Seducing Jane Porter (2 page)

Bastard.

She dropped her hand. The fact he’d pulled one over on her stung her to the very core. But what hurt more than anything else was his statement that she’d have fucked anyone who came along. He’d truly believed her to be a whore.

Just because she had a high sex drive didn’t mean she’d fuck any man in the room. If anything, it had made her more circumspect when it came to choosing a partner. She’d never been one to leap into a physical relationship and in her opinion, masturbation was a sensible alternative to take care of her body’s needs. She wasn’t about to disrespect herself just to achieve orgasm.

From her first serious kiss, Jane loved everything about men and sex. The sights, scents, tastes and sounds of making love thrilled her on a visceral level. Once she’d learned what her body was capable of, she’d been eager to explore her sensual side.

Peter hadn’t been the first lover to use her sexuality against her.

In her early twenties she’d had a boyfriend who’d accused her of screwing around on him. In reality he was unable to keep up with her sexually. As with all of her prior relationships, in the beginning her high sex drive had turned them on…then usually wore them out.

She shook her head. Just what was it about a sexually mature woman that threatened most men? It truly made no sense to her. Wouldn’t every man want a woman who understood how to give and receive pleasure?

From then on she’d learned to hide her unbridled sexuality from her lovers. Besides, with a vibrator she could achieve endless hours of arousal without being stuck in the wet spot.

But a sex toy couldn’t bind her wrists or spank her eager bottom. That could only come from a lover, a master who knew what to do to tease her body into the highest state of arousal before ultimately allowing a mind-blowing release.

That was what she craved; the feeling of vulnerability, of being tamed and treasured. To become a much desired sexual being encouraged to explore her deepest, darkest sensual fantasies.

Heat coursed through her veins and her clit hardened. Her eyes drifted closed and she swallowed hard. She’d yet to find that someone, the man who would teach and encourage her to embrace the dark side of her sexuality. The master who could set her free.

Her eyes opened, arousal was thick on her tongue. Peter had been wrong, though. It had never entered her mind to go back to him, not once. She’d made it exactly twelve months, one year tonight, without having sex in any form, including masturbation.

Jane reached for a miniscule black skirt. She’d never screwed around on a lover and she wasn’t about to begin now. Well, when she got back into a relationship that is.

If…

She bit her lip. Could she ever trust herself enough to share her heart and body with another man? Right at this moment it seemed doubtful.

Stepping in front of the mirror, Jane’s sharp gaze moved over her reflection. Thanks to her love of the outdoors she was in pretty good shape. Firm legs, wide hips, trim waist and her breasts had yet to realize gravity was calling.

She’d arranged her long blonde hair in a tight roll on the back of her head. Her makeup was subtle, mascara on her blonde lashes, a swath of neutral eye shadow and dark red lipstick. She wasn’t sure why she bothered with anything other than lipstick as no one was going to be able to see her face anyway.

Picking up the bejeweled half mask, Jane slid it into place then secured the narrow ribbons at the back of her head. Shadowed by the mask, her green eyes looked darker, more mysterious.

Even she had to admit, she looked good enough to eat.

After a quick spritz of ginger-scented perfume, she was ready to go. Tonight wasn’t about trusting someone, it was dipping her toe into the bondage scene. What she was looking for was mind-blowing sex, not happily ever after.

Jane laughed. “If I have to remain celibate to be attractive then I’ll take ugly any day.”

“Amen, sister.”

Jane eyed Lily’s curvy figure encased in stretch black velvet with emerald green crystals sprinkled across the bodice. A half mask of black lace shadowed her friend’s lovely face.

“Have you looked in the mirror lately? You’re far sexier than I.”

“Well, that is true.” Lily’s laugh was incredibly loud. It reminded Jane of a blaring truck horn. “The men won’t be able to resist us, and the ladies will hate us on sight.”

“Isn’t that the general plan?” Jane steered her friend down the steps toward the ballroom. “This is the first time I’ve been invited to Dirk’s for an event as swish as this.”

“Well if you’d make an effort to get out more, this wouldn’t be the case…”

“I—”

“…though I know, you’ve been hiding out,” Lily continued without drawing breath. “That bastard was so not worth a year of celibacy.”

“Well, it wasn’t
for
him—”

“I know, but—”

“Well, aren’t you just a know-it-all?”

“Stop being crabby, Jane.” Lily gave her arm a firm squeeze. “I’m just looking out for your best interests.”

“Then quick pecking at me like a nosy old biddy,” Jane grumbled under breath.

“The important thing is that Dirk and Kitten are positively thrilled you’re here for the weekend—”

“I haven’t agreed to stay the entire weekend.”

“You’ll stay.” Lily’s smile was wide. “This weekend will give us a chance to expand our business in a big way. If the next two days come off without a hitch, our phones will be ringing off the hook. Everyone will want
the
party planners who pulled off this affair.”

“You arranged this event, not I.”

“But you held my hand when the string quartet cancelled at the last minute and I thought for sure I’d never be able to replace them.”

“That’s true…”

“Besides, it doesn’t matter who did the actual work. It was our company Dirk hired so we both take the credit.” Lily flashed Jane a wicked grin. “There are a slew of events this weekend and the guest list is a who’s who of Denver society and I see no reason why we can’t cash in on that as well.”

“And tonight’s celebration is for his half-brother, correct?”

“Yes, ma’am, Antonio Villareal is Dirk’s half brother and he turns twenty-nine tonight. Dirk wants to make sure his brother has a very good time this weekend.”

“Considering how much this party is going to cost Dirk, I would say his brother will have a very good time.”

“Well, that is what they pay us for, a one of a kind experience.” Lily laughed again and Jane could only wince at the abrasive sound.

They were both pleased their event planning business, R.S.V.P., was on the receiving end of Dirk’s generosity. The Prentices were known for throwing lavish parties and when they received a call from Dirk, Jane and Lily knew the payoff would be a tidy sum. Her partner just loved to joke about how Dirk had single-handedly paid for their new offices from the basement up.

“This is going to be an event not soon forgotten. Many of the guests have flown in from all parts of the globe just for this weekend,” Lily said.

“Hopefully we’ll pick up a few referrals from this.” Jane hugged her friend’s arm.

“A few? Pish posh, people will be clamoring to hire us for their next event. R.S.V.P. will become an overnight international sensation.”

“Well, it’s hardly been overnight—”

Lily ignored her and pressed on.

“Dirk’s plans are just devilish. It makes me hot just thinking about it.” Lily giggled and it was only a smidge less painful than her laugh. “Just think about it, an entire weekend where you can be as wicked, wanton and insatiable as you want to be. You can pick your man and use his hair like the reins of a horse. The best part is that you don’t have to feel embarrassed as you’ll never have to see him again.”

“The masks certainly help.”

“They add to the thrill of the hunt. Not being able to see your partner’s face adds to the mystery…the intrigue of the seduction.”

A shiver of anticipation snaked through Jane’s breasts. Her nipples hardened at the thought of breaking her self-imposed sexual hiatus. But she still had some time to go.

“Not before midnight,” she whispered more to herself than Lily.

“Midnight it is.”

The volume increased as they neared the ballroom. Other partygoers lingered in the hallway and Jane was shocked to see that in comparison, she was dressed as simply as a milkmaid. Hell, she looked downright virginal.

The must-have accessory for this event appeared to be skin…and nothing else.

“Ladies.”

A tall, broad man in a tuxedo approached them. His imposing height coupled with his faint French accent gave his identity away.

Jean Jacques Bertrand was Dirk’s business partner and Lily’s current non-obsession obsession. From the moment they’d met, the chemistry between them was so strong even Jane couldn’t help but notice. For some unfathomable reason, the stubborn twosome refused to acknowledge the powerful attraction and instead they spent most of their time insulting each other.

“Good evening, Jean Jacques.” Jane smiled widely as he took her hand and brushed his mouth across her knuckles. “You look very handsome this evening.”

“And you look
très fantastique
,
cher
Jane.”

“Thank you.”

His attention turned to Lily and Jane didn’t miss the flash of pain in his shadowed eyes. She’d seen that expression all too often when he thought Lily wasn’t looking. Stubborn fools. They needed to hook up and save any other unsuspecting suitor from a miserable existence.

“Lily.” Jean Jacques tipped his head in the other woman’s direction.

“JJ, how’s tricks?” Lily’s voice was shrill.

His mouth tightened.

Oh, brother.

It took every shred of self-control Jane had to not reach over and pull her friend’s hair. Lily knew how much it irritated Jean Jacques when she shortened his name, which was exactly why she did it. In her attempt to keep the man at arm’s length, she was acting like a spoiled brat.

“Ladies, may I escort you inside?” he said.

“Thank you, Jean Jacques, that would be lovely, ” Jane said.

“Fab, just fab,” Lily’s gaze scanned the crowd, intent upon not looking at either of them.

Jane rolled her eyes. Her partner was far more interested in not making eye contact with their escort than walking into the ballroom. Jane looked up at Jean Jacques and his gaze met hers. He winked and she smiled. Maybe, just maybe, her friend had met her match after all.

She glanced down at her watch.

Less than two hours to go.

Antonio Villareal lingered in the gallery overlooking the ballroom. Dirk, Kitten and their first-rate staff had transformed the elegant ballroom into a cozy, intimate space. The cold marble floors were covered with a variety of colorful rugs and comfortable couches and chairs were arranged in small groups. Huge pillows were scattered on the floor and the guests were all too willing to make use of them.

A string quartet played in one corner of the room while the bar on the other end bustled with activity. Across from the quartet a low stage had been set up. In the center was a large square frame with chains and leather straps hanging from each corner. Beside that was a long table covered with a red silk cloth shrouding whatever was lying underneath.

Servers moved through the crowd with trays of wine, champagne and a generous selection of
canapés
. The hostesses were clad in leather corsets with short skirts, stockings and impossibly high heels. The black, glittery half masks hid their faces and lent the room a sensual, playful air.

The waiters were dressed in black pants with a white collar and red bow tie around their necks. The female guests seemed to enjoy their muscular physiques as they took their time selecting something to nibble upon. No doubt they were plotting how to turn their servers into dessert.

In all honesty, Antonio knew only a handful of the attendees. His half-brother had invited mutual friends along with some influential contacts in Denver. Dirk was hoping to give his little brother a hand in setting up the Villareal wineries here in America. They both knew it would only take a few well-orchestrated conversations to jump-start the process.

Antonio smiled.

What Dirk failed to take into consideration was that his little brother was a man who created his own brand of luck. At twenty-two Antonio had amassed his first million and at twenty-nine was well on his way to making his first billion. While he appreciated Dirk’s thoughtfulness, handholding wasn’t something Antonio needed.

“See any good candidates?” Santos, his lifelong best friend, stepped through the curtains to join Antonio. “There are some very beautiful women here, eh,
amigo
?”

“
Si
,” Antonio said.

“Giselle is downstairs, she is looking very well.”

“I wasn’t aware she was invited.” Antonio frowned. Why would his brother have invited his ex-girlfriend?

“She’s near the door.”

Giselle was a famous runway model and even with a mask, it took only seconds for Antonio to pick her out. Clad in a cream velvet body suit, every inch of her man-made perfect body was showcased to its best advantage. Her dark hair was loose about her shoulders in an abundance of waves and curls. In one word, she was lovely.

But he was no longer interested.

She was a beautiful, intelligent woman that any number of men in the room would be more than pleased to call his. Antonio was no longer impressed with her as he’d come to know her personality all too well. She was far more interested in gaining access to his wallet than his heart.

Their breakup had been stormy, much as their two-year relationship had been. Once she realized he wasn’t going to come back to her, she’d launched a campaign to seduce him. So far she’d failed in her quest and that only made her more tenacious. His hope was sooner or later she’d realize he was no longer interested in playing her games.

“I’m sure she’ll have a good time,” he said.

“She will.” Santos chuckled. “Giselle is not a woman to be left alone for long.”

Just then, Jean Jacques entered the ballroom with a woman on each arm. Antonio recognized the redhead as the party planner, Lily something or another. She was fun, chatty and curvaceous and both Dirk and Kitten adored her.

His gaze shifted to the woman on Jean Jacques’ right and his eyes widened. He literally felt as if he’d stepped onto an express elevator going down. His stomach dropped and his head felt oddly light, almost dizzy.

She was quite tall, maybe six feet, and her pale blonde hair was scraped back into a torturous twist. A red and black half-mask covered most of her face but her smile was wide. Jean Jacques dipped his head toward hers and she laughed, showing a flash of white teeth between her full red lips.

His breathing quickened.

This woman had a lush figure—so unlike the stick-thin body of Giselle. The blonde was curvaceous with real hips, thighs and breasts, the perfect hourglass figure. Antonio would bet his first million that a surgeon’s scalpel had never touched this woman’s flesh.

A red corset showed her ample breasts to their best advantage and her skin was creamy pale, the delicate coloring of a true blonde. A slim waist flared out to full hips and a plump, juicy ass. Taking this beauty from behind would be a pleasure with her soft buttocks slapping against his thighs as his dick plunged into her pussy.

He licked his lips.

Exquisite was the only word to describe her. She moved easily beside her escort, with a grace that was undeniable. With her easy smile and hot body, his cock was already standing at attention.

Considering she’d come to a bondage-themed party, her dress was modest. Her black skirt was longer than most though it showcased her long, shapely legs. The corset nipped in at the waist and just the sight of the tiny hooks down the front created an itch in his fingers. He’d bet her nipples were rosy and would taste like sweet wine.

At the tender age of fifteen, he’d lost his virginity to a lusty field worker at his father’s vineyard. In the sun with the scents of crushed grapes and lavender, he’d worshipped her full curves and she’d made a man out of him. Ever since then his tastes had run to a larger, curvier physique with the exception of his most recent ex, Giselle. There was something about a plush female figure that turned him on. Just thinking of her, the baby soft skin and all those delicious curves to explore, sent all his blood rushing to his cock.

“There she is,” Antonio said.

“Who?”

“The blonde on Jean Jacques’ arm.”

Santos made a noise of approval. “As always, you have excellent taste in women, my friend.”

“I’m glad you approve.”