by Avery Gale
Letting her gaze wander and as she’d suspected there were microphones hidden in every nook and cranny. Any conversation they’d thought was private had no doubt been monitored by whoever was manning the club’s control center. Whoever was sitting in what she’d started thinking of as Spy Central was probably feeding information to the Doms through the small earbuds she’d noted they were wearing. That explained why Regi had been redirected around the pool.
Damn, she’d love to get a look inside the heart of the Prairie Winds Club. Earlier today they’d all been lounging by the pool when she’d said as much, causing both Tobi and Gracie to laugh at her. “We’ve never been allowed inside.” Gracie had looked at Joelle with sympathy and understanding in her eyes.
In what Joelle was beginning to see was typical Tobi West style, the petite blonde whirlwind had stomped her foot in frustration. “It wasn’t for a lack of trying. Damn, I got busted every damned time I tried to sneak in there. Hell’s bells, it would have been easier to break into Fort fucking Knox.”
“Listen to her, Joelle, she’d had enough spankings over this to be considered an expert.” The sarcasm practically dripped from Gracie’s words earning her a death glare from her spirited friend.
“You’re a real comedian, Gracie. I recall you were on the spanking bench right beside me more than once.” Returning her attention to Joelle, Tobi smiled ruefully. “Probably a good idea to erase that one from your bucket list. The powers that be tend to be totally anal on this particular point.”
Gracie looked surprised. “Does this mean you’re giving up your scheming to get inside their inner sanctum?” Gracie’s dark eyes danced with mischief as she made no attempt to temper the hopeful tone of her voice.
“Dreamer.” Tobi rolled her eyes at Gracie but her giggle brought a smile to Gracie’s lips. “I’m just rethinking my strategy. There has to be a way to make it happen…I just haven’t figured it out yet. Don’t worry, I’ll come up with a brilliant plan…eventually.” Ordinarily a conversation like this would put Joelle off her desire to see or do something. She’d spent her entire life following rules, always playing the role of the quintessential good girl. And look where it’s gotten you. Her harpy inner voice could be a relentless bitch sometimes, but in this case, she was right.
“Well, maybe someday I’ll get the chance to see the control center in Mountain Mastery. Damn, maybe I’ll build my own club somewhere, then no one can keep me out.” She wasn’t sure why it had seemed so important or why she was insanely focused on something that in the great scheme of things didn’t matter at all. Shaking her head to clear out the wayward thoughts, Joelle looked around and smiled, wondering who was watching her watching them. Just thinking about sneaking into the control center at Mountain Mastery made her smile. Not only would it be fun to get one over on Master Nate, but the fact she was thinking about returning to Montana proved where her heart was. Now I just have to make sure the men I’ve fallen for are thinking the same way.
We’re watching, Joelle. Damn, I wish I could hear what’s going through her mind because whatever it was, she’d just come to some kind of decision. Time to move, brother—you too, cousin. You need to present a united front. Phoenix’s words spoken directly into his ear was all the encouragement Brandt needed. Ryan’s nod let him know his cousin was in agreement. They’d waited long enough. Stepping forward in a move so well coordinated it looked choreographed, he and Ryan brought themselves to their full height. The move snapped Joelle from her thoughts, her eyes widened as the sweet flush of arousal washed over her chest. Perfect. Crooking his finger, he beaconed her closer and was beyond pleased when she didn’t hesitate to move to them.
“We’ve been waiting all evening for a chance to be alone with you, minx.” Brandt deliberately pitched his voice low, he wanted her to hear how much he wanted her.
“We’ve got an important question for you. But first, we’ve got a scene planned. Let’s move inside.” Joelle nodded even as her eyes darkened and took on the unmistakable glassy look of a sub getting into the perfect headspace. At her nod, they led her into the club’s large main room. Stepping up on the center stage, Ryan saw Joelle’s eye flick to the large ring behind him, but she quickly brought her eyes back to his. “Do you trust us, baby?”
“Yes, Sir. Completely.” Her response had been immediate and spoken without hesitation letting him know she was ready for what they had planned. Securing her arms and legs inside the large frame before attaching the restraint circling her waist, Brandt watched the goose bumps race over her skin each time he caressed her smooth skin with the rough pads of his fingers. Standing in front of her, Brandt framed her face between his hands. Slanting his lips over hers, he didn’t bother with preliminaries—this was all about possession and staking a claim no one would misinterpret. The scene they’d planned would take her over the edge quickly, they’d learned exactly how to send their woman into orbit. But the real goal was to help clear her mind. They didn’t want her thinking to be cluttered by desire when they asked her to wear their collar. The diamond choker felt heavy in his pocket, it wasn’t the weight of the lovely piece of jewelry they’d chose—it was its significance that kept him hyper-aware of it tucked against his leg in its slim velvet case.
Stepping back, Brandt was satisfied with the dazed look in her eyes—it was nice to know he wasn’t the only one affected by the kiss they’d shared. Ryan leaned over her shoulder letting the silk scarf in his hand flutter softly over her breasts. Watching her nipples draw up into tight berries was too much to resist. While Ryan tied the black silk over her eyes, Brandt pulled first one tight bud and then the other into his mouth, sucking until he felt her body begin to tremble against the press of his lips. Brandt knew he could send her over the edge in seconds, but he wanted her desperate for what they could give her. I want your heart and your head, love. I won’t settle for anything else and neither will Ry.
“Oh no, minx. Not yet. We’ve only just started. We’re going to make this night one you’ll remember for the rest of your life,” Brandt’s words were whispered against the slope of her shoulder between soft kisses and stinging nips. When she shifted in an effort to get closer to him, she realized two things. First, shifting wasn’t an option because she was bound securely. And second, her contracting muscles had noted the missing plug. When did they remove it?
“I see you’ve noticed the plug is gone, baby. Not to worry, we’re planning to replace it with something much more interesting soon enough.” Ryan’s words now came from in front of her and were accompanied by the teasing sensation of leather strips dancing over the top slopes of her breasts. “Tell me how it feels, baby. I want to know exactly where your head is every step of the way tonight.” Oh geez, she could already feel herself sliding into that magical place where her only thoughts were about chasing the pleasure, and he wanted a running monologue about how she felt?
“If you don’t give him what he wants, he’ll stop, minx. Contrary to what everybody thinks, I’m not the bad ass and he’s not the charmer.” Oh, she’d figured that out all on her own. The two of them swapped personas like hormonal teenagers…it was spooky how quickly they could switch roles.
Deciding honesty was the best choice, Joelle blurted out the words before she went under for the third time. “I’m already drowning in pleasure. I know you’ve only started, but I think it speaks volumes that I was so lost in the kiss I didn’t even realize you’d removed the plug.” Ryan continued to flick the soft strands of the flogger in a deliberately erratic pattern over her chest, keeping her unsure where the next bite would be. The leather strips were lighting up the nerve endings on the surface of her skin making it feel like little fairies in cleats were tap dancing everywhere the flogger struck. When he moved to her back, Joelle lost her ability to speak for several long minutes. Ryan tied the silk scarf over her eyes and without that distraction, she could lose herself in the moment. She let the increasing intensity of the flogger take her further into the quiet space in her hea
d where nothing mattered but their touch.
“Do you know what we want from you, love?” Ryan’s words were a warm rush of air moving against the shell of her ear. The air around her was almost vibrating with energy, but she didn’t feel the leather slap of the flogger. When did he stop?
“Minx, your other Master asked you a question.” Brandt’s words had come from in front of her, but she couldn’t remember being asked a question. “Ry, I think you might have done your job too well, I’m not sure she’s going to be able to answer any of our questions until she has a chance to vent some of the rampant sexual tension pouring out of every pore.” Yes! What he said! Venting would be good…as long as it means I get to come.
Chapter Eighteen
Two Days Later…
Waiting for the press conference to start was excruciating. Joelle ran the tips of her fingers over the diamond choker resting at the base of her throat surprised at the settled feeling its weight brought her. The collaring ceremony Ryan and Brandt had surprised her with two nights ago would always be one of her most precious memories. She’d learned later they’d turned down Tobi and Gracie’s offers of help, choosing instead to plan everything themselves. They’d even ordered flowers and selected food for a small reception after the intimate ceremony. The sheer robe they’d given her after she’d knelt in front of them to receive her collar hadn’t offered much in the way of coverage, but knowing it was something they’d chosen for her warmed her heart. And now, every time one of her men noticed her touching the pretty line of diamonds their eyes softened, their emotions written so clearly in their expressions.
The scene at the Prairie Winds Club had connected the three of them in ways Joelle hadn’t known possible. She had a feeling the connection was going to be important in the coming weeks because there wasn’t any doubt there was a storm brewing on the horizon. The leaked video might have had set the stage, but today all the major networks were on hand and she knew they’d be relentless. But thanks to Tobi’s wisdom, the dress rehearsal she’d had a few days ago had given her confidence a big boost. Even though she was nervous, she was also prepared.
The tall women wearing press credentials and leaning casually against the wall near the door caught Joelle’s attention because the other reporters were all waiting in the medical center’s enormous conference room. Leaning close to Brandt and nodding toward the reporter, Joelle asked, “Why isn’t she waiting in with the others?” Even though he was standing with his back to the door, he didn’t turn around to see who she’d asked about. He smiled knowingly down at her without answering. “I know reporters need to be alert to their surroundings, but she appears to be hyper-aware despite the casual pose.
Brandt still hadn’t responded, but his raised brow told her he was more than a little surprised by her observation. “And those shoes are really hideous. What was the word Jen used the other day? Oh, yes, they’re fugly. Evidently Jen is some sort of word blending phenomenon.” This time, several of the men in the room coughed at the same time, the hands over their mouths failing to hide their guilty smiles. Joelle narrowed knowing eyes at Brandt.
To her credit, the woman in question didn’t react, she casually pulled her phone from her jacket pocket and studied it as if it were the most interesting thing in the world. And look at her hands. Those aren’t the hands of a professional woman. They’re too large and much too meaty. Hmmm
Deciding to test her theory that everyone in the room could hear her, including the man dressed as a woman beside the door, Joelle smiled to herself. “I have to go to the rest room. I saw it on the way in. I’ll be right back.” Stepping away from Brandt before he could grab her, she wanted to laugh because every man in the room went on point immediately. Yes, boys and girls, the audio-visual show has begun. When the car begins to move, make sure you keep your hands and feet inside at all time. Now, sit back and enjoy the show.
Even the faux reporter was suddenly fidgeting. Not looking forward to shadowing me into the ladies room? Well, honey, it sucks to be you. I want to know what the hell is going on. As expected, the reported entered the restroom’s lavishly decorated anteroom less than a minute later. Joelle was ready and waiting, but before she’d uttered a word the door opened again and she found herself face to face with Helen Rodrick.
As strange as it seemed, it was the man pretending to be a female reporter moving alongside the hateful woman glaring at her that steeled Joelle’s resolve. As a candidate for the presidency, the woman had a Secret Service detail and the fact she’d slipped past them told Joelle a lot about how the woman glaring at her planned for this little meet and greet to go down.
“You just don’t get it, do you?” Helen Rodrick’s voice oozed pure venom.
“Evidently not, Ms. Roderick. Perhaps you’d like to enlighten me before your security detail catches up with you. And I’m sure the reporter standing beside you would be interested in knowing why it’s so important for you to keep this breakthrough quiet.” Joelle hoped she hadn’t misread the reporter’s reason for positioning himself closer to the old hag. Damn, why on Earth was she so focused on preventing Joelle from sharing what she’d discovered. The only possible explanation was the former senator cared more about money than people…and that baffled Joelle.
She was actually grateful for the opportunity to confront the woman who’d caused her to question herself. Joelle was embarrassed she’d let fear keep her from doing what she should have done in the very beginning. The only saving grace in the whole mess was she’d found Brandt and Ryan. “Why couldn’t you just keep your information on your computer or stashed in your apartment like a normal person? Christ, woman, you’ve been a pain in my ass.”
“Are you the one who broke into my apartment?” Joelle knew her voice reflected how utterly appalled she was by the depth of the woman’s unethical behavior.
“Don’t be ridiculous, I didn’t go myself. The last place I’d want to be seen would be coming out of your building the same evening as a break in.” Her face contorted as if she’d smelled something dead as she continued, “Hell, I wouldn’t want to be seen in that building…well, ever. Really, I don’t think you could have found a less interesting place to live if you’d tried. You’ve obviously spent way too much time in your precious lab, dear. Your lack of class must be a horrible embarrassment to your father.” Joelle felt as if someone had yanked the rug out from under her feet. Damn if the woman hadn’t zeroed in on one of her biggest insecurities.
“I don’t really have the time or desire to chat with you about my relationship with my father. Just tell me why you’re here because I have a press conference to get to.” Joelle felt her control slipping and it was just a matter of time before someone noticed she’d been gone too long.
Helen must have seen Joelle’s glance toward the reporter because she followed her gaze before resettling her attention on Joelle. “Don’t worry about him. We’ve been working together for weeks. He’s going to tell the world about how you attacked me when I tried to leave.” She pulled a large knife from her purse and everything about her posture seemed to shift right before Joelle’s eyes. Helen might not have noticed, the subtle shift in the reporter’s stance, but Joelle didn’t miss it.
The woman’s lunge was so quick and so unexpected Joelle didn’t have time to do anything but gasp in surprise as the knife pierced her side. The white-hot pain dropped her to her knees and it took her several seconds to realize the screaming in her ears was her own voice bouncing around the small space. Had the reporter not shoved her attacker at the last moment the knife would have been buried to the hilt directly into Joelle’s heart. Realizing how close she’d come to losing her life was frightening, but those thoughts were quickly eclipsed by the pandemonium erupting around her. Despite all the shouts from the people pouring into the small room, Joelle felt like she was drifting further and further away from the noise as the darkness at the edges of her vision closed in. Why are they all yelling? It’s just a small cut. I’ll be fine if everyone wou
ld just calm down. Maybe I’ll just rest my eyes for a few minutes while they sort it out.
Ryan hit the door at a full run slamming it into the wall sending chunks of sheetrock falling in his wake. He was at Joelle’s side and knew within seconds how life threatening her injury was. He’d seen several soldiers die from bullet wounds to the exact location of the knife wound she’d suffered. He also knew if she’d sustained this injury anywhere but a trauma level medical facility, they wouldn’t have a prayer of saving her. Thankfully, he’d completed his residency in this hospital so he knew exactly where he needed to take her. Peeling off his shirt, he pressed it against the wound and lifted her gently into his arms. Running down the hall, Ryan directed Brandt letting his cousin clear the path and shove open the doors to the outer surgical suite. Two of the men Brandt pushed out the way were surgeons Ryan recognized. At his shout for help, they didn’t hesitate to follow Ryan into the first empty prep-room he found.
Ryan pushed Brandt out of the room as the surgeons set to work. He knew he’d see the haunted look on his cousin’s face in his nightmares for years to come. Brandt’s last mission had ended horribly and the aftermath of seeing most of his team wiped out had sent the team leader into an emotional spiral. It had taken months for Brandt to begin living again and it was easy to see him sliding into the abyss of fear. “We won’t lose her. I swear to you I won’t let her go. But you’ve got to let us do our jobs. Go get the bitch who did this.”
Brandt’s eyes lit with fire and Ryan was relieved to see him channel his fear into a purpose-filled expression. He nodded and turned to go, but stopped to grab Ryan’s arm. “She’s our world. Take good care of her.” Ryan fought back the emotion as he nodded before they turned back to their respective tasks. There wasn’t a doubt in his mind the rest of the team had already taken Helen Rodrick into custody, but he also knew they’d be waiting for Brandt before they turned her over to the local authorities. Take the bitch apart, cuz.