Total pages in book: 154
Estimated words: 145091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 725(@200wpm)___ 580(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 725(@200wpm)___ 580(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
“Good.” Nick had a smile on his face, but it was the kind her father used to have when he was going to kill someone. A shark smile. “I’ll meet you in the bar in thirty minutes. I’ll bring the vodka.”
Hayley shook her head. “Nope. We’re going to leave the young ones to settle in, and we’ll meet them for dinner or lunch sometime this week. You have work to do, and Taylor needs to get some rest.”
She could have sworn a low growl came from Nick’s throat.
And then Hayley’s eyes narrowed.
Nick sighed, obviously giving up the fight. “Yes, we would love to have you out to our place while you’re here. And I’ll be in the office all week. Hayley has a class to teach this afternoon, but I’ll be here.”
The last was said with a hint of threat.
“We’ll all be here.” Damon pushed off the reception desk, straightening his big body. “Let’s plan for a conference room meeting first thing tomorrow morning so everyone can get some rest. The club is open tonight for anyone who wants to play, and the lounge opens early.”
Everyone left in the lobby got up and started to make plans for the day.
She was tired, but also not tired. She had that wired feeling she got when she knew she was close to something major.
Or it could be jet lag.
“I will drop by your office before this evening,” Drake promised, holding a hand out to Nick, who shook it. “You know, I’ve been here for two days and you haven’t spoken to me once.”
“I didn’t care about you until I found out you’re sleeping with my niece. Now I care,” Nick announced.
“He’s going to behave.” Hayley threaded her arm through her husband’s. “Come on, babe. Let’s grab some lunch with Owen and Rebecca.”
Drake took her hand. “If your uncle is going to kill me, at least let me watch while you get your first look at The Garden.”
“He’s not going to kill you.” She was fairly certain. Mostly. She followed behind him.
“You’re going to play in my club, Drake?” Damon asked, one elegant brow arched over his eyes.
“Hell, yes, Mr. Knight. It’s the most spectacular club I’ve ever seen, and she’s the only sub I would want to see it with,” Drake replied.
Nick growled again.
“And she’s more than a sub. Far more.” Drake squeezed her hand.
And she walked into paradise.
* * * *
Drake walked Taylor into The Garden and stopped, allowing her to take in the dramatic dungeon.
Taylor’s eyes lit up as she made her way inside, turning so she could take in all sides. “I can’t believe how beautiful this is. Is this really a club?”
It was kind of hard to call it a dungeon. There were no stark walls or gloomy atmosphere. Where Sanctum was an ultra-modern pleasure palace and The Cowgirl’s Choice was all about the Western brothel chic, The Garden was almost primeval, in a lush way. During the day it was a vibrant green jungle. At night, when the moon came out, the flowers bloomed and the scent of jasmine filled the air.
“Look around and you’ll see the scene spaces.” He gestured toward the alcoves that contained spanking benches and St. Andrew’s Crosses. There were spaces for suspension play where the sub would look like they were part of the trees and vines around them.
Taylor’s lips had curled up. “It’s beautiful.”
“Will you play here with me?”
A brow arched. “You’re asking?”
“Don’t get used to it.” He moved into her space again, looming over her. He gently brushed back a lock of her hair. “You know I like to be bossy about sex. But this time, I’m asking because I need to hear you say yes. I missed you, Taylor. Not in a ‘hey, I wish my friend was here’ way. I missed you in a ‘my life isn’t whole’ way. I need to hear the word.”
Her expression softened, and she went up on her toes. “Yes. I will play with you.”
Her lips brushed his, and he felt like something fundamental had changed between them, something had eased inside her, and it made her open to him in a way she hadn’t been since those days they’d spent together closed in and warm.
He let his hands find her hips. “How is it coming on the ID? Have you figured out who our mysterious John is?”
She kissed him again. “Still not much. It’s frustrating and has the feel of an almost government-like cover up to it. I think someone did a spectacular job erasing his history, but I suspect there are a few social media companies involved in The Consortium. Are you worried you can’t be professional when we talk about business?”
He knew he couldn’t, but it didn’t look like she could either. “I don’t want to talk business at all, but I saw Tucker and Jax heading for the offices instead of their rooms, so it feels like something happened.”