“You’re mine, Rissa. Do you hear me?”
Tears clouded her vision, and Jonas kissed them off her, as he pulled out of her and rolled them both until she was half lying on top of him. The action made more of their combined fluids leak out of her, covering them both, and Jonas grinned.
“Now, we have made a mess.” He wriggled his eyebrows at her and Rissa burst out laughing.
“Well, that’s your fault, and I hope you’ll do the gentlemanly thing and sleep on the wet patch.” A content yawn escaped her as she said that, and Jonas smiled.
“Young lady one could argue that we made this mess together. In any case, we best get cleaned up. Stay right there.”
He pushed her off him, frowning at her wince of pain as tender parts of her protested the move.
“As if I’d have the energy to move.” He grinned at her sleepy reply, and Rissa shut her eyes. A wet nose nudged her hand and she tried her best to shoo the dog away, but exhaustion was fast claiming her limbs.
“Brutus, get off that bed, now.”
The little dog whined at Jonas’s sharp command, and then the bed dipped, as though Jonas had picked him up. Sure enough Daddy sneezed, and cursed under his breath, and Rissa pried her heavy eyelid apart.
“He needs to go outside, and then you can lock him in his cage to sleep for a while.”
Jonas frowned at her and sneezed again as the dog licked his neck. Warmth spread through Rissa seeing Jonas hold the wriggling dog so carefully, even as his eyes started to water.
“Isn’t that cruel?”
Rissa shook her head.
“No, he’ll like the security and he’ll let us know when he needs out in the morning.” Struggling to sit up, she made a halfhearted attempt to get out of bed, but Jonas stern, No, made her abandon that idea.
“You stay there. I’ll take care of this.”
He turned around, giving her the most wonderful view of his tight butt cheeks clenching as he strode away, and Rissa sank back under the covers with a sigh. She must have dozed off, because she woke to Jonas cleaning her gently with a wash cloth, and then picking her up.
“Shh, it’s okay. We can’t sleep in that sticky mess, so I’m taking you next door. After all that is supposed to be your bedroom.” She giggled at that, and in the next instant cool, soft covers surrounded her. The bed dipped and Jonas pulled her close against him, as he spooned his big body around her.
“There, that’s better. One thing, little one, before you doze off.” He shook her slightly as he said that, and something in the tone of his voice made sure she paid attention.
“What I didn’t get a chance to say earlier was that I phoned Scarlett to give you time off, because I’ll be out of town.” He sighed when she couldn’t help but tense.
“I know lousy timing, but it’s work. My team has messed up, which means the big honcho guy needs me there earlier. I did mention the conference I had to go to right?”
At her tight nod in answer he propped himself up behind her and grasping her chin turned her head until she could just about see his expression in the semi darkness surrounding them.
“Believe me, the last thing I want to do is abandon you here right now, when we’re only just starting to explore our dynamics, but I have to go. It’s work, after all.”
“It’s okay, I understand.” Rissa’s whispered words relaxed the tight set of his jaw, and she realized with sudden clarity that he really meant it. He didn’t want to leave her and he was worried about her.
“I’ll be okay. I’ve got Brutus, and…” she bit her lip, and smiled at him. “Thank you for making me take time off from the club. I don’t think I’m ready to answer questions about us yet, and you bet Lindsey would have pinned me down the minute I set foot behind that bar.”
Jonas nodded.
“Hmm, knowing Lindsey, I can well believe that. Not to mention Scarlett would interrogate you, and I’m not having her do that. What we have, what we do is nobody’s business but ours after all.”
Tears filled her vision again at the quiet understanding he showed of her needs and worries, and Jonas kissed her.
“Good, now that we cleared that up, sleep my precious little one. I may well be gone in the morning, because I’m catching an early flight to Glasgow, but I’ll be in touch.”
Rissa didn’t catch the rest of his murmured words, but the sincerity behind whatever he said to her, lapsing into Swedish, warmed her soul.
Perhaps he was her Prince Charming after all.
Chapter Twelve
Rissa woke up the next morning to an empty bed. Well not entirely empty. Brutus was fast asleep at the bottom of the bed—making her roll her eyes at the little dog’s antics—and on the pillow next to her lay one single red rose, and a note in Jonas’s bold handwriting.
She grinned at the inherently romantic gesture, even if it was a rose plucked from his garden. Besides, he could hardly get to the florists at…she squinted at her phone…8:00 a.m. in the morning. Well, he could, but he had to plane to catch, after all.
Brutus woke up with a yip, and Rissa smiled at her wayward thoughts, as she inhaled deeply of the delicate perfume the single red rose gave off. Stroking Brutus’s belly with one hand she picked up the note.
Good morning, little one. By the time you read this, I should be either up in the air, or just landed. I’ll ring you tonight, once everything’s settled down here. You can reach me during the day if you have to, but I’ll have my phone on silent for most of this conference.
I can see you rolling your eyes at the next bit, but humor your Daddy, and please stay away from that room. If you need to get anything, call Pedro.
Rissa did indeed roll her eyes at that request. Master Pedro had lost some of his menacing qualities since he’d got engaged to Peyton. It was clear he loved his sub and fiancé to distraction, but the woman carried far too many bruises on a regular basis, for Rissa to ever consider asking Master Pedro for help. Consensual they might be, but they still scared Rissa. Suppressing an involuntary shudder at their intense play sessions, Rissa picked the note back up again.
I know Pedro scares you, but he’s a good guy and my friend, so I expect you to ring him, if you need help.
“Not on your nelly, no, siree.” Brutus cocked his head and regarded her through his soulful brown eyes, as though he understood her. And maybe he did. He’d certainly pick up on her emotions, and she forced a smile in her voice for the worried looking dog.
“We don’t need no big bad sadist to come and rescue us, do we, boy?”
Brutus seemed to think this over for a minute, scratched his ear, and then hopped off of the bed and disappeared out of the open door.
“Traitor.” Rissa grinned as she murmured that word, and started reading again.
I’ve put Pedro’s, Slade’s and Mike’s numbers in your phone. I can see you roll your eyes again, and I know Slade has his hands full with petal, but Mike is a cop. Use him, if you need to. That is not a request.
Rissa mulled this over. Mike was by far the most approachable of those three. Probably because he wasn’t a Dom, but Mistress Scarlett’s sub, and thus Rissa felt more on an even keel with him. Not that the huge guy gave off very submissive vibes. If Rissa didn’t know better she would have him pegged for a Dom, and in truth, he was only submissive to Scarlett. Another odd dynamic there. Okay, maybe not odd, just unique.
Her heart beat a bit faster at that thought. No doubt the dynamics Daddy and she were working out would seem odd to most onlookers.
I miss you already. Be a good girl now, and I’ll be back as soon as I can be. I fear it may well take the whole week, however.
J x
Ps. When I facetime you tonight, wear something sexy for Daddy.
Rissa’s face split into a big grin at that P.S. It was a long time before evening came round, but she had plenty to do.
Once she’d made sure Brutus had found his way outside to do his business, and suitably caffeinated, she was just finishing in the shower, w
hen she heard her phone ring.
Banging her shin on the shower enclosure as she slipped in her hurry to get out, she got to her phone before it rang off. Why on earth was the club ringing her at barely gone nine in the morning?
It was with some trepidation that she swiped the phone to answer it.
“Finally. I was beginning to think I’d have to send Mike round to make sure you’re okay. Answer your phone in future, Rissa.”
Scarlett’s clipped tones held an unusual undertone of worry that made Rissa wonder whether she might not still be asleep and dreaming this strange conversation, especially when the woman’ voice softened.
“How are you?”
“Err, I’m fine. Thank you for asking, ma’am. I—”
“Call me Scarlett. That is my name after all, and we’re not at the club.”
“Err, right…urm, Scarlett?” An uneasy silence came through the phone, and Rissa hurried on to explain. “I’m sorry, I didn’t hear the phone. I was in the shower. Is there something I can do for you, ma’a…I mean Scarlett.”
Soft laughter ended in a sigh down the line, and Rissa had to pinch herself. Nope, that hurt, she was definitely awake.
“Nothing, dear girl, I was just ringing up to make sure you’re okay. When Jonas rang to say you were taking time off and were living at his place…I was…surprised. I needed to hear your voice, that’s all.”
“Riigghht?” Rissa had entered the twilight zone. While everyone knew Mistress Scarlett cared deeply for the club and the welfare of its staff and the smooth running of it all, she was not known for her tender side. That was reserved for Mike and her close circle of fellow dominants. It had certainly never extended to Rissa—until now it seemed.
“Don’t sound so surprised. You’re one of us, and I’m well aware that I forced your hand somewhat in that auction. I apologize if I caused you any distress by doing so.”
Rissa knew her mouth had fallen open at that, and try as she might she couldn’t think of a suitable reply to that, so she kept quiet, while Scarlett sighed again.
“Are you still there, Rissa?”
When Rissa managed a grunt in reply, Scarlett continued to surprise her.
“You are all right? He hasn’t forced you into anything?” Mike’s deep tenor could be heard in the back ground, and Scarlett sighed again. “Forget I said that. This is Jonas. As Mike just so aptly reminded me, he would never force himself on anyone. I just…”
Something that sounded suspiciously like a sniff came through the line, and the fine hair on Rissa’s neck rose. Something wasn’t right here.
“Scarlett, are you sure you are okay? I mean, do you need me to come into the club? I can if you’re short staffed—”
“Don’t be silly girl. Lindsey is quite happy for the extra shifts. No, you don’t worry about a thing. Enjoy the rest. Lord knows you’ve earned it.” By the end of that little speech Scarlett sounded on the verge of tears, but before Rissa could say anything else, rustling could be heard, and then Mike’s voice again.
“Go and lie down, My Lady. I told you she’d be fine.”
More rustling and just when she thought she ought to hang up, because they must have forgotten about her, Mike’s deep voice boomed in her ears.
“Hey pipsqueak, do me a favor, will you?”
Rissa smiled at the nickname Mike had bestowed her some time ago. He’d found her struggling with some boxes of booze, and flexing his considerable muscle power had helped her out.
“What’s a pipsqueak like you trying to do this by herself for? Ask for help, girl. I’d like to think I’m not that unapproachable. Us subbies got to stick together, right?”
He’d winked at her, when he’d said that, making her laugh. He’d looked out for her since then and usually appeared as if by magic to help on delivery days.
“Sure, what’s that, Mike?” Rissa asked smiling down the phone, while still trying to assimilate that strange conversation she’d had with the man’s Domme.
“Scarlett isn’t quite herself this morning, so I’d appreciate it if this didn’t go any further. I don’t want any gossip about My Lady to spread, okay?”
The softly spoken words held an edge of steel nonetheless, and Rissa found herself snapping to attention. You could take the subbie out of the club, but she would always respond to that underlying authority she heard in Mike’s voice now. He must be really worried about Scarlett to have said that much.
“What phone call, Mike?” Rissa asked, and Mike exhaled loudly, prompting her to ask. “What’s this all about? I mean you don’t have to tell me, and I know you won’t anyway, but is Scarlett all right?”
His short humorless laugh did nothing to reassure her.
“No, she’s not feeling well. She’s had rather a surprise. We both did, but she’s not taken it…that is. I’ve already said too much. She’ll be fine, you’ll see.”
Rissa wondered at the odd note of excitement in the man’s voice. Before she could ask him anything else, however he ended the call.
“Anyway, take care of yourself, and if you need help moving any stuff, ring me, won’t you? I know Master Jonas gave you all our numbers. Bye, pipsqueak.”
Rissa said bye to a ringing phone, and shook her head in wonder.
Something she did a lot over the next few days. While she fell into somewhat of a predictable pattern with her days, which were taken up by training and exercising Brutus, doing a spot of gardening and at a whim updating her CV, Jonas was never far from her thoughts. She missed him dreadfully, much more than she ought to, she was sure. Their increasingly naughty facetime conversations were definitely the highlight of her days. He seemed determined to keep her on edge, as he’d placed her on a strict no orgasm rule. Never in all of her life had that been so difficult, especially when Jonas talked dirty on the phone to her, and clearly got off himself. Damn the man.
It didn’t even occur to her to disobey him, however.
The ring of the doorbell shook her out of her daydreaming about Jonas’s accented voice whispering naughty words in her ear, and scooping a howling Brutus up under one arm, she went to answer it.
“Ah, good you are in. I was beginning to wonder, and if I had to take Laura back to her house, I think she might kill me.”
Master Pedro’s fiancé, Peyton, stood on the doorstep smiling down at her, while behind her, Master Slade’s very pregnant wife Laura, or Petal as she was known at the club, pulled a face and groaned, hands held to her back.
“Too damn right, I would. Lord knows I love my Sir, but if he doesn’t stop fussing over… oh my god that dog is so cute. I didn’t know Jonas had a dog. Or is he yours? Well, hello there little guy. What’s all that growling for?”
Laura reached out to pat Brutus, and Rissa entered the twilight zone again, when the little dog yipped and licked her hand. And Brutus, cute? Really? Well, he was once you got to know him, but...Rissa gave up trying to make sense of that.
“Erm, he’s Jonas’s. I’m dog sitting you could say, while he’s away.”
Peyton laughed, while keeping a seemingly wary eye on Brutus.
“Is that what we’re calling it now? Now I’ve heard everything. Look, can we come in? We’ve brought lunch, and Laura, will you stop petting that dog? If he bites you, Slade will have my hide, and I don’t even want to contemplate what punishment Pedro would come up with for me.”
She smirked when Rissa couldn’t hide her wince, as she stared at the very visible bite marks on the top of Peyton’s breasts. Her V-neck shirt had slipped just low enough to see them. Peyton pulled it back up again, and shrugged.
“That wasn’t punishment but, fun.”
Laura stopped stroking the dog and she rolled her eyes at Rissa in such a way that she had to laugh.
“What classes as fun between those two… well, less said about that the better. She is right though. We brought lunch, and I’m starving, so can we come in?”
“Erm, yes, of course. Sorry, I’m just surprised to see you, that’s all.
” Rissa stepped back and out of the way, and gestured down the hall. “Kitchen is that way. Let me just put Brutus in the garden for a bit…”
Not waiting for a response she hurried on ahead of them and once Jonas’s dog was outside with the flap locked, she turned round just in time to see Laura sit down gingerly on a chair.
“We can go in the living room, if you want?” she said. “That chair can’t be very comfortable for you to sit on.”
“No, that’s fine.” Laura smiled at her. “I can’t get out of comfy chairs without Sir having to haul me out them. This is just fine.”
Peyton laughed at that, and shaking her head, proceeded to cover the kitchen work top with an assortment of plastic containers. Chinese takeaway, unless Rissa was mistaken, and her stomach growled in appreciation.
“Plates?” Peyton asked. “I must say Jonas got a nice place here. Not at all what I imagined it would be like, but then neither was Pedro’s. Those Sirs of ours sure have hidden depths, eh?” Peyton winked at her and when Rissa gestured to the cupboards straight ahead, opened them with great flourish.
“Aha, plates. We are saved from the wrath of crazy, hungry, hormonally challenged Laura here. Phew, that was close I have to say.” Seeing Laura flip Peyton the finger was the last straw as far as Rissa was concerned. Sitting down heavily on the chair opposite Master Slade’s wife, she looked between the two women, as Peyton flitted about, producing wine and mineral water, and having found the glasses with another shout of triumph, dumped everything on the table.
“There, that ought to do it. Let’s feed the crazy baby mama, before she gives birth right now.”
Laura pulled a face and rubbing her belly sat up straighter.
“Oh for pity’s sake, not you, too. I’ve got at least another month to go, probably longer, being that I didn’t know my dates, so you can stop fretting. I get enough of that from Sir.” Laura paused a moment to take a bite of the noodles she had been piling on her plate while talking, and groaned. “Oh, delicious. I could eat this all day, every day, not that Sir will let me do that either. ‘Food needs to be of nutritional value to you and the baby.’ My ample ass. Talking of which, you did bring cake, Peyton, right? Please tell me you brought cake.”
Auctioned to the Protective Dom [The Spectrum Auctions 4] (Siren Classic) Page 12