Delicate Surrender (Club Temptation)

“Gideon,” I hear Oliver’s voice come through the line, and I sigh a breath of relief.

“I need your advice,” I speak before he can ask how I am because I’m not fine, not at all.

“Okay.” I can hear the amusement in his tone, and I lean back in my chair, watching the doorway where on the other side is a pretty little girl who’s got my head in the fucking clouds.

“The girl from last night.”

“Yes?” Amusement drips from the word.

“She’s in my office,” I tell him. “My new client, Clover Brassington.”

A sigh comes across the line, before he says, “Shit.”

Perhaps it’s the frustration that’s got my muscles in knots, but an ache starts low in my neck, and it travels to my head. I can feel a headache starting to attack.

“Keep it professional in the office then see if she’s willing to explore privately.” His advice calms me somewhat. “If she’s not able to separate the two, then perhaps it’s best to see if one of your partners can work with her.”

Sighing, I run my fingers through my hair, tugging hard. “I suppose that’s an option.”

“You want to date her or just fuck her?”

Closing my eyes, I try to figure out how to answer him. “Well…”

“What happened last night, Gideon?”

Rising from my chair, I head over to the window. Focusing on the buildings outside, I recall some of what happened. “After you left, I fucked her.”

“So, you’ve already taken a taste of the forbidden fruit.”

“Pretty much, yeah.”

Oliver sighs on the other end of the line. “Do you like her? I mean, if you feel you could explore further with her, I don’t see the problem. Like I said, it’s up to her.”

“What if something goes wrong?” The concern is clear in my tone. Normally, it wouldn’t bother me, but I couldn’t get her off my mind since last night, then when she walked in here, my body responded in ways I’ve never experienced.

“Why don’t you take her out for dinner? If you feel as if she could cause any problems professionally, then you can put it down as a work dinner,” Oliver speaks, a voice of reason that sets my worry at ease, but only so much. Deep down, there’s still concern that’s got a hold of me.

“You’re right. As always.”

“Sit down and talk to her. Set out the rules, just like you did with past submissives. If she can honestly tell you it’s not a problem, then you move forward. If need be, get a contract signed.”

“Yes, you’re right. I panicked.”

“Clearly. Listen, I have a meeting. Let me know how it goes.”

“I will, thanks.” I turn to face the door, and I’m shocked speechless when my gaze lands on the person standing on the threshold. “I have to go too.” Hanging up, I quickly set my phone on the desk and settle behind it.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude.”

“No, please, not at all. Come in and sit, we can talk.” I gesture toward the chair as I invite Clover into the space that has always been my sanctuary.

She shuts the door, inadvertently locking us all alone in a confined space where there are so many implements I want to use on her, I’m briefly distracted picturing her bent over, hands flat on the office windows as I spank her ass.

“What did you want to talk about?” she asks innocently, far too fucking innocently.

I’m so fucked.

Chapter 6

Clover

He doesn’t move.

His alluring gaze is locked on me. His hands are on the desk with his fingers twined together. He looks every bit the Dominant sitting in the large office chair as he regards me.

Being in his office, I feel less nervous than I did last night. But another emotion is slowly ebbing through me—desire. When those talented fingers touched me last night, I submitted to the pleasure, and I don’t think I’d ever felt like that before.

No. I’m certain I haven’t.

“Last night was… I mean, I didn’t know who you were,” I finally find my voice as I respond. “The dinner you wanted to have, if that’s something that you think is a bad idea, I’ll understand. This is all just a little strange. I mean, I don’t know what your thoughts—”

“Clover,” Gideon speaks, breaking through my rambling. “I’d like to take you out to dinner, but… This will have to be a professional dinner, rather than a date.”

His words have my heart sinking to my stomach. But then again, I didn’t expect him to want to start a relationship with a client he’s working with. Last night was a fluke. It wasn’t meant to happen, but at least I have the memory of him, of his touch, and how he made me feel.

“That’s fine. I look forward to it,” I tell him trying not to sound too disappointed. “Shall we get started in the studio?” I ask, hoping we can forget all that’s happened and get my voice ready for recording. The sooner I can get away from Gideon Hale, the better.