true identity low key, because we really don’t know who we can trust inside this place. The whole resort is being investigated, and Damien informs me one of the top board members, a Dmitri Nichvalodov, is helping to head the operation to expose the embezzler / kidnapper.
The car pulls up to looming wrought iron gates that part to give us entry. Through the tinted back windows, I gape at the sprawling 50 acre resort grounds. The driver stops near a fountain that marks the center of a circular, cobblestone driveway and lets me out.
I’m ushered inside a gothic stone mansion that reminds me of something out of an old horror film, only less gloomy. Once inside, a smiling man in a double breasted blazer leads me to an office where I wait.
A woman with a pile of chestnut curls enters and greets me.
“Hello.” She extends a hand, which I shake. “I’m Wanda Ellerton. Please have a seat.”
I choose one of the two lush red chairs placed on the opposite side of her glass desk.
“Well, Mistress O, it seems your reputation precedes you. We already have a client interested in contracting you.”
Mistress O is my undercover name, and I already know who the client is that she refers to. My throat tightens and I hope I look calmer than I feel.
“That’s wonderful,” I say, trying not to choke on the words. “I’m anxious to meet my potential employer.”
She slides some paperwork closer to me and I scan documents detailing what will be expected of me and a personality profile for Damien Walters.
“He used to work for Surrender,” Wanda tells me. “Damien has an excellent record with us. He was in high demand as a dom before he signed an exclusive deal with one of our prior clients.”
I nod and pretend to be interested in this information I already know. Time is ticking away and the true test of my acting abilities is yet to come.
“I’ve no complaints about anything I see here,” I say, pointing to the papers. “I’d love to meet him.”
“I’ll tell Rhonda to send him in.” She gives her secretary the go ahead and the knots in my stomach tighten more. Dread leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
The door opens moments later and in walks Damien, all swagger and sophistication in a slate grey suit that molds to his body perfectly. His black hair is slicked back and he has that dangerous look that makes me swallow hard and breathe a little too fast.
He greets Wanda first, then turns his eyes on me. I don’t miss how they boldly rake over my hip hugging black slacks and red blouse. My face heats and my temper starts to simmer.
“Mistress O.” He extends his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard many stories about your talents.”
He brings my hand to his lips, sweeping a kiss across my knuckles. Then he flicks his tongue out over the top of my fingers, tasting my flesh and making me inhale sharply. Damn the impudent bastard!
“Thank you,” I say, trying to keep my irritation out of my voice. “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Master Damien. I’ve looked over your contract and I find your terms suitable.”
He grins a Cheshire grin that gives me an odd kind of ache right in the center of my chest.
“I’m pleased. But before we sign anything I’d like to look you over.” He clasps his hands behind his back and continues to pin me with that smug, confident stare.
I want to slap his face, but that would spoil the ruse. And he is in his rights, damn him, to demand this. It’s part of the contract, much to my chagrin. All I can do is relent.
“Of course.” I try to sound confident and experienced in this situation.
Wanda sits down and watches us.
She’s going to stay in the room while he inspects me like a side of beef? My pulse now rushes in my ears. My face is so hot from a combination of embarrassment and anger I’m sure I’m the color of a tomato.
“Please remove everything but your bra, panties, and stockings.” He grabs the other office chair and positions it at
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