Trusted (Club Indigo Book 2)

by Karen Nappa

"But what about the clan and the Carmichael bloodline?"

  Connor laughed out loud. "Rùnag, my cousins procreate like rabbits, and Hamish has two sons."

  "Okay, if you say so." Suzie still felt a little bit of doubt, but she felt relief and joy, too.

  "Any more objections?"

  She shook her head. "They weren't objections; I was just scared you hadn't thought it through."

  "Trust me to know my mind," he stated firmly.

  "I trust you irrevocably, Master."

  Epilogue

  S uzie stood in the middle of the room. She was wearing her Audrey Hepburn style wedding dress. The high bodice fitted perfectly over her perky breasts and the simple style of the dress left her arms and shoulders bare. On her slim waist, the dress was pinched together with embroidery, the beautiful rose pattern continuing over the skirt. The hem of the skirt stopped at her knees, making the most of her petite frame.

  Of course, she and her sister had been shopping at Wilma's for the occasion. There was no better place in Kansas City for stylish and affordable clothes, and there was no shop owner who went to the same lengths as Wilma did to make sure her clients looked their absolute best. A testament to that was the fact that Wilma was currently lacing up the back of Laura's corset.

  They had struggled to find flowers the right color until talking to Kate. One of her hobbies was gardening. As soon as she knew about the colors, Kate insisted they needed to have ixia viridiflora in the bouquets and boutonnières. None of them had heard of the plant, but when Kate had shown them the lily-like flowers in teal and turquoise with a deep purple heart, they had fallen in love with them.

  Kate stepped in front of Suzie, drawing her gaze from Laura. In Kate's hands, were the long satin gloves Suzie would be wearing until they exchanged rings. The gloves were the same shade as the roses on her dress, a shade darker than the turquoise of her gown. Suzie held out her hand and her maid-of-honor slipped the first glove on. After Kate helped her with the second glove, she kissed Suzie on the cheek. "You look lovely, dear. I can't wait to see the look on Connor's face."

  "And James', too," Paula piped in. She had been waiting beside the door in case she was needed.

  Suzie fixed her gaze on Laura's appearance at the remark from the other maid-of-honor. She gasped in admiration. Laura looked stunning in a mermaid style wedding dress in the teal shade Suzie's gloves had. The top of the two-piece dress was formed by the corset that was tied together with black laces. The skirt was long and ended with a wealth of feathers around Laura's feet.

  Wilma had also helped with the dresses for the maids-of-honor. Both were in shades of silvery gray with teal and turquoise accents. The styles were different to fit each woman. Suzie suspected Wilma had made all four dresses from scratch. They matched too well to have come from her usual stock.

  A discreet knock on the door prompted Paula to open it slightly. Anticipating Connor or James, Suzie could see Mary's sweet face in the door opening. "I wanted to tell you that you have twenty minutes left."

  Paula strategically placed herself between Mary and the room, so she couldn't get a glimpse at the dresses. Both Suzie and Laura had gone to great lengths to prevent anyone other than Wilma, Paula, and Kate to know anything about the dresses they'd chosen. The only concession they had made to secrecy was to choose the colors for the groomsmen's vests and the boutonnières.

  Laura and Suzie hadn't been comfortable with wearing white, since both were getting married for the second time. Of course, Wilma had been of great assistance with picking the colors, making sure the dresses suited both women in style and color.

  "Thank you, Mary," Kate answered from beside Suzie. "We'll be ready in fifteen."

  Connor paced the room like a caged animal. He was in his army dress blues. He would have been happier in his kilt, even with a tuxedo top. Suzie had put her foot down on that idea. She said the Carmichael tartan would clash with her dress.

  Jim, his best man, chuckled under his breath, and Connor scowled at him. Jim looked dapper in his tailored grey suit with turquoise vest. "You know," Jim remarked, "that stare didn't intimidate me the first time we met, and it doesn't now."

  "Sorry," he all but growled. "Nerves." He looked over to James, who was sitting on the couch, dressed in classic black tie. His friend looked composed. "You're not?"

  James smiled, but Connor noticed some strain at this jaw. "I am, but I know walking a trail in the carpet won't change a thing, nor will it speed up time. I am glad our women decided they wanted a double wedding, so we don't have to go through this twice."

  A laugh on the other side of the room drew his gaze to Chris. He was slouched in a chair, and although in a tailored suit like Jim's, he looked relaxed and almost disheveled with his tie askew. "Master Zen speaking."

  James leveled his best friend and best man with a blank stare and ignored his comment. Instead, he addressed Connor, "Don't worry about our women. They're together, and they've braved a lot by holding on to each other. Besides, they have Paula and Kate with them, and I would trust those two to keep things from going to pieces any time."

  Connor had to agree with his statement, but it didn't change his desire to get this whole day over with and to go on his honeymoon with Mrs. Connor Carmichael. Before his mind could wander off to his plans for the two-week vacation they were going to have, Mitch threw open the door and announced, "It's time."

  Connor stood shoulder to shoulder with James on the right side of the altar. What warmed his heart the most, however, was the smaller figure on his other side. His relationship with Tim had become really close over the last couple of weeks, and it was wonderful to have him standing here next to him. Of course, James was flanked by a boy as well. Josh had settled into their home and felt like family. Both James and Laura seemed to like having the boy around. Josh looked a lot less haunted, and although he still had the gangling build of a teenage boy, his face had lost some of its gauntness.

  The congregation fell silent as the organist began playing Pachelbel's Canon in D Major . A small figure appeared at the back of the church. Abby looked beautiful in a white dress with turquoise accents. She walked toward the altar with a dignified air she had practiced for weeks. She carried a bouquet of white roses and turquoise ixias.

  Connor answered her radiant smile with one of his own and then turned his attention to Kate and Paula processing side by side up the aisle. As they reached the front of the church, the air caught in his lungs at the appearance of the brides. Connor heard the sharp intake of breath beside him and realized James was as stunned by the visual as he was.

  As Dan escorted his daughters down the aisle, everyone stood to see them. The smile on his face radiated love and pride. Connor's eyes lingered on him for a brief moment, then his gaze zeroed in on Suzie, wiping out all around him. His rùnag!

  The service was a blur for Connor. He barely noticed the Bible readings or the message the minister had for them and the congregation on the meaning of wedding vows. It was only when he was placing his ring on Suzie's finger that the world came back into focus. The next thing he knew, the pastor was introducing the couples to the gathered assembly, "May I introduce for the first time, Mr. James Black and Ms. Laura Turner and Mr. and Mrs. Connor and Suzie Carmichael?" They recessed to Handel's Water Music and moved on to the reception, catered by The Sweet and Savory Table.

  Jim Cagney watched Paula and Kate dancing to I Gotta Feeling by The Black-Eyed Peas. Although the women were very different, they both radiated confidence and strength that had more than one man staring. It was the first time he'd seen Paula wearing a dress, and he had to admit, he liked her in it. He probably would like her even more out of it. In his bed, on his desk, or on the hood of his car—he wasn't picky. He had been interested in her since she'd delivered a guest lecture when he was in the police academy. For a moment, his gaze collided with Paula and he saw a flicker of something, but the connection was gone again when Paula moved with the crowd to the music.

  Jim turne
d to the other best man, who was sitting next to him at the table and noticed that Chris' eyes were glued to the dance floor, too. Jim leaned over and said loud enough to be heard over the music, "Seeing a nice little submissive?"

  "Hardly," Chris shook his head, "a stunning red head, who would whip my ass and have my balls if I tried to tied her down."

  Jim's eyebrows rose. Was his friend talking about Kate? Interesting.

  Chris grunted, "Don't start."

  Jim held his arms up in surrender, but his mouth curved into a smile. He liked the easy rapport he had with the Club Indigo Dominants. The music turned to the slower sounds of All of You by John Legend. The amusement left Jim's face when he saw two men rising from their chairs, with their focus on Paula and Kate. Oh, no, not on his watch!

  Jim signaled Chris, who seemed to have caught the men's intentions, too. They got up as one and strode purposefully onto the dance floor.

  Continue to the next page for a sneak peek at book three, Appreciated.

  Appreciated

  Prologue

  Paula Stone was having a ball dancing with Kate at the wedding reception. The double wedding of her friends Laura and Suzie had been a great success. She had only known Kate and Suzie for a few months, through Laura. Paula had been touched when she had been asked to be Laura's maid-of-honor.

  She had met Kate, Suzie's maid-of-honor, during the weeks of wedding prep. Paula knew the other three women belonged to a private BDSM club. She wasn't sure how she felt about that lifestyle—none of the women seemed submissive to her. Kinky or not, she was very pleased to be able to add Kate and Suzie to her select group of friends.

  The up-tempo song faded out and the sound of a piano signaled a ballad was next.

  "Incoming." Kate signaled Paula with a big grin on her face. The tall redhead was wearing stiletto heels. Paula wasn't small, herself, but Kate in heels towered over her. Paula didn't wear heels, because you couldn't chase bad guys in them, so Laura had found cute, flat sandals for her. They were comfortable enough and went well with the dress, but she wouldn't have worn either if it weren't for her friend.

  Paula turned her head in the direction where Kate was looking, and sure enough, there were two men heading over in their direction. Cute blond. Young enough to have some stamina and old enough to last more than eight seconds. Exactly what she wanted in a one-night stand. Paula turned back to Kate to call dibs. The second she did, her feet rooted to the ground and her smile melted like a patch of snow in the sun.

  Paula caught a raised eyebrow from Kate, but before Kate could react, Chris had wound his arms around her and pulled her away. Paula was left standing alone on the dance floor, face to face with Jim Cagney, the cute blond forgotten.

  Freshly shaved, cute boy-next-door looking Jim.

  Way too young and 'try thinking with your head instead of your vagina' Cagney.

  Jim—he's a fucking colleague—Cagney.

  "Dance with me." His tone of voice made it sound like an order. 'Normal Paula' would have bristled at that. 'Normal Paula' didn't date cops after her ugly divorce from one. 'Normal Paula' seemed to vanish every time Jim Cagney was in her vicinity.

  Paula didn't know what to do or say. She placed her hands on his shoulders like she was touching an unfamiliar loaded weapon. She couldn't really resist him without causing a scene and drawing attention. It was only one dance after all.

  His arms went around her middle and they started swaying to the music. At first, Paula was tense and she tried to keep as much distance between their bodies as possible. She didn't want to dance with him. She really didn't, but it was kind of nice to be in his arms. He was a competent dancer, leading her with grace, confidence, and strength. He danced in a way that was utterly like the man himself.

  As Jim led her around the dance floor, Paula's reserve crumbled and she started to relax in his arms. To her amazement, he began to sing along with Johnny Legend. Jim had a nice tenor voice and he really could sing. After the first verse, he started harmonizing. Paula looked up at him. His eyes sparkled and a corner of his mouth curved up as he sang about 'loving all her perfect imperfections.' She wished she hadn't looked at him. His smile showed off his dimples and his eyes pulled at her.

  It registered in her brain that a different song had started and there was something wrong about that. She couldn't remember what, but she needed to do something. She let Jim lead her around the dance floor to two more songs before she heard the sounds of Halo . In that moment, Paula knew she would cave. Her walls had tumbled down and, like Beyoncé, she was prepared to take the risk. She could try to blame it on the romantic setting of the wedding, but somehow she'd run out of excuses to avoid sleeping with Jim Cagney. She would go home with him and fuck the man out of her system once and for all.

  Jim pulled up to his condo and turned off the engine of his deep blue Acura. He turned to Paula to ask if she was sure she wanted to come up with him, only to discover she had fallen asleep during the drive. He debated what to do. He didn't think Paula would be cut out to live his brand of BDSM. She was probably totally vanilla. According to Laura and James, she hadn't understood their relationship initially and had declined an offer to attend their collaring ceremony last year. She hadn't wanted to come to Club Indigo, their private BDSM club. He debated with himself what to do. A gentleman would drive her home, but he wasn't willing to let her go. It felt too good to have her in his car and to bring her to his home. He got out of the Acura and walked around to her door.

  "Paula, wake up," he said as he opened the door and reached over her to release her safety belt. He rested his hand on her leg. He didn't know how she would react when startled, but he was prepared for anything to happen.

  Paula's eyes flew open and, sure enough, her hand went for her gun, or rather where her gun would have been if she were on duty.

  Jim chuckled. "Would you really shoot an innocent man for trying to help you out of a car?" he asked. Damn, she was cute and she would take off his balls if he voiced that thought and not even bat an eyelash .

  The next instant, Paula attacked him, but not in the way he had feared. She latched onto him and pressed her mouth to his. She was aggressive, biting and nipping at his lips and rubbing her body against his. His dick went from semi erect to ramrod straight in seconds.

  On instinct, Jim grasped her roaming hands and pressed them to her sides. Their tongues dueled for dominance. He transferred her wrists to his left hand behind her back and used his right hand to hold her head at an angle more to his liking. Then he softened the kiss. He didn't want to physically overwhelm her, and a shudder went through Paula. Jim could pinpoint the exact moment she let go and gave in. It was a heady, beautiful feeling to have her submit to him. She was his!

  As sexy as this was, he needed to control himself, or they would be fucking here in front of his condo for all to see. Mrs. Novak would definitely see, because the woman never seemed to sleep and always knew all the gossip.

  Jim pulled Paula from the car and half dragged, half carried her to his front door. As soon as he closed the door behind them, he pressed her up against it and claimed her mouth again. When she tried to wrap her arms around his neck, he intercepted them and pressed them above her head. He felt her stiffen for the slightest moment and she gave in to him—again. Fuck, Detective Sergeant Paula Stone was submissive.

  Coming soon.

  Karen Nappa

  What does someone do when she’s waiting at the laundromat? She sends random text messages to a friend. “Trapped at the laundromat. Now wouldn’t that make an interesting title for a BDSM romance?” Since her friend is just as big a biblioholic and also active in the lifestyle, she reacted enthusiastically and we started from there.

  We are Karen Nappa, a bi-continental writing team. We create stories about ordinary people with kinky preferences – just like ourselves. So don’t expect billionaires, werewolves or vampires from us, nor perfect, beautiful people. Some of the events in our stories are true to life, others are figm
ents of the imagination.

  Like us on Facebook

  Or contact us by email (we love to hear from readers): authorkarennappa@gmail.com

  Don’t miss these exciting titles by Karen Nappa and Blushing Books!

  Club Indigo Series:

  Trapped - Book 1

  Trusted - Book 2

  EBook Offer

  WOULD YOU LIKE A FREE SPANKING STORY EVERY MONTH?

  At http://www.blushingbooks.com, we provide our visitors with a free eBook every single month! That's right, every month we choose an eBook to give to our customers at no charge, both to show our gratitude for your business and to provide a sample of the content we offer.

  Can you read this free eBook on your Kindle? Yes! Once you’re logged onto our site, it’s easy to send a book right to your Kindle.

  Can you read it on your iPad? Yes! Your Kobo? Yes! Your Nook? YES!

  We provide all of our books on BlushingBooks.com in several formats so that you can read our stories on virtually any reader! Membership at BlushingBooks.com is free, so sign up today and get your free story right now!

  DO YOU NEED A TRIP TO THE WOODSHED?

  Since 1999, Bethany's Woodshed has been publishing the best romantic and erotic BDSM and spanking fiction on the Internet. Before there were eBooks, there was Bethany's! More than a decade later, The Woodshed is Blushing Books exclusive preview site, and it is still going strong delivering the best, original stories - now with two updates a week. We guarantee at least 40,000 words of brand new, professionally written stories each week by all your favorite Authors, plus at least 20 completed books when you join. Carolyn Faulkner, Addison Cain, Anya Summers, Maren Smith, Starla Kaye, Paige Tyler, Joannie Kay, Abigail Webster, Allison West, Melinda Barron, Courage Knight, Loki Renard ... they're all here, plus many more.