Page 53 of Unbound Boxset

She turned and lifted her face. His dark good looks caused appreciation and a visual pleasure. When he leaned over and his lips touched hers, they were warm and knowledgeable. He smiled and a flash of white teeth cut through the darkness.

“Yes. I’d like that very much.”

“Shall I come to your house tomorrow?”

“No!” She backed up at his quick frown. “I mean, why don’t we meet here again tomorrow night? Seven?”

“Of course, if that makes you feel more comfortable.”

He kissed her again, tucked her into her car, and walked away. Julianna sat in the driver’s seat and squeezed her eyes tight. She needed to tell Jack she couldn’t see him again. The past few nights had been filled with a deep eroticism she’d never imagined. Each time she tried to hide her body or remain silent, Jack pushed her to the edge, using his hands and tongue and teeth to wring out orgasm after orgasm, until her shame was discarded as easily as her clothes. He made her beg, made her curse, and made her come through the long hours of darkness till dawn.

The image of his tanned and heavily muscled body caused flutters in her tummy, and lower. His glorious nakedness and his sexual control allowed her to finally let go and be the woman she always craved.

She wasn’t ready to give him up yet.

But he wasn’t meant for her long-term—they’d both been clear about their expectations of one another. Her father had sealed her fate with his dying breath, and she had agreed. Bryce was handsome and probably sexually knowledgeable. Perhaps, she’d be able to find the entire package with him. She had a responsibility to try to find the life her parents imagined for her; to do her duty and find some happiness. Bryce may the one to give it all to her.

Julianna started the car and drove back home.

Where Jack waited for her.

* * *

Bryce poured himself a generous snifter of cognac and settled back on the leather chair in the den. The rental reflected the rustic, ocean community with some tacky fishing gear on the wall, and dockside souvenirs, but the house was big and situated in the woods outside of town, which allowed him to conduct his private business.

He enjoyed his drink and thought over the evening. The plan was ridiculously simple and as easy as taking candy from a baby. Once he was informed his cousin lusted after a local socialite, his private investigator had searched the home and hacked her computer. Her ad was a gift from the gods. In fact, the woman was perfect to be his wife. He’d court her, marry quickly, and cite her own ambition for money as the cause.

After all, his one goal was to marry before Jack.

Then take over the company.

The idea of bedding her after his cousin intrigued him. He’d be able to take her any way he wanted, on his terms, and Jack wouldn’t be able to stop it. The lovely Julianna was an innocent prize. He’d enjoy parading her in public and humiliating her in private. His own special torture sessions while his weak cousin looked on, unable to help her. Yes, this was getting better and better.

Perhaps, he’d allow her to continue sleeping with Jack while he courted her. They seemed to be careful keeping their relationship a secret. Bryce wondered if she’d tell Jack, or if she even suspected her lover was the wealthy heir to Woodward Shipping. The game could be played either way. Jack could be testing the waters to see if she was his choice of a mate, or Julianna could be just a piece of ass for the side. Bryce was eager to see how his cousin would handle the situation when he finally realized the stakes had changed. Still, his PI seemed to believe Jack was interested in the woman. Either way, he could use it to his advantage.

He rose at the knock at the door and opened it. The whore had long, blond hair, blue eyes, and an aggressive attitude he intended to change in the next few hours. She sauntered in, hips swinging, and made herself comfortable on the edge of the bed. Bryce was a bit disappointed in her blatant lack of innocence, but he needed to be careful regarding the local girls. Better use the prostitutes for discretion’s sake. Besides, he needed a challenge tonight.

“What would you like, baby?” she drawled.

Bryce smiled. His gaze took in her short leather skirt and skimpy blouse, searching immediately for the all the places he intended to bruise and punish her. He slowly walked to the bedside table and took out his handcuffs and the long whip. Her eyes widened slightly as he dragged the tail end through his fingers in anticipation.

“I’ll tell you exactly what you need to do. Obey me and I’ll double your fee. Don’t, and I promise you’ll live to regret it.”

Bryce relished the quick gleam of raw terror and moved toward her.