Masters of the Castle: Witness Protection Program

by Maren Smith

  So he was yummy, was he? And fi-ine, with two syllables? It was almost enough to make him consider the possibility of lessening Holly’s punishment. She was still going to get a cropping for leaving the suite without him, but he’d make it good for her. Hadn’t he just told her not to put herself in danger?

  He watched her sit down and take a plate from under one of the metal domes. Lobster tails. She loosened the meat from the shell and, using her fingers, dipped the treat into butter. After shaking off the excess, she bit into the lobster and closed her eyes. Her moan of pleasure made his cock hard faster than he’d thought possible for a thirty-five-year-old man.

  Okay, maybe watching Holly suck butter from her fingers could make him change his mind about her punishment, but not if she ate that second lobster tail. He wouldn’t say it was enough to moan over, but he liked lobster too. He turned his head to the side but she was so entranced with her treat that she didn’t notice.

  “Is this a private party or can anyone join in?”

  To his immense satisfaction, Holly squeaked in surprise and dropped her ill-gotten booty. “Master F—Master Miguel. I’m glad you’re awake. I brought dinner for us.”

  He stood and slipped his sweats over his raging erection then joined her at the table. “First, tell me why you left our suite after I specifically told you to stay in.” He took the plate away from her and took a bite of the delicately steamed flesh.

  The skin between her finely arched brows wrinkled. “You didn’t say that. You said not to put myself at risk again, and I didn’t. I hid in the crowd going downstairs, and on the way back, Mimi and I used the kitchen entrance while Carmen was still eating. He couldn’t have seen me.”

  Damn it. She was right. “Be that as it may, you understood the intent of the rule. Tell me what was so important that you had to go out.”

  She shrugged and picked up her napkin, wringing it with her fingers. “We skipped lunch and you were still asleep. I thought it would be safer for both of us if I brought something up here using the staff exit from the kitchen.” Dropping the twisted cloth, she lifted her head and met his eyes. “And I have some news for you. I’m not sure if it’s good or not.”

  Flint sighed and let it go. She’d obviously thought her plan through and she was probably right. Again. How annoying. “Okay, what is it?”

  “There are a lot of subs wearing blindfolds roaming around the Castle. I don’t know if there’s something going on, but Carmen is pissed. I saw him as I was sneaking through the dining room.”

  He barked out a laugh, nearly choking on his food. “That’s very clever, actually. Grace will be able to hide in plain sight.”

  She pulled the cloche off the rest of their food, revealing an array of steamed and fried seafood, along with raw oysters over ice. Picking up an oyster, she sprinkled a few drops of pepper sauce on it and slid it into her mouth. Once she’d finished swallowing, she said, “I thought so, too, at first.”

  She ate another oyster and Flint watched in fascination as she tilted up her chin to allow the bivalve into her mouth. Her lips closed and she swallowed. Jesus, that was fucking hot. He shook his head to clear the arousal from his brain. “I’m not seeing the problem.”

  “Carmen is many things, but he isn’t stupid. He might see the blindfolds as proof that someone knows he’s here.” She reached for a hush puppy but instead of eating it, she broke the fried cornbread into tiny pieces. “What is so special about Grace Barnes that he would take such a risk staying?”

  Flint took her hand and brought it to his lips. “She witnessed a murder. He won’t let that go, but you’re right about one thing. This is going to make him an absolute pain in my ass until we can get this resolved.”

  “So, what do we do?”

  He liked hearing that we from her too damned much. “First, we’re going to finish this wonderful meal you brought us.” He glanced at the tray, finding another pair of lobster tails. Taking one, he passed the plate to her, but she only picked at it. “We’re going to eat until we’re stuffed and then we’re going to take a bath. After that…” He pulled the meat from the lobster shell and dipped it in butter before holding it out for her. “After that, I’m going to go find Carmen and hopefully misdirect him enough to keep him away from Grace. Open, please.”

  Blinking in surprise, she opened her mouth, allowing him to slip a bite of food inside. She chewed contemplatively and swallowed. He gave her another bite and let her finish the treat as he slid his chair over to sit next to her. He liked feeding her, loved caring for his woman. She wasn’t his, not really, but for just this evening, he could pretend.

  Between them, they cleared almost everything on both trays, including the best key lime pie he’d ever eaten. The only thing that would have improved it would have been a wine selection to complement the food, but he understood and agreed with the restrictions on alcohol in the resort.

  After wiping his mouth, he stood and held out a hand to help her up. “Let’s get in the shower and clean up. After that, I’m going to tuck you in. You’ll sleep while I go look for Carmen.”

  “Yes, Master.”

  As he led her into the bathroom and helped her out of her costume, he said, “I like that. Keep calling me Master instead of using a name. That will be easier to remember.”

  “Okay.”

  He heard the exhaustion in her voice. She probably hadn’t gotten any more sleep than he had. “You do not leave this room until tomorrow morning, and only with me.” He tipped up her chin to make her look at him. “Do you understand?”

  “Yes, Master. I understand.”

  Flint kissed her forehead, letting his lips linger against her soft skin. “Good girl.” He turned on the water, letting it warm before helping her into the tub. Positioning her under the showerhead, he spilled a dollop of shampoo into his hand and worked it through the long strands of her hair.

  She groaned in pleasure as he massaged her scalp, intent on getting rid of the chemical odor from the dye. “That feels nice, Master.”

  “Good. I’m glad you’re enjoying it.” He took the showerhead off the wall and carefully rinsed her hair, grimacing at the red tinted water flowing down the drain. “I’m sorry I asked them to color your hair.” She leaned against him and he bit back a curse as her curvy ass snuggled against his cock.

  “Don’t be,” she said. “Carmen would have recognized me last night if you hadn’t.” She grabbed a sea sponge and added soap from the dispenser, working it into a lather before turning to wash his chest and arms.

  She lingered over his nipple piercings, the soft sponge more tantalizing than anything he’d ever felt. Allowing the showerhead to rinse away the soap, she took one of the barbells into her mouth and sucked.

  Flint tasted good. Clean, hot male, a little salt, and something that was uniquely him. The gold barbell in his nipple banged against her teeth, but she didn’t care. Pulling away, she washed him, scrubbing his torso. She pushed gently to turn him, making him face away from her so she could get his back.

  He was like velvet over steel, solid and warm. Comforting, though his body was a mass of roped muscle and scars. She kissed the puckered scar of a bullet wound on his left shoulder. He’d been through so much, and she sniffed back a few tears at the thought of all he’d endured. Dropping to her knees, she washed his legs then gently pushed his hip to turn him around.

  Even his thick cock was gorgeous. She soaped him, watching avidly as he hardened under her attentive gaze. The sight of creamy pre-cum beading at the tip of his pierced cock made her drool and she took him into her mouth. Damn, he was sweet; a delectable treat better than the pie they’d shared after their meal.

  Flint groaned, his hands delving into her wet hair as he thrust into her mouth. Hollowing her cheeks, Holly tongued the vein on the underside of his cock, relishing his responsive shudder. With a curse, he hauled her to her feet and pushed her against the tiles.

  “Sexy bitch,” he muttered. He picked her up and she wrapped her legs a
round his hips.

  Holly loved when he manhandled her. Stuck between cold tile and a hot man was the absolute best place to be. He muttered nonsensical, filthy things in her ear in a mixture of Spanish and English. She couldn’t understand most of his words, but all of them made her wet. His cock prodded at her soaking pussy and she strained to take him inside her.

  He lowered her gently, allowing her breasts to rasp against his muscular chest. “Condom.”

  She nuzzled his chest, nipping the slabs of muscle. “Drawer under the bathroom sink.”

  Flint threw his wet body out of the shower, nearly falling as he slid across the tiled floor to retrieve protection. When he returned, he slapped a handful of condoms on the shelf next to them. Tearing one open with his teeth, he sheathed himself and hoisted her into his arms once more.

  Holly whimpered as he eased himself inside her. Though she was still a bit sore from their play earlier, she welcomed him. He felt so damned good. Even through the condom, his piercing rubbed every sweet spot she had. Her nipples rasped against his hair-roughened chest as he moved, and his fingers dug into her hips as he held her for his possession. She wasn’t a petite woman, but he made her feel that way when he lifted her then let her fall as he impaled her on his cock, penetrating so deeply she saw stars.

  His deep thrusts drove her to the brink of orgasm. When she cried out in pleasure, he captured the sound with his lips, kissing her deeply. Their tongues meshed and dueled for control, teeth clicking together as he dominated the kiss as easily as he’d taken control of her body. Her fingers dug into his shoulders and she let her head fall back against the tiles. His evening stubble rasped against the delicate skin of her throat as he continued kissing her.

  “Touch yourself, Holly. I want you to come all over me,” he growled.

  Obediently, she slid her hand between their bodies and tweaked her clit. Letting out a gasp, she spasmed around him. God, she was so damned close! She could feel the latex of the condom against her fingers as she worked the sensitive bit of flesh, his hoarse breathing loud over the sound of water.

  She stared into his soft brown eyes. His pupils were blown with arousal and a vein throbbed in his temple. He didn’t look like a man who was fucking; no, he was making love to her. The idea that they shared a connection like that filled her with heat even though she knew nothing could come of a relationship between them. “Master, I’m going to—”

  “Come, now!”

  As if her body had been waiting for his order, she allowed the explosive sensation of a tooth-rattling orgasm to fill her. Her pussy clamped down on him and he groaned as he thrust inside her one last time. His dick swelled, twitching as he released into the condom. He lowered his head to her shoulder, his chest shaking with exertion.

  Holly let Flint hold her as he tried to regain his breath, enjoying the feel of his arms banded around her. Too soon, he loosened his tight grip around her waist and allowed her to slide to the floor as he held the condom in place. Slipping it off, he knotted it and laid it on the lip of the tub for later disposal.

  “I have to tell you something.” His cheeks reddened and he touched his forehead to hers. “When we… I mean, this morning…” He pulled away, though not far enough to let her go. “I should have told you earlier, but the condom broke. If something happens, I—”

  She laid a finger over his lips, unwilling to hear him tell her he wouldn’t be sticking around if she ended up pregnant. With his career, how could he? “Don’t worry. I’m on birth control, and I’m free of disease. Nothing will happen.”

  Was that a flash of disappointment she saw in his eyes? No, it couldn’t be. She was mistaking relief for disappointment.

  “Okay. Good.” He bent to turn off the water and stepped out of the tub as he reached for a towel. Handing her one, he said, “I’m clean, too.”

  A knock sounded at the door to their suite, making Holly flinch. She knew who it had to be, and suddenly wanted to hide Flint and keep him away from Carmen.

  Flint held a finger to his lips and turned the water back on. “Stay in the bathroom until we’re gone. I’m going to have to go with him, but I’ll try not to be gone too long.”

  Wrapping herself in the heavy towel, she nodded. “I know. I just wish—”

  Lowering his head, Flint kissed her, cutting off her words. “Behave yourself and stay in the suite. If I find out you’ve left, you won’t sit comfortably for a week.” He stole another kiss and tapped her nose. “Understand?”

  Holly tried to smile, but she didn’t think it was successful. “Yes, Master.”

  He didn’t return the smile. Instead, he stroked her hair, bringing a wet strand to his lips. “Good girl. Let the water run until you hear us leave.”

  “Okay.”

  After stealing another kiss, Flint left, closing the door behind him. Holly got out of the tub. Pressing her ear against the door, she heard the outer door open, then Carmen’s voice. Unfortunately, she couldn’t hear what he said over the sound of the water and she didn’t dare turn it off. The old glass against the door trick worked, though. She reached for one of the glasses set on the shelf above the sink. Unwrapping it from its plastic, she held it to the door.

  The handle turned and she held back a scream.

  Chapter 12

  Flint scowled as he wrapped the towel around his waist. Though Carmen hadn’t cock blocked him this time, it had been a near thing, and he resented not being able to enjoy the afterglow from making love to Holly. He’d wanted to cuddle her and fall asleep in her warm arms, but duty called. Opening the door, he let Carmen in, careful to keep his expression blank.

  “Where’s your ho?” Carmen asked, smirking when he glanced across the room at the mussed bed and the remains of their meal.

  Flint scrubbed at his wet hair with the towel. Wasn’t it obvious where she was? Carmen couldn’t have missed the sound of water from the bathroom, or the fact that Flint was wet. “In the shower. She worked me pretty hard today.”

  “Glad to see you’re enjoying yourself, but it’s time to get to work. We have one more day to get this shit done.” Glancing at the closed door, Carmen scowled. “What’s taking her so long in there, anyway?”

  Tossing the towel aside, Flint grabbed his kilt and vest, dressing quickly. “Who knows? Women’s stuff, probably. I have no idea what kind of shit they do.” Slipping his feet into his boots, he laced them and stood. “Ready?”

  To his horror, Carmen crossed the room and turned the knob on the bathroom door. Before Flint could stop him, he’d pushed the door open.

  Breathing out a sigh of relief, Flint felt his heart start beating again when he saw Holly’s silhouetted form against the shower curtain. Her back was to them and she stood directly under the shower head, her hair streaming in the water.

  Carmen snorted and closed the door. Giving Flint an evil smirk, he said, “She’s got a nice ass for a fat chick.”

  Instead of beating Carmen to a pulp, Flint shrugged. “Everybody’s got their preferences, boss. I’m a big guy and I like a girl I don’t have to worry about breaking.”

  Throwing back his head, Carmen laughed. “I knew there must be a reason you go after the chunky ones. You’d have liked that chick with the weird eyes I dated a few years back. Remember her? You said something about her weight back then. Guess she was too fat, even for you.”

  “Not really. There’s been too many women to bother with learning their names.” Grabbing his keycard, Flint asked, “You ready to get started?”

  “Yeah. We have only one thing to do tonight, though.” Grinning, Carmen pulled a card skimmer from his pocket and held it up. “I found out where the blind bitch is, but getting a key card to access the third floor is going to be a pain in my ass. I’ll make one instead.”

  Flint examined the tiny device. Made of black plastic, it would be almost undetectable when it was installed against the locking mechanism blocking their access to the third floor. It was an elegant and foolproof way to get what they needed
, and he was surprised Carmen had thought of it himself. Even if it was found, nobody would know who’d put it there, as long as they were careful to block the cameras.

  “Good idea, boss.”

  “Of course, it is,” Carmen snapped. “All my ideas are good.”

  Flint wanted to argue but there was little point. Carmen was more likely to spray a crowded room with bullets to kill one man than he was to quietly slit his target’s throat in a bathroom. He was dangerously unpredictable and cared nothing about collateral damage.

  Despite the hour, people still wandered around the resort, including several submissives wearing blindfolds. They all looked happy and were obviously having the time of their lives. Flint still hadn’t gotten used to the amount of skin being shown. Men and women of all shapes and sizes wore next to nothing. It was charming, and strangely freeing. Holly had been lucky to find this place. It existed out of the normal stream of humanity, and he could see the attraction.

  They reached the door leading to the third level of the Castle. A small sign posted at eye level read, ‘Authorized personnel only.’ Turning his back to Carmen, Flint blocked him from the view of passersby and cameras with his larger body.

  A few seconds later, Carmen nudged him in the back. “Done,” he whispered. “We’ll stick around and wait for someone to use a card.”

  They hid in an unused playroom just around the corner from the door leading upstairs. Twenty minutes later, Master Marshall used his card and held the door open for his pregnant secretary, then followed her into the stairwell. Flint waited a few minutes and nonchalantly retrieved the skimmer. Returning, he bent his head close to Carmen’s and, speaking softly, said, “That was Master Marshall.”