Chapter 1: Secrets and Lace
Author's Note: Before you read, please ensure your Inkitt app is updated with bug fixes so you can enjoy the story with as few errors as possible. This story uses American English (not British English) and Chicago Manual style (not APA or Harvard style) and has been reviewed by Grammarly Pro. But even the sharpest eyes may miss a few things. The app has been known to glitch occasionally, where phrases in italics are repeated, extra spaces are added, empty spaces where text should be (the text is there from my end, but not always there in readers' views), and extra characters/letters are added during the saving process. These tech errors/bugs are not the author's fault. Also, this is the sequel to Damian's Seduction (on my profile). I recommend you read that one first to understand the series' plot.
Chloe Carter’s Louboutins clicked against the polished marble floor when she entered The Church. Perched atop a soaring skyscraper, the exclusive sanctuary beckoned Lester Harbor’s elite to indulge in their forbidden desires.
She tucked a tendril of her long, raven hair behind her ear as her almond-shaped eyes scanned the dimly lit room. The scents of rich leather and expensive cigars blended with sweet perfume teased her nostrils.
Chloe was here for one reason.
Damian Scott.
Beneath her coat, a lace ensemble hugged her body—a tantalizing secret she couldn’t wait to reveal.
There he was.
The renowned billionaire radiated authority, effortlessly commanding the club. His perfectly styled blond hair gleamed under the soft lights, and his custom-tailored suit clung to his broad shoulders and powerful frame like a second skin.
His piercing green eyes were fixed on Angelo Lucciano, a man in his mid-fifties who had protected Damian’s family for years. Angelo’s thick, graying hair and whiskey-brown eyes hinted at the power he wielded for years.
Despite the seriousness of their discussion, Damian’s head tilted just a degree as if he sensed Chloe’s arrival.
The muscles in his shoulders tensed almost unnoticeably, his jawline tightening. Though still focused on Angelo, his eyes flickered at Chloe. Like a lion catching the scent of prey, Damian’s instincts were razor-sharp. She wasn’t just another beautiful woman in the room.
She was his.
His gaze lifted, locking onto hers. His lips curled into a slow, dimpled smile.
Seriously, was it legal to look that good?
That smile sent a thrill racing through Chloe’s heart, igniting that familiar, irresistible sexual tension. She embraced it—the magnetic pull between them, a silent acknowledgment that he knew she was there, ready to be claimed.
And he always claimed her.
Her heart quickened as she strode toward the man who consumed her thoughts.
Before she could reach him, a tall, leggy blonde slid into Damian’s space.
Valentina, the club manager, leaned down to kiss his lips, her manicured hands gliding over his shoulders. Damian didn’t push her away; his hand casually grazed Valentina’s waist, an effortless display of dominance that sent a simmer of jealousy through Chloe.
Chloe approached with a confident smile, admiring Valentina’s freshly dyed blonde hair.
“The new look suits you. It’s striking,” she remarked, her voice smooth as silk.
Valentina’s smile brightened, her fingers playing with a strand. “You think so? I wasn’t sure at first, but I wanted something different. Fresh.”
“Different is good,” Chloe replied, her tone friendly but subtly edged. “Change keeps things interesting, don’t you think?”
Valentina’s blue eyes sparkled with a hint of something—perhaps recognition of the unspoken rivalry, or maybe just amusement. “It certainly does. And speaking of interesting,” she glanced at Chloe’s coat, “are you hiding something special under there tonight?”
Chloe’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Wouldn’t you like to know? But I’ll give you a hint—it’s Damian’s favorite.”
Valentina’s gaze flicked to Damian, who watched the exchange with amusement playing at the corner of his mouth. “Well then, I won’t keep you,” she said. “Your room is ready, doll. I’ve left a few toys of your choice and a cold bucket of champagne—only the best—for you and Mister Scott.”
“You don’t need to call him Mister Scott for me,” Chloe replied. “You used to call him Dami... before he and I were together.”
Valentina’s smile tightened. “Are you sure? You don’t mind at all?”
“Not at all,” Chloe said. “You’ve known him for years. I’m all about sharing and caring.”
Valentina let out a soft laugh, but it was Damian’s reaction that caught Chloe’s attention.
His chuckle was low and resonant, a sound that curled around Chloe like a promise. “Excuse me, Angelo,” he said, sparing a glance at the mafia boss as he stood.
Angelo waved him off with a deep laugh. “Your woman comes first. Always.”
Damian drew closer to Chloe, his focus entirely on her.
No time to waste on words.
His hands cupped her jaw, strong yet gentle, and his mouth crashed onto hers in a possessive and consuming kiss. She melted into him, her body pressing against the hard planes of his chest as his lips crushed hers.
Her breath was ragged, her pulse racing, when they finally broke the kiss. She caught his gaze, her voice low and teasing. “Should we go up to our room?”
Damian’s eyes darkened with a hunger that made her knees weak. “Follow me, babe.”
They moved to the elevator, the heat between them searing with each step. When the doors slid shut, Damian’s hands were on her, exploring her curves. Chloe shivered, her breath hitching as his fingers traced her skin with a possessiveness that made her ache for more.
When the doors finally opened, Chloe took in the luxurious surroundings of their private suite—a room designed for kinky pleasure. But all she could focus on was how Damian’s eyes devoured her. His intense stare made her pulse race.
She unbuttoned her coat, letting it fall to the floor to reveal the seductive gray lace lingerie he had bought. The underwired bra framed her bare breasts as delicate straps crisscrossed her torso, leading to a high-waisted garter belt accentuating her curves. Suspender straps attached to thigh-high stockings and a barely-there thong completed her attire, every detail designed to entice.
“I gotta have a strong heart for you,” he said, his voice rough with desire. He removed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. “You could give any man a heart attack.”
She smirked. “You like what you see?”
“Like it?” Damian pulled a silver leash from his pocket and pointed it at the sparkling diamonds on her collar’s D-ring.
His smile was pure sin. “I’m obsessed.”
He clipped the leash to her collar, the click of metal sending a thrill through her. Damian’s taut cheeks tensed as he tugged on the leash, pulling her closer.
“You’ve been waiting, huh?”
Chloe tilted her chin up, pouting. “You’ve been gone for nearly a month. It felt like an eternity.”
His sharp gaze softened. “I didn’t want to leave. But you know how it is—work calls. We’re expanding two companies, one in Asia and one in Europe. It couldn’t wait.”
She reached for his free hand, her fingers brushing against his knuckles. “My heart felt empty without you.”
His grip on the leash tightened. “I’m here now, love,” he assured, his eyes locking onto hers.
“I’m glad you’re here,” she purred, her lips curling into a sly smile. “Because I’ve got a surprise for you.”
His brow arched, and his lips quirked into a dangerous grin. “A surprise, huh?” He stepped closer, the leash pulling her just shy of his chest. His voice lowered. “You know what I do to girls who tease me, don’t you?”
“Tell me. What do you do to your brats?” Her eyes lifted to his, wide and eager, hinting a challenge.
He leaned in, breath warm against her ear, and whispered, “I make them beg for mercy.”
His fingers toyed with the front of her thong. “I make them plead for every touch, every kiss, every thrust. And I don’t give them what they want until they’re undone.”
Chloe’s pulse pounded in her ears. Her body ached like hell for him. “Dami,” she breathed.
Before she could say more, he silenced her with a kiss. His hands worked their way down her body, undoing her cupless bra and garter.
He lifted her into his arms as if she weighed nothing. “I’m going to strip you down. And when I’m done, you’re going to lie there while I take my sweet time tasting every inch of you.”
Her head fell back as she moaned, her body thrumming with need. “Please, fuck me tonight,” she begged, the word tumbling out before she could stop herself.
He carried her to the bed, laying her on the cool silk sheets. His hands lingered on her body as he leaned over her, his weight pressing down just enough to let her know he was in control. “That’s right, baby. Beg for me.”
Her voice trembled. “You drive me mad with need.”
Damian’s grin widened—a playful, wicked smile that made her pulse race. “Damn right I do,” he said, trailing kisses down her neck to her breasts. He kneaded them, his lips wrapping around each dark peak, sucking and teasing until Chloe gasped beneath him.
She arched into his touch. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“Remember, the contract we signed. I own you.” His hand slid up her thigh, his fingers tracing the edge of her thong before jerking it down. “And tonight, I will remind you exactly what that means.”
She gasped as he lowered his head, his lips brushing her soft belly. “Taste me,” she moaned.
He froze, his eyes snapping to hers. “No,” he instructed. “I give the orders.”
“But, Dami—”
His fingers caught her chin, tilting her face up. “No buts,” he growled. “Ah, you’re Daddy’s little brat.”
She couldn’t help but smile. “You’re lucky you’re charming, Daddy.”
“Defiant tonight, aren’t you?” He placed her on his lap. The paddle in his hand was smooth, the leather cool against her skin as he traced it along the curve of her ass.
“You’ve been waiting all month for this, haven’t you?” His voice was a sinful caress, each word sending sparks of excitement through her.
“Yes, Daddy,” she moaned, the title slipping from her lips without thought, a testament to the power he held over her.
Damian’s triumphant smile widened as he raised the paddle. “You like it rough, huh?”
“I do... But tonight, go lightly,” she pleaded, her voice a soft murmur against the sheets.
He paused, lowering his head to whisper against her ear, “I want you to enjoy this. To have pleasure. My wife.”
“My husband,” she whispered back, the words a secret thrill that never failed to excite her.
Aside from family and close friends, the world didn’t know about their marriage—the vows exchanged in a small, private chapel, away from prying eyes. Their commitment was sacred, perfect.
But Chloe had another secret, which would change everything.
Damian’s hand descended, the paddle striking a gentle thud against her flesh. She yearned for one more spank, a sensation that took her to a place where pain became her pleasure.
His phone buzzed on the nightstand. The sound jarred her ears, breaking the rhythm of their moment. She grimaced.
He paused, smoothing the spot he’d just struck. “You okay?”
“Yes.” She nodded, though her mind was elsewhere. She wasn’t sure how Damian would react when he found out that their lives, complicated by the shit his dead mother left behind, were about to become even more so.
The phone buzzed again. He stopped, picked it up, and stared at the screen, tension coiling in the air. His eyes narrowed as he recognized the number.
With a heavy sigh, he set the paddle aside. “It’s urgent,” he groaned.
Chloe forced a smile, even though her heart ached. “Duty calls.”
“I’ll be back as soon as I can,” he promised, cupping her cheek, his thumb brushing over her lips before putting on his shirt and pants. “And when I return...” The promise hung in the air.
“I’ll be waiting,” she whispered, steadying herself.
Damian kissed her one last time, a fierce, possessive kiss before he turned and walked out, leaving her alone with her thoughts—and her secret.
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