Copyright
Stolen (The Madame X School of Sex)
Smashwords Edition
Copyright © 2011 by Jinx Jamison
Electronic Publication July 2011
Cover Art by Minx Malone
CrushStar Multimedia
2885 Sanford Ave SW #16301
Grandville, MI 49418
This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer's imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author except in the case of brief quotation embodied in critical articles and reviews.
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Stolen
Present day.
A subway car.
Washington, D.C.
The first time I stole something was on a dare.
I was fifteen and reckless, determined to prove I could be a bad ass. My best friend Jody dared me to take a pack of gum from the Handy-Mart. In retrospect, I’m surprised my bumbling effort didn’t land me in jail. It was hardly a covert mission but I did it.
I did it, I loved it and I’ve been stealing ever since.
Usually it’s something small, just enough to give me the rush. Over the years, I’ve graduated up to pickpocketing which requires a bit more daring and a lot more finesse. I’ve never gotten caught and I suppose that’s part of the thrill.
Every time I take something I have to wonder if this is the day my luck will run out.
"Excuse me, sir? Do you mind?" The young businessman I've chosen as my next target has been sitting quietly, reading the paper during the entire subway ride. Normally I don't do this until I'm about to get off the train but I'm restless today. I can feel the desire to pinch something rising in me, a tide of adrenaline that won't give me any rest until I appease it.
"No, no one's sitting here." He moves over, leaving the aisle seat empty. The seat is warm when I sit down. It gives me a little thrill to feel the heat of his body on my aching slit.
Stealing, you see, gives me more than just an adrenaline rush. It makes me so wet that I literally throb between my legs. It’s the most potent aphrodisiac I’ve ever encountered. Nothing else makes me feel this way.
Which is why it’s so hard for me to stop.
“It was a nice day today. I hope the good weather continues.” I’ve learned that inane conversation works best. Nothing unusual or distinctive, nothing that would cause a person to look twice. The same words, the same lines this man has probably heard a dozen times today. Nice weather we’re having isn’t it? Have a good one, sir. You too.
I’m not very distinctive looking so it works for me. A brown-haired, brown-eyed girl with a medium tan skin tone isn’t that memorable. The only thing distinctive about me is my figure. My aversion to dieting luckily translates into heavy round breasts and a curvy ass. I had one boyfriend who loved my breasts so much he could spend hours caressing them, rolling the tight pink nipples between his fingers before sliding his cock into the valley of my cleavage. I’d enjoyed the erotic power I had over him more than the sex itself. My pussy had been pretty neglected while I was dating him.
As the train lurches around a particularly sharp turn, I allow my body to fall into the stranger’s. He looks up briefly and our eyes meet. This is the part where I hastily apologize. So sorry about that, excuse me, oh, pardon me. It’s so easy at this point to dip a hand into a purse, to slide a wallet from a pocket. Only this time I can’t do it.
He has the most beautiful pair of eyes I’ve ever seen.
His eyes are a deep, dark brown with lighter flecks around the iris. It’s not so much the color as the intensity I see there. When he looks at me, it’s not with the casual disinterest of a stranger. He looks at me as if he really sees me. It’s a powerful feeling. For a long moment time contracts and I’m held suspended in his gaze.
Then he looks away.
A sudden, sharp slice of lust runs through me, leaving my emotions gaping wide. I’ve never felt physical desire as strong as the desire I have to steal. It hits me then that the thrill I get from stealing is what others are getting from sex. All the desire that’s been contained within me for years has woken up because of this stranger. Every pore on my body is tingling, thirsty for touch.
Thirsty for him.
“Are you okay? Ma’am?” He’s looking at me like I’m crazy. In the back of my mind, I already know I’ve blown it but something comes over me. I slip my hand in his pocket and take his wallet anyway.
“I’m fine. It’s just a little warm in here.” I gather my bag and stand hastily. I’ve never had this kind of intense reaction to a man before. I’m always in control. I choose men who want the same thing I do, no-strings sex and raw, untamed encounters. Now I’m careening out of control, on a roller coaster ride to an unknown destination.
His eyes follow me as I edge my way closer to the door. If I can just get off this damn subway car then I’ll be fine. I’m lucky he didn’t catch me red-handed when I lifted his wallet. Despite my unusual predilection, I have no interest in going to jail. I live a boring life, a heels and skirts, nine-to-five, 401(k) mandatory life. I am not the going-to-jail type.
Doors are opening…Please wait for passengers to exit before boarding the train…
The mechanical voice barely registers as the doors slide open and I stumble out. A tide of people flow around me seeking the exit. Within minutes, the subway platform is empty.
“That was pretty ballsy.”
I jump at the unexpected voice behind me. I turn and he’s there, the magnetically attractive man from the train. He’s taller than I expected, easily over six feet. Deep brown hair, as dark as espresso, falls over his brow. His eyes, those magnetic, seductive eyes, are as dark as his hair with thick lashes that would make any woman jealous. His skin is a deep bronze.
“I wouldn’t have caught on except you looked me in the eye. Didn’t anyone ever teach you not to look your mark in the eye?” He towers over me, looking down the low neckline of my blouse.
I’ve been told I have the type of cleavage that a man could willingly get lost in. Apparently he appreciates the view because his eyes stay on the tight points of my nipples for a while before he looks up again.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I back away slowly. I ride the subway at night on a regular basis and usually have more sense than to get caught unaware on an empty platform. It’s after midnight and the cars don’t run as often so it could be quite some time before anyone comes along.
He chuckles, the dark sound sending a chill over my skin. “I’m not mad. Hell, I’m almost impressed.” He trails a finger over my arm and I shiver at the soft scrape of his finger over my flesh. “But nevertheless, you have something that belongs to me and I need it back.”
Something in me is too torn, too bare around this man. I don’t even bother to deny it. I just pull his wallet out of my pocket and hold it out.
“Put it in my pocket,” he whispers.
I shudder as erotic images careen through my mind. How easy it would be to reach into his pants and pull out the hard cock I know is waiting for me. I could drop to my knees and take it in my mouth.
“Go on. You took it out so you should be the one to put it back,” he growls. When I take a tentative step forward his eyes glitter in triumph.
He’s testing me and I am helpless to resist it. I should run away or throw the stupid wallet at his head. But I don’t do any of those things. Instead I step forward and slowly slide my hand into his pocket.
I brush up against the hard length of his cock and he lets out a low moan. He doesn’t protest when I take my hand out of his pocket and unzip his slacks. I want to feel the impressive erection I know is hiding beneath the material.
All it takes is one tug on his boxers and he pops out like a delicious surprise. I slide my fingers over the whole length, my pussy clenching as I realize just how endowed he is. I travel lower and cup his balls in my hand. His breath stops as I caress the heavy weights. My lips curl up as I revel in my power over him. He may be giving the orders but I’m the one who has him by the balls. Literally.
“Are you going to turn me in to the police?” I say teasingly. I’m not even sure what game we’re playing but I’m unbelievably turned on.
“Oh no, I don’t think jail will do you much good. You’re not doing bad things because you don’t know any better and need rehabilitation. You’re doing bad things because you like to. Isn’t that right?” He looks down at me and licks his lips.
I squeeze his cock, rewarded by his guttural groan. “I do like doing bad things. I just never thought I’d enjoy getting caught so much.”
I drop to my knees and take his cock all the way to the back of my throat. He tastes like salt and man. I swirl my tongue around the head a few times, gathering the pearly fluid that’s leaked from the tip. It tastes so damn good and it’s just making me wetter having him in my mouth. I bob up and down on his cock, going further each time until he’s hitting the back of my throat each time I come down. He grunts every time I take his length, one of his hands coming up to tangle in my hair.
“Suck on it,” he tells me. “Suck on it hard.”
I’m more than happy to oblige him, hollowing my cheeks and sucking him like a lollipop. His head falls back on his shoulders and his legs shake slightly. “Damn, girl you have a mouth made for fucking.”
He shakes his head hard, as if to clear the sexual haze we’ve lapsed into. I feel it too, it’s like a fog that I can barely see through. I know how I got here but I have no idea how the hell to get out.
“This is what’s going to happen. I don’t like being stolen from but considering the circumstances, I think I know just the punishment for you. I want you to turn your head slightly to the right and look up. Do you see him?”
I casually look to the right and on the upper tier of the subway platform I see what’s caught his attention. A subway employee, a young man that looks about college-aged, is watching us. It’s obvious he knows what we’re doing because he’s hidden himself partially behind a pillar. He’s probably been watching me give Mr. Magnetic an oral cock massage this whole time.
“I like a good show and I bet our friend up there does too. You obviously need a little discipline. So you’re going to do everything I say.” He steps back forcing me to relinquish my hold on his cock. He turns me so I’m facing the wall and places my hands on a lighted advertisement for a local dentist.
“Bend over and let me look at you.” He pushes me forward until I’m bent over with my ass pointing at him. He mumbles something that sounds like fuck yeah as he flips my skirt up over my ass. I must present quite a sight since the itty bitty thong I’m wearing barely covers my pussy lips.
“Our friend is watching you. He’s probably wishing he was where I am right now. You’re so pink, so wet.” He pushes a long finger into my wet, aching pussy and it feels so good I cry out. He adds another, circling the rim of my opening before forcing them both in with a sudden hard thrust.
“Please…” I don’t know if begging will make any difference but I do it anyway. I’m so wet my moisture is slipping down my thighs. If his fingers feel this good then the massive tool between his legs is going to be an out-of-body experience.
I wiggle my ass hoping to entice him. He’s probably got an interesting view of my pink, shaved pussy as it throbs and squeezes around his thrusting fingers. I look over my shoulder and am shocked at the raw carnality on his face. He’s staring down at my pussy as it takes the rough finger-fucking he’s giving it. He looks like he would swallow me whole if it was possible.
Then he gets down on his knees and spears me with his tongue.
“Oh, my god!” I hit my fists against the wall as my orgasm builds intensity.
His big hands are holding my ass cheeks apart, spreading me open for his pleasure. The pressure makes all the sensations more acute. Every wet lash against my clit, every thrust of his tongue into my pussy feels magnified ten times over. He eats pussy like a man who enjoys it, like it’s a dessert and he doesn’t want to miss any of the flavors.
When his tongue travels up to rim my tiny puckered hole, my eyes almost roll into the back of my head. I’ve never really thought of my ass as an erogenous zone before. I know men like anal sex but I always assumed it couldn’t be fun for the woman. I’m reevaluating my stance on anal play because the things he’s doing with his tongue feel so good it should be illegal. He kisses my hole like he’s kissing a mouth then licks it softly, then harder and harder.
I’m crying out and don’t even care how loud I am as he tongues me. His tongue pushes past the rim of muscles and actually penetrates me just as he thrusts three fingers into my pussy. I erupt into an orgasm that feels like an inferno, all my muscles clenching simultaneously. He continues his furious erotic assault, his face mashed up against my ass as he continues to forcefully tongue my asshole and his fingers fuck the hell out of my pussy. I shudder so hard that he’s temporarily dislodged from my body. His fingers slow down their tempo as the final tremors of my release roll through me.
He pulls back and nips me gently on the ass cheek. My muscles are so loose from pleasure I can barely stand. I sag back against him and he anchors me with a strong arm under my breasts.
“You’re so tight. So damn tight. You’re everything I’ve ever dreamed of in a woman. You look so prim and proper but you’re really a dirty girl.” He reaches down and unzips his pants with an unsteady hand. It’s good to see him come undone because I’m already there, ready to do anything to get him to hurry up and fuck me. I hear the unmistakable sound of a condom wrapper and then he’s there, hot, hard and ready at the opening to my body.
“I want you to look at me,” he says. “I want you to watch my face as I take you.” He turns me around until my back is against the wall and hooks my legs over his arms.
The position leaves me open to him, my pussy completely at his mercy. I’m instantly horny as hell all over again seeing how strong he is. Not many men could hold my weight up like this without even breaking a sweat. Not that he looks unaffected. His forehead is pinched tight and there’s a large vein pulsing in his neck. I wonder if I look as crazed as he does.
He pushes forward just enough to get my attention and then stops. “Look at me,” he growls. I instantly obey. His voice is not one I can deny. He holds my gaze as his cock forces its way through my delicate tissues, awakening nerve endings I didn’t even know I had. He holds my gaze as he finds his rhythm, one deep thrust and then a few shallow ones that make me wet as hell.
“More, please. Harder!” I clutch at his shoulders frantically as he pounds me against the wall. I’m going to have bruises later and I don’t care. This is what I’ve been missing, having my pussy taken hard and used the way it needs to be.
“You make me crazy,” he mumbles into my hair. He pants with the force of his efforts, his muscles cording up thick with every thrust. His hips piston back and forth as he fucks himself deeper and deeper into my pussy until I feel another orgasm coming.
I open my eyes briefly and I see the subway employee has come down to our level. He’s standing at the other end of the platform, openly stroking his own cock as he watches me get pounded. I’ve enjoyed seeing others have sex before but never knew being watched could be such a turn on. I can imagine the picture we present. I’m stretched open, my pussy pink and wet as a thick hard cock penetrates it. Just the thought sets me off.
“Yes, Yes, Yes…” I chant it like a mantra as my orgasm crashes through me. As good as the first orgasm was, there’s nothing in the world as satisfying as coming around a thick, hard cock. He’s fucking me so hard it feels like he’s stroking my spine. I whimper as my pussy clamps down so hard on him that he almost can’t move.
“Damn, I’m coming.” He thrust deeper, harder, holding himself inside me as his cock swells. He throws his head back and roars. I open my eyes in disbelief at the loud sound. That’s when I realize the noise isn’t coming from him.
It’s the roar of an incoming train. The next subway car is pulling up to the station.
“I thought I felt the ground shaking,” he jokes. He shoves his cock back in his pants and zips up. He’s rumpled all over and I’m sure I am too. My panties could be anywhere at this point and the first two buttons on my blouse have been ripped off. I look like I’ve been attacked.
“I felt it too, I just assumed it was part of having the best orgasm of my life.”
Our eyes meet again and something passes between us. The subway car doors open with a ding. There aren’t many people riding the train this late but the few who pass us give us curious looks. The subway employee is gone and it’s just the two of us again. If I’m going to leave with any measure of dignity intact, this is the time to do it.
Before I throw myself in his arms and beg him to take me home with him.
“I should go.” I reach down and grab my purse which is on the ground near my feet. “Thanks for…just thanks.” I hug him awkwardly, surprised when he wraps me in his arms and lifts me off my feet. My eyes drift closed as his scent surrounds me. Then I hear the dinging sound that indicates the subway is about to leave.
“Goodbye.” I kiss him, lingering just a little, then race to the subway car. I slip through the doors just before they close.
A second later, he runs up to the door and motions toward my arm. Confused, I shake my head that I don’t understand as the subway pulls out of the station. I put both my hands on the window, watching him for as long as possible until the car is moving so fast everything is a blur of color.
I’ll never see him again.
The thought depresses me profoundly. It’s hard for me to reconcile my overwhelming feelings with the fact that he’s a stranger. The only things I know about him are he’s gorgeous and hung.
And that he affects me unlike anyone else.
I blink back tears and pull out my cell phone to check the time. As I dig through my bag, it registers that it’s curiously light. I’m not one of those girls who stuffs everything but the kitchen sink in her bag but I do have a decent sized wallet.
Which is currently nowhere to be found.
“Crap!” I rummage through everything again to confirm what I already know is true. My wallet is probably back on the subway platform. Then I notice something in my purse that wasn’t there before. A jet black business card with stark white writing. I hold it up to the light to read what it says.
Dominic “The Dom” Ramirez
BDSM Instructor
The Madame X School of Sex
The cell phone listed on the back of the card has an area code I don’t recognize. I close my eyes and imagine him standing on the platform going through my wallet. I’m so startled I laugh out loud.
He’d made me his mark.
Not that he’ll get much. Just a few credit cards and a driver’s license for Veronica Paige. Not even any money. Then I look at the business card again and blush. Since he left his calling card, my money is obviously not what he wants with me. And I have no problem with that.
When the train pulls up to the next station I already have my cell phone out. I also have a huge smile on my face.
I wonder if I get to punish him this time.
….to be continued.
If you’ve enjoyed reading about Veronica and Dom, continue reading to catch a special extended scene from Seducing Sarah V.1, the first book in The Madame X School of Sex series.
Author’s Note:
If you’ve enjoyed this book, PLEASE consider leaving a review at the major sites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It’s the best gift you can give an author. I adore hearing from readers and it’s a great way for other readers to discover new books!
Stay Naughty - Jinx
About The Author
Jinx Jamison is from New England and loves everything about the North, except the winters! She writes erotica about ordinary women finding out extraordinary things. She blogs regularly with The Naughty Girls Next Door.
Read about how she got the idea for The Madame X School of Sex in her blog series:
The Recipe for Naughty
http://www.thenaughtygirlsnextdoor.com
Twitter: @Jinx_Jamison
Email: jinx@jinxjamison.com
Web: http://www.thenaughtygirlsnextdoor.com
KEEP READING FOR AN EXTENDED SNEAK PEEK AT THE MADAME X SCHOOL OF SEX SERIES.
Sneak Peek at The Madame X School of Sex
Ever since her fiance left her, Sarah Caldwell has led an unremarkable life. She goes to work, she pays her taxes and she always separates the whites from the colors. The most exciting thing in her life is fantasizing about her hunky boss Quinn Sanders, who has no idea how she feels.
All she wants is the chance to do something exciting. Anything to prove she's not as sexually inept as her former fiancé made her feel.
When Quinn Sanders gets a call from an old friend, the last thing he expects to hear is that his paralegal Sarah has signed up for sex school. He left his life as Master Q behind for a reason and once vowed to never set foot in the Madame X School again. But he's lusted after Sarah for years and if sex education is what she needs...
Master Q is about to come out of retirement.
Extended Excerpt from Seducing Sarah V.1 (The Madame X School of Sex)
Copyright © 2011 by Jinx Jamison
How It Begins…
“The Madame X School of Sex? It’s an urban legend. Doesn’t exist.”
Sarah Caldwell looked out the window of the diner. A steady stream of pedestrians flowed by on the sidewalk outside. Most were wrapped up tight in layers of cold weather armor, their coats, sweaters and scarves protecting them from the early winter chill. A man passing by caught her eye and winked. She glanced away, blushing.
“What is this about? Are you still depressed about Ian?” Candace demanded. Her blonde hair was gathered up into a messy top knot and her makeup was artfully applied to make her blue eyes seem huge.
Sarah heaved a sigh and pushed her bowl to the side. New England clam chowder was usually her favorite but her appetite lately had been off. Unless you counted the two pounds of truffles she’d inhaled the night before. She didn’t really consider chocolate as a food group, more like medication.
“I’m not depressed, just determined. Something has to change.”
Candace leaned across the table and grabbed her hands. “There. Is. Nothing. Wrong. With. You.” She squeezed her hands with each word. “I could kill that jerk for trashing your self-confidence. How is it possible that a Halle Berry look-alike has no idea how hot she is? You could have any man you wanted if you made yourself available.”
Sarah chuckled bitterly. “I am available. You don’t see anyone lining up, do you?” She swept a hand over her thick, curly hair and sighed. It was long past time she owned up to her own failings.
“Making yourself available would require you to stop wearing your engagement ring.” Candace raised an eyebrow when she tucked her left hand in her lap.
"This diamond is the only thing of value I have to show for the last two years of my life. I might as well enjoy it. "Sarah crossed her arms and sat back in the restaurant booth. She was partially joking but reality was she hadn’t been with a man in eight months.
Eight long, lonely months.
“Do you need me to stay? I could skip my class. We’ll watch sappy, black and white movies and stay up all night just like we used to.” Candace leaned across the booth and wiggled her eyebrows, comically. She was a student at George Washington University in the heart of the nation's capitol. Her education was everything to her so her offer was a true testament to the strength of their friendship. They were polar opposites in every way, from their skin tones to their personalities but she'd never found a better friend. It was doubtful she ever would.
Sarah laughed and shook her head. “You’re almost done with your master’s degree, Ace. I’m not letting you screw up now.”
Candace shrugged and wound her scarf around her neck three times. She pulled on her oversized coat and flipped the hood up. “Anything for you, kiddo. You know I love you, right?”
“I love you too. Now, go!” She shooed her out of the booth with both hands. Once outside Candace passed by the picture window and waved. Then she was gone.
Sarah let the artificial smile she’d been wearing for the past hour drop. Her face was stiff from holding a smile she didn’t feel, forcing laughter that wasn’t genuine. But she couldn’t let her friends see how dejected she really was. It would just invite more worry, more hovering.
And it wouldn’t sway her from her path.
She reached into her purse and pulled out the envelope that held her plane ticket. Not that she needed to see it again, she’d studied it a hundred times since that morning. A plane ticket to Nevada. One chance to find out if she was really broken or not.
The Madame X School of Sex? It’s an urban legend. Doesn’t exist.
Sarah shook her head. “Oh, it exists. In a few hours I’ll have firsthand proof.”
Candace would be furious when she found out. But her friend was a natural femme fatale. She didn’t struggle to have an orgasm and wasn’t shy about taking her clothes off. She’d never had to wonder if there was something fundamentally wrong with her. And she’d definitely never been told she was a poor excuse for a woman, who had no clue how to please a man.
Candace isn't the only one who'll be furious.
An image of her boss, Quinn Sanders, entered her mind. He was her favorite erotic fantasy, from his dark good looks to his brilliant, cunning mind. Assisting him had become a daily exercise in mental torture. Wanting something you couldn't have was never easy but it was especially hard when she had to talk to him, sit near him and breathe his scent.
She shook her head hard to clear it. The last thing she needed was his disapproving albeit handsome face in her mind. The man was so uptight about everything. She doubted he'd understand her need to attend a sex therapy retreat.
Which was why she'd lied and claimed to be taking a three-week cruise through the Mediterranean.
Sarah held the envelope to her lips and closed her eyes. Please let this work. Please let this work.
“Madame X, here I come. I really hope you live up to the hype.”
* * * * *
Later that afternoon Sarah shut down her computer and locked her office desk drawer. She'd never taken a vacation quite this long before. It was exhilarating but a little scary too. Especially since she had no clue whether this whole thing would end up being a mistake.
"I can’t believe you're leaving me for three whole weeks." Kristen, Quinn's secretary, perched on the edge of Sarah's desk. "He's always a bear when you're not here. You're the only one who can deal with him."
Sarah looked behind them at Quinn's closed door. He'd been in a strange mood ever since she returned from lunch. They were working on an estate plan for one of their oldest and richest clients. Normally, he'd double-check every page of research she prepared and ask a barrage of questions about possibilities she hadn't considered yet.
Today, he'd just said thank you. She'd been so shocked she almost left his office while still holding the file.
"Is it just me or has he been weird today?"
Kristen shrugged. "I don't know but I hope you don't enjoy the Mediterranean too much. If you run off with a cabana boy named Alejandro and leave me here alone, I will come hunt you down."
"Who's Alejandro?"
Both women jumped at the growled question. Sarah turned in her chair to see Quinn standing directly behind them. His dark hair had once again grown out long enough for him to pull it back into a short ponytail. She loved how it curled over his collar when it got too long. Along with his expressive dark eyes, he looked more suited to a motorcycle than a business suit.
Although he looked damn fine in a suit too.
Kristen hopped down and laughed nervously. "Mr. Sanders! Hello. Um…we were just talking about vacations. See you later Sarah." Kristen walked away so fast it was a wonder she didn’t start a brush fire between her thighs.
"I looked over your research on Mrs. DeLanier's estate. Excellent work."
Sarah was sure her mouth must be hanging open. She blinked several times. Had Quinn Sanders come out of his office just to tell her she'd done a good job? Not that he didn't recognize her efforts. He did. It was just usually more along the lines of a nod, a quick email or a big pile of new work in her Inbox.
Nothing says thank you like a crap ton of new assignments.
"Thank you, sir. I tried to finish up as much as I could before leaving." She sneaked a glance at him from the corner of her eye.
"So, the Mediterranean, huh? Is your fiancé treating you to an early honeymoon?" He stood next to her desk and watched as she arranged all the items on the top in a neat line.
People passing by stared openly, not used to seeing the boss out of his office unless he was handing out more work or looking for someone's ass to ream out.
"We're not together anymore. We haven’t been together in months." At his sudden stare, she sank back into her chair. "Not sure why I just blurted that out. It's so much easier not to talk about it." She twisted the ring on her left hand nervously.
"I'm glad you did. We’ve worked together for quite some time now. I'd like to think we're friends." He opened his mouth as if to say something else, then shook his head suddenly. He ran a hand over his face before his golden brown eyes settled on her face again. He was looking at her with an expression she'd never seen before. Like he was seeing her for the first time.
"Of course we're friends." She almost stumbled over the words, the idea was so ridiculous. Friendship didn't even begin to describe the way she felt about him. A friend wouldn't make her heart race with just a look and she was pretty sure friends didn’t imagine each other naked either.
Now, I'm imagining my boss naked in the middle of the office. This vacation couldn't come at a better time.
"Well, I think the time off will do me a world of good. In more ways than one," she muttered. She stood and lifted her handbag over her arm.
"Well, I hope you have an unforgettable experience Ms. Caldwell." He shoved his hands in his pockets and walked back to his office.
"I hope so too," she whispered. "And I really hope I figure out how to get over you."
* * * * *
Quinn Sanders hated to rush. He'd built his law career on attention to detail and a slow, methodical approach to research. Yet here he was throwing clothes into a suitcase as if his house was on fire. One phone call from an old friend and he'd abandoned his business and his social life. One phone call had spun his entire world on a different axis.
Sarah Caldwell was going to see Madame X.
The phone clipped to his belt vibrated. He yanked it from its holster and held it to his ear. His room looked like a mini-tornado had ripped through it but he didn't even care. He'd been lucky to book a flight at such a late date and if he didn't hurry, he'd miss the plane. He'd have to drive like a bat out of hell to get to the airport on time as it was.
"Yes?"
"I assume you've already booked your flight?" Madame X had a way of getting right to the heart of a matter. How she did this without ever being rude was something Quinn had yet to figure out.
"I had to pay an astronomical fare but I got a flight. I'll be there in the early morning. Thank you for giving me the heads up. This should be an interesting three weeks."
She made a non-committal sound on the other end of the line. Quinn braced himself for whatever it was she would say next. He'd known her long enough to know that the soft sound usually preceded bad news.
"I'm glad I was able to help you out but I must caution you. Ms. Caldwell is a guest of the Madame X School. If she doesn’t wish to work with you for any reason, then you must respect that. I've already stretched the limits of confidentiality. My first obligation has to be to my clients. Even if you are one of my oldest friends."
Quinn nodded even though she couldn't see him. "I would never do anything to make her uncomfortable. I promise you I'll leave if she doesn't want to work with me. Besides, I used to be your employee. Let's just call this a consulting gig."
Sarah would have the option to decline him as her handler but he doubted she would. Plenty of the instructors and a few of the students at the Madame X School wore masks so she wouldn't recognize him. He was glad now that he wasn't prone to long conversation in general. It would make it harder for her to recognize his voice. Even if something about him seemed familiar, he doubted she'd make the connection or question him.
No one questioned Master Q.
"I'm sure Ms. Caldwell will get along with my alter ego just fine. You have no cause for worry."
Silence hummed over the line for a long moment before she spoke again. "You've been out of the game for a while, Master Q. I know you had your reasons for that and I won't pry. I just hope you know what you're doing and are doing it for the right reasons."
Quinn couldn't stop the grin taking over his face. "I know what I'm doing. Sarah Caldwell will get exactly what she needs over the next three weeks."
Madame X chuckled. "I'm sure she will. Hopefully, you will too."
* * * * *
"I still can't believe you're doing this." Pamela shook her head, her long braids tumbling, as she watched Sarah throw clothes into an oversized Luis Vuitton suitcase. She couldn't care less what kind of bag she stuffed her belongings into but Pam had insisted she borrow the designer case. According to her friend, she needed to look "fly" while flying.
"Why are you so surprised? You're the one who told me how to find Madame X in the first place. Seriously, I'll be thirty next year. If I'm ever going to do something crazy, now's the time." Sarah pulled a pair of black three-inch heels from her closet and tossed them on top of the heap of clothes.
Pam heaved a dramatic sigh and snatched the shoes back out of the mess.
"I told you about the Madame X School but I didn't think you'd actually apply to go there. The only reason I know about it is because my crazy cousin went there last year. I never thought Miss Prim and Perfect would sign up for a sex retreat!"
Sarah scowled. "I'm not as boring as everyone seems to think. That's why you’re the only person who knows about this. Candace would turn me over to the guys with the white coats if she found out."
"I know she would. It's going to be hard for me to keep this from her. You better hope she's too busy with finals to question your sudden desire to take a cruise." Pam put the black shoes back into the closet and came out with a pair of red high-heeled pumps that Sarah had bought on a whim a few months ago.
Bought but never worn.
"If you're going to do this, you might as well go all out. Be someone different for the next three weeks. Find out who you really are. You might surprise yourself."
Sarah swallowed over the lump in her throat and took the shoes Pam held out like an offering. "I hope so. Because who I am right now isn't working so well."
"Hey, hey none of that." Pam elbowed her and fixed her with a stern look. "You're amazing. Everyone can see that except for you and your asshole of an ex-boyfriend."
Sarah blinked rapidly, suddenly overcome with emotion. "You're a good friend Pam. Thanks for understanding. And for not making fun of this crazy plan."
And for not asking what happened with Ian.
After the breakup Candace had hounded her for weeks. Pam had finally been the one to tell her to knock it off. Either her friend was a psychic or she must have looked pretty wounded back then. Either way, Pam had never asked about her last fight with Ian. Hearing her boyfriend sneer at her inability to satisfy him sexually, after she'd discovered his infidelity, wasn't something Sarah ever wanted to relive. She'd erase the whole incident from her brain if it was possible.
Pam shrugged. "You've been pretending to be fine for a while now but I know Ian screwed with your head somehow. I just want you to be happy and confident. If this sex place can do that for you, then I'm all for the idea. Just don't forget our plan."
Sarah rolled her eyes. "I know, I know. Call or send you a message everyday so you know I haven’t been abducted."
Pam huffed and plopped down on the side of the bed. "You better or I'll call your hunk of a boss and ask him to work his lawyer magic and get the place closed down."
Sarah flinched. "Don't you dare! I'd never be able to look him in the face again." She didn't want to imagine Quinn's reaction if he ever found out about this. She'd die instantly from the embarrassment.
"Whatever. That man has a thing for you no matter what you say. I only met him once and even I could tell he couldn't keep his eyes off you."
"Well maybe the Madame X School will give me the courage to ask him out. Maybe I'll come back in three weeks as a whole new woman." Sarah forced a smile she didn't quite feel. "I am determined to think positively."
Pam crossed her arms skeptically. "Just as long as you come back in one piece. Or I’ll be forced to resort to desperate measures."
Sarah picked up the packet of information she'd received in the mail a week ago. The envelope was as thick as a phone book with information, disclosures and frequently asked question sheets. She glanced through it briefly before deciding to read the rest on the plane. She'd already had her doctor's office send her latest medical records and she'd read the school's safe-sex policy multiple times. Everything else could wait. Otherwise she would talk herself out of going.
And she was going.
Sneak Peek at Teasing Trent by Minx Malone
Also Available from CrushStar Romance
When his best friend Matt was deployed overseas, the only thing he asked was for Trent to keep an eye on his twin sister. Keeping her company on her birthday should be business as usual. He just has to remember the promise he made to himself in college to keep his hands off her.
Which is getting harder and harder by the day.
Ever since Mara walked into her brother's dorm room freshman year and came face to face with a shirtless Trent, she's known he was The One. He’s been right there with her twin brother as her biggest supporter or shoulder to cry on, whichever she needs most. The problem?
Trent has no idea how she feels.
Well, it's her first birthday without her twin and Trent's coming over to keep her company. It's the perfect time to tease him a little. A skimpy yoga outfit and a few glasses of wine later, she plans to finally have Trent exactly where she wants him.
In her bed, for as long as she can keep him there.
If Mara has her way, she'll get a whole lot more for her birthday than a Hallmark card.
Excerpt from TEASING TRENT
Copyright © 2011 by Minx Malone
Chapter One
“Just keep your hands to yourself and you’ll be fine.”
Trent Townsend climbed the steps to the second floor landing of an older townhouse and knocked a fine layer of snow off his boots. Virginia winters were usually mild, but this year Mother Nature apparently had PMS. It had been snowing for the past three days and more was on the way. He was inordinately happy to be out of his house even if he knew the evening would be one step short of erotic torture.
"Anything is better than being stuck in the house watching reality TV." Cabin fever was like a disease. He couldn’t eat any more cereal or watch one more rerun of Jerry Springer without losing his mind. He patted his pocket, feeling the rustle of the tiny wrapped package. This was also his first chance to give Mara her 25th birthday present since he’d been too busy last weekend.
Too busy coming up with reasons he should stay away from her.
Seeing Mara always made him hard enough to poke a hole through his pants, and he’d promised his best friend Matt that he’d take care of his sister, not drool all over her.
They’d become entirely too close over the past year. Something that had to stop when Matt’s tour of duty ended next month.
“You just have to get through dinner. Keep your hands to yourself and it’ll be fine.”
The door in front of Trent flung open. Mara Simmons stood on the other side regarding him warily. Warm, amber eyes with long, inky lashes narrowed as she leaned against the doorframe. Her thick dark hair was twisted back from her face and left to fall loose and curly on the sides. She looked like a warrior princess ready to do battle. He groaned as his body immediately responded with a salute of its own.
“Are you still wearing your pajamas?” He cursed under his breath as he took in the sight of Mara in a curve-hugging tank top and the tiniest pair of cotton shorts he'd ever seen.
"These are my exercise clothes. I'm doing yoga." She put one hand on her hip. The top stretched across her chest in just the right way, emphasizing her petite figure. "I saw you as I was passing the window. I wasn't expecting you to come so early."
He grimaced at her choice of words. He was about to come where he stood. Her shorts were practically indecent. There were miles, just miles of smooth, creamy skin on display. His nails dug into his palm.
She even smelled good.
She’s Matt’s little sister. Keep your hands to yourself.
Trent sucked in another deep breath. He needed more than a weak mantra reminding him who would kick his ass if he screwed this up. What he needed was a bucket of ice down his pants and a blindfold.
“Why are you just standing out here talking to yourself anyway?” Mara shook her head and grabbed him by the arm. She pulled him across the threshold and closed the door behind him.
“Just thinking out loud. I do that sometimes.” Trent felt oddly defensive. Having a raging boner could do that to a guy.
“What, think?” She chuckled as he glowered at her.
“Ha ha, smart ass. I’ll remember that the next time you need my help with something.”
He turned to watch her flip the deadbolt, his eyes taking in her long legs and bare feet. She wore bright purple polish and had a little silver ring on the second to last toe of her right foot. A wave of heat almost forced him to his knees. The girl even had sexy feet. Good thing she wasn’t in the habit of going barefoot.
He turned away and busied himself with removing his jacket. He needed to focus on something else or he’d never get through the night.
Damn Matt for putting him in this position. It was just like him to join the military and play the hero overseas. His college buddy was that type of guy and someone Trent felt proud to know. Matt had come through for him more times than he could count, and the only thing he’d ever asked in return was for Trent to keep an eye on his twin sister Mara during his deployment. He wished he’d known in the beginning how hard it would be to keep that promise.
And how hard it would be to keep my frickin’ hands to myself.
“So, how fast can you get ready to go?” Trent folded his coat over the arm of the couch. He looked around her place curiously. She changed things often, bringing home stray furniture found at a thrift store or adding weird knickknacks picked up on eBay.
Her place reflected her eclectic spirit. Bright, wildly patterned furniture clashed with the mint green wall behind the couch. He’d helped her paint the crazy color just a few months ago. She’d said she was going for “energetic.” He thought it looked like the inside of a funhouse.
“Well, I was thinking maybe we could just stay in.” Mara flopped down on the couch and curled up with her legs tucked under her. In that position, her top stretched tight across her breasts. He could see tiny indentations where her nipples pressed against the fabric.
Damn.
“I know you had a big happy hour night-on-the-town thing planned but … I don’t know. I just don’t feel like going out. Do you mind?”
Trent blinked a few times and then dragged his gaze away. He glanced around desperately. There was a yoga video playing on her TV and the lamp on the side table next to the couch cast a soft amber glow across the room. A warm smell emanated from the kitchen, making his mouth water.
“You cooked?”
She sat up and threw one of the fluffy green pillows on the couch at him. “Yes, I cooked. You don’t have to sound so surprised. I made some lasagna and rented a few dvd's. I figured we could do dinner and a movie here.”
She was watching him expectantly, so Trent nodded. A smile spread across her face and his heart turned over a little. He looked away and tucked his hands in his pockets. If something as simple as staying in put that look on her face, he’d gladly do it.
Trent sat on the edge of a dainty wing chair. Somewhere in the kitchen there was a soft ding and Mara hopped up.
“It's time for me to put the lasagna in the oven. It doesn't take that long to bake. Do you want a beer while we wait?”
His gaze followed the sway of her hips as she rushed to the kitchen.
“Trent? Hello, earth to Trent.” Mara stood in the doorway to the kitchen, waving her hands back and forth like an air traffic controller.
He looked up, heat flooding his cheeks as he met her gaze. “Huh?”
“A beer. You want one?” She said the words slowly. Great, now she thought he was an idiot.
He gulped and nodded furiously. “Sure. A beer. Right.”
She narrowed her eyes at him before turning into the kitchen. As soon as she was out of sight, Trent’s strained smile fell.
It was Matt’s first year in the service and he worried about Mara being alone so much, especially on their birthday. Their parents weren’t keen on traveling from Florida again so soon after the holidays and Mara couldn’t get the vacation time to fly down to them. Trent no longer had a girlfriend so it hadn’t been any imposition to spend a little time with Mara. He’d arranged a perfectly safe birthday dinner in a public restaurant. They’d eat, dance a little and head home, end of story.
The plan did not include a cozy dinner for two, followed by a movie on the couch with only a remote control as chaperone.
And it definitely didn't include licking her from the top of her head to her pretty little purple-painted toes.
Shit.
Chapter Two
“So I hope you don't mind if I finish my exercise routine. The food will be ready in about an hour.” Mara returned from the kitchen and set the beer down on the side table next to Trent. He was perched on the edge of a wing chair looking uncomfortable as hell. His dark blond hair was spiked up at the top like he'd been running his hands through it.
“Uh, sure. No problem.” He took a sip of his beer and rubbed his hands together. He was looking everywhere but at her.
She picked up the remote control and navigated the DVD to the place she wanted to start. Not that she really needed the video. She'd practiced how to tease him all week and fantasized about it for years.
Tonight she would finally seduce Trent.
They’d gotten closer than ever since Matt’s deployment. She knew her brother was behind Trent’s sudden interest in keeping her company but she didn’t mind at all. She was a big girl, despite what her brother seemed to think. It was ironic; her overprotective twin was actually pushing the object of her interest right in her path. If she had her way, she’d get a lot more for her birthday than a Hallmark card.
"Namaste. Let's breathe deeply and reach for the sky."
Following the instructions of the melodic voice on the DVD, Mara stretched her hands over her head, knowing her tank top would rise and reveal several inches of belly.
"Now swan dive; touch the ground."
Mara bent slowly and touched her fingertips to the polished hardwood. She peeked at Trent from the corner of her eye. He held his beer with a death grip. His sky blue eyes stood out in stark relief against the blush on his cheeks.
"Reach for the sky again. Sun Salutations."
Mara turned so her profile faced Trent. This way he got the full effect when she bent over. She was a little curvier than what was in fashion, but more than one of her ex-boyfriends had commented that her back view could bring a man to his knees.
She bent slowly, keeping her legs straight, her bottom pert as she touched the floor. A strangled sound came from behind her. "You okay Trent?"
He cleared his throat a few times. "Wow. You're, uh … really flexible."
She arched her back a little as she reached toward the ceiling again. "Yeah, well, I do yoga regularly and I also jog a few times a week."
He made a soft sound that could have been anything from "Working out is great" to "Come take my clothes off."
"Downward Facing Dog. Spread those fingers. Sink your heels to the floor."
Mara smiled a little as she transitioned into Downward Facing Dog pose. It was one of her favorite positions anyway but it had the added bonus of letting her wiggle her bottom in Trent's face.
"Would you mind spotting me?" She smiled up at him brightly. Hopefully he wouldn’t know enough about yoga to realize that people didn't use spotters.
"Sure, what do you need me to do?" He hopped up and stood next to her. She looked up in time to catch him looking at her bottom again.
"I've been having some back pain so I think I just need you to steady me as I come back up."
He moved a little closer and tentatively touched her waist. "Here?"
She stood up straight and then pulled him behind her. "Right behind me actually. We're about to do more Sun Salutations and I need a little help when I bend."
Sure enough, the instructor's soothing voice told them to reach for the sky again. Mara stretched her hands up, feeling Trent's fingers clench uncertainly against her skin as she moved. She looked over her shoulder at him and smiled. "Are you ready?"
He shook his head slowly, as if in a daze. "Not really but go ahead. I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself."
"Now swan dive; touch the ground."
Mara bent over slowly, angling her back so she pressed against Trent from hip to thigh.
"Oh crap … " Trent muttered.
*****
Trent gulped. He had no doubt Mara now realized exactly how much he wanted her. The evidence of that was currently trying to poke its way through her yoga shorts. He'd never thought of exercise as sensual before but he wasn't sure if he would survive this yoga session.
He looked at where her bottom snuggled up against his groin. Her ass was full and heart-shaped, more than enough to fill his hands just the way he liked. His fingers flexed at her waist and she made a soft sound.
"Are you okay? Do you need any help getting up?" He hoped he hadn't gripped her too hard in the midst of his fantasizing. He was supposed to help her with her stretches, not imagine her stretched out on top of him.
"I'm fine. I just have a leg cramp." She sat down on the floor abruptly.
"Well at least that's something I have some experience with. I used to get them when I played football. Let me see." Trent kneeled beside her and helped her stretch her leg out. "Lie back and let me massage it out."
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