by Jenna Jacob
“My dear Mellie,” he began. “I wish to apologize for any heartache I caused you in the past. I’ve changed and am a different man now. I hope you’ll give me the chance to prove it to you, bunny. Please accept these as a token of my sincere desire to re-kindle what we once shared. I miss you. Call me. Davis.” Joshua didn’t bother to mask his sarcasm. “Oh look, he even left his phone number.”
“What a pig,” Sanna huffed.
“He can’t be serious, can he?” Dylan thundered.
“Serious or not, he’s a dead man,” Joshua snarled.
“You can’t kill him,” I sighed. “Just maim and disfigure him, if you want. That’s fine with me.”
Sanna snatched up the heavy vase and held out her hand as Joshua crumpled up the card. Turning on her heel, she stormed out of the room, toward the garage and the trash barrels.
“Does he have your number?” Joshua asked with concern. “Does he have a way to get in touch with you, Mellie?”
“No. I mean, I suppose he could find me through the Internet. I’m easy to contact via my web site. But if you’re asking if I’ve ever gave him my number when I moved to Phoenix, no I didn’t.”
Joshua tipped my chin with the tips of his finger and gazed soberly into my eyes. “You let me know if he contacts you again. Understood?”
“I doubt he’ll bother me, especially when I don’t reach out and thank him for the flowers.”
“That’s not what I asked, little one.” Joshua’s lips flattened to a thin line. Trying not to scowl, I reminded myself he wasn’t intentionally treating me like a five-year-old—his Dom-beast was roaring with the need to protect me. Still it chaffed. I wasn’t his sub, not in the real sense, but I sure ached for it.
“You will be the first to know.” I smiled then arched a suspicious brow. “You’re not going to kill him, are you?”
“Does it matter?” he challenged.
“Yes,” I cried. The look of shock and jealousy that blossomed over Joshua’s face was almost comical. “You’ll end up in prison, and I can’t cook to save my soul. There’s no way I could bake you a cake with a file in it so you could escape.”
A laugh tore from his lips. “God, Mellie. You’re like a gulp of water to a man who’s been lost in the desert.”
I closed my eyes as I clung to him, breathing in his masculine scent. “We’ve both been lost a long time, Sir.”
“Yes,” he replied in a whisper so soft I almost missed it.
As night fell, we all sat on the deck once again. A feeling of finality weighed in the air. My last night with both Sanna, and Joshua, filled me with melancholy. Torn between wanting to race to my room and curl up in Joshua’s arms, and spend a few more precious hours with Sanna warred within.
As if sensing my dilemma, Dylan stood. “It’s time to go upstairs, kitten.”
The look of disappointment on her face broke my heart. “Already?”
“Yes, love. Mellie and Stephen need some time alone. Besides, Nick and I would like some with you.”
“Come on, precious. We’ll turn that pout into some sensual screams,” Nick teased before he picked her out of the chair and curled her in his arms.
With a giggle, Sanna blew me a kiss and waved. “See you in the morning.”
“Sweet dreams… eventually,” I laughed.
It wasn’t long before Joshua linked his fingers with mine and led me inside. I directed him to my guest room, where he closed and locked the door behind us.
After peeling off my clothes, he undressed. We spent hours making sweet, passionate love while I absorbed his blissful touch, warm breath, and every satisfied growl and moan. He tumbled me over the edge, time and again. Lubing up my ass, he worked his way inside my tiny opening with such patience and care before bestowing me the most sublime orgasms of my life. As he held me in his arms, I sobbed, overwhelmed by his tender mercy.
As dawn began to break, Joshua’s arm lay slung around my waist as I faced him, watching him sleep. Reaching out, I brushed a strand of golden hair from his forehead. He opened his eyes and gave me a sleepy smile, another vivid image of him that I branded to my memories.
“Hey,” he murmured. His voice was thick and deep, and sent a shiver up my spine.
“Hey,” I whispered. “I have to get up, take a shower, put myself together, and pack. Go back to sleep. I’ll be quiet.”
“Uh-uh.” He shook his head. “I’m showering with you.”
The gleam in his eyes and the wicked smirk curling his lips told me it would be a thoroughly enjoyable shower.
“You’re going to make me miss my flight.”
“Damn. You figured me out. And here I thought I was being all stealthy and suave.”
I laughed and kissed him, then sobered. “I’m going to miss you,” I whispered as I gazed into his eyes.
“Only for a little while,” he assured. “Come on. Let’s get you ready for work.”
I washed every inch of his body, memorizing the feel of his hard, defined muscles. When I stroked my soap-slick fist around his cock, he let out a groan and begrudgingly pulled my hand away.
“You will miss your flight if you keep that up. Turn around,” he instructed.
I closed my eyes as his strong hands spread luxurious bubbles over my flesh. I wasn’t disappointed that we didn’t make love in the shower. It would have been rushed, taking away the memory of our incredible night before.
Stealing up behind me as I dried my hair, he pressed his chest against my back. His cock, hard and ready, settled between the cheeks of my ass. I groaned. Joshua snickered as he reached around me and placed a cup of sweet, creamy coffee on the vanity.
“You sure know how to spoil a girl,” I quipped. Turning my head, I planted a quick kiss on his cheek.
“Oh, little one, I haven’t begun to spoil you yet,” he warned. “The guys are downstairs cooking up a farewell feast. I think they’re trying to bribe you with food to stay.”
I laughed. “And we both know what you tried to bribe me with last night. Don’t we?”
“That wasn’t a bribe, sweetheart. That was just a precursor of what’s to come.”
Packing my suitcases, I took extra care as I wrapped the kneeling woman. Simply having a piece of Joshua with me lightened my spirit. I wasn’t altogether sure if the sculpture would grant me solace or pain in the lonely nights ahead, but I’d soon find out.
Through breakfast I had to keep reminding myself that I’d only be gone three weeks. It wasn’t a lifetime. Soon, I’d be back to the loving arms of my sister, and her Masters and back to the sweet indulgence and command of the man who’d captured a piece of my heart. Those mental reminders were all that kept me from breaking down into a blubbering, snot-soaked mess at the table.
Standing on the porch after phoning for the cab, Sanna bravely swallowed back her tears. Both Dylan and Nick wrapped a supportive arm around her waist, as did Joshua to mine. The five of us bantered back and forth a bit, but the air weighed thick in a somber, doleful cloak.
When the taxi pulled into the circle drive, I fought the urge to run back inside and lock the door. Digging deep, I dredged up my courage and hugged both Dylan and Nick. I gave Sanna a kiss and held her tight, then turned to Joshua’s waiting arms.
“I’m ready for my kiss and my hug, little one.”
I swallowed back a sob and gripped his strong body, holding tight one last time. He brushed his hand over my hair as the sound of his thundering heart echoed in my ears.
Pulling back slightly, he captured my lips in one final passion-filled kiss.
Even when his lips left mine, I couldn’t let go. Clinging to Joshua, I watched Dylan and Nick load up my luggage.
“I’ll see you soon,” Joshua whispered.
When the cab driver opened the door, I sucked in a deep breath.
“Yes, I’ll see you soon.”
Squeezing Joshua tight one last time, I pried myself from his arms and rushed inside the taxi.
“I’ll see you soon. I lo
ve you,” Sanna called to me.
“See you soon, sis. Love you more,” I replied in a quivering voice.
Forcing a smile, I waved as the cab pulled away. I only made it two houses before the tears I’d bravely tamped down rose to the surface.
Willing a calmness I didn’t feel, I could still smell Joshua’s ghost in the cab. Dipping my head, I sniffed my blouse; his scent was all over me. It was going to be a brutal three weeks.
Stretched out in first class beneath a blanket and wearing sunglasses to hide my swollen eyes, I stared out the window. Paying little attention to the blue sky, I was too busy re-living every precious second I’d spent with Joshua. The emptiness settling through my soul felt like a black hole eating the life out of me.
Halfway through the flight to Heathrow, I decided I’d wallowed in enough misery. It took a mighty crowbar, but I managed to pry my ass off the pity pot and started focusing on work. No matter how hard I tried, my thoughts inevitably wound their way back to the tall, sandy blonde artist with the shimmering green eyes.
With an inward curse, I exhaled a heavy sigh and pounded away at my computer, prioritizing a sizable list to expedite the renovation of Hayes and Dixie’s dining hall. Catching my last flight to Manchester-Birmingham, I was exhausted. When I landed I was relieved to see the driver Hayes had sent to pick me up, and the short hour drive to Northshire was a piece of cake compared to the unending hours I’d spent in flight.
Hayes and Dixie met me at the door. They were both in their mid-seventies, and neither fit the stereotype of castle owners, not by any stretch of the imagination. Loud and gregarious, they dressed in comfy flannel shirts, blue jeans, and brown cowboy boots. There were serious, down home country people without a refined bone in their bodies.
Unable to curb her excitement, Dixie chattered about all the changes she wanted made to the dining hall, more animated and full of life than I’d ever seen her before. I followed her up the grand staircase, nodding in a sleep-deprived stupor as their somber-faced butler dragged my luggage behind him.
Leading me to one of the massive suites I’d redecorated on a previous trip, she beamed with pride. It seemed a shame the only time I’d get to spend in the elegant room was when I tumbled into bed, exhausted from a long day multi-tasking and overseeing a small army of workmen.
“You get your gear stowed, darlin’, and I’ll have some grub sent up to you. You look worn thin,” Dixie fussed. “I’m sure you’re half-starved by now.”
I smiled. “Thank you. It has been a long day, but don’t worry. I’ll be good as new in the morning.” I hope.
After dinner, I started to unpack. The inviting bed all but goaded me to lie down and float away into peaceful darkness. Not yet, I scolded inwardly. I still had clothes to put away. Once the sun came up, I’d have no time for anything except work.
When the last suitcase was empty I carefully unwrapped Joshua’s sub statue. Cradling her in my hands, the urge to load my bags back up and fly home pressed hard. Longing for a man I’d known a whole five days was ridiculous, yet the ache within was real, and foreign, and unsettling. Lifting the statue to my lips, I placed a reverent kiss on her head, in honor of the Master who’d shaped her. The same Master that set my body ablaze, climbed inside my soul, and stolen a piece of my heart. I positioned the figurine on the nightstand next to my bed so that she would be the first vision I saw in the morning and the last at night.
My cell phone chimed, notifying me of a text. My heart nearly leapt from my chest as a stupid grin crawled across my face. Palming the device, I blinked. Reading the message, my hands began to shake as a ripple of dread snaked up my spine.
Unknown: A phone call would have been nice, bunny. I hope you liked the flowers. I’m waiting for your call. Don’t disappoint me. Understood? Davis.
The blood in my veins turned to ice. “How did he get my number?” I wondered aloud. Frowning, my initial question didn’t disturb me as much as the last line of his text. He actually presumed I was his sub again.
“No fucking way in hell,” I mumbled. It was time to nip this shit in the bud.
My fingers flew over the letters on the device as I delivered a message of my own.
Mellie Carson: I threw the flowers away. I’m not interested in pleasing or disappointing you, Davis. Don’t waste your time waiting for my call… it’s never going to happen. You don’t get a second chance. We are through. Over. Finished. You made the choice—you have to deal with the consequences. Don’t contact me again. Understood?
It took only a matter of seconds for his reply.
Unknown: It’s over when I say it’s over, slut. You don’t get to decide what’s a waste of my time or what isn’t. You obviously don’t remember a fucking thing I taught you. Don’t worry. I’ll retrain you… with my belt. You don’t get to shut me out, bunny. It’s not up to you. I’m going to get you back… one way or the other. Count on it.
It was a good thing there lay an ocean between us, because a wave of anger washed over me so strong it threatened to drown me. Gripping the phone, I growled. The man was certifiably insane if he thought for one second I’d subject myself to the farce he called Dominance.
“You let me know if he contacts you again. Understood?”
Joshua’s directive echoed in my brain and I automatically reached for my phone. Pausing to calculate time zones, I scrolled to his number, hesitant to place the call. I sucked in a deep breath, stared at his number, and eventually pressed call.
He picked up on the third ring. “What a fantastic surprise, little one.” From his tone, I visualized his smile, and my heart skipped a beat. The fear calmed instantly. “Did you make it safe and sound?”
“Yes. I’m here at the castle, all settled in. How’s it going with you?”
There was a long pause. So long that I wondered if I’d lost the connection.
“What’s wrong, Mellie?”
“Wha… what makes you think something’s wrong?” I stammered.
“You’re halfway around the goddamn world, and I can feel you… Hear it in your voice.”
“Davis somehow got my number,” I confessed.
“What? How?” His voice was hard and cold.
“I don’t know. He sent me a couple of messages.”
“Let me guess… he wants you back, right?”
“Yes.”
Joshua blew out an angry sigh. “I’ll take care of it, little one. You just focus on doing your job. I don’t want you worrying about that dipshitiot.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “A dip what?”
“Dipshitiot. It’s a combination of dip shit and idiot,” he chuckled. “Although Kerr might need a whole classification all his own like dipshitiothole.”
I flopped back on the bed, giggling. Joshua was amazing. He knew exactly how to wipe away my worries and insecurities, and made me laugh doing it. No other man before him had possessed that kind of magic.
“It feels longer than a day,” I whispered softly.
“I know,” he murmured. “I’m in my studio. I come here when I need to think.”
“What are you thinking about?” I urged.
“You. Me. Life,” he replied cryptically.
“And what thoughts are running through that handsome head of yours?”
“Oh they’re not running through my head, little one. They’re running through my hands.”
I turned and looked at the statue. A lump of emotion swelled in my throat. I swallowed tightly and blinked the tears from my eyes. I should have realized from the start that Joshua filtered his emotions through his hands, not his words.
My brain flashed in a slide of the pieces displayed at Christian’s gallery. I could clearly see the depths of Joshua’s pain, the whimsy of his dreams, and the ache of his desires. It was as if he’d sliced open his chest, granting the world a glimpse of his loving and wounded heart. Yet, no one knew… no one but me.
“What are you working on?”
“It’s a surprise,” he chuc
kled.
“That’s not fair.” I grinned. “You have to give me a hint.”
“Do I now? Seems you lost your submission somewhere over the ocean, girl.”
He wanted to project a stern Dominant tone, but I sensed the grin on his face.
“No I didn’t, but I’m going to have to wear my Domme hat for the next three weeks. I’m just warming it up.”
“Not with me you’re not,” he laughed.
A shiver raced up my spine. I pictured myself on my knees before him, and remembered how right it felt.
“Of course not, Master Stephen,” I purred.
A low moan rippled over the phone. “You’re begging for it, aren’t you, pet?”
“Hrmm, maybe… just a little?”
“Be careful, or you might end up with a whole lot more than you bargained for.”
“I sure hope so.”
“God, I miss you.”
Not half as much as I miss you.
I wasn’t entirely sure he meant to say the words aloud. He cleared his throat as if his confession left him too exposed. “Get some sleep, little one. Don’t worry about Kerr. I’ll make sure he doesn’t contact you again.”
“Yes, Sir.” I didn’t want our conversation to end. “Oh, if you do bodily harm to him, would you send me the pictures, please?”
“I think there’s a malevolent side of you I haven’t seen yet, little one.”
“Not really. I just like seeing karma in action, that’s all.”
He laughed. “If it comes to that, I’ll be sure to have eight by ten glossies in hand when you get back. Sweet dreams, my girl.”
His tender voice was like a gentle caress across my cheek.
“Yes, Sir. Good night.”
“Good night.”
I hung up feeling better, but worse. Glad that Davis would be dealt with, but rife with frustration that I was an ocean away when all I wanted was to be in Joshua’s arms or his bed.
After a long, hot shower, I climbed into the big, empty bed and pulled the extra pillow to my chest. Pretending it was Joshua, just as I had the first night we’d met, I closed my eyes and crashed.
The alarm on my phone buzzed before the sun was up. I tossed back the covers and stumbled to the bathroom, mentally readying myself for a full and hectic day. Most of the morning was spent with Dixie discussing what renovations could realistically be accomplished. Hayes hovered, nodding in approval or wrinkling his nose. By afternoon I was on the phone ordering wall covering, decorative tile, fabrics, and paint, keeping my fingers crossed none of the items needed were on back-order. The rest of the day I spent lining up a small army of carpenters, electricians, masons, and plumbers. Thankfully I’d contracted with many of the workers on past projects. I knew they were fast, efficient and possessed a work ethic I admired.
