Master

by Raven McAllan

  The penthouse overlooked the river in one direction and the rooftops of the city in the other. Church spires vied with tenements, and chimneys hogged the view. He thought it was a good idea the floor to ceiling window was one-way glass. If, and it was a mighty big if, he found someone he wanted to play with, and they were willing, he didn't think the good citizens of Glasgow would be too impressed to see his sub Shibari-tied and gagged and enjoying a flogging. Cade chuckled to himself. Not that that scenario was likely. As a teacher, he never played on his home turf with people he may be tutoring, and the same went for displays. Cade decided he didn't have a cat in hell's chance of anything other than his demonstrations happening. He just hoped the club owner, Linsey someone, had sorted out the necessary for his evening's work. Otherwise she could whistle. Not even to see if this Anna person was his Diana would he compromise his reputation.

  Daisy had organized everything in the apartment in her usual efficient manner. He blessed the day when, even though they both agreed he was not the Dom for her, and she was not the sub for him, she'd taken over his business affairs and left him to concentrate on what he did best. Teaching other Doms how to give their subs all they needed, and more.

  With a last look at the setting sun over the river and the buildings beyond, Cade left the lounge and headed for the master bedroom. He dumped his case on the stand provided and stretched to get rid of some of the kinks in his body. The phrase made him grin. Not all of them, he hoped. Cade wrinkled his nose as he caught site of himself in a full-length mirror. Crumpled and rumpled was too mild a description. It was time to freshen up and find the club. Maybe he'd see what happened if he tried to pop in.

  Standing under a stream of water in one of the most powerful showers he'd ever experienced, Cade pondered the club rules and regulations Linsey had emailed him along with opening hours and activities. Nothing outside his sphere of understanding and all sensible. If only he could find out whether Diana—Anna, he corrected himself—would be manning the reception desk. He had no intention of meekly meeting her for the first time in front of her boss.

  ****

  Several hours later, after a superb meal in a fish restaurant in the Merchant City area, he walked briskly along streets that for a mid-week evening were somewhat busy. Dressed in conservative black jeans and a short-sleeved, dark grey shirt, he looked like any other visitor to the city out for a meal. Until you saw the raw strength of him, that was. More than one Ned glanced in his direction and looked away again.

  Cade smiled, dark and dangerous. He'd been told about Ned's, the petty criminals of the city, but knew his aura was very much one of … 'leave me alone and I'll do the same to you. Don't and you'll suffer, not me'.

  He crossed a busy square, gave a cursory glance at the statues, surprised at the number of people milling around. Of course, he mused, tourists were out and about, and this far north it was the time of the year when it stayed light until very late.

  Blessed with a great sense of direction and an almost photographic memory, he made his way across town. He began to plot, not really paying a great deal of attention to his surroundings. The blaring of car horns and the rumble of buses hardly penetrated into his mind.

  An obliging Daisy had somehow managed to check that indeed Anna would be on reception for the earlier part of the club's opening hours, and Cade planned his arrival to coincide with the time she was due to be relieved. Linsey had promised him someone to show him round, and he knew the very person.

  Chapter Two

  Anna glanced at her watch, relieved it was almost time for her to hand the desk over to Athol, the tall, effeminate-looking black belt in Judo who worked the later shift on reception. His pretty boy looks were deceiving, and many an unwary customer had thought he'd be a pushover, only to find they were the ones pushed over, and none too politely either.

  Thursdays were her least favorite night of the week, and it was rare she was asked to work them. However, Carly, the main receptionist, had begged for the night off. Her Royal Marine husband was home on leave, and they wanted to play in the club. As much as the thought of doing so in front of however many people who cared to watch made her shudder, Anna wouldn't deny them the opportunity. She'd agreed to work and had smiled when Carly had offered to repay the favor at any time. Just because she wasn't interested in baring her body, let alone her soul in front of others, didn't mean she'd condemn anyone who wanted to.

  The actual scening excited her; it was the thought of the watchers that didn't. There had been a rhyme Caden had showed her many years ago that she often repeated to herself.

  My kink may not be your kink, and yours may not be mine. Whatever… If they're safe, sane, and consensual, then everything is fine. She had no problems with people having kinks. She knew she had plenty, and she'd enjoyed them when… She blocked those thoughts out before she had to disappear and find her bullet.

  The ornate double doors at the back of the room opened, and Linsey walked into the reception area, wearing a long blue evening dress. What she had on underneath Anna didn't care to speculate. The reception area was strictly vanilla, much to Anna's relief. She'd never once passed through those doors and never intended to. Linsey joked Anna must be the only person in the world who worked in a BDSM club and didn't ever venture inside. Even going into their offices Anna used a separate entrance.

  Linsey walked across to the imposing desk Anna sat behind and perched on the edge.

  "All okay, hon?"

  Anna nodded. "It's quiet."

  "It's early. The main players won't be in for another hour or so yet. Talking of players, Carly's Ian had a lovely striped ass, and both he and Carly are going to be ever so grateful to you, I reckon."

  Anna couldn't stop the shiver that ran through her body, and she swallowed.

  I cannot be sick. She knew the shiver wasn't only fear; however, Anna was one of those people who sometimes showed extreme emotions by throwing up. It had made for some embarrassing moments in the past.

  She could only hope Linsey either didn't see her reaction or chose not to comment. Of course being Linsey, she did see and did comment.

  "Anna, honey, it isn't all bad, you know. You should try it again. I'll be happy to ease you back into the lifestyle anytime you want."

  The trouble was Anna knew who was the only person she wanted to do that, and he came with too many extras for her to contemplate it. Even if he still wanted her, and somehow she doubted it.

  A buzz sounded, and Linsey looked at the tiny pager strapped to her wrist.

  "Damn, duty calls. That’s Antonia ready for my help. Remember what I said, if you want to feel the sting, I'm the person to show you. The club is there for you." She smiled and walked towards the members’ rooms.

  Anna pressed the button to release the lock and allow Linsey through the doors.

  She let out her breath in a whoosh. Why, when the idea of being on show revolted her was she wet, and her thong damp? The thought of anything to do with the play in public part of the lifestyle terrified her. The old familiar feeling of clammy skin and pins and needles in her arms began to bombard her. Her vision became blurry, and she began to pant.

  Oh god, no not here and now. With enough presence of mind to turn her chair around to let herself put her head down, Anna took deep breaths and waited for the ringing in her ears to go away. She hadn't had an attack for years, and now that was twice in a matter of days. Damn Linsey, she knew not to mention anything about the lifestyle. It was easier to show a dislike for everything rather than try to explain things she wanted to forget. What with worrying when Caden was going to turn up, Linsey talking about Ian's and Carly's enjoyment had been the last straw. Obviously Linsey had decided she wasn't going to let Anna bury her head in the sand any longer. Anna wished Linsey had held off a bit longer, at least until the dreaded visit from Caden. Once that date was firmed up, Anna was taking holidays. Or calling in sick. Or leaving. The knowledge that she may have to speak to him, that he might want explanations terrif
ied her, even though the thought of seeing him again had her vibrator on high.

  Cool hands on the back of her neck made her scream. She jerked her head up and hit a wall of hard body. Hard male body.

  "It's okay. Take long, deep breaths. Breath through it: let it flow over you."

  The voice rumbled through her, and her nipples became hard, tight, tense, nubs as if someone had clamped them. Oh fuck, that’s all I need, my bloody body responding to his voice like that.

  The hands—Caden's hands, there was no doubt in her mind it was him—began to massage her neck. The memories flooded back. Things she had been suppressing for years.

  No, please let me be. I can't feel for him again, not if I value my sanity. Against everything her body demanded, Anna struggled upright and shrugged her shoulders. To her vexation he didn't let go of her, and if anything his hands tightened.

  "Let go of me." To her intense annoyance, her voice was thready and not at all assertive. It was no wonder he ignored it, and Anna began to struggle.

  "Stop it." He was all authority. Anna's clit responded automatically. Her pussy walls tightened, and her juices collected before coating her thighs. Her breath hitched, and she gasped. All of a sudden her throat was dry, and she needed fresh air. By-herself-no-wet dream-inducing-man-around fresh air. He was still kneading her neck as he rubbed each spot he knew was guaranteed to arouse her even more. The chuckle he gave was the last straw. Anna remembered something he'd taught her about self-defense all those years ago, gathered her fast dispersing senses, and used it. He doubled up with an oufft, as her elbows hit his torso. His hold on her slackened, and Anna twisted out of his grasp and almost sprinted around her desk. She mentally thanked whichever god watching over her that day had not let her conscience trouble her over wearing ballet flats. Anna had never worn a pair of heels since that fateful night so long ago, and had no intention of ever doing so again. It had been one stipulation, along with her never having to enter the main club that swayed whether or not she accepted the position. When she had applied for it, although she'd wondered about Dommissima, the job description had swayed her misgivings about applying. When Linsey had agreed to her demands, she'd accepted the position and from day one enjoyed it all. Anna had no worries about other people enjoying the lifestyle; she just knew it wasn't for her. Not now. Not again.

  The look on Caden's face was almost enough to have her on her knees before him. Almost.

  Intervention in the shape of Linsey coming through from the club stopped Anna from doing something very silly. In her mind, if she'd have had time to react to him, she'd have made a fool of herself. Or heaven forbid, done something that would have cost her her job. Linsey glanced from one to the other and obviously summed the situation up.

  "Master McCourt?" Unless you knew her, you would never know the smile was forced, and the concern in her eyes was for Anna. As Anna did know her, she was somewhat comforted by the thought that Linsey would protect her.

  Oh god, I'm losing it. What has Linsey got to protect me from? He's not into force, and I'm sure as hell not into agreeing to anything he wants. Anna concentrated on regulating her breathing and watched as Caden exerted his charm on Linsey.

  Linsey might not be into men, but Anna saw the exact moment Cade won her boss and friend over. It was no wonder he was at the top of his tree. His presence was enough to command respect at a dozen paces.

  "I know it's unexpected, but I found myself in the area," he said suavely. "And as we agreed, I would like to look round before my evening of demos"

  "You can't," Anna said. "You haven't registered. It'd be illegal." Oh god, word vomit, shut up.

  He raised one eyebrow in a manner that would have had every sub in the vicinity on their knees and trembling. In fact, once upon a time, Anna would have been the first person to assume the position. No longer. She glared at him.

  "Anna, Master McCourt is…"

  Anna didn't give Linsey a chance to finish. "With respect, Linsey, I know who he is, and I know the rules. You're not getting shut down because one person doesn’t follow them."

  "You're right." Cade spoke before either woman could. "If you find me a copy to read and sign, I'll gladly do so, and then perhaps someone can show me round?"

  Anna ignored him. It was up to Linsey to sort all that out. She stalked around her desk and glared at him, as he stood unmoving next to her chair.

  "Excuse me." She waited until he took a step back and opened a drawer. Anna handed a sheaf of papers and a pen to him and moved away. "Use my desk," she said. "I won't need it any longer." She looked at Linsey, who gave a faint shrug, as if to say there wasn't anything she could do. Anna didn't believe that for one minute. "Where's Athol?" she asked, as she realized there was nothing else she could say or do to dissuade Caden from his chosen plan. "He's late."

  "I'm here, sweet thing." Athol walked across the room and enveloped her in his usual effusive bear hug. "I had to sort out some dickhead who thought I would turn a trick for a tenner. Cheapskate. I told him not for a thousand, I have my standards." He roared with laughter, a deep belly laugh so at odds with his persona. "Oh and who's this?" He looked Cade up and down.

  Anna grinned at him. There was no way she could project her nerves onto Athol. "Ask Linsey to explain. I'm away home."

  Caden put the pen down and looked up at her. For the first time since he'd walked through the door, he was focused on Anna, and she felt the familiar tingle of arousal as the flames of need began to flicker through her.

  "I thought perhaps you would show me around." Cade spoke to her, and his deep voice filled her, focusing all her attention on him.

  Outside a car horn sounded, and Anna blinked and jumped, her concentration broken. She could only think she'd had a lucky escape.

  "Sorry, I'm finished for the day. Oh, and Linsey?" She looked at her boss who smiled, although it didn't reach her eyes.

  "Linsey, I'm just mentioning this and please accept it's not a threat, it's a promise. If I find that somehow, someone has told Caden where I live, or I'm visited or bothered by him, you can take that as my notice."

  A guilty look flickered over Linsey's face, and Anna knew her suspicions were correct. This visit was no accident. And she was certain Cade knew where she lived. That was it; she was leaving, and not just the club.

  "Understand?"

  Linsey nodded, as her eyes flickered from Anna to Cade and back again. Behind her, Athol stood as still as a statue.

  The telephone broke up the tableau. Anna looked at it and then at Athol. He took the hint and lifted the receiver.

  Anna flexed her fingers to relieve the pins and needles in them.

  "Good, I'm glad we all understand each other." She keyed in the password of the closet, retrieved her handbag and coat and walked out.

  Chapter Three

  Cade watched the only woman he could say he loved walk away from him again and swore under his breath.

  "Fuck, that went well."

  “Oh god, I'm so sorry. I was sure it would be okay." Linsey sounded as if she was going to cry. “After Anna explained everything and then you did…" She stopped and shook her head.

  Cade touched her arm, pleased that all he felt was compassion. He was conscious of Athol standing silently beside them. Not that anything needed to be explained to the other man, but he still wasn't prepared to talk in front of him.

  Linsey took a deep breath. "Ah, er yes, so um would you like to look round?"

  He shook his head. "I would, but I'm not going to, not now. Don't worry, I'll not renege. I hope to hell I'm not about to lose you a P.A., but I'm going after her. I'll ring you." He strode to the door and then turned abruptly. "Shit, I've not got my car. Where can I get a taxi?"

  "There's one outside." Athol spoke to him. "It's obvious there's more to this than it seems, and I'm guessing you’re her ex. Yes, she told me ages ago when we both had a drunken confess-fest. I think you need to listen to her, make her talk." He grinned. "Tell her it’s the will of the tribe
. She'll understand."

  Cade nodded. He'd no idea what the other man meant but decided it was words of acceptance of sorts.

  As Athol had said, there was a cab outside the door. The driver, a burly Glaswegian with an accent so thick Cade only understood one word in ten, drove as if he was Scotland's latest Formula One champion, and covered the miles across the city at a rate of knots. As they got to the suburbs he slowed, and once they reached the last streetlight, his speed decreased to a snail pace even though it was only twilight.

  "Isthenae a motorway roon here?"

  Cade tried to split the words.

  “Oh." He deciphered the sentence. "Hey, I'm a visitor, but I guess this is the best way."

  "Ach, I wiz affraido that."

  "Sorry, but it's not far now." He'd studied the map several times, so he was able to give directions. Within a few minutes the cab stopped outside an elegant gatehouse. It was in darkness.

  "Wait there a minute." Cade got out and knocked on the door. The noise echoed inside the building. Somewhere close by a dog barked low and deep. Cade hoped it was confined. He didn't fancy having to explain a dog bite to anyone. Apart from the barking, there was nothing. It didn't take long to realize there was no one at home.

  He went back to the cab.

  "Back to the city, please."

  The driver nodded, obviously used to strange visitors who decided to take a jaunt into the countryside and back again. As he pulled away, Caden's phone bleeped that he had a text message.

  'Wait there. I'll be five minutes.'

  "Sorry, I'm staying after all. How much do I owe you?" The cab jerked to a halt, and Cade didn't even bother to try to understand the driver's muttered words. An oath was an oath, and recognizable in any language. He paid the man, adding his thanks and a substantial tip, and got out. The cab sped away, no doubt back to civilization and the streetlights, and Cade leaned against the house wall under a security light. She'd either turn up or not, and if she did he didn't want to freak her and appear out of the darkness. If not, then he'd need to put his breaking and entering skills into play.