Owned by the Dom: Part One (The Owners) Read online

  Chapter Three

  James couldn’t believe Prudence was standing in front of him. This was not the girl he remembered. Everything around them disappeared until it was only the two of them in the room. She smiled up at him, the same welcoming smile he remembered when he went to pick Veronica up from her house. Prudence had been living with her for a short time while she was at college. Just thinking about it, the time that had since passed felt like a lifetime ago.

  “What are you doing here?” he asked as everything came rushing back. He saw the flash of disappointment in her eyes and refused to do anything about it. No matter what his body said or what any other organ said, Prudence Star was off limits to him.

  “Besides checking out the hottest club around?” she asked.

  “You know you’re not allowed here, Prudence.”

  “Why do you still call me by my full name?”

  “Because it is your name.” And I like it. He didn’t add the last part. The last thing he needed was for her to know how she’d affected him. She was twenty-three years old, and he was forty-six years old. He was too fucking old for her. She deserved someone … normal. The word alone made him shudder. James didn’t consider himself abnormal, until Veronica reacted the way she did over his lifestyle, he knew Prudence would never be for him. Prudence was his ex-girlfriend’s little sister. He shouldn’t be thinking about her in any way, even though her body was pure sin. Look at those curves, the way her skirt moulded to her hips. He’d seen the way her ass looked. Every part of her tempted him like a moth was tempted by a flame.

  “Whatever. I’m here because of Veronica.”

  He froze at the sound of his ex.

  “What does she want?”

  “I don’t know.” Prudence moved away from him to grab something from her coat. James watched as she bent forward exposing the base of her back.

  Fucking hell!

  He ran a hand over his face trying to forget what he’d just seen. Sweet, little, innocent Prudence had a tramp stamp along the base of her back. He hadn’t got a good look at the design, and he knew ink when he saw it. The desire to bend her over the bar and have a closer look was too strong. Shaking his head, he shot a glare to her friends before turning back to Prudence.

  “Here it is. She was adamant that I give this to you. I’m surprised she didn’t call you herself. Her marriage is not going well.”

  “That was over between us, Prudence. You know that.” He took the white envelope she offered wondering what Veronica wanted him to know. Their last meeting hadn’t ended well. In fact, it was one of the worst break-ups he’d ever been part of.

  “I know.” They stood in the one spot staring at each other. The guy who’d been pawing at her was waiting to pounce again.

  “Back off,” James said to the guy as Leo and Jermaine appeared through the crowd.

  “You found her,” Leo said.

  “Yeah, I found her. Get that boy out of my club.” He turned back to Prudence to see her smiling.

  “Thank you.”

  “I don’t like seeing men paw women in my bar. Thanks for this.” James walked away before he did something he’d regret. She was too young, and he needed to remember that. He passed Leo and Jermaine telling them that they could let her stay as long as they kept an eye on her. James didn’t want her anywhere near the basement of the club. The basement was where the real action began. The basement contained his very own dungeon.

  Pulling his cell phone out of his pants pocket he dialled Stephen’s number. Stephen was the owner of Possession, an exclusive club for men who felt possessive about their woman. James held a place in the club, which he rarely used. He much preferred his BDSM club. The people who visited his club understood him.

  He knew he held the possessive gene just like his father before him. However, his need went a little deeper than needing to know every detail of his woman’s life. His need couldn’t be easily sated with seeing his woman. James required complete submission, his woman on his terms doing everything he said without argument. Several years ago he’d tried the straight and narrow lifestyle. It wasn’t for him. Veronica had seen to that at their final meeting.

  “Hello.” Stephen answered on the last ring.

  “I’m not keeping Dane. Either keep him with you or send him back to jail. He’s not my responsibility. He’s yours.”

  There was muttering over the line. He made out Ursula’s voice and the rustle of paperwork.

  “He’s scaring the clients, James. I can’t have him here. Especially with the press jammed up my ass,” Stephen said.

  James stopped in the hallway before entering his office. “Listen to me. He is your responsibility. I’m dealing with the crap from the press just as much as you. At least you have a woman by your side. I’m juicier meat because I’ve got fuck all. This was the deal that you, Cadeon, and Lucas cooked up with the FBI. I have no involvement with this. I don’t even know what you agreed to. He’s a murderer for crying out loud.” James hit his head against the wall in order to bring some focus into his world.

  Prudence’s presence had really knocked him hard. She wasn’t a little girl anymore. His feelings were completely irrelevant. He needed to keep his focus; otherwise he was going to be in trouble.

  His friend cursed on the other line. Dane’s release had not come easily. All of them had had to delve into their pockets for lawyers and judges, not to mention the reassurance they gave to the FBI. The headache was intensifying from thinking about all the paperwork he’d needed to sign from giving money to help.

  “Look, we’ve got to keep him safe. I’ve got a few members of the bureau working undercover here to keep an eye on him,” Stephen said.

  “Then why send him to me?”

  “Because he was getting restless. I don’t know.”

  “I covered for you growing up, Stephen. I’m not taking your shit now. Get Lucas to come and pick him up. I want him out of my establishment in two hours.” James ended the call resting his head against the wall.

  His club was his one salvation. It meant he didn’t have to be at the front line with Stephen. He didn’t want any part in that life. Possession wasn’t for him. This lifestyle was for him. He rolled his shoulders trying to loosen the knots forming in his muscles from the stress of everything that had happened.

  James knew that being at the club meant sacrificing being in the know of what was going on with Dane and the deal they had made. He liked being in the dark. By being in the dark it meant the people closest to him were never at risk. There were a lot of people close to him who could end up hurt by him. He wouldn’t let that happen. He needed to take care of them like he did in everything else.

  Opening his office door, he stared at Dane who was turning around in circles with the chair.

  “Hey, dad. Can I go out and play?”

  After seeing Prudence, James didn’t want to be reminded of his age. He walked past the turning chair and pushed. The chair and its occupant tumbled out.

  He watched Dane recover without landing on his ass. The other man buttoned up his shirt and gave a bow. “I’ll be at the bar. Not causing trouble.”

  Dane left closing the door behind him.

  Sitting at his chair, James stared at the white envelope in his hands. Veronica had promised to keep his secret if he promised to never contact her again. He’d kept to his promise. No conversation had passed between them. James wondered what could be happening in his ex’s life for her to be the one to get in touch.

  Placing the envelope down on the desk he stared at it. The pounding in his temples continued. His mind was all over the place. All he saw in front of him was her curves. The temptation she provided him from simply being available. He hadn’t seen a ring on her finger or any signs of her being owned by another man.

  You want to own that body.

  He shook his head. His thoughts were not welcome.

  James grabbed the envelope and slid it into a drawer. He didn’t need the pressures of his past. He typ
ed in his password to the computer and opened the link to the security cameras throughout the club. The basement, or the dungeon, as some of his patrons liked to call it, had plenty of security. He didn’t want anyone to be hurt on his watch.

  Dominance meant the world to him, and so, too, did his reputation. Without both he knew he would be lost. He hovered over the club’s security. James wanted one more look to make sure he hadn’t made it up.

  Closing his eyes, he battled with himself. Then he pressed the button that would zoom the camera in to find her.

  He needed to make sure she was all right. James refused to question his need. Prudence was his responsibility. He didn’t want to see any other reason other than her being a friend.

  ****

  Okay, that sucked more than anything else in the world. Prue watched him walk away. For a split second she was sure she’d seen interest in his eyes. He’d demanded that guy be taken out of his club.

  Her two friends were looking at her. She couldn’t handle the pity in their gazes. The other two men who’d been with them were gone. She guessed they must have gone when James approached or when their friend had been kicked out of the club. Taking the seat at the bar she ordered a drink, a strong one. Jermaine got her the drink without argument.

  “Sweetie, who was that man?” Becky asked.

  “What makes you think I knew him?” Prue winced at the sadness in her voice. Why was she sad? James meant nothing to her other than being the guy her sister used to date or fuck. God, just the thought of them together made her upset. She couldn’t handle this.

  Seeing James was supposed to make her feel better, not worse.

  “You’re not kidding anyone, Prue. You know that guy, and he knew you.”

  “He’s Veronica’s ex. She used to work here.”

  “Oh my God! The guy you were crushing over owns this bar? Wow, do you even know the reputation of this place?” Anya asked.

  Prue nodded her head. She knew about the reputation. The professor who’d taught her to love her fuller curves had dabbled in the lifestyle. The thought of James being into it made her hotter than hell.

  “We’ve tried to get into that part of the club. No one has a clue where it is.”

  She knew where it was. Prue wouldn’t be telling them where it was. They were walking right over it. Before the big media reveal about the BDSM club and Possession, she’d been going into several clubs that had mentioned this place as a way to become part of the crowd.

  Grabbing her drink she sipped at the clear liquid. The alcohol burst on her tongue.

  “It doesn’t matter. Did you see him? He couldn’t wait to get away from me. Do I have stale food on my clothes? Do I smell bad?”

  Her friends shook their heads in denial. She understood him not finding her attractive, she thought they were friends at the very least. They’d gotten on really well when he was dating her sister.

  “He was hot for you, Prue. Make no mistake. The moment we came off the dance floor he was eating you up. For an old man he’s really cute.”

  Prue frowned at her. James may be older than she, but that didn’t mean he was some kind of ancient being.

  “Are you coming to dance?” Anya asked.

  She shook her head. “No, you go on ahead. I’m going to stay here.” And drown my sorrows in alcohol.

  They gave her a sympathetic hug then walked onto the dance floor. For a few minutes she watched them before turning back to her drink.

  She stirred the contents with a straw and watched as the ice began to melt.

  Someone took the seat next to her ordering a beer. The British accent soothed her. Prue looked up to see a large man. He had dark black hair with the darkest green eyes she’d ever seen. The man beside her was tall, taller than any other man she’d seen. He had to be close to six foot six. Probably not that tall. Her maths were awful.

  Realising she was staring, she felt the blush fill her cheeks.

  “You can look all you want,” the man said, taking a seat next to her.

  “Sorry, you’re so tall,” she said.

  Jermaine brought the guy’s beer over and glared at him before placing it in front of him. “Cheers, mate.”

  She listened to the accent, loving the way the smooth tones of his voice helped to relax her. Her thoughts turned to James, and she squashed them. He saw her as nothing more than a little girl.

  “I’m Prudence Star.” She offered the guy her hand. “Most people call me Prue.”

  “Dane.” He shook her hand then pulled away.

  “Dane….”

  “Last name not necessary.”

  Prue smiled. Jermaine stood near where they sat.

  “So, a sexy lady like yourself shouldn’t be alone at a club like this,” he said.

  “I’m not. My girlfriends are on the dance floor.”

  “And you’re not there with them?”

  She stared at him. “You’re asking a lot of questions for a stranger.”

  “I’m a curious guy. I’m a friend of James.” He stared at her.

  Prue took a moment to really look at him. His eyes may be the darkest shade of green she’d ever seen, but there was coldness to them. This man was not everything he was cracked up to be.

  “You see who I am now, Prue.”

  “Looks can be deceiving,” she said, taking a sip of her drink. Her hand shook.

  “I’m not going to hurt you.”

  “Get the fuck out of my bar, now!” James said. Prue turned toward him, shocked to hear the anger in his voice. She stared from Dane to James. The anger on his face was pure.

  “James, what is going on?” she asked.

  Instead of answering her, he caught her arm in a vise-like grip and gave her to Leo, who happened to be walking past.

  “Go and put her in my room, Leo. Make sure to lock the fucking thing so she doesn’t get out.” James gave out the orders.

  “Hey, let go of me,” she said, pulling on the arm that held her. Prue fought with all of her might to be out of his grip. The man held her tightly, and she didn’t like it.

  “Do as you’re told,” James said. She stared into his eyes not comprehending the sudden change in him. Where had he come from? And what was wrong with the guy she’d been talking to?

  She wanted to argue with him. The pleading look in his eye stopped her. There was arguing, and then there was plain stupidity.

  “You better explain.”

  He nodded his head. Leo escorted her out of the bar. She saw her two friends rushed to where James was. He must have given them a warning because they only stared after her.

  “Could you please loosen your hold? I’m going to have a bruise otherwise, and I don’t want to have to explain that to my bosses.” Her bosses wouldn’t care about her bruises providing her work was done. Working in a sit down office job was boring.

  Why was she thinking all of this stuff now? She should be panicking.

  He walked her down the hall to a set of doors. She watched him open the first door, close it, then turn to the left to open another door. He was leading her down some sort of maze. She closed her eyes feeling her anger begin to rise. Veronica was going to get hell for this.

  “Give James this letter for me. It is important. You’ll be fine. He liked you and will remember you.”

  She was going to fucking kill her sister. Go to a club known for BDSM. Check. End up feeling like shit because of the guy in charge. Check. Get locked in a room. Leo put her inside a bedroom.

  “Please, stay put until James comes to get you.”

  He closed the door, and she heard the unmistakable sound of the lock flicking into place.

  Again, get locked inside a room. Check.

  Chapter Four

  James waited for her to leave before turning back to Dane. The moment he’d seen the killer near Prudence, he’d completely lost it. No way in hell would he put her in danger, not for him or Possession.

  Her friend approached.

  “I suggest you grab you
r belongings and get out. If you cause a fuss I will have you permanently removed from Ravage,” he said without even looking at them.

  Neither of the women said a word. He saw them take their belongings and hesitate over Prudence’s coat.

  “I’ll sort it out.”

  They were gone several moments later.

  “You’re causing a scene in your club.”

  “My club. My rules.” James folded his arms over his chest. The anger threatened to consume him. He wanted to tear this man apart. Dane had done nothing to him. James merely hated everything the guy stood for. He didn’t give a shit what he had to offer, the information trapped inside his murderous brain. All that James cared about was getting the son-of-a-bitch out of his life and away from Prudence.

  “Do you really want to do this now?” Dane asked, flexing his arms.

  James saw the threat and recognised it.

  “You do not come into my club and talk to her.” James was ready to do some damage. This was not going to be settled like men. He was done talking with this guy.

  “Out back. Now.”

  His actions were immature. He needed somewhere to vent this aggression. He was tired of feeling out of control. The past year had been out of his control. With Dominic Green, Lloyd Black, the human trafficking ring, and the threat to his and Stephen’s clubs, he was done with it all. Ravage was his baby, and he wasn’t going to take shit for another second. Dane represented everything they’d all lost in the last few months.

  He opened the door to the back alley. It was clean and tidy.

  Dane came out followed by Jermaine and Leo.

  “James, this is not you. Don’t do this,” Leo said.

  “I don’t give a shit. This asshole has pissed me off for the last time.” He stared at the man across from him. Dane looked sad yet determined.

  Dane began to unbutton his jacket. “You’re not ruining my best suit, old man.”

  “Bring it on.” At forty-six years old, James felt in his prime.

  The jacket was handed to Leo who took it grudgingly.

  “I don’t want to fight you,” Dane said.

  James didn’t know what had come over him. The sight of Prudence and Dane talking had sent him over the edge.