“Pack a small suitcase. You can’t stay here,” he said.
“They won’t turn me out of my home,” she replied.
“Bovine excrement. They know where you live. You can’t stay here now. Just pack the case and stop arguing. If you don’t, I will, and then I’ll carry you to the car. Now run along, there’s a good girl,” he said to soften his words.
She stuck out her tongue, but she did as he asked. He wasn’t easy until they were in the car and driving back to the club and his flat. This wasn’t a permanent solution, but what else could he do? She fell asleep almost at once, curled into his side, her head on his shoulder and their entwined fingers resting over his heart. Davy wasn’t so lucky. He lay awake thinking and trying to decide on a course of action. By the time he did drift off to sleep, he had come to no real conclusions.
* * * *
“Davy, is that you?”
“Angus, how are you? How’s Jane?” Davy asked. He and Angus spoke every week. Angus had been a Dom in his club years ago when he first started Davy Jones’s Locker. Then Angus and Prometheus had decided to set up a club of their own. They chose a site on the outskirts of Sheffield and the clientele were very select. Davy had known Prometheus in the Falklands Conflict and they’d been friends for years.
“Oh, she’s fine. If Prometheus isn’t careful, she’ll be running the club soon. Fatherhood suits him, but takes up a lot of his time. She asked me to invite you to dinner tomorrow night. It can be an early meal as we all have to go to one club or the other.”
“Yes, I’d love to come, tell her I’ll be there. Oh, can I bring a friend?”
“Male, I suppose? Jane has got another of her hopefuls lined up to meet you. I thought I’d better let you know,” Angus said ruefully. Jane had been trying to get Davy “settled,” as she put it, for years. She did nothing too outrageous. She simply invited as many pleasant women as she could to meet him.
“No. Her name is Juniper Bale, and she’s the one, Angus, old man.”
“Well. I’m speechless. I warn you that Jane won’t be. She will be delighted that you met your match at last, as well as anxious to meet the woman who managed to snare you,” Angus said, and he chuckled.
“Now, you know that Jane would never be so tactless,” Davy said.
“I sense that there’s something you aren’t telling me. For a man who just found ‘the one,’ you don’t seem as happy as I’d expect.”
Davy sighed. He’d forgotten just how perspicacious Angus was. They’d been friends for so many years. They met on a regular basis, so it was no wonder Angus could read him like a book.
“Yes, old son, there is a problem.” Davy went on to tell him how they’d met and the troubles that Juniper was having at the moment.
“I’m not happy with her living in this flat, over the club. Until this problem is sorted out, I don’t feel easy.”
“Well now, there’s a simple solution to your problems. She, and you, of course, can come and stay with us until it’s all cleared up. Jane will be over the moon. She'll have someone female to talk to, too.”
“That’s very generous, Angus. It takes a load off my mind. Are you sure Jane will be okay with it?”
“She’ll love it, trust me. We have a spare room doing nothing. You’re both in the lifestyle, so I can see no problem,” Angus said.
“Thank you very much. Then, I accept, on behalf of us both,” Davy said. He knew the relief in his voice would be evident to Angus. They arranged a time for Davy and Juniper to take their belongings to Angus and Jane’s house, and then they rang off. Davy went at once to tell Juniper.
“Are you sure that Jane is going to be okay with this? I wouldn’t want to intrude,” she remarked doubtfully.
“Angus says it will be okay. Jane will have company and he’s right, she loves to help people. He says it won’t be any trouble,” Davy said to reassure her.
“Now, isn’t that just a typical man. Two extra people in the house to cook for and one she’s never met before. How could it possibly be any trouble?” Juniper asked, a little acidly.
“Well, when you put it that way…He’s right in one aspect, though. Jane loves company, and she has been trying to find a perfect match for me for years. She’ll want to get to know you. I’m sure you’ll get on with her,” Davy said, mentally crossing his fingers.
* * * *
Later that day, when they arrived at Jane and Angus’s home, in Davy’s car, Juniper was still rather anxious. She hated to impose on people. That this would be an imposition, she had no doubt. Davy had done his best to reassure her, and to some extent, he’d succeeded. After all, he knew both Jane and Angus. She did her best to calm herself and not let her worries show. Davy rang the bell and Juniper looked at the view over the Derbyshire hills. It’s going to be peaceful at least. What a glorious setting for a house. The leaves of those beech trees lining the drive looked like green lace as we drove up to it.
She’d time for no more reflections as the door was opened. She’d had no idea what to expect, but Jane was a surprise. Juniper knew she was in her sixties, but she was vital and lively. Her eyes shone and she smiled at them. Like so many before her, Juniper succumbed to her charm.
“Davy, how very good to see you. Juniper. I may call you that, mayn’t I? Do come in. The kettle’s on. Let’s take your bags upstairs first, then we can have tea and cake,” Jane said in a low, musical voice. She hugged Davy and kissed Juniper on the cheek. Her perfume was spicy and exotic. As she stood back to allow them to enter the house, Juniper took stock. Jane Scott was five feet nine. She was in her sixties, but her short, brown hair was highlighted and she looked younger than her years. Her gray-blue eyes were alive with curiosity, and her warm smile lit up her face. She wore light-coffee-coloured trousers that fit her shapely figure to perfection. The long tunic was aqua. It was embroidered with beads and sequins, and the combination of colours suited her. Her collar, with the name “Aonghas,” each letter in a small link suspended from chain, was well displayed in the open neck of the tunic.
Juniper knew her mouth dropped open at the sight that then assailed her eyes. A tall man strode into the hall. He was a dark-visaged man, with heavy brows that almost met in the middle. His large eyes were blue, deep blue, and he had the longest eyelashes she’d ever seen on a man. His hair was cut short, and his eyebrows were silver-gray. He had high cheekbones, a strong jaw, and a hawk-like nose. He wasn’t a conventionally handsome man, but he was striking. He would stand out in any crowd. His mouth, wide and full-lipped, was at present wreathed in smiles. He wore a white linen shirt, laced at the neck, with a similar gold collar visible, only the name on his was “Jane,” his feet were encased in slippers but his stockings reached just below his shapely knees, which were skimmed by his heavy kilt.
Jane giggled. “He’s a sight, isn’t he? He doesn’t wear the kilt in the office, but here at home, and in the club, he always does.” She winked at Juniper. “Yes, the stories are true,” she said and giggled again.
“Mo run, you are incorrigible,” he said, but there was an indulgent smile on his face as he looked at her. He looks at her as if he’d take her here and now if we weren’t here. They are certainly in love. I hope I’m not going to be in the way.
Angus hugged Davy, then he turned the deep-blue eyes on Juniper.
“Hello, I’m Angus, and you must be Juniper. It’s so nice to meet you,” he said, and bent to kiss her cheek.
“I’m pleased to meet you both,” Juniper said, and meant it.
“Come along then, Jane has made chocolate orange marble cake and I haven’t been allowed so much as a crumb yet,” he said with a comical expression on his face. “I'm so neglected,” he added, laughing at Jane’s incredulous “Pffft!"
They were shown into a living room with a wonderful view over the Derbyshire hills, the same one she’d so admired as she waited at the door. There was a large fireplace with a basket of logs. The sofas and chairs were in chocolate-brown leather, with lots of pale
-aqua cushions. The floor was highly polished dark oak, with thick, pale-caramel wool rugs, deep enough to sink your toes in. There was a large TV and sound system and a couple of rows of Blu-ray discs and DVDs. Two walls were covered floor-to-ceiling with bookcases, overflowing with books of all sorts, and had a library ladder to reach the top shelves. Over to one side was a large partner-desk with PC and iPad and a very comfortable, padded chair. Juniper loved it on sight, and hoped that one day she’d have such a room. The colour combinations wouldn’t have been her choice, but they did work well.
After several cups of tea, scones, and a slice of cake, Juniper was feeling more at ease.
“Have you finished, my dear, or do you want another cup of tea?” Jane asked.
“Oh I couldn’t really, it’s delicious cake and the scones are so light,” Juniper said in genuine appreciation.
“Jane’s one real virtue is that she’s a superb cook,” Angus said in a teasing voice.
“I’m certainly not rising to that bait,” Jane said. “Come with me, Juniper, and I’ll show you your room. The men can sit here and chat,” Jane said, rising and leading the way out of the living room and up a beautiful staircase in dark oak, carpeted in dark caramel. They turned right at the top, entering one of the rooms. It was a large, comfortable room with pale-green walls and light-oak furniture. The floor was laminate, also in a light, golden oak, and a fat sheepskin rug lay on either side of the bed.
“There’s an en-suite through that door and plenty of towels on the shelves, also a couple of bathrobes. Do make yourself at home.”
It’s now or never. I’d better say something. This room’s so comfortable. There are even a couple of easy chairs and a small writing-table.
“Jane, I feel it’s too much of an imposition to stay with you. Neither Davy nor Angus seems to think it will be much work, but you and I know better. Two extra people in the house for an unspecified amount of time, is going to mean a lot of extra effort for you,” Juniper said, and it all came out in a rush.
Before replying, Jane went and sat in one of the easy chairs, and patted the other invitingly.
“Nonsense, my dear, I’m really looking forward to your stay. Angus is out most of the day working, so I lack company. You can’t stay in that poky flat over the club, and if whoever is playing these stupid pranks knows you are there, it’s much easier for them to continue. They can’t get here all that easily, even if they know you are here. Please don’t feel you’re imposing, because you aren’t,” Jane said.
Juniper looked at her and read the sincerity in her face. She sat down on the easy chair and gave in.
“Thank you so much. If you’re sure…I love it here, but I don’t want to be in the way.”
“You won’t be. Oh, I see what you mean. No, it’s fine. We’ve been married for several years now.”
“Well, you’ll pardon my saying that Angus looks at you as if…” Juniper’s voice tailed off as she realized she could hardly say what she was thinking.
“Yes, I know. He’s always been like that, but he’s not keen on public exhibition. Forgive me for asking, but are you a sub? I thought that Angus said you were a Domme.”
“I really don’t know what I am anymore. I’m a Domme in the club, but Davy is most definitely in charge. It’s all so difficult,” Juniper said ruefully.
“Tell me, if you like. It often helps to talk about things. I found when I was teaching that, in order to explain to others, you had to be very clear in your own mind,” Jane said.
Why am I contemplating telling this woman everything? I don’t know her. Maybe that’s it. It’s easier to talk to a stranger about these things. She’s certainly easy to talk to and seems as if she won’t be judgmental. The trouble is, I have to stay here and don’t want to embarrass either of us.
“What you say won’t go any further, not even to Angus, if you don’t want him to know,” Jane said and that clinched it.
What have I got to lose? Certainly, she was right. If I can explain it to her then it may clarify things in my own mind. Well, here goes.
Juniper told Jane the story of her childhood and her stepfather and how she became a Domme, so that she would be in control. Jane listened carefully and sat in silence for a while.
“Yes, I see what you mean. It won’t be easy to give up control, but in a sense, you won’t be doing that. No, don’t say anything, just listen. I found it difficult, at first, because when I met Angus I knew nothing about the lifestyle, apart from what I’d read in novels. He’s not an over-strict Dom, and he’s not at all cruel. He’s an alpha male who likes his own way. When I accepted that whatever he does is for my own good, then I realised that I’m not having control ripped from me. In surrendering control to him, I'm acknowledging that I need him to look after me, to guide me and to help me face any difficulties I might encounter. I was widowed when I met him and had a very low opinion of myself. I’m not young or beautiful, or slim. When he convinced me that, in his eyes, I’m perfect, that the person inside matters more than the appearance, I was happier than I’d ever been. By pushing my limits, he made me face my fears and overcome them, but he was always there for me and if I failed at first, then he helped me to try again and again until I succeeded. It’s not quite the same situation as yours, but there are similarities, my dear.”
“But you’re a very attractive woman,” Juniper protested.
“Yes, but in a club full of skinny young beauties, several of whom wanted Angus for themselves, I felt like a fish out of water. Now I wear Curvy Woman’s Designs, and as many of them are designed with me in mind, the colours and the fit give me confidence. However, what gives me the greatest confidence is Angus. He’s my rock and he’s always there for me.”
“Yes. I see. Thank you for that, Jane. You’ve given me a lot to think about. I’m not sure if I can be Davy’s sub in his Davy Jones’s Locker. They all know me as a Domme, and some of them challenged me and I came out on top. How they would laugh and crow to see me as a sub like them. I don’t know if I can take that, and to be fair, Davy hasn’t asked it of me.”
“Well, my dear, only you can decide, or I should say you and Davy. What you must do is talk to him about it. Don’t shut him out and try and sort it all out yourself,” Jane said. Then she laughed. “Sermon over for today. Let’s go down and get the dinner on, or all of us will be late. We are going to Prometheus in Chains tonight, so we all need to be ready in good time. Here’s a set of keys, and Angus will show you which key fits which door. I hope you like roast lamb.”
“I thought I could smell that as we came in. I love lamb, and I’m very hungry now,” Juniper said.
“Good. I’m glad you have a good appetite. I hate preparing a meal and having people pick at their food, don’t you?”
By this time, they’d reached the ground floor and, turning to the left, Jane led her to a kitchen, which wouldn’t have looked out of place in a glossy magazine. It was fitted with white, high-gloss units, floor-to-ceiling, and black, polished granite worktops with a range of electrical gadgets. There was a large double-oven, built-in at eye-level. The dishwasher was huge, and through an archway, she could see a small utility room, with washer, dryer, and an ironing board all ready to use.
“What a gorgeous kitchen. You’re so lucky,” Juniper said.
“Yes, thank you, I am and I know it,” Jane said sincerely.
After an excellent dinner, proving that Angus hadn’t exaggerated at all, they got ready and went to the club. It had been an eventful day and Juniper was glad that the evening in the club passed without incident. She said as much to Davy.
“Yes, I’m relieved, too, pet. I wish I could get rid of the feeling that we haven’t heard the last of it all yet,” he said.
* * * *
There was a knock on their door at five a.m. It was Angus.
“Davy, the police have been on the phone. There’s a fire at your club. You’d better get dressed and go over there. I’ll go with you. Jane is making tea, Juniper. I
will light a fire in the living room. You can join her there.”
He left and Davy scrambled into his clothes. Juniper wanted to go, too, but he insisted she stay with Jane.
“No, my pet. I want to know that you’re safe. I have a lot to do, I expect, and it will be easier if I’m not looking over my shoulder and worrying about your safety.”
Juniper couldn’t really argue with that, so she donned her robe, kissed him good-bye, and went downstairs with him. Angus had gone out to the car, so Davy joined him and Juniper went to Jane, in the living room. It was getting warm as the two women sat in front of the log fire and sipped tea in companionable silence. It was too early for small talk and Juniper was preoccupied with her own thoughts.
Is this an accident? It seems far too convenient, and too much of a coincidence. I hope Davy is okay and doesn’t get hurt. How long have they been away? When will they get back? I hope his club isn’t damaged too badly. The thoughts went round and round in her head and she was grateful that Jane didn’t seem to want or expect her to chat. By seven thirty, the men hadn’t come back, so the two women went to shower and dress. They were sitting, eating a desultory breakfast in the kitchen, when the two men returned. They looked tired and were both sooty. Jane banished them to wash, while she prepared them a hearty breakfast. Half an hour later, they were all seated round the table. The two men devoured the bacon, eggs, and toast that Jane had prepared and drank several cups of hot tea. At last, Davy pushed his plate away and wiped his mouth on a napkin.
“Jane, that was just what I needed. Thank you, love,” he said. Then he turned to Juniper. “The club is almost a ruin and the Fire brigade suspect arson,” he said simply. He held out his arms and she snuggled into his embrace, deriving much comfort from his nearness. She had so many questions, but she decided that now wasn’t the time to ask them. He loved the club. It wasn’t the most elegant, or the most successful, but it was his creation. What was he going to do now? Who had done this and why? Surely, they can’t have done it on my account? Why would they wish to hurt Davy if they have a grudge against me? But they know where I live, so they must also know that he takes me home and stays the night. What a mess. What are we going to do now?
de Lune, Clair - Davy Meets His Match [The Blood Red Rose Club 4] (Siren Publishing Allure) Page 6
