Page 17 of Donovan Blake: Adrenalin

“Why? What’s in your basement?”

“You have to ask?”

“Good grief. You have a dungeon?”

“Of course, and remember, I’m a collector. It has all kinds of interesting items. But Phoebe, I meant what I said. When it’s safe to leave I’ll take you to my club. People will treat you like a Queen because you’ll be with the King. But for the moment you can visit my personal retreat. I’m sure you’ll enjoy looking around.”

“You won’t be joining me?”

“Not for a while. I have some things to do—private things.”

“Oh. I see. Then sure, I may as well,” she said, trying to sound like it was no big deal though she was thrilled at the prospect.

“I doubt you’ll get bored, but if you do and I’m still busy feel free to explore the house. Just don’t go outside and wander off. The forest is full of wildlife. And trust me, it’s not a place for an adrenaline rush.”

“Sure sounds like it is,” she retorted with a grin.

“You can’t outrun or outsmart a mountain lion.”

“Okay, okay, you’ve made your point.”

“Come on, let’s go,” he said, rising to his feet and taking her hand.

“Donovan, I hope you don’t mind me asking, but is that jade statue valuable?” she asked as they left the kitchen. “I know some pieces can be priceless.”

“Let’s just say it’s not something you’d find at your average antique dealer.”

They’d only walked a short distance when he stopped at a door with a keypad lock. As he shot her a wink, goosebumps unexpectedly popped across her arms. Doing her best to ignore them, she tried to watch him enter the code, but he shifted his body so her view was blocked.

“There are a few rooms you won’t be able to access,” he declared as he pushed open the door. “This is one of them, but I might make an exception.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

As Phoebe walked slowly down a flight of stairs, she could feel her pulse ticking up. At first she saw whips, crops, paddles and straps lining the back wall. But as the room came into view, she caught her breath. Benches and oddly shaped pieces of furniture filled the space, chains and ropes hung from the ceiling, and there were two large, four post beds on either side of the room.

“In those cabinets are various vibrators, shackles, collars, lotions and so on,” he said, waving his arm at a side wall. “Have fun exploring. Unfortunately I must go.”

“How will I find you when I go back upstairs?”

“You won’t, I’ll find you.”

As he abruptly turned and marched away, she stared around the room. It was a bizarre turn of events, and as she began to walk around, she wasn’t sure if she was scared or titillated, then realized she was both.

Pausing at what she assumed was a spanking bench, she wondered how it would feel to be placed in position and strapped in. She wanted to sit on the padded seat and put her knees on the platforms, but instead she ambled across to the wall. As she ran her fingers over the floggers, she discovered the leather was softer on some than others, but she found them all profoundly erotic. Continuing past the array of implements, she made her way to one of the beds. The bedspread was warm, furry and inviting. Climbing up and stretching out on her back, she looked up at the canopy and saw her reflection looking back at her.

“Of course,” she mumbled. “Donovan Blake. Who the hell are you? What was that parking building we were in, and why did you have that SUV ready and waiting?”

Letting out a heavy breath, she thought about the jade statue and the western paintings in the den. How many other valuable items were in the house? Then it occurred to her the hunting lodge might be some kind of private, unique vault.

All she had were questions.

The choice she’d made on that dreadful night hadn’t just swept her into the arms of a mysterious, sexy, fascinating man, but also a world full of danger.

Suddenly wanting to explore the rest of the house, she sat up and tried to push herself off the bed, but she suddenly felt exhausted. Deciding she was just drained from the dramatic ordeal, she laid back down and closed her eyes for a short nap.

* * *

In his study watching her on a monitor, Donovan nodded approvingly. She was down for the count. He could leave and be back without her knowing. The meeting was one that could not be missed. Picking up the heavy but small carton, he nestled it under his arm and carried it out to the garage.

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