It wasn’t difficult to imagine what had caused the young woman’s fatigue. Rumour had it that Dominic Knight’s interest in women was anywhere between eccentric and deviant, depending on the informant or source. ‘We’ll try to hurry things along, my dear.’

The fitting went as well as could be expected with a client who was clearly uninterested in any of the lingerie and half asleep. Mrs Hawthorne fitted two bras, both gorgeous if she did say so herself, two pairs of lace panties, one garter belt, a bustier and one pair of silk pyjamas. It was enough for her to know what sizes Dominic Knight’s companion required. As a favour to herself, she fitted a last garment: her pet designer’s pièce de résistance bustier in gold lamé, beribboned and beruffled like some delicious confection. It was so absolutely stunning on the bored young lady’s shapely form, she could no longer remain silent. ‘If you don’t want to do this, my dear, why are you doing it? An observation only. Most women who have men buying them expensive things are generally pleased.’

Kate’s lashes lifted. ‘Really?’

‘All of them, to be perfectly honest. My lingerie is very costly. And quite unique. For instance, this is real gold lace,’ she added, adjusting the ruffle that showcased Kate’s breasts with a little flick of her fingers.

Kate ran her hand down the gleaming lamé that reduced her waist size by inches and added them to her boobs. ‘How much is this?’

‘I haven’t decided. Let’s just say you have to be well off to afford it.’

‘And he’s buying all this too?’ She waved at the pile on the dressing room table.

And all of the things still in the boxes. ‘Mr Knight wanted a full selection for you.’

Kate’s cheeks flushed scarlet.

‘There’s nothing to be embarrassed about, my dear. Mr Knight was very respectful.’

‘I suppose that means he pays you to be discreet.’

‘On the contrary, my business is based on discretion. No one pays me for that. Many men and women have reasons for wanting confidentiality. You’re quite safe in every way.’

As if to contradict that sweeping statement, the dressing room door suddenly opened and Dominic stood in the doorway. ‘Excuse me. Not quite finished, I see.’

He stepped into the room, closed the door behind him and surveyed Kate slowly, from head to toe, then back again, his gaze coming to rest on her ripe breasts mounded high above a wide swathe of ruffled gold lace.

As the silence lengthened, Kate’s cheeks turned flame red. ‘Do you want something?’ she tartly said.

He looked up. ‘We have to dress for lunch. You wanted me to remind you.’ His voice was neutral, his gaze was not. It was shameless in its intent.

‘This is the last item, Mr Knight,’ Mrs Hawthorne quickly interposed into the crackling silence. ‘Then we’re done.’

‘I hope you found some things you liked.’ His voice was ultra soft. ‘That’ – he half lifted his hand in Kate’s direction – ‘certainly is … a-attractive.’

As Kate opened her mouth to reply, he said, ‘Just a minute,’ and turned to Mrs Hawthorne. ‘I’m afraid we’ve run out of time,’ he politely noted. ‘Just leave everything. Leo is waiting downstairs to pay you. Tell him which you prefer – cash or cheque.’ His smile couldn’t have been improved on by God himself. ‘We can’t thank you enough for all your help, Mrs Hawthorne.’ He swung back to Kate. ‘Isn’t that so?’

The shopkeeper suppressed a gasp. Dominic Knight’s gaze was glittering with lust, a fine edge of violence conspicuous in his stance – a predator about to attack.

‘Dominic!’ Kate hissed, shooting a nervous glance at the strained fabric of his fly. ‘Mrs Hawthorne.’ A witness.

He didn’t respond.

She panicked. She could see the National Enquirer headline now.

Then he slowly exhaled, leaned in close. ‘Don’t move,’ he said under his breath, whip-sharp and taut.

‘What if I do?’ she said in a stinging whisper.

‘I’ll beat you.’ Another small breath brought his erection under control and turning to Mrs Hawthorne, he said in a normal tone, ‘Let me show you the way downstairs. It’s easy to get lost up here.’

CHAPTER 14

As the door closed on Dominic and Mrs Hawthorne, Kate questioned her sanity, or his, debated her options about whether to stay or go, reminded herself she’d come here for selfish reasons, which brought her back to the issue of her sanity. But she’d always had more self-confidence than she needed; maybe Dominic Knight was just another challenge. And of one thing she was certain: he was a sex dream come true. Speaking of …

The door opened and Dominic walked in.

‘That was quick.’

‘And you didn’t move.’ He leaned back against the door, his face impassive. ‘Would you like a reward?’

‘Depends on your mood.’

‘I didn’t word that properly. I meant I’m going to fuck you.’

‘Rather than whip me?’

His lazy smile was unrepentant. ‘Your choice.’

‘Great choices.’

‘Give me trouble and there’ll be no choice,’ he said, pushing away from the door and moving towards her.

‘I haven’t agreed to any of your rules yet. I have choices.’

‘I haven’t agreed either,’ he quietly said, stopping just short of where she stood. ‘So there aren’t any rules.’