Master of Submission [Masters of Submission 1] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) by Jan Bowles

Eight
     
    Emma stretched, making herself more comfortable on Zane’s luxurious black leather sofa. He’d arranged a bag of crushed ice around her ankle to reduce the swelling, and the pain had already diminished considerably. As she looked around his wonderful home, she realized it was far more than she deserved. She’d acted like a complete fool.
    A large Adam chimneypiece dominated one wall, and several more comfy sofas were positioned to take advantage of the soothing warmth coming from the fire. All the walls were painted a wonderful, calming green. It reminded her of summer meadows on a bright, sunny day. Almost completely filling another wall stood a massive bookcase. It overflowed with a large selection of books slotted haphazardly into place. Their cracked spines showing evidence of use.
    He handed her a glass. “I’ve poured you a bourbon. You look like you need a stiff one.”
    She immediately recognized the double entendre, but decided to let it pass. “Thank you. My days are usually filled with boring stuff like court appearances and filing reports. It’s not every day I think I’m about to be murdered.” She took a sip of the golden liquor. A burning sensation spread like wildfire into her stomach. “Gosh, that’s strong.” She placed the glass on a side table. “It would be wise to drink that slowly.”
    Zane sat on the leather armchair next to her. He’d removed his jacket, and loosened the top two buttons of his shirt. Dressed differently from when he was at the club, he looked like an executive winding down for the night, but she knew differently. This man was heavily into domination and submission. Her panties moistened with desire as she wondered how he would master her, if she ever gave him the chance. “So what exactly do you do, Zane? What’s your full name?”
    He took another swig of bourbon before answering. “Curious, aren’t you, baby? Well, for the record, my name’s Zane Anders. I run an import export business. I deal mainly in gemstones, like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. I also deal in precious metals, such as gold, silver, and platinum. I’m forty years old, and divorced. I have no children.” He smiled. “Does that satisfy you?”
    “Yes. I feel better now I know a little more about you.” She reached across and fleetingly touched his hand. “I’d like to apologize for my erratic behavior. I’m usually far more controlled.”
    Zane smiled, and she knew he was thinking about their time together at the club, when she was anything but controlled. “So tell me about yourself, Emma. I’m intrigued. An Englishwoman in Boston. Sounds interesting.”
    “Okay, fair enough, Zane. You’ve told me about yourself, so now I suppose it’s my turn.” She took a sip of bourbon to give her confidence. “I’m thirty, and as I already said, I’m a lawyer. I’ve come to Boston to start a law firm with my best friend, Chloe.” She sighed. “Hmm, I suppose that’s unlikely to happen now.”
    He stretched out his hand. “Good to meet you, Emma. I’m Zane.”
    Emma placed her hand in his, and smiled. “Good to meet you, too, Zane.” A jolt of electricity sped up her arm as he caressed his thumb across her palm.
    “There was no need to run off like that,” he said, letting her hand slip from his. She could still feel his sensual touch as he leaned back in his leather chair. He took another large slug of bourbon and placed the empty glass on the table. Looking right at her, he said, “It would have been better if we’d discussed what made you feel so uncomfortable.”
    She shrugged her shoulders, and relaxed into the sofa. Away from the intimidating sights and sounds of the club, she felt far more confident. The fact that Zane had made her climax for the first time in two years made it appear they’d known each other far longer than they actually had.
    “I’m not used to giving up control. I felt shattered. I climaxed far too easily. It scared me.”
    “But that’s