Need You Tonight

TWENTY-THREE





Kade led Tess through the main cabin toward the backyard, feeling like a hypocrite for telling her she shouldn’t be nervous when he was barely reining in his own butterflies. Despite how many times he’d been to parties at The Ranch, he’d never brought a submissive whose opinion mattered to him so much. Tonight he was going to show Tessa what this world looked like. Not the easily palatable version, but the real one. She was going to get her first view of the kind of relationship he desired, and he had no idea how she was going to react.

Exploring fantasies was one thing. Most people would be willing to try a little kink as a one off every now and then. But much fewer wanted that dynamic every day of their lives.

Before they reached the sliding glass doors that led to the back, Colby pulled them open from the other side. Tessa halted her step, no doubt confused by his appearance, and intimidated. Colby was a big, scary bastard in normal clothes, but in his leathers he probably looked downright terrifying to Tessa. Kade cupped the back of Tessa’s neck, the collar pressing into his palm. “Ready for her?”

Tessa’s head swung toward Kade, question marks in her eyes, but he gave her no reassurance. If he was going to give her this night, he wasn’t going to dilute it for her.

Colby gave a brief nod. “Yep. She’ll fetch a good price in that outfit.”

“A what?” Tessa asked, panic underlining her voice.

“Hush, slave. I didn’t give you permission to speak.” He reached for the buckle on her collar and undid it. “I was only transporting you and preparing you for the auction. Highest bidder gets to take you home.”

She reached up and grabbed at her neck when the collar slipped away. He liked the glimmer of loss in her eyes, the sudden awareness of what the collar represented and what he was stripping from her. It’d make it all the sweeter when he got to put it on her again.

He took her elbow and handed her off to Colby, who was doing an impressive job of keeping his stern expression.

“Kade,” Tessa protested when he stepped away from her.

“It’s Master Van or Sir,” he reminded her. “And you’d best remember how to be respectful or I may not be inspired to bid on your services tonight.”

She wet her lips, the words probably sinking in, understanding dawning. “Yes, sir.”

“Master Colby will take you where you need to go.”

Another pleading look passed her face, but he wasn’t going to give her more information than that. He gave Colby a quick nod, and Colby led her out. Kade turned around, knowing she was safe with Colby, and went back down the hallway to get the last of what he needed for the plan.

Tessa McAllen, welcome to my world. Hope you enjoy your stay.





Tessa’s knees were weak with nerves as Colby led her toward the open field behind the cabin. She could hear voices before they turned around the back corner of the house, but when the party came into view, she couldn’t believe what sprawled out in front of her. Women were milling around in . . . gowns? She blinked a few times, unsure she was really seeing it. But it was like she’d walked into some evening soiree in Regency England. The men were dressed in long tailcoats, vests, and breeches—at least she thought that’s what the pants were called. The whole scene was enough to root her to the ground.

Colby looked down at her. “What’s wrong, slave?”

For some ridiculous reason, her eyes went wet. She’d told Kade her fantasy about a prince as an aside. It had been an offhanded comment, silly. And though he’d said he planned to give her the role play tonight, she only thought he meant in a general way—just between the two of them. But what spread out before her was a scene from one of her historical novels come to life. She shook her head. “Kade did all this?”

“It’s Master Van,” Colby reminded her, but his voice was gentle. “And yes, he did. We didn’t expect this many people to show up on short notice, but give kinky people a chance to wear costumes and they’re all in.”

She laughed, swiping at the ridiculous tears that had escaped. “I can’t believe he went through this much trouble.”


“Can’t you?” Colby’s tone and frown fastened her to the spot. “My guess is that there’s not much he wouldn’t do for you.”

She glanced away, the comment hitting her right in the chest. “It’s not like that. We’re just having a good time together.”

Colby sniffed. “Uh-huh. Now come on, we can’t get started without you.”

She swallowed back the anxiety Colby’s comment had stirred up again and let him lead her toward the crowd. Heads turned, people openly giving her head-to-toe evaluations. The vibe amongst the group was anticipatory, like she was the roast pig about to be served for dinner. It was damn unnerving, and Tessa couldn’t help but feel wildly self-conscious about her state of dress. The other women were wearing full gowns. Though, admittedly, some of the low-cut bodices left little to the imagination. But here she was with a corset and a skirt that was so thin, she knew it was nearly useless at covering anything. The little jewel dangling against her sensitive parts mocked her, making her all too aware of her bareness beneath the skirt.

But despite the predatory mood of the crowd, no one touched her as Colby moved her through the knot of people. If anything, they backed up so as not to brush against her. Kade’s words came back to her—no one will touch you without my permission. But she didn’t know if that applied when she wasn’t wearing his collar. She moved a little closer to Colby, seeking protection from the only other person she knew would watch out for her.

He moved his arm around her in a friendly but reassuring gesture. “It’s okay, darlin’. No one can touch you until they buy you.”

That was supposed to make her feel better? Who exactly had the option to buy her?

Comments whispered on the breeze around her as they walked, lewd ones, suggestive ones, curious ones. But she got the sense this was all part of the production Kade was putting on. Everything about this was making her feel like she was less than the people around her—the commoner, the slave. It should have upset her, but instead it made something settle inside her. There was some comfort in knowing what her role was, what the expectations were.

Once they made it to the other side of the yard, a wooden deck came into view. Men and women who were not dressed in the fine clothes of the crowd but rather like her were lined up along it, kneeling. Around each of their necks was a crude leash made of rope, which was tethered to bolts in the deck. The two men of the group were shirtless and wearing nothing but strips of rough brown cloth around their waists. When one lifted his head, she was stunned to see it was Andre. His eyes met hers and he gave her a little smile.

The simple gesture made her feel better, but then a startling thwack ripped through the air and Andre flinched. The man standing in the shadows behind the line of slaves had swung a small multi-tailed whip across Andre’s back. “Eyes down, slave.”

Tessa winced, but when the man in charge stepped into the light, she realized Andre’s tormentor was also his lover. Jace put a booted foot between Andre’s shoulder blades and pushed, bringing Andre all the way down to his elbows.

It seemed cruel and degrading, but it was hard to miss the obvious erection hiding beneath Andre’s cloth. This was turning him on. And the logical part of her said that should be wrong. That it wasn’t normal. But her body was responding differently. Just watching the exchange had her mind drifting to Kade and her body warming. What would it be like to surrender like that? This was the opposite of everything she’d ever known. It was everything she’d been taught was wrong and deviant, not to mention completely incongruent with any feminist ideals she held dear. But she couldn’t bank the curiosity. It was overflowing inside her, bursting through the seams. She needed to feel what this was like with Kade. She needed to see what he really meant when he said he was dominant.

So as Colby led her over to the platform, she didn’t use her safe word, she didn’t say no, and she didn’t fight when he guided her to her knees between Andre and a woman she didn’t recognize.

Jace looped rope around her neck. “You are to remain here, head down, until your turn on the block. Do you understand?”

“I understand,” she said, unable to bring herself to call him sir. That felt wrong for some reason.

He didn’t correct her on it and left her there on her knees. The party went on for a while around them, and she had to fight hard not to look up or rock back into a sit. Occasionally, someone would walk over to observe them. Boots or heels would cross her view as the newest visitor circled the group, evaluating the goods for purchase. No one touched her or talked to her.

But the longer she kneeled there, staring down at her hands, the more wired she felt. The not knowing what would happen next was both exciting and completely terrifying. Could any of these people “buy” her and touch her? Would Jace hit her with that scary-looking whip? She didn’t know the answers and no one was going to give them to her. All she could do was trust in Kade. He said he would keep her safe, and she had to believe that.

After about half an hour, the crowd noise started to take on a more energetic sound. Jace came back up to the deck and gave a sharp whistle. The sound startled her, and she almost lifted her head, but quickly corrected the involuntary reaction.

“Ladies and gents, can I have your attention?” Jace called out, quieting the crowd. “I’m very happy you decided to come to our late night garden party. But let’s not pretend you’re here for the canapés. I know you’ve all come here tonight to feed your desires with an illicit night. Luckily, you won’t be left wanting. Our very generous host has kindly provided a number of very lovely pleasure slaves for your consideration. They won’t be cheap, but I assure you they will be willing and obedient. And if they’re not, I know you all have your wicked ways of gaining compliance.”

The audience laughed, but Tessa could barely hear them over the pounding of her heart. Even though it was cool outside, her skin was growing damp with sweat. She was tied to a deck in front of a group of people, half-naked, and up for auction as a pleasure slave. A few months ago, her most daring night had involved staying up until two in the morning on a work night to watch a marathon of Nora Ephron movies. How had she gotten here?

But she didn’t have time to contemplate further because Jace was untying Andre from the spot next to her and pulling him to his feet. She dared a peek upward and Andre sent her wink before Jace dragged him toward the makeshift staging area.

Jace kept Andre’s rope wrapped around his fist. “Our first slave up for auction is over six feet tall, is strong enough to take a good, solid beating—which he enjoys by the way—and can make a woman scream with his talented tongue. He also sucks cock like a champion. In fact, I’m putting in a bid myself just for the chance at that fine experience. Two thousand pounds.”

Tessa had to smile at the fact that they were pretending to use pounds. Kade really had thought of everything.

Another bid came from the audience, this time from a woman. Tessa dared to lift her gaze a hair since Jace was obviously busy, and saw a gorgeous blue-eyed woman in a green gown raising her finger in the air to note her bid. Evan.

The sight was more than a small relief. Andre’s lovers were bidding on him. They weren’t really auctioning him out to strangers. A few other people threw out bids but it was clear that the bidding war was going to happen between Jace and Evan. Andre looked more than happy to be caught between them. In the end, Evan won Andre with a bid of five thousand pounds. Jace handed the leash to her, but Andre swept Evan up and over his shoulder before she could use it and clamped his arm over her thighs to keep her in place. She smacked his back, but he simply grinned and carried her off. So much for an obedient slave.

The rest of the slaves went up on the auction block one by one. Some Tessa could tell were auctioned to their lovers, but for others it was clear that it really was an open bid. One woman was bought by a couple. The other guy was purchased by a petite woman wielding a riding crop. She even gave an onstage demonstration of how well she could use that crop when she lifted up her skirts and demanded he give her a sample of what she’d bought. He’d gone down on her in front of everyone while she hit his backside with the riding crop. The show had gotten the audience more than a little stirred up. The chatter among them was at a mild roar, and watchers became participants. Bodices were being unlaced and hands were roaming. Some in the crowd were on their knees.

Tessa was enthralled with all the sights. She’d thought she couldn’t be shocked seeing people be publicly sexual after the night at Colby’s, but it was impossible not to be. It was compelling. And sexy. And overwhelming. She was so caught up in all the watching that before she knew it, she was the only one left up there.

She still hadn’t seen Kade. She’d stolen glances at the crowd with each new auction but she hadn’t spotted him. Her limbs began to tingle with nerves and from being so still. Jace gripped her upper arm with gentle pressure. “On your feet, slave. Time’s up.”


Her head spun as she climbed to a stand, and the little bead between her thighs teased her with its swaying. How she could be so simultaneously freaked out and turned on was a wonder. But as Jace led her to the edge of the staging area, freaked out was starting to take the lead over the other. “Last but not least, we have a brand new capture. She’s never been purchased before and is new to the ways of a pleasure slave. She would be good for a patient master who isn’t afraid to teach and discipline her.”

Hands went up in the air faster than Tessa could count them. Bids flew. Men. Women. Two couples. Her gaze darted around the crowd, seeking, looking for the one man she wanted to hear a bid from. Where the hell was he?

“I hear six thousand pounds. Anyone else?” Jace asked. “Going once.”

True panic began to set in for Tessa. Maybe Kade had gotten held up somewhere. Maybe he didn’t know it was time yet. What was she going to do if the man who’d bid the highest won?

“Going twice.”

Her safeword was poised on her tongue, when a voice from the back of the crowd silenced Jace. “Ten thousand pounds.”

A murmur went through the crowd, and everyone turned. Tessa squinted, knowing who the voice belonged to but not allowing herself to believe it until she saw him. When the group parted and Kade strolled up the center, Tessa lost all of her starch. In that moment, it really did feel like her prince had come. Kade had changed out of his suit and replaced it with a luxurious dark blue tailcoat with gold buttons, a matching vest, tan breeches that hugged him in just the right way, and riding boots. He looked regal and proud and absolutely lose-her-mind gorgeous.

Her fantasy hadn’t been even close to seeing it live and in the flesh. This was the sexiest man she’d ever seen in her life. With his dark blond hair and that aristocratic tilt to his chin, he really could’ve stepped out of another time. No other person in that garden looked half as distinguished as he did standing there. Royalty among the commoners.

“Seems we have a big spender,” Jace observed. “Anyone want to top this gentleman?”

The crowd was silent and Jace declared her sold. Kade made his way to her with intent on his face. He stopped in front of her, towering over her in both stature and attitude. She was shaking.

“You’re all mine now,” he said, his voice silky and dark. “Kneel down.”

Her gaze never left his as she knelt slowly at his feet. Jace handed Kade a pocket knife, and she held her breath as Kade ran the blade beneath the loop and released the rope. He handed the knife back to Jace and then pulled her collar from inside his jacket. She closed her eyes as the leather touched her throat, the feel of it around her strangely comforting.

When she lifted her lids again, Kade cupped her chin with one hand. “Your training starts now. Let me see what I’ve purchased.”

With his free hand, he undid the old-fashioned pants, the flap falling open. He had no underwear beneath so she first got an eyeful of hard, flat stomach, then the impressive state of his cock came into view. He took himself in hand and stroked upward. In front of God and all the people in the crowd, he rubbed the tip of it over her lips.

She glanced at the crowd and he tapped her cheek with the back of his hand. “Eyes on me. No one else here matters. I’m your master. Open for me.”

She licked her lips, blood rushing loudly in her ears, and opened her mouth. The minute he slid along her tongue, she centered all her focus on him. She knew people were watching. She knew how she must look. But instead of being embarrassed, this surge of determination filled her. She would give Kade the blow job of his life. She would show him and all these people that she knew how to please him—this beautiful man who’d gone through so much trouble to give her this fantasy. He hadn’t declared her desires silly or unworthy or dumb. He’d honored them by going above and beyond to create it for her, down to the most minute detail. She would show her gratitude in the most obvious way possible. She would please him as if he really were her master. She would put her all into the fantasy, too.

She closed her eyes as he laced his fingers in her hair and guided her down his length. “That’s right, girl. Take all of me. I want all these people to see that I got the best slave of the bunch. My own little harlot.”

She ran her tongue along the thick vein on the bottom of his cock then drew back to lave the crown. She didn’t know if there were fancy techniques for giving head, but what she lacked in skill, she would make up for in enthusiasm. Kade groaned loud enough for anyone nearby to hear and his fingers tightened against her scalp.

“You look so beautiful sucking my cock, Tess,” he said, his voice filled with grit. “You’ve got every man who’s watching jealous because no one has a sexier slave than I do.”

The words drifted over her like soft, stroking hands, the sincerity in his voice and use of her first name making something inside her lift and lighten. She pulled back slowly, letting her tongue circle him, then looked up. “Thank you, sir.”

The look in his eyes almost undid her. But she reminded herself that every man probably looked at a woman like that when she had his dick in her mouth. It was nothing more than that. But she couldn’t stop stupid emotions from blooming in her chest like big, fat flowers. She closed her eyes and redoubled her efforts on pleasuring him.

Soon, she lost all sense of everything except the feel of his grip on her hair, the way he was moving her over his cock, and the sounds he was making. He was rough, grinding his hips against her mouth and not giving her leeway to pull off. But she relished the sense of being at his mercy, could feel her body relaxing and giving over to it. And when she opened her eyes to enjoy watching her well-dressed duke lauding his power over her, that sent him over the edge. He pulled out and spun her away, leading her with his grip on her hair and pushing her down on all fours. She hit the grass on hands and knees and he shoved her skirt up her thighs. The night air hit her damp skin. His fingers dipped inside her. “Look how f*cking wet you are, girl. So damn sexy. Everybody can see how badly you need me to f*ck you.”

Her fingers dug into the earth as he pumped fingers inside her, jostling the * ring and sending pleasure straight up her spine. She couldn’t think about anyone watching. In that moment, there was no one there but the two of them and what he was doing to her.

“Tell me you need to be f*cked. Beg me for it.” He curled his fingers along her G-spot.

“Please, sir,” she gasped.

“Please, what?”

“Please, f*ck me. I need you to.”

She heard him opening up the condom packet and then he was at her entrance. He shoved forward without finesse, but her body was so ready for him that he met no resistance. His hand reached around and gently tugged her * ring, the simple move nearly sending her over into orgasm. Her teeth clamped together, the combination of the stimulation and her sensitive, freshly shaven skin almost too much. But she didn’t want this to end too fast. He thrust into her with long strokes and her head lolled between her shoulders as he buried deep over and over again, his fingers constantly teasing her hot button.

She lowered to her elbows, her body going into surrender mode, and put every ounce of energy into not coming. But Kade seemed intent on keeping her on the edge and holding her there. He knew when to move his fingers more gently and when to tug and pinch. She was outright begging after a while.

“That’s it,” he said, his voice strained. “Beg me for it. You want to come?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Tell me,” he demanded.

“I want to come.”

“Then come, slave.” He sunk all the way into her and slid the ring off.

Every ounce of energy burst out of her in one shrieking cry as the orgasm crashed down on her. Her nails sunk into the grass and she let it all go. She didn’t care where she was or who was watching. All she cared about was Kade inside her and the overwhelming sensations overtaking her.

Soon Kade’s groans joined hers and he came hard, dragging her hips against him with a bruising grip and pumping into her with unchecked force. Tomorrow she would be marked. She would be sore. She would probably be shocked that she’d done this in front of others.

But at that moment, she didn’t f*cking care. She was sailing.

When the last of his release was emptied inside her and their breathing had slowed, he eased his grip on her and backed off. He slipped her skirt down to cover her and helped her off her knees. She sat down in the grass, watching him tuck himself back into his pants.

When he was done, he crouched down in front of her and tapped her nose with the tip of his finger, a twinkle in his eyes. “I guess you’ll do, slave.”

She snort laughed, an indelicate sound that she tried to cover, to no avail, especially when he gave her a broad grin.

“Perhaps I’m worth more than ten thousand pounds, sir,” she teased.

“Oh, I assure you, I’d empty my coffers for you.” He leaned forward and gave her a long, openmouthed kiss that garnered a whistle from another partygoer.

Only then did she remember that others were still watching them. Kade helped her to her feet and they turned to face the party. Some people had moved on to do their own thing, but there were a significant number of people with their gazes still on them. Most were smiling their way and one clapped. Not knowing what else to do in such a bizarre situation, Tessa grabbed her skirt and gave a little curtsey.


Kade laughed and wrapped his arm around her. “Already practicing to be a princess.”

She smirked and leaned into him. “Don’t tease me, sir. I know how the aristocracy works. I’ve got no shot.”

He turned her away from the group and pulled her against him, his hands cradling her face. His eyes were clear and determined when he looked down at her. “You’ve always got a shot with me, Tess. Always have.”

You could be my princess. He didn’t say it, but the meaning was there. The sentiment made everything inside her ache. She’d had the princess life. It was a farce. “Don’t, Kade. Please don’t say things like that.”

He pressed his forehead against hers with a sigh, but didn’t push the issue. “Come on, I’m not done with you. There’s a table I need to spread you across. I plan on having you as a side with my meal.”

She took his hand and let him lead her into the party. And the night turned out to be sexy and amazing. Magical. A fairy tale coming to life and dancing around her. But she knew when he tucked her back into the car that night, exhausted and sated, that there was no way she could stay at The Ranch for the rest of the weekend. No way she could play his submissive for that long, seeing him look at her with more than lust in his eyes, feeling more than she wanted to feel.

Her body may crave it.

But her heart wouldn’t survive it.

She couldn’t be what he wanted.