“Have you ever been spanked?” His question was reasonable under the circumstances, but Brooke felt too annoyed to answer him.
“That’s my business,” she replied curtly.
He sighed and led her to another station. A female sub was tied to a sort of bed while her Dom poured melted wax onto her breasts. Brooke had seen this done before, and wasn’t surprised to hear the gasps and groans of the young sub, who appeared to be in a dreamy state.
“Knife play?” Travis asked before leading her to another station.
Brooke shook her head, her mouth turning dry.
“Threesome?” He was studying her face intently.
She shrugged. She was darned if she was going to tell him how excited she was at the prospect, but he could read her like a book.
An oversized bed stood in one corner, and a middle-aged lady was enjoying some double penetration from a couple of younger men. She was screeching her delight as they pounded rhythmically into her, grunting with each thrust. Brooke studied the woman’s face. She had expected her to have a pained expression, as Brooke had experienced anal sex before—though not entirely through choice—and found it hurt far more than she expected. The woman obviously relished the sensations, as she cried out for more, harder thrusts. The men were murmuring to her, and stroking her arms and back as well as her breasts. Brooke had never seen so much affection and was astonished at the effect it had on her. Her face flushed and tears pricked the corners of her eyes. Blinking hurriedly, she looked away in case Travis caught her expression.
Too late. He grinned but didn’t speak. The three on the bed reached their climax simultaneously, and the roars and screams were tremendous. Brooke’s pussy clenched with excitement and she couldn’t stop herself imagining how that would feel if Travis and Kent were doing that to her.
As they walked away from the bed, she heard a loud gasp from the St. Andrew’s Cross, where a different couple was now playing. Brooke’s eyes darted around and fixated on the woman tied with her back to the room. She was much rounder than Melinda. She groaned and leaned into the wooden structure. Her face, which leaned sideways against the cross, looked serene and blissful.
Brooke slowly made her way over to take a closer look. Travis followed, giving her some space. Brooke’s eyes were still fixated on the woman, judging her reactions. After a while, she examined the whip in use. It was a single tail. She gulped, but kept her nerve. The Dom was placing the strokes evenly over the woman’s body and was evidently at expert at analyzing her reactions, as he seemed to be giving her exactly what she needed. The Dom had his back to Brooke, and it was hard to see him properly in the shadows. He had wavy, fair hair and wore leathers with no shirt. She saw the ripples of his shoulders and back as he wielded the whip, and suddenly her mouth fell open. So this was what it was supposed to be like.
Travis took a step closer to Brooke.
After a while, Brooke gazed up at him. Travis motioned for her to look a little closer.
It was Kent! His strokes were perfect, every one precisely positioned. He read his sub’s reactions well and adjusted the severity accordingly. The woman didn’t appear to be a pain slut, but she enjoyed the intensity she received, judging by her contented moans. Brooke had to admit that Kent was good at his job. Stella had been right about him being a perfectionist. She walked over to the side of the scene area to study Kent’s face. It was beautiful. She was amazed to see his serene expression and calm demeanor.
She had never seen a person in Dom space before but had read about it. This must be what it looked like. Kent’s gorgeous face was concentrating on the woman in front of him. He didn’t scowl or grimace as Chad always had. He didn’t yell at the woman as he whipped her. He was perfectly composed and in control of himself and his actions. Brooke had never seen anything so peaceful. She could see his lips moving as he spoke soothingly to his sub, occasionally walking right up to her to stroke her skin with his soft hands and murmur in her ear. Brooke guessed he was checking she was OK before continuing. She marveled at how caring Kent was with the woman, and felt a twinge of jealousy.
“You OK?” Travis’s soft voice pulled her from her thoughts.
Brooke stared up at him and was surprised that he appeared all blurry. She wiped her eyes hurriedly. Travis’s gorgeous face smiled kindly at her. Brooke’s stomach lurched as he reached down and cupped her face in his strong hands. She stared into those deep, dark eyes as he nibbled at her lips before engulfing her mouth in a soft, sensual kiss. Her whole body softened, and she had to cling on to his arms to stop herself from melting into a puddle on the floor. Travis’s kiss was soft and loving, and she couldn’t get enough of it. Brooke wanted it to last forever. A burn ignited in her stomach and coursed through her veins. She kissed him back, slowly at first, but then passion overtook her and she devoured his mouth deliriously.
Travis’s hands left her face and wrapped around her voluptuous frame. He breathed in her scent. Everything around them seemed to disappear, and Brooke let him lose himself in the moment, in her.
Chapter Eight
Kent looked after his little sub until she was ready to join her friends at the bar. He had taken her to one of the sofas, only to find that Travis and Brooke were sitting on one at the far end. Brooke sat in Travis’s lap, and they were gazing at each other and kissing lovingly. Kent was relieved she hadn’t bolted as soon as she’d seen either of them. He knew they were taking a risk by arranging for her to see him in action, but thought it best to show her exactly what he did with a single tail whip. His heart leapt at the sight of them giving each other lingering kisses and longing looks, and ached to join in.
Travis beckoned Kent over once his sub had left, and he cautiously went across to sit with them. “Are you OK?” he asked Brooke softly.
She flushed when she saw him and nodded.
“I’m so sorry about everything,” he said gently.
She shook her head. “It wasn’t your fault. I was just a bit scared, that’s all. I shouldn’t have made a fuss.” She smiled weakly at him, and he sat forward, studying her.
“Scared of what?” He saw her tense up as soon as he asked but thought it was probably the best time to find out. Especially now that he knew she wasn’t who she said she was. Mason had come through with some interesting information this afternoon.
Brooke sat up straight on Travis’s lap.
“When you see someone waving a whip around, I think most people would be afraid of being hit.” She tried to sound light and cheery.
“Why would you think that? I wasn’t even near you, let alone facing you.” He stared at her face and noticed it tense and twitch nervously as she fought to find an answer.
Brooke squeezed her lips together, fuming. “I’m sorry. I got it wrong, OK?” she bit the words out.
Travis sighed.
Brooke looked back to Travis with a forced smile. “I need to get back to Stella. I don’t want her to think I’m being rude by neglecting her.”
Travis chanced a quick kiss to her head. Nothing like the kisses they had been enjoying when Kent came over.
“Thank you for showing me around tonight, Travis. Goodnight, Kent.” Her voice was cool as she got up and left them.
“What the hell did you do that for?” Travis hissed at Kent once she was out of earshot.
“I was hoping she might confide in us about what had frightened her. She seemed all relaxed and happy. I thought it was the right time,” Kent replied ruefully.
“It was the right time for you to stop interrogating her and start kissing her. I had her all warmed up nice. Now we’re right back to square one!” Travis was pissed.
“I’m sorry,” Kent said with a sigh. “I misread the situation.”
Travis ran a hand through his dark hair and snuggled closer to his partner. “We’ll have to figure something out,” he reassured him.
“I don’t think she likes me.” Kent pouted. “I always seem to fuck up when she’s around.”
“Yo
u don’t know shit.” Travis snorted. “You should have seen her face when she was watching you tonight. She more than likes you, buddy, believe me. You just need to stop working for a while and start relaxing. All the questions are making her edgy.”
Kent nuzzled back against Travis.
“I just need to know what the hell’s going on with her, you know? She’s given us a false name, she’s covered in welts and scars, and she’s scared to death of something. If we don’t find out soon, she’s gonna disappear, I just know it. Every time I look at her, I can see she’s on the brink of running. I wanna know what she’s running from.” Kent’s chin stiffened as he spoke.
Travis stroked Kent’s hand. “I know, bud. I wanna know too, but she won’t tell us until she’s ready. Besides, we don’t know she’s given us a false name. She could have just borrowed the car.”
Kent shook his head. “No, Brooke Anderson is too close to Brooke Adams to be a coincidence, bro. She’s given us a false name, all right. Mason’s going to run a check on Brooke Anderson, see what he can come up with.”
“Well he’d better be quick. She’s planning on leaving town tomorrow,” Travis said, looking over at Brooke sitting on a bar stool chatting with Stella and Hal. They’d been joined by the local billionaire, Rich Buchanan, as well as Don Montgomery.
Kent stiffened. “She can’t.”
“She can if this rain holds off. By my reckoning, the road’ll be passable by the morning if it doesn’t start again tonight.” He sighed miserably, watching Brooke and Stella say their good-byes and head for the door. “I don’t know about you, buddy, but I could use a drink.”
Don and Hal were walking the women home, but Rich was still sat at the bar grinning like a Cheshire cat.
“Couple of beers please, Ben,” Travis ordered as he took the stool next to Rich.
Kent slumped onto the stool beside his partner’s, deep in thought.
“You look pleased with yourself,” Travis said to Rich as he took his drink.
“I am. Guess who’s got a hot date for The Brandon Boys gig tomorrow night?” Rich’s dimples showed as he grinned. His handsome face lit up.
“Go on then, what poor, unsuspecting fool have you got lined up to disappoint this time?” Kent teased as he swigged his beer.
“Brooke Adams. She’s new in town, staying at the Montgomery.”
Travis’s face turned to thunder and he stood up angrily.
Kent stood up too, placing a warning hand on his partner’s arm.
“What in hell do you think you’re playing at, Rich Buchanan? Didn’t you see her with me tonight?” Travis spoke through gritted teeth, and several people looked over to see the commotion.
Rich arrogantly took a large glug of his beer before turning back to Travis. “I saw you. I also saw her leave without you. Seems to me she’s not tied to anyone—much less you.” He resumed drinking his beer.
“Leave it, bro,” Kent warned. “Come on, let’s go.”
Travis clenched his fist and scowled as Kent led him out of the building.
* * *
Brooke had a troubled night. Her emotions were in turmoil. She was also aware that the rain had stopped and the road could be clear today. She really had to think about leaving town before Chad found her.
She took a deep breath and headed for the shower. Her bathroom window was open, and she could hear the birds chirping outside. It looked as though the sun might be shining later. As she washed, she couldn’t help but start to feel optimistic. She had a date tonight, a guy she’d only just met. He was handsome and charming and witty. He seemed really nice, and she was sure she’d have fun with him. He didn’t seem at all intense and was well aware that she was leaving town any day now, so there was no chance of anything lasting. It would be fun to go out with someone without complications. Especially as they were going to see The Brandon Boys, a local country band. She started to hum a Dolly Parton song as she showered and dressed.
“Good morning, sweetie.” Stella arrived downstairs at the same time as Brooke. Don had already eaten and begun his duties behind the reception desk, so the ladies ate together.
Brooke helped herself to a glass of juice from the breakfast bar before taking a seat opposite Stella. She was wearing jeans and a pretty top today. Stella wore slacks and a loose-fitting shirt.
“Thank you so much for last night,” Brooke said with a beaming smile.
Stella beamed back. “You’re welcome. I’m really glad you enjoyed yourself.”
Zak arrived with their toast and coffee and Stella poured. She looked at Brooke a little quizzically. “You like Travis and Kent, don’t you, dear?”
Brooke blushed. She knew exactly what Stella was thinking. So why are you going out with Rich tonight? She steeled herself before flashing another big smile at her friend.
“Yes, they’re really nice guys.” She took a bite of her toast.
Stella frowned. She was probably considering how to ask the question without sounding offensive.
“It’s a pity neither of them asked me to see The Brandon Boys tonight, really.” Brooke put them both out of their misery, “I guess they’re busy or maybe it’s not their thing. Or they could be going with someone else.” She shrugged, trying to sound disinterested.
Stella took a sip of her coffee, studying Brooke carefully. Brooke resumed her breakfast.
Zak arrived with extra toast. They were the only ones in the restaurant again today.
“I need to help Don with some paperwork later,” Stella said. “What are your plans for today?”
Brooke tucked in to another slice of toast. “I thought I’d take a walk. I need to check out the roads. They might be passable by now.”
“Are you in a hurry to leave us?” Stella sounded a little sad.
“I’ll be sorry to leave you and my friends here, but I really need to get going. I’ve got to get back to work,” Brooke said with a sincere smile.
“Of course.” Stella smiled back.
They finished their breakfast and Brooke went upstairs to get ready. She could hear Don on the phone when she came back down. He was frowning and sounded as though he was dealing with a very awkward customer. Brooke was glad. It meant she didn’t need to speak to him on her way out. Don could be so intense.
It was a clear, fresh day outside. Brooke shivered and pulled on the sweater she had grabbed for her walk. She headed out of town and found the roads had dried up quite a bit since yesterday. The cool air washed over her and she sighed. It looked as though she could drive on now.
Chad would be so pissed with her that he was coming after her to make her sign that stupid thing. What if he had seen her drive off and followed her? He could be just outside town now, waiting for the roads to clear so he could get here and start asking around. She wouldn’t be hard to find in a place like this. She scowled when she saw that the road into town seemed to be quite drivable. There were a few quite large puddles, but nothing a decent car wouldn’t be able to handle. Unfortunately, Chad drove a very decent car. Not like her old banger.
Brooke sighed and turned back for town. She had made a commitment to go to the gig with Rich tonight but would definitely leave first thing tomorrow morning.
* * *
Kent thumped the desk of his small home office. He had just spoken to Mason Bains. That, on top of the call he had received first thing this morning from Don Montgomery, was about as much as he could handle.
“Travis, you anywhere near the house, bro?” He spoke into the radio as he went to look out the window.
“Just in the stables. You want me to come back, buddy?”
“Yup. I’ll have a coffee ready.” Kent switched off the device and went to the kitchen. The coffeepot was on all day when he was working from home, and today was no exception.
“Something else?” Travis strolled into the kitchen a few minutes later, a worried frown on his face. He put an arm around Kent and kissed his cheek before taking the cup from him. They sat at the little round tabl
e at one end of the kitchen.
“I told Mason about the call we got from Don Montgomery. He agrees that Don was right to worry. Now Don said the guy who called him was asking about a Brooke Anderson. Don obviously told him no one by that name had passed through town. Mason just told me that Shane Bowman at the food store had a call from someone asking the same thing.” Kent sighed.
“Did Shane tell him anything?” They both knew Brooke was bound to have visited the local store at some point during the last few days.
Kent shook his head. “No, Shane didn’t like the sound of the guy. Said he was asking too many questions, real persistent-like. He told him the town’s been cut off for days and no one’s been through this way in quite a while.”
“Did he buy it?”
“I sure hope so. Shane called Mason right away just in case it was important.”
“Hallelujah for that.” Travis took a long swig of his coffee.
“There’s something else.” Kent frowned. “You know Brooke said she worked for a manufacturing company, something to do with tires Stella said? Well, Mason checked out all the large rubber companies in Chicago and Brooke Anderson did work at one of them, Robertson’s Rubber, up until six months ago.”
“Why did she leave?” Travis stared at his partner across the table.
Kent shook his head. “They don’t know. Mason spoke to the manager, who said Brooke was a good little worker. She was there a few years and seemed really happy most of the time. She was very popular with all the staff, really helpful at work, and liked to socialize with them afterward. He said that a few months before she left, she gradually stopped going out with them and became quite withdrawn. She lost her bubbly personality. Brooke started taking time off too. He guessed it was something to do with the guy she was seeing but didn’t know his name. Just said he drove a blue sports car—real expensive-looking.”
Ménage on Moone Mountain Page 8