by Avery Gale
“Well, you better enjoy it while you can. I saw Tabby typing on her phone like a wild woman when we didn’t go back to yoga again. I’m sure she ratted us out, but honest to God, I just can’t work up the energy to care.” Kodi’s words faded until the last few were barely a whisper.
“Bet she’s out like a light. Pregnant women need more rest during the first and third trimester. She better be writing like crazy woman during those middle months because I’m dying to find out what becomes of Trish in her last book.” Reagan had enjoyed the books Kodi sent her, but couldn’t say she was a fan of cliffhangers.
“I keep threatening to break into her laptop to get a sneak peek, but she said she’d kill me off in her next series, and I’m just superstitious enough to worry.”
Reagan giggled. “I don’t care if a book has a cliffhanger, but I like to know in advance so I’m not blindsided. I’ve read a lot of erotic fiction, but this is the first time I’ve known the author, and it was easy to see Nate and Taz inspired her first book.”
The conversation faded under the competent hands of their masseurs. Reagan was able to stay awake, but it was a continual struggle. By the time she was finished, her arms and legs felt like wet noodles. “Hell’s bells, I’m not sure I’m going to be able to walk.”
“At least we have a legitimate excuse for skipping the next round with Tabby the Torturer.”
“Point taken. Off we go to hair and nails. I’m starting to feel like we’re those three guys on the Wizard of Oz that go through the Wizard’s stuffing and buffing line.” Kodi’s observation wasn’t that far off track, and Reagan gained a new level of respect for the woman’s imagination.
By the time she’d had her hair highlighted and trimmed and her fingernails and toenails painted, Reagan had consumed enough margaritas to make walking a straight line virtually impossible. She and Tally were like a couple of steel balls in a pinball machine as they made their way down the hallway toward the entrance. Stepping into the reception area, they were greeted by a wall of Doms.
“How many do you see?” Tally’s question made Reagan giggle as she tried to focus and count the number of men standing shoulder to shoulder with their arms crossed over their chests.
“Four? No, three. Yes, definitely three, with one fading in and out.” She stared for a moment before adding, “You know, that’s a pretty neat trick. I wonder how he does that? I’ll bet he’d do good on one of those talent shows.”
“Only three, huh? Damn, I got more than that. I might need help getting home.”
“Yes, ma poupée, I believe you will.” Koi’s voice didn’t sound menacing, but Reagan saw Tally shudder.
“Hey, big brother. Be nice to Tally. She probably doesn’t know which one of the blurry figures blocking the door is you.”
“Ayasha, do not taunt your brother.” Reagan tried to hone in on which figure was speaking since she’d recognized Nate’s voice. At least she could identify one of the men.
“I’m the little sister. That position comes with certain rights, rights I have enjoyed my entire life, and I don’t plan on relinquishing them anytime in the future.” Kodi’s indignant response brought identical growls from both ends of the man wall.
“Baby, we’re keeping track of all the punishments you’ve got coming.” Taz’s voice was warm, but filled with warning Reagan thought was wasted effort, even if he was the figure fading in and out.
“She didn’t get any of the good stuff, Master Taz, so you should give her a break.” Tally leaned forward and whispered to the man Reagan was certain was Koi. “Being preggers sounds like fun until it’s spa day. Then it sucks big green donkey kicks…picks…damn, penises.”
Reagan couldn’t hold in the laughter that bubbled to the surface. “Big green donkey dicks. Holy crap on a cactus, I haven’t heard that expression since college. This was the best afternoon ever. Thanks so much for entertaining me.” Looking up at Nate, she smiled, “The ladies here were nice and didn’t say anything about my scars. But that Tabby person is evil.” She was sure he smiled, but it was hard to tell with his face fading in and out of focus. Whispering behind her hand, she snickered, “I just thought you should know.”
Someone’s hand wrapped around her upper arm as they moved out of the spa, but Reagan was so focused on putting one foot in front of the other she didn’t dare look to the side to see who it was. “It’s Master Taz, Reagan. I’ll be the one taking you home. Nate drew the short straw and is our grumpy wife’s escort upstairs.”
I’m not gonna say a thing. Nope, that’s a trap. Just keep walking. One foot in front of the other. Don’t fall down. Falling would be bad. See, there’s the car, not very much farther. Shhh…be quiet, remember, Taz can hear people.
She heard Taz snort as he seated her in the car. After she made several attempts to secure her seatbelt, he brushed her hands aside and fastened it for her, his lips pressed tightly together the entire time. She watched him in the rearview mirror as he rounded the back of the car and burst out laughing. Embarrassment assailed her, and she dropped her head into her hands. Close your eyes…maybe he’ll think you’re asleep.
Chapter Nineteen
Tally could practically feel the sexual tension pulsing in the air around Koi. He’d ushered her into the club and straight up the stairs. She wasn’t sure what he had planned, but personally, she’d been hoping for something a little more social than a wham, bam, thank you, ma’am play session. Before Koi opened the door to one of the private rooms, he turned to her. “Ma poupée, I know you understand the club’s rules pertaining to private rooms.”
It hadn’t been a question, but his pause had her answering anyway. “Yes, Sir. I do.” He gave her a quick nod, and she was sure his lips had quirked in a smile, but it was gone before she’d been sure.
“Tonight, I’m suspending the rules for an hour.” Her confusion must have reflected in her expression, because he grinned before pressing a kiss against her forehead. She was grateful the alcohol she’d consumed at the spa was quickly working its way out of her system. “We’re going to spend the next hour talking.”
Worry spiked in her as her imagination ran wild. Was he that annoyed that she’d been drinking with Reagan? Had he decided to go back to Texas? Maybe he wasn’t enjoying being a third as much as she’d thought he was. Holy hell, what if he thinks the sex sucks and he’s going to tell me I’m too mouthy? God knows I’m not the best submissive around.
“Ma poupée, stop. You’re overthinking this. I just want to spend time talking to you and give the alcohol time to abate before we play.” She let out the breath she hadn’t realized she was holding before nodding. Taking her hand in his, he tugged her close and opened the door. “Come.”
Tally stepped inside and gasped. She’d been in this room numerous times, but she’d never seen it like this. The canopy bed was draped in tiny, white fairy lights that glowed softly. The spanking bench that usually took up one corner of the room had been replaced by a round table covered with a white tablecloth with three crystal candlesticks holding white tapers. Their fire reflected in the glass of a large bay window she hadn’t even known was there.
Koi held out her chair, and Tally was shocked to find herself seated when she didn’t remember crossing the room. Looking down, she trailed her finger along the edge of the rose pattern china and felt tears fill her eyes when she realized the antique dishes were her grandmother’s. “How did you get these?”
“Karl wrapped them up and brought them to the club before he left. He knew I was planning this, and he wanted to help make the memory as sweet as possible.” Koi watched her from his seat across from her. The candlelight flickered in his dark eyes, and she wondered how she’d been so lucky to find two men as thoughtful as the one she’d married and the one they’d invited into their lives.
Before she could speak, there was a soft knock at the door. Koi made his way across the room, and she admired the economy of his movements as he opened the door, smiling when she remembered Kodi tellin
g her his name meant panther. It seemed fitting since he moved with a cat-like grace she’d noted all Special Forces soldiers seemed to possess. Randy, one of the club’s bartenders, wheeled a cart into the room. The male sub didn’t seem surprised by the changes that surrounded her, making her suspect he and his Mistress had helped with the redecorating.
Whatever was hidden under the silver domes on the cart smelled heavenly. Her stomach growled so loud Randy grinned, giving her a quick wink as he slipped silently from the room. Turning her attention to Koi, she was surprised to see him leaning against the large oak armoire watching her. He didn’t say anything for several minutes, and she finally realized what he was waiting for.
“It smells wonderful. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until the food arrived.” She’d forgotten the regular rules for the private rooms had been suspended while they enjoyed her dinner. Guessing he’d been waiting for her to remember what he’d said just before they’d entered, she tried to relax.
“Very good, sweetheart. As much as I appreciate a submissive who understands the rules, I want to enjoy another side of you for a bit. If you and I don’t build a relationship outside of the one defined by D/s, there will be very little to sustain us through any separation that might occur due to my work.”
“Have you accepted the Wests’ offer? Will you be working with the Prairie Winds Team?” She’d heard he’d been approached, but hadn’t heard that he’d made a decision. He didn’t immediately return to his seat. Instead, he stood behind her for several long seconds, rubbing her shoulders. “Holy Mother of God, that feels so good. I think perhaps you missed your calling.”
Koi pressed a kiss against the top of her head and moved around the table. Seating himself, he took a long drink of water from the stem glass. “My options are fairly limited right now. I can go back to work for Uncle Sam knowing I’ll spend the rest of my career stuck behind a desk, or I can accept the training position Kent and Kyle have offered me.”
She already suspected why he would only be working as a trainer, but she waited quietly for him to continue. “I haven’t regained a full range of motion or all of the strength in my leg since the accident. The doctors aren’t convinced I ever will.”
Lifting her glass to meet his, she grinned. “Let me assure you, physicians are only human and, therefore, fallible. And most don’t have a lot of experience with members of the Special Forces.” During the earliest part of her career, she’d operated on several Army Rangers and Navy SEALs. The common denominator was their commitment to rejoining their teams, so she’d learned to never underestimate them.
His smile was equal parts friendly and hot as hell. It stole her breathe, and she hoped he hadn’t seen the fine tremor in her fingers before she could return them to her lap. Lifting the domed silver lids from the food, he served her generous helpings Italian fare. He chuckled when he looked up at her. “Ma poupée, you are practically bouncing in your seat. You can thank my brother-in-law for sending me to your favorite eatery.”
“Aha, you must be talking about Nate, since he and I enjoy teasing one another when we’ve been lucky enough to eat at Tony’s.” They spent the rest of the meal discussing exactly what his new job would look like, and she was pleased to hear he still planned to work toward returning to field work. She didn’t relish the idea of him being in danger, but she understood all too well how hard it was to set aside one’s passion.
Everyone had been tip-toeing around her for several weeks, and it was annoying as hell to think they didn’t give her enough credit for knowing what was coming. She’d known for a year that her husband was going to ask her to move back to Washington. What she didn’t know was how she was going to tell him no.
Taz felt eyes on him the moment they stepped from the club. Thankfully, Reagan kept him entertained enough he had no trouble pretending to be distracted. Once they were both safely ensconced inside his car, Taz cautioned his inebriated passenger to continue feigning sleep while he dialed Phoenix.
“I just left the back of the club with Reagan, and we’re being watched. Where is our target?” He saw her stiffen, but to her credit, Reagan didn’t move an inch. Switching his attention to her, his tone reflected his concern as he encouraged, “You’re doing great, sweetie. Hold absolutely still while I move you away from the window.” He moved her toward himself, settling her on the console between them. He didn’t brush the hair away from her face, hoping it would allow her to hide any reaction she couldn’t hold back.
“The rental car is still sitting on the street in front of his cousin’s house. But thanks to your applicant, I was able to tag Merrett’s phone. It’s about a quarter mile behind the club and moving to the road. I assume he plans to follow you. Take the scenic route.” The scenic route? What the hell? “I’m going to call Calamity. She’s close to Rafe’s house working. If I can get her in position, we’d have a hell of an advantage. That girl missed her calling. She should have been a sniper.”
Taz started the car and grinned. Calamity was the nickname the Morgan boys had given Caila when they were all kids, because trouble seemed to find her no matter what she was up to. The petite vet was also a hunter and fearless when it came to anything requiring ammo. Taz remembered she’d saved Phoenix and Mitch’s wife’s life with a single rifle shot under almost impossible conditions, so he understood his friend’s faith in her.
“Will she have a weapon with her?” As soon as he asked the question, he heard Phoenix’s chuckle, and a sense of amusement washed over him as he picked up the other man’s emotion.
“She’ll have it. Cal doesn’t go anywhere without that rifle. Well, except shopping with Mom. Mom, who put her foot down when Calamity was still in junior high.” Taz could hear a flurry of activity on the other end of the line but had to block a lot of his connection with Phoenix because the man’s mind moved at a dizzying rate. He’d learned a long time ago that driving while tapped into Phoenix Morgan’s mind was too damned distracting to be safe.
“Just FYI, the cousin is clean—fucking squeaky clean. He’ll be a good Dom. As soon as this is over, I suggest you approve his application.” Taz and Nate had already decided to approve Matt’s application. His interview had been one of the easiest Taz had ever done, but he wasn’t entirely convinced the man was a Dom. Time would tell.
Once they were well away from the club, Taz let Reagan sit up, but cautioned her to stay low in her seat. Her eyes were clearer now than they had been a few minutes earlier. It always amazed him how fast adrenaline could counteract alcohol. She was far from sober, but she would certainly be able to run if she had to.
Phoenix interrupted his thoughts to let him know Nate had been apprised of the situation and was making calls. Taz snorted. “Goddess, he’ll have a fucking army put together in ten minutes.”
“Yeah, I’ve got a brother like that. Sage can pull people together more efficiently than Uncle Sam.” Taz agreed. He’d seen the eldest Morgan brother in action, and no one could get results like Sage Morgan. Nate was efficient, but his manner was much more military. Sage, on the other hand, pulled business and personal associates together with an air of confidence seen in men born into power. From what Taz could tell, Sage had simply upped their father’s game.
“I’ve seen Sage in action and agree. Hell, he and Nate together would be unstoppable.”
“I don’t even want to fucking think about it.” Phoenix sounded distracted, and Taz shook his head at the man’s ability to multi-task. Dusk was quickly being replaced by complete darkness. Taz usually loved how quickly night fell in the mountains, but it wasn’t playing in their favor tonight. “Kip is crapping cats because I’ve got Caila looking for a position in the trees behind Rafe’s. She’ll find the best line of sight into the main part of the house. If Reagan leaves the back drapes open, it’ll be an easy take-down.” After a few seconds of silence, Phoenix’s voice came over the speakers again. “Looks like Merrett is headed to the airport.”
Reagan’s head swiveled in his direct
ions so quickly he wondered if she’d get whiplash. “Why would he go to the airport?” Her emotions were battling the alcohol still coursing through her system, and Taz reached over and grasped her hand. He didn’t usually touch people who were upset because their feelings—good or bad—often swamped him. He’d known Reagan for several months, had often been able to connect with her, and was aware of how traumatized she’d been by the attack. He’d been damned impressed with her work ethic. Even Mistress Anne had mentioned what a hard worker Reagan was. And despite the fact she’d already been working full-time elsewhere, she’d never missed work.
“I’m not going to speculate on what that prick might be thinking, sweetie. What I am going to do is get you back to Rafe’s and ask you to pack an overnight bag.” Rafe had said he wanted to be here when Reagan found out how the woman she’d considered a friend had betrayed her, so Taz wasn’t going to tell her unless it became absolutely necessary.
“Is something amiss with the security system?” Taz appreciated the fact she’d phrased her objection so tactfully, though he hadn’t missed the steel in her tone. Damn, little minx had just sliced the air with a double-edged sword. If he made her leave, he’d give her the impression the security wasn’t up to par. And if he let her stay, Rafe would probably have a stroke. God dammit to hell, Rafe needs to get his ass back here.
Taz had forgotten Phoenix was still on the line until he heard the other man chuckle. “Well done, Reagan. I’m not sure I’ve ever known Taz to be stunned into silence. And damn if that didn’t sound exactly like something my wife would say.”
“Thank you…I think.” Reagan’s grin belied the quiver of uncertainty he’d heard in her voice.
“Aspen is a hell of a strategist, so take it as a compliment.” Taz gave her hand a squeeze and let it go when he saw some of the starch leave her spine.
