Essential Master (Doms of Napa Valley)

by Trace, Dakota

  “His need to serve would be my guess. From what he’s said, she was his first and only Mistress since moving back here after culinary school in Chicago.” Davis sighed. “There was a rumor I heard that when he first returned, he didn’t immediately accept her collar. He tried to find another Master or Mistress, and Allison ran them all off. Whether it’s true or not, I have no idea. I didn’t want to prod too deeply into his past with her after what she did to him, but it’d explain why he stayed with her.”

  “I don’t follow. Why would her trying to run off any other interested suitors cause him to stay with her?” She shoved down the building anger in her gut. There would be a round with the heavy bag tonight when they got home.

  “I think for him it was a choice of no submission or submission to her. After so long, I think she finally wore him down.”

  “The bitch!” Her anger exploded to the surface. “It’d be a cold day in hell before I let another force that kind of choice from me.”

  Nicky’s hand rubbed her neck and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Shhh, not every submissive is as outspoken or firm as you are, cara mia.”

  Davis chuckled. “Just as a warning, don’t be surprised if she approaches you, Nicholaus, once it gets out you’re the new Dom in Zeb’s life.”

  Next to her, Nicky’s amber eyes grew cold. “Just let her try it. It’ll be the biggest mistake in her whole sorry-assed life.”

  Chapter Six

  Following Nicky into the house, Steph kicked her shoes off by the door as Nicky hung his keys up and placed his wallet and change in the tray next to the door.

  “You need a few rounds with the bag, Steph?” He didn’t bother to look up at her as he toed off his shoes. “I’ll hold the heavy bag and maybe you can try teaching me how to hit that stupid little bag again.”

  His attempt at humor wasn’t lost on her and a chuckle escaped her. Her master could hold his own if it came down to a fight, but he had issues with the speed bag. “Well it’s either that or a couple hours with that bitch. I can’t believe a Mistress would do such a thing to her submissive.” She followed him down the hall towards their exercise/weight room, an extravagance Nicky had indulged her in because of her constant need for exercise.

  They entered the room and Steph went immediately to the pegboard on the wall where her boxing gloves hung.

  “Most Mistresses don’t - unless that’s the type of service the sub desires. There are submissives who wish to be humiliated in such a manner, cara mia.”

  “Well, I’m not.” She shoved her hands into the gloves, then held them out so he could lace them up. “Do you think Zebadiah is one of them? I don’t think I could do that to him if he is. I mean I’d love to tie him up and smack his tight little ass. I want him at my mercy, but if he needs to be humiliated, I don’t think I could do it. I honestly like him. Once he forgets to be nervous around me, he’s a wonderful guy.”

  Nicky laced up her right glove. “I don’t think he craves it, or he wouldn’t be trying to get free of her. But before we even scene together, we’ll definitely be discussing it. Until then we just have to wait and be patient.”

  She growled in her throat as he fussed with the tie before moving onto her left glove. “I’m really beginning to hate that word. We have to wait to approach him as a couple, we have to wait to even breach the subject of having a D/s relationship with him, and now we have to wait for him to recover from this attack.”

  “I know it’s hard but don’t direct your anger at him. Let’s save it for the bitch who fucked him up. She’s the one who deserves your fury.”

  She immediately deflated. “I’m not mad at Zebadiah. He hasn’t asked for what’s happened to him. But it truly pisses me off knowing we’ve found a potential third, and we’ve had nothing but road blocks thrown up in our faces.”

  “Shhh, come over here and work some of that anger out.” He guided her towards the bag. Moving around the other side of it, he stood as she had taught him, legs shoulder length apart, one leg slightly behind the other and held the bag. “Ready, Steph.”

  A hiss passed her lips and she attacked the bag, throwing punch after punch at it. Evenly using her thighs and knees as well as shoulders, arms and hands on it, she worked through her frustration until a cool sweat broke out all over her body. Each time she landed a punch, she imagined it being this mysterious Allison. Not that Allison would be able to sustain the blows Steph was landing. One or two good hits to the face and the woman would be on the ground bleeding and begging for mercy. She wanted to hurt the woman just as badly as the woman had hurt Zeb. Steph wanted to kill the bitch for possibly ruining such a beautiful submissive, that he’d never want to submit to Steph.

  “That’s it, work it out. Get it out of your system.”

  Nicky’s words were a blur as she continued to work through the turbulent emotions which nearly had nearly torn her apart in the hospital. If the woman were here, she wouldn’t leave the room breathing.

  * * * *

  Ethan joined Davis in their shared office. He’d been reluctant to leave Zebadiah at the hospital, but the doctor had wanted to keep the other man for observation, for not only his concussion, but the high amount of sedative in his system required constant supervision. Davis and he couldn’t give Zeb that kind of care because it was Subbie Night at New Beginnings. They couldn’t cancel the night on such short notice, nor did they have the staffing to cover one or the other off. Toby, Davis’s cousin and sometimes Dungeon Monitor/security was out of town for his mother’s surgery and Kaleb had an art exhibit going on at the youth center where Bella worked.

  “Shit, I can’t believe the dumb bitch tried coming here and attacking Zeb again.” Davis tossed his attaché case on the desk.

  They’d barely had time to get back to the house, grab a bite to eat and change into their leathers before coming down to the club. The fact Davis had brought is work with him wasn’t surprising. The first couple of hours of the night, Ethan would be able to handle the club with the help of a few of the house Doms who volunteered their time in exchange for reduced fees.

  “She’s obviously not all there in the head, Davis. I’ll warn the rest of the staff to be on watch for her when they arrive. You have the pictures right?”

  Davis had printed out Allison’s mug shot for Ethan to give to all the staff. They hadn’t wanted a slip like what had happened the night of Zeb’s original attack. One of the new house Doms hadn’t recognized Allison and had allowed her and Zeb in with disastrous results.

  “Yep, right here.” He opened his case and pulled out a stack of black and white pictures. Davis handed them to him. “God, I don’t want to do this tonight when Zeb is in the hospital. He’s a club favorite and some of the regulars are sure to ask. Especially Tianna. They’ve gotten close over the past few weeks since we’ve let Zeb work in the bondage room as a D.M.”

  Ethan smiled at the mention of one of the regular subbies who attended every Friday night. She was unattached but very curious. And one of the reasons we decided on having Subbie Night. A safe environment for inquisitive beginners to find out about the lifestyle. “Yes they have. She’s been good for him. While not dominant in the least bit, Zeb told me she reminded him of himself when he first started out, curious as a kitten and with as little regard for her safety. Thank heaven Lauren took her under her wing and brought her to us. I shudder to think what would’ve happened if she hadn’t.”

  Predictably Davis growled at his mention of Lauren. Ethan sighed. His partner had been lusting after the little blonde since the first time she’d crossed the threshold at New Beginnings nearly three years ago. “Davis, when are you going to move on and find another submissive?”

  Davis rubbed the back of his neck and threw his feet up on the desk in front of him. “When she doesn’t make my dick hard just by breathing. I have patience, Ethan. She’ll eventually get tired of playing her games and then I’ll have her. She’s been warned.”

  The dark promise in his friend’s voice had Etha
n pausing. He’d never heard such a tone from Davis before. Maybe he should talk to Lauren and warn her that Davis’s patience was wearing thin. Something had changed between the two of them since the night Davis had carted a pissy Lauren out of his dojo when she’d confronted Ethan, thinking he’d done something to Bella. He’d never asked Davis what had happened after he carted Lauren off to his private rooms. Perhaps he should’ve.

  “Then go and find another sub and at least get laid, so you don’t scare her when she finally submits to you. Call up Eileen.” Even as he gave Davis the advice, he knew the man wouldn’t be calling his friend with benefits.

  “Nope, I’m waiting for Lauren.” Davis cracked his knuckles. “Everything else seems hollow.” Then he reached for his attaché case and pulled out a sheaf of papers. “Don’t you a have a staff meeting to tend to?”

  Ethan sighed. “Yes. Remember to holler if you need me or if the hospital calls.” He grabbed several small clipboards each D.M. carried while in the club. Sticking a photo of Allison with a couple others already on the clipboards, he checked to make sure the list of rules were on top, covering the banned members names.

  “I won’t forget. Go get through getting the troops ready. I need to check out this contract Zebadiah signed with Allison, and see if there’s any way to get him out of it.”

  “Good luck. I’ll be on the floor. I’ll send up one of the house Doms to monitor the security cameras after the meeting.” Then he slipped out of the office and headed towards the bar inside in the main part of the club. He had a feeling tonight was going to be a zoo.

  * * * *

  Zebadiah was watching the small television in his hospital room wishing he was anywhere but here. He couldn’t believe the damned doctors had made him stay at the hospital. He could’ve been home watching TV, even if Ethan wouldn’t let him go to the club, or talking to Nicky and Steph on the phone. His head, while it still ached, was the least of his worries at the moment. After speaking with Ethan and giving permission to the other man to give Davis the contract he’d signed with Allison, he couldn’t help but think about the confrontation earlier in the day. He’d thought Ethan and Davis’s protection would be enough, that Allison wouldn’t dare come after him, especially if she knew he was always surrounded by his friends. He should’ve known better. He truly wished he’d never met the woman. Not only had she hurt him physically, she’d also cost him his job, or so he’d found out when Davis had spoken with him before leaving. Not that he’d miss the arrogant Harmond, but he’d enjoyed his position creating lavish deserts and baked goods. His future looked bleak without a job. He’d have to dip into his savings to live until he could find another job. And in Napa with Harmond black-balling him, he might have to move someplace else to find work.

  The phone rang on the table next to him, drawing him out of his morbid thoughts. Reaching for the receiver he picked it up on the third ring.

  “Hello?”

  “Mr. Pellegrino? This is Arnold Rathowitz, I’m council for Allison Teelen. Could I have a moment of your time?”

  His mouth dried out. “I won’t answer any questions without my lawyer present, Mr. Rathowitz.”

  “Relax, Zebadiah. All you need to do is listen. My client has a very convincing case. In fact, I’d have to say most of the facts are on Ms. Teelen’s side. But even if they weren’t, you had a loving relationship with my client once upon a time. Do honestly want to drag her name through the mud because of a lover’s quarrel?”

  Zebadiah clenched his jaw as the man continued to ramble on and on. Incensed at the idea the man thought the attack was nothing more than a lover’s quarrel, he had to bite down on his tongue hard. He knew what the man was attempting to do. He wanted to get him to confess to something he could use in court, and he wasn’t going to oblige him. Finally unable to stand anymore, he interrupted him. “Enough! If you want to talk to me, contact my lawyer. His name is Davis Clayton and he has an office downtown off of Jefferson Street.” Then he hung up on the sputtering man.

  A few seconds later, the phone rang again. Pissed, he yanked it off the hook. “What part of I don’t want to talk to you, don’t you get?”

  “Sexy?” The female voice had him pausing. “Has something changed? I thought we agreed Nicky and I would call tonight?”

  “Steph?” he croaked, holding the phone tight. “I wasn’t expecting you to call now that I’m in here.”

  “We promised you we’d call, il mio colibrì. Did you expect us not to honor our word?” Nicky’s voice was a pleasant sound in his ear. They either had him on speakerphone or were using two extensions. Either way, the last thing he wanted them to think was that he doubted their word.

  “It honestly never crossed my mind you wouldn’t. I just assumed it wouldn’t happen…”

  “It’s dangerous to assume, Sexy. It’ll get you in trouble every time.” Steph sighed. “And Lord, don’t I know it.”

  A bubble of laughter built inside of him. He could only imagine what kind of trouble she got into. Despite being Nicky’s sub, she was probably one of the most assertive women he’d ever been around. “Point taken.”

  “Don’t do it again.” Nicky’s warning settled over him like a heavy blanket. “If you have doubts, we’re just a call away. We put our numbers in your cell before we left the hospital. I hope you don’t mind.”

  They’d gotten into his phone? He glanced at his cell sitting on the bedside tray. Not that there was anything on his phone he didn’t want them seeing but…

  “Davis insisted, in fact,” Steph added. “He wanted you to be able to contact us if you weren’t able to get a hold of him or Ethan tonight - because of Subbie Night.”

  He relaxed. “It’s fine. I was just surprised you wanted me to have your numbers is all.”

  “Of course we want you to have our numbers, Zebadiah.” He could hear her frustration. “Even if you didn’t need us for some emergency, you can always call us to talk. How else are we going to get to know you better?” Her reasoning was logical and even he had to admit it.

  “I’m sorry, Steph. I don’t mean to frustrate you. I’m stuck in a hospital I don’t want to be in, and my head still aches. I’m probably not thinking real clearly right now.”

  “Do you want us to let you go?” This time it was Nicky.

  He thought for a moment. “No, not really. I just don’t want to talk about what happened or about her. Can we talk about something else? Something pleasant?”

  “Sure. What topic would you like to talk about, Sexy?”

  He glanced out the window as the sun started setting. He was curious about them, and wasn’t sure where to start. He wanted to know everything, then he thought about their earlier meeting where they’d all laughed and fed the ducks. “Well, since you both know one of my favorite retreats is the duck pond behind Ethan’s, do you have one? A place you like to think?” He prayed the question wasn’t too inquisitive. Maybe he should’ve stuck with their favorite colors or something.

  “My study. It’s quiet and comfortable. I’d stay in it for hours if Steph let me.” Nicky answered promptly.

  “And I have a glider out back of our house I love to sit in. I can see the neighboring wineries’ grapes and everything’s so peaceful.”

  “It does sound peaceful, Steph.” He closed his eyes and leaned back against the pillow as they continued to speak softly, chuckling every so often as they filled him in on their home life, when Nicky wasn’t touring for his books or writing. This was definitely better than watching television, or even going to the club. They treated him like he was their equal, something he was going to have to get used to.

  Chapter Seven

  “As soon as the nurse comes in with your discharge papers, Zebadiah, you’ll be free to go.” Dr. Sanderton gave him a smile. “Next time try to stay away from trouble, young man. I’m truly tired of seeing your ugly mug in here. You should be out having fun, not cooped up in a hospital room.”

  Zebadiah nodded. “Believe me I’ve seen enou
gh of hospitals to last me a lifetime, and if I never see that bitch again, it’ll be too soon.” He touched the stitches at the back of his head. “Come back in seven days to have them removed, right?”

  “Yes, now excuse me, I have other patients to see to.” The kind doctor scurried out of the door, and Zeb leaned back against the bed. He was still dressed in the hospital gown since his own clothing had been unwearable, especially the blood covered shirt. He was now just waiting for Davis or Ethan to bring him a clean set of clothing from home.

  As if thinking about them made them appear, Davis and Ethan strode into the room. Shaking the sack before he dropped it on the bed, Davis greeted him.

  “Morning, Zeb. You ready to get sprung?”

  “Hell, yeah.” He reached for the sack while Ethan shut the door allowing him privacy to change. “Have you heard anything from Harmond? I’m assuming one of you called him for me?”

  Davis moved towards the window, as Zeb jerked off the hospital gown and tossed it towards the end of the bed. “Get dressed and we’ll take you to lunch.”

  Dread pooled in the pit of Zebadiah’s stomach as he slipped the shirt on over his head. “He fired me, didn’t he?” he asked, as he pulled the shirt down.

  Davis sighed, but confirmed his suspicions. “Yes. But you have a very good case against him, Zeb.”

  “I’ll think about it, Davis. I don’t know if I want to go to court over it. Harmond took a chance on me when I came back from culinary school. But right now I just want to get out of here.” Pulling out the socks, underwear and jean shorts, he laid them out on the bed as the men turned their backs to him, but stood close enough to help if he needed it. Rising, he swayed but managed to keep his balance long enough to pull clean underwear on. By the time he’d managed to fasten his shorts, beads of sweat had popped out on his forehead. Sinking back down on the mattress, he gritted his teeth. His head still hurt like a bastard, but he wasn’t going to tell them. He wanted out of here.