“Yes, Master.” Even though I don’t mean it, I say it. Maybe I can will it to be so by saying it aloud.
“Good girl. Here we go.” He kisses the top of my spine again, his hand warm on my ass, and I try to swallow down my panic.
Brian’s hand cups my cheek. “You’re doing great, babe. Almost done.”
“This is one of the simplest of all fire play techniques but one of the most beautiful. It’s simple shaving cream. This particular brand has a high alcohol content, and that’s what we want. The alcohol burns, but the moisturizing components of the cream protect the skin, so it’s possibly the safest and best of all the techniques. I’m just going to make a pattern,” he says, and I hear the can hiss and feel the cold shaving cream on my back. He’s pulling it back and forth and I have no idea what kind of pattern he’s making, but I know I’ll find out on the video. Then it stops. “Master Dave, could you hit the lights, please?” In seconds, all I can see is darkness punctuated by the occasional flicker of a candle. “After all the times I’ve done this, I still find it amazing.”
I feel nothing, but the crowd starts to murmur and then to cheer. There’s clapping all over the room, and I wish I could tell what’s going on. When I catch Brian’s eye, he smiles. “Babe, you okay?”
“Yeah. What’s happening?”
“It’s beautiful. I hope it shows up well on the video, because this is gorgeous.”
It goes on for a while, and then I feel him cover my back with shaving cream. Everyone starts to cheer and clap, and then a wet towel is draped over my whole back. “That concludes our demonstration tonight. I hope everyone enjoyed it. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask, but give me a few minutes. I take aftercare very seriously, and my submissive and I will be heading to the back.” Hands are already removing the bindings from my thighs, ankles, and wrists, and I hear Boone say, “Roll onto your left side, baby. We’ll catch you.” I do my best and when I roll, I feel someone behind me. Boone has my ankles and I realize it’s Dave and Brian behind me, helping me sit up. As soon as I’m sitting on the edge of the table, Boone grabs my robe and helps me put it on. I stand, knees shaky, and wrap it around me, then tie it. When he takes my hand, he pulls me to the edge of the stage and says, “Everyone, please, a round of applause for my beautiful Angel!” They’re all cheering and applauding, and he helps me take a bow before he just sweeps me up in his arms and carries me out of the room.
By the time he places me on the big bed in the private room, I’m crying. I didn’t realize until right now how terrified I really was, but he’s right beside me, cuddling me to him, kissing my eyelids, my lips, and my cheeks, and telling me how much he loves me and how well I did. “Am I okay?”
“Yes. Like I said, looks kind of like a mild sunburn. It wouldn’t even be like that if I hadn’t been working so long out there. Multiple methods increase the chances of a burn, but I was very, very careful with you, seeing as how it was your first time. I’ve got some good lotion over here, and I’ll put some on it. But are you okay?”
I start to really sob. “Oh, god, Boone, I was so scared! I didn’t know how scared I was until we came back here! Soooo scared!” I wail against his chest.
“I asked you―”
“But I trust you!” I almost scream. “I trust you, Boone! Don’t think I don’t trust you!”
“Calm down, baby! Calm down. It’s okay. I’m not surprised you were afraid. You’d be crazy not to be. I know you know I wouldn’t hurt you, but I also know that you probably figured something could go wrong. And you’re right―it could’ve. That’s why I had Dave and Brian there. The more hands I had, the faster things could move if something went wrong. It’s the reason I made you wet down your hair. I took precautions tonight that I usually wouldn’t, but I wanted to make sure I didn’t hurt you. Melina, you’re everything to me. I’d never hurt you, and if I did, I’d be horrified. You have to know that.” He’s stroking my hair and talking faster than I’ve ever heard him talk.
“I-I-I-I-I know. I promise, I know, but I was still so scared!” And out comes another fresh bout of tears. I can’t seem to stop them.
“Shhhh. I think you’re just emotional from the stress of it. But wait ‘til you see the video. It was perfect. And I’m so proud of you.” The way he’s holding me … I never want him to let go. For a guy who’s big and tough and outdoorsy, he’s so tender and gentle.
My heart’s full. There are no words. I love this man more than I’ve ever loved anybody in my whole life. I’m just sad tomorrow is Saturday. It’ll be days before we can see each other again, but I’ll be waiting.
I’ll always wait for him.
* * *
So many questions! Everybody was asking all kinds of things, and several people offered to buy me a drink or wanted to just sit and talk to me about the experience. It was kind of overwhelming, honestly, but in a good way. Boone was the star of the show, and that’s how it should be. I was just proud to be there with him.
When everybody else is gone, Brian and Dave clean up while we go back to the private room. I sit on the bed and he sits behind me, rubbing more lotion on my back. “This won’t even be pink by Sunday. It’ll be gone. Feel good?”
“Oooo, yeah,” I say as his hand floats across my skin. “Feels really good. I dread putting on my clothes though.”
“No need. You can just wear the robe home. We’re going straight there anyway. Want some ice cream on the way?”
“Nah. I just want to curl up with you.” And I’m not kidding. That’s all I really want.
“Sounds good to me. I brought these.” He drops something on the floor and I realize what they are―my flip-flops! “You shouldn’t be trying to walk around on heels after the evening you’ve had.”
“Thanks, Master.”
“No. It’s Boone. We’re not playing. This is just us.” He pulls my hair back and squeezes it a little. “It’s almost completely dry. Got a brush?”
“Yeah. Here.” Digging in my bag, I produce my big brush and hand it to him, then sit there and soak in the enjoyment of him brushing my hair. “Oh, god, that feels good.”
“Good. ‘Bout ready to go?”
“Yes.” When I stand, I wobble a little, but he steadies me with a hand on my arm. “Thanks.”
“Don’t want you falling.” He watches as I slip my feet into the flip-flops. “There ya go. Let’s go say goodbye to the guys. Come on.” My hand in his, we step out into the hallway and head to the main room.
Brian’s gotten the bar wiped down and he’s shutting everything down. Dave’s got the performance area cleaned up and he’s folded the table to put it away. Over in the corner, I spot Olivia holding Nadine, and she rises and starts toward us. “Hey! That was awesome!” she says as she leans over and kisses my cheek.
I tip my head toward Boone. “Thanks. It was really him. He did it all.”
“No, you were great too. Wasn’t she?” Olivia asks, and Boone grins. “We’ve got to take nugget here home, but I just wanted to watch. It was amazing. Love you, girl,” she says and gives me a peck on the cheek.
“Love you too. Bye cute little thing,” I say and kiss Nadine on the cheek. She giggles.
“Bye, babe,” Dave says to me as he passes us to follow his girls. “Boone, man, awesome job. Really spectacular. Thanks.”
“You’re very welcome. Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for helping.”
“You guys ready?” Brian calls from the door behind the bar as he secures it.
“Yep. Any time you are,” Boone calls back, and we follow him to the front door.
Once we’re outside, Brian turns to me and takes my hands in his. “Honey, you were great tonight. I could tell you were scared, but you followed your Dom’s lead and did exactly what you needed to do. I’m very, very proud of you.”
“Thank you, Brian.” That does it―I start to cry again and he just wraps his arms around me and hugs me tight. “Thanks for being my friend. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for
you.”
“Aww, you’d do fine. You’ve got a good one here. Boone, thanks so much. I know everybody appreciated it,” Brian tells him as he turns loose of me and reaches to shake Boone’s hand.
The handshake Boone gives him back is hearty. “You’re welcome. Thanks for letting us play. I’m glad everybody seemed to enjoy it.”
“That offer to do a workshop? I’m gonna hold you to that, big boy!” Brian says, laughing as he makes his way to his car. “Night, you two. Have a good evening.”
Boone waves. “Thanks, Brian.” The smile he gives me as he pulls me to him is breathtaking. “Melina, I can’t believe this time tomorrow you’ll be across town from me and it’ll be days before we can see each other.”
“I know. Can we just enjoy tonight?”
“Of course. Let’s go back to the house and watch the video. What time do you have to be at work tomorrow morning?”
“Ten. When will Baker be there?”
“She doesn’t have to be at work until noon. Shouldn’t be a problem. You’ll be at work by the time he gets there.”
That means we can go back and relax. I can’t wait to see the video, and I’m dying to lie there in his arms. It’s the last night we have for a few. We should make it count.
Chapter Nine
I stretch and blink. It’s sunny outside, and a check of the clock says it’s about seven thirty. I should get up and pull myself together, but when I roll to look at him, I can’t bring myself to do it. Boone’s face is smooth and relaxed, and he’s breathing softly, his lips barely parted. I want to kiss him, but I also don’t want to wake him. My back stings a little, so I’m careful as I snuggle up to him, and even in his sleep, his arm reaches for me to pull me to him. He surprises me when he says, “Good morning, beautiful.”
“Hey. I thought you were still asleep.” I press a little kiss to his chin, and his beard is soft against my lips. “I’ve gotta get up and get busy. I have to be at work by ten.”
“I know, but I don’t want you to go,” he groans and grabs me, clutching me to him.
“I don’t want to go either, but you know I have to. Baker will be here―”
“I know. I’ve got to talk to Marie. We can’t do this, be separated like this all the time. It’s not right.” He nuzzles my neck and then kisses it. “I love Baker, but I love you too. I shouldn’t have to choose.”
With one more little kiss, I pull myself from his arms. “I have to get ready to go. And you’re right―you shouldn’t have to choose. But you’re the only one who can do anything about it. I can’t.” I don’t want to have any more of this conversation. This is a wealthy man, a powerful man, a man who makes things happen, but it’s like he’s scared of this woman, and I’m not sure why. “Is Maurice driving me? Because I don’t have a car.”
“Yeah. He can take you. You eating breakfast here?”
“I thought I would. I’m getting in the shower.” In three minutes, I’m lathered up and enjoying the hot water. It stings my back, but that’s not surprising, and I make a mental note to look at it in the mirror when I get out.
By the time I’m showered and dressed, it’s eight twenty. There’s plenty of time to get home, drop off my dirty clothes, get my car, and go to work. I find breakfast on a tray on the bed, courtesy of Millie, and I’m sitting there enjoying it when Boone steps out of the bathroom, freshly showered and delicious, his bare body made even more beautiful by the morning light streaming in the window. He grabs a piece of toast and we chat as he dresses. It’s peaceful and sweet and so, so normal.
And then all hell breaks loose.
I hear a car door and the sound of someone screaming. Wait―not screaming. Shrieking. I’ve never heard anything like that in my life. Boone heads straight to the window at the front end of the hallway and before I can say or do anything he runs back, slides into a pair of jeans, and grabs the door knob. “Stay here!” he yells at me and slams the door closed.
There’s this unholy sound coming from downstairs and sounds of feet on the steps. I hear him say, “Hey, buddy! What’s wrong? Why are you so upset?”
“MOMMY CUT MY HAIR! I SAID NO, BUT SHE DID IT ANYWAY! I WANT IT TO BE LIKE YOURS, DADDY! AAAGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!” I can hear him screaming and running, and the sound gets closer until a door slams nearby and all I can hear is sobbing through the wall. I look at the clock―eight forty-three. What the hell is going on?
“Marie! What the fuck is―”
“Don’t start on me! I don’t want to hear it!” I hear a woman yell back.
“What the hell did you do? You cut his hair when he didn’t want it cut?” Boone yells.
“Yes! It was a mess, all scraggly and down on his collar! So I cut it! It looks a million times better!”
“You shouldn’t have done that. He’s really upset, and I don’t blame him. He didn’t want it cut.”
“It needed to be cut. He wants it to be like yours, and that’s not going to happen!”
There’s an edge in his voice that I’ve never heard before when he asks, “And exactly what is wrong with my hair?”
“You look like a fucking mountain man. If he wears his hair long like yours, the kids at school will make fun of him.”
“I know of at least one very famous actor with long hair whose little boy has long hair too, and ain’t nobody making fun of him,” Boone announces with a good bit of swagger. “Besides, I thought the idea here was to raise him to feel good about himself regardless what anybody else thinks, not running and altering himself every time somebody else has an issue with his looks.”
“You know that’s not what I’m talking about at all! I’m talking about fitting in, and he already doesn’t fit in, all the time out of school, all the trips to the clinic, all―”
“That has nothing to do with his hair. He’s up there crying his eyes out and you’re worried about him fitting in? Good god, Marie, he’s never going to be just like the other kids, and we have to make sure he knows that’s okay!”
“I don’t want him sticking out like a sore thumb at school!” she screams.
“You don’t want … Marie, he’s got so many things to worry about. He’s a little kid, and his life is one big worry. Can’t you let him have one thing that makes him happy? I mean, what’s it going to hurt? If he wants his hair long and it makes him happy, then I can’t see why that’s such a horrible thing.”
“I’m not arguing about this with you. It’s ridiculous. His hair’s cut. End of discussion, so he might as well stop screaming and carrying on,” she says, and I can tell she’s done with the conversation. She’s not open to anything he’s saying, and she’s sure not listening.
“And you pulled this stunt right before you brought him here. Why? So you didn’t have to deal with the fallout! Jesus, Marie! Just go! I’ll take care of everything, just like I always have. Make a mess and I’ll clean it up. That’s how you work, right?”
“Fuck you, Boone.”
“Yeah, well, fuck you too, Marie. Have yourself a craptastic weekend and we’ll see you on Wednesday.” That’s followed by the BANG of the front door slamming closed. Baker is still squalling and, frankly, I don’t know what the hell to do.
I’m trying to figure out whether to hide or make a dash for it when the bedroom door flies open. “God, Melina, I’m sorry about this! I really―”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ve got to get to work. I’ll just go and―”
“No! I mean, I don’t want you to have to leave like this! It’s just that―”
I step up to him and press my palms to his face. “Your little boy is crying and obviously upset. Go take care of him. Don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself. Maurice will drive me home and I’ll go on to work, and you can call me later or text me or something.”
He pulls one of my hands from his face and turns it over to kiss my palm, then grabs me and hugs me. I swear, this man’s arms are magical. “I will. And I’m so sorry, babe. Really.”
“Nothing to worry abou
t. Just take care of him and I’ll talk to you later. I love you, Boone.”
The sadness in his eyes hits me right in my solar plexus. “I love you too, Angel. I’ll talk to you in a bit.” He turns me loose, walks to the door, and looks back one time before he steps into the hallway. I hear a door open and close and his voice asking, “Hey, buddy, you okay? Let’s talk, all right?”
That’s my cue. I dart out the bedroom door and almost bound down the stairs. At the bottom, I make a beeline to the kitchen. “Is Maurice around?” I ask Millie when she comes into view.
“Yes, ma’am. He’s out front waitin’ for ya. You have a good day and don’t worry none ‘bout Missur Boone and lil’ Baker. They be okay,” she says sympathetically.
“Thanks. See you soon, Millie. Thanks for making me feel welcome,” I call back over my shoulder as I bolt for the front door.
All I have time to do at home is throw my bag down, check my makeup in the mirror, and run back out. After riding around in that Rover, my little car seems cramped and boxy. I get to work with eight minutes to spare and Frieda’s unlocking the door. “You look great, missy! Two days off did you a world of good.”
“Thanks! Things go okay around here while I was gone?”
“Of course. But they go better when you’re around,” she says and winks at me. That’s pretty kind, seeing as how I haven’t even been here two weeks.
“Thanks. I like it here.”
“Good. I want you to stay around. You’ve got a future here, Mel … Mary,” she says with a laugh as she heads to the back.
I’ve got a future here? It’s a retail store. What the hell kind of future does somebody have in a store like this?
The day seems to drag on. There are plenty of customers. I talk to several of them, but there’s only one person whose voice I want to hear. Several times during the day I check my phone, but he hasn’t texted or tried to call.
Undeniably His: Bliss Series, Book Five Page 16