Chapter 201 Chapter 201

Chapter 201 Chapter 201
“Not necessarily. A Top may enjoy wielding a whip, for example. Impact play. But he or she may not be Dominant. And not everyone who likes the feel of that single tail on their skin is a submissive. D/s is more of a relationship dynamic between a twosome or moresome. Protocols, behavior expectations, may be in place. Service may be part of it, and it might not. They can live the lifestyle 24/7 or practice at certain times, like when they’re alone or on the weekends. There’s something for everyone. Like a buffet, you know?”

That idea, Wynter liked.

“But yeah, every time there’s a new BDSM movie or bestselling book, more people become aware of the lifestyle. So I’d say a lot of us didn’t know it intuitively, but it sparks something inside us, you know?”

Until now, she hadn’t.

“There are a vast range of kinks. Some people like bondage and nothing else. At the club there are always demonstrations—and there’s an entire art form to it, including suspension. Seeing someone wearing nothing but ropes is breathtaking. And speaking of that…”

Anna Bella stopped, took off her hat, and fanned herself with it.

“I’m out of breath myself right now. I’m turning back. If you want to melt like the Wicked Witch of the West, go ahead. But I’m getting out of this freaking furnace that is southeast Texas.”

And summer was still a couple of months away.

“Fine. You win.”

Between the walk and the drive to their favorite place, they’d have a few more uninterrupted minutes to finish the conversation.

Below them, on the water, kayakers paddled by.

Wynter mentioned she was considering buying one and trying it out.

“Make it a gondola with a man singing to me as he ferries me around, and I’m in. No. Wait. If he also has wine and cheese, I’ll do it.”

After they stopped to pet a runaway dog and hold it while its owner caught up, they meandered back to their vehicles.

“Where were we? Oh, sadomasochism.”

She shuddered.

“I don’t think I’d like that.”

“Good to know. A lot of people enjoy impact play for pleasure only.”

Was that why she’d imagined Lucas striding toward her, his features set in a purposeful line?

“It’s complex, multidimensional. Even after all these years, I’m still not sure I understand everything involved, which is half the fun. Why don’t you see for yourself? Come to the club with me tonight?”

No way was Wynter ready for that.

“Some other time.”

Hours later, when she was back home alone, part of her wished she’d had the courage to accept her friend’s invitation. It would be better than trying to keep thoughts of Lucas out of her head.

Around nine o’clock, her phone chimed.

Missed you at breakfast.

She should block his number. After all, he was no longer a client. But then she’d never know if he’d tried to contact her.

I brought the champagne home with me in case you ever want to share it.

A million times no.

Her heart raced in irregular bursts. He’d told her he wanted to take her out. Maybe because she’d refused, he was more captivated.

Or perhaps he was attracted to her.

She shook her head as she paced her living room. Impossible. A man such as him could have his choice of any woman on the planet. So yes. He had to want the one he couldn’t have.

Wynter didn’t sleep any better that night, or Sunday night.

Monday, she arrived at the office bleary-eyed and without her customary energy. But since it had been her turn to pick up treats for Prestige’s weekly meeting, she headed for the conference room to open the boxes filled with bagels and cream cheese. Unable to help herself, she’d also purchased an enormous selection of kolaches and a few donuts.

“Carb loading in the morning.”

Tony scanned the offerings.

“Tough weekend?”

He had no idea.

From the credenza, she grabbed knives and paper plates. Then she almost bowed down before Skyler when she walked in carrying trays laden with large disposable coffee cups.

“You look like you need this.”

Skyler found the one with Wynter’s name on it and passed it over.

“Thank you.”

She dropped into a chair and took a long, fortifying sip of the sugary treat.

Within ten minutes, the associates and Miriam were seated around the table. Another meeting would be held this afternoon with the part-timers later to set their weekly assignments.

“Who has updates to share?”

After her question, Hope went straight for a donut slathered in chocolate icing.

Miriam spoke up first.

“I followed up with Mr. Martinson. He will be taking two of his potentials to the Bahamas this week.”

“Good for him.”

Skyler grinned.

“Hope cleared it with both ladies before I made the flight and hotel arrangements.”

Everyone else outlined their action lists, and when it was Wynter’s turn, she blushed.

“Happy to help anyone who needs it. Or I can work with Miriam on setting up the next mixer.”

Skyler leaned forward.

“What happened with Mr. Rutherford?”

Rather than waiting for Wynter to answer, Hope responded.

“He is no longer represented by Prestige.”

Wynter gasped.

“What?”

Surely she couldn’t have heard correctly.

“We can discuss it privately when we’re through here.”

The meeting continued in a buzz of indecipherable conversation. Once they wrapped up, she followed Hope into her office.

“Shut the door.”

“I’m confused.”

With a frown, she sat across from her boss.

“He fired the entire company?”

“Let’s put it this way: we reached a mutual understanding.”

She tried to harness her impatience.

“Rafe and I had breakfast with Lucas on Saturday. He informed me he wanted to date you.”

Embarrassment heated her entire body.

“He said that?”

“And further that he didn’t want to work with anyone in the company other than you. Parting ways was the only option at that point.”

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry. I don’t know what to say.”

Hope raised a hand to prevent Wynter from going on.

“You did nothing wrong. Lucas is…challenging. In all honesty, I probably should never have signed a contract with him.”

“This…”

She shook her head.

“I can’t believe it.”

Prestige had lost a big account because of her. He wasn’t only her first client; he was the only person she handled.

“As for dating him—”

“No. I turned him down.”

Hope grinned.

“Did you?”

She fought off the desire to explain herself and instead remained quiet as her mind raced.

“There’s no policy against it.”

“It’s complicated.”

“Lucas said the same thing.”

Did he?

“The choice is entirely yours. You’re free to pursue the opportunity, if you’d like. Or tell him to fuck off.”

Wynter’s mouth fell open. In a million years, she wouldn’t have guessed Hope would say that in such a cheery manner.

“Have you terminated his contract yet?”

“It’s on Miriam’s schedule for later this morning.”

“Give me a week.”

Wynter stood, equal measures pissed and determined.

She refused to allow Lucas Rutherford to outmaneuver them all.

“Wynter, really—”

“I’m going to fix this.”

He wanted a wife? She’d get him one. Stat. And ensure he paid the full fee to Prestige while she was at it.

With her shoulders pulled back, Wynter strode to her own office and powered up her computer. This move was hers.