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Vince said nothing, but gave Nathan his full attention.

  “Seems Mommy Dearest had a few prostitution and drug charges on her resume. And one charge of child endangerment.”

  “Fuck.”

  “Yeah,” Nathan agreed, barely controlling the fury boiling inside him. No one, absolutely no one, had the right to harm another person, especially a child.

  “Her mom, Melinda Hester, died of a drug overdose. Rose was the one to find her and call nine-one-one. She was twelve years old and went into foster care after that. She graduated from Clyde C. Miller Career Academy and then got her massage certificate from Southwestern Illinois College over in Belleville. She’s been working as a therapist since then. Moved to Caseyville a few years ago.” Nathan relayed this information in a matter-of-fact voice.

  “That Private Investigator’s licence has come in handy, huh?” Vince asked.

  Nathan just nodded.

  “So what’s the problem?” Vince continued.

  “The problem is I read the letter from her dad’s lawyer. I did a little investigative work on him as well. Her dad graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a double degree in agriculture and business. Six years ago he started up his own winery in southern Illinois—Blue Jay Hills. The place is doing okay, but not great. Seems it’s a fair distance off the beaten path. Still, the guy is solvent and appears to be an upstanding businessman. Volunteers to help with underprivileged kids, pays his taxes, been married to the same woman since three years after earning his degree.”

  Nathan gulped down the rest of his beer then continued. “He recently hired his own PI to find Melinda Hester. I’m guessing that’s how he found out about Rose.”

  “Why do you think Rose wants nothin’ to do with the guy? I mean, hell, you’d think she’d be glad to know she has a dad and that he wants to contact her,” Vince questioned.

  “She’s angry. I know that much, but at what and why I’m not sure,” Nathan answered.

  “Duh!” a female voice joined in.

  “Hey, Joe. Didn’t notice you standing there,” Nathan said with a brief glare. He trusted pretty little Joe but still didn’t appreciate anyone eavesdropping on his conversations.

  “That’s because you’re kind of self-absorbed, but don’t think I heard everything. I might be sneaky, but I’m also respectful of other people’s privacy. Still, Rose is my friend and what hurts her pisses me off. You really don’t know why she’s angry?” Joe persisted.

  “If I knew I wouldn’t be here would I?” Nathan retorted.

  “Now, now, don’t get testy with me, big guy,” Joe scolded. “Put yourself in her shoes for a minute. She watched her mom turn tricks to put food on the table, probably saw more depravity before she was twelve than all three of us put together, which is sayin’ something considering I was raised in a bar and you guys are…well…guys.

  “Anyway, she found her mother dead from an overdose and survived the foster care system. Luckily, her foster parents were good people and got her some counselling. They were friends with my folks so that’s how I met her. Then, suddenly, a father appears out of nowhere? Where the fuck was he when she needed him?”

  Nathan glanced at Vince, who was keeping his eyes focused on the top of his shoes. Obviously, Vince would offer no help. Nathan ran a hand over his face and scratched his bald head.

  “Damn. You’re right, Joe,” Nathan admitted.

  Joe placed a soft hand on Nathan’s shoulder before she said, “Of course I am. You need to be careful. Really careful. Rose has been through hell and survived on her own wits and very little else. She won’t take kindly to having you root through her business without her knowledge. And let me warn you—if you hurt her, I’ll castrate you.”

  Nathan looked into Joe’s steely blue eyes, held her face in his hands and kissed her soundly. “Joe, if I hurt her, you won’t have to castrate me. I’d rather die myself than see her suffer any more. Vince, your woman is a godsend.” He gave Vince a friendly slap on the shoulder and left the bar. He had work to do.

  Chapter Four

  Catawba—An all American grape filled with innocent sweetness. The perfect after dinner sweet wine.

  Rose puttered about her yard, pulling weeds from around the herbs and picking aphids off her tomatoes. Bugs—yuck! But still, she much preferred growing her own vegetables so that she could avoid as many chemical fertilisers and pesticides on her food as possible. And while she hated dealing with creepy crawlies, she’d take them over ingesting unknown chemicals any day. She had a few hours to herself before her first appointment that afternoon—an elderly woman who suffered from arthritis—so this seemed as good a time as any to do a bit of gardening. Actually, she was looking forward to her appointment. She’d been seeing Mrs McDaniel twice a week for three years now. When she’d first started, the sweet old lady had been in constant pain and was considering moving into an assisted living facility. Now, thanks to a specialist at Barnes-Jewish hospital and Rose’s ministrations, Mrs McDaniel could again make her famous gooseberry pie and still lived independently.

  As she continued with her chores, her mind drifted. She walked to pick up the garden hose and smiled just a bit at the slight soreness between her legs. Nathan. Strong, sweet, kind, stubborn Nathan. The day she met him had to have been plotted by the Goddess.

  “I’m here to give you a full body massage,” Rose stated, staring at the gorgeous man who had opened the door to her. “Your friends, Joe and Vince, said this was part of your birthday gift. Here’s my card.”

  Nathan grinned at her, then threw back his head and laughed. Rose shifted from foot to foot as she waited for him to compose himself.

  “Well then, darlin’, come on in. What’s your name?” he asked.

  “I’m Rose Hester. And if you’d like to see my qualifications, I’d be happy to show you my state certificate,” Rose assured him.

  “If Joe and Vince sent you, I’ve no doubt you’re legit.”

  Rose set up her portable massage table and set out her oils.

  “Okay. Joe said you probably needed a relaxation massage, but if that isn’t correct and you want something else, just let me know. I can target sore areas due to arthritis, sports injury, muscle cramping. But…I need to be sure you understand, I don’t usually work on men alone. I’m a state licensed massage therapist and that is all I do. Got it? You try anything funny with me and I’m out of here and will press charges. I also hold a brown belt in karate.”

  Nathan grinned. “Got it. No hanky panky. And yeah. I’d really like the relaxation thing.”

  After he had settled himself on her table and she’d ascertained that he had no allergies, she added a few drops of lavender and chamomile oils to the almond oil she used as a base and began the massage. She worked diligently on loosening the knots in his shoulders and lower back. Despite her attempt to remain completely professional, she couldn’t help but notice the strong muscles and spectacular physique of the man. She barely suppressed a gasp of pure wonderment when he turned over so she could begin to work on his impressive chest and biceps. Hell, she’d always been a sucker for a strong chest and arms.

  “Hmmmm. That feels wonderful,” he whispered.

  “Good. It’s supposed to,” she responded.

  When she’d finished, she had every intention of leaving. For some reason, though, she felt reluctant to leave and took her time organising and cleaning her equipment, enjoying Nathan’s lingering gaze. Nathan’s only clothing was a towel wrapped around his waist and he was sitting in a straight-backed kitchen chair while she gathered her paraphernalia.

  “You ever cross the bounds of professionalism with a client?” he asked.

  “Never,” she answered. But, oh goddess, she’d love to cross that bound today.

  “Good thing that Joe and Vince hired you then. That makes them your clients, not me,” he said.

  Rose looked at him, startled for a moment. The smile on his face seemed to promise long nights and soft mornings.


  “Good thing,” she agreed rashly.

  He held out his hand and her pulse raced. Never before had she been so quick to walk into a man’s arms. Normally, she went to bed with a man only after weeks, sometimes months, of consideration. She had never impulsively enjoyed a one-night stand. But something about this man—his dark eyes, his strong voice—demanded obedience, and something deep in her soul responded. She went to him willingly and wantonly.

  He kissed her, his lips sweet and soft, while he ensnared her hair in his hands, pulling. His tongue probed her mouth, demanding admittance she willingly gave. Roughly, his hand slid over her blouse and cupped her breast. He fingered her nipples until they were as hard as tiny diamonds.

  “Undress for me,” he whispered.

  “Yes.”

  When she had removed her clothing, he stood and dropped the towel. During the massage, she’d carefully kept his private parts covered, touching only what was necessary. She’d never before risked her professional reputation by doing something tawdry. Now, she couldn’t stop herself from wanting to do something totally wicked. Her eyes widened at his glory. His cock wasn’t enormous, for which she was grateful. But it was thick and curved and perfect. Without a thought in her head, she dropped to her knees before him and took his rod into her mouth. She cupped his magnificent balls while she ran her mouth up and down his shaft and heard him groan with what she hoped was satisfaction. Gently, she sucked the tip of his cock, rubbing her tongue against him. He yanked her hair, forcing her to yield her prize and look up at him.

  “I’m going to fuck you, and you, little Rose, will love it,” he assured her.

  “I will,” she promised.

  This man whom she had just met touched her soul. Never before had she felt like this. Never had she wanted so badly to please a man, to be possessed by him. Never had she wanted to be taken.

  He pulled her hair, directing her upwards until she was in a standing position. She had ignored the insignificant pain from her scalp and focused on his dark, commanding eyes. He turned at the waist, keeping one hand entangled in her hair..

  “Put this on me,” he commanded, handing her a foil packet he retrieved from the end table drawer.

  She obeyed, chiding herself for not remembering protection. With infinite care, she covered his cock with the condom. He lifted her, spreading her legs over his hips, his fingers digging into her ass cheeks. She wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing his cheeks, his head, his lips. She wanted to devour the richness of his skin. He lowered her onto his cock. She gasped, astounded by the feel of him. She felt full, complete, taken—rocking her hips against his as he slapped her ass. She tightened her muscles around him as the heat from her stinging bottom radiated throughout her body.

  He stretched up, grabbing her nipple between his teeth. A nerve which seemed to run straight from the pink bud to her hardened clit rippled, and stars shattered before her as she reached heaven. He released the tortured nub and his lips claimed hers. Vaguely, she heard his breathing become raspy and felt his penis enlarge as he found his joy and his pleasure. She clung to him while he held her gently but with a comforting strength.

  “You, my dear, are mine,” he proclaimed.

  Chapter Five

  Traminette (semi-dry)—A light, sweet wine with hints of apricot and ginger, a nice companion to Cajun food.

  Rose read the text message with a mixture of apprehension, excitement and trepidation. Ginger? Why on earth would Nathan want her to pick up a large hand of ginger at the health food store? Whatever the reason, Rose knew she’d find out sooner or later. Since he’d also referred to her as ‘girl’, she assumed he was planning a play event. The only other hint he had given her was to state that he would be at her house at eight-thirty p.m. and for her to be ready. After glancing at her watch, Rose rushed through the rest of her shopping. She’d have to hurry if she were to be ready on time.

  An hour and a half later, Rose—freshly showered and shaved—cast a furtive glance at the kitchen clock. Eight thirty-five. He was late. She wiggled a bit, trying to find a more comfortable position for her knees, and then chided herself. If Nathan wanted to keep her waiting, that was his right. Suddenly, she heard the click of a key unlocking her back door and lowered her head. Breathing deeply, she smelt her own musky scent of arousal. She remained in position until she saw Nathan’s shoes directly in front of her. She looked up at his crotch and kissed it gently. She sat back on her ankles and humbly dropped her gaze to the floor.

  “Where’s the ginger?” Nathan’s asked in his rich voice.

  “It’s on the counter by the sink,” she respectfully answered.

  “Don’t move,” he commanded. “And keep your eyes lowered.”

  Rose barely suppressed the urge to peek at Nathan as she heard him walk to the kitchen counter, open a drawer and begin to whistle. Rose felt a growing dampness between her thighs while she obediently waited. After what seemed a lifetime, Nathan returned and placed a hand on her head, stroking her hair.

  “I want you to stand and place your hands against the table. Keep your legs spread,” he instructed.

  Rose gulped. She was going to get a whipping and from the coldness in his voice, she knew it would be harsh. Quickly, she obeyed, wondering if she had displeased him or if he simply wanted to indulge his own pleasure.

  “Do you remember your contract, girl?” he whispered into her ear.

  “Of course, Sir,” she answered.

  “Remember the provision stating that you would be honest with me to the best of your ability?”

  Rose nodded, her mind racing trying to figure out what he was talking about.

  “Yesterday, after I read the letter those lawyers sent, I asked you what you were afraid of,” he elaborated.

  Oh goddess! Her body tensed.

  “You weren’t honest with me, were you?”

  “No, Sir,” she admitted, hanging her head in shame.

  “And for that you deserve to be punished, don’t you?”

  “Yes, my Lord.”

  “Good. Because that is exactly what I plan to do. I’m going to punish you and then you are going to tell me what frightens you and then I am going to make love to you.” He ran his hand through her hair and down her back, the softness of his hand belying the severity of his words.

  “I am ready, my Lord.” Rose closed her eyes, a sense of calm washing over her. I need this so very much.

  She felt his fingers spreading her ass cheeks and tensed, but when he slapped his hand down on her ass, she relaxed. A spanking. Goddess knew she loved a good spanking. Unexpectedly, Nathan slid something cold and damp into her anus and she gasped. He hadn’t lubricated her, but whatever he had placed inside her seemed to slide right in.

  “I’m going to administer twenty-five swats and you, my dear, will not clench your ass cheeks together. Want to know why?” he asked.

  “Yes, please,” she responded, a strange tingling sensation beginning to crawl around the rim of her asshole.

  “Because if you do, that ginger plug I just put in your ass will burn like hell. And if you don’t tighten your muscles, I’ll be able to spank you hard without fear of bruising your lovely little cheeks. And you deserve a hard spanking. Now don’t get me wrong—that ginger will sting no matter what you do, but it will burn a hell of a lot less if you don’t clench,” he explained and landed a hard swat to her right cheek.

  “Oh!” she shrieked. Figging with ginger? Rose remembered reading about figging. Apparently, the practice had been popular in Victorian England in order to stop a disobedient wife from clenching her ass cheeks while receiving a stern caning. The ginger was harmless but produced a strong burning sensation that worsened if the poor penitent clenched around the spicy root. Holy shit this burns!

  Rose knew her tears would produce no reprieve from her punishment, nor did she want them to, so she let them roll freely down her cheeks. By the time Nathan had administered the last hard slap to her cheek, her ass was on fire—inside and
out. She hung her head, allowing the tears to drip onto the kitchen table. She sighed in gratitude when she felt Nathan remove the natural plug. Despite the discomfort, she felt no tension in her shoulders and her anxiety level had gone down considerably. Nathan had been right. She had not only deserved, but needed the spanking. She felt grounded and calm for the first time since she’d placed a hand on that damned letter.

  “Sit down,” he ordered.

  Sniffing, Rose obeyed. She smiled up at Nathan and wiggled a bit on the chair, her abused bottom burning and aching, the ginger oils still working on the soft tissue. Her thighs glistened with cream oozing from her quivering pussy. Nathan stood before her, implacable. Her heart contracted. He was so beautiful and sexy. How lucky she was to have him.

  “I’m waiting,” he coaxed.

  “Okay,” she began contritely. She’d lied to Nathan and he deserved an explanation. “I wasn’t honest with you or with myself. I am afraid. I’m afraid of so much, Nathan,” she sobbed. “I’m afraid my father will be a jerk and I’ll hate him, or worse yet, he’ll hate me. I mean, where the hell was he all these years? Why would he contact me now…after all these years? What does he want with me? Will I be good enough for him? Will I be what he expects?”

  “Oh, baby,” Nathan said, kneeling in front of her and kissing her tears away. “You’ll never know if you don’t contact him. And if you don’t, you’ll always wonder. And never, never, think you aren’t good enough for anyone. Someone might not be good enough for you, girl, but you are perfect.”

  “Thank you,” she sniffled. “But, Nathan, I just can’t. I can’t do this alone. If Mom were still around, maybe. But somehow it seems disloyal to her. I mean, do I just accept another parent in her place? She wasn’t the best mother in the world, but I loved her and she loved me.”

  “I know that, Rose. But you need to know the truth about your family. And you won’t be alone. If you want, I’ll be with you,” Nathan promised.