Total pages in book: 767
Estimated words: 732023 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 3660(@200wpm)___ 2928(@250wpm)___ 2440(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 732023 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 3660(@200wpm)___ 2928(@250wpm)___ 2440(@300wpm)
“It’s your lucky night, Willow. I have a few paddles in my bag. And I’ve been told I have rather strong hands. And there’s nothing I’d like more than having you turned over my lap with your bottom bared.”
Jax plucked the straw from her nerveless fingers. The melty coconut liquid dribbled over the glossy bar surface as he returned it to the glass. “Now it’s my turn to tell you what I look for when I top a woman.”
He had demands of his own? The realization shouldn’t surprise her. Of course there had to be a catch. “Such as?”
“I want her naked. No clothes between us.”
“Which means a private room.” On the first floor, certain protocols had to be followed. Patrons had to wear panties, no matter how skimpy. And women’s nipples had to be covered in some way. Many people chose electrical tape or a sheer bra, even pasties. But upstairs, a place she’d never visited, the only rule was the enforcement of a safe word. She’d heard stories of things that happened in those rooms, and she assumed most were tall tales.
Willow had never been naked with a man. That she hadn’t already stopped Jax stunned her. What kind of spell did he have over her?
Unaware of what he was doing to her insides, he continued. “My rules…I agree to give my sub what she wants and honor her limits and safe word. But within her parameters, I set the pace.” His tone, which had been even, roughened. He captured her chin. “The bottom is not in charge.”
Lust rocketed through her. She cleared her throat, trying to convince herself this was an ordinary negotiation with an ordinary man.
He released his hold on her. Until then, she hadn’t realized she’d stopped breathing.
Seizing any opportunity to dance away from the trouble—the inevitability—that she was steaming toward, she tried for a diversion. “I got distracted earlier. I asked why you visit clubs. I mean besides the obvious of telling people what to do.”
He gave a quick smile. Part of her enjoyed their verbal sparring.
“Like you, I find impact play rewarding. As you said, connection with others is important. Quality over quantity.” He kept her gaze ensnared. “Despite what you think you know, I believe focus is more important than actual hours worked. I can accomplish more in five hours than other people can in ten.”
He wasn’t bragging, and she knew it.
“I work out every morning. Sleep six to seven hours.” More quietly, sensually, so she had to strain to hear him, he added, “I like being in charge.”
“Why doesn’t that surprise me?”
“Pleasing a woman is its own reward. So very satisfying.”
“And you get to do it without any commitments or the complications that come with a relationship.”
“You said that. I didn’t.”
She narrowed her eyes. “You don’t have a girlfriend or wife waiting for you at home?”
“No. In case I wasn’t clear, I don’t cheat.”
In fact, she wasn’t sure she’d ever heard of him being in a relationship. The way he spoke to her calmed her. Slowly, the rest of her resistance dissipated.
“Let’s be clear with each other, Willow. You want to indulge in some impact play and lose yourself. I’ll do my damnedest to please you. One more thing.” He paused for a moment. “If you want to get your needs met tonight, it will be with me and no other man. Am I clear?”
He captured her gaze. It would be smarter to go back to her hotel. Scening with a man as forceful as him would be madness. Already, he’d made an indelible claim on her, and she was far too smart to allow this to go any further.
Wasn’t she?
Chapter Three
In the course of his thirty-two years on the planet, Jax had taken a lot of risks…all of them calculated. He’d also made a handful of unfortunate dumbass decisions. But until now, not a damn one of them had been made by his dick.
He shouldn’t be thinking about taking his friend’s daughter upstairs to a private room, baring her ass, then spank it. Yet that was precisely what he was going to do.
Some fucking hero I am.
“What will it be, Willow?”
When she spoke, her words resonated with confidence, bringing him to his knees. “Yes. I want to play with you.”
He eased off the barstool and offered his hand. This time, she took it. He leaned forward so that his mouth was near her ear before he said, “I’m giving you one last chance to run.”
The desire in his eyes made her shiver. “Are you planning to hurt me?”
“Very much so. In the exact ways you want.”
“Then why are you warning me away?” Breathlessness weaved through her words, curiosity and wariness mixing.
“For a million reasons. Especially because I respect your father.”
She angled her chin and delivered a ferocious scowl. He schooled himself not to respond.