"Hello. I'm here. No need to dissect me." Athol hugged Linsey and then put his arm over Edan's shoulder. "You do that well enough by yourself, don't you, sugar plum."
Sugarplum? Reaaaallly. What next, cutie pie? The wink Athol sent Edan's way confirmed his suspicion that Athol was winding Linsey up. The weight of Athol's arm was a welcome reminder to Edan of who they were. He leaned into Athol, kissed his cheek and wrapped his arm around Athol's waist. "Wouldn't dare, honey bun."
"Argh, let me throw up. Ditch the kitsch, and let's go in. It might not be ball breaking weather, but it's definitely nipple nipping," Linsey said as she turned to go back inside.
"And as we want to keep all balls and boobs and their attendant appendages, how about you tell me why I was needed here so urgently," Athol said as Edan and he followed Linsey and waited until she locked the door behind them. "It seems as if you've forgotten to remind the punters Dommisimma is open for business. Where is everybody?"
Edan had wondered that himself.
Linsey smiled and Edan grinned back. It was a secret smile, with one of those 'oh, I know something you don't' looks.
Athol narrowed his eyes. "Linsey, what are you up to? You have the look."
She dipped her head and ran her finger over the low neckline of her leather catsuit, before touching her nose. "So glad."
"Not that look, sugar plum. The 'I'm up to something you don't know about' one. Last time I saw it you were stirring it up for Anna and Caden. What have you done?"
Linsey widened her eyes. "Moi? Why nothing, other than ask for your help. I confess that to meet Edan is a bonus. A welcome one."
"Hmm, I so mistrust that wide eyed innocent look you can pull out of a hat. Or a Domme's toy box. Fess up. What's this all about?"
"Me. Well, us." A new, light, female voice spoke from behind them. Athol whipped his head around and dragged Edan with him to face the newcomers.
"Anna? Caden? Well, fuck a duck."
"If that's your thing, be my guest."
Chapter Six
Edan looked at the gorgeous woman, the very pregnant gorgeous woman who stood leaning against a tall dark-haired man. The collar around her neck was a series of tiny interlinking silver hoops interspersed with diamonds, and the pattern was copied in the wide band on her wedding ring finger. She grinned, and with a brief glance at her companion, stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek before she waddled, there was no other word for it, across the few yards that separated her and Athol, and flung her arms around him. Athol moved to hold her close and with a glance, Athol kissed the lady soundly.
"You still with that jerk, honey bun? When there's a full-bloodied hot bod here who'd die for you?" Athol gave his deep, dirty laugh. "Waddle away with me into the sunset. If we can find one. Let me and my lover feed you with honey and nectar. Read you poetry, and worship at your feet." He roared out his amusement again. "If you can see them to give me directions."
As ever Edan wondered how such a slight, and some might say effeminate looking guy—if they wanted a black eye and a rearranged nose—could have a laugh so diametrically opposite to his persona. He had long suspected Athol cultivated his looks on purpose.
"Sadly, that jerk as you call him, very bravely I reckon, as you know as well as I, that not only is he my Master, and can serve me well," the lady said and sniggered. "He's a Master in martial arts as well. Plus, he's not as rude as you. He would never be so cruel to bring attention to my method of movement, or my lack of vision regarding my feet." She punched Athol lightly in the chest and Athol winced theatrically.
"Ouch."
"Take it and remember it, Athol. If I was the one punching you'd know it," said the man who'd been watching the interchange with a sardonic smile on his face. "Mind you, she's maybe still recovering from the journey. Juniors were somewhat active." He turned to Edan and held his hand out. "As no one is going down the polite route, preferring insults and injuries, I'm Caden McCourt. The lovely lady that chancer is feeling up is my wife Anna. The sexpot in black is Linsey, the owner of Dommisimma."
Edan took hold of the proffered hand and shook it. "Edan Murdoch. I'm," he hesitated. What was he? "I'm the wannabe partner of Athol, if we can work out who and what goes where and when."
Caden laughed. "That's always a priority. I'm guessing you're no sub?"
"Nope." Edan shook his head. "Neither is he. Which is part of the ‘what goes where and when’. But we're learning how to give and take and compromise, I think. Truth be told, we're at the very beginning of act two. Act one was played out a long, long while ago. And it ended in tragedy."
"That was a dramatic tragedy. This is an upbeat story of everyday folk." Athol must have overheard him. "Hon, meet the only woman who could have altered the course of history."
"Idiot, you make me sound like a figurehead on a boat, or a new fangled secret weapon."
Athol shook his head and hugged her again. "Nah they don't waddle, and whatever you say, the waddling is a fact. A fact that you hid from me. Last time I saw you, you were slim and sylph like. Now … hold on … what did that man of yours say? Juniors? As in plural? Bloody hell, you're having one of each, a sub and a Dom." He let go of Anna and collapsed dramatically onto Edan. "Hold me, hon. They're producing subettes and Domettes … little Cadens … ye gods, how will we cope?"
Anna rolled her eyes. "Idiot. We're producing your godchildren, so to speak."
"What? Ohh well, in that case, what are you having?" Athol stood up and pulled Caden into a bear hug. "Congratulations, man. A well filled pencil and a welcoming…"
"Athol Donaldson, do you want me to talk about your deep dark secrets?" Anna said, as she watched the scenario. Edan could see the affection between her and Athol in her eyes. "You know, bacon and?"
"Er, no thanks, honey bun," Athol said hastily. "Some things are best left alone, eh? So, when are the little ones due? And how many are there?"
"Two. Months and babies. And it seems, one of each. Girl and boy, Athol, not Domme and sub." Anna beamed. "It's so freaking scary, and exciting and well, we wanted to come and tell you guys."
"We'd've come earlier except Anna was somewhat sick," Caden said. "Which is why tonight is happening at such short notice. Even Linsey had no real idea until just before she phoned you. We'd mooted the idea, and so she closed the club for the night. Not for us to play, unless of course you're up to give an exhibition, but so if we got here we could be together. But it was touch and go. And yes, she's fine now, but needs to sit down like, this minute."
"Hello, fat lady to Sir. I'm here, and my upchuck may have disappeared, but my voice and common sense hasn't. I know I need to sit."
"Then do it." The nuance in Caden's voice changed, and Anna dipped her head.
Edan wondered what was going to happen. It was a club, even though it seemed for one night it was playerless. Surely Athol had said Anna didn't do clubs?
Linsey unlocked a large door behind her. "Come on through. Like it's been said, we're closed except to the chosen few. I reckon tonight should go down in history as Anna walking willingly into Dommisimma, for the first time."
"True enough," Athol joined Edan. "Last time … well the only time, I had to force her to undo a whole button on her shirt, and use the remember my Dom-cred card."
"You were a bully," Anna said as they all walked into a large subtly lit room. "I did go in one other time." She grinned. "To put some soap in the ladies’ loo. And the club was empty. But yep, a b u l l y."
"No." Athol corrected her. "I was a Dom. D o m."
"He's got you there, pet." Caden stroked Anna's arm. "Now sit down and relax." He steered her to a large comfy armchair. "And stop teasing Athol. He's at a disadvantage. You're mine and pregnant."
"Ohh, yes. Sorry, Sir."
Edan saw her lips quirk, and watched Caden shake his head in mock exasperation. Whatever problems Athol had mentioned Caden and Anna had, they seemed to have put them well and truly behind them now.
Athol tugged his arm. "We'll grab that s
ettee before Linsey Dommes it and grabs it all for herself." Edan sat next to him, and let his thigh rub against Athol. Athol growled. "Unfair. We've not tossed for it yet."
"I have a question," Anna said as Caden perched on her chair arm. Linsey put several bottles of water and glasses on a low table nearby and then sat down next to them.
"Two questions," Anna said. "Well, maybe three."
"Any advance on three?" Athol said. "Knowing Anna, I'd got for at least seven."
"And as I'm a hormonal pregnant lady I'm ignoring rude Doms, and stating here and now that I'm allowed to ask them without being called bratty, or called out. Aren't I, Sir?" Anna patted her tummy. "Bump rules."
Caden raised his eyebrows, and shrugged. "Don't involve me in this one, pet. I'm not on the end of your inquisition. If Athol won't take the heat, well…"
Athol waggled a finger in the air. "Oh no, McCourt, you're not wiggling out of your responsibilities that way. She's all yours."
"Then do your worst, pet."
Anna giggled, and stuck her tongue out at Athol. "See, my Sir says I can say what I want."
"I don't remember that, but why not," Caden said. You will anyway. Just remember you won't be pregnant forever, and we have the book."
"Why do you think I'm being bratty?" Anna asked. "The book doesn't have that many entries yet, so there's not much to look forward to."
Athol poked Edan in the side. "You'd never know it was the same person that I first knew," Athol whispered. "It's fantastic." He raised his voice. "Except forty-eight hours of labor, sleepless nights, puking babies, sore boobs for the wrong reason, oh and cuddles and love."
Anna flushed. "Edan can't you keep him in check? He's being more of a bratty sub than me, and he's not even one. Or is he?"
Athol jumped up and struck the Atlas pose. Then, he dropped his arm and made a limp wrist. "Moi? Well, re-al-ly."
"Got you there again, pet," Caden said. "Mind you, let's face it, we all want to know how you two will sort it all out."
Edan looked toward Athol. They were Athol's friends, so he could answer.
Athol lifted his hands in the air and settled one of them around Edan's neck. "We're going for equality."
"Switching?" Linsey said. "How's it going?" She sounded more than casually interested.
"Still no better for you?" Athol asked.
She shrugged.
Wonder what that's all about? Edan made a mental note to ask Athol later.
"Well, considering the majority of our present partnership's been via Skype or mobile, we're doing okay," Athol said. He ran his fingers over the short hairs on Edan's neck.
Bastard … he knows how much that turns me on. Edan returned the torture by nipping Athol's ear.
Anna laughed. "Oi, you two. Don't be cruel. I'm on restricted play and it's darned hard going.”
"Sorry, sweet. Well let's just say we've both learned things we didn't know we liked. We're getting there. Aren't we?" he asked Edan. He touched his wrist to Edan's.
Edan let out his breath noisily. "Well, I bloody hope so. Text sex only goes so far. Even then it's who's on top."
"I bag next dibs," Athol said. "I'm sure it's my turn."
Linsey groaned. "And this is why I'm frustrated. So let's change the subject. Lizzie and Fiona will be here once Lizzie's shift is finished. As Anna and Indian food now have a love/hate relationship, I've ordered in Tapas."
"We're here," A tall dark haired woman in faded denims and a T-shirt saying 'A Domme a day helps you work rest and play', entered the room, followed by a shorter curvy blonde with short curly hair and twinkling eyes. She wore the shortest skirt imaginable to remain still decent, and a low bustier. Over one arm was a big voluminous raincoat.
"Lizzie had to change from efficiency to relaxation. Oh lord, is that a word? Well you know what I mean."
"What my lady means is I needed to shower to swap hats," Lizzie said as she hugged Anna. "And no way do I bare my bits in public. Or even nearly bare my bits. Or in semi-public. This is as good as it gets, and I may still shove my coat back on." She kissed Linsey and Caden on the cheek, and with a smirk jumped onto Athol's lap. "My hero. Do you know what good you've done me? In a non fluid exchanging way."
"Good, and if you don't move an inch you'll have done me and Ede here in a bad non fluid exchanging sense. Cos I'll have a squashed cock and flattened balls. Not the best way for Edan to like you." Athol kissed Lizzie’s cheek. "Sheesh, Fi, what have you been feeding her on?"
"Don't blame me. My pet has a secret craving."
"Yeah, it's called eating when you can. I've been on nights in A and E, and I tell you, you discover an appetite for anything that stops you feeling shaky and needing to sleep. My favorite at the moment is stale Cornflakes and not quite off milk. Warm of course." She shuddered theatrically. "Not. But I have a week off and after two days of sleep, my Lady is taking me away to Amsterdam for culture and coffee shops."
"If she behaves," Fiona said as they took the remaining seats that had been set in a small circle. "Anyway, apart from a blooming Anna, a stubborn Linsey, and a new face, what's going on?"
Edan stood up. "I'm Athol's partner. Edan Murdoch. Equals and learning how we're going to be." It felt good to announce his intentions. "We crashed and burned last time around. We're going to do better this time."
"Yeah." Athol stood up next to him. "And we've got something to tell you later, and to ask your advice." He glanced at Linsey. "I admit we weren't sure we'd get the opportunity."
Athol had asked Edan, if they got the chance if if he minded them discussing the Affric trouble, seeing as it had started at Dommisimma. They'd decided it might help.
"Of course, you know we're always happy to hand out advice, solicited or not. Right, the food will be here any sec, so I'll head to the front foyer and wait for it."
"Want a hand?" Edan asked Linsey. "I promise not to dip in early or accidentally spill some into my mouth."
She smiled. "Why not? Give this lot a chance to talk about us whilst we diss them, eh?"
"Absolutely." Edan winked and Athol rolled his eyes.
"Oh hell in a hand basket. We're for it now."
Edan winked. "You may be for it … later."
****
Once they'd gone Anna straightened up. Caden lifted her to her feet, sat in her vacated hair and arranged her on top of him. She sighed with relief and Athol smiled.
"Tough?"
"No, not really. I just get tired, can't paint my toenails and arranging my sexy thongs under the bump and not getting them wedged in my ass is a challenge." Anna shook her head and her hair spun out and flicked Caden in the face. He wiped it off his cheek.
"Oops, sorry, Sir. Tell it to behave."
"Brat." Caden tweaked her nose.
The love between him and Anna shone out of both of them. Athol hoped he and Edan would get that look. He was almost there already. He cleared his throat. "On a serious note, I'm looking around the room, at people who matter to me, and I'm thankful for you, and your support. As you might have guessed, and Edan will be telling Linsey now, Deliveryman notwithstanding, we have a problem. One, nineteen-year-old, problem. The reason we’re coming out with it now, is that I first became aware of it here. And there's bad news and good news. The bad news is it could ruin a life or three. The good news…"
"The good news," Edan interrupted him, "is that we got together again. And we'll stay together come hell, high water or interference." He put several carrier bags on the table. "Linsey's gone for plates and cutlery." He sat back down. "She says no picking." He slapped at Athol's hands. "Wait."
Athol grinned. He'd been about to open one of the foil cartons to see what was inside. "Spoilsport."
"You better believe it. I know you. One peek equals two picks and a pinch of whatever."
"Don't tell me," Linsey put plates and cutlery down in front of them. "Athol's playing just a peek. Do you know he did that, one day, with my pizza? And when I came back an hour later all I got was a not
e, Anna's on patrol. I've nipped out to the Pizza place for you. It seems your box is empty." She shook her head. "The box might have been empty, but Athol wasn't."
"I need to build up this stick insect body."
"Ha, whipcord and steel more like. Anyway it's not pizza, and get stuck in. Then we can talk." Linsey opened containers of food.
Athol leaned forward and sniffed. "I must look like that old advert on T.V., when the kids sniffed the gravy smell. But this looks, and smells good. Eat first, moan later?"
"Definitely," Caden said as he waved a plate at Anna." Trust me?"
She smiled. "Always."
"Eugh," Athol mimed being sick. "I'd say get a room, but I'm so bloody happy to see you two so bloody happy. Mind you though, please, not while were eating. And not whilst I feel I've got that big black cloud of nasty about to dump its contents over Ede and me."
Edan bit his lip. He'd got the same feeling.
"Yeah, okay, sorry." Anna grinned. "But I'm so happy, I want to share."
"Well, share it after we've eaten." Athol grumbled, but spoiled it by winking. "Then we can all high five and pat your tum. What did you say you were calling them, Athol and Athena?"
"In your dreams. According to Caden it’s Clary and Fred. Seriously? No idea until we see them. I was supposed to be Mary until I popped out. Then mum said I was nothing like a Mary, but a Diana. And I shortened that so I now feel I'm Anna."
"Sweet wheels on fire," Athol sniggered. "My godkids or whatever are going to have proper names."
"Like?" Caden asked.
Athol blinked. "Ask me when I see them."
****
The chat became general, and by the time all the Tapas was eaten Athol was happy and replete. He pushed his plate to one side and leaned back. "That was good, this might not be. Edan and I have a problem. Well, it's mainly mine I think, but, well, maybe not."
"As ever, clear as mud," Caden said. "Start at the beginning."
Linsey walked to a desk against one wall, and lifted out a sheaf of papers. "Athol sent me these and asked if I could help. I'm afraid not much, but I did take the liberty of photocopying them so we all have a list." She handed neatly bound sheaves of paper to them all. "Maybe once we've looked at them Athol and Edan can explain more."
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