by Cara Carnes
“I know how hard that can be.” Her fingers ran along his arm. “I guess we’re more alike than I realized.”
“Yes.” He nibbled her neck and moaned when she shivered against him. “We all got into the university on a scholarship from the same foundation, one set up to give kids like us a leg up. Chase was my roomie in the dorm. Kade and Lance were next door.”
“That’s a recipe for trouble.”
“You have no idea.” He chuckled. “We were all pretty much hellions when we had our first taste of freedom and security. The fact we didn’t flunk out that first semester was a minor miracle.”
A miracle named Chase.
“He was an organizer even back then—a lot like you—always had a list for one thing or another. He and Kade were the ones who came up with the idea for The Pleasure Brigade. Everything sort of slid into place along the way.”
“It sounds like fate wanted you all to meet.”
“Maybe so.”
Silence spanned for a few heartbeats and Lorenzo enjoyed the ease between them. There was no need for conversation to fill a void.
“I’ll need to head to work soon,” she said regretfully.
“There’s plenty of time.” He kissed her neck and squeezed her tight. “Rest for now, bella donna. We’ll conquer the day together later.”
Chapter Eight
“If you fidget with that hem one more time I’m taking the whole thing off.” Lance crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. A glimmer of amusement glinted on his face as he watched Viviana adjust to her latest outfit.
Viviana’s mischievous smirk left little doubt the outfit would be off soon enough.
Lance and Stryker had decided the most suitable punishment for their meddling vixen—as they called her—was to have her wear the outfits she’d selected for Katey. Today she was wearing the red under-bust corset and pettiskirt sans underwear. The latter was the topic of war.
The verbal sparring kept Katey from going fully insane even though she’d suspected it’d already happened. Why else would she have agreed to take Chase’s place as event coordinator?
Because they needed her.
Morsels of confidence and a sense of belonging gripped her hard and refused to let go. Not that it would’ve mattered much. Ever since she’d arrived at The Brigade she hadn’t been left alone. There’d been a wide assortment of “assistance” from people she’d never met—all Brigade Masters trying to do their part to help get ready for the collaring ceremony.
Everything Katey’d managed to read about those types of ceremonies seemed to imply it was a private, intimate affair. Clearly Kade hadn’t read the memo on that one. And Autumn. The woman practically floated she was so euphoric.
Not that Katey could blame her. This was in essence their wedding day. At least that’s how Katey imagined they saw it.
Lorenzo had remained with a grumbling Chase at the hospital. She glanced at her watch. Hopefully the surgery would go well. The vehicle had taken the brunt of the damage—Chase had somehow survived the rest.
Montgomery had walked away unscathed, something that apparently didn’t settle right with the cowboy who’d sworn to get the very best physical therapist to help Chase when the time came around. The fact the promise had been said with a smirk didn’t bode well for her boss, who’d been too drugged to notice the underlying intent behind the words.
Fortunately most of the vendors were Brigade members with a vested desire to appease Chase’s need for perfection. They wheeled and maneuvered around her with very little need for assistance.
Thank God.
Sighing, she set the clipboard down on the entryway table and grimaced at the shards of stress shooting up her neck. She couldn’t quite reach the spot that hurt the most so surrendered to the fact she’d suffer a little longer.
Strong hands settled on her shoulders and squeezed. She moaned softly and leaned into the kneading fingers. “Thank you.”
“I don’t want you this wound up, Katey.” Lorenzo’s voice was a husky whisper on her neck. “Come and sit down for a few moments. You’ve done enough.”
She leaned against him and relished the strength of his embrace. His hands drifted across her abdomen. “I didn’t think you’d be back this soon.”
“Stryker and some others are at the hospital. I figured it was best for me to be here, with you, making sure you didn’t collapse under the self-imposed pressure I saw building earlier.” He took her hand and pulled. “Come.”
He guided her into a corner of the lobby and she collapsed in an appreciative sigh on the plush leather sofa. He knelt before her and slid off her shoes.
“You were limping earlier.” He glanced up as his fingers began massaging the achy bottoms of her foot. “We will discuss proper footwear this evening, bella donna. I find the beauty of your calves when in heels very arousing but not at the expense of your comfort.”
The part about her limping earlier left her wondering how long he’d been here, watching her. The thought made her insides warm and her heart patter with proffered delight. Closing her eyes, she almost surrendered to the need to purr her appreciation as Lorenzo continued his ministrations, massaging to her knees.
“Spread your legs for me.”
The order threw her off-center. She coiled her fingers into the leather seating and spread her knees wide enough for him to see beneath the short skirt.
“You were such a good girl to remain bare. Did you do this for me?” His fingers ran up her inner thigh.
The impulse to surprise him had been too tempting. Her pussy clenched as arousal struck her hard. The pleasure in his gaze made her feel like a goddess, a siren existing to satisfy his desires.
“Lean back and remain exposed.”
Her hesitation made his jaw twitch in agitation. He looked at her a moment. “Do as I say.”
She closed her eyes and obeyed. Her pulse pounded furiously in her ears, drowning out the passerby foot traffic from the corridor nearby. Could they see her?
Lorenzo kissed each kneecap and then began a sensuous journey with his mouth up the inside of her thigh. His fingers led the way, massaging upward in a steady path, which made her recline deeper into the sofa.
Skillful fingers forayed along her outer lips as if awakening them to his intent. He spread her labia and hovered above her. The hot breath made her tremble in anticipation.
“I love how responsive you are.” His tongue flicked the sensitive inner folds of her pussy and she moaned, writhing herself upward. A strong hand went to her hip and squeezed. “Remain still for me.”
His attention returned to her wet slit. Fingers delved into her pussy and she stifled a groan upon hearing the appreciative hum of his voice so close to her.
“I could watch your pussy take my fingers all day. Or better yet, my cock.” He rubbed her clit gently. “Don’t come until I tell you to.”
Pleasure surged within her and drifted just beneath his touch. She bit her lip and squeezed her hands into fists. The man had no idea how strongly his touch affected her.
The sensual assault continued, each thrust of his fingers into her wet pussy dragged her closer to the edge. He leaned down and flicked his tongue across her clit. The fingers buried in her rotated in and out in a steady but rapid pattern.
Pleasure jumbled with desire and left her unconscious to anything beyond Lorenzo. Her lips parted on a sigh of his name, a soft plea for what she needed most. Her hand wound in his hair, her mound thrust against his mouth.
With a groan his tongue thrust where his fingers had been, then swept out and across her slit. The waves of desire rose, consuming everything in their path. Her breathing became ragged bursts of air.
“Come for me.” The whispered command made her entire body tense. Tiny bursts of awareness beaded across her flesh and ignited into an explosive release.
His kiss engulfed her scream and radiated her focus to him, the fingers nimbly massaging her clit and pumping in and out of her in a furious pace her puls
e worked diligently to keep up with.
She collapsed into the sofa when the last tendrils of release slipped away and allowed reality to trickle in. Lorenzo sat beside her and swept her into his embrace.
“That’s a wonderful way to take a break,” she commented.
“I agree.” He chuckled. “Although perhaps next time I’ll make sure we have enough privacy to continue.”
His erection nestled against her and she ran her hand down his chest. “Maybe we could slip off somewhere and I could take care of that for you.”
“I’d love nothing better, but I’m thinking you’ll be missed if I steal you away.” He kissed her lips and glanced up. “It’s not polite to stare.”
The statement made her wince inwardly as she looked over at whoever had become the subject of Lorenzo’s scrutiny. Brendan stood there with his arms crossed and a smirk on his face.
“I figured you two would notice eventually.” He motioned toward the commotion in the hallway. “The last of the preparations are done so I was going to let guests in, unless Katey had objections.”
Seeing the man who’d strapped her to the St. Andrew’s cross in the light of day made her flush with embarrassment—or perhaps it was just finding him watching her have the orgasm of the century in the middle of the resort lobby. What had she been thinking?
Surprise of all surprises she hadn’t thought much beyond Lorenzo Garofali, who kissed her shoulder before sliding her off his lap and standing.
“I’ll help you greet them so Katey can have time to get herself ready for the ceremony.” He squeezed her hand. “I’ll be there in a few moments.”
Brendan nodded and headed toward the festivities. Kade had opted to have the ceremony outdoors to accommodate the inordinate crush of guests who’d responded with their intent to witness the first collaring ceremony for one of the Pleasure Brigade’s founders.
A list of things to finish cycled in Katey’s mind as she stood. “I should check on things real quick.”
“Brendan and I will run through everything. All I want you to do is take a few moments to yourself. Change clothes.” He kissed her.
Her belly did a flip-flop motion a few times when he grinned down at her with that casual I’m-about-to-rock-your-world gleam in his eyes. Suddenly she was wishing they’d had a few more minutes and a bit more privacy so she could’ve slid to her knees and rocked his world.
There’d be time for that later.
“I know things have just started up between us and this may seem premature.” He drew her into his arms. “Last night made me realize a few things.”
Her heartbeat knocked around in a conspiracy with her gut to make her lose the muffin she’d had for breakfast. Had she done something wrong?
“Thinking about all Brendan lost and seeing what Kade and Autumn are about to commit to has made me realize how much you mean to me, Katey.” His hand cupped her cheek.
A flurry of excitement wedged in her heart.
“I knew months ago when I moved you out here and away from me at the office that I wanted you. It was the hardest thing I’d ever done.” He looked away for a moment. His jaw twitched. “You put your trust in me so easily it terrified me. I did everything within my power to give you what you needed, not merely what I wanted.”
“I want you too.” Duh, there she was—splayed out there like the queen of the obvious.
His gaze softened but intensified. It was a jumbled heap of emotional display that left her heart thudding faster and her stomach churning with excitement. God this man affected her so easily.
“It’s too soon to ask for a commitment from you, Katey, but I am telling you here and now that you are the only submissive I will play with.”
She liked hearing that. She could sense the smile on her face and loved the way it brought out that sexy smirking grin she’d grown addicted to. The urge to reflexively promise the same was poised on the tip of her tongue, but his fingers ran along her lips and that heart-reactive intensity was back in his eyes.
“I already consider you mine. No one will be joining our play unless we both agree.” He grinned. “There’s a few more things I’d like to help you explore which will require at least one other Dom, perhaps two.” Her body grew languid at the thought as arousal returned full measure. One of these days she’d stop becoming nuclear reactive around Lorenzo, but she hoped it wouldn’t be any time soon.
He pressed a chaste kiss on her lips and swatted her backside. “Go and change if you wish. I’ll assist Brendan to get the guests seated comfortably. I’m sure everyone will be returning from the hospital soon enough.”
Katey went to her quarters and showered. A hazy euphoria kept her floating around her room as she prepared for the celebration. She paused before the mirror and studied her throat. What sort of collar would Lorenzo present to her?
She wanted something small but with a lock. A couple of the submissive guests who’d arrived with some of the out-of-town Brigade Masters had adorned collars like those. Many hadn’t.
She knew the true bond was one of the heart—something she’d somehow forged with Lorenzo without even noticing it sliding into place. Like a lock. Did it feel the same way for him?
She hoped so. After all, he’d made a commitment there would be no other submissive for him. The promise made her feel important, wanted. Cherished.
The clock on her bedside table chimed softly. Donning her electronic bracelet, she grinned. Okay, she already had a collar of sorts.
Even though she’d never seen whatever notes this thing had on her playtime, she was confident they’d assure anyone who did wield that decisive power she was Lorenzo Garofali’s.
She had been before she’d stepped foot into The Brigade.
Winding through the crowded hall, she made her way into the bustling exterior and slid into his arms as if she’d been meant to be there all along. He kissed her cheek softly and she allowed her gaze to travel the packed event.
The blue sapphire corset and leather skirt she’d donned seemed appropriate but her stance wasn’t. She studied the crowd and noted the submissive pose most, if not all, the other submissives had taken. She swallowed her apprehension and then realized it was arousal rising within her.
The moment she knelt she realized why they’d spent a small fortune trekking the soft carpeting across the grounds when it’d arrived by private truck. It was soft, plush against her knees. She spread her legs wider and allowed her gaze to sweep up the white-and-gold material. The Pleasure Brigade insignia glinted in the waning sunlight wherever she looked.
Lorenzo settled his arm on her shoulder. “You please me immensely, bella donna. I will have to reward your good behavior later tonight.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
“I will have Master Santiago and Master Brendan keep you company during the ceremony.”
The statement reminded her of what she’d temporarily forgotten—he’d be up front at the makeshift altar beside Kade. Chase was supposed to be there as well. Viviana whirled into view, holding a laptop in one hand while wrestling with a cord wound around her with her other hand. She paused and glanced into the audience.
Lance and Stryker both appeared from nowhere.
“Yeah, they aren’t pussy whipped at all,” Gabe stated in a chuckle as he moved to stand beside her.
She hid her smirk as another massive body appeared beside her.
“I dare you to tell them that.” Brendan ran a hand down her head and rested it on her neck. “You look enchanting this evening, Katey.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
The two men fell silent for a moment as they all watched Viviana twirl around the stage in a flurry of determination.
“What is she doing exactly?”
Gabe sighed. “She was determined Kade and Autumn would get the ceremony exactly how they intended even though Chase wasn’t here. She’s set up a video feed from the hospital so he can still stand in as one of Kade’s choices.”
“Very cool.”
<
br /> “She’s a wonderfully attentive submissive, just like Katey here.” Gabe touched her shoulder.
Although Katey had known Lorenzo would be up front as part of the ceremony she’d never asked why. The urge to do so pressed hard on her. She shifted her weight on her legs and looked up at the two men.
“You have a question?” Brendan asked.
“Why are Master Lorenzo and the others up there?”
She hoped the inquiry didn’t sound jealous. He’d just promised she’d be the only submissive for him. It was an honestly curious question without hidden context. At least, that’s what she hoped.
Amusement reflected in Gabe’s face when he responded. “We should wait and have you pose that question to your Dom.”
Apparently she had sounded jealous. Her stomach twisted into knots as she swept her gaze longingly over Lorenzo. He’d understand her need to know. She’d always been a curious person.
“It’s okay, Katey. There’s no deep secret behind the meaning.” Brendan massaged her neck gently, his voice abating her nervousness. “None of us had the best upbringing. By us I mean the original members of the Pleasure Brigade. When we formed back then we made a pact that when we took a submissive we’d do everything within our power to support one another and her through anything that might happen.”
She’d known Lorenzo’s past had been bad. She hadn’t realized they’d all suffered their own hardships. The strong, confident men she’d grown to admire were the embodiments of control. Somehow knowing they’d suffered and moved on made her feel more confident she’d truly done the same thing. An immense weight settled on her heart when Brendan’s voice turned deeper, more pained.
“The men who stand behind Kade are making a vow to be there for him and for Autumn should anything happen.” His fingers squeezed her neck, as if seeking her warmth. “They made the same commitment to me during my ceremony and upheld it each step of the way when Dana passed. They gave me the privacy I sought during my darkest hours but I always knew they were there—watching and waiting for me to rise from the ashes of my despair.”