Complex Dimensions

by Brenda Murphy

  “All the hard copies of health records for the horses are in the file drawers.” She pointed to a green binder on the desk next to a black one. “That’s a calendar of the guests we have scheduled for the next six months. There are notes about each guest, along with their riding abilities and desires about their experiences. In addition to the stable and indoor riding arena, there is a fire ring with a turnout area you’ll need to keep up with and supply if guests want to use it. The black binder has notes about each horse.”

  “I’ve never seen a more organized barn.”

  Millie smiled. “Martha is meticulous. After our last disaster of a barn manager, Martha took over and organized everything. She expects it will stay this way.” Millie’s foreboding expression made it clear to Veronica she needed to meet Martha’s expectations.

  “Hello? Millie?”

  “In here, Benita.”

  Benita, her thick black hair pulled back and dressed this time in jeans and a sweater, smiled at Veronica. “Ready to meet the crew?”

  Millie nodded at Benita. “I’ll leave you to it. I have a date with Robin’s orange rye raisin bread.”

  “You better hurry. There wasn’t much left.” Benita sighed dramatically and rested the back of her hand on her forehead and groaned. “Robin’s bread makes me weak. I’d do anything for a slice.”

  Millie laughed and jogged out of the barn. Shaking off her sense of abandonment as Millie left, Veronica shoved her hands in her pockets.

  Benita tilted her head at Veronica. “You didn’t come for breakfast.”

  “Not much for breakfast.” Wasn’t sure I could handle it without Millie. Or with Millie.

  Veronica followed Benita out of the office. “All of them are well behaved except Luna. She can be pushy about her food.” Benita unlocked the feed bin and handed Veronica two plastic tubs, each labeled with a horse’s name. The sweet smell of alfalfa pellets and grains filled Veronica’s nose. “This is for Bruno and Marco.”

  They worked together filling each horse’s food bucket. Veronica rolled back the door to Luna’s stall. The horse planted herself in front of the chest-high mesh stall guard, leaned against it, and stretched her neck as she strained to reach the tub of food in Veronica’s hand.

  Veronica slipped under the mesh door, backing into the stall. She turned and kept her hand on the mare’s shoulder. “You have to wait.” The mare pushed into her, threatening Veronica’s balance. She spread her legs to steady herself and turned away from the horse. She pressed her back against the horse’s shoulder, moving her away from her food bucket. She dumped the food into the bucket and stepped back. Luna bumped into Veronica on her way to her feed bucket. “Easy, girl. I’m not going to take it away.” She pushed gently on the mare’s side again, moving her out of the way to exit the stall.

  Benita was waiting for her. “You did better than me. The first time I fed her I ended up on my ass with the food everywhere.”

  Veronica grinned. “It was close.”

  They lined the tubs up on the shelf over the feed bin. “Now we scoop for dinner, then we don’t have to do it later.” She pointed to the white board on the wall. Each horse’s specific diet was listed. “If they are getting anything extra, like medications, it’s listed on the board. We store their medications in here.” She opened the right-hand cabinet and pointed to small baskets, each labeled with the horse’s name. “Bella is on hormones, but she only gets them in the morning. Jack gets medicine for his ulcers with each meal.”

  Benita led Veronica around the barn, talking to her about the routine, her voice affectionate as she discussed each horse. Why doesn’t she want to be barn manager? It’s clear she loves the horses and she’s knowledgeable. Ask. Don’t ask.

  When the horses were finished eating, they turned them out into two of the fields behind the barn, mares in the left side paddock and geldings to the right.

  Once the horses were turned out, they mucked the stalls. At least this part is simple. Sweat gathered on the back of her neck and tickled as it ran down her back, and Veronica took her fleece off and hung it in the office. As they cleaned the stalls, Benita answered Veronica’s questions about the barn and workflow.

  They took a break and shared the coffee Millie had left them. Benita sat on the leather couch resting her cup on her knee. Veronica edged a hip on to the desk. “How come you didn’t want to be barn manager?”

  Benita pursed her lips. “Money. And vacation time. We get twelve weeks paid vacation. I’m from Brazil. My family lives in Fortaleza. I spend the winter holiday there. Have you been?”

  “Not traveled much of anywhere.” Veronica sipped her coffee. Twelve weeks. I get a month. They earn the twelve weeks.

  “It’s the only way I can cope with the winter here. If I had to stay through the gray months I would hate it. Besides, I like my work.” She arched a brow at Veronica. “I’m pledged to the house”—she slipped her finger under the edge of her shirt and lifted a brown leather collar for Veronica to see—“but I would kill for Mistress Martha and Mistress Lucia. I dream of wearing their collar.”

  Veronica studied the fierceness in her eyes and the set of Benita’s jaw and didn’t doubt her words. What would it be like to have a sub so dedicated? To have a lover who believed in me? A memory of Dee’s arms and legs wrapped around Veronica’s body, her eyes bright, the sound of her voice when she declared her love for Veronica warped into her harsh expression when Veronica told her of her lawyer’s suggestion she plead guilty. Why didn’t I listen to her? Fuck me, this took a wrong turn down memory lane.

  “I hope it won’t come to that.” Martha entered the office; her commanding presence filled the small room.

  Benita stood up and placed her coffee cup on the table. She lowered her gaze and placed her arms behind her back. “Forgive me, Mistress, if I spoke out of turn.”

  Martha walked over to Benita and lifted her chin with one finger. “Look at me.” Benita lifted her gaze to Martha’s face. “Nothing to forgive. I admire your commitment. I need to talk to Veronica. Leave us, please.”

  “Yes, Mistress.” Benita left hurriedly.

  Martha turned her gaze to Veronica. “An exquisite submissive, don’t you think? If we were interested in expanding our trio, we would collar her.”

  “She’s lovely. I think anyone who collars her will not be disappointed.” Veronica met Martha’s gaze and lifted her chin. We? Trio. She and Lucia and who? She respects me, knows I’m a top. She gets me.

  Martha motioned to the captain’s chair and Veronica sat down. Martha sat behind the desk. She turned the black binder to face Veronica and opened it. “Each horse has a page detailing their training and personality description and, directly behind it, a form with recent health history. I expect you to learn them and be able to assign a horse for our guests who want to ride. The password for the computer system is listed. You’ll need to coordinate with the vet and the blacksmith. Millie entered their numbers into your phone when she set you up on the house network. Anything you need to purchase for the barn work, put in a purchase order. Various submissives will be assigned to tasks to help you with keeping up the barn and fire ring in the wood. We’ve an indoor ring that will be your responsibility as well. There’s always help available. Please don’t be resistant to asking for it.” She rested her hand on top of the green binder. “Millie will provide you with an updated guest list each week along with detailed personal information. We strive to provide each guest a meticulous, perfectly planned, and executed experience according to their desires.” She arched an eyebrow. “Many of our guests think highly of their equestrian skills, but it would be wiser to underestimate what they can handle rather than overestimate.”

  “I understand.” Veronica shifted in her chair as she examined the first page. “Are any of the horses off limits to guests?”

  “Elaine does not care for her horse, Luna, to be used for guests. My horse, Bruno, is a warmblood and solid on the trail. For our taller guests he’s a perfect fit. He
also tends to be chubby, so a little extra work for him is never a bad thing. Marco, the Friesian, is Lucia’s horse. He is extremely gentle and well mannered. Neither of us mind if our guests ride them. The rest of the horses were selected for their calm temperaments; all of them are decent on the trail. Bella’s a thoroughbred and can be a bit of a handful if she has not been exercised, so lunge her a bit before any of the guests ride her. She benefits from a more experienced rider with a firm attitude.”

  Martha leaned back in her chair and rested her palms on the desk. “Do you have any other questions?”

  Veronica flushed under Martha’s gaze. “Could you explain the house rules about contact between the other workers and myself?”

  Martha smiled, and all Veronica could think of was a wolf about to devour a small animal. So like her sister. Damn.

  “Has someone caught your eye?” The slight smirk on her face and light in her eyes suggested Martha had been informed Veronica might ask her the question. Millie told her. Loyal. No secrets here. “Ashley? Or perhaps Benita?”

  “No.” Realizing from the surprised expression on Martha’s face how harsh her voice had been, Veronica softened her tone. “No. I don’t have anyone in mind.” Liar. “I want to understand the protocol, that’s all.”

  Martha raised her eyebrow. “Keeping your options open. Very good. Anyone you see with a collar and a number tag is sworn to the house. They are submissives and employees. As submissives, they must ask permission from myself, Lucia, or Elaine to play with anyone outside of business obligations.”

  Collars. Millie isn’t collared. Myfanwy’s collar is different. Robin wasn’t wearing a collar. Veronica rubbed her sweaty palms on her jeans. “What if they aren’t collared?”

  Martha lifted an eyebrow, her expression appraising. “Then it is up to them. Only house submissives need to ask. It is a condition of their contracts.” Martha pinned Veronica with her gaze. “There are no restrictions on relationships as long as they don’t interfere with the services provided to our guests.” She pressed her lips together and a slight frown knit her forehead. “You’re a very handsome woman, Veronica. I expect you’ll receive attention from some of our guests. You are not expected nor required to respond to their advances. If anyone presses you, you must report it to me immediately.” The grim set of Martha’s mouth made Veronica feel sorry for anyone who violated Rowan House’s consent rule. “We have recently instituted a mandatory safe word policy, and it is strictly enforced between workers and guests. Some of our former guests are still getting used to the idea. If you observe any unsafe play, you are required to report it.”

  Veronica opened her mouth to speak but stopped when Martha raised her hand. “If you decide you would like to scene with a guest, you are free to do so, as long as you follow house rules about consent and safe words, but you will not receive extra compensation unless you’d like to pledge to the house. If you’re interested in pledging to the house, a new contract can be drawn up with additional compensation.” Martha’s tone held no judgment, and she could have been describing a laundry list.

  Veronica blew out a breath, her mouth dry. “I don’t expect I’ll want to interact with the guests in that way, but thank you for explaining my options.”

  Martha tipped her chin at her. “You mean scene with a guest? Or pledge to the house?”

  “Both.” Veronica pulled the binders into her lap, holding them like a shield in front of her body. “I’ll study these.” She dropped her gaze to the toes of her boots.

  “Very good. If you have any other questions, my door is always open.”

  VERONICA PLACED THE binders on the nightstand. She had eaten enough for two people at lunch because she had skipped breakfast. Not doing that again. She pulled off her jeans and fleece jacket, folded them, and placed them on the chair before she lay back on her bed. The soft scent of lavender filled her nose as she turned her head into the pillow. So much to learn. I’ll never get everyone’s name down. Roxy is funny as hell. Robin acts like I’m going to eat her, not in a good way. And Millie. She and Myfanwy. Elaine’s in love with Roxy. Does Roxy get it? Does Elaine?

  She shifted on the bed and flipped the comforter over her body. Nothing scheduled for this afternoon. Her left shoulder ached, tight from the morning’s work, and she stretched to dispel the stiffness. She massaged the tight scar over her left deltoid. Could study the binders. Nah, nap then study.

  Chapter Five

  “THIS IS AMAZING.” Veronica ran her fingers along the cherrywood shelf. Floor to ceiling shelves full of books complete with a rolling ladder covered three walls of the large room. Opposite the shelves three wide windows looked out toward the far mountains. A large overstuffed sofa that begged lying about with a book, a butler’s table, and two wingback chairs with matching ottomans completed the library of Veronica’s dreams. Millie stood with her hands clasped behind her back. She glanced at Veronica before she shifted her gaze to the carpet. “It’s my second favorite room in the house.”

  Veronica studied the way a blush stole over Millie’s face. Not asking which one is her favorite. What room is it? What could make her blush from her collarbones to her hairline? She’s so damn cute when she blushes.

  “I’m sure this will be my favorite. I’d go broke trying to keep my e-reader filled. I’ve already read through everything I downloaded before I left home and reread some of my favorites.”

  “Mistress Lucia is an avid reader. She keeps the library stocked. If there’s a book you would like in the library, let her know and she’ll purchase it. She also insists on strict reshelving.” Millie pointed to a wooden chest next to the desk. “Returns go there. Tessa’s the librarian; she’s as much a hard ass as Mistress Lucia about the shelving. Be sure to return your books here. She’ll make sure they get back where they belong.”

  Her blush deepened. “Sometimes the library is closed.” She looked up at the ceiling before she brought her gaze back to Veronica’s eyes. “Quite a few of our guests have librarian fantasies. There will be a ‘closed’ sign hanging from the door handle if it’s in use.”

  Visions of what other activities took place in the library filled Veronica’s thoughts, and she chewed her lip as she tried to focus on Millie’s words.

  Millie pointed to an antique oak card catalog. “That’s the catalog. Do you know how to use it?”

  Veronica frowned. “What? Of course. I’m older than I look.”

  Millie laughed. “Sorry. So many of the women who come here are so young they’ve never seen one. My apologies.”

  “Do you really have women that young who work here?”

  “No one under twenty-one.” Millie pursed her lips.

  Veronica walked to the leather sofa and sat down. “How does it work?”

  Millie traced her fingers over the top of the card catalog. “You can sign a book out for three weeks. If you need it longer you just have to let Tessa know. If you don’t bring it back on time, she will find you.” A sly expression crossed Millie’s face. “Some of the staff don’t even read what they check out, hoping Tessa will be in a mood to discipline them for their overdue books.”

  Veronica huffed out a breath. “Not that. How does it work with the women who work here? Do they apply? How do you find them?”

  “I don’t. The Mistresses hire the women. Usually they are referred to us from former workers or clients. Or they may have heard of us from other houses.”

  Veronica forced herself to meet Millie’s gaze. “I was referred here.” A sudden rush of knowing filled Veronica. “Oh. Oh my.” Images of her former advisor and her partner filled her head. “Oh. Wow. They must have… Oh.”

  Millie sat down next to Veronica. “You didn’t know?”

  “I read the contract. I knew Miss Pomroy did background checks. I thought she knew about the house that way. Doctor Kerr.” Veronica flushed. “I feel so dense.”

  Millie patted her knee, and then moved her hand up and rested it on Veronica’s thigh. “If it makes you fee
l any better, when Myfanwy recommended I apply for my position here, I was as clueless.” Her tone was gentle and laced with kindness.

  Veronica stared at Millie’s hand on her leg, close to the junction of her thighs. Dangerously close. Her broad palm and thick fingers curled over the top of her leg. The warmth from Millie’s palm heated Veronica’s skin through her jeans and distracted her from their conversation. What would it be like to have those hands on me? To have her kneel and wrap her hands around my ankle and beg for my touch? She’s too much a top to kneel to me. She’s got Myfanwy. Stop. Stop wanting what you can’t have and shouldn’t want.

  She stood up abruptly, breaking contact with Millie. “I have to get Luna ready for Elaine. I’ll come back and find something to read. Thanks.” She rushed from the library. She must think I’m so dense. How could I not get it about Dr. Kerr? And Ms. Pomroy. Damn.

  MILLIE PULLED THE cover off the saddle and placed it on the saddle rack. “Will this do? She had a different saddle she said we could lease if this wasn’t right.”

  Veronica examined the therapeutic riding saddle. “This should be fine. It’s got the leg straps and the stabilizing padding in the back.” She unfolded the picture she had printed out from the client’s email and compared it to the saddle in front of her. “She sent me this today. Sorry I didn’t have it for you to take with you. Did they send the safety stirrup converters with it?”

  “Aye, they’re here.” She held up a cloth bag and placed it on the shelf under the saddle rack. “Have you thought about how to coordinate their request?”

  Veronica chewed her lip. “Yes. But I’m going to need your help. Will you be able to assist the client with mounting the horse? She’s told me she’s too unsteady to use the mounting block alone. You’re the only one I trust to be able to assist her with the transfer. We’ll both need to be there to stabilize her in the saddle until we get the leg straps in place. Once she and her wife arrive at the fire ring we’ll both need to be there to assist her off the horse. I’ll make sure there is an adequate chair for her to transfer to. Her partner will take care of whatever she needs after we’ve helped her dismount.” She busied herself with replacing the cover over the saddle. “It also means we need to make ourselves scarce while they scene but we need to remain close enough we are available if they need our assistance. When they’re ready to ride back to the house, we’ll need to lift her back on to the horse.”