“I’ve gotta run.” I have to be at work in an hour. “Thanks for the talk. I feel much better.”
“Go get ’im, tiger.” Elli growls.
My sister has no idea I’m more like a tiger than she thinks. I’m a predator and Sin is my prey. And I’m gonna get ’im good.
Chapter Eight
Sinclair Breckenridge
It’s been two days since I saw Bleu and I crave her company. My work performance is suffering because she’s the only thing on my mind. That’s why I’m going to the bar tonight instead of doing research for my case. My desire to see her is a fixation I can no longer control.
I’m already seated at my table when her eyes meet mine from across the room. Her expression transforms from one of boredom to what I perceive as happiness. I think it’s a sign we’re equally delighted about seeing one another.
She doesn’t take her eyes from mine as she closes the distance. “Good evening, Mr. Breckenridge. How may I serve you?”
“I can think of quite a few ways but they’re all rather naughty. I’d better keep them to myself since I still have to wait three days until I can convince you to perform them.” I place my foot on the chair across from me and push it away from the table. “Sit with me a while.”
“Delayed gratification, Breck. It’s something you know nothing about—but you will. You won’t soon forget the satisfaction it’s going to bring you.”
Breck? That’s a new one.
I once took great pleasure in taking a woman to bed but my accident stole that indulgence from me years ago. I settle for quick fucks because I’m forced to hide a secret no one from my world can know. But Bleu isn’t a part of this life.
She’s going to discover this thing I hide when I take her into my bed. I have no idea how she’ll respond. I only know I want to find out.
“May I bring you some instant gratification? Maybe a JW?”
I nod. “I’ll take it if that’s all I can get.”
She laughs as she gets up to fetch my whisky. “You’re worse than a child.”
I’m watching the sway of her hips when I hear Leith’s voice. “Why don’t you fuck her already and get it over with?”
I force my eyes away from Bleu’s arse. “Who says I haven’t?”
“You’re still interested. It’s a dead giveaway.”
He knows me so well. “She’s making me wait.” I laugh.
“What the hell are you talking about?”
Leith is only one of two people I’d tell about my arrangement with Bleu. “She won’t give me a quick fuck.”
“Then find one who will.”
That’s exactly what I usually do but there’s a problem with that plan. “I don’t want to move on. I’m obsessed with having her and she’s going to give herself to me … but on her terms.”
“Which are?”
I give Leith the short version of where Bleu and I stand. “Don’t be stupid. You’ve kept this on the down-low for six years. Take her to bed and it’s a secret no more. She could tell anyone.”
She’s not conspiring against me or The Fellowship. “She’s alone in Scotland. She has no one to tell.”
“One person. That’s all it takes.”
Bleu returns with my drink, ending my debate with Leith.
“We’ll finish this conversation another time.”
“Whatever.” Leith waits until Bleu leaves to finish. “I came over to tell you there’s a girl here to see you. She’s waiting in my office.”
“Who is it?”
“Declan Stuart’s sister.”
“Her brother’s atonement is scheduled for the mornin’ and I’m his handler.” And I know why she’s here—to offer sex in exchange for her loved one’s punishment.
I down my whisky. “Do me a favor. Make sure Bleu doesn’t find her way into your office while I’m with Miss Stuart.”
“Sure.”
I go into Leith’s office and the female version of Declan is sitting on the leather sofa—the exact spot where I’ve fucked so many just like her. “Mr. Breckenridge. I hope I’m not disturbing you.”
“Well, you are.”
“I’m Christie Stuart, Declan’s sister. I’ve come to talk with you about my brother’s beating that’s scheduled for tomorrow.”
A beating? I think she’s trying to be dramatic. “It’s called atonement. It’s retribution for his wrongdoing. He stole from The Fellowship. I’m sure you’re aware that isn’t tolerated.”
“It isn’t his fault. He took the drugs and sold them because I needed money. He did it for me so I could attend the dance academy. It’s been my dream since I was a little girl to be a ballerina.”
“I don’t care why he stole from me, twinkle toes.”
“I have the money.” She takes a stack of bills from her handbag and places them on the desk. “Will you take it back and call off the atonement?”
“I’ll gladly take back what was stolen from me but your brother will still be punished.” Returning the money must feel like a stupid move now. “No one wrongs the brotherhood and walks away unscathed.”
“Please, don’t hurt him. It’s my fault he stole from you.”
“Doesn’t matter.”
She reaches for the hem of her shirt and pulls it over her head, baring herself from the waist up. She isn’t wearing a bra but she doesn’t have to. Her tits are perfect. “Maybe we could settle his debt another way.”
And here we go.
This isn’t the first time someone’s sister, girlfriend, or wife has offered to fuck in exchange for a lesser punishment or dismissal. I’ve done it countless times—taken them up on their offer only to inform them once it’s over that the punishment will continue as planned.
I’d do it again today if I weren’t opting out for my upcoming delayed gratification with Bleu. I’ve put too much work—and waiting—into her to jeopardize it now with a quickie. “Sorry. It’s nonnegotiable.”
“Please,” she begs.
“Put your shirt back on and leave.” Before Bleu comes back here.
She unzips her skirt and lets it fall before she comes toward me. “I’ll let you fuck me any way you want and I won’t make a sound.”
Shocking. I’m not the least bit turned on by this woman’s advances. It doesn’t do it for me when Bleu’s offer holds far more promise of satisfaction. “I’m not doing this. Put your clothes back on.”
The door to Leith’s office bursts open without warning and Bleu comes in like an angry tempest. “Really, Sinclair? We’re back to this again?”
Fucking perfect!
“This isn’t what it looks like.” Well, that’s not entirely right. It’s exactly what it looks like except I told her no.
“I’m not stupid, despite what you might think.” She storms away but calls out over her shoulder, “You can forget our plans for later this week. I’ll find someone else who can give me the things I need. Leith seems pretty eager to try.”
Not happening. No one touches Bleu but me.
“Put your clothes on right now. After you’re dressed, go out there and fix this or I’ll make sure your brother dies tomorrow.”
“You can’t kill Declan for stealing.”
She obviously doesn’t know me. “I’ve killed for much less,” I say. “Have Bleu come back to the office after you’re finished fixing the shit you’ve stirred.”
“Yes, sir.”
Five minutes pass. Then ten. Bleu doesn’t return to the office so I call the front. “Is there a blond woman still talking to Bleu?”
“No, sir. She left a while ago but Bleu’s here. She’s sitting at your table with Mr. Duncan.”
She has another thing coming if she thinks she’s going to replace me so easily. “Tell her I said I want to see her in the office right now.”
“Aye, sir.”
A moment later, she’s standing in the doorway, arms crossed. “You wanted to see me?”
“Come in and shut the door.” She gives me a sharp look and doe
sn’t move. She’s a stubborn one, that Bonny Bleu. “Please.”
A moment later she does as I ask. “And lock it. Please.”
She looks at me with narrowed eyes. “There’s no need.”
“We’ll require a moment of privacy so we may discuss what just happened.”
She pushes the lock on the door. “You mean you want to talk about me finding you with a naked woman in a compromising situation?”
“I was not compromised. It was all her. She’s the one who took off her clothes and tried to get me to fuck her.”
“I made the decision to let you have me. It wasn’t one I took lightly so excuse me if I’m offended by your less than stellar behavior.”
Her brow is creased, eyes cast downward. I think her bottom lip may even be slightly protruding.
My God, she’s pouting. I hate when women do that, except her. It’s beautiful, and it’s all for me. “Do I need to remind you it was an attempt—an unsuccessful one?”
“I believe you but we should be clear about one thing. I want no further misunderstandings. You’ll share your body with no one as long as I’m giving myself to you.”
Ahh … she’s a possessive little vixen. It’s hot. “I don’t know if I can wait three more days to have you.”
“Keep imagining how good it’s going to be when you finally do. The taste of the remaining apple will keep you going.”
* * *
I drive Bleu home from work and we’re kissing like crazy at her front door. I glide one of my hands under her work blouse and cup her lace-clad breast. My thumb grazes her nipple back and forth until it becomes rigid beneath my touch.
She’s allowing me quite a bit more freedom tonight so maybe I won’t be waiting until Thursday after all. “Let me take you home with me.” I trail my lips over her jawline until my mouth reaches her earlobe. I suck it between my teeth, tugging gently, and her body bends to me. “There’s really no need to wait three days to experience pleasure when we can start tonight.”
I move my hand between her thighs, rubbing up and down. “I swear I’ll make it all about you. The only thing I need is a chance.” She grasps my wrist. At first, I think she’s going to push it away but then I realize she’s moving it to a more pleasurable spot. “I don’t think you want to wait, either.”
I’m waiting for her reply when my phone vibrates in my pocket.
Dammit. I’m not a man with the luxury of avoiding calls. If someone’s calling this late, it’s important.
I take my hands off Bleu so I can retrieve my phone. It’s Dad. Something is going on. “I’m sorry. I have to take this.”
“Aye, Dad?”
“William Calhoun’s been arrested. Rodrick is already on his way but you need to be down there with him.”
This is how my life will be very soon—getting calls at all hours of the night to handle whatever legal messes the brothers have gotten into. “Now?”
“I need you there thirty minutes ago. I don’t trust Calhoun. He has a problem with keeping his mouth shut. The bastard better hope they don’t talk him into saying anything he’ll regret later.”
Well, my fun with Bleu is over—at least for tonight. “I’m in Old Town but I’m leaving now. I’ll let you know how things go.”
I need to touch her again before I go so I glide my hands over her arse and pull her against me. I suck her bottom lip into my mouth and then release it. “I really don’t want to leave you.”
“Then don’t.”
This is painful. “I have to.”
“Will I see you tomorrow?”
“Maybe.” I’m already behind on the case I was assigned and I’m sure this new mess isn’t going to help. “Probably not. I’m already really behind with work. I shouldn’t have come tonight but I couldn’t stay away. I was going crazy.”
“Don’t act as though you’ve been bewitched.” She laughs. “You came because you were hoping to get laid.”
“A guy can hope.” I grin and shrug. “Were you going to say yes?” I really think I was about to get a shag.
“Doesn’t matter now. You’re getting a kiss goodnight instead.”
That’s a yes. Dammit, I was so close to banging her. I may get William Calhoun out of the slammer just so I can beat the shit out of him.
“Three days.” I kiss her lips one last time before I go. “Be ready.”
Chapter Nine
Bleu MacAllister
Tonight’s the night. I’ve been preparing myself for this since I made the decision to use Sinclair as collateral damage. Getting off won’t be enough. Anyone can do that for him. He has to experience the unexpected and like it enough to keep coming back for more. Could there be anything better than an untouched virgin in his bed?
I think not.
My hair is down with the ends loosely curled. Sin’s never seen it that way. It goes perfectly with the tight, black dress I’m wearing. The hair, the outfit, the shoes … they make me feel confident and sexy—like I could seduce a saint. I suppose it’s all a bit much since Sin is certainly no saint and wouldn’t resist my sexual advances, even if I were on fire.
Thank God he’s a horny bastard. That makes him putty in my hands.
There’s a knock at the door so I take one last look in the mirror and push my boobs up in my dress. “Stella Bleu, I hope your bullshit is exceptional tonight,” I say to my reflection.
Sin’s standing on the other side with a single white long-stemmed rose in hand. I’m taken aback by the gesture. “Awe … Sin. Thank you.” I take it and bring it to my nose for a smell.
“The florist told me a white rose conveys ‘I’m worthy.’” I understand the meaning and I’m touched he’d put effort into wooing me. He knows I’m a sure thing tonight, yet he chooses to romance me anyway. That’s both unexpected and uncharacteristic for Sinclair Breckenridge.
“Do you give roses to all the girls?”
“You’re the first.” That’s not a shock.
“I have a feeling there’s going to be a lot of firsts for both of us tonight.”
He’s driving us to the restaurant and I go through my personal undercover rules in my head, just for a refresher.
Rule number one: lies are like boomerangs. You better throw them out as hard and as far as you can because they always return eventually. I have that covered. Nothing will come back to me before I’m out of here. Once I’m gone may be a different story since I’m not using an alias.
Rule number two: always know my boundaries and never allow the lines to become blurred. I have no limits to what I’m prepared to do or where I’m willing to go when it comes to Thane Breckenridge.
Rule number three: when undercover, you’d better have a map because there are a lot of ways to get lost. I know Thane, Sin, and The Fellowship inside and out. I’m good.
Rule number four: it’s not a lie if you believe it. I am who I say I am and I have no motive. There is no evidence that will prove otherwise.
Rule number five: know and understand that Sin’s a special kind of animal. He’s perfectly fine with surprise and things going wrong. He’s a dangerous man, but I’m prepared to kill him if the situation arises.
Rule number six: be headstrong but vulnerable, confident yet cautious. I’m the one in control tonight, yet I’m giving myself to this monster. I will do it with confidence but understand his reaction could be a volatile one. Again, I will kill him if I have to.
Rule number seven: know and understand that I’m straddling two worlds—his and mine. I laugh about this one since I’ll soon be straddling him.
Rule number eight: conceal any personal feelings I have. He can never see how much giving my body to him disgusts me.
Rule number nine: say or do whatever’s necessary to sell it. I will say anything I think he wants to hear. I will perform any act to make him trust me enough to bring me into Thane’s circle.
Rule number ten: it’s all about the right move at the right time—pacing and patience. I’ll read his emotions and body la
nguage to know what needs to come next.
A necessary sin. That’s what tonight is.
“You’re quiet. Are you nervous for later?”
I shake my head. “Eager would be a better description for what I’m feeling.” That much is true. I’m nervous but ready to get this behind me.
“I like the word eager much better than nervous.”
He holds the door for me when we enter The Witchery. He places his hand on my lower back when I walk past. A shiver travels down my spine, causing my body to quiver and chills to rise to the surface of my skin.
We’re seated at a table in a dark, quiet corner. I’m not surprised. I think he likes having me to himself, away from the other patrons. “We’re off to ourselves.”
“So we are.”
“Is this the proposal table?”
“It could be.” He laughs.
“You aren’t going to propose, are you?”
“No.” He’s grinning, amused by my question. I like that I’m able to tease him.
“Good, ’cause I’d have to decline.”
He brings his fist to his chest and pretends to remove something. “Your refusal would be a dagger to my heart.”
“Then let me put your mind at ease. I’m going to let you do what you want with my body but I’ll never give you my heart.”
“Because you can’t or won’t?”
“I guess that’s a matter for a shrink.”
“I don’t need someone’s analysis of why you can’t or won’t give away your heart. I get it. I understand. I’m not sure you know it yet but we’re very much alike.”
He’s wrong. I share no similarities with him. He’s the spawn of a monster. “Perhaps. I suppose only time will tell.”
Dinner is served and I’m hardly able to eat a bite. My stomach is in knots. I order dessert but not because I’m craving chocolate raspberry cheesecake. It’s a ploy to procrastinate.
A strange feeling has settled in my stomach. I’ve had weeks to think about this night, yet I’m not nearly as prepared as I thought. “Want a bite?”
“Aye.” He leans forward and takes the bite I’m offering. “Mmm … delicious but not the sweetness I’m in the mood for.”