by Jan Graham
Rhia tried to hold back the laugh, because the look on her sister’s face was priceless.
* * * *
Zane could not believe what he was hearing. His second in charge, Mick, had phoned him earlier about a situation with a pizza. If Angel Shore hadn’t been involved, he would have told him to stick to the no-eating-in-the-playroom rule. But then, if Angel hadn’t been involved Mick wouldn’t have bothered calling. The injury report, Mick’s reason for the second call, was a lot more interesting. Rhia McCabe had received first aid for a severe cane wound.
According to Mick, he’d heard the scream as he went past the room. The rooms were soundproof, but the doors still allowed for some noise to pass. Particularly a blood-curdling scream, as Mick described it. He’d been collecting ice and the accident paperwork when Rhia’s sister had appeared and started shouting orders at him. Zane smiled at the thought. Mick liked bossy women shouting at him and calling him names. He’d informed Zane he was still harder than a fence post after having been in the room with her for nearly thirty minutes. Zane would let the man enjoy a few fantasies and then inform him Rhia’s sister was married.
So, Steve’s sweet little lady had been at his club. No doubt Angel was behind the idea. She was definitely wild. Zane thought it fitting that Wylde used to be her last name.
She’s a Wylde one, that’s for Shore. He wished he could share the joke with Steve, but Zane decided to keep the whole situation to himself for the moment. He’d have to think about the best way to handle it.
“What was that all about?” Steve stood in the front doorway with two beers in his hand.
“Some crazy antic at the club that resulted in an injury, not a severe one or I wouldn’t be laughing.” Zane tried to look serious as he told Steve what had happened, leaving out incriminating names of course.
“Why would two subs and a Mistress end up having an injury like that? She mustn’t be a very good Mistress.” Steve’s statement had him laughing all over again. He really should tell Steve the truth, but it would be more fun to watch him find out himself. Zane was definitely doing an overnight stay at his friend’s house. Rhia would have to show her face eventually. Steve walked back into the house to answer his mobile as a text alert sounded on Zane’s phone.
What a pleasant surprise, Angel was texting him. The evening was obviously about to get really interesting.
Zane, it’s Angel, I need help to get Steve to train a friend of mine as a sub. He’s being stubborn. Will you help me play a little game with him to get him to leap into action?
Angel, you naughty girl, sisters should never interfere in their brother’s love lives. It never works out. Still, there was no harm in seeing what she had in mind.
I’m happy to discuss it, when do you want to meet?
The friend was obviously Rhia. If it wasn’t, he’d simply say no. He glanced through the window and saw Steve relaxing on the sofa talking on the phone. Maybe with a little push, he could get Steve to reschedule the Driving Miss Daisy timetable he was so insistent on following. After all, he wanted his friend to be happy, and the sooner the better.
I’m staying in the city until late tonight or we could meet tomorrow, at my friend’s place.
In the city till late, that was convenient for her little friend with the bruised bottom, wasn’t it?
Tomorrow’s good, I feel like a day in the country. What about meeting at two? When you get home, email me the address and a brief idea of what you want me to do. I’ll have an answer by tomorrow when we met.
Zane sat back in his chair on the porch. He’d stay and annoy Steve overnight. They still had a few installations to work on in the dungeon. He’d sleep in and then make his way over to Rhia’s at two o’clock the next day. Of course that may be tricky with Steve at home, but he’d find a way to get there unseen.
He wondered what Angel had in mind. Zane knew Steve didn’t like people playing games. He had a low tolerance for it because during his time as a drug squad detective he’d had to deceive and manipulate when he was working certain cases. Zane believed there was a time and a place for everything, and maybe the time to play Steve Jax had come.
Chapter Eighteen
Rhia answered the door surprised to see a tall well-built man of Scandinavian appearance staring down at her. His features appeared harsh even though his tone was pleasant enough. She glanced at the key sitting in the lock, checking that the screen was indeed secured.
“Hello, Rhia. I take it Angel Shore isn’t here yet. I hope she at least called you to inform you I was coming.”
“Not exactly, I mean she didn’t say who she’d organized to visit with her.”
“Ah…that explains the look of sheer terror on your face. Apparently I can be a little intimidating. My name is Zane Reynolds, and this is Mercedes Harris-Shore.” He indicated to the person she now noticed standing to the back of him, attempting to get past. Mercedes is Angel’s sister-in-law and I’m friend to both the Shore family and that annoying neighbor of yours, Steve Jax.”
“A little intimidating? You’re built like a friggin’ truck. And you’re rude to stand in front of me like that.” The woman’s voice had its own edge of authority to it, not that Zane appeared to notice.
“She thinks the world revolves around her at the moment.” Zane smiled as he spoke, softening his harsh features slightly. He stepped aside to reveal a dark-haired woman dressed in figure-hugging red leather pants and a sleeveless vest style top. She was petite, or at least Rhia thought she was. It was hard to tell with her standing next to Zane. He would make anyone look tiny.
“I’m sorry he scared you. He’s an oaf.” Mercedes glared at the large man now standing next to her. She slapped his hand as it reached out to settle in the middle of her back. The slap did nothing to prevent Zane’s hand arriving at its destination. “Would you mind if we came inside? I’d hate for Steve to see us visiting.”
“I won’t be offended, Rhia, if you ask me to remain outside. I would rather you feel comfortable than scared until Angel arrives. I don’t think Steve is home at the moment. His bike isn’t in the drive.” It was nice of Zane to offer, but she’d already plotted out her exit strategy if need be. Not that she’d need it. Despite appearances, both of her visitors seemed genuine.
“No, of course, please come in.” Rhia turned the key, opening her safe haven up to the two strangers.
She had at least heard about the two visitors. Steve often talked about Zane, and she knew he was friends with Mercedes as well. Angel told her she’d organized the help Rhia needed to get Steve to take her on as a sub. The exact details of the plan and the friends she’d enlisted to assist them weren’t exactly clear. Meg had interrupted their conversation, and all Angel had been able to tell her was they’d meet today around two o’clock to finalize everything.
Her bottom still hurt from the previous day’s adventure, and she hoped that Angel’s idea worked out. She was a little nervous. Angel insisted the, little game, as she referred to it, would work and Rhia hoped trusting Angel’s judgment paid off. After all, Angel was Steve’s sister. She would know more about him than Rhia did at this point. Rhia bit nervously at her bottom lip. The last game hadn’t gone so well. It achieved the goal of getting her and Steve sleeping together, but Cal had been injured. At the time she’d wondered whether the ends justified the means. She’d lost her virginity to Steve as planned, and they spent almost every night together now. Rhia thought of Cal’s bruised face and experienced a twinge of guilt. Her apology to Cal had been accepted but she still felt bad. She stared at Zane. He didn’t look like he’d bruise easily.
“I’m pleased to meet you both. I’ve heard so much about the two of you from Angel and of course, Steve. Besides, I’m sure Mercedes will be able to keep you in line, Zane.”
As they entered the house Zane scoffed at Rhia’s remark. “I’m happy to let you live under that illusion for the time being.”
Rhia made everyone a cold drink and chatted with Mercedes as they wait
ed for Angel. Zane sat quietly, eyeing both women, although Rhia noticed his interest focused mainly on Mercedes. She couldn’t help but observe that he looked at Mercedes much like Christian and Daniel looked at Angel, and similar to how Barry often looked at Meg. She didn’t know much about relationships, but she recognized love and devotion when she saw it. Zane liked Mercedes. Whether the feeling was reciprocated, she couldn’t tell, but she recognized the affection in Zane’s stare. Mercedes avoided eye contact with him and didn’t try to include him in the conversation. In fact, she appeared to be ignoring the man altogether.
“I have to say I think you’re perfect for Steve. You look just his type.” Mercedes sipped her drink. “Although, I am disappointed my profits are down and I don’t get to see him as much as I used to. He hasn’t been to the club in weeks. I know a couple of the girls really miss him.”
Rhia wasn’t sure why Zane was suddenly scowling at Mercedes. He moved slightly closer to where she was seated as if he was trying to get her attention.
“Is that The Dungeon…the club you own, Zane?” Rhia tried to include Zane in the conversation. The fact that Zane answered yes at the same time Mercedes said no had Rhia staring between the two with stunned confusion.
“No, I’m referring to The Gentleman’s Club. I own a BDSM establishment that caters to gentlemen in need of sexual relief,” Mercedes proudly announced. “Steve regularly uses a couple of subs who work for me. Well, used to use them. He hasn’t been around since he found you.”
Rhia tried not to appear shocked as her mind digested the information. Steve paid for sex. He used subs who worked for Mercedes. Her stomach knotted at the thought. If she didn’t get Steve to take her on as a submissive in training then he might start going back to the club to see other women. What did he do with these women at the club? Did they have sex? The determination to succeed rose. She couldn’t allow him to do that. He was her man. The idea of him touching or spanking someone else filled her with…what was that feeling, anger or jealousy? Maybe it was both.
“It was simply a convenience, Rhia, nothing more. I’m sure Steve would have mentioned it at some stage down the track.” Zane smiled at Rhia before turning an angry glare back to Mercedes. Mercedes looked slightly confused as her gaze went to Zane.
“Yes, it’s all about convenience with the men who come to my club,” Mercedes stated. “They come to see my girls and me, for the things they can’t get at home or from a regular relationship. You know, that sort of thing.”
For the first time since arriving, Mercedes lost the confident edge to her voice, as if she was trying to take her words back and rectify the shock she had caused Rhia.
Mercifully for Rhia, the conversation ended as Angel arrived. Even though her greeting was friendly, she seemed breathless and a little unsure as she walked through the door. Rhia quickly understood why as Christian and Daniel followed Angel inside. Their relaxed, casual demeanor appeared stark in contrast to Angel’s mood.
“Gentlemen, your lovely submissive appears to be a little flustered.” Zane sounded amused. “Am I correct in assuming the plot she swore me to secrecy about has been discovered?”
“Yes, the plot has been uncovered and punishment has been administered for the lack of trust shown in not telling us about it earlier. Christian and I are here to ensure Angel doesn’t get out of hand with her attempts at being devious.”
Rhia loved listening to the rich baritone of Daniel’s voice. It was warming, calming, and, even when he was being firm, as he was now, the warmth remained. It didn’t surprise her he was such a good doctor. His voice could put any patient at ease.
He nodded toward Rhia. “And to ensure that Rhia is not being goaded into anything she isn’t ready for.”
Rhia knew she should say something, but with the three men standing in her living room she was a little overwhelmed. The atmosphere of sheer power that suddenly inhabited the small room only added to her nervousness. She tried to calm herself down. Yes, the men were tall and strong looking, but at no stage had any of them been more than friendly toward her. Rhia knew she shouldn’t be as anxious as she was.
Angel had taken a seat at the table, where Mercedes and she were sitting. Christian and Daniel positioned themselves on either side of the chair Angel sat on, and Zane stood at the opposite end of the table, close to Mercedes.
If Rhia didn’t know the men were friends she’d assume they were in some kind of stand-off. It suddenly occurred to her the atmosphere filling her living space appeared similar to the energy that radiated from Steve on occasions. Like the times he stood close to her, staring down into her eyes or when he gave her one of those instructions of his that for some odd reason she obeyed without question. With Steve though, she became aroused at the display of force, that wasn’t the case now.
Now that she recognized the familiarity, she started to relax. The mood in the room changed from causing anxiety to being comforting. Yes, it definitely reminded her of Steve. She looked at all three men more closely. They’re stance was similar, arms folded over in front of them, their feet braced slightly apart. The next sweep of the room caused her to startle slightly. Every gaze was fixed on her, and the room had gone silent.
“Are you all right, Rhia?” Christian’s voice was rich and smooth, not as deep as his brother’s, but still similar. “You look a little concerned.”
“I’m not sure why, but I’m feeling a little…I’m not sure how to explain it. Perhaps you three gentleman should take a seat.” Rhia gestured to the three empty chairs around the table.
“Yeah, let’s try and turn the Dom-tone in the room down a notch, shall we?” Mercedes tapped the chair closest to her and looked at Zane. “Come on, big boy, plant it.”
“Does that feel a bit better?” Zane asked her once everyone was seated. Rhia chose to nod and smile rather than answer. The fact they’d been aware of her tension was embarrassing. No one else seemed to be bothered by being in the room.
“They can’t help themselves, you know. I think it stems from too much testosterone. Put a sub or two in a room with any number of dominant men and they go on high alert.” Mercedes took a sip of her iced tea. “Christian and Daniel are guarding their sub. The force is strong because I assume she was disciplined not long before they left the house, obviously why they were late. Either that or their meeting with Yoda ran overtime.” Mercedes laughed at the obvious Star Wars pun she’d made. “They also probably feel protective of you, Little Miss Rhia, primarily because you’re friends with Angel and secondly because you’re an unclaimed submissive. Zane, well he just has the Dom button turned up to high on a permanent basis. But again, you’re unclaimed, so the protective guard comes up because there are two other Doms in the room. It’s an interesting phenomenon, animalistic in origin probably.”
“And is that why Zane is sitting near you, to be protective of you as well Mercedes?” Rhia asked.
“He’s sitting near me because I told him to,” Mercedes stated firmly.
Rhia noticed the looks of amusement on everyone’s faces. Of course he wouldn’t be protecting Mercedes from Christian and Daniel. They were her brothers. “I’m sorry. I’m trying to make sense of the energy I can feel in the room. It’s a bit like the vibe I get from Steve sometimes, but different because I don’t feel the same way about it.”
“How do you feel when you pick up the vibe from Steve?” Zane’s question surprised her, and she averted her eyes quickly.
Rhia’s face filled with heat and she took a sip of tea to try and cool the flush down.
“No need to answer, sweetie, I think we all get the idea. I would like to correct something Mercedes said though. Rhia is claimed, albeit informally. She’s Steve’s submissive. Protection from the three Doms in the room who are friends and family to him is therefore automatic.” Zane affirmed.
“But there’s no threat to me, and I’m not even sure if I’m submissive,” Rhia responded defensively. “I mean I want to be, but I’m not sure if I am.”
/> “Oh, you’re submissive, my dear. Blatantly so, you just don’t see it,” Mercedes stated. “I mean for God’s sake, everything about you screams sub. You’re a virtual cliché for submission. You served Zane his drink before me, you made sure everyone had something to drink before you got your own, and you served God for how many years? That was a conscious act of submission. You recognize and respond to Dominant energy…you’re a sub.”
“That’s being very presumptuous Mercedes,” Angel stated. “Just because Zane got his drink first—”
“Are you going to argue with me, Angel? Do you think Rhia gives off a submissive vibe or not? Presumptions, stereotypes, and personal preferences for being a brat aside, does Rhia have a tendency toward submission or not?”
Angel nodded. “Yes, I’m sorry, Rhia, but you do. I think you’d be an excellent sub, especially for Steve.”
Rhia tried to hide her surprise at Mercedes assertions and Angel’s agreement with it. No one had ever openly stated what Rhia had very recently come to realize was true. Yes, she was naturally submissive. She’d lived a life of service, to God as Mercedes so aptly put it, and had been happy doing it. She became aroused by Steve’s dominance, wanted him to take charge of her body. She didn’t completely understand yet what being a sub fully entailed but she knew she wanted to pursue where it would lead her. She hoped it would lead her straight into Steve’s arms.
“All right enough speculation and general chitchat.” Zane took control of the conversation. “Firstly, so were all on the same page, Angel can you fill everyone in on the harebrained scheme you’ve concocted?”
“Of course, but it’s not harebrained, Zane… Steve and Rhia are both going to Mercedes’s birthday party next week. I assume you’ll be going together.” Angel glanced at Rhia who nodded. “While at the party, Rhia will casually start a conversation with Zane about submission, and then express an interest in being trained. Zane will suggest Steve for the task, but Steve will refuse. Zane then offers the training. Steve gets jealous and protective, spanks Rhia’s ass for being so impertinent, and then Rhia and Steve live happily ever after.”
