CHAPTER 7
“Please, Erin, it’s been a busy day for you. You should be enjoying the first night in your new home and putting up your feet. Let Jayden and me do the cleanup.”
“Oh, you don’t have to do that,” Erin tried to argue, but Jillian wasn’t having it.
“I insist, dear. Go on upstairs and relax. It’ll give my son and me a chance to catch up with each other.” Jayden’s mother moved behind his chair and brought her hands up to rest on his shoulders.
Erin’s eyes sought his, probably hoping to see that he had some idea of what Jillian was up to. He didn’t, so he shrugged in response. The last thing he expected was Erin mumbling “I’m sorry” against his lips when she came over to kiss him before leaving the dining room.
She knew something after all—and had left him to face it alone. Jayden blinked at the spot where Erin had been, then turned to face his mother.
“Hop to it, son. I’ll wash, you dry.”
Fifteen minutes later they were almost done, but Jillian hadn’t said a word. It was bugging the hell out of him. His mother had always been excellent at the game of ‘let the subconscious guilt build until you cave and confess all.’ Dammit, she was going to win this round, too. Except, he had no idea what he needed to confess.
“I thought you wanted to catch up, Mom? An actual exchange of words would be a good way to facilitate that,” he prodded while trying to keep his tone light.
“M’hm.” She rinsed a glass and handed it to him.
Jayden tried again. “Did you girls have fun today?”
“Mostly.”
“Mostly?” Uh-oh, here it comes, he thought.
“Yes, Jayden. Mostly. The day had been delightful, and then I was helping Erin try on a wedding gown—”
“Mom! You weren’t supposed to hijack her today.”
“Hush your tone with me, young man. You should’ve seen how she was eyeballing that thing. Besides, London insisted she try it on. It was the one by the way—she’s stunning in it.”
Jayden groaned.
“Anyway, the cut of the dress doesn’t allow for a bra . . .”
This wasn’t going to be good. He swallowed, bracing himself.
“I saw—well, that is to say, I think I saw—”
“Just spit it out, Mom.”
Jillian sucked in a breath. “Why does Erin have your initial hanging from her,” she lowered her voice to a whisper, “breasts?” His mom stood there blinking at him.
He erupted with laughter, which carried on full and hearty for several minutes, while he watched his mother’s emotions warp and change from awkward defiance, to shock, and then concern.
It was the last which sobered him, and he stepped forward to take her hand. “Mom, you and I agreed several years ago that my personal . . . preferences were not open for discussion so long as I was happy and not hurting anyone.”
“Jayden Matthew Masterson,” she gasped his name.
He could see her gears turning and knew he had seconds before it clicked.
“Are you telling me you tie up and beat that precious girl?”
A slight nod was all the answer he was allowed to give before her hands started flailing around her head and she began to pace, murmuring incoherently.
“Mom, enough.” It still wasn’t her business, and at almost forty years old, he would not allow himself to be scolded like a child.
Jillian’s mouth opened then closed.
“Everything between Erin and me is consensual. I don’t do anything to—or with—her or her body that she doesn’t want. And I’m happy.” Jayden wasn’t sure where he’d gotten the balls to be this blunt with his mother, but she had to understand. He wouldn’t let her think, for one minute, that what he had with Erin was anything but right.
Her eyes shot up to his, studying him. “You are.”
He started nodding, a goofy grin reshaping his mouth. “Yeah, I really am.”
Though never one for touchy-feely moments growing up, Jayden had always had a soft spot for his momma’s hugs, and this time was no different. As soon as she wrapped him in her arms, a silent understanding passed between them.
With a final squeeze, his mother stepped back. “She’s a special girl, Jayden. And you’re special, too, son. I can see it when you’re apart, and it’s unmistakable when you’re together.”
“What’s that, Mom?”
“How much you two love each other.” She smiled and hung up the hand towel she’d been folding and re-folding while they talked. “I’m going to have the driver take me back to the condo now. Your father should be getting back from his meeting soon. You keep loving Erin with all that you are, Jayden. Pour your heart, mind, and body into it, and you’ll survive anything life throws at you. Remember that.”
Obediently, he nodded.
“See you in a couple of weeks at the Ranch. I can’t wait to have all of my kids under one roof again.” She kissed his cheek and walked out, tossing a wave back over her shoulder.
Jayden took a few minutes to consider the gravity of her words, not moving from his spot until he heard the front door close. His mother had said to love Erin with all of his being. Considering he’d been away from her most of the day, it was past time to show her just how much he loved her.
Starting with a spanking—for pleasure, of course.
*~*~*
“Catherine O’Chancey, you have some explaining to do, little girl!”
She heard him shout from the hallway right before the bedroom door flew open. He’d lost his tee, and his jeans were undone, the fly hanging open. With the way his hands were perched on his hips and how his dark, hooded eyes looked at her, he appeared intimidating—and delicious. Erin squealed and ducked under the covers to the echo of his laughter.
“Oh, I don’t think so.” His voice was near—he’d come closer.
The bedding disappeared, and her body tightened all over. Excitement prickled her flesh, drawing her nipples into hard rocks and sending signals to her groin to prepare for her lover.
“Fuck, Erin. Where are your clothes?” he rasped out.
“Pesky things would just get in the way . . . Master.” Aroused and wanting to be ravaged, she reclined back on her elbows and opened her legs, offering herself.
Large, powerful hands wrapped around her thighs, and then she was being dragged across the expensive cotton sheets. Seconds later, Erin discovered the rest of his clothes were now gone. In one swift move, he filled her with his cock, drawing a hiss from her at the force of the impact deep inside her.
With the next beat of her heart, he was gone and her body was being flipped over. Her hips were yanked upward, and his warm palm met the small of her back. Erin squirmed under the pressure of his hand while he slid it down her spine toward her head, where he gripped her neck then drove her face into the mattress.
She turned her head to the side, and a loud grunt escaped her when Jayden smacked her ass, which was sticking up in the air. This position allowed the strength of his strike to sink in and vibrate through her. Another pop echoed around the room, and white-hot heat danced across her bottom. Her body was responding, swelling and becoming slick—preparing to accept anything He offered.
Fingers slid into her wetness, making her choke on the air she’d been sucking in. Just as unexpectedly, they were taken back like his cock had been minutes before, leaving her open and empty. Yet another smack, chased by a flutter of gentle kisses upon her stinging backside, dragged a lusty sound from her lips.
“Are you a cock slut, Catherine?” He pushed a digit back in then teased it out of her. “I can see your welcoming hole. I’m watching those shiny pussy muscles of yours clench at the air in desperation.”
Again he teased her, running his fingers over her swollen lips but not penetrating this time . . . Back and forth he rubbed, coaxing her natural juices from within and heightening her need. At last, he pulled back to give her a succession of quick, sharp spanks, and then shoved his fingers back inside.
Then he stopped.
Again.
God, how she wanted to scream out in frustration. The whole of her body felt alive, like hundreds of pins were pricking her. Tingling all over, she didn’t have to wait long for his next move. This time it wasn’t his hand smacking her bottom. It was something heavier and wider, and it drew a loud satisfied groan from the submissive upon contact.
A peek over her shoulder revealed a martial arts target pad in his hand. With a loud wallop, the pad connected with her ass again. Catherine freed her mind to Him with a body-wracking shudder.
Master laid into her with the implement. Her lucidity faded fast with the rising levels of sexual need. One strike blended into the next until her bottom and the back of her thighs were nothing but a buzzing zone of warmth. The good feeling radiated outward from her core, and Catherine’s breaths leveled to a controlled in-and-out. She was dropping, each spank taking her deeper into subspace.
Everything became fuzzy—a melding, warping blob of sensation and euphoria during which He allowed her to come several times before satisfying himself with her body.
Erin woke a few hours later, needing a drink and to use the bathroom. She found a full glass of water on the nightstand, along with some ibuprofen, which she took gratefully once she scooted to the edge of the bed and discovered how tender her ass was. He’d had fun with her. The thought made her smile, and a warm feeling spread through her.
Coming back from the bathroom, she perched on the edge of the bed to watch Jayden sleep. A gap in the curtain allowed in enough moonlight for her to make out her man’s features. In repose, the lines of his face were less intense, and she imagined his younger self used to appear like that all of the time before life and adulthood sank in their claws. Funny what time could do, how it could shatter dreams—or make them come true—in the blink of an eye.
Thoughts formed in her head. What if she’d met Him first, instead of Spencer? Would they still be the perfect match they were? Did the what-ifs really matter at that point? This was her life now, and she was content.
She maneuvered herself under the covers and tucked in next to him, smiling when he wrapped an arm around her without waking. Sleep overtook her with a final, distressing thought.
Did content mean happy?
CHAPTER 8
With a languorous stretch, Erin shifted in the warmth of their bed. Despite the earliness of the hour, she felt energetic. It was time for them to start their holiday vacation. In a few hours, she and Jayden would be getting into the packed Wraith and heading south to Corpus Christi, where Jayden’s sister and her partner were hosting the holiday festivities. They were both looking forward to spending time with the whole family. Though only a month had passed since the family’s Thanksgiving gathering, they’d had such a good time seeing her Da and Jayden’s relatives that she was eager to do it again.
After the Mastersons had hosted the family at the ranch in Sweetwater, they’d all agreed Benny and Joon’s first Christmas should be in their own home, meaning Stephanie and Veronica were up next on the hosting roster. Everyone was excited for the chance to dote on Steph and Ronnie’s twins and give them a grand first Christmas.
The previous weekend, while shopping for his niece and nephew, Jayden had pretended to grouse at Erin’s exuberance as she picked out toys and cute, tiny outfits. However, more than once she’d caught the sparkle of joy in his ocher eyes. That joyful glimmer had been paired with an easygoing grin, and there’d been no doubt to her that he’d enjoyed the outing as much as her.
Not all the shopping had been for the babies. Erin had convinced her lover he needed to give Steph and Ronnie more than a restaurant gift card—his apparent gift of choice, she’d learned. At her insistence, they’d ducked into a lingerie store, where Erin had been able to select a few tasteful but sensuous pieces for her future sisters-in-law. Now the whole lot, including the gifts for their parents, was tucked into the Wraith’s trunk, covered in festive wrap and ribbons that the adults would appreciate on the boxes while the babies would have fun once it was off them.
It was easy to reflect on how her life had turned around for the better at Jayden’s side. Erin snuggled closer, and he sighed, the hand tossed above his head coming down to scratch himself through the covers.
She suppressed a giggle and moved her head closer to rest on his chest. For several minutes, Erin enjoyed the rhythmic rise and fall while he breathed at a steady, sleepy pace. Drawing her knee upward over his thigh, she slowed when nearing his crotch, then stopped altogether. A slight bulge had blocked her progress.
Erin slipped from beneath the covers and scurried across the darkened room to the en suite, the soles of her feet luxuriating in the plush carpet. After relieving the pressure on her bladder, she washed up and brushed her teeth.
Free from all potential distractions, Erin traversed the space and crawled back into the bed. She ducked beneath the covers to settle between her fiancé’s legs. While she looked on, his semi-erect cock twitched and shifted against his toned stomach. She could imagine it saying in a teasing lilt: “Hi, how are ya? Fancy a play?”
It was definitely one of the times when she was thankful he insisted they sleep in the nude.
Licking her lips, Erin stretched her neck so she could reach his pretty cock with her mouth. After nuzzling his soft balls with her nose, she feathered kisses upward along his shaft—some with sealed lips, others with mouth parted so her warm breath caressed him.
No longer did Jayden sport a semi. He’d swollen to full size, the flesh was tight, and she longed to taste. Opening her mouth wide and drawing her lips against her teeth to prevent an accident, she moved over him.
To Erin’s surprise, she was able to complete three full tight-suctioned passes before a large hand wove into her hair. Seconds later he bucked up, ramming his cock against the back of her throat while preventing her head from moving. Her physical response was immediate, and her inner thighs became slick.
Fresh air rushed over her hot skin when the covers disappeared. Jayden tightened his grip on her red locks and pulled. Reluctant to let go of her treat, Erin had to allow his girth to fall from her mouth so she could be guided up the length of his body.
The surrounding darkness did not deter the couple. The moment she was close enough, their lips found the each other. Erin stretched her body atop his, and though she was small, she was cocooned in a sense of security. It didn’t matter what position they tried. She never failed to fit against him like they had been made for each other.
Jayden’s hand relaxed in her tresses while their bodies softened and molded into one another. Wide and warm, she felt his hand move down her back with a gentle kneading pressure on its descent. He reached her waist, and the air whooshed out of her when their bodies twisted—he’d rolled them in an unexpected move.
A contented sigh escaped Erin when the weight of him settled against her and he nudged her thighs apart. Their tender kisses continued on, Jayden driving forward, burying himself deep, and filling her with his love.
With the barest movement, the two lovers ground against each other, just enough sensation burning in their loins to keep them on a honed edge. The whole time their eyes were locked in a gaze that spoke of everything each felt for the other, even when Erin reached the moment when her body burst into a flurry of tingles and the desperate need to come smashed into her.
Jayden didn’t want her asking permission when they were together like this, but Erin was still working on that. Her mouth didn’t form the word, but her eyes did. Please . . .
Always attentive to what she needed, he pressed his hips tighter against her and pushed up on his arms, breaking their kiss so that he could thrust with ease. Erin lifted her knees toward her chest then let them fall outward. With Jay
den’s increasing tempo, she could feel her clit swell. Her hands moved to his chest, where his muscles undulated beneath her fingertips while he worked his length within her.
“I’m almost there, sweet girl. Please . . . join me.” Though spoken with control, she sensed his need in the husky depth of his voice, so she let go with a loud cry that was matched by his own a few minutes later.
*~*~*
“You’re sure we have everything we need? We are going to be gone for a whole two weeks, after all. Wouldn’t want you to run out of anything in the back forty of Corpus Christi,” he teased after putting her last-minute bags into the back seat of the car—all three of them.
“Oh, shut it. I’m still adjusting to normal living with people who have money, Jayden. I get nervous over what to wear and change my mind . . . a lot.”
For a moment, Jayden was surprised by her admission. He’d had no idea she was intimidated by his wealth, considering the topic had never come up. He helped her into the car, choosing to wait till they were moving before he said anything. The Wraith purred to life, and after making sure the gate was secure behind them, they said goodbye to the Villa.
“Does my money bother you?” He shot her a glance before the light changed at the end of the street. “Because in a few months, it’s going to be your money, too.”
Erin flashed him a beautiful grin, but he had to return his attention to the road. At least the emerald sparkle of her eyes was burned afresh into his retinas. She was happy. This pleased him.
“I don’t think it’s so much that I’m bothered by it, just that I’m still learning, if that makes sense. I grew up where sweatpants and old tees, comfy and grungy clothes, were fine for informal get-togethers. Your family tends to do things on a little bigger scale than that, and I’m still trying to find my happy medium.”
“You don’t have to change anything on my account, or theirs. You’re perfect just the way you are.” Jayden let go of the steering wheel to grasp Erin’s hand and pulled it over to rest on his thigh, their fingers laced.
“I love you,” his girl said, then she giggled.
Surreal (Divine Trilogy #3) Page 5