Caged Songbird

by Avery Gale

  Grabbing her hand, he pulled her roughly from the room. “Let’s go. If I don’t get you downstairs and fuck you quickly, I’m not sure I’ll survive.” He could hear laughter behind him, but he didn’t care. Smiling to himself, Colt decided there was more than one definition for “fucking emergency.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Josie was so wet by the time Colt led her downstairs she was worried the proof of her arrousal was going to run down the inside of her thighs. Knowing she’d just flashed her bare ass to everyone in the den sent a strange surge of excitement through her. And, she was relieved he wasn’t going to punish her in front of his friends.

  It wasn’t that she didn’t understand why he was frustrated because she did. But, she wasn’t sure she was ready to take that step yet. Even though she knew she could stop the scene if she wasnted to, her heart wasn’t listening to her head. And, she’d read enough about the lifestyle to know going too far too fast wouldn’t serve either of them well.

  Nate and Taz were already downstairs by the time Josie stepped off the bottom step onto the cool hardwood floor. The lower level of the main house was sprawling, and she hated to think about how many square feet the entire stucture boasted. When she saw the lights come on in the pool area, Josie grinned up at Colt. He smiled and pulled her into the warm room. The men seemed to be communicating, but she wasn’t sure exactly how.

  Brandt stomped into the room, tugging Joelle behind him. Ryan was following them, the smirk on his face made Josie think he’d stirred up some sort of trouble just for the fun of it. Joelle had on a pale blue man’s shirt, but because she was taller, the shirt didn’t even reach mid-thigh. But at least her ass is covered, hell her boobs aren’t waving in the breeze either.

  Brandt stood in front of Sam and frowned. “Why aren’t we in the play room? I wanted to make sure your little hell cat got a couple of extra swats for me.”

  Sam and Sage both laughed, but Jen glared at Brandt from underneath her bangs. Sage shook his head as he spoke, “Damn, brother, do you think you are the fist Dom who wanted to paddle her backside for misbehaving? Hell, half the Dungeon staff at Prairie Winds want to see her sweet cheeks bound to the St. Andrews cross with her ass a nice hot pink.”

  Kent West leaned against one of the cushioned loungers and chuckled. “The other half are wishing to see Tobi in a similar position.”

  “You’d have gotten the information from Maria Randall if she hadn’t come in and stirred up trouble.” For the first time, Josie caught the barest hint of a smile, and she sighed with relief. She hadn’t talked to Brandt much, aside from the interview after she was rescued, so she didn’t know him well. He’d seemed almost rigid in his thinking, and she had wondered what the easy-going beauty he was married to saw in him. Joelle’s other husband seemed a bit more relaxed, but she supposed he dealt with enough drama everday with his medical practice, he was probably over his quota by the time he finally got home each night.

  Josie watched as Jen tugged on Sage’s sleeve, but he shook his head. She tugged again, and he turned to her. The move was measured and even with his eyes narrowed, Josie could see the fire coming out of them. “No. You are not to speak to Master Brandt. Even if he is being an ass, you don’t have permission to tell him so. I know you were excited to see me, and he knows it too, so there’s no reason to remind him. If he can’t figure out what it’s like to have his wife miss him enough to jump into his arms, he isn’t going to listen to you.”

  Jen grinned and Tobi giggled before quickly stepping behind Kent, and Joelle coughed several times to cover her laughter. But Josie burst out laughing. She was usually better able to control herself, heaven knew she’d had plenty of practice hiding her emotions from dealing with the media for the past several years. Maybe the fatigue was making her loopy, but she couldn’t stop laughing to save her. Even the stinging swat Colt gave her bare ass didin’t help, if anything if sent her deeper into what was becoming almost manical laughter.

  She didn’t stop laughing until she saw the smile on Brandt’s face. Once she finally regained control of herself, she looked around to see everyone watching her. “I’m sorry. I really don’t know what came over me, I’m not usually this out of control. But hearing Sage say all the things I suspect Jen wanted to say, well, the whole thing was just so absurd I couldn’t hold it in.

  Brandt moved closer and punched Colt in the shoulder. “The next time you need help breaking the tension in the room, I’ll expect you to call me instead of Taz.” He turned to Jen and winked. “Sweetness, you’re a good sport, I hope like hell those two knuckleheads you’re married to know what lucky men they are.”

  “I remind them regularly. And I really do wish my timing had been a little better, sorry about that.” Brandt shrugged as everyone started talking at once. They all gathered around the bar, and she noticed no one was drinking anything with alcohol.

  “She gravitated to the other women, and Tobi grinned at her. Bet you’re wondering why they aren’t drinking, aren’t you?” Josie nodded, and Tobi leaned over to whisper, “They won’t drink until after we play. Alcohol and kink don’t mix well. People get stupid and then they get hurt. I only saw it happen once at Prairie Winds. The Dom must have chugged a drink right before he walked in because he seemed fine when he arrived. But a half hour later his sub’s back was sliced and diced so bad I almost passed out. She had to have a transfusion she’d bled so much. There was blood everywhere, even on the wall beside the station they were using.”

  Josie felt the room start to spin and her vision filled with dancing black dots. Somewhere in the distance, she heard Joelle’s voice, “Tobi, for heavens sake. You can’t tell a newbie that sort of thing. Look at her, she’s going to face plant.”

  “F…loating ducks. I’m sorry, I guess I shouldn’t have been so graphic. She’s one of those artsy types, they paint pictures in their head quicker than the rest of us.” Ordinarily Josie would have been horrified at the suggestion she was more “out there” than Tobi West, but right now it was taking all of her concentration to move one foot in front of the other.

  Each woman had grabbed one of her arms and were gently leading her toward a chair, but damn it looked like it was a million miles away. The world suddenly tilted to the side and she pinwheeled her arms trying to keep from falling. “Stop fighting me, songbird. What the hell happened to you?” She realized he was carrying her, at least that meant she wasn’t about to kiss the concrete.

  “Tobi was just being herself, and I don’t think Josie was quite ready for that level of honesty. She’ll be fine, and Tobi will scale back the details next time, won’t you Tobi?” Jen had very carefully positioned herself between Colt and Tobi. Josie admired her spirit but really didn’t think it was necessary.

  Josie was fine after a couple sips of water. And as promised, Tobi stayed away from the graphic details, but Colt hadn’t let her out of his sight after he’d settled her on a lounger. Kyle had shaken his finger at Tobi. “Pet, what are we going to do with you?”

  “Is that really a question? Because I’ve got some kick ass…ertive suggestions if you really are looking for an answer.”

  Everyone around them burst out laughing, but the hopeful look on Tobi’s face remained until Kyle crossed his arms over his chest. Josie heard a female voice murmer oh shit behind her, but she wasn’t sure who’d spoken. Nate’s voice boomed through the room. “Well, it seems the subs are ready to play. Let’s get them naked and prepped.” Prepped?

  Phoenix stood between Colt and Brandt watching Taz spray water soluable lube over the women. They’d chattered like magpies until Nate blindfolded them. Amazing. “Who would have figured a blindfold would have such a profound effect?” Phoenix shoook his head trying to make sense of what he was seeing, even Tobi West was quiet.

  “They can’t see, so they have to rely on their other senses. That requires concentration. It’s one of the reasons kidnappers keep victims blindfolded even if they have no intention of ever releasing them.” Leave
it Brandt to take an observation and skew it into something better suited for a Stephen King novel.

  “I forwarded the information on Josie’s financials to you, Brandt. There is plenty of evidence to merit an arrest.” Phoenix was speaking to his brothers but hadn’t taken his eyes off the women. He’d seen plenty of naked women during his years as a Dom, but he’d never watched submissives who were friends outside the club interact during a scene, and it was fascinating.

  “It was in my inbox, and I glanced at it. I’ve forwarded it to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Ordinarily, I’d tell her to kiss the money goodbye and not get her hopes up for an arrest because we all know prosecutors are paid the same whether they win or lose. Hell, most of them would be better suited as research assistants, they like to squirrel away information—often vast amounts of information, but then they don’t do jack with it. It drives cops and victims insane.”

  Colt and Phoenix both nodded, they’d heard Brandt make these same comments more times than they could count. Brandt looked between them and grinned—and for the first time since he retired from the SEALs, Phoenix saw a glimpse of the carefree young man who’d left home at nineteen. Joelle coming into Brandt’s life had been a turning point. And, it was a pleasant surprise each time they got to see another sign the old Brandt might someday fully reappear.

  “It turns out one of my old teammate’s father is an assistant D.A. in that particular office. He’s going to prosecute the case personally. It’s already in his hands, and he’s read the summary review—he was damned impressed with your work, too, by the way.” He gave Phoenix’s shoulder a shove, laughing. “He wants to hire the deputy who did the resport.”

  “Deputy?” Phoenix grinned, Colt hadn’t known he’d been deputized.

  Brandt turned to Colt. “Yeah, I deputized him right after I became Sheriff. It was the only way I could use anything he researched for me. There are very specific rules for the chain of evidence and having it out of the hands of law enforcement is the fastest way I know to lose a case.” Phoenix had been really clear that the only part he wanted to play as deputy was for research, he had no interest in law enforcement.

  “Anyway, he’ll finish reviewing the information and file charges in a week or less. He suggested Josie fire him and the agency he claims to have founded. If Richland gives her any trouble, she should file a restraining order. Arnie offered to expitite that as well. Arnie Olsen is the guy’s name. He has your contact information since I assumed Josie would be changing her number. She needs a new phone anyway since her’s is being forwarded to Arnie as evidence. There were a lot of text messages from Richland telling Josie he was paying for this or that. Those are going to hang his ass. Damn, I’m proud of myself. And my reward? That beautiful lubed up woman standing stockstill over there. Later.”

  Phoenix and Colt shook their heads, but Brandt was already stalking his prey. “Damn, I’m glad to see the old Brandt again, even if he isn’t here all the time, it’s a start.”

  Colt nodded. “I swear I’ll love Joelle forever for that alone. And mom and dad are beside themselves with gratitude. They’re doing a hell of a job helping her raise funds for her new research center. Joelle Morgan’s name is already rumored to be on the Nobel list, I can’t wait to see what she conquers next.” Phoenix was in complete agreement, she was going to be the spark behind a lot of amazing medical discoveries, and they were going to have a front row seat.

  “Thanks for all your work, man. You’ve gone above and beyond, and I want you to know how much I appreciate it.”

  “You’re welcome. Now, go get your slicked up woman, because I’m anxious to see how this game works.” Personally, he doubted the cat and mouse game Nate had planned would last long, the men were ready for the main event. Kip walked up beside him and tipped back his beer. Since his younger brother wasn’t actually playing tonight, he obviously hadn’t seen any reason to drink bottled water.

  “They’re all gonna end up in the pool, ya know.”

  “Probably. But the penalty for that might make them more cautious the second time.” Phoenix pointed to a nearby table. “Nate has a whole basket of nipple clamps and butt plugs for any sub who isn’t careful searching for her Master.”

  “You taking bets on who swims first?” Phoenix laughed and shook his head. Kip Morgan would bet on anything. Even as a kid he’d wanted to bet on which falling leaf would reach the ground first, and damned it he hadn’t inherited their mom’s good luck. No, Phoenix was definetly not getting sucked into a betting game with Kip.

  “Hell no. I’ve already lost enough money to you, and I’m not funding your weekend shenanigans.” Kip laughed but didn’t respond for several seconds.

  “Well, if you think about it, this one’s a simple odds game. Josie only had one man in the room, but the others all have two Masters, so their chances of finding one or the other are double.”

  “But your aren’t factoring in everything you know about Tobi West. And from what I can tell, Jen McCall is running a close second in the wildcard race.” Phoenix enjoyed watching the women interact, their unpretentous personalities were endearing and reminded him of Coral.

  “When are Colt and Josie leaving?” Phoenix turned to look at his youngest brother trying to decide whether or not the underlying note of sadness he’d heard in Kip’s question was real.

  “Day after tomorrow. But they will be back in a week or so. She doesn’t have a home in L.A., and he’d never be happy living there, anyway. Don’t worry, you might not think you’re ready to take on the ranch alone, but the rest of us do.” Kip’s shrug made him think there was more to his question, but now wasn’t the time to ask.

  Colt’s shout had Phoenix turning in time to see Josie, looking like she’d been suspended in mid-air as she took a large gulp of air a split second before splashing into the deep end of the pool. Colt was kicking off his boots and pulling his shirt over his head when Nate’s large hand settled on his shoulder. “Let her try. You want to teach her she’s strong? Then let her be strong.”

  Phoenix wasn’t sure which was the most interesting—his brother’s struggle to hold back, or Josie’s as she tried to figure out which way was up when she couldn’t see. After a couple of seconds, she went perfectly still, and Colt pulled against Nate’s restraining hand. But before Colt could move she started floating to the surface. Smart girl, you let that big breath of air in your lungs show you the way.

  As soon as Josie surfaced, Colt reached down and pulled her from the water. Pulling the blindfold from her eyes, he searched her face for any sign of fear and breathed a sigh of relief when she appeared fine. “Are you okay? Christ, you scared me to death, songbird.”

  She smoothed her hands down her arms and then the fronts of her thighs removing as much water as she could. But when she wrapped her arms around herself, he saw the realization she was naked flicker in her gray eyes. Taz handed him a towel, and he wrapped it around her before picking her up and cradling her against his chest knowing she’d be able to hear his heart pounding beneath her ear.

  “Don’t ever scare me like that again, love. My heart can’t take it.” He heard her soft gasp of his use of a different pet name, but he didn’t respond. As soon as he wrapped his head around it, he’d try to explain it to her. But right now all he could think about was getting her beneath him. Sliding into her sweet body would assure him she was alright, and maybe his thundering pulse would slow—eventually.

  Turning to Nate, he said, “We’re done. The rest of you can continue the game if you want to, but right now the only thing I want is to feel her wrapped around me. We’ll be back in a couple of weeks, and we’ll see you then.” The other Doms had pulled the blindfolds from their subs and Colt watched their eyes soften when they noticed Josie had already fallen asleep in his arms.

  Nate nodded in understanding. “We’ll coordinate that visit when you have time.” This time it was Colt’s turn to nod. He was looking forward to the special night he and Nate wer
e putting together for Josie. The event would be invitation only, and there weren’t going to be many of those.

  Looking around the large room, he was almost overhelmed to see all the people who hadn’t hesitated to drop everything and rush to help him keep Josie safe. Taking a deep breath, he finally found the words he wanted to say, “I know there isn’t any way to thank you for your help. Those words seem grossly inadequate, but they’re all I’ve got. I don’t want to sound vindictive, but damn, I’m going to enjoy seeing Todd Richland behind bars.” Then smiling at Jen, he added, “We’ll get Maria Randall next time, sweetness.” Jen’s wide grin let him know she’d understood he didn’t hold her responsible for Maria slipping through their fingers.

  Walking up the stairs to his suite, Colt saw Josie’s eyes flutter open, but she didn’t say anything for several seconds. When he leaned down to open the door, he felt her cool fingers on his chin. Looking down, he felt his heart squeeze when he saw the look in her eyes. “Wait.” When he froze, she smiled. “I wanted to…well, I wanted to tell you something before we’re in your bedroom.”

  He watched her take a deep breath and let it out slowly before she spoke. “I love you, Colt.” She took another steadying breath and he smiled. “I…well, I didn’t want you to think I just told you because I wanted to get lucky.” This time her smile lit up his entire world.

  “I love you, too songbird. I’ve been trying to figure out when to tell you. I think I fell in love with you the first night we spent together. But the night under the stars was when I realized I couldn’t let you leave again without me. We’ll work everything out, but right now there is a warm shower calling our names. And our flight isn’t until late tomorrow, so I plan to spend the entire night showing you all the ways I can love you.