Tested: The Dark Necessities—Dalton's Tale #3

by Felicity Brandon

  “But at least you have a beautiful nurse to look after you.” Saul gestured toward his kitten. “It could be worse.”

  Connor reached for Molly’s hand, squeezing her palm, and at that moment, he acknowledged the truth in Saul’s words. It truly could be worse.

  Connor was damn lucky.

  “It could be a lot worse.” His gaze drilled into Molly’s face as he answered, and he smiled as a hot blush filled her cheeks.

  “Master.”

  All of a sudden, she was breathless and embarrassed, and his cock responded in the obligatory way it had learned to, Saul’s presence irrelevant.

  “Oh, pack it in, you two.” Saul groaned theatrically as Connor’s focus shifted back to him. “The next thing you know, you’ll be talking about rings and weddings.”

  Connor chuckled at the assertion. It wasn’t as though he hadn’t already considered those notions, but he and Molly would get there in their own, sweet time.

  “Come, Kitten.” Connor shifted back to his feet, wincing as he was forced to bear weight on his knee once more. The doctors had told him he should be using a stick to get around in the short-term, but Connor had disregarded that suggestion in an instant. He was in his forties for God’s sake! There was no way he was walking with a stick like some old age pensioner.

  “I think it’s time we left Saul to his bachelor time.”

  “You mean, it’s time the two of you got a room?” Saul suggested in a dry tone as he rose, wandering around toward them.

  Molly was on her feet a moment later, offering Connor an arm as he compelled his feet in the direction of the door. He paused before he got there, turning to Saul. For all his ego and bluster, Connor really did have a lot of respect for the guy.

  “Listen, I know I don’t say this enough, Saul, but thanks.” He inhaled at the admission, conscious of both Saul and Molly’s attention. “I mean, thanks for the support with Dalton and getting Molly out and everything. I don’t know what I’d have done if anything had happened to them.”

  The old ball of anger twisted in his gut as the memory of his little kitten confined in Hyland’s cage burst into his mind. He thought that image would haunt him forever. It came to him night after night while Molly snuggled beside him, poisoning his dreams long after she’d slipped into sleep. Even though she’d assured him nothing else untoward had transpired, Connor still couldn’t shake that disconcerting sense, Hyland had tainted her somehow. He’d touched her. He’d caged her when no other man was ever supposed to do those things.

  “You’re welcome, Connor.” Saul walked in his direction, reaching for his hand. “You might be a pain in the arse, but you’re one of my oldest friends, and so is Dalton. When you need me, I’ll be there for you.”

  “It means a lot.” It was one of those times, Connor genuinely meant it. He wasn’t just full of hot air, batting around banter with Saul and Manuel anymore. He was serious.

  This was serious.

  Dalton could have died, and he didn’t dare to think what might have happened to Molly.

  “Always.” Saul squeezed his hand. “Now get out of here and take care of your lady. I have enough shit just tidying up after you and your brother.”

  Connor’s lips curled. “Just as well, we’re worth it, though, right?”

  Saul shook his head with a smile. “Right.”

  “Connor’s right, though.” Molly moved between them. “Thank you, Saul. For a while there, I thought Dalton and I were in trouble.”

  Connor laughed softly, pushing down the terror that rose at the memory.

  “You were both going to be fine,” he assured her. “Delilah and I were coming to your rescue.”

  “And that went so well, didn’t it?” Saul interjected with a sardonic tone. “You managed to get yourself shot.”

  “We’d have handled it,” he lied, grinning at the older man. “Delilah is more than just a pretty face, you know, and I can take care of myself.”

  Saul chuckled, glancing down at Molly. “Can you believe this shit?”

  She flushed, reaching for Connor’s arm. “Let’s just say I’m glad you all came to help us,” she replied in the diplomatic way he adored. “You’ve all been great since I arrived here.”

  Saul smiled down at her. “You’re one of us now, Molly Clary,” he reminded her. “Whether you like it or not.”

  ***

  Ten minutes later, they were back in the polished wood-paneled corridor, walking slowly toward the elevator. The panoramic view of the city had drawn Molly’s attention, and he smiled as she skipped excitedly over to the view.

  “I never get tired of this, Master.” Her voice was almost a sigh.

  “I’m glad, kitten,” he responded. “I never want you to get tired of it, or this place. Or me.”

  She spun on her heel, her expression bewildered. “You?”

  Molly closed the distance between them in a heartbeat. “How on earth will I ever tire of you, Master? You have changed everything.”

  He sighed. “I know, and that’s the point.”

  Taking the weight on his unhindered leg, he played with the loose strands of hair at her face, tucking them behind her ear.

  “I took everything you ever knew away from you, beautiful. I-I just don’t want you to ever question what you’ve sacrificed.”

  She bit her lip, leaning into his palm. “How can you say that, Master?”

  “It’s just reality, and after everything that’s happened, I’m starting to realize it. I can’t make you love me, even by forcing you to stay, and I should never have tried.” His eyes fluttered closed at the startling realization, but he continued.

  “I was wrong. I was wrong to treat you so badly, Molly, and I’m sorry.”

  Her fingers grazed the stubble at his chin before they rose to his cheek. “It’s in the past now.”

  He nodded, capturing her hand and kissing her fingertips.

  “I know, but it doesn’t excuse my behavior. Nothing can excuse it.”

  Their gazes locked, all thoughts of the scenery and the elevator lost as they drank in the look of one another.

  “I swear I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to make it up to you.” Connor breathed the words down into her face. “I know I can’t replace your family or your home, but I can be devoted to you, kitten. To you and to your happiness.”

  Her eyes were teary as they blinked up at him. “That’s all I can ask, Master,” she whispered. “That’s all any of us can ask.”

  Fisting her hair, Connor swooped for a kiss. His lips crashed into hers, devouring Molly with every ounce of the passion she evoked whenever she was near. Whatever else happened in his life, he knew he meant every word.

  There would never be another woman in the world for him.

  There was no one but Molly.

  Drawing away, she nipped at his lower lip playfully. “Shall I get you back to bed, Master?”

  He chuckled at her feigned insolence. “Please kitten. Call the elevator.”

  Connor pulled in a deep breath, watching as she complied with ease. Everything took forever for him to accomplish these days. Each inane task was arduous, and every journey seemed endless. If it hadn’t been for Molly’s patient assistance, Connor would probably never have made it out of the room.

  “Master.” Her soft tone stirred him from his melancholy musings, and his gaze flitted back to her beautiful face. She was right beside him again.

  Just where he needed her.

  “Are you okay?”

  Connor wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “I am now, kitten. I am now.”

  Epilogue

  Dalton

  Four weeks later

  Pulling Delilah to his hip, Dalton checked their reflections in the mirrored interior of the elevator. They were on the move, heading down to the entertainment level, an enviable floor of restaurants and bars the tower boasted, and one that he was still in charge of.

  “How do I look?”

  Delilah shrugged away from him,
tugging at the hem of her red dress, pulling the fabric down self-consciously. “I still think this is too short.”

  He smiled, moving behind her. “It’s not. It’s perfect, and the color looks amazing on you,” Dalton murmured into her nape.

  Delilah met his gaze in the mirror, her lips curling. “I think you might be biased, sir.”

  Breathing in the scent of her skin and perfume, Dalton was inclined to agree. “Guilty, but it doesn’t make me wrong.”

  The elevator chimed, announcing they were at the desired floor. Reaching for her hand, Dalton led her from the cubicle and out into the world of The Syndicate. It was busy, lines forming outside the various bars and eating establishments as they passed by, but he didn’t worry about that. Being on the top team had always gifted its advantages, one being he could guarantee a spot at any place he chose.

  “Where are we headed?”

  Delilah clutched her scarlet purse to her midriff, glancing up at him as she teetered on her devastating heels.

  Dalton smiled. “To one of our most exclusive establishments.”

  His explanation was met with a sigh. “So, you said, but what does that mean?”

  “Your insolent side is showing, firecracker.” Dalton sniggered at his assessment. “Just saying.”

  Her gaze narrowed. “Now you’re just mocking me. Sir.”

  “Maybe a little, but seriously, if you want me to be in charge, stop worrying. Just know you look fabulous, and I’m going to take care of you.”

  Delilah turned away, her thoughts confirming she was musing on his words.

  “I suppose.”

  “You suppose?” Dalton shook his head. “Definitely not a natural submissive, are you?”

  Throwing him a salacious grin, she squeezed his hand. You know what I am, sir. Her eyes twinkled with the thought. Better than anyone.

  Dalton’s heart swelled at the thought. He did know her better, and he’d never been happier.

  Wandering past Dirty Deeds, Dalton drew her closer. They were nearing their final destination, and his heart picked up its pace in recognition.

  “Diablo?” Wide, pale eyes seared into his face. “We’re going to Diablo?”

  Dalton resisted the urge to smile again. “Yes, little girl.”

  Delilah pulled in a deep breath. “I had no idea,” she started. “I’d have worn something else if I’d known. I thought we were going to dinner. I thought—”

  “Delle.”

  Dalton halted, pulling her into his body.

  “Stop. You’re perfect the way you are.”

  Her face flushed at the interruption, and she glanced behind at the entrance to the club.

  “Are we going to play, sir?”

  The timbre of her voice roused his cock in an instant. No one else had ever made him feel this way when they’d submitted. Sure, he’d been horny before, but the draw was never as compelling, never as powerful as it was with Delilah.

  “I thought we might,” he breathed. “But first, we’re going to eat.”

  Eat? Her brow furrowed with bewilderment. “Is there a restaurant at Diablo, sir?”

  Dalton couldn’t resist a small smile this time. “There can be anything we want at Diablo,” he assured her. “That’s one of the wonderful things about it.”

  Delilah pulled in a shaky breath, reaching for the side of his face.

  “You’re not doing much to reassure me.”

  Maybe I don’t want to reassure you.

  He never spoke those words, but he sent the thought to her directly, and her widening gaze confirmed she’d heard it.

  “Dalton.” Her fingers pressed harder at his flesh, seeking the comfort he intentionally denied her.

  It had been a while since she could offer him a caress without him flinching in pain. The injuries Dalton had suffered at the hands of Hyland and his men had taken longer to heal than he’d imagined, but then, he wasn’t getting any younger.

  “You’re scaring me a little.” Is that part of the plan?

  “Yes.” He nodded at her. “I want you on the back foot tonight, Delle. I want to push you, but remember your safe word still stands, and if you so much as utter it, the scene will stop.”

  She gulped at the reminder, her hand falling to the lapels of his jacket.

  “I understand. Sir.”

  And remember that I love you. He met her concerned gaze while he directed the thought her way. I love you, and I want to push you, but I won’t do anything to truly ever harm you, firecracker.

  “You love me?”

  Dalton smiled. “You know, I do.”

  “It’s only the second time you’ve told me, sir.”

  She was right. Dalton had never intended to make the declaration again here, but the look in her eyes was just too captivating, too enthralling to resist.

  “I mean it.” Dalton ran his fingers through the soft, lush strands of her hair. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt this way about anyone before.”

  Delilah beamed. “That makes me so happy, but…” Her gaze flitted to the right and left of them. “This is an odd place to declare something so deeply personal.”

  “You’re right.” He chuckled, wrapping his palm around her much smaller hand. “I’m sorry. Shall we go in?”

  “You’re asking me now?” she asked in a sardonic tone.

  “No, little girl.” Dalton brushed his knuckles against the smooth flesh of her chin. “I’m telling you. Get that pretty little arse inside.”

  She sucked her lower lip between her teeth.

  I love it when you order me, sir.

  Dalton leaned down, capturing the back of her neck in his hand and drawing her toward him. “I know,” he whispered. “Now, unless you want me to lift that pretty dress and spank your backside until it’s the same hue as that dress. Move. It.”

  He turned her body in the direction of Diablo and guided her forward, ensuring he grabbed her delectable behind as they stalked past the waiting line.

  “Mr. Reilly?” It was Tony on security, and he smiled at their approach. “Good to see you both again. Are you using the VIP lounge?”

  “Good evening, Tony.” Dalton gripped Delilah at the waist. “Yes, that’s right.”

  He nodded at Dalton knowingly. “The others have already arrived. They are eagerly expecting you both.”

  Delilah lifted her chin, and her eyes fixed on Dalton’s face. Others? She didn’t vocalize the thought, but it was loud and clear in his mind. What others, sir?

  Ignoring her for the time being, Dalton returned Tony’s smile.

  “Thank you. We’ll go straight through.”

  Bypassing the usual entrance, Dalton led her past Tony and punching the security code into the electronic pad, an unknown door opened in the black wall.

  Oh God! Delilah gasped as the entrance appeared. “Dalton, where are we going?”

  “Remember the rules,” he said softly as they moved inside the club into the long, sophisticated corridor. “I lead, and you follow. And don’t forget how to address me either, little girl. I’m not sure you want any impromptu punishments tonight. Not in front of the others.”

  Her lips parted at his warning, but Dalton didn’t wait for her to speak. He took her hand and drew her onward.

  The evening had only just begun.

  ***

  Delilah

  Her heart raced as they strode up the length of the unknown hallway. The walls were a calming navy color, illuminated by ethereal dipped silver lighting, but it made little difference to the anxiety knotting in her belly.

  Of course, Delilah knew this was all part of the game. It was a test of her desire to submit. Could she be led blindly into whatever was about to happen next without protest? Did she trust her lover enough to surrender completely? The answer was yes. She did trust him.

  She loved him.

  She had wandered unknowingly into this diversion, totally unprepared for whatever was to come. While it was true Dalton hadn’t specifically said what they would be
doing tonight, she had been led to believe they’d go to dinner alone. Not once had Dalton mentioned Diablo, and he certainly made no reference to the presence of anyone else. The nervous butterflies inside her stretched their wings, and she glanced up at his face.

  “Stop worrying.”

  They were just beyond the double doors at the very end of the corridor now—at the precipice of whatever was to come.

  That’s easy for you to say, sir.

  Delilah was grateful once again for the ability to communicate without having to actually say the words. How had she survived so long without the skill?

  “You have to trust me.”

  “I do.” Her tone was imploring. “I do, Dalton, but this is something else.”

  He offered her what she supposed was a reassuring smile.

  “There will be no new tasks for you tonight, little girl.”

  She gulped. “What then?”

  Dalton arched a dark brow at her. “You’ll have to wait and see.”

  Damn it! He was enjoying this—toying with her, taunting her, wielding the secret over her head.

  He laughed gently. “Yes, I am,” he admitted as he pressed his hard body against her. “Immensely. I promise it’ll be fun. Just trust me, Delilah.”

  Her throat dried with the order as lust spiraled through her body, taking control—just as it always did. Blowing out a breath over her head, Dalton ground his erection against her hip through his suit trousers.

  “I do.” She breathed the word in on one long exhale. “I do, sir.”

  “Let’s go then.”

  One flash of his security badge was all it took to unlock the door ahead, and as Dalton drew the dark wood back to reveal the room inside, Delilah held her breath.

  “Is that my brother?” It was Connor’s voice that vibrated past her. “Finally?”

  Dalton chuckled. “My apologies,” he replied, offering Delilah his hand before he stepped inside. “We got a little waylaid.”

  Delilah stumbled forward, encouraged by the grip of his hand. The door swung closed behind them, enclosing them both into the new dark world of Diablo. Her heart was in her throat when she finally glanced around the space. The room was large and dressed entirely in black and scarlet hues. Around the perimeter, she recognized a number of pieces of apparatus—a St. Andrew’s cross to the far left, the black leather straps hanging loose as though they were taunting her, a spanking bench with pride of place at the other end of the room, and to her right, a row of three large cages.