Mastered 2: Ten Tales of Sensual Surrender by Saskia Walker, Portia Da Costa, Opal Carew, Jennifer Leeland, Madelynne Ellis, T.J. Michaels, Emily Ryan-Davis, Cynthia Sax, Evangeline Anderson, Avery Aster, Karen Fenech, Ruby Foxx

day, but your secretary said you weren’t available.”
    “That’s true.  I’m sorry, I had to fly out of the country and the trip took longer than I’d anticipated.  I just got back today.  That’s why I’m happy you came tonight.”
    He was happy she was here?  She stomped down the flicker of delight sparking in her.
    “So if I hadn’t decided to show up here tonight, I’d never have seen you again?”
    He gazed at her solemnly.  “You didn’t get my message?”
    She frowned.  “What message?”
    “It doesn’t matter.”  He frowned.  “So you’re angry because I left that night and you assumed I wasn’t going to follow up with the conversation I promised.”
    “That’s right.”  But a quiver of doubt flashed through her.
    The warmth in his eyes faded. “Well, you’re here now,” he said in a cool tone.  “So talk.”
    Her stomach fluttered.  Oh, God, she’d stormed in here, intent on putting him in his place, and he’d turned the tables on her, his calm demand sending her totally off balance.
    “I… uh…”  She sucked in a deep breath, trying to find the words to begin pleading her brother’s case.  “Well, you see—” she stammered, but he held up his hand, stopping her words.
    “Stop.  Never mind.  I don’t even need to hear it.”
    “But you promised—”
    “Tell me this.  What would you do for this favor you want from me?  Would you get down on your knees and beg?”
    Her stomach tightened and she gazed at his cold eyes.
    This was important to her.  If he didn’t drop the charges against her brother-in-law, he could wind up in jail.  Then Ella would be left alone, pregnant and with a two-year-old to take care of.
    She lowered her gaze.  “Yes.”
    “So get down on your knees.”
    She lowered herself to the floor, knowing she would do whatever he asked.
    “Please, Mr. Danner… I…”  But she hesitated, not sure how to make the request.  She didn’t want to just baldly state what she wanted.  Surely if she did, he would end this now and not even give her a chance to plead her case.
    “Silence.”
    Her gaze jerked to his.  His eyes didn’t seem as cold.
    “I asked if you’d beg.  I didn’t tell you to do it.  I told you I would give you a chance to talk, but I’ve decided to do you one better.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “I’ve decided I will give you what you came here to ask me without any explanations or questions.”
    She stared at him in disbelief.
    “On one condition.”
    “And what is that?”
    “That you totally submit to me tonight.”
    “Like last time?”
    “No, not like last time.”  His eyes glittered.  “This time, I won’t take it easy on you.”
    * * *
    Jacquie stared out the window of the limousine watching the scenery speed by.  Mr. Danner had led her from the penthouse to the lobby and out to the limo, telling her he wanted her at his house, where he had all the necessary equipment.
    Which made her a little nervous.
    They drove for about half an hour, then the limo pulled up in front of an elegant stone house.  It was huge, with a large garden in front and a stone walkway leading to the front entrance.  The double doors had beveled glass with stained glass sidelights.
    She followed him up the steps, watching her footing in her high heels on the stone surface.  He opened the front door and they stepped inside.  The foyer was huge, with a wide curving staircase leading to the upper level.  But he led her past the staircase, and the living room with rich burgundy leather furniture, past the gourmet kitchen, then down a hallway.  At the end of that hall, he opened a door.
    As soon as she stepped inside, she glanced around with widened eyes.  There was furniture she’d never seen the likes of before.  Padded benches in different shapes and heights with restraints built in, a big wooden X in the corner with chains and cuffs attached, a big bed with black sheets and a headboard and footboard with bars,