Reveal Me Read online

  Rem nodded solemnly. "Kind of spooky. Better be careful who you give your referral to."

  He thought of the card at home on his desk. Hmm. He'd have to save it for something big. But for now, there was just one thing on his mind.

  Talk to Scarlett.

  Chapter Eleven

  "SCARLETT! OPEN THE DOOR, I know you're in there. We need to talk."

  Scarlett pondered the closed door with a fierce frown. Oh, she was pissed. And hurt, and betrayed, and...pissed. After waking up from the most wonderful night of her life, she'd rolled over to find a note pinned to her pillow, and an empty bed.

  "I don't want to talk to you!" she yelled through the door. "You made your feelings perfectly clear in writing."

  An irritated, masculine sigh came from the other side. "I fucked up. I'm sorry. I need to talk to you, Scarlett, please open the door."

  She shifted on her feet at the softening of his tone. Cursing herself for being an idiot, she couldn't help twisting the knob and letting him in. It had only been twenty-four hours and already she ached for him.

  She was such a goner.

  He stepped inside. Dressed in jeans and white t-shirt, his dark hair was tousled, and stubble hugged the chiseled line of his jaw. He smelled of cotton and coffee and sunshine. Scarlett curled her fingers into fists to keep from touching him, her body already melting inside her clothes.

  Instead, she crossed her arms in front of her chest and gave him a challenging stare. "You left."

  He winced and kept his distance. "I know. I thought my note explained things."

  "For a man who believes in honesty and communication, that was a low move." She shifted her weight, hating to admit her next words. "You hurt me."

  He groaned. Misery etched his features. "I'm sorry, little one. I truly am. I never meant to hurt you--I'm trying to look out for you. Protect you from making a mistake."

  She studied him for a while, then shook her head. "No. You're trying to protect yourself because you don't trust my feelings for you."

  He jerked back. Those dark eyes filled with anguish, and though she ached to go to him, she didn't move. They needed to follow the conversation through.

  "Maybe you're right. Maybe what's happening between us is too fast."

  She tried to mask the pain and touch of panic at the thought of losing him so soon after finding him. Such crazy irony. First, she left him. Then, he left her. They kept circling each other, unable to meet. Scarlett just had to find a way to forge both paths into one. "I'm ready to explore with you," she said softly. "But you have to trust me to know what I need. To trust who I need."

  He closed the distance between them, sliding his hands around her back to tangle in her hair. His breath rushed warm over her lips, and she greedily drank in the sight and scent of him. "I want you to be mine, Scarlett," he growled against her lips. "But I don't want to scare you. I'm a possessive, greedy, demanding man, and it won't be easy to walk away from me." His warning rang with all the masculine power that made her belly drop to her toes. "I understand why you left me the night of the masquerade. You were finally free--and not ready to commit so soon. And I can take this slow between us, but I need you to be sure of what you want."

  "How do I prove that to you?" She shook with frustration. "What do you want me to do?"

  Determination gleamed in his eyes. "I've had years to explore this world, but you haven't. You should have all your options available. Go to Chains. Take some time and play with another Dom."

  She stilled. "You want me to scene with another man?"

  "I want you to explore more of the BDSM world with an experienced dominant I trust. My cousin Rem is a master there, and can help take care of the whole thing. I want you to take the time to really see if our night was real--or if you bonded to me because I was the one to take you into your first real scenes."

  She wanted to shake him. Cry. Stomp her foot and throw an old-fashioned female tantrum. Rip off her clothes and kneel at his feet. But Scarlett knew in that moment there was only one way to prove to him her feelings were real. Even if it meant submitting to someone else. "You really need me to do this?" she asked softly.

  Stubbornness threaded through his words. "Yes. For the both of us."

  She closed her eyes. Dragged in a breath. And gave him her answer. "Then I will. I'll remove my clothes and give myself over to another Dom. I'll keep an open mind to the experience."

  He nodded. "I'll set everything up for next Saturday."

  "Will you stay with me for a while?"

  He didn't respond. He kissed her, with an agonizing sweetness that stole her breath and her heart. When he lifted his head, torment gleamed from his eyes. "I can't, little one. I have to stay away from you so you can have an open mind. We both need the time apart."

  "And what if I like it? Being with someone else?" she challenged.

  His gaze was steady on hers. "I'll accept it. And I won't walk away because there's nothing wrong with having another Dominant helping you enjoy pleasure. But you'll also be sure if you want just me, or if it's too soon. You may need others for a while. And I'll know I wasn't the one to trap you by using the very thing that was able to free you."

  With his taste lingering on her lips, he turned and walked out.

  Scarlett stared at the door for a long time. God, how was she going to do this? She didn't want to play with another man. She only wanted Leo, but he didn't believe her.

  She needed to talk to someone.

  Scarlett grabbed her phone and dialed Hartley. Her cheery voice poured over the line. "Hey, I've been waiting to hear from you. How are you doing?"

  And then it happened.

  She burst into tears.

  "Oh, my God! Scarlett, are you okay? Are you hurt?"

  "No! I'm just being emotional, I'm sorry. I just miss you."

  "I miss you too! Listen, I can get in my car right now and drive over."

  Scarlett swiped at her eyes and laughed. "Sure. It's only a forty-hour drive."

  "So, I'll get on a plane. I need a vacation anyway."

  Her heart filled. Hartley was such a good friend; the miles didn't matter. "Thanks, Hart. I appreciate it. I think I need some advice."

  "Tell me everything."

  She did. She told her about meeting Leo again and her feelings and how she left him the night of the masquerade party even though she'd already been developing a connection with him. Once she spilled out the whole story, she felt a bit lighter. There was nothing like a girlfriend who had your back.

  Finally, she stopped talking and took a deep breath. Hartley stayed silent for a while, probably trying to sift through the complicated tale.

  "Here's my first question," Hartley said. "Do you want me to get Jonathan and Cruz to beat some sense into him?"

  Scarlett laughed. "No. I'd like Leo to realize we're meant to be together on his own."

  "Then you need to do what he asks. And not for Leo, sweetie. For yourself."

  She froze with dread. "You don't believe me either?"

  "No, silly! I know you're crazy about him and playing with another dominant won't change anything. But Leo sounds like the protective type. Even though it's screwed up, he's trying to do this grand gesture of letting you go to make sure you're happy. You went through hell with your ex, Scarlett. And now you finally have this brand-new life in Vegas, and Leo's probably terrified of scaring you off. He wants to love you, not trap you."

  "I can see how he'd think like that," she said slowly. "You're saying I should go along with his suggestion?"

  "I do. This will prove to both of you it's more than just sex. It's the connection you feel with him. The emotions. The...need."

  "Hmm, sounds like you're experiencing those same things. How's it going with Jonathan and Cruz?"

  Her friend's sigh was filled with content. "Really, really good."

  Her heart swelled. "I'm so happy, Hart. You deserve everything, and those men are the ones to give it to you."

  "Of course, it's n
ot always easy. It can get complicated."

  "They're men, Hart. Men are always complicated."

  They laughed, staying on the phone for a while to catch up. When she finally said good-bye, Scarlett knew what she had to do.

  For both of them.

  Chapter Twelve

  LEO STARED THROUGH THE two-way pane of glass and hoped he wouldn't crash through it.

  A primal, possessive roar pumped through his blood and hovered on explosion. Watching Scarlett in her band aid skirt and a simple black lace bra that emphasized those lush curves was pure torture. The moment she stepped into the club to meet Master Evan, he'd been ready to call the whole thing off. But she had a right to have choices. Leo couldn't live with himself if he trapped her into a relationship with him because she didn't know her other options.

  "You doing okay?"

  He turned toward Rem with a growl. "No."

  His cousin clapped him on the shoulder in guy comfort. "Sorry, I know it's hard. But I made sure she met with Master Evan so he got an idea of what she's looking for."

  "He's single, huh?"

  A gleam of sympathy shone from Rem's blue eyes. "Yeah. That's the only way this can work. If there's a connection, better you know now rather than later."

  "And he's the best?"

  "One of the best, yes. Evan is known to push the majority of subs into subspace. He's one of the most popular masters at Chains."

  "Fucking fantabulous."

  Rem smothered his smile. "They've discussed the scene in length so she's in good hands. Sure, you don't want to sit this one out? I'll be honest with you and explain everything if you want to go home."

  "Hell, no. I'm watching every second. It's the only way I can be close to her."

  The room reminded him of the one they'd played in at Blasphemy. Simple, functional, yet decorated with sensual colors and fabrics. There was a spanking bench, St Andrews cross, and a king size bed with various bondage equipment hooked to the posts. A large shaded window took up the right wall since it was themed for voyeurism. Leo ignored the comfortable chairs and sofas set up and propped his elbows up on the high counter so he could keep a sharp gaze on every detail of the scene.

  As long as he didn't look at the bed.

  It may kill him.

  Master Evan approached her, and even Leo had to admit the guy was impressive looking. His blonde hair was caught at the nape of his neck, and even through the glass Leo caught the way his blue eyes pierced with a perceptiveness that pegged him as an experienced Dom. He was taller than Leo, his body more whip like and lean.

  He watched Scarlett's face for her reaction to her new master of the evening, but she seemed calm, all her emotions tucked behind a smooth facade. If Evan did his job, that surface would shatter and break, allowing them both to glimpse the real stuff.

  Master Evan studied her with hard eyes, taking it all in. "Please kneel."

  "Yes, Sir." She sank to her knees, gaze lowered, knees apart. She still wore the skirt and bra. Her feet were bare.

  "Very good. You may stand and remove your clothes, fold and hand to me."

  Her hesitation was slight, but she rose and slipped out of her skirt, then unhooked her bra. As she stood before her new Dom, Leo had to fight not to close his eyes against the sudden need to go to her. Break up the session and take over. She was so fucking beautiful, naked and vulnerable and standing tall, with her shoulders back, pride glowing on her face as she owned her sexuality.

  "You're very beautiful," Master Evan said, taking her clothes. "Please stand against the wall and face me. You will lift your arms high over your head and spread your feet wide."

  "Yes, Sir."

  She obeyed, and Master Evan pulled down the chains from the ceiling, buckling her into the cuffs and adjusting the fit. The room was small enough that Leo could spot every detail. Goose bumps peppered her arms. Her nipples were hard. Her belly quivered. But when she spread her legs wide, he didn't see her usual dampness, and her inner thighs were dry.

  Master Evan cuffed her ankles, then stood back. "Perfect. I want you to breathe, Scarlett. Inhale deeply, hold for a moment, then slowly exhale."

  "Yes, Sir."

  She breathed, her heavy breasts lifting like a gift, and Master Evan began touching her. His fingers stroked and explored, rubbed and teased, urging her to let go into the sensations of her body while she breathed. He lowered his head to suck on her nipples, manipulating her the exact way Leo knew she loved. His dick pushed against his jeans, desperate for relief, and he sank into a terrible pit of lust and anguish, adoring her open submission the same time his soul wept that she was being touched by another.

  Master Evan murmured something in her ear the same time his hand slid between her legs, his fingers slipping inside her.

  Leo groaned. His breath strangled in his lungs.

  Master Evan stepped back. A slight frown creased his brow, and he seemed to change up his game. He walked to the bureau and withdrew a feather, a flogger, and a brush with sharp spikes.

  Sensation play.

  "I want you to close your eyes, Scarlett. Keep them closed until I tell you open them."

  "Yes, Sir."

  He began to slowly bring her body into the full swing of the scene. Leo admired his flawless technique. The master knew exactly when to back off from the edge of pain and into pleasure, from the whip of the flogger, to the slow tease of the feather, and the rub of the prickly brush strapped to his hand. And the whole time he watched her body jerk and move under Master Evan's toys, her breath coming a bit faster, and the flush to her pale skin.

  Caught between heaven and hell, Leo watched it all, and Master Evan once again slid his hand between her legs.

  "Open your eyes," Master Evan commanded.

  Leo's breath stopped as Scarlett stared back.

  Tears shone in those inky depths, along with a deep sorrow that ripped through him. Her lips trembled. Her voice broke. "I'm sorry, Sir."

  Master Evan dropped the flogger, his hands cupping her cheeks with concern. "Scarlett, why didn't you use your safe word if you were uncomfortable?"

  She shook her head. "It's not that, Sir. Everything you did was fine. I liked it all. But you're not the man I want and I can't pretend."

  Leo placed his palms on the glass. His world tilted, then righted itself in perfect harmony. His entire being stilled.

  Scarlett didn't want any other Master but him. She had no idea he was here tonight, watching the scene. The raw honesty of her reaction to Master Evan told him what he needed to know.

  He wasn't about to waste another minute.

  Leo pulled away from the window and walked toward the room.

  ***

  It was all wrong.

  She stared up at Master Evan in sheer misery. He was sexually attractive, kind, and was able to coax her body to slight arousal, but inside, she remained untouched. She'd enjoyed their dialogue together and found him interesting and intelligent. He was the perfect package.

  But he wasn't Leo.

  Master Evan stroked her cheek. "Why don't I get you out of these bonds and we'll talk?"

  "You may leave my submissive as is, Master Evan."

  Scarlett jerked in the chains. Her mouth fell open as Leo strode into the room with his usual arrogance and power. Master Evan regarded him, glancing back and forth between them for a few moments, then stepped back, letting his hand drop from her cheek.

  "Leonardo. I didn't realize you were here tonight. Or that this was your submissive."

  "Let's just say I was waiting to make the perfect entrance." The man who held her heart swiveled his gaze to stare at her with command. "Scarlett, tell Master Evan who I am."

  A smile of pure joy curved her lips. "He's my true master."

  "Then you may be needing this." Master Evan handed Leo the flogger, and slid off the glove. The feather had already drifted to the ground.

  "Thank you. I appreciate you warming up my sub."

  "It was my pleasure. She's a beauty." Wit
h a nod of respect, Master Evan left the room.

  Her heart thundered as Leo slowly walked toward her. "You were here the whole time?" she asked.

  "I had to know." His face held regret but a new resolve she hadn't spotted before. "And now that I do, the rules are about to change."

  A thrill shot through her. That dark, dirty voice poured over her body and between her thighs, leaving her wet and aching. "Yes, Sir."

  "You belong to me. No more play with other doms."

  His hands stroked her face, down her shoulders, over her breasts. She melted into him. "Yes, Sir."

  "No more leaving before morning for either of us."

  Her trailed kisses down her neck; sunk his teeth into her shoulder. His thumb flicked the hard nub of her nipple back and forth. His knee pressed between her legs, giving her just enough pressure on her clit to drive her mad. "Yes, Sir."

  "You're all mine, Scarlett Rose. And I'm never going to let you forget it."

  His fingers drove inside of her with merciless intensity. She cried out his name as her hips arched up for more, but he kept up his own rhythm as his mouth claimed hers, his tongue plunging between her lips to mirror his fingers. Ruthlessly, he twisted and rubbed her clit with his thumb, forcing her on her toes, trying to fight the bonds that held her to get closer. He laughed with satisfaction, playing her like a fine instrument, and then she was coming, jerking against him in abandon. He nibbled on her lip, soothing her swollen flesh, and then her drowsy gaze met his.

  "What do you say to me?"

  She shuddered at his demand and gave him the words they both needed.

  "Thank you, Master."

  He smiled and pressed his forehead against hers. "Very nice. Now, let's further your education since we have this room for the whole night."

  Scarlett smiled back and knew this time; the gift of her heart would be well taken care of.

  The End

  Author's Note

  I hope you enjoyed this newest installment of the Steele Brother Series. Please make sure you subscribe to my newsletter. I never overwhelm your inbox, and offer exclusive giveaways and new material to subscribers.

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  I'm thrilled to announce Reveal Me is part of a Special Cross-Over Release with Laura Kaye's Theirs to Take from her Blasphemy Series!