Mastered

  this matter.”

  Evangeline felt the burn of helpless tears. Everyone but me. But the words remained unspoken, only echoing in her mind.

  “Yes, sir, I completely understand, and in your position I would feel exactly the same, and I make you a promise. Evangeline will always be safe with me, and I’ll move heaven and earth to make her happy and not regret her decision to give me her trust.”

  But she was already regretting it, no matter that it appeared her parents, in particular her father, had given their blessing on the whole messed-up situation. Because she felt the ends holding her together, her life, loosening and starting to unravel faster and faster and her control evaporating under Drake’s dominance. She wondered how she could possibly remain intact under someone as powerful and demanding as Drake, without becoming someone altogether different from who she was. Evangeline.

  She might not have much, but she’d always known who she was and where she stood. Now Drake threatened everything. She was so shaken by what had just transpired, and perhaps she’d been too caught up in the whole Cinderella fairy tale that she hadn’t truly comprehended the magnitude of what she’d agreed to.

  Or perhaps she’d known exactly what she was getting into and that secret part of herself that had reveled in Drake’s authority had asserted itself and reached out for something she’d been missing, an essential part of herself that would have been denied. She could resist and risk being unfulfilled, thus returning to her ordinary, predictable life. Or she could embrace the unknown but tantalizing life Drake was offering her and perhaps discover who she truly was and what the real Evangeline wanted.

  Drake knew Evangeline was upset and off balance when she hastily scrambled from his lap when his phone call to her parents had ended and she’d muttered some excuse about needing to touch up her makeup.

  He wasn’t going to call her out on it or remind her that she’d promised to relinquish control to him and that she’d given him her trust. He didn’t want to ruin the night he had planned for her. And it was understandable the way she’d reacted. The more he got to know her and peeled back the delicate layers that made up the woman he now called his, he liked who and what he saw. He was fiercely proud of her. He was asshole enough to admit that rarely had he truly felt respect and admiration for, much less pride in any of the women he associated with, but his angel was on a completely different plane. She was a challenge he simply could not resist, even if he wanted to, and he definitely wanted her, the entire package, and he was anticipating every step in their relationship. He just hoped like hell that she could manage to handle all that he dished out, because he planned to return in equal measure everything she gave to him.

  She was a woman deceptively fragile and naïve looking but with an inner core of steel. And after listening in on her conversation with her parents and then speaking to them himself, he also realized that he’d come to some errant conclusions where her parents were concerned.

  He’d been angry. No, not angry. He’d been furious at what he’d considered a case where two people who should have been protecting Evangeline were in fact taking horrible advantage of her. Now, after hearing the obvious love and affection the three of them held for one another, he knew that her parents didn’t like Evangeline giving up so much for them any more than Drake did. It was Evangeline who was determined that she would do everything in her power to provide for the people who’d loved and raised her. Not many young women would put their life on hold indefinitely in order to do the right thing.

  Only he had heard the relief in both her mother’s and her father’s voices when Drake had told them she would never work in the pub again and that he would ensure her safety at all times. In retrospect, he was glad he’d muted the phone before interrupting the conversation, because hearing what her parents had said would only hurt her and make her feel the worst sort of failure.

  They didn’t want financial help at the cost of their daughter. Yes, they most certainly needed the money she sent them on a regular basis, but they’d rather have Evangeline in school and happy, leading her own life, than tying her future up in her parents, always putting their needs before theirs. They were obviously both guilt ridden and wanted more and better for the daughter they clearly adored. Drake intended to make that happen for Evangeline and by proxy her parents.

  Her father was especially concerned because he’d informed Drake, in a tone that could not be mistaken for anything but the warning it was, that Evangeline hadn’t had boyfriends in high school, though plenty of boys came sniffing around. As a result she had little experience and was entirely too trusting. It worried him that she lacked the sophistication of the urbanites in New York City and would be taken advantage of. Yet another thing that Drake and Evangeline’s father wholeheartedly agreed upon.

  But it was the last thing her father had said that had rattled Drake’s usually unshakable composure. He’d told Drake that Evangeline kept mainly to herself, shunning relationships, never seeing or recognizing her own appeal. But when Evangeline loved, she loved with her entire heart and soul, and never would a woman be more loyal or true to the man she loved. And that if Drake ended up being that man, he would be the most fortunate man in the world.

  He nearly cursed as he waited for Evangeline to make her appearance. He wanted her to smile, to be happy and to shine. To light up the entire room when she made her appearance in the private box he’d arranged for her. Her every whim would be catered to, and no expense would be spared when it came to her enjoyment of her surprise.

  He was saved any further introspection when Evangeline reappeared, her makeup refreshed, but there was a dullness in her eyes he didn’t like at all. Something was clearly bothering her and he wanted her to be happy and enjoy her night, not be miles away in her head.

  He sighed and held out his hand, gratified when she complied and walked to where he still sat behind his desk. He pulled her once more into his lap, but this time she didn’t relax in his hold and melt into his body as she’d done before.

  “Angel, we have an agreement. If something is bothering you, no matter how big or small, you are to confide in me, and it’s obvious you have something on your mind. I want nothing to ruin this night for you, so until you tell me what’s going on in that head of yours, you stay here with me.”

  She looked . . . sad. Damn it. He didn’t like his reaction to her obvious unhappiness. Or that it mattered so much to him.

  Then she turned to look at him, fear and trepidation reflected in her eyes.

  “You told my parents to call you, not me, that you didn’t want me to worry unnecessarily. Are you cutting off my access to them? Will the only information I get about them come from you now? Will I even be allowed to speak to them?”

  He cursed softly, realizing how she could have misconstrued the one-sided conversation she’d heard.

  “That is not at all my intention. They are free to contact you and you are free to contact them. However, if they have a need, I expect them to come to me and not you because I won’t have you worrying over something I have the power to fix.”

  Slowly she nodded, her body sagging with relief. Then she cast a sorrowful look at him.

  “I’m sorry. I’m failing you already. I promised to trust you and yet I question you at the first opportunity.”

  In ordinary circumstances, yes, Drake would be impatient and pissed. He would already have cut a woman loose for Evangeline’s transgressions. But Evangeline’s were understandable, and he couldn’t bring himself to admonish her when her worries centered on others and not herself.

  He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “You haven’t failed me, Angel. I imagine we will both make mistakes in our relationship’s infancy. You be patient with me and I’ll be patient with you.”

  She smiled, the sparkle back in her eyes. “Now what’s this about my surprise?”

  He touched the bare expanse of her back, unable to stifle the urge to simply touch her silken skin.

  “I believe I said that first we would eat. You must be starving. Besides, it’s not time yet for your surprise.”

  Her mouth turned down into a cute pout, though he doubted it was intentional or that she even realized she was pouting. Then she frowned and glanced downward at her dress in disgust.

  “I probably should have eaten before changing. I’ll probably make a mess of my dress and I’ll have to do my makeup all over again.”

  “No, you won’t,” Drake said calmly. “Because every bite you eat will come from my hand.”

  She turned, her eyes widening in surprise.

  “Yes, my angel. You’re going to sit right here in my lap while I feed you and I’m going to enjoy every minute of it, and if there is any mess on your mouth, I’ll be more than happy to clean it up for you.”

  Her look was puzzled. “Why would you want to feed me? Isn’t that something I should do for you as your submissive?”

  It was the first time she’d overtly acknowledged and said aloud what she was, and it pleased him that it came naturally with no thought or hesitation.

  He gave her a squeeze, letting her know he was pleased with her question and the acceptance in her voice.

  “I too have responsibilities as your dominant,” he said. “Yes, you obey me, answer only to me, but it is also my job to take care of you and see to your every need. The act of feeding my woman is very intimate and it’s something I enjoy; therefore you are pleasing me.”

  “Oh,” she said softly, a thoughtful look creasing her brow as she processed his explanation.

  A knock sounded, heralding the arrival of the food Drake had ordered to be sent up. Evangeline tensed, but he kept his arm around her so she didn’t bolt from his lap, and he gave her a warning squeeze that had her immediately relaxing against him once more.

  “Come,” Drake said.

  The door opened and one of the kitchen staff pushed a cart from the elevator and hurriedly began carrying over the plates to Drake’s desk, arranging the entrées and utensils, and poured wine for both Drake and Evangeline. Mere seconds later, he and Evangeline were alone once again.

  He tightened his hold on her, pulling her closer to him so she rested against his chest and so he could reach around her to still be able to use the arm holding her as he cut the succulent steak into bite-size pieces.

  Then he speared a piece and gently held it to her lips, waiting for her to open her mouth and accept his offering.

  Her tongue ran nervously over her lips, making him almost groan, before she parted them and allowed the fork to slide sensuously into her mouth. She made a small hmming noise as she chewed.

  “Good?” he asked.

  “Very,” she said in a husky voice.

  As he continued feeding her, pausing from time to time to take a bite himself, she relaxed more and more until she was completely molded to his body. He could feel the motions of her chewing and swallowing, how her body moved against his, and he was seized by contentment that had eluded him for far too long.

  He noticed that every time he ate a bite and then forked a bite into her mouth, she took her time, holding on to the fork and allowing it to slide over her tongue as if she were absorbing every part of his tongue that had just touched what was now in her mouth. It was completely innocent. He doubted she was cognizant of what she was doing, but it was arousing as hell and his erection was no doubt making a permanent imprint on her ass.

  Discomfort be damned. He wasn’t moving even an inch to alleviate the ache in his groin because he liked her exactly where she was. She was his. She belonged to him. He could have her any time, any way he wanted, and he savored that knowledge. Never had he taken things with a woman this slowly, but Evangeline wasn’t just any woman, and for her, the waiting made things all the sweeter.

  But tonight . . . Later, when he took her home. He would show her his dominance and demand her submission. Physically. His angel was tough. Her looks were deceiving, as was her naïveté. She possessed more inner strength than most men he knew, and yet she had the softest, sweetest spirit that captivated others on sight.

  He had no doubt that what he had planned was nothing she wasn’t ready for and couldn’t take. He just wished that the night were over so he could take her home and sate the erotic fantasies that had taken over his entire being since the moment he’d first laid eyes on her.

  Finally Evangeline leaned all the way back into Drake’s embrace, tucking her head beneath his chin, and let out a contented sigh.

  “I can’t eat another bite. I want to, but I’m about to die I’m so full,” she said ruefully.

  He pushed the plate away and enfolded her in both arms, enjoying the feel of so much feminine softness in his arms. There wasn’t a better feeling than holding a contented woman against him. Contentment he was responsible for. It was a huge ego boost and he could readily admit that.

  He nuzzled his face into her hair, being careful not to mess up the elegant knot she’d arranged or else she’d flee to the bathroom and redo it all over again, and he much preferred her to stay right where she was for the time being.

  “You were right,” she said softly, her breath softly whispering over his skin.

  Curiosity overcame him because he was fast learning that Evangeline spoke whatever was on her mind, and he was positive that he would never be able to predict exactly what was on her mind at any given time.

  “What was I right about, Angel?”

  “It is very intimate to have someone feed you,” she confessed. “I would have thought it silly before. But it was . . . It . . . aroused me.”

  He smiled at her inherent honesty, applauding his decision to make a blond-haired, blue-eyed angel his.

  “It aroused me as well,” he said huskily.

  “Too bad you made other plans for me,” she said in a mischievous voice.

  He chuckled. “Oh, don’t worry, Angel. I have more planned for tonight than just your surprise. In fact, I have a lot planned for when we get home.”

  She squirmed on his lap, obviously turned on by his insinuation, and he nearly groaned out loud, because her squirming was not helping his dick and the fact that he wanted nothing more than to bury his dick as deep inside her as possible.

  She sighed. “You’re such a tease, Drake. How am I supposed to enjoy my surprise now when I know what happens after?”

  He cupped her breast through the thin layer of the dress she wore and thumbed at her nipple until it was hard and jutting outward. And then he captured her gasp with his mouth as he kissed her long and hard until both of them were struggling to catch their breath.

  “You have a good time and then we both will have a good time together.”

  The ride home was unnervingly silent, but at least Evangeline sat nestled against Drake’s hard body, curled underneath his arm, her cheek resting against his broad chest. His hold was possessive, which she’d decided at some point over the past few days, she liked. She liked it a lot. She felt as though for the first time she belonged. That she fit in, though the idea of her fitting into his glittering, excessive lifestyle was absurd. And yet there it was. She had her first real sense of belonging since she’d left her parents’ home to move to the city.

  Who would have ever thought that she would have had so much fun in the very club she’d endured such humiliation in just a short time ago? Short in literal time, and yet it seemed a lifetime ago. So much had happened since that fateful night. In a twisted, really screwed-up way, her decision to agree to her girlfriends’ plan—and the subsequent disaster that ensued—was responsible for where she was now and more importantly whom she was with now.

  As her mother always said, fate worked in mysterious ways and trying to predict the future was like trying to prevent water from sliding through your fingers. She sighed and snuggled a little closer into Drake’s side.

  Drake’s head turned in her direction, his chin rubbing over the top of her head.

  “What was the sigh about?” he asked.

  She made a shrugging motion and pushed her face into his chest. For once she didn’t blurt out the truth. How could she explain what she didn’t even fully understand herself? Not to mention that while her experience with men was limited, she was pretty sure uttering words like fate this early in a relationship would cause most men to hit the brakes hard. She was getting ahead of herself and needed to remember, for the first time in her life, not to focus on next year, next month, next week. Live in the moment. Today. Take each day as it came and enjoy the ride.

  Surprisingly Drake didn’t question her further. Perhaps he sensed her sudden introspection. They rode the rest of the way in silence, his warmth surrounding her like a cocoon.

  When they arrived at Drake’s apartment, he pulled her from the car in his gentle grasp and wrapped a protective arm around her body as he hurried her toward the entrance. Then he dismissed the two men who had accompanied him, men she hadn’t even noticed until then, and they promptly melted into the shadows, leaving her to wonder if she’d imagined their presence.

  When they exited the elevator, Drake took off his suit jacket and tossed it, as he did every other time he arrived in his apartment, over the coatrack just inside the door, and he began unbuttoning his sleeves, rolling them carelessly upward as he sought to make himself more comfortable.

  “Did my angel enjoy her night in the club?” Drake asked. “Although you rather reminded me of a princess holding court among your many admirers. You were quite the hit on and off the dance floor.”

  He smiled indulgently at her as she flushed with sudden self-consciousness. Initially she’d been nearly as excited about a night out at Impulse as one might be over a funeral, but she had to admit she’d actually had fun once she loosened up and let herself go with it.

  Being a VIP was pretty cool, but being Princess VIP, as Maddox had quickly dubbed her, was unlike anything she’d ever imagined. She’d compared everything that had happened so far to a fairy tale on more than one occasion, but tonight? It was like a high-tech, futuristic, absolutely rocking fantasy that put the traditional tellings of fairy tales to shame.

  She’d smiled, she’d laughed, complete strangers had been nice to her, and even as badass as Drake was, there was no possible way he could have arranged on such short notice for an entire club full of people to all play roles and pretend to suffer her existence. So the only possible conclusion to be had was that . . . magic had happened.

  Somewhere out there, she had an invisible fairy godmother who’d waved her magic wand and altered Evangeline’s entire reality. And the best part? It was well past midnight, and her prince was standing right in front of her with an absolutely delicious look on his face.

  She threw herself into his arms, hugging him fiercely. “Thank you. It was the best evening ever. But my favorite part was the time we spent together alone in your office when you fed me.”

  She promptly blushed, discomfited that she’d just put it out there like that. She made herself sound like a satisfied cat purring because her master had given her a treat.

  He cupped her chin and lifted it so their gazes met. “I’m very glad you enjoyed being fed by my hand because it’s something I plan to do often. I am very serious about taking care of you, Evangeline. In all ways. And tonight, I’m going to show you a side of me and yourself that until now you haven’t seen or experienced. Are you ready for that?”

  She swallowed nervously, but trust burned tightly in her chest, and excitement scuttled through her belly, suddenly making her jittery with anticipation. Her mouth went dry, and she ran her tongue over her bottom lip. He reacted visibly to her innocent action, his gaze burning a heated trail over her mouth and then lower . . . and lower still.

  “Go into the bedroom and undress,” he said softly. “I want your hair down. But leave the stockings and the shoes on. I want you positioned hands and knees on the bed with your knees as far to the edge as you can comfortably support yourself without falling off. I’ll give you a moment to prepare while I make a few calls.”

  Though Drake’s tone had been unhurried, the last thing Evangeline wanted was to not be prepared when he made his appearance, so she hurriedly went into the bedroom and undressed, ignoring the natural modesty that screamed in mortification at the explicit set of instructions Drake had given her.

  She removed everything, carefully putting all the gifts Drake had given her into one of the small jewelry boxes that had accompanied one of the presents. She tossed her dress into the closet along with the shoes and quickly shed her undergarments and then remembered he’d wanted her stockings and heels to remain on.

  Cursing, she slipped her heels back on and then took her bra and panties off, not daring to check her appearance in the mirror as she hastily unpinned her hair. She didn’t want to know what she looked like or what Drake would see when he entered the room.

  When she returned to the bed, she eyed it nervously, mentally going over the directions Drake had given her and wondering just how to position herself accordingly. Finally she crawled onto the bed, planting her palms firmly into the mattress and inching her knees back until they were on the edge of the mattress, her legs and heels dangling from the bed.

  She felt intensely vulnerable, knowing she wouldn’t be able to see Drake when he entered the room since she was faced away from the doorway, and she wondered if he’d purposely instructed her so that he would have the element of surprise. She already knew he wanted—demanded—the upper hand in everything.

  Then she wondered if she’d hurried too much and how long she would have to wait there in this position because Drake hadn’t been specific about how many phone calls he had to make or how long they’d take. Again, something he likely had done to draw out her anticipation.

  Her entire body was on fire, tingling, as she imagined what he would do, how he would touch her, how rough and demanding he would be. She remembered his warning after he’d made love to her that first night. That she’d needed it like it should have been her first time but it wouldn’t always be like that with him.

  She shivered, far from being afraid. She found herself eager to feel the moment when he unleashed his power on her. She should be afraid and yet she couldn’t summon true fear of him. She feared the unknown, not knowing exactly what he planned, but she didn’t fear him.

  It had taken months for Eddie to coax her into his bed, and even then, despite thinking that he was “the one,” she hadn’t truly wanted to take that step with him. Now, she realized she hadn’t completely trusted him, and rightly so. And yet after mere hours in Drake’s presence, he’d given her a mind-blowing orgasm and then he’d made such exquisite love to her that Eddie, or rather her experience with Eddie, was nothing more than a distant and fast-fading memory. An unwanted one at that.

  She closed her eyes, giving herself over to the euphoria slowly creeping over her body, leaving her in a lethargic, passion-induced fog. So immersed was she in -->