One Dom at a Time Read online

  I was beyond furious and like most women, even a dominatrix, I was about to cry. Things were not pretty when I cried. Biting my tongue finally caused enough pain to hold back my tears. I thought about screaming at the top of my lungs but I knew there was no one around to hear it but Mr. Moron and his muscle bound sidekick.

  The car immediately moved forward picking up speed. I had a quick glimpse of Raul rushing out the door as he watched the tail end of my kidnapping. My head turned toward my nemesis. If this was his idea of a job interview he was insane.

  I had repeatedly turned down the offers to work at El Diablo even though it was the most exclusive private BDSM club in the country. Raul thought I was a fool but at the MC I ran things my way. I chose my subs based on my needs and theirs. I also understood that poor self-esteem brought many men and women into this life style. I met the needs of the needy and I put up with fast fingered Johnny because it filled an empty hole inside of me.

  I wanted nothing to do with slapping my whip against the asses of the rich and lazy who thought their shit didn’t stink. I sat in my corner of the limo and fumed for about sixty seconds.

  “Where are you taking me?”

  He didn’t talk for a moment. A typical Dom response; build the tension and let the little sub know who was in charge.

  “My plan was to take you to dinner but quite truthfully I’m now thinking my private suite would be the best place to put you across my knee and redden the rest of your sweet ass.”

  I inhaled sharply unable to keep the sound from escaping and received the slight quirk of his mouth again.

  “You seem to have me mistaken for one of your subs. If you think you can beat me into accepting your job offer, you will be disappointed.”

  “Oh? I have no intention of beating you in order to get you to accept my offer. I plan to spank your delectable ass to make myself feel better.

  Chapter Three

  He was out of his mind.

  “If you hit me again, I’ll file charges.” As far as threats went it sucked but this was all I had.

  He laughed and I also heard a chuckle from the driver.

  “I assure you my team of attorneys will handle any legal problems you throw my way.”

  I knew he was right but there was no way I was giving in. “Why me?”

  “That’s the smartest thing you’ve said all evening. Your fame precedes you and I’m tired of hearing about the redhead Domme who attracts my rich patrons. They fly over here at least once a month just to watch you work. They pay your boss big bucks for a chance to have you top them but it seems you are rather discerning in your choice of subs. I only know of one person who managed to get past your selection process. It’s been the talk of my club for months.”

  His eyes were dark and I couldn’t see them but their heat burned. His Dom voice was now low and sexy, completely in charge. What I would give to tie him up and make him groan.

  Inhaling to gain control of myself, I decided to give my abductor a small amount of truth. “I know The Mediterranean is a rat hole but I’m not into perfect people. I like flaws. Your mega money followers spend enough money keeping their bodies beautiful to feed a small country. My answer is no.”

  “Hmm, you may have a point. They’re beautiful but I believe most of them are mentally fucked up. Mommy and Daddy didn’t give them enough attention, rich Uncle Bruce got too touchy feely when they were small or better yet the dog was the only one willing to put out when they were juvenile adolescents.”

  “You’re disgusting.”

  “And you’re a self-righteous prude. I’ve seen your earlier pictures before your generous curves became muscled stealth. You put as much stock into your body as my millionaire club members do. I didn’t find any evidence of plastic surgery in your file but borderline anorexia and maybe even bulimia are a given.”

  It was killing me that I couldn’t see his face but at the same time he couldn’t see mine. My fingers trembled as I brought them to my mouth. It hurt; his words, his guess, and his obvious satisfaction in my humiliation. My hand went to the door handle. I was getting out even if I had to jump. The door wouldn’t budge.

  “Does the truth hurt? All of us are fucked up in this crazy world. You don’t need to be into the BDSM scene to be crazy and we both know that. I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the diverse nature of my---followers, as you call them. I want you working at El Diablo. I’m willing to negotiate terms. I’ll give you a one-month trial period, a deluxe suite at my hotel, and allow Raul to accompany you though he will officially work for me. You will work three nights a week but no tending bar, helping with accounting, or cleaning your own area. I’ll triple your pay and provide an apartment plus pay the rent on the one here so you have a place to come back to…if you come back.”

  He let that sink in but then blew my next ‘no’ all to hell.

  “If you remain stubborn and continue to say no, I offer you a wager.”

  He had done his homework. He knew I lived for a bet. Once a month I took one hundred dollars to the race track and bet on the ponies. Before he died, my father was a jockey. He never made the big time but he raised me at the track. He was five two and weighed a hundred pounds soaking wet. My mother was large like me but that’s what turned him on. She died when I was a baby and he loved nothing more than telling me stories of the first time he saw her.

  I shook myself mentally and snapped out of my walk down memory lane. I couldn’t help myself, “Terms?”

  His laugh sounded inside the dark interior and vibrated across my skin. It was almost sexier than he was.

  “If you accept the challenge I’ll hold off on the spanking you deserve and drive you back to your car after dinner.”

  “Terms?” I said in my ultimate bitch voice.

  “You have twenty-four hours to hide and then I have twenty-four to find you though I doubt I’ll need it. If I win, and I will, you will work for me for the desired thirty days. If you win, I’ll pay you fifty thousand dollars and walk away.”

  Fuck, he knew I wanted my own club and he knew I needed the money. Double fuck. “You have a deal but I have a condition about dinner.”

  “That’s okay, Carl take us to Beasty Burgers. My lady wants her usual.”

  I was in trouble.

  Chapter Four

  They dropped me off at my vehicle with a full stomach and then watched until I drove away from the MC. I went straight home. Samson needed his walk and I also needed to call Raul. I knew where I was going and I also knew no dossier would have the details.

  I opened the door and one hundred and fifty pounds of lovable Rottweiler bounced around like a toy poodle. Samson and Raul were my best friends. Both gave me so much more than I could ever give them. Sam followed me to my bedroom so I could change into my sweats and running shoes.

  I also needed to get out of this red dental floss that passed for underwear. I unzipped my boots, removed my leather corset and skirt, and then peeled down my red thong. Walking over to the mirror was a mistake because when I looked over my shoulder at my bottom, a defined handprint was clearly visible, damn him.

  I pulled on my favorite sweats hiding the evidence of Mr. Control Freak. “Come on monster, I have a Beasty Burger to work off and you need to do your business.”

  We ran five miles, taking breaks for Sam’s personal needs. It felt wonderful. I also used my cell to call Raul. His mother had a dilapidated cabin she left him when she died. It was over two hundred miles away and we had only gone to it once to clean and make sure everything was locked up tight. There was no electricity, no running water, and no way Mr. Delectable Dessert would discover my location.

  Raul was waiting for me in front of my apartment with the cabin key when I jogged up to his car.

  “That man is edible. The rumors do him no justice.” Raul was in lust again.

  He was also gay and I knew Mr. Hot Pants would have that effect on him.

  “I have no idea which way he swings so you might have a chance
.”

  “Nope, I would have known if he shot my way. You better watch yourself because your voice actually goes dreamy when you don’t say his name.”

  “Bullshit.”

  “Oh sweetie, I can see your blush.”

  “Stop, or I’ll sick Sam on you and you’ll drown in his slobber. I’m taking a quick shower, packing a bag, and then I’m gone for forty-eight hours. Fifty thousand dollars will get us started Raul. The club will be small but with our savings and this money we can do it.”

  “I know baby-girl. Good luck.”

  I leaned my head into the car and kissed his cheek.

  One hour later, I was on my way. Normally I would be asleep so I cranked the Rolling Stones up high and sang along. I wouldn’t win any singing competitions but I knew every word to every Stone’s song ever recorded and when it came to music I was a seventies wannabe. George Thorogood’s Bad To The Bone played next and I managed to stay awake. As the night continued, Samson whined in the back whenever I hit a high note. I kept an eye over my shoulder to make sure no one followed me.

  My headlights led the way through the trees avoiding the thick brush trying to take over the narrow dirt road. It hadn’t rained in several weeks and my old Subaru Outback had no difficulty getting through the deep ruts. Over the next bump my lights shined on the small cabin in the distance. Samson would enjoy this. I had two gallons of water, dog food, some canned food for me, and a six pack of Sterno fuel. My biggest problem would be using the outhouse for the call of nature. Yuk, but I could survive anything for two days.

  Samson jumped out of the car as soon as the door opened. He immediately started stiffing out his territory and I grabbed my small overnight bag and made my way to the cabin door. I left the headlights on so I could see to get it unlocked. The lights shone into the bare living room. Thank god I brought a book and candles to get me through my isolation. I carried my bag to the single bedroom which at least had a bed. The light barely made it around the curve of the door but I could see enough to place my bag on the foot of the bed.

  I turned and then let out a blood curdling scream as large arms shut the bedroom door and grabbed me in a steel grip, placing a hand over my mouth.

  Samson hit the solid door with growls and barking.

  A seductive voice whispered warmly in my ear, “I’ve won Mistress Lydia. Your flight takes off tomorrow evening. Get some sleep and then get that delectable ass of yours home. Pack a few personal items. I’ll provide everything else. The plane tickets are waiting on your kitchen counter. Samson and Raul are both provided for and will be going with you.” His hand lifted.

  “You cheated.”

  “You lost so take it like a Dom. Carl will pick you up at the airport in Houston. Now, I’ll let you walk me out so your dog doesn’t bite my legs off.”

  I could hear what sounded like helicopter blades in the distance. I was so completely fucked.

  Chapter Five

  “You gave me up.” My snarled words spit at my ex-best friend.

  “If you stop yelling long enough to listen, I’ll explain.”

  “There is no explanation. You knew I had no desire to leave the MC. You knew I’d refused Mr. Cheating Skunk’s offer several times and you knew we needed the fifty thousand dollars.”

  Raul’s hand came out of his pocket and he handed me a white slip of paper. My eyes briefly passed over the deposit slip and froze. There was one hundred and thirty six thousand dollars in the balance total. I looked up.

  “He offered me a hundred thousand to give up your location. He might have found you anyway so I took it. He told me he would take the money back if I alerted you. We now have enough to fully start the club.”

  I had no words and looked back down at the total.

  Strong arms came around my shoulders and brought me into his hard male chest. Raul was like a brother. How could I fault him for taking the money? Hell, I would have taken the money. Our dream was now sitting in the bank.

  “You know I didn’t mean what I said?”

  “Oh but I liked the gay fag stag comment. I might use it sometime.”

  “You bastard.” My arms tightened and Sam began to whine. He hated when he wasn’t getting his share of attention.

  “We need to leave. I hope they have a kennel large enough for Sam. I hear its cold in the cargo hold. Should I put him in his sweater?”

  “I’m sorry but if you put that pussy sweater on him, I’m taking a different flight. Samson can tough it out like a real man.”

  “Says the gay man?”

  “Oh honey, if dick size makes the man there isn’t a more man than me.”

  “Argh, you’re horrible. Use your muscle for something other than comedy and grab my bag. I’ll get the leash.”

  The airport was crowded. We stood in line though everyone gave us a wide berth with Sam sitting at attention by my side. Finally we made it to the check in counter and Mr. Mogul’s influence took over. A small electric cart appeared out of nowhere and the attendant ushered us on. Apparently Sam was flying first class and had his own seat. I just hoped he didn’t get air-sick and barf all over me.

  We bypassed the security checkpoint line and went straight to the front. Sam passed through the metal detector with me and we were off again. This time our destination was the Admiral’s Lounge. I settled in with an imported high dollar beer that I didn’t pay for. I could really get used to this.

  Our flight was uneventful, if you didn’t count the fact Samson wanted to sleep but couldn’t get comfortable in his oversized seat. Finally he was able to lie in the aisle and then he embarrassed me by snoring. Raul pretended he didn’t know us.

  Another cart picked us up at the gate and we sped along to the waiting limo.

  Carl took my bag.

  “How was your flight Ms. Simmons?”

  “Fine, thank you. What should I call you?”

  “Carl will do. It’s a thirty-minute drive to El Diablo and Mr. Collins wants you there as soon as possible.”

  “I was hoping I could go straight to my room.”

  “Your suite is at The El Diablo. It’s a luxury hotel and has everything you’ll need. Mr. Collins wants to meet with you but I don’t think you’ll be working tonight.”

  We got in and Sam tried to sit on my lap but I shoved him over. He never figured out that he wasn’t a lap dog and he always managed to finagle at least half his body onto mine when I sat on the couch at home. The limo was no different.

  Luxury hotel was an understatement. The fountains looked like they came directly from the Bellagio in Vegas.

  Carl drove away and we followed another man inside; same build, same good looks, and same demeanor. Why did the wealthy surround themselves with such extraordinary beauty? Normal people needed jobs too.

  The inside was just as riveting as the outside. For thirty days this would be my life. I inhaled the smell of money.

  “Damian is eligible. He’s hot and he’s rich. You could do much worse.” Raul’s words whispered from under his breath while we walked to the elevator.

  “Shh, behave smart ass.”

  We watched through the glass enclosure as we went up to the top floor.

  “We’re at the top?” I asked our escort.

  “Almost. There is one more floor but the only way to get there is to use one of Mr. Collin’s private elevators.

  Noticing the plural use of the word “elevator,” I again realized how far out of my depth I was.

  My escort placed a folded piece of expensive parchment paper in my hand. Five numbers boldly stared back at me.

  “The access code for your rooms.”

  I punched in the number and entered a large foyer. Wow, it was incredible. Samson began to sniff out his new surroundings and I realized he needed a walk to take care of his business and I said so.

  Follow me please. We followed him through the cavernous rooms to a set of French doors. Stepping outside, sparkling lights showed off an amazing outdoor oasis. It wrapped around the build
ing and was about twelve feet wide. A four foot wall separated the garden from the Houston skyline. Real grass was under my feet, I could smell it.

  “Mr. Collins assigned me and my co-worker to take Samson to the park when you are not available. Hotel staff will see to the dog waste left out here. Mr. Collins has been notified of your arrival and he’ll be here in a few minutes. Mr. Garcia I need to show you to your suite.”

  My eyes met Raul’s. I knew he wouldn’t leave if I wanted him here. I was hoping he would be sharing rooms with me but apparently that wasn’t an option.

  “I’ll be fine. Get settled and call me in an hour.”

  He kissed my cheek and walked away. I knew my eyes were larger than his. We were so not in Kansas anymore.

  Once I was alone, I traveled down a large hallway and peered into several rooms before I located the master suite. There was another set of French doors and Sam whined to be let out again. He needed to mark his territory. I followed him and walked to the wall looking out over the city of Houston.

  “I knew you would love the view.”

  I jumped and turned simultaneously. His dimples flashed and I inhaled sharply. The man whose memory made my panties moist stood in front of me. He was wearing black sweatpants, running shoes, and nothing else. His hand was holding a bottle of water and a fine sheen of sweat coated his incredible chest. He did this to me on purpose. I hadn’t packed my vibrator damn it.

  “Is the club here at the hotel?”

  “So eager to begin working?”

  “Yes, the sooner I start, the sooner I can leave.”

  “How you wound me Mistress Lydia.”

  “Do you want me for your Mistress? I would love to use a bullwhip on your damp skin?”

  His laugh was low, sexy, and had my panties drenched before he finished. This man played havoc with my libido.

  “No, my fantasy is you tied to my bed, your legs spread, and your screams filling the room while my cock slides in and out of your delectable pussy.”