Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

JAKE

Anaked woman stood on the main stage strapped to a St. Andrew’s Cross. Her body already showed signs of excitement: flushed skin, stiffened nipples, and the telltale scent of arousal. Jake understood when women wanted to experience something different in the club, but he could never quite wrap his head around allowing another Dom to top your woman, and yet that was exactly what he was doing. The young woman’s husband and Dom was sitting in the audience and had specifically requested that Jake bring her to orgasm. Maybe that was just part of the kink for them, a voyeur/exhibitionist streak in both of them.

With practiced ease, Jake retrieved the violet wand from a nearby table, its sleek design a contrast to the primal desires it would soon ignite. He adjusted the settings, the soft hum of the device filling the air, causing the woman’s breath to quicken. Her nipples, already erect from the anticipation, tightened further as she imagined the sensations to come.

Jake's hand moved to her hip, his touch firm yet gentle, as he positioned her slightly forward, exposing the curve of her lower back and the swell of her buttocks. "You're doing so well," he whispered, his warm breath caressing her ear.

The wand's tip brushed against her shoulder, sending a jolt of electricity through her body. The woman gasped, her eyes closing momentarily as the sensation rippled across her skin. Jake's hand moved to her opposite shoulder, his touch grounding her as the wand's spark danced across her collarbone, leaving a trail of tingling warmth.

"Open your eyes," he commanded softly. "I want you to see what I'm doing to you."

As she obeyed, her gaze locked with his, a silent communication passing between them. The wand moved downward, tracing the valley between her breasts, making her breath catch in her throat. Her nipples, already sensitive, yearned for more as the wand's electricity teased one, bringing it to a painful hardness.

Jake's free hand cupped her breast, his thumb brushing across her nipple, sending a jolt of pleasure through her. "You like that, don't you?" he whispered, his breath hot against her ear. 

The wand teased the other nipple before continuing its descent, gliding over her flat stomach, making her muscles clench in anticipation. He could sense in her—how her skin seemed to hum with life, every nerve alive with a quiet, electric awareness. As the wand reached the top of her thighs, Jake's hand followed, his fingers gently parting her, exposing her glistening folds.

The woman’s breath hitched as the wand's tip hovered over her clit, indicating her anticipation was almost unbearable. Jake's fingers probed between her legs, finding her slick with her arousal, teasing her entrance, circling but not entering, building the expectation further. 

"Please," she whispered, her voice hoarse with need.

"Not yet," he replied, his voice a low growl. "I want you to feel every moment."

The wand's electricity danced over her clit, sending shocks of pleasure through her body. Her hips bucked involuntarily, seeking more contact, but Jake held her in place, his strong hands on her hips. He knew the sensation was exquisite torture, pushing her closer to the edge with each passing moment.

As her moans filled the dungeon, Jake's fingers finally entered her, filling her tight pussy completely. He stroked her slowly and deliberately, matching the rhythm of the wand on her clit. The woman’s body trembled, her muscles clenching around his fingers as she surrendered to the orgasm building within her.

"That's it, let go," Jake whispered, his voice a commanding caress.

The wand's sparks intensified, pushing her over the precipice. The woman cried out, her body convulsing as wave after wave of pleasure washed over her. Her legs trembled and her wrists strained against the restraints as she rode the crest of her orgasm before sagging against the cross.

Jake held her through the storm, his hands supporting her, his breath warm against her neck. As her tremors subsided, he switched off the wand, the sudden silence emphasizing the rapid beat of her pulse.

"That was incredible; thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with satisfaction.

Jake's lips curved into a satisfied smile, his eyes sparkling with pride. "You did well, pet. But I think your husband has reserved one of the private play spaces. I don’t think you’re done for the night."

As he released her from the cross, the woman’s body seemed to still be softly humming with the aftermath of her climax. Jake motioned for her husband to come and get her. As the young man scooped her up in his arms, Jake was sure the wand had simply been a prelude to an unforgettable night for both.

The bass from the music pulsed through Club Southside, the upscale lifestyle club in Chicago that served not only as an exclusive BDSM dungeon but the American headquarters of Cerberus—one of the premiere black ops, intelligence, and security firms in the world. Kingston Coltraine stood near the bar, his eyes scanning the dimly lit room. From his vantage point, he had a clear line of sight to the corner booth where Dr. Lyndsey Marrin sat with his wife, Samantha. King couldn’t decide which he hated more: the crowd pressing in around him or the tension simmering in Lyndsey’s expression as she spoke with Samantha.

She didn’t belong here. The elegant lines of her black dress and her casually styled auburn hair set her apart from the brocades, leather, and sparkles of the club’s female members who were normally attired in some kind of fet wear. Yet even from a distance, her discomfort tugged at him.

King wasn’t here to take part in the Club’s normal business, but in his capacity as the Operations Director for Cerberus. Dr. Marrin wasn’t here for her comfort or pleasure, either. She was here because she was in danger. Real danger. The kind that didn’t go away with a locked door after a few empty threats.

“Is she buying it?” Jake’s deep voice interrupted King’s thoughts as he joined him at the bar.

The men of Cerberus rarely used a lot of words if a few would do, and tonight was no exception. Jake leaned against the bar, his commanding presence blending into the shadows.

“She’s listening,” Jake said, keeping his gaze fixed on Lyndsey. Her arms were crossed tightly over her chest as Samantha leaned in. The conversation was hushed but appeared to be animated. “She trusts Samantha, but I suspect she doesn’t like being told she needs protection.”

King let out a humorless chuckle. “She’s smart. Smarter than most. But that makes her a tougher sell.”

“She’s also scared,” Jake added, his voice lower now. “Even if she won’t admit it.”

King nodded. “That’s where you come in. Keep her safe. Keep her alive.”

Jake’s jaw tightened. He didn’t need the reminder.

A commotion at the booth caught his attention. Lyndsey stood abruptly, her face pale but determined. Samantha reached for her arm, but Lyndsey shook her head. She was leaving.

Jake moved before King said a word, intercepting Lyndsey just as she started to leave.

“Dr. Marrin, I’m Jake Sands,” Jake said, his voice steady. “We need to talk.”

Lyndsey stopped short, her eyes narrowing as they met his. “You’re with Cerberus, aren’t you?” she said flatly. “Samantha warned me you might try to step in.”

“It’s not about stepping in,” Jake replied. “It’s about keeping you safe.”

Her chin tilted up. “I’ve been handling my own safety for years.”

“Handling it isn’t the same as surviving it.”

She crossed her arms again, her gaze piercing. “I don’t need a babysitter, Mr. Sands. I’m perfectly capable of...”

“This isn’t about what you’re capable of,” Jake interrupted, his voice sharp enough to cut through her protest. “It’s about what they’re capable of. Armed men trapped you in your lab. You only managed to get out because you got a message to Samantha, who rightly called us in. And you only reached out because you knew you were out of options. You shouldn’t see that as a fluke. You should see it as a warning.”

Lyndsey flinched, but she didn’t look away. “And you think hiding me away will solve the problem?”

“No,” Jake admitted. “But it gives us time to figure out who’s behind this and why, so we can solve the problem.”

She hesitated, the fight in her eyes warring with the fear she couldn’t quite hide. “Why you?”

Jake’s lips pressed into a thin line. He wanted to tell her it was just a job, just another assignment. But as he stood there, close enough to see the faint freckles across her nose, he knew it wasn’t that simple.

“Because I don’t fail,” he said finally.

She studied him for a moment longer before exhaling, a reluctant surrender in the set of her shoulders. “Fine. But I’m not hiding. And I’m not following orders like some damsel in distress.”

Jake’s mouth twitched in what might have been the ghost of a smile. “Wouldn’t expect anything less.”

Lyndsey made a kind of low growl as she walked past him. Jake couldn’t shake the thought that she might be the most dangerous assignment of his career—and not just because of the people trying to kill her.

She reached and opened the door before he could stop her. The night air was brisk as Lyndsey stepped out of the club, her heels clicking sharply against the pavement. Jake followed a few paces behind, scanning the area and keeping his distance but ready to close it in an instant. Her posture was rigid, her shoulders squared with anger and defiance.

“I don’t need protection,” she snapped over her shoulder without breaking stride.

“You don’t have a choice,” Jake replied evenly. His dark eyes continued to scan the street, his instincts prickling. Something wasn’t right.

Lyndsey spun around to face him, her auburn hair catching in the streetlights. “I’m not some fair maiden you can corral into submission. I’m perfectly capable of handling...”

Something sparked as a soft spitting noise split the air. He doubted anyone in the building would have heard it.

Jake’s body moved before his brain caught up. He lunged, tackling Lyndsey to the ground just as a bullet ricocheted off the lamppost where she’d been standing. She yelped in surprise as he rolled them both behind a parked car, his arm a protective barrier across her back.

“Stay down!” he growled, his voice low but commanding.

Her breath came in short gasps, her face inches from his. “Was that⁠—?”

“Yes.” He scanned their surroundings, his hand already reaching for his weapon. “And they’re not done.”

Another shot rang out, as she peeked over the car, this one sparking off the side mirror. Jake swore under his breath. Whoever it was, they were a professional, their aim far more precise than some hired thug off the street. He pressed closer to Lyndsey, his larger frame shielding her completely.

“Do you have a death wish?” he snapped.

“I didn’t know someone was going to start shooting!” she shot back, her voice trembling with equal parts fear and fury.

“Exactly why you need protection,” Jake countered, his tone clipped. “Stay here.”

Her hand shot out, gripping his arm. “Are you insane? You can’t just run out there!”

Jake hesitated, the intensity in her eyes throwing him off balance for a split second. He shook it off. “It’s my job.”

“Your job doesn’t include getting killed!” she hissed.

He didn’t answer, his focus returning to the street. After a tense pause, he caught the faintest glint of movement from a shadowed rooftop. He raised his gun, took aim and fired two quick shots. His reward was hearing a faint curse echo in the distance as the shooter fled.

Silence fell, save for the sound of Lyndsey’s ragged breathing and several Cerberus operatives spilling out into the night. Jake turned back to her, his jaw tight. “You good?”

She nodded, her face pale but composed. “You saved my life.”

“And I’ll do it again if you let me,” Jake said, his voice softer now.

“Jake?” called King.

“We’re good. One shooter, across the street up on the rooftop. I’m pretty sure I winged him.”

“Got it,” said King directing two of their people to the building across the street to see if they could pick up the trail. He joined Lyndsey and Jake who had gotten to his feet. “Somebody will report the gunshots. Take Dr. Marrin and get back inside.”

“I’m not going back inside,” Lyndsey said pushing herself upright, reluctantly taking Jake’s outstretched hand to help her up before brushing off her dress. “I’ll accept the protection.”

Relief coursed through Jake, though he didn’t let it show. “Good. We’ll move to a secure location...”

“No,” she interrupted, fire returning to her voice. “I’m not going to some bunker or your club. My family has a cottage up in northern Michigan on the shores of Lake Huron. It’s remote, but I have a small lab, and it has the bare amount of internet speed I need. I can work from there.”

Jake opened his mouth to argue but stopped. Her expression left no room for negotiation. “Okay, but we do it my way. I secure the place before you set foot inside.”

“Agreed,” she said, brushing past him toward his car.

By the time they reached the lake, it was past midnight. The air was heavy with the scent of pine, and the soft lap of water against the shore was the only sound. Jake worked quickly, his training kicking in as he set up perimeter alarms and tested the cottage’s locks. Lyndsey unpacked her equipment in the small lab, her focus a wall between them.

Her fear was as thick as the fog starting to form.

Jake stood by the window, his dark gaze fixed on the still waters of the lake. The moon cast a silver glow, highlighting the lines of his face, but his thoughts were far from serene.

He’d protected countless people before—politicians, diplomats, even celebrities. But Lyndsey Marrin was different. She was brilliant, fiery, and maddeningly independent. And against his better judgment, he felt a pull toward her that had nothing to do with duty.

“She’s just another assignment,” he muttered to himself, though the words rang hollow.

Because she wasn’t. Every glance, every word, every moment they shared was a reminder of how dangerous this mission really was—and not just because of the bullets. Jake vowed to himself to keep her safe, no matter the cost. Even if it meant protecting her from himself.