The footsteps entered the room and I turned with the tray. It nearly fell from my hands at seeing her arm wrapped around his. They appeared the couple. It could happen over time. If I stepped away and let it. “After both of you.”
Diane wouldn’t even look at me as he led her into the formal dining room. I followed, setting the tray down while Jaime pushed her chair in. My head shook from the selfish need and the decision to let her eat on her own was suddenly out of the picture. “Slave, down.”
Still, no reaction. She stood, coming to kneel at the side of my chair as I took my seat. A comfort came over at me at having her by my side. The false ownership made me thrive. At least I had her now and I’d damn well take advantage of it. My eyes lifted to look down the table. Jaime appeared neither upset nor amused. Just…lustful of her submission.
“So,” I forced a smile, “you’ve put in for vacation. Where do you plan to celebrate this time? France? Italy? You mentioned those not too long ago.”
Jaime reached for the side dishes, taking his time placing them on the plate. “I was actually thinking of staying around here. Maybe just relaxing at home. Haven’t really decided yet.”
I followed suit, filling my plate with enough to feed both Diane and me. “Sounds like an excellent vacation to me. Although, I think I’ll be taking one here soon, too. After my slave is dealt with accordingly, of course. And if the opportunity presents itself.”
The look of surprise couldn’t be hidden from Jaime’s face. Even Diane’s head lifted the smallest amount. There we go, baby. Let’s see what gets your attention.
“Oh yeah? Where are you going?” Jaime took a bite as he waited.
“I have a place in New York. I think I’ll go up there for a few weeks. Either that, or I’ve been considered exploring the French Polynesia Islands. I hear it’s beautiful there.
“Nice. I want to go.” Jaime threw me a playful smile and I shook my head, laughing.
“You are not allowed. Not after the last time.”
His head tilted and his face grew serious. “Hey, that’s not fair. I had no idea I’d get seasick. First boating experience and the last.”
“It’s a yacht, not a boat. Besides, you nearly wiped out my Scotch…and you snore.”
Diane laughed and I looked down, my smile broadening as she continued to stare at the floor.
“Do you get seasick, slave?”
Green eyes rose to meet mine. “I’m not sure, Master. I’ve never been on one, either.”
My head shook back and forth. “And here I thought Jaime had been the sheltered one. Seems it isn’t just him.” I put some mashed potatoes on the fork, trying to ignore the glimpse of cleavage I caught as I turned to give her a bite. My eyes stayed glued to her lips as they encased the utensil and the tip of her tongue darted out, licking the food away. Fuck…those lips…that tongue. They’d done wonders to my cock, and it knew it. The hardness pushed against my pants and I shifted as I brought the fork back up.
“What about flying? Have you not done that, either?” It was said as a joke, but from her expression, I almost wished I could take my words back.
“No, Master.” She paused. “Ronnie and I drove everywhere. I was too afraid to fly and he never pushed the issue. He liked road trips.”
I sighed, preparing her another bite. “Fear enables us to miss out on things in life. Perhaps if you continue on your idea of a new start, you can incorporate some of these things into your plans.”
“You want me to fly somewhere?”
I shrugged, feeding her more. “It’ll be up to you, but I encourage it.”
Diane stayed silent, nodding as I removed the fork. Only when she swallowed did she speak. “Maybe I will. I’ve always wanted to go to Rome.”
“Beautiful,” Jaime said, rushing in. “You’d love it there.”
“I’m sure I would.” Her eyes lowered and I saw her mood decline. I started eating, taking turns feeding her. By the time we were finished, I was sure my cock couldn’t ache any more. Standing was out of the question.
I pulled my keys out, tossing them down the table. “Jaime, why don’t you grab the Scotch.”
“Now, that, I can do.” He stood, leaving the room. I turned the top half of my body toward Diane. Her breasts pulled at me and I reached down, dipping my finger just past the material to trail along the low cut lining.
“I’m half tempted to leave with you tonight. I’d like to see you scared.” I smiled as she stared up at me, wide-eyed.
“I don’t think I’m ready to fly yet. I don’t want to.”
“We both know your opinion doesn’t matter. Besides, you lucked out. I have that speech to make. Maybe in the future.” What the fuck was I saying? I was supposed to be distancing myself. My possible plan…it made itself known again.
Her bottom lip came out and I reached down, using my thumb to pull it back. “Pouting has consequences. You’ll get yours after Jaime leaves.”
“Yes, Master.” Anger swelled, flashing on her face, but she kept it inside as I removed my touch. Jaime strolled through, not seeming to notice her change in mood as he sat the decanter and glasses on the table. Three glasses to be exact. My mind rolled through the options. How would Diane behave under the influence? She’d be more prone to be brave. Would her temper get the best of her? Would she open up to me if I asked her questions? The possibilities were endless.
I reached forward, pouring both of us a glass. “Drink.” Not an option. The order had her reaching forward even after the slight withdraw. So…she didn’t really want it. Too bad. I was anxious to see what would happen.
Jaime poured himself a glass and pulled out the chair next to Diane. At the offer of the cigar, I took it, letting him light it. The smooth flavor rolled over my tongue while I inhaled.
“Very nice. Where’d you get these?”
He laughed. “A gift from some potential clients.”
“Even better.” I took off my jacket, removing the cuffs so I could roll up my sleeves. Diane shifted at my feet and I longed to grab her hair and pull her higher on her knees. Have her suck my cock while I drank my Scotch and smoked my cigar. Perhaps I would once Jaime left.
I took a drink, eyeing my friend as he stared down at her. Not lustful like before, but more curious.
“Drink, slave.”
She moved again and I knew her knees had to have been hurting. The glass rose while her eyes met mine, challengingly. In one drink, she finished off half of it. The coughing that followed had me pulling her to stand before me. I took the glass, placing it on the table. “You are the most stubborn woman I’ve ever met.”
“I don’t drink, nor do I want to…Master.”
“Too bad. Now pick up the damn glass and sip on it. And sit.” I patted my leg and her eyes widened. From the glance she threw Jaime, I knew she didn’t want to in front of him, but she obeyed, sitting as far away from me as she could. I put down my glass and handed Jaime my cigar. My hands gripped her hips and I pulled until her back was against my chest. “There. You want to act like a baby, I’ll treat you like one. Drink,” I said, handing her the glass.
“Jaime.” I reached for the cigar and used the same hand to pull my drink closer. Diane wiggled and I tried to not moan or have a reaction as I gave my friend my full attention. “If my slave is allowed to ever leave, I’ll be setting her up with Rachel. Make sure to talk to her tomorrow. I think she and Diane are a good fit.”
“Rachel…I think you may be right.” He pulled out his phone, typing away in what I assumed were his notes. “Is there a length of time you want them paired?”
“Six weeks. Not a day earlier.”
“Done.” He continued to move his fingers against the screen, but I barely noticed. The only thing I knew was the smell of Diane’s hair, or the faster than normal breaths as she continued to squirm.
“Master,” she said softly, turning toward me. Our faces were but inches apart. I wanted nothing more than to kiss her like I had last night. Slow. Passionate
. Fuck, I was making this impossible on myself. Why wasn’t I sending her back with Jaime? I should. She might be safer than she was within the walls of my home.
I licked my lips, holding her stare. “Yes?”
“Who’s Rachel?”
“Suicide councilor. A friend of mine.”
Her eyes lowered for the briefest moment.
“You’ll like her. And you’re going, or else you come back here. It’s non-negotiable.”
“I’ll go.”
I wanted to smile; instead, I kept my face expressionless. “Good girl. Now, drink.”
A deep exhale left her and she brought the glass to her lips, sipping, just as I told her to.
“All set up. I’ll contact her in the morning. What about housing?” Jaime went on.
“I have a house,” Diane rushed in.
My fingers pushed through the hair at the nape of her neck, not pulling, just securing into place so she had to look at me. “Did I ask you to join this conversation?”
“No, Master.”
“This is between Jaime and me. You are to listen. What I decide is what you’ll do. Besides, we both know you’ll not be going back to your house, ever. Not to live, anyway.”
“You don’t know that,” she snapped. “I may very well move back there just to prove to you that you don’t know everything you think you do!” Diane’s lips pressed together and she looked a cross between pale and pissed.
A sadistic smile pulled at the edge of my lips as we stared at each other. I knew she was aware that she was going to pay from her outburst, even more than she already was. And I couldn’t wait. But she had no idea what I had in store and it wasn’t what I’d normal do. Her body was too bruised to add to them.
“I’m sorry, Master. I wasn’t thinking.”
“I guess that’s something else you’re going to have to work on.”
My head turned and I looked at Jaime. It was evident he loved the way I treated her. “I’ll let you know on the living arrangements soon. I may very well end up giving her to you. Perhaps, she’d like that.”
The panic that clouded her features as I glanced over told me quite the opposite, but she kept quiet. Fear had the power to shut people down completely. Diane was about as compliant as she could be. She’d go if I told her to. And she’d stay, because if she didn’t, she knew what I’d do if I ever found her. I could read it in her eyes. Fear. I had her right where I wanted and she didn’t even know it. Poor thing.
“I’d very much be honored for her to live with me. For however long she wishes.” Jaime smiled and I let go of her head.
“Tell him thank you for the generosity, slave.”
Tears and anger shown through, but she turned and faced him. “Thank you, Jaime. That is very kind of you to offer me a place to live.”
The glass rose to his lips as he nodded. Diane didn’t need me to tell her again. Shakily, she took her own drink. The cigar smoke billowed around, perfuming the air with the strong aroma. I brought it to my lips, inhaling deeply. The burn in my lungs sent a calming sensation through me. I leaned back more, relaxing, noticing that Diane had automatically curled into me. The flickering of Jaime’s stare sent a sense of satisfaction, yet an all too striking truth. I was making it clear to him who she belonged to, whether I wanted her or not. She’s was choosing me and the asshole that I’d become concerning her was inexcusable. Still, the damage was done, and I’d be damned to put her down. Regardless of my decision, I didn’t want him to have her. I couldn’t see them together like that.
“I should be taking off soon.” He set his glass down and Diane flew forward to sit up.
“You can’t leave.” The way she shook her head sent her hair flying. I could hear the anxiety in her tone. She turned to me, desperation nearly causing her to crumble completely. “Tell him he can’t leave. Tell him we won’t let him.”
“I have to go home,” he laughed. “I have appointments in the morning.”
Before I could say a word, she flew off my lap, lunging for Jaime. He was just as taken aback as I was. She pushed her hands into his pockets while he moved to the side, sliding off the chair. But not fast enough. Diane had his keys and bolted from the room, faster than I could have imagined in the stilettos she wore.
“Slave,” I growled, racing after her.
She was halfway up the stairs before I grabbed the railing. I took two steps at a time, grasping her ankle just as she broke into the hallway.
“Stop it! No, I won’t let him go.” The heel kicked toward me as she turned and clawed at the wood. I managed to make my way up, blocking her legs so I could cover her body.
“Give me the keys.”
Her clutched hands forced their way behind her back. “Never.”
“Give. Me. The. Keys.”
Tears streamed down her face and the sob that tore from her throat twisted at my insides. “I can’t, Master. I really can’t.”
“Tell me why. What is this all about?” My tone became soothing at the terror she was experiencing. I didn’t understand, but I wasn’t blind enough not to see that she was having some sort of genuine break down.
“He’ll k-ill some-one.” Her voice was broken up as she fell even further apart. “What if…it’s…a child? Or…” The words were gone, the wracking of her chest so heavy that I rolled to my side, pulling her in my arms so I could hold her tightly. Jaime came into view and I couldn’t move. All I was capable of was comforting my slave. The woman who’d brought me back to life after I thought I was just as dead as I had wanted to be.
“You’ll stay in the guest bedroom downstairs tonight.”
He nodded his head, no doubt hearing what she’d said. He knew how her husband and daughter were killed, and she was right. One drink was one too many for anyone to get behind the wheel. I only wished I would have considered it first.
“That was very smart of you. I’m proud that you went against my rules to stand up for what was right, but you could have expressed this without reacting the way you did.” My hand brushed back the hair sticking to her wet face. “Look at me.”
Bloodshot eyes rose to mine, the green so bright that it was hypnotizing. I had to force myself to go on.
“Go get in the shower and get ready for bed. I’ll be in there shortly.”
“I’m sorry, Master. I just couldn’t let him kill someone or himself. Not when I could do something about it.”
I kissed her forehead, hugging onto her even more. “You did the right thing. Now, do as Master says.” I stood, helping her up. She paused, but gave me the keys. My hand lifted to show them to her and then I pushed them into my pocket.
“He stays. Now, go.”
Chapter 19
Diane
Dreams of Master played out, long and heavenly. Only here did it seem I was able to get my medium. He was always dominant, but never cruel. Even sweet sometimes. Sun beat against our skin and I glanced over, smiling as his finger traced down my cheek. The warmth felt so good. So…perfect in the moment. I knew we were on one of those islands he mentioned the other night, but I couldn’t place myself.
“Are you happy?”
My head turned, kissing his lips. It felt odd, strange that I was connecting with him on this level. Yet, somewhere deep down, I knew this wasn’t real, that I was dreaming. I’d been here too many times lately.
Slave?”
“Hmm?”
“Wake up.”
I blanked, my dream already fading.
“I’m awake,” I groaned, not even bothering to open my eyes. I knew Master had been the one truly telling me to wake up. Not the dream man I had created.
“Hurry up. We have to run into town.”
My eyes jerked open only to squint as my hand flew up. “Oh…God. Light.” I flew out of bed, blindly rushing to the opened windows. Even the curtains were pulled back.
I spun, smiling over at his already grinning face.
“Do I get to keep them like this from now on?” The excitement couldn’
t be stopped. I hadn’t seen the sun in what felt like forever. Even though my eyes were already watering from the sensitivity, I wanted to squeal at the gift he’d given me.
“If you continue to be good, yes. I think you’ve earned it, at least for the day. If you behave in town, I’ll even take you on a stroll of the grounds. How does that sound?”
Without thought, I rushed forward, kneeling at his feet. If I’d learned anything so far, it was how to show appreciation for the little things he gave. “Thank you, Master. I’d love that.”
Fingers ran through my hair. “You’re welcome. Get dressed. I’ll be waiting.”
I bit my bottom lip, battling whether I should object. He hadn’t touched me since our night of lovemaking. After he’d placed me in the corner like a child for the stunt I pulled the night Jaime was here, he’d distanced himself. That was a good week ago. He wasn’t even really the same Master I’d known before. He left me beyond confused, but I knew I couldn’t get enough of being around him. I frowned as I let my dream man sink in. Perhaps, this was his medium?
Slowly, I rose to my feet, watching him walk away. Even though I wanted to say something, I couldn’t. My mind was going a million miles a minute and nothing was registering with the sleep-fog I was in. Dressed…right. Maybe I’d mention wanting him while we were in the car, or in town. If we were going to do anything, we’d need protection. Even though he was fixed, I didn’t want to risk an accident.
A pale blue dress was the first that caught my attention and I pulled it down, stripping off the pajama’s I had on. The moment I slid it over my head and put away the nightclothes, I headed for the restroom to brush my teeth. Master was nowhere in sight. Not even when I finished with my routine and came out.
“Master?”
The light thud of my bare feet patted against the wood hallway and I spun in a circle at the entrance that would lead to the stairs. The door at the very end of the hallway was open, so I headed in that direction. Heaviness from fear pulled my feet more into the flooring. I was scared to see what was further and I wasn’t sure why. Maybe it was what a mystery the house was. What kind of secrets rested behind the locked doors?
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