by Christy Poff
"And got hurt, plus I more than likely screwed my job."
"What's more important—the job or your wife?"
"Chelsea, of course."
"Well?"
Reed knew better than to argue with logic. It didn't matter—nothing would until he saw Chelsea. He kept seeing his last sight of her in that house, the near fatal danger of it sending chills through him.
"I have to see her,” Reed said. “I need to see for myself that she's all right."
"Once you stabilize. I don't want you going south on us, especially in front of her."
"But..."
"You'll do as I say or I won't allow it to happen for a day or two. It's for your own stubborn good."
"Okay, okay, you win,” Reed conceded.
"Good. Let's get you into your room where one of my nurses will go over what you need to know and in the meantime, I'll make arrangements for you to see your beautiful wife after dinner."
"Thanks."
"By the way, Dan Wheldon and your shift plus a bunch of the others have been waiting to hear about you. They'll be happy to know you're all right. Once you're in your room, I'll send Dan in so he can report back to them."
Reed snickered.
* * * *
A few hours later, Reed had been settled into his room in Jefferson Hospital. Dan Wheldon walked in when one of the nurses walked out.
"Good God, pal,” he exclaimed when he saw Reed's leg.
"I've effectively shot my career to hell between disobeying Jeffries, basic stupidity and this."
"Reed, I know you and you'd do it again. My God, man, it was your wife in there."
"I doubt the brass will agree with you."
"Did you hear about the bitch?"
"I take it she's getting away with it."
"No, Major Sommersby disowned his daughter in front of the night court judge. He pulled money, attorneys and..."
"You're kidding me."
"Nope,” Dan said. “Got it straight from Nicholson."
"So where is she?"
"Wherever they put guests of the city."
"Amazing,” Reed said. “What the hell..."
"Her staunch admission to trapping Chelsea in the house then blowing it up—in front of numerous and credible witnesses—started her downfall plus they found your wife's necklace in her handbag and..."
"Did they get her gun out of my glove compartment?"
"Don't know,” Dan said. “Now tell me what was she doing in your car?"
"I found her at the house when I came home from covering another captain's shift. I walked in, found the cat locked in the pantry and Lynne in our bedroom waiting for me. She held me at gunpoint figuring to keep me from getting to Chelsea until it would have been too late, only I got the page to respond to where you were. I couldn't leave her there and Matt was too far away so I knocked her lights out, grabbed her and it and put them both in the car. I locked the gun in the glove compartment to be on the safe side."
"Good move."
"Probably the only good one I made the entire evening,” Reed lamented. “I really fucked up royally."
"Reed, wait until you hear from the brass. Right now, worry about yourself and your family. You've got a gorgeous wife and a beautiful daughter..."
"Oh, my God, where the hell is Candace?"
"At your in-laws with your mother-in-law. Evidently Chelsea spent the afternoon with them and asked them to mind her last night."
"Thank God,” Reed said, relaxing.
* * * *
Chelsea laid in her hospital bed staring out the window at the Philadelphia skyline. Her hands rested over her stomach, an involuntary act which spoke volumes.
She carried their second child, one she could have lost thanks to the same maniac who'd cost them their first. A tear ran down her cheek at the thought of her first pregnancy, one she'd only learned about several hours before Sommersby invaded her life. What happens if the bitch walks?
"Do you feel up to a visitor?” Suni asked.
"I guess,” she answered without looking at the tiny Philippine girl, one who had to be in her mid-twenties but didn't look it.
"Well then a visit might do you good."
"Can you ask whoever it is to come back? I don't feel up to seeing anyone. I'm sure they'll understand."
"I don't know,” she started. “I'll tell them but..."
"I appreciate it,” Chelsea said.
Suni left the room, leaving the door to the hallway open. Chelsea turned back to looking out the window before closing her eyes wanting to shut out the world.
"I hope to God you aren't including me,” a voice said from the doorway.
Startled, Chelsea looked toward the door where it had come from, a tired smile breaking over her face at the sight in front of her.
"Reed, never would I include you. They told me..."
"Good, I don't like my gut in my throat,” he said as he wheeled himself to her bedside.
"Judith told me about your surgery. I didn't expect to be able to see you until at least tomorrow."
"I threw a temper tantrum and..."
"How are you?"
"Fine now that I can see you're all right,” he said. “All I cared about..."
"I couldn't believe it when you came into the darkness. I truly felt I'd never see you again."
"I'm sorry I wasn't there earlier but Lynne held me at gunpoint at the house. She deliberately held me up so I couldn't get to you in time but she didn't count on the department page. I can tell you she didn't like my driving and was shocked I had a police escort to the scene."
"She left me to die in that house,” Chelsea quietly said, tears in her eyes.
"I am so sorry, Mistress. If I had known...” he said, reaching for her hand.
"I don't blame you. She's a sick bitch who will keep coming after us until one of us is dead—more than likely me."
"She won't ever hurt us again."
"How can you be so sure? Her father gets her out of everything."
"He won't this time,” Reed said before he told his wife the latest on Jocilynne Sommersby.
"You are serious, right?"
"Very—between the district attorney's office and my legal wizards, she's done."
Chelsea sobbed, tears of relief overtaking her.
"It's really over?” she stammered.
"It is, Mistress."
[Back to Table of Contents]
Epilogue
One year later...
Smoke, an eight-week-old Dalmatian puppy, bounded after Ming-toi wanting the cat to play. Ming-toi jumped onto a counter and hissed as the puppy yipped at him.
"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea,” Chelsea said, watching from the table where they enjoyed coffee.
"Ming will get over it—eventually. I mean, hell, he's been king of the manor for a long time. He's gotten used to everything else."
"True but I think children fall into a different category than another four-legged demolition expert who will be growing up."
"But when they get going, Ming will know where to hide."
They watched the puppy Chelsea had given Reed for his birthday as he ran around the kitchen. Ming-toi had been smart and ducked out of the room. From his howl, they could tell where he went—Reed's study and his safe haven.
Reed's cell phone rang.
"Carrington."
"Reed, it's Matt."
"What's up?"
"Rumor has it the jury's coming back with a verdict."
"Let me know what it is."
"Okay,” Matt said. “I thought you'd be interested though."
"I am but the last person either one of us wants to see is her."
"I understand. I'll call you when I hear something."
"Thanks,” Reed said, ending the call. He shut the phone off, sliding it across the kitchen counter. He looked at his wife, grinning.
"What?” she asked.
"Jury is due back,” he said.
"You aren't planning to go, are
you?"
"Hell, no. I'm planning to make sure Smoke is safely penned up in here and, since the kids are napping for the better part of the afternoon, I think we should take advantage of the free time."
"Interesting,” she said. She felt her body react to his suggestion. Their son had been born three months before and had kept them very busy, especially since he'd gone to eating solid food and no longer depended on his mother. Reed Carrington, III had been their miracle.
"What does my mistress desire?"
"Tie me up."
"Yes, Mistress,” he said. He stepped over the gate across the doorway which kept Smoke in the kitchen then lifted his wife over it. They went to the study and disappeared into their secret world.
As soon as the door latched, Reed pulled her into a kiss. She melted into his arms pulling him closer.
"Talk to me, Hot Shot."
"Every time I hear anything about her, I realize how close we came to losing everything."
"I do, too. It was horrible having to relive it in court, facing her and her hatred, especially when she kept staring at my stomach."
Reed unbuttoned her blouse after easing her back a little. After removing it, he took her jeans off leaving her in a black lacy thong. His hands went to her breasts, his thumbs brushing over her firm nipples. Her breath caught, Reed smiling.
"Your tits are even more beautiful."
"And I want your gorgeous body naked."
"Yes, ma'am,” he said, quickly stripping out of his clothes. “You are a bit overdressed."
"Rip it off and bind me."
"Yes, Mistress,” he said, obeying her. He took her over to the velvet-covered bench in the center of the room.
"Kneel with your legs apart,” he said. When she had, he beamed. “Perfect."
He pulled out a long length of satin cording which he laid in front of her. He went back to the drawer, bringing out another length of satin ribbon. With the ribbon, he bound her breasts, her nipples begging for attention.
"You're missing something,” he observed.
"Forgive me, but our son didn't like them."
He doesn't know what he's missing.
"You are even more desirous now,” he complimented.
"Mmm,” she moaned as he teased them. He easily put her studs in before he took the cording and, starting with one end, he bound her arms behind her, the series of loops and knots going up to above her elbows.
"You've been practicing?"
"Reading up."
"It feels wonderfully erotic."
He added a few more knots, Chelsea groaning.
"What do you feel?"
"I feel like I'm on fire and you can't put me out. I feel everything. Please, may I come for you?"
"Not yet."
Chelsea groaned, knowing he intended to build her stamina up again after resting the last several weeks. She knew he wanted her to go over the edge and stay there.
"Are you all right?"
"Perfect."
"Good, now let me do everything."
"Yes, Master."
Reed stood in front of her, his cock throbbing anticipating her hot mouth taking him. He laid it on her lips, making her wait until he allowed her to take him in. With just a nod from him, Chelsea took his cock deep into her throat, her tongue laving his velvet shaft. Her body feeling like it was flaming, her pace increased. His hand pressing on her head drove her more.
Their heat pushed Reed. He moved with her before thrusting into her mouth. His release exploded, scorching her throat as she took it. Chelsea continued, wanting more. Under her spell, he went with it.
"I'm yours, Chelsea."
"My God, Reed, I need you,” she cried. “Please, use me."
Chelsea knew what Reed wanted and needed and while she knew he wanted her to command him, right now, she needed his dominance.
"Please, Master, I am at your service. I need you to use me as your toy. My body is yours to command and I will joyfully obey you."
"On your back,” he said.
Quickly she obeyed his command. He parted her legs, then bent to lave her pussy. While he nipped her clit, his fingertips played with her very sensitive and tender nipples. She cried out, her body bucking.
"I'm sorry, Master, I can't help it."
"I love you, Chels—now and always."
He moved up the length of her body, straddling her ribs. He slid his cock between her tightly bound breasts and thrust back and forth. He growled her name when he came, Chelsea wanting his cum on her tongue.
"Satisfied, slave?” he asked devilishly.
"No, Master, you have not used me completely."
"Then get ready for the ride of your life because I am going to fuck your hot pussy until you pass out."
"Do it as hard as you can. I want the pain only you can pleasure me with."
Reed drove his cock into her pussy, granting her request. He hammered his cock into her, her body clenching him and drove her as hard as he could. He gazed at her breasts, moving in time to his siege on her body.
"Look at me, Chels."
Their gazes locked, Reed seeing fire in her eyes.
"I love you, Mistress of my life. I thank God you've stayed with me. I thank you for our children. I desperately need you in my life because without you, I am nothing."
"I love you, Reed. Thank you for being the half to make me whole. Please, fuck me again. Please, Master."
"Anything, Mistress."
Reed thrust into her again, then pounded her pussy as he drove her. Lifting her hips, he could see her hands clenching the velvet cover. Supporting her, he reached to tease her nipples. She cried out when he filled her, the heat between them intense.
He looked at her and grinned, happy to have pleased his mistress—his wife and the most important person in his life.
"Sleep, my love,” he whispered as he freed her from the satin binding her. “I'll be here when you wake."
* * * *
The jury in the Jocilynne Sommersby trial deliberated another day before returning a verdict of guilty on all counts. She listened to the foreman announce it, total disbelief on her face.
"No, I'm innocent. I didn't do anything. I just got rid of social waste."
After an evaluation by court appointed doctors, she was deemed fit enough to go to a correctional facility where she would spend the rest of her life without hope for parole.
True to his word, Major Sommersby did not get her off. He took his wife to the Bahamas for the duration of the trial.
Matt Nicholson called Reed Carrington with the news.
"It's all over."
* * * *
Reed hugged Chelsea, overjoyed the threat was gone. They could enjoy life without Lynne Sommersby looming in the background. They no longer lived in a forest of mirrors, as someone had described it.
Over the past year, Reed's life had taken a huge change and he ran with it. Due to the work done to repair his leg, Chief Wickersham offered him a teaching position at the Academy. Reed took it realizing he had the best of both worlds. While he could no longer fight fire due to his previously sustained injury, he could still be a viable, active part of the fire service he loved. With a nine-to-five job and an occasional weekend, he came home to his wife and family every night. The first class he taught—do not disobey your superior's orders and freelance.
He and Chelsea went to a few of the society parties and the benefits they supported but they wanted to live a quiet life and not one where their children would grow up with the wrong values.
"No way will my son or daughter do the society scene,” Chelsea swore, Reed in full agreement.
Their lives settled into exactly what they wanted, especially in their private corner of paradise, no one the wiser—something Reed never stopped thanking his father for.
"Where are you, Hot Shot?'
"Right where I want to be."
"Good, because I never want to lose this."
"You won't if I have anything to say about it."
<
br /> "Then seeing as my parents have the children tonight, what should we do?"
"Trust me, Mistress, I have plenty of ideas but I've missed your special brand of punishment."
"Then, come, slave."
"I love you, Chelsea,” he said, pulling her close. His fingers played over her necklace, Reed smiling.
"I love you,” she said.
"Shall we?"
"Definitely."
Chelsea and Reed disappeared into their playroom where they would enjoy each other as only they could.
"I have a surprise for you."
"What?"
"I need you naked and blindfolded, my beautiful wife."
"Then take care of it."
"With pleasure,” he said. “First the blindfold."
She nodded.
Reed kissed her while tying a silk scarf over her eyes. He slowly removed her clothes, teasing her body before leaving her with her arms up. Since she'd been able to wear her studs and the belly dangle once again, she glowed with the candlelight sparkling off the diamonds. A cool breeze made her nipples harden more. God, I love drafty old houses.
Once he had her naked, he stepped back and quickly stripped out of his clothes. He eased into a pair of black leather chaps—one of her first gifts to him.
"Once I give you this gift, I want to be handcuffed and flogged. Do you understand, slave?"
"Yes, Master,” she said, trembling from the anticipation of his next move. She held her arms up, her hands together. He separated them, Chelsea's body betraying her.
She felt a lightweight material falling over her skin before it rested on her heated body. She smiled, loving the feel of the soft lace falling over her.
"It feels good, Master."
"Good,” he said, moving to stand in front of her. “Remove the blindfold and do what you will to me."
Chelsea removed the silk scarf and looked at him, gasping at his gorgeous body in chaps. She noticed the candlelight sparkling off the gold chain and Maltese cross charm and smiled. Next, she gazed at the black lace robe she wore.
"I had it made in Spain for you."
"Spanish lace has always been one of my fantasies."
"It's your reality now, my gorgeous mistress."
She kissed him then led him to where the handcuffs waited. She restrained him as he always desired then bound his cock and balls. She walked around him, tracing his scars with her tongue, his tattoo—her brand—with her fingertips.