Broken by His Hand - Piper Stone Page 0,48

And it has nothing to do with the budgetary status. Someone brought to his attention the fact I was in the club, but more important that I was with Michael.”

“Wow. That sound likes a conspiracy theory, girlfriend.”

“Why is it not possible, Clarissa? You told me at lunch that the club members are some of the most influential players in DC. It’s feasible that a member of the hospital board of directors is afraid that I’ll have some influence.”

“But you said this doctor was busting your chops before.”

Sighing, I was already too exhausted to think clearly. “Something was entirely different this morning. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but he was... sweating, which is not something Drake Samuels ever does. I’m certain he’s being pressured.”

“I wish I could say something to make you feel better.”

“Yeah, me too.” As if that was possible.

Clarissa reached out, touching my arm. “Why don’t you stop worrying about it for tonight. Deal?”

“Okay. That I can do.”

The following minute of silence wasn’t making me feel any better.

Her face lit up. “I think we need music.”

“Sure.” I pulled out my phone, almost prepared to turn it back on. I’d promised myself that I would take an entire night to think, as if any of my thoughts were coherent.

“Uh-huh. That’s the fourth time you’ve glanced at your phone. It’s certainly not about work. You’re hung up on Michael, aren’t you?”

I shoved the phone into my jeans pocket, trying to act casual even though my heart was beating into my throat. “I do.”

“You have to give me more than that.” After turning on some kind of rock music, she turned around, wagging her finger as she shook her head. “You weren’t entirely truthful with me, were you? You’ve been seeing this guy.”

“If by seeing him means fucking, then yes,” I blurted out.

Every time her mouth formed a perfect ‘O,’ I knew I’d shocked her. This time was no exception. She took a gulp of her wine then eased onto the couch. “Wow. Well, that answers the question about whether you like him or not. Are you certain seeing him is a good idea?”

I thought about her question, feeling just as wistful as before.

“He’s exciting as well as sexy. He has a way of getting into my mind without saying much of anything. He’s sensual, rugged, and very dominating, refusing to take no for an answer. He makes me feel like there’s no one else in the world but the two of us at that moment.” My nipples were already aroused, scraping painfully against my shirt. I tugged on the material, almost dropping my wine.

“Wow.”

“That’s exactly the word I’d use. The first time he fucked me, I was breathless the entire time, my entire body shaking.”

“And the next?” Clarissa managed in a small voice.

I rubbed two fingers across my mouth, remembering his roughhewn kiss. “A man taking what he wanted without hesitation and with no exceptions. And I loved every second of it.” I could feel a wave of heat shifting along my jawline, crawling into my cheeks. I looked away, half laughing when a single moan slipped past my lips.

I thought about the plug that I’d left at home and cringed. As if he was going to find out that I hadn’t obeyed him. Still, a part of me felt guilty for being the usual defiant woman that I’d always been.

“Yep, you really do like this man, but can you trust him?”

“I don’t know, but you seem to have about two dozen reasons why I shouldn’t. I understand that he’s powerful but tell me why the man is so damn dangerous. I need to know.”

She hesitated before answering. “When you’re one of the most powerful men in the city, what do you do to your enemies if you’re challenged, even threatened?”

“Are you suggesting he’s a murderer?”

“There have been rumors, although certainly not as many after the three brothers took it over but look at their members. Judges, attorneys, doctors, and congressmen from every state as well as corporate moguls. Then there are celebrities from all walks of life. There are also representatives from various mafia families.”

I shot her a look, thinking about the individuals I’d seen and recognized while sitting at the club’s bar. Narrowing my eyes, I walked closer. “I doubt information regarding the members is actively given out to the press or anyone else for that matter. How would you know?” As soon as she blushed, I shook my head and laughed. “Because you’ve been there.”

“On a