Putting her fingers to her lips, she chuckled. “You’re one of those types who acts first and apologizes later, aren’t you?”
Lucas grinned and nodded as he licked his lip, looking as if he wanted seconds but was restraining himself. “Between the two of us, you don’t stand a chance.”
A flicker of sadness tempered her aroused emotions. “I’m sure about what I said, Lucas. No more ménages.”
Her inner devil snorted in amusement. Oh, yeah? Then why do you feel so guilty about only kissing Lucas, like you’re leaving Josh out?
“Whatever you say, beautiful.” She climbed into the car, and Lucas shut the door for her. “You okay?”
Gulping, Violet smiled at him and nodded. “I’m fine.”
“Sure love those dimples,” he added as he stroked her cheek before standing up. “Drive safe.”
She backed out of the parking lot and drove down Crockett Street. Her hands were shaking, and her body trembled with unfulfilled tension as if she had been denied an orgasm after a hot and heavy buildup.
She wanted to bang her head on the steering wheel. Lucas was irresistible, and her reaction to Josh’s little nuzzling told her she’d probably lose her ever-loving mind when he finally kissed her.
When, not if, her inner devil was eager to point out.
She could live with the frustration because his intentions were obvious. He was making her wait for it until he was good and ready.
And didn’t that thought make her inner submissive roll belly up?
Chapter Three
In Violet’s mind, a house was a structure with four basic walls to keep the air conditioning in and various angles, windows, and a roof that kept the rain out. Providing comfort and a place to keep your stuff.
Hazelle House was not a house.
“It’s a freaking castle!”
Her next thought was that her car, her luggage, her person, were going to look pathetic next to all the other weekend attendees, who were undoubtedly massively wealthy, powerful, or notorious. She gulped and contemplated waving nonchalantly as she followed the circular driveway right back out of the elaborately landscaped grounds.
The entrance to Joseph’s estate was tucked back from the state highway leading to Morehead. Because of the extensive driveway and the hilly topography, the structures and grounds weren’t visible from the road. The driveway narrowed down to a single lane, manicured with trees and shrubs so she couldn’t turn around without the risk of running over something.
Joseph stood out front as though he was expecting her, a hint of a smile on his handsome face. He gestured for her to pull up and stop, greeting her before lifting her luggage from the trunk. “If you’ll give your keys to the valet, he’ll take care of parking for you.”
As she followed him up the wide flagstone walk to the front steps, she said, “Joseph, you don’t need to carry my suitcase for me.”
“Nonsense. You’re my guest.” She could hear voices echoing through the expansive halls and worried she was taking him from the larger part of his guests and said as much, to which he replied, “They’re part of an organized group so they have their own people seeing to them. I oversee the venue and provide backup and security for the attendees.”
“Sounds involved and a little scary. You need security?”
He nodded as he led her to a grand staircase. “There are multiple play areas open, and it’s up to me, and the people I employ, to see no one gets hurt and everyone is satisfied with their experience.”
“And it’s okay for me to be here?”
Joseph guided her to turn right at the top of the stairs. “It’s my home, and you’re my guest. This will be a breeze for me compared to some weekends. There is one thing I want you to remember at all times.”
“Yes?”
“While you are here, whether you’re observing, playing, or otherwise interacting with the other attendees, if you have an uncomfortable feeling or an instinct telling you to walk away from a situation or an individual, I want you to trust your inner voice. This is a friendly group, and I doubt you’ll have trouble, but anything that happens must be consensual on all sides. The choices are yours.”
She paused as he showed her into a sumptuous guest chamber decorated in shades of burgundy. A marble fireplace graced one end of the room and she could just imagine the luxurious ambience when it was lit. In confusion, she turned to him. “Joseph, why are you doing this for me? A weekend like this must bear an enormous cost, and this room…you should have a paying guest in here. I appreciate it, but I don’t get it.”
He deposited her suitcase on the wooden stand by the bed as if it were Louis Vuitton instead of a Target clearance item and turned to her. Ushering her over to the wing chair positioned at an angle to the fireplace, he took the seat across from her.