Her Officer in Charge Read online

  Her Officer in Charge

  By

  Maggie Carpenter

  Copyright © 2015 by Stormy Night Publications and Maggie Carpenter

  Copyright © 2015 by Stormy Night Publications and Maggie Carpenter

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  Published by Stormy Night Publications and Design, LLC.

  www.StormyNightPublications.com

  Carpenter, Maggie

  Her Officer in Charge

  Cover Design by Korey Mae Johnson

  Images by Dreamstime/Andrey Arkusha, Bigstock/Derek R. Audette, and Bigstock/Romancephotos

  This book is intended for adults only. Spanking and other sexual activities represented in this book are fantasies only, intended for adults.

  Chapter One

  Bella froze. Her heart was thumping so hard she was sure it would be heard by the two marines striding down the dark street. Flat against the wall of the house, she could feel the edges of the wooden planks pressing painfully into her back. She wanted to peek, but she daren’t, and, wondering why she was so foolhardy, she held her breath as she heard the men draw near.

  The footsteps were growing closer. She was grateful the moon was a mere sliver and the building was set away from the streetlamps. Any light illuminating the area was minimal, and there was none where she was standing.

  The two marines marched past, their backs straight, their shoulders squared. They didn’t even glance in her direction, and as they disappeared, the sound of their heavy boots evaporating like mist into the darkness, she let the air out of her lungs and dropped her head in her hands.

  The rules had been made clear; no roaming around the camp.

  Though they’d driven together in one car, she’d told Scott, her sound man and assistant, to leave the camp without her and she’d call when she was ready to be collected. He’d vehemently protested, but she’d insisted, and when Bella made up her mind about something there was no room for debate. Now she was on her own, lurking around a U.S. military base.

  Gathering her wits, she continued creeping around the building, eager to find a way inside so she could sneak into the hiding place she had seen just a short time before. She wanted to watch the goings-on, which she was sure would include a few naughty girls getting their butts spanked, or at least that’s what she assumed based on the conversation she’d overheard.

  She could vaguely hear people chattering, and as she cautiously turned the corner and slinked forward, the sound of a sensuous, haunting melody drifted through the air. A slow, seductive saxophone made her pause, and, closing her eyes, she allowed it to momentarily sweep her away. She knew more than most the mesmerizing spell a melody could weave, and as she surrendered to its pull, a scene began to play itself out in her mind’s eye.

  She was dressed in a black corset, the garters holding up sheer black stockings, no panties hiding her charms, and, with her wrists shackled to a chain above her head, she was at the mercy of a man she called master.

  A shuddering surge of erotic heat sliced down her spine and into her sex. Opening her eyes, she gazed up at the tiny pinpricks of light sparkling in the coal-black night.

  I want it so badly, it hurts. Twinkle, twinkle, little star, please bring a yummy dom into my life.

  Taking a deep breath, she continued on her mission, and moments later she was at the back door. She knew it led into the kitchen, and as she approached she noticed the blinds on a nearby window weren’t completely closed.

  Moving to the window, she discovered it was higher than she’d thought, certainly too high for her to look through. Glancing around, she searched out something upon which to stand, the glow from the narrow slit between the bottom of the blinds and the windowsill spilling enough light for her to see what was in the immediate area. She spotted two cardboard boxes marked Produce, but they would never bear her weight, then seconds later she spied a milk crate. Delighted with her find, she carried it to the window, settled it on the ground, made sure it wasn’t wobbly, then stepped up. It was exactly what she needed, and, pressing her face to the glass, she peered inside.

  There was a platter of appetizers neatly laid out on a tray next to a carafe of red wine, and some rolled-up paper napkins, but the kitchen was empty. Relieved, but pulse ticking up, she climbed carefully off the crate and stepped to the door, pushing down the handle. She wasn’t surprised that it was open; she’d been counting on it. A private event taking place in a function room on a marine base; why would they lock the kitchen door?

  Gritting her teeth, she pushed, praying the hinges wouldn’t squeak. They didn’t, and, opening it further, she poked in her head. The kitchen was spotless, no surprise there, and she saw the door that led into the main room. It was where she’d put on her act, and if she felt brave enough to sneak in, her hiding place was a folding screen just inside. The music was low, and there was very little of the chatter she’d heard earlier. Imagining what salacious activities might be taking place was compelling her to move forward, but her worry about being caught was paralyzing her.

  Okay, it’s only a few seconds to the door, and just a couple more to slip through it and hide behind the screen. Get a grip, Bella. Go in or go out, but do something.

  Closing the back door softly behind her, she scooted across the gleaming kitchen floor, and pushing down the handle of the door into the main room, slowly opening it, she peered inside.

  When she’d left just a short time before it was brightly lit, but now it was dim, and strategically placed candles were flickering their soft shadows against the walls. The furniture had been changed. It was no longer set up to face the dance floor to accommodate an audience, but brought together in intimate groupings. She spied a couple dancing to the seductive music, and some others clustered together softly talking.

  Abruptly realizing the bright light from the kitchen might draw attention, she hastily closed the door and daringly darted across to the screen, but to her shock and dismay she discovered that the edge of the end panel was flush against the wall. Pulse racing, she pushed it away, but the entire screen began to teeter. Barely controlling her panic, she was able to grab it before it fell to the floor, and glancing across the room, she couldn’t believe her luck; no one had noticed her. She tried again. This time she was successful, managing to control the screen as she gently shifted the panel just enough to allow her to slip behind it. Safely hidden, she sank to the floor and let out a heavy breath.

  She knew sneaking back to the venue wasn’t just totally inappropriate, but foolhardy and reckless. She loved performing for the military, and she shook her head, wondering what had possessed her to take such a chance. Gathering her wits, she crawled forward on her hands and knees and peered through the crack in the panel, and as she focused on the couple dancing, she noticed the man was moving his hand across his girl’s backside, pinching every few seconds. The sight sent a wave of heat through her sex, and she was wishing she could be the woman on the dance floor when she suddenly saw the man who had captured her attention when she’d first arrived. He’d been introduced as Captain Vince Valenti, the officer in charge. His manner had been brusque, but she could sense something kinder behind his shockingly bright blue eyes, and she hadn’t quite believed his aloof facade.

  Though he was out of his crisp white uniform, she found him just as attractive as when she’d first laid eyes on him. Dressed in a black T-shirt tucked into black slacks, his muscles were stunningly apparent. There was an open wall that led into the foyer, and he was leaning his shoulder ag
ainst the frame. His arms were crossed, he had one foot over the other, and he was just standing there watching the small crowd. She could easily imagine his powerful arms sweeping her off her feet and carrying her away, but the floor was hard under her knees, and, slowly standing, she took a few steps back to rest her body against the wall.

  She’d pushed her luck, and not wanting to risk staying there much longer, she decided to take one more peek at the handsome captain before slipping out and calling Scott to pick her up. Creeping back to peer through the screen, her gaze fell upon the entrance into the foyer, but to her dismay she discovered the compelling captain had left his post. From her viewpoint she couldn’t see the entire room, so she moved to the other end of the screen. Able to see more of the room, though the officer in charge wasn’t to be seen, there was a couple who caught her attention.

  Bella’s fingertips were resting lightly on the screen, and for a brief moment she thought she felt it move, but the couple was playfully fighting and the man had grabbed the woman by her wrists. Convinced something exciting was about to happen, she was so focused on the developing tableau, she wasn’t paying attention to her surroundings.

  Something exciting was about to happen, but it had nothing to do with the couple she was spying on.

  A hand suddenly locked around her upper arm and spun her around. Shocked and gasping, she stared up at her captor, and found herself looking into the blazing blue eyes of the officer in charge, Captain Vince Valenti.

  Chapter Two

  Three hours earlier

  It wasn’t her first time performing at the base and she knew the drill. She was required to check in, and sometimes she’d be escorted to the venue, other times she’d simply be given directions. She had backdrops, props, and equipment, and the venue dictated how much of it she’d be able to use. Though the event planners who booked her gave her as much information as possible, she was used to surprises.

  “Miss Montgomery, the building for tonight’s event has been changed. You know it’s a birthday party, correct?”

  “Yes, apparently for an officer, and please, call me Bella.”

  “Thanks, Bella. At the last minute the number of guests increased so they had to switch venues. They were lucky it was available at such short notice.”

  “That’s great; the more people, the better the show.”

  “I assume you have help, or are you here alone?”

  “I have a sound man, but he’s much more than that. I have a large backdrop, but I can only use it if there’s a big stage.”

  “There’s no stage in this building, but it has a large dance floor. I was told you have no problem performing without a stage.”

  “None at all. The key is having enough people and plenty of room for them to move around once the show starts.”

  “I don’t think that will be an issue. Where is your sound man?”

  “He’s waiting by the car.”

  “Ah, right. You can follow me over,” the young man said, grabbing his keys from his desk.

  “Sorry, I didn’t get your name,” Bella remarked.

  “Oops, my apologies. Sergeant Lewis.”

  “Thanks, Sergeant Lewis.”

  As she returned to the car and gave Scott the news about the larger crowd, he grinned broadly.

  “Cool,” he chuckled, “but you’d better behave yourself. You’ll be surrounded by officers!”

  “I can’t wait,” she laughed. “I wonder what an officer would do exactly if I played up.”

  “You could always try it and find out,” Scott chuckled.

  “If I weren’t here as a performer, I’d be tempted,” she winked.

  Bella had hired Scott Bateman several months before and he’d been a godsend. He was a guitar player in a rock band, a surfer, and he worked construction to pay the bills. Bella was always thankful he was in her corner. Besides being eye candy for the girls in the audience, he had a great sense of humor and was excellent at what he did. Nothing rattled him, and having his calm, sure energy around her was a huge plus. The very core of her act was unpredictable, and that’s what made it so unique, but her sound man had to be as quick on his feet as she was.

  Every show was different, anything could happen, and often did, but Scott would work his magic and make the music or sound effects happen on time, every time, and more than once he’d had to step in to defend her honor. When she worked for the military, security was less important, but when she did her act in nightclubs, a few drunken patrons were not uncommon, and with Scott around she was protected. Having him meant she could focus on managing the constantly changing events onstage, and for her show, that was imperative.

  Bella wasn’t a singer, or a dancer, or a comedian. Bella was a stage hypnotist. Her stage name was Soraya, the Mistress of Mesmerism, and she was very good at what she did.

  It had been a few weeks since she’d been at the base, and as they followed the Jeep she was reminded of its enormous size. It was like a tiny country, and as they continued to drive, the buildings becoming less military in appearance. When they pulled up outside what looked like an impressive white house with forest-green shutters, she shook her head in wonder. Stepping from the car, she was about to head up the path to the front door when Sergeant Lewis jumped from his Jeep and walked quickly across to join her.

  “Before we go in, I should mention something,” he said quietly. “Captain Valenti, the officer who organized this event, isn’t the warmest of men. Don’t take his manner personally. He’s an outstanding officer and a good guy.”

  “I guess a sparkling personality doesn’t really count for much when you’re shooting guns and flying helicopters,” Bella joked.

  “No, not much,” he replied soberly. “If you have the opportunity to get to know him better, you’ll find he’s nothing like his first impression.”

  “I’m only here for tonight so that probably won’t happen, but thanks for the heads up,” Bella said, wondering if her levity had offended him.

  “I’ll bet I could loosen him up,” Scott interjected. “Take him to the beach, catch some waves, hang out with the guys after a gig, he’d soon chill.”

  “I don’t think that’s quite the captain’s style,” the sergeant said, shaking his head.

  “He’s just joking,” Bella remarked, shooting Scott a reprimanding look. “Scott, behave; like you said, we’re going to be surrounded by officers.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Scott said, saluting.

  “Shall we go in?” the sergeant suggested.

  “Absolutely,” she replied, “and none of your smart remarks, Scott.”

  “I’ll be a choir boy,” he grinned.

  Following Sergeant Lewis to the front door, she noticed it was glossy green, and the brass knocker shone with spit and polish. Entering the foyer, she discovered the inside was as appealing as the exterior promised, with dark hardwood floors, fine furniture, and paintings gracing the walls.

  “This place is lovely,” she remarked.

  “Yes, it’s one of our better venues,” the sergeant replied.

  “It needs to be special, it’s a special night.”

  The deep, rich voice had come from behind her, and as she turned, she was not prepared for what she saw.

  “Captain Valenti, this is Bella Montgomery, otherwise known as Soraya, the Mistress of Mesmerism,” the sergeant announced, “and her assistant, Scott Bateman.”

  Bella felt her pulse quicken. She had not expected the officer in charge to look like some kind of GQ model. His wide shoulders in the crisp white uniform were the first things that captured her imagination, but his twinkling blue eyes framed by ridiculously long black lashes immediately jumped to the fore. She felt her mouth fall dry, and in spite of her best efforts she couldn’t stop a warm flush creeping across her face. Seeing her reaction, Scott stepped forward and launched into a list of questions about the sound system.

  “Why don’t you follow me?” the captain said. “I’ll show you the equipment that’s here.”


  “Thanks,” Scott replied, “lead the way.”

  As she watched them walk ahead of her, Bella ran her fingers through her hair in a vain attempt to fluff it up.

  My God, it should be illegal for a man to look like that. Scott, thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you! It’s not particularly impressive when a hypnotist is suddenly lost for words.

  Following them into an imitation of an expansive living room, she wandered on to a stage large enough for a four-piece band, then stepped down on the good-sized parquet dance floor. While Scott was studying the PA, she stole covert glances at the insanely handsome captain, then began to walk around the room deciding how the furniture could be rearranged to accommodate the show.

  “What do you think?” the sergeant asked, walking up to join her.

  “How many guests are expected?”

  “I don’t know the latest count,” he frowned, “but here comes Captain Valenti. He’ll be able to tell you.”

  Taking a deep breath, Bella pretended to study the room as the dashing officer approached, then, praying she wouldn’t fall victim to another embarrassing hot pink blush, she moved her eyes to meet his.

  My God, you have such a presence. No wonder you’re the officer in charge. You can pull me over your knee anytime. Good grief.

  “I should have asked you earlier,” he said formally, “do you prefer Bella or Soraya?”

  “In front of any audience members, Soraya, obviously, but when we’re just talking like we are now, Bella is perfectly fine,” she replied, and just how tall are you? Six feet, no, more than six feet, at least six-one, maybe six-two.

  “Do you have the latest head count?” the sergeant asked.

  “Seventy-eight.”

  “That’s more than enough to ensure a decent number of subjects,” Bella remarked. “I’ll need about fifteen, maybe twenty straight-backed chairs placed in a semicircle at the back of the dance floor in front of the stage, and the sofas and armchairs need to be set up in some kind of audience configuration. Is that doable?”