On Becoming Her Sir (12 page)

“And so you think that I’ll be indebted to you if you slicken the road for me?”

“Interesting way of putting it. But yes. That’s how business works.” Bart held up his glass. “Why don’t we have a toast to our new business relationship? And yes, I made certain Trevone was coming to this festive event. My guess is he’s arrived. Shall we go and see?”

Luke hated the arrogance and the audacity of the man, but he had to give him credit. Bart had done his homework. Then again, much like he had. “I’m not entirely certain what you’re trying to accomplish here. Jessie is off the table and off the market. She has a successful business and I refuse to jeopardize her in any manner for the sake of selling kink. Do you understand, Bart? There are plenty of kink clubs and models to boost sales. From what I’ve seen of the work your photographer is doing, he has a detailed eye for talent. I’m certain you can find what you’re looking for.”

“He’s our photographer now since you’re going to be working on the magazine.”

“I haven’t signed on the dotted line and I doubt I will do so until Jessie and I return from our vacation.”

“You mean the camp for wayward couples trying to learn how to commit in a D/s relationship?” Bart laughed and leaned against the railing,

Titling his head, he could see a glimmer in Bart’s eyes. “What are you trying to get at? What do you want from me?” A full minute ticked by and Luke was growing angrier by the minute.

“Tell me something. Have you told her?”

“About?”

“You know about what, Luke. I was there, remember?” Bart darted a glance in his direction.

Infuriated, Luke forced himself to look away. “What happened isn’t about my life with Jessie.”

“How so? The man I knew doesn’t exist any longer. He’s withdrawn as well as resigned. He had no real drive and he’s leaving the door open so that if Jessie wants to bolt she can. Why are you doing that? Why are you? Are you trying to push her away to avoid the truth?” Bart’s voice remained quiet.

“You don’t know me and you have no idea what you’re talking about. Every D/s relationship is different. Even you, playboy of the year should know that.”

“Playboy? I don’t like. I don’t cheat and I know my limits. Marla and I share another woman, who enjoys being our combined submissive. I make no bones about the fact I need more than one in my life. Marla accepts completely. The truth is she very much enjoys the other woman. Sometimes I think too much.”

He studied Bart’s pensive face. “If I didn’t know better I’d say you were in love with Marla.”

“Is that so difficult for you to comprehend?”

“For a man like you? Yes, it is.”

Bart snorted. “Then you don’t know me very well.” The words hung in the air. “After what happened the one thing you told me is that you were never going to fall in love again.”

“Yes,” Luke managed.

“Then what happened brother? What happened? Jessie can’t understand your kind of love. There is no way to have a suffocating man totally control her. No matter that she wears your collar or says she’s ready to submit, she’s not ready for your brand of domination.”

“My brand?” Luke clenched his fist.

Bart held out his hand. “I’m not trying to rile you. I’m also not telling you anything you don’t already know. Just don’t lie to yourself now or you’re going to destroy her.”

Destroy her. That’s the one aspect he’d been terrified of the entire time they’d been together. Destruction of her body as well as her soul was a distinct possibility. A shiver trickled down his spine and he longed to hold her in his arms. Luke exhaled and glanced at his watch. He hadn’t intended on falling in love. Bart was right. He’d fashioned himself to be incapable of falling in love. Then Jessie had entered in a darkened bar one night with her friends and everything had changed. “I appreciate your concern, but I have guests. You can play all the games you want to, but this time I’m not in this for some cheap thrill. If we can work together and create an empire then fantastic. We don’t have to be friends and we certainly aren’t going to share anything sexually. Is that clear?” There was something about the way Bart was studying him, sizing him up that was troubling, but Luke was tired of playing with anyone. Maybe age was catching up to him.

“And if we both want more?”

“More?” Luke inched closer. Bart truly believed he was better for her than he could ever be. Perhaps in some ways Bart would be a good teacher, a man with no conscience who would be able to keep her in line. He’d been thinking about so many aspects of her training. Maybe being in love was the wrong was to go with her. Maybe she needed stricter discipline, more rules. God. What the hell was he thinking?

“Yes, more.”

“I don’t know what’s happened to you or why you’re so hell bent on taking what I have, but this time I’m not going to fall into your trap. We’re here to do business together. I’m glad you decided to come tonight, but that in no way means that you and I are anything but partners.” My God the man had sucked him in.

“That means you are going to work on the magazine and I’ll be very glad to help with Trevone tonight, but I will have what I want in exchange.” Bart smiled, a look of raw satisfaction. “It’s only art, nothing else. A few pictures of a woman and her seductive beauty. I promise they’ll be done in a tasteful manner and in a fashion in which no one will know who she is. And of course she’ll be fully clothed.”

“She’s not for sale.”

Bart tipped his glass and remained quiet.

The air was electric, jazzed from his anger. Luke was ready to rebut when he heard the door open. Jessie stood highlighted by the backdrop of the interior lighting and Luke shuddered from the vision of her. He could also see the effect her presence had on Bart.

“You have a requested visitor,” Jessie said as she pressed wisps of hair from her face.

“That would be Trevone here to see you. What’s it going to be, partner?” Bart asked as he moved close to Luke. “A few pictures to start our business venture together and secure your future with an athlete who has a reputation as a leader. Where he goes, others just seem to follow. Imagine the possibilities.”

Luke thought about the concept. Was he actually contemplating the idea? What in God’s name was he thinking about? For a few seconds he thought about the possibilities. Jessie was one beautiful woman and the fact she was older, yet so surreal in her femininity would be engaging for women with regards to the magazine. My God, he was justifying this.

“I won’t touch her. In fact, I won’t be at the shoot. But honestly, I do think it’s a good idea. Imagine the way she’ll look. It will be an honor to have her grace the magazine.”

“She won’t go for it.” Not after finding out about the magazine the way she had. Luke savored her beauty, the way the light shimmered through her hair. His cock twitched as excitement raced through him. He was salivating at the thought of others seeing her the way he did. Luke sucked in his breath. “I don’t know.”

“Your decision. Look, for all the bravado I push, I’m not a monster. I’m simply a man who hungers and that I’ll admit, but I won’t take what’s not mine. She loves you. She exudes that love in everything she does, every look on her face. I wish I had that kind of devotion. You’re one lucky man.” Bart eased away then looked back. “I’ll go talk with Trevone, set the tone. Whatever you decide to do I understand and I’ll still help you with signing him. I read enough about The End Game to know you and your firm is the best in the region, perhaps the entire country. You have integrity. That I do admire.”

Luke nodded.

Bart glanced over his shoulder, giving Jessie a long look before locking eyes with Luke. ”I’ll make the offer to train her for you while you regroup if you’d like.”

“And you know that’ll never happen.” He could tell Jessie was curious as to their heated conversation.

“Yes, of course not. The great man will never admit he needs help.” Bart clucked his jaw. “One last piece of advice, my friend. Secrets and lies are what ruin a relationship and when you harbor darkness they can fester. Be very careful that you don’t implode and end up very much alone.
That
would mean your certain death.”

The words haunting, Luke swallowed several times to keep the bile down. As Bart walked away Luke realized he’d been holding his breath. From where he stood he could tell Jessie bristled when the man passed but there was an odd flash in her eyes, one of inquisitive heat.

Jessie lifted her head and smiled.

What was she thinking? Was she attracted to Bart? What wasn’t there to be attracted to? The man was dazzling to the majority of women who met him. Bart could captivate a woman in less than five minutes. While he had initially thought Jessie could see through the man’s mask of bullshit, now he wasn’t so certain. Exhaling slowly, he walked toward Jessie and took her hand. “You are stunning tonight.”

“Thank you. Are you all right? You’re sweating,” Jessie whispered as she brushed her fingers across his brow.

“I’m fine, just…”

“Worried about this client you want, the one you’re concerned won’t sign?” she interrupted as she linked her arm through his.

He patted her hand as led her toward the ballroom. “Stop worrying about me.”

“I’m allowed,” she whispered and darted him a look. “What is going on with Bart?”

“Just a business conversation. Nothing more.”

“Why don’t I believe you?” Jessie asked casually as she fingered her collar.

Luke patted her on the ass. “Not for you to question, my submissive.”

“Let me guess, the infamous magazine.”

Stopping short, he took her face into his hands, forcing her to pay attention to him. He knew the tone, the one that ultimately led to their usual arguments. “I know you don’t like the fact I’m involved in the magazine.”

“This isn’t about the magazine. You
are
a big boy and can do what you want. That I certainly know. I’m simply surprised you kept this endeavor from me and in truth, I’m shocked you’d consider working with a pig like Bart.”

“His bark is worse than his bite.” Dear God he was glad to hear her say the words.

Jessie pulled away. “You don’t know him very well then. He’s out to take everything from you. He seems to think he knows you and all the demons running around in his mind. And you know what? My guess is he does.”

As the wind kicked up, a slight howl in the air, Luke could only nod. “He has no idea who or what I truly am. Now, let’s enjoy the party. I have a very good feeling I can close a deal.” Holding out his arm, he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.

“Trevone?”

“Trevone. He’s here and we’ll going to knock him dead. That is if you’ll help me, my darling submissive.” He kept his tone light while his heart remained heavy.

She darted another look in Bart’s direction. “Of course I will. Why don’t you allow me to do the talking?”

This time Luke laughed. “I have a feeling Trevone won’t know what hit him.”

“You have no idea what talents I have, Sir Luke. At least in business,” she cooed. “I think it’s time you learn.”

Dear God he loved her. Kissing the top of her forehead he led her all the way inside and could instantly feel Bart’s presence. The man was going to watch everything Jessie did. There was no doubt Bart would make a move on her. The question wasn’t if but when.

****

Bart collected his thoughts before moving into the crowd of people. He worked very well with people he called his constituents as well as those who had no clue who he was. He enjoyed working a crowd, making certain whoever was in close proximity knew exactly who he was and what he was trying to do. Tonight was a party, but he was in full stealth mode. He wanted Luke to think he gave a flying fuck.

Chuckling, he grabbed a glass of champagne from the tray of a passing waiter and walked with purpose toward the prize of the day. Of course he knew Trevone and the sad story about babysitting the kid had been true enough. And the player owed him more than one or two. Getting players out of the clutches of the law was indeed his specialty. As he moved toward the strapping man he plastered on what he liked to think of as an award winning smile.

“Trevone. So glad you could make it to such a magnanimous party.” Sticking out his hand, Bart certainly enjoyed the way his familiarity with the star athlete was drawing attention.

“Good to see you,” Trevone said. “Nice part so far.” He turned his head and smiled.

Of course Trevone wanted Jessie. Bart barely darted a glance as he shook the larger man’s hand. “This is an important night.”

“One that might allow you certain advances into the future. Marketing that you might not realize how the right people supporting you can change you entire career. And more importantly what we like to call a family wrapped around you.” His eyes brimming with appreciation as well as respect, Luke stepped in front of Bart.

Bart sniffed and wanted to take the lead position away from Luke. Not tonight. The push to be top dog was going to have to take a back seat.

“I like the sound of that. I am always willing to listen to something out of the ordinary.” Trevone grinned, his pearly whites turned toward the flashing cameras.

Bart could sense Jessie was more than a bit…perturbed. “Watch out for my friend here. He has incredible ideas but his heart and joy is in something else.” He knew his long and very drawn out turn of his head was going to draw Trevone’s attention.

“With a woman so beautiful I would suspect attention would be adjusted,” Trevone said with a clear level of desire in his voice.

His nerves had experienced just about enough of this bullshit. Bart sighed and darted his gaze toward the window. This was one boring event.

“I think you’re going to like what you see. We are quite adept at making certain the athletes we have in our family have exactly what they want. No matter what the need,” Luke stated, his eyes never leaving Bart.

You have to be kidding me? Challenging me now? “Anything. What a delicious concept.” As to be expected, Luke caught on immediately, taking a protective stance in front of the lovely woman who had already managed to catch an athlete’s eye. He fought laughing at the entire happening, the events unfolding in a way he couldn’t have planned better. Jessie didn’t realize how powerful she was. Bart certainly wasn’t going to tip his hand to anything just yet.