Club Wonderland

by Christine d'Abo

  They’d pack and she’d have something quick to eat before starting the drive home. Maybe along the way she’d figure out what to say to Gael that could make everything right between them.

  * * *

  The crowd at Wonderland seemed on edge as Gael prowled around. This was his fourth trip of the week, as he tried to take his mind off of the remnants of his carefully constructed plan. Chess had given him a concerned look as he’d granted Gael admittance, but the bouncer said nothing.

  Today had served as the precipice of his week from hell. He’d been fielding questions about Alice and her mother all week. No one wanted to bother her, but everyone wanted details. After the tenth time, he’d snapped at the next person to ask. Carmella hadn’t deserved his shitty treatment. He’d ordered a flower delivery to arrive for her after he left.

  Then he’d been faced with Uncle Stephen.

  Gael should have known it was only a matter of time before rumors about his time with Alice started to circulate. The blistering accusations were still under his skin, even if some of them were true. Although he hadn’t taken advantage of Alice in any way, the fact that his uncle believed that was the case was all that mattered.

  “And you can forget about becoming a partner anytime soon.”

  He’d walked out of his uncle’s office to his, picked up the phone and called the real estate office, then his mother. The equity in his home would be enough to keep them going for a while. Tomorrow he’d meet with them to discuss his coming back to the software company. Sink or swim, they’d do it together.

  It would mean the next few months of his life would be crazy, but that challenge sat better with him than the idea of continuing to prostitute himself out to his uncle. When he’d told his mom, she’d been ecstatic.

  “I love my brother, but he’s an asshole. I told you—we don’t need him.”

  “Mom, you needed the loan.”

  “We needed a buffer. And I don’t like the idea of you selling your place.”

  “You wouldn’t be in this mess if you hadn’t given me the down payment to begin with. I’ll find a place.”

  And he would. Tomorrow.

  Tonight he had other demons to excise. Specifically, one named Alice. Pushing all thoughts of her from his mind, Gael walked over to the St. Andrews Cross and watched a Dom working on his sub. He recognized them from previous visits, admired the way they fit together. It was easy to see that they were in a committed relationship, could tell by how the Dom cared for her after he was done with his torture. And the way she looked up at him, as if there were no other man in the world, was nothing less than unfettered love.

  He hated this.

  “Hernandez!” Gael rolled his eyes at the sound of Mistress Red’s voice. “My office.”

  “Yes, Ma’am.”

  “Don’t give me any of that shit. Just move your ass.” She spun around in a way that shouldn’t be possible in stilettos, leaving Gael to trail behind her.

  The inevitable tirade was easy to predict, obvious before they even stepped into the office. It was better to have a good offense than be on the defensive when it came to this place. “I know what you’re going to say.”

  “That you’re a fucking idiot who should be kicked out of my place until you get your head on straight?” Red picked up a riding crop that was lying on her desk and slammed the end down across the wood hard. “You’re fucking right!”

  “Is Ryan late again? No one to suck your dick?”

  Red narrowed her gaze. “Don’t try and screw me in my home, Hernandez.”

  “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

  “Why are you here?” She began to lightly tap the end of the crop against the wood. “This isn’t like you.”

  “I’m looking for something.” The less ammunition he gave her, the better this would be for all of them.

  “Yes, I see that. You’ve done nothing but look for two weeks now. You haven’t taken a single sub, spanked anyone, not even a flogging.”

  “I’m being picky.”

  “No, you’re being bitchy. Stop it. You’re scaring people.”

  “Fine.”

  “Not fine. Wonderland is an active club.” She tossed the crop back down to the desk and crossed her arms. “If you don’t hook up with a sub tonight, then I want you to stay away for a while. Until you know what you’re looking for.”

  That wasn’t the issue. The one he wanted wasn’t here.

  “Fine.” He left without looking back.

  There were enough people at Wonderland who’d be more than happy to let Gael play with them. It didn’t matter that Alice had ignited something in him he’d never felt before. Things weren’t going to work between them. Although he would never make her choose him over her mother, he refused to constantly be in competition for her affections. The woman wanted Alice all to herself, and until Alice learned to say no, then there was no place in his life for her.

  He’d find someone to flog to appease Red, then he’d go home.

  There was a blond woman naked on her knees in the middle of the main floor. She had her back to him, so he couldn’t make out her face. Her hands were resting demurely at the small of her back as she waited. There was something familiar about her, the way she held her body. You’re seeing Alice everywhere you go now. Get over it—she didn’t want you. It was possible this woman subbed for him in the past. It would make for an easier time than trying to find someone new.

  Gael walked up behind her, but only close enough to make her aware of his presence. “Are you waiting on your master?”

  She shook her head.

  “Come with me.”

  He didn’t wait to see if she’d follow, heading upstairs. There would be fewer people on the second floor, which would make this less a spectacle. He’d keep things simple, just enough to take the edge off mentally, while giving her what she wanted.

  The back corner on the top floor was available. It was a favorite place for him. The O hooks were high enough on the wall most women would have to stretch up. It gave him room to work uninhibited.

  “Back to the wall, arms over your head and legs spread. I want to see all of you.”

  She walked past him, and did as he directed. But as she lifted her head, her hair fell away and he stopped breathing.

  “Alice?”

  “Yes, Sir?”

  He needed a minute to calm down. “Why the hell are you here?”

  A faint blush covered her cheeks. “I missed you, Sir.”

  “Is your mother okay? I thought you’d decided to stay with her?”

  “I was angry and scared. We talked things over, and while I don’t think she’s quite able to handle the idea, she says it’s time she let go and gave me a chance to live my life the way I want.”

  There wasn’t any hesitation on her part. Even as her hands shook from holding them above her head, she didn’t look as though she were ready to take off running. She’d come back to him.

  I missed you, Sir.

  Something in his chest thawed, and for the first time in days, Gael started to feel normal.

  He stepped in and picked up the wrist cuffs that were resting near the wall. “I told you a while ago that I had no interest in getting involved. In having a relationship.”

  Alice hadn’t moved, but he could feel her attention locked on him. He stood behind her and secured first the left, then right wrist together. Her arms were trembling from the strain of staying still, arms up.

  “I thought I had to choose between helping my parents and having a personal life. I don’t have to worry about that anymore. I quit the firm today.”

  “What?”

  Grabbing the chain that was attached to a pulley rig high on the wall, Gael tugged the lead and secured it in place. Alice had no way of escaping him. Not now. “I’m going back to work for my parents. I’m selling my place and putting the money into the company. I’m going to be an equal partner.”

  Circling around, he stopped when they were face to face. Her lips w
ere swollen, as if she’d been biting them. A nervous habit of hers. “How did you know I was here?”

  “I didn’t. I remember Chess saying you only came once a week, usually on Fridays or Saturdays. I took a chance that you’d be here.”

  “Why? Why did you want to find me?”

  “You were right about me and Mom. Our relationship is more than a little dysfunctional. It’s not going to be easy for her, but I think we’ll be able to work things out. I’m not going to move to Barrie. I have too many things that I love here in Toronto.”

  “You finally get to be a grown-up?”

  “Not too grown up. I’m discovering that I like to play.” She gave the restraints a tug. “But only with the right person, Sir.”

  Gael growled before pinching both her nipples. “No one plays with you but me.”

  “Of course not, Sir.” She tugged the restraints again. “As long as you do plan to play with me.”

  “When did you get so cheeky?”

  “Around the time I learned what it meant to be a toppy bottom.”

  Gael spun her around so he could slap her ass and the backs of her thighs. “That might not work out the way you were expecting.”

  “My new motto is don’t knock it until you’ve tried it, Sir.”

  “Really?” Gael wanted to push her, stretch her out so she knew exactly what she was in for. “What if I went and got some of my friends, and told one of them to fuck you?”

  Alice sucked in a breath. “I’d say I have my safeword. If I don’t like the look of him then I’d say it.”

  “What if I wanted to fuck you senseless right here, right now? You wouldn’t be able to get away from me. Anyone would be able to see.”

  Alice looked over her shoulder at him. “As long as it’s you, Sir. I’m starting to think I’d be willing to do anything for you.”

  A few onlookers slowed as they passed, but with a few sharp glances from Gael they moved on. He didn’t want anyone touching her but him. Being here did give him an opportunity to publicly mark her, claim Alice as his and his alone. He’d finally be able to show the world that here was a woman who could match his desires, even when they scared her.

  Alice White had never been a part of his plan.

  Perhaps it was best to come up with a new one.

  He spun her around once more so they were now chest to chest. He held her gaze as he withdrew a single condom from his pocket and held it up for her to see.

  “How long have you been carrying that around, Sir?”

  “For two weeks. I couldn’t find anyone who met my list of requirements.”

  “And what are those?”

  “Very specific set. She would have to be you.”

  Alice sighed. “Sir, I hope you’re planning on using that. Right now.”

  He popped the buttons to his fly and shoved his pants down as soon as he could. The condom went on smoothly, though his cock was harder than he ever remembered it being and the thin latex was stretched tight.

  “Lift your legs and wrap them around my waist.” He helped her get into position, supporting her ass with his hands. “Hold on to the chain with your hands. It will help relieve the pressure.”

  That was all the warning he gave before impaling her on his cock.

  Alice cried out, bucking against him, trying to gain some measure of control. It was futile, and in a matter of minutes she stopped trying and let him be in charge.

  “This is how I deal with a toppy bottom.” He thrust up with sharp motions. “I tie them up so they can’t move. I put clamps on their nipples until they beg me to stop.” Gael lowered his face to her nipple and sucked it hard.

  Alice threw her head back. “Fuck!”

  Squeezing his fingers as hard as he could into her skin, he pulled and kneaded the flesh of her ass, allowing him to penetrate her as deep as he could.

  “Come for me. Hard. I want to hear you scream my name so everyone in this fucking club knows you belong to me.”

  Her moans became timed with his thrusts. Her body trembled, her control slipping so obviously it was clear she couldn’t hold back any longer. He waited, hoping, his body tense until he heard the sweet sound of her surrender.

  “Gael!”

  With his name still echoing in his ears, the last of his control was snapped. Crying out, he slammed into her as hard as he could, using her body weight to his advantage. The orgasm didn’t fade, coming in waves until he didn’t think he’d be able to maintain his hold on her body. Finally, the pleasure was done and he pressed his face to her sweaty shoulder.

  “Gael?” Her voice barely reached him, despite their proximity.

  Helping her put her feet back down on the floor, he made short work freeing the restraints from the chain. It was too much effort to take those off of her, so instead he scooped her up in his arms and carried her over to one of the oversized chairs.

  “Oh,” she said in a wistful way before snuggling against him.

  He was going to need a few minutes before he’d be able to do anything. Sitting here with a woman he loved was a perfect end to his night. The perfect start to something else.

  Gael looked up in time to see Mistress Red standing at the top of the stairs. She gave him a smirk and a little wave. That bitch had known.

  “Alice?”

  “Mmm?”

  “Did anyone else help you tonight?”

  “Maybe.” He could feel her smile. “I’ll tell you about it later.”

  “You better.” Nodding towards Red, he mouthed thank you before cradling Alice closer to his chest.

  Yes, perhaps this was the beginning of something better.

  Chapter Nineteen

  “Petra, did you want one burger or two?”

  Alice danced her way over to the window, skipping around the cardboard box Darcy had left abandoned by the fridge after having shifted his beer to a cooler location.

  “One!”

  “Two!”

  Darcy and Petra mock glared at each other. They were getting into the too-cute-for-words stage of their relationship.

  “I can’t eat two.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll help you.”

  It was strange seeing her normally shy friend openly flirting with the man who’d been battling her online for over a year. Petra deserved every happiness that came to her. And Darcy was exactly the man who would keep her smiling for years to come.

  The sound of Alice’s front door opening pulled her attention from her friends. “Mom?”

  “Don’t yell, Alice. I’m not deaf.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I know. How was the drive?”

  Her mother came into the kitchen and immediately gave Alice a kiss on the cheek. “Too many cars driving too fast. Including him.”

  “If I went any slower the police would have pulled me over for being a traffic hazard.” Gael’s voice was cool, but Alice saw the slight crinkle at the corner of his eyes.

  Two months they’d been together, and she still felt as if she’d never learn all there was to know about this man. He could still surprise her both in and out of the bedroom.

  “Mom, Petra and Darcy are out back starting up the barbeque. I was just about to bring out the salads.”

  “That woman.” Her mother huffed. “I don’t know how someone as charming as Darcy can put up with her.”

  “Mom. You promised to behave.”

  “And I will. A lady always keeps her promises.” Setting her purse on the counter, she took the bowl of potato salad and went out onto the deck. “Hello, Darcy. Petra.”

  Gael chuckled. “Wears her heart on her sleeve that one.”

  “Like your mother doesn’t? I swore she was going to pull out her flogger the last time I was there.”

  “She had a new toy she thought you might appreciate.”

  “Kinda creepy, hon. Not the conversation I want to have with your mother.”

  Gael grabbed her around the waist and pulled her in tight. Sliding his hand up her back, he paused where her
bra strap normally would be. “Still being a good girl, I see.”

  “Yes, Sir.” Leaning in she nipped at his jawline. “Though I can be bad if that would make things more interesting.”

  It had taken some trial and error after the night at Wonderland when she’d surprised him. Gael had decided to take on a partner position with his father’s company. There’d been a lot of financial struggles they’d been forced to contend with, but based on what he’d told her after their last audit, things were finally looking up. That was around the time he’d started smiling more.

  Though that could be due to the obscene amounts of sex they’d been having.

  “Good. Bad. It doesn’t matter.” He took her by the chin and tipped her head back. “Either way I’m spanking your ass tonight.”

  She grinned. “Of course, Sir.”

  “That reminds me.” He released her and took a step back. He pulled a medium-sized box from a bag he’d placed on the floor when he’d first come in. “I want you to open this.”

  She wasn’t sure why, but her heart started pounding. It was too big to be a ring of any sort, and way too early for that sort of thing. Still, whatever this was, it was important to him. Carefully taking the lid off the box, Alice gasped.

  “Oh wow.”

  Setting perfectly on a stand was a leather and gold collar. Her name was engraved on a gold plate that would nestle perfectly in the hollow of her throat.

  “This isn’t to be worn out, except for maybe our trips to Wonderland. So much has happened in the last few months, you’ve given me so much, taught me about myself, I wanted to show you how much you’ve come to mean to me.”

  He reached into his pants pocket and took out a second box, smaller than the first. “This you can wear anytime.”

  The chain was heavier than any of her other necklaces, as was the small padlock attached to it. Without waiting to be told, Alice turned around and lifted her hair so he could place it on her neck.

  “Now anyone who looks at you will know you belong to me.” His words were hot against her ear. When she tried to turn around, he held her still. Kissing the side of her throat, Gael reached up and covered the lock with his large hand. “I love you.”