Chloe Carter's Louboutins clicked against the polished marble floor when she entered The Church. Perched atop a soaring skyscraper, the exclusive sanctuary beckoned Lester Harbor's elite to indulge in their forbidden desires.

She tucked a tendril of long raven hair behind her ear as her almond eyes scanned the dimly lit room. The scents of rich leather and expensive cigars blended with sweet perfume teased her nostrils.

Chloe was here for one reason.

Damian Scott.

Beneath her coat, a lace ensemble hugged her body—a tantalizing secret she couldn't wait to reveal.

There he was.

The renowned billionaire radiated authority, commanding the club without effort. His perfectly styled blond hair gleamed under the soft lights, and his custom-tailored suit clung to his broad shoulders and powerful frame like a second skin.

His piercing green eyes were fixed on Angelo Lucciano, a man in his mid-fifties who had protected Damian's family for years. Angelo's thick gray hair and whiskey-brown eyes hinted at the power he wielded for years.

Despite the seriousness of their discussion, Damian's head tilted just a degree as if he sensed Chloe's arrival.

The muscles in his shoulders tensed almost unnoticeably, his jawline tightening. Though still focused on Angelo, his eyes flickered at Chloe. Like a lion catching the scent of prey, Damian's instincts were razor-sharp. She wasn't just another beautiful woman in the room.

She was his.

His gaze lifted, locking onto hers. His lips curled into a slow, deliberate smile—he was fully aware of her and entirely in control. The look sent a thrill racing to Chloe's heart, igniting that familiar, irresistible sexual tension.

She embraced it—the magnetic pull between them, a silent acknowledgment that he knew she was there, ready to be claimed.

And he always claimed her.

Her heart quickened as she strode toward the man who consumed her thoughts.

Before she could reach him, a tall, leggy blonde slid into Damian's space.

Valentina, the club manager, leaned down to kiss his lips, her manicured hands gliding over his shoulders. Damian didn't push her away; his hand casually grazed Valentina's waist, an effortless display of dominance that sent a simmer of jealousy through Chloe.

Chloe approached with a confident smile, admiring Valentina's freshly dyed blonde hair.

"The new look suits you. It's striking," she remarked, her voice smooth as silk.

Valentina's smile brightened, her fingers playing with a strand. "You think so? I wasn't sure at first, but I wanted something different. Fresh."

"Different is good," Chloe replied, her tone friendly but subtly edged. "Change keeps things interesting, don't you think?"

Valentina's blue eyes sparkled with a hint of something—perhaps recognition of the unspoken rivalry, or maybe just amusement. "It certainly does. And speaking of interesting," she glanced at Chloe's coat, "are you hiding something special under there tonight?"

Chloe's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Wouldn't you like to know? But I'll give you a hint—it's Damian's favorite."

Valentina's gaze flicked to Damian, who watched the exchange with amusement playing at the corner of his mouth. "Well then, I won't keep you," she said. "Your room is ready, doll. I've left a few toys of your choice and a cold bucket of champagne—only the best—for you and Mister Scott."

"You don't need to call him Mister Scott for me," Chloe replied. "You used to call him Dami... before he and I were together."

Valentina's smile tightened. "Are you sure? You don't mind at all?"

"Not at all," Chloe said. "You've known him for years. I'm all about sharing and caring."

Valentina let out a soft laugh, but it was Damian's reaction that caught Chloe's attention.

His chuckle was low and resonant, a sound that curled around Chloe like a promise. "Excuse me, Angelo," he said, sparing a glance at the mafia boss as he stood.

Angelo waved him off with a deep laugh. "Your woman comes first. Always."

Damian drew closer to Chloe, his focus entirely on her.

No time to waste with words.

His hands cupped her jaw, strong yet gentle, and his mouth crashed onto hers in a possessive and consuming kiss. Chloe melted into him, her body pressing against the hard planes of his chest as his lips crushed hers.

Chloe's breath was ragged, her pulse racing, when they finally broke the kiss. She caught his gaze, her voice low and teasing. "Should we go up to our room?"

Damian's eyes darkened with a hunger that made her knees weak. "Follow me, babe."

They moved to the elevator, the heat between them searing with each step. When the doors slid shut, Damian's hands were on her, exploring her curves. Chloe shivered, her breath hitching as his fingers traced her skin with a possessiveness that made her ache for more.

***

When the doors finally opened, Chloe took in the luxurious surroundings of their private suite—a room designed for kinky pleasure. But all she could focus on was how Damian's eyes devoured her. His intense stare made her pulse race.

Chloe unbuttoned her coat, letting it fall to the floor to reveal the seductive gray lace lingerie Damian had bought. The underwired bra framed her bare breasts as delicate straps crisscrossed her torso, leading to a high-waisted garter belt accentuating her curves. Suspender straps attached to thigh-high stockings and a barely-there thong completed her attire, every detail designed to entice.

"I gotta have a strong heart for you," he said, his voice rough with desire. He removed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. "You could give any man a heart attack."

Chloe smirked. "You like what you see?"

"Like it?" Damian pulled a silver leash from his pocket and pointed it at the sparkling diamonds on her collar's D-ring.

His smile was pure sin. "I'm obsessed."

He clipped the leash to her collar, the click of metal sending a thrill through her. Damian's taut cheeks tensed as he tugged on the leash, pulling her closer.

"You've been waiting, huh?"

Chloe tilted her chin up, pouting slightly. "You've been gone for nearly a month. It felt like an eternity."

His sharp gaze softened. "I didn't want to leave. But you know how it is—work calls. We're expanding two companies, one in Asia and one in Europe. It couldn't wait."

She reached for his free hand, her fingers brushing against his knuckles. "My heart felt empty without you."

His grip on the leash tightened. "I'm here now, love," he assured, his eyes locking onto hers.

"I'm glad you're here," she purred, her lips curling into a sly smile. "Because I've got a surprise for you."

His brow arched, and his lips quirked into a dangerous grin. "A surprise, huh?" He stepped closer, the leash pulling her just shy of his chest. His voice lowered. "You know what I do to girls who tease me, don't you?"

"Tell me," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Her eyes lifted to his, wide and eager, with the hint of a challenge glimmering.

Damian leaned in, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered, "I make them beg for mercy."

His fingers toyed with the front of her thong. "I make them plead for every touch, every kiss, every thrust. And I don't give them what they want until they're completely undone."

Chloe's pulse pounded in her ears. Her body ached like hell for him. "Dami," she breathed.

Before she could say more, he silenced her with a kiss. His hands worked their way down her body, undoing her cup-less bra and garter.

He lifted her into his arms as if she weighed nothing. "I'm going to strip you down. And when I'm done, you're going to lie there while I take my sweet time tasting every inch of you."

Chloe's head fell back as she moaned, her body thrumming with need. "Please," she begged, the word tumbling out before she could stop herself.

Damian carried her to the bed, laying her on the cool silk sheets. His hands lingered on her body as he leaned over her, his weight pressing down just enough to let her know he was in control. "That's right, baby. Beg for me."

Chloe's voice trembled with desperation and longing. "You drive me mad with need."

Damian's grin widened—a playful, wicked smile that made her pulse race. "Damn right I do," he said, trailing kisses down her neck to her breasts. He kneaded them, his lips wrapping around each dark peak, sucking and teasing until Chloe gasped beneath him.

Chloe arched into his touch. "I've missed you so much."

"I know. Just remember, I own your pretty little body." Damian's hand slid up her thigh, his fingers tracing the edge of her thong before jerking it down. "And tonight, I will remind you exactly what that means."

Chloe gasped as Damian lowered his head, his lips brushing her soft belly. "I want you to taste me," she moaned.

He froze, his eyes snapping to hers. "No," he instructed. "What did I tell you before? I give the orders."

"But, Dami—"

His fingers caught her chin, tilting her face up. "No buts," he growled. "You don't tell me what to do."

Chloe rolled her eyes but couldn't help a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "You're lucky you're charming."

"Defiant tonight, aren't you?" Damian placed her on his lap. The paddle in his hand was smooth, the leather cool against her skin as he traced it along the curve of her ass.

"You've been waiting all month for this, haven't you?" His voice was a sinful caress, each word sending sparks of excitement through her.

"Yes, Daddy," she moaned, the title slipping from her lips without thought, a testament to the power he held over her.

Damian's triumphant smile widened as he raised the paddle. "I thought you liked it rough."

"I do... But tonight, go lightly," she pleaded, her voice a soft murmur against the sheets.

He paused, lowering his head to whisper against her ear, "I'll do anything for you, Chloe. Anything. I want you to enjoy this. To have pleasure. My wife."

"My husband," she whispered back, the words a secret thrill that never failed to excite her.

Aside from family and close friends, the world didn't know about their marriage—the vows exchanged in a small, private chapel, away from prying eyes. Their commitment was sacred, perfect.

But Chloe had another secret—one that would change everything.

As Damian's hand descended, the first paddle struck a gentle thud against her flesh. She yearned for one more spank, a sensation that took her to a place where controlled pain became her pleasure.

His phone buzzed on the nightstand. The sound jarred her ears, breaking the rhythm of their moment.

Damian paused, smoothing the spot he'd just struck. "You okay?"

"Yes." Chloe nodded, though her mind was elsewhere. She wasn't sure how Damian would react when he found out that their lives—already complicated by the business his dead mother left behind—were about to become even more so.

The phone buzzed again. Damian stopped, picked it up, and stared at the screen, tension coiling in the air. His eyes narrowed as he recognized the number.

With a heavy sigh, he set the paddle aside. "I have to take this one," he groaned.

Chloe forced a smile, even though her heart ached. "Duty calls."

"I'll be back as soon as I can," he promised, cupping her cheek, his thumb brushing over her lips before putting on his shirt and pants. "And when I return..." The promise hung in the air.

"I'll be waiting," Chloe whispered, steadying herself.

Damian kissed her one last time, a fierce, possessive kiss before he turned and walked out, leaving Chloe alone with her thoughts—and her secret.

***

A/N: Welp...I didn't expect it to take such a steamy turn. But it did...