“Thank you, the tea tastes really refreshing. It’s just what I need,” she said.
Like him, she’d added only milk to her tea. She took a piece of shortbread and bit into it with her small, even, white teeth. He ate a couple of pieces, and then he reached out and took her hand.
“Tell me,” he said. She looked at him and shook her head.
“I can’t yet. Leave it until I get to know you better, and then I will tell you, I promise.” Davy had to be content with that. It was pointless to force a confidence.
“Okay, but I mean to get to the bottom of all this, my pet. Now I can see that you are bone-weary, so I will put you to bed, then I will go home. Come along.” He held out his hand and pulled her to her feet. He led her to the bedroom and waited until she used the bathroom and cleaned her teeth. While she was busy, he replaced the covers on the bed and turned down one corner. When she came out of the bathroom, he lifted the covers and helped her to settle herself. He made as if to stand, but she reached out and took his hand.
“Please stay with me a while, Davy,” she said. He was going to sit on the side of the bed, but she lifted the covers and invited him into the bed. He was still naked, so he slipped in beside her and drew her into his arms. He lay on his back with her head in the crook of his shoulder. Their entwined fingers lay over his heart. He promised himself he’d leave as soon as she slept. He didn’t, of course.
* * * *
Juniper had slept like a log. She’d been worn out by the previous night’s loving, and then the emotional trauma on top of it all. When she awoke, it was to the sensation of the heat of another body by her side. For a moment or two, she was unable to remember, and then it all came flooding back. She turned to look at the head on her pillow and saw Davy’s eyes closed as his chest softly lifted as he breathed. His lashes were long and dark. The plait had come undone and his long, thick hair lay like a halo on the pillow. She propped herself up on one elbow and gazed her fill.
Now don’t get too fond of him. He’s not for you and this isn’t permanent. He’s so handsome and so kind. I wonder what it would be like to wake up to his face every morning. Stop. I mustn’t go down that road. I have to play it lightly. Take each day as it comes.
She showered and dressed. Going into her tiny kitchen, she wanted music, so, taking out her iPod, she chose a playlist she’d compiled and started to make breakfast. She became conscious that she was being watched. Naked as the day he was born, Davy stood, observing her. She blushed and smiled.
“I really meant to go home last night,” he said rather sheepishly.
“I know, but I’m glad you didn’t. If you want a shower, there are plenty of towels, and breakfast is in ten minutes.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said and went off whistling. When he came back smelling of her shower gel, his was hair wet, but back in the long, thick plait that had become his trademark. She was putting the finishing touches to the fried egg and bacon. Toast was in a stainless-steel rack on the table, with a selection of preserves and honey. She’d put out butter and a large pot of tea.
“Mmm. I’m ravenous. I could eat a horse,” he said, and they both laughed. Seated opposite one another, they ate in silence. I could really get used to this. He’s such good company. Now, don’t be daft. It won’t last. What will he be like in the club? Have I blown my chances now? If he wants me to act like the sub he knows I am, then I can’t stay at the club.
“You’re very quiet, my pet. Are you always so quiet, or is something bothering you?” he asked, concern in his voice. “Are you regretting last night?”
“No,” she said hesitantly, then more decisively, “No. certainly not.”
He reached over and took her hand.
“Tell me what troubles you, please, my pet.” His voice was dark-chocolate, smooth and delicious and so comforting. She felt her juices flow, and blushed.
“There is something. I don’t know how to say it,” she said. He held both her hands in his large, warm ones and caressed her fingers as he spoke.
“I think I know. You are a Domme in the club. You are wondering if I’m going to treat you like my sub and ruin your image. Is that it?” he asked.
“However did you guess?” she said incredulously.
“My sweet Juniper, you have very mobile features. While you can hide your thoughts and feelings when in Domme mode, you can’t hide them from me.” He smiled and his whole face lit up. She gazed deep into the dreamy eyes and was lost. For a few moments, she couldn’t gather her scattered wits to say anything. Never had a man had such an effect on her. Panic hit her. I’m losing control. It’s too early to give him so much power over me. Can I take it back? Looking into his eyes, I see myself reflected there, small and very vulnerable. Am I ready to do this?
“You’ve no need to worry. What happens between us will stay between us. I won’t do anything to jeopardise your position in the club. I want you to be happy.”
She looked at him as he spoke. His candid gaze never left hers. She heard the sincerity in his voice, and she was relieved. Well, he seems to be on the level. I'll take his word for it. I hope I’m not making a big mistake here.
“Thank you, Davy. That does relieve my mind. Now we’d better finish breakfast,” she said, glad to change the subject. She needed time to think and evaluate all that had happened as well as the implications for her future. They finished breakfast and he helped her to tidy away.
“I must leave now and go sort out a few things at the club. I’ll see you there tonight. I shall bring you home every night, my dear, but I will come into your home only if you invite me in. Does that set your mind at rest?”
“Yes, thank you, Davy. I’ve a lot to think about.”
“I know. If it’s any consolation to you, I didn’t plan last night, but I do want it to happen again. Please don’t shut me out. We can meet outside the club and talk about the future, our future. Neutral ground might work best for both of us. If we’re here alone, I will want to make love to you, my pet. Discussion will be the last thing on my mind.” He lifted both her hands to his mouth and kissed them in an old-fashioned, but very romantic gesture.
“That sounds like a good idea. I’ll see you tonight.” She got up and escorted him to the door. As she was about to open it, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply and passionately.
“Just a little something to remember me by,” he said, and then he was gone. Juniper closed the door and leaned her back against it. She put up her hands to her lips and smiled to herself. Life was looking up. It wouldn’t last.
Chapter Four
Juniper arrived at the club a little early, as she hated being late. She knew the reason for that was her stepfather’s punishment of any unpunctuality, but it was a habit so deeply ingrained in her that she couldn’t break it. If she was honest, she didn’t mind being on time. She hated the rush and stress of being late and running catch-up. She was surprised to see that there was a small crowd gathered around the door to the club. The onlookers parted to allow her through, and it was as if someone had punched her in the stomach. She couldn’t breathe, and she put out a hand to steady herself. Doc was there and he held her up. Scrawled across the door and wall were the words Juniper whore in scarlet paint. Who could have done this? Foolish. It must be one of those two. Davy has CCTV. It will show who did this. She looked up at the camera focused on the door. Doc drew her arm through his and patted her hand.
“Don’t worry, Juniper. It will be fine. Davy knows and he’s investigating.” She was trembling and she was very grateful for the warm, solid presence beside her. Doc continued to talk to her as he led her into the club. He left her at the door to the ladies’ cloakroom and she went inside. There were several women, all subs, in various stages of undress. They all fell silent as she entered. She straightened her back and stalked over to her locker. There’s no way I’m going to show them this has affected me. She changed and then she left. As the door was closing behind her, she heard the excited tittering that
began at once. Damnation. It’s going to be like this for a while. Just when things were going so well. Davy was loitering in the entrance hall and he came over as soon as he saw her.
“Are you okay? Doc said you were shaken. He’s gone to organise tea and a bite to eat for you. Come into my office, Juniper.” He took her arm and steered her to the office. Once inside, he took her in his arms and soothed and petted her.
“There, there, my little love. It will be all right. I will get to the bottom of this and it won’t happen again.” For years, she’d been independent. She’d grown a hard shell and retreated into it at need. Now, in reaction to the warmth and concern in his voice, she melted. Safe in the shelter of his arms, she let her control slip, and she began to shake. He held her though the worst of it, gently nibbling her ear and dropping small kisses on her face. He said nothing, and she was grateful for that. What the hell is the matter with me? So, some weirdo writes ‘whore’ on the wall. Who cares? Well, I suppose I do, as it’s affecting me so, but why is that? Does this job matter so much? Yes, it does. I want to succeed here. I want to show the world I’m a strong woman and in charge. Pfft. Some strong woman, melting into the arms of the first available man. That’s no lie, but he’s not just any man. Maybe that’s why this has upset me so. I want to stay here, and I want him to fuck me again. Do I want more than just a fuck? Yes, I do. I want a life-mate. I’ve been alone for so long, and until I came here, I was fine. One look at him, and that all melted away. I do want him. What does he want? Can I be his sub? After all the effort I’ve put into becoming a Domme, can I just give it all up? What sort of life would I have here in this club if I did? I don’t know what to do.
Davy had led her to one of the comfortable chairs in front of the gas-fire. It was one of those with coals and a flame made to look like a real one. She was grateful for the warmth. Doc came in with a pot of tea for three, and some hot scones with butter and jam. Her stomach rumbled and they all laughed, easing the tension. She took over and poured out three cups of tea, and then she buttered the scones and handed them round as the men talked.
“The bugger knew where the CCTV was, as he came in wearing a hoody to conceal his face. He was dressed like a graffiti artist, but I doubt he was one,” Doc said.
“No, the words are too roughly executed. A real artist would have made a decent job. We both know there are suspects, and we can keep a close watch on them tonight. They’ll both be here, I bet. They won’t want to miss the furore, and they won’t want to cast suspicion their way by not being here,” Davy said.
“They are such arrogant bastards, they may well slip up and give themselves away,” Doc said.
“Maybe. They do know that if I find out, they won’t be welcome here anymore. They like the club, but perhaps, as you say, they won’t be able to resist gloating. We’d better set one of the other Doms to listen, as they are bound to be careful around us. Mordor will do. He’s a good friend and will be glad to help out.”
“Okay then. I think I saw him in the crowd outside. I’ll talk to him. You stay here and finish your tea and scones,” Doc suggested.
As they all suspected, Ned and Jared arrived in the club, and although they sniggered and laughed with the other subs, they said nothing that implicated them. Davy was proud of Juniper. She didn’t betray her feelings at all. He was so glad she wasn’t giving them the satisfaction of knowing she was upset.
“It’s been a long night,” Davy said as he escorted Juniper to his car. “Let’s hope they’ve had their fun, and that’s the end of it. When he took her to her door, she gave him the key and then shyly asked him in. He wanted no persuading. He closed and locked the door, and then he took her in his arms and held her gently to him. She snuggled closer, obviously deriving comfort from his closeness.
* * * *
It’s a pity we couldn’t get to the bottom of that. She was very much upset by it. More than I expected her to be. Maybe that, on top of her surrender last night, was just too much. I wonder just what in her past has made her the way she is. I need her to tell me about it. I want her to feel so confident in me that she will tell me all that ails her, so we can sort it out. What else do I want? He laughed at himself as his cock twitched. Down boy, all in good time. First, I have to make her forget what happened tonight. I’m sure it was a one-off prank by one of those two idiots. If we make too much of it, they will be happy and we shall have given them the satisfaction they seek. On the other hand, I won’t have them upsetting her. I shall have to tread carefully again.
Juniper looked up at him. She must have felt the growing erection pressing into her soft belly. She smiled, reached up, and pulled his head down to hers. Their mouths met and all power of thought was ripped away. All he could think of was her. All he could smell was her perfume, her arousal and her unique scent. The combination enflamed his senses. He tightened his hold on her, as he tasted her sweet breath and his tongue stroked hers. Then, gently, he seized the tip between his teeth and teased her with his tongue, flicking backward and forward, as she moved her hips, pressing into him and grinding his cock between them. Abruptly, he stopped kissing her and seized her hand.
“I am too bloody tired to make love standing up tonight. Come, my little darling, let’s go to bed,” he said as he towed her in the direction of her bedroom. She laughed and went willingly. After visiting the bathroom, he returned to the bedroom to find her still undressing. “Let me help you with that, sweetheart,” he said, as he unfastened her corset. Much as he knew that his slow undressing of her aroused her even more, tonight he wasn’t in the mood for slow. He took off her corset, allowing her full, heavy breasts with their erect, deep-pink nipples to swing free and she sighed.
“What is it, love?”
“It’s just so nice to be bra-less,” she said, giggling.
“No need to wear a bra anywhere near me, love,” he said. He took a breast in either hand and by dint of kneading, rolling, and tweaking, he soon had her panting and even more aroused. He bent to lick and suck at first one, then the other erect bud. Finally, he suckled hard and her legs gave way. He lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed. She’d turned back the covers while he was in the bathroom, so he laid her on top of them facedown. Then he turned his attentions to her delicious bottom. He licked and nipped at each globe. She writhed and moaned his name. He knew he wasn’t going to be able to keep this up for long, or his dick would explode. He arranged her on her knees, parted her thighs and knelt between her legs. She lay on her arms, her behind raised, her legs apart, and he almost salivated at the view of her pussy, open and inviting him in. Damnation! He had to get off the bed and go and fetch a condom. His erect cock bobbed before him and his little love giggled. He grabbed a condom, tore the wrapper, and sheathed his dick in the latex. Then he climbed back onto the bed. He swatted her rear and said, “Naughty little girl.”
He was amazed at the change in her. She went rigid, she rolled into a ball on the bed, and, crossing her arms over her breasts, she lay there trembling. His erection deflated like a pricked balloon. He took her in his arms, and petted and stroked her until she stopped shaking.
“Juniper, my love, you have to tell me what’s the matter. I don’t know what has happened to you, so I can’t avoid the words or actions that set you off. It seemed to be only connected with spanking. Did someone beat you or abuse you? Can you trust me enough to tell me?”
* * * *
It had all been going so well. She’d managed to hold herself in check at the club and not to let those two idiots see how much their prank had affected her. Then they’d come to her home and he’d begun to drive her wild with lust. Why did he have to say those words? Why did he have to spank her? Fool, all he did was give me a playful slap. He has no idea. That’s the problem. If he knew, he’d…He’d do what? Do I think he’d do the same? No, he never would. He likes to play and to fuck, and not necessarily always gently, but that’s very far from hurting me. He’d never hurt me, he’d never humiliate me. Perhaps I
ought to tell him. I know he’ll understand, but that will give him power over me, more power than any man is ever going to have again.
Then he asked if she trusted him. It all boils down to that. I’ve not trusted anyone for years. I’m not happy, so maybe if I were to trust him…What if he lets me down, too? She looked deep into his eyes. They were right when they said, “the eyes are the mirror of the soul.” She searched his eyes and found only concern, desire to help and, yes, love there. Do I love him? Damned right I do. Maybe it’s time to take the chance. What do I have to lose? A lot less than if I don’t trust him.
She began to speak, hiding her head in his shoulder to start with, but seemingly, he was having none of that, for he held her at arm’s length and looked at her. She managed to look him in the eye and tell him everything. It was difficult, just at first, because she’d never said it all out loud to another human being, and one that meant so much to her.
de Lune, Clair - Davy Meets His Match [The Blood Red Rose Club 4] (Siren Publishing Allure) Page 4
