Page 20 of Twisted

He grins wickedly and tilts my face to his. As he brushes his lips against mine, he says softly, “First things first. I’ve been wanting to do this all night.”

His kiss is sweet and intoxicating. He tastes my lips like he wants to savor every moment. It’s soft, seductive and the sexiest kiss I have ever experienced. It’s not harsh and brutal like Ryder’s. It’s loving and nurturing, yet hints at the desperation behind the man controlling it. This trip will change everything, it’s all there in his kiss. The promise, the desire and the sense of inevitability. I can’t wait to see where this all leads.

All too soon, he pulls back and smiles. Pulling me beside him, he says gently. “So, phase three is the easiest one yet. Tomorrow I’ve arranged a lunch with Senator Scott Parker. It’s a business dinner, but I know he’s bringing his new wife. You may have seen the reports on the news.”

I nod. “Yes, he married Shelby Barrington. Socialite and trophy wife. Didn’t I also see him plead for the return of his assistant? What was her name again?”

He laughs softly. “Amelia James. Yes, you have a good memory. What the reports don’t mention is that Amelia James was more than Scott’s PA, she was also his submissive.”

I look at him in total shock. “Wow, you don’t say. So why did he marry Shelby?”

Sam laughs. “For the elevation up the political ladder. Her family is Washington royalty. Even though he’s made it to the trusted inner sanctum of the President’s favored few, he covets the top job for himself. He would never get there without Shelby on his arm, who was bred to be the First Lady. Amelia was the one who satisfied the darker part of his soul, and to say he’s pissed at her escape is putting it mildly. He will do anything to get her back and that’s where you come in.”

I look at him with interest. “What do I have to do?”

He smiles wickedly. “Ever played the submissive, Katherine?”

I shiver. “Not really. It’s not really me, honey.”

He laughs. “Don’t worry, it’s only for the duration of the dinner. You must pretend to be my sub and he will recognize the relationship we share. Toward the end of the meal when the business has been discussed, I’ll give you the opportunity to tell him what he’s desperate to know. His beloved sub is currently managing a rock band on tour and has changed her name to Emily Stone. You tell him that she confided in you, but you couldn’t keep it a secret from your master—oh, that’s me in case you didn’t know.”

I slap him on the arm and he laughs. “So, how will that bring him down?”

Sam grins. “That’s all it will take. What he doesn’t know is that Emily/ Amelia, call her what you like, now has some powerful friends looking out for her. They’ve amassed enough shit on Senator Scott Parker to bury him for good. All he needs to know is where she is and then the shit will hit the fan. Like I said, this one’s the easy one.”

I settle back in my seat and feel the relief flooding through me. Thank god for small mercies. At least one out of the five should be plain sailing.

Sam

As soon as we returned home, Katherine headed back to her room. I had to work as there were hundreds of emails to sort through that required my attention. It was only because Katherine looked so exhausted that I pushed down my raging lust for her. She needs to rest. There will be plenty of time to move this thing on when we hit Florida.

I feel a total fraud, but I’ve been planning that trip ever since I realized how much I wanted her. We need to get away from the madness for a few days to see where this will go. Both of us deserve some time to explore this relationship and it’s just the lunch tomorrow standing in our way.

Every time I think of her pining after Ryder, it’s like a blow to my heart. He was always the hardest bastard and the most unreadable of us all. Living with him must have been heaven and hell, and it’s no wonder she fell hard. I need to step up my game if I want to win the lady because he is one hell of an act to follow.

It must be 3 am and half a bottle of whiskey before I pass out where I sit.

I feel a gentle hand stroking my face and my eyes blink open.

I see Katherine looking like an angel in the dull light of the night, looking at me with concern.

“Come on, Sam, enough now. Let me take care of you.”

I think I must be dreaming when she snaps my laptop closed and pulls me to my feet. I walk behind her as she leads me from the room and walks toward her bedroom.

I take a moment to admire the curves outlined in the silk of her nightgown as she walks before me. Her footsteps make no sound as her bare feet pad along the marble floor.

We reach her room and she pushes me gently down onto the bed and removes my shoes. I look at her and raise my eyes. “You sure about this, darlin’?”

She rolls her eyes. “Down boy, I’m just protecting my soldier. You need someone to care for you, that’s obvious. I’m not letting you out of my sight until you get some sleep. If I have to tie you to the bed, I will.”

I go to speak, but she silences me by pressing her lips to mine lightly. Pulling back, she whispers, “Come, get into bed and sleep with me. That’s all mind. No funny business, ok?”

I find myself grinning as I do as she says. As I lie down beside her, I put my arm around her and she lies her head on my chest. As she traces the tattoo I have of an eagle on my upper right torso, she whispers, “Good night, Sam.”

I smile in the darkness. “Good night, darlin’. Sweet dreams.”

Chapter 13

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