Divided Control (The Control Series Book 2)

by Anna Edwards

  A little time later when they reached the place where they were going to get the helicopters to fly over the canyon, James had mellowed out a little. He had sent her a text saying he was sorry for being a possessive jerk but that she wasn't allowed to orgasm for twenty-four hours as punishment for defying him. She sent him an emoji of the devil back. She loved to tease him knowing that he’d probably break first.

  While they were waiting for the helicopters, they divided into groups based on weight and given numbers. The guide came up to their little group with the Alabama couple.

  "Howdy folks, gotta request of ya’ll."

  James turned his head. "How can we help?"

  "Seems we’ve oddly balanced helicopters. I know ya’ll are a group, but I was wondering if we could split you fine couples up just for the flights. Seems you two guys don't overly fit the girls' weights."

  "I’m going in the same helicopter with my girlfriend. No arguments on that one. You need to hire another helicopter to do so? We will pay for it."

  "Of course Sir, I wasn't gonna split you from yer lovely lady, but I wondered if yer friend and his girl would ride in another 'copter and this couple here can ride with you."

  She smiled over at the happy faces of the American couple. She interlaced her hand through James.

  "Of course, that won’t be a problem." James tensed beside her. "Will it James?"

  "Of course not." He spoke through gritted teeth.

  "Thank you."

  James pulled Matthew aside, and she saw Matthew give him a gun.

  "James."

  "Don't Amy. Just don't."

  She rolled her eyes. "It’s our turn."

  They followed another guide out to the helicopter and she was shown around to the front of the aircraft while James was directed to the back seats.

  "She sits with me."

  The lady of the Alabama couple came over to James,

  "Come on handsome, we won't bite you know. Chill and enjoy the ride. Your girl is perfectly safe, and you can watch her the entire time rather than the canyon if you want from the back."

  She suppressed a little laugh at the way the woman tapped James' arm and almost pushed him into the helicopter. She smiled at Amy.

  "My Bill was just the same at first. Once he got my collar on, though, he mellowed a little. Happy to share me now." She pulled down the zip of her polyester jacket and showed her the tattooed cuff around her neck.

  "He’s your Master?"

  "Yep, here for the BDSM event on New Year's Eve. You going?"

  "Er. Yes."

  "See you then."

  She climbed into the helicopter and was pretty much silent for the rest of the flight. She wasn't sure whether it was because of the beautiful sight of Grand Canyon or the fact that the relatively normal looking couple would be attending the BDSM club’s New Year's Eve bash.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  James

  James watched Amy as she finished her Eggs Benedict. The breakfast room was a light and airy conservatory which overlooked the swimming pool. The waiters were intently observant, and anything they needed was brought immediately. Amy had her long wavy hair pulled back in a ponytail and had applied a little mascara but no other makeup. She was dressed in a white slip dress which accentuated the tan that was slowly developing on her shoulders. The sun had brought out lots of little freckles on her cheeks. James still couldn't believe that she had come back to him. At times, he could be a right dick and still she stayed with him. He was a lucky, lucky man, and he couldn't wait to be her husband.

  He was a little nervous about the New Year's Eve ball. He was introducing Amy to something predominantly his need, not hers. Control had been an issue between them throughout their relationship.

  " Are you sure about tonight?"

  She placed her knife and fork down and wiped the edges of her mouth with a napkin.

  "Why? Do you not want to go?"

  "Amy, from the moment we enter that building I’ll need you to be subservient."

  She leant forward and took his hand and stared up into his eyes.

  "If we were going shopping, and you started picking up anything I said that I liked and placing it behind the counter to buy for me then I’d be angry at you. I know you would be doing it for me because you love me, and you want me to have nice things, but I don't need them. Tonight is different. I’m actually excited. I know you’re worried about how I’m going to react to you telling me what to do, but you don't need to be. When I walk in the club, I’ll be placing my body and my needs into your hands. I’m willingly doing so because I trust you, and I love you.

  "You mean that?"

  "Yes, I do but...."

  "Yes, Amy?"

  "The beautician is coming at three to start getting us ready. Until then, I want to spend time just you and me. No bodyguards, no Matthew and Sonia. I want to go and explore the Venetian, have some lunch there and wander around the shops. Just be a normal couple. We can dress down and look like ordinary tourists. What do you say?"

  "I like the sound of that. While you were with the beautician, I was going to go and choose a piece of jewellery to match your dress for this evening. We can choose it together."

  " I have enough necklaces and earring to wear already. I don't need more."

  "I’m not talking those sorts. When we walk into the club tonight I want everyone to know that you’re mine. I want the women to envy you and the men to be upset that they can’t touch you."

  "You mean a collar? I don't know."

  "Not necessarily, you can wear cuffs. Just something that shows you’re mine."

  "This really means a lot to you, doesn't it?"

  "Yes, it does." The waiter began to hover around them before she could answer him.

  "More coffee, Sir?"

  "No, we’re good, please have the breakfast billed to our room."

  James stood. "I’ll wear, with pride, whatever we choose."

  He kissed the top of her head, and they went upstairs to change.

  They walked into the grand opulence of The Venetian about an hour later. It was one of the newer hotels on the strip, complete with several landmarks such as the Rialto Bridge and the Piazza San Marco.

  James stood outside the Banana Republic while Amy was inside browsing the tops. He wanted to give her the space to choose something for herself and not feel pressured for him to buy it. He could see her at all times, and she had promised him she wouldn’t disappear into the changing rooms without bringing him into the shop first. James was enjoying this new side to their relationship. His fiancée was fiercely independent, but that only turned him on more. He picked up his phone and flicked through his emails. His lawyer had sent him a draft version of a prenuptial agreement. He didn't want to even think about it because Amy would be with him for life, but his parents, even though they loved her, had insisted. Miranda had done the same with Sophie and Grayson. James placed his phone back in his pocket as Amy came out of the shop carrying a bag.

  "Bought anything nice?"

  "Just a top."

  "Show me?"

  She pulled out a blue lace tank top.

  "A little revealing, isn't it?"

  "No, it has a camisole under it. I thought I could wear it with the blue trouser suit that you bought me for functions at the school."

  "It’ll look beautiful. There is a shop up here that I want to have a glance in. I think they will have what I want for you for tonight."

  She smiled up at him, and he waited for the arguments to start. Why did he have to fall in love with the only woman that refused to allow him to buy her anything?

  "Come on then. I’m starting to get hungry again so we better be quick, those pizzas just look so delicious."

  "I hope you’re building up your energy for tonight. You’re going to need it."

  Amy rolled her eyes and gave him her hand so he could lead her to the shop. He could see the trepidation start to build on her face as soon as she saw nothing had a price tag on it
within the window.

  "I don't need this amount of money spent on me."

  He put his finger to her lips to silent her.

  "This is for you when you’re in my domain. I’m the one buying it to show you off as mine. You won’t argue with me on this, as it’s really a present for me even if you wear it."

  "Yes. And we all know what happened last time you bought a present for yourself." She fluttered her eyelashes playfully, and his cock began to thicken.

  "Get inside the shop before we’re arrested for public indecency."

  James was sure she swayed her hips that little bit more when she walked through the emporium's door. He’d work that sass out of her later.

  "How may I help you?" The plain looking, middle-aged sales assistant stepped forward.

  "We’re looking for matching twenty-four carat gold bangles, preferably studded with sapphires and diamonds. The diamonds must be VVS or better, near colourless, and very good cut. I also don't wish anything less than three carats. The sapphires must be royal blue, vivid of clarity, and of similar carat to the diamonds. I want the bracelets so that I can thread a twenty-four-carat gold chain between them if I so wish. That will also be purchased in your store if you’re able to satisfy my first request. And I think this will prove my credentials for this sale." He held Amy's hand up to show off her engagement ring.

  The sales lady momentarily stood there with her mouth-watering. She was most definitely adding up the commission that she’d get from this sale. Amy looked at him with a baffled expression on her face.

  The assistant flicked her hand at another lady in the shop, who rushed over and pulled out a seat for Amy. Glasses of water were fetched for them while the still almost dumb struck assistant fetched out numerous boxes and lined them up.

  "I truly have no idea what you just asked for." Amy held James' hand.

  "I asked for a lovely bracelet for my beautiful fiancée."

  "So that is why she’s looking like she just hit the jackpot and will finally be able to put her children through university?" She raised her eyebrows towards the assistant now opening the first box.

  He ignored Amy and looked at the bracelets. "No. Not right. Next."

  "Don't I get a say in this?" She tapped her fingernails against the skin of his palm.

  "You can choose from the ones I like."

  "Gee, thanks."

  The assistant opened a few more. James placed one aside but rejected the others. They weren’t exquisite enough.

  The final box opened, and James heard Amy gasp. He looked down at the delicately carved bangle; it had a pattern of sapphires and diamonds around it and interlaced winding threads like branches of a tree. It was beautiful. Perfect.

  "This one. Sort this out and the chain, I also want a small padlock with one key attached to it. The padlock is to bear the initials JN. I want this all done and delivered to my hotel room by eight tonight."

  "Don't you want to know the price first?"

  "You know that doesn't matter."

  "I shouldn't even argue with you right now, should I?"

  "You can argue with me, but it will delay you getting your pizza."

  She looked to the sales assistant.

  "He’ll take it."

  Ten minutes later they were sitting in the St Mark’s Square, complete with expertly painted false sky ceilings, awaiting their vongole pizza and drinking a glass of Pinot Grigio.

  "Are you going to tell me how much it was?"

  "No."

  "Do I need to make sure they’re stored in the safe when we get back to England?"

  "No, you will wear them at all times so people know you’re mine."

  "People know I’m yours by the way you growl at them whenever they try to even say hello to me."

  "Good."

  "Men!"

  "Women."

  "Cheers." She held her glass up to him.

  "Cheers."

  Their merriment was broken by a group of people dressed in masks and long robes running through the fake square. A team of security guards chased them, but it didn't stop them throwing leaflets and shouting about God and sinners. They spoke of 'chastity above all else, sex for the procreation of the human race, and everyone who does it for pleasure is a sinner. This place is full of sinners'. The man chanting the manifesto stopped when his eyes landed on James and Amy. “This couple,” the man continued and pointed at them, “the man is the devil, see how he touches her?” The skin on James' neck pricked up, the words, the venom of his fervent tone, Amy must have sensed his panic and tried to pull him away inside the restaurant.

  "Let’s go." He refused to move.

  The masked man raised his voice, “Missionary is the only condoned position.” His throat dried. A security guard tackled the man to the ground and silenced him. He was vaguely aware of Amy still pleading for him to come inside, but he couldn't shake the memories, the pounding agony in his back, because the words opened old wounds. The security guards pulled the intruders away, and the square began to settle. Amy came around in front of him. She pulled his face down to hers and met his lips with a heated kiss.

  “Look at me. Listen to me. They’re just a group of brainwashed idiots. I love you, and you love me. What we do is between us, and we both consent to it. Do you understand?"

  He finally allowed her to permeate his darkness, her sweet tones calming his rapidly beating heart. He nodded, and she helped him sit down. She handed him a glass of wine, and he drank it down quickly.

  "Sorry. You’re right. Come let us continue enjoying our day." He grinned more in a way to reassure Amy than actually feel comfortable himself, "And especially our night."

  When Amy went to the toilet a few minutes later, James pulled out his phone and texted Matthew. Something wasn't right. And he wasn't going to let this lie.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Amy

  After they arrived back at the hotel, James had disappeared into a meeting with Matthew. She had tried her best to calm him, but she could see the doubt lingered in his mind. It wasn't that he doubted his own sexual tastes. He worried he was forcing them upon her. She needed to show him that she loved what they did and giving him control in that way turned her on even more. Tonight would be the perfect opportunity to do so.

  She made her way down the corridor to Grayson and Sophie's room. The men were to dress and prepare in the room she shared with James, and Grayson was allowing his room to be turned over to a complete beautician's salon for the ladies. She was excited about this bit, she had had a couple of spa treatments, and her nails beautifully manicured when she was in India, but it wasn't something that she regularly did. She was also excited about spending some time with just Sonia and Sophie. She had few close girlfriends except Elena, and it was nice to get away from men sometimes and just gossip. She also needed to find out a bit more of what was expected of her tonight, she needed to make sure she did everything right for James. It was important to him and thus important to her.

  She knocked on the door, it was swiftly opened, and she was pulled inside. Her lightweight dress was removed from her body and tossed aside. A fluffy dressing gown was wrapped around her and a glass of champagne placed in her hand.

  "What do you want to have done first? I’m going to have a massage. Need to make sure all my limbs are supple for tonight. Grayson says that he’s going to use the swing."

  "Matthew has arranged a shibari master for me. We’re still debating who is getting tied up, though." Sonia laughed.

  Amy drank the champagne in one long gulp.

  "Are you alright?" Sophie came and held her hand. "You look like you’re about to run for your life. You know he won't mind if you don't want to go through with this."

  "No, I want to. Every time I think about what he is planning for me I get very...well excited. It’s just all these terms. How I should act? What exactly will he expect me to do?"

  Sophie pulled her to sit down on the giant leather sofa.

  "A swing is basically
a large children’s swing with strategically placed handles to open you wider to your partner. It deepens the movement between you both. Shibari is the use of ropes and knots in sex. It constricts the flow of the person that is tied up and again can leave them open to their partner's needs."

  "Both sound dangerous to me."

  "They can be, but that is why we trust Matthew and Grayson to use it appropriately and not hurt us."

  "So is James going to do anything like that to me?"

  "I think he’ll keep things easier for you. You asked for FFM didn't you?"

  "Did I?"

  "Another female in the room who only you will touch. James does not feel her, and she does not touch him?"

  "Yes. I don't want anyone touching him, but I think he’d like to see me with another woman." she blushed, "And after seeing some of the girls in duo dance acts at the club I wondered what it would be like."

  "You don't have to be ashamed of what you want to try. Last time Matthew and Sonia were here, we pleasured each other for our Masters. We’re still at ease with each other afterwards. It’s a lifestyle for us and we feel no shame for what we do. It’s all natural. That is why James and I can go to clubs together."

  “I wondered about that? Isn’t it strange James being there when you’re with Grayson.”

  “James and I have only been to clubs together a couple of times, and each one has been for an important reason. Tonight is New Year’s Eve. We will go with you, have a drink with you and then separate for the rest of the evening. Grayson does not punish me in front of James. He’ll take me aside to do that. James understands the life and what it gives me. He knows that thus Grayson will protect me. I feel no discomfort with him being there.”

  “So for the start of the evening it’ll be just like going to a regular club?”

  “Yes.”

  “He’s going to use someone called Mistress Alexia?”

  Sophie squeezed her hand. "Mistress Alexia is lovely."

  "I’m a little worried. James has been with her before, but he assures me it’ll be good for me by using her.”

  "She’s a switch at the club. She has several regular men she goes with. She’s clean. She has no feelings for them whatsoever. Grayson and I have used her as well. Alexia will enjoy every minute because she loves sex, and if you let yourself relax you will. "