Bound to be Tempted: Emergence, Book 4 Read online

  Margaret ducked under Carlton’s arm where he held the door.

  Still not releasing her hand, Carlton led her to the first office on the left, opened another door, and repeated the gentlemanly gesture until she was safely ensconced in his personal area.

  She’d been in his office before, but never alone with him and never holding his hand, and never with her heart pounding so loud she thought he could surely hear it.

  “Sit,” he commanded in a voice gruffer than usual. He angled her toward a guest chair opposite his desk and didn’t let go of her hand until her arm was stretched awkwardly away from her body as she settled in the seat. At that moment, he let go as though she’d burned him, muttering, “Sorry.”

  Margaret licked her lips. How had she so quickly managed to land herself in his office, the vulgar noises of the club that had grated on her nerves all evening cut off, leaving her with a faint ringing sound?

  Carlton leaned his ass on the edge of his desk and crossed his ankles. She was so close to him that he grazed her ankle with his shoe on the way by. He narrowed his gaze as though assessing her for injury. “You okay?”

  “Yes.” She nodded.

  “Why were you with that guy in the first place?”

  Margaret gasped. “What? I wasn’t with him. He manhandled me onto the dance floor.”

  Carlton stared hard at her for a second and then ducked his face and rubbed his temples with one hand. “Of course. I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to snap at you. And I’m sorry I didn’t see him quicker. It’s too crowded out there tonight. We really need a limit.” His brow remained furrowed when he lifted his head.

  “I was fine. You were fast. I’m not sure how you saw me so quickly, actually.”

  He nodded, his gaze wandering from her face down to her chest, and then lower. Was he looking for bruises? It hadn’t been that bad.

  “You need a Dom,” he stated as though it were the simplest solution to an imaginary problem.

  “What?”

  Carlton’s gaze darted back to hers. So fierce. If she didn’t know better, she’d think he was angry with her. “You’ve been hanging around here for months alone. You’re an open target for predators. You’re too sexy for your own good. You need a Dom,” he emphasized again.

  “What?” she repeated. She had no idea what he was getting at.

  He rolled his eyes then, the furrow loosening slightly. “Maggie, you’re fucking gorgeous.” He waved his hand through the air toward her corset and then her skirt. “I know you tend to wear more than most unattached women in the club these days, but, baby, I can almost see your pussy under that skirt. And your breasts…” his hand paused midair in the vicinity of her chest, inches separating his fingers from her nipples, “…God, woman.”

  Margaret giggled. She couldn’t stop herself. Carlton in his overbearing protective mode was almost comical.

  “What are you laughing at? This is serious.” He narrowed his gaze.

  “What’s serious, Carlton? The fact that I’m sexy or the fact that you can’t control your tongue?”

  His gaze snapped to meet hers again. He closed his mouth.

  Margaret stood slowly. She stepped closer to him until she could feel his breath on her cheeks. Even leaning against the desk, he towered over her. She watched as his Adam’s apple bobbed with his swallow. She had him tongue-tied. Now what was she going to do? “Did you want to volunteer?”

  Carlton swallowed again. “Volunteer for what?” His voice was hoarser than usual, deep, so fucking sexy she wanted him to keep talking.

  “To be my Dom. You said I needed a Dom. Are you volunteering?” She lifted an eyebrow, proud of her ability to hold her ground. Inside, she was shaking fiercely. Her pussy was soaking wet from his proximity. She was aroused by everything about him—the way he gripped the edge of the desk on both sides of his body, the way his jaw ticked at her challenge, the way his eyes widened and his mouth opened to utter no response.

  How had she never noticed her incredible attraction to him? Or maybe she had simply ignored it or written it off as a coincidence caused by his enormous size and his domineering mannerisms. In any case, she suddenly wanted him to be the first man to really dominate her. She needed the experience in a safe, sane, consensual environment. Carlton was all that and more. She knew him well enough to be sure he would handle her appropriately as she explored this hidden side of her she’d kept barricaded for her entire life.

  Seconds ticked by. Margaret could hear his heart beating, or maybe it was hers. Perhaps both in sync. It seemed the temperature in the room rose with each passing moment. Her skin heated as a flush spread across her chest and up her cheeks.

  She remained perfectly still, not letting her fingers fold into fists even though she desperately wanted to do just that. She forced herself to stand tall and keep her hands at her sides to avoid crossing them over her chest.

  She waited, not letting her gaze fall from his. She waited while he stared at her in shock. She waited longer while he lifted both hands to her shoulders and wrapped his fingers around her bare skin.

  “Yes,” he stated.

  Now it was Margaret’s turn to blink in shock. Had he said yes?

  Chapter Four

  Carlton couldn’t believe what he was saying. He couldn’t fathom how this had transpired so quickly. What was he agreeing to?

  Sure, he’d been watching Maggie for months, but only from the side and not with any intention to act on it. After all, his reasons for noticing her in the first place were less than stellar. He knew the only reason he felt so strongly about her was because she so closely resembled Karen.

  But Maggie needed him. If she was going to dabble in submitting to a man, she needed a much stronger Dom than any of the ones he’d seen ogling her in the last months. He could do this. Help her over this hump. Help her learn to enjoy a man’s touch if she was so determined to experiment in that area. Help her learn to submit more fully in the safe environment he could only trust himself to provide.

  And in so doing, she could help him extricate himself from the demon that plagued him every day of his life—Karen. Perhaps if he spent enough time with Maggie, he would heal, or at least stop the endless comparison.

  Maggie was a very sexual being. She had always lit up under Lori’s command. He’d watched her many times. She needed to learn she could experience the same sexual intensity, if not more so, with a man. And if she intended to experiment in that area, he didn’t want her doing so with some random asshole.

  Deep brown eyes widened under his stare. He smiled. “No wonder you haven’t had a Dom. Do you meet every man’s gaze like that?”

  Maggie flinched, her eyes blinking a moment before she lowered them.

  Carlton chuckled. “That’s more like it. I shouldn’t have to train you at everything, should I? You’ve been in this lifestyle for a long time. Hell, you’ve been coming here for over a year. Even when you’ve been unattached, you’ve been here nearly every week witnessing what it means to be submissive.”

  He released her shoulders reluctantly. What he wanted to do was dip his fingers under the edge of her bustier and graze her nipples. But it was too soon for that. If he didn’t break contact with her skin, he would embarrass himself. “Sit.”

  She hesitated and then resumed her spot on the chair.

  “Good girl. Now then. I know you challenged me just now, probably not expecting me to take the bait, but I meant what I said. I’d be honored if you’d let me work with you. Did you mean it, Maggie? I’ll give you a moment to think and take it back if you acted in haste, but if you’re serious, I need an answer.”

  “I meant it.” Her voice was soft, delicate. She didn’t hesitate.

  Carlton straddled her knees, the ones she currently had smashed together in a manner he would never ordinarily permit. But the woman was flustered. And it made his cock rock hard. He took he
r chin in one hand and lifted her face to his. “Come again?” he asked with one brow raised as though he hadn’t heard her correctly.

  She cleared her throat beneath his firm grip and licked her lips with that sexy tongue that he suddenly wanted wrapped around his cock. “I meant it,” she repeated louder.

  “I don’t think I’m hearing you correctly.” He waited.

  Finally, her breach of etiquette dawned on her. “Oh. Shit.” That tongue swiped her lower lip again, making Carlton fight to keep from moaning. “I meant it, Sir. I would be honored if you would dominate me, Sir. Just to clarify, though, are you referring to a scene for this evening, Sir? Or were you thinking of a longer arrangement?” She held his gaze.

  He was proud of her. She was bold, and it humbled him the way she asked for what she wanted. He shook his head, not realizing the implication until he saw her face fall and her gaze lower. “Maggie. Look at me.” He waited until her gaze returned to his. “I’m talking about a temporary arrangement that extends beyond one night. Two weeks is a good time frame. You need a safe place to experiment under a firm Dom’s touch, and I’m offering that.” I can’t offer anything more. I don’t have it to give.

  Her mouth opened, but nothing came out.

  Carlton smiled. “Is that what you want?”

  “Yes, Sir.” She shivered beneath his touch.

  It took all his strength to release her again. “Stay here. I need to take care of a few things.” He stepped back until he flattened himself against the door. “Will you be okay?”

  “Yes, Sir.” She lowered her gaze.

  “I know it’s been a while and you’re rusty, but think about your position while I’m gone. Everything about your stance screams that either you’ve forgotten how to submit, you’re nervous as all hell, or your previous Domme did a shitty job of instructing you. And I know that last choice isn’t true. I’m going to go with number two. And that’s a good thing. Nervous I can deal with. I can work with that.” He grinned at her and turned to leave the room before he could change his mind, strip her naked and take her on his desk right then and there. This wasn’t about fucking her. It was about helping her work through whatever issues she had with submitting to a man. He needed to get control of himself.

  Oh, who was he kidding? He wanted to slide between Maggie’s legs and make her scream his name. He longed to hear it from her lips. And he prayed he could take her, make her beg for it and still keep his distance from her emotionally. Because this arrangement was temporary. It had to be. To pretend otherwise was ludicrous. Carlton didn’t have enough heart left to give Maggie what she needed permanently.

  Carlton’s entire body shook as he leaned against his office door and sucked in a breath. That woman’s scent had already filled his working space to the point that he’d never be able to concentrate in his office again.

  Obsessed would be the word he would have used to describe his magnetic pull toward Maggie. The unavoidable memories she brought forth had weighed him down with their uncanny accuracy for more than a year. And here she was coming to him of her own accord, challenging him to dominate her. Risky move on her part. Like Karen. Risky. She took a chance. He accepted the challenge.

  It took him several minutes to pull himself together enough to stand straight again and move from his spot. He was glad no one passed him in that time. He had no idea how he would have faced another soul. Even Jason.

  Carlton groaned. Jason. He needed to hunt the man down. He needed a replacement for the rest of the night. There were plenty of employees around who could fill in for him. It wasn’t as though Carlton ever took time off. He never did. That made it all the more easy to ask now. And all the more difficult. Jason wouldn’t leave it at that. The man would question Carlton until he had the answers he desired. There was no sense in lying. It would all come out soon anyway.

  Maggie was currently sitting in his office, waiting to submit to him. “Fuck me.” He had never once expected anything like this to occur. He never would have had the balls to approach her. He didn’t trust his reasons for ogling her so closely. She’s not Karen. No matter how similar they may seem. Don’t forget Maggie is her own person. The woman would be fucking pissed if she found out about his strange fetish for her and the reasons behind his desire to dominate her. He never wanted her to know that he likened her to his first love.

  Didn’t matter. She would never find out. No one knew about Karen. Not even Jason. And Carlton intended to keep it that way. Carlton needed to compartmentalize his emotions and step up to the plate here. Maggie needed a Dom. He was the man for the job. That was it.

  He shook the image of his high school sweetheart from his mind, shoved off the door to his office and trudged down the hall in search of his boss. He could already visualize the “I told you so” look he would get from Jason.

  Pushing through the door to the club, he didn’t have to search long. He was taller than nearly everyone. It made his job easier. That and he had a good sense about people. Rarely did he misjudge anyone. He could kick himself for not noticing that asshole earlier had been drunk when the guy came in tonight, or maybe Carlton should thank the bastard.

  Carlton wound his way through the crowd to get back to the front entrance. He spoke to the man he’d left covering the door and asked him to finish out the night in that capacity. It wasn’t unusual. The man nodded his assent and returned to the conversation he was having with someone who’d just entered.

  Carlton shook his head. The club was private. Only members and their guests were allowed. Several lists were kept at the front door at all times with the names of members, regular guests of members and guests for this evening only. Anyone else could argue until they were blue in the face. It would do them no good.

  “Carlton.” Jason’s voice came from behind as Carlton spun around to face his boss.

  “I was looking for you.” He didn’t give the owner a chance to say whatever he’d intended. “I need the rest of the night off.”

  Jason raised an eyebrow. “Really? Are you okay?” He looked up and down Carlton’s frame as though he might spot an open wound or a broken bone. Anything less than that would not give Carlton cause to leave work.

  “Of course. I’m fine. I’ve never been sick a day in my life.”

  Jason smiled. “True. At least not in the ten years I’ve known you. So, you’re going to do a scene? Who’s the lucky lady?”

  “You know her well. And she’s in my office. And I would appreciate it if you didn’t tease her or say anything about this to anyone until we’ve hashed out an agreement and ensured we’re suitable for each other.”

  Jason narrowed his gaze. “So not just a scene. You have someone you intend to proposition for more than tonight?” His eyes widened. “Margaret?” he whispered. He glanced both ways to make sure no one was listening, took Carlton by the arm and led him to a corner near the entrance. “You asked her?”

  Carlton scrunched his face, knowing his expression would cause more questions than answers. “I’m not sure she would see it that way, but in a manner of speaking, yes. And stop looking at me like that. This is purely a business arrangement. She needs a firm Dom to help her relax under the commands of a man, and I don’t want to see her get hurt working out whatever issues she has with someone else.”

  “I’m not even going to go there right now.” Jason chuckled. “Good for you.” Straightening his face to a serious expression, he continued, “Be careful. I know you. You’re a fantastic Dom. Make sure she’s ready. I’m not saying you aren’t right for her. I think you’re the best man for the job. But please, don’t hurt her. She’s…vulnerable.”

  “I know. And I’ll do my best to ensure she is safe, sane and consenting, boss. You know I will.”

  “Of course.” Jason nodded. “Well, get out of here. Don’t leave the lady waiting.” He shoved Carlton away as though unaware Carlton outweighed him by nearly double.r />
  Margaret sat rigid in the spot Carlton had left her. She didn’t dare move for fear she would either bolt for the door or trip over her own feet and embarrass herself.

  What the hell had she consented to? Now that she had exactly what she wanted, she didn’t know what to do with it.

  She hadn’t considered him agreeing when she’d tossed the proposition his way. Sure, she’d love to do a scene or two with him, but submit to him beyond tonight, for two weeks? She wasn’t sure why she was so nervous about the concept. Except that Carlton made her panties wet and her sex quiver more than any man ever had.

  If she didn’t guard her heart against him while he worked with her, she would get hurt. She couldn’t fall for the first man she let past her defenses. The last thing she wanted was another broken heart. Breaking up with Lori was still fresh on her mind. Even though it had been months, she needed to take things slowly.

  Be careful what you ask for…

  Margaret gripped her knees with her hands, in part to keep them from bouncing, and in part to ground her. She feared if she let go, she might somehow float off the chair and hover in the room. This evening’s events were surreal.

  What would Carlton request of her? She breathed heavier as she pondered the options. He might take things slow. After all, she hadn’t been with anyone for months. She was rusty. He’d already acknowledged that. She hadn’t been with a man ever. And he didn’t know that. She certainly had no intention of telling him either. The last thing she wanted was for him to look at her differently. She had plenty of sexual experience—just none involving actual, living human cock.

  Not only did she want to submit to Carlton, but she also wanted to take a giant leap of faith and fuck him senseless. She hoped he would do more than dominate her outside the bedroom. She wanted the full experience.

  She flinched. Too late to back out now, girl. Pull up your panties and take whatever the man offers. The thought of seeing Carlton’s length, holding it in her hands, tasting it…all those things gave her the chills. She was both scared and excited at the same time. Part of her felt like a virginal teenager. In a sense, it wasn’t far from the truth.