Fragile: Book One in The Everett Gaming Series

by Sera, Drew

  She looked down as if thinking about something. I gave her chin a tap so she’d look up at me.

  “What were you just thinking, sunshine?”

  “I was just thinking about how I’d never thought to do anything that you just mentioned. Maybe that’s one of the reasons Howard…"

  “Stop. Don’t finish that sentence and you kick all that shit he ever told you out of that pretty head.” I reached out and put my hand on her cheek. She leaned into my hand and I liked how it felt. Goddamn, those blue eyes were gorgeous.

  “I need to get ready. Go turn the shower on for me and come get me once it’s a temperature that you’d find comfortable.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  I watched her walk away in silence and became aware that I had heartburn or something from lunch. I closed my eyes for a minute to rest. I was so tired. I could have easily sat there and gazed in her eyes for hours. Probably would have lost myself in them if I wasn’t careful. Sydney was pulling feelings from me that I wasn’t sure I’d ever had before. And I’m not sure that I wanted them. But fuck, she was a sweetheart. Eager to please her Dom. I felt myself harden and had to get my mind and body under control. I quickly thought of her fucked up wrists. Semi erection was gone, but now I was angry.

  “Sir, I have the water ready.”

  I stood and she followed me to the bathroom. I reached in and felt the water. Perfect.

  “Thank you, sunshine. From now on, when I ask you to get the water ready, this is the temperature that I want. Now, while I’m in here, please set my clothes out on the chair and then come back in here to put my golf clothes in the hamper, then wait for me on the ottoman. Questions?”

  “Yes, Sir. What clothes would you like me to set out for you?”

  “I have a pair of jeans on top of the dresser. I’d like those, black socks, a black undershirt and there are button up casual shirts in the second drawer. You may pick that out but just make sure it’s a dark one.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  I left the bathroom door open so she could come back and collect my golf clothes. I’d try to face the door so when she comes in I can see if she tries to sneak a peak at me. A few moments later she quietly came in and then left with my golf stuff and never once looked over at me in the shower. I would have been surprised if she had. I rinsed and jumped out of the shower and while I was very tempted to stand naked while I did my hair, I knew Sydney would have a perfect view of me and it might make her uneasy. I didn’t want her any more nervous than I knew she already was about tonight. I wrapped a towel around my waist and quickly ran hair stuff through my hair and put on some cologne.

  I walked over to the chair where she had set out all my clothes. When I looked down at her to thank her for following my instructions, I noticed she was looking at my body. I smiled at her and it took her a moment to notice that I was watching her, watching me. Her face got red and she looked away while apologizing.

  “Sunshine, don’t apologize for looking at me. It’s okay. Besides, your Dom will love to have your pretty blues on him.”

  So I didn’t make her uneasy, I picked up my boxer briefs and pulled them on most of the way under the towel. Then I pulled the towel off and asked her to go hang it up to dry. I sat down to put my socks on and had my legs in the jeans and was tying my shoes when she came back. I stood and pulled the black undershirt on and then the gray button shirt. I pulled my jeans up and tucked everything in. She had done a good job with getting everything ready for me.

  “Sydney, I forgot to ask you to get my b…” I froze. I almost fucked up. I nearly sent her into a closet that she’s scared of, to get a belt that she also is scared of. I regrouped though and asked her to bring me my watch that was on the nightstand. I dashed in the closet to grab a belt and I stayed in there to put it on.

  “Here you go, Sir. I like your watch. It’s a really neat blue.”

  “Just like your eyes, sunshine.” I bent to kiss her cheek, took the watch from her and was now ready.

  We headed to the door and I kept my hand on the knob and turned to look at her.

  “Thank you for helping me get ready. And, you look great. Remember, nothing is happening tonight at the club. I’ll show you around and we’ll sit and talk. You can stay by me all night and you tell me the second you want to leave. Understand?”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “Good girl. Now lets go have a nice dinner and a fun evening.” I winked at her and she smiled and blushed.

  Chapter 42

  Friday, November 8th

  Sydney

  Anthony is a flirt. I really like being around him. He’s funny and I don’t feel weird or awkward around him. I feel comfortable around him. He’s not like Howard at all. The way he commands my attention makes me feel warm and tingly. Howard would scare me into obeying him. But with Anthony, I find myself really wanting to please him.

  He makes me feel like I’m doing something right. He protected me from Howard when he came to work looking for me. No one ever protected me from Howard. Not even people at the club I met him at. Others would just turn and look the other way. Not Anthony though. He kept me safe and got cut because of me.

  I was feeling nervous about tonight but I knew that with Colin and Anthony around that everything would be fine. I didn’t usually trust people so easily, but ever since that day in the courtyard, I’ve felt so safe around them.

  I wondered what it would be like to kiss Anthony. He’s always so playful and flirty with me. A large part of me wanted to kiss him but it wasn’t my place. He was a Dom and if he wanted to kiss me on the lips, he would. I’ve never kissed a guy that I’ve really been into. There had been some Doms at a club by campus that I had kissed from demands. And Howard.

  I shivered as I remembered Howard. My thoughts returned to daydreaming about kissing Anthony.

  And Colin.

  Chapter 43

  Friday, November 8th

  Colin

  “Finally!” Matt exclaimed as Anthony appeared with Sydney right behind him.

  Anthony gave me a look that told me he was laying some groundwork with Sydney. It was important so I didn’t care how long it took him. He knew what was important.

  Tonight we were all riding together in my Ranger Rover. Gina, Sydney and Anthony sat in the back while Matt rode in the front with me. Matt of course had to make a few jabs at my car.

  “Geeze, I hope this non-German automobile makes it to dinner before they close.”

  “Whatever, asshole,” I sighed back at him. The girls found humor in our sarcastic banter and filled the car with their sweet laughter.

  Vito greeted us and sat us at a nice round table close to the windows. The seating couldn’t have worked out any better. Sydney sat to Gina’s right and to Anthony’s left, and Matt was on Gina's left leaving me to sit across from Sydney and between Matt and Anthony. Sydney would be able to chit chat with Gina and she’d have Anthony as her safety net while I could sit and observe her.

  “Pet, do you want vegetables or a potato tonight?” Matt asked Gina and they began talking about food.

  I looked at Sydney and could tell that she heard that Matt was selecting Gina’s dinner. All the color drained from Sydney’s face and she set her menu down and put her hands in her lap. I was pretty sure that she was pulling on her fingers. A moment later she brought her hands up and set them on the table. I was getting ready to kick Anthony’s foot under the table to bring it to his attention, but he as already on top of it. He never brought his face up from his menu but placed his hand on top of Sydney’s and gave it a pat.

  “Good girl, sunshine.”

  With his words of praise, he leaned back in his chair and looked at her. He stared in her eyes for a moment before telling her he was proud of her. Interesting. They must have had a talk. Good for him. I knew he wouldn’t take asserting his Dom tendencies on her lightly. Anthony never does anything half assed.

  “Sir,”

  “Yes, sunshine?”

  “Um, sho
uld I be selecting my own dinner? Matt is selecting Gina’s,” she whispered to Anthony.

  I wasn’t a hard ass for that kind of control and I knew Anthony wasn’t either. But Sydney was nervous enough about it that I knew Anthony would guide her through ordering and make her think he was ordering for her. Anthony motioned for her to pick up her menu and they went over it together. Matt and I both watched Anthony take the worry and anxiety away from Sydney. He was so good with her that I couldn’t help myself from picturing the two of them together.

  “Alright, sunshine. Chicken or steak tonight?”

  “Chicken, Sir.”

  “Soup or salad? Keep in mind that it’s cool outside and the soup would be nice and warm.”

  “Soup, please.”

  “How about your side item, sunshine? There are a lot of choices here.” Sydney looked on the menu at the selections and then over at Anthony. “Is there anything on the sides list that you’re allergic to?”

  “No, Sir.”

  “How does the mixed steamed vegetables sound?”

  “Good, Sir.”

  “Alright, then it sounds good to me.”

  They both closed their menus and I quickly started up a golf club conversation with Matt so Sydney wouldn’t think we were watching her.

  “Is that one of those new clubs that extends the range by at least fifteen feet?” Anthony piped in. He had resumed his relaxed posture and had his arm resting on the back of Sydney’s chair. She looked comfortable and at ease and Gina began talking quietly with her.

  Dinner came and Sydney ate everything on her plate. I was very happy about that and I know Matt and Anthony both were too. Since Sydney has moved in, I’ve been on top of her eating habits and have made sure that she eats three good meals a day and snacks on fruit. Food was scarce for her before since money was tight.

  The girls excused themselves to go to the bathroom while we waited on the bill. Matt grabbed it up though.

  “Anth, that was nice what you did to help relax Sydney,” Matt said. Anthony nodded and sipped his Coke. He seemed on edge all of a sudden.

  As our girls came back, the three of us stood. Anthony and Matt helped the girls into their sweaters and then we headed to Irons.

  I would be letting Sydney explore a bit tonight but would never let her out of my sight unless she was with Anthony or Matt. I knew that Anthony would be glued to her out of his own level of comfort. Evan and Seth were both going to be there tonight and the two of them would want to try to talk with her some as well. It would be a busy night for her and we made sure she knew to tell one of us once she was worn out and ready to go.

  When we arrived, we checked our jackets and the girls their purses. Gina checked her sweater and was left in a black tank top and black skirt. I looked over at Sydney to see what she would do. She had a cap sleeved black shirt on that had sheer sleeves. I wasn’t sure if she’d feel comfortable enough to leave the sweater. She’s constantly surprising me though with her strength. So I didn’t say anything but smiled when she handed her sweater over to the front desk.

  Sydney stood back and looked at all of the black and white photographs on the wall in the foyer where the coat check was. I stood next to her and put my arm around her shoulders.

  “These are all pictures of club members.” I rattled off many of their names and gave brief bits of info on them. “See the one on the end with the girl in the rope? Anthony did the rope work for that one.” I said to Sydney.

  She turned to look at Anthony and smiled.

  “Anthony is very much into rope and is what they call a ‘rigger.’ He’s one of the best in the club and often has Doms ask him to do some rope work with their subs. In fact, throughout the walls inside, there are many photographs with rope work. Those were all done by Anthony.”

  The girls walked next to each other and Matt and Anthony on either side while I walked behind Sydney. I need to be on my toes tonight and pay attention to Sydney and her reactions to certain things. I also need to talk to Seth and Evan.

  As we approached the bar area, the only unpleasant prick in the place had to find us. Paul Fielding.

  “Everett, where did you find this pussy? Certainly I haven’t pleasured it.”

  He stood beside me molesting Sydney with his eyes and it pissed me off big time. Matt stopped short and stayed near me while Anthony walked over to the couches with the girls. When I was sure they were out of earshot, I turned to look at Paul.

  “Don’t Paul. She’s new to this and is just getting out of a bad situation.”

  “Maybe she needs to be kissed with a whip for a while. Spend an evening with a sadist.”

  “No, she doesn’t. That’s the last thing she needs.”

  He stood there with his smug expression and continued to watch her. It got under my skin and I was trying to stay as professional as possible.

  “You training her? She’s a cute one dripping with innocence. I get next dibs after Graves.”

  Paul made a move towards the direction of Sydney and I moved in front of him, blocking his path. I could feel Matt stepping up as well. I prayed Paul would not ruin this night. So much was riding on it.

  “Leave her alone, Paul,” I said to him as Seth, Evan and Will all appeared near us.

  Paul realized the severity of my words. I didn’t want him near her. Paul enjoys playing on the edge of extreme play and dangerous play. Both things that needed to be far away from Sydney. Paul nodded that he understood and playfully hit me in the arm with his fist.

  “Let me know when the sign up sheet is available for that one,” he said as he turned and headed down to the dungeon.

  “Fuck,” I said under my breath. Matt was still right there and we headed over to our usual spot.

  I sat in a club chair next to the end of the couch where Sydney was sitting. Anthony was sitting very close to her and was pointing out who some of the people were. For whatever reason, I couldn’t calm down. Paul had me on edge.

  “I’m going to go order us drinks.”

  I headed over to the bar and waited for my order to be taken. I took some deep breaths to help me calm down some but now I felt like I needed to keep an eye on Paul as well. Blake appeared next to me and handed me a blank profile card for Sydney. It was a requirement for all members to complete a questionnaire and information card and keep on file. The card had questions for subs as to what they would or wouldn’t do, listed any fears or limits. All cards had a spot for emergency contact info, allergies, blood type and that sort of thing. Blake took his club and the members safety deadly serious. All cards were kept at the front desk and all dungeon monitors had a copy of them on the nights they were monitors. I feared Sydney would need an entire side just for her fears. I’d help her fill it out.

  “So, how is our new visitor doing?” Blake asked as he turned to look at Sydney.

  “Okay. Luckily she avoided Paul.” I looked over my shoulder to see if he was lurking about but I didn’t see him.

  “Now this is interesting,” Blake said with his words trailing off.

  “What, Paul? Paul is motivated by weakness and he sees that in Sydney because she’s new here.”

  “No, I meant Anthony.”

  I turned to look at what Blake was looking at. Anthony and Sydney were sitting close on the couch and their heads were very close. They were both looking off to the side watching a couple at a spanking bench. But every now and then he’d turn his head and would be talking right into her ear. Whatever he had just said made Sydney blush and laugh.

  “I’ve never seen him behave like this. You know, flirty and playful. I’ve noticed he is very protective of her at your place, but flirty? Is he like this with her outside of the club?”

  “Blake, you have no idea.”

  I filled him in on Howard’s visit to work yesterday and how he ended up with stitches. I didn’t leave out anything about how good Anthony has been with Sydney. Blake looked over at me like I had grown two heads.

  “Anthony holds her at ni
ght? In bed? Our Anthony?” He asked me.

  “The very one.”

  “Hmm, very interesting indeed. I’m going to go say hello.”

  Blake headed over and I finally placed my order for Cokes to be sent over to us and then went to join my company.

  When I sat down in the chair next to the couch where Sydney and Anthony sat, I showed Sydney the information card.

  “Baby, this is an info card we need to fill out for you. Filling one out doesn’t mean that you have to play, but it’s required that everyone has one on file. The dungeon monitors each have a copy and then a potential Dom or Master can view them as well. Your safe word goes at the top in this highlight section.”

  I held the card out between us so she could look at it. She looked nervous and shy. I handed her the pen and told her I’d help her fill it out. She went to work on the card while the rest of us talked. As we were chatting one of Blake’s live in subs, Noah, came over with our drinks. He was naked except for a pair of mesh briefs with his nipple rings glittering in the light. We thanked him and he headed back over to the bar area. Blake and Cathy had recently collared Noah as their second live in sub. Kelsie was their other one and was around here somewhere.

  “I don’t know my blood type,” Sydney said quietly to me.

  I looked up at Matt. He’d know since he’s been all over her medical files lately.

  “Matt, do you remember Sydney’s blood type?”

  “O positive.”

  Sydney wrote that down and I told her to put me, then Anthony and then Matt down for emergency contacts. I helped her with all the contact info. I took her card when she finished and then handed her a drink. Anthony and I both picked up on her nervousness when her hand shook and the ice jerked around in her glass. She blushed and looked down at her glass.

  “It’s okay, baby. No need to be nervous,” I told her and gave her hand a pat.

  We spent close to forty-five minutes just talking and we introduced Sydney to a few people. Blake had excused himself a while ago and now Matt and Gina were going to go sit up at the bar for a while. I knew Matt was doing that to give the three of us some privacy. It was a lot for Sydney to take in and she may have some questions by now.