by Livia Grant
Markus heard a commotion at the other end of the phone. “Did I lose you?”
“Derek just walked in. I didn’t expect to see you today, man. How’s Rachel?”
“The doc says the baby is fine and, thank God, the spotting stopped. She’s on bed rest until her next appointment, but it looks like everything’s gonna work out,” Derek said.
Markus could hear through the speakerphone how tired their friend sounded.
“That’s great news,” Lukus interjected. “But what the fuck are you doing here? You should be at home taking care of her.”
Derek was agitated. “She kicked me out. Can you fucking believe that shit? Her mom and sisters are there with her, and they said I was ‘hovering.’ Fuck, yeah, I was hovering. That’s my job when my baby is sick.”
Lukus chuckled. “It sounds like she’s feeling better. You look like you could use a drink.”
“What I need is an update on what the hell happened in California. I’m not happy my kid brother got the shit beat out of him. I haven’t called Ma yet. She’s gonna kick my ass.”
Markus had met Derek’s mother and didn’t doubt that she just might try. He jumped into the conversation. “Z’s out there with him now. Dylan looks like he went a round in the ring with a boxing champ, but he’s gonna be okay. He’s really pissed though, and I don’t blame him.”
“Yeah, I talked to him a couple of hours ago.”
Lukus asked, “How long are you kicked out of the house for?”
Markus heard hope in his best friend’s voice.
Apparently, Derek had heard it too. “Yeah, I can do the show tonight. That’s why I came in. I need to get up to speed on the plan, and I’d like to crash for a few hours in your guest room. I haven’t slept well in weeks. A few hours of rest, and I’ll be ready for both shows tonight. I almost feel sorry for the subs. I have a lot of tension I’m looking forward to taking out on someone’s naughty ass.”
“You’re in luck. Tonight’s list is long,” Lukus told him.
Markus heard the garage door opening. He was relieved Bri was home. “I’d love to keep shooting the shit, but my wife just got back. I need to go relieve a little tension of my own.”
Lukus broke in. “That’s bullshit. Why did she make Tiffany close today?”
“They take turns, asshole, and you know it. Tiff’ll only be another hour or two.”
“Fine. Enjoy making up.”
Brianna was already coming in the door from the garage. “Later,” Markus said and hung up. He wasn’t going to waste time talking with his friends when he could be playing with his beautiful wife.
She rushed into his arms. “I’m so glad to be home. I need a nap.”
Markus held her tight. “A nap? I thought you’d be begging to have the plug out first thing when you walked in the door.”
He loved her soft laughter. “Only if you plan on putting something else in its place.”
His cock awakened at her innuendo. Anal sex was fast becoming one of their favorite pastimes; Markus couldn’t have been happier. “My little anal slut. You need me to pay some attention to that naughty ass of yours, do you?”
“Oh yes, Sir. I’ve been so horny all day.”
“That was sort of the plan.”
“It worked,” she murmured.
“Let’s go.”
When they arrived at the stairs, Bri pulled towards the basement, assuming he was taking her to the dungeon. He gently redirected her to the stairs going up to their bedroom.
“We aren’t going downstairs?”
He noted the disappointment in her voice and stopped them on the landing, taking her in his arms, gazing at her gorgeous face. “Brianna, we can go down there later if you want, but I’ve done a lot of thinking today while you were at work. The time spent yesterday worrying if something bad had happened to you and Tiff were some of the worst hours of my life. What I need more than anything is to go up to our bedroom. I want us to take a nice long bath together, and then make love like we used to. I just need to hold you for a while. I hope that doesn’t disappoint you.”
Tears flooded her beautiful brown eyes as she looked at him with adoration. It was the look he never tired of and had been worried he’d never see again when he thought he’d lost her. He swiped the first tear trekking down her cheek.
“Don’t cry, sweetheart. You know that cuts me.”
“How did I get so lucky? I love you so much, Markus.”
“You sure you can say that after last night in the dungeon?”
Her face lit up. “Honey, I say it especially after last night in the dungeon.”
He tweaked her nose. “Then I’m the lucky one. Let’s go.”
Markus got them moving again. He planned on not letting her out of his sight until he was forced to go to work on Monday morning.
Tiffany
Tiff would have loved to plop down in the office chair. Her feet were killing her, but she’d learned during the few times she’d tried to rest today that sitting brought its own set of pain. The throbbing from her punishment the night before had dulled, leaving a rather nice tingle as she rubbed her butt through her slacks. As agonizing as her spanking with the unforgiving hairbrush and lashing leather belt had been, she felt an odd sense of pride and relief.
If that were just her only punishment. It was the anal plug and ben-wa balls, once again thrust inside her body after an earlier trip to the bathroom, that she considered her true punishment. Tiff wasn’t sure she’d ever been this horny. Sexual sensations had been barraging her body all day.
I’m not looking forward to the drive. Lukus had better be ready to scratch my itch the second I get to the loft.
She called him and he answered on the first ring.
“Hey, baby. It’s late. I was getting worried.”
“Hi. Sorry, but I had the last appointment. I should leave in a few minutes.”
“You aren’t alone, are you?”
She heard the worry in his voice. “Are you kidding me? As soon as the red-headed guard left with Brianna, the guy sitting out in the car came in, and he’s been sticking to me like white on rice.”
“He’d better.”
“So, when are you going to tell me what’s going on?”
“When you need to know,” he said.
“Great. So, you’ll be telling me tonight when I get there.”
At least he chuckled. “We’ll see. How are you feeling?”
Tiff wanted to be mad—to sass him and demand answers. Instead, her body betrayed her mind at the sound of his dominant voice. The things this man did to her, even over the phone, had her desperate to feel him.
“I’m ready to be there with you. Please promise me my punishment is over. I’m not sure how much longer I’m gonna make it without…”
“You’d better not get yourself off. I’m counting on you being ready to go when you get here.”
“Have I ever not been ready to go when I got there?” she asked.
“Well, no.”
“Never fear. I’m more than ready. In fact, maybe you could meet me in the alley.”
“Exhibitionist.” He chuckled.
“Torturer.”
“Brat.”
“Master.”
“Love you.”
“Love you more.”
“Stay safe.”
They hung up. Tiff gathered up her purse, past ready to head downtown. Before she got to the office door, her cell rang. She rushed to get it, assuming Lukus forgot to tell her something.
“Miss me already? You know I can’t talk and drive,” she said.
“Tiffy? Is everything okay?”
Crap! I should have looked at caller ID!
“Hi, Mom. Sorry about that. Everything’s fine. How about you?”
“Actually, things are getting crazy with the wedding plans. Lisa told me she still hasn’t heard from you. It’s rude not to return your RSVP card.”
Tiffany tried to contain her annoyance. “Mom, Liam’s my bro
ther. Does she really think I’m not coming?”
“Of course not, dear, but she’s wondering if you’re bringing a date. As much as it pains me, I told her I doubted it since you’re still not seeing anyone.”
Tiffany felt guilty about lying, but there was no way she was ready to let her mother know she’d fallen in love. Lukus wasn’t the kind of man her parents would approve of. She had no intention of opening that can of worms right now.
“I doubt it too, Mom. I’d love to talk, but my next appointment is here. I really do need to go,” she said.
Shit. Another lie. I’m going to hell.
“Okay, honey. I’m so excited to see you next weekend. Are you coming in on Friday night or Saturday morning?”
Tiff was startled. A feeling of dread invaded. She had the niggling feeling she’d forgotten something important.
“Tiffany?” Her mom was using her parental voice. The one she’d practiced plenty raising eight children. “Tiffany Lauren O’Sullivan. You’d better not have forgotten that the bridal shower is one week from today. It’s bad enough you weren’t able to help give it for your brother’s bride. You absolutely must attend.”
“Mom, I’m so sorry, but I just don’t think I can make it.”
“That’s not possible. You haven’t been home in months. Nothing could be more important. Tell Brianna you need the time off.”
Little did her mom know, Tiff did have the weekend off. She’d arranged it before meeting Lukus.
How am I gonna leave for the weekend without telling Lukus where I’m going? And if I tell him, he’s gonna want to go, and I’m not ready for that.
Tiffany needed time to think. Time to figure out what to do. “I’ll try my best, Mom. I’ll call you early next week with an update. I really do need to go now. Tell Daddy I said hi.”
“Okay, I’ll let you go, but I expect to see you next weekend. Love you.”
“Love you too, Mom.”
Finally, Tiffany was ready to leave. Her guard waited just outside the door. He looked on edge. As she approached, she noticed he’d taken off his jacket; his shoulder harness displayed his pistol for the first time. A shudder overtook her body.
“You ready, Miss O’Sullivan? I’m going to escort you down to the loft,” he said.
“CJ, right?” He nodded and she continued, “Please, call me Tiffany. And yes, I’m ready, but before we leave, I want you to tell me more about Jake. Do you think he’s here in Chicago again?”
Her bodyguard looked uncomfortable with her probing question. “We don’t really think so, but the boss isn’t taking any chances with you, ma’am. Lukus asked me to leave your car here. You’ll be riding with me.”
She had her confirmation about Lukus’s and Markus’s protectiveness. That Lukus was going after that prick Jake should have made her happy. It mostly worried her that he would be in danger.
“I’m sure I can drive—”
CJ cut her off. “You’re riding with me. It’s not up for debate.”
Rather than getting upset, Tiff grinned. “So, you’re a Dom down at the club, too, I see.”
CJ grinned back. “That obvious? Let’s just say working there has great advantages.” At the front door, he turned to her, his look serious again. “I’m going to get the car. You stay inside and lock the door. Only come out when I’m right in front to pick you up. I’ll get out and open the passenger door for you; then you come straight out. Got it?”
“All of this security stuff is scaring me,” she admitted.
“It isn’t meant to scare you. It’s meant to make you feel safe.”
“Right. Well, it’s not working.”
He was gone only a few minutes. When he returned, she locked up and walked quickly to the open car door, glancing around nervously for the boogieman. She was relieved to see only harmless mall shoppers scurrying on their way to their next Saturday afternoon stop.
CJ got her settled into the front seat. She locked her door as her bodyguard climbed behind the wheel.
The car was already in motion when Tiffany looked back to check that The Beauty Box was closed up. Movement behind a stone pillar supporting the entrance roof caught her eye. It flashed fast, but she caught a glimpse of a man who hadn’t been there before.
She was sure her mind was playing tricks on her. That was, until CJ turned from the parking lot onto the street. This time, as they passed the salon from the street, a tall man stepped boldly from behind the pillar, making it impossible for her to ignore. He was too far away to be sure, nevertheless her stomach churned.
You’re imagining things, Tiff. It can’t be Jake.
She tried convincing herself she was paranoid. Despite her effort, a blanket of dread settled over her. She’d be happy to get to the loft and to Lukus.
Chapter Twelve
Lukus
“All right, Tiff. Spill it. What has you so quiet? I scratched your itch—twice—after you got here. You haven’t said more than a word for twenty minutes. Are you upset because of your punishment last night?”
Tiffany looked up from pushing the food around her plate. Lukus hated the fear in her eyes, mainly because he knew he put it there.
I can’t believe I read her wrong. I was sure she was ready for a real punishment. She even seemed okay this morning. Damn, I’m in uncharted waters with all this emotional shit.
“Was I too hard on you?” he continued. “Talk to me, baby. Tell me which part has you upset. Was it last night at the Lamberts’, or the anal training today?” When she remained silent, he egged her on, “Talk. I can’t fix what I don’t know is wrong.”
He struggled not to lose his temper with her, but he was not used to coaxing answers out of women. He demanded answers, and they spoke. That was how it worked. At least how it used to work before Tiffany.
Lukus changed tactics, getting up and going around the kitchen island to stand next to her, turning her swivel barstool to face him. He bent down, trapping her by placing his hands on the back of the chair, leaning in close. Their faces were inches apart. He loved the smell of the lilac and vanilla shampoo she used at the loft.
Lukus played dirty. He reached to open her robe, exposing her curvy body. Her nipples were hard nubs, calling out for his attention. He lowered his lips to lathe the tip of her breast, sucking hard until she whimpered. He then kissed his way to her other tit until he felt her melting against him. Their intimate connection restored, he lifted his head to stare into her ocean-blue eyes.
“Now that I have your attention, let’s start again. What’s happening in that beautiful, witty brain of yours?”
She opened her mouth to talk several times, each time closing it without uttering a peep. He gave her time.
“It’s not the punishment,” she said at length.
That surprised him. “Okay, I guess that’s good. I worried I’d read you wrong when I thought you were ready for the discipline. I know it wasn’t pleasant, but—”
She cut him off. “I hated it. But…” She waited long enough that he wondered if she’d finished. “But I loved it, too.”
“What part?”
“The connection to you. It was so… intimate. Both last night, and then today. I thought of you a thousand times at the salon. Every single time I felt those balls moving inside me. Every time I sat and felt that plug move deeper.”
Lukus was relieved she was feeling exactly what he’d hoped she would, which confused him further. “Then what is it? Don’t lie to me and say nothing. Something’s bothering you.”
She reluctantly admitted, “It’s a couple of things, actually.”
“Okay, well lay them on me and we’ll fix them together.”
“If only.”
“Tiff. Trust me.”
Anger burst from her expressive eyes, but she tamped it down. “Why didn’t you and Markus tell us you were going after Jake? Don’t you think Bri and I deserve to know that?”
Lukus wondered when she’d put it together. “I don’t want you to worry. You
’ve just stopped having your nightmares, and I didn’t want to dredge up all of the Jake shit again until we have him behind bars.”
She was physically shaking now. “And you don’t? Have him in jail, I mean?”
He wished he could give her a better answer. “Not yet, but we’re working on it. I’ve got my best man out in California picking up the trail now. It won’t be long, I promise.”
“So, if he’s in California, why worry about guards here in Chicago?”
He hated to say it, but he wouldn’t lie. “Because we’ve temporarily lost him. We’ll get eyes on him again soon. For now, you’re safe here, and Brianna is safely locked down at their house for the next few days.”
Her voice fluttered. “So, is it possible he’s in Chicago?”
“I doubt it, but technically, I guess the answer is yes. He’s had enough time to make it back here.”
Tears spilled down her cheeks.
“Tiff, I promise you,” he said, “you’re safe here with me. There are so many locks between the alley and the loft. There’s no fucking way he’s gonna get to you. I promise.”
When she only cried harder, Lukus held her tight. He didn’t understand her fear. “Tiff, come on now. You’re taking this too hard.”
“No, I’m not. It was him,” she spat through her tears.
“Who was him?”
“Jake.” Her crying was coming harder.
“You’re not making any sense.”
“Today. After we got in the car, and CJ was pulling away from The Beauty Box, I saw a man step out from behind the pillar right next to the front door. At first, I just saw a flash, but he looked familiar. Then he stepped out, and I knew.”
“Knew what?” Lukus’s heart rate was ramping up with fear. He wasn’t sure he wanted to hear her answer.
“It was him, Lukus. The more I think back on it, it was exactly like him. I may have been pretty far away, but the way he stood there, watching us driving away with his arms crossed. He was so fucking cocky, just like Jake. He was mocking us that he could get that close.”