Chapter Two

Bri

The reflection staring back at me in the mirror did not scream confidence. It may be simply an interview for a waitress job at a nightclub, but Sinners was the most exclusive club in Chicago, owned by one of the most elusive and richest men in the country. It was rumored that the pay and benefits couldn’t be matched anywhere, so I needed to make the best impression possible. So, I opted for a crisp white blouse, with a navy-blue blazer, new pants, and navy ballet flats. Nothing overly fancy, yet something that stated that I was serious about obtaining the position.

With my bills piling up, I needed this job. After the cutbacks at the hotel, I haven’t been able to find anything that paid enough for me to afford my small apartment and the necessities I needed without giving up things like food or electricity. My pantry shelves were almost empty and my TV had so many white lines running across the screen, that it was pointless to try and watch it.

So, when one of the girls I worked with mentioned getting a job at the club, I immediately googled it, applied online, and was called for an interview two days later. Last night, when I went there with a group from work, I thought it would give me an opportunity to check it out. I thought it might be helpful during the interview if I knew something about the place, at least I could say that I had been there. But instead of thinking about my interview, I ended up doing something completely reckless. Making out in a private room with the sexiest guy I had ever seen was completely out of character. Now, I would have to go into the interview and try to push those wicked but delicious images from my brain.

To make matters worse, if I was lucky enough to get the job, there was a high possibility that the guy from last night frequented the club and I would see him again. Of course, those kinds of guys didn’t have relationships with the help. He might not even recognize me. I might have been just one of many girls that he lured to a private room. How humiliating would that be?

I shook my head and tried to forget about it. It was a stupid mistake that I would not let happen again. After taking one last look in the mirror, making certain my hair and makeup were good, I knew I needed to make my way downstairs to catch a cab. This interview was important, and I would rather arrive early than late. I was swiftly running out of options. If I didn’t get this job, I could lose my apartment and I would be faced with moving back to Colorado. I squeezed my eyes shut tighter as flashes from that night came back to me.

After coming close to being sexually assaulted and having the shit beat out of me by a crazy and abusive stalker, I fled my hometown and moved to Chicago. Tony, a guy I had only been on a couple of dates with, started giving off these weird and scary vibes. He became insistent on having sex and was handsy all the time. It was like fighting off an octopus whenever I was with him. When I refused, he became agitated and aggressive. On the last night that I had gone out with him, he slapped me a few times and shoved me into the wall when I refused him again. He kept screaming that I had no idea who he was and that I would be sorry for spurning him. Thankfully, my neighbor had been home and called the cops.

After that night, I filed a restraining order against him, but that wasn’t enough to stop the harassing phone calls or his stalking me everywhere I went. Then one night I came home late after seeing a movie with my friend Allison, and he was waiting for me. He beat me nearly unconscious, broke one of my ribs, and left my whole body bruised. He would have raped me had Allison not forgotten her purse in my car and come back for it. When she heard the noises coming from inside the house, she started pounding on the door, and he ran out the back. She finally broke a window to get inside, but I was barely conscious and don’t remember much after that. That encounter put me in the hospital for a week.

When I got out of the hospital, the judge had already released Tony on bond. Knowing that it wasn’t safe for me to stay there, I left that same day. Allison had paid for my bus ticket and gave me enough money to stay in a hotel until I found a job. She was the only friend I had and the only one that knew of my location. It was safer that way. She had called me a few times saying that Tony was looking for me and swore he would find me, but I had no relatives in Chicago or any other connections to the city, so it was a safe bet that he wouldn’t think of looking for me here. It was a big city anyway and easy for a girl like me to remain invisible which made it the perfect place for me to move on with my life. So, this interview and getting this job was important. I needed it to stay focused so I would be able to stay in Chicago and put my past behind me.

When I got downstairs, a black Jaguar was waiting by the curb and the driver was holding a sign with my name on it.

Confused, I stepped toward him.

“Brielle Rogers?”

I nodded. “I’m Brielle, but I didn’t send for a car. There must be a mistake.”

“No mistake. You have an interview at Sinners today at noon?”

“Yes, but…”

“I am here to escort you to that interview.” He stepped back and opened the car door for me.

I hesitated for a second, thinking that this couldn’t be real. I knew the club was high-end, but to send a car to collect job applicants was unheard of. But, once again, I went against my more cautious nature and took a seat in the luxurious car and allowed myself a few peaceful moments to compose my thoughts and get my nerves under control.

My eyes closed as I leaned back against the soft leather, noting the new car smell, and tried to mentally focus and get ready for the interview. I had practiced my smile in the mirror and googled some common interview questions that might be asked, now I just needed to appear confident and prepared.

When the car came to a stop outside the club, the driver came around quickly and opened the door for me. I grabbed the folder with my resume and walked toward the door.

“Just go inside, there will be someone to walk you back to the office. They are expecting you.”

I looked back and smiled at him. “Thanks.”

I took one more steadying breath, put a small smile on my face, and walked through the front doors. The club was very different in the light of day. The lights were on, and there was no loud music or flashing colored lights. The staff that were there were busy either cleaning or preparing for the next shift. I stepped toward the bar when a lady came over to me.

“Miss Rogers?”

“Yes.”

“You are here for an interview with Mr. Kent. Unfortunately, Mr. Kent had some other business to attend to.”

The sense of disappointment was almost crushing. “Should I reschedule?”

“Oh no, that won’t be necessary. Mr. Delaney is here and will conduct your interview. If you would please follow me, I will escort you to the back office.”

I followed behind her briefly allowing my eyes to stray toward the stairs that led to the private rooms above, and I couldn’t help but wonder if Mr. Handsome managed to entice some other girl upstairs after I left.

The older lady stopped outside a solid black door. “Wait here and I will see if Mr. Delaney is ready for you.”

I nodded but was much too nervous to reply.

When she returned, she opened the door wide and stood to the side. “He is ready, Miss Rogers, and good luck.”

I took a deep breath, pasted a small smile on my face, and walked through the door only to come to a halt when I saw the man standing before me. This can’t be happening.

“You?”

The smirk on his face said that he was rather pleased with himself and at the fact that I was shocked at seeing him. “Good morning, Bri.”

I felt as if the world was conspiring against me. Of all the things that could have occurred to sabotage this interview, I never imagined this. How could this be the same guy from last night? Was he the same Mr. Delaney who owned the club? My cheeks blushed as I remembered that I had agreed with him when he mentioned the club owner was an asshole.

“Would you like to have a seat or conduct this interview standing?”

I stepped forward to take a seat in the chair situated in front of his large mahogany desk, ignoring the voice in my head screaming at me to run in the opposite direction.

He was even more strikingly handsome in the light of day than he had been in the dim darkness and flashing lights of the club last night; only this time, he looked more threatening, more wicked. He was dressed in a crisp white shirt and black dress pants, his arms crossed over his broad chest as he leaned back casually against the desk as if he were testing me to see if I was brave enough to be in the same room as him.

I raised my chin a notch higher and summoned what little courage I possessed. If he brought me here to humiliate or degrade me, I would not give him the satisfaction of seeing how unsettled his presence had made me.

“Why didn’t you tell me last night who you were?” I hated the way my voice cracked when I was finally able to speak.

He looked at me intently then walked back around to take a seat behind the desk. “I saw no need in it. Besides, where would the fun be in that?”

I may have been impulsive last night, but I had been through too much to allow this man, a man I barely knew, to humiliate or frighten me. “I am sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you, but I feel that this is a waste of time, and I don’t have the luxury of time to waste.” I rose from my seat, but his deep authoritative voice caused me to freeze in place.

“Sit down.” It was more of a command than a suggestion.

I immediately sank back into the seat I had just vacated, mentally chastising myself for being so easily controlled.

I looked up to see his lips curve in a one-sided sexy as hell grin. “I am not going to bite unless that is what you came for. I was under the impression that you were here for an interview and an interview is what you shall have.”

“Very well.” I sat up a little straighter then handed him my resume across the desk. “I uploaded a copy with my application online, but I brought a hard copy in case it was needed.”

I watched as he took the paper from me and scanned over it before tossing it in the trash can beside his desk.

“You went to a lot of trouble for a waitress position, but I don’t need to read your resume to know that you are more than qualified for the opportunity I am about to offer you.” He interlaced his fingers as he regarded me, a crooked smile on his face. “It is quite an important position and one that requires someone with your… skillset. Would you care to hear more about it?”

“I came here to interview for the waitress position.”

“It would not be a good fit for you. Besides, the club has plenty of waitresses. Do you truly think that serving drinks would be reaching your full…potential.” A faint light twinkled in the depths of his eyes as he stared at me from behind the desk. “You are the type of woman who could have so much more. And I am the type of man that can offer it to you. It just so happens that I am looking for someone to fill a different role. It will require 100% devotion to the job. There could be travel involved as well as long hours. But it does include housing, a clothing allowance, as well as a substantial salary. If you think you would be interested and can meet these requirements, we will discuss it further.”

My eyes narrowed wondering what those requirements would be. “What exactly is this opportunity you are offering?”

“I won’t lie to you. It is a very demanding position and will require you to be at my disposal 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As I mentioned before, I travel for business from time to time, and you may be asked to accompany me if I deem it necessary. You will be asked to attend charity or business functions with me. But you must know and understand upfront that I can be very difficult at times. That fact I will not try to hide from you. I require someone that will be devoted solely to me and only me. So, if you have a boyfriend or someone that would require your attention, you should think seriously about it because I am not the type of man that will share.”

I narrowed my eyes slightly as he laid out his proposal. “That doesn’t exactly sound like a position for which I am qualified. I think you have the wrong girl. I came here to interview for a waitress position, not to be a paid escort.”

He leaned forward. “You didn’t let me finish, but if you feel that is the case, you may leave now. But before you go…” He handed me a folded piece of paper. “This is the weekly salary I will pay you and of course, there will be bonuses. It does not include your housing, clothing, travel, and any miscellaneous purchases. Those will be paid for you and will not be taken from your salary.”

I took the paper from him, my curiosity getting the better of me. When I saw the numbers written out in ink before me, I felt a little dizzy. This would not only solve all my problems but also allow me to put some money aside for the future. I would no longer be living check-to-check, nor would I have to worry about finding a way to keep the lights on or food in the fridge.

“Interested?”

I looked up from where I had been staring at the numbers swimming before my eyes. “I’m still here.” Regardless of the warning bells going off in my head.

“The offer will not be on the table long. I’m afraid I am an impatient man and will require your answer today. If you decide to accept my proposal, you can start right now. I need someone bright enough to learn what I like and anticipate those needs. Someone that I desire to spend time with. I will also expect you to be friendly and congenial to the clients I entertain.”

I raised my eyes to find him watching me. “Friendly? How friendly? If you mean I should fall into bed with them, then we can stop right now.”

I watched his eyes darken, and I could almost feel the fury radiating from him.

“No one will touch you. I can promise you that. I’m not trying to pimp you out, Bri. I am offering you an opportunity that most women would kill for, one with lots of possibilities.”

“You are offering me a position as a highly paid escort. Prostitution is a nasty word, but the meaning is the same unless you are including yourself in that promise not to touch me. I highly doubt you would offer me the salary written on that paper if this was to be a purely platonic arrangement?”

He stood from his seat and walked back to stand in front of me. “First of all, I have more than enough money to pay you whatever I wish. Secondly, I will not make you a promise I have no intention of keeping. After having already touched you…kissed you…tasted you…I will not deny myself the privilege to do so again. I have thought of little else since last night. But I can promise that I will never do anything you do not…desire.” He reached out and placed a finger under my chin to lift my face higher. “I can see the yearning in your eyes even now, Angel.”

The man must have some sort of enchanting or sorcerer-like qualities, because I found myself wanting to give in, wanting to do whatever he asked of me. It was like being under a spell. What the fuck was wrong with me?

“Before you accept the offer, you need to know that I am indeed the asshole you believe me to be. I am also possessive, dangerous, and a little bit of a monster. If you accept, I will touch you whenever I wish and eventually you will be in my bed, because since you walked through the door, I have had trouble thinking of anything else. The only thing I will guarantee is that it will be consensual and extremely pleasurable.”

The last word dripped off his tongue, and I had to clamp my thighs tighter together. I knew this was something I would regret later, but the money was just too tempting. I could at least give it a try. What did I have to lose?

“I will need time to think before I accept the offer.”

“I already told you that I am not a patient man. I will require your answer now. If you do not wish to accept, you will be allowed to leave. I will have my driver take you back to your apartment. If you do accept, your new life will start immediately.”

Was I considering this? And if I did accept his proposition, what’s the worst that could happen? I could always back out later if my senses returned, and this job wasn’t the only thing keeping me from being thrown out of my apartment. My rent was due in a week, and I didn’t have the money to cover it.

“Fine, I will accept the offer but just so we are clear. I will be your companion, the girl on your arm at charity or business functions, but I will not grace your bed, no matter how confident you seem to be.”

He smiled with satisfaction, and I couldn’t help but wonder if I had walked into some kind of trap. The offer was too good to be true and how often did those kinds of things work out? He held out his hand to me and he helped me to my feet.

“I admire your confidence, Bri, but you may be surprised at how far I will go to get my way. It will give me such gratification to prove you wrong. But we can discuss your resistance later. Now that we have reached an agreement, in a few minutes Brenda will give you a brief tour of the club; we will spend a great deal of time here. After I have finished up a few details and you have finished your tour, we will go shopping to get you something to wear tonight. I will be conducting business here at the club, and you will be required to join me upstairs in my private suite.” He dared to wink at me. “I’m sure you will remember the way there.”

He pressed a button on the desk and the lady that had escorted me inside walked back into the room.

“Brenda, Miss Rogers has accepted my proposal. Do you have the contract for her to sign?”

“I do, Mr. Delaney.”

I turned quickly at his words. “A contract? Why does there have to be a contract?”

“I always protect my investments. Let’s say that you have it in your pretty little head to accept my offer and then after a week or two you decide to bail. This protects me from that possibility.”

Brenda walked farther into the room, placed a thick packet of papers on the desk, and handed me a pen. I looked over the first page and flipped through it, even though something in my brain told me I should read every line carefully; it was a bit unnerving doing so with two sets of eyes peering down at me. I flipped to the last page and signed. As soon as I set the pen on the desk, Brenda took out her notary stamp and made it official.

“Excellent, if you go with Brenda, she will give you a quick tour then you can wait for me by the bar. I will finish things up here and we can go purchase you some acceptable clothing.”

I turned and looked back over my shoulder before following the older lady from the room. He had a smug smirk on his face that made me think that this job might be more than I expected. Despite everything, the job was a godsend that couldn’t have come at a better time, so I would accept the challenge regardless of the burning feeling I had inside that said my new boss had more planned for me than I expected.

Rogue

I was honestly surprised that she so readily accepted my offer. She must be more desperate for money than I first thought. I would have Blaze investigate her circumstances more thoroughly, but for now, I was eager to take her from the club to some of the boutiques and exclusive designer shops around Chicago and see her outfitted in clothing that would accentuate her glorious figure. The modest jeans and oversized blazer she had worn to the interview hid her perfection from me. I longed to see her in clothes made just for her, something that would showcase her luscious long legs and tight little ass.

The door to my office opened, and I knew that the only soul brave and daring enough to enter without announcing himself or knocking was Blaze.

“What are you doing here this early? The waitresses will not arrive for a few more hours yet.”

He lifted his eyebrows as he took a step closer. “I’m not here to appease my appetites; I’m just curious about yours. Did your newest obsession take the job that you offered her? I saw her sitting at the bar when I came in. She was looking rather…regretful.”

I wanted to tell him to fuck off and keep his hands to himself when it came to her, but if I demanded he leave her alone that would be an open invitation for him to do whatever he could to piss me off and get under my skin.

“She accepted the position without much hesitation, I might add.”

His brow furrowed. “You plan on having her on the floor serving drinks?”

I knew he would find out soon enough, but the desire I had to keep everything about Brielle to myself was strong. I didn’t want him interfering in the plans I had for her, and I damn sure didn’t want him anywhere near her.

“No, I have something much different in mind for my lost little angel.”

His eyes widened and a smirk formed on his lips. “Hmm, I have something that keeps popping up in my mind for her as well. Tell me your fantasy and I’ll tell you mine, that is if you plan on sharing.”

I slammed my fist down hard on my desk. “Don’t! Don’t speak of her as if she is about to be another one of your conquests. I have already told you that she is off-limits. Leave her alone.”

The expression on his face never changed with my outburst, but I knew he understood.

“You should take your own advice. She isn’t the kind of girl that can survive in a place like this. It will swallow her, corrupt her, and then you will lose interest.”

I changed the subject. Blaze giving me advice on women was new, and it was beginning to irk me. I didn’t even want him to mention her name again. “What did you learn from Nickolai?”

He stepped farther into the room, his massive frame taking a seat in the chair by the bar.

“It wasn’t shocking that he already knew about the man in town claiming ties to the Bratva and has some news that you will find interesting. He and a few of his men will be joining us tonight, here.”

My frown deepened.

“What a great on-the-job training opportunity for your new…what are we calling her…your new personal attendant? It will be interesting to see what Nickolai thinks of your new little toy. Or do you plan on locking her away solely for your pleasure?”

I narrowed my eyes as he smirked at me from across the room. “The only thing that anyone needs to know is that she is mine. I am claiming her, and I will fiercely protect what belongs to me. Feel free to communicate that ahead of time to anyone who needs a reminder of how selfish and brutal I can be when provoked.”

He shook his head as an annoying grin spread across his face. “No, I don’t believe I will. Things have been too quiet lately. We could use the entertainment. A little competition between you and Nik for the girl might be exciting to watch.”

My frown deepened as I stared at my friend. He knew exactly what to say to get under my skin, but there was no one I trusted more with my life. Blaze was borderline psychotic, a natural-born killer. He took pride in bringing the most pain imaginable to anyone that crossed him. He enjoyed the hunt and didn’t mind getting his hands bloody. His enemies feared him and rightly so. But he was loyal, and when some serious shit hit the fan, I was happy to have him on my side.

“Just make certain you remember to be here on time tonight and keep your hands off the waitresses.”

“If I were you, it wouldn’t be the waitresses I was worried about.” He grumbled something else under his breath and slammed the door on his way out. But I didn’t have the time nor the inclination to be pulled into a dick measuring contest with Blaze. I had more important things to do, and first on my list was to go find what he had rightly called my newest obsession.

Bri

After I left Mr. Delaney’s office, Brenda gave me a quick tour of the club, showing me the upper rooms and the private room used only by Mr. Delaney. I couldn’t stop the blush that formed on my cheeks as I looked around the owner’s private suite in the light of day. Of course, it was the same one that he had taken me to last night. The same one where he had kissed me, touched me, made me feel things I had never felt before. Just the thought of his touch made me smolder, as if I were standing too close to a flame.

After her tour, I went to the bar where I could quietly wait and contemplate the terrible life choices I had made lately. Sure, the money was good; no, it was great, but I couldn’t stop the nagging feeling that this was something I would come to regret. I was getting the impression that there was quite a bit more to Rogue Delaney than one would see at first glance and that instead of agreeing to be his employee, I should run…run far and fast.

I nervously drummed my fingers along the bar. Perhaps I made a mistake. I had never done anything like this before, and the more I sat and thought about it, the more ridiculous it sounded. I had basically signed a contract as a paid escort. And while he had honestly stated that he wanted me in his bed, he did say it would be consensual, so he wouldn’t force me. Could I believe that? It could be something he says to every girl he has offered this opportunity. For all I knew, he could be a serial killer, and this was how he got his jollies. But if that was the case, why make me sign a contract, why introduce me to Brenda and give me a tour of the club? And the money…I would make more in a week than I would make in a month working anywhere else. I rolled my eyes to the ceiling and huffed out a ragged breath. How did I come to this point where I would try to rationalize accepting such an offer? I knew the reason why; I just didn’t want to admit it.

“Are you ready?”

I jumped at the sound of his deep, sensual voice behind me. “I wasn’t sure if you would take me or if you had people to do these sorts of things for you. Forgive me for not knowing how an arrangement like this works. Don’t you have other things to do, more important things than shopping for my wardrobe?”

He placed a hand at the small of my back, forcing me to repress a shiver, and guided me toward the club’s exit.

“I trust very few people when it comes to things that I deem important. Besides, who better to know what I like than myself.”

Well, I couldn’t deny that logic. I did accept a job where the only requirement was to please him. Even as the thought raced through my head, my body warmed, and I slowly released the breath I had been holding.

We walked outside and headed toward a new blacked-out Jaquar where a driver was waiting for us. He opened the door and Mr. Delaney held out his hand to assist me into the back seat. After closing the door, he gave the driver instructions then walked around and climbed in on the other side.

“I have already made arrangements for you at a few exclusive boutiques and shops downtown. This certainly will not be the extent of your wardrobe needs, but it will give us a nice start.”

His eyes roved over the outfit I was wearing, and my cheeks flushed before the reality of what he said had time to sink in. I turned sharply back to him. “You had already made arrangements? How did you know I would accept?”

He turned his head to the side quizzically as if he couldn’t contemplate anyone doing anything except what he wanted. It was obvious that this man was not told “no” often.

“Let’s just say I had a hunch.”

I turned my head away from his magnetic smile and looked out the window as the city went past. When the car came to a stop outside a small but exclusive boutique with only the letter J on the door, he took my hand and brought it to his lips. A shiver crept up my spine.

“There is no limit to what you may purchase. I will also select a few things for you to try on, but feel free to pick out what you would like.”

This was starting to feel very much like a Pretty Woman scenario, except he looked much more dangerous than Richard Gere.

“I can’t help thinking that I am going to regret this, and I should just have you take me back to my apartment. Is there anyone else, anyone who would be a better fit for you? I mean, I’m just a girl from a small town in Colorado. I’m not one of those high-class fashion models or glamorous ladies who frequent your club. I’m not the kind of woman you are used to being around.”

He leaned a bit closer and the air around me crackled with intensity.

“That is one of the reasons I want you. You worry too much, Angel, and in case you still aren’t convinced, I think you will fit me perfectly…or rather I will fit inside you perfectly.”

I rolled my eyes at his comment. Did he really just say that out loud?

His fingers brushed against my elbow and an involuntary tremor moved over me. I thought he was about to kiss me again, a ridiculous thought. Wasn’t this guy one of the richest men in the city? He probably had a plethora of women on standby ready for his call to fulfill any wish he desired. I felt my temperature rising at the thought of his cravings, his yearnings. While he might be handsome as sin and look like a guy from the pages of a magazine, he was not the kind of man who was interested in girls like me, at least not seriously. This entire arrangement was outrageous and if my instincts were right, perilous. But desperate times called for desperate measures, right?

The car door was opened by his driver, and he nodded his head. “Go on inside. They are waiting for you. I have a few calls to make before I can join you.”

I stepped out of the car onto the sidewalk and his driver escorted me inside the shop where a lady with a bright eager smile was waiting for me by the door.

“Miss Rogers, we are so pleased to have you as a patron of our boutique. We offer the finest fashion in Chicago. If you will follow me, I have a fitting room prepared for you with some dresses and other items already selected for you to peruse.”

My lips turned up into a slight smile, her cheeriness rather contagious, but when I looked around the shop, I was surprised to find it empty. “I guess this is not your busiest time of day.”

She turned around and the look she gave me was puzzling. “We are rather busy all the time. We are the finest boutique in the city. Today, however, Mr. Delaney reserved the entire shop just for you. He didn’t want you to have to wait for anything.”

He reserved the entire shop . What kind of man was he?

I followed her into a large room where several dresses and other things were displayed for my perusal. There were evening gowns, cocktail dresses, shoes, and casual clothes, along with intimates such as panties, bras, and silk pajamas.

“Mr. Delaney will not be purchasing my underwear.” I half laughed when I said it, but her eyes narrowed slightly.

“Mr. Delaney gave us strict instructions as to what he required.”

I pushed aside the irritation I felt at this man that I barely knew presuming that I would allow him to purchase panties and lingerie for me, but how could I seriously be upset over that when I had agreed to his outrageous proposal? It was rather silly I suppose to quibble about undergarments at this point. If I wanted to adjust the terms of our agreement, I could do so later. It wasn’t her fault I had foolishly gotten myself into this situation, and I was not the type of person to take out my frustrations on someone who was completely innocent and was only doing what she was told. It was her job and she probably worked on commission, so I’m sure she was hoping we would buy everything in sight.

I spent the first hour trying on formal and cocktail dresses. Then moved on to more casual clothes. There were so many things that I loved, but I only picked out a few of each style.

I never thought it possible to get tired of shopping, but when Gwen brought in one more cocktail dress, I sighed heavily and sank into a chair. “I truly do have everything I need Gwen.”

“Mr. Delaney requests that you try this on.”

It was a short silky black-beaded cocktail dress with a low back and spaghetti straps. I ran my fingers over it and then looked at the price tag. This one dress was more than what I used to make in two months. I took off my bra and slipped it over my head then zipped it up.

“Well, what do you think, Gwen?”

“I think it is perfect. I think you are perfect.”

My body froze when I heard his deep husky voice behind me.

I should remind him that being in my dressing room was not part of the arrangement. No matter what he had in his mind, I would not be his plaything. But when he stepped closer, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me back into him, every protest I had formed in my head vanished.

He moved my hair to the side and my eyes closed as his fingers glided along my spine from the nape of my neck to the base of my ass.

“Your skin is so soft, sweetheart.”

He pressed his lips against the skin right below my ear, and I leaned my head to the side giving him better access. The arm he had wrapped around my waist tightened as he pressed against me.

“I want you to wear this tonight.”

He feathered kisses down my neck, and I felt my knees growing weaker. “Don’t kiss me.”

He quickly spun me around and pinned my body against the wall. I felt his hard dick pressed into my belly, and it took all my strength not to rub myself against him. Damn, this man was sin personified.

He gripped my chin and forced me to look up at him. “Oh, my sweet lost angel, kissing is only the beginning of what I have planned for you.”

His lips claimed mine in a possessive kiss that lifted me on my toes. I shouldn’t want him, and I should be appalled that I was, once again, allowing this man to reduce me to a puddle whenever he touched me.

If this arrangement was going to work, I needed to get control of myself and let him know in no uncertain terms that I would not permit him to use me.

I pushed against his chest, and he released me. “I know I signed a contract, but I am not going to allow you to take advantage of me. This is strictly a business relationship, and if you continue to kiss me, I can’t continue to do this.”

He raised his hands in the air in defeat and stepped back. “Hmm, I’m impressed. Your will is stronger than I thought it would be. But it’s too late to back out now. Know this, Angel, your resistance only makes me want you more. I will tear down any walls you build to keep me away. I never lose and I have never not gotten what I truly wanted.” He stepped back and looked me over from head to toe. “There are a few other places Steven will take you to and then return you to the club. Wear this dress tonight, we will be entertaining business associates.”

“Mr. Delaney.”

He arched his eyebrows. “I would like to discuss something else with you.” I pointed to the assortment of lingerie on the table. “I don’t think you should be purchasing things like this for me.”

He shrugged his shoulders. “To be honest, I prefer you not to wear them at all. That dress, with no panties, hmm.” His eyes darkened with desire. “That would please me and isn’t that the whole point of this position? So, if wearing nothing at all underneath your dresses makes you happy, by all means, go right ahead, Bri. It will just save me time.”

I narrowed my eyes at the comment and put my hands on my hips, but before I could respond, his eyes turned serious, and he gave me a look that made my blood turn cold.

His hand came up and gripped my chin firmly forcing me to look up at him. “Don’t think of running away, Bri. I meant what I said. There is no backing out or escape now. I will expect you at the club by ten. Steven will drive you, and if there is anything you need, let him know. Anything else you purchase will be on my accounts. Do you have any questions?”

I shook my head too stunned to think.

“Very well, have fun spending my money, and I will see you later at Sinners .”

He stepped out of the dressing room, leaving me alone again, and I couldn’t help but think that I might have made the biggest mistake of my life, and if my fears turned out to be true, I had no idea what would happen next.