“You were adorable trying not to cry during the ceremony,” Jude whispered in her ear as they took their seats.
She glared at him. “You were looking a little choked up yourself.”
He chuckled and placed his hand on her knee under the table. Already she felt a shiver run up her spine. At just one touch? Damn she had it bad. Suddenly, she longed for Q’s touch on her other side. She felt almost empty not having her there.
Family and friends poured into the room, chatting and gushing about the groom. Her aunts’ shrieking rose up over the crowd. Apparently Gina had selected an acceptable match. Any minute now, her family would start interrogating Jude.
When the seats began to fill at their table, she leaned into Jude and cautioned, “My family is like a school of piranhas. Be careful.”
He nodded coolly, but she didn’t miss his slight shift of discomfort.
Guilt flooded her for dragging him into this mess. It wasn’t fair, given their current agreement. But how she wished this was for real. Not just because it would please her family, but, well, he just fit. With her, with Q, in her life, in her heart. If her meddling and judgmental family hadn’t been involved, she could picture living happily with one on each side of her.
Not gonna happen, girly.
“If it’s too much trouble, it’s okay to tell them you’re not really my boyfriend,” she said to Jude.
“And desert you in your time of need?” He squeezed her knee. “Never. Besides, aren’t I your boyfriend?”
“Yes but –”
“Hush,” he ordered softly. Her heart thunked at the command. He leaned in and brushed his lips against her ear. “I’m your boyfriend tonight and that’s all that matters. But don’t forget I’m also your Dom.”
She let out a soft groan, her insides clenching in need. “I’m turned-on already. Can we leave early?” As a second thought she added, “Sir.” Maybe that would catch his attention.
He grinned. “Nice try, little girl.” He pulled something out of his pocket and handed it to her. “Here. Q has a message for you.”
She’d given him her phone to hold since she wouldn’t know if it vibrated in her purse or not. She looked down at the text.
Is Jude behaving himself?
She sighed and typed back. Yes but I wish he wouldn’t. She wished he’d agree to a quick dinner then home for a long fuck. Knowing him, he wanted to drag out the torture as long as possible.
She waited for Q’s reply, getting anxious as family started greetings around the table. She’d recognized a few distant relatives, but so far they only smiled at her. At least her mother hadn’t found her yet.
Finally Q’s text came through.
You really shouldn’t have said that.
Huh? Another came up before she could reply.
Hand the phone to Jude.
She started typing a protest. As if Q could read her mind, the next text interrupted hers.
Do it, little girl!
Fuck. With an eye roll she handed it to Jude. “Apparently she’s done with me.”
He looked down at the text and grinned. “That girl is diabolical.” His wicked gaze met hers. “I like it.”
A shiver of fear kicked her heart beat up a notch. “What did she say?”
“That,” he stuffed the phone into his pocket and leaned in to whisper, “is for your Doms to know. And you to find out later.” He chuckled at her expression then tapped her nose. “Don’t pout. I may spank you right here in front of your family.”
She gasped. “You wouldn’t!”
He laughed out loud. “No. But you certainly tempt me.” Stealthily, he peered around the room. “I’m sure there’s somewhere private around here.”
Unsure whether he was joking, she made a mental note to behave. Though the idea of it didn’t ease the ache between her legs. Was she blushing?
“Sabrina Romano?” a red-haired lady with too much eyeliner said from across the table. “I haven’t seen you since you were a little girl. How are you?”
“Uhh,” she replied brilliantly. God she hated these situations. “Good.”
“I’m your mother’s cousin, Dina,” she exclaimed.
Good for you, she wanted to say. “Nice to meet you,” she said instead.
Jude’s hand perched on its spot on her knee. “Introduce me,” he whispered covertly.
“Oh!” She sucked at formalities. “This is –”
“There you are!” Her mother’s distinctive high-pitched voice sang from behind her. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you, dear.” She appeared at her side and stood over her. Though not much taller than Sabrina, her curvy mother, dressed all in scarlet, took over the room with her presence. She could probably dom Jude if she tried. “Why didn’t you come say hello when I waved at you from the ceremony? I had a seat saved for you right in front. Your second cousin, Jamie, flew in from Washington and I wanted to introduce you.” She perused Sabrina’s body while chattering. “What are you wearing, Sabrina?” she asked. “You look like a slut.”
“Mother!” Sabrina peered around them to see who’d heard. Thankfully the background noise drowned her out.
Her mother ignored her outrage and pushed back a piece of hair falling in Sabrina’s face. “Roots, dear. Haven’t you made enough money with your little art business to keep up with your hair highlights?”
She flushed and shrank back, ashamed though she should be used to the criticism. But it was different in front of Jude.
“Hi.” He jumped in to rescue her. “I’m Sabrina’s boyfriend, Jude.”
Her mother’s mask of confidence dropped for a fraction of a second before reappearing again. She was stunned speechless for the first time Sabrina could remember.
Sabrina grinned.
“A boyfriend?” her mother questioned, as if it didn’t seem possible. “I didn’t know she…” She trailed off, giving Sabrina a stern look. “Why didn’t you tell me you were dating somebody, Sabrina? Honestly! You should call me more often.”
She rolled her eyes. Was it any surprise why she didn’t?
Jude came to her defense again. “It’s fairly new, Mrs. Romano.”
“Oh, call me Leonora.” She giggled.
Giggled? Well, Jude did affect every woman he encountered.
“Leonora.” He grinned charmingly. “Sabrina wanted to keep things quiet while we got to know each other. But it’s nice to finally meet some of her family.”
“Likewise.” She turned to the right and yelled, “Marcella! Silvia! Come meet Sabrina’s new boyfriend!”
Sabrina winced.
“I know, it’s about time!” her mother shouted, furthering her embarrassment.
Jude patted her knee reassuringly then whispered in her ear, “You’re beautiful. Never forget that.”
Her heart melted. Tears pricked her eyes and she didn’t have to force a smile when her two aunts made their way to the table.
Sabrina stood to greet her aunts, giving kisses on each cheek. Jude rose too, and shook their hands. He answered the barrage of questions beautifully, artfully dodging some, but still revealing important things that gave him status. The women swooned like high school girls talking to the school heartthrob. She almost rolled her eyes. But every time she and Jude made eye contact, something sparked. He was hers. He wanted her. Well, temporarily. But still, it made her feel confident, worthy.
“Do I get to meet your dad?” Jude whispered in her ear during a short break of questions.
She scanned the room for him. “He must be having cigars with the other men.”
Jude grinned.
“Yes, I know we’re one big stereotype. Deal with it.” Though she knew it wasn’t important, part of her wanted Jude to meet her dad. She and her father had a special bond. His approval meant everything to her. Almost the exact opposite of her mother, her dad was warm and accepting, didn’t pass judgment until he knew someone on a personal level. That’s not to say he wouldn’t give Jude – or any other potential match –
the runaround. Her mother used to say, “God help the man that tries to steal Sabrina from her daddy.”
Dinner was served and they all sat down. Her mother and one aunt stayed at their table. They lost interest in interrogating Jude eventually and moved onto family gossip. After dinner, Jude shoved the phone in her lap with a silent command to read it.
I hope you’re behaving, little girl, Q’s text read.
She looked to see if anyone was paying attention. Her mother was going on about the latest family scandal. She typed back, of course I am. I’m always a good girl for my Doms.
A message came through right away. Mmhm. Remember when Jude held you down the other night when we played? Picture that and my tongue on your clit.
She hissed in a breath and felt her face heat. Instinctively, her gaze shot to her mother sitting beside her. Her heart raced with the familiar feeling of being in trouble. It was ridiculous. Her mother couldn’t see what she’d just read. But it still felt naughty. Just then, Jude’s hand moved up her thigh a few inches. She gulped.
Q! she texted. That’s not nice!
The reply was immediate. Shh! Pay attention to your family!
Her family? She looked up. They all gazed at her expectantly. “Huh?”
“They asked what you thought of the food, sweetheart,” Jude said sounding amused. “Did you fall asleep?”
She gave her head a little shake. “Just a little foggy today. I was up late with a work project. The food was excellent.” She looked down at her mostly full plate. “Uhh… especially the roasted potatoes.” They were completely uneaten. She cursed under her breath. She could almost feel Jude’s mocking amusement beside her. Such a bratty Dom. He’d need a safeword when she got her hands on him later. And Q too!
They stared at her a moment longer then Dina declared, “At my wedding, we had apricot salmon.” Then they burst into a busy chatter again, each competing for the best food title at their wedding.
Sabrina texted to Q. I’m trying! You’re distracting me.
Stop looking!
Stop texting! She grinned.
Lol. Go talk to your mother.
Sabrina chuckled. Sometimes she thought she might be falling in love with Q. But as more than a friend? It was hard to know. Was loving a woman the same as loving a man? Just before she tucked the phone back into Jude’s pocket, one last text came through.
Naughty girl ;)
Naughty? She hadn’t seen naughty yet. “Mom, did you know Jude comes from a family of doctors?” Let him deal with that while she showed Q just how naughty this little sub could be.
She pushed the phone further under the table and snapped several pictures of her bare legs. Growing braver, she aimed for her thighs next. Then, in an uncharacteristic move, she took a picture underneath her skirt. A thrill swept through her at the thought of sending the dirty photos to Q. Could she do it?
Jude adjusted his hold on her leg, digging his short nails into her skin gently but sharply. Was that a warning or encouragement? With an evil smirk, she decided to take it as encouragement.
She brought the phone to her lap and quickly sent all of them to Q, including the one of her lacy underwear. With a stifled giggle she shoved the phone to Jude, ignoring Q’s reply. Jude gave her a puzzled glare then, after distracting her family with questions of weddings, he gazed down at the phone.
It was satisfying watching his eyes widen as he browsed the pictures. Did she surprise her Dom? How fun!
Finally, he leaned over and hissed in her ear, “Tell your family you need to use the restroom.” At her hesitation, he added sharply, “Now.”
“Uhh,” she stuttered. “Where’s the bathroom?”
Her mother gave her directions and she rose from the table and straightened her dress. Jude stood and took her elbow and said loudly enough for her family to hear, “I’ll come too. Knowing her, she’ll get lost.”
By the stern set of his jaw and the narrowing of his eyes, she knew she was in for it. Walking through the maze of tables, it felt like her knees were turning to jelly with each step. Jude held her hand tightly, like he was preventing her from escaping as he marched her toward the firing squad.
Firing squad. She couldn’t stop a silly giggle.
Jude looked back at her. “Something funny?”
“No, Sir.” She bit her lip to keep back a smile.
He quirked a brow then stopped just in front of the reception hall exit. After shuffling in his pocket for a moment, he withdrew the phone then handed it to Sabrina with a smirk.
Oh boy. She looked down at Q’s message.
Nice panties. I think they should come off now.
Jude tugged her hand and she followed mindlessly down the hallway. Another text popped up.
If he finds them wet, I get to spank your naughty ass when you get home.
She barely stifled a moan. Her knees threatened to buckle. It was far too late to avoid that fate. Fuck, why couldn’t they leave now?
She lost track of how many turns they’d made before Jude stopped them in a deserted hallway near what looked like a utility closet. He checked around the corner then yanked her into a little alcove in front of a closed door.
She yelped when he pressed her up against the wall, none too gently then crushed her mouth with his. He tasted like wine.
“Mmm,” she murmured, melting against him.
He ran his hands up her thighs, over her ass. She felt her body slide down the wall, but he slammed a knee between her legs and his hips against hers and pinned her there. Though she tried to avoid him capturing her wrists, he collected them in his fist and pushed them over her head against the wall.
Her whimper turned into a moan when he lifted her skirt with the other hand. Warm fingers slid up her thigh, finding her center.
He grinned. “You’re soaked, little girl.”
Ugh. She squirmed. Just move your hand!
“Q will be happy,” he said. Gently, he ran his fingers over her underwear. She wanted to kick and swear and demand he fuck her. But she knew better. Still, she didn’t need to be his plaything. This was her date after all. Frustration burned a small storm in her chest.
“If you’re not man enough to take me home and fuck me,” she snapped. “At least have the decency to leave me to enjoy my family in peace.” Yeah, maybe she could’ve said it nicer. So it didn’t surprise her when he stepped away and gave her The Look. She whimpered, regretting her words already.
“Kneel,” he commanded.
Remorseful, she sunk to her knees.
“Head down.”
It was already down. Her throat tightened and tears formed in her eyes. If she was just playing at submission, like he’d said, why did she feel so awful about disappointing him?
He didn’t say anything for a moment. Should she apologize for losing her temper? She didn’t know the rules for this situation.
“You know you’re in trouble, don’t you?” he finally asked.
She nodded.
“Do you have something to say?”
She nodded again, afraid to even open her mouth without permission.
“Speak, girl.”
After a deep breath, she said shakily, “I’m sorry, Sir. I just lost my temper. I was…frustrated.”
He kept her waiting for too long and the tears spilled over. Finally, he stroked her hair. “You’re forgiven. But you’ll pay. Since you have trouble with your mouth, I have something to keep it busy.” She heard the sound of his zipper. “Head up.”
Raising her head, she took in size of his shaft just in front of her mouth then shifted her eyes to his face. Gazing into those deep blue eyes – the ones that lit up when he laughed – started fresh tears in hers. She opened her mouth to apologize again but a small shake of his head stopped her.
“This is for me, not for you. Be a good girl and I won’t have to ruin your pretty hair.”
She nodded eagerly. Yes, she would. She wanted to be his good girl again.
His fingers stroked her
jaw lightly. Then he tapped once, twice, with his fingertips. “Open.”
***
Dessert was a heavenly blend of chocolate and cheesecake. Jude and Sabrina took turns feeding each other forkfuls, looking an awful lot like the newly married bride and groom. Her mother tsked at the public show of affection, but right now, she couldn’t care less what her judgmental family thought of her. And if Q were there, she’d have fed her too.
After the forced blow job, Jude had held her in the hallway, using a tissue to wipe her tears. He’d even helped reapply her make-up. When she’d blubbered about him being mad at her, he’d assured her the slate was clean – that she was his good girl again. The box she’d put him in – the one that kept her emotionally detached – had just been blown to pieces. He’d stolen her heart. And now she was good and screwed.
Laughing, she teased him with a bite, pulling it out of reach every time he tried to bite it. Amusement danced in his eyes when he grabbed her wrist to hold her steady.
“Brat,” he mumbled so only she could hear.
“You like it,” she sassed back then quickly added, “Sir.”
He leaned in like he was going to kiss her. At the last second, he moved his lips to her ear. “I do like it. Know why? It gives me a reason to funish you.”
“Funish? Don’t you mean punish?”
“It’s not exactly punishment if it’s fun for you, is it?” He smirked. “Or maybe it’s only fun for me. Do you like being told what to do by two Doms? Tied up so you’re helpless then receiving pain and pleasure, but only when we want to give it?”
She squirmed on the seat. He’d been enjoying keeping her on edge since they’d returned from the “bathroom break.” Whispering threats in her ear, relaying the plans Q had for her when they got home. Wasn’t it bad enough he had her underwear in his pocket? During the slow dance, it had been all she could focus on. The cool breeze on her flesh and the naughty feeling of being so bold at a family function. It had felt like all eyes were on her, though no one could possibly know other than Jude. Oh but he made sure to rub it in, the evil bastard.
“Did you see who Anthony brought as a date?” Her mother’s elbow knocked into Sabrina, startling her back to attention. “He brought a man!” she whispered too loudly to be a true secret.
The Dom with a Safeword Page 22
