by Jayne Rylon
“Hey.” Her chin rose. “I can take care of myself.”
“True, but it’s my job now. My pleasure.”
“Who the hell reads a newspaper anymore anyway?” She glanced at the pile of computer equipment in the corner before scoffing, “Don’t you have live feeds from at least fifty countries piped into your brain via some wireless connection you MacGyvered?”
“Misdirection?” He laughed. “A lame, entry-level trick. Don’t waste our time detracting from what’s important. I won’t stand for you to be harmed if things spiral out of control, but I won’t interfere unless you really need me. I promise.”
“Fair enough.” She smiled. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He fingered the ridge of leather between her legs. “Later you can demonstrate your gratitude. I’d kill to fuck you in this outfit. The pants open here, don’t they?”
“Yes, sir.” She sighed when he pressed the access panel in the general region of her clit.
“When we return, you’ll crawl into the bed. Wait for me on all fours. Better yet, put your face down and leave your ass up. Beg me to drive out all thought and replace it with pleasure. No one for you to look after. Only your feelings to consider when you obey me.”
A knock startled them both.
Good thing or they might not have made it out of the room anytime soon and her slaves were used to routine. She and Jeremy had both agreed the location shift meant Lily had to regiment the rest of their training. Stick to their usual schedules. Calm them and assure them she hadn’t forgotten about them. Guarantee they were protected and untouched by Morselli’s taint.
Jeremy guided her toward the door by her elbow, placing her behind him when he cracked the entrance.
“JRad, let us in.”
He admitted Matt and Clint.
“You’re free to speak in here. I’ve got the room jammed.” He nodded toward the partners. They were sweating and breathing hard, as though they’d sprinted an entire mile.
“The antidote.” Matt huffed as he thrust a bag toward Jeremy. “Jambrea says Lily needs to take it soon, before it warms to room temperature. Morselli’s asshole security team raked over our car with a fine-toothed comb. Wasted over a half an hour and this place is fucking huge.”
Jeremy reached into the bag and tested the vial. Still chilly.
“I think you’re in time.” He uncapped the medicine and wrapped one arm around Lily’s shoulders. “Drink.”
She leaned into his embrace, tipping her head back, trusting him to hold her steady.
Fuck yes.
Jeremy poured the thick brown syrup into her mouth.
She gagged but kept the fluid in.
“Fuck, that’s disgusting!” Lily coughed and sputtered.
Clint jogged to the bar in the corner and poured her a drink. Jeremy gave the man credit for hopping over the fucking machine without comment.
“Here.”
She chugged the double shot of cola he returned with. “I could use something a little stiffer than that. What am I, a baby?”
“Hey, at least I didn’t make you a Shirley Temple.”
She smiled. “Thank you both. And Jambrea too.”
“Hopefully we didn’t get her in trouble.” Jeremy squinted when Clint and Matt shuffled their feet.
“Did you two finally make a move on her?” Lily perked up, straining against Jeremy’s forearm as she studied their reactions.
“Would have if supercops Mason and Ty hadn’t kicked the fucking door down.”
Jeremy laughed, imagining the look on their faces.
“Oh sure, real funny, JRad,” Clint grumbled. “You have your girl right here.”
“Amazing how that changes your perspective.” He turned and brushed a wisp of loose hair off Lily’s cheek. “Though right now, I would prefer you were somewhere safer.”
“Oh hell no, you’re not sending me away.” She propped her hand on her hip.
“No. I don’t think I could anymore.” Jeremy stroked her face with his thumb.
“Agent Sterns wouldn’t like that very much either. The dickhead was furious Lily took the drug. He said she should have faked it and kept the sample for the DEA to analyze.”
Matt’s disgust convinced Jeremy his boss had spouted more nonsense, which his friend filtered. Good thing Jeremy hadn’t heard it personally or he wouldn’t have held his tongue. “That bastard can go fuck himself.”
“I agree.” Matt sighed. “The only thing that shut him up was convincing him the two of you would find some more by telling Morselli she’s craving another hit…or maybe that you’re planning to dose her again whether she likes it or not.”
Jeremy squeezed Lily a little too tight. She squeaked.
When he peeked at her, he noticed the flush in her cheeks had died down and the fury in her gaze burned through the crystal clear lenses of her eyes.
“Damn, how fast does that shit work? I can see a difference already.”
“I thought it was my imagination.” She sighed. “I still want you. I always do. But now it doesn’t ache. The fire inside me is disappearing. I’ve got pins and needles all over. It’s okay, Jeremy, let them think whatever it takes to keep us in the game. We need some time. Free rein to explore, ask questions, dig for answers.”
“And evidence,” Clint added.
“Are you ready for your rounds, or should you lie down for a minute and see what happens?” They both knew going back to bed meant delaying their exit by an hour at least. Drug or no drug, the chemistry between them would always boil over.
The three men stared at her as though waiting for her to collapse. They should have known better.
She sliced her hand through the air. “No way in hell am I giving people a reason to call me weak.”
“They wouldn’t dare…” Clint smiled. “Mistress Lily.”
“And don’t you forget it.” She smacked his ass as she strutted from the room. Ben and Ryan grinned when they took in her cheery disposition.
“Clint, Matt, take over watch on our quarters. I’m guessing Lily will want these two with her?” He lifted his eyebrows at his partner.
“Damn straight. Let’s go, boys.” She strode away.
The men followed her, avoiding tripping over their tongues at the spectacular rear view she granted them.
Lily savored the reverberation of her heels snapping against the tile with staccato blasts. Somehow, having Jeremy by her side made her more confident. More adventurous. More proud of the physique she used to tame her men. She’d gotten so accustomed to presenting her body as a prop, she’d forgotten what it was like to enjoy living in her own skin.
Hell, maybe she’d never really known at all. She certainly hadn’t experienced sex as exhilarating as what they’d shared last night. His hand landed in the small of her back when her stride hitched at the memory. A smile spread across her lips as the heat of his palm soaked through the thick hide she wore.
She refused to admit how much she craved his approval. More even than she had hoped for her father’s, before he’d proved himself unworthy of her effort.
Lily headed straight for the facilities she’d designed to her specifications. She would never jeopardize her clients. They were so much more than customers to her. She hated thinking of them in those terms. Some had grown into deep friends. It was rare for her to accept a new man into her stable and all of them had chosen to accompany her to Morselli’s facility despite her frank explanation of the inherent risks.
The men—bouncers she’d brought from Black Lily—who guarded the entrance to the area, stepped aside as she approached. “Good morning, Steve. Lucas.”
They held the doors wide for her, glaring at Jeremy. “How are you, Mistress Lily?”
“I’m fine.” She patted Lucas’s forearm, which was tight enough she feared it might shatter.
Jeremy tensed. He didn’t interfere. Instead he waited for her to handle the situation. Her heart soared.
“We heard…” Steve didn�
��t look her in the eye. A vein in his neck bulged. “We would have kept you safe. This is exactly why we tried to convince you to allow us to shadow you yesterday.”
“I don’t need protection from Jeremy. Period. I’ll be staying with him for the remainder of our time here. It should make you less jumpy to know he has friends nearly as tough as you two watching our rooms, keeping an eye on things while we’re out. As for my guests, Ben and Ryan will be joining our group. Since they’re familiar with the household, I’ll keep them with me most of the time.” She introduced the men to each other, careful not to mention Morselli. Her staff didn’t need to know how close to ugly things had gotten. “You did as I asked, yes?”
“The area is secure. Other than the food deliveries last night and this morning, no one has come in or out.” Lucas reassured her. “When you missed early check-in, we had the managers set your slaves in the milking room as you instructed.”
“Thank you. It’s vital I can rely on you to worry about the safety of my charges. If I think you might leave your posts, I’ll be distracted.”
“We won’t let you down.” Steve flung a nasty look at her trio of protectors.
“We’ll cover her.” Ryan spoke low to Lucas as they passed by. Lily couldn’t help her smile.
“Used to having every man in the world wrapped around your little finger, aren’t you?” Jeremy whispered in her ear.
“Planning to join them?”
“Not exactly.” He nipped her lobe. “So what was that bruiser talking about?”
“Who, Steve? He’s a pussycat.” Lily smiled when Ben muttered something lewd about sharp claws under his breath. “If you behave, I’ll consider letting him play with you later, sweetie. He enjoys a bonus now and then.”
A chuckle escaped her at Ben’s wide-eyed hope.
She turned to Jeremy. “Why don’t I show you?”
Her fingers wrapped around the long brass handle leading to the holding room where her submissives awaited her, patiently or not.
“Please do.” His pupils had dilated until only a sparse ring of gold edged the darkness.
“You’re sure it won’t change how you think of me?” She worried her lip.
“Only to make me crave you more. You’ll suffer later for every minute you make me stand here with this fucking hard-on in my pants.” He sidled close, rubbing the bulge over her ass. “You’re sexy when you’re in charge.”
Ryan or Ben, she couldn’t tell which, surrendered a little moan as confirmation.
“All right, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” She winked at them over her shoulder. “These men have been with me for months. Some as long as years. They accept everything I can give them, and I wouldn’t disrespect them by walking on eggshells to soothe any squeamishness you develop once we’re inside.”
“Do it, Lily.” Jeremy swatted her ass. “No more stalling.”
“Yes, sir,” she whispered before flinging the doors open wide and marching through them.
Every man in the space stopped breathing. Those who could whipped their gazes around to land on her. A chorus of, “Good morning, Mistress” filled the long hall and bounced off the vaulted ceilings. Candles cast warm light over the space. Area rugs unfurled in patches over the marble floor and plush pads bore dents from the men who’d recently lounged in them while Lily’s assistants—Suz, Kitty, Dawn, Gigi and Ive—had executed her preparation instructions.
The men occupied a variety of stations, molded into the specific position she’d selected for each personally based on their individual desires and how she’d played with them recently. Detailed notes and recordings helped her zero in on maximizing their enjoyment and ensuring variety in their training. Though she conducted a group session today, no one would experience exactly the same method of torture or ecstasy.
In between scenes, this would be an inviting space for the men to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Camaraderie between like-minded individuals was one integral factor in her pets electing to apply to her harem. Ultra-selective, she’d accepted the proposals of a dozen or so who meshed seamlessly.
Sure, they had occasional squabbles. She suspected at last half of those were a sham, agreed on by the participants to encourage her to punish them.
Lily obliged their needs, gave them everything she could. She’d never before wondered why she anticipated them so damn well. Not until she met Jeremy, and realized he could do the same for her, did she fully comprehend the magnitude of the courage necessary for them to accept her manipulations.
Her thoughts ran to Malcolm’s funeral for a split second. The subtle comfort Jeremy had given her there and at the hospital afterward… Not to mention the day she’d freed victims from the dungeons of her own establishment. No one else could have reached her.
These men needed her to do the same for them.
“Good morning.” She smiled into their warm expressions, meeting the gaze of each man who’d pledged himself to her. “I trust you’ve all settled in. If there’s anything at all you need, you only have to ask.”
She wandered between the stations, each one presenting a slave in some fashion or another. A hush descended over the men as she checked their bindings, tested equipment and approved of her assistants’ workmanship.
Training had been her career for nearly a decade. It also satisfied her.
Someday her apprentices would be Mistresses themselves. If she did her job properly, they’d spread joy and fulfill wishes instead of wreaking physical or mental havoc on vulnerable, trusting submissives. After her surrender to Jeremy, she admitted the alluring prospect of ultimate trust had driven her for so long she hadn’t realized she’d sought the same for herself.
“I’d like you all to meet some special guests,” she projected so even Joseph and Leon, who occupied the far side of the room, could hear her introductions. “Today is a big day. We have two new playmates, Ben and Ryan. I’m sure you’ll welcome them later. I also think it’s only fair for you all to know I’ve pledged myself to Master Jeremy.”
A hush descended over the group who’d whispered to their neighbor about the rare additions. She petted Peter’s clenched fist until he relaxed his grip, allowing his bindings to cradle him on an inclined table once more.
“Don’t worry, boys.” She allowed her happiness to shine through. “He’s agreed not to interfere in our relationships. If you object to him observing our exchanges I’ll consider your requests. Otherwise, I expect you to show him the proper respect he deserves.”
Jeremy cupped her elbow when a tendril of doubt wormed through her heart.
“I swear to care for her as well as she tends to her charges,” Jeremy addressed the gathering. “Nothing changes between you. The bond you share is sacred. I’ll never tread over that line unless she invites me to participate and you consent. You have nothing to fear from me.”
Peter drew her attention from the gladness expanding her insides near to bursting. “Lucky.”
Simon nuzzled her other hand, which lingered near his cheek. “Congratulations, Mistress.”
“Thank you.” She winked at the men surrounding her. “I’m thrilled to show you all off. So don’t expect me to go easy on you because I’m in a good mood.”
“I hope not. I love it when you play hard.” Peter groaned when she pinched his nipple. “Yes, like that. Please may I have more?”
“Kitty.” She tilted her head at the newest of her assistants. “Where are the clamps I ordered for Peter?”
Chapter Fifteen
“Right here.” The efficient blond extended a silver platter with the shiny metal clips, connected by a thin chain, laid out nicely. “I thought you’d like to give him your gift in person.”
“Very nice.” Lily double-checked the tension. Not too tight for a beginner set. “You did well. Go ahead and apply them, Kitty. Carefully.”
“Thank you, Mistress.” She followed orders, monitoring Peter’s whimpers and groans while she slowly released the grip between her fingers, wh
ich counteracted the springs. When they were fully in place, Lily gave the cord a quick tug.
Peter’s cock jumped against his belly, leaving a wet trail in its wake.
“Very nice. Since you’ve all been so good, I won’t make you wait any longer. I apologize for missing our evening session last night and appreciate your sacrifices in delaying until this morning.” She stared pointedly at the two men not stripped fully or rigged for their own personal brand of pleasure. Both Daniel and Bruce hung from cuffs around their wrists. They were bared to the waist, tight jeans hugging their lower bodies. A shame. The exquisite musculature of their torsos gleamed as though they’d been oiled. Probably had.
Not all her slaves were bisexual. Some were straight as an arrow. These two enjoyed men almost to the exclusion of all else. They reveled in her dominance, but trusted her to grant them access to other males for pleasure. Her assistants enjoyed highlighting their gorgeous bodies and flaunting their assets, which the men spent hours honing in the gym each day.
If her suspicions held true…
“Mistress Lily,” they pleaded in unison.
“Bruce.” She stalked to the gap between them, refusing to allow their much greater height to have any impact on her authority. “Why aren’t you among the others? I had special treats planned for both of you. Nice rewards. It makes me sad not to give them you.”
“I’m sorry, Mistress. It’s my fault.” He hung his head. “Please don’t punish Daniel.”
“Were you naughty, Bruce?”
Before he could agree, Daniel intervened.
“No, Mistress.” He braced himself as she turned, prepared to accept whatever punishment she deemed appropriate for their transgressions. “I was to blame. I—”
His rare hesitation triggered her protective instincts in a flash.
“Shush. Both of you.” She trailed one fingertip down the center of each of their chests, admiring the ridges of their sculpted muscles. “We’ll discuss this privately. Later. I will decide who’s violated the rules and how you can atone.”
