Sweet Perfection

SWEET PERFECTION

Melinda Barron

® www.loose-id.com

Warning This e-book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language and may be considered offensive to some readers. Loose Id® e-books are for sale to adults ONLY, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

***** This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable.

Sweet Perfection Melinda Barron This e-book is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Published by Loose Id LLC 1802 N Carson Street, Suite 212-2924 Carson City NV 89701-1215 www.loose-id.com

Copyright © September 2007 by Melinda Barron All rights reserved. This copy is intended for the purchaser of this e-book ONLY. No part of this e-book may be reproduced or shared in any form, including, but not limited to printing, photocopying, faxing, or emailing without prior written permission from Loose Id LLC.

ISBN 978-1-59632-542-5 Available in Adobe PDF, HTML, MobiPocket, and MS Reader

Printed in the United States of America

Editor: Maryam Salim Cover Artist: April Martinez

Author’s Note: Remember, readers, that BDSM is fun and challenging but takes a great deal of thinking and trust to do it right. Keep it safe, sane, and consensual. Special thanks to my editor, Maryam, who put up with the multitude of computer problems I had while writing this story and always kept a cyber smile on her face while I was freaking out. Thanks also to Maura, for her input and willingness to read, and read, and re-read the same thing. –MB

Chapter One

Eric rounded the corner of Brownlee’s and stopped dead in his tracks. Lucy lay on the ground, Rodney Black kneeling over her, his hands wrapped around her throat. His angry words reached Eric’s ears. “I’m going to make this one last. Maybe, if there’s justice, your bastard uncle’s watching and will feel the pain, too.” Eric watched as if the world was going in slow motion. He screamed out a warning, letting Baker know he was a police officer. He watched as Lucy fought back, finally grabbing a handful of dirt and throwing it in her attacker’s face. Eric warned him to get down. Baker ignored the warning, and then, as if watching the event unfold from somewhere nearby, Eric heard the gunshots, watched Baker’s body fall. Seconds later, Baker sat up, blood dripping from his chest. He ran his hands over the wounds and sighed. “Shit, man, you shot me. You killed me.” Eric’s chest heaved, his chest heaving. The palms of his hands started to sweat and his throat dried up. “I, oh my God, I did. I…” “You son of a bitch. I can’t believe you did this to me.” Baker climbed to his feet with his hands on his hips, shaking his head.

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“Don’t you fucking blame this on me. You were gonna kill Lucy. You already killed Craig, and your boss. You brought this on yourself.” “Bullshit. You didn’t give me a chance. I just wanted to scare the bitch. You fucking killed me.” “Don’t pull that shit on me. You can’t blame this on me. It wasn’t my fault. It wasn’t my fault. It wasn’t…”

Eric Neal sat up, his gaze drifting around the room. Sunlight drifted in through a crack in the blinds and he shook his head to clear his thoughts. He took several deep breaths to calm his breathing and wiped sweat away from his forehead. Two months. Two fucking months and he was still having nightmares featuring that damned prick. Every time it happened, the dream was the same. Eric shot him, in defense of Lucy, and then Baker got up and let him have it. It was the talking that bothered Eric the most. If Baker got up from the dead and went on a killing rampage, Eric could deal with what happened easier. Instead, he got up and blamed Eric. He sounded sad. He sounded frightened. He sounded alone. Eric always expected demons to come from the ground and pull him down. After all, the man was a cold-blooded killer. But they didn’t. He always just stood and stared at Eric with those fearful eyes. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and stared at the clock. It was after seven. He needed to get up and shower. Get ready for work. Yet he sat on the bed, running his hands through his short blond hair.

Maybe I should see if I can transfer to Narc. I could go undercover, grow my hair out. Of course, there was still the chance of a shooting. He shook his head. The words of the shrink he’d had to see after the “incident” floated back through his mind.

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“Most officers don’t ever have to draw their guns. There were approximately six hundred fatal officer-involved shootings last year. Almost one hundred and forty officers died in the line of duty. I’ve looked at your report and talked to witnesses. You did the right thing. You saved a woman’s life from a known killer; the man who had killed her uncle.”

Yes, I did. But then how come that bastard keeps coming into my dreams? How come I’m now questioning every decision I make? How come my job is faltering and my sex life is now null and void? Eric stood and walked to the bathroom. He relieved himself and then stood in front of the mirror and stared at his reflection. He’d lost weight, almost ten pounds. On his six-footfour frame, ten pounds from two hundred made him a little too skinny. He needed to bulk up. He looked down at his cock. Usually, it was ready for action at any time of the night or day. Today, though, as it always did after one of the dream nights, it lay limp between his legs. He should go to Tygers tonight, find some nice, sweet, willing submissive and make her come, and come, and come. That would provide some relief for him. He loved to watch a submissive in the throes of orgasm, loved to be the one providing that orgasm to her. But he hadn’t been to Tygers in almost a month. And he’d turned down Lake’s offer to come and play with him and Lucy at their house. He was scheduled to have lunch with the couple today, though. He was sure they would offer again, and maybe this time he needed to say yes. Maybe that would help push Rodney Baker from his brain, from his dreams. He showered quickly and dressed in slacks and a button-down shirt, making sure his tie was perfect. His work performance had been less than stellar lately. He’d been late for meetings, and had missed some altogether. And his mind had wandered while he’d been on cases. He needed to get back on track before his boss decided to bust him from detective back to patrol.

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The I-40 traffic wasn’t too bad, and the Sandia Mountains looked fresh and inviting in the early October morning. Maybe he should take the weekend off, go hiking up in the mountains, maybe pitch a tent in a far off place, and try to get his mind back on track. The Orionids Meteor Showers were scheduled to start in a few days, and stop at the end of October. He could go then, sit up half the night, and watch the meteors shoot past the earth. Ponder the meaning of life…ponder whether or not he was on the right track. The shooting had brought one major thing into focus in his mind: Life was short. You needed to live everyday as if it were your last, because you never know when it might be just that. Instead, for two months he’d been wallowing in self-pity. He needed to get over that. He just couldn’t figure out how. He exited the highway and crossed into town, parked in the station lot, and glanced at his watch. “Fuck a damn duck. I’m late again.” He rushed in to catch the end of the briefing, getting a baleful look from the captain. Eric knew they’d been more than lenient with him. He’d been on administrative leave right after the shooting and during the investigation. But once cleared, he’d come back to work. Physically, that was. Mentally, he felt like he was still out to lunch. When the meeting was over, Captain Ortiz jerked his head toward his office and Eric nodded. Once they were behind the closed door, the captain sat, and cocked his head at Eric. “Alarm clock broken?” “No, sir.” “Traffic backed up on the forty?” “No, sir.” “Long line at the doughnut shop?” Eric shook his head. “I know I’m late.”

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“For the second day in a row. Last week it was four.” When Eric opened his mouth, Ortiz held up his hand. “You’ve been through a lot, I realize that, but your excuses aren’t cutting it anymore. You have to decide whether or not you want to be a cop, or whether you want to keep second-guessing something that is done and over with. You can’t undo what’s been done. When you strap on a gun, you know the risks you take.” Eric straightened his shoulders. “Yes, sir, I do.” “So, what’s it gonna be?” “I’m a cop. I’ll always be a cop.” “Good. I have an assignment for you.” He pushed a sheet of paper across the desk. Eric picked it up, read it, and frowned. “A burglary at a bakery? What’d they steal, some sacks of flour? Money from the till?” “They stole nothing, except some cookies from the storeroom. It’s all in the original report. I left it on your desk.” “Sir, I think a common burglary would be better suited to someone who doesn’t have as much field experience as I do.” “This is your catch, Neal. Don’t screw it up.” Eric realized the dismissal for what it was. He left the office and went to his desk, opening the file that sat neatly in the center. “La Tienda Dulce,” he said as he sat down. “That means sweet shop,” said the officer sitting next to him. “No shit? I grew up here, you know. I know as much Spanish as you do.” “Doubt it, gringo. The woman that owns the shop, Angelica Vega, she’s a piece of work.” Eric lifted his eyebrows at Ernesto Sanchez, who nodded with a smile on his face. “I’m waiting.”

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“Let’s just say she’s no angel.” Sanchez laughed as he made for the doorway. “Have a good time, Neal.” “Asshole.” Eric flipped through the pages and frowned. Someone had broken into Angelica Vega’s bakery two nights in a row. They’d tossed the place both times, and taken nothing but cookies. That left out street kids. The people who broke in were looking for something, which meant Angelica was probably involved in something she shouldn’t be. But if she were, why would she call the cops and risk being exposed? Eric doubted she would. Still, something was going on there. Thieves didn’t break into a business two nights in a row to steal cookies. He stood and stretched and made for the door. Hopefully, Angelica would have some strong coffee in her sweet shop.

***** Angelica Vega patted her floury hands on her apron and wished her hair wasn’t covered up by the red bandana that was part of the La Tienda Dulce uniform. The man standing in her doorway was gorgeous -- tall, blond, and muscular. And there was no way he was a tourist. Tourists came in with their families in jeans and sneakers and wanted to eat something “authentic.” This man was looking around the shop with a practiced eye, as if measuring the worth of every item. Maybe he was from the insurance agency. Maybe, just maybe, she’d get some money for her broken tables and chairs. They’d already hauled the broken things out the back door and were waiting for replacements from a shop downtown. Hopefully, they would arrive before the lunch rush.

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She watched the blond giant turn his gaze to the colorfully tiled floor, then to the bakery cases, which were full of cookies and pastries. There were a few other people in the shop, but her workers were taking care of them. Angelica turned to the back counter and lifted a cup from the depleted stack. She filled it, and when she turned back around the man was standing at the counter.

“Café de Olla?” She pushed the cup toward him and watched him with careful eyes as he took a sip of the brown sugar-flavored drink. “Very good.” His voice was like chocolate, and Angelica thought she might melt on the spot. “How about some buñuelos? Or some huevos reales? Or a breakfast burrito. Best on the square.” She gave him a dazzling smile. “Royal eggs? Burritos? I thought this was a bakery, not a restaurant.” “Well, we’ve expanded our menu, to some acclaim I might add. Can I interest you in some food, Mr…” “Neal. Detective Eric Neal.” “My goodness. I see I rate the big guns. That’s nice to know. You sit and I’ll bring you some breakfast.” “I appreciate the offer, but I’m not here for food. I’m here to discuss your break-ins.” “We can eat and discuss at the same time. I haven’t had time for breakfast, either.” She waved him toward a corner table and was pleased to watch him go. Watching him walk away proved to be very entertaining. He had a nice ass, even if his pants were a little too loose. She needed to fatten him up a bit. Up close she could see the man was even more handsome than she’d originally thought. But he was embrujada, as her grandmother would say. Bewitched, or haunted. Angelica could see it in his eyes. If her grandmother had been standing next to her when Eric Neal approached the counter, the older woman would have kissed her rosary and made

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the sign of the cross, whispering prayers for the surroundings so Neal’s demonio didn’t escape and find its way into her body, or into the store. She quickly fixed him a plate with a tortilla stuffed with eggs, sausage, cheese, and potatoes, and covered it with red chili sauce. She added some frijoles on the side. She fixed herself an identical plate and carried them to the table where he sat. “I figured you for a red chili kind of guy,” she said, placing the plate in front of him and sitting down opposite. “The sauce this morning is particularly hot, and will waken your senses.” “Do I look like I need it?” “You look like you had a rough night,” she replied. She watched him take a bite and nod his approval. Then she beamed with pride as he dug into his plate with gusto. “Delicious.” He wiped his mouth with a napkin and took a drink of coffee. “You must be popular with the tourists.” “I’m glad you like it, and yes, we are. We’re open from seven to seven Monday through Saturday, and ten to five on Sundays. We get lots of traffic.” “That’s good. But I’m not here to do a travel article.” Angelica stiffened a bit. “No. You’re not. Are you going to find the men who broke into my shop? They’ve done tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage.” “But they haven’t taken anything?” She shook her head. “You receive any threats lately, any demands to move, or offers to buy your space? This is prime realty, right on the square.” “No, I haven’t. Things like that don’t happen here. All the merchants like each other. We watch out for each other.”

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“That doesn’t mean somebody hasn’t targeted your store. They might think they can scare you off and then take the space for cheaper, citing the problems you had as a reason for lowering the rent.” “I own this store. I don’t rent it. It would take a lot to scare me off.” “Do you live upstairs?” “No. I have a house near the university. The upstairs is vacant at the moment.” She studied him as he made some notes. His hands were strong and she wondered what they would feel like if they were holding her close. She felt a tingling in her nipples and swallowed to get her emotions under control. This was no time to be looking at a potential lover. She needed to concentrate on what was happening, make sure the criminals were found so it didn’t happen again. Still, he would be a perfect man to take to bed. She bet she could do things that would wipe the sad look from his eyes and would make them sparkle with delight. She could start with what she was sure was a massive cock. The loose-fitting slacks he wore didn’t do it justice. She dropped her gaze to his hands. They were strong, with long, full fingers. In her experiences, that translated to a long, thick cock. And she’d had a few experiences. Maybe not as many lately as she’d had in the past, but she still knew how to please a man, and herself. “Ms. Vega?” “I’m sorry, what? And please, call me Angel.” “I need to talk with the employees that were here the day of the break-ins, and a few days before. How many employees do you have?” “Five, not including myself. Two of them are high school students who work the afternoon rush, and on weekends. They won’t be here until almost four.” “That’s fine. Give me names and I can start with who’s here now, if they’re not too busy.”

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Angel nodded. “I have Tony Bustos, Carmen Montoya, and Lilia Santos. My after school workers are Priscila Rojas and Joseph Black Hawk.” “Black Hawk? Navajo?” Angel frowned. “Yes, he is. Does that bother you, Detective?” “No. It was just surprising after hearing Bustos, Montoya, Santos, and Rojas.” Angel’s smile returned. “Yes, I suppose it is. He’s eighteen and one of my best workers.” The table fell silent as Eric scribbled notes. Angel used the time to study him further. Definite lover material. Maybe something good would come out of the horrible events of the last two days. “Right,” he said. “I want details from the last two days. Go over the events with me, please.” “I’ve already done that with the officers who came in. Didn’t they write you a report?” “They did, but I want to hear it from you. Sometimes people remember things the more they talk about them.” “Fine.” Angel blew out a breath. “Let me go tell Carmen I might be a while. I’ll be right back.”

Eric lifted his head from his notes to watch Angel walk toward the counter. He tried to ignore the growing woody that rubbed against his boxers. He could kick himself in the ass for not paying better attention to the report. He’d expected the owner of La Tienda Dulce to be an older woman, not the twenty-something, drop-dead gorgeous woman who’d sent his cock into overdrive when she’d smiled at him. He’d tried to stay aloof, tried to focus on work. Hell, he’d dug into the food she’d given him with the express idea that eating would take his mind off his hard-on. It hadn’t worked. When Sanchez had told him Angelica Vega was a piece of work, he didn’t mention the woman was a knockout. Her dark brown eyes were full of mischief, and her body -- oh man,

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her body. Barely five-foot-five, maybe twenty-five or thirty pounds overweight, nice and curvy with large full breasts and lush hips. She had beautiful cocoa skin and midnight hair peeking out from under the bandana. He imagined her on her knees, begging for his cock. That image was replaced with one of her turning so he could grab her hips and plant himself deep inside her. She would scream for more and he would give it to her. Over and over and over again. She would submit to him all night long, then beg to start again in the morning. “Fuck.” He breathed the word out under his breath and shifted in his seat. “Down, boy. You’ve been dead for a month and you pick this time to wake up?” His unruly cock refused to listen to him. It started to pulse as Angel walked back to the table. When she pulled the bandana from her head and shook out her long black hair, he knew he had to have her. It was curly and hung halfway down her back.

Neal! Get a hold of yourself. What are you, a teenager? You have a job to do, so forget about topping her. Now. He cleared his throat and lowered his gaze back to his paper. “Anytime you’re ready to start, Ms. Vega.” “Angel, please. Ms. Vega is my bitch of a sister. Well, now she’s Mrs. Castile.” He grinned and nodded. “OK. Angel.” “Look, it was pretty much the same Sunday and Monday mornings, except Monday the damage was worse. Can I just tell you one story, and then fill in the blanks for the difference?” “Sure.” Just hurry up and start before I tell you to get on your knees. “Fine. When I went into the back, I turned on the light. At first, I thought maybe someone had forgotten to clean up Saturday night. There was flour on the counter and on the floor. And sugar. I can’t begin to tell you what a mess that was to clean up.”

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Sugar. He imagined Angel on a worktable in the kitchen, with him above her, trailing a line of sugar over her nipples and down to her pussy. Or maybe he’d use warm melted butter. Watch her wiggle. See how long she could lie still, then think of a suitable punishment for the bad little baker when she moved against his orders. His cock jerked and he growled lowly. “Go on.” “So I’m not so mad, or scared, at first. That’s all that happened that night, except for the cookies. But on Monday morning, well, things were much worse. I came into the main room and turned on the lights. There are ten tables, each with four chairs. I had two tables, and eight chairs that weren’t broken or overturned. They’d smashed the glass on the display cases. I just had it replaced on Tuesday, and I had an alarm system put in that same day. I had to close all day. Today’s the first day we’ve been open since Monday.” Eric frowned at her. “You didn’t have an alarm?” “What were they going to steal, flour?” He fought back laughter as his own words to his captain were thrown back in his face. “You do take in money every day. Do you have a safe?” “Yes, a floor safe. But it’s well hidden, and they never got anywhere near it. Saturday night they were only in the kitchen. Sunday night they ransacked the office.” “And they took nothing?” “Cookies. Both nights they took cookies from the walk-in. That’s the only thing not made fresh everyday.” “What time do your workers come in?” And how do you feel about submitting to a

blond cop who’s had problems getting it up lately? That is, until he saw you. “Four-thirty at the latest.” “Yuck. No offense.” She laughed. “None taken, Detective. I’d much rather be in bed, too.”

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Eric recognized the invitation. It would be so easy to take her up on it. Sanchez’s words came back to him. She’s a piece of work. He wondered if that meant she was wild. That idea wouldn’t bother Eric. In fact, it would be a turn-on. But he liked his women submissive, and he wasn’t sure if Angel would fit that bill. Of course, there were ways to find out. Subtle ways. But now wasn’t the time. He just wished his cock would figure that out. At her mention of the word bed it felt like it had grown another foot. “So there was no trouble after the alarm was installed?” “None. They didn’t even try to get inside.” “That means they figured what they wanted wasn’t here, or they were pros and didn’t want to risk getting caught. Tell me, Angel, what do you think they were looking for?” “I don’t know.” Their gazes locked and after a few moments, Eric nodded. She didn’t look guilty, nor did she act guilty. He believed she really didn’t know what was going on. “I need to talk to your workers. If now’s not a good time, I’ll come back later, when the other two are here.” “No, you can talk to Carmen and Lilia right now. Tony is in the kitchen baking bread. You can go back there, but you’ll have to cover your hair.” He nodded. “Tell me, Angel. Do you think your bitch of a sister had anything to do with this?” “Rebecca? Doubtful. She doesn’t want to have anything to do with me. She says I’m a disgrace to the family.”

Hmm. Drugs? Alcohol? “What’s the problem between the two of you, if you don’t mind me asking?” “I’m one of five daughters, Detective. We range in age from thirty to twenty-one. Rebecca is the oldest, and I’m right behind her. We’ve very different.”

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She stared at him, then looked toward the counter. “Yes?” He noticed the frown that marred her beautiful face. He wanted to kiss her lips until she smiled again. She turned back to him. “Rebecca is married, and has four children of her own, and she’s pregnant again. All three of my younger sisters are married, too, like good little girls. Me, I like my freedom. And I like men. Do I need to elaborate?”

Oh, please do. “No, I get the point.” “My father still expects women to get married, have babies, and be submissive to their husbands. When I opened my business, my family thought I was overstepping my boundaries, as a woman. The only member of my family that still talks to me is my grandmother, which is strange since she’s so traditional.” “So, you’re not a submissive little female.” Damn it. “Not in that respect, no.” She stood and gathered her hair in her hands, pulling it into a ponytail before twisting it into a bun and wrapping the bandana over her head again. “But if you want to tie me up, Eric…may I call you Eric? Then come back later and we’ll talk.”

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Chapter Two

“She said what? Damn, looks like you’re back in business, buddy.” Eric shook his head. “Lake, I appreciate the thought, but no, I’m not.” “You’re kidding me, right? You’re going to turn her down?” Lake Ross stared at his best friend. “Who are you, and what have you done with Eric?” “I can’t get involved with someone that’s involved in a case. What if she turns out to be a drug smuggler or something?” “Then you can visit her in prison. Conjugal visits. Tie her to the cell door. Listen, my friend, if you don’t start using your dick again it’s going to fall off. There are lots of sweet little subs at Tygers who miss you. Come out tonight. Lucy and I will be there. Ty’s having a ‘Tie One On Contest,’ to see who can tie up their sub in the most creative way. I bet Diego wins. What do you think?” “I think I’ll be doing reports.” “What if we come and kidnap you?” Lucy Travers, soon to be Ross, slid in to the seat next to Lake and kissed his cheek. “Hello, Master.” “Hello, Vixen. How’s your day been?” “Better now.”

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He laughed and kissed her gently. Then Lucy turned to Eric. “You’re coming with us tonight.” “Who’s the sub here?” Eric asked with a frown. “Last time I checked, you didn’t give orders.” Lucy grinned at him, then turned to Lake. “Master, may we kidnap Eric tonight?” “What a wonderful idea. And if he hides from me, I’ll kick his ass.” “Dream on,” Eric said, smiling at the waitress who sat a glass of iced tea in front of Lucy. The woman took their orders; then Eric turned toward his friends. “So, let’s change the subject. Lucy, how’s the new shop coming?” “Oh, it’s so cool to be your own boss. Marcy and I love it. Of course, she’s mostly working on pots, and I’m waiting on customers, but we’re thinking of hiring another person.” “Business is that good? That’s great. But what do you mean by she’s working on pots?” “Marcy’s a potter, Eric. I told you when you helped us move boxes into the store. Remember?” Eric frowned, something that happened more and more lately. He thought back to last month, when Lucy and Marcy had decided to go into business with each other and open up a plant/pottery store they called The Vines that Bind Us. He remembered laughing at the store name, and Lucy’s story for people who asked about the name of it being plants that tied Lucy and Marcy as friends. He wasn’t sure if Marcy was a sub or not. He’d never thought to ask. A vision of Angel Vega passed through his mind. She ran in front of him, stopped, and turned her back to him. She looked over her shoulder at him, a pout on her face. She slapped her ass.

“I’ve been a bad girl,” she said. “Will you spank me, Master?”

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He shook his head to clear the image and felt his cock surge to life again. It had barely gone down from when he’d left the store and driven the twenty minutes to the restaurant. Twice in one day. Maybe Lake and Lucy were right and he needed to visit Tygers tonight. He knew there would be more than one willing sub there. “Might as well be talking to a fence post.” Eric jerked out of his thoughts. “What?” “I said, you haven’t heard a word we’ve said,” Lake replied. “We’ll be by tonight around eight-thirty to pick you up. The contest starts at ten. We can play a bit before we watch.” “No. Thanks, though, but I’ve got work to do.” Eric stood and pulled some bills from his pocket. He threw them onto the table and then fished in his pocket for his keys. “Where are you going? You haven’t even eaten,” Lake said. “Not hungry. I’ll talk to you later in the week.” He walked off, ignoring Lake and Lucy’s combined yell of his name. Going to Tygers would mean playing, yes, and it would bring pleasure. But what if it didn’t? What if he made the wrong decision and hurt a sub? What if he thought she liked pain, but she didn’t? What if he read her wrong? He had enough to deal with in his life right now. Tygers would have to wait. Maybe at some point in time he’d go back. But, he didn’t see it happening in the near future.

***** Eric could tell Joseph Black Hawk had something to hide the minute the kid sat down at the table. Tall and lanky, with his long black hair tied in a plait, the young man twisted his hands in his lap and refused to meet Eric’s eyes. They sat at a corner table, away from the people who came in and then left with drinks and goodies.

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After a few minutes of grunted “nos,” and “I don’t knows,” Eric cleared his throat. “You and your friends break in here to steal money? Or did you do it on a bet?” That got Joseph’s attention. His brown eyes flashed angrily and his lips drew together. “What, because I’m an Indian I’m guilty? Screw you.” He stood, staying near the table with his hands clenched into fists. Eric stayed in his seat. “Your ethnicity has nothing to do with it, Joe. It has to do with your mannerisms, and the nervous way you’re acting. Tell me what you’re hiding. If you and your friends didn’t break in here, you know who did. Spill it.” “I don’t know what you mean.” Fear replaced the anger in his voice. “Come on, Joe. Sit back down and tell me about it. Angel not pay you enough? You decided to come in and search for more cash. Of course, I don’t really buy that because, as an employee, you know where the safe is. Maybe your friends forced you into it and you refused to show them the safe? Honorable, but stupid.” “It’s not like that. I mean, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Eric nodded, then took a drink of his iced tea. “I went by your school today. They tell me you haven’t been there all week, yet you’ve come to work. Are you avoiding your friends?” “No. I just haven’t felt well.” “But here you are, working around food no less. You must not be too sick. Wanna tell me what’s wrong? Maybe I can help you.” “That’s rich. Help from a cop. You probably think I’m just like any other drunk Indian and I broke in looking for money. I didn’t do it!” His voice rose and Eric turned his gaze toward Angel, who stood at the counter, watching with a concerned look on her face.

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“I don’t classify people by race,” Eric said. “Right. All cops do.” “Not all of us. Why don’t you tell me why you’re scared? Or better yet, why don’t you just confess and we can all go home.” Joe shook his head. “I suppose you think my friends and I got high, got the munchies, and broke in here for cookies.” “Did you? Come on Joseph, admit it. A judge will look on you much more favorably. I won’t even use the handcuffs when I take you in.” “Screw you. I have to go back to work. Find some other sucker to arrest for this because it wasn’t me.” He stormed back to the counter. Eric watched him avert his face from Angel’s as he walked behind the counter and into the kitchen. She watched him with a sad look on her face, and then crossed the room and sat in the chair he’d vacated. “He’s just a kid,” she said. “You shouldn’t have said those things to him.” “He’s hiding something. Did you notice his nervous gestures, and the fact he wouldn’t meet your eyes, or mine?” “He’s had a tough time lately. His father deserted the family seven months ago. Joe barely goes to school. He’s working all the time to put food on their table and keep a roof over their heads.” Eric nodded thoughtfully. “Where else does he work?” “He delivered pizzas for a while, but I don’t know if he’s doing that anymore. And I think he worked at a convenience store near the university. I don’t know if he still does. He gets defensive if you ask about things. He refuses to take help.” “And you don’t think he had anything to do with this?” “No. I trust him completely. Please don’t upset him.”

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“Angel, you’re upset, aren’t you? And I’m sure the rest of the employees are, too. Probably just a little scared about what they might find when they show up for work at fourthirty in the morning tomorrow, or the next day.” “True, but…” The bell over the door opened and Angel turned her head toward her new customer. Eric took advantage of the break in the conversation to stand and put his notebook in his pocket. He wanted to get back to the station and run Joseph Black Hawk’s name and see if he’d been in any trouble with the law. “Hello, Mast…um, hello, Eric.” He turned toward the newcomer and was surprised to find Pamela Balder, a regular at Tygers, talking to Angel. “Hello, Pamela. Coming for some food?” “Yes, my every-other-afternoon treat of flan. It’s heavenly.” “I’ll get some for all of us,” Angel said, heading toward the counter. “Sit back down, Eric.” “No thank you, Angel. I need to get back to the office. I’ll be in touch, though.” He nodded and turned his attention to Pamela. “Say hello to Richard for me.” “I will. He mentioned the other night that it had been a while since we’d seen you. Maybe tonight?” She lowered her voice. “They’re having a contest.” “I’m sorry I have to miss it. Good luck, though.” Once outside, Eric pulled his cell phone from his pocked and called Sanchez. “Start a trace for me on a kid named Joseph Black Hawk, age eighteen.” He gave the address and then clicked his phone shut, telling himself he was going to be too busy tonight to go to Tygers and take part in the fun. He just might spend the time ordering pizzas, to see if Joseph Black Hawk was his delivery person.

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***** “So, is Eric investigating your break in?” Pamela took a bite of flan and rolled her eyes toward the ceiling. “So good.” Angel laughed. “Thanks. Yes, he is. How do you know him?” Pamela quickly took another bite and Angel narrowed her eyes at her. “You called him ‘mast.’ What does that mean?” “Nothing. He’s just a friend of Richard’s, that’s all.” “Liar. Tell me.” “I can’t. It was a stupid thing for me to do. There are rules, and I…crap. I have to go.” Pamela stood quickly and Angel put out her hand. “Does this have anything to do with that BDSM club you’re been trying to get me to go to with you and Richard?”

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Chapter Three

Eric threw his third pizza of the night on the coffee table and shook his head. It would be hard to explain to the captain why he was expensing all these, but he didn’t plan on paying for them himself. Besides, he’d ordered the smallest amount of food he could get for delivery. All three of the restaurants he’d ordered from had deliverymen named Joseph, who, according to managers when pressed, worked off the books. But none of them had been the one he’d wanted. He took a slice of pizza and flopped down on the couch, taking a bite and looking over the notes he and Sanchez had made that afternoon. Joseph Black Hawk had been in minor trouble with the law, including speeding tickets, and a charge of shoplifting from a store. The charge had been dropped, but it was the store itself, and not the charge, that had caught Eric’s attention. “Dustin Jaymes, how do you figure into this?” Running his name through the computer had produced far more sheets of paper than Joseph’s had. Dustin was well known in town as a bookie. Plus, he ran an illegal gambling organization that moved from time to time to avoid detection.

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Since gambling was legalized in New Mexico on Indian reservations, Dustin preyed on those who’d been banned from the Indian casinos. And, if they ran out of money he would be more than happy to loan it to them, for a not-so-nominal fee. Authorities had been trying to bust him for years, but he’d always managed to slip through the cracks at the last minute. When his name had popped up, Eric had called Ward McGovern, a source at the New Mexico Department of Public Safety, who’d confirmed what Eric had suspected. Joseph had been busted in one of Dustin’s legal stores for shoplifting. Dustin agreed to drop the charges if Joseph agreed to run “errands” for him. “But he’s a little guy,” Ward said. “We don’t want him, we want the hot tamale. We want Jaymes. You looking at Black Hawk for something else?” Eric had said he was running names in a burglary and Ward had seemed uninterested. Eric had been disgusted all afternoon that people like Jaymes existed, using others to make his money. Who better to get to do your dirty work than a young kid who was scared and trying hard to support his family? “What a scumbag.” He took another slice of pizza and felt a tinge of remorse for the way he’d treated Black Hawk that afternoon. He should have run names before talking to the employees. That was a screw-up he wouldn’t have let happen in the past. “Well, you treated him better than you treated me.” Rodney Baker’s voice bounced off the walls. Eric looked up to see the pale shape sitting in the chair opposite from him. “Get the fuck out.” “Can I have some pizza? Man, I’m hungry, and it looks so good. You really busted the kid’s chops today, didn’t ya? All he wants to do is feed his brothers and sisters, you creep. And you accused him of theft, made him think he’s in trouble.” “Would you just go to hell? Literally? Get the fuck out of my house!”

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It took Eric a few minutes to realize he’d screamed the words out loud. He buried his face in his hands, running them through his hair before looking back up. The chair was empty. Baker was gone. “I’m losing it. Shit, I’m losing it.” He stood up and started to pace, his breath coming in shallow gasps. After a few minutes, he bent over and took several deep breaths to try and calm himself. Baker’s laughter filled the room. “That’s what you want, isn’t it? It’s not bad enough you invade my dreams, now you’re going to come into my house while I’m awake? You son of a bitch!” He paced for a few more minutes, then squared his shoulders. “I’ve got to get out of here.” In the bedroom, he changed from sweats and a T-shirt to jeans and a black, longsleeved pullover. He brushed his teeth and headed for the garage, gathering a leather jacket, gloves, and a helmet from the closet in the foyer. Once outside, he fired up his Harley and headed down the road. He would be damned if he would sit around and talk to a dead man. He’d been a prick to Lake and Lucy that afternoon and he needed to make it up to them. Plus, he needed some release. He’d watch the bondage competition and see what happened. There were a few subs he knew very well. Maybe one of them would be willing tonight. An image of Angel Vega appeared in his mind. It wasn’t a surprise to Eric, since she’d been in his mind most of the day. Just the thought of her made his cock rock hard. Damn, he wanted to top her, listen to her scream in ecstasy after he’d denied her for a while, watch her wiggle and shake and beg for more. Maybe after he’d solved her case he’d do some gentle probing, see if she was interested in learning about submission. He had no doubt in his mind she loved sex. She’d as much as

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said so. She was beautiful, that was for sure. Maybe, just maybe, he could help her find whatever she was searching for. And she could help him banish his demons for a while.

***** “This place is really something.” Angel tried hard not to stare at the people around her, but it was tough work. Pamela had told her about Tygers, and Angel had always been tempted to give it a try. The idea of submission was fascinating to her. But, something always held her back when she thought about attending one of the events. She had to admit the only reason she was here tonight was the possibility, even if it was a remote one, that Eric Neal would show up. Pamela had told her he hadn’t been at Tygers for more than a month. She’d also told her about the shooting, and how it had affected Eric’s mind. She thought back to how distant he’d seemed to her that afternoon. Usually, men weren’t that way with her. Not that she was super-model gorgeous. She knew she carried more than a few extra pounds. But she was pretty and vivacious, and she’d never had trouble attracting a man. Until today. She hadn’t been able to attract Eric. He hadn’t even responded to her crack about bondage, and that had stung. When she’d found out he was a Dom the sting had turned into a full-fledged burn. Until Pamela told her Eric had pulled back from Tygers. Pulled back from life, actually. He probably wouldn’t show tonight but at least she would see Tygers, get a feel for the place he liked to play. Then, tomorrow when he came back to the store, she’d mention she’d been here tonight. See how he reacted. She studied her surroundings again and tinkered with the bright red band she wore on her wrist. Pamela had told her that once a submissive was in the members’ room, which they were, they were fair game unless they were wearing a collar. A member’s guest wore a bright

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red wristband to make sure the Dom/Dommes knew he/she was with someone, even if they weren’t collared. Angel had balked at the idea of wearing a collar, but Pamela had told her it was “a fantastic feeling. Something you’ll never be able to describe until you do it yourself, for your Master.” She watched the men and women as they walked around the room, waiting for the bondage competition to start. The room was full, and people were in various stages of dress -or undress, as the case may be. Many of the submissives, both male and female, were naked except for the collars around their necks. Some also wore wrist and ankle cuffs that bound them to chains or leashes, carried by their Masters/Mistresses. It was all just a little too much to take. But, at the same time, it was more than just a little fascinating. Angel liked sex, but she’d never really found anything, or anyone, to keep her interested for more than a few months. She wondered if this was what had been missing from her life. She shook her head at the thought. She’d never been one to follow the rules. So she was pretty sure she would have trouble following the demands of a man. Submission might be fun to play with, but she didn’t think it wasn’t something she would want to participate in full time, even if it was with Eric Neal. “Relax.” Pamela’s husband, Richard, handed her a glass of wine as he walked up. “I told you, you don’t have to play, you can just watch.” Angel took a big swig of her drink and smacked her lips. “So tell me, Richard. What exactly does being a Dom do for you?” “It takes things to a whole other level,” he said.

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“Because you can boss her around, and she’ll do anything you want?” Angel knew her tone was more than a little sarcastic. She tried to soften her words with a smile, and was happy when Richard and Pamela both laughed. “Not exactly,” Richard said. “Pamela and I have a connection. She agreed to be my submissive, to let me lead her to higher planes of pleasure. It strengthened our bond, and our love for each other.” “So, you would love her less if she said, ‘screw you, I don’t feel like sex tonight.’ Or, ‘I don’t wanna play that game’?” “A lot of people don’t understand BDSM,” Richard said. “I need to give you a few books, steer you toward some websites, and see if your opinion changes.” Angel cleared her throat. “I’m not sure I’m a big fan of something that lets one person beat on another.” “See, that’s where you’re wrong. I don’t beat on Pamela.” The anger in Richard’s voice was apparent. “You whip her?” “If she needs punishing, yes.” “See, that’s just wrong.” Angel drained her drink. “You think?” Richard motioned to a waitress, and ordered another glass of wine. “BDSM is about giving over control, yes, but it’s also about activities between consenting adults that are safe and sane. I would never do anything to hurt Pamela. I love her too much for that.” Before either of them could speak again, a man stepped onto the dais and called for attention. “That’s Master Ty,” Pamela whispered to Angel. “He’s one of the co-owners.”

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Angel nodded and turned her attention toward the stage. Two naked women and three naked men stood, their hands clasped behind their backs, their legs spread wide, their gazes fixed on the floor. “Thanks, everyone, for coming out tonight,” Ty said. “And you can thank my wife, Alexis, for this little competition. She stuck her nose into an argument one night between two of our members about who had the best bondage techniques. And the competition was born.” The crowd laughed, and some clapped. “So, tonight, we have five participants. They have thirty minutes to bind their submissives in a position pleasing to the judges in terms of skill. Judges will base their decisions on eroticism, for both the Dom and the sub. The winner gets two months’ free membership.” The crowd clapped again, and Ty waited until they quieted down. “Tonight, we have three Doms and two Dommes, and they are: Marta Simpson, José Bacarra, Diego Fuentes, Leisha Tims, and Peter Barrington. They will be stationed at five platforms spread across the room. We request you not ask them questions until after the competition is over so they can concentrate on what they are doing.” Ty turned to the competitors and raised his eyebrows. When they all nodded he said, “Let the competition begin.” Angel watched the Dom/Dommes lead their subs to different platforms. Her eyes widened as they began to work, some using ropes, some using equipment she’d never seen before. She wanted to go closer and look, fascinated by the looks of intense arousal on most of the subs faces. She’d been tied to a bed before, but it was nothing like what she was seeing. It was erotic. It was amazing. And it was highly arousing.

Damn. I’m going to need someone to scratch my itch tonight.

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Angel smiled as an image of Eric popped into her mind. He could scratch my itch. And

if he tied me up like that, he could do more than scratch. The sub being bound remained motionless as the Dom worked on her. He had her hands tied behind her back and was now running ropes around her breasts and down between her legs. Angel let her gaze wander the length of the rope. The woman’s thighs glistened with moisture, and Angel’s clit throbbed in response.

Damn. I wonder if Eric’s listed in the phone book?

***** “You’re late.” “I think I’ve heard that somewhere earlier today. Seems to be something I’m making a habit of.” Eric ordered three beers and then turned to Lake and Lucy. “I’m sorry I was such a bastard today.” “You’re forgiven,” Lucy said. “Lake said you’d come, but I didn’t think you would. You just cost me some swats.” “Really? Knowing you two, you’d have gotten swats either way.” Lucy laughed. “You’re right.” Eric took a swig from his beer and breathed deeply. It felt great to be back at Tygers, even if he had sat in the parking lot for twenty minutes and debated the pros and cons of going inside, or just going back home and stuffing himself with pizza, then whacking off to images of Angel Vega. He hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her since he’d met her. His cock had definitely been appreciative of her charms. But then again, so had his mind. She was smart and insightful, he could tell from today. After he was done with her case, he’d ask her out. That is, if he could get up the courage to act like a real person again.

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“Let’s explore,” Lake said, pushing away from the bar. “See if we can pick up some pointers.” Eric laughed. Neither he nor Lake was into bondage as a rule. Restraining a sub was one thing and usually heightened her pleasure. But Eric had never taken the time to learn the intricate knots and techniques being used tonight. It was fascinating, though, to see it displayed. He knew Diego was an expert in Shibari, and was sure he was showing off his skills right now. Directly in front of them, Marta had her sub’s hands tied in preparation for suspension. She was now wrapping rope tightly around his bulging balls. Eric cringed at the thought, but one look at the sub’s face and he knew the man loved every minute of it. He glanced around the room and saw a crowd gathered at Diego’s station. “Let’s go check out D. I’m willing to lay money he wins this whole thing.” They started across the room and as they drew closer, Eric could see Diego’s sub, whom everyone called “little one.” Diego had already bound her breasts and was now working on the lower half of her body. Eric watched intently, smiling when Lucy leaned into Lake to whisper in his ear. A tingle of jealousy ran up his spine, an emotion he wasn’t used to. Of course he’d had a lot of those, lately. He was happy Lucy and Lake had found each other. But he was more than a little jealous he hadn’t been able to do the same thing. Maybe, just maybe, he could try with Angel. He took a drink of his beer and scanned the crowd watching Diego’s performance. Most of them were Doms, probably wanting to pick up a few pointers. He shook his head, and then his eyebrows shot up. “Well, I’ll be damned.” “Probably,” Lake said with a laugh. “Screw you,” Eric replied. “Remember the little baker I told you about today?” “She’s here?”

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“Standing with Richard and Pam.” Eric let Lucy in on what had happened that morning, and then told both of them he’d seen Pam at La Tienda Dulce. Then, he turned his attention to Angel. Emotions ran across her face, but the most obvious of them was desire, and a great deal of it. She was moving from foot to foot. Eric was sure the movement was putting pressure on her clit, since her legs were held tightly together. “Little Angel’s a sub,” Eric said softly. “Not necessarily,” Lucy replied. “She could just be curious.” “No,” Eric said. “She’s a sub. She may not know it yet, but she will, soon enough.” “With your help,” Lake said. “Have fun.” He and Lucy turned toward the next platform and Eric narrowed his eyes at him. Then, he turned toward Angel. The look on her face had turned to one of total fascination. If he didn’t know better he would say she was on the verge of orgasm. He moved through the crowd until he was standing right behind her. He put his hands on the curve of her hip and leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Wish that was you?”

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Chapter Four

Angel felt his hot breath on her neck long before he’d spoken. As much as she’d wished to see Eric tonight, him finding her so obviously enthralled by the bondage scene wasn’t exactly what she’d had in mind. She turned her head toward him. “Maybe.” His blue eyes twinkled with laughter and she felt her stomach clench. Her pussy, which was already wet with desire, flooded her panties with her cream. “This is a surprise,” she said softly. “I’m the one that’s surprised. Are you a submissive? Is that why you’re here?” “No. Just curious.” And wanted the opportunity to see you, if there was just a slight

chance. “Are you a Dom?” “You know I am. I’m sure Pam told you this afternoon.” “Does that make you angry?” “No. I’m not ashamed of it.” She smiled in response. “So, are you going to take me upstairs and fuck me?” His laugh sent chills up her spine. “You’re nothing if not blunt. But the answer is no.”

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“Oh. I’m sorry. I thought there was a connection…I just…this place… Sorry.” She crossed her arms over her chest, turning to face the platform, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. She had a habit of doing things like that. Open mouth, insert foot. “Angel.” His voice was low in her ear. “Turn around and look at me.” “It’s all right, Eric.” She waved her hand over her shoulder. “If you don’t want me, I…” “Now.” She turned toward him. The passion in his eyes made her heart quicken. He does want

me. “Why don’t I take over as your host tonight? But there’s one thing you should know. I’m the Dom. You’re the sub. Understand?” “But I’m not a sub, I…” “Understand?” “Should I say ‘yes, Master,’ and get on my knees?” He shook his head. “You’re going to be trouble. You can reply with yes, Sir. For now. Do you want me to show you around? Give you some lessons?” She loved the emphasis he put on the word lessons. It made her nipples tingle. The idea scared the daylights out of her. It also fascinated her as nothing ever had. She wondered exactly what the lessons would entail. She knew what Pamela had told her, about giving over power and getting great pleasure and a fantastic bond with your Dom. But Pamela’s Dom was her husband. What would it be like if it was just a one-night thing, as she was sure this would be. She thought for a few minutes, then nodded. No time like the present to find out. “Yes, Sir.” Calling him Sir felt strange, and she wondered if the feeling was a precursor to what would happen if they became involved.

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Their gazes locked; then he turned to Richard. “I’m taking her off your hands for the rest of the night. I’ll see she gets home safely.” “Sounds good,” Richard replied. “It’s good to see you back, Eric.” A look Angel couldn’t quite place passed over Eric’s face. It was either disbelief that Richard had said something about Eric’s absence, or shock as he tried to figure out how to reply. Finally, Eric nodded and mumbled his thanks, and Angel could see hurt, mixed with a wary acceptance, in his eyes. Eric was a wounded warrior. The fact it might be a bad idea to get involved with him right now flew into her mind. She shooed it out just as quickly as it had arrived. Angel had never run from trouble. In fact, she caused quite a bit of it herself. She returned Pamela’s wink, then fell into step behind Eric as he moved toward another platform. They stopped and watched the woman perform, but the bondage show had lost its magic for Angel. She wanted to talk to Eric, wanted to get to know him better. “Have you been a member here for long?” “Six years. As long as it’s been open. I was one of the charter members.” They watched in silence for a few more minutes and then Angel exhaled loudly. “So, are you a bondage expert, too?” “No. Sorry to disappoint you. But I know a few, and would gladly watch while they gave you a demonstration, if you like.” “I thought BDSM was about what the Master liked, not what the sub liked.” Eric shook his head. “A common misconception. True Masters never force their subs into situations that would either hurt them, or be something they wouldn’t want to do.” “So, if I said no to something, you wouldn’t force me?” “No. BDSM isn’t about force. It’s about safe, sane, and consensual activities between two or more adults. You want to push the sub’s limits, yes, take her, or him, to a higher

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plane. But it would never involve force. That’s when it turns to abuse, or rape. I condone neither, nor do any of the Doms or Dommes I know.” Angel turned her face up to him. He was studying her intently. “So, if say, you where whipping me, and I asked you to stop. Would you?” “If you used your safe word, yes.” “Safe word? What does that mean?” Eric laughed. “Let’s go upstairs. We can talk better up there, and the contest is almost over. I can assure you Diego is going to win.” They walked back to Diego’s station. The sub he was binding had soft ropes wrapped around much of her body, now; her pierced nipples were hard and it looked to Angel as if they were throbbing. “She’s on the verge of an orgasm,” Angel said in wonder. “Yes, she is. But she’ll be a good girl and not come until Diego gives her permission. When she does, I can assure you it will be explosive.” “She can come from being tied up?” “She’ll come from submitting to Diego. Part of it is mental. The other part, well… See where the rope leads? It’s resting inside her pussy, probably rubbing right on her clit. All it would take is one little movement and she’d shoot off like a bottle rocket. That’s why she’s standing still.” “Hmm. I wanna come like that.” “Well, then let’s go upstairs and get you started on your journey.”

***** Eric stopped at the stairs, Angel’s small hand held firmly in his own. “Master Eric. Welcome. Would you like to register your guest for a room?”

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“Thank you, subbie. And yes, I would. I’d like one of the observation rooms, if they’re free.” “Yes, Sir. Number nine is free. Your guest’s name?” “Apuro.” He turned his gaze to Angel, who looked shocked. “Who’s trouble?” “You are. That’s your name when we’re together. Apuro.” “If you think I’m trouble, then maybe we should…” “Hush. Stay silent until we get upstairs.” Eric watched indecision spread across her face. This was a simple test, really, to see if she had a submissive bone in her body. If she told him to go to hell, he’d still take her upstairs just to show her around. If she obeyed him, then things might just get interesting. Since he’d seen her watching the competition, he’d felt like his old self. He’d felt desire and wanted to act on it. He’d felt wonder she was actually here. But most of all he’d felt the need to top her, something that had been dormant since the shooting. Maybe she would help chase away his demons. When she didn’t respond to him, he fought back a grin. Tonight just might get a whole lot more interesting. “Follow me, Apuro.” Once they were at the top of the stairs he turned to her. He could tell from the look on her face she wanted to start asking questions. He was happy she didn’t, though. It meant she’d taken his command seriously. He put his finger to his lips and shook his head. Then, they walked down the corridor and turned the corner. Below them the competition was winding down. They stopped at the railing and watched as the judges walked from platform to platform, making notes on clipboards and asking questions of both the subs and the Doms.

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When the judges left Diego’s platform, he reached out and tugged on the rope. “Come, subbie.” His voice was deep and “little one” came, shuddering against her bonds as the crowd murmured their approval. Diego leaned in and caressed her neck as he whispered in her ear. Seconds later, “little one” shuddered again and the crowd clapped. Eric watched Angel carefully as she centered her attention on the action below. Her breathing increased and she ran her tongue around her lips, a soft groan escaping. “Let’s go, Apuro, before you come without my permission.” He opened the door to room nine and ushered her inside. Once he’d shut the door, he emptied his pockets and put his keys in a basket on the foyer table. Then, he turned to Angel. “What do you mean, permissi…?” He held up a finger. “Strip. Take off all your clothes and then come inside. I’ll be waiting.” He leaned over and kissed her forehead, then stepped through the curtain that separated the foyer with the main room.

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Chapter Five

Angel stared at the curtain as it swayed softly in Eric’s wake. Strip? Just like that? Not that she hadn’t been naked in front of a man she’d just met before, but being ordered to strip was something new. She wasn’t sure which bothered her most, the fact he’d ordered her to, or the fact the order sent shivers through her body. The part of her that wasn’t used to taking orders from anyone wanted to tell him to go to hell. But the part that wanted to feel what the sub downstairs had just experienced won out. She quickly shed her clothes, hanging them up on the rack provided. She looked around for a robe and found one. But, as she started to pull it on she dismissed the idea. Eric had seen her body, which was less than perfect, in clothing. She wasn’t ashamed of how she looked and if he didn’t like it, she would leave. It was no skin off her nose. She stepped through the curtain and found him facing a long window against the far wall. The room on the other side was lit, but unoccupied. “People are going to watch us?” “No. We’re going to watch them,” Eric replied. He turned to her and the corners of his mouth drew up. “You’re luscious.”

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“Thank you, um, Sir?” His laugh made her relax somewhat. “It’s OK. We’ll work on semantics later. Right now I just want you to get a little taste of what could be. Come over here.” She was conscious of his gaze on her as she walked, watching her with his cop’s eyes. She stopped next to him, reached out, and ran her hand along his chest. He looked down at her and shook his head. “Hands down. Subbies don’t initiate contact. They wait until asked, or told. But, I give you permission to speak freely and ask questions, since this is your first time.” She let her hand linger for a moment, then pulled it back. “Gee, thanks. Maybe I should be the Domme.” He shook his head as his shoulders moved with suppressed laughter. “Sorry. If we find out that’s the case you’re going to have to find another person. I don’t switch.” “Switch?” “Go from top to bottom, Master to sub. I’m strictly a Dom.” As he spoke the curtain in the next room parted and a couple walked in, a woman leading a man who had a leash attached to the collar around his neck. His hands were shackled together in front. She led him to the middle of the room where she attached a chain to the restraints on his wrists. The woman walked to the wall and pushed a button, and the chain lifted the man’s arms above his head. Once he was bound, the Domme went to another wall and took down a bar. “What’s that?” Angel asked as the woman took the bar to the sub and knelt down. She grabbed his cock and slid a ring over it, then moved to his ankles. “Spreader bar. It will keep his legs apart.”

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“Oh.” When the Domme moved to another wall, Angel marveled the sub’s massive erection, which had happened only since the cock ring had been applied to him. He was obviously very, very excited. “I feel strange watching them.” The Domme set several items on a table, then bent and fastened a ring around the sub’s balls. He opened his mouth, and Angel was sure he was moaning, but she didn’t know whether it was in pain, or in pleasure. “They know we’re here,” Eric said. “People who want to perform in one of these rooms sign up, and then wait for someone to go into the ante-chambers, like we’re in. They want an audience.” “Have you ever topped a man? Isn’t that what’s it’s called, topping?” “Yes, and yes.” “You’ve been with a man?” The Mistress was now attaching clamps to the sub’s nipples. “Yes, does that bother you?” “No. Strangely enough I find it fascinating. Did you, um…” “Fuck him? No. His mistress wanted me to bind him and whip him, then make him suck me off while she watched. She made it last, too. Every time I got close she pulled him back. After he’d swallowed all my come, she strapped on and did the honors. She rode him hard, but of course, she didn’t have to worry about going down after she came, did she?” “No, you’re right.” “What about you, Angel? I know you like men ’cause you told me so. Have you been with another woman?” “No.” Angel swallowed hard to hide her lie. She turned back to the window. The Domme was talking to the bound man.

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Eric leaned over and lifted a switch, and the woman’s voice filled the room. “…little slut. You disobeyed your Mistress, didn’t you?” “Yes, Mistress, forgive me.” “Not a chance, whore.” “Punish me, Mistress, please.” “Oh, I’m going to, but not how you would like it.” The Mistress snapped her fingers and the curtain parted. A man came in, leading another male sub by a leash. Angel kept her eyes trained on the Mistress, who sat down in a low-slung chair and threw one leg over an arm, leaving her shaven and pierced pussy wide for everyone to see. The newcomer jerked his sub’s leash as the woman started to finger her folds. “Go and please Mistress Sasha. Do a good job and I’ll fuck you.” “Yes, Master.” The sub dropped to his knees and kissed the man’s leather-clad cock. The Dom ran his hands through the sub’s hair, then pushed him toward the Domme. The sub crawled to the woman and put his head between her legs. From her soft moans, Angel knew exactly what he was doing, and Mistress Sasha was enjoying it very, very much. Her own pussy flooded with desire. She’d never, ever seen anything like this in her entire life. What surprised her, though, was she wanted to be the sub. She wanted to be the one on her knees with her face buried between the woman’s thighs, except in her mind it wasn’t a woman in the chair, it was Eric. And his hard cock was sliding in and out of her mouth. Her nipples tightened and she knew she’d found something that would hold her interest for a long, long time. She turned her gaze to Eric. He was watching her instead of the scene next door. She licked her lips and dropped her gaze to his crotch. His cock bulged against his jeans. She stepped toward him and cupped him. “Don’t Doms fuck their subs? I know I want to fuck you. Will you fuck me, Sir Eric?”

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Eric took a step backward. He took Angel’s wrist and moved it from his crotch. Things were spiraling out of control. He shouldn’t have brought her in here to watch what he knew would be an intense scene. Just one more show of how his decision making was for shit lately. It was obvious to him he had no business training a new sub right now. He needed to tell Angel to get dressed and go back downstairs to Richard. He opened his mouth to speak, then swallowed his words as she lifted her face to his and kissed him, her mouth heavy on his own. His mind screamed it was wrong, but his body, long denied the sweetness of a woman’s flesh, responded with vigor. Eric wrapped her in his arms, lifted his hands to cup her face, and pulled her closer. He invaded her mouth with his tongue, lashing against her own and swallowing her groans of pleasure. He broke the kiss and pushed her away gently, his gaze trailing down her body. My

Lord, she’s sweet. Soft and warm, her beautiful brown skin glistened with need. Her dark nipples stood erect for his approval. He dropped his mouth and captured one of them, sucking hard on the plump flesh. Her hands dropped to his crotch and he knew he should stop her. This wasn’t submission. This was just pure sex. If Ty found out what was going on in here he would pitch a fit, and probably bar Eric for at least a month. But Eric didn’t care; he pulled back, her nipple escaped his mouth with a loud pop as her fingers undid the buttons on his jeans. He captured the second nipple as her hands wrapped around his cock, squeezing and stroking him as her laughter filled the room. “Fuck me, Eric. Fuck me!”

No. No. No. Stop this right now. You have no control. Stop! He pulled back from her. “Go to the table and bend over it.”

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Eric shed his jeans as she hurried to the table, bending over and spreading her legs wide. “Take me, Sir Eric, take me.” There was laughter in her voice as he sheathed his cock in a condom. He knew he should stop this immediately, but it had gone too far. Lake had been right that afternoon. His cock would desert him forever if he didn’t take her right now. He stepped up behind her, grabbed her hips, and entered her in one swift stroke. “Fuck, yes! Oh, fuck me!” She pushed her hips back against him and Eric began to pound himself into her, each stroke sending her harder and harder against the table. He stepped backward and pulled her with him to lessen the impact. “Finger your clit. Come for me.” “Yes, Sir.” She giggled and did as he asked as he stroked in and out of her wetness, his fingers digging into her hips. He worried he was being too rough, but she seemed to be loving every minute of it. The sounds of a flogger meeting flesh filled the room and Eric knew Sasha was punishing her sub with a whipping. The sounds seemed to spur Angel on, and her fingers worked harder on her clit. He felt her pussy tighten around him seconds before she screamed out his name. He came with her, pounding harder and harder until he heard her whimper under him. “So good,” she whispered. “Oh, my Lord, so good.” “No. Shit, what have I done?” She stiffened under him, then tried to push him off. “I’m sorry if I didn’t meet your standards. Get off me.” “No, it’s not you,” Eric said, standing. He discarded the condom, then ran his fingers through her hair. “I was supposed to teach you about submission. Instead, I acted like an out of control teenager in the back of a car. Shit. I’m sorry.”

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“I’m not. I loved it.” He could hear the tears in her voice. “I’m sorry you didn’t.” “You’re misunderstanding me, Angel. Submission isn’t just about sex. I failed tonight. Just one more thing to add to the record books. Not to mention the fact you’re part of an active investigation. So not only have I failed as a Dom, I’ve failed as a cop. Again.” She stepped toward him as he grabbed his jeans from the floor and pulled them on. “Pam told me about the shooting. If you want to…” He pulled back from her as if she’d burned him by just stepping close to him. “I’ll send Richard up to see you home. You should get dressed.” He tore through the curtain without giving her a chance to answer. He heard her call his name as he exited through the main door, pulled it closed behind him, and leaned against it. Fuck, he sucked as a man, as a Dom, and as a cop. Maybe he should just move to some deserted island and live the rest of his life as a drunk. He went downstairs to find Richard, refusing to answer questions and making sure he had Angel firmly in hand before he left the club. He fired up the bike and headed toward the mountains. He didn’t want to go home and face the lurking ghost of Rodney Baker. He’d sleep on the fucking ground first.

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Chapter Six

“You look like caca.” “Fuck you, Sanchez. What do you want?” Eric turned his angry glare on Sanchez, who took a step back, then threw some papers on Eric’s desk. “Here. You were right. Fingerprints on the door of La Tienda Dulce matched two known associates of Dustin Jaymes. Did you use a crystal ball to figure that out?” “No. Just detective work, Sanchez. Take a lesson.” “Man, who crawled up your ass and died? I’m just trying to…” “Get the fuck away from me.” Eric growled the words out, and Sanchez held up his hands and backed up. “Fine. Stew in your own crap.” Eric swallowed deeply. He’d slept on a concrete bench last night at a rest stop near Santa Fe, if you could call it sleeping. Mostly, he’d stared at the stars and wondered what the fuck was happening to him. He was a strong man, or he had been. He needed to recover what he’d lost, and until then, he was no use to anyone, including himself. He stood and walked to Ortiz’s office, knocked and entered at the captain’s barked command.

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“I need a leave of absence,” he said in lieu of greeting. “Denied. You’ve got too much shit to do. Clear up all your cases and I’ll consider it.” “No. Sir.” He added the last word quickly. “I need to get away.” “What you need to do is get your ass out to Angelica Vega’s place and tell her what we’ve found. Talk to Black Hawk and see why Jaymes is targeting him. Do your fucking job.” When Eric didn’t move, Ortiz raised his eyebrows at him. “Why are you still standing there? Go. Now.” Eric shook his head, returned to his desk, and snatched up his keys. He plucked his ringing cell phone from its case, recognized Lake’s number, and hit the ignore button. The last thing he wanted to do was rehash last night. It was bad enough he was going to have to face Angelica with his bad behavior lurking in the wings. Maybe she would be a good girl and ignore it. But he doubted that very, very much.

***** “@Siéntese abajo, nieta. Diga a esta vieja mujer cuál es incorrecto con Ustéd hoy.@” Angel stared at the chair her grandmother patted. It was amazing to her the woman could sense when she was needed. Angel hadn’t called her, but she’d walked in the doorway at precisely one, ready for some flan and Café de Olla. “How did you know something’s wrong?” Angel fought back tears. She took Eric’s flight from the room last night as a total rejection of her. She’d read him so wrong. She thought he’d at least been attracted to her. Instead, he’d just used her for quick sex, then fled. She shook her head. She knew that wasn’t true. Eric had something going on inside his head, something that had taken hold of him and needed to be exorcised. But she didn’t think he’d let her help with that. She sat down and wiped away tears from her eyes. “Abuela, pienso que he caído en amor.” Her voice shook.

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“Love? With who? A good Mexican?” Angel shook her head. “Not a gringo? Your father will die from the shame.” “Screw him. He hates me anyway.” “No, he doesn’t. Your father is just a very traditional man, and you are not cut out for that. He may scream when you bring the man home, but I will stand behind you.” She patted Angel’s hand, then took a bite of flan. “So, tell me.” Angel told her grandmother an edited version of the story, and of how no man had ever affected her the way Eric had, which was true. Angel had cried herself to sleep last night, but before then, she’d thought quite a bit. She’d been excited about what she’d seen at Tygers, true, but the real excitement hadn’t come until she’d felt Eric’s breath on her neck, his hands on her hips. And then he’d rejected her, pushed her away. She’d seen the pain in his eyes, but when she’d reached for him, he’d let her know her help wasn’t wanted. “It was just sex to him,” she whispered to her grandmother. “He doesn’t want me.” “Then he’s a fool,” her grandmother replied. She took a drink and wiped her mouth. “Let me tell you a story.” “A fairytale? Grandmother. You’ve told me fairytales my whole life.” “I also taught you to be your own person. Do you think you learned that from my son? Or the doormat he married? You just listen. “A father had two sons, one that he loved and one that he couldn’t stand. He doted upon one, and gave him everything he could ever want. The other, he made work for everything. As the boys aged, the favored son turned selfish, demanding things but refusing to work for them.

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“The younger son knew his father didn’t care for him. Yet he served his father, worked his fields, and tended his cattle. When the father became ill, he made sure he was well cared for. When the father asked why, the son told him things that were meaningful in life were worth fighting for. Like a father’s love. When the father died, he left everything but a tiny bag of gold to the younger son.” “As he should have,” Angel said. “He worked for it.” “The story is not over.” “Of course not,” Angel said. She refilled her grandmother’s cup, and took a sip of her own. “The older son, angry he’d received so little, demanded more, and the younger son gave him everything.” “What? What is this teaching me, anyway? That you work hard and then don’t have anything to show for it?” “No. You don’t listen. The younger son knew he had what was important. He had the love of his father. He’d worked for it and not let it slip through his hands. That, to him, was worth more than the gold.” Angel turned her tear-filled eyes toward the doorway. “This isn’t about my father, is it?” “No. If you care for this man, then you need to fight for him. Don’t let him slip away from you. And if, God help him, he has demonios, then you find a way to help him destroy them.” Angel smiled as she watched her grandmother whisper a prayer and then kiss her rosary. “What if he won’t let me help him, Abuelita? What if I’m not what he wants?” “You will know, dulce uno, whether or not he cares for you. You will know.”

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***** Eric had put off his visit to La Tienda Dulce as long as he could. He’d waited until after four, when Joseph Black Hawk would be there. That way he would have a bit of a buffer zone when dealing with Angel. He had hurt her so very badly last night, but it was just another example of why he shouldn’t have contact with people until he was back to his old self again. Going to Tygers had been a bad idea. He had to find some way to make it up to Angel. The bell over the door tinkled as he opened the door. The shop was full with people enjoying flan, buñuelos, Mexican bread pudding, and, if he wasn’t mistaken, a chili-brownie topped with ice cream and fudge sauce. A quick survey of the shop showed Angel at a table, talking with a woman and a teenage girl. They had a piece of paper in between them, both of them pointing to it at different times. She was smiling and laughing with them and his horrible treatment of her last night hit him smack in the face. Even if he had acted badly, he shouldn’t have run like a scared child. He cringed at the impression he’d left her with. Still, she didn’t look the worse for wear today. But then again, she hadn’t seen him yet. He slipped into a booth so he was in her line of sight. When she saw him, she paused momentarily, but the smile did not slip from her face. She continued to talk with the ladies, who looked to be customers. When the lady and her daughter had left, she walked to Eric’s table and sat down across from him. “Buenos tardes,” she said softly. “Good afternoon to you, too,” he replied.

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An uncomfortable silence fell; then she cleared her throat. “Let me get you something to eat. A chili-brownie sundae? They’re delicious.” “No, thank you. I’m fine. We need to talk about your break-ins. And, we need to talk about last night, too.” She nodded. “And, I need to talk with Joseph.” “He’s not here yet. He’s late, which is unusual for him.” She cleared her throat. “Let’s go to my office. We can talk privately there.” “That sounds good.” He stood and walked toward the counter, his gaze straying to the brownies. He loved chili-flavored brownies. Sweet chocolate with just the right mix of chili peppers to give it a spicy kick. “You go,” she said. “I’ll fix you one.” This time he didn’t argue. He walked into her office and sat down on the chair across from her desk. When she came in and handed him a plate with what he was sure was more than one serving, he dug in. He’d only eaten a few bites of a sandwich for lunch, and somehow being around Angel made him hungry, and for more than food. The minute he’d seen her, his cock had sprung to life, throbbing with memories of how she’d felt wrapped around him. When he’d finished his last bite, he set the plate on the desk and took a drink of water. “I failed you last night. I’m sorry.” “No, you didn’t. It was fantastic. I loved it.” “Fantastic, yes. But it wasn’t submission. It was pure, unadulterated sex.” “And for it to be perfect for you, it has to be submission?” “No,” Eric said. “I’m less than perfect lately, trust me. But I told you I was going to give you lessons. Then I practically forced you to…”

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“Hold it right there, buddy. You didn’t force me into anything. As I remember, I was the one begging you. If anyone is to blame for last night, it’s me.” Their gazes locked for a few moments. Eric sucked his lower lip into his mouth to hide a smile. “Your fault, huh?” “Yes. Maybe you should punish me. Isn’t that what Masters do to their subs? Punish them for behaving badly? I led you astray. I think you should spank me. Tonight.” Eric felt remnants of the old him pushing through. He had a beautiful woman in front of him, willing to submit to him. This time, however, he would do it right. He would hold on to his emotions, and his unruly cock. “Maybe I should.” Even as he said the words, he knew he couldn’t do it. He wasn’t capable of being the Dom he’d been in the past. “I did some reading last night, on the Web,” Angel said. “I…” “Stop. Angel. We need to talk about the store. I wanted to apologize for last night, and I did. But we can’t continue. We identified prints on your backdoor as belonging to two thugs who work for Dustin Jaymes. Have you ever heard of him?” “No. Who is he?” “He’s a general all-around criminal. He runs illegal gambling casinos, a bookie practice, and launders money.” She sat back in her chair. “Who were the men?” Eric reached into his pocket and pulled out a card. “José Marquez and Steven Butcher. Do you recognize either of those names?” “No. Why would they be on the back door?” “Because that’s where they broke in. Why don’t you go and get Joseph, and we’ll see how he reacts to those names.”

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“That’s so unfair. He told you he had nothing to do with it, he said…” “He works for Jaymes in his spare time. Did he tell you that?” Eric watched shock spread across her face. She quickly masked it and cleared her throat. “I knew he had other jobs. I told you about his father.” “Yes, but his other jobs aren’t for men under investigation for gambling fraud. Jaymes is not a nice person. If Joseph crossed him somehow, then Jaymes has him fitted for a toe-tag. I can’t put it any plainer than that. Bring him back here. Now.” Angel jumped up and ran for the main room. She was back seconds later, diving for the phone on her desk. She looked up a number, then punched it in. “Khayia, where is Joseph? He didn’t come to work today.” Eric watched her click her fingernails together as she listened. After a few minutes, she muttered for the person, presumably Joseph’s mother, to call when she heard from him, then she hung up the phone and sat down. “He didn’t come home last night. And she said two men came looking for him this morning. One Hispanic, the other white.” “Shit.” Eric popped open his phone. “Sanchez. Put an unmarked unit on Black Hawk’s house. Tell them to watch for the kid, and for thugs. If the kid shows up, bring him in as a material witness.” He clicked the phone shut. “This is bad.” “Yes, it is. But, Jaymes doesn’t have Joseph.” “How do you know that?” “Because his goons wouldn’t have come looking for him today.”

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He watched relief spread across her face, and he felt horrible about having to complete his thoughts. “Angel. If Joseph has taken money from Jaymes, he won’t take it lying down. If he can’t find Joseph, he’ll come after people he’s close to. That means his family, and people like you.” “You can’t be serious.” “I’m very serious. Jaymes is a nasty man. He’s slipped through the cracks for years. We can’t get enough on him to bust him because he uses people like Joseph, whom he considers expendable. If they get busted, he pays them off to keep them quiet. Or…” His voice trailed off. “Or what?” “He kills them.”

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Chapter Seven

“You don’t have to do this,” Angel said, handing her keys to Eric. “Humor me.” He turned the key in the lock and pushed the door to her house open. He ushered her inside, then held up his hand. “Wait right here. I’ll go and check things out and be right back.” She watched him disappear through the kitchen doorway. He’d asked her to describe the house layout before they’d arrived so he’d know which room was what. Her stomach still felt queasy from his words at the shop.

He kills them. Her worry for Joseph increased. He was a good kid who’d had a hard life. He didn’t deserve a scumbag like Jaymes using him and then discarding him. She prayed he hadn’t stolen anything from the crook. But, he probably had. That could be the only explanation for why Jaymes was after him. She wondered if they’d had problems at the Black Hawk house. Khayia hadn’t mentioned it when she’d called, but then again, she probably wouldn’t. Angel had been surprised she’d mentioned the two men. The woman drank a little bit, which was part of the reason her husband had left.

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Angel sat down on the couch and waited for Eric. He came back a few minutes later. She’d noticed he hadn’t taken his gun out of his holster when he’d started to search. She knew from what Pam had told her the shooting had affected him. She wanted to know how. She wanted to help him. She wanted to be with him. “Well?” “Nothing. But I’m staying, just the same.” “I like that idea.” She lowered her voice. “Then you can punish me.” His laughter made her smile. “Angel, we need to talk, first. Submission isn’t something that can be accomplished in one setting. It has to be consensual; therefore, it needs to be discussed. Groundwork needs to be laid, rules need to be discussed. Plus, as much as I like the idea, I don’t think I’m the man to…” “I don’t want anyone else.” She rushed her words out before he could say he didn’t want to be with her. “Last night showed my control is not as good as it used to be. The old Eric never would have fucked you like that. Not on an informational tour of the club.” He sat down next to her and leaned back into the couch. “Do you think it’s because of…the shooting?” She saw him tense and she bit her lip. She shouldn’t have mentioned it. “Yes. I know what I did was right, but just the same I keep second guessing myself. I wonder if I should have shot near the ground, or over his head, or his leg.” “Eric. If you’d done any of those things you might have hurt someone else. Like your friend, Lucy.” “Yes, but I could have hurt Lucy by shooting Baker, too. He was holding on to her. But when he lifted up, I saw my chance, and I took it.”

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“You saved her life.” “And I took another in the process. True, he was a murderer. But did I have the right to be judge and jury? Did he deserve to die in the dirt?” Angel reached over and caressed his cheek. She wanted to lean over and kiss him when he increased the pressure, tilting his head toward her hand. “My grandmother likes to tell fairytales, parables really, to show us how things should be done in life. To show us right from wrong.” “And what do you think she’d tell me?” Angel laughed. “I’m sure she’d pick the one about learning to deal with the hand God dealt you. She always says He doesn’t give us more than we can handle.” “I hope she’s right.” “One of the things that she always told me was that you have to take responsibility for your own actions.” “I take responsibility for killing Baker.” “No, that’s not what I’m talking about. Baker’s actions put him in a situation that resulted in his death. He’s responsible for that. Not you.” “How come when you say it, it makes so much sense?” She smiled, and Eric frowned. “He visits me.” “Baker?” “Yes. He comes into my dreams. And lately, into my house. He’s haunting me.” “Only because you let him. You need to let go. You need to push him away.” She stroked his cheek. “Maybe I can take your mind off it for a while. Since you’re staying here, you can give me a lesson.”

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Her heart quickened when he turned his gaze to her. “Tell me, Apuro, what do you think submission means?” “Giving over of one’s self to another. A power exchange.” “That’s right. In this case, you would be giving yourself over to me. You’d have to trust me completely. You’d have to be willing to obey me. Is that what you want?” “Yes.” She thought back to last night, to the scene of bondage in the main room, the punishment she’d witnessed. She’d known the sub had been whipped. She’d heard the sounds of it when Eric had been pounding into her. Strangely enough, it had excited her. Not that another person was feeling pain. What had excited her was the idea she might experience those sensations. That Eric might one day spank her, or flog her. “What excited you about last night?” “You mean besides feeling you in my cunt? All of it.” “Explain to me. I want to hear what excited you, and why.” “It was all so intense. I want to feel that. I want to feel the connection with you.” She knew she’d said the right words when he smiled. He looked at his watch. “It’s almost midnight. Try Joseph’s cell phone one more time.” She dialed the number, and let the same message she’d left before. “I can’t decide if his not answering is good, or bad.” “A bit of both,” Eric said. “I don’t think Jaymes has him. But I don’t understand why he wouldn’t answer a call from you. What did he say to you after I left yesterday?” “Nothing. He said he was sorry for the trouble. I took it to mean he was sorry about the break-ins, as if you would say sorry you’re sick.” Eric nodded. He knew Joseph meant more than that. Joseph had done something against Jaymes, and somehow he’d dragged Angel into his problems.

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“Well, we can’t worry anymore tonight,” Eric said. “I’ve got someone watching his house in case he shows up.” “And you’re here to protect me. And teach me.” “All right. The first thing we do is talk.” Angel frowned. “Talk? Where’s the fun in that?” “For a true Dom/sub relationship to be intense, like you want, there has to be trust. We can’t bond any other way. So, I’ll lay out the rules. I want you to listen carefully. Failure to follow the rules results in punishment.”

Eric’s palms began to sweat. He pushed any self-doubt he had to the back of his mind as he told her to stand and take her clothes off. He could control himself tonight. He could act like the Dom he was and bring Angel, and himself, intense pleasure. When she was naked, she started to sit back down and he shook his head. “Kneel in front of me. Hands behind your back, legs spread.” He watched her as she obeyed, her face alight with anticipation. “Now, a power exchange does not mean one person tells the other what to do, and they do it, without questions. A true Dom knows his sub’s limits. He pushes them, yes, but he doesn’t expect his sub to obey blindly. That’s why you have a safe word.” “What is that? Does that mean I can stop something?” “Basically. A safe word is for when a sub thinks she’s been pushed too far. When something bothers her. It’s not to be used lightly, but it will stop the scene entirely. You need to pick a word you don’t use often. For instance, stop, or no, doesn’t work. Lots of people say things like that when they’re making love. ‘Oh, stop. Oh, no.’ You have to choose something that will come quickly to your mind but is not a part of your everyday speech. Do you have something in mind?”

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Angel’s gaze roamed the room, examining different objects. Finally she said, “What about ayuda?” He laughed. “Spanish for help? All right. If I hear that word, I stop. You have to make sure you want me to stop, because I probably won’t start again. It’s not for a rest period, but it’s for something that truly bothers you. Do you trust me enough to know that?” “Yes.” “Good. Then let’s begin.”

Angel’s nipples tightened, if that were possible. She knew they were harder than they’d ever been with just his voice caressing her skin. The words “let’s begin” made her shiver with delight. “You belong to me now, Apuro. You will do as you’re told, when you’re told. Do I make myself clear?” “Yes.” He narrowed his eyes at her and she murmured, “Sir. Yes, Sir.” “How wet is your pussy?” “Very, Sir.” “Show me. Dip your fingers inside. Make them glisten with your juices.” Angel’s hands moved quickly down her stomach and centered between her legs, diving into her pussy as if it were caviar at a cocktail party. “Slow down, Apuro,” Eric said with a laugh. “Things are better if they’re savored.” “I want to come,” she whispered, her fingers finding her clit and circling it, bringing the juices up from her slit to surround the hardened bud. “You don’t come without my permission. If you do, you’ll be punished.” “You’ll spank me?” She knew she sounded too eager, but she couldn’t help it.

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“Punishment doesn’t always include spankings. I control you now, which means I control your orgasm. Do you understand?” She frowned at him, then nodded. “Tell me about yourself, sexually. What things have you tried?” Angel felt her cheeks heat up. She moved her fingers to her hips and started to stand. “Did I say you could get up? Stay in position, with your fingers in your pussy.” She did as he said, part of her angry about the order, and part of her very thrilled. “Tell me.” “Well, there’s not much I haven’t tried. If you’re looking for a true Angel, I guess we need to stop.” “I want specifics.” Angel looked at the floor near his feet. Here’s where it ended, she knew. She’d been very wild for about two years, doing things others rejected. Now, she worked her hardest to keep her past secret, although many people knew. And here he was, trying to drag it out of her. “I’ve been tied to a bed.” There, she hoped that was sufficient. “Too vanilla. I know you’ve been a naughty girl, and I want to hear it.” “Even if it makes me uncomfortable?” “Yes.” “Fine.” Her voice was defiant and she figured that when she was done, he would get up and leave. “I’ve been with more than one man at a time. Once, I took on three men at one time, so I had a cock in my pussy, one in my ass, and one in my mouth at the same time. I’ve taken part in an orgy. I’ve been fucked up the ass. I strapped on a dildo and fucked my roommate one time until she screamed for mercy. Then I stuck it up her ass. Afterward we

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ate each other’s pussies. I screwed a man I’d just met at a Fourth of July party, in the bathroom of a friend’s house. I gave a date a blowjob in a theater. Do I need to go on?” Her chest was heaving and her fingers had stopped moving. “Did I tell you to stop playing with your pussy, Apuro? Keep going. I’m having fun watching you. And, by the way, I’m going to ignore the fact you lied to me last night about being with another woman.” “Aren’t you disgusted? Some of the men I did those things with were disgusted. That’s why they never called me back, or saw me again. I was disgusted with myself.” “Why?” “Because. I was a slut.” Eric shook his head. “Angel. Look at me.” Unshed tears swam in her eyes as their gazes met. “You shouldn’t feel disgusted about what you’ve done. It’s a part of you, and it doesn’t disgust me. Understand?” She nodded, her eyes wide. “You need to know what we do together will be consensual. I will never force you into anything. I will try to push you along, yes, but not by force. Do you know why I asked you to tell me those things?” “No.” Her voice trembled. “Because I’d heard you had a past. And I wanted you to tell me about it so you would know I didn’t care. I’m here with you tonight because I want to be. I could order a car to watch the house, but I’d rather be inside, with you. As far as I’m concerned your past is gone.” She stared at him for a few seconds as the shock spread through her system. He could be telling her the truth, or he could just be telling her what she wanted to hear. Finally, she nodded and whispered, “Thank you.”

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“I wanted it out in the open, right out front. I’m no angel myself.” She laughed nervously. “Do you have a vibrator?” “Yes, several of them.” His laugh made her laugh. She relaxed a little more. “Go and get one. Wipe your tears and come back downstairs.”

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Chapter Eight

“Does he have a name?” His question startled her. “The vibrator? No.” He crooked his finger at her and she went to stand in front of him. He tipped her chin up and smiled at her, then reached around, and slapped her bare behind. “Shall we try that again?” “No, Sir.” She rubbed her stinging bottom. “Much better.” He held up two taper candles, about ten inches long and an inch in diameter. “I found these in the kitchen. I hope you don’t mind.” She shook her head. “Good. Get down on your hands and knees.” When she was in position, he held one of the candles in front of her face. “Suck the fat end for me. Get it nice and wet.” He trailed the other candle down her back, then knelt behind her. “Just a small test of your willingness to serve,” Eric said. “This is just a little thing, but some ladies balk at it. You’ll have a candle in your pussy, and one in your ass. Then, you’ll

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hold them in you while you watch me masturbate. If you keep them in you like a good little girl, I’ll let you come. If not, you’ll go to bed with an aching clit. Do you understand?” “That’s not fair.” “Do. You. Understand?” He was fucking her with the candle now, sliding it in and out of her wetness. She was so flooded that she knew it would be hard to keep it in her while she watched him. “Yes, Sir.” “Very good. Give me the other one.” She handed it to him and tried not to tense up when she felt him push it against her back opening. It had been a while since she’d taken anything there, and she was more than a little apprehensive. “Relax,” he whispered as he pushed the fat end past the tight ring of her muscle. She groaned as he filled her with it, moving the one in front in rhythm with the one in the back. “Very good. I can’t tell you how much my cock is itching to be that second candle, Apuro. You have a very sweet little ass.” “Thank you, Sir.” When he stopped the movements, Angel groaned. Her clit throbbed in anticipation of an orgasm, and each thrust had taken her closer. He walked away from her, taking off his clothes and sitting down on the couch. Angel marveled at his beauty. She hadn’t seen much of him last night. He’d taken her from behind, and then dressed and left quickly. Now she could see he had a nice, thick cock, which he fondled with even strokes. She wanted him to move closer so she could reach out and lick him. Lick the head, run her tongue down to his balls, and swallow his shaft. She knew that wouldn’t happen, though, unless he wanted it to.

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He sat down and moved his hand up and down his hardness. “Watch me, Apuro. Watch my cock.” She fastened her gaze on his movements. Behind her she clenched her muscles in an effort to keep the candles from slipping from her now very wet pussy, and her rear, which wasn’t used to the invasion. The clenching made her clit tighten and she fought against the wave of orgasm that threatened to burst forth. “I need…” “You need to behave yourself. I can see what you’re doing. You’ll wait.” “Eric.” “Tut, tut, tut. I should deny you for that alone.” He stopped moving his hand, his gaze trained on her. “Please, Sir Eric, please.” “Sir Eric. Hmm, I like that. Now I can be all royal and knightly.” He started to stroke himself again and Angel groaned inwardly. She felt as if her body would explode, the pressure hard and sweet at the same time. She could feel the candle in her ass slipping and she clenched her muscles tighter. Eric’s own breathing was coming harder, his hand moving faster as he watched her. After a few more minutes of torture he stood and walked to her, never lessening the strokes on his cock. “Open.” His voice sounded strangled and Angel complied, lifting up her head. The candles in her pussy and ass slipped, the one in her behind falling all the way out as she took his cock in her mouth. She sucked greedily and groaned when the first of his come hit the back of her throat. She swallowed quickly as he continued to fill her, his hands on her head, holding her steady. When he pulled his cock away from her mouth and gently rubbed her shoulder, she put her head on his thigh.

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“I lost the candle.” “I know. But you did very well for your first time. You can still earn an orgasm.” She laughed softly. “How?” “Stand up.” The other candle left her body and dropped to the floor as she stood. She bent to pick them up, but Eric stopped her. “Leave them for now. Spread your legs. Arms behind your back with your head bowed.” She did as he said, her body tingling with need. “Who are you?” “Ang…Apuro.” “Very good.” He stroked her hair. “And who am I?” “Sir Eric.” “That’s right,” he said with a chuckle. “I own your body now, Apuro. Isn’t that right?” “Yes, Sir Eric.” The words made her tingle. “I’m proud of you for not coming. I know it had to have been hard. Take the vibrator. Put it on your clit. Come for me now.” Angel reached for the vibrator, turned it on high, and stroked it across her clit. Two swift passes and she came, her muscles contracting around the remembered feel of the candle. Eric stroked her hair and whispered words of approval, telling her she was a good girl, and he loved watching her come. “I’m very proud of you.” He tipped her face to his and kissed her gently. “Does this mean I’m a sub?” “We’re working on it. Did you enjoy tonight?”

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“Yes.” “Me, too. What time do you have to be at work?” “Six. Carmen and Lilia are opening up.” “Good. Let’s see if we can get some sleep. Then, maybe tomorrow I can find Joseph.”

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Chapter Nine

When the phone rang at four a.m. it took Eric a few minutes to realize he wasn’t at home. He sat upright and reached for the nightstand, only to realize the phone wasn’t there. It was on the other side of the bed. Angel’s whispered “hello” reminded him of where he was. He ran his fingers through his hair and stood, stretching and trying to remember exactly where the bathroom was. Light from the streetlamp outside illuminated part of the room. When his eyes adjusted he saw a room and headed toward it. When he came back out, Angel was hanging up the phone and reaching for her pants. “What?” “That was Joseph’s mother. She just got a telephone call that scared the hell out of her. I told her we’d come over.” Eric began pulling on his clothes, throwing Angel’s pants at her when he picked them up by mistake. “What did they say?” “I’m not really sure. She was crying, and slurring her words. Something about Joseph.”

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They headed down the stairs, Eric right on Angel’s heels. She grabbed her keys and opened the front door, slamming back into Eric’s chest and screaming as a body, hanging over the open screen door, swayed in the wind in front of her. “No! No! Joseph.” She made to grab at the swaying form but Eric captured her in his arms and propelled her backward. He stepped in front of her and moved toward the morbid sight on the porch. After a few steps he realized the swaying form wasn’t a body, but a dummy made out of cloth and stuffed with newspapers. Hanging around the dummy’s neck was a sign.

This is Your First, and ONLY Warning. Behind him, he could hear Angel crying, her deep, heavy sobs escaping into the room. “It’s OK. Baby, it’s OK. It’s not real.” He gathered her in his arms and pulled her head to his chest. “It’s not real. It’s all right.” “I thought…I thought…” She continued to sob, her breathing coming out in hiccups. “Baby, you need to take a deep breath and relax before you hyperventilate on me. Here, sit down on the couch.” When she was seated, he ran to the kitchen to get a glass of water, stopping only to use his cell phone to call for an officer to investigate the scene. She’d had one glass of water and had stopped crying by the time the squad car arrived. “You stay here and let me talk to the officer.” When she pushed his hands away, he laughed. “I’m not a baby.” “Sorry. Cop instinct.” He helped her from the couch and tried not to pull her into his chest when she grimaced at the sight on her porch. “Are those Joseph’s clothes?” “They don’t look familiar,” she said, shaking her head.

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The officer took the particulars and called for a crime scene tech to collect the dummy. “We need to talk to Khayia,” Angel said. “You stay here. I’ll go there.” “Oh, no. You’re not going anywhere without me.” “But it’s been almost an hour since she called.” Eric nodded. “Call her. Tell her the officer outside her house is going to take her downtown. We’ll meet her there.” “She’ll never go. She doesn’t trust cops.” “This is way beyond that now, Angel. Convince her.” “No. Just tell him to bring her here. I’ll go and make some coffee. I’ll make some chorizo and eggs, too, enough for your friends.” She hurried to the kitchen even as Eric yelled her name after her. He turned toward the crime scene officer, who was smiling like a gossip columnist who’d just found the scoop of the century. “So, Neal, did you just happen to be driving around the block and saw a dummy hanging from the door?” “Screw you, Collins.” “Yeah, that’s what I thought. She’s a hot little number.” Eric narrowed his eyes and the man stepped back and cleared his throat. “Sorry. I just thought…” “What do you have on the dummy?” “Nothing. No prints, not a thing. The note was spit out of a laser printer. I can get a tag on it, but I need something to match it to.” “Don’t bother. I know who did it. Or, let me rephrase that, I know who it was done for. I’m sure by now the machine it was printed on is in a dump somewhere.”

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“Sorry.” Collins shrugged his shoulders, then cocked his head and sniffed. “Is that chorizo I smell?” He pushed past Eric, who blew out a breath and put his hands on his hips. “Collins! We have work to do. Remember?” He got no answer, nor did he really expect one. Two of the uniformed officers who were outside were sticking their noses in the door, sniffing and looking around with hunger in their eyes. “In there,” Eric said, pointing his thumb over his shoulder. “Eat, and then get your asses back to work.”

***** Angel put a tortilla filled with eggs, chorizo, and cheese in front of Khayia Black Hawk. The woman’s hands where shaking as she took up a fork. It hovered above the food; then she set it back down without cutting into it. Her children didn’t have that problem. Three of them, from ages fifteen to eight, were more than halfway through their second plate of food. She was sure they didn’t know why they had been rousted from their beds before six a.m. But, she was also sure their home life was so unpredictable, that they’d learned to just go with the flow. She put another plate of chorizo and egg burritos on the table and turned to Eric, who was standing in the doorway between the kitchen and the dining room, his cell phone plastered to his ear. He was nodding and had a very serious look on his face. She studied him and smiled. He looked more handsome now than he had the first day he’d walked into her shop. His eyebrows were drawn together and there was a scowl on his face. Had that been only a two days ago that she’d met him? Her life had changed so drastically in those two days. Of course, the change had started when someone broke into

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her shop. Someone associated with Dustin Jaymes. She’d never met the man, never even heard of him. And he’d turned her world upside down. The only good thing to come from the break-ins was Eric. She felt her cheeks grow hot as she thought about the things they’d done last night. She’d been pretty kinky in her life, but being fucked by candles by a man who insisted she call him Sir was by far the most erotic, and the most pleasurable thing she’d ever done. “Angel. Do you think something’s happened to my Joseph?” Khayia’s hands shook as she put a cigarette in her mouth and began to rummage in her purse for her lighter. “Of course not. Let’s go outside. You don’t want to smoke around the children while they’re eating.” She helped the older woman stand and propelled her toward the backyard. The sound of Eric’s cell phone clicking shut told her his conversation was over. She turned to him and lifted her eyebrows in question. He smiled in return and held up his index finger, then flipped the phone back open and moved toward the counter. Outside, Khayia was already surrounded by a cloud of smoke. “Did Joseph ever mention the named Dustin Jaymes to you, Khayia?” “No. But he was gone most nights, lately. At first, when he was working for you, he’d bring home food for the kids. But that changed the last month or so. He’d give me a lot of money at the first of the week, for food. I’d hear him coming home at two or three in the morning, and then getting up for school the next day.” Angel felt a pang of guilt because Joseph had obviously changed in the past few months, and she hadn’t even noticed it. “How much money was he giving you?” Eric’s voice sounded from a few steps away. Khayia shook her head violently. “None. Just what he made at Angel’s store.” Angel put her hand on Khayia shoulder. “It’s OK. Eric’s my friend. And if you want to help Joseph, you have to be truthful with him.” “My Joseph’s a good boy. He’s done nothing wrong.”

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“Mrs. Black Hawk. He’s stolen money from one of the biggest crooks in the city. The man wants his money back. How much had Joseph been giving you?” The woman’s eyes clouded with tears. “I didn’t spend all of it. Just enough for food and rent.” “How much,” Angel said softly. “A thousand dollars a week,” she said softly. “Until Monday. Monday, he gave me five thousand.”

***** “Where does an eighteen-year-old kid get five thousand dollars?” Angel asked Eric in a soft voice. “He steals it from his mobster boss,” Eric replied. “And puts a death sentence above all their heads. I’m sure he never thought about that. It’s a miracle those four people are sitting at your table right now.” “Surely he wouldn’t kill children?” When Eric raised his eyebrows at her to show her that yes, he would, she shuddered. “By the way, what are you doing with all this chorizo in your refrigerator? You had to have fed fifteen people in the last three hours and there’s leftovers. You always keep ten pounds of sausage?” “No,” she said with a laugh. “I was going to stay home this morning and work on some recipes. I’m catering a Quinceañera a week from Saturday. I wanted to try out some different dishes. The mother and daughter were coming into the shop tomorrow morning to taste them and make a choice for the breakfast at their house in Rio Rancho before mass. Then, I’m making all the cakes and pastries for the dance that evening. The father wanted to do the barbeque himself.”

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Eric nodded. He knew the coming of age party was a big event in a fifteen-year-old Hispanic girl’s life. He didn’t know Angel did catering. He didn’t have the heart to tell her they needed to make sure this was all cleared up before she thought about doing any catering, though. He pushed her hair back from her face and leaned over and kissed her cheek. “You do know we have a problem here that’s not going away.” “What can we do?” “Well, we’re going to have to ruffle a few feathers. Visit Jaymes and ask him some questions. Pull his guys in for questioning about why their fingerprints were on your backdoor. His goons will come on even harder when that happens.” “I’ve already called Carmen. Everything’s fine at the store.” “Do me a favor. Talk to Mrs. Black Hawk. She’ll open up to you. See if anything strange besides the phone call has happened. I’m going outside and make a phone call to a friend of mine who works for the state police. Can you do that?” The disgusted look she gave him said he’d insulted her. “Sorry. I know you know can. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” He went outside and punched Ward’s number into his cell phone. As the phone rang, it hit him Rodney Baker had not visited his dreams last night. Nor had he made an appearance that morning. He vaguely wondered if it was because he was so busy thinking about Angel and keeping her safe that he hadn’t thought about Baker. But still, even now, the man didn’t appear and sneer at him. “What?” Ward’s voice was heavy with sleep and Eric checked his watch. Just after seven. “Shouldn’t you be getting ready for work?” “I’m hanging up now, Neal.”

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“Don’t. I want to talk to you about Dustin Jaymes.” Eric told Ward about Khayia’s phone call, and about the dummy on Angel’s door. When the officer spoke again, all traces of sleep were gone from his voice. “Let me make a phone call or two. I’ll get right back to you.” He disconnected and Eric shook his head. He glanced around the neighborhood. People were coming awake, coming out on their front lawns to pick up papers. The sight of three police units sitting in front of Angel’s house had attracted attention. Husbands were calling to wives to come outside and check things out, crowds were gathering on lawns. They would need to canvas the neighborhood to see if anyone had seen or heard anything. Of course, he’d been inside the house and hadn’t heard a thing. Some cop he was. He’d been more worried about making Angel come and getting his dick sucked, even knowing she’d had two break-ins at her store that week. Maybe Jaymes’ men knew he was in there, too, and that’s why they hadn’t tried to come inside. He knew the phone call Khayia had received this morning wasn’t her first contact with them. Hopefully, Angel could get information out of her that he never could. “Where are you, Joseph?” He whispered the words and shook his head. Then he turned to the porch. Officers were dusting the railings around the porch. He knew it was futile. They’d come up with dozens of prints, and wouldn’t be able to prove when any of them had occurred. He called them around him. “We need to talk to neighbors. Reassure them nobody’s dead, and just say she had a small problem. Don’t go into details. Ask if anyone heard anything.” The uniforms nodded and gathered to make a plan of attack. At that moment, Angel came out onto the porch. She looked beautiful with her dark hair hanging loose around her shoulders. And she looked scared and worried.

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She hurried over to him. “You were right. Jaymes’ men visited Khayia every day. They told her Joseph took something that belonged to Jaymes, and he wanted it back. She tried to give them the money and they said it wasn’t money. They gave her until today to produce him, then promised to start killing her other kids.” “Son of a bitch. Why the hell didn’t she call us?” “They don’t trust cops. I told you that.” “Well, you would think…” His phone rang and Eric snatched it up. “What?” “You know, you could be nicer, seeing’s how you woke me up and dumped a shitstorm in my lap.” “Ward. Talk to me.” “The Black Hawk kid you’re looking for did more than steal money. According to one of our officers working on the Jaymes case, he took books, as in ledgers of accounts. They list different gambling halls he’d set up, how much money they’d made, and how much money some very influential people owe him for gambling debts.” “Holy shit.” Eric felt the bottom drop out of his stomach. “Exactly. I’m surprised the mother and kids aren’t dead yet, or the kid’s boss. Jaymes usually doesn’t pussy-foot around. If you ask me, his waiting meant he thinks he can get the books, and then just kill the kid. When he figured out he couldn’t do that, then he started to go after the secondary players.” “Yeah, we’re going downtown. Can you guys take the mother and kids into protective custody?” “Sure. You’ve got the boss handled, right?” Eric narrowed his eyes at the tone in Ward’s voice. “What the fuck’s that supposed to mean?” “It means everyone knows you spent last night getting kneaded by a baker. Lucky son of a bitch.”

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Eric heard the phone click. He flipped his own shut and turned to Angel. “We have to convince Khayia to go into custody.” He told her what Ward had said, cautioning her that she couldn’t tell anyone else. “I think she’s scared enough that she won’t put up much of a fuss,” Angel said softly. “What about the store?” “I have an officer inside and two outside. They’re eating up all your profits, I’m sure.” She laughed. “I don’t care about that. I just want Joseph to be safe.” “Sweetie, I have to be honest with you. Joseph did a very dumb thing. You don’t mess with Dustin Jaymes. Maybe, though, we can use this to catch him and put him out of business. Just maybe.” “How does a man like him stay in business? Gambling is legal in New Mexico. Why do people go to his illegal places?” “They’re people that have been banned from the casinos for cheating. People who have no money, but have a gambling addiction. Jaymes fronts them the cash, for a hefty price, and that keeps them hooked and coming back for more. He makes a very tidy profit, and he’s smart enough to do things so he doesn’t get caught. Keeps things moving around and tells people one night it will be here, or there.” “How do you move a building with slot machines and poker tables?” “Simple. You have several manufactured buildings sitting around in the middle of nowhere. You move the machines in the dead of night. You stay one step ahead of those who are trying to bust you.” “That sucks.” Eric pulled her close to his chest, then kissed her forehead. “Yes, it does. But maybe, if we can get those books Joseph took, we can use them to shut him down. Permanently.”

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Chapter Ten

“Our man on the inside said he took a week’s worth of books,” Ward said, sliding into a chair in Ortiz’s office. He started talking without offering a greeting. “Here’s what we know about how that works. Jaymes’ men keep the books from their different locations. They gather them on Friday evening in a central location and take them to Jaymes. The ‘accountant’ starts to work on the books on Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning, depending on how his weekend is going.” “They didn’t notice they were gone until then? When Joseph didn’t deliver them on Friday night?” Eric shook his head. “Idiots.” “Let’s just say Black Hawk’s smarter than I thought he was. The books are just ledger books, available at any office supply store. Joseph went and bought replacements to put in bags so the guy thought they were there. Until he opened them and found them blank.” Eric laughed. “Smart kid.” “You think? Now, we know from what your new friend told us Jaymes’ men visited the mother on Sunday afternoon and tore the house up looking for them. When they didn’t find them, they moved to the store and looked there.”

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“I’m confused as to why they didn’t kill anyone then,” Eric said. “That’s their style, isn’t it?” “Yes,” Ward replied. “But, I really think he thought, he’s just a kid, and killing the mother and kids would attract too much attention. He wanted to get the books back and keep it quiet, before we found out.” “Where are you taking the mother and kids?” “Farmington,” Ward replied. “It’s hell and gone from here and Jaymes has little reach in that part of the state. Don’t worry. They’ll be safe. Where’s you new friend?” “Sitting at my desk, pissed as hell because I wouldn’t let her come in here.” Ward chuckled. “She won’t close down her store for a few days?” “Nope. Says she can’t afford to, especially since she has to pay for damages not covered by the insurance.” The phone on the desk rang and Captain Ortiz grabbed it. He barked a greeting, and then handed the phone to Eric. Eric frowned and took it. “Yeah?” “Where’s my mother?” “Joseph?” “Where’s my mother? And my brothers and sister? You fucker, where are they?” “Joseph, calm down. Jaymes threatened to kill them. We’re keeping them safe.” A soft sob broke from the young man’s throat. “Where are you?” “Yeah, right, so you can arrest me? Tell me where they are.” Eric made sure his voice sounded reassuring. “Joseph. I can help you. You have to trust me.” “Fuck you.”

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The line went dead and Eric muttered his own expletive. “Screwed that one up.” “Let’s just hope he comes in before Jaymes finds him,” Ortiz said. “So, Eric. You and Angel Vega have become close, huh?” “Are you asking about my personal life?” “No. I’m thinking you can go with her to Jaymes’ gambling house tonight. Pay him a little visit.” “Are you kidding? You think I’d put her in that much danger? Plus, he would know I’m a cop. Are you forgetting my photo was all over the paper a few months ago, when I killed Baker?” “Doesn’t matter,” Ortiz replied. “This isn’t undercover work. Take her in there and play some games, see if Jaymes approaches you. See if we can scare him just a little bit.” “Scare him into doing what? Putting more heat into finding Joseph? Into scaring Angelica? Fuck, no!” “How about the fact this would just reinforce the fact we’re on to him. We know he’s up the creek and we’re going to pounce.” Eric looked at Ward. “Shouldn’t that be your job?” “If you go in there with Angel, it looks more relaxed,” Ward said. “If we go in, he panics and starts either tearing things down, or eliminating people who can finger him.” “In other words, he won’t be scared of me because I’m a nobody.” “Exactly,” Ward said. “Thanks so much.” When Ward had left, Eric and Ortiz sat together in silence. Finally, Eric broke the tension. “I don’t know if…” But Ortiz didn’t let him finish the thought.

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“You’re a good cop, Eric. You can handle this, you know that. In the past few days I’ve seen the real you slowly creeping back.” “If anything happens to Angel, I don’t know what I’d do.” “It won’t.” Ortiz leaned forward. “Listen to me. I trust you. I know you make good judgments and can handle any situation you’re put in. You knew it once, too. I know you can figure it out again if you give yourself half a chance.”

***** “Taste this.” Angel put a plate of food in front of Eric. It was some sort of casserole with chorizo, eggs, cheese, and chilies. It had been baked and then smothered in cheese and chili sauce. He took a bite and murmured his approval. This was the third dish he’d tried that afternoon, and it was by far the best. The taste of it reminded him he hadn’t eaten much today. He began to eat from the plate in earnest and Angel laughed. “I take it that means you like it?” “This is the best, although they were all good.” He added the last part quickly and she laughed. “Thanks. I’ve been working on this recipe for a while. I’m glad you like it.” “What I like is this ass,” he said, desire evident in his voice as he smacked her bottom and squeezed. “Since we don’t have to go to Jaymes’ place until later tonight, what do you say we play for a little bit, teach you another lesson?” “Does that mean you’re Sir Eric right now?” “That’s what that means. Put up the food, then take off all your clothes.” He watched her from the chair, excitement building in his cock as she put the last of the dishes in the dishwasher, then began to strip. When she was naked, she stepped toward him.

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“Should I kneel?” “No. Take three sticks of butter out of the fridge and melt it on the stove. Then set it aside to cool and find me a pastry brush.” Her nipples were hard, and the idea that his demands excited her made him even harder than he had been a few moments ago. She hurried about her tasks, putting the butter into a saucepan to melt, and then searched through her drawers for a brush. She put two of them on the table in front of him. “Which one do you want?” He selected the smaller brush and she moved back to the stove. He loved watching her walk around the kitchen naked, her erect nipples betraying her arousal, her wetness glimmering on her thighs. He thought about what was going to happen tonight. He’d told her it would be dangerous, that she didn’t have to participate. She’d told him to shut the hell up, which had made him laugh. Ortiz’s words rang through his mind. “I trust you. You can handle this.” Eric knew he was right. He’d felt stronger the last few days than he’d felt since the shooting. He didn’t know if it was the excitement of working on a major case, or if it was Angel. He liked to think it was her. As a matter of fact, he knew it was her. He loved everything about her: her strong attitude and the way she met life head on, her stubbornness, her willingness to submit and her fascination with it. They were a perfect match. Just don’t screw it up. “What else?” She stood before him, her words pulling him back to the kitchen. “Is the butter cooling?” “Yes, Sir Eric.” “Find me some clothespins.” “What? No.”

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“About a dozen of them.” “Eric. I…” “Now.” “They’ll hurt.” “You have to trust me, remember? Go and get them and then lie down on the table.”

Angel hurried from the kitchen, her heart racing. Submission was a fascinating idea, but pain was not. She knew from what she’d seen at Tygers the other night that pain was involved, for many. She’d hoped Eric would not be one of those that liked it.

So much for that idea. She reached into the cupboard and took down a dozen clothespins, cradling them in her hands and walking back to the kitchen. Eric was gone from the room. She lay on the table and let out several deep breaths. Her table was long and narrow and she was just short enough to fit perfectly. Her nipples tingled with anticipation and wetness continued to form between her legs. Eric came back in and put something on the counter. He went to the saucepan and dipped his fingers into the butter as if to test the heat. “Relax, Apuro.” His voice was soft. “You’ll like this. I promise.” Angel closed her eyes and tried to steady her breathing. After a few minutes, she could feel Eric standing beside her. She looked up at him and he smiled. “Eyes down.” His fingers sought out her nipples and he pinched them, increasing the pressure until she moaned. “Sharp pressure can increase the intensity of an orgasm,” he said. “You will not come until I say so, understand?” “Yes, Sir Eric.”

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He lowered his hand to the V between her legs, pushed her thighs apart, and gently parted her slit. Her wetness made the parting easier. His fingers sought her clit and circled it, increasing the pressure until Angel’s hips started to move. Then he pinched the hard bud, and Angel cried out. “Lie still.” “Like hell. I mean, crap. Sir Eric, I’m sorry, but that hurt.” His laugh was low. “I’m sorry too, but not really. I love finding reasons to invent new punishments. I’ll have to come up with a good one for that. Until then, I have a surefire way to make sure you lie still. I’m going to tie you to the table.” He walked to the counter and returned with ties off robes and several bandanas. “Arms above your head.” “Sir Eric, please.” Even to her ears, the plea lacked conviction. She wanted to be tied, was fascinated by the idea. She did as he asked. He bound her wrists with the bandanas, and then, when she felt the heavy feel of his handcuffs, she panicked. “No, please.” “Hush. I’m wrapping them around the bandana so there won’t be any marks, unless you move a lot. Do you remember your safe word, Apuro?” “Yes, Sir Eric, ayuda.” “Do you want to use it?” “No.” “Then hush. Be a good little subbie.” He put ties through the chain that linked the handcuffs and tied them to either table leg. After he’d secured her legs, he tickled her bellybutton. “Comfortable?” “A little. I’m nervous. I mean, Sir Eric. I keep forgetting.”

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“That’s OK. It’s just more reasons to punish you tonight. We’ll be up until three or four at this rate.” He went to the head of the table and caressed her temples. “I want you to relax.” She nodded and then he blindfolded her. She moved her head from side to side, but didn’t protest. The sensation of not being able to see made her feel very vulnerable, and very alive. The anticipation was fantastic. She heard him move to the side of the table. When his fingers caressed her nipples, pulling on them gently, she sighed. Then, without warning, he fastened a clothespin on one. He quickly did the same to the other one. The sensation was painful, but not overly so. She shook her head violently but kept her mouth shut. “Good girl.” He moved down between her legs and Angel knew what was coming. “Please. No, Sir Eric, no.” “Angel, the pleasure will be intense. Plus, if you really want me to stop, you know what to say.” She nodded, but kept her mouth closed. When he stroked her clit, she hissed in delight. He attached the clothespin right above it. Shock waves of pain rippled through her pussy and quickly turned to throbbing need. “Sir Eric. Sir Eric.” She felt him move away from her. He was back seconds later and the rough ripples of the brush, dripping with warm butter, ran across her aching nipples. He painted both of them, the warm sensations dripping down into her pinched flesh, which throbbed with tension. He moved the buttered brush over her areolas, coating them until they were slippery and warm. He trailed the brush down her stomach, stopping at the top of her pussy and moving back up.

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The pressure on her nipples and clit was increasing and she bit her lip to keep from using her safe word. It didn’t hurt that badly, but it was throbbing. It took her a few seconds to realize that he wasn’t painting her with the butter anymore. He wasn’t touching her anywhere and he wasn’t moving. She wasn’t sure where he was. “Sir Eric?” Uneasiness flowed into her, and she wanted to move. She pulled slightly on her bonds and when she did so, he pulled the clip from her clit. The blood rushed back to the engorged area and it twitched and throbbed. If it could talk, she knew that it would ask for the pressure to be returned. “Sir Eric. Oh. I want to come, oh.” He didn’t answer. Instead, he popped the clamps from her nipples. “You have to be careful how long you leave an area pinched.” She could hear the desire in his voice. “Too long and you do damage. I like to take them off, and then put them back on a few times. Once the blood rushes back, you reapply the clips. Very heady sensations.” Angel wiggled against her bonds, then cried out when the clothespin was attached to her aching clit. He was right; the sensation was fantastic, pain that turned into a throbbing pleasure. He pulled it off quickly and then reattached it just as quickly. “I meant to tell you last night I’m very happy your pussy is waxed. You’ll keep it that way for me. Understand?” “Yes, Sir Eric.” He reattached the clamps to her nipples, then poured the butter over her body, starting at her shoulders and moving down to her thighs. It had cooled quite a bit, but it was still slightly warm, and the slippery oil felt good against her skin. He massaged several spots, avoiding the clips and the areas they were attached to, which now throbbed violently. “Please, Sir Eric, it hurts.” He pulled the clip from her clit, then reattached it seconds later. “Ouch. Please! I can’t take anymore.”

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“Yes, you can. And you know how to stop it if you really need to.” She knew, yes, but she wouldn’t do it. She didn’t want to be the one to stop the feelings she was getting. It hurt, but yet she was enjoying it, enjoying the exhilarating feel of doing something she’d never done before. Angel gasped when he climbed between her legs, lifting her thighs so they rested on his own. She heard the tear of a condom package and seconds later, she felt the tip of his cock probing into her. When he pushed himself inside in one swift stroke, the movement pulled on her already engorged clit. “I’m going to come. Sir Eric, I’m going to come.” “Don’t you dare. If you do, you’ll be meeting my belt. Do you understand?” “Yes, Sir.” She fought against her building orgasm as he began to pound into her. After a few minutes of hard thrusts, he pulled the clip off, then reattached it, pushing it together with his fingers as he began to thrust again. “Eric!” She didn’t know how much longer she could hold out. His fingers let go of the clip. Seconds later she felt him lean over. He pushed the clips on her nipples sideways and sucked first one, and then the other into his mouth, taking the ends of the wooden clamps with him. When he pulled first one, then the other off with his teeth and let them drop to the floor she screamed out again. “Please, Sir Eric, let me come!” It was as if that’s what he’d been waiting for. He pulled the clamp from her clit and growled out, “Come.” His fingers rubbed the hard nub and Angel’s hips thrust into his own as he continued to fuck her, harder and harder, their bodies slippery from the butter which now coated both of them, and the table.

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Hot tendrils of pleasure flowed through her. Bursts of light appeared before her eyes and tears stung her lids. She’d never come so hard before. The mixture of the pleasure, the pain and Eric’s hard, even thrusts carried her to a place she’d never been before. It took several minutes for her to feel as if she were coming back to earth again. When she did, she realized the blindfold was gone. She opened her eyes and looked into his blue ones. His held laughter, and more than a hint of mischief. “Aren’t you going to come, Sir Eric?” “I already did, Apuro, while you were wiggling and screaming under me.” “I didn’t scream.” “Oh, yes, you did. You begged me to fuck you harder. The neighbors are probably calling the cops right now, especially after this morning.” He kissed the tip of her nose, then stood and lowered his face to her pussy, his tongue snaking out to lick over her clit. It throbbed under his touch and she whimpered. “Please, no more.” Eric didn’t listen. He continued to lick her, as if trying to soothe her aching flesh. After a few moments, he kissed it gently, then stood the whole way up. “We made a mess. Plus, we have to shower before tonight.” He quickly undid her legs, then came up and unlocked the handcuffs. Angel sat up. Her hand went immediately to her pussy. “Checking to make sure your clit’s still there? Did you like that, my little subbie?” “Yes. I didn’t think I would. I was scared.” “I know. But you trusted me enough to try it. You were a good little girl.” He leaned over and kissed her gently. “Let me guide you, my sweet angel, and you can come like that all the time.”

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Chapter Eleven

Angel was more than a little nervous as Eric pulled his truck up to the small building that sat at the base of the mountains. The parking lot was so full, cars had spilled over into the grass. “They’re going to flag us as soon as we go in. Are you ready for this?” “Yes. Especially if it helps Joseph.” “Just stick close to me. If something happens, I’ll take care of you.” “I know, Eric.” She touched his arm lightly. “I trust you, totally and unconditionally. My nipples are still throbbing from how much I trust you.” He leaned over and kissed her lightly. “Thank you, Apuro. You have no idea how much that means to me.” She nodded and lowered her gaze. They walked to the door together, stepping toward the guard who stood as they approached. “Who are you?” His voice was deep. His arms were linked across his chest and he was scowling.

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Eric pulled out his ID, flipping it open so his shield showed. The man’s eyebrows shot up. “Business or pleasure --” He leaned down to examine the ID. “-- Detective Neal?” “Pleasure. I’d like to play some poker with my lady, Angelica Vega.” Even though Eric held her hand close, it was shaking. He gave her a reassuring squeeze and she smiled at the doorman. “ID?” He held his hand to Angel, who pulled her wallet from her purse. The man examined it and stepped aside. “Have fun.” When they were inside, Eric pulled her to a stop, leaning over to kiss her cheek. “Look, he’s already calling the boss.” Angel looked toward the guard who had just let them pass, who did indeed have a cell phone against his ear. “Won’t be long now. Slot machines, or poker?” “Poker,” Angel said with a smile. “Texas Hold ’Em.” He propelled her toward the change cage, getting five hundred dollars’ worth of chips and handing them to Angel. “Don’t lose it all,” he whispered as they headed to the tables. She was amazed at the number of people who were there. She was also amazed at how easy it was for them to get inside. She wanted to say something to that effect but she was worried about opening her mouth and getting them in trouble. At the second Texas Hold ’Em table, they found a free spot to the left of the dealer. Angel sat down and Eric stood behind her, his hands on her shoulders. She felt warm and protected with his large body pressed against hers.

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The dealer greeted her with a wink, and told the two other players they could begin. He dealt each of them two cards. Angel glanced at her hole cards to find the four of clubs and the queen of diamonds. “To the lady,” the dealer said with a smile. Angel threw out a twenty-dollar chip, and both of her opponents followed suit, with the third man adding a ten-dollar chip. Angel saw his bet, and raised him ten. When they were all in, the dealer laid down the three flop cards, the four of diamonds, the seven of hearts, and the queen of spades. Angel fought to hide her excitement. She now had two pair. All it would take would be a queen or four on either the turn or the river cards and she would have a full house. She kept her gaze on the table, not wanting to show her playing partners she was excited about her prospects for a good hand. The betting went on and finally the final two community cards were dealt, the four of spades and the king of hearts. She licked her lips as the player at the end folded. By her calculations the pot was at around one hundred and fifty dollars now. To begin the fourth round of betting, Angel threw out a fifty-dollar chip. The players to her right saw the bet and raised her. The player at the end of the table folded. It was as he was throwing his cards on the table that Angel noticed the bouncer from the front door heading toward their table. That didn’t take long. He stopped and waited, his arms again crossed over his chest. She felt Eric’s thumb trace her shoulder blades and calmness spread through her. When all bets had been made and the cards revealed, Angel’s full house beat her opponent’s two pair. She squealed with delight as she gathered her winnings. Eric leaned over and kissed her. “We’re up.”

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The bouncer put his hand on Eric’s arm. “Mr. Jaymes would like to see the two of you. If you’ll follow me, please.” Eric nodded and Angel thought she would lose what little dinner she’d eaten. This was a man who obviously thought nothing of killing people to get what he wanted, and to keep what he already had. She walked behind Eric, her hand wrapped inside of his, and hoped she didn’t give in to the urge to slap Jaymes across the face when she saw him.

***** “So, the lady was lucky at cards already. That’s wonderful. Won’t you sit down?” Dustin Jaymes buttoned up his suit jacket and indicated two chairs directly across from his own. Eric held Angel’s arm as she sat, then took his own seat. Jaymes sat down and smiled. Eric knew from reading his file that Jaymes was only in his mid-thirties, just like he was. Still, the man looked younger. He was dark-haired and attractive, but his cold eyes and calculating gaze kept him from being handsome. “May I get you something to drink?” “No, thank you,” Eric replied. “How about you, Angel.” “It’s Ms. Vega, and no.” “She’s a handful,” Jaymes said, his eyes focused on Angel. “But I can tell your relationship is more than business.” “We’re here to talk about Joseph Black Hawk,” Eric said. “Where is he?” Jaymes’ eyes darkened and Eric knew he didn’t know. The man might run a gambling establishment but he didn’t have a poker face. “Is he missing?”

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“Cut the crap,” Angel said. “He stole money from you and you’re looking for him. That’s why your goons threatened his mother and broke into my store two nights in a row.” Eric thanked the stars above she hadn’t mentioned the books. He’d told her specifically to hold her temper, and to let him do the talking. He squeezed her hand and she pressed her lips together in an angry grimace. “A little hard to handle, huh?” “We were talking about Joseph,” Eric said softly. “I don’t know where he is. He quit about a week ago, which is sad. He was a good employee, as you well know, Ms. Vega. I hated to lose him. And I know nothing about stolen money.” “Then why did you invite us in here so fast?” Angel’s voice was full of venom. “Well, when a cop visits my establishment, I’m always anxious to find out why. I thought maybe I had an unpaid parking ticket.” His snort of laughter made Angel’s skin crawl. Eric stood and helped Angel to her feet. “If you hear from Joseph, you’ll give me a call, right?” He passed Jaymes a card. “Of course, Detective. Anything I can do to help. I hope he’s not in a great deal of trouble.” “Quite a bit, yes.” “Well, if you hear from him, will you let me know? I worry about the young man. He’s so polite. So…industrious.” “I’ll be in touch,” Eric said with a smile. He and Angel walked out to the main room where she cashed in her winnings. “Look. Almost two hundred dollars more than we had when we came in.” “Keep the winnings,” Eric said as they headed out the door.

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They had just rounded the passenger side of the pickup, with Eric leaning over to unlock the door when a head poked out of the bed. “Psst…Angel.” “Son of a bitch!” Eric reached for his gun, then stilled his hand as Joseph’s head popped into view. “Joseph!” Her words were loud and Eric looked over his shoulder to see if they were being followed, and if they attracted any attention. “Hush,” Eric said, opening the door. “Angel, get in the truck. You, lie down in the bed until I get to an area I can stop. Shit. First a body on a door, now this. I’ll probably have a fucking heart attack before this is over.”

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Chapter Twelve

Eric drove four miles down the road. When no lights had appeared behind him, he pulled off the road into an outcropping of trees and turned off the lights. Angel had already crawled into the back seat of the cab and slid the glass open so she could stick her hand out and grasp Joseph’s hand. He could hear her whispering to him that his mother and siblings were fine, and everything was going to be all right. “Get up in the back,” Eric yelled at him. “We’re sitting ducks out here. How’d you get out here?” “I had a friend bring me out. I was supposed to call him when I was ready to come back and he was going to pick me up.” Joseph climbed into the back seat with Angel and Eric headed back toward the main road. “Call him and tell him you’re fine,” Angel said. “And just what the hell were you doing out there? Looking for more files to steal?” “I didn’t stea…” “Cut the crap,” Eric said. “We’re way past that now. Where are they?”

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Joseph pulled up his shirt up and pulled out two small notebooks that were tucked into the front of his pants. “Why’d you take them in the first place?” Angel asked. “Because, I just thought. Man, you know?” “You thought you could blackmail some of the people on the list,” Eric said as he turned onto the access road for I-25. “Yeah. They got money.” “Obviously they don’t,” Angel said. “If they did, they wouldn’t be at an illegal gambling hall taking loans from a crook.” “Yeah,” Joseph replied. “But I was gonna put them back. That plus all the money. I was gonna sneak in and put it all back. There’s doors there that nobody watches.” “You mean nobody watched? I can guarantee you they’re watching them now.” “Yeah, I tried one and Tank was there. Then, I saw you two go in. I looked for your car, Angel, but finally saw the truck with the cop parking sticker in the window. So I got in the bed and waited.” “Call your friend,” Eric said. “Tell him you don’t need a ride so he doesn’t go back out there.” The beeping of the phone being dialed filled the silence. “What are we going to do?” Angel asked, leaning toward him. “Take him to Ward,” Eric replied. Joseph’s phone clacked shut. “You arresting me for stealing that stuff? I knew it. Man.” He scooted toward the door and Eric screamed out his name. “Where do you think you’re going? I’m going seventy miles an hour on the highway. Sit your ass back down. And no, you’re not being arrested. Jaymes didn’t even admit to me you’d stolen anything from him, so you’re off the hook. With us, anyway. Now, Jaymes is

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probably gonna want to cut your nuts off. After that, he’ll kill you. What were you thinking, Joseph? That he’d never find you?” “Yeah. I just looked at all that money, and those names and thought, ‘why should he have everything?’ I told Bobby I’d gotten sick and would bring them in later. I guess they didn’t buy it.” “You’re lucky they didn’t slam your ass when you were at La Tienda Dulce on Monday.” “They almost did,” Joseph said. “I had to run like hell and then hide in the church.” “How much money did you get, and where is it?” The car was quiet; then Joseph sighed. “More than a hundred grand. And it’s hidden in the apartment above La Tienda Dulce.” “What?” Angel whipped her heard around and stared at him. “I’m sorry, Angel. It was me who broke in the first night. I hid the money upstairs. I threw around some flour and stuff and took the cookies so you would think kids did it. I’m sorry.” “Don’t talk to me.” She flounced around in the seat, focusing her angry gaze on the dark highway. They rode in silence until they hit the outskirts of town about ten minutes later and Joseph sighed. “I’m hungry.” Eric pulled off the highway and into the nearest fast food restaurant. Without asking what Joseph wanted, he ordered five hamburgers, several orders of fries, and three large sodas. When the food was delivered, he handed the bags and drinks to Angel, who passed some back to Joseph, her anger still plain on her face. Then, he pulled into a parking spot and put the truck in gear. He turned to Joseph, who was stuffing his mouth with French fries.

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“I’m calling a friend of mine named Ward McGovern. He’s a state cop. And don’t even think about running from me because I’ll catch you and kick your ass. You’ve got one shot at surviving this and that’s with us. Understand?” Eric swiveled in his seat to look Joseph square in the face. Great sympathy for the teen welled inside him. He looked scared, even as he stuffed food into his mouth. He nodded, his eyes wide. “Good.” Eric pulled out his phone and dialed Ward’s number. After a few rings, the officer’s voice came on. “Don’t you ever sleep?” Ward’s voice was heavy and lethargic. “It’s after midnight. You were up at four this morning. Do the world a favor. Find a bed and use it for something besides fucking.” “You big old wimp,” Eric replied with a laugh. “I have something you’re looking for.” “Where is he?” The tiredness was gone from his voice. “Thought that might get your attention. He’s right here, eating French fries and dripping ketchup on my truck seats.” Eric glanced at Joseph, and then turned his gaze to Angel. She still sat facing the front. Her anger had lessened somewhat, but there were still tiny lines around her mouth letting him know she was frowning. She hadn’t touched her food, or her drink. “Eric!” “What, sorry. What did you say, Ward?” “I said, bring the kid to my house. I live near the university.” He gave an address and Eric repeated it. “We’re on our way.” When Eric was back on the road, he reached over and squeezed Angel’s leg. She glanced at him and he smiled.

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“He’s a kid.” “Oh, so you can go hard on him trying to get him to confess, but I can’t be mad when it turns out he’s the one who broke into my store.” She turned to Joseph as she said the last words, spitting them out as if they were fire. “I said I was sorry,” Joseph yelled out. “I didn’t know where else to put it.” “Where did you put it, exactly?” Eric glanced at Joseph’s reflection in the rearview mirror. “I know where it is,” Angel said. “There’s a crawl space just under the floor in the second bedroom. That’s the only hiding place up there.” “We don’t want to go there now,” Eric said. “They might be watching. As soon as it’s opened, we’ll go and get it. It’s all there, right?” “Most of it,” Joseph said. “I gave some of it to my mom.” Eric turned off of University Boulevard onto Lomas. When he came to Girard, he turned right and headed to Monte Vista. As he snaked through the streets on his way to Ward’s house, and silence reigned in the car, he realized he hadn’t thought about Rodney Baker all day. Not once had the criminal appeared to him, berating him for the shooting, or telling him he was a loser. Maybe he’d just needed to throw himself into a case to exorcise his demon. Or maybe, just maybe, it was the sweet little woman sitting next to him. That thought made him smile, and, as tired as he was, he felt his cock twitch in appreciation for his sweet Angel, his little dose of apuro.

***** “Some pretty big names on this list,” Ward said as he pushed the book away from him. Eric closed the book he was looking at and glanced over at Angel and Joseph. She was stretched out on Ward’s couch, he in the chair opposite it. Both of them were fast asleep.

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In her sleep, she looked exactly like an angel, her black hair spread out behind her head. She still wouldn’t talk to Joseph. He needed to have a word with her about that. He understood she was angry, but the two of them needed to talk. Angel didn’t seem like the type of person to carry a grudge. “So, what do we do now?” Eric asked. “Jaymes’s name is not on these anywhere,” Ward said. “We have to find a way to link him with these books. Maybe if we talk to some of the more prominent people listed here we can get them to agree to testify against him.” “Fat chance,” Eric said. “The politicians on that list would never be elected again. There’s no way they’d put themselves at risk.” “You’re right,” Ward said. “What we need to do is make him commit an even bigger crime.” “Like attempted capital murder,” Eric said. Ward lifted his eyebrows at him in question. “Let your man on the inside tell Jaymes I have the files…that I’m studying them to see what we can come up with. He’s already confronted me once tonight. If he thinks I have information against him, he’ll send his goons after me. We set a trap, capture them, and you know there is no honor among thieves. They’ll talk if they think they’re going to prison for life.” Ward shook his head. “He always manages to bribe his guys to take the fall. This time wouldn’t be any different.” “It would if I could get them to talk before they tried to kill me, get them to use Jaymes’ name a few times. He’d be toast, and we’d be sitting pretty.” “You know, that just might work.”

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“Might?” Eric laughed. “It will. All we need is to make sure he knows I’m someplace quiet and secluded, like my house. It’s outside the city limits. Sits back off the road. Easy to find.” “I think you’re a nut who has a death wish.” “I think I’m a man who will do anything to see this resolved. There’s no way in hell I’m going to let this linger with the chance he’d come after Angel. Tonight I was with her, but that won’t always be the case. She’s been through enough right now.” “I’m jealous. I wish I could find a woman.” “You know, I introduced you to a few cute little subbies. What was the problem?” “We didn’t ring each others’ bells. We had fun, yeah, but it was nothing permanent. Do you think this is, for you?” “Yeah,” Eric said softly. “I do.”

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Chapter Thirteen

At eight that morning, Ward left to go downtown and take care of business. He promised to return in a few hours, after arranging for someone to take Joseph to be with his family in Farmington, and Angel promised to have lunch waiting for him. “Enchiladas? With red sauce?” “Sure,” she said with a laugh. Her smile had faded, though, when Joseph had walked into the room. “Beans and rice, and some corn with jalapeños and salsa? I’ll even make fresh tortillas.” “That does it, Neal; I’m keeping her with me.” “Doubt it. She’s my Angel.” He kissed her forehead and left to take a shower. When she was alone in the kitchen, she went through Ward’s cupboards, looking for ingredients she would need to make the lunch. She was just stretching for some flour on the top shelf when Joseph’s hand appeared above hers. “I’ll get it for you.” He set the unopened sack on the counter, then backed away. “Please don’t be mad at me, Angel.” “Joseph, why would you break into the store instead of coming to me? And why would you lie to me? I thought so much more of you than that.”

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“If I came to you, you would have made me take it back, or go to the cops. My mother needs that money!” “Does your mother need a son in prison, or lying in his coffin? Did you ever think of that?” “No.” “And then, after they broke into the store looking for the money, you still didn’t say anything!” “I don’t think they were looking for money, or the books,” Eric said from the doorway. He was wiping a towel over his wet blond hair. Angel’s heart warmed at the sight of him. “I think it was a warning to Joseph. They wanted him to know they could get to him anywhere. That they knew where to find him. I think they expected him to bring back everything after that.” “And then none of this would have happened,” Joseph said. “I should have just taken it back.” “Joseph,” Eric said. “If you had, you’d be dead. Like I said last night, let us handle this.” The teen turned and walked out of the kitchen, his shoulders slumped. “Don’t be too hard on him,” Eric said to Angel. “What was it you told me? He’s had a hard life?” “Yes, he has. But that doesn’t give him the right to break into my store. Or to leave stolen money in the apartment upstairs.” “I know that. But he feels pretty bad about it already. And he values your opinion, and your approval.” “You know, for a man who doubts himself so much, you’re pretty smart.” “I can be. When I have a beautiful woman for inspiration.” Eric leaned down and nuzzled her neck. “How are your nipples, and that tasty little clit?”

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“Hungry.” She shivered as he trailed his tongue over her neck to the other side. “Good. ’Cause after Ward picks up Joseph, I’m taking you to my place. I have plans for you this afternoon.” “But I have to work today. I’m meeting this afternoon with Yolanda Casas and her daughter Vanessa about the Quinceañera.” “What time?” His hand captured a breast and squeezed gently, his fingers seeking her nipple through the material. “About four-thirty, after Vanessa gets out of school.” “You’ll be there. And you’ll be tingling.”

***** Angel wasn’t surprised Eric lived outside town. The smallish adobe house he pulled up to suited him perfectly. It sat off by itself, with the Sandia Mountains providing a beautiful view from the wide deck. He had a hot tub on the deck, and a pool sunken into the ground. “In the winter, we’ll have to come out here and make love in the tub while it’s snowing,” Eric said to her, his fingers working the buttons on her blouse. “The different sensations between hot and cold will be very interesting.” When her blouse was unbuttoned, he unhooked her bra. Her skirt was already pulled up to her waist, her panties pulled down to her knees, her legs spread as wide as they would go. She had her arms held out to her sides. She shivered as Eric stepped back and looked her up and down. “Perfect. I’ve wanted to play with you all day.” She moaned softly. “Sir Eric? Will you fuck me?” “No. Not right now. In a little while. Right now, I’m going to fill your ass with this.” He held up his hand and let drop a string of round beads attached to a long string. The beads were graduated in size. “They’re new. Right out of the package. I did clean them the

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other night, with the express idea of using them on you. They’re ready to fill your sweet little ass.” Heat gathered in Angel’s pussy and moved through her body. Eric swung the beads in front of her face. They looked to be made of some sort of metal, and she swallowed hard at the idea of him putting all six of the beads inside her. “Open your mouth, Apuro.” “What?” “Well, they need to be wet. And I want to watch you suck them all in. I want you to think that the next place they’re going to be is in your tight little rosette. Open wide and take the first one in.” Angel opened her mouth and Eric fed her the smallest bead. “Close your mouth around it. Suck it, baby.” The ball was cold, the sensation marvelous as she swirled her tongue around it. He dropped the string so that it hung down from her mouth, then stepped back. “Suck them in, one by one. Go slowly so I can enjoy watching it. So I can know you’re getting the beads wet for me to stick in your pretty little ass.” She did as he said, coating each one with saliva. She was so wet she was surprised there wasn’t a puddle of juices in the panties that kept her knees hostage. When she’d sucked the last one inside, he smiled at her. “Good little Apuro. That’s it. Now, pull back your lips over your teeth.” He took hold of the ring on the end of the string and pulled, the beads popping out of her mouth one at a time. He held them up and nodded. “Well done. My turn. Come with me.” He turned and walked to a table that sat near the edge of the deck, setting aside the chairs to make a space for her. “Put your hands here, on the edge. Good, now bend at the waist. Good.”

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He caressed her lower back and her behind, and Angel felt waves of pleasure run through her. She wanted to fuck, and she wanted to do it now. She bit her lip to keep from blurting her desire out. It was hard for her to remember Eric was in charge. He would decide what to do, and when. The sensation was delicious, but enticingly difficult to bear. When his fingers caressed her anus she hissed and pushed backward. He slapped her ass and she jumped. “Hold still.” His fingers caressed and circled her entrance, and then he placed the first ball there, pushing slightly. She felt it pop inside her and she groaned. “More, Sir Eric. Please.” “You’ll wait. I like watching you wiggle in suspense like this.” He pushed a second bead inside and a soft whimper escaped her lips. The third and fourth beads followed immediately. Her behind felt full, and she knew there were two more to go. “Sir Eric, I don’t think…” He pushed the fifth bead inside her; it was much larger than the others, and when it moved passed her muscle and into the others she groaned. “Yes, you can. I found these special on the Internet. Six beads instead of five, made of hard crystal so they’re a little heavier than most beads. Once you have all six of them in you --” He pushed the sixth bead past her muscle and Angel cried out. “-- you’ll feel very, very full and very heavy. Think about the sensations you’ll have when they’re coming out, when you’re coming.” He stepped back and slapped her behind, once on each cheek. “Ever been spanked?” “Yes, Sir.” “I mean spanked when you weren’t being fucked from behind.”

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Angel blushed at his words. “No, Sir.” “Good. I get to be the first. Stay in position. Every few seconds, move your cheeks together so you don’t forget the beads in your bottom.”

As if I could forget. Angel listened to him walk back to the house. She felt vulnerable and alone on the deck by herself. What if someone came up? The house was far enough away from the road that she was pretty sure they would hear anyone who came up. Still, she was half-naked, with an ass full of crystal beads. She did as he asked, trying to concentrate on the sensations her movements were producing rather than the fact it was the middle of the afternoon and she was half-naked on a deck.

Hurry, Sir Eric, hurry. She tightened her cheeks and felt the balls move inside her. The sensation spread straight to her clit. Hurry. “Very beautiful.” Eric’s voice startled her. She hadn’t heard him come back out. She gasped when he grabbed her hips and pulled her back into his crotch, pushing into her as if they were fucking, only there was no penetration. As the balls moved, and her pressure increased, Angel thought she would go nuts. Eric pounded her harder and harder and harder. “Master! Please.” “Master, huh? I think I like that.” He stopped his thrusting, his hands moving around her body to caress her breasts. He found her nipples and twisted them, but not too hard. “But no. No orgasm yet.” He stood behind her for a few minutes, and then rounded the table so he was in front of her. In his hand he had a wooden paddle. It was round and had several holes scattered about. “It’s made of maple,” he said, caressing the end that would swat her bottom. Angel swallowed hard and shook her head.

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“Is that a no? Do you not want a spanking, Angel?” She wanted to say no. She was afraid of what it would feel like. But she also knew Eric hadn’t steered her wrong yet. Everything they’d done had been enjoyable, very enjoyable. “Yes, Sir Eric. I want you to spank me.” “Show me, Apuro. Kiss the paddle.” Angel didn’t hesitate. She dropped her lips onto the wood. It was polished and felt cool to the touch. “I won’t give you too many. Just enough to warm your ass. Just enough so you’ll think about me when we’re apart.” Angel’s legs felt like jelly from staying in the same position for what she figured was at least fifteen minutes. She tensed a bit when Eric put his hand on the small of her back and caressed her. The first lick of the paddle wasn’t hard. It moved the beads inside her, though, and caused a very pleasurable sensation. The second swat was harder, and the third harder still. “It stings,” she whispered. “But it feels so good.” Eric delivered a harder swat and Angel groaned. “Clench those beads,” he said as the paddle came down again. “Do you want to come?” “Yes, Sir Eric, please.” “Finger your clitty, but don’t come until I say so.” Angel’s eager fingers sought her throbbing nub. She laid her head on the table as she lowered both hands between her legs. The paddle came down again and again as she stroked herself, the beads moving with each swat. “Sir Eric? Please, I’m begging you.”

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“Not yet.” The swats were coming harder now, and faster. Angel’s pants and moans filled the air. Then, when she thought her behind had finally caught on fire, she heard Eric say, “Come. Now.” It was all she needed. Her orgasm rocketed through her body as he continued to bring the paddle down on her behind. “Come again, Angel. Keep coming.” The paddling stopped, but Angel didn’t. Her orgasm continued, the sensation different than anything she’d felt before. She closed her eyes tight and rode out the sensation. When she opened them again, Eric was standing next to her, a huge smile on his handsome face. He’d undone his pants and was stroking his hard cock. “Lick your fingers. Clean them for me, baby. Suck those juices.” The smile he gave her made her knees go weak. She felt as if she had no energy left in her body. Yet she knew he hadn’t come yet. There was more to experience this afternoon. “Stand up and take your panties off.” When her legs were free of their obstruction, he took her hand and led her to the side of the deck. “Stay right there.” He moved two chairs beside her, so she was sandwiched between them. They were large wooden lawn chairs with thick, padded armrests. He put a heavy towel over the deck railing. “Now, kneel on the chairs. One leg on each arm rest so you’re spread nice and wide for me to fuck that pretty pussy.” Angel felt as if she were suspended by ropes. The sensation was not unpleasant, but it made her very nervous. She heard a condom package rip as she clutched the sides of the deck for support. “See,” Eric said as he slid into the V created by her stance. “Just the right height. Just the right place. Clasp your hands behind your back and let your body rest on the deck railing.”

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“Sir Eric. I’ll fall.” “No, you won’t, baby. I’ll hold you. Do as you’re told.” She could feel his hands on her outer thighs as she moved her arms behind her. Twice, she moved one of them back to steady herself. Each time she did, Eric slapped her already aching behind. The beads that were still inside her moved with each swat. “Sir Eric. I can’t.” “Apuro, you have to trust me.” Her heart was beating wildly as she finally clasped her hands behind her. She could feel Eric’s cock throbbing against her thighs. Without a word he slipped inside her wet pussy, sliding all the way in, and then moving back out before pounding himself in again. He set up a silent, steady rhythm, his large hands holding Angel firmly in place as he rocked in and out of her. Her breasts pressed against the deck, the towel rubbing on her sensitive nipples. She didn’t think it was possible, but she knew she was going to come again. The pressure from Eric’s thrusts, combined with the movement of the beads in her behind, were making her clit ache with need. “Sir Eric. Please.” “Please what, Apuro? You have to ask.” His voice was heavy with desire. “Please, may I come?” “Yes, you may.” He thrust into her harder and pulled the largest bead from her anus, and Angel came. She clenched down on his cock, reveling in the groans her movement produced. “Fuck, Angelica.” She felt the first hard thrust of his orgasm as he pulled the beads out quickly, and Angel came again, screaming out his name as she fought to keep her shaking body steady on the chair legs.

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When the thrusting was over, he lifted her from the chair and cradled her against his chest. “I don’t think I can walk,” she said, wrapping her arms around his neck. He cupped her chin and kissed her lips. “I think somebody liked her spanking.” “Oh yes, I loved it. Sir Eric.” Eric laughed as they stood together. “Do you have many paddles like that?” “A few. I like to spank.” “My behind’s sore.” “From the paddle, or the beads?” “Both.” “Good. You’ll be thinking about me. One of these days I’ll make you wear the beads in public. We’ll go out to dinner and you’ll sit there with a full behind, not able to squirm. You’ll love it, and so will I.” Angel laughed. “You’re so right, Sir Eric.”

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Chapter Fourteen

Angel barely had her food offerings warmed up when Yolanda and Vanessa Casas came into La Tienda Dulce. Her body still felt like it was on fire, and every movement brought about the remembered sensations of Eric’s hands on her, Eric’s voice in her ears, Eric’s cock throbbing inside her.

Not Eric, Sir Eric. She smiled as she dished out samples of each dish. “I wish I had a man that made me smile like that,” Carmen said as she poured glasses of iced tea. “Will you share?” “Not this time,” Angel said with a laugh. “Sorry.” “That’s OK. It just makes me very jealous.” Carmen helped Angel carry plates and glasses to the table, and then disappeared behind the counter. Angel sat down across from Yolanda. “I hope things are going well.” “Very,” Yolanda said. “Vanessa is very excited about you doing the food. She loves your cookies.” “Well, I hope you two love these, too.” She indicated the egg dishes. “I can make biscuits to go along with them, if you want, or stay traditional and make tortillas, whichever you prefer.”

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The women started to eat and Angel watched them for signs of which one they liked the best. They seemed to be enjoying the last one more than the other two, the one she’d made the day Eric was there. She hadn’t even named the recipe yet. She laughed when Vanessa announced that it was the best. Then, her smile turned to a frown when the door bell tinkled and Dustin Jaymes walked in. He had two large men behind him. The bottom dropped from her stomach and her head spun. She should excuse herself to the back and call Eric. She knew that was what he would want her to do. Instead she stared at him, refusing to smile, then turned back to the ladies. “We’ll take this one,” Yolanda said. “And there will be about fifty people for the breakfast. We’d like tortillas instead of biscuits, and lots of fresh fruit. Will that be a problem?” Angel jerked her head back to the table and laughed. “Not at all. Fifty people, tortillas, fruit, and, um, it doesn’t have a name yet.” She snapped her fingers as she fought to look back to where Jaymes now stood at the counter, ordering a chili-brownie sundae from Carmen. “How about I name it Vanessa’s Delight? It’s always fun to have something named for you.” “Yummy,” Vanessa said, a big smile appearing on her face. “So we’re set,” her mother said. “A week from Saturday, our house, breakfast starting at nine because the mass is at eleven. Right?” “Right. No problems on my end.” “Then the dance starts at eight. You can set up the cakes anytime before that.” “Perfect.” Angel nodded, her smile plastered in place.

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When the ladies left, she stood ready to confront Jaymes. He moved toward her with ease, putting his dish down on the table. His friends put dishes of their own on the table next to them and Angel bit back the urge to scream at them for breaking her furniture. “May I join you?” Jaymes said, sitting down without waiting for a reply. He took a bite of the sundae and nodded his head. “Delicious. Very delicious.” He took another bite and then turned his gaze on Angel. “I’m glad you like it,” she said. “What do you want?” “You know what I want. I want my money. And I want my books.” “You said…” “You listen to me, lady. Joseph has my things, and I want them. You know where he is. I think I’ve been more than patient.” “You mean because your goons didn’t break all my tables?” Angel shuddered at the evil grin that appeared on his face. He turned to Carmen and smiled, waving his spoon. “Delicious.” He turned back to Angel and the smile was gone. “My generosity has nothing to do with tables.” Fear gripped Angel’s stomach. “You wouldn’t hurt Carmen. She knows nothing about this.” “But you do. Get me my things by tomorrow night, or Carmen will be making brownies in heaven. Get the picture?” Angel nodded. She wanted to throw up as he continued to eat the sundae. When he was done, he wiped his mouth and stood. “Oh, and Angel? You tell that blond cop that was with you on Saturday, and I’ll kill him too, just for fun. Comprende, amiga?” “Yes, I understand.” She nodded, clasping her shaking hands together.

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“Good. Then we have an agreement. See you tomorrow.” He walked toward the door, his goons falling in behind him. “Mr. Jaymes?” Angel stood and he turned toward her. “The store doesn’t close until seven. Could you come after that?” “Of course. I wouldn’t want to hurt your business.” The irony of his words hit Angel full in the stomach. “Then your friends shouldn’t have trashed my store.” When he laughed, her stomach turned over. “They’re good at what they do. Remember that.” When they were gone, Carmen rushed over. “Who was that?” “No one.” “Bullshit! I’m calling that Viking cop.” Carmen started to move back to the counter and Angel put her hands out to stop her. “Don’t. I’ll tell you everything.” They called Lilia from the back to man the counter, and then retreated to Angel’s office. By the time Angel had told her the whole story, Carmen was furious. “Call him. Or I will.” She pushed the phone toward Angel. “Why? What can he do? Nothing.” “And what will that creep do tomorrow? Kill you? Or me? Or Lilia? Call that cop, Angel. Because if you don’t, one of us will end up dead.” Carmen stood and stalked out of the office. Angel stared at the phone, knowing her friend was right. Angel had been on her own for quite some time, thrown out by her father when she was seventeen for being too much like his mother, for being too much of her own person.

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She put her head in her hands and sobbed. She was scared, truly scared, and Carmen was right. She could try to face it alone, but she couldn’t win. She had to call Eric and tell him. But that put him in danger, too. She waffled back and forth for a few minutes, and then stood, letting out a heavy breath of air. She thought back to that morning. Half asleep on the couch she’d listened to Eric hatch a plan to make Jaymes talk to him, and record the conversation. If Eric could do it, so could she. Jaymes wouldn’t kill her tomorrow night, because then she couldn’t help him get his money. In the morning, she would tell Carmen that Eric thought she should go to Santa Fe for the day, just to be on the safe side. She would record the conversation, get it to the cops, and they could arrest him by midnight. Things would work out just fine. She sat down in the chair. She couldn’t do that to Eric. He knew what he was doing. He was the cop. But he’d threatened to kill Eric if she told him, and if that happened, Angel could never live with herself. She couldn’t tell him. She couldn’t be responsible for something happening to Eric. She would feel horribly guilty, the way Joseph felt responsible for Jaymes threatening his mother and his brothers and sisters, and her. Joseph’s guilt showed how much he cared about his family. In the past few days she’d come to care about Eric, too. Her decision made, she walked out of the office and nodded at her friend. “Did you call him?” Carmen stared at her, her eyes angry. “You can’t let that hibrido get away with this.” “Yes, I called him. He’ll take care of everything.”

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Chapter Fifteen

Eric ran his hands gently over Angel’s arms. She was curled up next to him on the couch, the TV going, but neither of them really watching. “Are you feeling all right, Apuro? Was I too hard on you earlier today?” “No, Sir Eric. I loved it. Are we going to play some more?” “No. We’re going to watch.” “A video?” “No. My friend Lake, and his sub and future wife, Lucy. They’re doing a scene at Tygers tonight. I thought we might go.” “A scene?” “Yes, Lucy is uncomfortable with performing in public, so Lake takes her out of her comfort zone every now and then. He tops her in public.” “Wow. I don’t think I’d like that.” “That’s good to know. I’ll have to try it with you sometime.” “What’s he going to do with her?”

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“Perform a proper scene, which I really haven’t done with you. I’m afraid your education has been sorely lacking because I’ve been too eager to fuck you.” He kissed her forehead. “I’m not complaining.” “No, but I need to teach you better. Tonight’s scene will help with that. Every scene has three parts. You prepare the sub, so that they’re comfortable, you perform the scene, for both of your pleasure, and then afterward, you make sure the sub knows they’ve pleased you.” “You’ve done that with me.” “Yes, but we never really talked about the difference between submitting and ownership.” His voice was deep. “Lake owns Lucy. She belongs to him. He is her Master.” “Does that mean she would never question him on anything?” “No, she still has a voice. Remember, safe, sane, and consensual. But a sub who has a Master has been collared, permanently. They wear the collar twenty-four/seven. In Lucy’s case, she wears a jeweled collar in public, and a leather one at home. It’s an outward sign she belongs to Lake.” Angel pursed her lips. Talking about this took her mind off tomorrow night. She was nervous about it, but she didn’t want Eric to see that. “Is that why you haven’t asked me to wear a collar, because I don’t belong to you?” “Some couples who are not committed wear collars in scenes. It’s a strong reminder they’re submitting. I would like you to wear one tonight, so people will know you’re mine.” Angel blushed. “I’d like that. But, how will they know I’m yours?” “You’ll stay with me, kneel down next to my chair. And I’ll be holding your leash.” “My leash? I…wait. Like a dog leash?”

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“Call it a lead. You see, I haven’t done very well at teaching you. Lake and I are different Doms. He’s more into control over Lucy in all areas. He feeds her, except when they’re in public, and she follows his every command. I’m a little bit more lenient.” “What if she says no? What if she uses her safe word?” “If she doesn’t like something they discuss it.” “But he wins.” “Not always. A good Dom will make a few concessions. Everyone has limits.” “I don’t know if I want to be led around like a dog.” “You’re looking at this the wrong way. Don’t you want people to know you’re mine, that I’m your Master? You called me Master today when I fucked you.” A wave of guilt spread through Angel. She hoped he still felt that way tomorrow night, when she’d gone behind his back to get Jaymes’ confession. “Angel?” “What? Oh yes, I do.” “Good. Then let’s go to Tygers, and see if we can’t expand your education a little bit.”

***** Tygers seemed different tonight. They’d gone to her house, and Eric had picked out clothing for her to wear. A black skirt she felt was much too short and much too tight, and a tight black blouse that rode low and showed off her large breasts. Her hair was bound into a ponytail behind her. She felt like a streetwalker, and when that image came into her mind, she laughed. During her wilder days this was exactly how she had dressed. Now, they were in an antechamber outside one of “Master Ty’s private playrooms.”

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Eric had told her the Tygers’ owner had given him permission to choose a collar and leash from the room before they went into the public room where Lucy was already being topped. Eric leaned down and kissed her nose, then held her face close to his. When she smiled at him, he leaned over and took a collar from the many hanging from the wall. This one was plain black leather. It was wide and thick, and Angel knew Eric had picked it because there wasn’t a chance someone could miss it. “Kiss the collar, Angel. Show me you accept it.” “What? I don’t…” “It’s symbolic, like you kissing the paddle today. It shows me you’re accepting your submission to me.” She nodded and lowered her lips to the leather. Eric stroked her hair and a tingle ran up her spine. “You have no idea how beautiful a sight that is. I’m going to have to get you a collar for home, too.” He wound it under her hair, fastening it in the front as her heart beat faster and faster. “How do you feel?” “Strange. I’ve worn chokers before, so I guess it’s not really that different.” “You look beautiful.” He walked to the wall and selected a thick leather leash. “Not that. Please. I don’t want to be led around.” “Shush. You’ll be fine.” “Sir Eric, please.” “Angel, who’s the Dom?” “You are.”

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“Do you want to submit to me?” “Yes, Sir Eric, but…” “There are no buts, Apuro. I want you to wear the leash. It will please me.” For the first time since they’d started this, Angel had an idea of what submission truly meant. She knew Eric wouldn’t force her to wear the leash, but he wanted it, and she was expected to submit to his wishes, and get pleasure from that submission. She thought about how she felt when she was with him, the pleasures his masterful hands had brought to her. Now he stood before her, the leash held lengthwise between his hands, expecting her to kiss it and show she would submit to his will. Images of what they’d done together flashed through her mind. In the years she’d been so wild, she’d never felt a connection with anyone. Now, it had only been a few days and she felt like she never wanted to leave Eric’s side.

If you felt that way, you’d tell him about tomorrow night. She pushed the thought aside and lowered her lips to the leash. Eric again caressed her hair as she kissed it. “Oh Angelica, you have no idea how seeing you do that affects me. We need to talk about a permanent thing between us.” “Really? As is more than this week?” “As in more than this month,” Eric replied. “I think I want to keep my Angel next to me always, to keep her out of apuro.” She laughed nervously. “Come on, little one. Let’s go watch.” He threaded his hand through the loop of the leash and pulled her along after him. She put her hands on it and pulled backward. “Wait. I don’t think I can…”

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“You can. Relax and trust me.” In the main room, Angel felt like she was on display. Until she realized many of the women and men were wearing collars and leashes. She relaxed somewhat as she followed Eric through the crowd toward a raised dais. An auburn-haired woman stood upon the platform, naked, her arms stretched to her sides and her legs spread wide. Once they were at the very front of the crowd, Angel could see her nipples were pierced. Hanging from the rings were small balls that looked like they were pulling on the rings. Rings, also containing balls, glistened from her clit and labia. She wore a thick black collar attached to a leash hanging down between her breasts. A man with black hair stood behind her. He wore street clothes, and had his hands clasped behind his back as he examined her body, moving around her slowly. When he commanded her to kneel, Angel jumped. Eric, who was now standing behind her, snorted out a low laugh. The woman knelt and the man straddled her, rubbing his ass against her naked back. He grasped the leash and pulled it back as he continued to grind himself into her. Angel felt wetness form inside her folds. Would Eric ever do that to her? She had to admit it was exciting. But she didn’t know how she’d feel if it was her, kneeling naked in front of a crowd of people. After a few moments, the man stood and ordered her back on her feet. He removed the balls from her nipple rings, her labia, and from the ring Angel could now see hung from her clit hood piercing. The woman sighed in relief. “Subbie Chess, if you will, please.” The man’s voice boomed out and Angel watched as the man who usually worked the door brought a wooden bench onto the platform. When he’d set it down, he bowed to Lake. The bench had a raised center, with two lower benches on either side. Each side had restraints built in.

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Lake wrapped a ball gag around Lucy’s mouth, then swatted her behind. “Now.” “What’s he doing?” Angel whispered to Eric. “He’s going to bind her to the table, for just a little while.” “But with the gag, she can’t say her safe word.” “She doesn’t want to. They planned this scene in advance. She knows what’s coming. Mostly. There’s always the tinge of fear that something might happen you’re not expecting. That keeps her on her toes.” “Mount it.” Lake pointed at the bench and Lucy put her hands and knees on either side of the top bench. Lake nodded to Chess, who attached the restraints to Lucy’s wrists and ankles. When he was done, he knelt before Lake with his head bowed. Lake stroked his hair. “You’re dismissed.” The sub left and Angel leaned back to whisper, “That huge man is a submissive?” “Yes. He belongs to Master Ty and Mistress Alexis.” “Huh.” Angel turned back toward the stage just as Lake was placing a blindfold over Lucy’s eyes. “How long will he leave her like that?” “Not very long. Ten minutes, maybe fifteen. Just enough for her to get a little nervous. As I said, she’s out of her comfort zone. The sensations she experiences will make her feel things more. You can ask her when they’re done.” “Is he going to let other people…?” “No. It’s not about sex. It’s about feelings and sensations. He’ll fuck her later, but not here, and not now.” “Oh.”

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Angel watched the stage, transfixed by what she was seeing. Lucy was still, and she wondered what sort of discipline it took to stay that way. She also wondered what sort of trust you had to have to put yourself into another person’s hands and allow yourself to be tied up in public. After about five minutes, Lake took a large feather fan Chess handed him. He ran the feathers down Lucy’s back, over her rump, and down her legs. She wiggled and he slapped her behind. “Be still, Vixen.” He caressed her again, then stepped down from the stage. He nodded at Eric and winked at Angel, who smiled back nervously. The crowd remained silent as Lucy waited for either touch or command. When another five minutes has passed, Lake stepped onto the stage and caressed her back. “Very good, my love. Chess, release her, please.” When Chess had undone all of her bonds, Lake released the ball gag and helped her to her feet. The crowd gave noises of appreciation; then the couple stepped off the stage and headed toward Eric and Angel. “You must be Angel,” Lake said, sticking out his hand. Angel shook it, then was shocked when a naked Lucy pulled her into a hug. “Oh, I’m so happy to meet you. It’s so good to see Eric smile again.” Angel nodded. “You look nervous,” Lake said, as he tightened Lucy’s leash around his hands and pulled her in for a kiss. “I am.” “Well, let’s go someplace more private. Say, I know. We can have a party at Eric’s house. It’s the closest.” Eric laughed. “Yeah, don’t bother asking the host.”

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“Don’t worry,” Lake replied. “I wasn’t planning on it.”

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Chapter Sixteen

“So, no more ghosts?” Lake sat down next to Eric in the hot tub. The ladies were inside, putting together some snacks. “Amazingly enough, no. I immersed myself in a new case.” “You immersed yourself in a feisty little baker.” “Yeah, I gave her hot crossed buns today.” Lake laughed. “It’s so good to have you back, my friend.” “She’s done major things for my ego,” Eric said. “And for other parts of me, as well. It’s quick, I know, but I think she may be the one.” “We figured that out. Lucy’s already planning your wedding.” “Right. Don’t you think we should give it a bit more time?” The words were hardly out of his mouth before the ladies came out from inside. “It’s just so perfect,” Lucy said. She set a bowl of chips on the table and ran toward the hot tub, jumping in and kissing Lake.

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“Angel’s going to do our wedding cake. Isn’t that great? I mean, I hated the other woman, that’s why I didn’t give her money down, or sign anything. I had another week to get it done and she falls in my lap. It’s perfect!” Angel walked toward the hot tub at a more sedate pace. Eric watched her, and for a minute he thought she didn’t want to be here, that something was holding her back. Then, she peeled off the T-shirt she was wearing and climbed into the tub, sitting down next to Eric. “Something wrong?” he whispered in her ear. “If you’re uncomfortable, let me know.” “I’m fine,” she replied. “It’s just been a while.” “You sure?” “Yes.” She kissed his cheek. “Good. Then, it’s time for a party game. I’ll go get the handcuffs, and the other fun things. And let’s move to the pool where there’s more room.”

“Handcuffs?” Angel watched Eric head toward the house. The three of them got out of the tub and stood outside, waiting for their body temperatures to drop a bit before jumping into the cooler waters of the pool. Lucy laughed. “Yes, Eric has this thing about handcuffs. I think it’s the cop in him.” Angel laughed. “On a serious note, though,” Lake said, “thank you for bringing Eric back to us. He was lost the last two months. You’ve found him again.” “I’m not sure it was me.” “It was,” Lucy said. “Trust us.” Angel nodded. She felt horribly guilty as she listened to them talk about how the “old” Eric was back. They were praising her for it, and here she was, lying to him about tomorrow

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night. Maybe she should tell him. Maybe he should know what she was doing. She watched him walk back to the tub, his hands full of toys. He was so confident and sure of himself, so handsome and so very sweet to her. She had to tell him. Tonight. Her decision made, she decided to enjoy whatever fun they had planned. “Is this a BDSM game?” “Not really,” Eric said. “It’s more just a sex game.” Angel and Lucy got into the pool while Lake walked to a shed, returning with two inner tubes which he threw in before he climbed inside. “Right,” Eric said. “Lucy, you get this one. Angel, put your pretty little ass in this one.” It took her a few minutes to get situated in the tube. When she did, Eric leaned over and kissed her. “Arms behind your back.” She laughed when she realized he was going to handcuff her. Then, she jumped when she realized she and Lucy were going to be handcuffed together. The other woman’s arms were threaded through her own and the handcuffs linked together, left wrist to right wrist, and right to left. “Sir Eric.” “Oh, I like that,” Lake said. “Maybe you need to be calling me Sir Lake.” “Whatever you desire, Sir Lake.” Lucy giggled. She wiggled, and then interlocked her fingers with Angel’s. The intensity -- and the uncertainty -- of the situation made Angel feel very nervous, and very excited. The men were circling them on their knees, stirring up the water so the inner tubes bounced up and down. When Lake stopped in front of her, she bit her lip.

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“Relax,” he said. Then he leaned toward her and traced her slit. From the sighs coming behind her she knew Eric was doing the same to Lucy. Angel closed her eyes and enjoyed the sensation. His fingers dipped inside, searching out her clit, which he found easily. He stroked it gently, then slid his finger down to her opening. When he pushed a hard plastic item inside her she shivered. “Just a vibrator,” he said softly. “Lucy gets one, too. They’re waterproof.” “Feels good,” Angel said. “Yes, it does,” Lucy said, squeezing Angel’s fingers. The men started to move again, stirring up the water so the ladies’ tubes began to rock on the waves. They held fast to each other’s hands. Angel relaxed into the water, the small vibrator nestled inside her wetness. Then, suddenly, it began to vibrate. It stopped, and then it started again. “Remote control,” Eric said softly, holding up the small console. “The question is, who has which one? We don’t really know.” Angel’s toy began to vibrate again, and from the moans and movements coming from Lucy, she knew hers did, too. “Sir Eric,” she whispered. “I want to come.” “Don’t you dare, Apuro.” “Master Lake?” “No, little Vixen. Don’t ask again. I’ll tell you when I’m ready for you to come.” “Yes, Sir.” The men varied the speed on the vibrators, moving them faster, then slower, then speeding them back up. For several minutes, they’d stop altogether, then start up just as the ladies seemed to relax.

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The sensations assaulted Angel’s body. She wanted to come so badly but had decided not to ask, since Lake had told Lucy she could not ask. They continued to move around them, so that first Eric, then Lake, would appear before her in the water. Lucy pushed against her and she knew the other woman was right on the edge. “Sir Eric,” Angel said softly. “Please.” “Please what?” “Please let me come.” “Is that all? Do you want anything else?” “I’d like for you to fuck me.” The look he gave her made goose bumps rise on her flesh, despite the hot water they were in. “What if I’d like to watch Lake fuck you? Would you like that, baby?” “Ummm, yes.” Angel smiled up at him. “But first,” he said. “I want to watch you come. He turned the vibrator on full blast; then his fingers went in search of Angel’s clit. All it took was one swipe. Her pussy was on fire. She had already been aroused from watching the scene earlier that evening. The movement of the vibrator sent her over the edge and she contracted around the plastic, coming hard. “Eric. Oh, my Lord, Eric!” She bucked against his fingers, her body rolling with the waves. It took her several seconds to realize Lucy was screaming too, their interlocked fingers squeezed together until they started to burn. She stared into Eric’s eyes, which were ablaze with desire. “Key,” he said in a hoarse voice. “Where’s the key?”

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Lake quickly unlocked their cuffs. When they were separated, the men each took an inner tube and threw them out of the pool. Lake took Angela’s hand and she turned to look at Eric, who widened his eyes in approval. “Get me a condom, Vixen,” Lake said, his voice deep. Angel watched as Lucy hurried out of the pool and returned with the package. She opened it and Lake sat on the side of the pool so she could sheath his cock. They kissed deeply, and she laughed as she backed away. After Lake had sat on one of the built-in steps, he turned Angel so her back was to him, then guided her onto his lap. It wasn’t the first time Angel had done something like this, but it had been a long time. Lake’s hands felt warm on her hips as he guided the tip of his cock to her entrance. “Lower yourself down, Angel.” Angel’s gaze locked on Eric’s as she did. The desire in his eyes was evident. He licked his lips and nodded his approval. Angel closed her eyes and let Lake’s hands guide her up and down. The idea Eric was watching her, that she was doing this for him, made it all the sweeter. How had this happened? How had he wormed his way inside her heart so quickly? She’d had one-night stands before, but this was so much more. That idea wrapped around her heart and squeezed as Lake gently moved her up and down. She felt tears rise to her eyes as she thought about tomorrow. She’d decided to tell him, but now, she wasn’t sure she could. He’d been through so much recently, and Lake and Lucy had both said the real Eric was now back. How could she put him in danger again by telling him about the meeting she’d scheduled with Jaymes? The tears spilled forth and she closed her eyes. Eric’s voice forced them wide open. “Angel? Baby, what’s wrong? Stop, Lake. Stop.” “No,” Angel said. “Don’t stop. It’s not that. It’s so, so. Eric, I…I…”

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He glided through the water to her and captured her head between his hands, bringing their lips together in a bruising kiss. “I feel the same way, baby.” He lifted her off Lake’s lap and crushed her to him, kissing her deeply, his tongue sliding into her mouth and over her teeth. “I love you,” she whispered. “I need you.” “Oh baby, you’ve made me so happy.” The sound of flesh slapping against flesh drew both their gazes to Lucy and Lake. She was bouncing on her lover’s lap, throwing her head back in laughter. Eric guided Angel to a spot across from them and sat down. “Ride me, baby.” Angel placed herself above him and took his cock deep inside her in one downward thrust. She began to bounce, her breasts swaying in front of his eyes as they set up a heavy rhythm. She knew it wouldn’t take long for Eric to come, and she was right. Minutes after she’d mounted him, he grabbed her hips and pulled her down hard into him, slamming up into her with an intense force that brought on her own orgasm. She shuddered in his arms as she heard Lake whisper for Lucy to “watch the beautiful sight on the other side of the pool.” Soon, the other couples’ sounds of orgasm rang out. Angel had long since collapsed into Eric’s arms. She could feel his heart beating against her own as he held her close and she made her final decision. There was no way she was telling him about Jaymes. She couldn’t risk the fragile psyche he’d just started to rebuild. She would tape the meeting, then give him the tape. And she knew that things would work out just fine.

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Chapter Seventeen

Angel rearranged the remaining cookies in the tray for the fifth time. Business was rather slow, and she was happy for that. She’d taken advantage of the slowness and sent Lilia home. Earlier in the day she’d convinced Carmen that she needed to go to Santa Fe for the day to get away from the danger. Her friend had balked, but finally agreed. Now, it was just her, waiting for Jaymes to come. She practiced the speech she would give him in her mind.

Remember, you told us there were no books. I found no books. And when he asked about the money, what would she say? The truth was the police had the money, tucked away somewhere in their building. And there was no way Angel could get her hands on that much cash.

How about free chili-brownie sundaes, for life? Not enough? I’ll cater all your important events, too. She glanced at the clock. She had another hour and a half before Jaymes was due. When she told him, what would happen? Would he draw his gun and shoot her? She shook her head. Shit. What was she doing? Eric was the cop, not her. She knew he was downtown, talking with Ward and going over reports. He would be angry with her for

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not telling him before now, but she had to tell him. She’d deal with the consequences of not doing it sooner tomorrow. She dialed his cell phone number with shaking hands. “Hey Apuro. Save me a brownie, huh? I’m shopping for something special for you. I’ll meet you at your house, say about…” “Eric. I have something to tell you.”

***** Where was Eric? He’d been furious when she’d told him Jaymes was due at the shop at seven. He’d told her to sit tight and relax, that everything would be fine. Fifteen minutes to seven. Her heart was racing like it was in overdrive, and her palms were sweating. How would she convince this man to talk? What if she couldn’t convince him? What would he do to her? What would he do to her family? She didn’t get along with them, true, but she didn’t want someone like Jaymes coming after them. Where was Eric? When the door bell rang out she about jumped out of her skin. She widened her eyes as the Hispanic man who’d participated in the bondage competition at Tygers walked inside. He was not tall, but muscular and compact. He walked to the counter and drummed his fingers on the glass, bending down as if to examine the few items she hadn’t put up yet. “Can I get you something?” “Me? No. But you, you’ll need a pillow to sit down on for a week. Eric’s royally pissed.” “Eric?” It was as if the floor had dropped out from under her feet. “Yeah. He’s sitting a few doors down now, with Ward. He and I were at the same store when you called, in case you’re wondering. And yes, I’m a cop. I’m wired so he can hear us. Fix me some food. And hurry.”

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“Listen, um, Mr…” “Diego. Diego Fuentes. Fix the food. Now, before Jaymes gets here.” Angel hurried to the back refrigerator. She pulled out a few burritos she’d made earlier in the day and stuck them in the microwave with a small glass of water for condensation. When she took the plate out, she found Diego sitting at a booth not far from the table she’d set up. He’d snatched a newspaper from the top of the counter and spread it out before him. She set the plate down. “Drink, too. We want it to look normal.” She poured him a soft drink and shook her head. “What now?” “Go back to the counter. And we wait.” She turned and walked back, her mind reeling. Why hadn’t Eric come in himself? Was he too angry with her? Or was it because she’d told him what Jaymes had said, and he didn’t want his men to see him? She preferred the latter. Regret over her actions flooded her mind, but it was too late for that. She would deal with the consequences later. At three minutes to seven, the chime rang. Jaymes walked in with his two men behind him. He glanced at Diego, who sat with his nose buried in the paper, taking quick bites of food. At first, he looked concerned. Then, he shrugged his shoulders, turned to Angel, and smiled. She pointed toward the table and moved toward it, sitting down quickly before he could object. Jaymes gave one final, nervous glance at Diego, then sat down. “You have something for me?” “No.”

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His eyes widened and Angel bit back bile. “Excuse me? Do you remember what we discussed yesterday? You have some things of mine I want back.” “What things? You told Eric and me there were no things. I thought about that last night. I can’t give you what you say doesn’t exist.” “Now you listen to me, bitch. Do you have any idea who the fuck I am? What the fuck I can do to you?” “No. And I don’t care. Get out.” “You think us busting up tables was bad? By the time I’m done you won’t have a relative who can walk anymore. I want those books.” “Why?” Jaymes eyes narrowed and he glanced at Diego. He looked back at Angel, his scowl deepening. “What game are you playing? Huh?” Anger over his threats made Angel’s blood boil. “No game. And no books. Who are you more afraid of, the cops, or the high-powered people who owe you money? Or maybe it’s that you don’t have a record of their debts anymore and they can’t pay you. You’re a parasite, living off other people’s miseries. How many people have you killed? How may lives have you destroyed?” “I don’t kill. But my orders to kill are followed to the letter. Now, tell the spic it’s time for him to leave and let’s you and I take a little ride. If you’re lucky, I might let you keep a few fingers, although it might make it hard for you to work.” He sat back with an evil look on his face. “Changing your mind? My money and books in lieu of your fingers? Or maybe we should go and visit your parents, or one of your sisters. I believe they have children.”

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“You son of a bitch. You’d hurt children, just to get your money and gambling information?” “Yes. I earned that money, and those books are my lifeline. Those people owe me! And now, so do you. I might keep you alive long enough for you to watch me stake out that fucking Black Hawk and cut his dick off, watch him bleed to death.” Angel pushed back from the table. The bile that had been threatening since Jaymes walked in won. She turned her head to the side and vomited. “Son of a bitch,” Jaymes said, standing suddenly. When he did, he jerked the table. The books Angel had set up carefully to conceal the small recorder moved and it came into sight. “You fucking bitch. You told your cop friend. I thought you were smarter than that.” He turned to Diego. “Is he a cop, huh? Kill the bastard!” One of the men rushed toward Diego’s table but Diego moved faster. He stood and pulled his gun, ramming the butt end of it against the man’s temple. He fell backward into his partner and they both toppled. Angel grabbed the recorder at the same time Eric and Ward busted through the door. They both had their guns drawn. She turned to run to the back room, but Jaymes grabbed her, turned her around, and pulled her into his chest. “Give it to me.” “No.” “Jaymes!” Eric’s voice was loud and forceful. “Let her go.” Diego and Ward were handcuffing the two goons, one bleeding profusely and the other trying to fight them off. “No way. I’m walking out. Get back.” He pulled a gun from his waistband and waved it in front of Angel’s face. “Behave yourself, understand?” She nodded and then looked at Eric. “I’m sorry.”

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He gave her a curt nod, then shook his head at Jaymes. “You’ve nowhere to go. There are cops all over outside. And you just gave an order to kill a police officer. That’s attempted capital murder. And we’ve got it all on tape.” Jaymes grabbed Angel’s hand and wrenched the recorder from it. “You mean this?” He dropped it on the floor and aimed his gun at it. The sound of the shot reverberated through the room and Angel screamed. The recorder blew apart, pieces of it flying into the air. Eric rushed them, grabbing Angel and throwing her behind him before tackling Jaymes and throwing him to the floor. Ward screamed at her to leave, but she stood rooted to the spot, watching the two men fight. They both had guns, and fear that one of them would go off rocketed through her body. Her plan had backfired. If something happened to Eric, she’d never forgive herself. She backed toward the door and watched them wrestle. Finally, after what seemed like forever, Eric lifted his gun up and put the muzzle near Jaymes face. “Don’t make me shoot you.” Jaymes was breathing heavily. He nodded furiously. “OK. OK. I give up.” He let his hand fall to the side of his face. Diego stepped up next to him and stepped on his wrist. “Release your grip,” Eric said. Diego kicked the gun away and Jaymes laughed. “I’ve got you, all three of you. Police brutality. Arrest without evidence. I’ll be out in an hour.” “Doubt it,” Ward said. He held up Jaymes’ books and smiled. “Plus, we got your money.”

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“You can’t prove it’s mine,” Jaymes said with a laugh. He looked at the recorder and laughed harder. “Bitch thought she could outsmart me.” “She did,” Eric said. “Diego?” Diego drew a recorder out of his shirt pocket. He waved it at Jaymes, and then grabbed the man’s hair, jerking his head back. “Don’t ever call me a spic again.” Eric sat back against the table as Diego pulled Jaymes up and handed him to Ward. Ward cuffed him and started to read him his rights. Angel hurried across the floor to Eric. She dropped to her knees and gently touched the cut on his face. “You’re bleeding.” She hurried to the sink and wet a towel, sinking back to her knees to wipe the cut on his face. “Why didn’t you trust me? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” “I did! I just, it’s just…” She stared to cry, burying her face in her hands. “It’s just what, Angel?” She swallowed several times to get her breathing under control. “I was going to tell you last night. He came in yesterday and threatened me, threatened Carmen.” “You told Carmen?” Eric snorted a laugh. “You trusted her more than you trusted me? Who’s the cop?” “It’s not that I trusted her more. She was here when he came in. She made me promise to call you, but I lied to her. I told her I’d called you, but I didn’t. I heard you talk to Ward about the recording.” “So, you just thought you’d do it on your own?” “Yes. I really was going to tell you last night, but Lake and Lucy, they said you were just back to normal. I thought…”

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“You thought I was too fragile? Or you thought I couldn’t handle it?” His voice was thick with anger. “No. I was scared for you. He said he would kill you. I care about you.” “But you didn’t trust me, or you would have told me sooner. This whole thing could have been avoided.” “I do trust you. I do.” Tears leaked from her eyes again. She felt empty and frightened. By trying to protect him, she’d pushed him away. “Angel, where there’s no trust, there’s no relationship.” The anger in his voice had turned to deep sorrow. “And that sucks. It really sucks.”

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Chapter Eighteen

“This has been so perfect. Thank you so much, Angel!” Vanessa Casas kissed Angel’s cheek, then turned to the dance floor. In her beautiful pale pink gown, her tiara on her head, she looked like the angel. The music was swelling for the first dance at her Quinceañera. Her father took her hand to lead her out to the dance floor. Her attendants, fifteen pairs of damas y chambalanes, formed a line through which Vanessa and her father walked. Once at the other end, she sat in a chair and her father changed her shoes, from flats to high heels, signifying his daughter was now a woman. The music started up and father and daughter danced, with the attendants joining in. Angel watched the proceedings with a heavy heart. Her own father had not given her a Quinceañera, saying that she didn’t deserve it. Quinceañeras, he said, were reserved for daughters who obeyed their fathers and lived a traditional life, which Angel did not. She was thrilled to see the Casas family so happy. She knew the party would go on well into the night, maybe even ending the next morning. After the first dance they would cut into the fifteen cakes Angel and Carmen had slaved over all week. The workload had proved both a blessing and a curse. It was a curse

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because Eric called on Monday to say he needed time to think, to try and work out the feelings her refusal to tell him about Jaymes had caused. He didn’t come out and call it a betrayal, but she knew that was what he considered it. She had to find some way to make it up to him, some way to let him know she wanted him in her life, that she loved him. It had been Tuesday, when she was crying herself to sleep, that the realization had hit her. Eric meant more to her than anyone. The things they had shared, and the feelings he invoked in her made her tingle with delight. And she’d ruined it. Just like she’d ruined every relationship she’d had in her life. She’d been so busy all week she hadn’t had time to call. Oh, she could have, but it would have been a rushed call, and she didn’t want that. She wanted the time to talk with him, to let him know she cared and she was so very, very sorry. The dance ended and she stepped back from the table as Vanessa approached with her parents. They cut the cakes together, taking a bite from each one, one for each year of Vanessa’s life so far. Then, her parents presented her with the traditional doll, the last one she would ever receive. When the attendants moved in to serve the cake and cookies, Angel stepped back. “Thank you so much,” Yolanda said, pressing a check into her hand. “It’s so perfect.” “I’m glad you’re pleased,” Angel said. “Remember to tell all your friends.” “Oh, we will. Do you need anything back, the trays or anything?” “No. They’re yours to keep. Enjoy the food, and the dance and the party.” Angel gathered her things. Now that the cutting of the cakes was finished and the dancing was in full swing, she could leave. She passed tables piled high with casserole dishes, tortilla chips and queso and other dishes the guests had brought to snack on during the night.

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When she was seated in the La Tienda Dulce van she thought about Eric. It was Saturday night, and she didn’t figure he was sitting at home. She dialed the number anyway and got no answer. She tried his cell phone, which went straight to voice mail. He was probably at Tygers.

Probably playing with another sub. The idea made her cringe. She needed to talk to him. Tonight. She went down to Old Town and swapped the van for her car, going inside the shop long enough to take off the sedate dress she’d chosen for the party and change into jeans and a T-shirt she’d left there. She drove to Tygers, parking near the door, and hurried up to Chess. The hulking sub smiled at her. “Hello, subbie in training. Sorry, I don’t remember your name.” “Angel. And I’m here to see Sir Eric.” “He’s not here,” Chess replied. “Sorry.” Angel started to cry. The stress of preparing for the party, the confrontation with Jaymes, and the loss of Eric was just too much to take. She sobbed into her hands and sighed when Chess pulled her into his chest. “Don’t cry. Master Lake is here. I’ll call for him.” He lowered her down into a chair and picked up a phone. Seconds later, Angel lifted her tear-stained face to Lake. Lucy stood next to him. She knelt down and hugged Angel close. “Where is he?” “Camping. Watching some meteor shower. He said he wanted to be alone for a little while.” “Tell me how to find him, please.” “Angel, I have a general idea of where he’s at, where we’ve camped before in the Sandias. But it’ll take you hours to find him. I can’t let you go wandering around up there by yourself.”

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“That’s right,” Lucy said. “We’ll take you. Right, Master?” Lake shook his head and snorted. “He’s gonna be really pissed. But then again, it could be just what he needs.” Both women remained silent, and then he sighed. “Get in the truck.”

***** Eric stirred the small fire he’d made, conscious of the fact he wasn’t in an approved campground and could pay a hefty fine for this. He stared up at the dark sky. It would be a few more hours before the meteor shower was in full swing, with bursts of light flying across the sky.

Kinda like the bursts of light that fly through my life. He missed Angel with a passion. He missed her beautiful smile, her smoking brown eyes, and her generous curves. Most of all he missed her laugh, and the way she looked at him. He should have called her this week, but he hadn’t. He’d been an ass and kept to himself. Shit, he didn’t even have Rodney Baker to keep him company anymore. Baker had appeared the night of Jaymes’ arrest. He’d sat in the chair and shook his head at Eric. “You’re a dumb ass.” “Fuck you.” “Shit, no. You let her go and you’re a dumb ass.” Eric had screamed at him to leave, and he had. The next Monday, he’d gone to the police psychiatrist, who told him the “ghost” of Baker was no more than Eric’s subconscious, anxious about the shooting and its aftermath. “I realize now it was the right thing to do,” Eric said. “Do you? Then why is he still coming around?”

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Eric had shrugged his shoulders. That evening, at home, he’d spoken to his empty living room, telling Baker he was dead because of his own actions, not because of Eric’s. For the first time in months the man did not reply. He ran a stick through the dying flames of the fire. He could build it up a little more, or let it die out completely. He hadn’t pitched a tent; instead he’d blown up an air mattress and put it in the bed of the pickup. He would lay there and watch the show, think of Angel, probably have to jack off at least once. “Fuck this.” He stood and threw dirt onto the fire, extinguishing it quickly. Then, for good measure, he took one of the huge water jugs he’d brought with him and poured it over the dirt. He fished his cell phone out of his pocket and flipped it open. Shit. No service. He headed toward the truck. He knew Angel had the Quinceañera tonight. He didn’t know where it was being held, but he knew she should be done with her part by now. She should be home soon. He would go there and wait for her. But first, he needed to let the air out of the mattress and fold it up. He picked up a few pillows and threw them into the cab, starting back for the sleeping bag he’d put onto of the mattress. A pair of headlights appeared on the dirt road that sat not far from where he was camping. The lights slowed, then stopped. The sound of a car door opening and closing, followed by another one, stopped him short. He rounded the cab, squinting to make out figures in the dark, debating about whether he should unlock his gun from the glove box. Then, a voice hit his ears. The sweet voice of his Angel. “Eric?”

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“Over here. But wait there, I’ll come to you.” He was almost to her when he heard the car door open and shut again. The truck took off just as he reached her. “Who was that?” “Lake and Lucy.” “Angel, what are you doing here?” “I’ve come to tell you I love you. And I’m sorry. Please forgive me.” He thumbed away the tears from her eyes. “I love you, too, Apuro.” “Do you forgive me?” “Yes. But I’m going to have to punish you.” He leaned down and kissed her, pushing her lips open with his tongue. “Promise, Sir Eric?” She sniffled around her tears. “Oh yes, Apuro, I promise. Take off your clothes.”

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Chapter Nineteen

“Now? Here? But it’s cold.” “It’s chilly, yes. But I’ll warm you up. Do as you’re told.” Angel stared after him as he walked toward the truck. She started after him, pulling her T-shirt over her head as she went. The cool night air made her nipples peak. When she stopped near the truck, she took off her bra and started to undo her jeans. Eric was pulling a bag out of the truck. He dug inside and pulled out a bottle of lube and a few condoms. “You bring lube with you when you’re camping alone?” “Well, I was planning on jacking off. Speaking of camping alone, how did y’all find me?” “Lake said he had a pretty good idea where you were. We drove around for a while; then Lucy glimpsed a light.” “I’d just put out a fire. I was going to come and find you.” “Really?” “Yes.”

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She pulled off her jeans and panties and launched herself at him. “I love you. Fuck me.” “Oh no. Not yet. You belong to me, Angel. You’re my Apuro. Understand?” “Yes, Sir Eric.” “I’m Master Eric now. When we get home tomorrow I’m collaring you. Do you have a problem with that?” “No, Master Eric.” “Good.” He looked up into the sky. “The meteor shower is starting. Do you know what a meteor is, Apuro?” “A shooting star?” “Some people think so, yes. But actually, they’re the tails of comets. The comets orbit the sun and leave a steam of debris. That’s what causes meteor showers. Now, here’s your punishment. You’re going to lie in the back of the truck and count meteors while you play with your pussy.” “Some punishment.” She giggled and then added, “Master Eric.” He pulled her close and swatted her bare behind. “I’m not done yet. While you’re counting, you’re also going to be telling me how much you want my cock, where you want it, how you want it. When you get to fifty, and after you’ve properly begged, then you can come.” “What if I lose count?” “You start over. So, if I were you, I’d lie on the mattress, and start counting.” Angel scrambled into the bed of the pickup, lying on her back. Her pussy was already dripping wet and her nipples were harder than before. Eric’s words had inflamed her. “One. Two. Three.” The blasts of light flew across the sky, leaving brilliant streaks of light in their wake. She dropped her fingers to her clit and teased the hard nub.

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Eric jumped into the bed of the truck and sat down on the roof of the cab, looking down at her. Her gaze drifted to him as he undid his jeans and freed his hard cock, stroking it up and down. “Oh, Master. May I have your cock?” “You’d better count.” “Nine. Ten.” He made a tsking sound. “Start over. Nine doesn’t come after three.” Angel got to seven before she lost her train of thought again. “Please. I need you inside me. Hot and hard and throbbing. Please Master, please! Eleven.” “Start over.” It was becoming hard to focus on the meteors and not focus on Eric’s cock, which he stroked slowly. The meteors were coming fast, so Angel decided on a new tactic. She counted off twenty very quickly, then groaned. “I want your cock. Twenty-one, twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty-four.” The pressure in her clit had built to a breaking point. The bud throbbed under her fingers as she counted up to thirty. “Where do you want me, Apuro? What part of your body can I take?” “All of it. Thirty-one, thirty-two, thirty-three.” The lights from the meteors flew in front of her eyes. “I want details, naughty girl. Be specific.” “In my pussy. Thirty-four, thirty-five, thirty-six.” “And? Rub harder. Go on.” “My mouth. Thirty-seven, thirty-eight, thirty-nine, forty.”

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Her clit was one fire. She moaned out numbers up until forty-seven, then bucked her hips. “Master!” “Don’t you dare! Where else, tell me. Where else can I put my cock?” “In my ass. Forty-seven, forty-eight, forty-nine …” “That’s where it’s going tonight, Apuro. In that tight little rosebud of yours.” “Fifty! Master, may I come, please!” “No. Beg me. Beg me to come. Beg me to fuck you.” Angel’s fingers continued to rub. She was seeing lights of her own now, lights that had nothing to do with the meteors and everything to do with the pending orgasm she felt would shoot through the top of her head. “Beg me!” “Master! I’m begging. I want your cock. I need your cock. Fuck me. Make me yours. I belong to you. Please, Master, please!” “Come, Apuro. Show me how much you like belonging to me.” “Master! Oh, Master!” Angel came, her hips rolling around as the orgasm ripped through her. She thought it would shatter her heart, her mind. She looked up into the sky as the lights of the meteors continued to streak across the horizon. Eric jumped from the cab, landing beside her. “Roll over, sweet one.” When he came up behind her and entered her pussy in one swift stroke, she gasped. The thrust sent a second orgasm crashing through her as he pounded inside, over and over again. “Naughty girl,” he said, pulling out and steadying her hips. “You didn’t have permission for that one. Someone’s going to get a spanking later.”

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He stopped thrusting and gently caressed her cheeks. She sighed when he reached for the items he’d brought with him. He tore the condom package first, then she heard the opening of the lube bottle. The gel felt cold as he dripped it across her anus. “Relax for me, Angel.” He caressed her back, then lowered his fingers between her cheeks, rubbing the lube around to prepare her for him, pushing his fingers in and out several times until she groaned with delight. “Are you ready for me?” “Yes, Master.” She felt the tip of his cock press against her anus. The sensation made her shiver. He caressed her hips and whispered, “Shush, my Apuro.” Then, he pushed the head of his cock inside her ass. Unused to the invasion, she tried to push him out. He held her tight, and pushed more of himself inside. “So tight. And all mine.” He pushed more as he groaned out the words. Angel met him groan for groan and fought to remain still until he was fully inside her. He gave her a few minutes to adjust to him, then started to move; slow, even thrusts in and out about drove her crazy. “Master, please. Harder.” “Not right now, baby. Slow and steady.” He kept up the slow pace, sliding in and out as she grasped the blanket between her clenched fists. After a few minutes, he lifted her hips and locked his legs under her, changing the angle of his thrusts. He went deeper, pushing Angel down into the mattress as he increased the tempo. “Is this what you want?” “Yes, Master, yes!” “Tell me who you are.”

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“I’m your Apuro.” The words made her heart leap. “That’s right,” Eric said through roughly. She could tell he was right on the edge. He continued to fuck her with long, even strokes. “My little troublemaker. Oh, fuck!” He pumped harder as he came. When his fingers came around and pinched Angel’s clit, she soared along with him. Afterward, when they were lying in a heap of limbs, both of them breathing heavily. “Do I get punished for that last one, too?” “Not for the orgasm, no. But, you didn’t tack a Master on the end.” “I’m sorry, Master.” “That’s OK, Apuro. It gives me lots of reasons for correction.” “Am I forgiven?” He leaned over and caressed her neck with his nose. “Tell me why. I want to know why you didn’t call me the minute Jaymes walked into the store.” She sighed and closed her eyes. “Eric, I mean…” “Shush, it’s fine. It’s Angel and Eric. And Eric wants to know why.” “There’s a lot you don’t know about me.” “Enlighten me.” “My father kicked me out of his house when I was seventeen because I wouldn’t do exactly as he said. He said I was too wild, that I’d been corrupted by the west, which was stupid, since he was born in Albuquerque, and so was his mother.” Eric laughed and stroked her neck. “Go on.” “My grandmother took me in, despite the fact my father told her he’d never speak to her again, which he did speak to her. He just won’t talk to me. She taught me that I had to take care of myself, because nobody else would. I’ve been alone for so long that I thought I

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could handle it. I went back and forth in my mind. Finally, I knew I had to tell you. Please forgive me.” She turned toward him and he kissed her gently. “You’re not alone anymore, Angel. You’re mine. Don’t ever keep anything from me again, no matter what it is. Understand?” “Yes, Eric.” “Good. And, while we’re spilling secrets under the stars, you’ll be happy to know that Baker is gone.” “You got rid of him?” “I think it was the love of a good woman that helped me get rid of him. You helped me that night we talked. You did it.” “No, we did it together.” “Together, huh?” He kissed her, his hand cupping her breast and pinching her nipple gently. “We’ll be together when you get your nipples pierced. And your pretty little clitty, too.” “Excuse me? I don’t think so.” “Oh, yes. You’re going to love it. It’ll be sweet perfection when my pierced little subbie gets collared.” “Yes, about that. I don’t know about wearing a collar in public.” “I knew you were going to be trouble from the day I met you.” She pulled back and stared at him. “I thought you just said I was perfection?” “When you learn to behave and stop making a fuss about things, yes.” Angel shook her head. “Sorry, I don’t see that happening.”

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“Then I’m going to have to increase my collection of paddles. That will lead you on the path to perfection.”

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Epilogue

Six weeks later

Angel inhaled sharply as Diego tightened the rope around her waist. “Now, you want to make sure it’s tight, but not too tight,” Diego said to Eric. “You don’t want to stop blood flow.” Eric nodded. He reached out and tugged one of the rings on Angel’s nipples. They’d been pierced for five weeks now, and were healed enough for him to play with them so they could both enjoy them. After their foray into the mountains, Eric had not let her leave him except during work hours. She’d moved into his house, putting her own on the market. They’d had a private collaring ceremony and she now wore a collar at all times, leather at home, and gold during the day, to show she belong to Eric, her Viking, who now stood, watching her intently. “You look delicious,” he said softly. “How do you feel, Apuro?” “Fine, thank you, Master.” “Thank Master Diego, too.” He stroked her stomach. “Thank you, Master Diego.”

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“My pleasure, Angelica.” He stood and passed the remaining rope to Eric. “I’m going down to the main room. Have a good time. I’ll come back later to see how you’re doing. Remember to check and make sure things aren’t cutting blood flow.” “You said that already.” “I can’t stress it enough,” Diego said. They both turned as a knock sounded on the door. “Come,” Eric said. The door opened and Master Ty walked in. “Sorry to interrupt, but we have a bit of a situation downstairs, and I’d like your advice, since it deals with both of you.” “Us?” Eric said. “Well, the three of you. Sorcha Morales is downstairs, trying to bribe the desk girls into telling her what room you’re in, Eric. Seems you won’t return her calls.” “Damn straight I’m not going to. The trial is not for another two weeks. We’ve been ordered to keep our mouths shut so Jaymes’ lawyers don’t try to get him off on some loophole, like we talked to the press or something. And she’s press. Why did you let her in the private area, anyway?” “She’s a member,” Ty responded. “She might not be all that active, but she’s a member.” “A Domme?” Diego asked. “No, she’s a subbie.” Diego grinned and picked up a piece of rope. “I’ll take care of her.” “What, you going to hogtie her until after the trial?” Eric laughed and leaned over to kiss Angel’s neck. “You feeling fine, baby?” “Yes, Master.”

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“No, not that long,” Diego said. “I’ll just reinforce the fact you can’t talk. I’m sure she’ll listen.” He left and Ty walked out after him, shaking his head. Angel stood silently. “Do you like this as much as you thought you would?” “More.” He gave her a quick kiss. “Who do you belong to, Angel?” “You, Master. You own all of me, especially my heart.” He ran a piece of rope over her nipple and Angel shuddered in pleasure. “Well, in that area we’re even. Because you own mine, too.”

Melinda Barron Melinda Barron loves to explore Egyptian tombs and temples, discover Mayan ruins, play in castles towers, and explore new cities and countries. She generally does it all from the comfort of her home by opening a book. Melinda is the fourth of five children born to an Army officer and his wife. A longtime newspaper journalist, Melinda has loved to read and write from an early age. Now she lives in the Texas Panhandle with two cats, Amelia and Pippin, and enough books to, according to her brother, open her own library. In addition to reading and writing Melinda enjoys travel, cross-stitching, watching movies and spending time with her friends and family.