by Dakota Trace
There was a few seconds of silence before she finally answered, her voice so soft Louis could barely make out the words. “I understand that, Sir. I’m not asking for promises of forever here - you can no more predict the future than I can. However, I don’t like the idea of going into a relationship where I know the man I’m putting my trust in is looking, and assessing every other man he meets, as a possible replacement for him in my life.”
Louis chuckled. “That’s my girl. Give him hell, tell him how much you don’t appreciate his toying with you. How you don’t need anything from the Temporary Dom of Napa Valley.”
The sudden knock on his window and strong beam of light startled Louis so badly he nearly pissed himself. Seeing the uniformed officer, he wanted to groan. He was doing nothing wrong. Merely sitting in a parked car listening to the radio. Cautiously he lowered the window after clicking off the radio he’d been using as a receiver.
“Yes, Officer?” He shivered as a blast of ice cold air filled the car.
“The Cole’s has a strict No Loitering policy, Sir.”
Pasting a smile on his face, Louis nodded. “Of course. I was merely waiting for the engine to warm up completely before taking off. Something my mechanic has suggested to keep wear and tear down on the engine.”
The cop looked skeptical. “Well it feels as if your car is now warm if the heat coming out of the cabin is any indication. Please move along. There are other cars waiting for your parking spot.”
“Of course, Officer.” Louis said brightly, before the officer returned to his own vehicle. Flicking the switch to roll up the window, he cussed out the officer under his breath before putting the car into gear. Turning the radio back on…he waited but heard nothing but loud sounds of running water and the smattering of Spanish before the bug suddenly went dead. The waiter must’ve removed the wine bucket.
“Son of a bitch!” He hit the turn signal indictor before heading towards his home. He wasn’t so worried about convincing his Bella to take him back. He had some of the best P.I.s on the payroll. They would be able to keep an eye on her until he got their little love shack ready, but he was pissed that he didn’t get to witness Sabella reject Tremaine. He’d have to remember to give her a reward after he got done riding her tight little ass.
* * * *
After a brief good night kiss outside her apartment door where Ethan had buried one hand in her hair while tilting her head back, Sabella had all but floated inside. She pressed her fingers to her lips. He had a way of kissing which left no part of her mouth unclaimed. Her lower lip throbbed from his nip while her upper felt swollen from him taking it between his. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d ever been kissed as enthusiastically or passionately.
“Is that you, Bella?” her father called out from the living room.
“Yes Daddy.” Hanging her coat up, she was tempted to run and hide in her bedroom. Anything to keep her dad from realizing how far over her head she gotten with Ethan Tremaine.
“Did you have a good time tonight?” Andrew appeared in the doorway, scanning her appearance until she wanted to ask him if he wanted to x-ray her to make sure Ethan hadn’t taken advantage of her body.
“Yep. I had steak and Ethan had salmon.” She hooked her purse over the hook by the door. “Let me go change out my clothes, Daddy, and I’ll come back out and tell you how it went.”
“Did he do this to you?” He caught her by the arm, and lightly touched the curves of her swollen mouth.
“It was just a kiss. Nothing more. He kept his hands above the waist in the back and nothing below the collar bone in the front.”
He chuckled. “Fine. Your virtue is safe. Go get cleaned up. Then you can come back and have a bowl of ice cream with me.” Then he turned and headed into the kitchen, before she had a chance to chew his butt about eating ice cream.
Sabella scurried down the hall. She was tempted to throw her clothes here or there, but resisted because she’d be the one picking them up. So instead she forced herself to stop in her room to grab her pajamas along with a few toiletries. Once she was in the bathroom, she set her things down on the counter before quickly stripping off her dress. Tossing it into the hamper, she stepped into a steamy shower. As the water beat over her shoulders, down and over her sensitive breasts, Sabella pressed her palms against the cool tile. She couldn’t believe it but she’d agreed to think about Ethan’s weekend. He’d made some very valid points tonight. It was true no one could promise forever, but he assured her he wasn’t thinking about her in the same manner he had other submissives in his past, and he hadn’t even thought about finding another for her.
Tipping her head back, she allowed the water to move through her hair, wetting the length of it. Adding shampoo, she washed it briskly enjoying the feel of the suds sliding down her back and over her shoulders. There was something quite erotic about the barely there feeling of bubbles meandering their way down her body, reminding her it had been too long since she’d felt a lover’s touch. As she turned into the water, she wondered what her mother might do if she was here. Would she go for it, or back off?
“There’s no promises in life, Sabella. Remember that - and grab what you can and hang onto it for all you’re worth. Even if it’s for a short while, it’s worth it.”
“Thanks, Momma. You always did have the best advice. I need to quit being afraid and go for what I want.”
Quickly rinsing the suds off, Sabella finished her shower and slipped into her nightgown, her step a bit lighter than it had been before she’d gone into the shower. But before she joined her dad, she stopped by her room and sent a quick text out on her phone before she could chicken out. It was time to take what she wanted without reservations.
Chapter Seventeen
Yes ~ Sabella
Ethan’s hands shook as he re-read the simple text for the twentieth time since Sabella had sent it the night before. He should be centering himself, preparing himself for dealing with Louis Vayarti, but instead he was mooning over a simple two-word text like a love-struck boy. Putting his phone back in the drawer of his desk, he shut it then reached for Louis’s file. Forcing his brain to focus on the matter at hand wasn’t easy but after a couple of tries, he managed it. According to the recent report from the man’s parole officer, he was a model citizen. Working in the financial community and causing no waves, the official was suggesting Louis be allowed a bit more freedom and moved up to the next tier, which would allow the ankle bracelet to be removed.
A brisk knock on his office door, and a dark head poking in through the opening, had him smiling. “Hey, Davis. Just the man I wanted to see.” Closing the file, he gestured for his partner to come in.
“Well, you left me a note on the fridge saying you wanted to talk to me.”
“That I did. Honestly however, I wasn’t expecting to see you much before three or four o’clock this afternoon considering your guest.”
Davis’s cheeks actually reddened as he flopped down on the leather couch sitting adjacent to Ethan’s desk. “Well you could’ve joined us. I’m sure she wouldn’t have minded…”
Ethan shook his head. “No. I’ve got my own submissive - one I plan on having over this weekend, so if you’re smart you won’t have Eileen over - unless of course you want word to get back to Lauren how you spend your Sunday nights.”
Davis growled. “I’m human and have needs just like the next man. If Lauren’s going to be too stubborn to satisfy them, then I’ll find my release elsewhere.”
Holding up a hand, Ethan shook his head. “I’m not chewing you out. Merely suggesting if you want a chance with Lauren, don’t toss your little thing with Eileen in a way, which could and probably would, get back to her. With me having Sabella over, don’t think for a moment it won’t. They’re best friends after all. I wouldn’t be surprised if right now, Sabella is telling her about our date last night and the conclusion of it.”
“Noted.” Davis draped both arms across the back of the couch. “So how d
id you convince, Ms. ‘I’m only submissive during our training’ to give you chance?” He kicked out his long legs. “No don’t tell me. You actually took my advice and seduced her into it…I knew you could…”
“I didn’t do any seducing, Davis.” He didn’t count their kiss as a form of seduction, merely a form of pleasure and one he hoped to indulge in again - soon. “We had a conversation, I made my arguments to her, she thought about it, weighed the pros and cons and decided to take a chance.…”
Davis burst out laughing. “Do you realize how cold-blooded you sound? You actually discussed it and came to consensus. You make it sound like a board meeting or caucus rather than something intimate between a Dom and a submissive.”
Ethan drummed his fingers on the polished wood. A wolfish grin crossed his face as he remembered the kiss he’d left her with at her door. He’d had to unwrap her arms from his neck. If it hadn’t been for the opening of the door across the hall and the ‘dare you’ look from Mrs. Di’Angelo, he’d have done more. “There’s nothing cold blooded about it, but even as exciting as you find the idea of being a captive audience to my love life…”
“…or lack of one,” Davis interrupted.
Ethan pursed his lips, before continuing. “That’s not why I wanted you to stop by. I have a patient who’s pushing to get back into the scene. He approached me last night while I was at Cole’s.”
Davis’s arms dropped and he leaned forward. “Is he ready to be reintroduced?”
“I don’t know. His mouth may be saying yes and all the right things but it doesn’t ring true to me.” Ethan leaned back in his chair.
“So don’t let him. Advise him against it.” Davis offered.
“I would, but he’s the type who’d go to any BDSM club despite my suggesting he’s not ready.”
“Ah, it’s one of your court assigned cases…”
Ethan nodded. “Yes, and I can’t break privilege to warn the other clubs about him. Not to mention he’s new in town. He won’t be on any of the normal warning lists.”
Davis steepled his fingers. “So you want to extend a temporary pass to New Beginnings, where we can keep an eye on him?”
“That’s what I’m thinking. Until I can get some concrete evidence he’s blowing smoke up my ass, or he breaks the law, he’s free to go to whatever club he wants.” Ethan rolled his shoulders. “And while I can’t tell you exactly what’s in his file, let’s just say it’s bad enough I don’t feel comfortable letting him loose on unsuspecting clubs nor submissives. At least if he’s under our noses, we can keep an eye on him.”
Davis nodded. “Makes sense. But if you can’t tell me who he is, how the hell am I supposed to know?”
A smile crossed Ethan’s face. “Well, he’s my next appointment, and if you accidentally run into him as you’re leaving, that’s mere coincidence. Even if you don’t, he’ll be one of three who will be on temporary passes at the club this weekend.”
A knock on the door, along with Dolly’s nasally voice informing him of Louis’s arrival, had Davis standing. “And I’ll take that as my cue to leave. I’m headed down to the club at the moment, since the Pepsi vendor is supposed to be stopping by this afternoon.”
Ethan nodded. “Thanks Davis.” He turned his attention to Dolly. “Please take Mr. Vayarti to the therapy room, Dolly. I’ll be in shortly.”
* * * *
Sabella was putting away the last set of paints when a pair of hands wrapped around her waist, startling her. “What the…” She nearly jumped out of her skin. “Damn girl, you’re jumpy.” Andrew pressed a kiss against the top of her forehead.
“Daddy, what are you doing here? I thought you had a date with Mrs. D.”
“Me on a date? Not a chance.”
She propped her hand on her hip. “You’re taking her on the vineyard tour she’s been pestering you about for the past six months, and then dinner afterwards. In my book that’s a date.” Her expression softened. “You know it’s been nearly twenty years since Mom died, Daddy. She wouldn’t want you to be all alone…”
He glowered at her. “It ain’t a date… just a friendly outing between friends. But I didn’t stop to discuss my love life with you. I was wondering if you wanted to see about inviting your new beau for dinner this weekend. Him being a busy man, I thought you’d need to ask ahead of time…”
“I’ll have to talk to him, but I don’t know his exact plans, or if I’ll even be available this weekend.”
“What plans are those, Bella Marie Johnston?”
She took a deep and wondered if she should give her dad the truth or remain evasive. She chose the latter, not wanting to have the huge confrontation she knew would happen if she even breathed a word about spending the night with a man. “I don’t know for sure. Lauren said something about a girls’ getaway this weekend if she could get it off from the shop.”
Her dad moved away from her, shutting the door. “Girl, you know better than to lie to me. You’re as see through as a window when it comes to me. If you have plans to spend the weekend with your man, it’s rightfully none of my business, but I don’t want you to lie about it. Simply tell me you’re going to Ethan’s and you don’t know what his plans are yet.”
Tears stung her eyes. Some days she thought she had her dad figured out, then he did things like this. “I’m sorry, Daddy. I wasn’t trying to hide anything from you, but it’s hard to tell my father I’m planning on sleeping over at a man’s house…”
Andrew held up a hand. “You lived with a man…in New York. I knew it and even if I didn’t agree with your move, I’m not stupid.” He cupped her cheek. “You’re a beautiful young lady. I don’t expect you to give up your social life to stay home with an old man like me…”
“You’re not old, Daddy.” A tear slipped free. “Just ask Mrs. D. She’s had her eye on you for years. She’d snatch you up if you so much as give her the nod.” She brushed it away.
He gave a harrumph. “Nonsense. Pure and utter bullshit. That woman wouldn’t know what to do with a man like me. I’d chase her around the kitchen and she’d probably lecture me about falling and tell me to sit my ass down.”
Sabella giggled. “Then do it. Sit down, pull her down on your lap, and give her something else to gripe about…”
“Sabella Johnston! I can’t believe you’re trying to give your old man love advice.”
She sobered. “Honestly. She’s been waiting for years. Why do you think she’s continued to live next to you, when she could’ve moved to the artist’s retreat in Arizona years ago?”
Her dad’s brow furrowed. “What artist’s retreat? Louisa hasn’t ever mentioned anything to me about leaving…”
“That’s because she doesn’t want to leave you, Daddy.” She shook her head. “I swear if I’m as stubborn as you are when I get old, I’m going to order my Dom…I mean man to spank me on a daily basis.” Heat flooded her face at her near slip. Hopefully her dad hadn’t caught it.
“You aren’t into that BDSM crap like Lauren, are you?” Her dad looked ready to blow a gasket.
She was saved from answering by Kaleb sticking his head into the room. “There you are, Bella. I need you. The terror twins mother is here and would like to speak with you.”
“Of course. Sorry, Daddy, but duty calls. Give my love to Mrs. D and don’t do anything I wouldn’t.” She stood up on tiptoe, brushed a kiss across his sandpapery skin, before skirting around him. As she passed Kaleb, she mouthed the words ‘Thank you.’
“This discussion isn’t over, young lady.” Her father’s warning wasn’t lost on her as she followed Kaleb out of the room.
As soon as they rounded the corner, Kaleb pulled her to a stop. “It wasn’t an excuse, Bella. Shara and Samuel’s mother is waiting for you in the lobby, and let me tell you she doesn’t look too happy.”
Confusion swamped her. “Why would she want to talk to me?”
Kaleb shrugged. “I have no idea, but I won’t leave you alone with her - just in case some
thing happens.”
Walking into the lobby, she approached a slender woman sitting in one of the chairs, who looked remarkably like an older Shara. This had to be Shara and Samuel’s mother. “Ma’am? I was told you wished to speak with me?”
“Are you Ms. Johnston? Shara and Samuel’s art teacher?”
“Yes, Ma’am….” She didn’t get much more out as the woman stood and decked her. Pain radiated from her cheek as the doubled-up fist connected with her cheekbone. It caused her eyes to water. Cupping her hand over the abraded area, Sabella struggled to straighten as Kaleb jumped between her and the woman, a startled look on his face. “Mrs. Croshaw!”
“That little whore seduced my fifteen year old son!” The woman flung the accusation at Sabella. “She needs to be fired and spend time in jail like every other perverted baby-rapist!”
Sabella stood there, shock rooting her in place. She loved kids and never would touch Samuel in such a way. The very idea of being accused of such a thing was beyond her comprehension.
“Whoa…those are mighty strong words there, Edna. Come with me into my office. I’m sure Sabella and I can get this matter straightened out.”
The woman glared at Kaleb. “I trusted you with my kids, Kaleb. You assured me they’d be safe here. That they’d be better off here than on the streets.” Her doubled up fists landed on her hips. “Instead you hire a woman who’s been convicted of sexual abuse in New York.”
What the hell was the woman talking about? She’d never been accused let alone convicted of as much as a traffic ticket let alone sexual abuse of a minor. Sabella was about to protest her innocence when Kaleb grabbed the woman by her arm, looking around as people, both kids and adults, stopped to stare at the spectacle the woman was creating.
“I’m not going to go into this here. Sabella, go clean up and join me in the office.” He dragged the woman towards the back where his office was housed. Sabella watched as he disappeared around the corner with the protesting woman. She winced as her hand came away with a smear of blood. The woman had obviously cut her cheek with her ring when she’d punched her. She probably should clean up before her appearance upset the kids. She was just getting ready to enter the bathroom off the lobby when the bell at the front jingled.