Master of Submission [Masters of Submission 1] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) by Jan Bowles Page B

containers. “The container won’t arrive here for another six weeks, but please, be my guest, and feel free to check out my story with the shipping company.”
    “We’ll need their address. We’ll also need the address of where you’re staying right now.”
    “The lady is staying with me.” Zane’s deep voice spoke authoritatively.
    “But—”
    Zane stared into her eyes. “Baby, I want you to stay with me, at least until you’ve sorted everything out. You’re too emotional and vulnerable to be left on your own.”
    She smiled. “Thank you, Zane. You’re a good man. I don’t want to put you out. As soon as I get my passport back, I can return home to England, and—”
    Detective Mitchell rudely interrupted, “Ma’am, let me explain something to you. Until our inquiries are completed, you’ll be staying right here in the US.”
    “You’re kidding, right? For how long may I ask?”
    “This is a murder investigation, Ms. Parkes. For as long as it takes.”

Chapter Fourteen
     
    It was already starting to get dark when Zane finally drove the Merc through the impressive security gates at Anders Gems. He stilled the engine in the private parking space directly outside his office, and turned to Emma. She looked pale and appeared to be deep in thought.
    That fucking cop. What was the prick’s name again? Yeah, that’s right, Detective Mitchell. He’d questioned them both for over an hour. His interview, such as it was. It was more of an interrogation, really, focused entirely on the consensual sex going down at Club Submission. He just wouldn’t let it drop. Zane reckoned the details about a D/s relationship really turned the sad bastard on. He knew the guy would head straight to the club once he’d finished with them, to see for himself. He’d probably be nursing a semi on the drive over there, too. So as soon as he could, he’d telephoned Matthew and Ethan, to keep them in the loop. They knew as well as he did that a cop snooping around a private sex club was bad for business. Most members fiercely guarded their identity, wanting to keep it secret. Some even kept their lifestyle secret from their husbands or wives. They did not want it broadcast to the whole wide world. Zane figured Club Submission was in for a bumpy ride.
    After a quick glance at the four-story, smoked-glass building, he touched Emma’s shoulder, rousing her from her introspection. “Come in for a while, it’ll take your mind off things.” She forced a smile, but it was obvious her thoughts were completely elsewhere. He couldn’t blame her. What she’d seen at the morgue had been devastating. To find out her best friend was dead was bad enough, but to find out she’d been murdered must be tearing her apart.
    Zane stroked her pale cheek with the back of his hand. “I know things are difficult for you right now. But it will get better, I promise you. What you’re going through at the moment is as bad as it gets.”
    “I do hope you’re right.”
    “Of course I’m right. I’m always right.”
    Emma nodded and couldn’t help but smile when she heard his tongue-in-cheek response. “Your ego knows no bounds, Master Zane.” Her words were lighthearted, but he could still detect excess moisture glistening in her eyes.
    “I’ve just got some paperwork to see to. It shouldn’t take too long. Come on in, I’ll introduce you to the boys and girls who work for me.”
    “You’ve been so good to me, Zane. I really appreciate it.”
    “You’re welcome.” He gently teased a wayward strand of her pretty blonde hair between his finger and thumb, before tucking it behind her perfectly shaped ear. He then looked right at her. “I feel…” He paused, trying to find the right words. “I don’t know what it is, but I feel an affinity with you. It’s as if…” He searched for the elusive words again. “Look, what I’m trying to tell you is…I really like you, Emma. I like you being around.”
    Fearing he’d already said