Assumed Master

by Lila Munro

  "I love you."

  "I love you, too."

  As he leaned in to kiss her, Julie warmed to his touch. If nothing else, this week sealed the fact she was living proof it was possible to love more than one person in a lifetime, at a time. And Blake was correct when he explained to her that no two loves were quite the same.

  "Need help with your laces?" he asked, pulling back and touching their foreheads.

  "Of course she does," Blake piped up from the doorway. "She’s not an acrobat, after all. How would she lace herself up?"

  "I used to be an acrobat," Julie argued, moving out of Dante’s arms. "Long ago and far away. When my knees didn’t creak and crack and my wrists didn’t ache from hours of working on texts."

  "Well, love, we all used to be acrobats. Only some of us understand we’re not anymore." Dante motioned for her to turn once she had the corset secured to her front so he could begin cinching her up. "Isn’t that right, slave? Did you drink your joint juice this morning?"

  "Yes, Master, I did," Blake answered, rolling his eyes. "Which black skirt are you wearing, pumpkin?"

  "I thought about the suede," Julie said, questioning her choice now that she saw the look on Blake’s face. "But maybe the leather?"

  "Definitely the leather," Dante said, working the lacings tighter and tighter.

  An hour later, Dante led Julie down the grand staircase, followed closely by Blake. For a moment, Julie was taken back to a time almost twenty years ago. The first time she attended a play party had been at Allen’s. The party where she met Mason. She remembered that dreadful dress Blake helped her pick out and how hot it was that July. The humidity hung so thick for the entire month one would have thought they were in London for it laying in the lowlands like fog at certain times of the day. As she looked down at all the people mingling, people she didn’t know and was relieved wouldn’t judge her for moving on, her throat grew dry and taut. Before she let her nerves get the best of her, Mason’s voice drifted through her mind, reminding her of a few important things.

  "Dante is safe. He won’t force you. You know that. I chose him for a reason. You’re such a smart woman and so funny. You deserve to be happy. You remember how to do this. Be safe, angel."

  A shiver made its way up her spine and settled at her nape setting the tiny hairs there on end. There was no way Mason was talking to her now. Julie knew within reason she was reassuring herself of those things, just as he would have if he were here. The fact that she told herself those things in his voice was a bit unnerving. She made a mental note not to do that anymore. It was spooky.

  Taking a deep breath, she squeezed Dante’s forearm, hoping he didn’t notice how damp her palm was which was about as likely as the moon turning purple.

  "Take another breath, love." He tucked her fingertips in his palm and squeezed. "You look beautiful."

  "Thank you, Master," she answered, doing as instructed, drawing a cleansing breath and counting to ten as they stepped off the landing to the main floor, Blake a couple of steps behind Dante. Before she had time to change her mind and run back upstairs, Dante led them into the crowd.

  "Good evening," Allen greeted in the foyer with a crooked smile. "You look delicious, Julie."

  "Thank you, Master Allen. It’s nice to be back," Julie said, hanging on to Dante’s forearm for dear life. "It’s a good feeling to feel pretty and wanted again."

  Truth be told, this was the boys’ first party since October. In essence, they were back as well. Carving out time for fun and games was a trick in and of itself sometimes. With the boys turning seventeen it was harder and harder to carve out time. Dante and Blake were as forthcoming and honest as they thought appropriate for the twins’ age, but there were still limits on how much they would allow them to be privy to or see. Once they were eighteen, as many answers as they wanted would be afforded, but for now seeing the trio in full party regalia was still taboo. It was then a disheartening thought hit Julie fully in the gut. What if Gav was having a play party all his own in Vermont?

  "What is it, love?" Dante asked, pulling her to the side and tilting her chin up to look in her eyes. "Second thoughts now that we’re down here?"

  "No, Master. I just had the most horrible thought. What if Gavril is having as much sex this week as we are?" she gushed. "What if the neighbor man’s right and I’m a freak and I rubbed off on them and…"

  "Jules, stop," Dante commanded. "Slow down and take a breath, woman."

  Julie started to shake and Blake directed them toward an alcove off the main room where Dante sat her on a bench then squatted in front of her, taking her hands in his.

  "Look at me," he said, when her eyes darted everywhere but toward his he got a little more firm with her. "I said, look at me. Now."

  Her head flew up and she concentrated on his eyes, letting him draw her in. "I’m sorry, Master," she said, sucking in air like it would all disappear if she didn’t.

  "No, don’t be sorry, just listen to me. We’ve done the best we can with the boys. Would anything have stopped you at that age?"

  Julie’s heart thumped as she shook her head. "No, Master, but I wasn’t a very good kid. Our kids are good kids…"

  "Exactly. They’re great kids. They’ll do things we don’t want them to, but they’re as equipped as they can possibly be. You did a great job with Gav. He knows what to do when and if the time comes. You have to trust in that and let it go." Dante ran his thumb over her quivering chin then cupped her face. "And you’re not a freak. I think what a freak is, is a matter of perception. I think the asshole next door’s a freak, he thinks we’re freaks. Who’s right, who’s wrong? Does it matter? As long as we’re happy, fuck what they think."

  "I just remember how cruel the world can be for kids. I don’t want to cause them any undue stress or hurt."

  "Jules, love. Those boys worship the ground you walk on. I’d venture to say they’d kick the shit out of anyone that thought ill of you or tried to say anything bad. You’re their mother."

  "Okay…okay, it’ll be okay then. Right?" Julie took another deep breath and the uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach eased.

  "Right. And this is our last night of vacation. Let’s enjoy it and not spend it worrying about all that shit back home. Okay?"

  "Yes, Master. No more obsessing."

  "Good," Dante said, standing and pulling her back to her feet.

  As they started walking around the ballroom toward the French doors that led outside, although a part of her heart twisted at the absence of Mason, something inside Julie felt as though she'd come home. The sight of naked subs running through the rooms in what would be useless attempts at outrunning their Doms, the smell of leather and latex, cologne and sex, the sounds of whips coming down on heated flesh. All of it settled across her as though a long lost friend had been rediscovered and a gentle, almost nostalgic, happiness enveloped her, holding the heart ache and worry at bay.

  They found Allen standing at the edge of the patio looking out over the back yard where a rather lewd game of Twister was going on. Julie laughed at the fact it wasn’t human lawn darts or some such thing. She was familiar with the rules and felt a bit sorry, albeit it laced with envy, for the sub currently trying to keep her oily body upright. She had her right foot on a giant yellow dot while her left big toe barely skimmed a red dot between her hip and shoulder. One hand touched a blue splotch above her head and her other arm was stretched beneath her torso where her palm was touching a green patch. Her Dom had strapped a butterfly between her legs which was currently humming a tune across her clit making it nearly impossible for her to stay in position as she huffed for breath, willing her orgasm at bay as the handsome young man in a snappy pair of leathers stood watching.

  "If you come before I tell you to, I’ll take a crop to your ass," he told her, turning up the speed on the device. He laughed when she jumped. "Don’t fall. I hate losing."

  Julie knew house rules dictated the sub that fell in the least amount of time lost the
game for her Dom and the punishments usually weren’t pretty. Although they were almost always satisfying in the end.

  "Did I tell you yet how amazing you look? Sure you wouldn’t rather bottom for me tonight, sweetheart?" Allen asked, turning and looking at Julie. "We could give them a run for their money I’m sure."

  "Not likely, Sir," Julie answered, walking into his arms and letting him envelope her in a warm embrace that slid over her soul like honey on a hot biscuit. "Maybe ten years ago, when I could still contort this body like a pretzel and not pay for it the next morning."

  Since first meeting her and figuring out they weren’t chemically in tune with each other, Allen had been through two wives and was currently seeking number three. It seemed no matter how much chemistry he could create with someone, it was the heart department where he had a hard time finding a match. And although they'd agreed from the get-go they could never be anything more than friends, she knew Allen had never let go of the idea he and Julie could service each other when the mood struck and he'd even teased Mason relentlessly about it over the years. Now she supposed he felt it his duty to pass that teasing on to Dante, an inheritance he probably found much less appealing than ownership of her.

  "You always made a perfectly gorgeous pretzel, though," Allen offered, pulling back and planting a kiss on her forehead.

  "You flatter me, Sir." Julie smiled and looked around at the bevy of what she assumed were subs on the prowl, hunting Masters. "Anyone on the marriage radar screen yet?"

  Allen merely rolled his eyes, a twinkle erupting, and Julie knew it was a resounding no and he wasn’t even giving it serious thought. "I’m vetting. Think any of them can be the queen of my castle if only for a night and in title only?" He ran a suggestive finger under Julie’s chin and tilted her head up. "What say you, sweetheart? See anyone worthy?"

  Definitive amusement tugged at Julie. That was the way it had always been. This was indeed Allen’s castle and he ran it like a king ran his court. Club parties were merely outlets for which all the subjects of the kinky kingdom came to entertain and be entertained. Then her heart sank a bit at the look in his amber colored eyes she couldn’t quite place, but recognized as something akin to defeat. Alan was nearly old enough to retire, but he was far from dead. What the hell was going on?

  "I think it would take a very strong woman to stand up to the likes of you, Sir," she answered, trying to bolster his ego a bit.

  "Love, would you like to keep Allen company for a while?" Dante offered.

  "Could I?"

  "Allen, keep an eye on her?" he asked, giving Allen a look that said anything happens to her and you’re a dead man.

  "Of course. And have no fear, my friend, she's perfectly safe with me. Go have a good time. No telling when you’ll be able to sneak away again."

  "Master Allen?" Julie turned toward him and winked as Dante led Blake down the lanai steps toward the willows lining the creek bed behind the house. "I’m hungry. Can I get you a plate?"

  "I’d love that." Allen turned her loose and patted her bottom as she left his side, headed for the buffet room.

  Julie grabbed a plate and got in line behind another couple, a Domme and her charge. They appeared to be in the twenty-something range and neither looked entirely comfortable or sure of their roles. This was probably what was bothering Allen. While they were all getting older and older, the people coming in to their circle were getting younger and younger. That was no excuse to give up, however. Had Mason had his way, Julie would have been atop him in the hospital bed taking orders like a good girl until his last breath. Funny Allen had waited until almost sixty years to have his mid-life crisis.

  "Excuse me, I don’t mean to be out of line or pry," a voice prodded from Julie’s right as a female hand landed on her forearm. "I was wondering. How many of those men share you? Or maybe they don’t? Not that it matters I suppose…"

  "What is your point?" Julie asked, not knowing whether to be irritated by the girl’s forward personality or give her kudos for being so sure of herself as to just ask what she wanted to know. Everyone knew it was rude to pry into the relationships of others unless the information was put out there for scrutiny or the participating parties brought it up first. Not to mention, this wasn’t even her circle. Julie didn’t know any of these people from Adam. "I know I don’t know you and you sure don’t know me. Maybe I’m the one that should be asking so many questions."

  "I’m sorry. I’m a little bit new to all this. My name’s Nicki." The black-haired, blue-eyed, no bigger than a minute woman stuck her hand out. When Julie didn’t make a move to accept it, she withdrew it and twisted her mouth up a bit on one side. "Sorry again. You must be a Madame and I’ve overstepped even further."

  "How old are you?" Julie asked, examining Nicki from head to toe. She didn’t look a day over seventeen.

  "Twenty-six."

  "And who are you here with?"

  "Am I in trouble?"

  "No, you’re not. I just want to know what poor excuse for a Dom left you to wander alone." Placing a few bacon wrapped scallops on her plate, Julie tilted her head toward the side. "Grab a plate and come with me. You’re thin as a rail. I myself like to eat. I think it’s unnatural not to."

  "I…uh…okay?" Nicki snatched a plate from the stack and fell in beside Julie as the line moved forward.

  "Well, who are you with?"

  "Linn Dabney."

  "Layne Dabney’s younger brother? I had no idea he was in Savannah this week. No wonder you’re lost." Julie grabbed a couple of steak skewers, dunked them in an Asian sauce, and placed them on the side of her plate before moving forward. "I don’t see anything on your plate yet."

  "Oh, sorry," Nicki mumbled, taking a couple of shrimp.

  "Two shrimp does not a meal make," Julie said, picking up a few more and placing them on the girl’s plate. "Eat like you mean it. Most Doms like a girl that enjoys her food. They also like the results, a well-padded ass."

  "Oh, I’m not a sub."

  "You’re not?" She had to stifle a laugh. "Well, we’ll see about that part. Shelby, that’s Linn’s sister-in-law, didn’t think she was either. Now, where is your Dom anyway?"

  "I don’t know, ma’am."

  "I’m not a ma’am. I’m…" Julie remembered a time she’d have used Marie or Chelsea or Hayden in a pinch. "I’m just Julie. Julie Seidler."

  Nicki gasped and nearly dropped her plate. "You’re Mason’s wife?"

  "You’ve heard of Mason?" Julie knew her face probably held as much shock as young Nicki’s did.

  "Yes, who hasn’t?"

  She posed a good point. Mason was well-known in many circles of the lifestyle. It shouldn’t have surprised Julie a perfect stranger had heard of him.

  "Yes, I was." It came out as a squeaky whisper then realizing it wasn’t this girl’s fault she wasn’t being properly trained, she bolstered herself a bit. "We had a lot of good years together, but as circumstances would have it, I’m moving on."

  "I’m sorry. I had no idea. How could I really? Right? The bits I get from Linn don’t always come with explanations or details. He told me about you getting willed to someone else, but he failed to point out when he explained who Dante was that you were the one."

  "You’re really rather chatty, aren’t you?" It irritated her to no end that Linn had such loose lips.

  "Is that a problem?"

  "I have the same problem when I get nervous," Julie admitted. Perusing the desserts end, she chose two mini-cheesecakes for her plate then put one on Nicki’s. "That and I organize. And cook. A lot." She grabbed a napkin and smiled. "Now come with me, Miss Nicki. You’re done messing with the likes of Linn Dabney. He's truly an ass of the highest order. I have back up on this so no arguments and if he tries to dispute me, well, he’ll find himself on the wrong end of two scrappy Masters."

  Chapter Sixteen

  "And who might this be?" Allen asked as Julie returned with the now quiet young woman in tow.

  "This would be
Nicki," Julie answered, handing him a plate full of treats before using his thighs as support to lower herself between his legs then reclaimed their dinner. "She was with that damn Linn Dabney, but I’ve remedied that. She’s with us for the rest of the night. Which reminds me, Sir." She shot him a dazzling smile. "I’d be most grateful if you broke that news to him."

  "Well, I’d say by that course of action you really are ready to get back in the swing of things," Allen said, picking up a scallop and ripping the bacon from around it before popping it in his mouth, the entire time his eyes not on Julie but on the dark haired girl still standing as if uncertain what to do next. "Sit, Nicki. Since you’re no longer with that damn Linn Dabney, you may take a seat anywhere. Does that damn Linn Dabney need to be sent packing from the premises with his ass in his hand?"

  Nicki sat in a chair and settled her plate on her knees, her eyes darting around the whole time, absorbing everything.

  "I believe he’s talking to you," the man sitting on a bench along the outer edges of the patio offered. "I have no idea who this damn Linn Dabney is, but if he bothered either of you beauties, I’ll do the honors myself if need be."

  "Me?" Nicki asked, popping a Greek olive in her mouth. "And what say do I have in it?"

  "She has a lot to learn," Julie said, offering Allen another scallop, wondering who the burly man on the bench thought he was butting in without invitation.

  "Confused is she?" Alan returned, licking her thumb once he’d sucked the bit of seafood between his lips.

  "Quite. I’m thinking we need to find someone to take her under his wing and teach her."

  "And what makes you so sure she’s a sub?" Allen asked, his eyes once again roaming over the girl who was clearly overdressed to be a sub, yet had all the right mannerisms.

  "Sir, no offense, but I think a sub knows another when she sees one. Besides, sub, Domme, switch. None of that matters. She doesn’t need to be around the likes of…"

  "That damn Linn Dabney?" the mystery man interrupted as the corners of his mouth turned up. "Allen, would you be so kind as to introduce me?"