by L. J. Dee
“No, Lucas, it isn’t,” I smiled. I had taken my pill, I always took it, condoms or not. I never planned on having another surprise like Jake had left me with, although I wouldn’t change that now for the entire world.
“So did you take it?” he asked, still smiling as I nodded. “Good girl. Keep doing that. Now I’ve experienced the feel of all of you, I won’t be going back to condoms,” he winked as I laughed gently. I knew what he meant. Today had been even more intense and intimate than usual.
“What if I forget?” I asked, licking my lips as I watched his eyes narrow.
His ex had tried to stitch him up with a fake pregnancy and I thought contraception might prove to be a bigger deal. “I have to trust that you won’t,” he said, filling me with warmth as I understood for the first time that he was placing his faith in me as much as I was in him.
“Chas thinks I should get myself tubbed up because you’re so genetically perfect,” I said as he frowned at me and I couldn’t stop the grin from spreading broadly across my face, surprised when Lucas’s did the same. I’d assumed that would be the last thing that he wanted.
“It wouldn’t be the end of the world, Jess. If you can’t live with the worst outcome, then it means the risk is usually too great to take. The worst outcome in this case would be workable,” he said seriously as I gazed at him in complete shock. Was he saying what I thought he was?
“You want a baby with me?” I frowned as he rolled his eyes.
“Ideally not right now, but the thought isn’t altogether unappealing,” he smiled as I just continued to stare. As far as I was concerned I hadn’t even opened the door to letting him into my life completely yet, and he was talking fucking offspring.
“Just take your damn pill,” he winked as I wondered if this might be his way of ensuring I never forgot, in which case it had worked.
“We’ll get a shower and then I’ll run you home,” he smiled as I suddenly realised I had no idea of the time, looking outside at the darkening London skyline and realising I’d been here almost the entire day.
“Thank you” I smiled as he nodded, picking me up and carrying me through to the bathroom, planting me on the floor as I removed the robe. He smacked my arse playfully and ushered me into the shower, following me inside before closing the door on the enormous glass cubicle.
“Wash me, sub,” he demanded as I gazed up at him. The transformation had been immediate. He never ceased to amaze me and I grabbed the soft cloth, covering every inch of his glorious body and worshipping him as he had worshipped me. I smiled gently as the warm water lapped over me, knowing with all certainty that today had been exactly what I needed.
CHAPTER 32
I woke feeling bright, invigorated and energised, fresh and alert as though in some way I’d been cleansed. It was the only way I could describe it. The anxiety that had plagued me for days had all but lifted as I woke Dexter, got him ready for school and made his breakfast.
“You look happy,” Chas smiled as I smiled back.
“I’m excited for the party tonight,” I said, laughing gently at the expression of unease that washed across her face.
“Mrs Jones said we can watch the film about the talking dogs. Lucas gave it to me and I told her about it,” Dex said excitedly as I glanced across at my sister.
“I don’t mind staying here with him, Jess.” She raised her eyebrows questioningly as I shook my head.
“No, Chas, I’d really like your support tonight. I feel comfortable with him next door. Mrs Jones will look after him. I trust her,” I said as she sighed with relief, walking over to give me a hug.
“I’m so glad things are getting back to normal,” she whispered, gripping me tight. I’d fill her in on the reasons why, when Dex was out of earshot.
“I’m just nipping to get dressed. I’ll take him today, Chas. I’m not going into the office. I’m going straight to the club to get prepped and ensure everything is set up ready for tonight. Get some bacon on and we’ll have a chat when I get back,” I smiled as she grinned broadly.
“Am I sleeping there?” Dex asked as I nodded, pushing back the instant anxiety before it could form in my mind, dressing quickly and heading for school, determined not to take the opportunity to interrogate his teachers again.
I kissed him goodbye, explaining that Chas would pick him up and I’d see him in the morning, watching him proudly as he ran inside and grateful that the abduction hadn’t appeared to leave a lasting impression on him. He turned and waved before disappearing into the classroom. I walked back to the apartment, my stomach growling loudly at the familiar smell of crispy bacon as Chas placed two sandwiches and a pot of tea on the table and I poured two cups.
“You seem happier,” she said as I smiled, filling her in on Lucas’s discussion with Sid and the private investigator, and she wasn’t nearly as shocked as I had been.
“I expected him to do something like that. You know how men like Lucas are,” she shrugged, smiling at my disbelieving face.
“I’m starting to realise,” I said as she laughed.
“He’s one seriously alpha male and Charlie’s just the same,” she said as a knowing smile tickled her mouth, changing the subject before I had the chance to press her any further.
“Are you all set for tonight?” she asked and there was one thing I needed to say before I left for the club.
“Yes and please don’t embarrass me, Chas. Keep your judgements in check and your opinions to yourself. This is a client and a friend of Lucas. Don’t go around insulting people or questioning them about their sexuality,” I said seriously as she laughed.
“I’ll do my best,” she quipped, rolling her eyes and putting the plates in the sink as I got up and left, pulling together everything I needed. I’d be getting ready at the club tonight.
“See you later and good luck, Jess,” she called out as I knocked on the door of her room, putting her phone down hastily as I wondered what the hell she was up to. If I could hazard a guess it would probably be Charlie.
“See you later. I’ve put Dex’s things on his bed,” I smiled, closing the door and heading for the club, hoping that all my hard work and organisation would be worth it, and the event would be everything I’d promised Zac.
This was it, my first official event as the main partner of Evangelista and Hunter.
The party was in full swing, the glow of the candelabras adding to the dark ambience as bright shards of orange light shot forward from the mouths of the fire eaters to the audible, delighted gasps of the assembled crowd.
The guests hadn’t disappointed with the most eclectic range of costumes I had ever seen, like an entertainment in itself, wondering just how some of them had managed it. From fully clothed to barely there, every aspect of the wild and wonderful was on display as a tall, slim brunette brushed past me, naked aside from the tassels on her nipples and I gasped loudly as I caught sight of her back.
She had silver metal rings pierced into her flesh, twelve in total, six on each side, set about an inch apart, vertically down either side. Woven through them was a soft pink ribbon, the same colour as the material that covered her nipples, threaded diagonally like a corset of skin. It was tied in a small bow at the bottom and I had never seen anything like it. It looked like it must have hurt, but then a lot of things did in this place, and I was learning from experience that it didn’t necessarily mean it wasn’t pleasurable.
I caught Chas’s long stare as she noticed it too and I could tell she was trying to suck in her grimace as her eyes locked with mine and she laughed, shaking her head.
“Just serve the drinks,” I mouthed mutely as she laughed, weaving her way through the appreciative crowd and I spotted Lily. She resembled Victorian aristocracy with a dark twist, reflecting the theme of the party perfectly. My gaze wandered further, finding Zac who raised his glass to me, accompanied by a broad smile as I raised mine back. He was happy and I was awash with relief, looking for Lucas and hoping he’d arrive soon.
Poppy breezed past me, smiling and handing out the canapés as I glanced at her outfit. Chas had done me proud. They were all dressed in black leather or tuxedos; individual outfits that they were comfortable with and they blended in perfectly. The only thing to set them apart as staff, the purple ribbon chokers around their necks, fitted with a dangling silver ‘E’ for Elite. It had been Zac’s idea, so none of them would be approached if they didn’t want to be, keen for them to feel as comfortable as possible.
Chas had vetted them carefully and it amused me that some of them had decided not to wear the choker at all. You never really knew what went on in people’s heads I laughed inwardly, smiling at Patrick who waved across the room, looking like he was enjoying every minute of it. He looked lovely in his tux, his purple tie and silver ‘E’ pin reflecting his position and he was certainly a hit with the ladies. They were smiling and flirting mercilessly, and no doubt wishing he was a Dom. His eyes were bugging out of his head as he saw a rather large woman heading in his direction, with the most enormous breasts stuffed into a tiny corset. He smiled broadly, offering her a glass of champagne and trying to keep his eyes trained on her face, but failing miserably.
The fire eaters were in full swing now as I glanced to the corner and saw that the dancers were getting ready to take their positions in the huge birdcages we’d suspended overhead. They were almost unnoticeable in the darkness, but as soon as the display of fire was over, laser lights would wash over them as they performed their sensual routines above the heads of the waiting crowds. After that we’d serve the food and my part would be almost done, waiting for the guests to make their own entertainment, or listen to the haunting tunes of the artist we’d hired to provide the background music.
She was a great find and a contact of Patrick, suiting the entire ambience to a tee. I was pleased with the overall results, moving across to three gentlemen who were beckoning me over, wondering if they needed something.
I knew instinctively they were Dominants. They had that air about them and all were dressed in sharp suits and handsome, particularly the one standing in the middle of the trio who was the first to speak. “I haven’t seen you here before,” he smiled as I scanned the room, not sure what the protocol was when talking to another Dom. The other submissives were with their partners, and the last thing I wanted to do was embarrass Lucas or break an unwritten rule. I looked up at him and smiled, deciding that being polite was my best and only option here.
“No, Sir, I don’t usually frequent the public areas,” I said as he smiled, raking his gaze across my body before our eyes locked briefly and I glanced at the floor. “Delightful,” he said as the other two nodded.
“Are you looking for a Dominant?” he asked as I shook my head quickly. I assumed they’d know I was with Lucas and was keen to put them straight.
“No, Sir, I’m with Mr Hunter,” I said as he held my gaze, smiling broadly and resting his hand on my arm.
“Good,” he said, as I stood there wondering what that meant when a familiar warmth crept across me and a strong firm arm wrapped its way around my waist. I gasped, unable to wipe the huge smile from my face as I turned to see those incredible eyes blazing down at me. It faded as soon as I saw his expression.
“She’s wonderful, Lucas, let me know when you tire of her,” the tall man in the middle said as I felt Lucas tense and grip me tighter still.
“Excuse us,” he said as the man released his hand from my arm and Lucas dragged me from the room so quickly I was almost running just to keep up. I was desperate to know what the hell was wrong with him as he shoved the door to our room open. My heart was in my mouth as he stood there just glowering down at me.
The party was going well, Zac was happy and I had never seen Lucas behave this way. It was even worse than the morning of the New York trip, anger radiating from him in an intense heat that was undeniable and I couldn’t wait a second longer.
“Permission to speak, Sir,” I said, smiling up at him as he nodded curtly, his dangerous glare sucked the breath from my lungs. What the hell had I done?
His jaw was ticking in a barely concealed fury as I gazed up at him. “Please tell me what the matter is, Sir,” I said as he turned away, running furious fingers through his hair, before facing me again as his eyes blazed with rage and I began to tremble. This was unfamiliar territory and I didn’t know what to do. Even when I’d pushed him to his very limits he had never reacted like this. Lucas could always keep it together.
“I don’t expect to walk in and find you allowing another Dominant to put his hands all over you,” he said in a cold voice that sent an icy chill to my very soul.
“I didn’t, Sir,” I protested quickly, swallowing hard as I gazed up at him.
“Then what do you call that,” he sneered mockingly, my puzzled frown betraying my utter confusion as he shook his head. I’d done nothing wrong, at least I didn’t think so, but Lucas had clearly seen something he didn’t like and I knew I had to justify myself.
“The gentleman called me over, said he hadn’t seen me before and asked if I was looking for a Dom. I told him immediately that I was with you. Then he said ‘good’ and made that vile comment about you tiring of me. Shouldn’t I speak to anyone unless we’re together, Lucas? I don’t understand what I did wrong.”
The panic was evident in my voice as he sighed deeply. “I hope I haven’t embarrassed you,” I said, looking up at him as he turned his back on me.
“It isn’t you. I should have collared you,” he said in a short-tempered voice, betraying his fury. “Kneel” he ordered as I followed his curt command and I could hear him walking around the room, opening drawers before he walked behind me, cursing as I stared at the floor and my heart was pounding. I had no idea what he was about to do.
He brushed the hair from my neck as I felt the leather at my throat, closing around my neck and tightening as my breathing sped up, feeling him fasten the buckle at the back. He walked around the front, judging the space as he ran his finger under the length of the collar.
“Is that comfortable?” he asked and it was all I could do not to laugh.
“Not exactly,” I said, still gazing at the floor, unused to the feeling.
“Are you choking?” he asked firmly as I shook my head. “Then it’s comfortable.” I was taken aback with the venom in his voice as he attached a long leather strap to the metal ring on the front and I couldn’t help but stare up at him in bemusement, confusion and horror.
How the hell was I supposed to run a party like this?
“What’s on your mind, Jess?” he asked, his voice still laced with an uncharacteristic annoyance, and I knew he didn’t want a truthful answer. Everything about him right now conveyed that he wasn’t in any mood to be messed with. If I wasn’t very careful, I could wind up being punished, and God knows what that would consist of. If I had one question I was going with the most pressing one.
“What happens if I need the bathroom, Sir?” I asked as he smirked.
“I come with you,” he said as my face fell. “What now?” he snapped as I gazed up at him again. He was losing his patience with me as I wondered again why the hell he was being so vile.
“I need to pee,” I said almost apologetically as he tugged the leash, leading me across to the en-suite as I stood by the toilet waiting for him to at least turn away.
“Well. What the hell are you waiting for?” he asked as I sat down, pulling down my panties and starting to pee as my cheeks flared in humiliation. He just stood there, staring at me. I couldn’t look back as I finished, dressing myself and waiting for him to allow me enough slack to move to the basin. I washed my hands before he led me back out to the party, and I realised quickly that sticking close was my best chance for continued, comfortable breathing.
I stood there silently as he engaged in conversation with a group of men I hadn’t seen before, none of whom seemed to pay me any attention whatsoever as I caught the surly glare of my sister from across the room. I fired a w
arning stare, shaking my head as discreetly as I could, silently asking her not to come over and inflame the situation. She’d have an opinion on this, of that I was certain.
She didn’t understand the relationship, convinced it was mostly about Lucas’s needs and I wouldn’t be able to explain this properly. I barely understood it myself. I could do without a lecture, and Lucas wouldn’t tolerate her calling him a dickwad again, not here and not in this company. I watched her nervously, weaving her way confidently through the crowd, tray in hand. She wasn’t going to let this one pass without comment.
“What the hell is that?” she asked, staring at the collar as I felt Lucas tense beside me, pleading silently with my eyes for her not to go any further. “Why is he leading you around like a dog?” she whispered, but I was certain Lucas caught it. I wondered if the other men had heard, not wanting to be the only sub in the room causing her Dominant an issue.
She wasn’t getting any answers and walked away eventually, shaking her head as she made a beeline for Patrick. I glanced across at the other subs who were all eyeing me curiously as the men discussed how wonderful the party was.
I craned my neck to the ceiling, checking all the dancers were in position as the fire eating demonstrations came to their close, mentally revisiting my checklist and looking over toward the stage where the lighting equipment was being fired to life. It all looked under control and it was just as well.
“Stop fidgeting,” Lucas said sternly as I looked up at him. This was unacceptable; I had a party to run.
“I’m not fidgeting, Sir, I was just checking everything was on schedule and running to plan. The collar is quite inhibiting,” I said as he shook his head, his gaze darkening. I thought better of saying any more as Zac wandered across, looking between Lucas and me as a deep frown knitted across his brow.
“You’ve done an incredible job, Jess. The food is set up and it’s a real hit,” he smiled as I laughed. “You must be very proud, Lucas. Your girl has got quite the vivid imagination.” Lucas said nothing, the absence of praise like a punch to my gut and for all the appreciation, the lips I longed to hear it from most was my business partner and my Dom. I sighed as he led me away without bothering to excuse us, straight back to the room as it suddenly hit me what his problem was.
