Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 82887 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82887 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Jesus, what does he expect me to do with—?
The vibration coming from my desk startles me. I jolt and almost drop the box. Wrestling to keep it in my lap, I shove it under my hoodie and grab my phone.
Son of Satan: I want you to leave your classroom. Go to the bathroom, put this on under your clothes. Be at my club within the hour.
“What!”
“What now, Ms. Stone?”
I look up. Then around. My cheeks heat at everyone’s attention on me. The guy next to me leans over and looks in my lap. I look at him, then down, realizing the lingerie is partially hanging out of my hoodie. Goddammit! Taking my phone, and the box, I shove both in my bag, pack up my notes, and stand. “I’m sorry I—I’m not feeling well.”
I proceed toward the exit, my heart racing. Once I’m in the hall, I throw my back against the wall. What in the hell am I doing? Go back in that classroom. Don’t be stupid. I should. I need to. The thing is, it would be a lot easier to convince me if I weren’t standing right across from the women’s bathroom. “Oh, how convenient.”
I can’t do this. I have a full day of classes and plans with Christine. I can’t blow her off. But I can’t actually walk back into that classroom. Not after the scene I just made. Fuck! I stomp my feet, taking another look at the women’s bathroom sign, like it’s glowing and calling me in.
Don’t do it, Jensen.
I huff and push off the wall.
And why am I walking across the hall?
“Just going to the bathroom. Just going to the bathroom.”
I pull the door open to Exquisite and walk inside. Missing are the busy strobe lights, crowded dance floor, and sounds of high energy and promiscuity. Being back during the day reminds me of when I attempted breaking and entering. I shake my head at what a dumb idea that was.
“Ms. Stone.” I turn as Fredrick walks up to me.
“Oh, fancy seeing you here. We should’ve just carpooled. Since, ya know, we came from the same place.” I could have saved on cab fare too. He doesn’t take the bait, or even offer for next time. Because I just assume there’s a next time.
“Mr. Cross would like you to wait for him in his office. He’s finishing up some business.” He doesn’t stop to make sure I follow. He walks past me to the elevator, and I stand there until I realize he doesn’t care whether I follow or not. I hurry to catch him and jump in the elevator as it’s closing.
The ride up is awkward and silent. Fredrick doesn’t speak, and clearly, I have nothing to say, so it works out. I get the vibes he doesn’t like me much, which is fine since I’m not a fan of him either. The doors open, and he walks out first. Geez, ever hear of ladies first? Damien’s office is directly across from the elevator, so he takes the two steps and unlocks the door, holding it open for me.
“After you.”
I look at him suspiciously. Never give an enemy your back they say, and I’m starting to get the impression Fredrick is one of mine. He eyes me with contempt. I walk past him, and he doesn’t say another word as he releases the door and it closes on my heels.
What a prick! I turn, ready to give him a piece of my mind, when I bump into a steel chest.
“Going somewhere, Ms. Stone?”
I look up to Damien, the usual fire blazing in his eyes. “Yeah, your henchman has an attitude problem and I was going to offer him some advice.”
A devious smile breaks out on his face as he takes a step into me, causing me to retreat a step back. “He’s just stuck in his old ways. Not very approving of what’s happening.”
“What exactly does he not approve of?”
“You.”
With wide eyes, I reply, “Why me? What did I do?”
He takes another step, and just like before, I shuffle back. “You shouldn’t be here. You’re underage.” He lifts his hand, brushing his thumb across my bare lips. “Where’s the red?”
“You have to be a certain age to get spanked and disciplined?” I reply, my voice a bit shaky. His eyes haven’t left mine. The way he’s stroking my lips creates a warmth in my belly. The office is close to stifling in my heavy hoodie.
“You’re a risk.” He presses down on my lower lip, forcing them to part. “I expect these to be red anytime you step foot in my club.” He takes another lethal step, and I almost trip backward.
“You pulled me out of class. I don’t just walk around wearing red lipstick all day, waiting for you to beckon me. I’m probably going to get in trouble for leaving class too.” The last step has my back hitting the two-way mirror. He’s barely touched me, but the way he’s staring down at me feels as if he’s touching me everywhere.