by Yvette Hines
“Breakfast. I could wait forever for you. I called Alesha about an hour ago and told her we would make it.”
“Ah, shit.” Brad smacked his palm against his forehead. “I completely forgot we were supposed to go over for breakfast.”
“No worries, I told her you were still sleep. If you’re up for a little defensive mall shopping I’d like to head out and get something for our sister for Christmas.”
Rubbing his hand over his head, Brad nodded. “Give me about twenty minutes to shower and shave and I’ll be ready.”
“No problem. I’ll go grab you a breakfast sandwich at the café downstairs and meet you in the lobby.”
“Great.” Brad stepped into his room and allowed the door to close behind him.
A few moments earlier and his brother would have been at his door when Gabriella left. He would have been forced to not only introduce her, but Brad was pretty sure his brother would have asked where they had met in front of her.
The beautiful, vivacious submissive was just bold and spontaneous enough to possibly blurt out to his twin that they met at the dungeon. That would have led to a lot of questions from Brian, Brad wasn’t ready to answer.
Standing next to the bed, a flash of color caught his eye. Leaning over, Brad moved the pillows. Ensnared between them was the emerald green flower from Gabriella’s hair. He rubbed the vintage hair accessory. Shifting his gaze, he stared down at the rumbled sheets. His mind became flooded with all the images of the night before. He could still recall the feeling of her tight wet pussy around his cock. His hands knew the warm silk feeling of her skin and all the places she was sensitive. More importantly his mouth remembered the electrifying power of her kiss.
With one kiss this woman had turned his life upside down and he needed to put some thoughts into a question she asked him. He was here only for a vacation, he had a life different from hers. So, what did he want?
What do I want?
That was the biggest question of them all.
Letting out a hard breath, he moved to the bathroom to take a shower.
Maybe it was best to just leave her alone.
~YH~
“Hello, China Doll.”
Gabriella glanced up to see a woman standing before at the register at Strong Blends. Usually, people didn’t use her scene name at work. They had more regular customers during the week than those in the community. She recognized the woman immediately having seeing her many times in the dungeon. Giving her an honest smile she greeted her, “Hi, Butterfly.”
“How’s work been today?”
Gabriella noticed Butterfly’s style of dress. Like her, the woman wasn’t garbed in scene apparel, but instead she wore a business suit, skirt and jacket. No one would ever suspect seeing the woman that Butterfly enjoyed being strapped to a bench by her two Doms and spanked.
“Pretty busy. I think a lot of people are at the outlet stores doing holiday shopping so we caught more of an afternoon flow than normal.”Gabriella told her.
“Kenmore is loving the bottom line of the traffic, I’m sure.” Butterfly tilted her head and seemed to be watching her as if she were taking her measure.
Feeling a little uncomfortable by the other woman’s accessing gaze, Gabriella resisted the urge to pat her hair and make sure it was all still bound in the bun. She shoved away the need to glance down and see if she possible had a coffee stain on her cream blouse or brown slacks. “She is a little giddy today.”
They shared a laugh then Butterfly opened her clutch purse and removed something and passed it to her. “This is the real reason why I have come here.”
Flipping the sealed envelope from front to back, not seeing any descriptive writing that would give a hint to what was inside, Gabriella frowned. “What is it?”
“An invitation to my holiday party. I’m not sure if you heard, I’m pretty famous for them.” A wide confident smile stretched the other woman’s mouth and showcased even white teeth.
“I hadn’t, but thanks. Is it a munch?”
Butterfly shook her head. “Not technically. More like a gathering among friends. Usually everyone comes in normal scene wear. However, there will be a couple non-community people this time. So, it is casual and their will not be any exhibitions.”
“Um, thanks.” Gabriella wasn’t sure if she’d attend. There was only less than two weeks until Christmas and since she’d be gone for the week of Christmas she was considering working extra hours to cover the time she’d be away.
“Can I be honest with you?” the other woman asked.
Hesitating, Gabriella stared at the woman wondering what other reasons Butterfly had sought her out. “Sure.”
Lightly taking her elbow, Butterfly guided her to the back hall out of ear shot. Trepidation crawled up Gabriella’s spine.
“I was at the club the other night…when you forced release from your Dom.”
Dropping her head, Gabriella stared down at the floor. Did everyone know? “I see.”
Butterfly laid a gentle hand on her shoulder but didn’t speak until Gabriella glanced up at her.
“Look, I’m not judging you. I just wanted to let you know if you need a friend or someone to confide in, I listen pretty well. One sub to another.”
“Thank you.”
“The right Dom will come along.”
“Or two,” she teased.
Catching the jest, Butterfly nodded.
Flapping the invitation back and forth like a fan, Gabriella asked, “If I decide to come can I bring someone?”
A single eyebrow lifted, and that measured look was back again. “A new Dom?”
“Oh, no. Just a friend and most likely her Dom.”
“That’s more than fine.” Checking her watch, Butterfly said, “I need to get going.”
They moved back around to the front of the shop. “Thanks, again.”
With a parting wave, Butterfly said, “You’re welcome. Hope to see you there.”
“So, what’s up?” Jennifer brought out a tray of clean coffee mugs and began stacking them on the service counter.
“You and Dom Meyo feel like accompanying me to a holiday party?”
“A munch?” Excitement filled Jennifer’s voice. “What’s the demonstration?”
“Supposedly not. It will be a mixed bag of guests.” Gabriella pulled out a bag of coffee beans and poured some into the grinder.
“Ah,” Jennifer wiped the counter down. “I’ll asked him when I get home, I don’t see that he’d mind.”
“Great.” Moving to the register when three costumers walked in, Gabriella said, “I don’t think it is anything, but I had a strange feeling like there was more to her invitation than was said.”
“You’ll soon find out I’m sure.”
“Hopefully.” Gabriella greeted the people before her with a smile and shoved away thoughts of the invitation that was happening in the next two days.
~YH~
Two nights later, Gabriella stood outside the expansive home of Butterfly and her two Doms. Even with Jennifer and Meyo accompanying her, Gabriella’s heart was still racing with expectations.
She could hear the muted tones of holiday music coming from inside as she pressed the doorbell. It was easy to see how much Butterfly must enjoy the season because her house and lawn were tastefully illuminated with white lights and various Christmas iconic figures. It made Gabriella think of her parent’s home. It was how her mother decorated the house, except with multiple colored bulbs.
“China Doll! So glad you made it.” Butterfly opened the door and pulled her into a hug.
Christmas music and the smell of sweets came flooding out with the woman. Behind her stood both of her tall and sexy Doms.
Not put off by the happy embrace, Gabriella returned it. “Thanks for including us.” Pulling back, she said, “I’m sure you know Dom Meyo and Pepper.”
“Yes. Welcome to our home.” Butterfly hugged Jennifer, but only nodded at Meyo.
Mustang and Ursus st
epped forward with warm smiles to greet Gabriella and Jennifer, but shook hands with Meyo. Even though in an informal setting the rules were light, everyone in the community knew a Dom didn’t touch another’s sub unless given permission.
“Please come in out of the cold.” Butterfly waved them in as her two Doms began taking coats from everyone. “I will show you all around and let you know where the refreshments are located.”
They all followed Butterfly, who was wearing jeans and the ugliest Christmas sweater Gabriella had ever lay eyes on. In the spacious kitchen, there were cookies and other appetizer style foods. A few people where mingling around in there snacking and talking, many familiar faces.
Next, they went into a larger room that appeared to normally be a space they used for their business. There were two desks pushed against the wall, out of the way, and a large gold and red decorated Christmas tree. More people were in there drinking, laughing and having a merry time. Gabriella recognized a few unattached Doms she’d had sessions with in the past, most now had their own subs here with them.
She admitted to herself that she had hoped to meet someone here that she could possibly make a connection and get another Dom by the New Year. However, that option was looking bleak and she didn’t really want to go back to her previous online route, she saw where that got here with Reel.
“I believe you all know our evening’s bartenders.” Butterfly’s voice pulled Gabriella’s attention back to her hostess.
Glancing at the two behind the bar, Gabriella smiled. “Delilah, it is very good to see you again.”
The fair skinned black woman came from around the bar stand and gave Gabriella and Jennifer a hug.
“Nice to see you, again.” Delilah embraced Gabriella then moved to Jennifer. “Pepper, I heard you make the best tamales and I need to get your recipe. Dom Steel loves Mexican food.”
“How about we arrange a date for dinner, then I can bring the ingredients and you can make some with me. It’s my grandmother’s recipe and she only allows us to give it out first hand,” Jennifer offered with a smile.
“You got it. I’ll talk to Dom Steel about having you all over the week after the New Year. How does that sound?”
“Perfect. Dom Meyo and I will look at our calendar and confirm a date.” Jennifer’s eyes lit up with excitement.
Gabriella listen to her the ladies chat, feeling odd and out of place. Everyone around her had a perfect match and was pairing up to do couples activities. She knew if she said something, they would include her in a moment. However, she didn’t like being in places where she was a third or fifth wheel.
“Can I offer you all a drink?” Dom Steel, Delilah’s husband, reached across the bar and shook Meyo’s hand.
Meyo ordered soda, because he was driving and gave permission to Pepper to enjoy some spiked egg nog. Not having a concern for a Dom to permit her in what she ordered, Gabriella ordered a red wine.
When Dom Steel handed it to her, she drank half of it, but slowed down when she noticed the raised eyebrows of the two Doms around her.
They really had no authority to tell her to not drink so much, but she respected them and lowered the glass.
Turning to Pepper, she asked, “Can you come with me into the kitchen so I can get a few bites to eat?”
Jennifer looked at her with concern then spoke to Meyo softly asking if he needed her to bring him anything upon her return to his side. Meyo declined food, but permitted her to leave with a lightly kiss and released Jennifer’s hand.
Just as they were exiting the room, a big man lugging a cooler passed by them and set it down behind Steel and Delilah at the bar.
“Here’s ice, Ridge and Monica,” the man said.
Delilah didn’t catch more than the man’s side profile, for a moment her heart stopped and she stumbled.
“Whoa, you all right?” Jennifer reached out a hand to her arm.
“Um, yea…sure. I just.” The man’s voice was off. Even though he looked a lot like Brad the timbre of his voice was much deeper, the inflections not the same.
“Had a little too much holiday cheer already?” Jennifer chuckled. “Get your sea legs under you, girl.”
“Thanks, Brian,” Ridge, Dom Steel, replied.
“I plan to.” Gabriella lifted her drink and took another liberal swig and noticed that her hands were shaking when they walked into the kitchen. She recalled that Brad had said he had a twin brother. What were the chances that this man was it?
She hadn’t gotten a good look at him, but the profile was telling. Same bald head and build. Gabriella was standing at the aisle now, staring at the food with a loss of appetite. The feeling she’d had the other day when Butterfly had dropped off the invite and later as she was standing on the porch ringing the door better, that something else was going on, was back with a vengeance.
Stepping to Jennifer, who was filling a small plate with cookies and barbeque covered meatballs, Gabriella laid a hand on her arm. “Maybe we should—”
“Brad, you can put that tray of cocktail shrimp on that clear area on the table.” Butterfly’s voice cut Gabriella off.
Gabriella’s ears began to ring and she swore she could hear the blood racing through her veins to her heart speeding it up. It can’t be.
“Ah, here you two are.” The click of Butterfly’s heels announced she was moving closer.
Jennifer looked up and smiled. “Hi, Butterfly, we couldn’t resist your famous cookies any longer.”
“Please, enjoy as much as you want. I wanted to introduce you all to one of my brothers. His twin is around here somewhere, so just look for a duplicate version,” Butterfly joked.
“Brad, this is Jennifer, she’s also known as Pepper,” Butterfly introduced.
“Nice to meet you. Welcome to Charlotte.” Jennifer acknowledged him with a smile from the other side of the island.
“And this is China Doll, but I’m sure she would not mind a vanilla man such as yourself calling her …”
Knowing she would not be able to put it off any longer, Gabriella slowly turned and stared at the man she’d allowed to make love to her all night, two nights ago.
“Gabriella,” Brad finished for Butterfly, however, Gabriella noted his dark brown eyes, matching his sister’s, were wide with surprise.
“Glad you to know each other. Brian is my other brother that here. No worries you can’t miss him, because he looks just like this one.” Smiling, Butterfly patted his arm. “They’re visiting from Baltimore.”
Brad hadn’t stopped staring at her through his sister’s spiel.
He looked good, too good. He was wearing a winter white sweater and charcoal slacks. She could smell his fresh and warm spicy, scent from the three feet that parted them and she shiver with memories of having his arms around her.
“How are you?” His eyes soften as his gaze caressed her face.
“I’m fine. Just fine.” Gulping down the last of her wine, Gabriella set it on the island. “Um, Jennifer…I think I need some air.”
Brad reached for her as she past. “Gabriella…”
Side stepping him, Gabriella didn’t wait for her friend to join her, she headed in the opposite direction of the front door, where people were gathered talking, and prayed she’d find a back door. Moving through a second living room, that was decorated in cream and burnt orange colors, with another Christmas tree in that room, she saw a sliding door.
With thanks, she exited out onto the back porch and inhaled several icy breaths.
“Wow.” Jennifer stepped up beside her. “If I knew I’d be racing around a large house behind you I would have thought twice about wearing these stilettos.”
Glancing down at the gold four inch heels her friend had on her feet, Gabriella felt guilty. “Sorry, Jennifer. I just needed to get out of there for a moment. Too many people. Stuffy.”
Raising an eyebrow, Jennifer stared at her.
Thankfully her friend didn’t call her a liar, Gabriella looked off into the lit b
ackyard.
“How do you know, Mr. Tall and Sexy? I’m assuming he was the one you were running away from.”
“Figured it out did you?”
“Oblivious much?” Jennifer joked.
“Suppose so. He was the man I told you about with Reel.” Gabriella wrapped her arms around her upper body trying to ward off the chill. Her coat would have been nice, but she didn’t feel like going back in to get it just yet.
“The one you submitted to and used to get released from Reel the Jerk.”
Gabriella shot her friend a look and noticed Jennifer had her hands cupped around her mouth warming them.
“Hey, I call them how I see them.”
Not seeing a reason to deny the label, Gabriella stared up at the star filled sky.
“There seemed to be a lot of attraction between you and Mr. Tall and Sexy. Any chance—”
“He’s not Do—…in the lifestyle.” She was going to say that Brad wasn’t Dom material but her mind played back the night they had sex. How he held her, commanded her and took her to a pleasure she’d never experienced before.
“If there’s this much connection between the two of you maybe you should consid—”
“Gabriella.” Brad pushed open the sliding door and stepped out onto the porch.
Jennifer glanced from him to Gabriella. “Um, Dom Meyo is probably looking for me. I’m heading back in.”
Her friend turned and headed into the house.
“I’ll go back in with you.” She started to move past Brad.
He placed a hand on her arm, and waited until she lifted her gaze to his. “Please don’t. I want to talk to you.”
Waving Jennifer on, she turned back to the yard.
“You look very pretty tonight,” Brad began. “I especially like your top.”
There was no need for her to look down she knew he’d figured out that the long white men’s shirt she was wearing was his. She’d cinched it at the waist with a wide read belt and even though the tails of the shift came mid-thigh she wore black slacks under it. Low pumps finished it off.
On a whim she had put it on tonight, enjoying the subtle scent of him still left on it. Now, she realized it had been a foolish choice. “Sorry, I thought about returning it. I just hadn’t gotten around to it.”
