The Dom Prize (The Dominants (5 page)

When he pulled back, his face was closed, almost annoyed. He unbound me quickly and efficiently even going as far as looping the belt back around my waist. It was tighter than before.

I glanced down; relieved the material was not wrinkled. Finger-combing my hair back into place, I studied him from the corner of my eye. He served us both a glass of champagne. Afterward, there was just silence. I wondered what had happened and started to get pissed but thought better about pushing him. He was obviously having issues with what had just occurred and I didn’t get all dressed up in his freaking red dress to not have a pleasant time wherever the hell we were going. So, I slid over to the far side of the couch-like seating and absorbed the incredible views that sped by.

* * *

Thirty agonizing minutes later, we pulled into an enormous mansion nestled in a winter wonderland. A small army surrounded the limo, helping us out, ushering us in and taking our coats. The place was spectacular, all modern lines and huge windows adorned with large red and white wreathes. JP kept his distance except for the light touch of warm fingers to my lower back. I walked a little faster. No sense in him feeling committed to showing some kind of ownership in his present mood. Veering off to the left, I reached the sprawling bar set up against the wall of the ballroom. The bartender returned my radiant smile. I could feel daggers in my back from the furious looks my date was giving me. Not giving a shit, I took a seat and made myself comfortable. Taking a quick sip of my screwdriver, I turned and felt as if someone had punched me in the gut. JP stood across the room, a dazzling redhead climbing all over him. Lecherous hussy. I marched my happy ass right over and smiled at the pair of them.

“Gia, let me introduce one of the ladies of the house, Sara Remington.”

I watched the flicker of annoyance cross her eyes before she raised her hand. Freaking please? Lady?

“Pleased to meet you, Gia.”

“Likewise,” I mumbled, placing my hand in hers.

The woman was like a cold piece of fish all proper and stuffy. I stiffened at the sound of a high-pitched screech approaching from behind.

“JP, as I live and breathe! It’s been a long time. Oh and don’t you two look great together. Just like old times.” Her joyous monologue came to a screeching halt when she got a load of me.

Just like old times?

Was I at his fucking ex-girlfriend’s house?

“Gilda,” he said with annoyance.

Obviously, Ms. Happy Pants had spouted some unwanted details.

“Excuse me.” I walked off, leaving him and his “women” to handle.

This place was huge but I knew there had to be a powder room in one of these corners. Bingo. The first thing I did was pull the red feather out of my hair and toss in the garbage. So much for memories. He didn’t seem to take them as seriously as I did. What the hell was wrong with me anyway? This was a seven-day arrangement and then I would be gone and our lives would get back to normal. I should be having fun and not giving a shit that he was out there with Sharon or whatever her name was. The red dress was coming off the minute I got back. As a matter of fact, I wanted to rip the shit off now but prancing around buck-naked wouldn’t be a good thing. So instead, I smoothed it down and lifted my chin. I cursed, realizing my drink had stayed at the bar. Rushing out I slammed right into a very nice chest. Looking up I saw a pair of dazzling blue eyes grinning at me.

“Well hello.”

“Hi,” I croaked. “Sorry for being such a klutz.”

He smiled at me this time with a lot of teeth.

“I’m Keith Remington.”

Ah oh…as in owner of said house and items within.

“Are you related to...?”

“Sara is my sister. My parents own this place. I moved out as soon as I could walk.”

I laughed. Not only was he handsome but with a great sense of humor. Go figure.

“Let me buy you a drink?”

I looked over his shoulder and the furious glare scorching a trail back to JP made my decision. Hooking my arm with his, I let him lead me over to the bar.

Much later I would realize this was a very bad idea. For now, I was going to enjoy his attention. Obviously, JP had others to entertain. Sara was like a leech on his arm.

Drink in hand, I settled in and watched Keith take the chair beside me. The satin belt pressed tightly against my stomach and a flash of what had happened in the limo sped through my mind, making me grit my teeth to keep from moaning. This was a recipe for all kinds of trouble.

He spoke about his family business and how they hosted this party every year. Then his voice became a buzz in my head and I glanced over to see JP talking to a group of men. He consistently glanced over and I would pretend to be seriously engrossed in Keith’s one-sided conversation.

The orchestra began to play and I found myself being led out onto the dance floor. I wasn’t in Keith’s arms for ten seconds before JP interrupted. Keith mumbled something and JP smiled tightly, pressing my body tightly to his.

“Just what the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

I batted my eyelashes giving him a bewildered expression. His turned murderous. Would he roar if I laughed? Probably.

“It’s called dancing. Kinda like what we’re doing right now.”

His arm became a vise around my waist. “Don’t pretend not to know. You’re trying to piss me off.”

I came close. My lips only inches away. I was dying to kiss him.

“Looks like it’s working.” I whispered.

Grabbing my hand, he dragged me across the dance floor and into a private alcove.

Whirling on me, he clasped his hands around my neck, not in a chokehold but more of a possessive one. “You will not flaunt yourself to another man while I can still taste you on my tongue.”

My knees grew weak. What man says things like this to a woman? The kind that wrenches your soul and makes you want to place your beating heart in his hands? I looked down because my eyes were pools of hope I didn’t want him to see.

“James, Darling. I’ve been neglectful.”

I watched as the beautiful older woman hugged him. This wasn’t hypocrisy but a true measure of affection. For the first time I saw him smile with sincerity. His hand came to her shoulder and he turned toward me.

James
?

“Gia, this is Andrea Remington. She is our host and a great friend.”

I smiled. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Remington.”

She took my hand and pulled me into a warm hug. I wasn’t sure if she realized I was JP’s supposed date. If her daughter previously dated him wouldn’t that be awkward?

“Now James, you are as much a host as I. Why don’t you give yourself some credit?”

He shook his head. “Would you ladies like something to drink?” His eyes flashed when he glanced my way and I knew I wasn’t out of the woods yet.

We placed our orders and watched as he strode away, getting stopped for a chat on his way to the bar.

“I always knew my Sara wouldn’t be able to handle a man like him,” Andrea said, her gaze following JP.

I was glad she wasn’t looking at me because my eyes surely bugged out of my head.

“Excuse me?”

She looked me straight in the eye. “James is a very strong man. Not many women could handle him. Unfortunately my daughter is spoiled and naïve; her father can take the credit for that. I, on the other hand, would have raised her differently.”

She glanced away briefly as if reminiscing on past events.

“Did you know this is the first time James has brought a guest?”

Now I was stunned. A man like him could have any woman he wanted and to attend this type of function alone simply didn’t make sense.

“I wasn’t aware, no.”

She smiled the “all-knowing” smile.

“He is very different with you.”

“Have you known him for long?” I asked, desperately wanting to know more about him and divert the attention from me. Already, my feelings were slipping down into dangerous territory and I couldn’t fathom how. It had barely been a few days. And what did I know? He was wealthy and arrogant. I purposefully left out the “fantastic lover” part.

“James wasn’t your typical boy. He was precocious and well ahead of his years. He had to be.” She grew serious.

“His father was a bastard.” She whispered under her breath. She clasped her hands nervously and watched JP approach.

“There, I’ve gone and said too much, dear.”

She patted my hand and I wanted to scream. She couldn’t possibly leave me with that bomb…

“Here we are.”

JP handed us our drinks and took a sip of his wine.

“Well, Darlings. I must make the expected rounds, else the guests will think me a snob.”

Andrea kissed JP right on the mouth then pecked my cheek and winked. Without breaking eye contact she said, “James, I do think this one is a keeper.” Then she turned and got lost in the crowd.

I needed to change the subject, fast. “Nice lady. What did she mean about you being a host too? Don’t tell me you own half of this place or something?” I asked, knowing he would probably skirt the questions.

“We host this event yearly to raise money for cancer and she took me in when my father kicked me out,” he answered bluntly.

JP wasn’t the hard shell exterior he portrayed. At this moment I saw a young lonely boy under the thumb of a ruthless parent. And what about his mother in all of this? Did I dare ask him?

“Where was your mother?” I knew this could destroy the current conversation. The harsh look in his eyes softened and I wanted to hug him.

“She died of cancer when I was twelve.”

My heart cracked a little at the devastation that came over his features. A part of him still mourned her. A child never stopped grieving for a parent, especially at such a young, tender age. He had lost his mother at the most crucial time for a young boy, at the cusp of young adulthood. Instead, he’d been left in the care of what seemed a bad example.

I knew this first hand. My father had passed when I was a teenager and he had been the light in my life, always defending me when my mother was having one of her bitch moments.

“I am sorry you lost her so young.”

He looked away, pushing his hands deep into his pockets. “So am I.”

We mingled for a while longer but our time was strained. Digging up memories had seemed to take JP out of his element and into a dark place. He was distant and pensive during most of our conversations, even with others. After an hour, he called for our ride and we said our goodbyes.

I really did like Andrea. She was charming and had an honest blunt way about her I both admired and respected. I could see why JP adored her.

“Please come back for a visit, Gia. My home is open to you always.”

I thanked her and let JP lead me to the limo. I winced as I sat where just hours ago we had made love or was that just a fuck for him? Probably. I was beginning to think this situation was getting too intense for me. What was supposed to be a few days of fun and forget was turning into something deeper and my control was slipping away. I sat quietly, his thigh burning against mine. The space, although large, seemed confined with unspoken words. We rode like this for at least the first fifteen minutes before his hand came to rest on my thigh.

“What happened to the feather?”

He surprised the crap out of me. I thought he hadn’t even noticed it was gone.

“I tossed it when I saw that leech sucking your blood.”

He grinned and I was breathless. We stared at each other for a while then his lips descended over mine. I was stunned immobile. This was our first kiss. I should be all over it but I found myself unable to reciprocate. He lifted his head and dipped down again, changing the angle, one hand cupping the back of my neck under my hair. His skin against mine was warm, sending a sizzle of anticipation down my spine.

My lips began to move, slowly at first, then with a desperation I didn’t know existed within me. He coaxed me to open and I did, letting the velvet brush of his tongue stroke my own. We kissed forever, making up for all the times we hadn’t. Quick nips then ravenous pulls and strokes. He sucked my lower lip then bit down softly licking the area. I ran my tongue along the corner of his mouth, knowing I could devour him right then. We made out like teenagers at the movies and nothing more.

DAY 5

1:00 a.m.

By the time we reached the resort, my lips were swollen, his smudged with red lipstick. I ran my thumb across the luscious swell and wiped it away. He bit at my finger and ended up with it in his mouth, sucking and teasing. I didn’t think we would make it to the room but then the driver waited patiently outside the door and we had to get out. The poor man must have been freezing his balls off.

I giggled as we stepped into the warmth of the lobby where a huge fire sparkled from the far wall. It was warm and inviting but up in his room was where I wanted to be. We held hands as the elevator took its sweet time coming down. JP scratched his neck twice. I smiled at his impatience. It made me want to jump up and down. Walking in as the doors slid open I was glad, for the first time, it was occupied. Otherwise, we would have fallen on each other like rabid dogs. His proximity was unbearably close.

I think I heard the choir sing when the doors finally opened to our floor. JP pulled me out quickly before two old ladies could get in our way. I stifled a chuckle when they gave us the evil eye. By the time we reached his door I was almost running. Holy shit. What would happen when we were finally alone?

Well, I got my answer. He picked me up by my ass, urging my legs around his hips then we fell on the bed. His weight was on top of me and I loved it. He kissed me forever, our lips nipping and sucking each other. My hands ran the length of his torso and around to his firm behind. I wanted him naked right this instant. Feeling cheated, I pushed at his shoulders.

“Lose the clothes, Mr. Stone. I have yet to see that fine body,” I whispered.

He pulled back and stripped, allowing my indiscretion. I knew I was pushing it. The room was mostly dark but there was enough light coming in from the huge windows and the small beside lamp to give me a hell of a show. Rising on the bed, I knelt, hands on my knees. I felt totally bad. Biting my lip, I internalized a whimper that would have embarrassed me had it come out. His body was ripped and toned in all the right places. I knew this by touch from our previous sessions. Seeing him reach the button on his dress slacks was making me pant. I bit my lip harder. My nails dug into my thighs. I wanted him in my mouth.