Chapter Two

Jax

J ax's office suite on board the GoldenEye II during takeoff...

The gathering was a showmanship of testosterone, not intentionally, but the hugeness of the five men shrunk the room to a matchbox size the moment they stepped inside. Their deep voices droned in a low rumble reminiscent of distant thunder, filling every corner of the space with a palpable vibration.

"Get comfortable. I'll get us a drink once we're at flying altitude." Jax loved his office suite but had never thought, despite its generous proportions, it would seem to strain against the sheer mass of his bulky friends... and his own massive frame, too, of course.

The decor was a striking homage to the plane's exterior— a symphony of black and gold with copper accents. At the heart of the room stood an imposing desk, its surface a gleaming expanse of black glass bordered by intricate gold filigree. Jax's tastes ran to modern and chic, which was stipulated when he collaborated with the interior decorator. This desk was an example of that— an ornate piece dominating the room as a testament to the power and luxury their members expected.

Along the walls, black cabinets with gleaming gold knobs stood sentinel. Their polished surfaces reflected the soft, ambient light while hiding inside were all Jax's play toys. Whips, floggers, belts, nipple clamps, and a plethora of items he would use when he brought a submissive to his suite.

"I like your style, Jax," Max said as he looked around. "Fits your personality even while keeping to the overall color scheme and profile of the Club."

The five men were sprawled in the seating area that presented a collection of plush sofas and chairs upholstered in rich, copper-colored leather. They offered a warm and pleasant contrast to the darker tones dominating the room.

"Well, you set the example. All I did was follow your lead... with a couple of added tweaks and color." He winked at Max. "Individuality in each club is good, don't you agree?"

"Indeed." Max's deep, amused voice resonated through the room.

To one side, similar to Max's suite in GoldenEye I, was a raised platform. It was deemed a necessity for the owner and Master Dom of the Club since it was where recalcitrant submissives would be reprimanded, disciplined, or punished. Excitement surged through Jax.

Damn, I can't wait to see Blondie standing there in her naked glory. His heart raced as he stared at the brightly lit area where a single spotlight pierced the dimness, casting a pool of intense light at its center, as if waiting for the woman who had been hounding Jax's thoughts for months. In the corner behind it stood a spanking horse, a Saint Andrew's Cross, and a punishment chair— ready for use with the delectable blonde.

In case you forgot, she's not a submissive. If memory serves, she made it quite clear she's only here as an observer.

Don't be such a negative Joe. Jax negated his nagging subconscious. Little Nanja harbors a submissive, begging to be released.

A Cheshire grin marked his face as he looked around the room while imagining her twirling around to take it all in. The lighting throughout the suite was masterfully designed and was deliberately soft and subdued, aimed at casting an eerie warmth that seemed at odds with the darkness of the decor. It lent an ethereal quality by softening the harsh lines and lending depth to the shadows. This interplay of light and dark created an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue as it perfectly complemented the powerful presence of the men gathered within.

As the plane began its ascent, the low hum of the engines provided a bass note to the rumbling conversation. The suite came alive with barely contained energy and anticipation.

"You seem annoyed," Max's voice yanked his attention from basking in the space that would become his haven whenever he was onboard.

Jax shifted under Max's intent gaze as he studied him quietly. The two of them were very close and knew secrets about each other their three friends didn't; not even Jax's cousin, Dexter Flint, was privy to some Max was.

"Giovanni Lombardo." The name crawled like a slithering snake from his throat.

"The Viper," Dexter's frown looked savage. Jax appreciated the instant protector that rose within his cousin. "The leader of the Genolere Mafia?"

"The one and only." Jax leaned back against the chair as the Airbus effortlessly soared higher into the sky.

"I was under the impression that the rumors about your supposed association with them had been resolved when Iceman was jailed six months ago after hijacking the GoldenEye?" Rex Olivier, with his gray eyes glowing like molten steel, glanced around at the group. As the owner of CyberCo Tech Solutions, an affiliate company of CyberCo Enterprises, he wasn't only a brilliant businessman. He was also an IT pundit, a guru, a savant... you name it, he was it. Jax had yet to meet anyone who could manipulate the virtual world like he did.

Jax shook his head, his longish brown hair rippling against the color of his black shirt. "The Genolere Mafia are the top dogs when it comes to extortion and blackmail. Just because Lombardo's advisor rots in jail doesn't mean shit about how they do business. Their organization is the epitome of a lizard— cut off its tail, and another immediately grows to replace it. Iceman was but one killer in a tank of sharks and one of many Front Bosses to the group."

"So, I was right when I warned you that Iceman wouldn't take the deal for a reduced sentence by ousting Lombardo at the time." Axel Sullivan, owner of Global Aloha Hotels & Resorts Group, stretched out lazily. "They might be fucktards, but there is always honor among criminals, especially at top mafia ranks."

Axel was the only one who had firsthand knowledge of how criminals operated since he had spent five years in prison. At the age of twenty-five, to protect his young sixteen-year-old cousin from imprisonment, he had taken the blame for a hit and run. Two days after the incident, he walked into a police station, claiming he was the driver. It was a blessing that the cyclist Logan had nicked while joyriding in Axel's sports car to impress his friends didn't die. The victim was in a coma for over six months, which was why the prosecution refused a plea deal during the trial. Once the man regained his consciousness, Axel's conviction was changed to a class D felony and reduced to six years imprisonment. He was released a year early for good behavior. The experience didn't uproot Axel's determination to succeed as a businessman, and with the support of his friends, he opened his first small hotel resort in Hawaii two years later. Today, he owned a total of twenty-five resorts worldwide.

Running a hand through his tousled hair, Jax released a heavy sigh. "Yeah, I didn't think he would either."

"So, what's up with Lombardo?" Max pressed for further details.

"Now that the cloud has cooled down with Iceman, he's once again back to his old tricks. I've lost four big projects over the past month. I accepted the first two since our tender submissions were based on quality, innovation, and incorporating community involvement, so they were pricey. However, we were always awarded the tenders, only for them to be retracted a week later. When the last two followed the same route, I started digging deeper." Jax leaned forward with his elbows resting lightly on his knees. "Every project met the criteria of the various tender boards, and they outperformed the other submissions, which was why JPC got awarded the projects, so there was no rhyme or reason to retract any of them."

"Let me guess, you found an association between the tender boards and Lombardo?" Axel interjected.

"Not a direct one, but some of the members on every board are involved with shell companies he owns."

"So, he's trying to sink you, thereby forcing you to give in to his demands and register new shell companies through a tender process?" Dexter frowned. "Why you? Surely, after what had happened with Iceman, he realized you're not going to give in to his demands? Besides, there are numerous smaller property developers who would jump at the chance to pocket some cash."

"Because the properties he's after aren't small change, Dex. From what I can ascertain, he's moving into the industrial market, entertainment, and retail. From the intel my guys found on the dark web, it seems he's planning to develop super malls around the country." Jax looked around. "That takes big money and a well-established developer to pull off."

"Hence, you're the best and only choice," Rex interjected. "It seems success always comes at a price, even those one never considers to be an obstacle."

"I think Jax is alluding to an even bigger issue than just being forced to work with the bastard and registering and building his shell businesses," Max drawled. "Lombardo wants to use this opportunity to launder money."

"Exactly. One way or the other, I have to find a way to get that fuckface off my back."

"You mean we have to find a way," Max rumbled darkly. "You're not alone in this, Jax."

"I can't allow you all to get drawn into this, Max. Iceman already threatened you. So far, nothing has come of them demanding to use CyberCo Airlines for logistical purposes. Let's not wake sleeping dogs."

"When it comes to those bastards, no dogs ever sleep, Jax. You should realize it sooner rather than later," Axel growled. "Like Max said, we're all in this. If the bastard targets one, he's aiming the barrel of the gun at all of us."

"Has Lombardo personally contacted or made threats against you?" Max asked as he leaned forward.

"No, but the message is glaringly clear." Jax cursed. The stint six months ago at running for mayor to uncover the banker, Bradley Gray, as corrupt and in cahoots with the Genolere Mafia had worked. Except, it hadn't delivered the results the FBI had been after, who had asked for his assistance with the operation. Yes, they got Gray, but none of the bastards that were arrested at the time were willing to spill any details on Lombardo.

"We need to strategize, be proactive." Max looked around the room. "Next week, if that suits you?"

Jax nodded, grateful he had them on his side. He got up when the seatbelt off signal sounded. "Enough of the doom and gloom. Let's share a toast on the opening of the NY Club Decadent Skies."

"Now you're talking." Rex joined Jax at the trolley bar in the corner and handed out the drinks as he finished pouring. "Opening night is always exciting and hot. I can't wait until the Chicago CDS opens its wings."

Each of the friends owned shares in the Club Decadent Skies Group, with Max being the primary owner. Initially, there was only going to be one club and one plane, but since it was so popular and successful, Max suggested each of his friends co-finance the opening of their own club and plane operating from the state where they lived. Everyone had unanimously agreed.

"Patience, my friend," Max said with a smile. "Your turn will come."

"I just hope I have a lucky strike like Jax did and have a hot submissive at my beck and call." Rex winked at Jax. "Just say the word if you want someone to take her off your hands. I'll be happy to be of assistance."

"Keep your paws to yourself, Rex. She's mine." Jax glowered at the others. "That goes for all of you. Tonight and any other night she sets foot on this plane." He frowned as a thought came to mind. "And the Florida GoldenEye, for that matter."

"Oho, it seems our Jax is smitten," Axel taunted, smiling as he headed to the door. "I think I better get to the cockpit, just in case we hit a cyclone, ‘cause that's what is heading our way once all the other women find out he's taken himself off the market."

"I'm not off the market." Jax chucked down his drink. "I love variety too much, so I'd be a fool to tie myself down to one woman just because I believe she'll make a hot sub in the dungeon."

"Famous last words," Max laughed.

"I'm not you, Max," Jax shot back. "Just because you fell head over heels in love the first night you unleashed Wick's submission doesn't mean it'll happen to me."

"Well, let's not waste more time pondering over it," Dexter smirked as he slapped Jax on the shoulder. "Time will tell, I say, but cousin or not, I'm with Max on this. You're going to choke on your words soon enough. That blondie is one hot vanilla subbie." Laughingly, he gestured to Max. "So, lead the way, oh fearless leader. Let's get this club officially open so I can tether that snippy sub who propositioned me earlier to a spanking bench."

Jax made up the rear as they descended the stairs. Gratitude filled him as he followed his friends. Each step they took reinforced the invisible threads that had bound them together for so long— far stronger than any ordinary friendship.

"Are you sure you'll be able to manage that little snippy sub on your own, Rex?" Dexter taunted. They were known to pair up for a ménage à trois on numerous occasions, which, of course, made them very popular among the club subs.

"Shut your mouth, asshole. Of course, I can manage her on my own." He wiggled his eyebrows. "But you're one step ahead of me. The two of us are always better than one."

"Now, you're talking."

Jax chuckled and marveled at how well he knew them— every gesture, every unspoken word. Their bond went beyond the superficial connections that often passed for friendship in today's world. Theirs were forged into shared victories and tempered by mutual struggles. Each man brought his unique strengths to their circle and filled the gaps in one another's weaknesses. An unspoken understanding between the group made their connection solid and unbreakable.

"Ready, Master J?" Max asked as he glanced back at him. His knowing smile spoke volumes— pride and camaraderie flowed between them. Jax's heart swelled with an emotion that defied simple categorization. They had become like brothers who loved and respected each other unconditionally.

"You bet I am. Tonight is definitely one of the highlights of my life." His smile underscored the web of shared experiences that always hovered in the air between them like an invisible force. Jax would lay down his life for any of them, just as they would do for him.

"Well, let's not waste any more time. New York Club Decadent Skies is about to officially open its doors." Max led the way into the entertainment area, where Willow and Ciska stood waiting for them at the bar.

As Jax's eyes fell on Ciska, his breath caught in his throat at her beauty. Her tall, model-like figure was accentuated by long legs that seemed to go on forever, ending in perfectly curved hips and generous breasts that made his hands itch to touch. His eyes followed her blonde hair as she tossed her head. It cascaded around her heart-shaped face like a lover's caress, emphasizing large azure eyes framed by thick, sooty eyelashes. She wrinkled her small nose, and he noticed the barely-there spots for the first time.

Damn, she's got freckles!

That's it. You're doomed.

Jax ignored the taunt of his inner voice as his gaze settled on her full, pouty lips that begged to be kissed. In a word, she was breathtaking.

He was startled by a surge of possessiveness flashing through his mind upon meeting Ciska's gaze.

Mine. She's mine.

Where the hell did that come from? I'm not into shit like that.

No? Then why are we having this conversation?

Why indeed?

Jax resolutely pushed the feeling to the back of his mind, but his eyes couldn't help but trace the curves of her body, drinking in every detail. The way the tight mini dress hugged her figure and the gentle sway of her hips as she shifted her weight. Even the soft curve of her neck as she tilted her head— it all seemed designed to drive him to distraction.

He was a player, a fact he had never denied. Ciska Fowler didn't fit the criteria of the women he usually slept with. She wasn't a once-off fuck. Quite the opposite. Instinct warned him that once would never be enough with her, which was why he would keep their relationship strictly to that of a Dom and a submissive. No feelings, no emotional mumbo jumbo.

"For the balance of this flight, you belong to me as my submissive."

This woman was different. Special. It thrilled him to no end. As he approached the bar, Jax found himself hyperaware of her presence. The scent of her perfume, the sound of her laughter, and the way her eyes sparkled in the low light threatened to overwhelm his senses. For the first time since he could remember, he struggled to maintain his cool, detached demeanor, even as his inner voice taunted once again.

Yep, doomed, as I said. This subbie is about to turn your world upside down .

His earlier possessive words echoed in his mind. Who was he trying to fool? There was no way in hell he'd allow any other Dom to touch her tonight.

"Or any other night, for that matter," he muttered as he pulled a copper leather collar from his pocket when he reached her side.

"What the devil do you think you're doing?" Ciska slapped at his hands when he reached for her throat.

Deftly ignoring her protest, he locked the collar, boldly engraved with the words ‘Master J's,' around her throat.

"Making sure no one oversteps on my territory."

Jax felt the pleasure of her flashing eyes in the twinge of his cock as she dragged in a deep breath and, as he expected, let it rip.

"Your territory?" She waved a finger up and down, pointing at her body. "This is YOUR territory?"

"Well, look at that. You're as clever as I always thought."

"If you believe for one second, no, make that a millisecond, that I, or any part of my body, is your territory, you are more delusional than I thought. Hear me well, asshat, I—"

Jax ended her verbal diarrhea with a hard, demanding kiss, one that took her breath away. She clawed at his shoulders— except she didn't try pushing him away. His Dom mind flooded with unbound pleasure.

As he lifted his head, the smile he flashed at her was pure male satisfaction, watching her with devilishly glowing eyes.

"Next time, instead of talking my ears off, just ask for a kiss. I'll be happy to oblige."

"You're... you... oof! I have no words."

"Well, perfect timing, I'd say, since Max is about to begin his speech." With negligent aplomb, he draped his arm around her shoulders, forcing her body flush against his. "Behave, Nanja. It won't take much to satisfy the itch in my palms to meet your soft ass." His eyes darkened in warning as he glanced at her. "Disrespect Master M while he's talking and I won't wait until he's finished. On the other hand, it'll be a perfect preshow for the members... a spanking on the bar, so please... do continue."

"You're a ginormous asshat, do you know that?"

"You have no idea just how ginormous, little subbie." Jax chuckled as her cheeks turned red when the double entendre registered.

He was rather disappointed that she stopped struggling and behaved throughout Max's opening speech.