On Becoming Her Sir (5 page)

“And what the hell will you say? Don’t pick on my girlfriend?” Luke laughed.

Jack waited before he spoke. “You mean your submissive? Yeah, I might say cut the shit. How about that?”

Sighing, Luke looked away. Business. How could he work with the jerk?
Don’t let him win. Don’t allow him to get the better of you.
The old thoughts raced into his mind. This was ridiculous and Jack was right, business was business.

“We need you. We need your solid expertise in running a company. I understand you love what you’re doing, helping athletes become stars and I…”

“I can’t have kink in my world, at least not in business. Managing professional athletes is a conservative business. You have to understand that. I don’t have the freedom I once did.”

“We’ll make you totally silent, nothing will ever be linked to you or your business,” jack said as he laid the file down on Luke’s desk. “Trust me. I know how you feel about Bart, but you can trust me. I promise you.”

“Trust you? I don’t know you any longer, Jack. I just don’t. My business is extremely important to me and I’ve been so caught up in the bullshit that happened on Sunday I missed a meeting with a very important client. This particular football player I’ve been trying to get an audience with for almost six months and I blew it because my mind was on other things. I blew it. I doubt I’ll get another chance and that pisses me off.” Luke’s voice was rising as well as his blood pressure.

Jack kept his eyes locked on Luke. “Come have a cup of coffee or a drink and at least hear me out.”

“What do you think Sunday was? The three of you ambushed me with the idea.” The call had come the night before, the very one he hadn’t been able to tell Jessie about. Why in the hell he hadn’t simply blown them off was beyond him other than the lure of money. Don’t fucking lie to yourself.
You hunger to be back in that world. Luke pushed the file away.
“No.”

“One drink and that’s it and if you find you honestly don’t want to do this, then fine. I’ll take the information back to the guys and we will never speak of this again. Fair enough?” Jack asked quietly.

“Look…”

“We have a major investor who wants to really make this something special. We’re talking the next evolution of Playboy magazine.”

Of course the carrot was thrown. They’d often sat over cheap booze and one too many cigarettes lamenting over the idea. The brainchild had been his with Jack’s so many years before. The single best and worst decision the two men had made was bring Bart into the mix. He’d been a firecracker but one who had taken both the men as well as the fledgling company down a very dark path. He wasn’t willing to go down the same wormhole again.

“Lucas. Come on, man. It’s me here. Can we talk?” Jack asked again.

Luke glanced at his watch, tapping the crystal. It was after two and he hadn’t gotten a damn thing done and he doubted he was going to have the concentration to get any work completed today period. “One drink and no bullshit. If I say no, that means no.”

“Oh, I’m the Master of no means no.” Jack grabbed the file.

“Very funny.”

They were seated at a what some would call a sport’s bar at a corner location on a busy street a mere ten minutes later. Luke had selected a seat in the corner near the window. For some reason, he wanted to see the comings and goings of patrons on the street.

Jack eased onto the chair and slid the file on the table.

Luke eyed it casually then glanced toward the approaching waiter. “I want to hear from your lips, not the corporate crap that I know Bart put together for a presentation.”

Jack clucked his jaw and sat back in the seat, his glare cold. He didn’t bother to look at the waiter. “Bourbon neat.”

“Same,” Luke stated, catching the flash of anger. He didn’t give a shit. Jack could easily fall under Bart’s controlling thumb.

“You know, I realized I was somewhat enamored when Bart enlightened all of us as to BDSM and all the kinky things we tried. Notice I say we, as in you were included and you certainly didn’t seem to be forced in any manner.” Jack cocked his head and smiled a few seconds later after Luke remained quiet. “No swell comeback to that?”

“That’s true enough. I guess I thought we’d all be smart enough to get out before we were chained. Forgive the pun,” Luke said through clenched teeth.

“Aren’t you the comedian now. You were smart. You got out just before the big crash. Look at you now. You’re successful and have everything going for you, including an incredible woman who adores you.”

“We’re leaving Jessie completely the fuck out of this!” Pointing his finger, Luke cursed under his breath.

Jack held his hands up. There was no look of surprise on his face. “Same hothead you always were. Maybe that’s why Bart thinks Jessie isn’t submitting fully to you.”

Luke bristled. “Don’t.”

“Goddamn man. I get the rivalry between you two but…”

“There is no rivalry,” Luke interrupted. His voice was loud enough the closest table looked over.

“Come on. It’s me here. Remember the guy who you used to whine to about Marla on a regular basis? You wanted to get into her tight panties so badly you were out of sorts for months.”

“That’s not what I feel now. She’s not my type.” In truth, Marla had never been his type. She wasn’t just controlling and would always fight to be the top dog, she was nasty and abusive to people she didn’t like very well.

“That I buy. Jessie, however, is exactly your type. Don’t allow Bart to get under your skin about her. There isn’t any need. He’s goading you like you used to do with him. Nothing more.” jack nodded to the young man as the waiter brought the drinks. When the glasses were set down he immediately wrapped his hand around the glass and took a sip.

Luke toyed with his drink, thinking about what Jack had said. Of all men in his past or present life, this was the single guy he’d allowed inside. He only hoped he wouldn’t regret having allowed Jack inside, admitting his fears as well as his secrets. Right now he had too much to lose. “I appreciate your concern. Jessie and I will be just fine. All right. I’ll admit it. We’re going through a few bumps in the road with regard to her submission to me. It’s natural given the very strong woman she is in every day life. We’re going away to a special location on Sunday so we can have some real alone time to move to a more heightened level.”

“They have clubs like this, you mean kink clubs?” Jack grinned. “Sign me up, buddy.”

Luke gave him a harsh look. “The locations are kept secret and very inclusive for couples where they can explore whatever they’re into without prying eyes, judgment or interference from the outside world.”

“Hmm… Sounds fascinating. Good for you.” Several seconds ticked by.

“Besides, Jessie could take Bart on with one hand tied behind her back on a bad day in her world.” Luke finally laughed. He had missed the camaraderie with Jack, their pointed discussions.

“That my friend I not only buy but we have to have a toast.” Jack raised his glass. “To Jessie, one formidable woman.”

“Yes indeed.” The bourbon was smooth and had a calming effect. He savored the taste, the burn in the back of his throat. Then he thought about Bart’s comment and cringed. “About business. Just tell me about the magazine.”

“Okay. Layman’s terms.
Playboy
is outdated and people no longer want to read the articles or look at the airbrushed pictures. Even the folks who were die hard fans are looking for something edgier, more vital in our society of today. So this guy, his name is Ramsey Carter and I have no doubt you’re going to look him up, had a pretty snazzy idea. I highly encourage you to Google the guy. He’s got more money than God and a good background in several magazines already. He found old copies of our stuff and sent Wally a message. After that he contacted all of us and we’ve been talking for about three months. Your entrance back into our worlds got us all thinking. You have the best business head on you of anyone we know. We need you to make this fly.”

“Wait a minute, if this guy already works with magazines then why do you need me?”

“He wants nothing to do with the project. Ramsey simply offers up money and walks away. With certain caveats of course.” Jack’s eyes twinkled.

Luke thought about the concept. The time was ripe for a new magazine of sorts. “Online, print or both?”

“You’re interested. Fantastic!” Jack slapped the table. “Sorry. Both. You know how men like to jack off to the real thing in their hand.”

The words, while crude, were right on the money. “All right I can buy that. How much money has he invested and what do you see as the debut timeframe?’

Jack shrugged. “A lot of the legwork has been done in truth. The concept is similar to what we had, just glammed up a bit. We’ve hired professional photographers who are going to work exclusively with us.”

“So this is going to happen whether I’m in or not.”

“Maybe.”

Lucas lowered his gaze toward the file. If the magazine worked they could all be millionaires in a couple of years. If it flopped and he was found out to have anything to do with the rag then he could lose his business.

“You’re intrigued. How about you take a look at the mock up?”

“Is it in the file?” Lucas reached for the glossies.

“Nope. Top secret as you can imagine. If you sign a confidentiality agreement then I’ll give you the code to the locked file that we’re all working on.”

“Confidentiality agreement?” Luke knew they were serious. He took the file in his hand and opened the flap. The agreement was right on top. He chuckled. “You knew I’d be interested.”

“Of course I did. You are a businessman after all.” Jack swilled his drink and took a sip.

Luke looked through the file and he had to admit the basic marketing plan caught his attention. The numbers were even better. “Ramsey has that much free cash?”

“Yeah. And get this, he isn’t looking for any return for two years.”

“Wealthy bastard.”

“Oh, you have no idea,” Jackson snorted. “Come join us. Just sign the damn agreement. Take a look at what we’ve gotten started.”

“I don’t know. I’m going away and…”

“And there’s an Internet pretty much everywhere.”

Hissing, Luke looked out the window. He’d love to give Jessie all the things in her life she’d ever wanted. While she enjoyed her work, he knew she could be convinced to be his submissive full time. Could he? Christ, he wasn’t certain. Rubbing his eyes, he hadn’t realized he’d guzzled the rest of his drink until the ice clinked in the glass.

“What do you think?”

“What do I think?” Luke shook his head several times. “I think I need another drink, but yeah I’ll sign the agreement.”

“Excellent. Waiter!”

As he picked up the pen, Luke had to wonder whether this was going to put a wider rift in his relationship with Jessie. He was going to have to allow her to see the real man, the one he’d been hiding behind for so long. He was terrified he couldn’t open up and become the man hidden inside, wouldn’t be able to take a chance with her.

Above all he feared disappointing her.

Chapter Three

Kitty Kat, what are you doing?

Jessie placed the back of her hand across her mouth. In truth she had no idea what she was doing other than trying to make sense of Luke’s behavioral changes. Thursday morning had dawned with sunshine for the first time since Sunday, and they were leaving in a few days. Luke hadn’t been home any night before nine and when he had come home he’d gone into his office, shutting the door almost instantly. He also hadn’t come to bed before one in the morning at the earliest. Rolling over and seeing that he wasn’t in bed infuriated her every time.

She understood he was trying to settle all the details of his work before they left, but Jesus Christ, she knew he’d hired the best associates to handle all the athletes on his roster. To make matters worse she’d gotten a text just a couple hours ago directing her to purchase a dress, a slinky one for an event they were going to Friday night.
Make certain the sultry piece highlights all your attributes.
There was no question, no ‘honey do you want to go’, the text simply said
purchase a hot dress for a swanky affair we’re going to Friday night.
What was she, arm candy no?

For some reason she wanted to defy him, purchase an ugly rag. And what was the comment about her attributes? She hadn’t bothered to text him back. Of course she’d get some sort of punishment over her insolence. There was no doubt. He hadn’t mentioned a damn event, nor did she freaking feel like going to one. In fact, she’d planned an intimate dinner for just the two of them given he’d promised he was going to be home early on Friday at least. So much for best-laid plans.

“Jezebel. My goodness. It’s wonderful to see you.”

Startled, Jessie swore under her breath.

“I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“I’m sorry, Aimee, I was just thinking about something I have to do later. I apologize and it’s just Jessie. Luke likes to call me Jezebel. He seems to think I’ll obey or something more if he calls me by my given name.” Jessie took a step back and glared into the sunlight, suddenly completely unsure why she’d come to see Aimee in the first place. She barely knew the woman, other than the time she’d spent talking with her at the BDSM event.

“Jessie. I love both names and from the little I’ve heard about Luke, my thought is he uses the name because he cares for you so much. Please come in. I was just making a cup of tea. Would you like to join me?”

Jessie had never felt so awkward. Nodding, she gave Aimee a slight smile. “I hope I’m not interfering. I just wanted to see if I could ask you a few questions.”

“Of course you aren’t. I would love the company. I’ve been working too many long hours. Come on in and excuse the mess. Oh and you can ask me anything. I have no secrets.”

Following Aimee through the house, Jessie could see so much love in the cozy home, one filled with pictures and tokens of the past. As she passed by the fireplace mantel, a few photographs in particular caught her attention. Aimee looked so serene in the pictures and the man she was standing with certainly wasn’t Wally. Something about the way Aimee was smiling seemed haunting.