by Abby Blake
It seemed that everyone who was here tonight had the same reason—to thank Viper for helping them find the lifestyle they’d been seeking. An endless parade of both Doms and subs had stopped by to wish him well and thank him for the safe haven he’d created.
“He’s quite well loved, isn’t he?” Bethany asked as she snuck over to give Bianca a hug. Adam watched her from his seat on the other side of the room. He was smiling indulgently, but it was clear that he was still recovering from the heart surgery he’d had when Bianca had been absent from their friendship. “I always knew Viper was well respected, but I truly didn’t understand how many lives he managed to change over the years.”
“I did,” Bianca said quietly. She’d seen many people come through the front door needing Viper’s help and guidance. He’d given it freely, willing to subjugate his own needs to help others. She had no doubt it had been the reason he’d joined the Navy as soon as he’d been old enough. She understood his need to protect and defend, his need to be needed, but she also saw this as a chance for him to change the direction of his life.
Selling the club wouldn’t entirely relieve him of the responsibility he felt—and in many ways that was a good thing—but being a member rather than the Dom in charge gave him a chance to take a step back and perhaps pursue something else he was interested in. He hadn’t mentioned any more about starting a family since the conversation with Brick this morning, but it was clear to Bianca that he would make a very good father.
The fact that he wanted Brick to be equally involved just showed how incredible the man truly was. She sighed as warm arms wrapped around her shoulders and pulled her back against a solid chest.
“Sorry I’m late,” Brick whispered in her ear. “How’s he doing?”
She didn’t need to ask who “he” was. It was clear that Brick cared as much about the people around him as Viper did. He didn’t quite have the same obsessive need to be in charge, but he was more than capable of taking control when a situation warranted his intervention.
How had she been so lucky to fall in love with two such incredible men? Or, more accurately, how had she been lucky enough for them to both fall in love with her? It was true that their future was murky, but it wasn’t going to stop her grabbing the happiness they both offered right now.
“I think nearly every person he’s ever met has come through the doors tonight. I doubt we’re going to get any playtime.”
“Don’t bet on it,” Brick said just as Viper excused himself from the crowd and headed toward them. “You look incredible in this dress by the way, but Viper prefers you naked.”
Bianca was wearing a see-through dress similar to the one she’d been wearing the first time she’d spoken to Brick more than fifteen months ago. Brick traced his fingers over the tattoo prominently displayed by the transparent clothing.
“I’ve always admired your commitment to Viper. He’s a lucky man.”
Uncertain what he meant by that, Bianca tried to set the worry aside. Tonight was Viper’s farewell party. She’d deal with the rest of her worries tomorrow.
Despite her long absence from the dungeon it hadn’t taken long to feel at home here once more. It helped that Brick seemed as comfortable these days as the rest of the people who visited regularly.
And wow, both her men looked hot in leather.
Brick lifted the dress over her head just as Viper moved to stand in front of her.
“Everything organized?” Viper asked Brick cryptically.
“Of course,” he said as he reached for Bianca’s wrist cuffs and clipped them together in front of her. As always, Bianca’s heart started to beat quicker, her body well attuned to her men’s needs, but worry licked at her consciousness, too. Brick seemed nervous, almost like he was about to do something that might be painful for him.
She had no idea what was about to happen. Neither of her men had discussed anything with her for this evening, but the not knowing just heightened her senses, made her hyperaware of the two men most important in her world, her love and arousal overwhelming every other concern.
Brick held her close, making certain she didn’t fall when he led her onto the stage, making her center of attention, the circle of people closing around them as the audience moved to watch.
“Kneel, little sub,” Viper ordered in the tone of voice that had been her anchor for years when the world had been too much. Brick hovered close-by, ready to help steady her, smiling happily as she moved to her knees gracefully.
Both of them made her feel safe and loved, content and happy. If they never moved forward, if children weren’t in their future, she was still very grateful to have Brick and Viper in her life. She knew from bitter experience that life was too short and tomorrow could bring tragedy. She would grasp the happiness these men offered and let the future take care of itself.
A sweet feeling of peace wound through her at the thought.
“Bianca Calgan,” The Enforcer said as he stepped onto the stage, “the task your Doms have given me is a very important one.”
Bianca shivered nervously. She’d never seen his face, but had watched him mete out “punishments” for several years. She’d enjoyed the theatrical feel he brought to the club with his spin on BDSM, and he was very popular with the experienced, uncollared subs, but Viper had never handed her over to another Dom—well no one other than Brick, and that was different, very different. Anxiety slid through her mind as The Enforcer came to stand in front of her.
“Bianca Calgan, you wear the mark of your Dom on your skin. Do you reaffirm your commitment to Viper?”
“Yes, Sir,” she said brokenly as Brick’s nervous words came back to her.
I’ve always admired your commitment to Viper. He’s a lucky man.
She wanted to look up and see Brick’s face, but she wouldn’t embarrass her Doms like that. She knew the protocols of the club better than anyone. She had no excuse for breaking them—even if it felt like her heart was about to be broken instead.
“On this the final day of Viper owning Viper’s Dungeon let it be known that Bianca Calgan chooses to be his lover, companion, and submissive and that he chooses to be her Dom and all that entails.”
Bianca bit her lip as The Enforcer made a short speech about the seriousness of the commitment they made to each other so long ago, and now, even as their lives changed, how they were able to develop a better understanding and fully commit their lives to each other once more.
It was quite beautiful, but one thing was missing, one person. Even though he stood nearby he may as well have been a million miles away. He stayed silent as she committed her future to Viper. Wretched misery engulfed her as well-wishers stepped onto the stage to congratulate them.
God, she loved Viper with everything in her, but she hadn’t expected Brick to step away without talking to her. Their relationship was different. Yes, they explored aspects of the BDSM lifestyle together, but she’d also thought they were friends.
Finally, the crowd stepped away once more and Viper’s voice filled the room.
“I know you’re anxious to meet the new owner of Viper’s Dungeon, but we have one more thing we would like to share with you.”
Viper helped her to stand and then stepped away from her. She kept her head down, this time hiding the raw emotions Brick’s absence caused. She loved Viper. She truly did, but none of this felt real. She’d known all along that Brick was a very proud man, but she’d hoped that wouldn’t mean he’d choose to leave her.
Black-leather-clad legs moved into her line of sight, but when Brick lowered to one knee, a small box held in his hand, she literally stopped breathing.
“Bianca, you are the center of my universe, the light in my life, and the love I’ve always dreamed of. Please marry me.”
She nodded, unable to say the words without air. She dragged in a deep breath but she was already crushed against his strong chest, his heart beating as rapidly as her own.
“Yes,” she finally managed to whisper.
“Thank heavens,” he said with a laugh that sounded suspiciously like relief. He slid a gorgeous sapphire ring onto her finger and curled his hand around hers. “I wasn’t certain it was the best venue for such a vanilla proposal.”
She laughed with him, her eyes filling with tears as he lifted her into his arms and realization hit her. He was moving forward as well, refusing to let circumstances steal their chance at true happiness.
Their friends gathered around them, offering congratulations and best wishes. She was vaguely aware of Viper thanking their friends and then introducing the new owner of Viper’s Dungeon, but she was more interested in talking to her men. She sighed with relief when Brick lifted her into his arms and began walking toward the private rooms.
He turned when a shocked murmur rippled through the gathered crowd. Bianca saw enough to realize that the man they’d always referred to as “The Enforcer” was also the new owner and had taken off his mask for the first time since he’d joined the club. His face was vaguely familiar, but Bianca was more interested in the man who moved quickly to join her and Brick.
Viper.
As soon as they stepped into the room, Viper dropped the intimidating Dom protocols and touched her face lovingly.
“I love you, Bianca. Just like Brick said, you’re the center of my universe, the light of my life, and the love I’ve always dreamed of.”
He laughed softly when Brick rolled his eyes and grumbled good-naturedly, “Get your own material.”
But both men grew serious once more when Brick helped her to stand and they each took one of her hands.
“We wanted to run one more idea past you,” Brick said with a wide smile. “We thought it best to consider right now rather than wait. Unless of course you’d rather wait, which is okay, too. No pressure.”
“Bianca, have our babies, be the mother of our children,” Viper demanded.
“That wasn’t exactly a question,” Brick said with a smile.
“It doesn’t need to be a question,” Viper said with a wink in Bianca’s direction. “A good sub does what her Dom asks.”
“And a happy wife needs a chance to make her own choices.”
It was clear they were teasing each other, but it truly showed how close the men had become. They were very different personalities, but they’d built a friendship based on mutual respect. It hadn’t always been easy but it seemed they understood each other. Bianca loved them both all the more for their determination to get along.
“Can we start trying for a baby straight away?” Bianca asked.
Viper shrugged casually, but she got the sense that he wasn’t as relaxed as he was acting. “The blood tests we all had done came back clear so I don’t see why not.”
“But there’s no rush either,” Brick said, touching her face as he stared into her eyes. “We’d both love to see you grow round with our babies, but only when you’re ready, B.”
“She’s ready now, aren’t you, little sub?”
“Absolutely,” she said with an eager nod, but then a worry that she might be misinterpreting Brick’s meaning sank into her brain. “Unless, um…” Only this morning Brick had been resistant to the idea of the three of them living in Viper’s apartment. Things had changed very quickly. Perhaps too quickly? “Unless you want to wait, Brick. I don’t want you to feel rushed.”
“Oh no,” Brick said as he lifted her straight up and she wrapped her legs around his hips. “No way are we waiting any longer. If you’re ready then Viper and I are more than ready. Prepare to be impregnated, wife.”
She giggled at his silly theatrics but kissed him as feverishly as he kissed her. Viper moved to stand behind them, his hands on her hips, his mouth on her throat and she couldn’t help the surge of emotion that swelled through her.
Fourteen months ago she’d been terrified but still determined enough to go after what she wanted. She’d faced her demons and come out whole, and thanks to these two amazing men she now had the future she’d always dreamed of.
Love, family, and a chance at true happiness.
Life wasn’t perfect, and she knew the future was never certain, but with Viper and Brick by her side anything seemed possible.
Epilogue
Brick watched his wife smile at Viper.
“You’re a lucky man,” Corey said as he followed Brick’s line of sight, “even with the giant ex-SEAL in the picture.”
“He’s a good man,” Brick said as he watched Viper sit in a room full of laughing women and somehow seem like he belonged. He rubbed a hand over Bianca’s hugely rounded belly and smiled at a comment from Maya. For a man who was still an intimidating Dom it seemed incredible that he could have so many women—many of them subs at Viper’s Dungeon—relaxed enough to enjoy Bianca’s baby shower. “Have you seen his latest designs? Some of them are truly amazing.”
“Who would have guessed that under that scary exterior lived the heart of an artist?” Corey asked with a soft laugh.
Brick shook his head, even as his brother said the words out loud. It seemed incredible, but it was clearly something the big man enjoyed doing. After several months of feeling directionless, Viper had wandered into his friend’s tattoo shop and found a new calling. At the moment he was just designing the tattoos, not actually doing the needle work, but he was seriously considering his friend’s offer of an apprenticeship.
Thanks to his obsessive need to collect property—legacy of his lack of a stable home life as a child in foster care—Viper didn’t have to worry about a decent income so doing a low-paying apprenticeship at this stage of their lives wouldn’t hurt their budget at all. Some very clever investments in real estate that had begun when he was in the Navy ensured that Bianca and any children she might have would always be well cared for.
Some days it still bugged Brick that he didn’t earn more, but he truly loved his job as a police officer. Both Bianca and Viper had gone to great lengths to assure him that he contributed more than enough to their combined budget. Of course, Corey’s intervention had helped immensely. Without their mother’s nursing home bills taking up three quarters of his wages, Brick had at least felt a little more on solid ground. It still dinged his pride that Corey was taking care of their mother, but as he’d pointed out on more than one occasion, Brick would have been devastated if his mother had refused his help when their dad had died. Cory made it very clear it was his turn to help Brick.
“How’s the self-employment going?” he asked his brother.
“Good,” Corey said with a smug smile. “Best thing I’ve ever done.”
Corey had never fully explained what had happened to the last contract he’d been working on before going into business for himself, but Brick got the distinct impression that it had been all about a girl. Despite Brick’s concerns that first few weeks, Corey had declared it ancient history, so Brick had let the matter drop. Considering how well his brother now seemed to be doing career-wise maybe it truly was in the past.
Brick didn’t claim to understand what it was his brother did, but the computer programming skills that seemed to come so easily to Corey were apparently in great demand. Brick had accidently come across one of his brother’s bank statements and to say the guy was doing well was a serious understatement. The sizes of the contracts he was winning were mindboggling. The fact that their mother’s expenses represented a very tiny percentage of his brother’s income helped quite a bit in soothing Brick’s conscience.
Brick glanced over at Bianca and Viper when he heard a small moan. Bianca had coped pretty well with her first pregnancy but in the past few weeks the baby had been in a position that put pressure on her sciatic nerve, the resulting pain sometimes leaving her breathless. Viper rubbed her lower back in soothing circles as Bianca shifted on the sofa and tried to get more comfortable.
None of them had a clue who the father was, but it was likely to become apparent as the child grew. Physically Brick and Viper had very few features in common. Brick still marveled at t
he realization that he didn’t mind if he wasn’t the child’s genetic father, and from everything that Viper had said over the past eight months, it seemed he felt the same way. They both planned to be the child’s father no matter whose DNA their daughter or son carried.
“I’m very glad Bianca is finally on maternity leave,” he said as he reached into the fridge for more wine. Apparently it was a prerequisite for the non-pregnant guests at baby showers. So was all the female laughter and talk of breastfeeding issues, hemorrhoids, and other post-pregnancy stories. Fortunately, the women seemed to limit their stories to the more humorous experiences of parenting.
“How long does she have off work?”
“As long as she wants,” Brick said with no small amount of relief. She had a few weeks of paid maternity leave available to her, but her boss had assured her that no matter how long she was away that there would always be a job for her at the nursing home.
Thankfully, when she’d learned of Bianca’s pregnancy, her boss had moved her away from the more unpredictable dementia patients, but Viper and Brick hadn’t been able to curb their worry. Brick could still see in his mind the bruise that had blossomed on her lower back the one and only time she’d been hit by one of the dementia patients. Viper hadn’t been happy when he’d learned what had happened so long ago, but he’d stopped short of ordering Bianca to give up her job.
“I suspect Viper shares your relief,” Corey said, watching the way Viper helped Bianca move once again. “She looks big enough to pop.”
Brick shook his head, but smiled at his brother’s crude assessment. It was hard to imagine that Bianca might have three more weeks to go before the baby arrived. The doctor had warned them that medical intervention might be required if the baby got much bigger. He’d also suggested the baby might come early.
“I’m on the night shift ne—” He cut off his words, completely losing whatever he’d been about to say as Bianca let out a longer moan. “Bianca?” he asked, crossing the room in four long strides and kneeling at her feet so he could see her face.
