Tasting Pleasure by Marie Haynes Read Free Book Online

confidence. She lifted her chin, carefully kept her eyes lowered and stood a bit straighter. She brought in the highest bid of the evening.
    Once her auction ended, she walked back into the waiting room where her temporary ’master’ waited. To her relief, Mr. Devonshire was also there.
    “Alicia, let me introduce Spiro to you. He has been a friend of mine for years. I couldn’t be happier that he has won your services,” he stated. “You will, I have no doubt, make me proud. Go with him now. I will come to pick you up tomorrow evening.”
    Alicia was terrified. Neither Maverick nor Spiro allowed her to put on clothing. Spiro simply slipped a cape around her shoulders, and she walked barefoot to his car. Worse than being naked though were her uncertainties. How would she know how to please him? What if she didn’t, would both he and Mr. Devonshire be disappointed in her? If she didn’t perform well, would Mr. Devonshire want to end her contract? She began to breathe heavily and felt tears pushing against the backs of her eyes. She trembled during the short drive to the hotel where Spiro had booked a suite.
    Still without speaking, Spiro parked the car, walked around to the passenger door, opened it and offered his hand to Alicia. Finally she looked up at him as she placed her hand in his. His hair was clipped very short, almost military style. Staring into his green eyes, Alicia saw both strength and kindness. She stepped out of the car and meekly followed him through the lobby, into the elevator and up to the top floor. Walking behind him the short distance to his suite, Alicia could not fail to notice how smoothly the five-foot-ten man walked. His broad shoulders spoke of muscular strength. She let out a small breath, staring appreciatively at his well-trimmed form.
    Once inside the suite, Spiro wasted no time. Alicia had barely stepped onto the thick carpet when he whisked the cape from her shoulders. She jumped slightly in surprise but still remained silent. She knew this was a test from Mr. Devonshire and, despite her fear, she desperately wanted to please him.
    “You will remain naked while in this room,” Spiro’s deep voice commanded.
    Realising he had not asked a question, Alicia did not answer but simply nodded.
    “I see Maverick has trained you not to speak unless questioned. That’s good, but you may speak freely to me,” Spiro said softly. Then he added with a slight laugh, “You look absolutely petrified. I promise, Alicia, I won’t bite.”
    Hearing his softened voice and remembering the kindness in his eyes, Alicia relaxed slightly. Not sure what to say, she remained silent.
    Spiro walked to her and gently began to rub her arms. “Do you know why I bid on you?” he asked.
    “No, I don’t, sir,” she responded.
    “Ah, you can speak,” he whispered as he stepped away and began to undress himself. “It is because you looked so vulnerable. Do you know whom I was bidding against?”
    “No, I didn’t know anyone there. At least I don’t think I did. I’m not sure really.” She blushed again as she realised she was once more babbling.
    Spiro grinned and shook his head slightly. “Yes, it’s a good thing I did win you. I was bidding against Mistress Monica.”
    Alicia had never heard of this person.
    “She, my dear,” Spiro continued conversationally, “has a nasty habit of ignoring a safe word and whipping her companions so severely that they actually bleed.”
    “Oh my,” Alicia responded.
    “Indeed. Maverick and I have been friends for some time now. We have an unspoken agreement whenever one of these auctions comes around. If Monica is bidding for one of our companions, the other man will outbid her,” he explained.
    “In that case, I am certainly grateful—ah, what should I call you?” she asked.
    “Spiro is fine. And yes, you should be grateful, not only to me but also to Maverick.”
    Alicia was finding it more and more difficult to concentrate on Spiro’s words. He now