The Words to Bind (The Playgrounds Book 1)

by P. Stormcrow

  Darryl laughed, a single bark that had Jacob snap his gaze up, even more irritated. When the bartender smirked, Jacob glared harder. If only looks could kill—or at least do some bodily harm.

  “Okay, sorry, man.” Darryl held up both hands in surrender. “It’s just that that is so you. Lani has you nailed, one hundred percent.”

  Jacob growled at him.

  “Hey, man, go growl at your girl instead. I’m sure she’d find it hot.” Mirth danced in Darryl’s eyes.

  My girl. Jacob found he liked the sound of that in reference to Luna. A part of him hoped Luna would still want to go through with the decision to scene with him tomorrow. A large part of him.

  The thought distracted him enough from coming up with a suitable retort. Darryl leaned over the bar, bracing his hands against it for balance. “Look, man… Maybe I’m over-simplifying things here, but if she likes you as much as you like her, I don’t see a problem. It’s time you take on a sub, and who knows what you might learn from this one? From how Cassie describes her, she seems like a girl who can take care of herself. And I know you’ll treat her right.”

  “Thanks,” Jacob muttered then, with one long last draw, finished his drink. The vote of confidence was almost flattering. Now he just had to make sure he lived up to it.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Saturday. Luna was a bundle of nerves, even as she arrived early by transit to help set up at August’s request. It was late in the afternoon, and the ‘toasters’ had already started petering out, leaving the beach emptier than usual. She tugged at her oversized T-shirt before setting the bags she’d brought with her aside to slip her sandals off before picking them back up. She scanned the beach and, sighting where Lani had already staked out their territory, began trudging her way toward it.

  However, she itched to pull out her phone instead to read the earlier text message exchange with Jacob for the umpteenth time, despite having it already memorized.

  Good morning, Jacob.

  Morning.

  She remembered the pause and the butterflies in her stomach before she typed those fateful words, the ones that took all the effort she had to steel her nerves for.

  I want to go through with it.

  There wasn’t much of a wait for a response after that.

  I’m pleased to hear that. Tonight?

  Yeah, I’d like that.

  Tonight then. I need to get going. Got to get some stuff from the store to make the damn pasta salad for the party.

  See you there?

  Yeah, see you there, little one.

  It had been the first time he’d called her that. She remembered glowing a little when she’d read it. Okay, she still was. That means something…

  “Luna!”

  In the distance she spied Lani, who was waving her down. With no hands to spare, she gave a wide smile instead, hoping to convey a returned greeting. As she got closer, she saw August in the background, setting up a charcoal grill. Her stomach rumbled in anticipation.

  They had already stacked beach towels to one side, with frisbees and beach balls piled against a large log. Another cooler sat at the foot of the grill and it was in it that she dropped off the heavier bag of meat before turning to hand the gift bag to Lani. “Happy birthday!”

  “Aw-w!” Lani accepted the present but set it aside quick enough in favor of throwing her arms around her in a tight hug, almost setting both of them off balance.

  Luna laughed and hugged back. “I hope you like it.” She spared a glance over the Domme’s shoulder toward August, who was arranging the charcoal, and she lowered her voice. If Luna was right, they would have spent a bit of time together already by now. “How’s it going?” She jerked her chin toward him.

  Lani giggled. “He’s quite lovely. I’ll have to show you the card he got me later. He rented a cottage nearby for the weekend too and gave himself to me as a birthday present on op of the gift he got me.” She grinned like the Cheshire Cat. “And he did all that without even being sure if I would accept the invite.”

  Luna considered for a moment August’s way of serving and found she could picture herself doing the same for Jacob. When is his birthday? No, focus! “Oh my God, Lani, so you’re going to take him up on it?”

  Her eyes softened as she glanced over her shoulder. “Yeah. We’ll see how this weekend goes, but I think maybe it’s time to take a partner, to see where it takes us.”

  Luna almost squealed. It was a pairing she supported and she could not wait to see August’s wish come true. She covered her mouth, lest her excitement gave it away too early.

  “What are you two gossiping about—and should I be concerned?”

  All thoughts fled from her mind as she recognized the voice behind her. Her eyes widened, almost like a deer in headlights, even as Lani’s lips curved into a knowing smile. Wait! Just what does she know?

  “Nothing that concerns you.” Lani sniffed, though she was hard-pressed to suppress the mischief that shone in her eyes.

  Luna turned around, her prepared hello turning more into a squeak at the sight that greeted her.

  Jacob was clothed in swim trunks and flip-flops, a light white linen shirt covering his upper body, with the top few buttons undone. A gentle breeze tugged at the material, enough to give hints to the chest and abs underneath. The memory of him emerging from the shower the other night surfaced in her mind and she almost whimpered.

  “Pest,” Jacob muttered under his breath then held up a gift bag of his own. “Happy birthday.”

  Jacob and Lani exchanged hugs and kisses on the cheek before Jacob turned to Luna. Lani eyed the two and murmured something about needing to put the gifts someplace safe. Luna hardly heard with the roaring in her ears.

  “Hello, little one.” Jacob’s voice, however, came through loud and clear. A second time that he has called me that. Just hearing it verbalized, coupled with that crooked grin of his, did crazy things to her pulse. She wasn’t sure how she was going to survive the party.

  “Hello.” Her second attempt at a greeting came out better. At least she had enunciated.

  He leaned forward with care, brushing his lips against her forehead. “You look delicious. I’m going to enjoy eating you up later.”

  She needed to jump in the ocean, like right then. To cool off, for sure, but then she would also have an excuse why her bottom half of her bikini was already wet.

  With a smirk, as if knowing the exact effect he was having on her, Jacob guided her toward digging tools lying next to all the supplies. “Come on. Let’s go dig out some seats.”

  Doing something to busy herself and expend her nervous energy was a great idea. She shrugged off her backpack and grabbed one of the hand shovels before picking a spot to shape the sand.

  Soon, Jacob knelt down to work beside her and took up casual conversation, easing the knots that had wound tight in her stomach. For a little while, she even forgot what lay ahead and instead enjoyed his company, much like when they had been at the café.

  People began trickling into the party. Someone turned on a radio. Chatter ebbed and flowed around them. Jacob settled them into one set of the seats they had built before continuing to chat. Knowing many more of the guests than her, Jacob often had to break their conversation to wave or greet someone, but he remained by her side.

  That, however, was not to last. Known for his culinary skills, Jacob was called on by the others at the party to man the grill and get the dinner started. Luna followed on instinct, hovering to help as a sous chef. The position felt natural to her and, like the first time when they’d made dinner in her kitchen, she marveled at how easy it was to work with him.

  “Hello, Luna.” August approached to put together a plate, likely for Lani. They had waved at each other earlier, but on purpose, Luna had stayed away, noting how August had hovered around Lani, waiting on her hand and foot, from holding her drinks to ensuring she had sunscreen on. It was adorable, and she wanted to give him space, knowing what was to come for him and t
he birthday girl—or so she told herself. It had nothing to do with her own interests at the moment. Nope, none at all.

  “Does Lani want a burger or hot dog?”

  “A burger, please.”

  “Cheese?”

  “Yes, please.”

  Luna turned to prepare the bun, handing it to Jacob to toast on the grill. When she turned, August glanced over her shoulder then lowered his voice.

  “How are you?” His eyes flickered once more toward the man behind her.

  “Nervous,” she admitted in a whisper, cheeks already warming. Her own gaze traveled to catch sight of Lani, laughing at something Erica just said. “You? Lani told me about your offer.”

  “Same as you. I’ll text you on Monday?”

  “Tea after work?”

  “Yes, let’s.” August straightened as Jacob called to him from behind. The bun and patty were ready and Luna held up a plate for it before passing the food back to August, who nodded in acknowledgment, his face once more smoothed to a more neutral expression.

  Soon enough, everyone at the party had their orders. Last to eat, Luna followed as Jacob took their own hot dogs and burgers back to their original spot. As if by mutual unspoken agreement, they remained more friendly than affectionate, though Luna contented herself with the feel of his arm brushing against hers. It made sense. Until they were certain they were compatible in a scene, there was no point in advertising their closeness as anything beyond friendship. But inside, she hoped that the sexual tension that had been obvious between them all along was a sign that things would be good.

  “Hey…” A little while after they had finished their meal, a larger, muscular man with intricate tattoos covering one shoulder down his upper arm to his elbow joined them, settling down on the other side of Jacob. Luna recognized him as one of the regular bartenders at The Playgrounds.

  “Hey, Darryl.” Jacob leaned back against the log behind them and draped an arm around her shoulders.

  Surprised by the move, Luna leaned into him a little.

  “This is Luna. Luna, meet Darryl.”

  “Hi.” He held out his hand and Luna had to reach across Jacob to shake it, brushing against his chest. Warmth radiated from his body.

  “It’s nice to meet you,” Luna said.

  “Likewise. It’s good to put a face to the name. I’ve been hearing a lot about you.”

  Wait! Who had been talking about her? She raked her fingers through her hair and gave an awkward chuckle. “Ah, well.”

  “Darryl, stop making Luna nervous,” Jacob admonished. He shifted his hand and gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

  “Sorry ’bout that.” A sheepish smile on his lips, Darryl rubbed the back of his neck. It made Luna smile. He was more of a gentle giant.

  “Darryl’s one of the bartenders at The Playgrounds. If ever you need someone to go to, just head to the bar.” Jacob’s tone had turned more serious than she’d expected and she turned to look at him.

  “What he means is if any Dom bothers you, I can scare them off for you.” Darryl dropped his voice in a loud stage whisper. “What he really means, though, is he’d prefer you where I can keep an eye on any competition for him.”

  In response, Jacob growled, a low rumble of his chest that she felt as much as she heard. Luna wasn’t sure if her sudden warmth was from Darryl’s teasing or from the sexiest sound she’d heard from Jacob yet.

  “All right, that’s enough from you. I’m going for a dip before it gets too cold.” He rose in one swift motion, turned and offered a hand to Luna. “Join me.” It wasn’t a request.

  Her heart beating in her throat, Luna placed her smaller hand in his and gasped as he hauled her up with easy strength, catching her as she fell, a little off balance, against him.

  Next to them, Darryl chuckled and held his hands up in surrender. “All right, all right, go have fun, kids.”

  Without another word, Jacob grabbed two of the beach towels and led her away

  “That…wasn’t very nice,” she ventured as soon as they were far enough from earshot.

  “I’m not trying to be nice,” he retorted. Closer to the beach now, he dropped her hand to ever-so-slowly unbutton the rest of his shirt. Whatever witty reply Luna may have had never quite left her lips as he stripped off his shirt. The man knew how to frame himself in the best light.

  “Take off your jeans and T-shirt, little one. You don’t want to go swimming in those.”

  Her hands moved to obey before her consciousness caught up. With a lot less grace, she tugged her own clothing off until she stood in her simple black bikini with a halter-style top and strings that held up the bottom on the sides. She folded her clothing and bent over to place everything on top of a log where Jacob had placed the towels. A sharp inhale drew Luna’s attention as she looked up, catching sight of Jacob’s eyes devouring her.

  After a moment, he cleared his throat, enough for Luna to straighten. “Come on.” She felt the warmth of his palm as he placed a hand on the small of her back, leading her toward the ocean. As they ventured into the water, the burning heat of his skin against hers in stark contrast to the cooling waters lapping at her feet only reminded her of his nearness. Under his guidance, she propelled herself forward until she could submerge most of her body, her feet just touching the ocean floor. Seconds later, Jacob joined her.

  Luna closed her eyes in contentment for a moment, savoring the weightlessness of her limbs, which was how Jacob caught her by surprise as he came up from behind to wrap his arms around her.

  “So beautiful,” he murmured, nuzzling along the side of her neck. “All mine tonight.”

  Luna was pretty sure the wetness that gathered between her legs had nothing to do with the ocean they were swimming in.

  He kept one arm around her midsection and moved his other hand to caress her neck, trailing his fingertips down to trace the outline of her bare shoulder, then lower along her arm, leaving goosebumps in their wake. “Jacob.” His name came out as a sigh, a plea, though she wasn’t sure for what.

  “Yes, sweetheart?” He traveled his hand back up and traced from her neck down along the edge of her top, dipping low to her chest.

  She had no answer for him. Her body was on fire and all she wanted was him. Without thinking, she pressed back against him and, feeling his hardness against her ass, she ground against him without reservation. Something about him drove her crazy, made her lose all her inhibitions. She had been right before. She would lose all control around him, but for the first time, it seemed to matter little.

  “Minx.” Once more he growled in her ear and cupped one breast possessively. “Teases get punished.” He scraped his teeth against her skin. Then, without warning, he clamped down where her neck joined her shoulder, biting just hard enough to leave a mark. The briefest of pain melted as his tongue swept along the bite, sucking hard on the same spot while he pinched her nipple through the cup of her bra then tugged.

  Oh God. She was going to come from his touch alone.

  “Mine.” There was satisfaction in his voice as he repeated the statement then eased off, gentling and shifting his fingers to once more caress her breast, leaving her nipple hard and yearning for more. She whimpered in protest—and he chuckled in return.

  “Later. That was just to whet your appetite.” He leaned back and circled her until he was in front once more, a proud grin on his face.

  In response, her body shivered. He was the most infuriating man on earth. But there was no question… All she wanted was him.

  Chapter Nineteen

  They swam for a little while longer but he did not tease her anymore. He didn’t need to. Every time he caught her rubbing the spot where he’d bitten her, he felt a satisfied smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. Jacob wondered if Luna realized that he had left a mark and that as soon as they rejoined the party, many would recognize it for what it was—a temporary claim. He knew on a logical level that Darryl wouldn’t try to move in on his interest, but some deeper,
primal part of him had urged him to let the other Dominants know.

  As the air around them began cooling, they made their way back to shore. He was just grabbing the towels when he noticed Luna wrapping her arms around herself, shivering.

  “Here.” Jacob tucked the thicker one around her and drew her into his arms. She relaxed into the embrace, almost melting against him. How long had it been since he’d felt a woman’s body surrender to him so sweetly? He found himself reluctant to let go.

  “Jacob! Luna! Come on. We’re doing s’mores!” Lani called out, waving.

  When Luna eased back, Jacob loosened his arms and smiled at her, admiring the pretty blush that seemed to perpetually tinge her cheeks pink.

  “Come on. Let’s not keep your sweet tooth waiting any longer.”

  The laugh that got him warmed his heart. He was getting a good grasp of her nature and he was rather proud of that.

  Someone had started a bonfire by the time they had dried off and gotten dressed. People in ones, twos and threes huddled by the firepit, toasting marshmallows. The party had already thinned out, some opting to leave a little earlier, probably for longer drives home.

  “Please, let me.” When they settled down and retrieved their own supply of sticks and marshmallows, Luna took them out of his hands. Amused, he nodded his permission and smiled to himself as she speared the marshmallows then began toasting them.

  Warmed and satisfied, Jacob leaned back and once more wrapped an arm around Luna, enjoying the ebb and flow of conversation around them. His smile turned into a smirk as August raised a brow at them. Beside him, Luna tilted her head to one side then blushed as August tapped his own neck, mirroring the spot where Jacob had left his mark.