Smiling to himself, he wondered how the woman known as the Adler Ice Princess in professional circles was going to react to having her reservation changed. He’d paid the manager handsomely to have her moved to the suite next to his. Several additional bills bought him an electronic key, which he’d shamelessly used earlier in the day to decorate the space with floral arrangements and her favorite foods.
After his conversation with her yesterday, he’d called one of Adler Oil’s competitors who’d described Asia as stone-cold, but Franklin heard something entirely different in her husky voice. There was an air of vulnerability beneath the confident veneer, a volcanic need buried so deeply in her psyche, he doubted she understood its true depth.
His team had outdone themselves when they’d uncovered Asia’s Dark Desires membership. He’d visited the club on one of the nights he’d known she was going to be there. Standing next to his long-time acquaintance, Cameron Barnes, Franklin had shaken his head in amazement.
“He’s not getting her out of her head.” The Dom wielding the flogger was so caught up in his performance, he’d completely forgotten why he was there. The young dominant was taking his cues from the audience rather than the submissive who’d entrusted him with her pleasure.
“I swear if she starts cross-examining him, I’m going to cancel both their memberships.” Franklin suspected Cam’s droll comment was only partially muttered in jest. “She needs someone who will see past the Ice Princess façade she presents to the world. Her soul yearns for the release she’ll only find under the lash of a strong Dominant.” Franklin knew Cam well enough to hear his frustration. Turning to Franklin, Cam studied him for a few seconds. “Tell me about your latest assignment, and before you give me what I’m sure is a well-rehearsed sales pitch, I’ll tell you I’ve been briefed by the Agency.”
“Retired, my ass.” Franklin chuckled. Anyone who believed Cam Barnes wasn’t still working for the CIA was either dangerously ignorant or deliberately sticking their head in the sand. “Is she under your protection?” Franklin knew Cam was well known for adopting unattached club members, but he hadn’t heard anything connecting him in a substantial way to any of the Adlers.
“No, but Ian McGregor has taken Brooklyn under his wing, I know he is also fond of Catalina—and it goes without saying, Cooper is involved.” Franklin had heard the rumors about Cooper Hicks and the lovely jewelry designer but had not gotten confirmation—until now. Catalina Adler’s sideline as an independent agent was one of the worst-kept secrets in the world. “Tell me about your assignment.” Damn, Cam Barnes was nothing if not persistent.
Franklin outlined how the contract had begun and how it changed after he got to know London. He might have been speaking to Cameron, but he couldn’t take his eyes off Asia. Cam chuckled more than once at his lapse in attention, but Franklin’s mind was spinning as he considered all the ways he could meet Asia Adler’s needs. As the Dom released her bonds, Asia’s gaze swept the room, her eyes locking on his despite the fact he was standing deep in the shadows.
Electricity arched between them, and even though she didn’t know it, at that moment, she’d become his.
Chapter One
Not so much as a whisper of sound, but it had somehow become the loudest thing Asia Adler had ever heard. Shuddering, she surveyed the enormous entry hall. The vast space was eerie as hell. Even the arctic chill in the room wasn’t enough to distract her from the deafening silence. Cripes, I thought old homes were supposed to creak no matter their size.
The Quan mansion would be more accurately described as a museum than a home. This place is creepy as hell. As her sister-in-law’s legal representative, Asia had already carefully reviewed all the financial statements and knew the palatial residence was worth a damned fortune. She’d seen pictures of the various Quan real estate holdings, but nothing had prepared her for the sheer size and opulence of the family’s country estate.
Gentle hands settled over the top of her shoulders, their warmth quickly penetrating the lightweight fabric of her blazer. This wasn’t the first time she and Franklin Cordesi had traveled together, but for some reason, this trip felt different, more significant than the weekend getaways they’d enjoyed over the past several months. Their connection was growing stronger despite her reluctance to admit how much she enjoyed being in an exclusive, committed relationship.
“Cara, you are not taking proper care of what I consider mine.” One of the things Asia could always depend on was Franklin’s sexual dominance simmering just beneath the surface. His words were whispered, little more than a soft brush of air over the shell of her ear, but the underlying steel was unmistakable. His arms came around her, the warmth of his body wrapping itself around her felt better than cuddling with her favorite quilt.
“Who would have thought the caretaker wouldn’t consider turning on the heat as part of preparing the property for visitors.” Hell, it was warmer outside than it was inside. Franklin moved his hand in a quick spiral, and a silvery trail of smoke slipped through the room like a slithering snake. Within seconds, smoky fingers formed over a thermostat mounted on the far wall, and even though she couldn’t see what was happening, the soft snick of the furnace engaging was unmistakable.
“Until I can warm you myself, this will have to do.”
She smiled as he slowly released her. Discovering Franklin Cordesi was a member of one of the oldest magical families in the world had been a surprise but shouldn’t have been. Her mother had always said water seeks its own level, and Asia had seen the truth of her wise words as, one by one, her siblings continued to find their mates. Not only had five of them found love, they’d also each been mated with a man or woman whose magic was a perfect complement to their own. She wasn’t convinced she and Franklin were mates—the jury was still out on that one—but they were remarkably compatible, and for now, that was enough.
“What time are the others supposed to be here?”
Turning to face him, Asia felt the fire of arousal ignite in her sex. The deep, rich tone of his voice was enough to make her knees weak. Damn it, she’d gone toe to toe with some of the sharpest legal and business minds in the world. Never allowing anyone to intimidate her was a huge part of who she was. She’d called her opponents’ bluff, walking away with deals her brother, Austin, had sworn would never be made. Fooling business adversaries was easy, but fooling a Dom who understood her on a soul-deep level… one who seemed to know her better than she knew herself? Not at all easy. She’d tried to figure out how he’d gotten past all her defenses. The mystery still baffled her.
“Not until tomorrow.” She watched his eyes darken with lust, swearing she could feel his body heat spike despite the several inches separating them. Damn, the more time they spent together, the stronger the ties tethering them seemed to become. Most of the time, she could sense his emotions. Several times, she’d heard his thoughts, whispering through her mind.
Tapping into another person’s thoughts was her brother Israel’s gift, but for the first time in her life, Asia felt as though she was getting a small glimpse into what he experienced on a daily basis. She’d heard Israel talk about how overwhelming it could be when he let his guard down and found himself bombarded with the thoughts and emotions of people around him. Shuddering, Asia wondered how he managed. There were times when she felt overwhelmed by her connection to Franklin, but it paled in comparison to what Israel dealt with day in and day out.