He could only be pleased he'd gotten to her first. Many Castle Dolce Vita doms would want her, but he'd snagged her. His throbbing cock reminded him he'd gotten lucky tonight.
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Chapter Two
Marley—or rather her friends—decided on her attire. She wore skintight jeans, a low-cut black silk halter top, and knee-high black leather boots with four-inch heels. She'd been dressed in everything from skirts to all leather to a bikini top with jeans. But this outfit made her most comfortable. Still sexy, yet casual.
They had all agreed the pact hadn't been made in a drunken state. But Marley still held reservations. Not that the idea didn't appeal to her; it did, especially after the short conversation with Reed. The man had a voice that traveled like liquid heat through her body, and she couldn't deny the tingles that erupted between her thighs at the idea of meeting him, but she was still nervous, really nervous.
Marley had obtained her police check and clear test results. Now the time had come to meet Reed.
After half an hour of palm-sweating, gripping-the-steering-wheel hell, the castle in Bowleys Quarters came into view. The photos online hadn't done the building justice. The castle was stunning, surrounded by evergreens all dusted with snow. She pulled into the parking lot to the right, which was stuffed full of cars, then put the car in park and sat for a while.
You made a promise. Finally realizing that if she stayed any longer, she'd drive away, she undid her seat belt, grabbed her purse—documents included—from the passenger seat, and exited the car. Her heels clicked against the stone path that had been cleared of snow. A thin walkway of sorts led to a big wooden door. She tried to open the door handle, but it didn't budge, so she knocked twice. A small peephole opened, and a blue eye stared back at her.
"Name?” the man behind the eyeball asked.
"Ah...” What have I gotten myself into? “I'm here to see Master Reed.” The term felt awkward: she never thought she'd call anyone Master. “My name is Marley Adams."
The door jiggled, then opened. “You've been authorized to enter.” The man wore black plants with a matching T-shirt that had Castle Dolce Vita written in bold white letters across his chest. All muscles—all business.
The outside of the building was castlelike in appearance, but the inside was the exact opposite. She stood in a large foyer. The ceiling soared thirty feet high above her. Wooden balconies wrapped the foyer, showing off four different floors, all lined with doors leading to who knew where.
The bouncer led her to the back of the castle, gestured for her to enter the restaurant area, then returned to his post at the front door. Marley stepped into the room to find a typical restaurant, simple in design. Rich cream fabric lay over tables with intimate place settings. Candles were spread out around the space, giving a relaxing glow to the atmosphere.
"May I help you find your table?” a soft voice asked.
Marley glanced over her shoulder to see a small woman, twenty-two or so, standing next to her with a beaming smile. “Has Master Reed arrived?"
"Oh yes, he's here and waiting for you. Please follow me."
The server strode by Marley, and she forced her feet to work. She'd never been bold, brave, and she'd certainly never done anything like this before. She passed by the row of tables and noticed the customers were dressed in everything from business attire to sexy clothing, which did include leather outfits. Some couples were talking, some eating, and some staring adoringly at each other.
The server rounded a corner, and Marley spotted Reed sitting at a table against the back wall. He spun a bottle of beer in his hand, not looking at Marley, but when her heel scuffed against the floor because she stumbled and bumped into the waitress, he glanced up. His deep blue eyes swept across her body, which caused heat to rise and spiral straight to her center. Her breath quickened, but as Reed stood, her lungs froze. Broad shoulders led to a wide chest, and with his inviting lips and stylish dirty blond hair, he charmed her.
Then the sexy man spoke. “Marley.” His voice rumbled—it was somewhere between a gravelly tone and a deep growl, one that made her tingle between her thighs.
She managed to find her voice. “Master Reed.” He grinned and nodded. He pulled out her chair and gestured for her to join him. Marley sat, unable to take her gaze off him. The way his mouth turned up so slightly when he smiled didn't make him look soft, but made him appear more confident.
"Would you like to order now, or do you need a
few minutes?” a woman asked.
Marley glanced to the gal beside her, surprised the hostess had left and the waitress had taken her place. She'd been so caught up in Reed all she could do was laugh. “No food for me, thanks. A glass of wine will do just fine."
"No alcohol,” Reed said. “I prefer you not to have any in your system before I take you into a scene."
"Oh, um...a glass of water then."
The waitress glanced at Reed. He shook his head, and the server left to fetch Marley's drink. Reed looked at Marley then, his gaze intent and focused on hers, yet he said nothing.
Was he waiting for her to say something? If so, what was she supposed to say?
Reed's intent was purposeful. He needed to see Marley unraveled. Her reactions to his silence would show him what kind of woman she truly was.
"I'm not sure why you're not saying anything, but I want to go through with this, you know."
He hid his smile. “I suspect you do want to continue with our night, since you're still here.” He'd seen a flash of the strong woman within her, and he planned to draw that part of her out.