She released him and stared into his eyes. What did he have planned? “I didn’t know we were celebrating; I thought it was just a much-needed date and adult time.”
He gave her an enigmatic smile that made her even more curious, but he didn’t say anything more. Instead, he held up the letter again. “I can’t believe they dropped the charges.” He read a little farther down the page, and his eyes opened wider. “Un-fucking-believable.”
“What?” Her heart pounded harder in the moment it took for him to answer her.
“Says here they didn’t want to bring two war heroes up against a man serving time for a double murder and kidnapping and battery convictions.”
“Wow.” She nearly collapsed in relief. “I can see how it might look bad for the DA’s office.” She wasn’t sure she should ask, but this time, curiosity did get the best of her. “Sir?”
He set the letter back on the credenza. “Sí, bebé?”
“We didn’t talk about this in any detail the night I bailed you out, but what exactly did you and Dad do?”
His face remained grim for a moment. Then he smiled. “I made sure my girl got the justice and retribution she deserved. I didn’t trust the court system to take care of that for me.”
Savannah’s heart pounded so loudly she almost didn’t hear the end of his declaration. Dear God, if this had gone to trial, there was a very good chance they’d both have lost and been sent to a California prison for many years.
“You know that wasn’t wise.”
He shrugged. “It was the right thing to do, by my book.”
“So in effect, you branded him.”
“That’s one way to put it.”
She would never condone vigilante justice—not out loud, anyway—but hearing that the two of them risked their freedom to leave their mark on Gentry’s offensive anatomy would forever provide Savannah that last measure of justice she hadn’t gotten through the trial and sentencing. Behind bars for what would probably be the rest of his life, he would have a constant reminder of the man he’d first tried to ruin then attempted to kill during the raid on the cabin.
Justice had definitely been served.
She launched herself into his arms again. “Thank you, Sir, for protecting me and our children and for making sure that fucking monster never hurts anyone again.”
* * *
Damián pulled up outside the Masters at Arms Club after dinner. Seeing the lights shining through the windows to the great room, Savannah couldn’t hide her surprise. “It’s Thursday. The club isn’t open tonight.”
“I’ve got connections.”
Of course, he did. Tonight promised to be even more fun than she’d expected, not that they didn’t make the most of the equipment showing up in their home—like the massage chair and dance pole—for times when they could be alone. She certainly enjoyed the array of opportunities for fantasies to come to life—and for Damián to wield his eight-foot bullwhip—when they played at the club, especially on private nights like this apparently was.
He took her hand and led her through the kitchen door and straight down the hallway past the theme rooms and into the great room. To her further surprise, she found an assembly of all the owners plus Ryder and Megan, the club’s newest members, who’d signed the contracts to join soon after the Alive Day commemoration last November. Damián and Savannah hadn’t gotten to the club much since then, but according to Karla, they only drove the two hours to play here on special occasions.
She wondered what was up. When all eyes and smiling faces turned toward her, she began to think she was somehow the guest of honor. She cast a puzzled glance toward Damián, who squeezed her hand and propelled her toward the circle of chairs.
And then she remembered. He’d told her she’d have her own Alive Day commemoration. She did a quick mental check of the date and realized this was the day they’d rescued her from Gentry’s last attempt to abuse her. This time, he’d have probably killed her if they hadn’t gotten to her in time.
“You don’t have to give me an Alive Day.” She still didn’t like to take away from what the commemorations meant to military heroes.
“I told you we would do this, and we will.” There was no room for discussion. He took a seat and pulled her onto his lap before the others took their seats. The other submissives chose to sit on the laps of their Doms, too. Only Grant sat by herself yet in the group.
“Savannah, I’ve told you hundreds of times that you’re the strongest person I know,” he began. “But—”
When his voice broke, she caressed his cheek. “Sir, you don’t have to—”
He pressed a finger to her lips to silence her protest. “Savita, I’ve watched you blossom over the past year. Learning to trust me—as well as yourself—was a huge step. I love your strength, your power, your newfound freedom. Mostly, I love you for who you are. And you have no idea how proud I am that you wear my collar as well as my ring…”—he tapped each one before continuing—“…and with them, you accepted my love, guidance, and protection.”
It was Savannah’s turn to have her throat close up. She cleared it, uncertain what she would say until the words started to pour out of her. “Sir, you and your family”—her hand swept the circle taking in everyone present—“accepted me unconditionally and have been there for me every step of the way. But you, Sir, did so much more than rescue me from a monster a year ago today. You helped me reclaim my body, my sexuality, and my sanity.”
She took a deep breath before she could continue. “Being your submissive empowered me in ways I never imagined such a role would. You showed me that I am the one in control. I call the shots, although I also have learned to enjoy surprises and know when to go along for the ride.” She grinned at him before sobering again. “But I decide whether we continue or end an activity. And you stopped immediately when I used my safeword the last time we were here, on your Alive Day.” She hoped they wouldn’t stay away so long between visits now that she wasn’t pregnant.
“Thank you for entrusting yourself to me, savita, and for being honest with me about when you had been triggered and unable to continue. That alone instilled much more confidence in me and the future of our dynamic.”
She kissed him, long and deep and hard, hoping this little chat would end soon so they could pursue a scene, just the two of them. Someone cleared their throat, bringing her back to the group. Turning to them, she said, “And each of you played a part in my healing, too. From taking me into your home a year ago, Adam and Karla. To Dad…”—she was still getting used to calling him that, but it became more natural every day—“…you being at the courthouse meant so much to us both.”
“Hon, I can hardly remember a time you weren’t part of our family. And the way you’ve helped Damián push his limitations aside and take on new challenges—like learning to ski? Well, you already had a place in my heart forever, but you earned my undying gratitude, too.”
“And you’ve always felt like a sister to me, Savannah,” Karla added. “Your strength and courage lift me up, too. I want to be like you when I grow up.” She giggled, and Adam stroked her arm.
Savannah swallowed past the lump in her throat. “I’d better finish what I want to say before you all have me in tears.” She turned toward the lone female Marine in the group. “Grant, you leave me feeling safe and protected. And you’ve done an amazing job with Mari’s martial arts training. Your special skills were an integral part of the rescue last March, too.” She cleared her throat. “You have a strong protective instinct and take your role as club manager very seriously, leaving all the submissives feeling safe.” Grant sometimes scared them a little, but Savannah wouldn’t mention that here.
“I only do what any manager or dungeon monitor would do.”
“As one of the people who plays here, I would have to say you’re being too modest.”
Grant shrugged, but Savannah didn’t want to put her in the spotlight to the point of being uncomfortable. “Angelina, our talks ab
out the lifestyle helped me to understand the ways in which it could help me. Marc, your medical skills kept me alive and relatively pain free that day in the cabin, plain and simple. Ryder and Megan, the gentle and attentive ways you helped Sir make me comfortable after I triggered during the wax play scene last November meant so much to me.”
She smiled at them then Damián. “Without the support of your extended family to help us through our many struggles this past year, we’d have had to endure them alone. I know we would have, but we’re so blessed that we didn’t have to, thanks to your—our—amazing family.”
“Bebé, how could you not be a part of us? You fit in perfectly.”
She couldn’t resist another kiss, this one leaving her hot and bothered and ready to move on to the rest of the evening. “Sir, did we come here to play?”
He chuckled. “We can play here or at home.”
“Or both.”
The grin on his face widened. “That can be arranged. It’s your night. What would you like to do?”
“Wellll, I’m no longer pregnant.”
He patted her almost flat belly. She’d been working out daily this past month on her dance pole and getting great results.
“Did you have something in mind already?”
She nodded. “I’d love to try wax play again, Sir, just not limited to my feet this time. But, even though I don’t think white wax would still trigger me this time, I don’t want to tempt fate.”
“Good idea. There are plenty of colors to choose from.” Damián turned to the men and women seated in the circle. “Thank you for all you’ve done to make Savannah, me, and my new family welcome. But now, if you’ll excuse us, I think we’d all like to have a little time to ourselves and to take advantage of the club while we’re here.”
“You get first choice,” Dad said. “Which area or room would you like?”
“I stored the burner and wax supplies in the medical room,” Damián said.
“One of my favorite rooms, Sir.” She especially remembered the time he first taught her to pleasure herself while strapped to that table—the same night he’d introduced her to the evil stick and the more pleasurable uses of the quirt and violet wand.
“Sounds good to me.”
She stroked his cheek. “How did I ever come to deserve someone as perfect as you, Sir?”
He chuffed. “Somebody’s perfect, all right,” he said, “but it’s you, querida, not me. I knew it the moment I laid eyes on you at the hotel’s restaurant in La Jolla and never stopped believing that, even when we were apart.”
Savannah blinked away the tears. To be loved so strongly and steadfastly by this man had helped to heal her many wounds. Their future would be what they made of it—and judging by the love and support that surrounded them, good things were headed their way.
Books by Kallypso Masters
Rescue Me Saga (Erotic Romance)
Kally has no intention of ending the Rescue Me Saga ever, but will introduce some new series with new characters in the years to come. The following Rescue Me Saga titles are currently available in e-book and print formats on my web site and at major booksellers, except as noted:
Masters at Arms & Nobody’s Angel (Combined Volume)
Nobody’s Hero
Nobody’s Perfect
Somebody’s Angel
Nobody’s Lost
Nobody’s Dream
Somebody’s Perfect (e-book only at first)
Rescue Me Saga Box Set Books 1-3 (always e-book only)
Rescue Me Saga Box Set Books 4-6 and Western Dreams (always e-book only)
Rescue Me Saga Extras (Erotic Romance)
This will be a series of hot, fun, short-story collections featuring beloved couples from the Rescue Me Saga.
Western Dreams (Rescue Me Saga Extras #1)
(Contains new scenes with Megan & Ryder and Cassie & Luke)
Roar (a Rescue Me Saga Erotic Romance Spin-off)
(Erotic Romance with Secondary Characters from the Rescue Me Saga. Roar provides a lead into the upcoming trilogy with Patrick, Grant, and Gunnar’s stories. No clue when that series will be written. Kally is waiting for Grant to open up.)
Bluegrass Spirits (Supernatural Contemporary Romance)
(Contemporary Romance…with a Haunting Twist)
Jesse’s Hideout
Kate’s Secret
About the Author
Kallypso Masters is a USA Today Bestselling Author with more than half-a-million copies of her books sold in e-book and paperback formats since August 2011. All her books feature alpha males, strong women, and happy endings because those are her favorite stories to read, but that doesn’t mean they don’t touch on the tough issues sometimes. Her best-known series—the Rescue Me Saga—features emotional, realistic adult Romance novels with characters healing from past traumas and PTSD, sometimes using unconventional methods (like BDSM).
An eighth-generation Kentuckian, in spring 2017, Kally launched the new Bluegrass Spirits series, supernatural Contemporary Romances set in some of her favorite places in her home state. Jesse’s Hideout (Bluegrass Spirits #1) is set in her father’s hometown in Nelson County and includes a recipe section with some of Kally’s treasured family recipes, most of which are mentioned in the story. Kate’s Secret (Bluegrass Spirits #2) takes place in horse country outside Midway in Woodford County. Local flavor abounds in both novels.
Kally has been living her own “happily ever after” with her husband of more than 35 years, known affectionately to her readers as Mr. Ray. They have two adult children, a rescued dog, and a rescued cat. And, as her friends and fans know, Kally lives for visits from her adorable grandson, Erik, who was the model for the character Derek in Jesse’s Hideout and Erik in Kate’s Secret. (He insisted on having his real name used in the second one!)
Kally enjoys meeting readers at book signings and events throughout North America and is on a mission to meet with at least one reader for a meal, signing, or other event in all 50 states. She’s staying closer to home these days, but expects to have KallypsoCon in Virginia or Maryland in 2019. To keep up with upcoming events, check out the Appearances page on her web site! She’s always open to having signings in her home state of Kentucky, too!
For timely updates, sneak peeks at unedited excerpts, and much more, sign up for her e-mails or text alerts on her website at kallypsomasters.com.
To contact or engage with Kally, go to:
Facebook (where almost all of her posts are public),
Facebook Author page,
Twitter (@kallypsomasters),
InstaGram (instagram.com/kallypsomasters)
Kally’s Web site (KallypsoMasters.com).
And feel free to e-mail Kally at [email protected], or write to her at
Kallypso Masters, PO Box 1183, Richmond, KY 40476-1183
Get your Signed Books & Merchandise in the Kally Store!
Want to own merchandise or personalized, signed paperback copies of any or all of Kallypso Masters’ books? New Bluegrass Spirits series items will be coming soon, but there’s already a line of t-shirts and other items connected to the Rescue Me Saga series and KallypsoCons. With each order, you’ll receive a sports pack filled with Kally’s latest FREE items. Kally ships internationally. To shop for these items and much more, go to kallypsomasters.com/kally_swag.
And you can also purchase any of Kally’s e-books directly from her now, too! Just click the “Kally’s Shop” link for any of the books listed on her website. Or go here for a complete list of available titles. New releases will be published exclusively in Kally’s Shop at least two weeks before being available on other retailer sites.
Roar (A Rescue Me Saga Spin-off)
A tragic accident left his beloved wife just beyond his reach, haunting Kristoffer Roar Larson for four years until a chance meeting with Pamela stirs feelings best kept buried. Her assertive alpha personality coupled with her desire to submit and serve fascinates him. Will he allow her presence to shine li
ght once more into the dark corners of his life?
Dr. Pamela Jeffrey thrives on providing medical assistance to those in war-torn corners of the world until a health scare grounds her stateside. While pursuing her deepest secret desire, she encounters Kristoffer, who reluctantly agrees to help prepare her for a future Dom. The bond deepens between them as does her desire for him to be that man in her life, but Kristoffer cannot meet all of her needs. Can she be satisfied without regrets with what he can propose?
As the undeniable connection grows between them, feelings of betrayal take root. How can Pamela convince him he deserves another chance at love? Will Kristoffer be able to fully open himself to the ginger-haired sprite who makes him question everything he once believed? Or will he lose the woman teaching him to live again as surely as he lost the person who first taught him to love?
NOTE: While this book is a standalone, it includes secondary characters from the Rescue Me Saga, including Gunnar Larson, Patrick Gallagher, and V. Grant and there is a scene in the Masters at Arms Club.
Buy Roar at Google Play.
Reading Order for the Rescue Me Saga & Extras
Masters at Arms & Nobody’s Angel (Combined Volume)
Nobody’s Hero
Nobody’s Perfect
Somebody’s Angel
Nobody’s Lost
Nobody’s Dream
Western Dreams
Somebody’s Perfect
Bluegrass Spirits
(A Supernatural Contemporary Romance series)
From the USA Today Best-Selling Author of the Rescue Me Saga comes a new Contemporary Romance series with supernatural elements set amidst the many flavors of Kentucky. In Bluegrass Spirits, Kallypso Masters distills love and happily ever afters—with a little matchmaking guidance from loved ones on the other side. While there will be updates about earlier couples in each subsequent story, each novel can be enjoyed on its own.
Somebody’s Perfect Page 38