at them. “She’ll be safe with me.”

“I believe she will,” Sierra said.

Crystal wasn’t so sure, but Tessa had agreed.

“Damon will be a complete gentleman.” Jordan said.

“I gave my word. I’ll drive Tessa home, see her to her door, and then I’ll leave. Promise.” His words were solemn, but the mischief in his blue eyes made Crystal wonder.

Tessa huffed, turning to Sierra and Crystal. “Friday night. At Sierra’s place?”

“Yes,” Sierra piped up.

“Let’s go.” Tessa started walking to the parking lot, leaving Damon to catch up with her.

“Will they be all right?” Crystal asked.

“They will,” Max said. “Damon will escort her home and leave as promised. If not, he knows I’ll have his ass.”

Sierra laughed. “My hero.” She kissed his cheek.

Jordan put his arm around Crystal’s waist. “Don’t worry. Damon will be on his best behavior.” They walked down the street to the coffee shop.

“Jordan mentioned you wanted to speak with me,” Max said to Crystal once they were seated with their drinks.

She glanced at Jordan, who nodded. “It’s okay.”

“It has to do with the Sage and Brady issue.” Crystal had been trying to find another way besides Max getting on the stand as a character witness. Nothing had come to light.

“Go on,” Max said.

Crystal blew out a breath. This had been her idea. “Look, I don’t want to step on any toes or cause any issues, but since you own the club and you’ve probably known Sage and Brady the longest, I was hoping you’d testify as a character or expert witness.”

Max stared at her. “Absolutely.” Crystal blinked in astonishment. “But…” Her heart fell. “I already offered, and Sage turned me down.”

“When?” Jordan asked.

“When the civil case came to light,” Max said.

“She didn’t tell me.” Jordan took a sip of his coffee. “I need to have a conversation with Sage.”

“There has to be a reason,” Crystal said. Sage was a bright woman. Why would she turn down Max’s offer?

“Sage told me she didn’t want to drag me or the club into the court of public opinion.”

Movement by the door caught Crystal’s attention. “Speaking of which.” She jerked her head, and Jordan groaned.

“Fuck.”

Before Max or Sierra could say a word. Miss Reporter was in their faces. “Well, this is cozy. Any comments, Mr. Frost?”

Crystal balled her hands in her lap. She so wanted to deck this woman. She was sick of the reporter trying to get information out of them morning and night.

“No comment,” Jordan said, draining his coffee cup. Crystal pushed hers away.

“Fine, do you have a comment, Mr. —”

“None of your business.” Max’s tone was so cold Crystal shivered. He rose to his feet, putting his arm around Sierra as she stood.

Crystal and Jordan followed suit, except Jordan didn’t touch her. They’d agreed when the reporter was around, no touching. They walked back to the parking lot with the woman and her cameraman trailing them.

“An adult store. What were you four doing in there?” Her tone was salacious, and Crystal wanted to punch her.

“Seriously?” Sierra said.

“Sierra,” Max said.

“For your information the store has a book club. We attended, and that’s all there was to it. Now go bother someone else, and leave my friends alone.” Sierra’s tone was dismissive.

They arrived at Sierra’s car. Crystal climbed in, and then Sierra. Max kissed Sierra good night. The men walked to their cars. Crystal could see the indecision about who to follow on the reporter’s face.

Sierra took advantage and pulled out of the spot and took off. “That woman is trash,” Sierra said.

“I agree. She won’t leave us alone.”

“About the case?”

“Yes. I’m still trying to find out who told her about it. I have my suspicions.” Reporters were always sniffing around the courthouse, but if they found out how groundbreaking this case was…Crystal shook her head.

“Well, you can tell us all about it on Friday.”

“Yeah.” Crystal laid her head back on the seat. So much for her and Jordan having any alone time together.

* * * *

Crystal finished up with her coffee on Friday morning and started reading through her emails. She’d sent out some feelers into the kink community to see if anyone had come up with anything like the case they were dealing with.

She’d been careful not to say too much so as not to violate Sage and Brady’s privacy. After the first three defeats, it hit her. No one had encountered an issue quite like this.

“Well, well, hard at work, are we?”

Crystal glanced up to see Charles Johnson lounging in her doorway. She barely suppressed a sigh. She didn’t like this guy at all. “Yes. Are you looking for Valerie or Kendra?” Why else would he be in her office?

“No.” He swaggered over to her desk. “I have a—job—that you will take care of.”

The predatory gleam in his eye put her senses on high alert. “Mr. Johnson, I do not work for you.”

“You don’t.” He began to circle her desk. “This has nothing to do with work.”

Fuck. She moved quickly so as not to be trapped behind her desk. “Mr. Johnson, I want you to leave.” She kept her tone calm even if her nerves quivered with fear. The man had at least fifty pounds on her, but she was quicker.

“I will, but first…” He lunged for her.

Crystal let out a cry and dashed away. But she wasn’t quite quick enough.

* * * *

Jordan hung up the phone for the fifth time in thirty minutes and sat back in his chair. Damn reporter. He stared at the newspaper article, or more precise, gossip column. The reporter talked about how he and Crystal were spotted at the local adult store for book club night with friends.

Luckily, she hadn’t mentioned the case or identified Max or Sierra. But people had seen the article and called him. He needed to warn Crystal. He stood and headed for her office.

He heard Crystal cry out and raced the last few feet, his heart thudding. Inside, he froze at the sight in front of him.

Crystal’s hair was mussed, as well as her blouse. Johnson had her by the arm, and Crystal struggled in his hold. Her eyes were wide, but her lips were pressed together in a thin line.

Johnson, on the other hand, was huffing and puffing, his shirt half pulled out of his pants. He pushed Crystal toward her desk, her arm flew out, and papers flew from her desk. Johnson was right behind her with his hand on her hip.

Jordan’s fists clenched. “Let her the fuck go.” Within three strides, he was on Johnson, pulling him away and throwing him up against the wall. Anger filled his veins.

“Why should I? According to that nice little newspaper article, you’re getting some, so why shouldn’t I?” Johnson sneered.

Jordan’s arm came up and pinned the man by the neck, cutting off his airflow. “Bastard.” He pushed harder. This man was trash, and it was time he threw the garbage out. He should have done that to his father before he killed his mother.

“Jordan.” Crystal’s soft voice brought his attention to her. “It’s okay.” She placed her hand on his arm. “Please, let him go. He’s not worth it.”

Jordan turned to Crystal. Her gaze was on him, not Johnson. Those beautiful green eyes shone with trust and care.

The dark anger receded, and he released Johnson, who wheezed in a few sharp breaths.

“Johnson, you are fired.”

“You can’t fire me,” he wheezed out.

Jordan turned his head and glared at him. “This is my firm, and I certainly can fire your ass. Get out. I’ll make sure someone sends you your personal items.”

“Come on, Jordan. You’re going to fire me over a piece of ass?”

Crystal groaned. “You don’t know when to shut up, do you?” she muttered.

“Apparently, he doesn’t.” Jordan forced himself to breathe in and out in an effort to keep his temper under control. He wanted nothing more than to throttle Johnson. “Crystal, do you want to press the appropriate charges?”

She raised her chin. “Here’s the deal. Mr. Johnson, you leave and keep your mouth shut, and I won’t press charges. But you so much as breathe a single word about me, Jordan, or the firm, and I’ll will see you’re prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and sue you in civil court.” Crystal’s voice was firm, and Jordan was proud of her for standing up to the man. His woman was no pushover.

When Johnson didn’t answer, Jordan said, “Call security,” he told Crystal.

“All right, I’ll leave.”

Jordan took a step back but made sure Crystal was behind him. He kept his eye on Johnson as the man straightened his shirt.

“I’ll be taking my clients with me.”

“Let me call security so I can press charges.” Crystal reached for her phone.

“Fine. I’ll keep my mouth shut.” Johnson started to the door.

Jordan followed the man. “Be right back,” he said over his shoulder to Crystal as he kept on Johnson’s ass. He was going to make sure he left.

* * * *

After straightening her clothes and quickly finger-combing her hair, Crystal fell onto her office chair and put her head in her hands. How had things gotten out of control so fast? One minute Johnson was across the room from her, the next, he had her by the arm and was trying to kiss her and more. A shudder racked her body.

She’d been about to scream her head off, and suddenly, Jordan arrived. How did he always seem to know when she needed him? Crystal took care of herself. Always had. But the sense of security from knowing he was there for her softened every edge of her angst. And the look on Jordan’s face? Pure, unadulterated anger at someone who dared to hurt her. Her. No one had ever cared about her like that before.

“Crystal, are you okay?” Jordan asked quietly as he re-entered her office.

“I am.” She kept her gaze on him as he slipped onto the chair in front of her desk. His face was still a bit flushed from his anger, but there was concern there as well. Concern for her. “Are you okay?”

He laughed. “Yeah. I’m sorry that happened. Has Johnson tried anything before?”

“No, and I don’t know what made him think he could today.” It didn’t make sense.

“I might have some insight into that, but first, I want to apologize for my temper.”

“Temper? I would say you controlled it very well.”

“I was about to deck him when you put your hand on my arm.”

“Yeah, well, I should’ve let you, but I didn’t want him to press assault charges against you, even though he deserved it. So what did you find out?” She was actually glad she could help Jordan clear his head.

“The reporter has put out a story on us.”

Crystal closed her eyes and opened them. “How bad?”

“It reads more like a gossip column. Basically tells about us being at the adult store on Wednesday night.”

“Give me the website.”

“Check your email.” He’d sent her the link. She clicked her mouse and then started at her screen. “Innuendo and speculation.” She blew out a breath.

“Yes.”

“Did you talk with Sage?” she asked.

“I did.” Unproductive call. “She won’t have Max or the club dragged into this. Even though that’s the only place she and Brady play.”

“They don’t play at home?”

“According to Sage, no. She said their sexual relationship has been kept to the club, although I suspect they might have been ready to go to the next level when this all started.”

“Yeah.” Crystal rubbed her forehead.

“Headache?” Jordan stood and walked behind her.

“A bit. I’ve been reading these dry law books all day.”

He placed his hands on her shoulders and started to massage. Oh yeah, she was tight. He worked the knots out.

“Oh that feels so good.”

“Why don’t we go to my place tonight? I can give you a good massage.”

Crystal’s head dropped forward, giving him more room to massage her neck. “I’d love to, but it’s girls’ night at Sierra’s. I can’t miss it.”

“I’d forgotten.” Maybe he’d go to the club and help Max out. He wasn’t officially on duty until tomorrow night. They tried to split up the duties between the three of them and occasionally, a couple of the trusted Doms.

Max rarely took time off, and Jordan was trying to get him to take more since he had Sierra.

“Maybe tomorrow night.” Her voice was hopeful.

“I’m working at the club tomorrow night, but you could always come with me.”

“Now that sounds fun.” She shifted in her seat.

“A date then.” He leaned down and brushed a kiss over her cheek before straightening. “How about I pick you up at five? We can grab dinner and then go to the club.”

She leaned her head back and frowned at him. “Dinner? But what about how we’re dressed?”

“Put your club clothes in a bag; you can change once we get to the club.”

“I forgot about the changing area.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Go. I’ve got to finish this reading before I leave.”

“Bossy,” he said with a laugh.

“Anytime you want to bottom, let me know.” She clamped her hand over her mouth. Where had those sassy words come from?

Jordan wagged a finger at her. “Ms. Hayden, you are being naughty.” He leaned over. “Tomorrow night, I might punish you for your naughtiness.” He straightened and left the office with a big smile on his face.

* * * *

“Okay, we’ve eaten. Spill.” Tessa demanded.

Dinner had been from their favorite pizza place, and now Crystal was curled up in the overstuffed chair while Sierra and Tessa were on the sofa.

“Yeah, spill. I need details,” Sierra said.

“Yeah,” Tessa waved her hand. “You went to the club with him?”

“I did. I know this will not go out of this room. I went because it had to do with the case I am working on with him, and that’s all I’m going to say.”

Tessa’s eyes widened, and Sierra nodded.

“I enjoyed going to the club and being able to talk with people in the lifestyle.” Crystal looked at Sierra. “I know you’re there a lot now, but you never mentioned the other people.”

“Part of the NDA. We can’t discuss specific people, but we can discuss what happened. Like the scene Jordan helped with.”

“Oh yeah.” Crystal squirmed in her seat as she remembered the deep timbre of Jordan’s voice and the way it seemed to caress her skin.

“She’s squirming. There’s something to tell there,” Tessa said, clapping her hands.

“Why are you so interested in my love life?” Crystal asked.

“Hey, I live vicariously between you and Sierra and the books I read,” Tessa said.

“You know Damon would take you out and fulfill your fantasies,” Sierra said.

“Please.” Tessa rolled her eyes. “His views on women are old school. I don’t want a man to tell me what to do. I want to be a partner in life. So you and Jordan, have you slept together yet?”

“Yes, and no.” Crystal shook her head. Tessa was protesting too much. There was definitely something between her and Damon.

“That’s not an answer,” Sierra said.

“Well, I had dinner at his house Friday night almost two weeks ago. We ate and talked, and I fell asleep. When I woke the next morning, I was in bed with him.”

“He didn’t take advantage, did he?” Sierra frowned.

“No.” Her cheeks warmed. “He did undress me, but he was a gentleman. Well, until he kissed me.” Her body heated, remembering that morning. “Let’s say the interlude we had would have knocked my socks off if I’d been wearing any.”

“So you did have sex with him?” Tessa asked.

“Ummm…no.” Why was this so hard to get out? These were her friends. “Jordan went down on me, and I climaxed.”

The two women squealed, and Crystal ducked her head. She’d never learned the basics of sex. Her old boyfriends never went down on her; they were more about wanting to order a woman around and make her a sexual toy.

“Hey,” Sierra said, “don’t be embarrassed.”

“It’s hard.” Crystal took a breath. “I was raised in a strict family where sex wasn’t talked about.” She’d given them the basics about her family but not much. She didn’t like talking about them.

“Us girls talk about it,” Sierra said.

“And read,” Tessa added.

“We do.” There was nothing wrong with it. She enjoyed what Jordan did to her. Enough of being a coward. “Okay, then the weekend before last, Jordan teased me with his hands and lips until I was going crazy. I climaxed, but that’s as far as he’d let it go.” She waved her hand. “With everything going on, we’ve not had much alone time.”

“Oh man, Jordan sounds like he enjoys teasing you,” Sierra said.

“He does.” Crystal ducked her head. “I agreed to become his sub.” The room went silent.

“That’s wonderful,” Sierra said.

“Are you sure? You said yourself you’re not used to talking about sex, and the lifestyle requires a lot of communication between parties.”

Sierra’s eyes widened, and Crystal stared at Tessa. “How do you know so much?” Sierra asked.

Tessa bit her lip and looked down. “I told you—reading and through you two.”

“Hmmm.” Sierra tapped her foot.

Crystal decided to rescue Tessa. “It does take a lot of communication. I’m learning, and Jordan understands. I’ve told him about my family.”

“And how did he react?” Sierra turned her attention back to Crystal.

“As I said, he understands. We both agreed we’d make mistakes.” Crystal took a drink. “There is another thing.”

“This doesn’t sound good,” Tessa said.

“It’s not.” She blew out a breath. “Earlier today, one of the other lawyers in the office sexually assaulted me.”

“What the fuck?” Sierra jumped to her feet.

“I hope you sue his ass,” Tessa said. She reached over and grasped Crystal’s hand.

“Sierra, sit down please.” Crystal squeezed Tessa’s hand. “Here’s the thing. The reporter who followed us the other night wrote up an article. It’s nothing but speculation and innuendo. But this seemed to empower Johnson to come after me.” A tremor shook her body.

“Bastard.” Sierra’s arm went around her shoulder. “I’ll tell Max. He’ll make the man pay.”

“No.” Crystal’s voice was firm. “Jordan took care of Johnson according to my wishes.”

“Which were?” Tessa asked.

“Well, Jordan fired him first, then Johnson threatened to take his clients.”

“I bet Jordan didn’t react well to that,” Tessa said.

“No, but basically, I told Johnson if he breathes anything about me, Jordan, or the firm, or tries to take his clients, I’ll press charges in criminal court and then sue him in civil court.”

“Do you think he’ll keep quiet?” Sierra asked.

“He better. Can you imagine what Max and Jordan will do to him?”

“Damon too,” Tessa piped up and then ducked her head as she released Crystal’s hand. “He seems like that type of man.”

Interesting, Crystal thought. Maybe Tessa was more interested in Damon than she let on. She’d need to watch those two when they were together.

“He is,” Sierra said. “They all are.”

“I’m sure. Anyway, I’m going back to the club with Jordan tomorrow night.”

“Isn’t Jordan on duty?” Sierra asked.

“He is, but I want to observe more. There are still a lot of things that don’t match with the books we read.” Not much but it was there.

“I’m going to live vicariously through you two,” Tessa said.

Crystal frowned at her friend. “I thought you had a date earlier this week?” Had she missed a change in Tessa’s life?

“It was one date, and he never called afterward.”

“Ass,” Sierra commented. “I can ask Max if he’ll allow you to come to the club on a Thursday night. Those are usually pretty quiet nights, and you could see what goes on.”

Tessa shook her head and pressed her hand against her belly. “I’d rather not.”

Crystal opened her mouth, but Sierra motioned to her. Crystal nodded.

“Well, if you change your mind, let me know. So do we want to watch a movie or what?”

“Movie.” Tessa piped up. “Something different.”

Crystal wondered what was going through Tessa’s head. She wanted to ask, but Tessa would talk when she was ready.

“Different.” Sierra started flipping through her DVDs.

Crystal grinned. Sierra wouldn’t get rid of her prized DVD collection no matter what. “Something other than what we usually watch, I’m guessing?” Sierra commented.

“Yes. No rom-coms or romance tonight. I need something different,” Tessa said.

“Hmmm.” Sierra kept flipping, then she pulled out a DVD with a smile. “What about 300.”

Tessa’s face lit up, and Crystal laughed. “I think we have a winner.”