by Eileen Green
Clara thought a lot as she learned about herself. She could see where she was submissive, but not in all things. The sites she had gone to had indicated that some people who have a lot of responsibility are submissive, perfectly happy with someone else taking over parts of their life.
After her shift, she hated having to make decisions. Dinner was usually something she picked up on the way home or a frozen dinner, and even that turned into a debate of what she wanted to eat. Sometimes, she would have a bag of popcorn with a glass of wine for dinner, and heaven forbid anyone knew about the Ben and Jerry’s she’d have.
Weekends were harder. If she wasn’t doing anything with any of the girls from work, she would stay home. There were so many things to do in Denver and the surrounding areas, but she didn’t like to have to choose. When she went up to Pike’s Peak, it was after she had decided she needed to get out more and do things. Yeah, and look where that got her.
She could see when she was around someone who carried a bit of dominance or, were sure of themselves, she wouldn’t look them in the eye, or she would defer to them. It was evident when she was around Missy and Savannah’s men.
The information she had dug up concurred with what Shane had seen in her when they first met yesterday. It wasn’t just shyness that blanketed her when she was around others. It was her submissive nature.
On the way down to pick up Jeremy, Clara was surprised at her concern for him since they had just met. She didn’t want to lose him, as she didn’t want to lose Shane. They had already ingratiated themselves into her life.
Shane’s voice broke into her thoughts. “You doing all right, angel?”
Last night, she had been surprised at the nicknames he had for her and Jeremy. He had called Jeremy pup, but he had called Clara either angel or pet. She had read that there were some names people were called in the lifestyle that weren’t derogatory as she had thought pet or pup had been.
She liked angel a lot, but she remembered how her body had reacted when he had called her pet. She also liked how Shane’s voice dropped an octave or two when he was in what the internet deemed as his “Dom” voice.
Her head was pressed against the headrest as she looked out the side window, but she turned toward Shane at his question. “I’m good. How about you?” she asked in return.
“I’m good.” Shane’s voice held a bit of a quiver to it, indicating a vulnerability that surprised her.
Clara twisted her body so she was nearly facing him. “Most people don’t think a paramedic’s job is dangerous, but when they have to deal with people who are injured, there could be a number of different issues that come up. PTSD, mental issues, the fear of not being in control, or of the unknown, can drive people to do strange things in the back of an ambulance, or even while they are being assessed. Add that to the situations they get placed in when they get a call, like today, it’s dangerous.
“Unfortunately, with paramedics who are contracted to whatever city they work for, and they work out of an ambulance, they don’t have the protection that the fire department has. If the paramedic is one that works at the fire station and rides on one of the engines, they have protection because they are also firefighters. There’s a bit of a double standard for paramedics, but then again, that’s my opinion.
“Of course, with the fire department responding to an explosion, I’m sure they weren’t thinking there was going to be another one. I hear this all the time while dispatching. Also, there’s a bunch of 911 operators that get together with some police officers and firefighters once a week for drinks. We all get to complain about our jobs, so I have learned a lot about other people’s jobs.”
Clara loved her job, but she heard so much every day from the public in danger or needing medical help, to the first responders on how they were going to handle situations, that it wore on her mind a lot. 911 operator jobs were quite stressful, and these past six weeks had been blissful in that she had a reprieve, even though the medical issues she faced had been stressful. It wasn’t like she was on vacation.
“I guess we all have a job that is taxing in one way or another. When I was a SEAL, the thought that I might not make it back home was a constant in the back of my mind. I loved what I did, except when I got shot or injured. I saw things I want to forget, but I know I never will.” Shane took a deep breath. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it before returning it to the console between them. “I like my job now, even though it’s getting more in-depth than I thought. But, I will make sure I have time for you and Jeremy. You two are my top priorities.”
“Jeremy and I will keep ourselves busy during the day, so you don’t have to worry about us,” Clara said as she glanced back at Jeremy.
“I meant what I said, Clara,” Shane said. “I will find out who’s trying to hurt you. I can handle it all.”
“Please don’t overextend yourself for me. I don’t want you to get in trouble with the people you work for.”
Shane’s jaw tensed at her words. “I know we just met, but I gave my word to you. I have a lot of people working for me who can do amazing things with computers and investigating. We’ll take care of you, and I’ll take care of my clients.”
Her head lowered without her thinking. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“You didn’t upset me, angel. I just want you to know that I got this.”
“Okay.” She looked up and found him look at her quickly before he returned his gaze to the road before them.
“We’ll be at the hotel in just a bit. I’ll get Jeremy a room, hopefully on the same floor as us, and then we can get some dinner.” Shane spoke as if he hadn’t said anything about protecting her or his work. “I’m starved.”
“Me too,” she agreed genuinely. She had lunch around two when she had ordered from room service as she didn’t want to disrupt her little study session. It was now nearly nine.
* * * *
Dinner was eaten in Jeremy’s room, ordered from room service. Shane had decided to take the man straight to his room for safety reasons. And, yes. Shane knew he was being overprotective, but Jeremy was his, as was Clara.
The curtains were open on the large window, offering them a view of downtown Denver at night.
Tenseness spoke volumes of Clara’s mental state as the three of them reclined on the bed. Shane was in the middle while Clara was to his left and Jeremy was on his right.
Clara was probably thinking Shane was just going to jump her bones, but he was content holding her, letting his hand lazily rub up and down her arm. It felt good to just hold his lovers, even though they hadn’t made love yet.
Jeremy was dozing in and out again. This was why Shane wanted to eat in his room, so if he fell asleep, they could leave him in his own bed, although Shane wasn’t going to leave.
As he and Clara watched the lights of the city, Shane asked her questions about the letters, her inquiries about her half brother, and about her parents’ deaths. The latter was difficult for Clara to speak about since she just realized the day before they were most likely murdered.
When Clara looked up at him, Shane couldn’t resist himself. He leaned down and captured her lips with his. She opened to him, and he thrust his tongue inside her, tasting her and what she had eaten.
She turned against him and wrapped her hand around the back of his head, cradling it as if she was afraid he would turn away from her. If Jeremy had been coherent, Shane may have turned to kiss him, but right now this was between Clara and Shane.
Not wanting to disturb Jeremy, Shane used the arm he had wrapped around Clara to hold her to him. She was soft and could kiss like an angel.
Her tongue swept across his and he felt his cock lengthening in his slacks. If Jeremy was awake, Shane would have Clara between the two of them, and both of them would be loving on her. Then when she was ready, he would shove his dick inside her and fuck her hard.
But, for now, he kissed her, marveling in the small mewls she was making. Her hand was running
through his hair, playing with the strands which he found arousing.
Finally, he pulled out of the kiss and looked down into her beautiful face. Her eyes were half-lidded, and a flush highlighted her cheeks. She was a vision, and she was his.
“As much as I want you, angel, I won’t make love to you until Jeremy is ready. We’re going to start this relationship out on even ground. Okay?”
A small smile kissed her lips as she nodded. “Okay.”
“Good. Now, let’s just lay back for a while longer before I take you to your room,” Shane said as he lay back against the pillows.
Clara snuggled up against him, her head laying on his chest. Soon, he heard soft snores emanating from her, and he knew this was where he wanted to be for the rest of his life.
* * * *
Jeremy woke slowly. His shoulder ached, and his head was throbbing a bit. Light was filtering through his eyelids, and he heard what sounded like someone snoring. That couldn’t be right. He lived alone.
Opening his eyes, he remembered where he was, and why. He was nestled up against Shane’s right side, Shane’s arm pillowing Jeremy’s shoulders.
Carefully, so as not to wake Shane, Jeremy raised his head and looked around the room. The drapes had been left open, and Denver was lit up outside. The TV had been left on, an infomercial selling a fitness product on the screen.
Laying on Shane’s chest was a feminine arm and hand. Clara was in the room with them which brought a smile to Jeremy’s face.
Trying not to disturb Shane, Jeremy rose as nature called. Shane’s hand held on to him. “What’s the matter, pup?” Shane asked sleepily.
“I’m good, but I need to use the latrine,” Jeremy responded, trying to keep his down. He didn’t want to wake Clara.
“Okay.” Shane released Jeremy. Jeremy carefully made his way to the bathroom.
Once he took care of what he needed to, Jeremy moved back into the bedroom area and grabbed his bottle of iced tea, which was now room temperature. As he drank from the plastic bottle, Jeremy walked over to the window. He looked out over the city he wanted to be working in, but then again, after what had happened today, perhaps working in less populated areas was best.
He knew his thoughts were the residual of the injuries, but it did make him think. Being a paramedic should keep him out of the way of most danger, but that wasn’t a guarantee. He would be providing the same type of care, to the same types of calls, yet it would be on a much wider, busier scale.
In the reflection of the glass, Jeremy could see Shane watching him. Reaching up, Jeremy closed the drapes and walked back to the other side of the bed. He felt guilty that both Shane and Clara weren’t under the blankets.
“Are you in any pain?” Shane asked as he moved the covers down on that side of the bed.
“Some. I just need a good night’s sleep.” Jeremy slid onto the bed and lay down. He was in pain, but he didn’t want to take anything for it.
“Promise if it gets to be too much that you’ll take some of the painkillers the doctor gave you.”
Jeremy nodded as he cuddled up against Shane as much as he could with the covers in the way. “Yes, Sir. Why don’t you take Clara to her room so you guys can get some sleep? I’m sure you can’t be comfortable.”
“I don’t care about my comfort right now. I care about yours and Clara’s well-being. Besides, Clara is sleeping. I don’t want to disturb her.”
Shane was scowling down at him. Guilt pinged through his system. He hadn’t meant to be difficult, but he was thinking about them. Shane had work in the morning, and Jeremy wanted the man to have some sleep.
“So, tell me pup,” Shane began. “How much experience do you have as a sub?”
“I know the basics. It wasn’t a full-time situation. More like me submitting in the bedroom. Occasionally she would tie me up. She’d use a flogger or a crop on me. A little bit of cock and ball torture. But I wanted more.” Jeremy gingerly placed his hand on Shane’s thigh, unsure if it was proper for him to do so. When Shane just smiled, Jeremy went on. “I need to be wanted for things, not just sex, Sir. When I served in the Marines, I reveled in the demand given to me. I wanted to please my commanding officer, to serve my fellow men.”
“Why didn’t you stay in the service?”
Jeremy lowered his head. He always hated that question and the story that led him to being single again.
“I was on my second tour in Afghanistan. We were on patrol on this dirt road. My buddy Julio was joking around about all the women he had waiting for him when he got back. He was about twenty feet away from me as he had wandered off to the side of the road. He stepped on an IED. I just remember him talking, and then the world was upended. There was pain as people were shouting out orders, and then the next thing I knew, I was waking up in a hospital. I was in Germany.”
Shane’s arm moved around Jeremy’s shoulder, and his hand caressed his upper arm.
“I had pressure on my brain, and they had to operate. I had been hit be Julio’s gun. It fractured my jaw, broke some ribs. My left arm, upper and lower, had been broken. My right leg had sustained some breaks also. I had been thrown about ten feet from the blast.
“I had married Tina right after boot camp. She was living in San Diego at the time. I was told not to marry her, that she was a “base rat,” one of those girls that hang out around military bases trying to snag themselves a soldier or Navy man. Things were all right until we moved to Denver. She was from here and told the doctor’s that she had a support system that could help me with rehab.
“There was four more months left of my tour, and I was trying to decide whether or not I wanted to stay in or go back to being a civilian. I thought about it long and hard and knew I didn’t want to go back. The day after I told Tina I was calling it quits, she left and moved back to San Diego to mine, and her family’s disappointment.
“Once I had a clean bill of health, and my honorable discharge, I still wanted to serve in some capacity. An advertisement for paramedics with training caught my attention. I took it, and as they say, the rest is history.”
“Do you still talk to Tina?” Shane inquired quietly.
“Not since our divorce was final.”
Shane squeezed Jeremy’s shoulder. “Did she know you were bisexual?”
“I didn’t know until we went to some crazy party off base one night. It turned out to be a swinger’s party. Tina was making out with some guy, and the guy said he wanted me, too. I thought it would be just us two on Tina. Then the guy was screwing me.” Jeremy chuckled. “I was surprised I liked it. After that, we went to a lot of parties. But, I haven’t been with a man in about five years.”
Jeremy reveled in the smile Shane gave him. It caused his stomach to somersault. “I’ll be gentle with you. At first.”
Feeling his cock grow in his jeans, Jeremy heard Shane and then chuckle. “Go back to sleep, pup,” Shane ordered. “We’ll talk more tomorrow.”
Anticipating the future, even if it was just the next day, he didn’t think he would be able to go to sleep, but it came quickly.
Chapter Eight
Outrage struck Shane as he read the report on Clara’s parents’ house fire. He was furious that someone had overlooked the information in it. It indicated an accelerant was discovered along the doorways and along what had been the staircase. Both her parents had been asleep upstairs when the fire consumed the house.
The original report listed the fire as accidental. Mr. Parsons made furniture as a hobby, and lacquer and lacquer thinner had been known to be kept in the garage where he had his workshop. However, the lines of the accelerant didn’t occur because of an exploding can. This was laid deliberately, the Parsons’ escape blocked by the very thing that helped ignite the fire.
The file Shane had been given came from a friend of his in the department. When Alan Duncan had done his preliminary examination of the fire, he had at first deemed it accidental, but something hadn’t seemed right. He reexamined more closel
y and carefully to find his final report.
“So, you’re telling me that this report wasn’t in the Parsons’ file?” Shane asked the man sitting before him.
Alan had helped Shane out in several cases that Shane had to put together. Shane knew Alan was meticulous and above board, which meant someone had removed the final report before its contents could be given to Clara by Alan’s secretary.
“Not when I looked for it when you called yesterday. I know I had filed that report myself, and I had provided the information to the homicide detective when he requested it.” Alan was becoming irritated.
“Do you have the detective’s name?”
Alan pointed to the file folder. “I always write my notes on the inside of the folder. His name is listed there with other people I had interviewed. Howard Atkins.” Crossing one leg over the other, Alan shifted slightly in the leather chair before Shane’s desk. “This had to have happened while I was on vacation. I left for Florida two days after the report was filed, and I was gone for a week.”
Shane smiled. “You guys had gone to Disney World, didn’t you? Did the kids enjoy it?”
Nodding, Alan responded. “Of course. However, my wallet sure didn’t. But as long as they’re happy, then that’s what counts.”
“I’m sure.” Tapping the file folder, Shane asked, “Can I have my secretary copy all of this?”
“That’s a copy for you, and the notes I made on the inside of the folder are in there also.”
“Your office locked while you were gone?”
Alan shook his head as he pulled his cell phone from the sheath on his belt. “I share an office with Mike Smith. Let me call him right quick.”
The man hit a few buttons, obviously having him on speed dial and then hit the speaker. Mike picked up on the first ring.