Jeweled Serpent: The Complete Collection Read online

  The Jeweled Serpent hosted a quarterly event for its shareholders. Every few years, new employees would appear. The partners were given a taste of the skills at their disposal so they could ascertain what clientele they should target. It was a win-win situation for all parties.

  Since she didn’t have her husband’s expert skills in dancing tonight, she moved in perfect step with the handsome gentleman currently holding her. When the song ended, he swept her hand to his mouth and kissed the back, “It has been a pleasure.”

  “Let me guess, you’re Ben?” When he nodded, she asked, “Do you have something for me?”

  He immediately handed her a strip of black paper. She smiled respectfully and turned away. He moved onto the next partner. Searching the room, she caught Frenchie’s eye and winked. He winked back. Grinning, she remembered the first time she’d met him. He’d piloted the aircraft when showing her The Jeweled Serpent.

  She hadn’t known what she was looking at when they’d flown over the first time. Sun had winked off what appeared to be serpent’s scales around a spire. In awe, she’d breathed, “What the hell is that?”

  He’d explained the concept of The Jeweled Serpent, outlining a world she’d never imagined as he’d landed the aircraft nearby. When approaching the gated entrance he had blindfolded her to ensure the integrity within and honor the secrecy relied upon by their clients. Once she’d seen the interior, inquired about the equipment held within, and shown the entire lay of land; she’d signed on immediately.

  The massive compound, how she’d viewed The Jeweled Serpent so long ago, was truly a sight to behold. A long lane wound into the countryside, stopping at what appeared to be a wall of stone with massive oak doors in the middle. Behind those doors, grand hallways led into a labyrinth of rooms expanding under the hillside.

  By the time they’d vacated the structure, she’d been more than curious about this elite clientele and lifestyle. At present, Frenchie barely motioned with his head in the direction to her left. She glanced over to see a man intently watching her.

  He oozed a confidence that had her hoping he was a true Dom in the bedroom. With just the hint of a dimple in his left cheek, the hard look in his eyes signaled that he was the man for her. She’d had a taste of what Frenchie offered. She needed someone with skill tonight. She slid the black strip of paper into her pocket, thankful now that Ben hadn’t handed her a black and silver jeweled serpent.

  She currently wore its twin on her right heel, signaling that she was looking for a Dom. She didn’t care what the Dom planned tonight, that was Frenchie’s job. She headed toward the ruggedly handsome man, noting that he looked of Italian descent. In the dim light, she couldn’t see his eyes until she was closer. Vibrant green eyes pinned her to the spot, “That was…” His eyes ran down her frame, “…decent at best.”

  Slight amusement bled into his eyes before the look was withdrawn for an expression of raw powerful control that held a sexy edge which she couldn’t define. She thrust her hand out, “How are you? I’m…”

  “I know your name. Let’s cut to the chase. I’ve been watching you all night. Nice moves on your part but Ben almost took your foot off a few times. Nice dodging.” Knowing right away that he was the one, she smiled.

  The minute she showed acceptance, the man said, “Are you willing to be hypnotized, Meredith?”

  Her eyes widened, “Sure.”

  He nodded, slipping the thin black jeweled serpent in her palm as he said, “Please accept my gift and wear it well.” While still holding her hand, he cocked an eyebrow with confidence oozing and simply said, “We shall meet again.”

  With a slight squeeze, he released her hand. Heading back to Frenchie’s table, she slipped the jeweled serpent into her pocket until she reached the chair. Frenchie, appearing splendid in his tux, smiled up at her as she approached. When she settled into her chair, he said, “He’s exceptional. As an ER physician, he has just the right touch for all sorts of fun and games.”

  Meredith grinned, forgetting for the moment about the jewel, “Hypnosis. What do you have planned for me, Frenchie?”

  He barked a laugh and told her that she knew better than that in perfect French. She rolled her eyes and asked, “How long do I have to wait?”

  He snapped his fingers and champagne arrived, “Only a couple of glasses. You need relaxing first but you also need to have your wits about you.”

  Her eyes widened as she leaned forward. Knowing Frenchie, this could only mean that borders may be crossed. Intrigued, she breathed, “Safe words will be enforced, right?”

  He frowned, telling her that he’d taken everything into account. She nodded and sipped the champagne, thinking back to her last tryst at one of these parties. Frenchie had surprised her and shown up himself. She was still astounded over the amount of toys that he’d used. Reminding herself of the old saying, you never really know someone, she almost choked when Frenchie tipped her champagne glass with his fingertips as he urged, “Stop playing with it and drink up.”

  Managing not to choke, she brought the glass down and dabbed the moisture from her mouth. Frenchie slid a folded piece of paper across the table to her. Needing to know something about the man who’d handed her the item, she tucked the paper into her pocket and brought the jeweled serpent out. Leaning down to attach it to her boot, she asked him, “What’s his name?”

  Frenchie shrugged, “Whatever he told you to call him.”

  Glancing up at him, she wrapped the jewel around her spiked heel as she said, “He didn’t say to call him Master. Is he skilled?”

  “He’s a new Dom that has shown much promise. Remember the adult business that we bought out?” When Meredith nodded, Frenchie said, “The silent partner is now his sub. Tessa Kale is a beautiful woman but she was existing as a hermit.” With a rueful smile, he said, “You may be meeting her soon.”

  Meredith grinned as she placed the magnetic serpent’s head against her zipper, “Good. I need someone like you. Is this a threesome or something?”

  Frenchie shrugged, “You should know better, M. Besides, she’d eat you alive in bed.”

  Rising to stare at him, she sighed, “Life is complicated, Frenchie. I haven’t had a man finesse me like you did in three months.” She shrugged and lightly offered, “You sure that you don’t want to ditch this and…”

  “I wouldn’t make him wait, M.”

  She boldly signaled the waiter for another glass, uncrossing her legs to draw his hand over with the other hand. He slowly shook his head, “You know the rules. As much as I like to break them, we have to adhere to this one. It wouldn’t suit either of us if someone became too content.”

  Knowing Frenchie’s style of distancing would always be between them, she tried not to let the rebuff bother her. The server appeared to pour her another glass. Frenchie urged her to drink it but reminded her, “Go with what happens tonight, Meredith.”

  At her oh please! expression, his hands raised, “I know, you want exotic and different.” Patting her hand, he reminded, “Fantasizing about different and receiving are two different things. If you don’t like the direction…”

  “Frenchie! Remember who you’re talking to here.”

  “Meredith, he specializes in drawing out females fantasies through hypnosis."

  Meredith suddenly grinned, “Damn! Really?”

  He studied her face for a moment and, with a decisive nod, patted her hand, “You’ll be okay.”

  “Of course, I will. In fact, I think I’m ready to meet this intriguing Dom.”

  She rose, feeling the effects of the champagne immediately. Although not drunk, she was relaxed and ready for anything. Frenchie silently pointed toward the back stairs so she headed in that direction. As she climbed the steps, she pulled the folded paper out of her pocket and read the following:

  Enter the second floor library. Remove your clothing. Put the blindfold on. Present yourself to me.

  Grinning, Meredith folded the instructions and slid them back i
nto her pocket. She continued up the steps, pausing at the top to turn left and head toward the library. The old home’s hardwood floors glistened with a fresh polish. She reminded herself to give her house cleaning service a bonus as she headed down the hall.

  She didn’t stop until she was at the huge sliding oak doors of the library. Maintained continuously, the doors swooshed shut without a sound. She slowly removed her clothing, draping the items over a chair. When she’d stripped nude, she knelt onto her knees as instructed and patiently waited.

  She knew they’d accessed the security systems cameras when the Italian Dom appeared. She dutifully placed her chin to her chest until he said, “I want you to look at me.”

  She lifted her gaze to his before he asked, “What are your fantasies, Meredith? Speak to me.”

  She suddenly didn’t know how to answer that. She didn’t want someone to control her world but someone to care enough to thoroughly wreck it when not-so-gently prompted. Was that too much to ask?

  She frowned as she shrugged, “A fuck buddy of sorts. Someone who will appreciate boundaries and respect the art.”

  “Someone you can trust? You have no one of this nature in your personal life?”

  She shook her head, “Not sexually.” Shrugging once again, she said, “I tried but men are scared of the married status and my wealth comes into play.”

  That didn’t faze her new Master one bit. He nodded, “I see. When was the last time you played?”

  “Within the last two weeks, I’ve only played once. He was a trainee that was showing promise but…” She shook her head, “It’s getting a bit old.”

  He nodded and asked, “Do you want a journey, Meredith, instead of just sex?”

  Her eyes widened, “Yes! I want memorable sex that pushes boundaries but doesn’t gross me out.”

  A dimple peeked through on his left cheek as he slid a crystal out of his pocket, “Let’s find out.”

  She quickly said, “I must respectfully ask a question. How do I know you just won’t embed a commanding thought?”

  He paused and looked back at her, “Because I’m a professional and this is purely to discover the deepest desires, ones that lie within your subconscious.”

  She lowered her gaze and silently submitted. Jacob, the Dom now motioning for her to move toward the leather sofa, said quietly, “Lie on your back.”

  When she was situated on the sofa, he held the crystal above her head and slowly set it into a spin at the end of its silver chain. The light display it cast was mesmerizing. He softly said, “Count backwards from five to one, M.”

  She counted down as he slowly spoke, lulling her with his voice and light show. She felt his hand take hers and by the time she’d reached number one, she was under his spell. He simply said, “Tell me of your fantasies.”

  She breathed, “I want to connect.”

  He nodded, “I gathered that. Be more specific.”

  She breathed, “I want to feel the earth move.”

  His eyes narrowed, “You want a deep connection.”

  “Yes.”

  He pocketed the crystal and said, “Do you enjoy pain?”

  She frowned, “No. I’m into a controlling Dom. A man taking control arouses me. Fighting for it back wrecks my mind.”

  “In the bedroom as well as life?”

  “No. Only the bedroom.”

  He paused and looked at her, “Would taking control arouse you, M?”

  “No. I have a ton of control in reality.”

  “I see.”

  Jacob walked slowly around her and asked, “M, please describe any sexual relationship with your husband.”

  “There is none. He’s a vanilla with rainbow sprinkles.”

  Jacob surmised that he was gay and liked straight sex. He nodded and said, “Okay. You have a marriage of convenience.”

  She breathed, “A merger.”

  Nodding, he said, “I get it.” Walking slowly around the sofa to keep his voice in constant motion, he remembered his talk with Frenchie and said, “I have something in mind which I think you would enjoy, M. You enjoy martial arts, right?”

  “Yes.”

  His voice was that of a seducer as he said, “Close your eyes and be descriptive for me, M. Tell me what you see.”

  “You’re waiting for me. I try to fight. You force yourself on me.”

  “M, you hit one of my few boundaries. I don’t do staged rape. You’re in luck, though. I do enjoy rough play and a bit of wrestling but I’ll definitely keep this interesting.”

  Jacob knew Meredith yearned for her husband to control her. Since she thought her husband wasn’t into females, his refusal drove her nuts. From what Jacob understood, Mr. and Mrs. Powers were the best of friends and even flirted openly in public. When she frowned, he quietly said, “Now tell me about your issues with your husband, M.”

  “I want that connection.”

  Jacob had seen Luke Powers in action. He knew the truth would shock Meredith. He shook his head, “I wouldn’t count on that.”

  He pulled the crystal from his pocket once again and leaned down, whispering seductively near her ear, “When you read the words mon amour, they will awaken a memory of what I’m telling you. Do you know why your husband won’t come near you, M?”

  “He’s gay.”

  His eyes hardened, “That is incorrect. He engages in some of the kinkiest stuff that I’ve ever seen in my life, mon amour. You are too pure for him. He won’t take you to where he’s been because he’s scared that he’ll lose you.”

  Meredith was silent upon the sofa before he said, “He deems himself off limits to you for your own protection. You really don’t want his scene, M. It can be quite provocative and dangerous.”

  He knew his words would stir her intrigue. He moved to look down at her before raising the crystal and saying, “You will awaken when I reach one.”

  He counted backward, watching her pull out of the trance directly on the number one. She blinked at him in confusion, “What happened?”

  He shook his head, “That type of play wasn’t required tonight, M. I have the information which I need. Wait for my text for further instruction, okay?”

  She nodded as he slipped the crystal back into his pocket and rose in one smooth movement. She waited until he slipped out the doors before sitting up on the sofa. Looking around her, she wondered what information he’d gotten. She couldn’t remember anything but swirling colors as if a ray of sunlight were striking a diamond.

  She felt strangely calm as she stood to gather her things and leave the library as well.

  ***

  One week later, Meredith still hadn’t heard anything from Jacob. Luke had just arrived back from overseas the day before. She currently sat in the back of their luxury vehicle, grinning as he related his trysts overseas. Tonight was one of the few times he would show for a Jeweled Serpent event.

  What Meredith didn’t know was that he actively engaged in Jeweled Serpents various services. He swore everyone within the elite castle to secrecy. So far, the deception had worked. He knew of her impending play with Jacob. He had been the one to recommend the man to Frenchie. He also knew Frenchie rather well.

  Meredith knew less than she thought about her husband. Some of his dealings were shady, manipulative, and illegal. Luke hadn’t informed her of it because, to him, she was the most innocent person within his ego-driven world and he wanted to keep her that way. He adored her. But, he needed her purity. Because she was ignorant to the deepest secrets of his darkest hours, her sense of naiveté must remain.

  Meredith sat at his side, nervously checking her phone again. He glanced at her, “Still no word?”

  She shook her head and sighed as the driver opened their car door. She stepped out, turning to wait for Luke when her text alert sounded. Discovering Jacob’s name, she quickly pulled it up to read, “Mon amour.”

  Memory flooded her mind of Jacob whispering near her ear:

  “Do you know why your husband won’
t come near you, M?”

  “He engages in some of the kinkiest stuff that I’ve ever seen in my life, mon amour. You are too pure for him. He won’t take you to where he’s been because he’s scared that he’ll lose you.”

  “He deems himself off limits to you for your own protection. You really don’t want his scene, M. It can be quite provocative and dangerous.”

  Luke stepped out of the vehicle and saw her pale face, “What is it, Meredith?”

  “You…!”

  She gulped air as she stared at Luke but her phone rang. Dumbly looking at it, she discovered Jacob on the line. When she answered it, he immediately told her, “Luke would take a bullet for you, M. Be patient with him.”

  He swiftly hung up. She stared at Luke as if it were the first time she had ever seen him. He looped his arm through hers and asked, “Are you okay?”

  Confusion roared through her but she knew her husband. Somehow, this was all part of his plan. She quickly nodded, gathering her wits as she pointed at the door. She wouldn’t dare cause a scene in front of the Jeweled Serpent on a night like this. Moving toward what looked like a huge rocky cliff with a door up close, they walked silently into the huge castle.

  At the door, someone directed them down a hall and out onto a huge patio with a splendid cooking island and party area. She settled at one of the little tables embedded with a mosaic tabletop depicting the same jeweled serpent which adorned her spiked heel. Silver and black balloons and candles festooned the back, creating a backdrop for splashes of metallic color within many of the women’s dresses.

  She was one of these women. Meredith’s dress was full length with a slit up the side. Sheer black material, adorned with winking sequins and beads, hung over a silver sheath. Metallic green thread gathered the fabric in a flowing row of pleats over each breast. A vibrant green satin ribbon covered in black lace was tied behind her neck.