by Trina Lane
Mark rolled onto his back, pulling Erica on top of him and letting his entire body serve as her mattress. He ran his hands through her hair and down her back, soothing her body back to consciousness. Tears filled his eyes as he remembered her whisper of devotion just before collapsing.
He looked over at the clock and realised an hour had passed since he’d woken her the first time. He hated to disturb her rest but knew they needed to get ready to leave in a short while.
“Sweetheart? We need to get up. I know you’re tired, but we have to pack and leave soon.”
“Don’t wanna, comfy right here,” she mumbled into his chest.
“I know, love. I am, too, but my parents called a little while ago. They caught an earlier flight out of Chicago and will be landing at one, not six.”
She lifted her head to cross her hands on his chest and rested her chin on top of them. “I meant it, you know? That wasn’t an in-the-moment thing. I love you, Mark.”
He rolled her over. “I know. I could see it in your eyes.”
Suddenly, she pulled away from him and sat up. Wrapping her arms around her knees, she dipped her head and bit her lower lip. Reaching to raise her eyes back to his, he asked, “What’s wrong, love? What thoughts are circling in that mind of yours?”
Her eyes looked so forlorn as they gazed into his, and she whispered, “What if they don’t like me? What if I can’t figure out how to blend into a family again? I haven’t been around any family situations since mine died. I’m not sure I remember how.”
Tears glistened in her eyes, and it damn near broke his heart. He pulled her tightly into his embrace.
“Oh, baby… Is that what has you worried?”
Her head bobbed.
“Listen to me. I love you, and okay, worst case scenario, if it takes you a while to feel comfortable around my family, that will not change how I feel. I’m not going to give up on the most important person in my life because of a few awkward moments. But just so you know, that’s not going to happen. I kid about my family being overwhelming, but that’s only because we don’t hold back on showing how much we love each other. My parents are warm and caring people. My dad’s kinda quiet, but every time he looks at me, I can see how much I’m loved. My mom is one of the most intelligent people I know with an amazing career at the university, but she always puts her family first. My brothers are…well, they’re just my brothers. You’ll have to see them to understand. Like other twins, they have like this secret code and mental telepathy thing, but I’ve never felt excluded. And the kids are just kids, crazy, hyper, rambunctious and fabulous. I know that they’re going to love you just as much as I do. Be yourself, and they won’t be able to help it.”
Chapter Fourteen
Mark and Erica were standing outside the security gates of the Denver airport when he pulled her into his side, leaned down to speak into her ear and pointed to a middle-aged couple walking towards them. “That’s them.”
He stepped just a few paces away and embraced the petite woman with greying hair that was cut into a stylish bob that framed her face and ended just at her chin. It was an incredible mixture of grey, black and silver. Erica fervently hoped that when she went grey it would look like that. Next he pulled the gentleman into a manly back-thumping hug. He guided them over to where she stood.
“Mom, Dad, I’d like you to meet Erica Cross. Erica, these are my parents, Nancy and Joseph.”
“Drs. Shield, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I hope you thoroughly enjoyed your sabbatical.”
Mark’s mom stepped forward and took both her hands.
“Oh, no need for the doctors bit, my dear. Please call us Nancy and Joe. We’re very pleased to meet you, young lady. From the sound of Mark’s voice on the phone this morning, I could tell you mean a great deal to him, so please feel free to treat us with the informality of family. He told us a little bit about you, but I hope we can take this weekend to really connect.”
“Thank you, Nancy. I hope so, too.” She couldn’t believe the passionate overture. Feeling slightly overwhelmed, she looked to Mark.
He saw Erica’s slightly panicked expression and wanted to take the focus off her. “Mom, what carousel is your luggage coming on? Why don’t we go collect your things then hit the road. I’d like to make it up to the cabin in time to fix supper for everyone. A welcome home dinner, if you will.” He was rewarded with a smile full of thanks.
The group headed off, Mark’s parents lingering just a few steps behind them. Mark took her hand and placed a gentle kiss on her lips before circling his arm around her shoulders and walking through the concourse.
* * * *
The trip to the cabin didn’t take long, and soon everyone was getting settled. When they had first walked into the door, Erica had felt a blush heat her cheeks as she thought of what they’d done throughout the house on their visit a few months ago. Mark had seen it and let out a soft laugh and wink.
She was coming back downstairs when Joe walked through the front door carrying a couple of duffel bags. “Do you need any help?”
“No worries, my dear. These aren’t that heavy. Why don’t you just relax on the sofa there and pick a movie for us to enjoy before dinner. The rest of the brood should be here soon.”
“Yes, sir. What types of films do you and your wife enjoy?”
“Oh just pick something you and Mark like. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
Walking over to the DVD cabinet, Erica took a steadying breath. Suddenly, she felt strong arms encircling her waist from behind and a gentle kiss to the nape of her neck.
“Want to try the comedy we picked last time? Maybe we’ll actually watch it this time.”
She heard the smile in his voice. “Behave, your parents are just upstairs.”
“Love, there is nothing we do that they haven’t thought of first.”
“Nothing?”
He turned her around, keeping her in the circle of his arms. “Well, I’ve never asked for nor have I wanted to know details, but let’s just say that it takes one to know one. And my dad was the first person to sit down and talk with me about such things, after seeing me interacting with my first girlfriends.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah, ‘oh’. So do you really want to sit and watch a movie, or would you rather put on a pot of coffee and just chat awhile?”
“Coffee sounds wonderful.”
He turned around and, taking her hand in his, led her towards the kitchen. He said he wanted to go outside and check that the four wheelers were all ready for the weekend and left after giving her another sweet kiss. As she was getting the mugs out of the cabinet, Nancy came into the kitchen.
“You seem to be familiar with the place. I take it Mark has brought you here before.”
“Yes ma’am. We came up for a weekend at the beginning of March.”
“Wonderful! I’m glad he did so. You know, I can’t say that he’s never brought a woman here before, but I can say that he’s never brought one to a family weekend. That makes me more certain that you’re very important to him, and I can see in your eyes that he’s very important to you.”
“Yes, he is. I love him very much, and he’s said the same.”
“I knew it!” Nancy exclaimed. “Would it make you uncomfortable if I gave you a hug and really welcomed you to the family?”
Erica felt tears pool in her eyes as she shook her head, and Nancy pulled her into a warm hug.
“There, my dear. It’s okay. I know my son, and he doesn’t make such statements or gestures meaninglessly. If he’s expressed his love for you, I know it to be genuine. Let’s get this coffee and snacks set up. If I know my boys, they’ll be storming the kitchen any moment now.”
Shortly later, they were sitting on the sofa, all enjoying the delicious hazelnut coffee, when the door burst open.
“Gamma! Gammpa! You’re home!”
Two whirling dervishes attacked just as all the coffee cups were hurriedly placed on the coffee table to avoid spilli
ng in the exuberance.
“How are my wonderful little boys?” Nancy said, wrapping them up in tight hugs. “Where’s your sister?” Twin arms shot out, their fingers pointed at the door and little voices in unison said, “There.”
Erica looked over her shoulder and saw a quiet young girl who was trying hard not to rush her beloved grandparents, but who so wanted to join in the fray.
Mark stood and held out his arms. “Hey, princess, got a hug for your mean old uncle Mark?”
She ran forward, throwing herself into his arms. “You’re not mean. Mom says you’re a pushover for a pretty lady.”
He laughed loud, swinging her around in a circle. “Well, you would defiantly know since you’ve had me wrapped around your little fingers from the day you were born.” Placing her back on her feet he held her hand and brought her over to the sofa so she could hug his parents.
A few seconds later, a man and woman entered carrying all manner of bags.
“All right, you little rascals, take your bags and go up to your room. Chris and Nick in the bunk beds and Maddy gets the single as usual.”
The kids headed upstairs to do their father’s bidding. Afterwards, he came over to the sofa, hugged Mark’s parents and sheepishly smiled.
“Sorry about the munchkin tornado. We could barely contain them in the car on the way here. All they talked about was seeing you guys again.”
He walked up to Erica and held out his hand. “Hi, I’m Dave, Mark’s brother. You must be Erica.”
“Yes, it’s nice to meet you. Mark’s told me all about you and your family.”
“Oh lord, I can only imagine. They’re a handful, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
He stepped away and grabbed Mark in an exuberant embrace. “What’s up, little bro? I see you finally blackmailed some poor woman into coming up here into the mouth of madness.”
“Shh…don’t let our secret out. I’m still trying to convince her we’re a normal family.”
“Ha…good luck with that. She hasn’t met Jared yet, and you and I both know there’s no earthly explanation for his antics.”
“Hey, I heard that, you rat!”
Everyone spun towards the door. A man who physically looked like a carbon copy of Dave stood there with his arms and ankles crossed as he leaned against the door jamb. “Just see if I ever take you up in one of my jets again.”
Dave shuddered in mock horror. “Please, my feet are quite comfortable on terra firma. Last time, I went up with you, I swear my insides switched places with my outside and back again.”
Jared laughed. “You loved it, and you know it. You couldn’t get that stupid smile off your face for hours.”
He went over hugged his parents and brothers then stopped in front of her.
“Hi, I’m Jared. I’m the one out of this measly bunch who actually doesn’t sit behind a desk for a living.”
She smiled as she shook his hand. “Nice to meet you, flyboy. I’m Erica. I’ll be happy to take Dave’s place in your jet sometime. It’s always been a dream of mine to experience the scream of mach one first hand.”
“You’re on.” Looking over at Mark, he smiled. “Where did you find her, man? I’d give anything to snag a girl who appreciates the high of boldly going where few have gone before.”
Mark grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back into his chest.
“Get your own. This one’s mine,” he said in a mock growl.
* * * *
Sitting at the dinner table, the conversation centred around Nancy and Joe’s trip overseas and all the wonderful historical sites and relics they’d encountered. The kids asked what seemed like hundreds of questions. Chris—or maybe it was Nick, she couldn’t tell them apart yet—asked, “Did you see the Loch Ness monster?”
Then the other one asked, “What about Dracula?”
“Did you see Camelot and all the knights and princesses?” Maddy wanted to know.
“Erica, tell us about your family. What do your parents do? Do you have any siblings?” Annie, Dave’s wife asked, once the madness had settled down.
Mark tensed beside Erica and took her hand.
“I’m sorry, baby. I didn’t explain anything to them.”
She looked over at him and gave his fingers a little squeeze under the table. “It’s okay. I knew it would come up.”
Annie went wide eyed. “Did I say something wrong?”
Erica wanted to reassure her quickly. “No, it’s okay. There’s no way you could know. My parents and younger brother were all killed in a car accident when a drunk driver hit them several years ago. I was in college.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry.”
“Do you have any other family in the area?” Nancy asked.
“No, I actually grew up in Chicago. I didn’t move to the Denver until after I finished my degree. Both my parents were only children and my grandparents had died when I was a young girl. For awhile, I kept in touch with some family friends but not since moving here.”
The table was very quiet when a little voice peeped up, “That’s okay. We can be your family now, can’t we?”
She looked over at the innocent faces of Dave’s children and saw the unquestioning acceptance only a child can express. “I would like that very much.”
Mark’s hand tighten on her shoulder and love shone brightly in those crystal-green eyes that had hypnotised her from the very beginning.
He leaned over and his lips caressed her ear as he softly said, “Welcome to the family.”
Epilogue
Six Months Later
There’s a garment bag hanging in your office closet. You are to be dressed and at the club by 7:00 p.m. When you get to the doors, you will escorted inside. You will be instructed what to do when you arrive.
Erica wondered what Mark was up to. It wasn’t the first time he’d sent messages of this nature. Usually they along the lines of ‘meet me in the lobby’ or ‘come straight home’. Never had he ordered her to arrive at the club alone. She’d become very familiar with the club, having returned with Mark on many occasions. Three months ago, she’d moved into Mark’s house. The decision had been quite easy, and she’d never regretted it. Living and loving with Mark every day was the best education a woman could find in the lessons of submission and relationships.
She’d become quite comfortable within the dungeon walls, having participated in several scenes with Mark. A couple times, they’d done a spanking or flogging on the public stage, but more often, they’d use either the private rooms or the voyeur room. She found that she really liked the idea of people being able to watch them together without being exposed like in the main bar area.
Erica went to look in her closet. Seeing the garment bag hanging in the middle of the otherwise empty rod, she pulled it out and set it on the chair. Unzipping the bag, she spread apart the opening to see a strapless, form-fitting, black cocktail dress. The material was pleated so that it fell in crisscrossing layers down the entire length. There were beaded stilettos sandals and hair sticks with matching beads. A note was pinned to the bodice of the dress.
Wear your hair up and nothing underneath.
* * * *
When she got to the club, she was escorted through the doorway. The attendant stopped just inside. He turned around.
“Ms. Cross, I’ve been instructed to blindfold you and lead you to where your party awaits.” He held up a black, silk length of fabric and proceeded to secure it around her eyes and tie it in behind her head. Taking hold of her hand, he started walking.
The material of the dress rubbed on her bare nipples. Already hard, the sensation caused little stinging jolts across her breasts and down to her clit. She tried not to walk slowly or hesitantly, but her innate sense of self-preservation prevented her from mindlessly skipping along.
They paused, and she felt the rush a rush of air. Once again, the attendant took her hand and led her several paces forward. They must be headed through the large doors leading towards the
night club area.
“Your Master requests you await him here.”
He left her blindfolded, standing in a silent room. Erica lowered herself into the presentation position. She hadn’t been ordered to do so, but it felt like the thing to do. The man had said to await her Master. She couldn’t hear any other voices or feel the presence of anyone else in the room, which was odd despite it being weeknight. Usually there were several other members around. There was no music, either. After several minutes, a deep voice came over the speaker system.
“Stand.”
As gracefully as possible, she rose to her feet.
“Remove the blindfold, but keep your eyes closed.”
Reaching behind her, she found the knot of the fabric and loosened the two ends. The fabric fell away, and she sensed light in the room.
“Open your eyes.”
When she did, she found that she stood in the centre of the dance floor, but she couldn’t see any other shapes or lights in the room. All she could see was a megawatt spotlight shining directly on her. Suddenly, a second spotlight appeared, and Mark stood there, just a few feet in front of her. He walked forward, and the two beams merged into one, engulfing them in a circle light.
“You look stunning, love.”
“Thank you. You have good taste. What’s going on, Mark? Where are all the other members?”
“I ordered you here for two reasons. The first is that this place represents a dynamic that exists between the two of us. It is the outward manifestation of our relationship. And so, it is within these walls that I felt it appropriate to present you with a symbol of that relationship.”
He reached behind him and was handed a large, flat velvet box. He opened it and she saw a metal circle with an iridescent finish. As he shifted the case the colour changed from light to dark, one moment indistinct and the next sparkling and full of its own vitality. An oval sapphire encircled by emeralds hung from the centre.