Free Taken by the Pirate Billionaire by Shelli Stevens Page A

perhaps someone with even more cynical intentions.
    No, his adorable Renee had only been out to avenge a centuries old robbery. Not that he was convinced her story was real. Although it could have been—supposedly Darren Murray had been a really corrupt bastard.
    “How did you untie yourself from the bed?” she asked.
    “Tying knots isn’t your forte. But I have a book on bondage if you’d like to borrow it.”
    She flushed. “I’ll pass. So, what happens now?”
    Her question surprised him, and he glanced over to find her relaxed and reclined on the pillows with an arm behind her head. All she needed was a cigarette, she looked that content.
    He raised an eyebrow in a silent request for her to elaborate.
    “Are you going to call the police on me?” She crossed one ankle over another.
    “Of course not.” Devon did laugh now. “Besides, what would I tell them, sweetheart? That you have a hair up your butt over a brooch that may or may not exist?”
    Her eyes narrowed as she watched him. “It does exist. I have an antique diary that describes it and points a finger at your ancestor for having taken it.”
    “Really? Now that is intriguing. Do you have the diary on you?”
    “No, do I look stupid?”
    He gave a lazy smile. “You tried to drug me. Do you really want me to answer that?”
    Renee stared at him for a moment, before she dropped her gaze. “Why do you have sex parties?”
    The change of subject didn’t surprise him as much as the question itself.
    “It started as an experiment back in college. A few friends and I had a gothic themed party that ended up with pretty serious sexual undertones.”
    “You, gothic?” She arched a brow. “I can’t imagine.”
    He went on without acknowledging her sarcasm. “The party was quite a hit, so we continued to have one annually. Eventually I left college and returned home to the estate. But I saw no reason to not continue the parties. It’s a once a year opportunity for all fantasies to come to life. All inhibitions to be dropped. I’m discreet about who I invite, and the whole affair is very covert.”
    “And the invited just happen to be rich and famous,” Renee murmured. “Then again you’re a wealthy man, Devon.”
    “I am. Darren pillaged well for his family,” he replied, knowing it would aggravate her more. “Not to mention I made a few bucks off of Overshare.”
    The color in her cheeks rose. “And I suppose the party’s also a convenient excuse for you to have kinky sex with half of the town?”
    Was it possible she was the tiniest bit jealous?  
    “To be honest, I haven’t participated in any of my parties in probably five years. I equate it to having too much candy after Halloween and then not wanting any more sugar for a while.”
    Renee looked shocked. “You haven’t had sex in five years?”
    He gave a brief smile. “I’m not a monk, Renee. Let’s just say I’ve been very selective about whom I take to my bed.”
    “So I should be flattered?”
    He traced a finger over her frowning mouth. “Yes, in a way you should.”
    She nipped at his finger, but seemed pleased by what he’d told her.  
    “How come you didn’t try the whole Dom thing on me? I half expected you to haul me off to some sexual dungeon the night of the party.”
    Devon laughed. “Sorry, no dungeon. I outgrew the sadomasochism scene. Like I said, it was a college thing. But the guests at my party are encouraged to experience or play in any manner they desire—so long as it’s not too violent or dangerous. I provide a very discreet, and private, environment. I hand pick who is invited to my parties.”
    “Hmm.” 
    “Which is why I wasn’t pleased to see you crashing it.” He paused and gave her a considering look. “I’d like to see the diary, Renee. Will you let me?” 
    She sat up, and her hair spilled down over her breasts. Dark nipples peeked through the wavy strands. Devon’s eyes lingered on the sensual sight.
    “Are you sticking to the