She lost track of time as she considered the new revelation. Dorian’s voice startled her when he summoned her from the corner.
“Cassandra? Come to me.” He held her hands after wiping her cheek with his palm. “My heart loves very quickly, and you have a part of it. You belong to me now and know I’m very protective of those I call family and will give my last breath to save any of them. Value this gift, Sweetheart. The world isn’t as accepting and understanding of our needs, so we must rely on each other. We’ll always be here for you in whatever manner you need. Never forget that, okay?”
“I won’t. Thank you,” she sniffed, her voice tiny and docile. “Can I have my hug now?”
Dorian hugged her tightly and kissed her head as he pulled her up onto his lap. “You didn’t think I would spank you, did you?”
She reached around to rub her aching bottom. “Yeah, I did. I just didn’t think it would be so hard.”
“Maybe one day I’ll take you into the dungeon and show you what I can do.” He chuckled, snuggling her to his chest.
“Promises, promises…”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“What’s that racket?” Dorian asked Fifty as she served his table dinner that evening. She bit her lip. “I tried to warn Miss Cassandra to stay out of the kitchen, but she wouldn’t listen. She and Mrs. Lyon are having a shouting match.”
“Damn. Elias?” Dorian looked hopefully at his brother-in-law.
“No way. I’m no fool. If you want to rescue that child from the Lyon’s Den, do it yourself.”
“I’ll get her,” Rob said. As he stood, the sound of crashing was heard. “Bryon, come with me for back-up.”
“Chicken-shits,” Merry tittered as she sipped her wine.
“I don’t see you going in there.”
“For the same reason you won’t, big brother. That woman scares the heebie-jeebies out of me. I’m just glad that our guests know how she is. Otherwise, we’d have some real problems.”
Before Rob and Bryon reached the next table, Cassie ran out of the kitchen and along the parameter of the dining room’s wall. Following close behind was the portly little chef who waved an enormous wooden spoon and bellowed at the girl in French. The guests clapped as Cassie dodged the swipe of the utensil and dove under the tables to escape.
“Gentlemen, you might as well be seated.” Dorian sighed. He rubbed his temples. “Will someone please either get those two to quiet down or bring me some ear plugs?”
“I’ll take care of it, Master,” Fifty said. She placed the bottle of wine in the chilled bucket and walked to stand between the angry chef and Cassie’s last hiding place.
“Ladies and Gentlemen! May I have your attention, please?” Fifty tapped the side of a crystal goblet with a spoon. “Thank you for joining us this evening. As many of you know, Graye Manor is privileged to have the best personnel that the world can offer. We strive to allow our guests meet those who work behind the scenes to ensure we uphold the Master’s standards. I’d like to introduce you to our Chef de Cuisine, Mdm. Lyon, the artist behind every gastric wonder that touches your lips. Please join me and show your appreciation for her incredible service.”
Dorian rested his elbows on the table and supported his chin as he watched the performance. Fifty had succeeded in both silencing the screaming and freezing the chef in her tracks. While her intervention was impressive, he was certain that the poor girl would suffer the consequences later. The embarrassed chef loathed any public attention and Fifty had forced the old woman into the spotlight.
“Am I safe?” Cassie peeked out from under the tablecloth.
“For now. Just stay where you are,” he whispered, pushing her head back where she wouldn’t be seen. He glanced over at Rob and pointed down. The other man’s relieved expression suddenly changed to surprise.
“Robert? Is everything okay?”
“Yes. I just wanted to know when we will be allowed to stay with Cass for the night?” the man asked with a strained voice as he moved his hands to his lap.
Dorian hid his amusement. “Not for another day or two. Why do you ask?”
“You know damn well why he’s asking, Dorian. He’s getting a fucking blow job,” Elias snorted. He stuck his head under the table. “You better hurry, girl. The beast is going to find you soon, and none of us can protect you from that spoon.”
“Is everyone ready for dessert?” Fifty was saying. “Mrs. Lyon has prepared a surprise that is certain to end with each of you receiving more than a happy palate. Servers, if you please?”
Dorian beamed with pride as the guests ‘oohed and awed’ when the parfait glasses, each decorated with a lit sparkler, were carried out on trays. Loud cheers and applause filled the room—loud enough to cover the sound of Rob’s groan.
“She’s gone. You can come out now,” Elias announced. Cassie emerged with a grin on her face and plopped next to Merry.
“That’s my girl!” the older woman praised, giving her a high-five.
“Did I miss something?” Bryon asked, looking around the table.
“Not a thing, Daddy. Cross my heart. Taste the mousse.”
“This is heaven,” Merry moaned, closing her eyes. “You made this?”
“Uncle Dorian said that you liked chocolate, so I wanted to do something special.”
“I don’t like chocolate, Baby Girl. I worship it. Dorian, we seriously need to get her to make this again.”
Fifty whispered in his ear and he nodded, his eyes twinkling as he addressed his wife. “We have a bowl upstairs in our room for later. I understand that there are also strawberries, whipped cream, and Grand Marnier sauce. I intend to allow you to have some dessert before your midnight snack.”
“Excuse me, please.” Merry put her napkin on the table and disappeared underneath.
“How does he keep control like that?” Rob asked Elias as Dorian calmly enjoyed the mousse and sipped a second glass of wine that Fifty poured for him.
“Mr. Roboto? I have no idea, but that poker face is why he’s the best in both the courtroom and with the mind-fuck. When the girls can’t guess what he’s planning, it keeps them on their toes. The only two people who can see through him are Merry and Fifty.”
“You two know I can hear you, right? Now be quiet so I can enjoy these beautiful lips in peace.” He then looked at Cassie, who was giggling behind her hand. “You didn’t hear that.”
Merry’s hot mouth around his cock always made him tremble inside. He felt her tongue wrap around the sensitive ridge before she slowly sucked him into her mouth. She loved to tease, pushing to get a reaction when he was bound and determined not to give her that satisfaction. It was a game of cat and mouse that they had played from the very beginning of their relationship and one they neither tired of.
Unable to get her hand into his pants, she clawed at the material covering his sensitive balls and almost achieved a wince. He reached between his legs to remove her nails, wag a finger at her, and then pulled her head closer. Satisfied with her obedience, his hand returned to the table, and he calmed his breathing as she milked his cock from her soft lips to the back of her throat.
Dorian raised his glass to his lips as he felt his body tighten and start to tingle. “What are you looking at, Elias?”
“Just waiting to see if I can guess when you come. Even you can’t spurt and talk at the same time.”
“Your interest in my sex life concerns me at times. We need to find somebody for you to occupy your time.” God, he thought, I’m almost there. Can I keep up this conversation?
“I have the mares.”
“I’m talking about a more permanent arrangement.” Here we go! He inhaled deeply as he felt his hot cum pour into his wife’s mouth. “Maybe we can start to interview for an assistant.”
“You’re not playing matchmaker with me. I just need to spend some time on the mainland.”
He flexed his thigh and ass muscles, focusing the post-come spasms so that Elias’ curiosity wouldn’t be ass
uaged. “You can go anytime you want. The other trainers can cover your duties as long as you give them some notice.”
“That’s a good idea. I… fuck,” he groaned as Merry emerged and sat back in her chair. She smiled and daintily dabbed the corner of her mouth with her napkin.
Dorian smiled and raised his glass. “To being able to spurt and talk, my friend.”
****
“How did your day with the boys go?” Dorian asked Merry after they both tucked Cassie into bed. They held hands as they made their way back to their suite.
“They are dedicated to making this work. What happened with our girl? Something changed.”
“Elias broke through.”
Merry stopped mid-step and looked at him with excitement in her eyes. “Really? He freed her?”
“Not only did that dumb-ass brother of yours free her, but he also brought out a very strong Middle. A Middle who got her bottom spanked by yours truly this afternoon.”
“You obviously didn’t spank her very hard. She wouldn’t have been able to tear through the dining room at that speed if you did. Are you growing soft in your old age, Master Graye?”
“She got what she deserved. There was also nothing soft that came in your mouth this evening. Watch those claws, by the way. I’m the sadistic one here.”
“A little pain would do you good.”
“We both know the truth in that. Go run a bath while I set up the playroom.”
Merry squealed happily and rushed into the bathroom. Chuckling, Dorian pulled off his shirt and stretched his tight muscles. He needed a session as much as she did that night. Having Cassie around was delightful, but he couldn’t treat her like he did the others—especially since they were dealing with age-play issues. Rob had told him that she had a strong masochistic streak, but he hadn’t witnessed it other than in her ‘promises, promises’ comment. It did raise his curiosity.
“What are you thinking about that’s making you look so serious?” Merry asked, wrapping her arms around his neck. He lifted her onto the bed and wedged his hips between her thighs.
“I was wondering if Rob would allow me to take Cassandra down the rabbit-hole.”
“I’m sure he would. I also think she would love that. The boys were very detailed about her degree of masochism. It’s not to my level, but there is potential there. May I watch?”
“Of course. It also took you several years to develop your tolerance, and she’s just starting out. Let’s bring it up as a suggestion for their next visit. Rob promised that they would come at least once a year.”
“They live so near to us. Why not more?”
Dorian kissed her and held her hands. “You can’t keep her, Sweetheart. She’s their Little, not ours.”
“But we’re her family now. Don’t aunts and uncles have visiting rights?”
“I love you.” His voice was hoarse as he ran his lips along the left side of her neck. She purred as his teeth sunk into her flesh.
“I love you, too. Will you blood me tonight?”
“You know how I feel about that. No. No pouting, either. I’ll take a whip to you, but I’m not breaking skin.”
“It’s not fair, you know.” She ran her hands over his bare shoulders and across the sculpted muscles of his chest. “Other pain sluts get to be blooded, branded and carved. Why not me?”
“You know better than to ask that question of your master.” He grabbed a handful of her hair and pulled her head back to kiss her exposed throat. “Is the bath ready?”
“Yes, Master.” In a single moment, Merry became One.
“Bring me your collar and leash.” He watched as she gracefully slid from the bed and walked to the armoire to retrieve the item. She kneeled before him, legs spread, eyes up as she presented the sterling silver band and linked leash. He placed it around her neck and locked it in place.
“Do you remember the day I collared you?”
“Yes, Master. It was the same day you collared me with this.” She held up her wedding ring.
“I think you were more excited about the collar around your neck than the one on your finger. Why was that?”
“I already knew that I had your love. This,” she said, touching the collar, “I had to earn. You worked me harder than any of the submissives at TGC, and I wanted so badly to please you. I knew that a collar would be important for us to be whole.”
“It’s just a symbol, One. You’re crying.” He thumbed a tear from her cheek.
“It’s what it represents that still bring tears to my eyes. When you had the triskelia engraved into the metal, it was a promise that you would withhold nothing from me.”
He fingered the collar. “Tell me. What are the three parts?”
“Bondage and Domination, Domination and Submission, and Sadomasochism.”
“Good girl. What else?”
“It represents our trust, and everything provided would be safe, sane and consensual.”
He chuckled. “Sometimes we question the sane part, don’t we?”
“You would never allow me to come to harm or permanently disable me. You’ve trained to be who you are, the Whip Master, and use your skills to better me as a person and us as a couple.”
“And the third meaning?”
“Our roles. A Dom-Master, Sub-Slave, and a Switch. Although I still question the latter.”
“You carry the role as the dominant submissives among the Maids and instruct and correct our girls as needed. One day you’ll accept your place as Mistress of the Manor. Mark my word. Do you remember what these holes stand for?”
“That only together can we be whole. Without each other and our community, we are left with a void.” The love in her eyes made his heart pound. His desire to both protect and bring exquisite pain to the beautiful creature at his feet was something that only those who believed in what the collar symbolized understood.
“Do you know why I ask you these things every time I place this collar around your neck?”
She rubbed her cheek against his hand. “It’s a recitation of our wedding vows and a reminder of your promise.”
“Have I ever broken a promise to you, One?”
“Never, Master.” Peace registered on her face. It was time.
****
Merry felt the warmth of Dorian’s love as it settled inside. She transformed into One, his first submissive and Graye Maid, his only slave, and the singular love of his heart. Becoming One was her happy place—a place that nothing mattered except the relinquishing of all control to the man she trusted with her life. Even though he refused to allow her to engage in edge play, he was still able to give her the degree of pain that she craved. The release of his controlled sadistic streak while indulging in hard impact never failed in reducing her to a wet puddle of lust.
He asked for the leash that night. That always meant restraint and signaled that once the chain was held in his hand, speech was forbidden. She was his property, his toy, and his challenge. Of all the different activities they engaged in, this was her favorite because it pushed her to the edge.
“Hand me the leash. You understand the rules?” She nodded silently. “Do you want a safe word?”
The question was always presented and always denied. He wanted control, and she gave it to him—complete and without limits. Every time they sessioned, he took her one step farther than she believed she could handle. Her joy came with the pride that reflected in his eyes as he wiped away her tears and then tenderly made love to her with protective care.
She crawled behind him towards the bathroom. A bath always preceded their play, for both comfort and safety. His intent was not to blood her, but the risk was present, so he insisted on infection control. It also set the tone for the rest of the night.
He undressed her, slowly peeling the clothes from her body while taking the time to pet her long, red hair and run his hand over her flesh. After checking the temperature of the bath water, he placed her in the tub and began to cleanse every soft inch, taking the
time to memorize every curve, every nuance of her body. Their encounter would be spontaneous and unpredictable, so she put aside all questions and anticipation of what was to occur.
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured. Merry arched her chest, inviting him to play with her nipples. Grabbing one pink tip, he twisted until she whimpered.
“I direct our time together, not you. You’re such a greedy little thing. Do you want me to do that again?”
She looked down, avoiding his eyes. She could organism with nipple torture alone and didn’t want to risk refusal. He caught her other nipple between his fingers and pinched it, smiling as she moaned.
“I have something special planned for you tonight besides dessert. Are you ready?” With her nod, he lifted her from the tub and carried her wet body into the high-vaulted play room. The St. Andrews cross rested in the dead center and a piercing station against the wall. She squealed and clutched his arm, trying to express her excitement without breaking the rule of silence.
The words ‘pick one’ came out of his mouth. Just one? Why not both? With the St. Andrews cross, she knew he would uncoil his whip and paint a landscape of red over her entire body. It would be long and agonizing, with each stroke bringing her closer to ecstasy. The piercing station, however, was not as predictable. Elias called Dorian the king of the mind-fuck, and no one was safe from his mental sadism—not even her. He would pierce something, but what? Except for her ears, he had forbidden body jewelry or modifications, wanting a fresh palette each time he took an instrument of pain to her flesh. No amount of begging, pleading, or tantrums to receive even the simplest of piercings worked to change his mind. The last time she threw a fit over the subject, she was subjected to a shameful over the knee spanking in front of the other Maids. After that, she never brought up the subject again.
End Zone (Game Plan Series Book 3) Page 15