Taken (6 page)

“Okay. What?”

“I’m getting married.”

Narrowing her eyes, Jess tried to figure out if her best friend was serious. “I didn’t even know you were dating anyone. I thought you were just fucking three or four.”

“That was then. This is now. I’m serious.”

“Who is the lucky guy?” Had her bestie even mentioned one in particular? As they clinked glasses and she took a sip, her mind wandered to Craze. What was he doing? Was he thinking about her?

“Josh Stone.”

The name sounded familiar. Jess racked her memory. “You mean the local musician?”

“None other!”

“Now you have to tell me the story.”

Miranda took a gulp and sat back in her seat, her eyes twinkling. “I met him three weeks ago at a club. We talked in between sets. He asked me back to his place that night and we’ve been hot and heavy ever since.”

“And you’re getting married after three weeks?” This wasn’t Miranda’s normal behavior.

Holding up her left hand, she showed off the large diamond on her finger. “Gave this to me last Thursday.”

“Wait a minute here. You’re serious?”

“Of course I am,” Miranda huffed. “He’s amazing and everything I’ve ever wanted. Love at first sight times ten. Whew is all I can say.”

She studied her best friend, the girl’s flushed face and quivering lower lip, and realized she’d had the same reaction to Craze. Unfortunately what they’d shared had zero to do with love at first sight. Lust maybe. Ownership definitely. Not romance or marriage. The thought was…

“Aren’t you happy for me?”

Jess fingered her glass and leaned closer. “Girl, I love you and want you happy always.”

“But?”

“But, knowing a guy for really about two weeks before agreeing to marry him might just be a bit presumptive. Don’t you think?”

Miranda looked out the window and waited a few seconds. “I’m almost fifty. I’ve never felt this way about a man before. I’ve dated white guys, black guys and every color in between. They’ve been truckers and corporate executives and never have I giggled and swooned. Not once. This man, this amazing man just does it for me.”

Jess had no idea what to say.

“Don’t you believe in true love?”

“I don’t really know.”

“You need to let go of your defenses. Haven’t you ever just had a hot moment with a guy when you knew could lead to something amazing for the rest of your life?”

Hesitating, she gazed out the window into the bright sun, heat rising on her face.

“Wait a minute. Hold on here.”

“What?”

Miranda snickered. “The dress, the heels and the blush on your face tells me you met some guy. Did you?”

Jess hesitated. How in the hell could she tell Miranda about what occurred?

“You better tell me!”

“Okay. I…I might have.”

“Oh holy crap! This is much better than my news. Tell me everything. Leave no details out or I’ll beat your ass.”

Jess wiggled in her seat.

“Oh boy this must be a good story. Talk.” Miranda’s expression was mischievous.

“Well I did meet a guy.” Not just any guy.
I met a man who wants to own me.
Jess lifted her glass, licking the rim.

“And?”

“And I’m not sure.”

“That you like him? That you want to see him again?”

She groaned. “I just don’t know if he’s good for me.”

“Why in the hell isn’t he good for you? Tell me about him.”

“I don’t know much really. He’s a hot guy, owns a Harley. He has a studio downtown.”

“What’s his name?” Miranda implored.

“Craze.”

Choking, she took a gulp of her champagne. “What? Are you serious?”

“I know it’s a nickname but yes.”

“What’s his real name?”

Jess thought about what little he’d told her. “I have no idea.”

“Wow. You really did go outside of your comfort zone.” Miranda narrowed her eyes. “You really don’t know his real name?”

“No. I didn’t tell him mine either.”

“Hhhmmm… What does he do?”

Jess laughed. “I have no idea.”

“Okay. I can tell by the sweat rolling down the side of your face you fucked him.”

Wiping the bead away furiously, she looked around the room. “Do you want to announce this to the entire place?”

“Kinda big if my bestie fucked someone.”

Groaning, Jess gave her a harsh look. Of course the entire situation was ridiculous to normal people. “I was stupid. Irresponsible.”

“You were. Isn’t it wonderful?”

The truth was, more than just wonderful. “I just don’t know what I was doing. He forced me to go with him and I allowed him to fuck me.” She moaned and dropped her head.

“Forced you?” Miranda leaned forward.

“Yeah. Well...” Jess shifted. “I wanted to go, but everything happened so fast. I met him. We clicked and suddenly I was on the back of his Harley.”

“Sometimes something so unexpected, so very much out of the ordinary can be the best experience that happens to us. I know. Josh is that way. I never expected to meet someone so much like me. We have everything in common and damn girl, he’s hot in bed.”

She inhaled, remembering his cologne, and her entire body quivered. “Craze is very dominating.”

“Exactly what you need,” Miranda breathed.

“What? I’m very aggressive with what I do. I take no shit. I refuse to take the back seat. I need a man who understands who I am.”

“You need a man to take control of you. I’ve always known this about you. I can tell by your face you like this guy. Are you seeing him again?”

Was she so damn transparent? “I don’t know anything about him. I doubt I can get in touch with him again.”

“You didn’t exchange numbers?”

“No. Just didn’t come up.”

Miranda laughed and shook her head. “You’re hooked on a guy who so obviously gives you everything you’ve been craving and you have no idea how to get in touch with him?”

“Ridiculous. Right?” Jess gazed out the window, studying the shoppers milling about. She had to see him again. Without a doubt, she needed to find out if the connection was truly as electric as she remembered. “God.”

“But you know where he lives?”

“I do but…” Suddenly she saw him. Craze. He was leaving a store across the street. She shifted forward, her pussy clenching. A moan escaped her lips before she could suppress.

Miranda followed her gaze. “Is that Craze?”

“I think so,” Jess managed.

“I can tell from here why you’re so attracted. Go talk to him.”

“What, now?” Jess shot her a look.

“No time like the present.”

She thought about the concept, took a sip then a gulp. “I can’t. What we shared wasn’t right.”

“In what country?”

How could she tell her best friend she’d been forced into sex and whippings? Was she forced? Shuddering, she knew better. She’d wanted every minute of what happened. Consensual. Nonconsensual. Who the hell cared? “Ii just can’t. I don’t know.”

Miranda sat back in her seat, swilling her champagne. “You know. I realize people might think I’m crazy, but when I met Josh something clicked. I think every once in awhile in our lives we have to let go, believe the inner girl inside. We have to take a chance, a leap of faith. We’re not getting any younger and I for one don’t want to spend the rest of my life alone. If Craze embroiled those dark needs I know you have, then you have to take a chance.”

“What if I’m wrong?”

“Then you tried. Tell me this. What do you have to lose?”

The question was one she’d been asking herself for two days.

Jess pulled up to the red light, remembering everything Miranda had said. Taking a chance on anything hadn’t been in her for years. She plodded through life knowing what was going to happen the next day, the next week and generally the next year. She tapped her head on the steering wheel and berated her dull behavior.

Beep!

Jerking up, she snarled and hit the gas. She had work to do.
So why are you in a hot, red dress?
Shaking off her little voice, she moved to the next intersection and realized where she was. If she turned right she’d go back home, but if she turned left… Time ticked away slowly.

Do it. Do it. Do it.

She turned left and every nerve in her body was on fire. As she drove the city streets, praying she’d remember how to get to his place, she hummed to the music. Nothing was going to soothe her nerves. Nothing.

As she cruised through the streets, taking turn after turn, she hissed. Her eyes had been closed half the time. While she recognized some of the buildings, she wasn’t entirely certain where the hell she was going. After coming to a one-way street, one that lead to a dead end, she pulled over and tried to rationalize what she was doing.
Go home. You have work to do.
Yes, she did. The case was looming and she had to be on her ‘A’ game.

She pulled out, determined to do just that when she noticed a building. Yes, she’d seen this one moments before Craze had pulled to a stop. Regaining her resolve, she eased out and turned around, taking a left at the light. Minutes later she could see the building,
his
building up ahead. Swallowing hard, she rolled to the parking spot about a half block from the engaging brownstone. Even from where she was idling, she could see his bike.

Dear God she was wet, hot as she’d ever been. This was crazy, insane in fact, but she couldn’t help herself. Parking the car and turning off the engine, she sat with her keys in her hand for a full five minutes. Then she climbed out of the car. The walk to the building seemed to take forever, but the moment she was at the outer door, the one leading to nirvana, she smiled. The woman inside wanted this. The woman inside craved a firm hand.

She climbed the stairs, trying to figure out what to say, how to greet him.
Hello, sir. Your slut is here. Hello, , I’m here to please you.
She snorted and continued her trek until she was standing in front of the massive door. Music floated from under the door, jazz music. The blues singer was melodic, the guitar haunting. She bit her lip and listened for a full minute. The song was captivating.

Her actions tentative, she knocked lightly. Seconds later, when she heard no movement, she turned to leave.
No. You will not do this.
Garnering a deeper courage, she knocked again, this time much louder. Seconds later she heard thumping footsteps and almost turned and fled.

The door opened and as Craze peered down at her, the look of surprise quickly turned into one of intense hunger. “My slut. Why are you here?”

“I…I don’t know really.”

“Let me think,” he breathed, the tone of his voice husky. “You’re here because you know I’m your . You need what only I can provide.” He opened the door wider, allowing her access.

She hesitated for a full minute, contemplating his words. “Yes. You’re right.” There was nothing self-assured about her words. She was utterly terrified.

“Come in. I’ve had thoughts about you. Desires.” He held out his hand.

“I’ve been thinking as well.” The touch was gentle but electric.

Craze nodded. He brought her fingers to his lips, kissing them softly. “Fascinating. Let’s talk.”

The intensity of his gaze, his heated breath and his welcoming smile eased away some of the tension.

He stepped backward, pulling them both inside.

“What have you been thinking?” Jess dropped her purse by the door, her gaze captured by a large canvas, various painting implements on a side table. She held her head high, knowing she was being scrutinized.

“How much I enjoyed our evening together. How mush I wanted to see you again.”

A smile crept onto her face. She darted a look around the room, the smile widening. “You’re an artist.”

He laughed as he closed the door. “Thank you for the compliment. I dabble only. Painting drives away my demons. I find when I stand in front of the canvas, the medium blank, so raw, I’ able to capture a taste of solace.”

The statement was telling. “We all have demons, some difficult to admit.” Her words seemed to catch him off guard. For a split second she could see his through his mask, one hidden behind the mystique of pain.

“Yes, we do. Some refuse to take a back seat.”

Jess laughed nervously. “As if our very psyche knows what we need.”

“Yes.” He turned and studied her. “Wine? I was just getting ready to have some merlot. I believe your favorite.”

“I’d love some.” Her lower lip quivered. The man was good.

“Excellent. Make yourself at home. I’ll be back in a minute.”

Jess tingled and watched him walk away, his boots thudding against the floor. He was dressed in all black, tight jeans and a faded tee shirt. There was nothing expensive or overtly dominating about his attire. Craze was ruffled, as if in the middle of a project. She turned her attention toward the canvas. The painting was amazing, the man an enigma.

He was perhaps the sexiest man she’d ever laid eyes on. Of course he held secrets, those he wasn’t ready to tell her. She had her own. Two strangers so connected. How amazing. She walked toward the oversized canvas, several areas marked by fresh paint, marveling at his talent. The vibrant piece was of a woman, her inner agony reflected on her twisted face, yet her eyes spoke of something else. Bliss. She was tethered to a bed, her arms and legs shackled. Slickened with sweat, she held a look of wonder. The woman was on all fours, naked, her long blond hair streaming behind her. On the bed beside her was a ruthless looking whip.

Jess moved closer and was able to see details others might never understand. The model’s ass was crimson, a slight bruising covering her lower back, thighs and ass. Around her neck was a silver collar, solid in design, a lock dangling from the front. Everything about the scene was reminiscent of the time they’d spent together. Even the face of the woman seemed like her own. She leaned in, her eyes flitting back and forth from the woman’s face and eyes to the curvature of her breasts, the mole nearly hidden just under the right. “What…I…”

Moaning, Jess took a step back, pressing the back of her hand over her mouth. He’d painted her. The entire setting was one of fantasy, but she knew there was nothing he wanted more.