9781631053580BlackjackHolt
BLACKJACK
Club Fantasy 4
Desiree Holt
Erotic Romance
Secret Cravings Publishing
www.secretcravingspublishing.com
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A Secret Cravings Publishing Book
Erotic Romance
Blackjack
Copyright © 2014 Desiree Holt
E-book ISBN: 978-1-63105-358-0
First E-book Publication: October 2014
Cover design by Dawné Dominique
Edited by Faith Summers
Proofread by Rene Flowers
All cover art and logo copyright © 2014 by Secret Cravings Publishing
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All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.
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Dedication
To my best buddy, Cerise Deland, whose insight always helps me focus so much better. You rock, babe.
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*Trouble With a Cowboy, a western, erotic romance:
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**Blood Kisses (Nightwalkers 1), paranormal erotic romance:
Ashleigh Brown, the author of the popular Nightwalkers series, lives a quiet life free of the limelight. She keeps her real identity secret by writing under the pen name, Victoria Allure. She soon finds herself in a bind when she's kidnapped by a group of handsome vampires seeking Victoria. She then agrees to meet their Master, who's a huge fan of her books. But instead of meeting him, she accidentally crosses paths with her rock star crush. He is the sexy muse behind Nightwalkers and the man she based the hero in the series upon. She would do anything to meet him but little does she know her crush has a secret...
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BLACKJACK
Club Fantasy 4
Desiree Holt
Copyright © 2014
Chapter One
“I’m glad you arranged this for me, Kelly.” Nia March inched forward on the back seat of the car. “Thanks so much.”
“And I’m just glad you agreed to come with us.” Kelly LeBlanc turned her head and grinned at her friend as they turned into the parking lot for Club Fantasy. “You’ll enjoy the club.”
“And Blackjack.” Tanner Sloat’s deep voice rumbled from the driver’s seat.
Yes, Blackjack. The Dom Tanner had arranged for her to meet tonight, along with her first introduction to the new card game at Club Fantasy. The game that had brought Kelly and Tanner together. A little shiver of anticipation raced over Nia’s skin.
Kelly shifted in the front seat, turning as much as her seat belt would allow. “It seems so long since we’ve done this together.”
“Because five years ago you moved from Dallas to San Antonio,” Nia pointed out.
“To take a fabulous job,” Kelly reminded her.
“I know, I know. But I miss going clubbing with you.”
“And that’s why you came for a visit. And you got to meet the fabulous Tanner Sloat.” She touched the thin gold collar that circled her neck. “Master of all Masters.”
“And don’t you forget it,” Tanner chuckled, pulling smoothly into a parking place.
“As if.”
Nia had to tamp down the tiny bit of jealousy that surged up at the intense connection in their voices. Kelly had searched for a long time for just the right Dom. She’d had so many disappointments. Nia had held her hand through all of them. Now it thrilled her to see her friend so happy. But she couldn’t help wondering if she would ever find that for herself. That one person with whom she had an instant link. Someone who lit up sparks in her body and aroused her just by looking in her direction. S
he’d seen the instant spark in others. Kelly told her that’s how it was with Tanner. But to Nia, it seemed as if she’d been seeking it forever.
She forced away the negative thoughts. “I’m thrilled for you. You know that.”
“I do. And maybe tonight you’ll find the Master of your dreams,” Kelly teased.
“Maybe. Possibly. And if not, no biggie.” She unbuckled her seat belt. “I’m excited just thinking about this card game.”
“What could be more appropriate for a sub whose scene name is Queen of Hearts, right?”
“Right.” She did think it was an incredible coincidence.
“And who’s getting ready to play Cut the Cards with a hot Dom.”
“You know he’s hot?” Nia grinned. “Have you met him?”
“No, but Tanner’s recommendation is good enough for me. He knows not to put you with just anyone.”
“Damn straight,” Tanner told her. “Kelly would hand me my ass if I did, and I might be the one getting to feel the whip.”
“So…” Kelly half-turned in her seat. “You ready?”
“I am. Let’s go.”
They climbed out of the car and she waited while Tanner locked it.
“Let’s move,” he said.
“You’ll love it.” Kelly winked and linked her arm though Nia’s.
Tanner pushed the button set into the frame of the heavy carved front door. It swung outward and Nia followed him and Kelly inside. The vestibule was circular in shape, large enough for a stand to hold a guest book and a small bench, with a hallway leading to the rest of the club. Nia stood behind her friend while Tanner checked them into the club.
“Good evening, Anton. We made arrangements with Reulas for our guest. Nia March. Queen of Hearts.”
The doorman nodded and checked their names off in the open book resting on the stand. “Yes, it’s right here.” He looked at Nia. “I’ll need to see your membership card from your home club.”
Nia slid it out of the little pocket of the leather miniskirt she wore and handed it to him. She waited while he scanned it and handed it back.
“Enjoy yourselves this evening.”
“Thank you.” Tanner led the way down the little hallway, Kelly and Nia following appropriately behind him.
When they moved into the main area Nia saw that it was divided into two sections, a lounge and a performance area. The lounge was almost completely occupied, most of the tables, couches and armchairs filled with people talking in soft tones. Some of the subs sat on the floor at the feet of their Masters. A couple had leashes attached to their collars. Nia noticed one Dom in particular who had most of the leash wrapped around his free hand, keeping his sub’s upper body close to his crotch. His other hand held a drink that he sipped on while his sub stroked his exposed cock.
Two men sat side by side on a couch, conversing quietly. A woman lay across both their laps, eyes closed, while one man fondled her breasts and the other played with her pussy beneath her skirt. Nia wondered idly if she belonged to both or if her Dom was just in a sharing mood tonight.
Tanner obviously had perks in the place because he commandeered a love seat against one wall, the occupants simply smiling as they moved away without question.
“Sit,” he ordered the two women. “Hands folded. Legs apart.” He looked at Nia and a tiny smile hitched up one corner of his mouth. “For the moment consider me your temporary Dom.” He leaned down and winked. “I’d hate for anyone to think I’d brought a sub who didn’t obey orders.”
Nia swallowed a grin, moved her knees apart, and folded her hands demurely in her lap.
“Very good. I need to speak to Reulas. In the meantime I’ll have someone bring you cold drinks.”
Nia knew that like many well-run private dungeons Club Fantasy did not serve alcoholic beverages. Kelly had explained that at one time they had discussed permitting people to drink if they weren’t going to play, but then vetoed it because people could change their minds. Reulas, the owner, had a hard and fast rule about it. He wanted his members and guests to be aware at all times of their choices. But Nia didn’t mind. The club she and Kelly had belonged to in Dallas—the one where she was still a member— had the same rule.
She wondered where the Dom Tanner had told her about was and how soon she’d get to meet this man he’d arranged for her to play with tonight.
“You can trust Tanner’s judgment,” Kelly teased. “Really. He wouldn’t set you up with a Dom who would turn you off.”
She knew he also was into the new card game Tanner had introduced to Club Fantasy, the one that had first paired Kelly and Tanner together. Without actually going into details, Kelly had told her with a secretive smile that it was an easy way for each person to let the other know his or her preferences, as well as the things they did not feel comfortable with right from the start of the play session.
A pair of legs clad in grey slacks came into her field of vision and she looked up to see a waiter holding a tray with two glasses.
“Master Tanner ordered sparkling water for you.” He dipped his head then placed a glass in her hand and in Kelly’s. “I’m sure Master Tanner will let me know if you need a refill.”
Nia sipped at her drink, letting the bubbles explode on her tongue, mingling with the bubbles of excitement fizzing through her bloodstream. She was playing a game with herself, trying to imagine what the mysterious stranger looked like, when in her peripheral vision she caught people moving their way. She recognized Tanner’s boots right away.
“Time for introductions. You may look up. Both of you.”
Nia lifted her gaze and her breath caught in her throat. Every nerve in her body snapped and her heart actually stuttered. Good lord! This man was a lethal weapon even before he uttered a word. Something deep inside her began to unfold and excitement jittered through her nerve endings.
The man was taller than Tanner and more muscular. He was dressed all in black—precisely tailored slacks and a shirt she was sure was silk. His hair was an even inkier black than Tanner’s, but shorter, and layered in an obviously expensive razor cut. His hooded eyes were framed with lashes that were ridiculously thick, enough to make a woman green with envy. She wondered if there was a factory around here that turned Dom’s out this way and had to swallow a giggle or she’d embarrass herself in front of the stranger.
Her eyes dropped involuntarily to his crotch where the soft material did little to disguise an impressive bulge. Her mouth watered as she thought of closing her lips around it or lowering her body onto it. Whatever he commanded. Her arousal soaked her thong and dampened her thighs. God, she was hot for this man before they’d even exchanged two words. She knew that whatever he wanted from her, whatever boundaries he’d push, she’d agree to it. All of it.
His gaze raked over her like the sweep of a magnifying glass, taking in every detail. When he lifted his eyes to her face again and their eyes locked, a bolt of lust shot through her as if a sword had pierced her heart.
“Queen of Hearts, meet Blackjack himself.” Tanner’s voice held a touch of humor.
Blackjack? Her lips twitched as she tried to suppress a smile.
“Queen of Hearts. How appropriate.” The voice was rich and deep, a little like Tanner’s but thicker and with a Texas twang that made every nerve ending fire up. “Stand up, sub. Let me take a look at all of you.”
Oh, yes. His voice might have that Texas warmth but there was no mistaking the tone of command or the strength in his words. Nia rose on slightly shaky legs, clasped her hands in front of her, and bowed her head.
“You may keep your head raised, sub. I want to get a good look at your face.”
His eyes were like twin lasers, scorching her skin as they traveled over it. She thought a smile teased at one corner of his mouth but it was gone so quickly she thought she might have imagined it. He skimmed his gaze over her from top to bottom and back again until she felt as if her clothes had been stripped and she stood naked before him.
; While she stood there, trying not to shiver beneath his scrutiny, another man strolled up, shook hands with Tanner and nodded to Blackjack, holding out his hand.
“Welcome to Club Fantasy, Blackjack. You come highly recommended from your home club.”
Blackjack chuckled. “Yes. I’ve been a member there for a long time. Thanks for the guest pass.”
“Our pleasure.” The stranger who must have worked at the club pulled a sealed deck of cards from his pocket along with a key card and handed them both to Blackjack. “Tanner explained that you requested a private room. Number three, down the hall on the left. And a fresh deck of cards.” He flicked his gaze over Nia before looking at Blackjack again. “Enjoy your evening.”
Blackjack turned to Tanner. “I’ll see you later?”
Tanner nodded. “Just text me when the Queen of Hearts is ready for her ride home.” He looked at Kelly and grinned. “We’ll be playing our own card game.”
Blackjack tapped Nia on the shoulder. “Time to go.”
With a last glance at Kelly, Nia followed the man out of the lounge area and down the hallway. She waited obediently while he inserted the key card and opened the door to the room, then followed him inside. As soon as the lock clicked on the door he turned to face her.
“Safe word. Now. I never begin without it.”
Nia wet her lips and swallowed. “Scarlet.”
He cocked one eyebrow. “Scarlet?”
She nodded. “It’s the color of the queen’s gown. The Queen of Hearts represents womanhood. That’s why I chose the name.”
A combination of heat and approval swirled in his eyes. “Excellent. As long as it wasn’t from that foulmouthed woman in Alice in Wonderland.”