Matched for Keeps

by Stevie MacFarlane

  Now that he was on the floor, he noticed the handcuffs, blindfold and assorted other items including a silver object several inches away that suddenly started dancing all over the floor, rapping the wood sharply as if possessed.

  "No Marcus, no more," Susan moaned as Marcus scrambled around the bed trying to find the remote.

  That damn thing, outside the body, was louder than hell he thought, prying his eyes open.

  "Jesus," he swore as he spotted Ty getting to his feet. "What the hell time is it?" he whispered, sliding out of bed and rubbing his face. "What are you doing here?"

  Ty couldn't tear his eyes away from the toys on the floor. He was torn between embarrassment, awe and a touch of jealousy. His brother was incredible.

  "I've been trying to reach you for over an hour," Ty whispered back. "Sorry, I thought something was wrong over here. You never ignore your cell."

  "My cell is now a paperweight and I'm tired," Marcus shot back, striding naked across the room, grabbing a pair of jogging pants and pulling them on. Noticing Susan's bare butt, he strode to the bed and covered her up as her soft snores brought a smile to his lips.

  "You should be," Ty grinned.

  "Just go make some coffee while I clean up will you?" Marcus ordered, kicking a plug under the bed. "I'll be down in a minute."

  "Hurry up," Ty said, heading out the door. "I have news."

  Marcus took the coffee Ty handed him and inhaled the aroma. "This better be good, Bro," he warned darkly, "and if it's something Susan shouldn't hear, make it quick. She'll be down in a few minutes."

  "I'm still trying to wrap my mind around your bedroom," Ty laughed, sipping his own coffee.

  "My bedroom is no concern of yours, and I would appreciate it if you would forget every detail of what you saw in there."

  "Hell no," Ty replied. "I want to know where you got that silver monster and that fancy-ass hair brush, too. I may have need of them now that Kelsey has agreed to marry me," he drawled.

  It took Marcus about five seconds before he set his coffee down and hugged his brother, pounding him on the back.

  "That's great, Ty. Kelsey's a good girl and I know you'll be very happy. Congratulations."

  "Thanks, I think she's the best thing that ever happened to me," Ty replied grinning. "I gotta tell you man, I was totally against going to that party. Thanks for talking me into it. Meeting Kelsey has given me a whole new appreciation for pretty pink bottoms," he continued with a wink as Susan walked through the door.

  Susan scowled as she made her way to the coffee maker and popped in a K-cup. Wearing one of Marcus' long-sleeved dress shirts and a pair of ankle socks, she looked tired and tousled.

  "That's great, Ty, just great," she snapped as she waited for her cup to fill. "I thought you were supposed to be the gentle brother."

  "I am gentle," Ty shot back with a grin, "unless a firmer attitude is called for, which in your case is understandable."

  Susan snorted and turned her back on him, adding sugar and low-fat milk to her coffee.

  "Where is Kelsey?" she asked suspiciously, "home sitting on an ice-pack?"

  "Not at all," he replied. "She was sleeping when I left, but I imagine by now she's thinking about what kind of wedding she wants."

  "Wedding? You're kidding right?" she asked, setting her cup on the counter with a bang.

  "We're getting married, Susan. I asked her last night and she said yes. Now she only has to figure out where she wants to get married. We would have been on our way to Vegas last night if I could have booked a flight. Besides that, she has her heart set on you standing up with her and I'd hate to disappoint her. You're her best friend, but I love her," Ty continued solemnly. "As much as you annoy the hell out of me, at times, I would never try to come between you two, so please give me the same courtesy," Ty said quietly.

  "I can't believe this," Sue whispered, fleeing from the room.

  "Now what?" Ty sighed, running his hand through his hair.

  "Don't worry about Red," Marcus said, slapping Ty on the back. "She's stubborn, but she'll come around. Once she realizes this is what Kelsey wants, she'll support it."

  "I hope so, but just so you know, if she tries to talk Kelsey out of marrying me, I'll take a stick to her butt," Ty warned.

  "You won't have to," Marcus laughed. "I'll do it myself. Now, let's go make some phone calls and see what we can do to make this happen."

  In the end, it only took one phone call to Sam to set the plan in motion. When Sam called back twenty minutes later, Sam and Johanna, Mike and Brandy and Jeff and Elena were all flying out with them for the wedding and a few days of fun. Even Erica wanted to be included, and she decided to ask a Sugar Babies client she had recently interviewed to accompany her.

  Ty was delighted. The added guests would give a real wedding atmosphere to the trip and he knew it would make things easier on Kelsey. Having no family, it would give her nice memories and photos of the day. Jeff and Elena were already in from Atlanta visiting with Sam and Jo, so they would all fly out tonight. The wedding could take place tomorrow or the next day, whatever Kelsey wanted, and they could spend some time enjoying the sights of Vegas before they flew back.

  Ty made arrangements for coverage at his practice for the duration and headed home to share the news with Kelsey.

  Marcus tossed down the whiskey while he glared at the ring on his desk and went upstairs to find out if Susan was going to be a problem. He sure as hell hoped not. Ty and Kelsey were obviously made for each other and as much as he enjoyed spanking Susan's lovely ass, he couldn't do it for her opinion. In all reality, he knew she cared deeply for Kelsey, but he wasn't going to let her stand in the way of his brother's happiness. He decided a firm no-nonsense attitude was the best approach as he walked into their bedroom.

  Susan was standing at the window with her back to him, her arms crossed over her chest.

  As soon as he closed the door, she spun on him angrily.

  "I can't believe you're going to support this," she spat, her eyes flashing.

  "And why wouldn't I?" he answered smoothly, as he began picking up his scattered clothes from the floor.

  "Kelsey is too young," she insisted, pacing from one window to the next. "She doesn't even know him that well, or what she's getting into. You have to stop this," she demanded.

  "Red," he sighed sadly. "Not everyone has to be hit in the head with a brick to recognize love when they see it."

  "What's that supposed to mean?"

  "Never mind, just get packing. We have a flight to catch in a few hours," he continued as he dropped the clothes in the hamper.

  "But I…"

  "Red, I swear by all that's Holy, I'm not going to tell you again and if you give me one bit of trouble about this, you will be flying to Vegas on your knees because your ass will be too sore to sit on. Do I make myself clear?" he asked quietly, with a look in his eyes she'd come to know quite well.

  "Yes, but if this doesn't turn out well, I'm holding you personally responsible," she hissed. It was the stamping of her foot that made him shake his head and laugh.

  Susan made several attempts to call Kelsey throughout the day, and each one was foiled by the appearance of Marcus. Shamelessly he shadowed her movements, finally plucking her cell from her hands and dropping it into his pocket when she tried to take it into the bathroom with her.

  "Give that back," she demanded, flustered as he advanced on her and pinned her to the dresser.

  "No, I won't have you scaring poor Kelsey with dire predictions for her future because you don't happen to agree with their decision," he informed her sternly. "This is between Ty and Kelsey, and you will stay out of it. Just because you're afraid of commitment doesn't mean you should foist those fears off on her."

  "I'm not afraid of anything," Susan insisted defiantly, as she raised her chin and looked him squarely in the eyes.

  "Aren't you?" he whispered, wrapping his hand around her cheek and holding her in place.

  "No, I sig
ned that contract didn't I? That should prove I'm not afraid of commitment."

  "A year?" Marcus snorted. "Oh, how brave you are little girl. You gave up a year of your life. A year of your obedience and submission in exchange for money, and might I add, you've been sorely lacking in the obedience department, Red. You're way beyond fear; you're terrified."

  "Marcus, you are so full of shit," she shot back as she tried to push him away. "I've never been afraid of a man in my life and certainly not you! If you think a few spankings and some kinky sex is enough to scare me off, think again. I can take anything you can dish out buddy," she said, poking him in the chest, "and don't you forget it!"

  "That's not exactly what you said last night," he pointed out with a smirk. "It seems to me that someone was begging for mercy in one form or another well before the evening was over."

  "I was just playing along," she offered slyly. "I was trying to make you feel manly."

  "Oh my God," Marcus said as he burst out laughing. "I should wash your mouth out with soap for such an outrageous lie." Releasing her, he grabbed her hand and began pulling her into the bathroom.

  Susan tried to get free but his grip was secure and she found herself at the sink as he searched through the cabinet for a new bar of soap. Back peddling as fast as she could, she immediately apologized.

  "No Marcus, no, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have lied," she pleaded as she struggled to get free, clearly panicked.

  Assessing her, Marcus put the soap back. "Geez honey, it's only soap, not poison," he answered, pulling her shaking body into his arms and patting her back gently.

  "I know," she sniffed tearfully against his chest. "It's just that I've had it done to me before and it always makes me throw up."

  "I'm sorry, baby. I didn't know," he soothed. He could feel her heart beating frantically against his chest. Lord, of all the ways he could punish her, who would have thought soap in her mouth would be so distressing. "I promise I'll never do that to you, Red, but no more lying, got it?"

  "I wasn't exactly lying, I…"

  In a split second he had picked her up and sat her on the bathroom counter. Tipping her face up, he pushed her long hair back and fixed her with a glare that had her fighting to control not only the shiver that coursed through her, but the flood of honey from her pussy.

  "Okay, okay, it was a little lie," she began, lowering her eyes. "I begged for mercy last night, a little, but not the kind you're thinking," she admitted as her face flamed.

  "Explain the difference," he demanded, his blue eyes crinkling at the corners.

  "Damn you, Marcus, you know exactly what I was crying out for, and it wasn't for you to stop," she admitted so softly he could barely hear her.

  Marcus smiled, slipped one arm around her waist and lifted her enough that he could slide the other hand firmly between her legs. Her heat and dampness threatened to steal his sanity and he closed his eyes in pure pleasure.

  "I did know, baby. I just wanted to make sure you did. Don't ever try to hide your desire from me, Red. It will make me angry, and believe me, I'll know you're lying and while I won't soap your mouth, there are plenty of other ways to punish you for your deception."

  Susan swallowed and leaned against him, snuggling her face into his chest.

  "Okay," she conceded sweetly. "Can I have my phone back now?"

  "No," Marcus replied with a laugh. "You may not and you better get busy. The car will be here in about forty-five minutes and you'll be in it when it leaves, ready or not."

  "But I just want to talk to her," Susan insisted as he lifted her from the counter.

  "You'll have several hours to talk to Kelsey once we're on the plane," he replied with a smack to her bottom. "Now get a move on."

  "But I won't get to talk to her privately!"

  "That is precisely my plan, sweetheart. You're going to keep that little nose out of it. If Kelsey has doubts, I'm sure she'll come to you. Until then, you'll just have to be quiet for once," he said, closing the door behind him with a firm click.

  "All right," Susan shouted after him. "But I'm bringing all my shoes with me and I don't want to hear a word about that either," she huffed, slightly under her breath.

  Chapter Twelve

  Everyone was already waiting at the airport when the two couples arrived. Johanna looked gorgeous in winter white jeans and a blue fur collared jacket that matched her shining eyes. On her left hand sparkled an enormous diamond solitaire and the only time Sam took his hands from her was to hug both Susan and Kelsey and shake hands with Marcus and Ty.

  Mike and Brandy congratulated Ty and Kelsey while Elena threw herself into Susan's arms whispering, "Thank you" over and over again while Jeff smiled and shook his head at her enthusiastic greeting. Elena wore her emotions in plain view and he was never in doubt as to what she was feeling. Apparently she somehow credited Susan with her current happiness and maybe she was right. In the past few months he often wondered if he would have let Elena slip away if Susan hadn't given her a little push to make him jealous.

  Erica waited quietly off to one side accompanied by an attractive older man who smiled politely as introductions were made all around.

  All too soon, Sam was ushering them aboard the private jet and directing them to their seats.

  Susan was frustrated. The entire trip to the airport Marcus kept her close, sitting with his arm securely around her waist on the drive. He'd given her back her cell until he realized she was texting Kelsey in the car with her volume down. Taking it from her hand he read her last text and smiled as he replied for her.

  "I'm sorry, Kelsey," he typed. "Susan is temporarily grounded from her phone until she can behave in a more responsible manner." Showing her the message before he hit send, he could almost see the steam coming out of her ears. Slipping the phone in his pocket he managed to avoid the sharp heel of her shoe as she tried to jab his shin.

  The shoes were another issue. He'd made himself clear on many occasions, but at this point he felt he had to pick his battles. The important thing was Ty and Kelsey's happiness and a full-fledged tantrum from the volatile redhead needed to be avoided at all costs, at least until the wedding was over. After that, all bets were off as far as he was concerned. Susan could either be supportive or silent. Once his brother was safely married, he would deal with her attitude in his own way. Marcus had already spoken with Sam and asked for his help. The other women on board would be able to see Kelsey's joy, and Ty's love for her was obvious. Marcus was sure they could be counted on to give Kelsey the confidence to follow her heart.

  As soon as they reached their flying altitude, Susan unbuckled her seat belt and made a beeline for the bar. Within seconds all the others joined her and they were discussing wedding chapel options, dresses, flowers and all the other details necessary to make a memorable ceremony.

  Marcus got a whiskey and joined the other men, always keeping an eye on Susan who eventually took her drink and wandered quietly away to sit by a window. He watched as Brandy, sipping from a glass of white wine, joined her, and he turned back to the men.

  "I take it this wedding is a little hard for you to swallow?" Brandy murmured softly to Susan.

  "That would be putting it mildly," Susan replied with a grimace.

  "Exactly what is it you object to?" Brandy asked, curious.

  "I guess it's just that she's so young," Susan replied.

  "She's twenty-one. Many girls marry much younger than that. Don't you like Ty?"

  "I like Ty," Susan replied. "At least most of the time," she continued with a tiny smile. "He's a little bossy and overbearing at times, but then what man isn't? I love Kelsey, she's the little sister that I never had, my best friend… she's family really. This feels rushed to me and I'm not sure she knows what she's getting into. Ty has all the power," she sighed sadly. "He's older, more dominant, experienced, wealthy, what chance does a girl like Kelsey have against him?"

  "Are you sure you're talking about Kelsey and not yourself?" Brandy offered gentl
y, her gray eyes not missing a thing.

  Susan didn't answer immediately. Was the fear and anxiety she felt swamped by all about Kelsey, or did it have something to do with her feelings for Marcus? If she were truthful with herself, she was terrified by the intensity of her feelings for Marcus and it wasn't about the sex. Despite what she said last night, it was more than a job to her, much more. She admired him and all he had been able to accomplish in his life. The sight of him pleased her on a level that was unfamiliar to her. More than a sexual attraction, she just plain liked looking at him, the way he moved, the way he smiled, his strength, even his scent. His blue eyes could be filled with tenderness that melted her heart or so serious and firm she about wet her pants. His large hands could bring her pain or pleasure and sometimes both at the same time. It was mind-boggling and impossible to wrap her head around unless it was at that precise moment, and then she didn't care, as long as he didn't stop. So consumed by her thoughts, Susan didn't realize her eyes had been focused intently on Marcus, and as he took a step toward her, Brandy smiled and waved him back.

  "Have you looked at Kelsey lately, I mean really looked at her, Susan?" she asked. "I haven't seen her in a few months and the changes are startling. I can hardly believe she's the same painfully shy, timid girl I met the night of the party. She's positively glowing," she observed.

  Susan followed her eyes and studied her friend. Her hair was bright and shining as it swirled softly around her face. She was animated, her eyes sparkling as she laughed with the other women and joined effortlessly in the conversation. Now and then she would blush as she covered her eyes with her small hand at their teasing, but she was no longer afraid. Her cheeks were fuller and she didn't look at all like the gaunt waif Susan felt compelled to protect. There was a confidence about her and she seemed somehow taller. Ty had given her that confidence, Susan realized. Under his loving attention she had bloomed from a small tiny bud into a breathtakingly beautiful flower. She loved, and was loved in return she thought as she caught Ty winking at Kelsey with a secret smile. Who was she to interfere?