Branded (Strand Brothers Series Book 1) (38 page)

Holy hell, I wanted her so much my dick actually hurt, yet there wasn’t a damned thing I could do about it now. The realization I needed to vacate the premises immediately became crystal clear. If I stayed any longer I would have her, and I didn’t play with the help. It was my number one rule, and I enforced it fiercely with my managers. There would be loss of respect, not to mention obedience. That, I wouldn’t tolerate. I firmly tugged on my jeans to find a more comfortable position before hightailing it out of there. Unbelievable, I had never run from a female in my life. Nor had I willingly walked away from a sure thing. And let’s be honest, I would’ve taken her without an ounce of hesitation on her part. I knew it. She knew it, too. It was best for both of us if I continued towards my car and never looked back.

*****

A week had passed since I had left the breath-taking beauty at my club up in Lake Tahoe, and still I was hard for her. This was supposed to be a celebration, our family Christmas party, yet my mind wouldn’t let the mystery dancer go. Every cell in my body wanted her, needed her, in a way I didn’t comprehend. Without a single taste of her, I was hooked. She had become a drug to me. And damn it all to hell, I had to have another hit.

Of course, my intuitive sister-in-law knew something was off with me. Hell, I didn’t want an interrogation. There really wasn’t anything to share even if I had wanted to, which I didn’t. For now, I wanted to brood in peace. Though, the knowledge I wouldn’t be able to resist much longer truly pissed me off. I was the master of control, master over my body and anyone else’s I chose to be. So the damn ache inside made me meaner than a snake. I had no desire to take it out on Aimee. No, until I either found relief for my ever throbbing cock or broke down and drove back up to the lake, I was not good company for anyone. My brothers were fully aware something was up, but they were wise enough to give me space. After I slammed back another glass of Grey Goose, I said my goodbyes. Alex was right behind me. I wasn’t so preoccupied I hadn’t noticed the looks Aimee had been shooting towards Nik. Time to leave the newlyweds to their evening.

As Alex and I walked to our cars, he affirmed, “When you’re ready to talk about whoever she is, E, I’ll be here to listen.”

“Fuck you,” I said without heat as I climbed into my Veyron Bugatti.

He grinned and smacked the roof of my car before I drove off.

I had no idea how to get the woman out of my system, but I had no intentions of giving in—yet. I found myself at my club in downtown San Fran. Yeah, maybe what I needed was to get laid. With that, I strode with purpose into the club bypassing the main floor. Nah, I needed something rough and knew just who could satisfy all of my power hungry demands.

I rapped on the door twice before it opened. She hit her knees instantly and stared at the floor. When I stroked her head, she purred, “I’ve missed you, Master.” I back kicked the door closed as I grabbed her hair in my fist and yanked so her eyes met mine. “I’m glad to hear that. This will be a night you won’t forget any time soon.”

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