by Jill Shannon
Sadie turned to all of them as she held the door for them. “Thank you, I’m very grateful for all of your help. I at least feel a little more like myself now. Will you all be at the party?”
“You’ll see us there, a few modifications and we’ll be there in no time.” Derek picked up Sadie’s hand and kissed her palm. “I offer myself to you for the night, because if I’m right, it will be hard to get you alone later. You are going to draw every unattached Dom to you like a moth to a flame.” Dropping her hand, he turned and left.
“That was the point.” Madison came up behind Sadie leaning her chin on her shoulder. “You need to get back on the horse, or the spanking bench, whichever your Dom prefers.” Smiling, she stood up, “Now let’s get going, I’ve been looking forward to this. It’s going to be a night we will all remember.”
Isabella handed Sadie her bag and cabin key, looped her arm through hers and headed to the door. Madison brought up the rear. “We are going to have some fun tonight, and if it feels right, don’t fight it. Don’t let anything stand in your way. He knows he was wrong, and we all make mistakes.” Sadie started to interrupt her but she cut her off. “No, you know what I mean, trust is earned, let him earn it again. You two belong together.”
Sadie kept quiet as she let Isabella drag her along. Thinking to herself, “I want to trust him, but I want him to trust me more.” She just wasn’t sure if that was possible. She shut down her mind, tonight was about fun so that’s what she was going to do, have some fun.
***
“Do you think she’ll be here tonight? She hasn’t left her cabin since we got back, thanks to you giving her the rest of the cruise off,” Cameron railed at Dimitri.
“Hey, don’t pull that crap on me. You know as well as I do not one of them deserved what happened to them. It’s the least we could do for them, and yes, Sadie should be here if Madison and Issy have anything to do with it. You know you have to tell her everything, right?” Dimitri countered.
“I know you’re right, but how do I tell her that on top of putting her life in danger, I had Caleb hack into her computer?”
“You’ll figure it out. Is she worth it? That’s the question you have to ask yourself.”
“Yes, she is.”
They were standing on the edge of the equipment ring. Since it was the last party of the cruise, this after party was being held on the Harem Deck, so the equipment could be used. Marco and the staff had put white lighting around the rails. Tables that were randomly scattered around, held black and white flower arrangements.
White and black lace swag ran along the hand railing of the stairs and also along the railing with the lights peeking through it, giving the area a seductive look.
Dimitri was dressed in a full tux while Cameron wore black leather pants, and a black ribbed tank. It was the easiest shirt to wear with the sling. Which could come off tomorrow, according to Doc. Both wore the same black domino masques over their eyes and nose.
They stood greeting guests as they arrived, Dimitri waiting for Madison, Cameron hoping Sadie showed as well. Captain Joshua to Dimitri’s left and Harley to Cameron’s right stood with them in similar attire. They had been standing there for about twenty minutes when Cameron’s grandmother Constance approached them. Kissing Dimitri, she said, “You were supposed to look out for him!” She smacked him on his arm.
“I tried, but you know how he is.” Dimitri tattled on Cameron.
Holding Cameron’s hands and kissing him on both cheeks when she pulled him forward, she asked, “Is she here yet? I want to meet her.”
“Grandma, I have to talk to her first, you said you would be good. I could’ve put you right back on that helicopter that brought you, now behave yourself. If the opportunity arises, I will introduce you. However, let me introduce Captain Joshua Miller, and you remember Harley my training coach.”
“Nice to meet you,” she greeted the captain. She turned a cotton candy shade of pink when she greeted Harley. “Yes, I do remember Mr. Ericks, it’s been awhile though.” She smiled seductively at him. According to Cameron, Harley wasn’t much younger than his grandmother, and as far as she was concerned, age didn’t matter.
Just then Dimitri’s voice announced, “I think you’re going to get the chance for introductions right now. Holy shit, dude, if I didn’t think Madison was the sub for me, I’d sure as hell be pushing you out of the way to get to Sadie.”
“Whew, you’re not kidding,” Harley whistled as they came closer.
Cameron looked up from his grandmother and saw his angel gliding down the stairs; her bruises were covered with the mask she wore. He could see the dark color of her areola through the lace of her dress that barely covered them.
The vee left her entire chest exposed, the small patch of hair between her legs was covered by one of the strategically placed flower designs on the lace. As she drew closer, he could see the apprehension in her eyes covered by the mask he had sent with the women. He knew that whatever she wore, the mask would only enhance it.
Dimitri greeted the women and introduced Cameron’s grandmother.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you all, I understand the three of you were used as pawns in that sick bastard’s game. I’m very happy to see you all safe and sound. I also want to say thank you, you all helped my Cameron hold onto his parents’ legacy, as well as gain the competition’s business. If there is anything I can ever do to help you, all you need to do is ask,” Constance announced.
Caleb walked up to the group from the other side, his eyes never leaving Isabella. “Good evening all, if you don’t mind I’m going to steal my Isabella. I’m told Asher is about to start spinning the dance music, and I want my first to be with her.”
He started to guide her to the spot on the deck designated for dancing just as the music sounded through the speakers. “It was nice to meet you,” Isabella yelled over her shoulder as he tugged her along, with her trying to keep up with him.
Captain Joshua was the next to leave the group. “Enjoy your evening all, I believe my entertainment for the night just walked in.” He headed in Melanie’s direction.
Harley offered his arm to Constance. “Would you like to give it a whirl?” He took her hand and twirled her into his arms, then held her while looking into her eyes. “I’m very demanding when I want something, so be prepared.”
He looked over to Cameron. “You all right with that?”
Cameron watched and listened to the play between his trainer and his grandmother. Although he would have never put the two together, he had to admit, if they made each other happy, what the hell. “I’m good, don’t hurt her,” he blatantly said.
“Oh, I plan to hurt her, and she’ll be begging me for more.” He held her with his arm on her lower back. “Now, if you will excuse us, I’d like to get to know this woman, better than I already do.” Harley guided Constance to the dance floor.
Cameron didn’t want to think of Harley with his grandmother, but if they made each other happy, who the hell was he to say anything? Right now, he just needed to get Sadie to listen to him.
Dimitri kissed Madison’s hand as she approached him. “I’m sorry, Sir, but I don’t think my dress will allow me to kneel for you.”
“Well then, we’ll just have to lose the dress, now won’t we?”
“I think that can be arranged,” Madison purred close to his ear. “I would prefer your cabin, instead of public tonight.” She moved closer to his ear, “More intimate please, Sir.”
“How can I deny such a pleasurable request? We will not scene tonight, till I have you in the confines of my cabin. So in the meantime let’s go dance so I can hold you close.”
“I’ve come to care for you in this short trip, but there’s still a lot you need to know about me.” Madison bowed her head. “Some of it is not good.”
Dimitri lifted her face with his fingers under her chin. “Another night, tonight we celebrate our successful voyage of the Onyx, as well as Cameron’s win over Arcola. L
et’s go dance.”
Dimitri leaned into Sadie. “Keep an open mind, and you’ll understand.” He started twirling Madison toward the dance floor before Sadie could question what he meant.
That left Cameron and Sadie standing looking at one another. “I’ve tried to talk to you,” Cameron said, at the same time Sadie said, “How is your shoulder?”
“Sadie, I’m sorry, I didn’t trust you with what I was planning. If it’s any consolation, Dimitri didn’t know till we were on the cruise.”
“No, it’s really not, but I get the Dom thing about protection, but voicing those fears do not make you weak.” Sadie started to turn away from Cameron.
He took a giant step and blocked her from leaving. “Cameron, this is not the place for this conversation. This is a celebration, I’m not in a celebrating mood but I came because the girls put so much into getting me ready.” She tried to step around him again.
He held his hand out. “One dance?”
Sadie looked at his out stretched hand then, to his eyes, she could see his need there. “One dance.” She couldn’t deny him or herself. To be in Cameron’s arms just one more time, she could imprint the moment in her brain. His touch, his scent, and the way he surrounded her with his steel arms.
When they reached the dance floor, Sadie turned her focus to Cameron. Moving his injured arm out of the way, he pulled her close to him her breasts crushed into his chest. His long hard erection pushed against her stomach. He whispered in her ear, “I never meant for anything to happen to you.”
Sadie continued following him as they danced to the seductive music Archer was pumping out. Just listening to what he said. She wasn’t sure if he knew she was hearing what he said, or if he was practicing what he would say when she could hear him.
He continued on, “I put you in further danger by not knowing the bastard who hurt you not only physically, but mentally was, in fact, a passenger on my ship.”
A chill went through Sadie’s body at that thought. Cameron stepped back to look in her eyes, to see if she was hearing what he was saying, but the mask covered just enough of her eyes that it left him unsure.
Sadie began tracing his tattoo with her newly manicured nails, while Cameron’s silent confession went on. “Then Harley convinced me that, if I showed any attachment to you, it could put you into further danger, and that’s exactly what happened. I became selfish. I began thinking that as long as you didn’t know about the deal, then you would be safe.
“I can only hope in time that the pain I’ve caused will ease. I love you, Sadie, I have for a long time. If given a second chance, I know we could be good together.” He squeezed her so tight to his chest she couldn’t breathe.
She smacked him on his arm with her free hand to get his attention. When he let go, she backed up taking huge gulps of air into her lungs.
The song ended as her breathing came back to normal. Cameron escorted her to the bar, Dominic poured a half glass of whiskey for Cameron, and Sadie ordered a Long Island Iced Tea.
It was quieter by the bar, so they moved off to the side to sit at a table. Sadie took a long sip of her drink. Hoping it would give her the courage she would need not to let on she had already forgiven him. She did need to hear the whole story though, and that was another reason. She finished the drink on the next sip.
“You look exquisite tonight, I can see your beautifully puckered nipples, just begging me to take them in my mouth.”
Sadie stood from the cushioned seat, Cameron stood as well, looking around to see what had startled her. When he saw nothing out of the ordinary, he turned his questioning eyes on her.
The red flush stole over Sadie’s body, and had Cameron’s cock jumping to attention. She sat back down, but towards the front of the seat. He leaned his head in to her. “What just happened?”
“Well, Sir, when you mentioned sucking on my nipple,” Sadie hesitated looking even more embarrassed. “You see I’m not wearing anything under this dress, and uh,” Sadie finally spit it out, “Well, I could feel myself getting wet, and I didn’t want it to show on the cushion.”
Cameron almost burst out laughing, but caught himself, he did, however, get the biggest grin on his face. “I’m happy to hear you say that. Sadie, I would like to try again, I would like to be the Dom who you deserve, and I know I can do that now.”
He reached across the table to clutch her hands kissing each one, “Will you consider continuing our bargain that we struck the night of the auction? Will you spend the night with me? It’s a simple yes, no question. No thinking.”
“Yes!” The word was out of her mouth before she could contain it. She looked across at him, his body visibly relaxed with her one-word answer, a smile formed on his lips, he rose from his chair, guiding her up as he went.
“Let’s go back to my cabin, nothing will happen that you don’t want to happen. I would like to tell you everything,” Cameron promised.
“I need to stop at the ladies’ room, I don’t think I’ll make to your cabin,” she stumbled when she got out of her chair. Cameron caught her by the arm, and she began to giggle, like a little girl.
“Is my angel a little drunk?” His eyebrows were raised with the question.
She stopped giggling, but still had a big grin on her face, “I would have to say you are correct, Sir.”
Cameron saw Olivia, and waved her over. “It seems my Sadie can’t hold her liquor; would you see to helping her to the ladies’ room. I’ll follow in a moment to take her off your hands. I need to see someone and then pick something up from security. I shouldn’t be long.”
Olivia guided Sadie to the public restroom on the opposite side of the deck.
Cameron had seen Queenie and Yvonne come in and sit, not long after they sat, Jim and Mad Dog joined them. He approached the table. “I hope I’m not interrupting, but I’d like to say thank you for your help with getting the women back and to offer you two tickets for the launch of our west coast ship the Sapphire? Anyone interested?”
“You gentlemen will have to fill out the paperwork, and obtain the proof for the required tests,” he said, looking at Queenie and Yvonne. “That goes for anyone you should bring who hasn’t already gone through the screening, but if all comes back negative you should be good to go.”
“Give me what ever you need to be filled out, I could really get into a sweet gig like this for a while, need help with security on your new ship? I’m sure there are a few people who could vouch for my credentials.” Mad Dog placed his drink on the table.
“What do you say, Jim, want to work security for a month, give it a try?” Mad Dog asked.
“We haven’t discussed the hiring time frame yet, but when we do, I’ll let Dimitri know I hired you and Mad Dog.” He stopped talking and looked at Mad Dog. “You have to have a given name that I can call you. I just can’t bring myself to calling you just Mad or Dog,” Cameron stressed to him.
“You can call me Wyatt, and that’s Cooper. We do deep cover so it’s better to stick with code names.”
Cameron extended his hand to Wyatt. “Pleasure to meet you, Wyatt, and welcome to Midnight Oasis Cruise Line. Before you get off the ship see Melanie, she’ll get you everything you’ll need.”
He gazed landed on the ladies at the table. “This is a little awkward for me, but when you ran into me that night I really thought you were coming on to me, but seeing you with Yvonne, I must have been mistaken.”
Queenie’s face blushed. “Well, I kind of was,” she said sheepishly. “Yelp!” Queenie jumped as Yvonne kicked her under the table.
“She was trying to make me jealous, and it worked, could we please not talk about it,” Yvonne spoke up, before Queenie could tell Cameron who she really was.
“Well, as long as everything is good, I have a few more people to thank, as well as invites to extend, enjoy your evening.”
When Cameron walked away Queenie turned to Yvonne confusion on her face, “There is no reason for you to bring up a dead person, becaus
e as of now she no longer exists. You are only Queenie. Any history you have starts with me. Understand?”
“Don’t forget who your Mistress is.” Queenie leaned in and kissed Yvonne gently nipping.” I believe you earned a reward for your bravery in this situation.” She sat back in her chair. “Don’t you think gentlemen?”
Yvonne’s eyes went wide. “Are you going to film me again to use it against me?” Anger laced her question; she started to rise from the table.
“SIT DOWN RIGHT NOW!” Queenie lowered her voice, “Your Mistress did not give you permission to leave.” Yvonne sat back in the chair.
“Anything we film from now on will be for our pleasure only.”
“Thank you,” she whispered to her, to Wyatt and Cooper, “If you’re up for it, we’re trusting you to be clean, but would you like to scene with us in our suite?”
“We need to get our toy bags. We’ll meet you at your cabin,” Wyatt and Cooper said as they stood to leave realizing they needed her cabin information before they left.
They were exchanging cabin information when Queenie looked toward the ladies’ room; her face went white with what she saw. In the door way stood Dr. Ryan Romero, aka Arcola, with an unconscious Sadie hanging over his shoulder.
***
When Olivia and Sadie walked into the bathroom, Sadie had found an empty stall quickly. Olivia was fixing her hair, “Do you remember the day I saw you in Master Dimitri’s office?”
Sadie had wobbled into the stall. “Yes, I thought you were so beautiful,” she slurred from behind the door.
“Why, thank you for that compliment, but back to my question? Do you remember seeing me whisper something in his ear?”
Sadie was quiet for a moment, an expression of concentration on her face, and then she picked her head up. “I do, that’s when I noticed how tall you were, you are very tall, by the way.”
