Surrender to Me (10 page)

Martin ended the call and slipped the phone back into his pocket.

“Problems, Master M?” She didn’t want to pry, but she wanted to know what the call was about.

“Not really.” He walked back to where she sat, pulling her from the chair as he sat on the edge of the desk. “Where were we?” He positioned her between his legs.

“I was working on your new acquisition. You were distracted and came to bother me.”

“Really? That’s not the way I remember it.”

“What did Alex want?”

“So direct, counselor.”

“Get used to it.”

His gazed turned dark as his jaw tightened. Had Ari crossed the line? After a few moments, the muscles in his faced relaxed and he let out the breath he held.

“I’m not used to being cross-examined by anyone. I would never allow a sub to ask me about my affairs.”

“Then just tell me it isn’t my business.” She felt offended but she had no right to ask him to discuss that side of his business with her. He was a private man who had a certain way of life before he met her. How could she expect him to change everything in a matter of days?

“You don’t understand.” He traced gentle circles along her wrist. “I want you to ask me questions. It’s just going to take me some time to adjust.”

“But if I’m too direct, you can tell me to back off.”

“A new submissive came in looking for some help. She wants to be matched immediately, but I can’t do that if I don’t know her needs. A young, eager submissive could get herself into trouble if she isn’t careful.”

Martin stopped and stared passed Ari’s shoulder. He looked as if he was lost in a distant memory. Ari wondered if it had to do with Gracie. He had said she was young and naïve. He felt the need to train her himself. Would this new girl require the same attention? Ari didn’t want to be insecure. Martin wasn’t Josh. He wouldn’t do that to her. She had to believe in him or whatever was developing between them would end before it really got started.

“I need to meet with her,” he finally spoke. “I need to know what her expectations are. No one gets hurt or abused under my watch.”

“You can’t protect everyone.” She ran her hand along his jaw. “You said it was consensual. These people know what they’re agreeing to.”

“Not always.” He shook his head. “There are too many cruel people out there. If a person comes into my club and asks to be matched up it’s because they know it’s what I do. They trust me to make it safe for them. I’ve seen too many horrible things. I’ve been at this lifestyle for a long time.”

“How do you deal with the pressure? How can you keep tabs on all of them?”

“That’s my job. I started the club as a support system for both Doms and subs. I have to take care of the people who trust me. All of them.”

In that moment, Ari realized the strain Martin put himself under. He would accept responsibility for anything that happened both inside and outside of his club. He genuinely cared about each and every one of those people. He was more than a matchmaker. He was a confident, friend, and mentor.

“Who takes care of you?”

He took her hand and brought it to his lips. “I’m hoping you will.”

“You want me to take care of you?” The tough Dom’s admission took her by surprise.

He shrugged and she detected a hint of vulnerability cracking through that hard exterior of his. Martin had a soft side. He was just a man. One who needed to be loved and cared for.

“I can do that.” She leaned up and kissed him. “I want to do that.”

“I want to put my palm against that soft, creamy ass of yours unless you’re ready to admit you’ve been thinking about me all afternoon?”

Her phone vibrated on his desk.

“Don’t you even think about it.” He tried to block her from reaching for it.

“I don’t think so, Mr. Abrams.” She ducked under his arm and grabbed her phone. “I have a job to do. That’s what you pay me for.”

“I’m definitely going smack that ass until it’s rosy and warm.”

“Shh.” She felt the heat spreading across her face and down her neck. “Behave while I’m on the phone.”

“I make no such promises.”

She laughed as she answered the call. “Arianna Covington.”

Martin held his hand up and pointed to his palm.

“Hello.” She swatted him away. How could she concentrate with him acting all sexy?

“Ms. Covington, this is Nicolas from Franklin Reality. I just wanted to let you know your client won the bid on the Stratford Building. We just need you to come in and finalize the paperwork.”

“That’s wonderful. Mr. Abrams and I can meet with you tomorrow afternoon.”

Meet with who?
Martin mouthed.

“We’ll see you in the Manhattan office around two,” Nicholas said.

“Thank you for all of your help.” Ari smiled at Martin. “See you tomorrow.” She placed her phone on the desk. “I don’t think you’re going to want to spank me anymore.”

“That’s disappointing.” He pulled her to him. “Where are we going tomorrow?”

“Back to New York. You’re now the proud owner of the Stratford Building.”

“You secured the sale that quickly?”

“You’re surprised.” She smirked. “I told you I’m good at what I do.”

“That you are.” He kissed her as he lifted her to rest on the desk. “Maybe a reward is in order.”

“What kind of reward?” She wrapped her legs around his waist, his erection pressing against her stomach.

“One I think you’ll enjoy.” Popping the button open on her jeans, he trailed his fingers inside her panties. “What were you thinking about when I walked in the room, kitten?”

“You’re relentless.”

“I can be torturously slow too.” He swiped his finger over her slit. “Drawing out your pleasure for hours before letting you come.”

Her stomach muscles tightened. “Martin…”

“I told you I could find more creative ways to punish you.”

“You wouldn’t,” she whispered.

“Hmm…” He leaned forward, halting his movements between her legs. “Have something you’d like to confess?”

“I think about you constantly.” She breathed out, hoping he’d resume what he’d started.

“What else?” He bit down on her bottom lip, causing her to cry out.

“Whatever you do to me the night before stays with me the next day. I see images of us every time I close my eyes. I’ve been sore since the first night you took me.” She might as well get it all out. He wouldn’t let it go until she did. “I’m in a state of arousal from the time I open my eyes in the morning until you help me relieve it. You’re the only one who can ease that ache between my legs.”

“Fuck.” He attacked her mouth as he pushed his fingers inside her pussy. “You amaze me.”

“Can I have that reward now?”

“Over and over again.”

Chapter 10

Martin pulled Ari into the elevator, smiling at the shocked look on Cal’s face. Ari giggled as she stumbled forward and smacked into Martin’s chest.

“Cal looked surprised,” she said.

“Hmm.” Pulling her into his arms, he kissed her forehead. “He’s not used to seeing me so carefree, I guess.”

“Really? What has you so cheerful?”

“My attorney.” He kissed her. “I can’t believe how you negotiated that price on the building. I never thought you’d get it for such a steal.”

“Isn’t that why you keep me around, Mr. Abrams?” She shot him a coy smile.

“Among other reasons.” He grabbed her forearms and pulled her to his mouth, kissing her hard just as the elevator doors opened.

“Now I see why she was off-limits.” Nico stood in the foyer of the club staring at them.

Martin released Arianna and led her out of the elevator, stepping in front of her. “Nico, how are you?”

“I’m well,” he said. “Ms. Covington.” He nodded at Arianna. “How are you?”

“I’m—”

Martin cut her off before she could finish her answer. “She’s fine.”

“I’m sorry.” Nico looked amused. “I didn’t realize it was that type of relationship.”

“I’m his attorney.” Arianna tried to let go of Martin’s hand but he held it tighter.

Martin looked over his shoulder and glared at her. Perhaps they should have discussed the rules before they entered the club. Arianna may not be a trained sub, but she was his and Nico shouldn’t be testing him.

“What brings you here this afternoon?” Martin asked. “You’re usually a weekender.”

“I heard there was a new prospect.”

Martin tightened his grip on Arianna’s hand when Nico let his gaze linger on her longer that Martin preferred.

“Alex said you needed to evaluate the situation before she could consider a Dom.”

“I’m meeting with her today. I don’t know what her needs are at the moment.”

“I’m sure you’ll find out. First Gracie and now your attorney. Will the new sub be next?”

“Last time I checked, this was still my club and I run it as I see fit.” Martin released his hold on Arianna. “I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t monitor my affairs.”

“I meant no disrespect,” Nico said. “I just wanted to let you know I might be interested in the new girl.”

“I’ll let you know if she’s available.”

“Thank you,” he said. “I’m getting tired of weekend play, and I’d like a more permanent situation.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Martin led Arianna into the club. “I’ll be in contact in a few days.”

Nico stepped onto the elevator as Arianna pulled away from Martin and headed toward his office. He followed behind her. “Arianna, stop.”

She ignored his request and continued down the hall.

Don’t challenge me now.

“I said stop.” He took her arm, turning her to face him.

“Let go of me.” She stared down at the hold he had on her.

“I know you didn’t like what happened with Nico, but—”

“I said let go of me.”

Martin released her arm and sighed. “How can I make you understand?”

“Tell me what happened back there? Why did you speak for me?”

“Because in this club you belong to me and Nico needed to understand that.”

“I don’t belong to you.” She shook her head. “Not like the others did. I’m not like them. I’m my own person.”

“I know, but in here there are certain rules that have to be followed. People expect things from me. If I don’t set a standard with you now there could be problems later.”

“I’m not a possession.”

“In here you are.” Public displays of submission would not come easily for her. He was aware it might be a hard limit for her. “If you want to come into this club with me then the other Doms have to know who you belong to.”

“I didn’t agree to that. You’ll need to find another way to make them see what I am to you.” She held her head high and stood her ground. Two hours ago, he found her tough attorney exterior sexy, but now it irritated him.

“Martin.” Alex approached them. “I have Nadia in your office.”

“I’ll meet with her now.” He needed to put some distance between he and Arianna before he said something he’d regret later. The uniqueness of their relationship was foreign to him. He’d seen it between others, and even helped Cade and Gracie figure things out, but he never saw himself in a long-term relationship. “Give me a minute.”

Alex nodded and then headed down the hall.

“We’re not done.” Martin stroked her cheek. “We’re learning, remember? I didn’t see you coming.”

“I know,” she whispered. “I may have over reacted.”

“We’ll figure it out.” He looked in the direction of the bar. “Hunter is over there. I want you to go sit with him. He is the only Dom you can speak to in this club when I’m not around.”

She rolled her eyes.

“This isn’t about me controlling you. This is about your safety. You don’t have any idea how my life works. If you want me to teach you, you’ll obey me.”

“I’ll go have a drink with my cousin,” she said, “while you go play with the new sub.”

“Do you think that’s what I’m going to do?” He couldn’t suppress the anger in his voice. “After what we shared this past week?”

She shook her head, softening her tone for the first time since stepping off the elevator. “Of course not. Go do what you have to do. I’ll wait with Hunter.”

“Thank you.” He kissed her cheek. “We’ll talk when I’m through.”

* * * *

Ari watched as Martin walked down the hall and to his office. He wasn’t pleased with her. She saw it in his eyes. They had been sheltered from the outside world in Connecticut. She felt free to play his games, let go, and learn to be his sub inside his home. She could let go there, but here in New York, at
Master M’s
everything was too real. As she looked around at the people in the club she realized this was their life. This was Martin’s life. Could it ever be hers? Did she want it to be hers?

“Hey,” Hunter said as he came toward her. “Come sit at the bar with me.”

“Are you always here?” Ari walked with him.

“In a mood today?” He sat on a stool, pulling one out for her. “Connecticut didn’t agree with you?”

“Sorry.” She sat down next to him, placing her bag on the bar. “Why do you come here?”

“It’s my escape. I have friends here. People who I can relate to.” He sipped his beer. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m Martin’s attorney. You got me the job.”

“Nice try, cousin.” He pushed the empty bottle away from him. “I saw you get off the elevator with him. You’re a little more than his attorney. What happened in Connecticut?”

“I don’t know, but I’d like a pomegranate martini.”

Hunter looked at his watch. “A little early for you, isn’t it?” He motioned for the bartender.

“I need a drink.”

“I’ll take another.” He pointed to his beer when the bartender approached them. “The lady would like a pomegranate martini.”

“He brought me into his playroom.” Maybe Hunter could help her understand what she had agreed to.

“What?” Hunter turned to face her. “Why?”

“I asked him to.” Ari smiled when the bartender placed her drink in front of her. “I wanted him to show me.” She gulped her drink, trying to find the courage to tell her cousin what she’d been doing with her client.

“The room?”

“Everything,” she said. “I let him dominant me.”

Hunter took a long pull from his bottle before placing it on the bar.