A story of Domination and submission, where breaking the rules of the game is where the fun begins, when Jacqueline crashes a billionaire's exclusive poker game in order to seduce him into granting a favor to save her sister, but instead finds herself Played by the Master. Jacqueline Bell desperately wants to help her sister out of a jam. But to do that, she has to find a way to talk to billionaire entrepreneur Race Danner, and have him drop the charges against her brother-in-law. She discovers he holds an exclusive poker game once a week and finds a way in. Race Danner is bored with his life, despite his wealth and extreme hobbies. He doesn't know exactly what he's looking for, but he'll know it when he sees it. When Jacqueline Bell walks into his life, he knows she's it. She wants something from him. And he wants her. A combination made in heaven. In a delicious game of cat and mouse, he will leverage his advantage to lure her into his game. And he fully intends to win. This story has Domination, submission, bondage, punishment, and a lot of other fun things, plus explicit, wild sexual encounters. After all, if you're going to play, play hard!
Chapter 1 Jacqueline
Jacqueline adjusted the straps on her snug black dress, ensuring they hiked up her ample bosom, then stared at herself critically in the large mirror in the ladies' room off the posh hotel lobby.
She was here on a mission and she'd pulled out all the stops. Low cut black dress that hugged every curve of her body. Shockingly high stilettos that made her legs look even longer than they were, and accentuated her rounded butt. She turned in the mirror and glanced at her backside. Her cheeks flushed at the sight of herself in the short, tight black dress, all her assets blatantly on display, but it was important she succeed and she needed to use everything she had going for her. She had even pulled her long, chestnut hair up and clipped it neatly behind her head to stop it from obscuring her cleavage.
She turned back to face the mirror, her gaze dropping to the glittery star pendant grazing the tops of her pushed-up-thrust-forward breasts. Her sister, Ella, had given it to her and it was a constant reminder of how Ella had always taken care of her, and believed in her. Elle had told her she'd be a star in whatever she did.
Three women entered the washroom, chatting. Jacqueline reapplied her deep red lipstick, then dropped the tube in her evening bag and walked back into the lobby.
The hotel was lavishly elegant. Crystal chandeliers glittered from the ceiling as she walked along the marble floor, her heels clacking on the surface. She walked to the concierge desk and opened her small, sequined bag and pulled out a black and red poker chip with the Danner insignia on it.
He glanced at it and nodded.
"Go to room 2403."
She smiled as she turned and walked to the elevator. Room 2403 was where she would find Mr. Danner. Billionaire owner of Danner Industries. She had to see him and convince him to drop the charges against Ella's husband. Ella was six months pregnant, and with two young children already-Jacqueline couldn't stand the thought of Ella having to contend with taking care of them alone while her careless husband rotted in jail.
She'd tried calling Danner's secretary to arrange to see him in his office so she could plead her case, but he was harder to get an appointment with than the President. She was desperate to help Ella, though, so she'd talked to a friend of hers who knew that Danner ran a high-stakes poker game two or three times a month. No one knew where it was until the day, and it was extremely exclusive. Danner didn't worry about the details of deciding who could play. He had staff to check out potentials, but Jacqueline's friend had an in and had obtained one of the poker chips that would allow her in the door.
Every player had to commit at least two hundred fifty thousand dollars they were prepared to lose, which she didn't have. She steeled herself as she walked onto the elevator and pushed the button.
But she didn't intend to lose.
* * *
Race Danner stared out the window of the luxury hotel room over the lights of the city reflected in the lake below as he poured himself a drink. The other players were continuing the game behind him, but he'd stopped to take a break. He sipped the seventy-five year old scotch and sighed.
Even these poker games, that he'd arranged to break up the boredom he'd been suffering from over the past year, had stopped giving him the excitement he was seeking.
Travel, women, extreme sports. None of it gave him exactly what he was looking for.
He turned back to the game, watching the intensity in the eyes of the card players at the table.
The problem was, he didn't know exactly what he was looking for.
But he had a feeling he'd know when he saw it.
A knock sounded at the door and Renaldo, one of the hotel serving staff overseeing the game, answered it. Race heard a young woman's voice, then Renaldo opened the door and she walked inside.
His breath held as he stared at her.
The little black dress-and he did mean little-and the fuck-me shoes she wore showcased her stunning body, but he could tell she wasn't used to wearing such a revealing outfit. She carried herself with confidence, but he could read people and could sense a hesitation in her. She glanced around, as if wondering if anyone was gazing at her, but not in a look-at-me way.
Her hair was swept up and held in place by a glittery butterfly clip, which meant it was long. He liked long hair. He smiled to himself, deciding that before the night was over, he'd see her hair hanging loose and free. And he'd ensure he soon got the chance to coil her tresses around his hand and hold tight.
Renaldo was talking to her, and Race knew the man would hustle her out, since she was not one of the people on the invitation list for tonight.
Race would not let her slip through his fingers, however. He walked toward them and she glanced at him as he approached.
"Problem, Renaldo?" Race asked.
* * *
Jacqueline had watched the tuxedoed man approach while trying to convince the gatekeeper that she was allowed in. Wow, the new man was beyond gorgeous. And with an air of elegance that took her breath away.
He filled out the tux with broad shoulders and a slim waist that made her wonder what he looked like without it. Thoughts of a muscular, naked body filled her mind, no matter how much she tried to push them away. He brushed back his wavy, dark brown hair, and his deep blue eyes turned to her. She almost sucked in a breath as their gazes met, and his full, sexy mouth turned up in a smile.
"No, Mr. Danner. I was just explaining to the young woman that this game is by invitation only."
So this was Mr. Danner. Butterflies fluttered through her stomach. He was the man she'd come to see.
"And I was explaining to him," she said in a respectful but insistent tone, "that I was invited." She held up the poker chip with the Danner logo.
"It's alright, Renaldo. I'll handle this."
The man named Renaldo hesitated, but then said, "Of course, Mr. Danner."
"You're here for the game?" he asked.
"Yes."
"I'm afraid, Miss..." He gazed at her expectantly.
"Jacqueline Bell. But you can call me Jacquie."
He nodded. "Miss Bell, I'm afraid the game is full this evening."
Her eyes widened a little and she glanced at the table. "But I really wanted to join." She held up the chip again for him to see. "Does me having this change anything?"
He took it from her, his fingers brushing hers, sending electricity shimmering up her arm, and examined the black and red chip.
He laughed. "Only that I'll have to see about firing Raymond."
Her gut clenched. Raymond was the one who'd helped her.
"Why?"
"Miss Bell, although I leave it to my assistant to make up the list of whom to invite, and to make the arrangements through Raymond, I ensure I know exactly who is invited." His midnight blue gaze locked on her, sending a shiver through her. "And you were not."
God, she'd been found out. Now she'd lost Raymond his job and she was about to be thrown out on her butt.
"Please, Mr. Danner. Don't fire Raymond. He was just doing me a favor and I badgered him into it."
Danner's eyebrow arched. "Raymond is your boyfriend?"
"No, he's a good friend of my brother-in-law's. Please, I just wanted to meet you."
His gaze turned to one of curiosity. "And why is that?"
Put it in. I'm ready." The sound that came from Kit's throat wasn't compliant, but he fed her without further comment. A dense, smooth and very cold cake melted on her tongue. "Mmm, that one's powerful," Sabrina said. "Chocolate fondant cake. I thought we could make them in bite-size molds so the guests can sample without feeling guilty." "Except that one bite isn't always enough." "Are you greedy?" He nudged against her thigh. "No, but I am selfish," she replied. "What's the difference?" "Greedy grabs. Selfish...savors." Sabrina moved her leg into the pressure, rocking her hips. "I want to savor you," she said. "I've been here for the taking." She was ready to sample every inch of Kit in bite-size gulps. Delaying had only made her more ravenous. "Your chin is covered in chocolate dust." He swiped at it with his thumb. She heard a smacking sound. "Umm. You taste good." "A kiss would taste even better," she purred.
Hell hath no fury like a rejected mate Years ago, my mate rejected me and stole my pack. Instead of licking my wounds, I set that mangy wolf on fire. The Supernatural Council executed me, and my soul went to the deepest punishment pits of Hell. That's until the Demon King offers me an opportunity for freedom. My mate escaped Hell, and only one person knows him well enough to track him down: me. If I can find him and bring him back, they'll move me out of the pit to a place where I can spend my afterlife in peace. Of course, I said yes, and with a fake body and an infusion of magic, I set off into the Living World. Tracking him is easy-our souls are connected, and we attract each other like magnets, but when our eyes lock, I hesitate to betray him. Griff is tall, dark, masterful, and each moment I spend with him reminds me of our bond. The air between us sizzles, and the tension burns hotter than Hellfire. Our souls resonate, and I can't help but fall in love. But he doesn't know I'm the mate who sent him to Hell...
What his billions can't buy… International tycoons Sergio, Alex and Jeremy were best friends in college. Bonded by their shared passion for business—and bedding beautiful women!—they formed The Bachelors’ Club, which had only two goals: 1. Live life to the full. 2. Become billionaires in their own right! But now, with the dotted line signed for the sale of their multibillion-dollar wine empire, there’s one final thing left for each of the bachelors to accomplish—securing a bride! If Sergio Mancini wants something, he only has to snap his fingers to get it. Except for Bella Williams. No matter how much his stunning stepsister once drove him wild with lust, he never allowed himself to have her, believing she was a gold digger like her mother. Now, when Bella calls unexpectedly seeking refuge at their secluded family home by Lake Como, their unfulfilled desire resurfaces. No longer able to resist, Sergio ruthlessly decides it's finally time to quench the fire. But their one night together only inflames their passion—and now he wants more!
Trigger warning!!! Intended for mature readers who enjoy morally complex, slow-burn, poseesive, forbidden, dark romance that pushes boundaries. ***EXCERPT*** Blood everywhere. Trembling hands. "No!" My eyes blurred. His lifeless eyes stared back at me, his blood pooling at my feet. The man I loved-dead. Killed by the one person I could never escape - my stepbrother. *** Kasmine's life was never hers to begin with. Kester, her stepbrother, controlled and monitored her every move. At first, it was all sweet and brotherly until it began to turn into an obsession. Kester was the Alpha, and his word was law. No close friends. No boyfriends. No freedom. The only consolation Kasmine had was her twenty-first birthday, which was supposed to change everything. She dreamt of finding her mate, escaping the sickening control of Kester, and finally claiming her own life. But fate had other plans for her. On the night of her birthday, not only was she disappointed that she wasn't mated to the love of her life, but she found out that her mate was none other than him - Her tormentor. Her stepbrother. She'd rather die than be mated to a man whom she had known as her big brother all her life. A man who would do just anything to make sure she was his. But when love turns to obsession, and obsession turns to blood, how far can one girl run before she realizes there is nowhere else to run to?
"Sign the divorce papers and get out!" Leanna got married to pay a debt, but she was betrayed by her husband and shunned by her in-laws. Seeing that her efforts were in vain, she agreed to divorce and claimed her half of the properties. With her purse plump from the settlement, Leanna enjoyed her newfound freedom. The constant harassment from her ex's mistress never fazed her. She took back her identities as top hacker, champion racer, medical professor, and renowned jewelry designer. Then someone discovered her secret. Matthew smiled. "Will you have me as your next husband?"
"Is it considered betrayal to develop feelings for your best friend's boyfriend? What about when fate intervenes, and he turns out to be your destined mate? You might think it's luck and thank the moon goddess for such a twist of fate. That's what I believed until the love of my life uttered those dreaded words: 'I want a divorce!' As I stared at the pregnancy test in my hands, I realized it was better to keep my secret to myself. My name is Violet, and this is my story."
As a simple assistant, messaging the CEO in the dead of night to request shares of adult films was a bold move. Bethany, unsurprisingly, didn't receive any films. However, the CEO responded that, while he had no films to share, he could offer a live demonstration. After a night filled with passion, Bethany was certain she'd lose her job. But instead, her boss proposed, "Marry me. Please consider it." "Mr. Bates, you're kidding me, right?"
Annette Vasquez is broken and desperate to talk to Ryan, her ex-boyfriend who broke up with her a month ago. When an intimidating man appears on her door dressed in all blacks, she runs for cover and sends Ryan a text for help. Vicente Di Alberto is the Don of the Italian Mafia, cold, ruthless and untouchable. A strange message pops up on his phone which has him acting on impulse. He hates men who hurts women and he is ready to save and protect the woman calling for his help. Rescued by a sinfully handsome man, Ann feels safe around him until she finds out his real identity and also finds herself married accidentally to the most feared man in Italy. She wants out but Vicente is ready to use the accidental marriage to his advantage.
Yelena discovered that she wasn't her parents' biological child. After seeing through their ploy to trade her as a pawn in a business deal, she was sent away to her barren birthplace. There, she stumbled upon her true origins—a lineage of historic opulence. Her real family showered her with love and adoration. In the face of her so-called sister's envy, Yelena conquered every adversity and took her revenge, all while showcasing her talents. She soon caught the attention of the city's most eligible bachelor. He cornered Yelena and pinned her against the wall. “It's time to reveal your true identity, darling.”