Everything Bared (Six-Alarm Sexy) Read online

  Arnold sighed. “You have copies?”

  Torval handed one to Arnold and slid another across the desk. William wanted to smack the smug look off the man’s face. Instead, he forced himself to read the complaint.

  “In short, we feel that CFF and Mr. Caldwell were negligent in having the party after there had already been a verified health-and-safety violation.”

  “We had firefighters and an ambulance on-site,” William argued, knowing he shouldn’t, but unable to stop himself.

  Torval scoffed. “They were your family.”

  “That doesn’t change anything.”

  “Sure it does. Had the fire been bigger and more people involved, don’t you think their first priority would have been family, namely, the Caldwells? The rest of us would have fried.”

  His blood boiling, William shoved to his feet and leaned over the desk, sneering into Torval’s flushed face. “Say what you will about me, but never call into question the integrity of my brothers or any of the other firefighters who were there.”

  “Like your pretty little girlfriend?”

  William’s teeth ground together. “Leave her out of this.”

  “Stephen,” Arnold jumped in. “Is there anything else? So far this complaint is laughable.”

  “Too many people were at the party. This is just more proof that CFF is continually cutting corners and putting its employees at risk. Locked doors, fire-suppression systems that aren’t functional, lack of surveillance, etc. What happened Saturday was predictable.”

  “It was arson,” William exploded. “SFD checked all our systems only days before and everything was working fine.”

  “SFD. Yes.” Torval smirked at William. “What was the name of the firefighter who conducted the inspection? Oh, right. It was Firefighter Harris.”

  William slammed his fist on the desk, the sound of flesh hitting wood resounding loudly in his ears. The vibrations chased up his arm, but he didn’t care. He wanted to strangle the smug son of a bitch. “What the hell are you implying?”

  “Mr. Caldwell,” Arnold said, his soft voice ringing with authority. “I recommend against this line of questioning. Mr. Torval, this meeting is over.”

  Whipping around, William gave Torval his back and stood at the window overlooking Caldwell Fine Furnishings. All his life, he’d wanted to work here, to be part of the family business, to make it better and bigger than any previous generation had. Instead, he was destroying it. Someone was embezzling funds and trying to frame him for it. And he was completely screwing up the union negotiations. At this rate, he’d never get the opportunity to implement his expansion plans. Hell, he’d be lucky if there was anything of the company left by this time next year.

  “William?”

  He turned around. Arnold was still in his seat, his expression even more grim than when he’d walked in.

  “What do you suggest I do, Arnold?”

  “You could be facing charges of negligence, embezzlement, and arson. I suggest you get yourself a criminal lawyer.”

  William’s heart scudded in his chest and crash-landed against his ribs. He held onto the back of his chair for support as his stomach bottomed out. “You think I’m guilty.”

  Arnold scrubbed his cheeks with his knuckles. “I know you’ve worked too hard to get here to throw everything away for a few bucks. Your plans for a low-cost line will earn you far more than you could ever hope to squeeze out of our empty bank accounts right now.” He widened his eyes. “But whoever is behind this isn’t aware of those plans.”

  “And that’s a clue,” William said, smiling for the first time since Torval had entered his office.

  “Get a lawyer,” Arnold repeated.

  “I will. And I’m contacting the cops. We need their help in tracking down this bastard.”

  He’d do whatever he needed to protect Dani and his family. He’d go down with the ship, but they were damn well getting on a life raft.

  Chapter 15

  Leather pants, a leather vest, a leather wrist cuff, and a teeny tiny G-string lay on his bed next to a small box labeled “open last.” A pair of combat style leather boots sat on the floor.

  William gaped at the clothing. No way was he putting on that excuse for underwear, and… “There’s no shirt.”

  “I know,” Dani called from her room where she was getting ready to go to the fetish club. He couldn’t wait to see what outfit she’d selected for herself.

  He picked up the pants—at least they were real leather—and stepped into them. His silk boxers bunched up around his thighs, making him look like he had a really big problem. Swearing, he shucked the leathers and his boxers, then fiddled with the G-string until he figured out how it went on. Feeling like the biggest jackass in the world, he stepped into the pants and pulled them up. They fit much better this time. The leather soon matched his body temperature and softened, cupping him nicely in all the right places. Hmm. He could get used to wearing these. He shrugged into the vest and tugged on the boots. The pants were an inch or so too long, but the boots hid it well.

  Finally he was ready for the box. His fingers trembled. Okay, not exactly ready, but he’d run out of delaying tactics. He opened the lid and stared at the silver choker resting on a velvet bed. The design was beautiful and sexy, but…

  Hearing a noise behind him, he turned and almost dropped the box. “Dani,” he breathed. “You look fucking amazing.”

  Dressed in a gorgeous sheer lace dress, she leaned against the door frame. The lace covered her from neck to upper thigh, and strategically placed black flowers kept her nipples from poking through. Black leather boots rose above her knees. “Wait until you see rear view.” She grinned and spun around.

  William’s knees buckled and he landed heavily on the bed. “Jesus, woman. Give a guy some warning.” The dress dipped to just above her ass, exposing the smooth expanse of her back. “Where’s my riding crop,” he croaked. “I’m going to need it to beat back all the men wanting to steal you away.”

  Dani laughed and came to stand between his legs. “Believe me, you’ll have the women and most of the men falling at your feet in this get-up. Especially when you put this on.” She took the collar. “May I?”

  “Does this have any implied meaning I should know about? I mean, I don’t think I’m a sub.”

  She chuckled. “Definitely not, and neither am I. If anything, we’re switches. And honestly, I don’t really care what people think. I want to wear your collar and I want you to wear mine.”

  He grinned. “I like the sound of that.”

  “Where is it?”

  “What?”

  She sighed, feigning exasperation, and arched a brow. “My collar.”

  “Oh. One sec.” He reached into the nightstand drawer and lifted out a long narrow box. Tugging her onto his lap, he handed it to her. “I hope you like it.”

  With shaking fingers, she opened the box and extracted the black leather collar with rhinestone studs. “Will, it’s beautiful.” Her eyes shone as she hugged him tightly. “Put it on me?”

  His eyes closed for a moment as an intense feeling of love and rightfulness gripped him. He wanted to be hers and wanted her to be his, but he wouldn’t give her a ring until he was one-hundred percent sure of their relationship. In the meantime, for him, their collars signified a deep commitment. He loved her and she loved him. Opening his eyes, he took the collar from her, and gently snapped it into place. “Not too tight?” he asked, running a finger between the leather and her creamy skin.

  Smiling, she kissed him, her eyes practically glowing. “It’s perfect.” She picked up the collar she’d bought him and carefully adjusted the silver chain around his neck, making sure it wasn’t chafing him. Hooking her hands behind his neck, she kissed him deeply. Emotion poured from her and into him. He tightened his hold on her head and sent his love back to her. The kiss deepened and his cock hardened, pushing against the leather.

  “Sweetheart, if you want to go to this party, we’d bett
er stop now.”

  She flicked his nipple with the edge of her nail, making him groan. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world,” she said. “Let’s go.”

  Thirty minutes later, they walked into Club L’Estrange. Dani presented her membership card. They paid their admission fees and William signed the confidentiality agreement. He clasped Dani’s hand and beheld his first fetish party.

  A band played on a stage in the corner of a huge room, their music pumping loudly through speakers hung from the ceiling. The room was divided into segments. A dance area was in front of the stage, surrounded by high tables with stools. Further out, and closer to the walls, were various sitting areas with low couches and coffee tables. Interspersed between these areas were pieces of BDSM equipment: a couple Saint Andrew’s Crosses, several spanking benches, low padded platforms he took to be small stages, a few thrones, and a couple human-sized bird cages.

  At the far left, a set of steps leading to a lower level was manned by an attendant with biceps the size of William’s thighs.

  Lights flashed a rainbow of colors around the room, adding to the festive atmosphere. But what caught his attention the most were the people. Dani hadn’t been kidding when she’d said “anything goes.” Couples—and groups—of all genders and sexual orientations danced and talked, kissed and touched. Their costumes ranged from “almost normal,” like his and Dani’s, to “too kinky for this world.”

  Dani dragged him over by the wall. She opened her hand, showing him a small velvet bag. “I’ve got a present for you.”

  His heart hammered in his chest as he took the bag from her. He dipped his fingers inside and pulled out two silver chains with little clamps on the end of each.

  “Do you know what these are?” she asked.

  A flush heated his face. “Nipple clamps. Are they for me?” he asked, even though he knew they were. They had the same design as his collar but were made of smaller rings. Clearly a set.

  She smiled. “They are.”

  “Aren’t they more effective on women?”

  “Many men are way more sensitive than they think. May I?”

  Taking a deep breath, he looked around. Several curious club goers had gathered to watch. Some smiled their encouragement. Others leaned forward with more than a little interest. Never one to love the limelight, he resisted the urge to squirm, and nodded his okay to Dani.

  “I’ll adjust the clamp so it’s not too tight. It shouldn’t hurt. Much.” She shot him a wicked grin. With his gaze riveted on her hands, she attached each chain to the middle link in his collar, then carefully attached one clamp to his right nipple. “How’s that?”

  At first, he felt nothing. Before he could tell her, the pressure began. Not pain exactly, but it was definitely intense. He exhaled sharply and focused on a couple making out on one of the padded platforms. It helped draw his mind from the strange feeling. “I’ll live.”

  After attaching the second clamp, Dani rose up on her toes and whispered in his ear. “You okay?”

  Turning his head, he kissed her, adding a bit of tongue to get his message across. He was stunned, a little shocked, but more than okay. Damn good thing his pants were tight, or he’d have a tent big enough for the dude singing on stage to see.

  He could no longer deny how much he liked to watch. A memory of his and Dani’s first night together unfurled in his mind. Oh yes, he enjoyed watching, but he loved to watch and direct even more. It had been so incredibly hot knowing he could have Dani do whatever he wanted. All he’d needed to do was tell her.

  “Dani, you said no sex on the main floor, but I can touch you right?”

  She rubbed a hand between his legs. He sucked in a breath and his cock did a happy dance. “As long as the genitals stay covered,” she said.

  “What about these?” he asked, pinching one of her flower-covered nipples.

  “Different clubs have different rules. At Club L’Estrange, boobs aren’t considered genitals.”

  His pressure soared and his nipples swelled to aching in the clamps. The beginnings of a plan formed in his mind. “So you could bare all?”

  “Is that something you’d like?”

  He looked away and crossed his arms protectively against his chest. “Maybe.”

  Pulling his arms away, she stroked his chest. Each time one of her fingers touched his engorged nipples, he groaned. If she didn’t stop, he’d take her right here and give everyone a show they’d never forget.

  “William Caldwell, what’s going on inside that fabulous brain of yours?”

  He caught her roaming hands. “I thought it might be fun to try something like you did with the waiter at Vicenzo’s. Except…” He hesitated. Would she go for it?

  “Except what?”

  He cleared his throat. “I pick the who and the how.”

  Her smile when it came was wide and sexy and very, very naughty. “You enjoy showing me off.”

  “As long as we both understand the rules.”

  She cocked her head. “Which are?”

  “No touching of the…”

  “Mark?” she supplied.

  He winced. “I guess that works. No touching of the mark unless we both agree to it beforehand, and we focus on each other. This is to please us, both of us. Not the mark.”

  “Agreed. You know, when you watch me show myself to another person, it turns me on much more than when I did this on my own. I must be getting pleasure from your pleasure.”

  “And I’m getting pleasure from yours,” he said, his voice a rough rasp.

  She kissed him, an all-too-brief press of her lips. “See, we’re perfect for each other.”

  He blinked. God help him. He was starting to believe that too. “Let’s mingle.” Taking her arm, he led her to the dance floor. Although he wasn’t much of a dancer, he was good enough not to make a fool of himself, and it would provide him a great opportunity to see who was ogling Dani. In a crowd like this one, it wasn’t obvious who was into women, and he didn’t want to screw this up.

  The music was loud and hectic. The dancers moved with abandon, grinding against each other, hands touching their partners—and anyone within arm’s reach. William steered his ass and Dani’s well out of the danger zone.

  A few feet to the left, a hard-faced man stood stock-still, his gaze pinning his partner, who danced in front of him. At his nod, she unzipped the cropped sweater she wore and slipped it off her shoulders. When she turned to face William, he noticed the gleam of metal on her nipples. Piercings. He winced in sympathetic pain, but couldn’t help liking how the piercings looked. He wondered if that was something Dani might go for someday.

  The man took the woman’s sweater and folded his arms across his massive chest, which was adorned with a leather harness, as if he were some sort of gladiator. He nodded again and the woman’s hands went to the back of her waist. She fiddled with something. The skirt loosened and slipped down her thighs. She handed the skirt to the man, then turned and resumed dancing, clad in only a glittery gold G-string and fuck-me heels.

  When the man glanced at William, he immediately averted his gaze, praying he wasn’t about to get his ass kicked. From the looks of the man, it would be painful. Very painful. But he just laughed and grinned at William. The woman cuddled up to her partner’s side. He threw his arm around her shoulders, winking at William as they left the dance floor and headed for the guarded stairwell.

  Okay, apparently William had been a part of this couple’s foreplay. Interesting. Scoping the men sitting at the tables surrounding the dance floor, he noticed several potential candidates whose eyes were glued to some part of Dani’s gyrating body. While he’d been distracted, she’d found someone—two someones, actually—to dance with. Her face glowed with happiness as she played the part of the jelly in another couple’s sandwich.

  She waved him over and the man behind her stepped back, allowing William to take his place. William nodded his thanks, but kept an eye on the man in case he decided to take a spot behind him.
No way was he up to having some guy’s cock grinding against his ass.

  Wrapping his arm around Dani’s waist, he swayed with her, enjoying her firm butt against his hard cock. He rested his chin on her shoulder and breathed her in.

  That’s when he spotted their mark.

  The middle-aged man, short and starting to gray at the temples, looked like he could use a little attention. He was trim and his costume reminded William of something from the eighteen hundreds, something a British lord might have worn to a party.

  Squeezing Dani’s waist lightly, he pointed out the man with his eyes, then raised a questioning brow.

  She smiled and whispered in his ear. “Tell me what to do.”

  “Did you ever see that movie, Dirty Dancing? Let’s do a little of that and see how he reacts.” William turned Dani in his arms and slid his hands over the muscles of her naked back. His breathing already ragged, he continued farther down until his hand molded her butt cheeks, and pressed her firmly against him. Pushing a knee between her thighs, he moved in time to the music. Her thinly veiled pussy rubbed against his trousers and he could almost feel her heat through the leather.

  Dani’s arms tightened around his neck, her gentle moans letting him know she was enjoying this. William glanced at the man. His eyes were focused on William’s hands where they kneaded Dani’s ass through the lace of her dress. Keeping his gaze on the man, he tugged on the material until he’d freed her cheeks, naked except for the thin string in her crack. He positioned his finger at the base of her spine and pressed it between the globes of her ass, sliding it all the way down until he touched his own leg. Dani hot breath burned his neck. She shivered and arched into him, and the man’s hand slipped under the edge of the table to cup himself.

  The music changed to a slow sultry beat much better suited to their erotic dance. William palmed Dani’s ass, gripped the cheeks and spread them wide. She curled her lower back and thrust her butt out. He looked down over her shoulder and sucked in a ragged breath. The pink puckered hole was clearly visible. Fuck. He’d love to kneel down behind her and run his tongue over it until she screamed with need, then he’d push his tongue past the tight ring of muscles and watch her come undone.