by Avery Gale
She smiled and picked up her clothes before making her way to the door. Gage stepped aside and nodded to her. “Nice to meet you, Callie, damned impressive. You would have been a valuable member of our team.” He let his eyes sweep slowly down and then back up in a warm visual caress. “I’m looking forward to tonight’s party even more now.” He was rewarded by a sweet smile and blush before she simply nodded and scooted by him.
After they were sure she was safely out of hearing range, he looked over at Ian and laughed out loud. “Holy fucking hell, I didn’t think I’d ever live long enough to see you speechless, boss man. That is one impressive woman you have there. You might want to tone things down a bit this evening. Damn, I’d hate to see you screw this up. Then again, maybe I’d be able to pick up the pieces of her broken heart. Yeah, let’s leave everything just the way it’s been set up.”
Ian shook his head and laughed. “Fuck you, Hughes. And for the record, I can’t remember the last time I was so completely caught off guard. She is amazing, and I don’t have any intention of losing her. And I think that with her newly revealed skills, I may need to tone things down a bit because I’m fairly certain she would pick up on my concerns. And the last thing I want to do is risk losing her.”
Chapter 21
Callie had stayed in the upstairs spa bath so long she wasn’t sure her legs were going to hold her up when she’d finally decided to surface. She was buffed, polished, and she’d brushed her hair until it lay in silky waves all the way to the top of her ass. She loved how it felt moving over her sensitized skin. She’d opted for minimal makeup, reasoning that she would be shedding tears and there was nothing attractive about smeared mascara. She’d peeked into the bedroom earlier and was amazed to see the dress Ian had placed over the end of the bed. It was a deep-purple silk with random threads of various shades of gold. It was perfect for her, it would highlight her eyes and her hair, and the style would accentuate her petite frame. Gotta give the guy credit, he’s got a wicked fashion sense. Shit, he’s really pretty wicked all the way around. She snickered at her own joke only to hear Ian’s voice from the corner. “Care to share that thought, pet?” Holy pickle fudge, how did I miss him sitting over there?
“Well, not really, but I’m betting you’re going to insist, so I probably should just fess up, huh?” She finally realized she was sliding the soft fabric of the dress between her fingers, thinking about how it was going to feel hugging her curves. When he didn’t answer, but just continued to watch her intently, she continued. “I was just thinking that you have a…um, well, a wicked fashion sense…and that sort of led to me thinking that there are other parts of you that are deliciously wicked also…and…” She didn’t finish, she could already see the smile on his face, and she felt her blush all the way to her toes.
“You really are a joy. Come here, pet. I want to talk to you for a bit before we go downstairs.” As she approached him, she noticed he’d already showered and shaved and dressed in all black, and he looked every bit the Dominant she knew he would be tonight. He seemed undecided about something, and for a few seconds she worried that he had already grown tired of the drama that seemed to have followed her to the island. But really, who could blame him? How on earth did she think she was worth all this trouble?
When she refocused, she was sitting on his lap, and he was studying her intently. “You are thinking too much, but I must admit, I love the fact that you think out loud. No, I have not grown tired of you, quite the opposite actually.” Ian paused and took a couple of deep breaths. He couldn’t remember a time he’d been so unsure as to what was the right approach with a submissive he was planning a scene with. But so far, he’d done a lot wrong with the one woman who actually mattered. And after talking with Gage, he’d decided it was time to fix that.
“Ordinarily when a Dom and his or her submissive are planning a scene there is a lot of negotiation involved, including hard limits, etc. I can tell by your expression you have at least some understanding of what I’m talking about. Anyway, because of the—shall we say forced nature of our relationship, we haven’t done that, and I’m not sure that was in your best interests.”
She was so unbelievably perfect for him, and he couldn’t for the life of him imagine what he could have done that would have caused the Universe to deliver her, literally, to his door. She was going to get her scene tonight, but it was going to be something altogether different from what he’d originally envisioned. Never let it be said he wasn’t a wise enough captain to know when to change course.
“Master?” Her sweet voice was full of concern, not for herself, but for him—it was written all over her face, and it touched him in a way he thought he’d never feel again.
“Callie, I know we have only been together a short time, but I think you will understand what I’m talking about when I say we seem to share a very unique connection.” At her shy nod he went on. “We’ll still be having guests tonight, but the focus of the evening is going to be more about showing you all the ways BDSM can bring you pleasure rather than trying to deliberately push you away, which is what I had been doing with people for a very long time—but that is a conversation for another day. And you’ll be getting those pretty pink nipples clamped, but not just yet.” Smiling at her confusion, he leaned forward and kissed her with a newfound purpose.
“Come on, my precious pet, let’s get that dress on you and make our way downstairs. Oh, and you’ll still be getting those last sixteen swats—don’t think I’ve forgiven those.”
* * * *
Dinner had been wonderful, and Callie hadn’t even minded the fact that she was the only woman at the table. What had been distracting was the fact that she’d had on a beautiful dress as they’d entered the dining room but nothing else. She had thought she would die of embarrassment when she realized the dress only looked opaque because it was lying on the bed. When Ian had lifted it over her head she had easily been able to see everything in the room, and it didn’t take a rocket scientist to know if she could see out of the dress every Dom at the party was going to be able to see in as well. The minute she had stepped into the room, her suspicions had been confirmed by the smiles and comments of approval she’d received as she’d been introduced to their guests.
Ian had made sure she pulled the dress up in the back when she sat on the cold chair and then the cad had actually laughed at her startled gasp. Damn wood was cold on her bare pussy, no other way to say it. And even though they had enjoyed a relaxed dinner, the sexual tension was starting to build. It felt like static electricity in the air, making her skin prickle with anticipation. Damn those sixteen swats, I hate having those hanging over my head…well, ass. When will I ever learn?
Jace was seated at her left, and he burst out laughing. “Probably never, sweetness. Hell, you can’t keep from thinking aloud, how the hell are you ever going to be able to concentrate enough to behave? And personally, I am sort of hoping you don’t ever get it completely right.” He winked at her and then said, “Ian, I believe you may have let this little goose stew about as long as you dare. Let’s get this show on the road.”
A part of Callie had been relieved at Ian’s agreement, but a quick glance around the table had sent her into immediate fight or flight mode. She was shocked when the man who had been introduced to her as Kalen Black was the one to step up and speak to her. His hands cupped her shoulders, and he looked so deeply into her eyes, she had the feeling he was seeing clear to her soul. “Don’t worry, angel. You are going to do fine. Just remember, you have a safe word, and when you have the chance to jump off in to sub-space—take it.” He’d given her a quick hug and then turned her to Ian.
As she and Ian had followed the others down the hall, he had leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Pet, that may well be the most I have heard Kalen say at one time in all three years I’ve known him.” He chuckled then added, “I’d say you must have made a pretty big impression on our resident student of the ancient mystics.”
From
the front of the group, Callie heard Kalen’s soft voice. “The uninformed mock what they don’t understand, boss.” All the men laughed, but Callie was still thinking about what he’d said about taking the chance to jump off into sub-space. She’d read about the endorphin-induced euphoria, and now she wondered if that was what had caused her fuzzy feeling at Club Isola during the flogging. And holy hell on a hippo, she was fairly certain Kalen could get woman to do whatever he wanted using nothing more than his voice. She was certain the angels themselves sounded just like Kalen. He reminded her of a panther. He was just under six feet tall and with a sleek body build and jet-black hair highlighting his electric blue eyes. He moved with a catlike grace, and it seemed like he just kind left one spot and appeared in another.
Logan Douglas had been one of the men watching them on the terrace last night. When they had told her that he was an explosives expert he’d given her a wicked grin. “It’s true, sugar. I love to watch things explode, including sweet little subs.” His southern-boy charm made her smile. He might be a rogue, but she couldn’t help but think he’d be a real gentleman to his woman…well, maybe outside of the club and their bedroom.
The cowboy Ian had introduced her to earlier in his office was also in attendance. Gage Hughes was a true Texas charmer. His honey-colored hair and tanned skin topped off a muscular body. She noticed his accent was thicker when he was “bein’ charmin’,” and that appeared to be most of the time. But there was a hardness about him that hadn’t escaped her attention either. The man was certainly no pushover, that was for sure.
Jace had joined them as well, and she hadn’t missed the fact he had flanked her other side in a move that looked almost protective in a big-brother, but not, sort of way. She already knew what perfection his clothing hid. His skin color was a wonderful honey brown, a testament to his mother’s Native American heritage. He’d told her about his parents’ ranching operation in Texas, and she’d heard the homesickness in his voice. When she had mentioned it, he’d assured her he would be heading home for a visit sometime after he took a little “swing through” southern Florida. Callie knew exactly why Jace was going to Miami. He was going to confront Chrissy about all the money she’d taken under false pretenses. Shaking off thoughts of her sister, Callie brought her mind purposefully back to the moment. She knew she’d need to keep her wits about her if she was going to get through the next few hours. It wasn’t that she was afraid of the pain she was facing, it would be better described as worried she would let Ian down.
During dinner they had talked about all the crazy times they’d shared while building the club and getting members vetted. Their security clearance process alone rivaled most government positions, and they’d laughed about the reactions of various military officers, many with high-security clearance levels, who had not been cleared for Club Isola. They’d made it clear that their background checks were more current, and they’d teased Ian that he should offer to show the Joint Chiefs of Staff their reports—for a price, of course.
She’d been lost in thought and hadn’t realized she and Ian were standing outside the open door of his personal playroom. Jace’s huge frame completely filled the doorway, blocking her view, and obviously the others had already entered. Ian was watching her…again. “Welcome back, pet. Your capacity for mental road trips is astonishing sometimes. Someday I going to demand a detailed replay, but tonight I’m more interested in getting to other things.” He smiled down at her, easing some of the tension she suddenly felt racing through her system. “There are rules that are strictly enforced as soon as you cross the threshold of this room, love. These rules are nonnegotiable, so best you listen closely.” He waited for her nod before continuing.
“You may never enter this room unless you are naked, you will always strip in this hallway and leave your clothing neatly folded on this table.” He pointed to a narrow table holding a small lamp near the door. “I can assure you, when you and I are home alone, you will always be naked.” His grin was infectious, and she felt herself smile in return despite the elephants on roller skates doing pirouettes in her stomach. “And the moment you walk through that door, you will address each of the Dominants in the room with respect and by their proper titles. You will not speak unless you are asked a direct question, and you will follow each order immediately—hesitation will be punished—immediately and harshly. Do you have any questions, pet?” He had wrapped his hands loosely around her neck and was gently massaging the tense muscles at the base of her skull. She hadn’t even realized how tense she’d become until he pressed the tips of his fingers into the taut muscles and whispered, “Relax, love, you will do fine.” She felt her face heat and tears fill her eyes under his scrutiny. “Tell me what you are afraid of, Callie.”
She was shocked at his use of her given name because he used it so rarely. And she was sure he’d done it deliberately to get her full attention. “I’m…well, I’m afraid of disappointing you, Master.” She saw his eyes widen slightly, and then his expression softened.
“Your answer tells me more than you know, love. You will not disappoint me, I assure you. Let’s go.” And then he stepped back and she watched as his entire demeanor changed before her very eyes. He widened his stance and crossed his arms over his broad chest and said, “Strip, pet.”
Chapter 22
Stepping over the threshold of Ian’s playroom was akin to stepping back in time and place. She sucked in a breath and knew her mouth was gapping open as she slowly took in her surroundings. The entire room looked like something right out of a Middle Ages torture chamber. The walls were rough-cut rock, and the dim light emitted from the wall sconces cast eerie shadows that danced over the gray walls and slab floors. She recognized most of the equipment she could see from her reading and her visit to Club Isola. She wasn’t sure where the other men had gone, and for some reason that kicked up her anxiety. Ian moved in front of her and tilted her chin up with one finger. “Welcome to my playroom, pet. Are you nervous?”
“Yes, sir.” Callie had tried to steady her voice, but knew it hadn’t worked.
“Do you trust me, Callie? Do you trust me to surround you with people you can trust to your last breath?” Ian’s voice was warm and seductive, but there was a thread of steel that she didn’t miss. She knew she did trust him, even though she didn’t completely understand why, it was still true. She trusted Jace, too, and she knew the other men were here because they were trusted friends of both men. She nodded her head, but he said, “No, love, you have to say the words. We must always have very clear communication.”
“I do trust you, even when I don’t understand why, I know it’s true.” She kept her gaze on his, but felt someone step up behind her. At his first touch she knew it was Jace, and his hands stroked her arms from shoulder to wrist, and he then encircled her wrists, holding her as sure as if he’d handcuffed her.
“Sweetness, your trust is a gift. I promise you it’s a gift your Master and every other man in this room with you tonight will treasure and protect forever.” She saw the approval in Ian’s eyes at his friend’s words, and she relaxed a bit.
“They are ready for us, pet. Let’s go—punishment first, then pleasure.” Ian had switched back into the Dom she’d seen on several occasions, but this time she didn’t feel so unsettled by the switch. She followed him over to what she knew was a spanking bench. She felt the shudder that worked its way down her spine, but she didn’t step away. She let him guide her so that she knelt on to the padded squares on each end of the bench and then to lean over the padded top. While Ian secured wide leather cuffs around her wrists and then clipped them into place, she felt Jace strapping her legs down also. He’d placed one band around her leg just above her knee and another over at her ankle. It went through her mind that this seemed to be a bit of overkill since she would have been stable kneeling and leaning over the bench, when suddenly she heard a small motor engage and she felt herself being rotated forward. Well, that explains all the straps. Cracker Jacks, I
’m practically standing on my head…well, in a super kinky way. And let’s just put my who-ha right up at the top all spread out for everyone to see. Yikes!
She appreciated that Ian had kept a hand on her at all times, and if she strained her neck she could see him standing beside her. He leaned down and spoke close to her ear. “Stop stretching your neck, pet. You are going to hurt yourself. Are you in pain? Do you want to use your safe word?”
“No, I—well, I just wanted to see you…to know you were close. I’m sorry.” She felt tears fill her eyes, she was disappointed in herself because she hadn’t meant to do anything wrong.
Ian leaned over and kissed her temple. “No need to apologize. Actually I’m pleased that you are looking to me as an anchor. That shows trust, pet, thank you. But now, I want you to trust that I am not leaving this room. A Dom never leaves his sub tied, it’s dangerous on many levels. But I want you to concentrate on what you are feeling, not seeing, so I’m going to put this over those beautiful violet eyes of yours.” Callie jumped as the cool silk slid over her eyes and everything went black. She felt her heart speed up and knew they were ready to begin.
She could tell by his voice Ian had stood up, but he was still close. His voice was louder and authoritative. “You have sixteen swats coming. You’ll get four from each man present. They will each be using their own personal favorite implement. As you know, I prefer to use my hand on your sweet ass. This will be more intense, so I will be monitoring your responses. What is your safe word, pet?”
“Red, Sir.”
“Good enough. We’ll begin.” She felt the air shift around her and was just starting to panic when she felt a hand touch her lower back and then trail over her ass cheeks in a firm caress.
She knew the minute he spoke it was Gage. His Texas twang soothing to her ears. “Well, darlin’, I’m not gonna draw this out because I promise you we are all anxious to get this over and done so we can enjoy the rest of our time together. I’m going to be using a wide paddle. It will bring the blood toward the surface and help you make it through what’s to come. My spanks will come fast and hard, and I will not ask you to count them, because I do believe this ole country boy can count to four without any help.” She barely had time to process his words before she heard a loud whoosh just before a loud smack and then fire lit up her ass. She screamed as much in surprise as pain. He didn’t give her any time between the blows, he hadn’t been kidding about fast and hard. When it was over she’d caught her breath and she heard him whisper, “Well done, darlin’,” as he stepped away.