by Avery Gale
She hadn’t expected the heart wrenching loneliness to build stronger rather than abate. Shows what all those damned poets know. The time she’d spent with Tobi and Gracie had been a blessed distraction, but now that they’d both returned to Prairie Winds, the silence surrounding her was deafening. Her friends had assured her Ash and Dex had not belonged to Trish Jantz and that listening to a “fruit cake” was ridiculous, but the fact the men hadn’t even attempted to find her seemed to speak clearly enough.
Tobi had rattled on that neither man had expressed any interest in the woman now sitting in the Travis County Jail—where she was likely to spend a very long time. The Lanham Foundation’s team of lawyers was working alongside Noelle Chambers who was a club member and a prosecutor. Meri had to smile thinking about how much things had changed. Noelle had come into the bathroom while Kelly had been spewing vile sludge at Tobi. Meri had been a reluctant accomplice and had taken the punishment Ash and Dex had doled out. Maybe it was karma that she’d ended up dating John Stevens because being on the receiving end of verbal abuse had made Meri even more remorseful for her part in hurting Tobi.
Turning to see the white box that had been delivered just after lunch, Meri sighed and tried to imagine going to the club owned by her new friend’s husband. She’d met CeCe Barnes when Tobi and Gracie had finally dragged her out to lunch. CeCe was incredible—warm, open, brilliant, and clearly devoted to her Master and their baby girl, Chloe. When she’d invited Meri to visit the club, Meri hadn’t taken the invitation seriously, assuming it had simply been a social nicety. But the beautiful box that had arrived earlier had contained a lovely printed note from CeCe with a handwritten postscript from her husband. From what Meri had heard from Tobi and Gracie, Cameron Barnes was not a man to be ignored. Both women liked and respected him, but they’d also mentioned several times he was the very definition of Dominant.
Flipping the lid off and pulling back the tissue, Meri ran her fingers slowly over the silk and lace wench’s costume. The green was the same shade as the one she’d been wearing the night she’d been stabbed, but instead of dredging up fear, it only intensified her feeling of loss. Had she made a mistake walking away? Was it possible Tobi was right and Trish Jantz had been exaggerating her connection with the men Meri had fallen for? Damn it, I wasn’t supposed to fall in love with them. I knew better...
Picking up the small parchment note, Meri re-read the short note at the bottom:
I will send a car for you at nine p.m. Wait in the safety of your home until the driver calls for you. Wear the gift we’ve sent under a coat and shoes you can slip off easily. A member of my staff will meet you at the door with further instructions. –Master C–
Wasn’t it just like a Dom to write a note full of instructions and totally lacking in any finesse. Master C was clearly a man accustomed to being obeyed rather than questioned. He didn’t invite, he commanded, and Meri found herself compelled to comply despite that small part of her brain that scrambled to protest. Since she didn’t have anything else to do this evening, perhaps it was time to begin reclaiming her life. The doctors were thrilled with her rapid recovery and she’d already been released to do pretty much as she pleased. And truthfully, just thinking about watching another chick flick while vegging out in the media room just might cause her to jump off the balcony.
*****
Cameron Barnes rubbed his stinging palm over the burning ass cheeks spread so lusciously over his lap and smiled at his sweet sub’s sharp intake of breath. She so rarely misbehaved he’d forgotten now much fun these spontaneous scenes could be. Oh that didn’t mean he didn’t plan elaborate punishment scenes with his brilliant beauty because he loved punishing her for pleasure, but this scene had been a delightful surprise. He continued to squeeze her smarting globes, giving the burn a chance to work its magic before he slid his fingers through the folds of her slick pussy. He knew her body so well he felt the first spasm of the muscles around his fingers, it had been little more than a butterfly’s soft flutter but he’d felt it. “Oh no, my mouthy slave, you won’t be getting a reward for some time.”
Her softly whispered, “Yes, Master,” was music to his ears.
“Have you been re-thinking the wisdom of your earlier decision?” Truthfully he’d been thrilled when she’d stormed into his office raving about a message she’d gotten from Merilee Lanham. She’d demanded an explanation and he’d had to suppress his smile as he’d ordered her to strip. For the first time in years she’d actually hesitated several seconds—a decision that was going to cost her several additional swats—but she had finally complied and lowered herself over his knees. Cam hadn’t spared her and the first slaps had left perfect imprints of his hand on each side of her ivory ass.
“Yes, Master…but.” Smart subbie, but a bit too late. He rained down several more blows spreading them over her ass and thighs.
“Try again.”
“Yes, Master. I’m sorry, Master.” The tremor in her voice let him know she was crying softly—God, CeCe cried more beautifully than any other woman he’d ever known. No swollen eyes or red nose for his slave, she reminded him of a Victorian debutante when she dabbed away her tears with the lacy handkerchiefs she always seemed to have within reach.
“Good. We’ll discuss this as soon as we’re finished, because I do believe you’ve earned several more swats for your hesitance to remove your clothing.” Pulling open his desk drawer he grabbed the flexible fiberglass ruler he knew would leave lovely welts that she’d carry into next week as reminders of tonight’s lesson. CeCe wasn’t a masochist so he was careful to make sure the level of pain was appropriate for the lesson. He didn’t want to entirely suppress her sass because that would only deny him future opportunities like this one. His lovely slave enjoyed erotic pain, but she’d be reminded each time she sat down for the next several days that she’d crossed the line of respect tonight.
After laying five perfectly parallel lines across her ass he dropped the ruler on the desk and pushed his fingers deep into her fluttering vagina. Just as she was nearing the edge of release he pulled back and positioned her over the desk. “Open everything to my view, pet.” She was positively glorious, and by the time her foggy mind processed his command he would have his throbbing cock in hand and ready to sink deep. His only worry was that his need was going to trump his infamous control. The little minx had lit a fuse he worried was going to burn far too quickly.
Looking down at her lying naked with her small hands pulling her sore ass cheeks wide for his pleasure, Cam couldn’t help the small bit of regret that he could no longer keep her naked all the time at home. She’d rarely been allowed any type of clothing in their home—even during her pregnancy. But now that they had a full-time live-in nanny, they’d had to make some changes that neither one enjoyed. He was actively looking for a nanny who was in the lifestyle, because he missed having her body available to him all the time. It had taken Dr. Cecelia Barnes time to accept her desire to submit, the professional who’d fought her way to the upper echelons of pediatric surgery had narrowed her self-view until she’d forgotten she was a woman with strong sexual needs. She’d told him one night after a particularly intense session the most precious gift he’d ever given her was her sexuality. He’d brushed her sweat-dampened hair from her eyes and shaken his head, “No, my love, it was always right at your fingertips, I simply helped you grasp it.”
Glancing toward the large clock above the fireplace in his office, Cam quickly calculated exactly how much time he had to enjoy her before duty called. Pushing himself slowly through her swollen tissues, Cam smiled at the wet sounds. The smell of her desire had filled the room seconds after he’d begun spanking her, and seeing her cream coating his cock kicked his control a little bit closer to the edge. Pushing in again ever so slowly before pulling out against the clenching muscles of her sex was erotic torture so sweet Cam felt his knees begin to weaken. God in heaven what was it about this one woman that leveled him?
Concentrat
ing on the plans he’d made for her was his only hope at distracting himself. Cam mentally reviewed his conversation with his old friend, Jax McDonald, he still wasn’t sure how the man had convinced him to become involved when everything about tonight went against his longstanding rule against meddling in the lives of others. Giving himself a mental shake, Cam couldn’t help wondering if becoming a father hadn’t made him soft. But on the other hand, if everything went according to plan he would score enough points with the Wests that he might get Tobi and Gracie to return for the Grand Opening Gala. He’d already negotiated Gracie’s return with Jax in return for his help with Merilee tonight. The work Tobi and Gracie had managed to complete in just one week had been humbling. He and his staff had worked alongside them and they had all been amazed at their knowledge, dedication, and work ethic. I wonder if their men fully appreciate the resource they have at their fingertips?
Cam looked down at the gorgeous woman in front of him and felt a surge of protective ownership welling up inside him. CeCe had earned a reputation as one of the leading pediatric surgeons in the nation. Her private clinic brought in patients from all over the world, she was brilliant, kind, and his. It wasn’t a surprise that CeCe had become fast friends with both Tobi and Gracie because the old adage that said like attracts like was certainly true in this instance.
His cock was protesting that he’d stalled long enough, and his brain agreed—it was time to give his beautiful pet what she needed because above all else, she craved his approval. “You have done so well, my love. You accepted your punishment with such dignity and grace.” Leaning down so his lips brushed over the shell of her ear, he whispered, “Come for me, love. I want to hear you screaming my name.” The intensity of her response was brutal and her scream bounced around the room making him grateful he’d soundproofed his inner sanctum shortly after he’d first met her. Oh yeah, his lovely slave had a great set of lungs on her. Her muscles locked down squeezing his cock with enough strength to launch him in blissful oblivion just seconds after she’d crested. The jerking of his cock deep in her and his hot seed shooting against her cervix pushed her back up the mountain of desire and straight into another frenzied orgasm.
Cameron had been forced to lock his knees and lean forward so most of his weight rested on his arms to avoid sliding to the floor. If CeCe ever fully understood the power she held over him, it would tip the balance of their D/s relationship into dangerous territory. In truth, neither of them would be truly happy in a vanilla relationship, it simply wasn’t who they were. But the fact she’d challenged him today was a clear indicator that they’d fallen into a rut—it was obviously time to step up his game. If his lovely slave needed more of his attention, then she was damned well going to get it.
Chapter Twenty-One
The rap at her door at precisely nine p.m. startled Meri. She’d expected Master C’s driver to call for her from the lobby and the fact he’d made it past the doorman and desk guard indicated just how well connected Cameron Barnes was. Tobi had only given Meri sketchy details about the man, but she wasn’t sure if that was all Tobi knew or all she’d been given permission to share. The former Special Forces operative had parlayed his vast military experience into a very lucrative career as a mercenary, but he’d given it up after collaring CeCe. Tobi told her Cameron and Jax’s families had been longtime friends, but hadn’t explained any further. She hadn’t wondered about it before, but now something about that niggled at the back of her mind.
To her surprise, the drive to Dark Desires wasn’t a long one. The gated entrance looked like any number of warehouses along the docks at the waterfront. Approaching the large brick building, Meri was surprised to see how effectively the landscaping concealed members from anyone on the street intent on taking pictures with a zoom lens. Obviously this was an exclusive club whose members valued their privacy. The man who opened her door was so good looking, for a moment Meri wondered if he was a model, there was something so familiar about him that her distraction caused her to stumble getting out of the car. Crap-a-moly…nothing embarrassing about that! She assumed it happened to the young man a lot because he seemed completely unfazed, catching her easily and setting her on her feet.
“Good evening, Ms. Lanham. If you will follow me, Master Cameron is waiting for you in his office.” The sandy-haired god whisked her through the front door and Meri suddenly felt as if her feet had been glued to the floor. The large entry was such a shock that she heard herself gasp in surprise. The rich jewel tones and opulent furnishings made her think she’d taken a trip back in time, and she found herself surrounded by the lavish beauty of the late eighteen hundreds. The brocade rugs bore sweeping designs of gold and deep red. The enormous reception desk looked as if it had once been used for hotel registrations. Even the paintings on the wall appeared to be from a time gone by…until you looked closely and realized they were elaborate works of erotic art. The sex acts pictured made Meri blush and she realized how ridiculous she much look.
“No, sweetling, don’t be embarrassed. Everyone has the same reaction when they first enter the club, it really is a stark contrast between old world splendor and the pure decadence that knows no historical bounds.” This time her escort tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow and led her down a wide hallway. “I’m Fischer Weston by the way, and I understand that you’ve met my older brother, Peter.” Meri was too surprised by his revelation to comment. She’d heard Peter had a brother with children, but for some reason she’d thought he was older. The man beside her seemed too young to have a family. He leaned down and smiled, “You’re right, I am younger than Peter—ten months to be exact. Our parents are very passionate people.” She couldn’t hold back her giggle at his comment and quick wink. “The rug rats belong to our older brother, Adam.” Clearly the two younger Weston brothers were both empaths and Meri wondered if it was a family trait. The gorgeous man holding her arm smiled and replied as if she’d voiced the observation, “Thank you. It is. And here you go.”
The door Fischer opened was wide and ornately carved, and the room behind it was enormous. The first thing she noticed that the room before her was an even greater contrast because it bore no resemblance to anything else she’d seen. Cameron Barnes was obviously a man with many facets to his personality because everything in his office was shining steel, sleek lines, and black leather. She knew her surprise showed on her face when she heard Fischer’s chuckle, “He wouldn’t let me decorate this room. It’s not nearly as interesting, is it?” With that he closed the door and she was left facing Cameron Barnes…alone.
*****
Cam envied Fischer’s effortless ease with everyone he met. Hell, he’d actually thought Fischer was bi when they first met because his ability to connect with both men and women was extraordinary, but he’d soon learned the man’s secret. Fischer Weston was one of the most gifted empaths Cam had ever met. All three Weston brothers shared the talent, but Fischer was by far the most gifted of the three.
Cam had to suppress his smile at the bewildered look on Ms. Lanham’s face. Fischer often had that effect on people—first they were stunned by his physical appearance and then he literally read their minds, and more often than not it resulted in the very same deer-in-the-headlights look his saw on this sweet sub’s face. And there was no question that Merilee Lanham was a submissive, it practically oozed from her pores despite the fact she was recovering quickly and he could practically hear her sharp mind kicking back into gear.
Watching Merilee’s spine straighten and her shoulders move back was like watching her don a full suit of armor. Her dazed expression cleared and she zeroed in on him with a laser sharp focus. Cam knew instinctively this was the woman that most people saw—the one the donors and foundation employees knew. But he also knew this wasn’t the real woman, and he suspected that conflict was part of the reason she’d run. Sure, she’d used the excuse she’d been told her Doms had another woman, but she was far too smart to have not figured out that wasn’t true. No, she
was fighting the same battle he’d seen countless other highly successful women fight, and for a natural submissive, the struggle was usually epic. It would be fun to watch her fly free of those self-imposed constraints. And there was no doubt her men planned to crash right through all those barriers tonight.
Cam had spoken with Ash and Dex at length earlier in the evening about their plans, and he agreed they needed to storm the walls of her resistance with everything they had because in his experience you only got one shot. Cam had already secured CeCe on the small elevated stage in the bar area, the ruler marks were turning a deep maroon and her bright red ass let everyone in the club know she’d been punished. He didn’t plan to leave her there for long, but this public acknowledgment of her bratty behavior would be more of a punishment for his normally perfectly behaved slave than any physical pain ever would. He’d positioned his chair so he could ensure her safety as he’d listened to the men outline their plans. Cam had made a few suggestions and then he’d sent them to the control room to wait. The two men he had watching CeCe would let him know if she became too distressed, but he intended to wrap up this meeting with Ms. Lanham as quickly as possible.
Bringing his thoughts back to the woman standing in front of him, Cam pushed off from his position leaning against his desk and closed the distance between them. Reaching out his hand, he wasn’t surprised by her firm handshake. “Welcome to Dark Desires, Ms. Lanham.”
“Thank you for your kind invitation, and please call me Meri.”
“Well, Meri, your friends were convinced it was time for you to get out a bit, so I was happy to assist. Your Prairie Winds membership allows you to play here but it will require my personal approval.” At her surprised look, he simply smiled, “Jax McDonald and I have been friends for many years and he’d have my head on a platter if I didn’t watch over you personally.” The disappointment in her eyes was easy to read, she’d assumed Ash and Dex had been responsible for the added layer of protection. You are indeed in for an interesting evening my dear.
