Lured By My Master

by Jenna Jacob

  The sting of tears burned my eyes. I was coming unhinged but didn’t know exactly why. An overload of worries, fears, and excitement clashed within, tossing me over the bow of my own emotional Titanic. I only knew I was sinking fast.

  Staring at me with concern etched over his face, Sam released his cock and spread his arms open as he reached the edge of the bed. I dropped my head, swallowed back a sob, and crawled to him.

  “I’ve got you, little one. You’re safe. No one’s going to hurt you now.”

  I closed my eyes and rested my head on his chest, feeling the fool for all the uncertainty pinging inside me. But the steady rhythm of Sam’s heartbeat offered the salvation I needed most.

  Security.

  Slowly, Sam lifted me off the bed before peeling my clothes away. All the while, his gentle hands caressed, soothed, and calmed me—so did his reassuring whispers. To think that only a few days ago, I was ready to throw him away. Shame crested, then slowly receded as he stripped me totally naked.

  He pulled back the covers, then lifted me into his arms and laid me on the middle of the mattress. Sam climbed in beside me, pulled me against his chest once more, and silently brushed his fingers through my hair.

  “Close your eyes and find that peaceful place inside you,” Sam whispered. “Then I want you to sleep knowing I’m here with you all night long, keeping you safe and warm.”

  Obeying his edict, I let my eyelids drift shut…let the soothing touch of his fingers drag me beneath a blanket of shelter. Tumbled deeper and deeper to a place I knew Darnell would never find me.

  “Thank you, Sam,” I whispered as the darkness pulled me down further.

  He didn’t reply, simply pressed a tender kiss to my head and exhaled a contented sigh.

  Sunlight streamed through my window when I woke the next morning. The bed was empty, and a pang of regret settled in my chest. Kicking the covers off, I padded into the bathroom, then slid on my robe and made my way to the kitchen.

  A note lay on the kitchen table.

  Cin,

  I’m sorry I had to leave you alone this morning, but I have a full day of patients at the office. Text me if you go out. I’ll come by late this afternoon. Have a bag packed and we’ll grab some dinner before heading to my place.

  See you soon,

  Sam

  Before I let my knee-jerk reaction or rather, anger rule me, I nibbled my bottom lip and pondered Sam’s instructions. His note wasn’t a request but a demand. Though I’d proven myself a worthy adversary, the feminist in me bristled. But Sam was only worried for my safety.

  “It’s too early to strain my brain like this. I need coffee,” I grumbled.

  After starting a pot of liquid caffeine, I headed down the hall to the bathroom and took a shower. Even if I didn’t end up spending the night in Sam’s bed, at least my legs were shaved. I dried my hair and pulled on a pair of yoga pants and a T-shirt, then trekked back to the kitchen.

  As I lifted the mug of hot, steamy coffee to my lips, my cell phone began to ring. Sipping quickly, I picked up the device and checked the caller ID.

  “Mother. Oh joy.” I rolled my eyes.

  “Hello,” I answered as I took a seat at the kitchen table.

  “Allisinda, darling. Please tell me you are all right. Your father just informed me that Darnell is working at Highland Park. You’ve not had to have any dealings with that…that heathen, have you?” she asked, her tone drenched in horror.

  “Actually, Mother, he didn’t get the job, but accosted me in the parking garage last night. I took care of him.”

  “You what?” Natia choked in dismay. “What do you mean, you took care of him?”

  “I kicked him in the…groin and shot his face full of pepper spray.”

  “Oh, lord. Your father is going to have an apoplexy when I tell him this. You weren’t harmed, were you, darling?”

  “No, Mother. I’m perfectly fine.”

  “What is that animal doing in Chicago?”

  “Well, from what I’ve heard, he was drummed out of New Yor—”

  “Yes, well. I know all about his revolting behavior. I’ve got to say, Allisinda, it was a blessing he ran out at the wedding. I shudder to think what your life would be like. Why, it would be nothing short of catastrophic.”

  I pressed my lips together to keep from screaming. “Yes, it was the best thing that could have ever happened.” Or so she wanted me to believe.

  “I’ve tried not to pry, but have you put yourself back out there, dear… You know, taken a step back into the dating pool?”

  Oh, boy, the one topic I didn’t want to broach with the woman. “A little. Yes.”

  “I’m glad to hear it. You know a man…a decent man would make your life so much easier.”

  “My life is quite fine the way it is, Mother,” I assured, striving to keep the animosity from my tone.

  “But if you had a man to take care of you, I’m sure you could find time to return to school and get your—”

  “Mother,” I snapped. “My life is quite complete. I’m happy, even.”

  “Well, you don’t sound happy. You sound hateful. What is your problem, Allisinda? We gave you a wonderful life. A safe and secure upbringing. You didn’t want for a thing. Honestly, I think you’re just one of those people who never seems to find an ounce of gratitude.”

  I ached to tell her that I was so deliriously ecstatic that I farted butterflies and daisies. But I swallowed my scathing retort. Such a comment would only prolong this conversation. “Truthfully, Mother. I couldn’t be happier if I tried.”

  “Even with all this tawdry business surrounding Darnell? Surely you can’t be serious.”

  “I don’t give a whit about Darnell or his inappropriate actions. The man is scum, Mother. I don’t wish to discuss him any further, now drop it.”

  “Watch your mouth with me, young lady. I’ll excuse your caustic tongue this once because I believe he who won’t be named again has obviously upset you more than you care to admit.”

  “No. I simply refuse to waste good air on bad rubbish, Mother. If you must know, I’m dating a well-regarded surgeon. I am happier than I’ve ever been in my life.” Even as the words came pouring off my tongue I wanted to bite them back. I’d just given her fuel to add to the fire.

  Dammit.

  Dammit.

  Dammit.

  “A surgeon? How marvelous,” she nearly squealed. “What’s his specialty, dear?”

  “Obstetrics and gynecology.”

  “Oh, my.” The disdain in her voice was as loud and clear as if she’d yelled through a foghorn. “I…I see. Well, that is rather…unexpected.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  As if angels from heaven had swooped down to save me, my phone beeped.

  “I’m sorry, Mother. I have another call coming in that I have to take. Talk to you soon. Bye.”

  Without waiting for her reply, I checked the ID on my phone.

  Sam.

  “I am bathing your entire body in kisses tonight,” I answered instead of hello.

  “Excuse me?” Sam laughed. “I’d rather you…well, I can’t say right now, but it involves kisses. It definitely involves your sinfully wicked mouth,” he added in a whisper. “And what exactly did I do to achieve this level of indulgence you’re willing to give?

  “I was on the other line with…my mother when you clicked in.”

  “Ah,” Sam drawled in understanding. “In that case, you owe me far more than just your mouth.”

  “Anything. I’ll gladly pay whatever you ask as long as I don’t have to listen to… Oh, hell. I’m sorry. Good morning, Sam. How’s your day going?”

  “Morning, sweetheart.” He chuckled again. “Quite well actually. I had my nurse rearrange my schedule, so I’ll be over in about an hour to pick you up and get you settled into my place while I head back to the office. We’ll head out for dinner as soon as I’m done for the day.”

  Cringing, I closed my eyes. I’d planned to decide
whether or not I was going to move in with him later…not this second.

  “I take it from your lack of enthusiasm, you’re still not sold on the idea of moving in with me, hmm?”

  “I-I was going to think about it this morning.”

  “What’s there to ponder, Cin? I’m not going to slap a collar on your neck and chain you to a cross the minute you step through my door. I’ve never done that before, have I?”

  “You don’t have a cross at your house,” I replied dryly.

  “Oh, but I do. A whole dungeon, in fact.”

  “Why haven’t I ever seen it?” I challenged, knowing he was simply pulling my chain.

  “Because you weren’t ready. But I think you are now, girl.” His words took on an unmistakable Dominant edge. “So, what’s your decision?”

  The idea of needing a man for protection shredded every ounce of dignity I possessed. Weak women, like my mother, relied on men for…well, for everything. Despite her attempt to cast me in the same mold, I’d swung to the opposite side of the pendulum and refused to rely on a man for anything.

  Stubbornness is not a virtue, Allisinda. In fact, most men find it absolutely repugnant. My mother’s voice reverberated in my head.

  Closing my eyes, I swallowed down a snarl. “Fine. You win. I’ll pack a damn bag.”

  My terse outburst was met with silence. I glanced at my phone thinking the call had dropped. Finally, Sam spoke. “This isn’t a contest. It’s about ensuring your safety and, well…frankly, my sanity.”

  The disquiet in his tone confirmed Darnell’s actions had impacted Sam far more than they had me. While I appreciated his fears, he refused to comprehend that I could protect myself.

  “Your lack of faith in me is…disheartening. I refuse to allow myself to fall victim to Darnell or anyone else, and that’s a promise.”

  “The world is a scary place, Cin. Don’t make promises beyond your control.”

  “You like to control a lot of things, Sam, but even you can’t control the crazies,” I lobbed back at him.

  “True, but having you in my house, I’m minimizing your exposure to one crazy in particular.”

  “That’s because control is your middle name,” I goaded.

  “Actually it’s Sullivan. And you love it when I push your buttons, especially one in particular. The one that gets you hot and flowing like chocolate syrup.” His voice lowered to a whisper. “I wish I was there to slide my tongue over your hard little button right now.”

  My knees quivered. A hot current of desire sailed straight to my clit, and I found myself clutching the phone tighter.

  “You’re an evil, wicked man, Samuel Sullivan Brooks,” I scolded.

  “I’ve only given you a little taste of the wickedness prowling inside me.”

  A heated thrill shot through me. Everything Sam had introduced me to so far had felt amazing…a little scary, but incredible all the same. His titillating phrase left no doubt—I’d merely touched the tip of his Dominant mountain. Knowing there was more made me dizzy with curiosity, and arousal.

  “Maybe, but what’s been placed on my tongue has been delicious,” I purred.

  “Fuck,” Sam hissed. “You’ve got my cock hard, girl. I’ll have to sit here at my desk until I settle down to keep from embarrassing myself.”

  A mischievous grin spread across my mouth. “If I were there right now, I’d be hiding under your desk…on my knees…slowly unzipping your pants. I’d wrap my hand around your big, hard—”

  “Enough, you little minx,” Sam growled.

  I giggled. “What’s wrong? Am I making it hard for you to get your work done?”

  “And then some, but don’t worry. I’ll take care of my inconvenient problem…and your tempting little tricks in an hour.”

  I issued a low, sensual moan. “I sure hope so.”

  Sam chuckled. “Don’t get too excited. I didn’t say you’d like it, did I, sweetheart?”

  “What?” I choked, my eyes growing wide.

  “Seems I’ve given you something to ponder while you pack, haven’t I? Simmer for me, girl. I’ll be there soon,” Sam instructed, then hung up.

  A chill slithered down my spine while my mind wondered what Sam had planned. Would he spank me? A quiver of excitement rippled through me. No, he knew all too well I enjoyed that. No, Sam had something else in mind…something I wouldn’t like.

  Forcing down the dread flittering through me, I dragged a couple suitcases out of my closet and began to pack my things. Unsure of how long Sam intended to keep me under his thumb, I packed nearly everything, just in case.

  Snagging up my toiletries, my hands were overflowing when my phone rang again. I figured it was Sam telling me he was on his way.

  “Yeah, yeah. I’m packed. Happy?” I greeted in a snarky voice.

  “Why? Where are we going?” the unexpected voice of my brother, Matatino, asked with a laugh.

  “Matti,” I screeched in excitement. “Oh, my god. Where are you? Are you still in Bhutan?”

  “I’m back home. After helping the Ministry of Health, I stayed a couple more months and traveled a bit. But when my craving for pastrami on rye grew to be too much, I caught a flight back to New York.”

  I laughed. “Your life is still ruled by your stomach, I see.”

  “For sure,” he chuckled. “So what’s this I hear about Darnell showing up in Chicago? Do you need me to come there and kick his ass for you, baby sis?”

  “Ugh,” I groaned. “No, Matti. What is it with you men, anyway? You’re always wanting to save some damsel in distress.”

  “You’re my only sister. I’ll always kick the shit out of any prick who messes with you.”

  “Thanks,” I replied dryly. “But I don’t need your help. I’ve already got one caveman pounding his chest. I don’t need two.”

  “Oh, right. The surgeon. Who is he?”

  “Christ, is Mother a walking, talking tabloid these days?”

  “When hasn’t she been? So tell me about him.”

  “It’s still early. There isn’t much to tell,” I lied.

  “Uh-huh. If you say so. Oh, I almost forgot. According to mom’s friends, the Haughty-Hotline, I guess Darnell knocked up one of his play toys before he skipped town.”

  “What? That lying sack of crap is telling everyone here that he’s married and has a kid.”

  “Sounds like he needs to stop self-prescribing to me. Anyway, the woman he ditched is trying to get his medical license pulled. Evidently, she’s claiming you’ve taken him back since he ran off to Chicago. I thought you should know.”

  “Eww.” I wrinkled my nose. “He’s the last man on the planet I want to see. But enough about him. Where are you off to next?”

  “Funny you should ask.” Matti chuckled. “Chicago.”

  “What? You’re coming here?” I squealed. “When?”

  “Um, I land in about an hour. Wanna pick me up at the airport?”

  “Of course.” I spied my luggage, and my heart sank. “Well…uh, that might be a problem.”

  “Why? Oh, right. You answered the phone saying something about being packed. Where are you headed off to?”

  “Uh…I-I’ve decided to stay with a friend of mine for a few days. Just until…”

  Until what? Until Darnell leaves the city? Or until I can’t stomach being pinned to a board like a bug and studied under a microscope any longer and haul my luggage back home?

  “What is it you’re not telling me, Cin?” Matti asked suspiciously.

  “Oh, hell.”

  Flopping down on the mattress, I proceeded to spill my guts about everything. Well, everything except Genesis and Sam leading me down the path of kinky debauchery. Though Matti had been my life-long confidant—the only member of my family who’d encouraged me to follow my dream and become an RN—he was still my brother. I wasn’t going to discuss the strange and confusing world of power exchanges with him.

  “I think I like this guy, Sam. And I definitely feel bette
r that he’s having you stay with him while Darnell’s sniffing around.”

  “Of course you do. You’re as overbearing and laden with testosterone as Sam is,” I teased.

  “Possibly, but I’ve never trusted Darnell…with good reason. I’m afraid for you, sis. I think the prick’s lost touch with reality. I’ll be glad when I land and can help look—”

  “No way! I will not have you hovering over my every move. Sam’s going to drive me crazy enough doing that. I don’t need you suffocating me, too.”

  “Easy, girl. I was going to say that I’d look after your place if you don’t mind me staying there. But if you feel like Sam’s going to be suffocating you, maybe you shouldn’t move in with him. Stay in your own apartment, with me, instead.”

  Matatino’s suggestion was so brilliant I felt as if my heart might explode out of my chest.

  “That’s a wonderful idea,” I replied breathlessly. “I’ll pick you up in an hour. Text me your flight info. I’m on my way.”

  After ending the call with my brother, I exhaled a deep breath. Being able to stay in my own apartment filled me with relief. Of course, Sam would undoubtedly be disappointed, but surely he’d be satisfied knowing I had round-the-clock security now. Besides, I hadn’t spent any amount of quality time with Matti since I’d moved to Chicago. I was looking forward to having him near.

  I rang Sam’s number, expecting the call to go to his voice mail. But when he picked up, a wave of dread settled through me.

  “You’re not on your way over, are you?”

  “Indeed I am. Why? What’s up?”

  “Oh, well…you see. There’s been a change of plans.”

  “What change?” Sam’s tone was filled with suspicion.

  “I just got a call from my brother. He’s flying in today. In fact I’m picking him up at the airport in a few minutes and…well, I explained the whole Darnell situation, and Matti—ah, that’s my brother—he’s decided to stay here with me for a while. So it solves the whole bodyguard issue.”

  The absolute silence on the other end of the line told me Sam didn’t find the news joyous whatsoever. When he didn’t say anything after several tense minutes, I closed my eyes and swallowed tightly.