Chapter 4

“I have an idea, but you aren’t going to like it,” he said bluntly.

Lifting tired eyes, she met his gaze. “I’m not too picky right now, Julian. I really think my sister is in trouble and needs help.”

He nodded. “Keep that in mind when I lay out my proposal.”

With a frown, she propped her chin on a hand. “Okay.”

“Not being on the scene, you don’t know much about me, but I have a certain amount of status. My designs are popular, as are my movies and nonfiction books, so my name is known.” At her nod, he said, “From what I gleaned, the only way into this community is by invitation. You can buy a home in the area, but you won’t be admitted to the scene just because you live there.”

Sable nodded. “That makes sense—well, as much as any of this makes sense.”

Julian paused once again as the waiter returned with their meals. Sable picked up her fork and took a bite of the excellent pasta, but found she was more tired and depressed than hungry.

“I propose we pose as a couple and move to Rack for a time.”

She choked on her sip of tea. “What?”

“If we gain entrance to their little group, it shouldn’t take long to find your sister.”

Sable shook her head. “But how could we? I’m not even a submiss—” Eyes narrowed, she broke off.

Julian nodded. “I see you’ve grasped the idea. When I said couple, I meant a couple in the lifestyle. It’s the only way we can infiltrate them.”

She fell back against her chair, literally speechless with shock. Her, a submissive? His submissive? Yeah, right. “It would never work. I’m not the weak, quiet type, Julian.”

A small grin lifted the corners of his mouth. “I can tell, but you’re under the misconception that subs are all weak or quiet. Some of the most independent people I know like to submit. It’s a freedom thing.”

“It’s a crazy thing,” she said, licking her lips. “I appreciate the thought, but…wait, why are you willing to do this? You don’t even know me.”

Julian shrugged. “I know Sabrina. She’s a sweet girl.” With a sigh, he said, “There’s a bit more to it though. One of the residents of Rack…well, we have a history. He’s a cruel man, who hides behind domination to mask his true sociopathic nature.”

He radiated anger, and she shivered, hoping he was never that angry with her. Julian looked capable of murder. “Do you think he has my sister?”

“I don’t know.” He rubbed his eyes. “Violating the contract is consistent with his previous actions, but I just don’t know if she’s Rafe Monahan’s slave.”

“If she is, is she in danger?”

He seemed reluctant to answer, but finally nodded. “A lot of danger, which makes it imperative to get her out of there.”

Head pounding, she rubbed her temples, unable to believe she was seriously considering his idea. “How would this work? What does being a couple entail?”

“The typical outer show of any couple, but the D/s side is different, of course.”

“What do you need from me?”

Julian’s gaze drilled into hers. “Complete submission. You have to make it convincing.”

Sable gulped. “I really don’t think I can act like that. What would I have to do?”

“It depends on the circumstances.” He took a bite before continuing. “If we’re invited to participate in a social function, you’ll have to do as directed. It could involve pain, obedience, humiliation, or delayed pleasure.”

Sable shivered, unsure if it was from the picture he painted, or from the way he’d almost purred pleasure. “Give me an example.”

He nodded, appearing deep in thought for a moment. “Let’s say we’re invited to play in someone else’s dungeon. That might or might not include interaction with the couple or group issuing the invitation. It would include voyeurism. They would want to watch me top you.”

She swallowed. “Are you talking about sex? In front of others?”

He shrugged. “Maybe. Obviously, we’ll try to steer clear of that sort of situation, but I want you to understand going in that you’re going to have to submit, and there are consequences if you don’t. If I don’t punish you, I’ll lose credibility.” After a second, he added, “I can’t promise sex won’t be part of the act.”

“How can you enjoy this?” She squeezed her eyes shut to block out the enticing image of being under the man across from her. “I don’t even know you. How am I supposed to do this, or to have sex with you?”

“We have to build trust between us.”

She opened her eyes, barely biting back a sarcastic comment. “I think that takes a lot more time than we have.”

Julian curled his lip. “I agree, but I’m willing to try. This is the only way I know of to get close enough to the people in Rack to determine if your sister is there, and with whom. The final decision is yours.” He removed his wallet and tossed a couple of bills on the table. “Call me when you decide.”