“Nothing,” she huffed, continuing to pummel the bag, sweat coursing down her body. She wasn’t ready yet to tell her Dom that an old assignment from hell was about to ruin their chances with Zebadiah. Instead, she’d focused on the here and now. Hording their stolen moments with him, like the priceless gems they were.
“No, it’s not nothing…” Nicky straightened and crossed his arms over his chest, looking every inch the pissed off Dom, in athletic shorts he’d obviously pulled on before joining her. At first he hadn’t said anything as he’d braced the bag for her, allowing her to pummel it until she was a sweaty mess. But evidently, he was tired of holding his tongue. “…and unless you want to spend the next two hours bent over my lap getting your bottom warmed, I suggest you tell me. I’ll allow no secrets between us.”
Dropping her hands, she glared at him. “Don’t push, Nicky. Just don’t push.” She turned to leave the exercise room, only to find her sweaty self pressed up against the door, with Nicky’s warm body pinning her in place. Any other time, she’d have wiggled against him, savoring his closeness, but this time she was pissed. He was trying to force what she was sure was going to be the beginning of the end. Straightening her arms, she tried to lever herself away from the wooden door, only to be pushed back by her master. “Let me go, dammit. Don’t make me hurt you, Nicky. I’ll talk about it when I’m ready. Not before.”
“That’s what you think, slave.” His hand swatted her hip. “You gave me this body the day you accepted my collar. And if I want to keep you pressed against this door the rest of the night, I will.” His teeth nipped at her ear. “Which is exactly what I’m going to do - until you tell me what’s eating at you.”
“And if I safeword?” she whispered, tears stinging the back of her eyes.
She’d have to give Nicky credit. He barely paused at her threat. He buried his right hand in her hair, jerking her back until she had to meet his intense stare. “Then I’ll let you up, and we’ll go upstairs where we will talk this over like civilized humans. But either way we’re getting to the bottom of this. I want my cara mia back, not the distant woman she reverted to.” His hand rubbed over the spot he smacked. “Let me in, Stephanie. Quit shutting me out.”
The dam that’d been holding everything back, cracked. “I can’t. You’ll be disappointed, and Zeb….probably won’t speak to me … maybe either one of us, ever again.” A tear escaped, running down her cheek.
“What? This has to do with the papers you were served while we were in Vegas, doesn’t it?” She suddenly found herself spun around to face him, his hands hard bands around her upper arms as he gave her a gentle shake. “You fool. Zebadiah realizes you have no choice in the matter. You were served for fuck’s sake. You’ll go and tell the truth and then come home to Zeb and me.”
Her eyes widened. “He knows? But he’s still talking to me…”
“Of course he knows. I explained it to him while you were in the bathroom. He didn’t understand why you lit out of there like your ass was on fire.”
“And he’s not angry with me? How can he not be mad? I’d be furious if I was in his place…”
He shook his head before lifting her up in his arms. “Obviously you’re not going to take my word for it. We’re getting him on the phone. I’m going to put an end to this right now.” Carrying her up the steps and down the hall, he moved through his study and into their room. Tossing her on the bed, she landed after bouncing twice. Rolling to her side, she eyed the open bathroom door a few feet away from her. But before she could scramble into an upright position, she found herself restrained by the leather cuffs Nicky had attached to each corner of their bed.
“Is this really necessary? It’s three in the morning. He’ll be sleeping.” She rattled the silver chains attached to each cuff.
Sitting down beside her, he reached for the phone on the nightstand. “Yeah it is necessary. I’m sure he’s just tired as I am of your evasions. It’s best to get this out in the open. The chains are just to assure myself you’re not going to lock yourself in the bathroom again.”
She glared at him as he dialed the number then placed it on speakerphone. How the hell had he known she was going to try that?
“And don’t deny it. Because I know you. You may be a brave when it comes to risking your life to protect others, but the minute you think something is going to hurt emotionally, you close yourself off.” He leaned over her as the phone rang. “But I’m not going to let you do that this time.”
A few moments later, a rather sleepy sounding Zebadiah came on the phone. “Hmmm….yeah?”
“Sorry to wake you up, il mio colibrì, but I need your help with Steph. It seems your ma’am is under the impression you’re angry with her.”
There was a pause. “Excuse…” a loud yawn filtered through the phone. “…me? Why would I be angry with her?”
“She thinks she’s going to lose you because of this situation with Allison.”
“Really?” Zeb seemed to be waking up fast. “And why the fuck would she even think such a thing? My former mistress is a bitch, and like all spoiled brats, she’s looking for a way out. That’s all the subpoena is. She’s hoping by bringing Steph in as a character witness, she’s going to be able to distract the jury from what she did to me. ” There was a rustling sound as if Zebadiah had kicked the covers off.
“But…if I’m honest and you end up losing…” Steph stammered.
“Then that’s the way the cards play out. But somehow I don’t think you’re believing me. So maybe you’ll listen if I tell you face to face. I’ll be right there.” A loud click echoed through the room.
“Aw hell, he’s coming here, isn’t he?” She swallowed hard as Nicky gave her a wicked grin.
“Somehow I don’t think a herd of wild horses will keep him from showing up.”
* * * *
Shoving the car into park, Zebadiah parked his little Honda between the two SUVs outside of Steph and Nicky’s home. As he got out, he sighed. He couldn’t believe Allison was, once more, trying to ruin something he wanted. It pissed him off to no end knowing the woman couldn’t leave well enough alone.
Jogging up the walk, he barely paused as he vaulted onto the porch, only to be greeted by Nicky. Brushing by the man, he placed his hands on his slender hips. “Where is she?”
Nicky clapped a hand over Zeb’s shoulder. “She’s in our bedroom. But before we go and join her, we need to have a quick talk.” Nicky steered him towards the kitchen. As the man flipped on the light, Zeb’s jaw nearly hit the floor. Pausing in front of the fridge in nothing but a thin pair of shorts, he made Zeb’s mouth water. It was the first time he’d seen so much bare skin. The urge to explore the muscled contours of Nicky’s back was an impulse he barely controlled. He was here to set Steph straight.
“Water? Coffee?” Nicky asked over his shoulder. “Or we have some grapefruit juice if you like that kind of thing. It’s Steph’s….” Nicky shuddered. “I don’t know how she drinks it.”
A smile tugged at Zeb’s lips. “I hear it’s an acquired taste.” He joined Nicky at the counter. “Water’s fine.”
Pulling two bottles of water from the fridge, Nicky ushered him over to the table. “Sit, please.”
Pulling out the chair, Zeb flipped it around and straddled it, resting his arms on the back of it as he gazed at Nicky.
“So what do we need to go over, Sir? I thought I was coming over to put Ma’am straight about this thing with the subpoena.”
A smile tugged at the corners of Nicky’s sensual mouth. “You are. I just don’t think it’s only this situation with Allison serving her. I think it has to do with the fact that while you may call us Sir and Ma’am, Steph is struggling with the fact we’re not in a committed relationship yet.”
Zeb frowned, his mind trying to wrap around what Nicky was saying. “So in other words, you think she’s doubting her place in my life?”
“Not necessarily her place in your life, but your commitment to us as a coup
le. I think she automatically assumed you’d toss her and therefore me, out of your life when you found out about Allison’s stunt.”
Disbelief coursed through Zeb. “Why would she think that? The person who’s subpoenaed has no control over that.” He wrapped his hands around the spindles on the ladder back chair.
“Despite all her bravado, il mio colibrì, she shies away from serious emotional entanglements. It took me nearly six months of fucking her brains out before she realized I’d suckered her into a relationship with me.”
“But didn’t you two decide to ask a third to join your relationship? How can she be leery of letting me in, but still want me as your third?” A frown creased his brow. “Unless of course, she’s only planning on it only being physical?”
He suddenly felt like he needed to puke. Of all the things to come out of his trip to Nicky’s, finding out Steph wanted him for nothing more than a dick to scratch was a shock.
“Whoa…slow the train down. I’m not saying Steph wants to use you for just sex. I’m just trying to explain….fuck, I’m no good at this shit.” Nicky set down his bottle of water. “We both want a committed relationship with you, it’s just…Steph is stubborn about allowing any person get close to her emotionally, and you, my dear Zebadiah, have managed with barely an effort to slip past her defenses, and she’s scared.”
Understanding dawned on Zeb. “So in other words, you want me to take care when dealing with her tonight?”
“In a way. I don’t want you to handle her with kid gloves. The fact you came over to deal with the matter personally will go a long way with her insecurities about our future together. But bowing down to her will do more harm than good. Steph is a true switch, Zeb. She enjoys the way you submit, but now’s not the time to show her your submissive side - she’ll only think you’re doing it to placate her. No, tonight she needs a firm hand, and reassurances that regardless of the outcome of your trial…”
“I’ll still want her.” Zeb nodded. “I can do that. I may be submissive, but I’m not a doormat, regardless of what my past actions might prove. And if I need to step outside of being a submissive to show her, then so be it.” He stood. “Shall we?”
Nicky nodded. “Yeah. Just let me grab another water for her.”
Zeb waited as Sir grabbed the drink, wondering how he was going to convince Steph the damned subpoena was going to have little effect on their budding relationship. As Nicky joined him at the door, an idea formed in his head. It was risky, but it might work, no matter how much his body protested the idea of topping Steph.
As Nicky joined him, he turned to the man he hoped to one day call Master. “I have an idea, but it’s going to take a leap of faith on both of our parts.”
“Really? Do tell?” Nicky sounded intrigued.
He took a deep breath. “I want to top her. You said submissiveness wouldn’t work tonight. So…”
Nicky narrowed his eyes. “So by dominating her, you’re hoping to show her you’re willing to go outside your comfort zone, even if we’re not a committed triad?”
Zeb nodded. ”Yeah. If I’m willing to do something this uncomfortable for me, shouldn’t it stand to reason a stupid little piece of paper isn’t going to change things between us? But before I can do that…”
Understanding filled Nicky’s face, along with a mischievous gleam followed by a huge grin. “...you need permission from me as her Master.”
“Exactly.” For a second, Zeb wondered if he’d stepped over the line.
“Then consider it granted…” A cunning look entered Nicky’s gaze. “…as long as I can watch.”
A chuckle escaped Zeb, at the man’s stipulation. He’d expected nothing less. Zeb just hoped by doing this, he didn’t unleash a can of worms he couldn’t control. “Of course. I’m going to need you there for support.”
* * * *
Seething was a kind word for the turmoil racing through Steph’s brain. She’d heard Zeb’s car pull up nearly fifteen minutes ago, and Nicky had left to greet him. Then she’d heard their voices from what sounded like the kitchen. As they continued to talk, the uncomfortable knot in her stomach tightened. She couldn’t make out their words through the two open doors, but she had a feeling whatever they were talking about wasn’t going to end well for her. She knew she’d been foolish to keep her fear from Nicky for as long as she had, but Zeb was a totally unknown quantity. How was her Sexy going to react to the fact she hadn’t come to him immediately?
“Cara mia, Zeb’s here and would like to talk to you.”
Nicky entered the room followed closely by Zeb. Even in a rumpled t-shirt and a pair of low riding khaki shorts, he looked delicious. She growled and rattled the chains after deciding a best offense was a good defense.
“Like I have a say in the matter after you chained me to the bed.” She hissed when Nicky just gave her an affectionate glance.
“A sharp tongue will get you nowhere, Steph. In fact, if you insist in continuing in this vein, I have a feeling there’ll be a punishment in your near future.”
“Pbfttt. I’m not scared of you, Master,” she gritted out, jerking on the restraints, still pissed he’d tied her up like a Thanksgiving turkey.
Nicky sat down in the chair across the room after shedding his shorts. As his cock rose to half mast, she stared at him in surprise. What the hell was he doing?
“Nor do I expect to you to be.” Nicky idly ran his hand up his shaft. “But I can’t guarantee Zeb will have the same patience or tolerance for your viper tongue in bed that I do.”
Her mouth grew dry as Zebadiah approached the bed. His expression was calm but the heat burning in his eyes surprised her. What exactly had her master and this man planned for her? Despite the uncertainty or perhaps because of it, she found herself moistening with desire. This, definitely, wasn’t how she expected this to go.
“Excuse me? Are you implying that Zeb is going to…”
“…take you in hand?” Nicky leaned forward. “Why yes I did. And I expect quite the show.” Then as if he hadn’t blown her mind, Nicky resumed his slouch in the chair as if he hadn’t left her totally at the mercies of the man she’d hoped to one day call her submissive. Her breathing grew ragged, even as her nipples beaded against her tank top. She was sooo screwed.
Chapter Sixteen
Moving towards one of the most delectable sights he’d ever seen, Zeb studied Steph’s outstretched form reclining on the huge four-poster bed in the center of the room. The shadows the bedside lamp cast over her not only accented the exercise shorts and a ribbed tank so snug he could see her nipples through the cotton, but it also gave her olive hued skin a glow. He wanted nothing more than to strip her down and caress her until she was moaning with pleasure. Normally he’d have to beg for the pleasure of touching her as any good submissive would have to from his Mistress, but with Nicky’s advice and permission, he didn’t have to request the pleasure of touching her satiny skin. No, he could explore to his heart’s content, under the disguise of convincing her he wasn’t going to be swayed by some damned infernal piece of paper.
But first before he could get onto the pleasures at hand, or even the removal a few items of her clothing, they needed a quick chat about safety and limits. Sitting down at the edge of the bed, he toed off his shoes, a motion not unnoticed by Steph.
“What the hell are you doing, Zeb?” Her voice came out as a squeak.
“Getting comfortable,” he replied, reaching for the hem of his shirt. “And while I do, we’re going to have a quick chat.”
“We are?” Her eyes darted towards Nicky as if the other man would save her from him.
“Yes, and don’t look for your Master to save you from my…” He tossed his shirt off, choosing to leave his shorts on. He was uncertain of his own restraint, if he removed the last barrier separating them, once he stripped her bare, he’d be able to keep from sliding inside her deep and hard. “…wrath. Because he’s given you to me for the night.” He traced a line up her inner leg
with his fingertip.
“He has?” She looked to Nicky to confirm his statement.
“Hell, yeah I did. You not only shut me out, you shut him out as well, Steph. Don’t you think you should make amends to both of us?”
“But you’re over there…” From the seductive look in her eyes, Zeb could only guess she was hoping to tempt Nicky into joining them on the bed. But that would come later, they’d decided. Once he’d taken her to the heights of ecstasy from his touch, and just perhaps if she were lucky - his mouth alone.
“Which is where I choose to remain for the moment. You know how long I’ve desired to see Zeb’s body against yours. Now that it’s going to happen, I want a front row seat.”
“Aw, fuck.” Steph’s hips rocked up as Zeb teased his fingers under the silky fabric covering her.
“Not yet,” he stated firmly. “I won’t hurt you, Steph, but before I leave this bed, you’re never going to doubt whether or not I’m committed to seeing where this relationship is going.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “You see this as a relationship?”
“Duh! Of course I do.” He leaned in until his nose nearly touched hers. “So much so, that the only way you’re going to escape my fury at your doubts, is by using your safeword.” He moved back, opening the drawer next to bed, pulling out a pair of medical shears. “What is it?” he asked, setting the scissors down by her hip.
“Ah…Brimstone.”
Somehow the safeword seemed to fit his Ma’am. She was full of fire. “Good. You say it and this all stops.” He made quick work of checking her bindings. Approval roared through him as he came to the conclusion that Nicky knew his stuff. The cuffs and chains held Steph without hurting. It made him wonder when he’d get the chance to experience bondage at his Sir’s hand. But he shoved the thought from his mind, in favor for the task before him. Lifting the medical scissors, he slid the blunted edge under first one strap and then the other of her tank. She gave a mutinous look.
Essential Master (Doms of Napa Valley) Page 14