Taken (9 page)

Mark growled. “Drinks later?”

He thought about Jess. He needed to see her tonight. His cravings had increased to the point he was ready to lose control. “Not tonight. I have a few things to do.”

“Uh-huh. That leggy blond, eh?”

“Very funny.” Craze pulled his phone closer. “Incidentally, who are the attorney’s on the case?”

“Um, Ryland Simpson and Martha Parker.”

“I have no clue who either one of them are.” What he knew about the prosecuting attorney’s office was that they hired crack attorneys, snapping them up from Harvard and Yale before anyone else had an opportunity. The battle would be fascinating.

“I’ll find out what I can since I’m in investigative mode.”

“You just do that.” Craze laughed as Mark walked out, and grabbed his phone. He had enough time tonight to play. He’d make time.

Be at my place tonight at seven. Wear purple. No bra. No panties and don’t be late or your ass will pay.

Hitting send he shivered. He needed her more than ever.

****

Jess heard her phone blip just as she reached the Showalter’s house. She resisted looking and cut the engine. Someone was home judging by the light in the front room. This wasn’t going to be easy.

Easing out of the car, she shut the door and looked around at the neighborhood. The area was decidedly middle class, but well kept. The murdered girl had been in her early twenties, home from college for barely a week when she was killed after leaving a club, her body ceremoniously dumped in next to a construction dumpster. The killer had wanted her body to be found.

She shuddered thinking about the photographs as she walked to the door. After knocking several times she stood back and waited.

Mrs. Showalter opened the door. “Yes?” When she recognized Jess she shook her head. “I can’t talk to you.”

“Can’t or won’t because you’ve been threatened?” When the aging woman’s eyes opened wide, she knew she’d hit the mark. “I can help you. I can protect you if only you’ll allow me.”

“No one can help my family, not even God.”

“Please. Think of your daughter.”

Mrs. Showalter hesitated a few seconds before opening the door. “I shouldn’t be doing this.”

“Just trust me. I’m here to help take down your daughter’s murderer.”

What Jess had learned in two hours was astounding and certainly enough to solidify her case. Granted, the pieces would be tough to put together, but she was now confident a week was enough to built an airtight case.

She was giddy when she sat back down in her car. She thought about the next steps then remembered her text. Yanking out her phone she read the words and fingered the screen before looking at her watch. It was nearly six. “Shit.”

She started the engine and dialed Betsy, getting her voice mail. “Betsy, you’re definitely on the right track. I can’t come back to the office but we’ll get together first thing in the morning. Make certain you keep this on the down-lo. If anyone finds out what we’re attempting to do, I have no doubt everything you’ve found will be eliminated.” There was just enough time to race back to her house, find something purple and drive to Craze’s studio. Did she even own anything purple?

Groaning, she headed home, eyeballing her closet in her mind. Nothing. She didn’t own purple. Who owned purple?

As she drove she tried to figure out if there was any store close enough she could dash in and find something. The moment she noticed a Ross in a strip mall she jerked into the parking lot, stopping the car quickly. By the time she made it into the store, she was panting, her heart racing. Why did this man have such a tremendous effect?

You want him. You crave him. You need submit to him.

She growled and headed for the women’s department. Five minutes later and three purple dresses in her hand, she took long strides toward the cash register. Patience wasn’t her virtue and the cashier seemed to have zero care. When her turn came, she slapped the dresses on the counter, yanking out her wallet. “Hurry. Please.”

“Hot date?” the kid asked, a sly look on his face.

“You have no idea.” Jess grabbed the bag and raced out into the parking lot. There was no doubt she broke at least two laws on her way to her house, but she refused to disobey.

Within minutes she was dressed. She caught a glance of her reflection and gasped. Where had the professional woman gone? In her place was a garish hooker, one prepared for a night of sleazy sex. Domination.

Jess turned off the bathroom light and walked into her kitchen, eyeing the open bottle of wine on the counter. “Half a glass.”
For courage?
Perhaps.
To check her sanity?
No doubt. Her feet seemed heavy as she pulled a glass from the cabinet, pouring more than half.

Why are you doing this? Why? You don’t know anything about him. You have no idea if he’s a serial killer or a madman.

No, she didn’t, but her instinct was usually spot on. She took several gulps and held the glass to her head. The dress wasn’t something she’d ever wear for any reason. Here she was, going to spend an evening with a stranger while she should be working.

She grabbed her purse, almost tossing the contents, and was prepared to text that she couldn’t come. When she read the words again, she moaned. She wanted him. Her body craved him. Her soul had to have what he was offering. Her decision made, she polished off the wine and walked toward the door. Tonight, she was going to find out who he was.

****

Craze stood by the window, a stiff scotch in his hand. He checked his watch and knew Jess would be arriving any minute. Tonight wasn’t about sex, but about discipline. He also wanted to get to know the woman. He realized he was going to have to let his guard down enough so she trusted him in order to fully submit. The thought was appetizing.

He took a sip and studied the waning early evening light. What he’d had to come to grips with over the last few days was that he wanted her in his life, not just as a sexual partner. Yes, he had to own her, wanted no man to ever touch her again, but he also craved her vivacious and very intelligent wit. He needed deep conversations, hungered to delve into her mind, one as dark as his.

In order to take their relationship to another level, they both had to open up.
Relationship.
The word usually terrified him. Every other woman had ended what they’d shared abruptly. While there had been various reasons, he knew the moment he’d allowed them inside, a glimpse of his very soul, they’d been horrified. Jess was different. She required seeing the ugliness encapsulating him. She needed to have all of him in order to let go.

Sighing, he tapped his fingers against the window. How much he was going to tell her he wasn’t certain. He took another sip before checking his watch. The time was five after seven. A hint of disappointment, bridging anger rushed into his system. How dare she be late? Strict discipline was needed. He rubbed his temples, soothing his beast. He was unraveling to the point he wasn’t certain he’d maintain needed control.

Seconds later he heard her light rapping. He waited for a full minute before walking to the door.

“You’re late.”

Jess swallowed hard. “I’m sorry. Traffic.”

“I don’t care. You’ll soon learn being tardy will bring you severe punishment.” Craze pulled her inside and against him. “Obedience I demand.”

“Yes sir.”

“You look amazing.”

“Thank you, sir.” Jess half smiled.

“But that doesn’t excuse your late arrival.”

She bit her lip. “I know. I was running late, working and I lost track of time. No excuse. Time just rushed by today.”

Craze exhaled as he studied her. The once powerful vixen seemed demure tonight, resigned to the fact she was going to be punished. “We all have requirements in our lives, duties. Right now your duty is to serve me. Understood?”

“I want nothing more.”

“I want to get to know you, enjoy dinner.”

Her look was one of relief.

“So let’s get your punishment over with.”

“Sir, I…” Jess fidgeted, dropping her purse.

“Once I punish you the incident is over. Is that understood?”

“Yes, sir.”

The look of heated anticipation was exhilarating. “Remove your dress. I assume you followed my directions?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Good girl.” Craze walked toward the couch, picking up the quirt. He turned and showed her what he held in his hand. “This is used to control horses. This will be used to whip your ass and legs. Are you wearing your plug?”

“Yes. I do try and obey you,” she breathed as she walked further into the room. Her eyes flashed, showing her willful side.

“Then I suggest you undress or I’ll add ten more to the twenty you’re going to receive.”

Jess closed her eyes and slowly removed her dress.

There was something so incredible about her naked luscious curves, her hourglass figure. He could tell she remained embarrassed about her body, as if no man had ever taken the time to expound on her beauty. She was such an assertive woman by day and a girl who needed a strong man by night. “Come. Lean over the back of the chair.”

She nodded and kept her eyes lowered as she moved past him, leaning over the soft leather.

“Show me your plug.”

Dropping her head, she used both hands to open her ass cheeks.

The bright red rubber end showed easily. Craze smiled, his heart facing. She belongs to you. Dear God his head was spinning. “Good girl.” He fingered the leather before walking behind her. He rubbed her back, his fingers working delicately until her breathing slowed. “This will hurt, but you’re going to maintain your position. Am I clear?”

“Very, sir.”

“All women need a firm hand, you included. When you relinquish control you regain what you lost a long time ago.” In his element, his heard the crisp sound of his voice, the stern and very commanding tone. She required no less.

Crack!

“Oh!” Biting back a scream, she dug her nails into the top of the chair as she reared up.

“Position.”

Pop! Whap!

“Fuck…I…” Jess moaned, her entire body shaking. “I just…”

He peppered four more strikes, catching the top of her thighs. Salivating, he retreated for a moment, the need to issue harsh strikes catching him off guard. She wasn’t used to this, needed time, trust.
Careful. Be careful.

Crack! Crack! Slap!

With each hard whip, he watched her reaction, stopping after a few to soothe the woman he cared about. The thought riveting, he wiped sweat from his forehead and continued.

Jess whined, pushing back from the chair. “I’m sorry, sir I…” Breathless, she stumbled forward, throwing herself over the chair.

In the dim lighting he was able to see tears slipping past her lashes. The man inside slammed against the sadist and for a few seconds he was blinded, unsure of what to do.
Use her. Fuck her. Use her. Beat her.
He clenched his fist, gritting his teeth. Sweat rolled down his back. “A few more. You’re doing well.”

Crack!

Barely two minutes later he was done. Done. He wanted to issue more.
God help me.

“Oh…” Jess whimpered softly.

Standing back, Craze eyed the quirt, panting as he squeezed the handle.

She slumped down, her whimpers subdued.

Craze carefully placed the implement on the coffee table and gathered her into his arms. “You did so well.” Holding her forehead, he eased her head back against his chest. “Very well indeed.” His heart was beating as fast as hers and he kissed the side of her face, licking away several tears.

She clung to him, sucking in her breath as she continued to shake.

He waited until her breathing was even before he spoke. “Come and sit down with me. I’ll get you some wine. It’s all over now. No more tonight.”

Sniffing, she nodded as she was lead to the couch. She sat down gingerly, folding her legs under her. She winced, giving him a weak smile. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” A euphoric high swept through every inch of him and as he walked toward the open bottle, he took a moment to control his breathing. His reaction was unexpected. This was unlike the other nights. This was pure punishment, total control.

And she wanted more.

Craze poured a glass, reflecting on how they met, and prayed their connection was more than just physical. Everything about this was reckless. “I think you’ll enjoy the wine.”

“I’m sure I will.” She accepted, giving him a waning smile, and took a sip. “Mmm…”

“Excellent. This is one of the wines I fell in love with the last time I went to the vineyard.”

“You’re a wine lover?”

“Very much so,” he laughed as he sat down. “I enjoy all thing beautiful, full of flavor.” Taking her hand, he kissed her fingers one at a time, savoring the way she relaxed, her shoulders less tense.

“A complex man.”

“As you are a woman.”

She exhaled and shook her head. “You’re right. I think everyone has various sides.”

“Ones we’re terrified to show.”

“So true. You’re a painter by hobby. What do you do as a profession?”

He sighed and continued fingering her hand. “Let’s just say I keep the peace.”

“Interesting. So do I, in a way.” Her laugh was genuine.

“Hmmm. I’d say you were a cop, but the suit I met you in suggests otherwise.”

“And I’d say you were a construction worker, but your hands are those of an artist.”

Craze lifted his glass. “Nicely done. You sound like an attorney.” He noticed the flash in her eyes and wanted to get to know every inch of the lovely lady.

“Why do you say that?”

“Because you have a way about you, observant while keeping a distance.”

Jess laughed. “I could say that about you as well.”

“You are a very good observer.” He gave her a look.

Shrugging, she remained silent.

“So we’re at an impasse.”

“For now. I do want to tell you about me, just not yet. Can we leave this as a fantasy for a little while?”

He leaned over until he was barely an inch from her face. “For now. Owning a woman means I need to get to know her, all of her, inside and out. I have to hear about your deepest fears as well as your longings.”