Master Bits & Mercenary Bites (Masters and Mercenaries)

by Lexi Blake

  “I took them off in the car,” she said and he could hear the smile in her voice. This wasn’t acting. This was pure joy. “I thought perhaps my amazing husband would enjoy it on the ride to our new home.”

  He leaned over and kissed her pussy with pure reverence. Their new home. They’d bought a small three-bedroom in the suburbs of Fort Worth. They were going to live in a town called Hurst. They were close to the freeway that would take them into the city. It was where they would begin their lives, their family. “I can’t tell you how much your husband loves you, baby.”

  “But I want to please Chef right now. Chef deserves the best send-off he can get.” She wasn’t through playing.

  Neither was he, but now he was eager, so fucking eager, to get to the really good stuff. Screw the rest of the day. All he needed was her. “I’m going to taste you now, Deena. I need to know if you have the flavor I’m looking for. I have a very discerning palate. Do you think you can please me?”

  Her hips thrust forward and he knew it wouldn’t be long. “Yes, Chef. I think I can please you. Please, please taste me. I want nothing more than to be your favorite treat. I’m your dessert. You should eat your fill.”

  He meant to. He leaned forward and nosed her pussy. Yeah. She was already wet and soft. Ready for him. His body hummed with anticipation as he licked and sucked on her. He couldn’t quite get his tongue up inside her, but he could taste all the arousal pulsing from her pussy. He drew his tongue up through her labia, loving the way she shook and the gasps that came from her mouth.

  Oh, and he adored the sound of that metal bowl clanging against the tile. Yes, that was the best fucking sound ever.

  He pulled back, perfectly satisfied that she was in a place where what he was about to do next would bring her nothing but pleasure. He came out from under her skirt and gave her his best Dom glare. “You dropped the bowl.”

  She was biting back a laugh, but quickly sobered. “Yes, Chef. I’m so sorry, Chef. I couldn’t help it. Your tongue felt so good. It was so nice to have you eat my pussy.”

  He could still taste her. When he got her home later on, he would spread her out on their big bed and feast like a starving man, but he still had a role to play. “You will learn more discipline if you want to keep your job here, Deena. I’m afraid I’m going to have to punish you. Pick up the bowl and put it and the tray aside.”

  She hurried to do his bidding. “Please, Chef. I’ll take my punishment.”

  “I’m not sure you can handle my discipline. You should know that if you keep your job, there will be quite a bit of it.”

  “What kind of discipline?” She placed the bowl and the tray on the countertop.

  He picked up the spatula he’d selected earlier. It was one of his and would go with him. He would take it home and make it a personal disciplinary tool. “The type that requires you to lean over that sink, palms down, backside in the air.”

  She looked like sex incarnate as she moved across the kitchen to the lowest of the sinks. With pure sultry grace, she leaned over, her legs spreading wide for balance as she placed her palms on the sides of the sink. Her breasts dangled, ripe fruit waiting for him. He’d get his hands on them again soon enough.

  “Like this, Chef?” She looked back at him, her eyes hot with anticipation.

  Her skirt swayed as she wiggled her backside. He gave her his sternest frown. “No, that won’t do. I have no interest in disciplining your skirt. Pull it up and spread your legs wider. I want to be able to see your pussy. I want to know just how hot my discipline makes my dirty little waitress. That’s what you are.”

  She nodded as she stood and pulled up her skirt. She tucked it into the waistband and bent back over. “Yes, Chef. I’m your dirty waitress. I’m your plaything after hours. I only serve you.”

  His cock was hard as hell and a pleasant thrum had started in his blood. It wouldn’t be long now. He let himself stare at her for a moment. His wife. He still had no idea why she’d picked him, but he was so lucky she had. Years he’d gone through life without knowing this incredible sense of peace. He loved this game, but it was only a game. He served her. She was the center of his universe.

  “You’re so fucking beautiful, you know that, right?”

  She glanced back, a brilliant smile on her face. “You tell me often enough, my handsome man. Do you know what you are?”

  “What’s that?”

  “A tease.” She wiggled her ass his way. “A horrible tease.”

  She wanted to play that way? “I’ll show you, baby.” He let his eyes go hard, settling back into his role. “You want to smart-mouth me, Deena? For every infraction of the rules, there will be punishment.”

  He touched the curve of her ass. His wife had the single sexiest backside he’d ever seen. He loved every inch of her, but damn his mind was always on these curves. He loved how round they were and he definitely loved how her skin got pink.

  He brought the spatula down on her cheek, loving the sound as it smacked against her ass. The sound resounded through the quiet kitchen. He slapped her ass again and again until he’d reached ten.

  He stepped back and looked her over. He knew she could handle much more, enjoyed spanking very much. He ran a hand over the pink flesh, feeling the heat there.

  “I’m so sorry, Chef. I promise I won’t drop a tray again. I won’t be late with the appetizers.” Her voice was breathy, without a hint of real pain. “Please don’t spank me again.”

  “You don’t like it? I think you’re lying. You know I can tell when you lie to me about this.”

  She shook her head. “I’m not lying, Chef. I just want to do a good job. That’s all. No more spanking.”

  He slapped her ass again with the spatula. “You don’t control this. You will take the discipline I give you and you will not complain.”

  He watched as her hands tightened on the edge of the sink when he continued spanking her. He peppered her flesh, not hitting the same place more than a few times. Deena had a safe word she would use if he got too rough, but they’d played this way a hundred times before. It always ended in pleasure and connection.

  He stopped, running his hand down so he could touch her pussy. “You don’t like this? My spanking hasn’t gotten you hot and wet?”

  “Chef, I am hot and wet. Oh, please don’t tell anyone. I want to be your dirty girl, but I have a reputation to keep up.”

  He slid his fingers through her wet sex. She was slippery and ready for him. “You can play the sweet, pure girl all you like during the day, but after closing, you’re my toy. You spread yourself for me. You come for me.”

  His hands went to the buckle of his belt. He couldn’t wait a second longer. He shoved his slacks down with his boxers and stroked his cock.

  Deena braced herself. “I want to be your toy. I want to please you so much.”

  He moved behind her, lining up his cock. “You will, pet. You’ll please me every single night.”

  He gripped her hips and thrust up into her. Wet heat surrounded him as he started to fuck his wife. So good. It was always like this with her. Yes, there was the pleasure of sex, but he also felt his heart constrict because every moment with her was precious.

  She thrust back against him, taking more and more of his cock until she had all of him deep inside her. He settled in, fucking her hard and loving every little noise she made. He thrust in and out, her pussy clinging to him every inch of the way.

  “This is how you’ll serve me,” he said, his voice guttural. He let his hands shift up, cupping her breasts. “You’ll take off your clothes and spread yourself wide and you’ll take my cock. Any way I want it.”

  “Yes, Chef. Any way you want it. Please. Please, I’m so close.”

  He could feel it in the way her body tightened around him. He knew exactly what she needed to send her right over the edge. He used his right hand and brushed it down her body until he found the sweet button of her clitoris. He slid his finger over it and then pressed down.


  She clamped down hard on his cock as her back bowed and she shouted out.

  Her pleasure sent him reeling. He gave up all thoughts of rhythm or making it last. He thrust hard into her, his hips moving with pure instinct. She shivered around him and couldn’t hold back. He let go, the orgasm pulsing through his body. He shoved himself in again and again until he had nothing left to give her.

  “I think I can handle working for you, Chef.” Deena’s head turned, her face flushed with her orgasm. There was the silliest smile on her face.

  Yeah, he’d put that there. It probably mirrored his own. He was never going to get enough of this woman. He stepped back, pulling her skirt back down. “Well, you should get used to it because there’s no one else in the world I’d hire. Have I told you I love you today?”

  She stretched, her sensual moves showing not an ounce of self-consciousness. “You might have. I love you, too, babe. And I so needed that. I feel so much better. I lied to you earlier. It was a rough day. I yelled a lot. It’s nice to let go like that. How about you?”

  He picked up her blouse and bra before leaning over to brush his lips against hers. His body was still thrumming. “It was good, but I thought maybe the guys at least would do something since it was my last night. Or Chef.”

  She went up on her toes and rubbed her cheek against his. “I’m sure they’ll stop by the Fort Worth location on a regular basis. It’s not like we’re going very far. I’ll be right back.”

  She walked to the bathroom in the back of the kitchen.

  “I don’t know,” he mused as he cleaned up. “I thought we were closer than that. I didn’t expect Chef to throw me the keys and tell me to lock up before I left. Speaking of, I need to check the front of house before we leave.”

  The door opened and Deena walked out all dressed up again. She’d straightened her hair and her clothes, but she had an unmistakable glow about her. “No problem. I can check it. I still remember how everything should look. Be right back.”

  She stepped through the swinging doors.

  God, he loved that woman.

  “Uhm, Eric,” she yelled, her voice a little shocked. “You should probably come out here.”

  Had the servers forgotten something? Damn it. He wanted to get home now and start playing with her all over again. He strode through the doors and stopped.

  The entire crew was standing there and they’d decked the place out. Eric could see an appetizer table laid out with his favorite spinach and artichoke hummus dip. Macon stood at one of the tables with a large cake that said Congratulations, Chef. His wife, Ally, stood beside him, a wide grin on her face.

  The line chefs were holding beers and laughing.

  Sean and Grace Taggart were standing in the middle.

  Tiffany popped up from behind the bar. “Surprise!”

  “Yes, I think we can say this was a definite surprise,” Taggart said with a smile. “You better have cleaned up my kitchen. And whatever the hell it was you were spanking her with is yours now.”

  “Sean,” his wife said with a shake of her head. “I thought we all agreed to pretend we didn’t hear anything.”

  “Yeah, I don’t think they’re going to buy that. Deena’s a screamer,” Chef shot back.

  Deena buried her face against his chest. “Tell me this is one of those terrible dreams.”

  He smiled as the music started up and the party began. It was a dream, but it was a good one. He accepted a beer as Tiffany and Ally drew Deena away.

  He watched his wife laugh. It was a dream that he prayed would never end.

  Macon

  Hot Pepper Brie in Puff Pastry

  Chicken Tortilla Soup

  Mini Chicken Pot Pies

  Spaghetti Carbonara

  Coconut Cream Pie

  Bourbon Balls

  Mini Key Lime Pies

  Hot Pepper Brie in Puff Pastry

  1 (4 ounce) jar pepper jelly (click here)

  1 (8 ounce) round of Brie

  1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

  1 egg

  Preheat oven to 400°F. Unfold the pastry sheet and place the cheese in the center. Spread the jar of pepper jelly on top of the cheese and fold the pastry up and over the cheese to cover. Press to seal the seams.

  Beat the egg and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl with a fork or whisk. Place the pastry seam-side down onto a greased baking sheet. Brush the top with the egg mixture and bake for 25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.

  Chicken Tortilla Soup

  4 tablespoons (½ stick) butter

  ½ cup carrots, chopped

  ½ cup Vidalia onion, chopped

  ½ cup celery, chopped

  2 tablespoons flour

  6 cups chicken broth

  1 can petite diced tomatoes, drained

  1 packet taco seasoning

  1 cooked rotisserie chicken, chopped (no skin)

  1 cup heavy cream

  8 ounces sour cream

  2 cups Colby jack cheese

  8 corn tortillas

  4 cups oil (canola)

  2-4 teaspoons salt

  In a Dutch oven over low heat melt butter and add carrots, onion and celery. Simmer for 8-10 minutes. Add flour and stir to make a roux, then add chicken broth. Stir every 2 minutes for 10 minutes until blended. Add tomatoes and taco seasoning. Simmer another 20 minutes, making sure it reaches a boil.

  Using an immersion blender, purée the veggies in the Dutch oven. Add chopped chicken and simmer for 10 more minutes. Add heavy cream and stir for an additional 10 minutes. To serve: ladle soup into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips.

  Tortilla chips:

  Heat canola oil to 350 degrees. Slice corn tortillas in half, then slice in ½-inch thick strips and add to oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes, then drain and sprinkle with salt.

  Avery and Liam “Lost and Found”

  Liam O’Donnell looked down at the small box that had shipped from London. There was a note that came along with it, but he hesitated to read it since he’d been given a heads-up on what was coming.

  He set it aside as the door opened and Avery walked in, carrying Aidan. Their sweet boy was asleep on his mother’s shoulder, his whole body draped over hers with the kind of trust that only came with unconditional love.

  He didn’t need that damn box. He had everything he needed right here. “Hello, my darlin’. How was your day?”

  She smiled up at him and lifted her face for his kiss. He never let her walk in the door after hours apart without a kiss. “We had fun. Serena and I got a lot done while the boys played. I fed him right before I left because I was pretty certain he wouldn’t make it to dinner. He and Tristan ran for hours.”

  “Let me take him.” He eased Aidan into his arms. His dark-haired boy opened his eyes just long enough to smile at his papa before settling his head back down.

  “Thanks. I’ll get dinner started.” She set down her purse.

  “Not at all, love. When I realized you would be working late, I stopped at Top and got us some of your favorite tortilla soup and a big salad.” Avery didn’t like to eat too heavy late at night. It was important to him to always try to figure out what she needed, what pleased her.

  Avery worked hard, trying to help Serena build her business. Sometimes he would take Aidan with him, but often he went with Avery, and she managed to work and take care of their boy. He liked to be able to take care of her, to give her a couple of nights off every week where all she had to worry about was relaxing.

  She rewarded him with a stunning smile. “Thanks, honey. Comfort food sounds perfect.”

  “Good. I’ll get this one in bed and then I’ll heat it up and open a nice bottle of wine for us.” And they could curl up on the couch together and watch some inane show about doctors who fucked too much or politicians who screwed around. He didn’t care as long as it pleased her and he could stay close to her.

  “Sounds perfect.” She winked his way and started toward their bedro
om.

  He moved to Aidan’s, carefully easing his precious boy into his crib. Luckily the kid slept hard and he managed to change him into his pajamas with barely a yawn. Once Aidan was happily asleep, he moved back out, ready to get dinner started.

  Comfort food. He could use some, too.

  He couldn’t help but remember his mother’s stew. She didn’t always have the best cut of meat because they’d been poor, but she did manage to make a tasty stew that had filled his belly.

  Some nights it hadn’t filled her own. Some nights she’d promised him she wasn’t hungry so he and Rory could eat their fill.

  He and his mum…damn, but they’d had a complicated relationship. He’d loved her. He’d hated her. He’d gone into the Army to get away from her.

  But now that he was older, sometimes, he understood her. It still didn’t make him want to open that box.

  He walked back out and realized his mistake.

  Avery was reading the card that had come with the box. He couldn’t blame her. It had been addressed to them both. Damon Knight had worked a miracle. The trouble was no one had asked him for one.

  Avery looked up from the card. “Oh, my god. Scotland Yard managed to salvage a few things from the house Nelson blew up.”

  She was talking about the house in London where his brother had nearly killed them both. Would have killed them both had a larger shark not shown up and taken him out. Eli Nelson had murdered his brother and left him and Avery in the ticking bomb that had been his brother’s base of operations.

  “Yes, apparently Rory had a safe that was far enough from the blast, it survived. Scotland Yard got it open and the contents have been sitting in their evidence lockers for the last few years. Damon only now managed to get them back.” He kept his tone casual. “I should have told him I didn’t want a thing from my brother.”

  “But he says there’s some important family items in there.” She laid the card down. “I think we should look through it.”