Haunted Read Free Page B

his fingers into her hair again and kissed her to silence. His was a possessive and domineering kiss, the perfect kiss to prove to her that he hadn’t been distracted from their plans after all. In a way, it was hot to make out in front of Amy, knowing how much the younger woman wanted the feast Athena was going to savor, knowing how closely she watched.
    “That’s why we have staff,” Rex murmured when he lifted his head. He snapped his fingers and Rick was beside them again, inclining his fair head in deference. Rex never looked away from Athena as he gave the command. “Rick, please lock the doors and ensure that you thoroughly discipline Amy in your own room tonight.” He brushed his lips across Athena’s slowly. “Athena and I are not to be disturbed. We will have breakfast at eight in Athena’s suite. Amy will be delivered naked and in shackles to the office for nine, so she can begin making up for her mistake.”
    “Yes, sir!” Rick said with enthusiasm.
    Amy bit her lip, presumably to keep from protesting. Rex ushered Athena toward the stairs. “I hope you have a lot of white rope,” he murmured.
    “Probably even enough for you.”
    Rex glanced back from the turn in the stairs, and Athena surreptitiously watched him. She knew he would put the final touch on Amy’s punishment. “Oh, and Rick, you don’t need to be shy about expecting your own needs fulfilled. Amy assures me that she will do anything.”
    Rick grinned, and bowed. Amy’s eyes were wide.
    Athena stifled a chuckle as they climbed the rest of the stairs. “You are bad,” she murmured and shared a smile with Rex.
    “You’re the one who said she needed discipline.”
    * * *
    Pathetic.
    It was just pathetic.
    No, she was pathetic.
    Caitlyn didn’t have to force a smile when Zach’s black Jetta came around the corner and stopped in front of her apartment. Even with the dark tinted windows, she had no doubt it was him. Of course, he was right on time. He always did what he said he’d do. He was always reliable.
    It was a little too easy to rely upon him.
    No surprise that she wanted more than conversation with Luke’s best friend, but Caitlyn recognized a man of principle when she met one. She was off-limits, because she’d been his buddy’s girl—even though actually she hadn’t been.
    What would Zach think if he told her the truth?
    She’d have to tell him the whole truth, then he’d run like hell.
    Caitlyn opened the door quickly and threw herself into the passenger seat, knowing Zach would have gotten out to open her door for her, even in the rain. He was still in the act of opening his own door and looked at her in surprise.
    God, the man was sexy enough to bite. He’d obviously taken a shower in those moments before coming to get her, because his dark blond hair was still a bit damp. He must have shaved as well, and he smelled like soap and a very good cologne. He was dressed casually, which was one good thing. She’d seen him once in a suit and tie and nearly come on the spot.
    “I would have gotten the door,” he said, a little edge of irritation in his voice that she knew would fuel her fantasies later.
    “I know. And you would have gotten soaked.” Caitlyn smiled. “It’s already so nice of you to give up your sleep for me. I don’t want you to get a cold, too.”
    “We’re both going to get wet at some point,” he said, matter-of-fact as ever and pulled away from the curb.
    Caitlyn didn’t say that she was wet already. Just being in Zach’s car close beside him was enough to rile her up. Hell, hearing him answer the phone, knowing he was coming to meet her, knowing he was alive and somewhere in Seattle was enough to turn her on. She took a deep breath, liking the smell of him that filled the car. He was Mr. Clean. No cigarette or smoke smell. No garbage on the floor of the back seat of his car. No dirty hair or fingernails. Just Mr. Clean, Mr. Buff, Mr. Polite to a Fault. Mr. Restraint and the King of Self