At His Insistence: The Billionaire's Beck and Call, Part 4 (A BDSM Erotic Romance)

  At His Insistence: The Billionaire’s Beck and Call, Part 4

  By Delilah Fawkes

  “I’m waiting, Isabeau.”

  I glanced down at the diamond choker, sparkling even in the dim light of Mr. Drake’s dungeon, perfectly juxtaposed with the black, leather collar sitting next to it on a velvet cushion.

  How could I accept such a gift? And could I give myself to him when he might ditch me for a newer model at any moment? What made me, Isabeau Willcox, different from all the rest?

  I looked into his eyes, so intense, willing me to speak, to say ‘yes’ to his proposal. I could tell my silence was grating on him, even as he held me close, the sweat from our lovemaking mingling on our naked bodies.

  “I can’t.”

  The look in his eyes made me cringe.

  “At least… not yet.”

  His eyes flashed dangerously, and he stood, pushing me off him onto my feet. My bones still felt like Jell-O from the earth-shattering sex we’d just had, but now I wanted to cover up, to hide from his accusing stare.

  “Tell me why.”

  His voice was deep and dangerous as he set the box aside, closing it with a snap. This was obviously not what he’d planned on happening, and it visibly chafed him. Mr. Drake was nothing if not a control freak.

  “I…”

  I reached a hand out to touch him, to comfort him, but pulled it back on second thought.

  “I’m not sure. At the office, they say you go through assistants like Kleenex.”

  My hand darted to my mouth. I hadn’t meant to just come right out and say it! I didn’t mean to blurt out what made me hesitate, when all I wanted was to run into his arms and say I’d be his.

  Damn it, Isabeau!

  He moved so fast, I didn’t have time to think. His hand was on my throat, his thumb caressing the hollow of my neck in a way that made my blood boil and fear course through me like a drug.

  “So that’s it, is it? You don’t trust me? Even after tonight?” He shook his head, pulling me closer.

  I gasped in his grip.

  “Answer me when I ask you a question, Isabeau.”

  “I do… it’s just…”

  I couldn’t think with his hand on me like this, his face just inches from mine.

  “Just what?”

  “What makes me so different?”

  I looked him square in the eyes, and blushed as I felt the tears stinging my own. Don’t let him see you cry. Get yourself together.

  The thought of giving myself over to him only to be discarded was more than I could bear. This whole thing felt like a dream, and maybe it was only that, and my time was always limited. But was it worth it if it would only end in heartbreak?

  Mr. Drake’s hand remained on my throat, caressing me gently, but reminding me of who was in the position of power. His other hand stroked my face, brushing my hair back, the touch making me tingle. Something behind his eyes changed as he looked at me. If I didn’t know better, I’d say they were tinged with sadness.

  “You really don’t know how special you are, do you?”

  For a moment, his words took my breath away.

  Then he turned, leaving me standing naked and alone in his dungeon. I froze, stunned, for a few seconds, before hurrying after him, through the concealed door and out into the study. I called after him down the hallway.

  “Wait! Aren’t I sleeping with you tonight?”

  He turned, and I could tell he was smirking even in the shadows. “I’ll share my bed when you wear my collar.”

  With that, he walked away, leaving me alone with my regret.

  ***

  In the morning, another note was waiting for me, this time informing me that a car was outside, ready to take me anywhere I wished to go.

  Rich man brush off, I thought, frowning. I’d definitely pissed him off by not accepting his offer out of hand. Would he want to see me again? Or was I Miss Self Fulfilling Prophecy? I covered my face with my hands. How could I have been so stupid?

  Mr. Drake was everything I wanted in a man, and several things I’d never even considered, but now couldn’t live without. Gorgeous, confident, self-made, and dominant in a way that made things feel simpler. Calmer. Safer.

  I chewed my lip, turning that thought over in my mind. Why would I feel safe around someone so dangerous? Why would I feel safe with a man who liked the things that he did? Who enjoyed inflicting pain? Imposing his will?

  His words from the other night came back to me; what he’d said right before he’d shown me his darkest secret.

  “I could tell you longed for someone to trust. Someone to take control.”

  Was he right? Did I long for someone to take control? To let me off the hook for just a little while?

  I thought of those years I spent taking care of my family, making sure we had food on the table, and then caring for Grandma Rose until she passed away. I’d always had the weight of the world on my shoulders, but now that I was on my own, I felt lost. Maybe giving up the reins was exactly what I needed.

  Maybe it would help me discover how to take care of myself. To put my own needs first, even as I surrendered to his.

  Mr. Drake’s…

  The thought of pleasing him, of being his to command, of doing as he demanded, filled me with longing. But had I screwed things up before they had a chance to get going? Would Mr. Drake still want me after last night?

  I dressed quickly and followed Mr. Daniels to the waiting Rolls Royce. I raised an eyebrow at the choice of vehicle, then slid into the back with a muttered “thank you.” I couldn’t believe I was going back to my crappy apartment in this thing, but I supposed I’d have to get used to it if I was really going to pursue this.

  By the time I reached home, I’d made up my mind: It was worth the risk. I would be Mr. Drake’s slave. I would give him control when we were alone, and do my best to please him.

  That is, if he’d still have me.

  ***

  The next day I arrived at the office in my best red dress and high heels, ready to declare myself his, only to find that Mr. Drake was out for the day. I drummed my fingernails on the desk, willing the time to pass, but the clock seemed to be rigged to move at half speed. If I didn’t need the money, I would have left then and there to go find him, but I couldn’t risk losing a day’s wages.

  I fidgeted as I worked through a pile of transcriptions, stopping frequently to daydream about what I would say to him once I saw him again. I mumbled the words to myself at my desk in the empty corridor outside the executive office, practicing.

  “I’m sorry, Sir. I let my fear get the best of me. I do trust you, and I want to do this. To be with you…”

  It sounded so stiff, but I’d never been good at voicing my emotions.

  “This is the best thing that’s ever happened in the whole of my boring-ass life,” I said, sighing. “I can’t chicken out now.”

  The bell on the elevator chimed, and I sat up straight, smoothing my hair down in case it was Mr. Drake returning.

  A bike messanger stepped out and made his way to my desk, holding out a manilla envelope with one word scrawled across it. Isabeau.

  “I was told to leave this with you,” he said.

  Curious, I took it from him. “Do you know who it’s from?”

  He shrugged, looking bored. “I just go where I’m told, lady. Some guy had me waiting in the lobby all morning to deliver this as just the right time. Weirdo.”

  He made for the elevator without looking back. I waited until the do
ors slid shut behind him before tearing the envelope open. I pulled out a note written in an elegant hand on Mr. Drake’s personal stationary.

  I knew you’d change your mind, my little temp. Stay with me tonight.

  But first, pick yourself up some new clothes. A car is waiting outside to take you to the stores I prefer. You’ll need a cocktail dress, shoes and lingerie.

  I opened my mouth, wanting to protest, even though no one was around, then smiled as I read the last line.

  Do as you’re told, or you’ll get more than a spanking.

  He knew me so well.

  I raised an eyebrow. He knew me too well. How did he know I’d changed my mind about being his?

  I peered around me, scrutinizing everything on my desk for the first time. Then, I spotted it—a Drake & Smith pen holder stood nestled between my stapler and computer monitor. A black camera lense winked up at me from the middle of the ampersand.

  That sick bastard has been spying on me! I wondered if there was a microphone in place as well and shook my head. Suddenly, I grinned, and reached for my post-it-notes. I scrawled a quick note, and held it up to the camera.

  Your wish is my command, SIR.

  I blew a kiss, then covered the camera with the yellow post-it. I giggled, imagining his face contorting in annoyance as the visual cut out. I was definitely going to be punished for that little stunt later. But for now, I had more important things to do.

  I turned the envelope over, and a credit card slid out onto my desk. It was an American Express Black Card, made of titanium, and it clunked as it hit the wood. I gasped. I’d heard about these, but never seen one in real life. They were invitation-only and as exclusive as it gets… and here I was holding one in my hand.

  I picked my jaw up off the floor and headed for the elevator. It would be a shame to keep Mr. Drake waiting.

  ***

  When the Rolls pulled up in front of the first store, I couldn’t believe my eyes. This was a section of town I’d never shopped in, for obvious reasons. There was a Tiffany’s next to a Gorgio Armani, and several boutiques with french names that seemed more than a little intimidating. I stepped out of the car, and gave the driver a nervous glance.

  “You’ll be fine, Miss Willcox,” he said, his smile making his eyes crinkle. “The boutique is just up ahead. They’re waiting for you.”

  I nodded and mouthed a “thank you.” My mouth was too dry for words at that moment. What was I doing? I didn’t belong in a place like this, wearing a dress that I’d purchased on sale at the Gap. It was humiliating.

  I gripped my purse so tightly my knuckles were turning white, feeling queasy about the credit card inside. How much did I dare put on there? It was all just too weird. I felt uncomfortable just thinking about spending someone else’s money on something so frivolous as clothing.

  I forced myself to walk, putting one foot in front of the other until I was at the door of the boutique. But before I could touch the door, it swung open, and a beautiful older woman handed me a glass of champagne.

  “You must be Miss Willcox,” she said, beaming at me. Her icy blonde hair was swept into a classic up-do; her clothing impeccable and of the finest quality.

  “My girls and I are going to take excellent care of you today. If you’ll follow me, Mr. Drake has laid some items out for you to choose from.”

  I sipped the champagne, letting the cool bubbles play on my tongue. Of course he has.

  I smiled. He’s taken care of everything. I should have suspected as much.

  ***

  Four hours later, the Rolls Royce pulled up in front of the Drake mansion, coming to a stop in front of the huge wooden doors. I fussed with the strap on my new sky-high black heels, wrapped around my freshly pedicured feet. I felt ridiculous in this dress, but it was my favorite out of all the choices laid out by Mr. Control Freak himself. All of them were exquisitely made, not to mention short and revealing, but something about this one had mesmerized me as soon as I held it up to the light.

  Metallic silk draped low in the front, hugging my hips enough to flatter, and dropping dangerously low in back, baring enough skin to make me blush. I’d never been one for slinky dresses or showing off my body. Added together with the $500 heels and I felt completely out of sorts, like a pig in lipstick.

  Hopefully I didn’t look too ridiculous.

  Mr. Drake’s butler held the door for me as I entered, and I smiled shyly at him.

  “You look lovely, if I may say so, Miss Willcox.”

  My cheeks heated, and I knew I was blushing. “Thank you, Mr. Daniels.”

  He seemed sincere, which made me feel braver, but I still had my boss to face. Would I impress, and would it be enough to make up for my earlier mistrust?

  “Please follow me,” he said, and escorted me through the winding halls and up the stairs, to the lavish guest suite I’d used before.

  On the bed was a box, gift wrapped in silver paper. Before I could ask any questions, Mr. Daniels bowed himself out, shutting the door behind him. I sat on the bed and carefully opened the paper, folding it and setting it aside. I always ripped through wrapping paper on Christmas and birthdays, but here, in Mr. Drake’s home, it seemed wrong, somehow. Sloppy.

  I lifted the lid of the wooden box inside and gasped. There was the vibrating egg again, and, of course, a note accompanying it. When was I going to see the man behind the curtain?

  Please do me the honor of being my date at the party I’m throwing this evening. There will be investors coming, and I know having you on my arm will be my lucky charm.

  However, you still need to be punished for doubting me. Put this in before you join me in the foyer.

  And Isabeau? I expect you on your best behavior tonight. No squirming allowed.

  I ran my hands over my temples. He could not be serious! He wanted me to wear this sex toy while he paraded me in front of investors and party guests. His business career could be on the line on a night like tonight, and he wanted to play games…

  But I had to admit, the thought of wearing this in front of a room full of strangers made my body tingle and my pulse race. It would be a secret only the two of us knew about, and if I judged him right, he’d have the control to flip the switch and turn it on whenever he pleased, controlling my body beneath everyone’s noses, and no one the wiser.

  Unless I screwed up and let my feelings show.

  I bit my lip, fear and excitement warring within me. I’d show him just how cool I could be. I wouldn’t disappoint him.

  ***

  I took a deep breath at the top of the winding main staircase, steeling myself.

  You can do this, Isabeau. Just breathe.

  I held onto the handrail and moved down the steps carefully, my core squeezing around the egg beneath my new lace panties. I still couldn’t believe I was doing this, but the thought of Mr. Drake somewhere below, waiting to turn me on was almost too much to bear. I felt like I was on fire for him, and I hadn’t even seen him yet.

  I turned the corner, and the foyer opened up beneath me. Guests in expensive suits and glamorous dresses mingled below, diamonds catching the light on necks and wrists everywhere I looked.

  I wanted to stop walking. I wanted to turn around and retreat to the safety of my room, or maybe lock myself in the bathroom and climb out the window. I felt like such an imposter wearing these clothes, tresspassing on this life… Would they be able to tell? Would just one look give me away?

  I hesitated, my hand hovering over the banister, before I saw him. He was standing near the bar, a glass of scotch in one hand, the other tucked nonchalantly in his jacket pocket, talking to several gentlemen. Intense, green eyes locked on mine, and for a moment, everything else melted away.

  The egg roared to life inside me.

  I pressed my lips together, my whole body tensing as I tried to retain my composure. I knew he was watching, waiting to see if I’d be able to obey him. If I’d be able to hold onto my dignity despite what he was making me feel.
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br />   I squeezed my thighs together, took a deep breath, and kept walking, my chin held high. At the bottom of the steps, the pulsing stopped, and I let go a sigh of relief as I saw Mr. Drake smile, his dimples making me tingle all over again. He downed his scotch, then detached himself from the group of men and made his way toward me, extending his hand like a prince in a fairy tale.

  “You look absolutely stunning,” he said.

  The gleam in his eye made me believe him, and I let myself relax a little. Well, as much as I could knowing he could flip the switch at any moment and have me struggling for control.

  “Thank you, Mr. Drake. I’ve never worn anything like this. I…”

  “Shh,” he said, sensing where I was going. “If you’re to be mine, you must let me treat you, Isabeau.” He leaned in to whisper in my ear, placing his hand at the small of my back. “You picked my favorite. I can’t wait to tear it off you later.”

  I quivered beneath his touch, my breath hitching at the thought of being taken by this man again, of being his tonight.

  “Come now. I have people I want to introduce you to.”

  He led me through the crowd, the heat from his hand distracting, to say the least. What I wouldn’t give for it to slip lower, and all these people to disappear, leaving us alone together. As we approached a group mingling by floor-to-ceiling glass windows, the egg buzzed to life again, making me whimper.

  Mr. Drake gave me a sideways grin. He’s enjoying this far too much. I pursed my lips and glared back, letting him know he wouldn’t break me. I steadied my steps despite the pulsing making my stomach tighten and my thighs tremble. Keep it together, Isabeau!

  “Were your ears burning, Chase? We were just talking about you! Who is this lovely creature on your arm?”

  A middle aged woman with sleek black hair smiled at me. I suppressed a shudder as the egg began pulsing harder. Mr. Drake’s hand was in his pocket—a bemused half smile on his handsome face. That bastard.