Beg For It: Pact of Seduction, #2

Chapter One

The warm scent of vanilla drifted through Bella’s nostrils as the soft feminine body molded against hers. Raven’s sparkling green eyes stared back at her, and even her silky, long brown hair invited Bella to take her pleasures.

Then why didn’t she feel aroused?

Even the atmosphere called to her fantasies. Stone walls surrounded her, candles along the floor provided a romantic glow, and a large king-size bed fitted with black silk sheets rested in the center of the bare room.

Raven wore a mauve lace thong, matching bra, and sleek black heels. Her body was nothing less than a perfect ten. Her perky breasts along with her creamy-colored skin should entice Bella. But her dry panties declared her arousal was nonexistent.

Pushing her reservations aside, Bella, who’d dressed in crimson lingerie, pressed her lips against Raven’s. Beneath her touch, the woman’s skin was flawless as she ran her hands over a soft back.

A gentle mouth melted against hers, which was so different than a man’s demanding kiss. Bella parted her lips and welcomed the light swipe of Raven’s tongue; then Bella’s muscles bunched as an unexpected bubble of emotion rose.

She broke the kiss and burst out laughing. Shit. Sorry.

Raven dropped her hands that trailed Bella’s arms, then frowned. Is something about this amusing to you?

"No. No. I can do this. She twined her fingers through Raven’s silky hair and yanked the woman forward. I want this." Pressing her lips against Raven’s mouth, she swirled her tongue with Raven’s and searched down deep to get her motor running.

Delicate hands slid along her back to rest on her ass and squeeze. Bella sucked in a harsh breath and fought against the reaction burning in her gut, but failed miserably. Her laughter tore from her throat.

Oh God. She placed her hand over her mouth in an attempt to hide her smile. I’m sorry.

Raven folded her arms. This is getting old.

I know. I thought I wanted this, but when I kiss you, it feels all wrong.

Then let’s end this. I won’t be offended. Raven’s tight features relaxed. You tried something new, and I give you credit for that. But clearly, you’re not turned on by women.

Bella’s cheeks warmed. Clearly not.

Raven strode over to her robe that rested on the floor by the bed. You’re a lovely woman, Bella. She grabbed it, dressed, then handed the other robe to Bella. I hope you find what you’re looking for. Preferably with someone whom you don’t laugh at when kissing. With a sweet smile good-bye, she spun on her heels and left the room.

Bella sighed, stared at the now closed door, and wrapped the robe around herself. She was relieved to see Raven go to end this embarrassment, but she was pissed too. She’d made a mess of this, hadn’t she?

The pact of seduction formed with her best friends hung over her. Tonight was her night to fulfill that promise. She thought a woman had been her ultimate fantasy. How wrong had she been?

Failure burned wicked in her body.

She entered the dressing area located at the back of the room, then dropped the robe and slid back into her tight black minidress. Leaving the robe on the bench, she strode out of the room and slammed the door with a loud bang.

Without a hitch to her step, she passed door after door to rooms that probably contained people treating themselves to their sexual fantasies, exactly what she should’ve been doing.

She hurried down the staircase, and the sound of her heels against the wood echoed in the open space.

After a nod at the bouncer who guarded the entrance of Castle Dolce Vita, she opened the thick wooden door and made it to her silver Honda Civic. Her seat belt was fastened, car was started, and she hightailed it out of the parking lot in a single breath.

Darkness surrounded her on the drive from Bowleys Quarters back to Baltimore, and that was fitting since it matched her mood. Each light she passed on the half-hour drive brought her closer to home, which only increased the pout on her face.

After she turned onto the tree-lined street of the two-story colonial-style house that she shared with her three friends, she pulled into the driveway. She parked behind Marley’s SUV, cut the ignition, and heaved a sigh.

A warm glow spread out from the living-room window, indicating everyone was still awake. Not much of a surprise. They had all been on pins and needles when Marley went to fulfill her fantasy. They’d be waiting for her too.

What should I tell them?

Exhaustion weighed her down, leaving her needy and craving a hug. Not a state she enjoyed. She gulped back the emotions pinning her to the seat, exited the car, then approached the house. Be strong, Bella.

At the front door, she ground her teeth to keep from showing her disappointment and entered the home. All three of her best friends, who were watching a movie, looked toward her.

She forced a smile. Hi.

Why are you home? Marley’s green eyes narrowed on her. And so soon?

She shut the door behind her, shed her coat, then kicked off her shoes. Sadie and Kyra shifted along the cushions to make room, and she plopped down into the plush couch. I couldn’t do it.

Kyra made a face and flicked her black hair over her shoulder. Couldn’t do what?

My night with Raven.

Sadie leaned forward, which gave Bella an unwanted view of her newly purchased breasts. What happened?

She ran her hands over her face, then dropped them to glance between the women. Well, we were kissing, and—she groaned at the memory—I laughed in her face.

A pause followed; then laughter erupted, and Bella couldn’t help but chuckle too. The heavy weight in her chest released and her muscles relaxed.

Of course they’d understand.

So you’re not attracted to women, Marley said, her dark curls bouncing off her shoulders as she shook with silent laughter.

She grunted. Not at all.

What’s the plan now, then? Sadie glanced at Marley and Kyra before her warm chocolate-colored eyes focused back on Bella. I mean, not that I don’t understand, but we made this pact. Her look became knowing. You’ll have to come up with another fantasy.

She nibbled her bottom lip. I don’t have any other fantasies, though. She was aware that she hadn’t looked at Marley. BDSM made her confused and curious all at the same time.

Kyra offered a kind smile. You’ve got time to sort it out. Sit on it for the next week and see if you can think of anything. She waved her hand dramatically. Lord knows the castle has everything and anything you could dream up.

Always the voice of reason, Kyra was. True. She released her teeth that dug into her lip and pushed the frustration behind her, more than done with it all. Is Reed’s party tomorrow night still a go?

Marley nodded. Yes, and you’re going. She gave a shit-eating grin. If you’re not getting all hot and bothered this weekend, you might as well get drunk.

At least there was that.

On Saturday night, Kole finished stocking the beer in the fridge and heard the crowd behind him grow louder. He grabbed a beer for himself and cracked it open.

After a big gulp of the brew, he moaned from the crisp aftertaste, then scanned his condo that he shared with Reed. Both were criminal lawyers with a top firm in Baltimore, but that wasn’t their only shared connection; they were both sexual dominants.

The roommate relationship had worked out well, and with the shared mortgage, they could afford the luxurious condo.

Their living room was full of friends from the castle, some from the law firm, and others just personal friends. It always amused him to watch those who didn’t live the D/s lifestyle mix with people who did.

For most, they’d never notice the way the submissives doted over their Masters, seated lower than the ones who commanded them. But Kole saw it clearly, and it created an ache in the pit of his stomach.

While he didn’t want a submissive 24-7, he had wanted one when he demanded it. And he’d never found a submissive who intrigued him enough to start a long-term relationship with.

As he continued to survey the room, one woman caught his eye, and the tension in his muscles increased.

Bella sat on the couch, a