Armed and Dangerous (4 page)

She gave him a sultry, knowing smile. Then with that, she and Giorgio left, closing the door behind them with a snick. On his back, Shane panted in agony. Flinging off the sheet, he fisted his erection and stroked.

“Ooh, that's quite a problem you have there. Need some help?”

Turning his head, he looked into Daisy's smiling face. “Oh, God, please! Grab some of that oil.”

She did, and popped open the cap. Then she drizzled some over his cock. The slippery liquid made it even better, and he sighed, pumping. When Daisy's hand closed over his and stroked with him, he didn't last two seconds.

“Ahh!” Creamy ropes of come spurted all over his abs and chest, again and again until he was satisfied and humming.

“Better?”

“Much. I made a mess, but it serves them right.”

Daisy snickered. “It does.”

“Can I return the favor?” He raked her toned, naked body with a slow, appreciative look.

“Mmm, why would I turn down such a delicious offer?”

“Then get back on that table and let me make those pretty eyes cross.”

“Brag much?” she teased.

“I'll let you be the judge.” With a wink, he took her hand and helped her sit on her table. “Scoot to the edge. Like that.”

He was so turned on by the way she looked, lying on her back, her sweet, round butt parked right at the edge of the table. She was spread for him like a banquet, and he was a man who rarely turned down a feast on offer.

Skimming his fingers through her trimmed tawny bush, he used his fingers to part the delicate folds waiting for his attention. Then he thumbed the sensitive nub of her clit, rubbing, loving the little whimper that escaped her lips, how she arched her hips to seek more.

He dipped two fingers into her channel, easing them into her slick heat. Moving them slowly, he pumped, spreading her cream and watching her squirm with delight. She looked so damned fine he couldn't stand it anymore, and cupped his hands under her ass, lifting her effortlessly to his mouth.

First he tongued her slit, catching the dewy moisture. Her taste was addictive, sort of salty-sweet, all woman, arousing as hell. She writhed in need, thighs falling open wider, inviting him in. His tongue delved between the folds to sample the cream there, and moaned. Eating a woman was just about the best thing ever—next to burying his cock deep where he was currently savoring.

Fastening his mouth to her, be began to suck and lick in earnest. As he'd hoped, the sensual assault made her unravel, his lover bucking and thrashing.

“Yes!” she cried out. “God, yes!”

Relentless, he kept lapping until she came apart with a shout, shuddering her release on and on. When at last she was spent, he lowered her gently and grinned in satisfaction.

“You're so responsive,” he told her.

“Who wouldn't be? You have a real talent,” she said with a breathless laugh.

“And I'm all too happy to use it on you.” Grabbing the sheet, he wiped his mouth. “You're pretty gifted yourself.”

“What about Ivana? Would you have let her bring you off if she'd made the move?”

Searching her face, he found no censure. “At that moment, probably. For one, refusing could have blown our cover. Mostly, I was just so fucking horny I had to come. Would you have let Giorgio touch you?”

“Maybe. I wanted to be touched, for sure, but I'd rather it be by you.”

That confession both pleased and frightened him. Moving on from her would've been easier if she'd just answered a resounding yes, that the Latin stud could have banged her on the table in front of him and she would've loved it. Even though he would've been tempted to beat the man to death.

Maybe he should encourage them to play with others tonight, if things got that far. They weren't a couple. Shane wasn't relationship material, and the sooner she got that through her head, the better.

He had a suspicion that planning such a sneaky thing where Daisy was concerned would be much easier than following through.

Yeah, he was screwed. In more ways than one.

•   •   •

Daisy's nerves were jumping as she waited for Shane to pick her up at her house. Every ten seconds she drew the curtains aside to peek out the window. And she remembered the erotic massage that could've gotten way out of hand with their lusty therapists.

She hadn't wanted that hussy's hands on Shane once it became clear that their hunch was right. The woman had worked the detective into a state of arousal any man would've found impossible to resist. Thankfully, Ivana, or whatever the hell her name was, had left. Daisy had been more than happy to make sure Shane was satisfied before they made tracks. And boy had he seemed pleased to reciprocate.

Checking her watch, she saw that it was seven-thirty. Just then, Shane's big black pickup pulled into the drive. She went to meet him, locking up on her way out. He came around the truck and drew her into his embrace, then planted a searing kiss on her lips.

“For good luck.” He winked.

“We might need it.”

After helping her inside, he shut her door and they were on their way. They rode in silence for a few minutes before she asked, “Has Chris come up with anything else on our alleged victims?”

“Not yet. Their paths so far don't intersect anywhere but at the club. I can't help but think we're missing something.”

“Well, hopefully it will become clear when we meet the players.”

At the club, Shane let the valet take his truck, figuring the department might as well pay for the niceties. Glancing at the card Ivana had given him, he read, “Suite 409, eight o'clock p.m.”

“That's a bare-bones invite if I ever saw one.”

He nodded. “That way if the card gets lost, it's got nothing incriminating on it.”

“Not that what they're doing is illegal, because it isn't.”

“No, just potentially embarrassing if people find out.” He paused, thinking as they walked. “You know, that's a pretty good motive for making someone in this group vanish—the harm it could do to the social standing of their friends and family members.”

“But four people? I don't think those families ganged up on their loved ones to halt their activities.”

“Me, either. Just thinking out loud. But who would hate what they're doing that much?”

She considered that. “Their boss?” Shane chuckled and Daisy went on. “How about this: maybe they threatened to out someone in the group, someone who doesn't want his participation getting public.”

“Like a politician.”

“Right, or a prominent businessman, or a priest.” An arrested look came over his face, then vanished. “What?”

“Nothing. I almost had a thought, but I lost it. Here we are, anyway.”

Shane knocked, and Ivana opened the door, smiling happily as she invited them inside. Whatever scene Daisy had envisioned, the reality was quite a bit tamer. At least at first glance. The room was a large suite complete with a living room, kitchen, and a wet bar. There was also a master bedroom visible through one doorway.

“Nice,” Shane told Ivana. “Does your group rent the suite on occasion?”

“Yes. We have it reserved once a week, year-round.” The woman smoothed her hand over the lapel of his jacket. “As long as we leave it in good condition, they don't ask questions.”

“I see.” Stepping back, he gestured to the room. “Introduce me and my lovely wife to your friends?”

“I'd love to.”

Several couples were relaxing in the room, all dressed as though attending a dinner party. No campy D/s dress code for this group—maybe they were much too highbrow for that. Or too inexperienced. Some were close to the wet bar, partaking of the cocktails. Two more were on the sofa, talking and laughing. Another couple was near the fireplace.

Ivana and Giorgio took much pleasure in showing them off, and more than one couple appeared very interested in the newcomers. A doctor and his wife made a point to fawn all over them both, and Daisy thought it was a measure of Shane's acting skills and patience that he didn't punch the man. The doc, a good-looking man named Jimmy Glenn, was making it clear he and his wife, Marla, were willing and available to play.

Daisy noted the man spoke for Marla, and she demurred to everything he said. Daisy understood the reasoning behind being a submissive, the personal need, but couldn't imagine being one herself. Apparently recalling his own role, Shane looked to Daisy.

“You would have to ask my lovely mistress about that,” he said, giving her an adoring smile. “She makes all the decisions.”

The doctor's eyes widened a bit as he studied her. No doubt he'd cast Shane in the dominant role. “Oh! Well, in that case, would you be agreeable to spending some time with me and Marla?”

“Perhaps, but tonight we're just getting acquainted,” Daisy told him with a giggle. “I'm afraid Shaney is being punished for his naughty behavior in the spa earlier today. It wouldn't do to reward him just yet.” She congratulated herself on that stroke of genius. It was the perfect out allowing them to mingle, gain information, but not get caught up in a scene they weren't prepared to handle.

The man's face reflected disappointment and understanding. “Yes, of course. A sub mustn't be allowed to break the rules whenever she—or he—feels like it.”

“Exactly!”

Shaney
gave her a look that promised retribution when he got her alone.

“And over here, we have William Wakefield and his wife, Allie.” Ivana took Shane's arm and steered him toward the couple.

Daisy trailed them in irritation, hating the way that woman kept grabbing Shane. She managed to turn her attention to the waiting couple and make nice as Ivana introduced them.

“Great to meet you.” Daisy smiled at them, noting that their answering greeting seemed a bit pinched. “How long have you two been in the group?”

“For about a month,” William answered, eyeing her. He was nice enough, handsome and fair-haired, but not overly friendly.

“Honey, doesn't Daisy remind you of Vanessa?”

“I don't see the resemblance at all. Anyway, this gorgeous couple doesn't want to hear about that.” He gave an apologetic smile and pulled his wife away.

Daisy pretended ignorance on the topic. “Hear about what?”

Giorgio patted Daisy's arm in a soothing gesture, appearing the slightest bit distressed and trying not to show it. “We've had a few members stop showing up recently, but I'm sure there's a logical reason.”

So am I. And we're going to find out what it is.

“Perhaps they decided the scene wasn't for them,” Shane suggested.

“No, they were into it.” Ivana's usual happy countenance clouded with worry. “They enjoyed being here, more than anyone I've ever seen. They loved sharing their sensual side with the rest of us. Valerie told me herself they felt as though they'd finally found a group that understood them.”

Behind Daisy, William muttered something she couldn't quite catch. She couldn't hear the words, but the tone brought her to attention. It almost sounded as though he didn't like the members they were discussing.

“Let us talk about happier things,” Giorgio declared. The group agreed.

Shane and Daisy were introduced to the rest, all of them fascinating, both in their looks and the dynamics of the relationships. They were everyday people who shared a kink. Lifestyle. Whatever.

Beside Daisy, Jimmy made a noise of disapproval as he stared at the Wakefields. “Don't know why those two bother to come to our gatherings. They never participate when we all get naked and play.”

“Really?” Daisy shot Shane a meaningful look, which he caught. “Why not?”

“Who knows? I never could fathom why a big pillar-of-the-community type would show up, but then again we've all seen on the news just how many of them have a hidden side, eh?”

“Can't say I've heard of William Wakefield,” Shane put in. “What does he do for a living?” At that moment, a buzzing noise sounded, interrupting their conversation. Shane reached for his pocket and glanced at his phone. “Excuse me, would you? I have to take this.”

“Um, Shane,” she said, giving him a warning glare. Too late, he remembered his supposed role.

“I mean, may I take this call, mistress?”

“You may.” Shit, they sucked at this.

He stepped into the hallway, and she tried to act casual. Shane wouldn't have left unless they had a lead, and she wanted to be gone. After she'd chatted with Jimmy for a few more minutes, Shane walked back inside, pocketing his phone.

“Mistress? I'm afraid I'm not feeling well.”

He had something important, she could tell. “Poor baby. Is it your stomach bug again?”

“Yes. May we come back next week?”

“Of course, dear.” Taking his arm, she found Giorgio. “I'm so sorry, but my sub isn't feeling so hot. We'd love to come back next week, if you'll have us?”

“Absolutely! We insist.” Giving her a kiss on the cheek, he waved over Ivana, who expressed dismay at their leaving so soon.

At last they were in the hallway, and her relief matched Shane's. “Thank God,” she hissed. “I think we narrowly escaped being eaten like hot fudge sundaes.”

“No kidding. Did you see that the other couples were starting to drift off and get cozy with each other? Some were starting to get naked.”

“Yeah, I saw.”

They walked quickly away, scanning their surroundings to be sure they weren't overheard. Shane waited until they had retrieved his truck from the valet before he risked discussing the call.

“That was Taylor,” he said, pulling down the fancy drive. “They've got another body in the water by the dam.”

She frowned. “Okay. But what does Taylor's case have to do with us?”

“Because it's not just his case anymore. The victim is Vanessa Hall, one of our missing players.”