The Velvet Collar Read online

  Shaking my head, I growled. My tech guy might have been the best we could get at short notice, but he didn't have a clue. Who did he think we were working with here?

  "Here's a news bulletin for you, asswipe. You are not going to be able to hack into any of the cell phones that either Mr or Mrs Matthews hold. If you'd done your homework, you'd realise Matthews runs Zystrom, which currently produces the world's most sought after cell phone - the StrontiumX. You can't hack it. No one can even get near it. The technology is so cutting edge that only his employees are able to understand it. While that may change in the next five years or so, it doesn't help us now. I'm not happy with a chip that gets stuck on something, either. Jen changes handbags almost as often as she changes her mind, and can often wear two or three in a single day. Clothes and shoes are even worse. How about we plant something on her? That way I can keep an eye on her for a few days and learn her routine." The idea was excellent on all fronts because if she somehow did get away after I'd captured her, it would be ridiculously easy to find her again. It would be fucking awesome if we could do the same thing to Mark, but he wasn't quite as gullible as my sister, and getting up close and personal with him was going to be difficult.

  "Yeah, can do, mate," said the tech guy, who wasn't at all bothered about any of what I'd just said, "but there's one problem with that."

  I do not like problems. Running my hands through the greasy mop of sandy hair on my head, I rolled my lip up in distaste. I needed a goddamned shower and some sleep. I'd had neither since I'd hopped on a plane yesterday. Tech guy had better hurry up before I got pissed.

  "And that is?" My left foot tapped on the floor, and I was getting a little bit agitated. Too bad I needed this asshole. The Smith and Wesson in my back pocket was burning a hole in my pants.

  "You'll need to get close enough to insert the chip, and then you'll have to inject her. Microchips are a lot smaller than they used to be, about the size of a grain of rice, but it's still going to sting when it goes in. You're not going to be able to do it without being noticed. Unless you can figure out a way to drug her, I don't think it's a feasible option."

  Tech guy held up a tiny little capsule in his hand, and then showed me the injector that would be needed to slam it home. Hmm. Getting close to Jen these days was going to be a problem. Mark had a bodyguard with her at all times, and the last thing I wanted to do was get too close to her security detail. I'd need to be smarter than that.

  What were the chances of finding Jen alone in a crowd somewhere? It wasn't a problem if there was Mark or a guard trailing after her at a distance, as long as the bastards weren't glued to her side. Now how was I going to find out what went on in Mark Matthews' social calendar? Smiling to myself, I tapped my finger against my lip as I considered who wouldn't mind doing the dirty on my arch-enemy. He'd have plenty of adversaries in the business world who would more than happily sell him out, but I needed someone who couldn't stand him. Someone like a disgruntled employee. Scratching my head, I frowned for a moment, but then it came at me like a lightning bolt. How about the fifty odd women that used to work for Mark but were suddenly offered redundancy packages on his marriage to Jen? They'd be pretty pissed, right? Ping. There it was. There was the answer I'd been looking for. Almost running for the shower, I decided I'd postpone sleep until later. The sooner I knew Jen's whereabouts the better.

  Chapter Nine - Jennifer

  When Mark helped me into the limousine, the butterflies in my stomach were threatening to escape. I felt almost sick with nerves, and I'd hardly had anything to eat today. Although I was well aware that Escape was a BDSM nightclub, and my attire probably wouldn't bat an eyelid, I think I'd have almost rather gone in there naked. Sensibly, I decided not to mention this to Mark.

  "So, how are you feeling, sweetheart?" said my blithely unconcerned husband, as he settled down into his seat beside me. His hand crept up between my legs as I fastened my seatbelt, and I sucked in a breath.

  "Terrified, excited, nervous, and sick. Roll all of those into a ball and start chucking it around, and that's about where I am at the moment." He laughed. "Relax. It's going to be fine. I was always told that if you fall off your horse, you have to get straight back on it again."

  His hand continued creeping higher, past the crepe netting of my tiny pink tutu and towards the juncture of my legs. I could feel my skin prickle as his fingers gently caressed me.

  "Whoever said that wasn't nearly poisoned." My tone was dry.

  "Good point, but that wasn't down to the club. That was down to your weird and wonderful family, and my fingers are crossed we won't be seeing them again in a hurry." I had a feeling we would, but one could hope. "Besides, you have two of my men tailing you, so no one is getting close without my say so. There will be eyes on you the whole time. Please don't worry, sweetheart."

  Putting his fingers up to my jawline he felt for the fluttering pulse in my neck and let out a low whistle. "Jeez, you weren't kidding, were you?" He brushed a swathe of ringlets away from my face and cupped my chin. "Look at me, Jen."

  I did so reluctantly. My thoughts were all over the place. If I wasn't careful I was going to hyperventilate in a minute.

  "That's it." His eyes centred me. "Deep breaths. In and out. Hmm. We just need to figure out a way to calm you down. You sit tight. Something will come to me in a minute." I almost laughed out loud, but his fingers were already circling my clit which was almost throbbing in pain.

  "Do you think an orgasm might make you feel better?" he murmured in my ear.

  "Stupid question, darling. Please do your worst."

  He did all of that and more.

  When we got to Escape I was once again dazzled by the myriad of white LED lights that decorated the skyline. They formed a cityscape on top of the large black building, and the lights were glittering on and off as if to announce something special.

  Thankfully I was allowed to wear an overcoat as we were directed to the VIP entrance. It wasn't a great deal of comfort to me. I knew that as soon as we went through the black doors, it would be whipped away from me and I would have to face the music. The last time I'd been here I'd nearly died. A disaster like that couldn't strike twice at the same place, could it? As much as I knew I was being silly; I had a bad feeling about this place.

  Mark took my arm as he led me along the roped concourse. There were hundreds of people lined up outside, and all of them were chatting animatedly. What was going on here tonight?

  When I hit the black velvet carpet with the twinkling lights on either side of it, I took a deep breath and straightened my shoulders. I could do this. Arm in arm with my husband we walked towards the velvet curtain, and I gave a great big smile to anyone who cared to look my way. This was not going to beat me. Bring it on.

  "Are you ready for this?" I gave a sideways glance at my husband and managed to smile. Although I didn't really know the answer to that question I was here now, and I intended to go through with my side of things. Besides, my curiosity had already gotten the better of me. The last time we were here I'd been walking across the Grand Canal in Venice; what would be waiting for me this time? It wouldn't take long to find out.

  Elegantly attired girls dressed in wafts of black netting and lace parted the black velvet drapes and ushered us inside. This time the interior was dim, and another mass of glittering lights caught my eye. They were dotted all along a very familiar landmark - the Eiffel Tower. It appeared that we would be spending a twilight evening under the bright, twinkling lights of Paris. Oh là là.

  Before I knew what was happening my overcoat was whisked away by another scantily-clad lady, and a glass of champagne on a silver platter appeared magically before me. Last time I hadn't even been offered one, although that may have had something to do with the gag in my mouth, so I was pleased Mark hadn't seen fit to insert the one he currently carried in his pocket.

  "Can I drink this?" I asked, wondering if there was a catch. Mark didn't usually allow me to drink very much on our e
venings out, so this was quite a novelty for me.

  Mark plucked a glass from the tray and took a sip. He nodded his head in approval. "I would," he said in way of response. I didn't need to be told twice. Trying my hardest not to guzzle the contents in one gulp, I let Mark thread his arm through mine and lead me across the floor. By this time I was extremely conscious of the pink tail dangling between my legs and my complete and utter lack of any real clothing. You'd have thought I'd have been used to parading myself around naked by now, but while that might be true around the house, it was rare that Mark would allow me out in public in anything less than a full burka. Okay, he wasn't quite that strict - but the Victorians could have learnt a thing or two from him.

  Looking around at the milling crowd, I was pleased to find I wasn't the only "animal" in attendance. There seemed to be quite a few cats and dogs, as well as some horses, foxes, bears, and several other furry friends. Interesting. Was this tonight's theme? Of course, there was plenty of everything else in between, from hardcore top-to-toe leather, to bright and colourful latex. There were whips, paddles and floggers attached to belts and boots, all manner of restraints on ankles and wrists, and there were quite a few women who were completely naked, bar a collar and leash. I was positively overdressed.

  "Still feeling self-conscious?" Mark's gaze was lazily assessing the occupants of Escape, much as I was, and there was a half-smile tugging at his jaw. My husband was obviously in his element, and though I was still nervous I figured I would probably have fun.

  "A little," I admitted, but nowhere near as much as when I first entered.

  "That's good. Drink your champagne up."

  My eyes darted to Mark's. This was a first. Since when had he ever ordered me to drink?

  "Spill the beans. What have you signed me up for?" My eyes took on a dangerous hue. If he expected I was going to be the star of the show like last time, he had another think coming. My eyes then took a sweeping glance around the building, as if scared that Leyland Forbes might suddenly hop out of the woodwork.

  "Relax. I haven't signed you up for anything. You're here to have fun." Hmm. This was a first, but I was going to take him at his word. Walking down the Parisian street, towards the model of the Eiffel Tower, I saw delightful little French cafes, bistros, and patisseries. There was even a boulangerie, complete with a shop window full of baguettes and bread, the smell of which was incredibly enticing. Just like my last visit there was almost too much to take in, and I had no idea where to start.

  "Johanna, Dominic, how lovely to see you again." Mark shook Dominic's hand as my head snapped upright to find both of his friends standing in front of us. Johanna was dressed in a similar version of my outfit, although she was in black and white, while Dominic was dressed in a black suit.

  "I see you're heading the same way as we are," Dominic said, and he gave me a devilish wink.

  "Don't spoil the surprise. I haven't told her yet." Mark pinched my rather raw backside and I shot up on a yelp. Everyone laughed.

  "Do you want to head straight over to the main event, or do you fancy getting side-tracked for a moment or two?" Dominic then took my hand in his and brought it up to his lips, giving me a very flamboyant kiss. If he was teasing Mark it appeared to be working, for my husband's eyes suddenly glowed a dangerous shade of amber.

  "What sort of diversion are we talking about here?" If I'd thought my husband's eyes were dangerous, the sound of his voice, which had now dropped a couple of decibels, was on another level entirely. On the other hand, Dominic's were almost dancing with delight, and he appeared to be enjoying himself immensely.

  "Well, I was thinking we could head on over to the swap shop and..." The poor man didn't get to finish his sentence because Mark's face went purple and his hands clutched Dominic's neck dangerously tightly.

  "Let him go," I said, shaking my head. "Can't you tell when someone's teasing you?" Dragging my husband's hands back down from their choke-hold I looked at him aghast. "Get a grip." I then turned to Dominic.

  "I don't know why you're looking so pleased with yourself. You already know he's jealous of you. Don't pour salt into the wound." Last time I'd been at Escape, Dominic had been between my legs eating my clit and my husband had decided, for perhaps the first time in his life, that he wasn't prepared to share a woman. It was a revelation to us both. Dominic looked suitably chastised as he straightened his collar, and he then pulled a glossy leaflet out of his suit jacket pocket with the word Escape emblazoned upon it.

  Clearing his throat awkwardly, he said, "I was only going to suggest that we all pick something fun to watch and go take a look see. Here," he said, as he thrust the leaflet in Mark's direction, "you choose."

  Thankfully the tension in the room seemed to diminish, and Johanna and I sighed silently in relief. The anger drained quickly out of Mark's face as he perused the list of things on offer, and then there was a devilish twist to his features as his eyes lit up with delight. Crossing my fingers, I hoped that wherever we were going next would have nothing to do with me. I did not want any more tattoos, real or fake, nor did I want to be entering any "life or death" competitions. Where was another glass of champagne when you needed one?

  "Right, follow me." All of a sudden Mark seemed to have gotten a new lease of life, and he was striding off, expecting all of us minions to follow - which of course we did.

  No one had any idea where we were going, and Johanna and Dominic looked at each other oddly. Was Mark's behaviour strange? Yes, I guess it was. We'd been under a lot of strain lately, and it was probably to be expected.

  Johanna linked her arm through mine and bent down to whisper in my ear. "It's nice to see Mark completely and utterly head over heels. Dominic and I never thought we'd see the day. What have you done to him?"

  I blinked, totally taken aback for a minute. "Me? What I have done to him?" I repeated the question just to make sure I'd heard it right. Johanna nodded, encouraging me to continue. "Well, nothing so far as I can tell. He's still the same arrogant, self-centred, egotistical bastard..."

  "No, no, no," she said, waving her hands about in the air. "That side of him will never change. What I'm talking about is how he is with you."

  "Ahh." He was a pain in the ass most of the time, but I was happy to get someone else's point of view.

  Johanna grabbed my hand and squeezed it. "He's in love. That's how he is with you. I've never seen him like this before."

  "Oh," I said on a long note, the penny finally dropping. "You mean that."

  "Yes, that," she said on a giggle. "The man is all loved-up. He treads carefully around you now, as if afraid he'll upset you. He's insanely jealous if another man even comes near you, and he looks at you as if he wants to have a million babies all at once."

  "Oh God, don't talk about babies," I said, before slamming my hands over my mouth. Oops.

  "So he wants babies?" Johanna sounded incredulous. My face must have said it all, for she then said, "Holy hell, you're serious."

  "I'll deny it if you tell anyone," I said, giving her a warning look.

  "Even Dominic?" The corner of her lip tilted.

  "Especially Dominic," I said in a strained voice.

  Our conversation was suddenly cut short as Mark took a turn to the left, diving inside one of the sidewalk café's called 'Le Jardin Des Cygnes,' or, roughly translated, The Swan Garden. It had a quaint façade, complete with some bright shutters and an awning, and some white, ornate cast iron chairs were positioned outside. They were already full of people, most of whom were sipping coffee or red wine. What on earth was going on in here? It'd had better be nothing awful, I thought grimly, else my husband was really going to suffer next week. Taking a deep breath, I clutched Johanna's hand tightly and followed her through the door into the darkened interior.

  None of us realised at the time that we were being followed. We didn't discover that until much later when all of Escape's one hundred and nine security cameras were meticulously examined by experts. Of course, by
then it was too late.

  Chapter Ten - Jennifer

  The room we'd entered looked a little like an auditorium, and we all shuffled down some wide steps and took our seats on plush red velvet chairs. Johanna and I shuffled about awkwardly, mainly because it was hard to sit down with a tail stuffed between your legs. I guessed we would get used to it. Anyway, whatever the show was it hadn't started yet as the red drapes were still drawn. The audience seemed excited though, and chatted in hushed voices to one another.

  "Where are we?" I whispered over my shoulder to Johanna.

  "Who knows? Mark has the program." She shrugged and kept her eyes trained on the stage. Curiosity was already burning a hole in my brain. Trying another tack, I turned to the other side to whisper the same question to my husband. I was less likely to get an answer from him, but maybe I could steal the brochure out of his pocket when he wasn't looking.

  "Don't even think about it." My husband snapped his hand over his jacket pocket and arched the infamous eyebrow. This was usually a good sign that I should push no further, but today we had company, so I was hoping he'd be a bit more flexible.

  "Please? Just a quick peek? Lemme look." Mark's hand reached out to caress the nipple closest to him before he squeezed it tightly between his forefinger and thumb. My eyes watered. "I guess that's a no, then," I whimpered.

  "You guess correct. Now keep your eyes front and enjoy the show. You should know I'm also debating trying this out on you, should you misbehave, kittykat." There was a definite thread of excitement that whipped through his voice, which instantly piqued my curiosity. What were we about to see? My foot tapped anxiously on the floor as I impatiently waited for the curtains to rise. Turning towards Johanna for entertainment, I quickly turned away again as I saw Dominic's hands were between her legs.

  There was a chuckle to my left. "Feeling jealous, kittykat?"