“Yes, Sir.” The whisper was barely audible.
“Thank you, Baby. We’re going to have a nice time together. We want you to have a safe place to feel free and work on some stuff so that when your Dom and your Daddy take you home, things will be happy for you. Sit back now; we’re about to takeoff.”
Once the plane had left the ground, Dorian turned to the other two men. “I know Cassandra is hungry. Are you? It’s a short trip, but I want you to be comfortable.”
“Not for me, thank you. I do have a question,” Rob said. “How do you want us to address you?”
“You aren't my trainees anymore, so just call me by name. You know my disposition about protocol in a non-formal environment. Thank you.” He smiled up at the young woman who handed him a cup of coffee. “Fifty? Let me introduce you to Masters Rob and Bryon Johnson. This is their submissive and Little, Cassandra.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” The woman smiled warmly and offered a small curtsy.
“Fifty is in training and serves as my personal assistant. I’m putting her in charge of making certain you receive anything you need during your visit. Darling? Please bring the gentlemen some refreshment. As for this one …” Dorian paused to size Cassie up before speaking. “I suspect she would really enjoy the brie we brought in from France. I believe we have some stocked in the frig.”
Fifty studied Rob and Bryon for a moment and offered a small, knowing smile. “Yes, Master Dorian. May I be excused?”
He nodded and watched her leave. “That young lady is special. She came to me by accident and recently took the position as my assistant. She’s got a bit of a stubborn streak and tends to offer her opinion without being asked, but I adore her. She has this ability to anticipate what I need and keeps me on my toes almost as well as Meredith.”
“What kind of name is Fifty?” Cassie asked.
“All my girls are given a number when they come into the house. It allows them to put their past behind them so when their training is complete, they feel free to choose their own names when they leave with a new master. Our desire is that the pairing is ideal so that they can marry and live the life of their dreams.”
“You’re a matchmaking service?”
“You could say that.” He waited until Rob and Bryon were handed frosted glasses filled with amber beer and a bowl of Chex-mix. “Ah, the house ale. What do you think of it, gentlemen?”
“This brew is incredible, thank you. How did she guess that these two things are our favorite kick-back snacks? Did you tell her?” Bryon asked.
“No. That’s all on her. She’s excellent at reading people—even better than I am at times. Fifty? What’s that? I told you to bring the brie.”
“I did! Just not the way you wanted.” Her eyes sparked. “I warmed it up and drizzled some caramel on top, and cut the bread into pieces.” She shifted her attention to Cassie. “We grow the fruit ourselves. The pineapple’s delicious if you dip it in the cheese.”
“Damn, this is good! Thanks,” Cassie said.
“Language, young lady. As for you, stand right here.” Dorian ordered. Fifty quickly obeyed. He patted her bottom and looked up at her worried face. “Am I seeing some defiance?”
“No. I just didn’t like that I wasn’t asked before you jumped to conclusions.”
“Hence, her stubborn nature. You’re not the only one with your hands full,” Dorian explained to the amused men. He looked back up at the scowling Maid. “There’s a proper way to approach things without this surly disposition, Missy. Do I need to send you to Elias to teach you or should I handle it myself?”
“I’m sorry, Master.” She looked as though she was about to cry.
“Stop picking on her,” Cassie interjected. “Just because she didn’t do exactly what you ordered isn’t a reason to yell at her.”
“Fifty? Go sit down. We’ll discuss this later,” Dorian said. He waited until she obeyed and looked at Rob and Bryon. Both had their faces in their hands and were shaking their heads. “Boys? Do you have something to say?”
“Why are you yelling at them? They didn’t get in your face. I did.”
“I don’t yell, Miss Sass. They know what I’m waiting for.”
“We’ve never taught her protocol. Except for Suzanne and us, Cassie’s never been around the dynamic. She sends her love, by the way.”
“Suzanne Bichat? Her ex-husband, Douglas, was one of my mentors from the Gentlemen’s Club. How is she doing?”
“She’s switched and is domming our youngest brother, Glenn. I’m sorry about Cass, Dorian. We should have reinforced the rules that we expected her to follow while here. I take responsibility for her behavior,” Rob said.
“Don’t speak for me. I can say what I want.”
“That’s enough, Young lady. I want to hear an apology this instant.” Dorian’s eyes darkened, and Cassie winced. Her mouth was not just getting herself in trouble, but the boys as well.
“Sorry.”
Dorian grunted. “Let’s just lay out some rules before this happens again. This is my domain and disrespect of any kind is not only unacceptable, but is dealt with severely. I don’t care if you’re speaking with a janitor, you are to treat every person in my household with the utmost courtesy and consideration. Am I clear?”
“Yes, Sir,” she whispered.
“This particularly includes your Doms. I’m going to speak to them and don’t want to hear a peep out of you. Gentlemen? I need to know my limits.”
“I think we both agree to defer to your judgment. Old habits die hard, and we automatically fell into our place behind you when we should have stepped up,” Bryon said.
“You’re not trainees anymore. She’s your submissive which makes you responsible for her behavior unless you give me permission to intervene.”
“I should have been more assertive,” Rob admitted, looking rather abashed after the scolding. “As Bryon said, it was like coming back home and stepping in where we left off. When I physically handed her over to you, I assumed the permission to take control was implied. That was my mistake.”
“You know better. I want to hear the words per protocol, Mr. Johnson,” the older man said firmly.
Rob lifted his chin and looked at Dorian straight in the eye. “Bryon and I formally grant you our consent to take full control over our submissive and provide whatever you feel is necessary for her well-being. This consent extends to Merry and Elias, as well.”
Cassie frowned, watching his face. The only person she had ever seen either Rob or Bryon give in to was their dad, and their reaction made her nervous. How much power did this Dorian Graye have over people and why?
“Thank you. Never forget that the Code applies to me as well as to every other Dom. Without permission, none of us are to touch another Dom’s sub, or intervene to discipline or correct her, unless her safety is at risk. You’ve worked hard to earn your titles and now stand by my side as equals. I abide by your rules when it comes to Miss Mouth over here. Agreed?”
“Yes, Sir,” both men said quietly.
“What are your hard limits for her?”
“She’s only experienced the different levels of dominance and submission, and a little bit of sadomasochism. We don’t blood, gag, asphyxiate, or engage in public humiliation or degradation,” Bryon said. “Anything else, we leave to your discretion. She knows to call a hard limit if necessary. She also knows that we don’t allow her to get mouthy at home.”
“Thank you. Has she been taught how to conduct herself in a formal setting?”
Rob and Bryon shook their heads. Cassie found herself wishing she could take a long jump out of the plane. How could she be in trouble in less than thirty minutes? This Dorian Graye also scared the shit out of her. He was pure power, and she felt pulled with the desire to earn his praise yet run far, far away.
Dorian continued—this time addressing her. “Cassandra? Look at me. I already told you that we don’t stare at the ground here, not even when you’ve been naught
y. You were trying to protect Fifty, and I appreciate that, but it’s improper to come between a Dom and his sub unless you feel she’s in danger. If that happens, get your dominant or another Top to help. Think of when you go to the supermarket and see a child being chastised by his mother—would you say anything? Answer me.”
“Not unless I saw her hurting him or being cruel.”
“Did you observe either of those things between Fifty and myself?”
“No, but you were yelling at her over a stupid piece of cheese!”
“Again, I don’t yell. As for a reason, it doesn’t matter. I own her and how I want to train her is my prerogative. Fifty wasn’t corrected because of the cheese. It was her sassiness. I expect my girls to speak to me in a certain manner and she knows it. Fifty? Is this the first time you’ve been scolded for your temper?”
“No, Master Dorian. You got on me for the same thing yesterday,” the girl answered honestly.
“And I’ll continue to ‘get on you’ until the habit is broken,” Dorian promised with a chuckle as he heard her groan. “Cassandra, your Doms have allowed me the privilege of intervention. I consider that a gift of trust and will be very careful in how I exercise it. But, I promise if I hear that pretty little mouth talk back at me again, you will find yourself across my knee. Am I clear?”
“Yes, Sir. I’m sorry, Uncle Dorian,” she whispered as tears began to roll down her face. Being lectured in front of witnesses was humiliating, even if the audience were her Doms.
“Your ability to pull them in still amazes me,” Bryon commented, shaking his head. “What’s your secret?”
“Years of trial and error,” Dorian answered. “I’ve taken the time to learn the art of body language and have had subs who were honest enough to share what will get into their heads and how to get it there. It’s much easier with Littles. We don’t have many at the Manor, but Merry can sniff one out in a heartbeat. She’s going to be all over Cassandra.”
“How come you don’t call me Cassie like everyone else?”
“Because, my precious little pearl, Dorian Graye is not, nor will he ever be, like everyone else. I dance to the beat of my own drums. It’s caused me some problems with the stuffier and more formal BDSM associations, but time has proven my methods to have the highest success rate. Finish up your food. We’ll be home in about ten minutes and then can get you settled so you can go down for a nap.”
Bryon chuckle as she argued, “I don’t want to take a nap.”
“I don’t believe I asked you now, did I? Fifty? When we arrive home, will you please take Cassandra to her room and make her comfortable? I suspect that she’ll be sleepy after a nice bubble bath.”
“Um, may I say something, Sir?”
“Go ahead.”
“I don’t believe that One will be happy with either of us if she isn’t asked first to complete this task. I get to hide in my quarters when my day has ended, but you still live with her. I don’t think it’s wise to provoke her displeasure and not have a means of escape.”
“This is my wife and my submissive who you’re talking about.”
“Yes, Sir, but last time you were in a predicament like this, you ordered me to remind you about the fallout. Remember?”
Dorian tapped his chin. “You’re correct. I did forget, and I believe she made all of us suffer for over a week. We wouldn’t want to risk that happening to any of us again, would we? Gentlemen? What’s your opinion?”
“It’s fine with me,” Rob said. “We’ve always respected Merry as an extension of you and trust her explicitly.”
“You have to understand that Meredith won’t ask your permission to take Cassandra in hand if needed. No matter how many times I’ve discussed this with her, she still ignores the protocols with junior subs.”
Byron laughed. “I’m sure she enjoyed the discussions as much as you did. As I recall, she was quite the masochist.”
“She still is. The only discipline that seems to make an impact is the threat of no discipline. It drives her crazy when I won’t even spank her or cut her off from sex.”
“Hmm…”
“Don’t get any smart ideas, you two!” Cassie commanded.
CHAPTER EIGHT
After disembarking from the large amphibious plane, they were driven through the private island on a road bordered by palm trees, blooming hibiscus, and lush green grass. Minutes later, the vehicle pulled in onto a driveway belonging to an enormous white mansion with marble stairs that seemed to have appeared out of nowhere.
“Damn! That’s beautiful,” Cassie whispered, exiting the car in a daze.
“Thank you,” the Manor’s master responded. “Watch your language, Little Girl.”
Ignoring Cassie’s ‘Pft,' Rob turned to his prior teacher. “I’ve never asked why you chose this design, Dorian. I would never have considered using gothic over something more contemporary in this setting. This building is so out of place that it fits perfectly.”
“Ah, yes. I forgot that you’re an architect. It was love, my good man. My lady is my queen, and she deserved to live in a castle. So, I built her one so that she might command all who step foot upon the grounds.” Dorian answered, absently stroking Cassie’s hair.
“How come you don’t call me your queen?” Cassie poked Rob’s arm.
“Because you’re our little princess,” Bryon answered.
“Welcome to Graye Manor, Cassandra,” Dorian said, placing his hand on the small of her back to guide her inside.
“Wow. This place is huge,” she observed. The décor was elegant and timeless, from the furnishings to the light fixtures and was, indeed, a castle fit for a queen. “Is that a real Monet? Morning on the Seine, right?”
“I’m impressed. Are you an art major?”
“No, a French culinary student.”
“This little girl will make a chocolate mousse that you wish you could have sex with,” Rob added.
“Really? My wife is a chocoholic. When she misbehaves, I take away her Hitachi wand, bubble baths, and chocolate.”
“You’re mean!” Cassie declared.
“Not mean, my love. I’m sadistic. I also will make her eat oatmeal and indefinitely forbid bare-bottom spankings.”
“You’re a cruel, cruel man.”
“Thank you!” Dorian grabbed her hand. “Let’s go meet my One and only. Fifty? Please prepare a suite for the gentlemen. One said that she had Suite 3 prepared for Cassandra.”
“Yes, Sir, Master Dorian.”
“Separate rooms? Why?” Rob frowned.
“Trust me. Our Little Girl needs to be apart from her adult toys. Oh, and Fifty?” Dorian called as she walked away. “When you’re done, you may wait in my office to discuss the attitude. Don’t look so upset. Just be ready for me and have a strap picked out.”
Her lips broadened to a smile. “Yes, Sir! Thank you!”
A soft chuckle was heard under his breath as she happily scurried away. “That girl loves leather. Even after a caning, she’ll accept it. I don’t think my discipline for her temper is going to be very effective.”
“That’s because you’re a big, old marshmallow,” a voice declared from behind them.
“Elias! It’s been too long!” Rob and Bryon exchanged hearty hugs with the large, red-headed man. “How are you doing?”
“As well as to be expected. Grumpers over there won’t allow me to enlarge my stable.”
“How many horses do you have now?” Bryon asked.
“He doesn’t want it enlarged for horses. He wants more pony-girls, and we don’t have enough skilled trainers. Cassandra? This is Elias Dover. He’s my Master-At-Arms, brother-in-law and a general pain in the ass.”
“Dorian Basil Graye! Did I just hear you swear in front of a Little?” a woman scolded.
“Ha-ha, she called you by your middle name. You’re up shit creek now, bro.”
Dorian rolled his eyes. “Put a sock in it, Elias. I told you guys that she could sniff out a Little. Cassandra, thi
s is my wife…”
“Get out of my way!” The tall, shapely redhead pushed him aside and wrapped her arms in an affectionate hug around the amused girl. “I’m so glad you’re here! I’m Auntie Merry. Has Uncle Dorian been mean to you? You tell me if he is and I will straighten him out right away.”
Cassie couldn’t resist hugging her back, already liking anyone who was brave enough to reprimand the Master of the Manor. “No, Ma’am. He’s only threatened me because I talked back.”
“He’ll get over it. Come on,” Merry ordered, quickly leading her away.
“One! One, get your backside back here right now,” Dorian ordered.
Merry waved him off and winked at several of the Maids who had heard the commotion. “Snowball him, ladies, and buy me some time.”
“You can count on us, One. Master Graye? We need your help. We disagree about the rules regarding wine…”
Merry snickered as she pulled Cassie into the suite and closed the door behind them. She plopped on the leather couch and patted the seat next to her. “Sit a second. I’m sure His Highness ordered a nap. He’s been in a bossy mood since the moment he knew you were coming to visit.”
“I don’t want a nap. Are you going to get in trouble for all that?”
“I hope so.” The beautiful woman’s eyes twinkled. “I haven’t had a good whipping in days. You look confused.”
“I guess I am. Dorian didn’t seem like the type of man who would permit any of what I just saw. He was almost, well, human.”
Merry laughed. “Uncle Dorian’s very human, but he hides it well. It’s mine and Elias’ job to keep him on his toes and prevent him from taking life too seriously. All the Maids adore and respect him, but they will also do anything they can to push boundaries. I’m afraid that’s mostly my doing—I don’t always set the best example.”
“I had this image of everything being strict and rigid, like one of those British girl schools.”
“If The Gentleman’s Club had their druthers, it would be. Fortunately, the only power they have is ensuring that all the facilities under their umbrella maintain the Code of Conduct.”
End Zone (Game Plan Series Book 3) Page 8