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CHAPTER 1

Camille yanked on her short black leather skirt and bustier. She'd lost another bet with her friend Sidney. Tonight, she'd crash a Halloween party in a dominatrix outfit, complete with a crop and high boots. What she had to do made her shiver in anticipation, but she'd be in big trouble if anyone recognized her.

She carefully brushed down the long black wig that hid her blonde hair. Sidney had assured her the people attending this party had no connection to the small private prep school near Amherst where she taught. The height of conservatism, the dean always stressed the propriety of what one wore, insinuating the wrong outfit might get her fired. She released a snort. In that case, this outfit would see her burn in hell.

A car horn beeped outside where Sidney waited in a cab. Camille grabbed her crop and mask and headed out the door. The cool Boston evening helped alleviate her blush.

"Very sexy, sweetie. You'll have no trouble fulfilling the bet you lost." He nodded his approval when she climbed into the back seat.

"I can't believe you talked me into this. It's a bit close to home for comfort." She pulled on her mask, caught the eye of the cabbie, and gave him a wink.

"Stop over-thinking this. We're going to have fun. Lenny said to walk right in and blend into the crowd. There'll be so many people; no one will know we weren't officially invited."

"The crashing-party part doesn't bother me. It's this damn costume I have to wear. I look like I'm out on the prowl for some guy to fall at my feet and lick my boots." She tapped the crop against her leg and shot the cab driver an evil look when he scoffed.

Sidney leaned closer to her and whispered, "It goes along with the type of characters you write about in your books. The innocent school girl wouldn't be a stretch for you."

"So you're calling this research. A Halloween costume." Camille's voice rose to a high C, and she shook her head at her friend.

"Look, we both know you enjoy pushing boundaries. That's why you write erotic romances. This might help you with your research, you know, forbidden sex."

Camille held in her retort. Of all people, Sidney knew her best. Friends since their freshman year in college, the two of them shared their secret fetishes. Over the course of the last eight years, they had managed to challenge each other into dabbling in kink.

The cab stopped in front of an impressive high-rise building near the Boston Harbor. Sleek black granite soared twenty stories, the back of the building faced the water.

"There's a guard." Camille hesitated.

"Of course there is. Look at this place. Lenny said to mention the Gerard party." He gave a one-shoulder shrug and entered the building. His costume flowed in a billow of soft blues like an icy sea.

Camille grunted at the feminine get-up. What twenty-seven-year-old guy dressed as Elsa from Frozen? But she had to admit, Sidney made an impressive ice queen with his platinum-blond wig and tall, sleek body.

The low murmur of conversations could be heard when they stepped off the elevator on the penthouse floor. "Only three apartments here." Camille looked from door to door.

"Yeah, there should be some expensive drinks flowing at this party." Sidney turned the knob to number three and walked in. Camille scurried after him.

"Find me when you've completed your task." Her friend waved and disappeared into the crowd. Orange transparent material covered light shades that gave an eerie glow to the space. Costumes ranged from the simple suit-and-tie type of thing to elaborate villains and heroes of the latest comic book craze.

"Nice costume," a resonant voice said from behind her. The rich tone caressed her nerves and sent tingles through her body. She tightened her grip on the crop and straightened her shoulders to appear taller. A dominatrix was in order. With slow, deliberate movements she turned, narrowed her eyes, and scanned up the male body behind her.

Skin-tight breeches with a button front clung to the muscular legs and male package. Camille hesitated and stared before she continued higher. A sword hung from the belt, and the black shirt that was tucked into the waistband, laid open for everyone to inspect the perfect abs and chest underneath. She clamped her mouth shut to hide her giggle but failed when she reached his face and noticed a fake scar on the cheek and a raised eyebrow behind the black mask.

"Zorro?" she questioned with a laugh.

"At your service, my lady. If I can call you that." The man bowed, his eyes never leaving her ample cleavage on display at the top of her leather bustier.

She stayed in character. With a tap of her crop against her boot, she said, "I prefer ma'am."

"As you wish. Can I get you a drink? Ma'am." The word sounded dirty as he held her gaze.

His wicked smile made her stutter, "No-no thank you." She was glad the room's lighting hid her blush.

"Are you here with someone?" His dark eyes peered out from the mask as he studied her face. They made her shiver as if he touched her skin with his gaze.

"My friend is mingling. He wanted to stop here before we head to another party."

"I see. Which one is your friend?"

"The one dressed like Elsa." She maintained a straight face. She doubted Zorro knew of the ice queen.

His snort signaled he'd narrowed in on Sidney. "My friend's daughter loves Elsa. I must say your friend works the costume well."

Camille nodded and mumbled, "Better than I would."

"I like your costume better." He tilted his head in a chivalrous manner when they made eye contact.

"So Zorro, how well do you know the host?"

"I'd say fairly well. And you?"

"Not well at all." She didn't elaborate, wishing she hadn't asked the question. The beauty of doing what she needed to accomplish tonight was that she got to choose her lover. Zorro would do nicely.

A gloved hand took hold of her bare elbow and led her deeper into the room. He stopped at one of the tall windows. "Beautiful view, isn't it?" He spoke close to her ear, the comment an intimate caress.

She nodded. A hint of mint and vodka on his breath made her lick her lips. "Facing the water makes it easier to see some stars."

"There's a better view from the roof deck. Would you like to see it?"

"I didn't bring a coat."

"I'll keep you warm." He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her toward a hall. Sidney made eye contact with her, and she gave him a subtle shrug. He gave her a thumbs-up before he turned back to a plaid-shirted lumberjack and laughed at some joke.

They reached a spiral staircase, and Zorro grabbed her hand and went first. She trotted along in her heels, trying to make sure her breasts didn't spill out of her costume as they bounced from the movement.

Research. The word buzzed in her head. Her current heroine would find this situation amusing. She'd get to the roof, acknowledge the lovely view and proceed to push the guy into a dark corner and fuck him. She held back her snort. Living out the antics of her heroines helped satisfy her fetish for exhibitionism. Sidney often told her she did these things to get back at her father. Maybe so, but the thrill of being caught heightened the experience.

The cold blast of air made her pull back on Zorro's hand, not wanting to step outside. He grabbed a bulky jacket off the hook by the door. "I'm sure our host won't mind you borrowing his coat." He wrapped it around her shoulders before they exited the building.

She tightened the warm fleece around her and moved toward the rail. Empty lounge chairs, poised for a person to sit and look out over the cityscape, dotted the area.

"What do you think?" he asked.

"Impressive." She moved along. One brief glimpse down toward the water and she needed to calm the rolling fear in her stomach. She stepped away from the edge and took a deep breath. "I didn't think I'd mind the height since it has a rail, but it gives me butterflies."

"Come here."

He removed his gloves and tossed them aside. The warmth of his hands thrilled her body when he cradled her jaw. She didn't break their locked gaze as he leaned in, hesitated, then brushed his lips across hers. His fingers tightened, and he moved in for another taste. With a rap of the leather crop, she stilled his movement.

"You're taking liberties without permission," she said, trying to gain control.

His chuckle rumbled in his chest, and he straightened. "Sorry, ma'am. Your lips were tempting me, and I wanted to sample their softness. Forgive me." He lowered his head. His smile threatened to widen, making his apology insincere.

She ran the crop up his chest and under his chin. With a touch of pressure, she forced him to lift his head. He rested his hands by his sides and maintained a non-aggressive stance.

"I don't give out kisses freely. There is always a cost." She repeated a line from one of her earlier novels.

"I'm willing to pay the price. Tell me what you want." His response made her knees shake. Her hero spoke similar words that resulted in one of her favorite sex scenes.

She looked around the area and made sure they were alone. The privacy of the walls kept many of the prying eyes from seeing into the shadows. Perfect. Adrenaline quickened her pulse, a telltale sign she'd enjoy what came next. "Move a lounge chair into that corner." The length of the crop extended from her fingertips like a long sexy pointer. She motioned to a spot not immediately seen if someone came through the door but wouldn't be missed once outside.

Without hesitation, he accomplished the task in a matter of seconds.

"Sit," she commanded.

The corner of his mouth arched and he relaxed on the seat, waiting for the next order.

"Put your hands behind your back and don't move." When he did what she asked, she hiked up her skirt, leaving barely enough material to cover her panties. She straddled his body by placing one knee on each side of his hips, so her breasts pressed against his chest. "I do the kissing. Do you agree?" Bold and brazen. That worked for her.

Zorro nodded. His tongue wet his lips, and he rested his head against the lounge. Good. She'd get to lean into him and torture him with her breasts. The breeze swirled with a hint of her vanilla scent mixed with his aftershave. They both inhaled at the same time. His cock hardened more and tormented her core.

She stopped clutching the fleece, and it fell open, her soft breasts barely covered by the leather. She leaned away and pinched the ribbon at the top of her bustier. With a wiggle of her eyebrows, she untied the front. His guttural gasp sent sparks from her bare nipples to her clit.

"Do you like what you see?" She caressed her own flesh, and he groaned.

"Yes."

"Yes, what?" She took hold of her crop and tapped his bottom lip.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Would you like to taste one?" She twirled a nipple between her fingers so close to his mouth he could lick the tip if she gave him permission.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Suck hard." She inched closer, making him lean forward.

He licked the tip before he pulled it into his mouth and sucked with an intensity that made her whimper. His hot tongue thrilled her nipple into a hard nub that ached. He leaned closer to her body, and she wiggled her shoulders to show her appreciation.

She shifted and pressed her crotch tighter against his erection. "Don't move," she whispered. She relished the idea of someone from a neighboring building spying on them. They'd get an eyeful of ass and tits.

One of her hands drifted down his chest and played over his abdomen until she found his belt buckle. She paused and tickled the hairs beneath his waistband. He groaned and lost his lock on her breast. A slight swat from her crop made him latch on again.

"Don't let go. This is my show." Camille shifted her body, so the side of his erection pressed the filmy crotch of her panties. She gripped his shoulders and ground her pelvis forward and backward riding his length. Her rhythm changed to a fast beat, their mutual moans sending tremors through her body. The action was all hers, and she knew with certainty that she'd have an orgasm before they were finished. She hoped he would.

She blocked out all thoughts and gave in to her body's cravings. The ridges of Zorro's impressive cock stimulated all her nerve endings, and she took advantage of her position to rub against it. Harder, her mind screamed. She dug her nails into his shoulders and held him tight.

His breathing quickened, matching hers. She didn't care if he released her breast. She wanted to make him lose control without any kind of penetration. He bucked underneath her, and she pressed harder. Her panties were worthless at this point, so she pushed the material out of the way.

She teased the top of his cock with her fingers, matching the pace of her hips. The thrill of their location added to the experience. So close to coming, she pictured another man walking through the door. He would move toward them to join the action. Her breath caught in her throat when Zorro's fingers rubbed her clit.

Her eyes squeezed closed. Her lover captured her mouth, his tongue taming hers. His other hand grabbed her breast and squeezed. Camille gripped his cock tighter, pounding up and down with long strokes.

"Oh baby, I'm so fucking close." His voice hitched as he tensed underneath her. His fingers plunged inside her, and a sharp keening sound left her throat.

"Now," he growled.

Her knees tightened against his side. His thumb pressed her clit, and she arched her back, exposing the underside of her breasts to his bite. The quick zap of pain sent her spiraling into a powerful orgasm as his cock pulsed in her hand. The adrenaline rush dissipated and she slumped against his chest, everything coming into focus.

"You disobeyed orders." She attempted to sound angry, but it sounded more like a thank-you choke.

"Sorry, ma'am. I'll try harder next time."

Camille didn't respond. She sat up, tucked his limp member back into his briefs, and wiped off her hand on the material. "Don't move," she said as she tied her top back together and clumsily climbed off him.

She brushed down over her skirt and pulled off the coat after she made sure nothing was exposed. The cold air helped her focus, and she looked down at Zorro. For the first time in her life, she'd found a man she'd love to have again. He didn't seem to mind the possibility of being caught.

He grabbed her wrist and tugged her closer to his face. "Thank you, ma'am. I'd like to do that again. Next Friday night in New York City, the Hollingsworth Hotel. Are you game?"

Camille nodded. Being someone else in the city excited her.

"Good. What name should I leave for you at the front desk?"

"Alexandra." It was her current heroine's name. "Who will I ask for?"

"Dominic. Don't forget an overnight bag and anything else you might enjoy for the weekend. The crop was a nice touch."

She flicked it against his exposed nipple. His devilish grin widened.

"Oh, Alexandra. The things I hope you do to me are only exceeded in excitement by the things I want to do to you. Practice your safe word." He reached down her top and twisted her nipple. "Tit for tat sweetheart."

She straightened, and the leather rubbed against her sensitive tip. She sucked in a deep breath and said, "I look forward to your challenge. Do you like the thrill of possibly being caught or watched?" She tapped his chin with the leather, not allowing him to break eye contact.

"I'm game."

"Good."

She sashayed away, not looking back as his deep laugh teased her nerves and sent goose bumps down her arms.

She found Sidney and said, "I'm leaving." There was no reason to stay any longer. Dominic would appear soon, and she'd rather be gone instead of forced to watch him mingle with other women. She wanted the image of him under her to remain in her mind.

"What's the rush?"

They reached the elevator, and she glanced back over her shoulder. "I've done what I needed to do, so I thought I'd leave. Are you coming?"

"I guess. Wasn't much of a party," he added when they stepped into the elevator. Through the final small crack between the doors as they closed, she spied Dominic looking toward her. He ran his hand through his thick dark waves.

They reached the lobby, where the guard was explaining the no trick-or-treat policy to a bunch of teenagers. She could hear the desk phone ringing. The possibility that it was Zorro made her break into a trot. She pulled Sidney through the doors and down the walk, away from the building as fast as she could move.

"Okay, sweetie. Tell me why we're running." Sidney puffed.

She stopped and looked back. No one followed. "Sorry. Let's hail a cab and go back to your apartment."

"How about another party?" he asked as she flagged a cab.

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Excerpted from "The Perception Game"
by .
Copyright © 2018 Cadence Vonn.
Excerpted by permission of The Wild Rose Press, Inc..
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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