Beneath The Blindfold

Table of Contents Foreword ONE MORE RULE ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT NINE TEN TABLE FOR TWO ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT NINE TEN THREE OF A KIND ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SAY IT FIRST ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT NINE More from Nikki About the Author Copyright FOREWORD In 2014, I began writing a side project. It was a guilty pleasure, one where I would put all the scenes that were too sexy for the romantic suspense series I was working on at the time. The side project was only supposed to be a novella, and I didn't intend for it to see the light of day. But it grew to 90,000 words, and my brain began to fill with series ideas. They were loud, and exciting, and offered me a chance to explore my sexuality in a way that felt safe. In January of 2015, I published THREE SIMPLE RULES, which changed the course of my life. The Blindfold Club will always be incredibly special to me, not only because it allowed me to quit my job and write full time, but it gave me the courage to push my writing in new directions. The following is a collection of additional stories from the series. Some were previously published and a few haven't been available for a while. One is brand new, which allowed me to return to characters I hadn't written in five years, and it was so great getting to see old friends. I hope you enjoy this collection. ONE MORE RULE This novella is book 2.5 in the Blindfold Club series and is best read after THREE HARD LESSONS. ONE PAYTON Dominic’s arm wrapped around my waist, steadying me as the train rocketed around a corner. He clung with one hand to the gray strap overhead, while I used my knees to keep our bags from tumbling over. His luggage slammed painfully into my thigh. The anxiety-inducing thirteen-hour flight from Tokyo had gotten to me. “I hate riding the El,” I said, “when I own an expensive and fucking beautiful car.” Dominic gave a tight smile. “Which is downtown and doesn’t have room for your luggage.” “Sure it does. There just wouldn’t be room for you.” His fingers flicked me playfully just inside of my hipbone, where the tattoo rested beneath my jeans. He did it whenever I made a joke about our relationship, his wordless reminder of how much I really loved him. “You better watch it.” “Or what?” I had my hand on his chest and drummed my fingers, challenging his seduction right back. His embrace tightened further, and his mouth was right by my ear. “Didn’t you tell me once you wanted to reenact the scene from Risky Business?” My face warmed with a smile. I’d suggested that almost a year ago on a Japanese train, but it felt like a lifetime now. Dominic had turned down my offer, worried he’d lose his riding privileges, and I’d learned during my year in Tokyo just how important those were. Now we were on an elevated train barreling for downtown Chicago, just like the movie. Well, not exactly. It was midafternoon, and the car was packed, standing room only. I glanced at the bored faces of the travelers around us and shrugged. “I’m game if you are.” “Fuck, Payton, you’d love that, wouldn’t you?” His infectious laugh sounded so good, I’d never grow tired of listening to it. The city we would call home again in three months loomed in the distance. Chicago. Dark, dirty, loud, and everything I wanted. I’d missed the gorgeous skyline, and from Dominic’s expression, I could tell he had too. Once we hit the loop, we got off, lugged our bags down the steps, and headed out onto the sidewalk. “It feels like we’ve been gone for years,” I said, glancing down the street. It had been February when Dominic had flown across the world, determined for us to be together, no matter what. Going back to Japan with him was a choice I’d made even before he proposed. Now it was September, and our best friends were getting married. “Which way is the lake?” I said, exhausted and disoriented. “Did they move it while we were gone?” “I don’t think so.” Dominic motioned toward the left. “Are you guessing, or do you know?” I was giving him attitude when I didn’t mean to be. “Fuck, I’m tired.” His expression was amused. “It’s four blocks this way, devil woman. I looked it up while we were at baggage claim waiting for the suitcases.” All of our time together, and I still wasn’t accustomed to his planning. I liked flying by the seat of my pants, making split decisions. Dominic enjoyed thinking ahead. My suitcase wheels rattled over a grate as I followed beside him. “You love this.” “Having a clue? Yeah.” We hit the lobby of the Opulent Hotel right at three, so we could check in, and I sighed against him during the elevator ride up to our room. “What’s the plan again?” “We’ll take a nap to get over some of the jet lag, then meet Evie and Logan for dinner.” “Evelyn,” I corrected. It was an inside joke now. He had every right to call her by the nickname, but I loved to tease. The lit floor numbers ticked by as we climbed, bringing us closer and closer to sleep. I could hardly keep my eyes open. “Where are we meeting them?” “Benihana.” The Japanese restaurant? I’d sell my Jaguar F-Type just for some American food. “Fuck off, we are not.” Dominic’s smirk at his joke almost melted my panties. “You’re so sexy when you’re pissed.” The elevator doors peeled open, and we trekked along the carpet until he had the room door open for me. No need to bother with the lights. Luggage was left by the closet as I went to the curtains