“They’ll be here later. Mac is finishing up some stuff with the police, and Lucas was waiting for Chloe to get out of work.” Marcus grabbed my hand and laced his fingers through mine.
“I guess that Bruins game is out, huh?”
“Yeah, especially since it was last night.”
The whole room laughed. It felt good to be safe again, and surrounded with people I cared about and loved. Friends and family.
Epilogue
“Are you ready?” Chloe asked, as she peeked around the slightly opened door.
“As ready as I will ever be.” I took one last look in the mirror. It had been six months since the ordeal with Colin, and we were marking the occasion with a special ceremony at the club. I was wearing a corset top, black with crystal embellishments and lace short sleeves, to help hide the scars that dominated my back. I was wearing a black skirt, and a pair of black stiletto shoes.
“You look amazing. Absolutely gorgeous.” Chloe had stepped into the room, and was standing behind me. She looked at my back, and then at my reflection in the mirror. “They are barely noticeable now. The treatments have been working.” She knew that the presence of the scars still caused me some emotional pain. Tonight would be the first time I had stepped back into the club since the incident. Marcus had been very understanding about everything, giving me the space and time needed to get back into the emotional mindset. Four months of very light play, and five months of not restraining me for fear that I would have a panic attack. It wasn’t until last week that we were able to successfully bring impact play back into our scenes, although whips were still a hard limit. We’d pretty much moved in together; either I stayed at his place, or he stayed at mine. It helped with the nightmares and flashbacks, and by the time they were under control, it had become routine.
“Thank you. I’m nervous,” I responded, hugging her arms that were around my neck.
“Nothing to be nervous about. This is a special night. You need to enjoy it.”
“You are right. Let’s do this.” We headed out of Marcus’s dungeon and down the flight of stairs that led to the right side of the main gathering area of the club. It was a Friday night, members only play, and tonight was a special night. Chloe was wearing her usual outfit, that Lucas made her wear while at the club; a white leather dress that laced up the back, and which ended about three inches above her knee. She had on her collar, although she hadn’t been officially collared yet; something that she said was going to be done after the wedding. I found that surprising, as a collaring ceremony was almost as special as a wedding was in the vanilla world. And something that I would take part in tonight.
Marcus and I had discussed continuing our relationship in more depth. It took a few months, but part of me had known from the moment I saw him that he would be what I needed, what I wanted. And it couldn’t have been any truer; so when he asked me to take the next step with him, and enter into a full submissive relationship, I didn’t hesitate. It was a big step for him as well, to collar me. The idea of the collar was not to show ownership, but to show commitment and loyalty. Marcus had shied away from any form of commitment after the incident with April.
Chloe and I had reached the entrance area, when we were met by Lucas. “Ladies, you look ravishing, as always.” He kissed Chloe quickly, and turned his attention to me. “Are you ready, Emma?”
“Yes, sir, I think I am.” A smile graced my face. I was ready.
“Let’s go.” He walked us through the dungeon floor, where couples were engaged in some scenes here and there, but most of them were sitting on the furniture close to the main stage, usually reserved for suspension play. Ally and Devlin were standing off to the side, as was Nikki. I was surprised that she had agreed to come and watch, although she and Kieran were hitting it off quite well these days. They had started talking and dating during the misfit holidays, as I liked to call it. Thanksgiving and Christmas were conducted at my brownstone, and consisted of the entire group: Marcus and me, Lucas and Chloe, Devlin and Ally, Mac, Kieran and Nikki. We just needed to find Mac a nice girl, and he’d be set.
Chloe stood next to me as I waited for the ceremony to start. Lucas was waiting for the scenes to end. I looked around for Marcus, but couldn’t see him. I started to panic, thinking he had changed his mind. “Calm down. He’s here.” Chloe whispered, and pointed toward the booth that housed the sound system. A wave of relief came over me when he looked up and caught my eye. Thank God. A few more moments passed before Lucas got on the stage and demanded everyone’s attention.
“Members, Dominants and submissives, may I have your attention?” His voice projected across the 10,000 square foot dungeon floor with no issues. As everyone quieted down, he continued. “We have a special evening planned tonight. We want to welcome a new submissive to the club, Ally, and also we are here to bear witness to the collaring of another special member.” He pointed in my direction as Marcus came to stand next to him.
“As you all know, Emma came to us about eight months ago, as part of the training program to learn about her submission, wants, desires, and to match her with a Dom.” Lucas paused. “Tonight it is my honor as a Master Dom, and the owner of Devoured, to preside over her collaring to Master Marcus.” Lucas turned to Marcus and shook his hand. Marcus came around to Lucas’s left side. “Master Marcus, please have your sub come and kneel on the stage.”
Marcus looked at me and nodded. I made my way up the two steps to the area, and knelt in front of him, in the position he had taught me to love so well. I could feel my pussy get wet at the thought of that position, of what it meant.
“Very good. Now, Ally,” Lucas turned his attention to my sister. “Please bring me the collar.” Ally made her way to the stage and handed Lucas a box; one that resembled a significant and widely known blue color. “Marcus, take the collar and place it around Emma’s neck.”
Marcus opened up the box, and I was surprised to see two collars; one was white leather, an inch wide, with an O ring attached to the front, and the second one was a Tiffany and Co. heart tag choker. Marcus lifted the leather collar out of the box and presented it to me. It was decorated with pink gemstones throughout its length, and the ends secured with a regular buckle. He came around behind me and placed the collar around my neck, securing the cold leather to me. His fingers grazed my chin as he whispered. “The other one is you day collar, and I bet if I checked you right now, your pussy would be soaked.” He stood back up and resumed his place in front of me. The feel of the leather around my neck, the idea of ownership, had me aroused, and making me feel more submissive than usual. He was right, I was soaked, and I only hoped that we could have some time to help me with the edge.
Marcus looked down at me, as Hinder’s I Don’t Wanna Believe started playing.
“Emma, there really aren’t words to express the happiness that I have, in taking you as my submissive. The gift you so willingly trust to me, I will take and cherish it. I promise to never lose your trust. I promise to push you to your limits, never taking you further than I know you can handle. I promise to protect you. I promise to be the Dominant that you need, and, above all, I promise to never harm you.”
Tears welled in my eyes as Lucas signaled for me to speak. “Master Marcus. I promise to always work on my submission, to work on pleasing you. I promise to trust in your judgment always. I trust that you will guide me on my journey, on our journey. I promise to always keep you on your toes, and test you when you need it.” I heard laughter from our friends, and continued. “I promise to always be truthful, and, finally, I promise to never harm you.” Marcus extended his hands to me and pulled me up against his chest, kissing me deeply.
Lucas began to address the club again. “And there we have it, folks, another happy couple. Now, Master Marcus, please take your sub for some fun, so we can open the floor up again.” Laughter fell from the two of them, as Marcus and I walked off the stage to our friends. One by one, they congratulated us, and Marcus and I made our way upstairs to his dungeon. To
our dungeon. I was surprised to find two suitcases on the bed, next to a change of clothes.
“What is this?” I turned to look at him.
“A surprise. Think of it as a collaring and birthday present wrapped into one.”
“Um…please tell me.”
“Nope. Get changed, and quickly. I want to switch out your collars for one that will be more fitting for our destination.” He swatted my ass, as he changed into a pair of jeans and another black tee. He had laid out a lavender sun dress for me. I changed quickly, and turned to find him holding the Tiffany choker. He brushed my hair away, and removed my leather collar, replacing it with the metal one.
I kissed him gently on his lips. “Please tell me where we are going?”
“Somewhere far away and warm.” He raised his eyebrows as he smirked.
“Come on, please tell me,” I pleaded.
“You haven’t asked properly, sub.”
Oh! “Please, sir, please tell me where we are going.” I batted my eyelashes for added effect.
“Aruba. Now let’s go, or we will miss the flight.”
“Yes, sir.” And with that we headed out of the room, out of the club, and out to the airport.
THE END
Acknowledgements
Where do I begin? I first want to say thank you so much to my family for their love and support. Without their constant encouragement this novel would never have been possible.
To my husband- Your constant encouragement and support has been unwavering during this process of writing, editing. I am grateful to have your support and love. I love you.
To my beta-readers-Thank you for loving my characters as much as I do. I am grateful for having such a concrete team behind me. I cannot express the gratitude I have for you taking your time to help me out on top of promoting me and my works. Thank you!
To my amazing editor, Ashen-Wow! I don’t know what to say, I really don’t. You took the time and thoughtfulness to really transform this novel into something to be really proud of. You dealt with my stupidities and dropped words and just everything that seems to need fixing. Without you, Consume Me would not be ready for the masses. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
To an amazing cover artist, Tugboat Designs. The cover exceeded my expectations and I am grateful for working with you.
To my readers- Thank you for purchasing my work. I hope you enjoy Marcus and Emma as much as I did writing their story. Keep your eyes posted for Dominate Me, the next books in the series, to be released within the year.
Much Love,
Paige
About the Author
Paige Matthews grew up reading any book she could get her hands on. Following her love of literature, she currently holds a BA in Comparative Literature and a MA in Writing from Western CT State University. Ms. Matthew’s novels explore the emotional bonds of D/s relationships and the desires hidden within us all. When she is not writing or reading, she enjoys relaxing with her family, traveling and being outdoors.
Contact Information:
Twitter: Paigematthews_3
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorpaigematthews
Website: www.paigematthews.com
Email: [email protected]
Turn the page for a preview of
Crossroads
The first novel in the Double Cross Series
To be published Winter 2014
NOTE: This is not a finished novel. Excerpt present is subject to change from final version.
1 Caleb
I sat at the bar in this little hole-in-the-wall bar on the outskirts of a town in North Carolina. I was decked out in my best hide the rocker disguise, and to be honest not many people even took a double look at me. I had a long sleeve, lightweight shirt on to cover the tattoos that wrapped my arm and my back, the double cross that adorned it. I had on my glasses and a hat drawn low on my forehead to try and hide my face. Hell, it was working. I hadn't been screamed at, mauled over or even touched since sitting here.
I looked around the bar, as best I could while trying to keep my head low to keep any attention away. I just wanted a few hours to think. To be away from the damn chaos that came along with being a rock star, couldn't I get that?
The scene I took in was one of relaxation, simplicity. The local town folk were involved within each other, yet occasionally looked into my direction, to make sure I was still not a threat, I suppose. It was fine. They protect their own and yet left me to my business.
"Want another one?" I glanced up at the red head that was behind the bar. I hadn't seen her come in, but then again I was wallowing into my beer glass rather than paying attention.
"That'll be great. Thanks." I acknowledge and pushed my glass toward her. I watched her turn and walk half way down the length of the bar to where the taps were located to pour me another Guinness. She had a killer body on her. The jeans she wore stopped right below her hip bone and accentuated the curve of her full ass. She was wearing a black tank top that hugged her breasts nicely, allowing for a subtle view of her cleavage. Her hair was pulled into a ponytail and she had a tattoo at the base of her neck; a Celtic infinity knot.
"Here you go." She said as she slid the Guinness back at me. "That'll be $5.50." She stood waiting for me to respond.
"I have a tab going. It's under Anderson." I answered dryly. Tyler Anderson was the fake ID that I used when I was trying to not be known. She nodded and leaned over the bar so that I was the only person that would hear her.
"You sure that it isn't Cross?"
I let the question hang in the air for a moment before I looked up at her right into those big green eyes, "How did you know?"
"I recognized you the minute I came in. Your disguise is good, but I’d recognize the piercing anywhere. Don’t worry the older residents don't listen to rock, so you're good there." She stood up and placed her hands on her hips, "don't worry your secret is safe with me." She slapped the bar in front of me before turning. The piercing she was referring to was the eyebrow ring I had, which boasted a very unique ring.
"Thank you." I muttered as I watched her walk away to take care of a local she called Ray. Why didn't she freak out? Go postal like most women do? Hell, if anyone knew I was here I'd be mauled within an inch of my life.
I drank my beer slowly, just trying to relax and take in the peace and quiet that it had awarded me. I watched the locals chit chat about sports, who was with who the night before and town politics. I was staring into my beer again when the little red head came back.
"So what brings you here to Tad's? I wouldn't think this would be a place for a major rock star to hang out at?" She wiped the bar down as I contemplated my answer.
"I guess I needed a place where I wouldn't get recognized, but that didn't work out that well huh?"
"For the most part it did. No one is going to bother you here even if they did know you. Just not the way we run things around these parts, you should know that from growing up around here."
Even after hitting it big a year ago, it still astonished me that so many people knew about my life, about where I grew up, what my favorite color was. Any privacy went out the window.
“I guess you’re right. I don’t know part of me just needed a break from the chaos of the tour, of the new album, the fans.”
“I wish I did. Not much around here for us town folk.” She squished her lips together and shrugged her shoulders.
“Well certainly there is something that you strive to do? Hope one day that you’ll accomplish, no?” I didn’t even know why I asked that, I normally don’t give a shit. Yet, something about this bartender had me intrigued. She couldn’t be that much older than I was, and in music industry I was old at 29.
She shrugged her shoulders again, “isn’t there something everyone wishes to accomplish? I always thought that I would have moved out of here after college, but hey one thing lead to another and here I still am…working weekend at a bar and still attempting to be taken seriously in my day jo
b.”
“What do you do?” I asked as I slid my empty glass toward her, signaling for a refill. I watched her reach for the glass and move toward the Guinness draft.
“Let’s say I work in public relations and leave it at that.” She diverted her eyes back to the glass. I watched her shift uncomfortably in her spot. I wonder what that is about.
“Why don’t you want to talk about what you do?”
“Why are you here hiding from your life?” Her snappy remark hit home of course. She wanted her privacy as did I.
“Touché.” She slid the pint glass in front of me.
“Here you go, Mr. Anderson.” She took a step back and then looked at me, “The Matrix, seriously?”
I broke out in a laugh, the first time in a while. “Yeah, but how…?” I was confused. I honestly didn’t know how she would have guessed that was where the last name came from. Hell my band mates didn’t even get it.
“Public relations remember? I’ve had a fair share of aliases that I needed to help combat, let alone think up. I used to work with a management company prior to this job.”
“Hey Kat…need a refill.” A voice from the other end of the bar beckoned. She nodded in acknowledgement to the man.
“I’ll be back.”
“I can’t wait.” She smiled and headed to the other end of the bar to refill whatever order needed her attention. I watched as she worked her way around the bottles of liquor, putting on a show for the older men, regulars I assumed by the way she interacted with them, joked with them. It was relaxing to just watch life go on as it did. I couldn’t wait for her to return. She intrigued me, something I haven’t felt in a long time. I turned my attention back to my beer when my cell phone when off. I grabbed it from my pocket and looked at the caller ID, Gabe.
“Yeah?” I offered picking up the phone.
Consume Me (Devoured Club Series) Page 19