Guardian Domination
By
Breanna Hayse
Copyright © 2012 by Stormy Night Publications and Breanna Hayse
Copyright © 2012 by Stormy Night Publications and Breanna Hayse
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Published by Stormy Night Publications and Design, LLC.
www.StormyNightPublications.com
Hayse, Breanna
Guardian Domination
Cover Design by Korey Mae Johnson
Image by BigStock / dolgachov and Bigstock / S_Christina
This book is intended for adults only. Spanking and other sexual activities represented in this book are fantasies only, intended for adults.
Prologue
Once again, I stood before the judge, wondering what type of foster care he was going to cart me off to this time as I listened half-heartedly and mentally counted off the days until my 18th birthday…
“Miss Bronston, I’m in a quandary. By all intents and purposes, I should be viewing this as an adult case and just send you to jail.”
Those words grabbed my attention.
“You’re going to be eighteen in less than a month. I’m giving you a choice,” the old man said patiently, looking at me. “We found placement for you, someone who is willing to take you on and believes they can help redirect your life.
“It appears that when they were incarcerated, your parents requested that your godfather, Jace Jordon, be notified of their situation and assume responsibility for you. It has taken a long time for the courts to locate this man and discuss the circumstance. The gentleman was pleasantly surprised by the court's interests and immediately requested the permission to assume responsibility. We, of course, performed a very thorough background investigation into his credentials and psychological competence to act as temporary guardian. Both Ms. White and I believe that we should allow you this final opportunity to make some positive changes in your life. We strongly feel that this situation will give you what you’ve been desperately seeking: a permanent home, a family environment, and some positive, hands-on guidance. So, here’s the deal: accept his offer or we will be forced to initiate the process of incarceration.”
It really wasn’t much of a choice. I was well behind in school by more than a year with no job opportunities, no money, and no home… so shacking up with some old guy was better than jail.
“This will be a challenge for you, Dear. Due to your history of non-compliance, Mr. Jordon has requested that the court views you as a probationary case placed under a contract stating that you will be his dependent until you turn twenty-one. Should you leave his care prior to that time, you will be sent directly to jail. And it won’t be juvie.”
“And not even collect two-hundred dollars?” I asked smartly.
“Make a joke of it if you want to. I’ve done all I can to help you, but the ball is in your court now, Celeste. Well?”
“You’re asking me to select one prison sentence over another. I’m an indentured servant or a convict. What if he’s a pervert or something? Background investigations can miss a lot,” I glared at him suspiciously.
The judge nodded with a sad droop. “Very true, and God forbid, if you feel that you are in danger, I want you to find a way to the nearest cop and get the hell out of there. We will be monitoring you very closely. We don’t want you hurt… We want you happy.” The old man stood up and placed his hand on my shoulder, “You’ll be transferred in a couple of weeks. Mr. Jordon wanted a chance to get things ready for your arrival. Celeste? I feel reasonably certain that you will not only thrive in this environment, but will find some peace there. Good luck, Child.”
The social worker shook the judge’s hand before leading me out. She looked pleased. I wasn’t as confident.
Chapter One
The Homecoming
Great, I thought as I shoved my meager belongings into an old backpack. Why couldn’t they just let me go and live under a bridge somewhere? I’m an adult now, for Pete’s sake. Prison was prison. Frankly, I didn’t care if they located an estranged ‘godfather’ who I had not seen since I was about five or six. I vaguely remembered a man I called Jordy with shocking blue eyes, and warm smile and a terrifying stare in the direction of my parents when they yelled at me. I also remembered being allowed to hide behind his chair and screeching when blocked by his ‘tickle-hand’ to keep me from escaping. Why would he ever agree to take me? I started to fume as my mood soured… they all sucked, as far as I was concerned. And to strip my legal rights and freedom as an adult? Could they really do that?
It’s the government. They could do whatever they want. My mind wandered as we silently drove over the roads of Monterey towards Carmel. Trees thickened as the road continued upwards into the mountains. There were no “real” stores, only little markets and a couple of mom-and-pop gas stations and restaurants. Where the hell was this place, anyway?
“I’m truly hoping,” Ms. White was saying, “that you will think twice before running away this time. Remember, it’s this or jail until you’re twenty-one. We’ve run out of options and I’m thinking this will work best for all of us.” When she received no response, she added, “Your godfather has agreed to take you in; you should be grateful.”
“I barely remember the man. He obviously played no role in my life, so I have no reason to be grateful,” I spouted.
Ms. White sighed, “Celeste, this is really your last option. Please think before you do anything. You will end up spending a lot of time in jail if you don’t straighten up.”
I merely stared out the window without responding, barely blinking as I took in the beautiful landscape. We slowed to a big, iron gate locked in front of a long, wooded driveway where Ms. White punched in some numbers on the pad and the heavy gate opened slowly.
“Is this a prison or something?” I asked, noticing the ten-foot brick wall stretching from either side.
“Your godfather likes his privacy.”
“Where’s the house?” I asked. It stood out in the distance: a majestic stone two story mini mansion with a tall pointed roof and surrounded by lush grounds, manicured shrubs and flowing fountains.
“I-is this it?” I asked with uncertainty. The woman nodded and, as we exited the vehicle, a tall, handsome man emerged from the ornate front door. His gait was smooth and catlike, and he looked strong and deadly like a ninja warrior. Allegedly, he was a musician. I couldn’t help but wonder how he could afford this place… I certainly didn’t recognize his name from any of the music I listened to.
“Celeste, this is your godfather, Jace,” she made the introduction. Jace reached out to shake my hand, looking as uncomfortable as I was. His light blue eyes caught the sunlight. They were piercing, yet warm and intelligent… and made me feel safe. He also was not the same man I remembered from my childhood.
“Nice to finally meet you, Celeste,” Jace said gently, his low voice almost purring.
“Yeah, same here,” came my suspicious response.
Jace smiled with understanding, squeezing my hand. He turned and looked at Ms. White, who immediately started talking. “Now, Mr. Jordon, the courts are still considering your petition for guardianship, however, you must…”
“I trust everything is in order?” he interrupted, his voice firm and decisive, staring directly down at her. Silently, Ms. White nodded and swallowed nervously.
“Petition for guardianship?” I repeated, confused.
Jace nodded, flashing me a kind smile. “Yes, Ma’am. Once I heard that I had
been named as your godfather, there was no way I was going to let you go. I intend to keep you around long after the contract ends.”
“That is because you have no idea what you are getting into,” Ms. White muttered.
Jace’s eye darkened as he slowly and deliberately turned to glare at her. “She is my family and I will not have anyone insult what is mine. You may leave now,” he dismissed her like a servant as she flushed every color red and soundlessly fluttered her lips.
Moments later, she was gone, leaving me with a sense of relief and awe. He claimed me as his? A total stranger? Yet, for some reason, it felt right. And he was incredibly handsome… that was a plus.
“Let’s get you settled then grab a bite, okay?” Jace said gently, gathering my backpack and opening the front door to allow my entrance.
I stood wordlessly in the foyer, staring. An open staircase went up to the right, with a high, vaulted ceiling and multiple windows lighting every corner. Before me was a large, sunken living room with a giant stone fireplace on the right wall. The entire back wall consisted of a window, exposing a deck, an infinity pool and the ocean! “I get to live here?” I stuttered.
Jace chuckled, starting upstairs. “Only if you follow me. I got a room set up for you. I hope you like it.” He walked into the first room on the left and stepped aside as he held the door for me.
Once again, I stood speechless as I gazed in wonderment. A cove with a picture window and window seat occupied the far wall, with a glass door leading out to a balcony. The queen size golden oak bed was covered with a champagne and antique gold duvet and piled high with pillows with large, matching furnishings. The walls were painted a light cream and textured with an antique gold wash and trimmed with gold borders. From the high ceiling hung a sparkling, pale amber chandelier that cast trinkets of light on the walls as the sun reflected through the crystal. It looked somewhat magical, like the room had been splashed with warmth and taken right out of a palace. “This is for me?” I whispered.
Jace nodded, putting my stuff down. He opened the door to the bathroom. “This, too. I know girls like bubble baths.” He showed me the large marble sunken tub with a scenic view of the ocean. “Like it?”
“I don’t know what to say.” I swallowed, feeling tears coming.
Jace looked pleased with my reaction and patted me on the shoulder. “Thanks is fine, my dear. Why don’t you unpack and then come on down for lunch. We can get to know each other.”
“'Kay. And, uh, thanks.”
“You’re welcome. See you in a few.”
I stood numbly for a few minutes before quickly dumping my crap into a dresser drawer. I left my room, pausing to glance down the long hallway to my left. There was one door across the hall, one more on my side, and one at the end, all closed. I wondered which room was his. Shrugging, I followed my nose downstairs to the kitchen where Jace was loading up a tray. My heart fluttered, again noticing how incredibly handsome he was.
He smiled and nodded to the counter. “Go ahead and grab the pitcher and cups, we’ll go out on the deck.”
I obeyed following him outside and sitting across from him. “Well? Like it? Made it myself,” he asked proudly, watching me inhale the roasted chicken and corn.
I could not remember having ever tasted anything so good! “Mmmm, it’s great. Thanks.” I belched, then blushed. “Sorry.”
Jace just laughed. “I know you’re a bit overwhelmed. Believe it or not, so am I.”
I could not explain the sense of comfort and safety I felt with this man. It was a new feeling for me, and one that I could easily adapt to. “You are? Why?”
“I’ve never had a ward before and I want to do right by you. The sperm donor really screwed up your life,” Jace observed, leaning back in his chair. “I’m hoping I can help undo the damage he caused.”
He saw my confusion and proceeded to explain. “Obviously, you guessed that it was my father who was named as your godfather, not me. I’ve met you twice when you were little, and my dad always was concerned about your safety. Your father was his best friend at the time and they were in business together. Anyway, they started fighting a lot and when Dad found out that your father embezzled a quarter of a million from the company, it was the last straw. Dad took him to court, won and bankrupted your father. Your father swore that one day he would find a way to make my dad miserable and…Well… I don’t know a nice way to say it…”
“They tried to pawn me off on him,” I said flatly.
“They assigned him as your guardian per prior agreement. The courts took months to locate me and did not question the obvious age difference, believing that I was given the position when we were children. I’m only 13 years older than you are.” Jace sighed, sipped his tea and looked me over. “Dad passed away three years ago and left me everything. On a stupid impulse, I bought a handful of lottery tickets.”
“No Way! You won?” I stared, open-mouthed.
He reached across the table to close my jaw. “Yeah, believe it? 72 million after taxes. This house came on the market a year later following a foreclosure. I bought it, fixed it up and… voila! So tell me what happened to get you here?”
“Wow,” I said, shaking my head. “Well, consider yourself fortunate that you never really knew the fucker…”
“Watch the language, please,” Jace said, raising his eyebrow. “Go on.”
“The douchebag thought I was his personal punching bag. After he busted my nose, I took off to a neighbor’s house and they took me to the hospital. They reported him for abuse and the cops were sent out. He was drunk when they showed up at his door and he pulled a gun on them. My idiot mother claimed self-defense even though she shot one of the cops in the back. Both my parents are now doing time and it couldn’t have worked out better for me,” I said casually and without emotion.
Jace eyed me suspiciously. “Really, Hon? I hear you’ve been to nine foster homes and expelled from six different schools. That doesn’t sound like anything worked out well. In fact, it sounds like you’ve been through some pretty bad times.”
“So I guess you really did know what you were getting into, huh?” I asked with a sarcastic smile.
Jace didn’t smile back. “Absolutely, and I know that we can make this work. We just need some ground rules.”
I rolled my eyes, preparing for the list.
“Respect, consideration, and responsibility,” Jace said simply.
I frowned.
He repeated himself, then he saw the expression on my face and further explained. “We respect each other by what and how we say and do things. We are considerate towards each other with each of us making adjustments and learning how to be a family. We take responsibility for our actions and agree to accept the consequences of mistakes. Not too tough.”
He was starting to sound like the authority I loathed. “Yeah.” I answered doubtfully.
Jace patted my hand. “Okay, let me make this easier. Your curfew is eight o'clock…”
“What?!”
“Bedtime is nine on school nights…”
“You’re nuts! I’m eighteen!”
“And my responsibility for the next three years, at least. You will have chores that will need to be done, like cleaning your room and walking the dogs.”
“You have dogs?”
Jace smiled at my sudden tone change. “Two puppies that are a major handful. I will also not tolerate any swearing, backtalk or disrespect towards either myself, my friends, or another adult. Understand so far?”
I nodded absently, still thinking about the puppies.
Jace went on. “We have stairs going down to the beach, however you will never, ever go down there without notifying me first. It’s too dangerous. You will also not leave these grounds without letting me know where you are going.”
“Yeah, like there’s anywhere to go. You live in the middle of nowhere,” I grumbled.
Jace pressed his lips together. “I’ve decided to get you a private tutor. I understand
you are terribly behind in school, so I expect you to keep your grades up, do your work and focus on making some changes. I promise you that you will be well-rewarded if you obey these rules.”
“And if I don’t?” I asked casually.
Jace squeezed my hand, staring straight into my eyes. There was something dangerous in them that made my heart start to pound. “Trust me, you really don’t want to go there,” he said firmly, “but I will promise you one thing. You will never be pushed away or forgotten, nor will you ever get another bruise on your face. Okay? You are stuck with me. Like it or not.”
After years of neglect and abandonment, I truly wanted to believe him. I wanted to be held, reassured, and genuinely loved. But things like that don’t happen to rejects like me. That crampy, nauseated feeling in the pit in my stomach said that this, too, would be over soon enough.
“We’ll see,” I commented with a shrug, refusing to get my hopes up.
Jace ignored the comment, gathered the dishes, and stood up. “Come help with the plates then you can go explore while I get some recording done. You also need to see the puppies before they go berserk.”
The prospect of puppies, and exploring the estate, was enough to keep me from complaining about the two lousy plates and cups that needed rinsing before being put in the dishwasher.
Drying his hands, Jace grinned. “Ready for puppies? I hope you like dogs.”
Jace grabbed my hand and led me out the side door from the kitchen. A large kennel was nestled under the big looming trees with two black-and-white fuzzy puppies yipping at the top of their lungs. I was on the ground in an instant, giggling hysterically as they jumped all over me, nipping me with little needle teeth and smothering me with kisses that smelled of puppy breath. I was in heaven!
“They're only eight weeks old. Border Collies are supposed to be the smartest breed in the world.”
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