Chapter 16

She’d had sex before.

The first time had been with Mikey Johannson, a gangly classmate in high school who had been her best friend before becoming her lover. It’d been a fumbling, clumsy experience, but joyful in its own way.

Since then, she’d had lovers. Men who had popped in and out of her life with startling speed once they discovered what she did on the side. A few submissives at Boots ’n’ Chains had bid for her ongoing attention, but she’d wanted nothing more than the release, the physical exhaustion that came with a good session—no commitment, no real dedication other than to pleasure each other to the best of their abilities.

No promises. Just a fast coupling, enough to keep her sated and happy until the next man came along.

She couldn’t imagine going back now.

This—this hadn’t been sex.

This had to be love.

She had no idea her toes could curl that way.

“One sec,” Nathan murmured into her hair. He dropped a quick kiss.

She sighed as Nathan rolled off and turned away to dispose of the condom. Jen shivered as the cool air washed over her already sensitized skin.

“Back.” Nathan pulled her close, spooning her from behind. His heated breath battered the back of her neck, fast and staggered as his arms went around her, his body heat chasing away the cold.

Whoa.

Her legs felt like rubber, her entire body quivering with small tremors vibrating from her core outward.

“I—” She couldn’t find the words to express how she felt.

“Yeah.” The hoarse whisper came in her ear. “That.”

Jen giggled with the last of her energy. “Sleep. Again. Yes?”

“Yeah.” The soft kiss on her earlobe sent her back into slumber. “That.”

The next time Nathan woke, the room was shrouded in darkness. It took his eyes a second to adjust and to focus in on the clock.

Seven thirty-five. In the evening.

The woman fitfully sleeping in his arms stirred slightly and mumbled something before falling silent again.

He carefully disentangled himself and rolled out of bed. His stomach was rumbling, and there was no avoiding the need for food.

Jen rolled into the warm spot he’d left behind, wrapping herself in the blankets.

Nathan chuckled as he reached for his sweatpants.

She’ll be hungry when she gets up too.

He padded down the stairs as quietly as he could, trying to avoid the squeaky steps.

He was starving for pancakes.

It took only a few minutes to pull the instant mix out of the cupboard and dig the griddle out from the bottom drawer, a few more to set things in motion.

The familiar routine helped settle his nerves.

We—

Yeah. That.

Nathan snatched up the phone and tapped in a number before tucking it under his ear while stirring the batter.

“Yes, Nathan?” the operator said.

He wasn’t surprised at the Hooded Pleasures switchboard having caller identification.

“I’d like to cancel my contract.”

There was no shock or surprise in her voice, no indication he’d said anything unusual. “I see. You understand you have a waiting period if you’d like to change your mind. It’s listed in the paperwork. You’re welcome to return but will have to go through the acceptance process again.”

“I know. And I won’t be changing my mind.” Saying the words made it real, made what had happened a few hours ago permanent.

“I see. Would you mind if Wendy or Evan called you to discuss this? To confirm it’s really what you want.”

“Not at all.” Nathan paused, unsure how much the dispatcher knew about what was going on. “I’m with Jennifer right now. I understand she’s quit as well.”

“I know.”

“She said there’s going to be a bodyguard on her for another week. Can you confirm this?”

Trust but verify.

“One minute. Please hold.” The canned music droned on as he poured out various-size pancakes on the hot griddle.

“Yes. I’ve verified that arrangement. It’s ongoing until the situation is resolved. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“No.” He spotted Jen shyly peeking around the corner. “Thank you for all your help.”

“Thank you for your patronage. Have a good evening.” The phone went silent.

Jen came into sight wearing one of his blue uniform shirts and nothing else. She sniffed the air. “I woke up to the most delicious smell.”

He put the phone down and flipped the pancakes with a spatula. “Wonder what that could be.”

“You quit HP.” She strolled up to the marble island.

Nathan nodded. “Wendy and/or Evan will probably call. I might or might not answer. Depends on what I’ve got in my hands at the time.” He gave her a flirty wink and relished the pink appearing on her cheeks.

Jen drew a finger along the cold surface. “I—” She licked her lips. “I don’t want you to think I quit because of Tanner, some mid-life crisis or something silly like—”

Nathan cut her off with a crushing hug, still holding the spatula. “I never thought that.”

She sniffled as she pulled back to look at him. “You were always the one I looked forward to seeing the most. I want you to know.”

He held back a growl. “And now I’m the only.”

“Yes.” She looked around him. “The pancakes are burning.”

Nathan released her to spin around and flip them. “I can always make another batch.”

“Nah. I love when things are well done.” She settled on one of the stools. “Now what?”

“I have to go to work tonight. As do you. Wendy was right on that point.” He raised the spatula. “We can’t afford to let Tanner or whoever this is dictate our lives. We’ll eat; I’ll get ready for work and escort you home before reporting for my shift.”

“The guard’s probably still outside.” Her lower lip jutted out far enough to tempt him. “He’ll follow me back to my building.”

“Humor me on this.” Nathan slid the first four pancakes onto a plate. “Syrup’s in the cupboard.”

She went over and retrieved the bottle. “Then what?”

“I’ll make a few calls tomorrow morning and see if we can put the heat on Tanner. Get his parole officer to do more checks on him, maybe pull him in for an appointment and have him account for his time. If he’s spent time following you around and stalking the others he’ll have gaps he can’t explain, times he was off the grid. It might not be enough to put him back in, but if he knows he’s being watched, he might break. Or at the least, bugger the hell off for now.”

“You definitely think it’s him.”

It wasn’t a question.

Nathan nodded. “Despite my wanting to give him the benefit of a doubt, I don’t see why anyone else would be doing this to you. I could be wrong, but I don’t think so.”

“I wish I knew why.” Jen poured herself a cup of coffee. “I don’t understand.”

Nathan shrugged as he set up his own plate. “I’m sure it makes perfect sense to him, in his own mind. But we can’t risk either of us getting hurt. Not now. Even though we’ve both quit Hooded Pleasures doesn’t mean we’re not targets.”

“You’re the target.” She corrected him as she drizzled maple syrup over her stack. “Right now he’s keeping away from me.”

“Still,” Nathan continued, not willing to relinquish control, “I’ll follow you home and then go to work,” he repeated.

“Are you armed?”

“Nope.” He nodded toward the living room. “I have a retractable baton in my car, under the seat.”

“You don’t have your pistol here.” He heard the curiosity mixed with sadness in the question. “Why?”

“Rules. It stays at the station in my locker until I sign on for my shift, like my uniform. So it goes.” He picked up the bottle and began dousing his own pancakes. “But I’m a cop. He might not be brave enough to take me on. He might run at you before he goes to me. Depends on how his little warped mind works.”

Jen stayed silent as she worked on her coffee and pancakes.

Nathan didn’t push her. He knew she was annoyed and upset and more than a little worried about him.

He finished off his meal and looked at the clock. “Almost time to get changed and get going.”

Jen dipped her fork in the syrup on the empty plate and drew long looping circles. “You do have time for a shower.”

“I do.” He grinned as she approached him, still holding the sticky fork.

“Good.” She placed it at the hollow of his neck and began to draw it over his chest, the wet tines tangling in his chest hair. “I think we both need to clean up a bit.”

He groaned as she pulled the fork over one nipple. “Yes, Mistress.”

Jen felt a thrill of anticipation tickle her spine as she led him upstairs, slowly unbuttoning his uniform shirt.

The bathroom was small and efficient, the shower stall barely big enough for one, much less two.

They’d make it work.

She turned to Nathan and let the shirt fall off her shoulders, baring herself to him. He stood there patiently, hands at his sides.

“How hot do you want it?” She leaned into the shower and twisted the handles.

“As hot as you can take it.” His arms went around her from behind, holding her tight.

She felt something prodding the base of her spine and realized he’d already shucked the sweat pants.

“I see.” It took all her control to pay attention to the water temperature, playing with the taps until a hot, steamy balance was achieved.

Jen arched back as Nathan nibbled on her neck, her control waning fast.

“In.” She stepped into the stall, not waiting to see if he’d follow.

She heard a drawer open and close and guessed he was raiding a condom stash.

She appreciated a man who was prepared for every situation.

The hot water drizzled over her long hair, the heat seeping into her weary muscles.

A hand reached around her to pick up the washcloth and bar of soap.

“Let me get your back.”

The long leisurely strokes had her sighing as she twisted back and forth under his touch. He ran down to her ankles and back up to the base of her neck, down over her arms and out to her fingertips.

“May I do your front?” he whispered.

“I’ll kill you if you don’t.”

His hands reached around to cup her breasts as he continued his gentle worship, the soapy washcloth swirling over each nipple with precision before sliding down over her belly.

But no lower.

It was like there was an invisible line he wasn’t going to cross, keeping his hands above her navel.

Jen wriggled her hips in an effort to encourage him.

It didn’t work.

“Nathan.” She put as much frustration and desire as she could into the one word.

“Yes?”

She could hear the laughter in his reply, the smoky desire underlying the need to play. A ripping noise came from behind and she knew what he was doing.

Jen growled. “If you don’t—”

Before she could finish the sentence, he spun her around and pinned her against the wall. His hands cupped her bottom, and he lifted her effortlessly as she gasped, her legs instinctively curling around his waist.

He slid into her with a growl, drawing a shocked gasp out of her as he filled her completely.

“You’re mine.” Nathan grunted as he set up a punishing pace, driving into her with short determined strokes. “From now on. Only mine.”

The resolve in his voice shocked her, thrilled her even further as the burning started in her core, spiraling out of control.

She could do nothing but hold on, dig her nails into his back and relish the moans as he continued to push her rapidly toward the edge, the speedy thrusts coiling her tighter and tighter even as she dragged her nails over his arms and shoulders, trying to take some control of the situation.

But he’d have none of it. Her hands scrabbled for purchase and found none, his strength holding her up and not allowing her any choice in the matter.

Jen gasped for breath.

I like this.

I want this.

I love—

He roared and plunged into her one final time, her world exploding into a thousand wet tears.

They slumped down as far as they could in the narrow stall, her legs aching as she was caught between lying down and standing up.

“Sorry.” Nathan kept a firm grip on her waist as he twisted and turned to get them both upright again. “I’ll make a plan to renovate the bathroom tomorrow.”

“Good idea.” Jen fought for air, trembling. “I don’t want to be late for work.”

Nathan chuckled as he picked up the washcloth from the floor. “Then let’s get going.”

He hadn’t planned to jump her in the shower, but when opportunity presented itself, he wasn’t going to let it go.

Thank goodness he kept a box of condoms in the bathroom.

Mentally he noted to store some down in the kitchen and living room for any future adventures.

As it was, he couldn’t keep his hands off her despite her slaps and giggles, making what usually took him ten minutes close to an hour.

Nathan twisted to see his back in the full-length mirror partially clouded with steam. The thin scarlet slashes from her nails made him grin even wider, if that were possible.

He’d earned every one.

“What are you smiling at?”

He turned to see Jen wrapping a towel around herself, wet hair hanging off her shoulders.

“Nothing.” Nathan rolled his shoulders. “I’m afraid I have to go get dressed now.”

“As do I.” She took another towel and started on her hair. “Go. Get out of here before I throw you down and have my way with you.”

Nathan looked down, seeing himself growing hard at her words. “I fail to see a problem with this.”

“Go.” She flicked the towel at his cock. “Go.”

He pouted, enjoying her weary expression.

“Go,” she repeated one last time with a nasty towel whip that made contact.

Nathan stepped out of range. “I’ll be downstairs when you’re ready to go home.”

He walked into his bedroom and noticed the time, making mental calculations. It’d be tight but he’d be able to follow Jen home in his car and make it to the station on time.

At least she’d be protected while he was at work.

Nathan moved to the window as he buttoned his shirt and glanced between the blinds.

Sure enough, the car was there, the same one from her workplace parking lot. They were rotating men in and keeping the same spot. It was a good plan, making sure they didn’t lose a prime surveillance spot because someone decided to visit a neighbor. He couldn’t see the current plainclothes investigator but suspected the guy was about ready for a change of pace, and following them to Jen’s place and then to the clinic would provide enough entertainment for the evening.

“What are you watching?” He turned to see Jen retrieving her underwear.

“Ah.” His mind went momentarily blank at seeing her perform the simple task of getting dressed, his libido stirring again.

“Down, boy.” She laughed as she dug up her socks from where they’d slid under the bed. “We have work to do. I’m looking forward to breakfast.”

He gave one last look at the car. “We had breakfast.” He licked his lips. “Including dessert.”

“Smartass. Tomorrow morning, I’ll take you out for a nice meal.” She stared at his blue dress shirt and jeans. “Don’t you wear your uniform to work?”

“Never,” Nathan replied. “I change in the locker room.”

“But you keep spare shirts and uniforms here?” A hot flash of desire shot to his balls as he realized she was referring to the role-play they’d both shared on previous visits.

“I bring them home to get dry-cleaned and then take them back. If I have to.” Nathan reached for her. “If we don’t leave now, I’ll be late for work. But maybe when we come back here—”

Jen slapped his hands away with a giggle. “You need to get out on the streets and use up some of that excess energy.” She leaned in. “But not all.”

Nathan let out an exaggerated sigh. “Protect and serve. Got it.” He waved at the doorway. “Let’s be off, then.”

He snatched his leather jacket off the peg and picked Jen’s up from the floor. “I’ll follow you home.” He held it out for her. “Don’t get too far ahead of me.”

She turned and kissed his chin. “Don’t worry. I like it when we arrive together.”

Nathan laughed before opening the door.

The cold night air washed over them as they went down the pathway. Nathan’s car sat in the driveway, Jen’s right behind it.

“Hold on.” Nathan jabbed a thumb at the waiting security car. “Let’s tell him what’s up and where we’re going. I don’t want them calling in the militia if we get separated ’cause of traffic.”

The two of them walked toward the street and the dark blue sedan.

“Hey.” Nathan waved his hand. “Hey,” he repeated.

Damned fellow’s fallen asleep. Going to get himself fired.

He stepped up to the driver’s side and rapped on the window. “Hey.”

The man’s head lolled to one side, showing the neat bullet hole in his forehead.

“Shit.” Nathan reached behind him and grabbed Jen to pull her close. “Back to the house. Now.”

All Nathan could think about was getting her to safety and calling for help—

Jen let out a cry as she moved closer to him, looking toward the back of the car.

“Don’t move.”

The man stood behind the vehicle, pistol in hand.

Nathan pushed Jen behind him as Lucas Tanner advanced. He recognized the man from his mug shot.

The frenzied look in his eyes was new.

And terrifying.

Nathan had seen that gaze before.

A man with nothing to lose.

“I told him to go away. I gave him a chance to run, and he moved too fast.” Tanner waved the pistol at the house they’d just left. “Back inside. Make a move, and I’ll shoot you.” He glanced around. “Make a noise, and I’ll shoot anyone who pokes their head out.”

It was early afternoon, and the streets were empty.

Nathan knew they wouldn’t stay that way for long.

And as soon as someone caught sight of the dead man—

The faster they got inside, the less likely any civilians would get caught in the line of fire.

“Okay. We’ll walk back nice and slow.” He kept himself between Jen and the crazed man as they headed along the street and back up the driveway. “Let’s talk this out. You don’t have to do this.”

Tanner laughed. “Yes. Yes I do.” He gestured at the front door. “Back inside. Now.”

Nathan unlocked the front door, keenly aware of Tanner’s full attention on him.

The armed man waved them inside, keeping the barrel pointed at Jen.

She glared at Tanner as he swung the door shut, sealing them in the house. “What are you doing?” she snarled. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

“Shut up.” Tanner slapped her hard with his left hand, sending her reeling against the wall.

Nathan grabbed her before she fell, biting back a curse.

Wait.

Wait for the right time to make your move.

She caught his eye and nodded.

She knows.

“Where’s your basement?” Tanner said to Nathan.

Nathan glanced at Jen, pulling her close. Her right cheek was already red and swelling.

“Over there. But—”

The butt of the pistol smashed into his temple, sending him reeling and silencing him as his mind warred with itself, arguing possible scenarios.

You could try to take the gun.

Close quarters. Likely it’ll go off.

Jennifer.

Can’t risk it.

Not yet.

Tanner gestured at the door Nathan had pointed out. “I don’t want anyone peeking in the windows.” He pointed at Jen. “You first.”

Jen opened the door and hesitated, looking back at Tanner.

“Down.” Tanner snarled as he pushed them in front of him. “Any quick moves, and I will shoot you. Don’t doubt that I will.” His voice rose. “I will.”

Nathan wasn’t sure if Tanner was referring to Jen or him, but he wasn’t going to take that risk.

Jen hit the light switch automatically as she stepped onto the first step.

Nathan followed her slowly down the stairs, feeling the pistol poke him through the leather jacket.

“Over there by the table. Take your coats off. Both phones on the table,” Tanner ordered. “I see a weapon, I see anything go off, and I shoot someone in the knee.” He grinned. “At this range, I can’t miss.”

Nathan slowly took out his phone and put it on the table. He slipped his jacket off and placed it on the table as well. Jen did the same, keeping her full attention on Tanner.

The armed man scooped the coats away from them and tossed them on the floor. It was only then he looked around the room, taking in the odd decorations.

“What the—” He scowled at the erotic images on the wall.

Nathan moved forward, readying himself to charge the madman.

Maybe—

He found himself staring down the pistol barrel.

“Keep your distance,” Tanner barked. “I’m not stupid. I know you want to take this from me, make yourself look like a good man, a hero. I won’t let you.” The pistol wavered, betraying his tough words.

Nathan kept his hands up. “Why are you doing this?” He pressed on, keeping himself in front of Jen. “Give me the weapon, and we’ll talk this out, figure a way to make this work. You don’t want to really hurt us, hurt her.” He felt the sweat trickle down his spine, pinning his shirt to his skin.

I can’t let him leave with Jen.

I can’t let him stay here with the pistol forever.

His phone went off, the low chirping noise starting all of them.

“Son of a—” Tanner glanced at the table where the phone lay, the screen blinking for attention. “Damn phone.”

It kept ringing.

“I should answer it,” Nathan said in a low, soft tone. “It’ll look strange if I don’t. I’m a cop. I don’t usually miss phone calls.”

“Okay.” Tanner wiped his forehead with his free hand. “But you say anything strange, anything out of place, and I’ll shoot you dead where you stand. Put it on speakerphone.” He bobbled the automatic at Nathan’s chest. “I’m not kidding. One wrong move, and I’ll shoot.”

“I believe you.” Nathan slowly fished the phone out of his pocket and tapped the button, keeping his eyes on Tanner.

Please let it not be a telemarketer—

“Nathan?”

Jen’s eyes went wide as she recognized the voice.

Wendy.

“Speaking.” Nathan kept his attention on Tanner.

“I wanted to make sure you were serious about canceling your contract.” The smooth female voice filled the room. “It’s standard procedure for me to check and make sure you understand the implications.”

“Actually, I’ve changed my mind.” He kept his voice level and casual. “I’d like to schedule another session with Kate. She gives the best massages.” He gave Tanner a wink. “Woman knows how to take orders.”

“Of course you can have another session.” The shift in Wendy’s tone showed she’d picked up on Nathan’s alarm. “I think she’s available tomorrow at ten. Would that work for you?”

“Sure.” Nathan grinned, keeping the facade going. “And make sure Evan’s there. He makes the best coffee.”

“Very true,” Wendy purred. “I’ll let you get back to work. See you soon.”

The phone went quiet as Nathan cut the link.

Tanner glared at him. “How many women do you need to rub your damned back? You’ve got this bitch here—” The words trailed off as he stared at the whipping post in the corner.

Nathan flinched inside. He’d never expected to have anyone down here other than those he invited.

“Is this for real?” Tanner said as he backed up toward the pillar, keeping the pistol trained on the pair.

He reached out with his free hand and gingerly touched the slick wood. A wide grin spread across his face. “Are you chaining her up here? Do you smack that sweet little ass when she comes to visit?”

“What does it look like to you?” Nathan asked.

Tanner laughed as he gripped one of the leather cuffs hanging from the chain and gave it a hard yank. “I didn’t think you were the kinky type, Jennifer.” He chuckled as she flinched at hearing her name. “Oh yes. Jennifer Lowell. I’ve been hearing that name in my mind for three years.”

“You blame her for your incarceration,” Nathan said, trying to draw his attention away from Jen.

“Of course I do.” He touched the prominent ridge on his nose with his free hand. “Bitch broke my nose. Word gets around, and everyone thinks you’re weak, thinks you’ll bend over and take it ’cause a girl took you down.”

“So when you got out, you thought you’d show her who the real man was.” Nathan gestured at the pistol. “Show her who you really were.”

Tanner grinned. “Three years. I got clean, and I got in shape, and I got ready.” He licked his lips. “Oh yes. I got ready, and I had a plan for when I got out. Kept my nose clean and kissed all the asses to make early parole.”

“You had a plan,” Jen repeated. “Why did you hurt Charles and stalk Jake? What part did they have in this ‘plan’?”

Tanner cocked his head to one side. “Because I wasn’t going to just walk back into the clinic and shoot you. That’d be too fast, too simple. I see you put a guard on now and those damned cameras are there.” He locked eyes with her. “I wanted you to suffer. I wanted you to lose people you cared about, who you loved. Like you did to me when you took my wife away. I wanted to terrorize you, let you feel my hot breath on the back of your neck. Started with your tire. Smashed a few more cars to get warmed up, get ready for the big show. You had no idea it was me.” He laughed.

Nathan’s stomach lurched.

He grinned, seeing her stoic expression. “The bomb threat, that was me too. I could have blown you all up. I thought about it. Get me a pressure cooker and all the info online. But I decided to give it to you slow, one bit at a time. So I called in the threat and watched you all scurry around like scared little mice. Then I keyed your car.” He nodded toward the wall. “Did that while you were here, screwing your man all Sunday. Watched you freak out when you got back to your apartment building, running around your car, trying to figure out when it happened.”

Nathan clenched his jaw, letting the man rant on.

Draw this out.

Help is on the way.

He risked a sideways glance at Jen and saw her expression. Her eyes were wide but focused on Tanner. The muscles in her neck were taut, so tight he imagined they’d snap if he touched her.

Terrified but holding it together.

In the middle of the panic building in his heart, he felt a twinge of pride.

Mine.

She wasn’t going to let this jackass see how scared she was.

“Fucking with your mind was my first phase. Taking out your customers was next. Maybe you’d figure it out, maybe you wouldn’t. Either way, I’d be hurting you. Taking away your business, making you scared about what was going to happen next.” He shrugged. “It wasn’t until after I did the lawyer I realized it would be more fun to see your face while I was doing it, putting the boots to them.” He pointed the pistol at Nathan. “To him.”

Nathan kept reevaluating the tactical situation, racing through possible scenarios in his mind.

None of them came out well.

Too many variables.

Too much of a chance Jen will get hit if I lunge for the weapon.

Bide your time.

“It’s not a very good plan,” Jen said. “You should have come right at me.” She showed him her fists. “Too afraid to face me directly? Coward. Pussy.”

Nathan flinched inside as Tanner scowled at her.

I know what you’re doing. Baiting him and hoping he makes a mistake.

I also know these odds aren’t good.

“Don’t you call me that.” He pointed the pistol at Nathan’s head, and Nathan saw his finger tighten on the trigger. “Don’t you call me that. I’ll kill him right here in front of you, make you drink his blood before it’s your turn.” He leered. “And I don’t plan to make it fast.”

“You couldn’t handle your wife. She ran from you. She divorced you after the trial. She wanted nothing more than to be free of you.” Jen’s voice shifted into her command voice, her Domme voice. “The other women at the clinic are gone, but that doesn’t matter to you, because I’m the one who hit you. Put you down like the sick mutt you are.” She kept talking, the tone low but firm. “I have to admit I was terrified years ago, that night you came into the clinic. Almost peed myself. We knew you would be coming. Sharon told us you had a bad temper and weren't going to let her go that easily.”

It was as if she was setting a scene, Nathan realized with a start. Using the words to create the scenario in his mind, pull him out of the present.

Now he hoped she could extend her reach over the crazed man in front of them.

“You came in all full of piss and vinegar,” she said. “When I realized it was you, I was terrified. Gwen hit the button, and we all waited for the police. But you were too fast, too angry.”

He grinned, showing off tobacco-stained teeth. “Yes. You were keeping my wife from me. That’s not fair.”

“Then you came at us with the crowbar.” She continued on without missing a beat. “But what I want to know is why you hate me so much. Hate women. You beat the crap out of Sharon for years before she had the nerve to leave you.” She moved a fraction closer to him. “Did the women around you abuse you? Did they hit you? Did your father smack you around, tell you that’s what being a man is all about?”

He stared at her as if she’d announced she had leprosy.

“Fuck—” Tanner swallowed hard and glared at her. “I’m not here for some damn therapy session.”

“Do you know who I am?” Jen drew herself up to her full height. “I’m a Domme. A Dominatrix. That’s what I do when I’m not working at the clinic.” She gestured toward the whipping post. “Those men, they’re my clients.”

“Hell, no.” Tanner laughed.

Nathan cleared his throat. “What she said. It’s true.” He kept watching the pistol as it trembled in the troubled man’s grip. “I’m one of her clients.”

He didn’t feel the need to clarify that status had changed as of late.

“What—” Tanner made a choking noise. “You—” He shook his head. “No way. I thought you were a bitch, but this—” He sneered at Nathan. “What sort of a man lets a woman hit him? What sort of wimp are you?”

Nathan’s temper flared, and it was only the knowledge they could both soon be dead that tempered his rage. “You don’t know anything about this. About her.” He pointed at Jen. “You think you’re a real man because you’ve got a gun and a set of balls. You have no idea what being a real man is.”

If I’m going to die, let’s get everything out.

He tapped his chest. “I’m a cop. I risk my life every day.” Nathan snorted. “A punk like you has no idea what it takes to be a man. You get drunk and you get tough, your courage out of a bottle. A real man deals with what’s on the inside, what you truly are when you look in the mirror. What the hell do you see when you look in the mirror?”

Tanner tilted his head to one side as he took in the words.

He frowned. “I’m the man with the gun. So I’m the one with the power.” He waved the gun back and forth between the two targets. “You like getting screwed over by some bitch, that’s your problem. All I know is I’m going to finally get my revenge for what she did to me.” His hand shook. “She took my wife away. She destroyed my life, so I’m going to destroy hers.”

“And then what?” Nathan demanded. “You shoot me, you shoot her—the cops aren’t going to stop coming after you.” He tapped his forehead, keeping his eyes on the man. “Think about this. You want to be a cop killer? When you get caught, and you will get caught, you’re going to go back inside for the rest of your life. No parole, no cushy halfway house. Nothing.”

Nathan tried to count off the minutes they’d spent listening to his ranting. If Wendy had picked up on his clues and called the police…

“You let her chain you up to that post.” Tanner grinned. “Let’s see how it looks.” He waved the pistol toward the whipping post. “Make it easier for me.”

Red colored Nathan’s sight for a second before he could regain control. He looked at the dark varnished wood and the leather cuffs hanging from the chain, waiting to be used.

“Go on,” Tanner demanded. “I can shoot you in the foot if it’ll get you moving faster.”

She couldn’t let this go on.

Jen pushed down the fear curling her stomach into knots, trying to ignore the pain blossoming on her cheeks.

A little slap, that’s all.

She’d given Nathan worse.

The police were on the way, thanks to Nathan’s carefully phrased comment to Wendy.

All they had to do was stall.

It was hard to keep the memories from overwhelming her, flashing back three years to the clinic and to her first meeting with Lucas.

A pistol trumped a crowbar.

She turned to Nathan, seeing his hesitation at following Tanner’s commands.

Jen extended her hand. “Come on.”

Nathan came forward, turning his back to Tanner.

“Assume the position,” she said, finding strength in the familiar words.

He paused for only a second before raising his hands over his head and placing them on the smooth wood.

Tanner gave a low chuckle behind them as she reached for the cuffs.

“Do you trust me?” Jen asked.

“With my life,” Nathan whispered.

“Good.” She kissed his cheek. “I love you.”