Chapter 1

One

R yan Dew was on edge as he walked into the crowded club.

Fresh bruises were his reward for today's fight with his father, and he'd needed something to do with all the anger and pain still coursing through his veins. He had to get out. He had to get away from the house and take this out on someone else until he felt better.

He hated to leave his little sister behind to possibly get a taste of their father's wrath, but if Ryan hadn't gotten out of the house…

He knew he was going to hurt someone.

Ryan had put on a black underbust corset, a black skirt, leopard print gloves, and his tallest pair of black stiletto boots. Makeup hid the damage his father had left behind, and he hid his provocative outfit underneath a long coat. He put his favorite knife in his boot and then took a cab downtown. He was already buzzing with frantic energy, and he was ready to find his partner for the evening.

Ryan managed to find a seat at the busy bar and ordered a beer to sip on, watching the men buzzing about. It was a Friday night, and the place was totally packed. He had a specific type of man that he hunted for, and he wouldn't make his move until he saw someone who fit.

Older, handsome, had money.

That was just his type.

In the meantime, Ryan disarmed any would-be admirers with sweet smiles and little white lies. He was used to the attention, but it was nothing but a distraction when he already had plans tonight. These men were only wasting his time and weren't what he was looking for. He just had to wait for that special someone to walk in first.

An hour passed before a man with silver in his hair and an expensive watch on his wrist approached the bar. He exchanged words with the bartender, was handed a bottle of top shelf vodka and a short glass, and then headed over to a booth in the corner to drink alone.

Bingo.

Ryan waited until he'd finished his beer before he started over toward the man's table. He walked a little slower and more unevenly than he truly was. He made sure his coat was open enough to show off his revealing outfit underneath. He stumbled, abruptly bumping into the man's table.

"Hey!" The man had been in the middle of pouring a drink and spilled some.

"Oh! Shit! I'm so sorry!" Ryan gasped, making sure to slur his words. "Here." He grabbed some napkins from the dispenser on the table and leaned in much closer than necessary to dab up the mess. "Lemme get that for you."

The man's eyes narrowed and he scowled at Ryan, drawling, "Are you lost, sweetheart? The local Chuck. E Cheese is just down the block."

"Oh, you frequent those kinda places, huh?"

"I'm a big fan of the ball pits. Now why don't you run along and play, hmm?"

"I would but…" Ryan shrugged. "They don't serve the beer I like."

The man snorted out a little laugh and smiled, his gaze passing over Ryan with more interest. "All those good looks and funny too."

"I have my moments." Ryan grinned, swaying and bumping into the table again.

"Why don't you sit down before you fall down?" The man, who had finished pouring his drink, gestured to the seat across from him.

"Why thanks. Don't mind if I do." Ryan sat down, his legs stretching out until his feet could bump into the man's underneath the table. He eyed the bottle of vodka. "You drinking that whole bottle yourself? Been a rough day, huh?"

"Oh, it's just been pure hell." The man laughed as if that was particularly funny. He was very handsome when he smiled. "What about you? Your juice boxes just not providing the right kind of kick after a bad day at Boy Scouts?"

"Ha, ha." Ryan rolled his eyes. "Look, Boy Scouts may be your fantasy, but it's not all it's cracked up to be. Trust me. I could come up with some much better ones."

The man chuckled low, a pleasant rumbling sound. He tipped his glass back and smacked his lips. He smirked as he poured himself another glass and one for Ryan, sliding it over as he teased, "If that's your way of trying to find out what my fantasies are, you'll have to wait until I've had a few more drinks." He winked. "I'm a classy lady."

Ryan smiled as he took the glass—wait.

Didn't the man only come over here with one glass?

Maybe Ryan had missed it.

"All right, playing hard to get." Ryan grinned. "I can appreciate that." He raised the glass and took a small sip, certain he'd never tasted anything so expensive. "How about just a sneak peek of your fantasies maybe? Are you a leather and lace kind of guy? Maybe you want a nun to spank you with a riding crop?"

"Drink with me and we'll see." The man chuckled. "Maybe a few secrets will slip out."

Ryan drank more, moaning sweetly. "Oh damn, that is good."

The man's tongue slipped out and slid over his top lip. "Been some time since you had something of quality in your mouth, eh? What a shame."

Ryan grinned.

Oh, this was going to be too easy.

"What can I say?" Ryan leaned across the table. "Quality is hard to find and even harder to afford."

"Ah, the woes of being destitute." The man sighed dramatically, topping off their glasses again. "If only I knew of a way for a beautiful young fellow like yourself to remedy that. Mmm." He tapped his chin as if he was lost deep in thought. "Darn. I just can't think of a thing."

Ryan laughed and nearly choked on his drink. He didn't usually have this much on the nights he was hunting. He needed every available advantage and that included sobriety.

Damn, this vodka was really good though.

He took a dainty sip to pace himself. "You know, you're kinda cute when you're trying to play dumb."

"First of all, how dare you." The man clutched his chest. "I am extremely cute. Some might even say adorable. Like an intoxicated teddy bear. Second of all, I'm not playing at anything except avoiding solicitation charges, in case you have a wire hidden somewhere on your lush little body."

Ryan laughed. "No wire, but I guess the only way to know for sure is to get me naked and find out for yourself. I suggest starting under my skirt."

"And they say romance is dead." The man smirked. "I'm assuming you enjoy being compensated for said exploration?"

"I do." Ryan went to take another small sip from his glass and was surprised to find it empty. He ignored that, bumping his foot against the man's leg. "If you're good at something, why do it for free?"

"Spoken like a true capitalist." The man picked up the bottle to refill their glasses again, his dark eyes flickering with mischief. "I'm ready to start picking out names for our children."

"Oh yeah? What do you like?" Ryan hummed. "I like… Jesse. Could be a boy, could be a girl, could be neither."

"I'll tell you what I really like. Nice long walks on the beach, some sensual oil massage by candlelight, and dropping my load in gorgeous young things such as yourself." The man smiled wickedly. "Unfortunately, we're nowhere near the ocean and I'm all out of oil. But if you're interested in some intimate time for which you will be handsomely compensated, I'm happy to oblige."

Ryan's glass was full again.

Wait, he hadn't even seen the man pour that time.

He didn't drink any, replying coyly, "Are you sure you can afford me?"

"Without a doubt." The man chuckled. "I suppose we should finish our drinks and get on with it, eh? It's probably almost past your bedtime."

Ryan smiled sweetly.

This was going to be fun.

"Well," he said, "I've got a few hours before I turn into a pumpkin. Might as well have a good time." He quickly tipped the glass up to finish it off.

The man's glass was already empty. "Are we ready then?"

"I'm good. So good." Ryan's head swam pleasantly as he stood, this time swaying for real.

Shit, how much did he have to drink?

The man offered his arm to steady Ryan. "Let's be on our way. I'd hate to be caught balls deep inside a pumpkin."

"Yeah, that's not really advised." Ryan chuckled and leaned more heavily on the man than he needed to. He smelled amazing. "Doesn't sound like nearly as much fun as being balls deep inside of me either."

"They do say pumpkin is very nourishing for the skin."

"Hey, I'm not judging. You pay me, whatever you're into is fine."

The man led Ryan outside, where a valet wordlessly brought around a black Aston Martin. The man opened the passenger door for Ryan. "Be sure to buckle up, sweetheart."

"Holy shit." Ryan gawked. "This is yours?"

"All mine." The man tipped the valet and then walked around to slide behind the wheel.

Ryan sank down into the plush seat as he buckled his seat belt. "This is amazing."

"Just you wait." The man cranked the car up.

"Oh, that sounds beautiful," Ryan gushed as he listened to the engine fire up and gazed over the beautiful interior.

With a little wink, the man threw the car into gear and took off. He zoomed through the city streets, hitting only green lights as he zipped along with the windows rolled down.

For a few minutes, Ryan could forget what he was about to do and why he was doing it.

This was fun.

The car was incredible, he was warm and buzzed, and the man was actually pretty fucking hot.

Ryan looked up as the man parked, his eyes widening at the large Victorian house in front of them. "Wow. Is this whole place yours?"

"One of many I own." The man came around to open Ryan's door. He offered his hand out. "Come along, sweetheart."

"Jesus, who are you?" Ryan laughed as he unbuckled and took the man's hand.

"Ormenus Wright. Nice to meet you, sweetheart." Ormenus guided him out of the car and smoothly planted a kiss on his hand.

"Wow." Ryan smiled, letting himself enjoy the charm. "You're quite a gentleman, Ormenus."

"I have my moments." Ormenus led Ryan toward the house after nudging the car door shut with his hip. "Now, I'm sure you're just going to love the bedroom."

"I'm already in love with it."

Ormenus unlocked the front door, revealing an interior decor of dark reds and browns with black antique furniture, and many of the windows were stained glass. He ushered Ryan in and locked up behind them. "Welcome to my home, sweetheart."

"It's beautiful." Ryan looked around in amazement.

Ormenus was definitely loaded.

Good.

"Thank you." Ormenus kissed Ryan's hand again. "It's much more beautiful with you in it."

"Wow. That was so cheesy it almost worked," Ryan teased.

"Almost?" Ormenus chuckled low. "I must be losing my charms in my old age." He leaned in, still holding Ryan's hand, and cradled his cheek. "How about this?" He pressed a deep kiss to his lips.

Ryan was surprised by the kiss, and it wasn't something he usually allowed.

But fuck…

Ormenus was a really good kisser.

Ryan leaned into Ormenus's strong hand and kissed back hungrily. He gasped as Ormenus crushed him against his chest, and he went willingly, letting his coat slip d from his shoulders. He sucked on Ormenus's tongue, and it would have been so easy to get caught in the moment.

But he was here on a mission.

Ryan pulled back, patting Ormenus's chest. "Hold on. Business first."

"Of course. How very rude of me." Ormenus smirked, rubbing his hand slowly up and down Ryan's back. "Name your price and it's yours."

"That depends." Ryan had to fight to get his mind to focus and remember what he was doing here. "How long do you want me for and how fucked up are you?"

"All right. Whatever I want. All night." Ormenus traced the boning of Ryan's corset. "Trust me when I say money is of no consequence."

"All night… Whatever you want except no fuckin' Daddy kink and you don't tie me up." Ryan knew he needed to charge more. Last time someone had paid to do whatever they wanted, he hadn't been able to move for two days. "Three grand."

"Seriously?" Ormenus laughed. "That's all you think you're worth?" He bowed his head to suck at Ryan's throat. "You'll take ten thousand. In cash. I insist."

Ryan fought back a groan, and he wondered just how fucked up Ormenus was to offer that kind of money. "That's… very generous."

"I think it's just the right amount." Ormenus chuckled, and his smile grew dark. "Now get your clothes off and come with Daddy upstairs. I want to make sure I get my money's worth."

Ryan flinched. "Okay, don't do the Daddy thing and we'll be just fine."

"I think for ten thousand dollars, it's a very small request." Ormenus's smile vanished.

"I think I make the fucking rules, and I said no Daddy crap." Ryan's skin crawled, awash in rage and revulsion. He fought to keep his smile in place and not reach for the knife in his boot.

"I'm afraid that I will be insisting on it, sweetheart. Trust me, little boy. Daddy gets what he wants."

Ryan gritted his teeth and snapped, "Call me anything else you want."

Ormenus didn't react to Ryan's raised voice, still smiling. "It's absolutely adorable that you think you're in charge here." He grabbed Ryan by the back of his head, pulling him in close. "Ten thousand dollars, one night, and Daddy calls the shots, sweetheart. Do we understand each other?"

"Damn." Ryan sighed, his temper bubbling over even as his expression melted into a sad smile. He hated that their evening was going to end this soon. "And things were going so well." He lifted his leg, reaching down into his boot and then wrapping his fingers around the handle of his knife. "Here's my counteroffer."

"Oh, this should be good?—"

Ryan brought his arm up in one fluid motion, burying his knife in Ormenus's chest. He had aimed right for his heart, and he sneered as blood poured from the wound. "I don't call anybody Daddy."

Ormenus gasped, coughed up blood, and groaned as he collapsed to the floor. He seemed confused, his eyes bugging out as he clawed at the gushing wound. Blood poured out in thick pulses until the life left his eyes and he went limp.

Ryan watched the pool of blood spread across the floor to a plush rug, and he sighed. He picked up his coat to get it out of the way, dropping it on a little table beside the door. He looked back at Ormenus and shook his head. "Sorry. I really was looking forward to having some fun with you."

He felt better, but not by much.

Usually he fucked his victims before he killed them.

Oh well.

He'd find some other way to deal with the pain, but not tonight.

He had to get out of here.

Ryan kneeled to retrieve his knife. He wiped the blade off on Ormenus's jacket and then checked his pockets. There was no cash in his wallet, but Ryan did find the keys to the Aston though. That was something at least.

Ormenus's blank eyes were staring at the ceiling, and Ryan frowned.

What a waste.

Ryan bowed his head to press a soft kiss to Ormenus's lips before rising to his feet. He ignored the alien feeling of guilt and reminded himself of his priorities. If Ormenus had really intended to pay him ten grand in cash, it had to be around here somewhere.

He searched the downstairs room by room, opening cabinets and checking behind paintings. He looked in drawers, vases, and even inside the trash can. There wasn't even a mug of loose change to be found.

"Come on!" Ryan growled in frustration. "Where is it?"

One of the vases he'd just checked suddenly fell off its shelf and shattered.

Ryan jumped.

He didn't do that.

He looked around, the hair standing up on the back of his neck.

It could be that he hadn't set the vase back far enough on the shelf. That was probably it. Nothing more. He scanned the room for a cat or some other type of creature, and still he found nothing.

He hadn't checked upstairs, but he needed to go.

Fuck it.

He had the car, and that was definitely worth more than ten grand if he could find someone willing to take such a hot set of wheels off his hands. He hurried to the front door, clutching the keys. He paused to grab his coat from the table and spared one last farewell smile to Ormenus's corpse.

"Bye, Ormenus," he muttered as he slid his coat on. "See ya in the next life."

He opened the front door, but before he could open it fully, it pulled right out of his hand and slammed shut. "Hey!" He grabbed the doorknob and tried to open it again, but the knob wouldn't even turn. "What the fuck?"

Something was wrong.

Something was very fucking wrong.

Ryan held his knife in one hand and the keys in the other, his eyes searching the room.

There was no one else here except Ormenus, and he was dead.

Ryan hurried to the nearest window, but that wouldn't budge either.

"Fuck this." Ryan stashed his knife so he could grab a chair. He hurled it at the window, but it bounced off and the glass remained intact. "What the fucking fuck?"

One by one, all the shutters on every window slammed shut, the sound of locks clicking echoed all around him, and the lights went out.

"Oh fuck no." Ryan's heart thudded with dread, and he got his knife out again. His breath was coming in and out in shaking gasps, and he retreated until his back hit the door. There was a scream rising in his throat that he struggled to keep from escaping. He had no idea what was going on, and he gasped when a single candle on the wall suddenly lit all by itself.

Shit, shit, shit.

What was going on?

Ryan struggled to get his eyes to adjust, and his heart stopped when he saw movement.

It was Ormenus.

Ormenus grunted as he stood, very much alive and stretching his arms over his head as if he had just woken up from a nap. He dusted himself off, and the bloody mess vanished away in seconds. There wasn't even a hole left in his sweater, and he smiled sweetly over at Ryan, his eyes glowing bright red. "Perhaps I came on a bit strong with the whole Daddy thing…"