Bryce covered her hand with his. Glorie had been his wife’s best friend since collage. She was the one who’d introduced him to Annie, and together, the three of them had formed the club. He wasn’t sure he’d have survived losing Annie to cancer without this strong woman. “I need to know the truth.”
Was Jaimie Newberry a clever manipulator who got away with embezzling, or was she innocent of any wrongdoing? So far, she refused to come to his office to speak to him, saying she wanted nothing more to do with his firm. In his mind, that spoke of guilt. An innocent man or woman would not hesitate to do whatever it took to clear their name.
Glorie sauntered to the window. “Ah, there’s our newest playmate. Lucy believes she’s innocent.”
Bryce spotted his Cinderella entering the parlor below. The ruffles of her skirt swirled playfully around slender thighs, and the low cut of her simple top revealed a nice swell of breasts. Deep inside, anticipation hummed, and not just for learning the truth. Annie had been gone five years now, and while he hadn’t been celibate during those long years, he hadn’t participated in the games he hosted either. This would be his first.
And only because he needed to know the truth.
Jaimie had uncovered an embezzling ring in one of his accounting firms. Her boss implicated her, her files backed the man up, but as he’d found out, the man himself had proved to be a liar, and the leader in the group of employees caught.
Lucy, his personal assistant, swore Jaimie was innocent, that she was the one who’d discovered the theft, then been fired because of it. The fact Jaimie had blown the whistle lent her story credence, as did the files she gave Lucy to give to him, all dated before she’d been fired. He’d hired auditors, and they thought she was innocent. But he wouldn’t know until he spoke to her. A study of her employment files indicated the woman was smart. She could easily have done what she did to make herself look innocent and then gotten out before being caught.
“Does it matter if she is as guilty as the others?”
Bryce nodded. “Yes. If she was part of it, I’ll press charges. No one steals from me.” He’d already gotten confessions out of the rest of his employees and fired those who were supposed to oversee that department. Fools were more concerned with their ladder climbing and brown-nosing instead of doing their job.
Determining Jaimie’s level of involvement was unfinished business. Was his Cinderella truly innocent, or had she been framed? He couldn’t find any money trails leading to her bank accounts, but that didn’t mean she didn’t have money squirreled away elsewhere, under another name. No, he needed to know for sure.
Glorie laughed low in her throat. “My, your little playmate looks ready to bolt, and it’s not even midnight.”
Bryce narrowed his eyes. Glorie was right. Jaimie was staring at some of the costumes with mouth agape. He couldn’t see her eyes but imagined they were wide with shock. Even from where he stood, he could see her face was flushed with embarrassment. She took a big gulp of her champagne then grabbed Lucy by the arm. Though he couldn’t hear the conversation, it was clear his sub was having serious doubts.
Rocking back on his heels, he grinned. From the questionnaire, he knew Jaimie was new to this world, and he was looking looked forward to introducing her to some light BDSM.
“You ready?” Glorie, as usual, was hostess.
“Let’s get this show on the road.” He donned his mask and headed for the door, anticipation humming through him.
****
Jaime sipped champagne and told herself to relax, that it was only no-strings sex. How bad could it be? Anything was an improvement on her current, pitiful sex life. Her gaze scanned the richly appointed parlor filled with antiques, gilt frames, a baby grand in the corner, and tall windows along one side of the room. The French doors were open to allow a cool breath of air to enter. Everything sparkled or glittered, and she felt totally out of her element.
Holy cow
,
I’m in a huge mansion with turrets called Pleasure Manor!
And there were the men lining one wall, each wearing masks. She followed Lucy to where the women were gathered opposite the men. Scanning what she thought of as the offerings for the weekend, she had to admit there were no men with beer guts overhanging their belts. Her stomach tightened. Sex with a stranger. God, she hoped she wasn’t in for a long weekend of disappointment.
Soft strains of music provided a backdrop as the sexes eyed one another. “Which one is yours?”
Lucy smiled and licked her lips. “The one in black, of course. He looks like a wolf.”
“Most of them are wearing black.” Then she spotted the one Lucy was staring at. Not only was he in black, but he had a definite wolfish appearance, wearing a leather mask that covered most of his face, leaving his mouth visible.
Her gaze traveled down his long, lean length. “OMG, Luc!”
Lucy’s hopeful was the cliché of tall, dark, and brooding, but it was his pants that sent lust zinging through Jaimie. His tight leather costume was one piece and clung to his body like a second skin. Except his pants had no crotch. A black glove cupped his impressive bulge. Even his hands were gloved in black. His eyes glittered as he stared at Lucy as though he were a hungry wolf.
“He looks dangerous.”
Lucy’s eyebrow rose and her smile turned sly. “Deliciously dangerous.”
Jaimie studied the rest of the men. Several wore velveteen tunics and pants regal enough to be her prince, but she had no way of knowing for sure.
God, don’t let it be the one wearing a thong and black leather harness
. “Which one do you think is my prince?”
Lucy frowned. “I don’t know. Could be any of them. Well, those who look princely anyway.” She sighed. “Have you ever seen so many good-looking men in one place? All those strong, muscular bodies. I’m getting wet just thinking about fucking my wolf.”
“Luc!” Her face flamed. The room hummed with sexual energy. “If lust could be bottled, this room would be worth a fortune,” she muttered, glancing down the line of women. She spotted Snow White, a woman she thought might be Sleeping Beauty, and Rapunzel, with her long, blond hair.
Grinning, Lucy nudged Jaimie and chuckled. “Look, there’s Little Bo Peep and Mary who lost her lamb.”
Jamie studied the two women who’d just entered. Both were short and cute. Mary looked like a schoolgirl in her pink dress with Peter Pan collar while Bo’s costume consisted of a white blouse and red checked skirt that bounced with every step, revealing a red garter holding up her stockings. She carried a hooked staff.
Bo grinned as she bounced up to them. “I’m little Bo Peep, and I’m looking for my sheep.” She turned her head and looked at the men.
“Ah, I see them. “ She skipped over to two men who immediately fell to their hands and knees.
Jaimie’s jaw dropped, and her eyes nearly boggled right out their sockets. Bo’s skirt had been cut away in the back, revealing the woman’s very nice backside and the fact she wore a red thong, leaving the rest of her bare. She reached the two men wearing furry hats and collars—and little else—and hooked the end of her staff around the neck of one man and clipped a rope leash to the collar of the second man, then led them to the other end of the room. Jaimie couldn’t take her eyes off the men’s nicely rounded asses.
“Ah, Little Bo Beep’s found her sheep,” Lucy said with a giggle.
“Lucy!” Her voice hitched to a squeak.
What the hell had she gotten herself into?
“I can’t do this. I’m not into whips and bondage and whatever else goes on here.” Panic rose and closed off her throat. She glanced at the door, ready to bolt, but Lucy grabbed her arm.
“Relax, Jaimie. Give yourself a chance.” She leaned close. “I promise you’re going to have the best sex this side of the Rockies.”
Before she could respond, the double doors swept open and a tall, incredibly and impossibly handsome man entered. Though his eyes were masked, the rest of his features promised strength from his square jaw, firm yet plump lips, and aquiline nose. He wore royal purple leather with gold accents and a purple cape of velvet edged in white. The metallic thread throughout his cape glittered and sparked in the bright lights.
“I bet he’s your prince.” Lucy elbowed Jaimie.
All thoughts of leaving vanished as Jaimie stared at newcomer.
Oh man, let that be my prince!
The tunic hugged his body, showing off wide shoulders, a nice broad chest, flat belly, and narrow hips. Her gaze lowered.
Oh my!
The leather of his pants was skintight and left little to the imagination. He was huge. She wanted more than anything for him to stop and let her run her fingers along the outline of his cock. The gasps from the women closest to her said that they all wanted that prince to be their partner.
He walked past without acknowledging her, and she had to work to stifle her moan. His beautifully rounded ass begged to be caressed. Okay, she was getting wet just thinking of sex with that man.
Let him be mine!
“If that’s my prince, I’m in heaven,” she whispered to Lucy.
He took his place at the end of the line of men. When he turned and surveyed the room, she stared, lust in her ears and in her blood. She throbbed with need.
Yep, wet with lust.
Her attention was drawn back to the door when Hastings stepped in and announced, “Queen Grimhilde.”
Jaimie gaped at the tall woman in leather and lace and the four men who followed, two to the right, two to the left, each a step behind their queen. The men wore shiny black boots, full masks, and sling-style fishnet bodysuits that did little to hide their cocks.
The woman pulled a short whip from her belt and snapped it. The room went quiet, and the music faded away. “Good afternoon, my lovely subjects. I’m Queen Grimhilde, Snow White’s evil stepmother, and as I survey all of you gathered in this room, I declare I am still the fairest in all the land.”
Jaimie laughed with everyone else, though hers was edged with nerves.
“Your host, as usual, is otherwise engaged, but has made available his castle and grounds. Most of you know the rules. Those who are new, your partner will explain what you need to know. You will each be shown to your quarters for the weekend. We’ll meet in the ballroom Saturday evening for the ball. Until then, remember—safe, sane, and consensual.” She began calling couples and sending them on her way. Bo Peep wasted no time shooing her sheep out the door at the back of the room.
“Red Riding Hood. Your wolf awaits.”
Lucy gave Jaimie a wide grin and stepped forward. To Jaimie’s surprise, her friend knelt before her partner while he walked around her several times then snapped his fingers. Lucy stood, head bowed, and followed her playmate out.
“Cinderella.”
Jaimie hesitated, then stepped forward. She glanced at the other end of the room, but the prince she hoped was hers wasn’t there.
“You will be taken to your carriage.” The queen snapped her fingers, and one of the men in black stepped forward.
“If you will follow me?” He bowed low.
Jaimie followed her guide back through the mansion and out the front door, then gasped. The queen hadn’t been joking. There, waiting for her, was a white horse-drawn carriage with a footman standing beside the open door. The inside was a deep, rich burgundy. She got in, and as the team of horses set out, she felt as though she’d stepped into another time and place.
The estate was large and beautiful from the wide expanse of lawn, formal gardens, and trees lining the gravel road. The horses finally stopped in front of a tiny white cottage surrounded by a wild array of wildflowers. Afternoon sun lit the entire house. The scene reminded her of a brilliant painting.
The footman opened the door of the carriage. In a bit of a daze, she stepped out.
“There you go, miss.”
Jaimie watched the carriage continue down the path, then walked to the door. Did she knock or just go in? Figuring this was like a hotel and this was her room for the weekend, she entered. And there, standing near the fireplace, stood her prince.
Chapter Two
Her prince charming stood with hands behind his back, feet placed apart, and shoulders pulled back as though he were in the military. He stared at her but didn’t so much as twitch a muscle. Shy and uncertain, Jaimie hesitated. How did one start a weekend of sex?
“You may come in and shut the door.” His voice was low, deep, and as authoritative as a commanding officer.
Jaimie closed the door and walked into the room. “I’m—”
“I know who you are,
Cinderella
. I am your prince.” He motioned to a black leather couch strewn with red and white pillows. “Sit. We have some business to take care of.”
Sitting on the edge of the couch, Jaimie forced herself to rest her hands in her lap and not twist her fingers together. She was nervous as hell, but she was also turned on. Her prince had a prime body, and she yearned to run her fingers over his chest, down his belly, and around to his very fine ass.
“What are you thinking?”
Flushing at his question, which sounded more like a demand, Jaimie wrinkled her nose. “I’m thinking that you have a very fine ass.”
He lifted a brow. “Eager to begin?”
When nervous or excited, Jaimie’s lips twitched on her left side, which made her a horrible poker player. Her lips were twitching now. “I’ve never—”
“I know,” he interrupted. “Let’s get back to business.” He flicked his wrist, and an envelope landed neatly on the table in front of her.
A bit put out by his abruptness, Jaimie lifted a brow but reached for the envelope. She eyed her partner warily.
“That is the result of my blood work, assuring you of my clean bill of health. I’ve seen yours.”
Jaimie scanned the single sheet of paper, noting that the name had been blacked out. She set it down. “Okay, what now?”
“Let’s talk about your sex life. I read the questionnaire you filled out and understand you’re game for a bit of light BDSM.”
“What?” The spit in Jaimie’s mouth dried. “What do you mean by light BDSM?” She was going to kill Lucy. She’d assumed many of the men and women she’d seen earlier were into some kinky stuff, but there’d been others wearing normal costumes. Like her.