by Avery Gale
*****
Ash and Dex watched the monitors in Cam’s office as he explained the rules of the club to Meri even though she certainly wasn’t going to be alone long enough to need the information. It didn’t matter that Trish Jantz was still locked up and the good senator was so busy covering his ass he didn’t have time to worry about Meri, they intended to keep a very close eye on their lovely runaway sub. Ash frowned at the fine lines bracketing her pretty green eyes, she obviously wasn’t sleeping well, but they’d see to it she slept like a baby tonight. Echoing his own thoughts, Dex leaned close to the screen and cursed, “Fuck, look at the strain around her mouth and eyes. She isn’t sleeping well. Damn, I don’t sleep worth a shit without her cuddled up against me either.” Ash couldn’t have agreed more.
Watching Meri place her wrists in Cam’s hands made Ash’s spine stiffen as his mind screamed “Mine!” Even though he knew the cuffs Cam fastened around her wrists were a necessary layer of protection, it still chafed that she was wearing something indicating she was under the protection of another Dom. Those will come off quickly, I promise you that. Neither he nor Dex had served with Cameron Barnes, but they had known him for years, so there was a level of trust between them they wouldn’t have had in another club. And that was the only thing keeping Ash from storming into the man’s office, sweeping his wayward woman into his arms, and whisking her away from Dark Desires.
Making their way down the back stairs to wait in the shadows while Cam showed Meri around the club, Ash watched her stilted movements and realized it was the first time he’d seen her look so uncomfortable. It was only then he realized how easily she’d seemed to adapt to whatever social setting she was thrust in to, and that made her unease tonight even more significant. His mom had reminded her four sons regularly that they needed to be the rock a woman could tether herself to in any storm, because women valued feeling safe. What if this was what Meri had been like before Dex and I came into her life? Ash remembered hearing Kent commenting on how she had blossomed under their care, but he hadn’t asked his friend what he’d meant—he now wished he had.
“She looks scared and insecure. I haven’t seen that look on her face for weeks. I don’t like it.” Dex’s words cut straight to the heart of how Ash was feeling as well. They had a clear view of her face when she realized the woman on the small stage was her new friend, CeCe. Meri’s eyes widened as she took in the lovely slave’s punished backside. Cam leaned down and spoke to her, no doubt explaining why CeCe had acted out and even from their vantage point, it was easy to see the sheen of tears in her eyes. Such a soft heart. Cam moved Meri to the end of the bar, introduced her to the burly bartender and then excused himself to attend to his sweet slave.
Cam had cautioned them to watch her closely before moving in so they knew exactly where her mind was. He and Dex had been Doms for many years, but the one thing they had both learned over the years was they could always benefit from the experience of another Dom. That line of thinking was one of the reasons the Wests held regular training sessions for both Dominants and submissives. All members were encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to add to their skills, and most did so willingly. Kent often swore the training sessions for subs taught them how to “get around” their Doms because there was usually a whole new rash of bratty behavior after each lesson, but Lilly West had waved off her son’s complaint explaining the subs were merely giving the Doms opportunities to practice their new skills and they should be grateful. Even now he had to hold back his chuckle, because the look on Kent’s and Kyle’s faces had been priceless. Their dads had slapped them on the back as if to say, “How did you not see that one coming”. Just remembering that moment reminded Ash why he thanked God each and every day that he and Dex had taken Kent and Kyle up on their offer to join the Prairie Winds’ team.
For the first time in two weeks, Ash felt himself relax. Hearing Meri say her safe word would always be one of the worst moments of his life. The fact she’d said it had frozen him in his tracks, but knowing Meri had felt the need to escape them had rocked him clear to his core. He and Dex had both been blindsided and owed Gracie and Tobi a huge debt of gratitude for helping them keep tabs on their beautiful fugitive. They’d been willing to share information about her recovery, mental state—hell, everything but her location until they’d pushed Tobi for an answer. Both Tobi and Gracie had been willing to share Meri’s reason for leaving, but neither of them had been any more convinced of the excuse than he and Dex.
Everyone had assumed the women were communicating electronically while Tobi and Gracie had been working at Dark Desires. None of the men involved were pleased to find out they’d actually been staying with Meri rather than the suite Cam had reserved for them. Tobi pointed out none of them had bothered to actually ask, so she nor Gracie had lied, but Ash knew that hadn’t saved her. The little brat knew perfectly well that lying by omission was still lying, but a small part of him had admired her loyalty to her friend. From the thunderous expressions on Kent’s and Kyle’s faces this morning, Ash was betting sweet Tobi would be sitting on a pillow for most of the coming week. When he realized how far his thoughts had strayed, Ash refocused his attention on Meri and wasn’t pleased with what he saw.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Stepping through the door into the club’s main room, Meri felt her entire body stiffen. The vibe of Dark Desires was entirely different from Prairie Winds where she felt at home. Oh no, this was a much edgier environment, even before Master C began leading her around the large room she’d known this club was for people whose kinks far exceeded her own. Sure she liked pain because it let her mind soar free, it was a means to an end rather than what she truly enjoyed. None of the Doms she’d scened with had been able to send her into sub-space with pleasure, so she’d used the pain they offered as a way to escape the pressures of her everyday life. But agreeing to pain in a club like this would be an entirely different matter. Sure she had Master C’s assurance that he’d look out for her, but what did she really know about the man? For God’s sake, look at CeCe…that says it all.
Meri wasn’t horrified by the bruising on her friend’s bare backside—God knew she’d had worse herself, but CeCe’s obvious mortification at having her punishment broadcast to the entire club brought Meri’s own terror of being humiliated bursting to the surface. It had taken everything in her to not rush to her friend’s side. Public humiliation was on Meri’s limit list as a hard limit, it was one of the few things she considered non-negotiable. Personally she thought it ranked right up there with bodily fluids and cages, and she felt a shudder of revulsion quake through her. Master C had obviously felt it too because he leaned down and whispered, “I know that she hates being up there, but the lesson is an important one and in the end, pleasing me is what she most desires. If I didn’t make it difficult for her, she wouldn’t feel as if she’d earned my forgiveness.”
When she turned to face him, the sincerity of his words was clearly written in his expression. Meri considered what he’d said before nodding. “How do you know?” When he just raised a brow in question, she continued, “How do you know exactly what she needs? I’m not questioning your judgment, just trying to understand the process better.”
“Ahh, the joys of brilliant women—they have such an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Life isn’t always a puzzle to be solved, sweetheart. But in answer to your question, it’s my job to know what Cecelia needs and to provide it for her even if it’s unpleasant for both of us. I enjoyed her punishment because she gives me so few opportunities, but this,” he said waving his hand toward the small stage where CeCe was displayed, “well, this is for her not for me. She’ll feel as if she’d paid penance and earned my pleasure even though she’d never really lost it. Remember, Doms only have as much power as their submissives are willing to grant them. By its very definition it’s an exchange of power, but the situation is stacked heavily in your favor.” He tapped the tip of her nose to emphasize his point before settl
ing her near the end of the bar. Master C introduced her to the bartender before quickly excusing himself.
Meri looked on as Master C hoisted himself up on the small pedestal stage with the easy grace of a man who kept himself in superior physical condition. The tenderness in his gaze as he spoke softly to CeCe squeezed her heart and made her long for Ash’s and Dex’s touch. How was she ever going to be able to forget them? Neither Gracie nor Tobi had answered any of her messages since yesterday, which told Meri their phones had probably been confiscated. And that meant their Doms knew where she was hiding…which meant Ash and Dex knew where she was. And if they don’t want my friends to contact me it’s either because Ash and Dex don’t care or they’re on their way here. Just the thought of them coming for her sent a moment of joy through her, but then the reality of them finding her in a BDSM club made her reconsider the wisdom of her decision to accept CeCe’s invitation.
Suddenly Meri was very curious about that invitation, because a lot of pieces seemed to be falling quickly into place. Her gut told her the invitation hadn’t been from CeCe and Meri’s message of acceptance had clued CeCe in, which had eventually led to her punishment. And that could only mean one thing…
*****
Dex ran his fingers over the slender titanium chain in his pocket and smiled when he reached the hidden locking mechanism. The small heart was engraved with his and Ash’s names, and to the casual observer it would look like nothing more than a pretty ornament. But the hidden lock could only be unlocked by two small keys, and those tiny keys now hung on chains around each of their necks. They’d watched Meri’s expressions change while Cam tended to CeCe, and even without Fischer’s running commentary from beside them, Dex was sure he’d have known how quickly she was processing what had happened.
Fischer had finally said, “Time to move, my friends, and just for the record, that woman’s mind is one spectacular place to visit. Be gentle with her tonight because her battle is with herself, not you.” Dex wasn’t surprised to hear Meri had already figured out Trish Jantz had been lying. What had surprised him was Jax McDonald’s input before they’d left Austin. Their friend had explained the challenges women from wealthy families face in personal relationships and how often they are left wondering if a man is interested in them or their wealth. Jax’s younger sister had the added challenge of being profoundly deaf, making her ability to assess men’s motives even more difficult. Considering Meri’s recent experience with John Stevens, it was easy to see why she might have doubts.
It was a testament to how deep in thought she was that both he and Ash had been able to step up alongside her unnoticed. The sweet scent of her shampoo filled his nose and Dex felt his entire body respond. In that moment the carefully choreographed plan they’d made dimmed in his mind and the only thing Dex wanted was to be buried balls deep in her glorious heat. Leaning down he whispered against the delicate shell of her ear, “Hello, sweetheart.” Her startled squeak made him smile. “We have missed you.”
Dex thought they’d planned for every contingency, but her response completely shocked him. Tears were streaming down her pretty upturned face before he’d even finished speaking. Before he could respond, she turned and sank in a graceful slide to kneel perfectly in front of them both. “I’ve missed you too, Masters. More than I ever thought possible.” Even if they’d planned to punish her tonight he would had struggled to follow through. No, she still wasn’t healed enough for anything that rigorous so they’d taken a play from the Wests’ playbook and decided to be creative. Instead of punishing her, they intended to reinforce her body’s recognition of the mind numbing pleasure only they could give her. They wanted to cement the link between themselves and her pleasure. And his throbbing cock was completely on board with the plan and Dex could practically hear it shouting to “Get on with it, already”.
Ash and Dex both held out their hands to her, and the feel of her cool fingers in his made him want to lick every inch of her just because he could. Dex watched as his friend stroked the back of his knuckle down her pale cheek, “Talk to us, pet.” The tumble of words that came out were so tangled it took Dex a few minutes to realize she’d spilled everything in what had essentially been one sentence. By the time she’d taken a breath, he’d worried she might pass out. “And why didn’t you just say that at the hospital instead of your safe word?”
Dex watched Meri take a couple of deep breaths and look between the two of them before slowly looking at the floor, “I don’t know. I was so afraid I’d become what John told me so often I was…and the very thought was just too much to even consider.”
This time it was Dex who answered, “We’ll be dealing with that trust issue someday soon, but not today.” He leaned down and pressed his lips against hers, enjoying the sweet taste that was uniquely Meri. “Today is about reminding you how wonderful we are and all the reasons you should never want to run again.” Just as he’d hoped, his words broke some of the ice that still seemed to be surrounding them and her shy smile made everything around them seem brighter. Leading her to a corner at the back of the room where Cam had already set up a St. Andrew’s Cross, Dex heard her breath catch at the sight of the Dom whose cuffs she wore. CeCe was wrapped in a soft subbie blanket curled up in the only chair in the small area, Cam obviously wasn’t going to prevent members from watching, but he clearly didn’t intend to facilitate it either.
*****
Cam called Meri to stand in front of him, which meant her back was to the cross while her men set up. Studying her carefully, he was relieved to see some color in her cheeks and she seemed far more focused than she had when he’d spoken with her earlier. Her condition had almost caused him to call off their plans, but seeing her now, he was glad he’d waited. “Are you alright, sweetheart?”
When she nodded, he raised a brow. He didn’t have to wait long before she realized her error and quickly answered, “Yes, Sir, I’m fine.”
“I agree that you seem more settled than you were earlier. Is this what you want?” He’d inclined his head to indicate the cross behind her. “This may not be a scene like you are accustomed to, but I think we can all agree you aren’t well enough for that just yet.” He saw just a tinge of relief in her eyes, but the need in them told him everything he wanted to know. After a few seconds, he nodded, “Good enough, give me your wrists, sweetie.” As he unbuckled the cuffs, he whispered quietly, “My lovely slave wants to stay, her mother hen instincts are in full bloom, is that alright?” He wouldn’t tell her they’d be staying no matter her answer, better she think CeCe was the reason than know he wasn’t willing to set her completely in the care of the two men she’d run from—not yet at least.
“That’s fine, Sir. Please tell her thank you and that I appreciate her concern.” Cam nodded once and turned her toward Dex and Ash. He returned to scoop his sweet slave up into his arms and settle her on his lap. His heart swelled as she snuggled her face against his neck. For so long he’d been terrified his past would catch up with him, and anyone who saw him with Cecelia would know instantly she was his Achilles’ heel. But those fears had never been realized and he’d only recently started letting her out of his sight for anything other than work.
Murmuring sweet words of praise in her ear, he felt the first shivers of arousal move through her. “I promise to give you everything your heart desires, slay all your dragons, and love you until the end of time.” She sighed so sweetly and rested her cheek against his chest knowing he’d meant every word.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Ash stepped up in front of Meri and held her chin gently with his fingers, “Pet, rest assured there will be consequences for not trusting us enough to confide your fears, but you won’t be punished for using your safe word. That being said, we’ve come up with a rather unique punishment for you. Are you ready?”
Meri’s soft, “Yes, Master,” sent the last bit of blood from his brain straight to his cock. Now he just needed to get through the scene without his oxygen-starved brain m
elting between his ears.
Thankfully Dex had managed to stay focused and when he cleared his throat beside him, Ash took a half step back. “Strip, baby.” Ash could see the surprise in her eyes and he wasn’t sure if it was the order or Dex’s change in the pet name he’d called her. What she would learn soon enough was there was a distinct pattern to the names Dex used. He’d always called her sweetheart, which he considered more of a boyfriend name, his use of baby let Ash know he was preparing to reel her in.
To her credit, Meri quickly pulled the short wench’s dress over her head and handed it to him. Ash heard Dex’s growl at the tiny lace thong she was wearing. No clue what the man has against panties that pretty, hell, they are practically sheer. Seems like a waste to— His thoughts were cut short by the sound of elastic snapping. “That is the last pair of panties you wear that one of us doesn’t hand you, do you understand?”
The sweet scent of Meri’s arousal hit him before her soft assent registered. Suddenly feeling almost drunk on the smell of her musk alone, Ash pulled her gently into position and began securing her to the polished wood of the St. Andrew’s Cross. The thing was a fucking work of art if you asked Ash. There were hooks for every type of restraint imaginable, there was even an electrical outlet hidden behind a sliding panel on the backside, just in case a Dom decided to use something with a bit more power than batteries could offer. They didn’t need those luxuries tonight, hell, his goal was to last until they got her back to her parents’ condo, even then the chances of him fucking her against the wall of the glass elevator were better than fifty-fifty.
