by Avery Gale
“Is that inevitable?”
“Yes. It’s only a matter of time. Tom Ross, the owner of the cargo company, is being pressured to reduce his work force in advance of the merger. When I called to check her reference, Tom told me Reagan is the best worker he has. He’d much rather cut others. Unfortunately, the airport has a union, so she’ll be the first to go. And that’s coming sooner rather than later.”
“And let me guess. Her landlord is hoping she’ll move so he can rent the space to skiers for an inflated price.”
“Probably. His rental business has exploded over the past few years, but his integrity has declined in equal measure.” Nate sounded as frustrated as Rafe felt. There wasn’t a chance in hell the man was going to fix the heat in her apartment.
After speaking with Nate, Rafe took a quick shower and changed into casual wear. Landon and Savanah’s reception wasn’t formal, but that didn’t mean he felt comfortable wearing his leathers. Moving back to the main part of the house, Rafe smiled to himself when he caught the scent of peaches. Damn, he could get used to her being here. Stepping into the kitchen, he froze at the sight greeting him.
Chapter Three
Reagan leaned against the dark gray marble countertop gazing out the floor to ceiling window. Rafe’s home was at the edge of town, so the street light in front did very little to block the spectacular view from the back. The black velvet night was the perfect backdrop for the stars dancing in the sky, their twinkling lights looking like diamonds someone had scattered carelessly over the surface.
“Beautiful.” She’d only whispered the words and was shocked when Rafe responded from the other side of the room.
“Stunning.”
Spinning around, she watched him walk toward her, his steps measured and purposeful. God in heaven, he was a feast for her hungry eyes. It had been so long since a man looked at her with raw lust. Her boss at the cargo company had always regarded her like a father would a daughter he was proud of…at least until recently. Now she saw regret in his eyes and hated the change.
“I was talking about the sky.” Her whispered words faded when he shook his head.
“It pales in comparison, sweetness.” The periwinkle halter dress she wore molded to her gentle curves. Her nipples hardened when Rafe used the tip of his finger to trace the edge of the supple fabric hiding her from his view. “This is a very modest dress for a function at a kink club.”
He was right. The dress was modest by club standards, but so were the other outfits the Ledek’s had given her to wear. She was grateful they’d agreed to ease her into displaying more of her scarred flesh. So far, she hadn’t been forced to answer many questions because only a few of the marks were visible, but the questions would come as her clothing became more revealing.
Rafe couldn’t remember the last time he’d been rendered speechless by a woman’s appearance. As a plastic surgeon, he dealt with beauty on a daily basis. He’d learned early in his medical career how true the saying about beauty being skin deep often was. But something about Reagan Walsh was very special—a unique spark that shined from the depth of her soul.
He’d stood back for several seconds, just looking on as she stared into the night, and wondered what she was thinking. There were few things in the world that could compare with the night sky in Montana, but it had nothing on the vision before him.
The slender woman standing in front of the window would be even more breathtaking with a few added pounds. He’d moved around her small apartment while he’d waited for her to pack and fumed when he’d seen how little food she had in her pantry. Obviously, she was living on as little as possible, trying to save money.
The dress she wore covered more skin than he’d like, and Rafe found himself wondering why she’d been given something this conservative to wear. Thinking back, he realized everything he’d seen her in was similarly modest. It was unlike the Ledeks to allow their help to dress in anything but full-blown fetish wear.
Rafe was thrilled with her response to his touch. Her nipples peaked between one beat of her heart and the next. Her pupils dilated as her pulse pounded at the base of her exposed neck. Perfect.
“Are you ready to go? I know you don’t have to work for a while yet, but I’d like to extend our date and go in early.” Her cheeks turned a sweet shade of pink, and he smiled. Pressing a kiss to her forehead, Rafe whispered, “Your blush speaks volumes, Peach. It makes me want to corrupt you.” Her quiet gasp sent a surge of blood to his cock. She drew him in like a magnet to steel, but he’d promised himself to give her time to get to know him. Just because he’d been thinking about her for the past few months didn’t mean she’d had the same yearnings.
“Yes, I’d like that, and I’m ready despite being reluctant to leave the warmth of your home.”
He pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. “I promise to keep you warm, Peach.” Before they stepped back into the garage, he helped her into the light jacket she’d worn and then wrapped her in one of his goose down ski jackets. He chuckled when the coat nearly swallowed her whole. “You look like someone’s kid sister.”
“I’m too grateful to care about a fashion faux pas.”
“Good enough. We’ll see about getting you something warmer tomorrow.” He felt her still at his words. Cupping her shoulders, Rafe turned her until she was facing him. “Don’t, Peach. Don’t overthink it. Knowing you are warm and comfortable is important to me. Consider it entirely selfish, because I won’t rest easy unless I know you are safe—and having a proper coat during a Montana winter is a safety issue, I assure you.”
Their conversation during the short drive to the club was easy, and Rafe found himself enjoying her quick wit. She’d teased him when she learned the extent of his home’s technological perks. “Let me guess, you are friends with Phoenix Morgan.” When he cast a sideways look at her, she laughed. “I haven’t met him, but I’ve heard a lot about him from club members. It seems there is a diabolical side to his genius.”
“Obviously, you’ve been hearing about some of his more intimate inventions. The upgrades to my home pale in comparison.” He hadn’t used any of his friend’s inventions, but Rafe had spoken with several Doms who swore the next to the youngest Morgan brother had missed his calling. “I’ve watched a couple of scenes where his internal devices were used. It appeared the submissives’ involved were more than satisfied in the end.”
Her giggle filled the vehicle, making him smile. “Why do I get the feeling what you didn’t say has more meaning than what you did?”
“Wise woman.”
They’d barely made it through the door when Reagan was pulled aside by Savannah Nixon and Kodi Ledek. The two women were in full-on party planning mode, and he reluctantly released Reagan into their care. Turning his attention to the two women, he gave them a stern warning. “Fifteen minutes, ladies. That’s all you’ve got before I want Reagan back at my side. You’ll have her undivided attention once again when her shift begins.” Their eyes went wide, darting from Reagan and then back to him before nodding.
Rafe watched the three of them scurry past the buffet tables into the back storeroom. Turning his attention back to the club’s main room, he didn’t waste any time finding Nate. They stepped into one of the small alcoves at the edge of the larger central area where they could speak privately, but still watch the room from behind the two-way mirror.
“Make it quick. I only gave Kodi and Savannah fifteen minutes to return Reagan to me. I want to spend time with her before she begins working.” Rafe wanted to find out as much as he could about Reagan. He didn’t want to make any missteps with her.
Nate raised a brow, but didn’t comment on Rafe’s impatience. “If you are serious about pursuing a relationship with Reagan, there are things you need to know.” Rafe didn’t respond, because it seemed pointless. Just spit it out already. “Reagan was very forthcoming about her background when she was interviewed for the job. I’ll let her tell you about her education and car
eer background. But as one of the owners of Mountain Mastery, I feel obligated to inform Doms when they are facing potential challenges with new subs.”
“Can the PC BS, Nate, and get to the fucking point.” Hell, since when had his friend decided to lace his speech with politically correct bull shit and waltz around a subject like a fucking ballroom dancer?
Letting out a put-upon sigh, Nate looked out the window into the main playroom. “Reagan was attacked a year ago while volunteering in a state prison facility in Texas. Some evidence suggests the attack was set up by the facility’s head of security—or, at the very least, he knew in advance and didn’t do anything to prevent it. He’d been hitting on her for months, and she’d finally threatened to go public. The inmate who attacked Reagan was somehow allowed access to a secured area inside the infirmary. It was the room where surgical instruments were kept, including the scalpel he used during the attack. She activated her panic alarm, but the Major didn’t send in help for almost fifteen minutes.”
Rafe couldn’t breathe. Just thinking about what she’d had to endure terrified him, and he hadn’t even been given the all details yet. “Tell me they hung the fuckers. The attacker and the bastard who let him get to her.” His vision was going red with rage on her behalf.
“The attacker was already serving a life sentence, so the additional time was a non-issue. And from what I’ve heard, the Texas Department of Corrections is still rallying around their staff so it’s unlikely anyone will ever be held accountable.” Nate ran his hand through his hair in obvious frustration. “Listen, I’m only telling you this because I don’t want you to accidently trip over some trigger and be blindsided. Reagan has never taken advantage of the membership that comes with her employment, so we don’t know for sure how she’ll react during a scene.”
“I want a copy of her limit list. I’ll review it with her before we play.” He paused and turned his attention to the window, watching the three women smiling as they walked back into the large room. “I appreciate the heads-up, Nate. I’m not sure how to explain it, but she is important. I’ve spent several weeks pulling together some time off in hopes I’d be able to spend more than a couple of evenings getting to know her.” Grasping the door knob, Rafe stopped. “Is Kelsey still a member?”
“No. Stalking you gave us all we needed to terminate her membership. Why? Is she giving you trouble again?” The lines between Nate’s brows showed his concern. The fiasco with Kelsey had spiraled out of control so fast no one had seen it coming. “She has been back as a guest, but Taz cautioned the Dom about what he was getting himself in to.” Nate tilted his head to the side and narrowed his eyes. “Has something happened?”
“She and Reagan are co-workers. I haven’t spoken to Reagan about it, yet, but they are apparently friendly enough to share rides to the airport. When Kelsey saw me walking toward the cargo company’s office this afternoon, she took off and left Reagan without a ride.”
“They’ve been forecasting this weather change for days. I’d say I’m surprised she left Reagan to walk, but I’m not. Kelsey Jones is one of the most narcissistic women I’ve ever met. Taz despises her. He insists she’s running some sort of scam, but he can’t get a bead on it.” Nate’s younger brother Taz was one of the most gifted empaths Rafe had ever met. His ability to connect with people had been entirely random before Kodi entered their lives. From what Rafe had gathered, both Nate and Taz’s skills had improved exponentially since they’d found her. If Taz felt there was something nefarious taking place, it was a safe bet.
“She is deeply disturbed. I’m not sure how she’d be diagnosed, but some of her dots don’t seem to be connected, that’s for sure.”
“Taz wasn’t that charitable. He called her bat-shit crazy. And no offense, Doc, but I tend to think his assessment might be more accurate.”
Rafe shook his head in amusement at Nate’s comment, even though he was certain his friend hadn’t been kidding. Rafe didn’t think they’d seen Kelsey’s worst, and now that he’d made his interest in Reagan public, he hoped he hadn’t painted a target on her back.
Chapter Four
Dr. Tally Tyson followed her Master into the large room. Senator Karl Tyson had returned to Montana an hour ago after a month in Washington D.C., and she’d been looking forward to spending some time alone with him. But her loving husband had been uncharacteristically insistent they attend Landon and Savannah’s reception. Figures, all I want to do is bump uglies and he want to socialize. When she realized how far her thoughts had strayed, Tally let her gaze move around the room and sighed with relief when she didn’t see Master Taz anywhere close. Damn, that mind reading thing is fucking unhandy. I don’t know how Kodi puts up with it.
“I know you are frustrated, but you need to snap out of it. Good things come to those who are obedient.” She fought the urge to roll her eyes…barely. “Good save, pet.” He tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and headed to the bar. “Come. I have someone I want you to meet. I know you’ve missed having a third, and I’d like you to meet a man I think might be a good fit for us.”
Her feet planted themselves firmly on the cement floor, surprising him. “Really? You’ve been thinking about that while dealing with all the nonsense going on in D.C.?”
He turned looking down at her and smiled. “Baby, you belong to me. Your happiness is my number one concern. Always. I’m never too busy to think about what I can do to make your life better, my love.”
Tally’s eyes filled with tears at the sincerity of his words. She’d never figured out what she’d done to deserve Karl’s love. From the moment she’d met him, she’d known he was the other half of her heart and soul. There wasn’t anyone in the world who understood her better. At one time, Landon Nixon had been a close second…in many ways. But he’d pulled away from the relationship before Savannah came back into his life. And as much as she missed him, she understood. He deserved the happiness he found with Savannah, and Tally was grateful she and Landon’s bride were becoming friends. It had been a bit rocky in the beginning. But they really were a lot alike in many ways.
“Pet, tonight is only a meet and greet. I’m not sure it will work. The man we’re talking to isn’t sure where he’s going to land, although Nate and Taz are working hard to bring him on masochist board their Prairie Winds team. If he does join, his schedule will be unpredictable, but he’s said he’d be willing to coordinate his with mine.”
Everything he said piqued her interest, and she had to fight back the urge to scan the room. She hadn’t realized how much she’d missed the dynamic a third added to their relationship, something both she and Karl enjoyed. Tally recognized a true polyamorous relationship like the Ledeks would never work for them, and she was also certain the special connection they’d experienced with Landon Nixon would be difficult to replicate.
As if he’d read her mind, Karl pushed his fingers through her loose blonde hair until his palm cupped the side of her head, his thumb caressing her cheek. “Don’t expect to duplicate what we had with Master Landon, sweetness. Tonight, we need to focus on establishing rapport. Building from that point will be easier.”
He was right. She couldn’t expect anyone to be exactly like Landon. No two people were exactly alike. She’d met the West twins, and if mirror image twins could be so different, it would be fundamentally unfair to expect strangers to be the same. Nodding her agreement, she looked into his eyes and fell into them, just as she did every time. “Thank you for the reminder. You always know just what I need, and I’m grateful even when I forget to tell you.”
His expression softened before he enfolded her into his embrace. “You are the best thing in my life, sweetness. It’s getting harder and harder to be apart.” He’d made it clear he wasn’t comfortable knowing they were going to be separated during his upcoming trip to Columbia, and she was intuitive enough to sense he wanted to know she had a solid support system behind her in case things didn’t go well. A shiver of foreboding slithered up her spine, but
she pushed it aside not wanting to ruin his first night home.
Koi Meadows watched Senator Tyson and his lovely wife enter the room. He’d been introduced to Dr. Tally Tyson at his sister, Kodi’s, wedding, but he’d never spoken to her beyond a polite greeting. Yet here he was, waiting to be re-introduced for a much more personal reason.
Tally was petite by any standard, but no one around her seemed to notice. Koi suspected her personality negated the aura of vulnerability he saw at this distance. Her blonde hair cascaded down her back in a flurry of waves and curls, making him wonder what it would be like to thread his fingers through those tempting tresses. Her heart-shaped face and wide eyes made her seem more like a college coed than a well-respected surgeon.
When his younger sister announced her plans to marry Nate and Taz Ledek, Koi hadn’t been as shocked as he probably should have. He’d known Kodi had latched on to his stories of the two former SEALs with a level of interest she hadn’t shown for any of the other Special Forces members he’d mentioned. And anyone who spent any time at all with the Ledeks could easily recognize the two gifted brothers in her debut novel.
Damn, he was proud of her writing success. He’d known he was a sexual Dominant a long time ago so the content didn’t bother him. She’d quizzed him on numerous occasions about points of protocol, and he’d agreed to answer her questions as long as they weren’t about his personal practices. Hopefully, she’ll have other sources for that information now, and I’ll be off the hook.
His recent conversations with Karl Tyson had revolved almost entirely around what his expectations were for a third in their relationship. As a U.S. Senator, Koi had expected discretion to be his number one concern, but it hadn’t been. Karl had focused on the support he wanted for Tally during his increasingly frequent absences. “She is young and often needs a loving hand to reign in her enthusiasm. She can be rash and frequently shows little regard for her own well-being when I’m away.” Koi had easily translated Karl’s remarks to “she’ll work herself into an early grave without someone watching out for her.” He could fucking relate. Koi had done the same thing for more than a decade.