Auctioned to the Gentle Dom [The Spectrum Auctions 5] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Doris O'Connor

Peyton brought your clothes and toiletries for you. Get dressed in your uniform, NO make-up, and no underwear, and come and find me, when you’re ready.

  The thought of going to the club completely bare under the itty-bitty black skirt that made up the required staff submissive’s uniform brought her almost as much anxiety as the thought of going barefaced. It didn’t even occur to her, however, to disobey Sir, especially as her back ached as she moved. Standing on tiptoes in front of the mirror, Lindsey tried to see what Logan had written on her, but the gauze covering was in her way. Surely, he wouldn’t mind if she took a peek?

  Mind made up, Lindsey peeled back the tape and gasped in delight.

  Even with the mirror image putting the letters back-to-front, she could make out what he had written in her skin.

  Logan’s sub

  Warmth spread through her veins, and having replaced the covering as best she could, she hurried through her preparations, made easier by Logan having placed her toiletries next to his in the bathroom cabinet. It gave her an extraordinary amount of pleasure to see her toothbrush sitting next to his. It brought it home, more than anything else could have done, that she was really his now. Living with him, it seemed. A dream come true.

  She met Logan halfway up the stairs and his warm smile soothed some of her misgivings about the having-to-talk part of his note.

  “There you are. I didn’t want to wake you, but it’s getting late and we need to get a move on. How are you feeling, baby?”

  Logan grasped her chin to study her face, and Lindsey smiled.

  “I’m good, Sir, thank you.”

  “Ate the chocolate?” he asked.

  “Yes, Sir, all of it, in the end.” Heat rose in her cheeks at that admission, and Logan laughed and kissed her nose.

  “Good girl.”

  Taking her hand he guided her down the stairs and into the kitchen. She frowned at the open first aid.

  “You’re not too sore, I hope, little bird.”

  The concern in his voice meant the world to her right now, and she shook her head, not at all sure her voice would work.

  “Good. Let me see, please. I need to put some cream on and take off that dressing…”

  He’d turned her to face the work top while he spoke, and flipped her skirt up, stopping mid-sentence when he obviously saw the mess she’d made of the bandage.

  Lindsey looked over her shoulder at him, afraid to see him angry, but amusement showed on his features instead and the lines around his eyes deepened as he looked up and smiled at her.

  “What happened here, sweetheart?”

  Lindsey licked her suddenly dry lips and swallowed to lubricate her equally dry throat.

  “I’m sorry, Sir, but I was curious.”

  His grin deepened and her anxiety fled as she lost herself in the warmth of his smile.

  “Has your mother never told you that curiosity killed the cat?” he asked.

  “She has, but she also told me that cats have nine lives, so I figured it was safe to take the risk.”

  Logan shook his head and took off the dressing in one practiced move.

  “And what did you think?”

  His fingers gently explored the letters, and Lindsey bit her lip as the dull ache intensified. Instead of being unpleasant, however, darts of awareness shot to her clit and made her pussy tighten in need. It was the most curious sensation, because Lindsey really wasn’t into pain, but this was different, because it was Sir who was doing it. It made no sense, yet it made perfect sense, and trying to figure it out, Lindsey just gave into the sensation. Sir noticed how wet she was getting, of course, because he slid one of his hands lower, until he could part her labia. Lindsey gasped at the invasion of one finger into her needy channel, and Logan chuckled.

  “You continue to surprise me, my sweet girl. I didn’t hope to find you wet for me.”

  He withdrew his finger, eliciting another moan from Lindsey, and when he lifted his slick digit to his lips and licked her arousal off it, she melted inside.

  “I’m always wet for you, Sir,” she said.

  Logan’s blue eyes darkened and Lindsey held her breath. She knew that look by now. Lust, hunger, and a need to claim her, and she braced herself. In truth, sore as she was, she wanted him again. It seemed it was true what they said. You didn’t really miss sex when you’d never had it, but now that she had, she seemingly wanted it all the time.

  “Good to know, girl. Now turn around again, so that I can put some more antibiotic cream on your mark. Just to be on the safe side, you understand. This looks perfect, but I’m not taking any chances on your health, baby.”

  Lindsey dutifully turned around and presented her butt.

  “Thank you, Sir. I know you won’t.” She jumped at the coolness of the cream he massaged into her skin, and then gasped in surprise when Logan put down her skirt and flipped her back round again. His gaze fell briefly to her cleavage, and her breasts grew heavy even under that all-too-short appraisal.

  “If it wasn’t club uniform, I would not let you go out like that. Your tits make that outfit look positively indecent.”

  Lindsey giggled at that statement. It wasn’t. The uniform was cleverly designed to conceal more than it revealed, but it was true that her boobs were in danger of spilling over the top of the corset. The cinched middle also gave her an impossibly tiny waist that Logan now spanned with one hand. He frowned and sighed as though as the weight of the world was on his shoulders.

  “So damn tiny and fragile. I want you to know something, little bird.” He paused, and when she looked up at him expectantly, he continued. “If I could spare you tonight, I would, but this is important, you realize that?”

  Lindsey nodded and he offered her a pained smile.

  “You upset a lot of people with your deception, which should get you banned from the club, so you taking this punishment will ensure you can stay. Harsh corporal punishment is not my style, and I’ll make sure they’re not too hard on you, but you will take this for me, and then the slate is clean.”

  A shiver of unease crawled up her spine at his words, but she nodded.

  “Yes, Sir, I will. I know I deserve to be punished. I just wish it was you doing it.”

  Logan closed his eyes as though he was in pain, and then pulled her to him in a bone-crushing hug that stole her breath and soothed her worries.

  “I know, but I can’t…I just can’t. I’ll be with you every step of the way, though, sweetheart.”

  He let her go with a brush of his lips over hers, and she offered him a wobbly smile.

  “Thank you for saying that, Sir.”

  With a curt nod, Logan took her by the elbow and guided her down the stairs, and out of the door. She had to smile at the towel placed on top of the passenger seat.

  “I figured you’d be more comfortable on that than sliding across my leather seats.”

  He shrugged his shoulders as though this wasn’t a big deal, which it wasn’t in the great scheme of things. To know he thought of her when he did that, however, made it into a huge thing in Lindsey’s mind, and her heart beat faster at the thought that he cared—a lot, if the awkward silence that descended between them when they both sat in the car and he started to drive off was any indication.

  To break the ice, she wiggled on her seat.

  “Nope, no sliding, and no mess on your leather either, huh?”

  A short laugh was her reply and when she looked across at him, it was to see his eyes sparkle in barely disguised amusement.

  “Yep, you found me out, girl. I only think of my car.”

  “Like most men, then,” she countered.

  “Ah, let’s not forget the golf, and football.”

  Lindsey gave a mock shudder, and Logan laughed.

  “Heaven help me, is this where you’re telling me I have to sit through boring golf and football games?”

  Logan reached across to flick her nose, and she swatted his hand away with a grin.

  “For that, girl, I’ll
take you to a cricket match. You can explain the rules to me, because they sure escape me.”

  “Not fair, just because I’m English doesn’t mean I know them.”

  “Well, I can’t possibly marry you then. How will I ever find out?”

  The easy banter between them continued until they came close to the club, and Lindsey’s throat ceased to work. Logan squeezed her knee as they pulled into the crowded carpark, and Lindsey grasped hold of his hand, as though her life depended on it.

  “It will be all right, little bird.”

  Logan’s deep voice held that delicious edge, the deep rumble that never failed to get through to her, and releasing his hand to enable him to change gears, she nodded.

  Sir would be there, watching. I can do this.

  If she just kept her attention focused on him she would be fine. She had to be, because…

  Her inner monologue came to an abrupt stop when Logan gave her a gentle push toward the employee entrance rather than take her with him through the main doors.

  “Sir?”

  “You shift has already started. You’ll be needed behind the bar, so run along.”

  “But I thought, we…”

  He crossed his arms over his chest and raised one eyebrow at her, every inch of him the displeased Dom, and Lindsey swallowed hard.

  “Sorry, Sir, I’ll go.”

  “You do that, girl, and don’t worry. You’ll know when it’s time.”

  That’s what I’m worried about.

  The urge to run after him as he turned his back on her and walked toward the main entrance was almost too much to resist. However, that would disappoint Sir, and he’d given her clear instructions. It wouldn’t do to disobey any Dom, let alone her very own one, when in the club. Especially not, considering her previous conduct here.

  With a sinking heart, she approached the heavy metal door the staff used and put in her entry code. Much to her surprise, it still worked. Every member of staff had their own code, after security had been tightened recently. Not only did it tell the club owners exactly who entered the premises, it also gave them their time of arrival. Some of the newer bar staff they had acquired hadn’t exactly been hot on time-keeping, and Lindsey swore under her breath when she saw the time on the big chrome clock on the wall as she entered the staff area.

  As if she wasn’t in enough trouble, she was also late, as confirmed by Mistress Scarlett when she exited the staff lockers and almost ran into the other woman.

  Lindsey’s eyes widened as she took in the Domme’s very visible bump. It seemed to have grown exponentially since the auction. Scarlett held one protective hand over said pregnant belly while she grasped Lindsey’s chin with the other.

  Her long, red fingernails dug into her skin, tiny pinpricks of acute pain, which conveyed more than anything how ticked off Scarlett was. Lindsey wanted the ground to swallow her whole, but there was nothing she could do, bar look into the Domme’s eyes and brace for her disapproval.

  “You’re late, girl. I expected better of you, at least in this regard.”

  The green eyes assessing her every move glittered in silent disapproval, and Lindsey hurried on to explain.

  “I’m sorry, Mistress, it’s just…we…that is…” That feline gaze grew even more intense, and Lindsey thought it wisest to simply shut up.

  “I hope you’re not implying you’re late because of your Master. Are you blaming your tardiness on him?”

  The hold on her chin grew even more painful and Lindsey wouldn’t have been surprised if the other woman drew blood.

  “No, of course not, Mistress.”

  Scarlett narrowed her eyes, and eventually nodded.

  “Good, now get your ass behind that bar. We’re busy tonight and only Rissa is on duty. Jonas is all ready to bust an artery at that, so unless you want him to take his ire out on you, run along.”

  Lindsey didn’t need to be told twice. Sure enough, the main area of the club was heaving, every station occupied, and sweet little Rissa seemed rushed off her feet. Master Jonas sat perched on one of the bar stools, his face like thunder. Master Pedro sat next to him, his back to the bar, surveying the room, and to her utter terror, Master Slade also approached. His amber gaze connected with hers, his brows drew into a thick frown, and Lindsey hastily dropped her gaze and scrambled through the hatch. In her haste, she banged it shut behind her, and even without looking she knew she had just gained the attention of all three Doms. The fine hair on her neck rose, and sure enough, Master Pedro spoke up.

  “Ah, there is our little delinquent, amigos. Tell me, Slade, what’s the charge for damaging club property?”

  The Spaniard’s accented voice washed over her and held her spellbound as he called to her.

  “Come here, girl, and look at me when I’m talking about you.”

  She couldn’t openly defy him, even if she had been capable of it, but Pedro’s tone demanded instant obedience that made her submissive side snap to attention.

  Lindsey dutifully approached the bar, and forgot to breathe when she raised her eyes and got snared in his black gaze. Not an ounce of compassion showed in his face, just a quiet fury she hadn’t seen on him since he found his sub Peyton. This was the old Pedro, the one she had scened with once only to cry red. One of the many Masters in this club she had directly deceived.

  “So, this is what you really look like, girl? I had not imagined you as a brunette.”

  He crooked his finger at her in a silent demand, and Lindsey stepped closer. She couldn’t help her wince as he lifted her chin to seemingly better study the scarred side of her face. Jonas whistled softly through his teeth, and Pedro’s hold grew less demanding.

  “That must have hurt,” he said.

  “Yes, Sir.”

  Pedro released her with a smirk.

  “Too bad I wasn’t there to see it.”

  Lindsey gasped in shock at the nasty words, and Jonas swore.

  “Pedro, you’re being cruel. The girl does not deserve that.”

  Slade, too, added his disapproval.

  “Seriously, Pedro, you went there? I suggest you find Peyton and cool the fuck off. You’re lucky Logan didn’t hear that dumbass comment.”

  “Heard what?”

  Logan’s deep voice soothed the horror that had descended upon Lindsey at Pedro’s voice as he slid on the stool next to the Spaniard.

  “Nothing.” Pedro inclined his head and smiled at her, his gaze having lost some of its meanness. “I apologize, girl, if my words caused you distress.”

  When he seemed to wait for her to say something, Lindsey croaked her reply.

  “Okay…Sir.”

  Logan frowned at her intonation, Jonas gave a rueful grin, and Slade ran a hand through his hair as though exasperated.

  Pedro, however, shook his head and laughed.

  “Touché, girl. I guess I do need to cool off. Adios, for now.”

  With that he turned around and strode off. Lindsey breathed again, and Logan looked from one to the other with a frown.

  “Do I have to take one of Pedro’s own whips to him? What’s he said to her?”

  Slade threw his hands up in the air, and Jonas shuffled his beer bottle to and fro.

  “He’s just pissed at me, Sir. I’m sure he didn’t mean it like that.” Lindsey’s voice lacked conviction, and Slade sighed.

  “No doubt you’re right, Lindsey. Best brace yourself. You’re going to run into a lot of pissed-off Doms tonight. Perhaps we should get the punishment over sooner than later?”

  Logan looked between them all, and Jonas shrugged his shoulders. His azure gaze held a hint of amusement when he looked at Lindsey.

  “No, I reckon encountering the Doms she pissed off is just the punishment the girl needs right now. I’m going to enjoy seeing her squirm and not knowing when the proverbial axe will fall on her head.”

  Slade gave a short laugh, whether in agreement or not, Lindsey couldn’t determine, until he spoke.

  “Yes, that migh
t be fun to watch. I’d prefer to leave it at that, really.” He pinned her in place with the intensity of his gaze. Logan sat up straighter in her peripheral vision, and Lindsey didn’t dare hope. “For the record, girl, I’m sorry you thought me so unapproachable that you couldn’t tell me who you really were.”

  Lindsey’s mouth fell open in shock, and Slade’s lips kicked up into a grim smile.

  “I can understand why you’d feel the need to hide your scars, but I’m sure your Master will have told you that they do not define you, unless you let them. No one here would have thought any less of you. Considering your deception, however, punishment is due.”

  “Did someone say punishment?”

  Alexej’s heavily accented voice sent renewed panic through Lindsey’s veins as the Russian leaned on Slade’s shoulder, while slowly uncurling his whip. He smirked at Lindsey and ran his dark gaze slowly over her in such a way that she felt quite naked.

  “Back off, Alexej.” Logan got off his bar stool and positively glared at the other man. “Any punishment due to my sub and fiancée does not involve you. You never scened with her.”

  Alexej laughed and curled his whip back up until it rested against his hip like a coiled snake ready to strike.

  “Ah, yes, the engagement was a surprise. No wonder you took her off me at the Auction.” He glanced at Lindsey and gave a mock bow. “Too bad, she would mark so beautifully under my hands.”

  Logan made a step toward him, nostrils flaring, and Slade shook his head at Alexej and stepped between the two men.

  “Enough of this. We’ll discuss the particulars later. For now, go help Rissa, Lindsey.”

  Thus dismissed, Lindsey turned her attention to the bar.

  “Glad you’re here, Lindsey. It’s madness tonight. Can’t think why?”

  Rissa winked at her and then gave her a shove toward Master Nolan, who was not so patiently waiting to be served.

  “What can I get you, Sir?” she asked, and Nolan frowned. He didn’t seem to be able to drag his eyes away from her scars, and Lindsey tried her utmost not to fidget under his steely scrutiny.

  “Sir?” She hated the wobble in her voice, and Nolan shook his head as though to clear it.

  His grey eyes had softened considerably when he answered.