by Anna Parsons
“We’re all sticky. We need a shower,” she said, struggling to lift up.
“No,” he said firmly, causing Evie to still. “We can shower after the sun comes up. I want to lie with you just as we are.” She relaxed against him and reached up to brush her lips against his. Dylan deepened the kiss, thrusting his tongue into her mouth, and sucking hers back into his. “I plan to have you again shortly, anyway.”
Chapter 19:
Dreams
Dylan drifted in and out of sleep as his Hope was nestled in his arms, in his bed, sleeping soundly. She wanted to sleep with the French doors open, to hear the waves crashing against the surf. He had taken her twice more before the sun rose, and he could feel that his cock stiffen again. Throughout the evening and night, he showed his love for her in every way he knew how, with her body responding to his in a way that created a deeper connection in his heart. Never had anyone turned on his Dom side as Evie did, not even Anne. Dylan wanted to take care of her, to make her happy, to be her world, and to love her, but his Hope remained silent. I need to hear the words. I need to hear her say, “I love you.” It’s not real until I hear the words. His dreams drifted to their first time together, and the many plans he had for them.
“Dylan. Wake up.” Evie shook him. Dylan opened his eyes to see his Hope staring down at him. “You were laughing in your sleep. Having a good dream, I think.” Evie smiled at him.
“It was a good dream, Hope. A very good dream.” He yawned and stretched, squeezing her tightly. He kissed down her jaw, to her neck, which she arched to give him access. “Are you sore, Hope?” He remembered fondly how many times and in what manner he had taken her in the previous hours.
“A little,” she said as he continued to kiss down to her breasts and she was disappointed when he stopped to search her face.
“I didn’t mean to hurt you.” His brow creased.
“You didn’t hurt me, Dylan. Not at all.” She kissed him soundly. Her stomach growled loudly. “But you did make me very, very hungry.”
Dylan kissed her again and turned to rise from the bed. “You jump in the shower while I check on breakfast.” Evie watched as he pulled on a white robe and left the room. She stretched like a contented housecat and jumped out of the bed.
She took a moment to relieve herself and brush her teeth before almost running to the shower, which she had wanted to get a closer look at it since her arrival the day before. She entered through what looked like a curved glass hallway. Once she turned the corner, she shouted with glee. Jets mounted on the walls and ceiling allowed water to spray from every direction. She turned on the faucet and stood in the midst of a cascade of water. Pressing a button on the wall, the cascade changed to a pulsating massage. “Seriously? I have got to have this. I’m calling Phillip.”
“No, you will not!” Dylan said as he stepped up behind her. “The upgrades to your apartment are ridiculous. I plan to talk to him about that.”
“Please don’t. I promised him that he wouldn’t get into trouble.” She reached up and pulled his mouth down to hers, the water swirling around their bodies.
“Okay,” he said as he pulled away. “I will let the other stuff slide, but no more.” He touched her nose with each word as if in reprimand, but Evie knew he wasn’t serious.
“What exactly is this called? I want to give Phillip the proper terminology.” She tried to kiss him again, but he turned her to the side and gave her a hard swat on the ass. “Ouch!” She grabbed her backside, and poked out her bottom lip, which Dylan pulled between his.
“I’ll call Phillip. Just damn, now you have me wrapped around your finger.” He gave her another swat before reaching his hand under the automatic soap dispenser, which delivered the perfect amount of shampoo.
“Oh, I need one of those, too.” Evie got herself a handful, too. They washed and tickled and shampooed until they were practically prunes. Dylan took Evie by the hand and walked her out of the shower.
“Stay,” he instructed once she reached the mat.
“I’m not a dog,” she mumbled under her breath, not realizing that she was speaking loud enough for him to hear.
“Whoever said you were a dog, Hope?” He began rubbing oil all over her body. “I didn’t want you to slip on the tile floor with your feet wet. And I wanted to moisturize before drying you off,” he teased. Evie smiled at him as he worked his way down her body, starting at her shoulders, and finishing with her toes. “Now stand there and air dry.” He proceeded to rub oil slowly into his skin with Evie’s gaze following the direction of his hands. His naked body had Evie spellbound. She felt her body react as her pulse increased and her pussy moistened. Will he always have this effect on me? Surely not. It’s the newness of it all. Hell, no. This man is a god. He pulled a fluffy white towel from a towel warmer in the corner. Noticing her eyebrows raise he said, “I will tell Phillip to add one to your bathroom.”
“Thank you, Dylan,” she said with a sly smirk as he patted her skin dry with the warm towel, which felt delightful against her moist skin. Next, he dried himself as Evie watched.
“Sit here, Hope.” Dylan pulled out a small stool from under the vanity. Looking at it, she couldn’t imagine him sitting on it. As if he read her mind, he said “I got this specifically for you.” She nodded and sat before him. He opened a drawer in front of her and pulled out a gilded brush. “For you, also.” He said as she looked up at him. Beginning with the back of her head, he started expertly brushing her unruly hair.
“Did you learn to do this by brushing Anne’s hair?” Evie felt the brush pause as he tensed. It was only momentary, and he continued without speaking. “I’m so sorry. My mouth gets me into trouble sometimes.” She looked down at her hands that nervously rubbed her thighs.
“Don’t worry about it, my Hope.” Dylan had in fact brushed Anne’s hair almost every day after the accident, until the fire. It was their daily time together. The same way he had bathed and dried Evie the previous night, he had taken care of his wife. He wanted to take care of Evie in the same way, but not for the same reasons. Anne could not take care of herself, Evie was perfectly capable, yet he wanted nothing more than to do basic things for her, to cherish her, to love her. He continued to brush until he was satisfied that the tangles were gone. To Evie’s surprise, he sectioned her hair into three parts, and he started a long plait at the base of her skull, slowly completing the braid in the middle of her back. “Hope, reach into the drawer and grab me a rubber band.” Evie pulled the drawer open and noticed a comb that matched the brush, several head bands, two jeweled barrettes, and a number of Ouchless hair ties. She handed one of the bands to him over her shoulder before returning her interest to the drawer, running her fingers over the bands and the jewels. “All done. Now, let’s eat.” Dylan pulled on his robe, tying it shut. Evie stood watching him, feeling a bit self-conscious. He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. “Don’t worry, my Hope. I’ll take care of you.” Reaching into a large corner wardrobe, Dylan pulled out a smaller mate to his robe.
“Thank you.” Evie breathed a sigh of relief.
“Soon, I will be able to tell when you’re uncomfortable, Hope.” He held the robe up for her to walk into. “For now, I wish you would tell me when something bothers you. Remember your traffic light?”
“Yes, Dylan.” She looked down as he tied the robe at her waist. He took her hand and led her to the kitchen where a heavyset older woman was arranging food on the table.
“Evangeline, this is Ruth. She takes care of the place. Smells delicious, Ruth, thank you.”
“Pleased to meet you, Miss Evangeline. I hope the eggs are to your liking. Mr. Dylan told me how you like them.” She uncovered the plates in front of opposite chairs. Her long black hair hung in a braid that she might sit on if she wasn’t careful. Evie could hear the accent as she spoke. Clearly Hispanic, but Evie could not place exactly where Ruth was from.
“Thank you, Ruth. You really didn’t have to go to so much trouble.” Dylan pulled
out a chair. Evie hesitated before she sat. Not feeding me this morning. Damn.
“Oh, please. This is the first time Dylan has had a guest for breakfast who wasn’t family. Of course I’ll go all out. If you think this is something, wait until dinner.” She laughed heartily.
“Damn, Ruth. Maybe I didn’t want her to know that I’ve been living life as a monk,” Dylan said as he poured the coffee.
“Monk my foot,” Ruth teased. Clearly, there was more than a typical employer-employee relationship. “Egg whites and vegetables, right?” Evie nodded and licked her lips as she looked at the mounds of bacon, waffles, potatoes, and fruit. “I added some cheese. Hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. Thank you.” Evie started to reach for a serving spoon and caught herself when she saw Dylan watching her. Sit down…allow him to push the chair forward…place napkin gently in the lap…no elbows…water glass to the left…juice on the right….pay attention to the silverware…What did I do wrong?
“Hope? Something wrong?” Dylan asked, causing Ruth to turn around.
“No, nothing. I just don’t know where to start.” She smiled.
“I always start with bacon.” He snatched a piece and popped the whole thing into his mouth, causing Evie to giggle. Feeling a bit more at ease, Evie piled her plate full of a bit of everything. Ruth left the room as they began to eat.
“Hope, we’re taking a sail today with some people I want you to meet.” Dylan sipped his coffee. “My two best friends, Chris Shelley and Ben Hammond, and their subs, Antonio and Allison.”
Evie placed her fork down and looked at him. “Okay.”
“No need to be nervous. They just want to get to know you. Chris manages the club, and you already met his sub, Antonio. Ben is an attorney, and Allison is the secretary at the club. They’ve been living together for a few years.” Reaching across the table, he placed his hand over hers. “Really, Hope, it’ll be fine. You’ll have a good time. Lots of laughter and food and drinks on my boat. Do you trust me?”
“Yes,” she said without raising her eyes to meet his, and picking up her fork again.
“Good. After dinner, we’ll head to the club.” With that statement, Evie tensed and dropped her fork loudly, drawing Dylan’s attention. “You’re mine and I will not let anyone hurt you. You will not leave my side, and after today, you will have at least four others watching out for you. Now eat.”
Evie tried to concentrate on eating, but her thoughts kept drifting to the day and night ahead. At the thought of returning to the club, the night with Peter returned to the forefront of her mind. I don’t think I can do this.
“Yes, you can, mi hermana. You are made for this, for him.” The encouraging voice tried to get through to her.
I’m not ready. I’m afraid.
“Let him guide you. Trust him.”
I don’t want to be hurt again. This can’t be happening.
Chapter 20:
Smooth Sailing
Chris and Antonio stood on the pier, watching Dylan and Evie descend the wide roped gangplank. Evie stiffened a bit as she saw Chris’s gaze move down her body. The two-piece swimsuit displayed every curve on Evie’s petite form, and Dylan’s friend noticed. The white halter top presented her full breasts, causing Chris to lick his lips. His eyes drifted down her body, past her belly button, to the denim shorts that covered her swimsuit bottom. Damn, just can’t catch a break, Chris thought, as he glanced at her shapely legs. He had to smile when he saw the flowers on the top of her flip-flops.
Evie relaxed when their eyes met. His soft brown eyes and easy smile put her at ease. He was dressed casually in cargo shorts and a white tee, his blond hair had platinum highlights that shone brightly against his tanned skin. Antonio stood slightly behind him, watching Evie intently, looking as though he badly wanted to say something. He was dressed in black swim shorts and a white skintight shirt. His pitch-black hair was tousled all over his head. Evie smiled to herself, thinking of the mischief they must have gotten into on the ride to the island.
“Chris, glad you could come.” Dylan grabbed his friend in a man hug, including the back slaps. Evie noticed that he ignored Antonio and decided remaining silent was best, although she had to keep from smiling when Antonio winked at her.
“Wouldn’t miss it, man.” Chris was about Dylan’s height and a bit leaner. Evie noticed the rippling biceps and back muscles as he hugged his friend. Without turning, he addressed his sub. “Say hello, Antonio.”
“Hello, Master Dylan,” Antonio said with a nod.
Dylan reached his hand out to Evie, and she placed her hand into his. “Evangeline Hope, this is Chris. He is my good friend and he manages the club.” He passed her hand to his friend. “Say hello, Hope.”
Chris took her hand from Dylan and brought it to his lips just as she spoke. “Hello, Master Chris. It is a pleasure to meet you officially.”
“Believe me, the pleasure is all mine.” He returned her hand to Dylan. “You have already met Antonio.” Evie nodded.
“We’re here.” A solid man, almost as tall as Chris and Dylan joined their party on the pier, behind him a beautiful brunette, wearing a tiny bikini under an open cover-up.
The new arrival received the same greeting from the other two gentlemen, ignoring the subs. Again Dylan reached for her hand, which she obediently placed into his. “Ben, this is Evangeline Hope. My Hope, this is US Attorney Ben Hammond, another good friend.” Again, he passed her hand to his friend. “Say hello.”
“Hello, Master Ben,” she said softly. Ben kissed her knuckles before returning her hand to Dylan.
“Dylan, she is lovely.” He turned to the statuesque brunette. “Allison, say hello.”
“Hello, Master Dylan.” Even though she was head and shoulders taller than Evie, she still had to tiptoe to kiss Dylan’s cheek. She turned to the other Dom. “Hello, Master Chris,” she said before kissing him on the lips. “May I speak to Hope?” she asked Ben.
“Yes,” Ben said.
Dylan motioned Ben and Chris onto the gangplank before nodding to Evie. Chris whispered something into Antonio’s ear before following.
Antonio grabbed Evie’s hand and almost dragged her onto the boat, Allison right on their heels. Once onboard, they headed in the opposite direction of the Doms, ending up in a large sitting area in the aft section. Evie looked up to see Dylan, Ben, and Chris heading toward the cockpit. The thirty-foot yacht was outstandingly beautiful, with three bedrooms and bathrooms. Dylan corrected her during the tour before his friends’ arrival…“cabins and heads.” The ultramodern vessel lacked a name, which Evie was determined he would correct in short order.
“Girl, you look good enough to eat,” Antonio said before hugging her.
“Maybe we’ll try that later,” Allison said as she reached in to kiss Evie on the cheek. “Hi. I am Allison. I belong to Ben.”
“I guess that means I belong to Chris,” Antonio said before hugging Allison. “So,” he started, returning his attention to Evie. “You and Big Badass Dylan, huh?” he said, smiling. “I knew it!” He clapped his hands and fell back onto his seat.
“It’s about time,” Allison said as she reached out to touch Evie’s cheek.
“What do you mean?” Evie blushed under the watchful eyes of the two subs.
“Girlfriend,” Antonio started. “Big Badass has been fawning over you for a while.” They all turned as they heard the engine roar to life. “You mean you didn’t know?” He chuckled. “Shit, everybody else did.”
“True,” Allison agreed, nodding. “Ever since the first time you entered the club. ‘Fawning’ is the perfect description.”
Evie felt uncomfortable and blushed more. “I can’t imagine Dylan ‘fawning’ over anyone, particularly me.” Evie opened the cooler that was built into the sectional sofa, taking out a beer, offering one to the others.
“Are you kidding?” Allison asked as Evie took her seat with the three beers, opening all and passing them around. “You’re beauti
ful. I would kill for that hair.” Allison’s long dark hair was pulled into a ponytail on top of her head. She folded her long frame, pulling her knees up to rest on the table, leaning back against the sofa. She watched Evie with her big brown eyes. Even with no makeup, Allison was beautiful. “He’s crazy about you.”
“Yes, he is,” Antonio said after taking a huge swig of his beer. “So much so that he made us come out here on this trash barge to get to know you, darling.” Antonio watched Evie with his deep blue eyes, smiling a toothy grin. “I have no idea how I will be able to stand being on board.” He looked around. “Shit, who am I kidding? Master Dylan himself will need to drag my ass off of this bitch. I am here to stay.”
Allison nodded in agreement. “Master Dylan wants to show you off. Not sure which he wants to show off more, though, you or the boat.”
“Yacht, bitch,” Antonio corrected. “You can’t call Chez Antonio a ‘boat.’ Uncouth heifer.” All three laughed.
“We’re going to the club later,” Evie said contemplatively. “Not quite sure how I feel about that.”
“I heard about what happened,” Allison said. “Peter is an ass. He broke all the rules. Master Dylan considered revoking his membership.”
“Why didn’t he, do you think?” Evie asked.
“He will, I am sure, but not before he shows your ass off there, too. He’ll make you wiggle it in front of Peter’s face,” Antonio said. “The club is a good place. A place for someone like me to be myself, to have fun, and to live my kink, all without judgment. People like Peter, who try to tarnish my sanctuary, deserve to have their foolishness put on Front Street.”
“We don’t need to think about that asshole anymore. Not when we have so many more pleasurable things to discuss. We’re here to get to know you and let you get to know us.” Allison gave Antonio a sly smile.