Chapter 18

Oliver studied the image on his computer screen, half his screen filled with multiple emails and open document files and the other displaying his business associate. “So the deal is complete?”

“We had the last meeting today to sign the contracts,” Phil said. “It’ll take the better part of a month to get all the details certified and all the legal bits and pieces to fall into place but we’re pretty well done and done. Java Jive will be an active part of Greenwood Books from this day onward.” He paused. “Your father would be proud. I think this is really going to help the company.”

“Both companies,” Oliver said. “I have no doubt if SuperSmartMart hadn’t charged in there, Veronica would have done well on her own. I could see her challenging the big boys in a few years for a bigger share of the market.”

“Possibly,” Phil conceded. “But this way, you both help each other out.” He smiled. “And she’s easy on the eyes.”

Oliver glared at him.

He put his hands up in defense. “Don’t get on me for sexual harassment. I’m just saying she’s one hell of a woman. Don’t see that come along too often.”

You have no idea.

A rush of desire sang through his veins as he recalled Veronica on her knees, kneeling in front of him.

He sighed inside, forcing himself to push the image away.

Not for you.

Oliver tapped on the keyboard. “Let’s call it a night. Please send over the final numbers when you have them. And make sure her employees get full benefits backdated to when the contract was signed. I don’t want any of them to suffer because we’re slow cutting them the first check. As it is, they’ll have to wait a month at least until we finish the renovations.”

“They’re good people. I’ll make sure we keep them.” Phil looked off to one side. “Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to go spend the rest of the evening with my lovely wife who never gets upset I spend more time chatting to you at night than to her.”

Oliver laughed. “My best to April. Tell her I’ll try to give you a bit more space.”

“For this, it was worth it. Good call on your part,” Phil answered. “Talk to you later.”

The image disappeared, replaced by empty screen. A few taps on the keyboard, and Oliver watched the screensaver come up, the three-dimensional cubes bouncing around the blackness.

Oliver stared at it for a few minutes.

Save the company and lose your soul.

The mantra of business executives everywhere.

Although he doubted many of them had tripped over the same dilemma he’d faced.

Oliver opened up the desk drawer and pulled out Roni’s leather collar.

He wrapped it around his hand, enjoying the soft but strong feel. The cool metal ring chilled his palm as he tightened his grip.

When you’re ready, come find me.

He looked at the clock.

Odds are she’ll be at Boots ’n’ Chains right now. She would have gone to Matthew and been reinstated at some point, given her bracelet and allowed to go out onto the floor for any Dom to approach.

His grip intensified on the band, the edges cutting into his fingers.

What have I done?

What you had to do, his conscience answered.

What you needed to do.

Even though it’s killing you inside.

The initial curiosity about her return had worn off as she went to the bar, settling on her familiar stool.

William the bartender walked over. He grinned as he placed a cardboard coaster in front of her. “What can I get you Mis—” He glanced at her silver bracelet and caught himself. “Veronica.” A pained look came over his face at the error.

She smiled in spite of herself. “It’s okay. I expect to get a bit of that tonight.”

The bald man shook his head. “My mistake. I’m sorry. Don’t intend to insult you.”

“No problem at all. Just water tonight, please.” It took all her self-control not to look around. “I don’t think I’ll be drinking anything stronger.”

William placed a bottle in front of her and snapped the cap off. “As you wish.” He glanced around and lowered his voice to a whisper. “There’re quite a number of Doms eyeing you. Don’t be surprised if you get more than a few offers.” He gave her a sly wink.

Veronica raised her bottle in a salute even though the butterflies in her stomach were threatening to pull her down.

Time to start your penance.

“Is Mistress Kate here?”

She didn’t want to wander around the floor, peeking into the booths and scanning the tables.

“Yes, she is.” William nodded to the left. “She’s over there with Alex. Came in not too long ago.” He put another water bottle on the bar. “I believe she’s in need of another refill, if you’re going to pass her way.”

Veronica gave him a grateful smile and picked up the bottle.

Kate Dubois sat on the black leather cushions, wearing a leather-and-lace corset that pushed her breasts up and almost out of their restraints. The garter belt held up fishnet stockings, and her open-toed shoes were made of the smallest, thinnest black straps Veronica had ever seen.

Alex Hanson knelt at her feet, stroking her legs with wide-eyed adoration.

Veronica placed the water bottle on the table and knelt in front of them both.

Position four.

Veronica drew a staggered breath, afraid to move.

“Who—Veronica?”

She stayed silent as a hand touched her shoulder.

“Look at me.”

Veronica raised her head to see Kate’s curious stare.

“Mistress,” she murmured.

“Thank you for the water.” Kate handed it to Alex, who obediently opened it up. “Is there anything else?”

“I—” Veronica swallowed hard. “I want to apologize to you and to Alex.”

“You have nothing to apologize for,” Kate said. “Nothing at all.”

“But—”

Kate’s tone left no room for discussion. “Any errors in judgment were made by another Mistress. Not the woman in front of me on her knees.” She looked at Alex. “Right?”

He grinned as she ran her fingers through his short black hair. “I agree, Mistress.” He reached out and took Veronica’s hand. “I hope you find someone who makes you as happy as my Kate makes me.”

Kate cleared her throat.

“My Mistress,” Alex corrected himself with a smirk.

She rolled her eyes and snorted. “You’re being naughty on purpose.” She tapped his collar. “I’m going to finish this drink and then deal with your insubordination.”

“Yes, Mistress.” Alex shot Veronica a wink.

“As for you—” Kate leaned over and kissed Veronica on the cheek. “Go and be happy.”

Fighting back tears, Veronica got to her feet and nodded before retreating to the bar.

It took the better part of an hour for her to make the rest of her apologies, seeking out the subs she’d used and abused.

None of them were upset, which astonished her.

“It’s good.” Derek gave her a hug.

They were both standing against the wall, partially in the shadows.

“But I was—” Veronica shook her head. “I was awful to you.”

“And now you know you were wrong.” He touched her silver bracelet. “I’m glad you came over to apologize to me, but it’s okay. I understand.” He smirked as he gave her a playful shove out onto the dance floor. “Now go find yourself a good man.”

She took his suggestion and danced, seeing a few of the Doms circling around the edges of the room and eying her.

No one approached her. Within the half-hour, she was back at the bar. A quick look around the lounge revealed most of the submissives were gone already, escorted to the back rooms by Doms and Dommes seeking an evening’s entertainment.

This isn’t working.

She held back tears.

Was I such a bad person?

“Veronica.” She looked up to see Lucian moving in beside her.

Her heart began to race. The older man was almost a legend at the club, a gentle giant in his fifties who was a senior Dom. His dark hair, edged with gray at the temples, was long and pulled back into a short ponytail. The gold bracelet shone in the dim lights coming from above.

He touched her silver bracelet. “I understand you’ve had quite a change as of late.”

She sighed. “I guess that’s not a big secret.”

He took her hand. “Don’t be too hard on them.” He nodded toward the dance floor. “They’re all waiting to see who makes the first move. Like at a school dance.”

Veronica smiled at the mental image of all the club Doms lining up on one side, the subs on the other.

“But I’m too old to wait.” His voice went lower and deeper as his grip intensified on her wrist. “Would you like to come to a back room with me? I’ll be gentle—” He gave a low growl and a delicious shiver crept up her spine. “Until it’s time not to be.”

“I’d be honored to be yours for the evening. Sir.” She lowered her gaze and slid off the stool, his hand on hers.

She tried not to look back as he escorted her away from the bar.

Oliver poured himself another drink as he studied the sales reports.

Maybe another store in Vancouver. Is it time to start thinking about expanding into the United States—

His gaze kept wandering over to the coiled leather collar sitting atop the dark varnished wood.

You’re not going to be able to avoid her. She’s going to be in your store every day, underfoot as she runs her café. She’s going to be in your boardroom, in your memos, in your sales reports and in your face every time you go and get a cup of coffee.

So what are you going to do about it?

Oliver looked at the ceiling and turned slowly in his office chair. It didn’t take much for his imagination to whip up the scene in his mind.

After being reinstated, she’d go to the bar, have a drink and let everyone see her. Eventually, a Dom would approach her and make an offer to take her in the back room.

Oliver grunted.

Roni would draw them to her like flies to honey and she’d have her pick. Any Dom would be proud to have her at his feet.

He swallowed hard.

Even if I went to the club and stood in line, she wouldn’t have time for me. She’s entering a whole new world for her, and she’s not going to want to be locked down to one man, one Dom.

Not even you.

Oliver brought his head down to look at the picture of Melissa on his desk. Of the two of them laughing on some beach, snapped only a few months before the car accident.

Ask yourself what she would want for you.

Then do it.

Oliver got out of the chair and picked up the collar.

What if it’s too late?

What if she’s already found herself the perfect Dom?