by Jenna Jacob
“Hello,” he answered, his voice still thick and gruff with sleep. “Ah, yeah. What time is it?”
Sitting up, he scrubbed a hand over his face before turning to look at me. A slow smile curled on his lips, and he gave me a sexy wink.
“Let me grab a shower and get dressed. I’ll be out in a few minutes.” He paused for a moment, listening to the person on the other end of the line. “No problem. Thanks, man.”
“You have to work the club tonight, don’t you?” I asked, hoping I didn’t sound as dejected as I felt.
“Yes, I do,” he replied, leaning in to drop a tender kiss on my lips. “But you’re going to come with me and sit at the bar. Catch up with Sammie and Trevor and Savannah. You need to get out from behind these four walls, sweetheart.”
The thought of sitting and watching Tony throw his whip, dominating Destiny or any one of his other pain sluts, made my stomach roll.
“I don’t mind staying in. Besides, there’s a book I’ve wanted to finish before I need to take it back to the library. It’s all good. I’ll just see you when you get back,” I replied, in a nervous rush of words.
“Really? After all we’ve talked about, not to mention the lesson I taught you earlier, you’re going to sit there and blow smoke up my ass? Dammit, Leagh, are we ever going to get past this?” Tony raked his hand through his hair before turning toward the bathroom.
“Wait,” I cried. “I don’t want to go sit in the dungeon.”
He turned slowly, staring at me as if I’d grown an extra head. “Why not?”
I sucked in a deep breath. It was now or never. I had to open my soul and trust him with my all my feelings…The good, the bad, and the ugly jealous ones.
“It kills me to watch you with other subs.”
His shoulders sagged as the tension left his body. “When have you ever watched me with another sub? Now that I think about it, you’ve never been outside your room when the club’s been opened since George died.”
“Once,” I confessed quietly. “The night I passed out. You walked past me with—”
“With Destiny in my arms. Yes, I remember.” Tony nodded in understanding. “Leagh, the subs I scene with don’t hold a candle to what I feel for you. You know that right?”
I nodded and cast my gaze toward the floor. It was stupid and childish of me to be jealous of the things he did with other subs, but I couldn’t help it. The green-eyed monster inside leapt to life, and I couldn’t seem to wrangle it back in. Watching him whip and soothe, spank and caress another sub while I sat and watched would be akin to shoving knives through my heart.
“I know, but I still can’t watch you do it,” I mumbled, still unable to look at him.
Tony didn’t say a word… didn’t move. The silence dragged an uncomfortable amount of time until I couldn’t stand it. Glancing up, I found him staring down at me, grinning like an idiot.
“What’s so funny?” I bristled.
“You’re jealous,” he replied in a sing-song voice.
“I am not!”
“Oh, you are, sweetheart,” Tony laughed as he pounced onto the bed. “And I like it.”
I didn’t want to, but I giggled as he rolled me on top of him and squeezed me tight, still grinning like a loon.
“Well, I don’t,” I pouted dramatically. “It makes me feel like I’m back in high school. It’s stupid.”
“Aww, it’s not stupid, angel. It just shows me how much you care.”
“I do care about you, Tony. I love you. You know that.”
“Yeah, and that makes me the luckiest bastard on the planet.” He beamed. “I’ll make a deal with you. I’ll monitor the play stations as DM tonight if you sit at the bar and talk to your friends again.”
“Okay.” I nodded, inwardly relieved that he wouldn’t be touching the subs.
“I’ll talk to Mika and Drake. I’m sure we can come up with a list of Dom’s that enjoy edge play who might be interested in working the subs.”
“Wait. No.” I held up my hand and shook my head. “You can’t stop doing what you like because of my stupid jealousies.”
“I can do whatever I want to. I’m the Master,” Tony challenged. “Do I need to prove that to you, again?”
“No. And that’s not what I meant,” I sighed, feeling my irritation rise from the way he twisted my words. “If you stopped fulfilling your sadistic needs because of me, you’d end up resenting me, and I’ll be wracked with guilt.”
Tony sobered and reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “Baby, since you’ve come into my life, I’ve had an awakening of sorts. Fulfilling the needs of pain sluts has lost its appeal. So there’s no need for you to feel an ounce of guilt over my choices. I’m not going to resent you coming into my life…ever. Trust me. I’m a thousand times more complete inflicting sweet agony on you, sweetheart.”
Rolling me beneath him, Tony kissed me with a passion so reverent and full of promise it made my toes curl. Gliding his mouth down the column of my throat, he nipped and growled as he worked his way to my nipples. Dragging his tongue from one beaded tip to the next, I threaded my fingers in his hair and tossed my head back. Soft moans tickled the back of my throat as I arched, offering my breasts to him, to tease, torment, and devour.
A low curse tore from his lips as his cell phone began to ring again. I couldn’t help but giggle. Tony shot me a mock glare of warning which I responded to by rolling my eyes. He shook his head and flashed a dazzling smile. The ease at which we teased one another warmed my heart. Still, Tony would make me walk the line for him, night and day and every second in between. I welcomed the challenge; it excited the hell out of me.
“Hello,” he answered. A hint of perturbedness laced his tone. I caught a glimpse of unease flash across his face before he smoothed it away. “Ah, no. Not tonight. I’ll be working as a Dungeon Monitor. I’ll check with Shadow Master and see if he can scene with you, girl.”
I knew right away it was one of Tony’s regulars calling for a spot on his “hit list.” The jealousy-guilt cocktail sluicing through my veins felt foreign and acrid. This wasn’t going to be the last call of its kind. But if Tony’s claims were true, I’d have to find ways to keep my knee jerk jealousies at bay. It was his duty as a Dom to find replacement sadists to fulfill his play partners’ needs. And his protective nature ensured that every one of the subs was matched with a Dom they could trust.
“Yes, I’ll let you know, shortly,” Tony replied before ending the call. Gazing down at me, he studied my eyes. “You know I feel obligated to help them, right?”
“Of course I do. It doesn’t mean I have to like it, though.” I smirked.
He chuckled. “No, and I know you don’t. But as long as you talk to me about all those insecurities running around inside your pretty little head, we’ll be just fine.”
I sobered and threaded my fingers in his. “I know you have a duty. You’ve helped a lot of subs achieve their submission, and even though they never wore your collar, they’re going to still feel abandoned.”
“Yes. I’ve taken care of some of them for a lot of years. They rely on me, just like you relied on Matt to take care of you.”
The mention of his name made my blood turn to ice. “Tony, you can’t compare your situation to mine with that sociopath.”
“That’s not what I’m getting at. We haven’t talked about your feelings regarding Matt’s death.”
“And I really have no desire to start now.”
“You need to, in order to find closure with that part of your life.”
“It’s in the past. He’s dead. I’m still here, thankfully, so time to move on.”
“You ran from him because you convinced yourself that he was a monster…a dragon you couldn’t slay. I understand you feeling a great sense of relief now that he’s dead, but the picture you have painted of him in your mind isn’t the whole man. If you’d known about his ruthless side from the beginning, would you have let him take care of you?”
&
nbsp; “No, I wouldn’t have had a single thing to do with him.”
“Even though he failed, I think Matt tried to shield you from his dark side. He cared a great deal about you, Leagh. Just like George did by naming you in his will. Why else would Matt take in a pregnant teen, pay your medical bills, feed, clothe, and house you? Just because he was a bad man didn’t mean he was a bad man fully.”
“Why are you sticking up for him?” I asked indignantly.
“I’m not, angel. I’m simply giving you a sword to slay him with. Bring him down to your level and conquer the hurt he caused to your psyche. Purge the damage he did to you, come to terms with it, and really put it in the past. Don’t just gloss it over. I want you to heal and find closure, sweetheart. I just know that it’s sometimes harder to do with a ghost.”
Everything Tony said made sense. I’d spent years molding Matt into a devil. I’d never let the consideration for all he’d provided me into my condemnation.
“Seeking closure with him while he was alive meant I’d have to face him again.”
“Yes, and you were afraid of him. But now that he’s gone, I want to help you work through the trauma and put those fears to rest. Will you let me?”
“Yes,” I whispered. “But honestly, Tony, all I feel in regard to Matt is relief. A huge sense of relief and it feels good.”
He smiled and brushed his palm over my cheek. “I know it does, sweetheart. You have no idea how happy it makes me seeing the worry vanished from your eyes.”
Staring at his erotic mouth, I licked my lips. “Will you please kiss me?” I whispered.
“Now you’re getting the hang of it,” Tony murmured. Bending low, he claimed me with a fervent kiss suffused with so much love I wanted to pull him into my arms and never let go. With a low growl, and much hesitation, he eased back. “I’m going to grab a shower. When I’m done I’ll help you get dressed, and we can head out to the dungeon.”
“Yes, Sir.” I smiled.
“Christ, Leagh,” he growled as he rose from the bed. “You make my dick throb when you flip on your submissive switch.”
I laughed and tossed a pillow at him. “So all it takes is to say ‘yes Sir’ and you’re ready to go?”
“Pretty much, you little minx.” Tony smirked.
“I’ll remember that.”
“Just as long as you don’t top from the bottom…I sure as hell hope so!” he exclaimed with a crooked grin as he swaggered into the bathroom.
#
Dressed and seated at the bar, I couldn’t keep from staring at Tony in his tight black security T-shirt or the ripple of his bulging biceps as he ambled from station to station. Smiling as he chatted with members while keeping a close eye on the subs at play, he took his duties seriously, and I respected him for that.
“We might need more of these, Mistress Sammie,” Trevor taunted, dabbing my chin with a bar napkin. “Dahlia can’t seem to stop drooling.”
“Here, this should help.” Sammie winked, slapping a stack of napkins onto the glossy polished bar.
“Very funny, Trevor,” I chided. “I notice you squirm every time a certain Daddy Dom steps into the room.”
“Yeah,” he replied dreamily. “Even after all these years.”
“And speaking of said Daddy Dom, here he comes,” Savannah announced as she playfully poked Trevor in the ribs with her elbow.
As Drake approached, he arched his brows when he saw me sitting next to Trevor. A broad smile replaced his standard serious expression.
“Good to see you out and about girl,” he murmured, leaning in to give me a hug before turning his attention to Trevor. “March your sexy ass to the cross in the corner, and get those clothes off, boy.”
Trevor squealed with glee. His eyes lit up, and a wide grin slashed across his lips. Jumping off the bar stool, he scurried toward the St. Andrew’s cross in the corner. Drake’s eyes danced with pride as he watched the young man.
“You two have a good evening.” The big Dom nodded to Savannah and me before following his sub to the station.
Trevor was naked and against the cross by the time Drake made his way to the corner. I watched as he sank a meaty paw into Trevor’s hair and yanked the young man’s head back. Their lips met in a soulful kiss, testament to the commitment they shared with one another. A tiny knowing ripple skittered up my spine, and I turned my head to find Tony staring at me from across the room. A deliberate smile tugged his lips, and the strength and warmth of his love filled me.
“Please, tell me I wasn’t as bad as you two when I first came here,” Savannah giggled.
“You were worse. It was a constant double whammy when you looked at Dylan and Nick,” I laughed.
“Yeah, I was afraid of that,” Savannah sighed as she darted a nervous look toward the archway that lead to the private rooms.
“How much time do you figure you’ve got until they come haul you away, sis?” I asked with a big grin.
“I don’t know. I’m just worried about what they plan on doing to me. They’ve been setting up,” she used her fingers as quotation marks, “for the past thirty minutes.”
“You’re worried that what? Maybe you’ll enjoy it too much?” I teased.
“They make sure I always do…eventually.” Savannah beamed. “I’m just never sure what those two will think up next for me.”
“And that’s such a bad thing?” I teased.
“Not in this lifetime.” She grinned.
“Can I ask you a personal question?” I murmured low.
“You can ask me anything, sis.”
Leaning in close, I lowered my voice even more. “Do you take them both at the same time, you know, in the pussy and ass?”
Savannah issued a modest smile. “Yes.”
“Did it hurt the first time… up the butt?” I whispered.
“No.” She shook her head and leaned in close to my ear. “They spent days working with me down there, preparing me for the anal invasion.”
We both started to giggle. Then I threw back my head and laughed.
“Oh my god, that’s hilarious,” I snorted, wiping the tears leaking from my eyes.
When Savannah finally regained her composure, she leaned in again and explained how Dylan and Nick had made her wear various sized butt plugs until she could accommodate their cocks.
“And it didn’t hurt?” I whispered.
“There was no pain, just unimaginable pressure that I can’t describe. It’s euphoric, Leagh,” she relayed in a soft voice. “I take it Tony is interested in…”
“Yes,” I hissed, “And I’m terrified.”
“Oh, don’t be. That man would walk through busted glass for you. He’d never do anything to hurt you.” Leaning in close to my ear, I felt Savannah suck in a deep breath. “Tony’s not going to just shove his dick up there. He’ll spend all the time it takes to get your ready. And when the time comes, concentrate on relaxing and breathe. If you tense up it will hurt. Let him guide you through it. Trust me, after the first time, you’ll be begging for it.”
I wrapped my arm around her and gave her a hug. “Thank you. You’ve eased my mind.”
“I’m glad. Oh hell, it’s show time,” she whispered as Dylan and Nick stepped through the archway, their eyes locked on their prize…Savannah.
“Have fun,” I chuckled.
“Always,” she purred.
I smiled as Savannah slid off the bar stool and rushed to the open arms of her Masters. The information she’d imparted rolled around in my head. Understanding what was entailed before the actual act made the thought of anal sex less intimidating.
“How much longer are you going to have to haul those casts around Dahlia?” Mistress Sammie asked, placing a fresh soda on the bar for me.
“I’m praying the doctor will take them off tomorrow,” I said crossing my fingers.
“I hope so too, honey.” She smiled and stepped away to take another drink order.
“Good evening, Dahlia.” Master Stephen smiled bef
ore claiming the bar stool Savannah had vacated. “You look stunning tonight.”
I felt the heat rise on my cheeks. “Thank you, Sir. And may I say you look as dashing as ever.”
A huge grin spread over his mouth, and his sea foam green eyes sparkled. “You can, but we’d both know you were full of shit.”
“Ah,” I choked, my mouth falling open wide. “I beg to differ.”
“I imagine you beg quite prettily, pet. Tony is a very lucky man.” He winked.
“If you’re trying to embarrass me to death, Sir, you’re doing a fine job.”
His laugh was deep and rich and perfectly suited such an urbane man.
“I’m sorry to hear you uncollared Carnation, Sir.”
The smile faded from his lips as a thoughtful expression lined his face. “Thank you, little one, but it was best for both of us.”
I issued a slight nod and took a sip of my soda, unsure of what to say next.
“I’ll find a girl that shares the same understanding of the lifestyle that I do, someday,” Master Stephen assured. “But until that miracle happens, I’m quite content spending time here with my kinky family.”
“And we’re honored you’re sharing it with us, Sir.” I smiled, raising my plastic cup to toast the drink Sammie had set in front of him.
Stephen tapped the rim of his cup to mine. “Thank you for your endearing words, little one.” He bent close and brushed his lips across my cheek, flashed me a devilish smile, and walked away.
Something about Stephen seemed more fluid. Relaxed… happy even. His demeanor was no longer edgy or stressed out. If letting Carnation go had led to the abrupt change in him, he’d have done well to dump that nasty cat months ago.
Taking another long look at Tony, I began to grow anxious for the club to close. I longed to feel his rugged arms around me and breathe in that sensual scent I’d grown accustomed to. Just as my mind began to fill with visions of me beneath him, I blinked and jerked my head up as Carnation situated herself in front of me. Her eyes blazed in fury, and her face pinched in an angry scowl.
“Are you happy now? You’ve got exactly what you wanted all along, didn’t you?” Carnation spat with contempt.