by Red Phoenix
“Life without laughter is boring. I don’t recommend it.”
Samantha’s expression suddenly changed, becoming serious. “How is Thane? Did the wedding go off without a hitch?”
“Oh, you know Thane…” He laughed. “Everything was perfect, including the bride.”
She nodded, looking off in the distance. “Brianna has proven herself to be an adequate submissive.”
He smirked. “Adequate?”
“Thane deserves only the best. It is good that he seems satisfied.”
“I’d say he’s more than satisfied. He was rutting after the poor girl the entire reception. You’d have thought by the way he was acting that they’d never fucked before.”
She shook her head, laughing. “He’s always had a healthy appetite. So…what about Durov?”
She tried to pass the question off nonchalantly, but Brad faced her square on, knowing it was a touchy subject for the Domme. “What exactly do you want to know?”
Samantha was slow to answer. “Does he…seem happy? Has he collared a submissive yet?”
“The man has many collared submissives, Samantha.”
“But…has he found the one?”
Brad folded his arms. “Why are you asking?”
Samantha turned away from him when she said, “I need to know Rytsar is happy. It would help give me closure.”
“Durov had a grand time at the reception if that’s what you mean. No reason to concern yourself further about his well-being.”
She nodded curtly, quickly changing the subject. “So what’s the reason for this meeting, besides free labor?”
Brad winked at her, handing Samantha a box and packing paper. He pointed to his mantel above the fireplace. It wasn’t until they got themselves settled and working that he told her. “I’ve decided not to give this place up.”
Samantha stopped packing and stared at him, her mouth slack. “You’re not moving? Is all of this just another elaborate joke of yours?”
“Now wouldn’t that be funny,” he said with a chuckle. “No, I’m still headed to LA but I’m not selling this house. I’ve decided to ask Nosaka to be the caretaker. He’s the only man I know who will treat this house and my garden with the nurturing they need.”
“Why tell me?” the Domme mumbled as she took a knickknack from the mantel and quickly wrapped it in protective paper.
“I’m also going to have him visit The Academy from time to time.”
Samantha set the item in the box slowly, eyeing him with suspicion. “Why?”
“To be your backup. I suspect you may experience some flack from the new management, and you’ll need a second opinion.”
“I don’t need anyone,” she spat.
Brad shook his head. “Yes, you do. This transition isn’t a one-man job, Samantha. I’m sure you’ll agree that Nosaka has the ability to calm ruffled feathers. He makes the perfect negotiator when things get dicey.”
“I don’t like having a man usurp my power,” she growled, grabbing another knickknack from the mantel and wrapping it in paper angrily.
“Samantha, you’re going to have to play nice with the new staff. Give them the benefit of the doubt, but if there’s ever a time you don’t see eye to eye, send Nosaka in to settle the matter amicably.”
“So Nosaka’s my babysitter?”
Brad’s nostrils flared. “No, Samantha. Nosaka’s formal role will be to oversee the financial success of my business. However, if you should have need, he will be there to support you as well.”
“I doubt very much I will ever have to use him.”
“As do I,” Brad agreed, grabbing his own box to start on the bookcase.
He suspected Samantha would work exceedingly hard with the new staff to make it a smooth transition without any help from Nosaka—which was exactly what Brad intended.
Good-bye
With a heavy heart, Brad threw the last of his belongings in the back of his Chevy truck and tied them down. He looked back at his house, knowing with certainty he would not be coming back.
He noticed movement in his neighbor’s window and smiled.
A feeling of nostalgia came over him, and he beckoned Courtney to come out to join him. The woman stood frozen in the frame of the window and then pointed to herself with a look of disbelief.
Brad nodded in affirmation.
He noticed it took Courtney several minutes to appear. Her makeup had been hastily done, and she smelled of overbearing perfume that preceded her as she approached him.
“So you’re really leaving, huh?”
He frowned slightly. “Afraid so, Ms. Courtney.”
“Are you coming back?”
“No.”
Her shoulders slumped. “Do you know who’s moving in?”
“I do.”
She shot Brad a look of concern when he didn’t immediately answer. “Please don’t tell me it’s a family with screaming kids.”
He smiled down at her, shaking his head. “I would never be so cruel.”
“Who then?”
“A distinguished gentleman who follows the black arts. Whatever you do, Courtney, don’t upset the man. I’ve seen firsthand what can happen when someone steps on his chi.”
“Chi?”
“Yeah, it’s some mysterious Asian thing. You don’t want to mess with the chi.”
Courtney looked legitimately frightened. “How do I avoid upsetting his chi?”
“Never look him in the eye, even if he speaks to you. Keep your head bowed and your hands together in a prayer of protection. He’ll respect the prayer and won’t call on his powers. But, Courtney, if he ever catches you spying on him, he’ll call down his dark arts.”
Her eyes widened when he explained, “It will be subtle at first. A little hair loss, a rash that won’t go away…but it’ll get worse. Much worse.”
She shuddered. “I’d rather take the screaming kids.”
“I didn’t have a choice. I owed the man.”
“You know him?”
Brad nodded his head solemnly.
“How?”
“I can’t say.”
Courtney let out a nervous sigh.
Brad put his hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry. He’s a good man if you keep your distance.” Her body trembled under his hand. He wasn’t sure if it was out of fear or sexual desire—but he suspected both.
“Promise you’ll do that for me.”
“I will,” she vowed.
Brad put his finger under her chin and tilted her head up to look her in the eye. “Shall we seal that promise with a kiss?”
She froze like a statue when he leaned down. He wanted to formally seal the deal so Nosaka would not be harassed. It was the least he could do, so he gave Courtney a long, deep, satisfying kiss.
The woman wobbled on her feet when he let go.
“If I come back to Denver to visit, I don’t want to find you bald, blotchy, and toothless.”
She only nodded, unable to speak.
Brad opened the door of his truck and grabbed his black Stetson, placing it on his head. Now that he was leaving Colorado for good, he decided to fully embrace his cowboy heritage. “I guess this is it for this cowboy.”
Courtney waved good-bye to him, a dreamy look on her face.
Brad shut the door and huffed as he buckled up. Giving Cayenne a pat on the head, he grumbled, “I hate good-byes.”
She proceeded to climb onto his lap and purr.
Brad hit the gas and sped down the road, looking back in the rearview mirror one last time at his mountain home in the suburbs.
Good-bye, Amy…
Brad pulled up to the luxurious Nyte Hotel and let out a long, exhausted sigh.
Damn, I need this.
An energetic young man hustled up to the massive vehicle with a friendly grin and opened his door. “Nice truck, sir. We don’t get many of those here.”
Brad glanced around, noting the abundance of sleek sports cars and convertibles. He shrugged as
he picked up the mewing orange tabby from the seat, cradling the kitten in his muscular arms as he petted her under the chin.
“Yeah, well, I’m not from around here…”
“So where do you call home?”
Although the young man was being overly social, Brad answered the question. “Denver, but I’m headed to LA to stake my claim.”
The kid laughed good-naturedly, glancing at his cowboy hat. “Mister, I hate to break it to you, but you’re going to stick out like a sore thumb there, too.” He quickly added, “Not that there’s anything wrong with that.”
Brad pulled out a small leather bag and gently eased the kitten into it, zipping the tiny animal inside. He put a finger to his lips, knowing pets were not allowed at the posh hotel. He handed the valet a twenty and explained, “After all the upheaval of packing, the only thing I’m interested in tonight is a relaxing evening before I head off to LA tomorrow.”
“You’re only here for a night, sir?”
Brad mirrored the boy’s engaging smile. “That’s all the time I could spare. You see, I’m the new headmaster of the Training Center, and the next session starts in a week.”
“What kind of training—if you don’t mind me asking?”
Brad chuckled as he shook his finger at the valet. “It’s the kind of training that would get a young man like you in trouble.” Picking up a small suitcase from the back, Brad handed over the keys.
As he started toward the hotel entrance, the valet called out, “Sir.”
Brad turned around and raised an eyebrow. “Yes?”
With a wicked grin, the boy waved the keys in the air. “Is it true what they say about men and big trucks?”
Brad smiled, amused by his cheekiness. “What? You mean ‘Big truck, big…heart’?”
The valet nodded, laughing to himself as he jumped into the beast of a machine. The deep rumble of the engine reverberated in the courtyard as he drove off.
Brad lifted the leather bag level with his face and whispered, “Keep silent, Cayenne. They welcome pussies here, but not ones of the feline persuasion.”
He entered the revolving door of the hotel and looked over the foyer with satisfaction. The huge crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling was impressive, along with the marble pillars that surrounded it. The entire lobby was adorned with lavish amounts of silver and gold.
Mr. Nyte certainly had a flair for the dramatic.
The hotel was known worldwide as an elite establishment, famous for its high-stakes poker and deluxe fantasy suites. It was funny that Brad was only interested in a comfortable bed and a relaxing evening to himself.
A sexy brunette sauntered past, looking him over favorably. She glanced down at his crotch and let out a little purr of approval. “Howdy, cowboy.”
Master Anderson smirked as he tipped his hat to her. “Ma’am.”
When she proceeded to bite her lip in an inviting manner, Brad abruptly broke eye contact and headed toward the front desk.
Rest and relaxation, he cautioned himself.
The perky young woman at the front desk typed in his information and smiled sweetly as she confirmed, “I see you have a reservation for the Serenity Suite for one night. Is that correct, Mr. Anderson?”
“It is, but I want to confirm that I won’t be disturbed by the chaos of your casino.” As if on cue, there was a loud outburst of bells just beyond the foyer; the sound of cheering soon followed.
She grinned, announcing proudly, “Must be another big winner.”
“My point exactly.”
“Rest assured, Mr. Anderson. The Serenity Suite is specially designed to meet your nee—” The girl made a cute little sneeze sound and blushed, looking quite embarrassed. “Pardon me.” She discreetly wiped her nose with a tissue before continuing. “The walls are insulated with special material so they are completely soundproof. The only sounds you’ll hear are the ones you make yourself.”
“That’s good to know,” he replied, winking at her as the crowd in the casino broke out in a fresh set of cheers.
“If you’ll just…” The young woman sneezed again, looking mortified. “I’m so sorry. If you could just put your thumb there for me, you’ll be all set.” She pointed to a small scanner and smiled.
Brad quickly placed his thumb on the device to let it scan his fingerprint, hoping Cayenne would remain quiet a little longer.
“Will there be anything else, sir?”
“Nope…wait. Can I schedule a massage?”
“Why, of course.” Her face lit up as she explained, “I’d be happy to send one of our massage therapists up to your room. Would you like a male or female to attend to you?”
Brad shook his head. “No, no… I’m not wanting a private session. I’d prefer the spa and no women present.”
The young woman sneezed again, blushing a deeper shade of red. “I truly apologize…” She turned away from him to wipe her nose again. “Let me get our concierge, Francesca Young. I’m positive she can set something up for you.”
Brad glanced down at the moving bag on the counter. “That’s okay. Just have her call my room.”
“Oh, it’s no trouble, Mr. Anderson,” a confident female voice stated behind him.
He turned to see a slender woman with soft brown eyes and a stunning smile. “I live to accommodate our guests.”
She grabbed the bag on the counter with a knowing smile. “I’m Francesca, and I’d be happy to escort you to your room while we discuss your unique needs on the way up.”
Brad chuckled, knowing he’d been caught. “Why the hell not, Francesca?”
As the elevator doors closed she opened the bag, and Cayenne’s head popped out. “Well now, aren’t you a little cutie?”
She petted the top of the kitten’s head but gave Brad a stern look, stating, “The Nyte doesn’t allow pets in our fantasy suites, Mr. Anderson.”
“I was aware,” he conceded, “and I agree allergies are nothing to sneeze at. However, Cayenne isn’t a pet.” He scratched the bottom of the kitten’s chin, causing her to purr. “This is my companion.”
Francesca gave a curt nod. “I have cats of my own and understand, Mr. Anderson. It is an honor to have you join us tonight so you may keep your companion, and I will see to it that the room is thoroughly cleaned after your departure. Do you need one of my staff to fetch cat sand for her?”
“Nope, it’s already taken care of. You are very kind, Miss Young.”
She smiled graciously. “About the massage you requested…we do have private rooms at the spa. I’d be happy to arrange a session with our finest masseuse.”
“A man, please. I do not need the distraction of female hands on me tonight.” Just the mere thought of it had his shaft hardening. He nonchalantly moved his suitcase to cover the growing bulge.
“Certainly. Carl is the best we have, and I assure you he’ll have no interest in your assets, Mr. Anderson,” Francesca said in a businesslike tone as she glanced away, a smile playing on her lips.
Brad laughed to himself, only slightly embarrassed. As they exited the elevator, he asked her, “What time should I come down to the spa?”
Francesca checked the schedule on her phone and announced, “It looks like Carl has an opening in two hours. Will that work for you, Mr. Anderson?”
“Suits me just fine.” Brad placed his thumb on the keypad, and the doors slowly swung open, revealing an impressive living area with a killer view of the city.
The sound of a waterfall caught his attention. He looked to his left and saw a glass wall with cascading electric blue water. In the center of the unusual wall was a gold-framed doorway that led into an elegant dining room.
“Very nice,” he complimented.
“In the bedroom you will find a full-size recessed hot tub as well as a walk-in shower for two that includes the added feature of music and custom lighting.”
“It seems you’ve thought of everything.”
“We want our clients to be fully satisfied.”
>
“Well, there’s no question I will be sleeping like a baby tonight.”
“That reminds me,” she stated, “the bed has the world’s top-rated mattress. If you do not feel it is the best sleep you’ve ever had, please let me know.”
“I’ll do that,” he promised. As she was turning to leave, Brad reached out and touched her lightly on the shoulder. A blush rose to her cheeks from the simple contact. “I appreciate you taking care of the Cayenne situation, Miss Young.”
“It’s my pleasure, Mr. Anderson. Don’t hesitate to call me if you require anything else. It’s my sincere and distinct honor to serve the new headmaster of The Submissive Training Center. Many of your graduates end up visiting us and have only praise for what you do there.”
“Just how many people know I’m here?” Brad asked, suddenly concerned that his privacy might be compromised.
“Only the essential staff. We respect your need for anonymity,” Francesca replied with a charming smile as she shut the double doors behind her.
He felt rather foolish not anticipating the far-reaching consequences of becoming the headmaster of LA’s renowned Training Center. Before, Brad had never considered what it was like to represent the school 24/7, no matter where he was. He found it disquieting, and now had more sympathy for his friend Thane Davis, who’d been headmaster of the school for years.
More than ever, he needed this night of relaxation. Once he hit LA, his life would no longer be his. Cradling Cayenne in his arms, he gently stroked her while staring out over the brightly lit city. “It appears our life is about to change in ways I wasn’t expecting, girl. I already miss Denver.”
She mewed softly, rubbing her cheek against his hand. Brad looked down at the kitten and felt a brief moment of heartache.
Shey Allen
Brad shared a quick snack of canned tuna fish with Cayenne before heading down to the spa. He spooned another bite for her and watched with satisfaction as she gobbled it up. “Hungry, are you?”
She looked up at him expectantly as he was about to take his own bite. He chuckled, then gave her his portion. “Well, a growing girl needs to eat.” He petted her back and was rewarded with her little body vibrating in a happy purr.