by Dark, Raven
“Do you have any idea how badly I want you right now?”
Archer chuckled softly. “I have a cure for that.”
“You don’t understand.” She pushed on his chest before he could pull her to him. “I can’t. Every night I feel like I’ll go nuts if I don’t feel you inside me, but I’m too scared, ‘cause he’ll know.”
He stood and rubbed his nape, his mouth turned down in a look of frustration. “I know,” he said with a husky rasp.
“I’m so sick of this guy having control over us. We haven’t even been able to play at all.” He’d even relaxed protocol, and Gwen was starting to miss even the simple act of calling him Sir.
He shook his head. “I can’t imagine how this is for you. I’m sorry.”
She stood up and set her hands on his chest. “This must be so frustrating for you. I feel like such a coward. Too afraid to get off.”
“No. Don’t do that. I don’t blame you. I just wish I could make it right.”
“I want my life back.”
“I know.” He drew her against him and she slid her arms around his neck, resting her head on his shoulder. Archer’s palms rubbed her back.
“Wait a minute.” His arms dropped.
She drew back. “What is it?”
“I have an idea. We can’t catch this guy yet, but maybe we can get part of our lives back.”
Hope flared in her. “What do you mean?”
He patted her hip. “Get dressed.”
“Why?”
“’Cause as soon as we eat, we’re going out.” He took his phone out of his pants pocket.
“Are you going to tell me where?”
He smirked. “We’re gonna see Nick.”
* * *
At The Sanctuary, Archer led Gwen across the floor to the steps that went up to the promenade. “Nick’s waiting for us.”
She gave a jerky nod.
“Hey.” He rested a hand on the small of her back. “I know how scared you are, sweetheart, but since we’re in the club and its Saturday, I’m instating on protocol for now. You need to get into the mindset again, especially with what Nick has in mind.”
Gwen’s stomach tightened, but she nodded again. She resisted the urge to glance around, looking for any sign of someone watching or following them. “Yes, Sir.”
His palm massaged her back. “Relax. Everything will be fine.”
“I know, Sir.” The feel of Archer’s warm palm, his confidence and closeness, and the familiar faces of those in the club, all wrapped her in a feeling of safety that still felt foreign to her after so long living in fear. Some of the tension left her.
Up on the promenade, Nick sat slouched on one of the leather couches, arms splayed out across the back. Zoe sat curled up against his side.
Even after five years, it still caught her off guard when Zoe dressed as a sub. She wished she’d look as good in the black teddy that hugged Zoe’s slender frame, the fishnets that covered her shapely legs. Instead of the thin gold necklace with Nick’s initial she wore in vanilla settings, a thick, leather collar encircled her swan-like neck, a thick metal ring hanging at her throat. A large, intricate ‘N’ gleamed, embossed in steel on the front.
“Gwen.” At a nod from Nick, Zoe slipped off the couch and hugged her. “Are you all right?”
Gwen squeezed her close, her heart swelling with warmth for her concern. “I’m fine.” When she looked doubtful, Gwen smiled. “Really.”
Nick hugged her, and nodded for her and Archer to sit on the couch opposite.
“This guy’s getting scary,” Gwen confided.
“I know. Archer told us everything.” Nick seated himself, and Zoe sat on the floor at his feet, her long legs folded.
“As I said to Archer, I think I know how to solve your problem.” He looked at Gwen. “It’s a matter of setting up the scene with a few things in place.”
She sat forward, twisting her heads. “What do you mean?”
Archer’s hand tapped hers, but it felt gentler than usual, like he understood her anxiety. She put her hands under her thighs. “Sorry, Sir.”
A light danced in Nick’s dark eyes as he watched the exchange, before he went on. “Well. One, we make the environment of the scene so secure that there is no way this guy can get close. I don’t even want the scene here.”
This time, before she spoke, she looked at Archer and waited for his nod before she asked, “Where would the scene be if it’s not here?”
“There is an exclusive group that Zoe and I belong to whose members play at different locations. The venues move all the time. Only the members are allowed in and know where they are.”
Gwen’s eyes snagged on Nick’s hand gently caressing Zoe’s hair. She nuzzled into his touch.
“There’s no way your stalker would be able to get into one of those,” Nick added. “Only the most long-term and well-known members will attend, and he won’t even know where it is.”
“Ah.” Gwen nodded and then smiled at Archer, feeling hopeful. “That’s a great idea, Nick.”
“I thought so.” Nick grinned. “We’re going to plan this down to the smallest detail. We’ll do everything we can to ensure your safety, Gwen.”
“Wait…we?” She looked between him and Archer. Something in his tone told her Nick didn’t just intend to be there to monitor the scene.
Nick nodded. “It’s better if Zoe explains this.” He laid his hand on her shoulder. “You can drop protocol for this, Zoe.”
Zoe sat up a little. She flicked a look at Archer, as if to include him. “Gwen, how do you feel about Archer letting us be part of the scene?”
“Part of it how?”
“We promise, we won’t do anything that goes against your limits,” Zoe said. “But the idea is to catch you by surprise. This works best if you know as few details as possible.”
Gwen’s eyes widened. Her heart raced with excitement, and a hint of trepidation. She looked between all of them. The anticipation in Archer’s eyes made her stomach flutter.
“Are you open to this?” Nick asked when she didn’t immediately reply.
She met all their eyes again and heaved a sigh. I can’t let him control my life. Have to take my life back. “I trust you guys. I’ll try anything if it’ll help.”
Archer cupped her nape in a warm palm. “I’m so proud of you, Gwen. You’ve come so far. We’ll work through this together, okay?”
The mix of warm tenderness and possessiveness in his touch, along with the praise of his words, made her feel cherished and wonderfully owned all at once. She could have melted into a puddle right at his feet.
Archer squeezed her nape. “You have any questions?”
Gwen licked her lips. “When were you guys thinking of doing the scene?”
“That’s where the second part comes in,” Archer’s eyes danced as he looked at Nick.
Nick nodded. “We’re not going to tell you. The scene will happen when you least expect it.”
32
Cornered
“I can’t believe what you guys want to do.” Gwen shook her head at Archer. Good thing Nick and Zoe had left to do a scene on the main floor. It was hard to look at the two of them the same knowing they would soon be part of a scene she and Archer were going to do.
Her thoughts spun. It was a tossup which was the bigger surprise, that Archer accepted the idea, or the secrecy the three of them maintained about the scene A mix of irritation and excitement pulled at her.
A smile curved Archer’s mouth, but his eyes were tender. His thumb caressed the back of her hand. “Are you having second thoughts?”
“No. I mean, it’s weird, Sir. Doing a scene with Nick and Zoe involved. He’s my boss. And she’s my best friend.” She wrinkled her nose at him. “Am I messed up if that makes it hotter?”
Archer grinned. “That he’s your boss?”
“Yeah.”
“No.” He kissed his way along her neck. “Lots of women have boss fantasies.”
; Her blood heated at his words. What was he going to do? How involved would he let Nick and Zoe be in the scene? Would they only be there to watch? Would he let Nick touch her? How much would he let Nick or Zoe do to her, if anything? She tilted her head to the side, inviting his kiss while her pussy clenched.
“And you’re not going to tell me anything? When it’s going to happen? Where?”
Archer shook his head, his eyes sparkling. “Not a thing.” His fingers traced her lips. “Be a good little sub. No more questions, or I’ll put you over my knee.”
“The three of you are crazy, Sir.” She traced the line of his jaw with her fingers, need coiling in her tight. “I’m going to go insane waiting.”
He pulled back and adjusted his junk “I’m going to go crazy waiting to have you.”
Her eyes dropped to his crotch. The long, hard ridge of his cock tented his slacks, making her mouth water. “I know. God, I wish we could catch this guy.” Longing fused her blood, so potent it was almost unbearable. It felt like six months since she’d felt him inside her.
Before Nick and Zoe had left, they’d reassured her that the area where the scene would take place would be secure, with guards posted on the grounds, and only people he and Zoe knew well would be invited. Her stalker would have to be Houdini to get in there.
That Archer and her two best friends were willing to not only plan this thing out but to go so far out of their way to ensure her safety made her heart swell with love for them. Love for Archer. She’d never felt so special or so cared for in her life.
“You want to stay and talk to Nick and Zoe for a while when they come back?” Archer asked.
She nodded. “Yeah, but let me go to the ladies’ room first.” She slipped out of his arms and stood up.
“Ok. I’ll take you.” He picked up the coat he’d left on the back of the couch.
“Archer.” Gwen chuckled and put her hands on his chest. “I’m just going to the bathroom. Are you going to watch me pee, too?”
“Sir, Gwen. And don’t mouth off. After what happened yesterday, I’m not letting you out of my sight.”
“You said we would be fine here.”
“I’m not taking any chances. Come on.” He nodded toward the stairs to the main floor.
She sighed, dropping her arms. “Is this how it’s going to be?” Why was she this on edge with the thought of him following her to the bathroom? “Are you going to follow me everywhere, every second?”
“If I have to, yes.”
“For how long?”
He opened his mouth, then closed it with a resigned shrug. The lack of effort to correct her on addressing him told her he understood.
“Do you have any idea how nuts this is making me? I can’t go anywhere without someone watching my every move. My family already thinks I need to be protected by a big strong man twenty-four-seven.”
He closed his eyes and nodded. “I get it, but I still don’t want you going alone.” He waved over a sub standing nearby. “Sasha, take Gwen to the bathroom for me?”
“Of course, Master Archer.”
Gwen shook her head. “You just can’t help yourself, can you, Sir?” She squeezed his hand.
“Just, hurry back, all right? Come right back here.”
“Sir.” She rolled her eyes without thinking.
“Behave yourself.” He smirked, touching her under the chin. “Go.”
What was she going to do with him? Grinning, Gwen followed Sasha down the stairs. As she wove through the crowds with the pretty blond sub, the smile slid away and she tried not to look everywhere at once. Much as she downplayed the situation to Archer, her thoughts buzzed with fear. Damn it, now he’d made her paranoid. It did feel a little safer with another person there though. She thanked Shasha for the escort as they walked into the large bathroom at the back of the club.
“Oh, you’re welcome, Miss Stanton. I know how intense things can get here sometimes, especially when you’re new.”
So she thought Gwen needed the company because the club overwhelmed her. If only it were that simple. “Right. Exactly.”
She pushed out a breath and locked herself in one of the stalls while Sasha took another.
The door to the bathroom opened and sounds from the club grew louder. A woman screaming in pleasure, chains clinking, a whip lashing. Then the door closed.
Then… silence.
The silence dragged for eternity. Gwen froze, breath catching in her throat.
“Hello? Sasha?”
“I’m here, Miss Stanton. You okay?”
She pushed out another breath. “I’m fine. Just a bit unsettled.”
“I get it. Things get easier though. Give it time.”
The girls finished, and at the counter, Gwen put her purse on her shoulder. It wasn’t like she was unarmed. Weeks ago, the purse wouldn’t have done much damage with only makeup and her wallet, but she’d added a pepper spray, and a good sized rock in the bottom. That would hurt if she used it the way Archer had showed her.
Stepping out into the hall, she looked into the dimly lit, empty corridor. No one was there, but an instinct had her keeping Sasha behind her. For the first time, she wished the hall was better lit. She headed toward the rest of the club.
“Going somewhere, pretty one?”
Gwen halted, her heart leaping into her throat. Sasha pressed in on her, tensing. Half way down the hall, the shadow of a man blocked their way.
Archer glanced at his watch. Ten minutes since Gwen had left. He scanned the crowd below. No sign of her. He tightened his grip on the metal railing that ran along the promenade. She’s right. You’re being over protective.
The incident last night flashed through his mind and his gut clenched. The gunshots, the panic. Visions of Gwen dragged off and left for dead somewhere, or screaming for him, filled his mind. Archer pushed off the railing. He shook his head.
She’s taking too long. I won’t fail her the way I failed Kimiko. He snatched up his coat and clanked down the metal stairs.
33
At The Home Of Master Hex
“Excuse us, sir. We need to get by.” Gwen wasn’t about to get close to him, not with the way the guy towered in the entranceway. He didn’t look as tall as Archer, but he was covered in muscle. The glare of the light hid his face. Was it her stalker, finally coming for her?
“Not yet. I’ve been watching you across the room. I want a scene with you.”
“Um, no?”
Somehow she knew his face hardened. “Subs don’t say no.”
His intentions couldn’t be clearer. Panic rose in Gwen and for a moment, she couldn’t move.
“You really don’t know the rules, do you?” Sasha gripped Gwen’s shoulder, and it was hard to tell if she was seeking reassurance or trying to give it.
Gwen forced her debilitating panic down and pulled Sasha behind her. I can do this. She forced a laugh. “I don’t think my master would like you touching me.” She hated the idea of using a man to scare him off, but… Only fight when there is no other choice. Use what you know. Archer’s teaching reverberated in her head. Calming her.
The man stepped closer. “There’s the door behind you.” He nodded. “Use it.”
“Not a chance,” Sasha said.
“I have no interest in you, Blondie. Leave.”
I can do this. Don’t show weakness. “Sasha,” Gwen said slowly, the evenness of her voice surprising her, “go, get Nick. Sir, move out of the way.”
Sasha nodded and raced toward the main part of the club. Gwen let her purse fall into her hand, trying to make it casual the way Archer had taught her. Readying it for a swing.
“See, you want to be alone with me. Come on.” He stepped closer, closing in.
She didn’t move. Next instant, he darted for her. Barely processing what she was doing, Gwen swung the purse at his head as hard as she could and let out a single, powerful shout.
The purse struck him square across the face and he shouted in pain, landing on
the floor with a thud. Blood sprayed from his nose and his head rebounded off the floor with a nasty crack. Gwen moved back a pace, automatically taking the proper stance, ready to deliver another strike. There was no need. His eyes fluttered closed and he stilled. She puffed, shaking.
“Gwen…” Archer stood behind her attacker at the entrance to the hall, face pale, Nick, Sasha, and one of Nick’s bouncers coming up behind him. Gwen staggered to Archer, relief flooding her.
“Jesus Christ.” Archer steadied her and cradled her face in his hands. He glanced at the man on the ground, who the bouncer pulled up from the floor, then to her. “Are you all right?”
She nodded, swallowing. “Really wears you out, this fighting thing, doesn’t it?”
He squeezed her close.
Gwen half registered Nick saying something to the guy about attacking his members, then he and the bouncer marched him down the hall. Archer jerked a thumb at them.
“Is that him? The stalker?”
“I doubt it. He didn’t talk like him, and besides, the stalker has an issue with anything BDSM. This guy wanted a scene.”
“Wow. Guys like him piss me off. They think any woman in a BDSM club is fair game, and being a sub negates their right to refuse.”
“How does a guy like that get in here?” Gwen shuddered.
Archer ran a hand through his hair. “You can have the best vetting process in the world, screen people all you want, and slime still gets in, sweet thing.”
“Yeah, I get it. I don’t blame Nick for this.”
He hugged her again, breathing her in. “You sure you’re okay?”
She managed a weak smile. “I am.” She buried her face in his chest and trembled.
Archer scooped her up in his arms. “Come on, slugger. Let’s go home.”
* * *
“How are you doing?” Archer sat down next to her in their suite an hour later, inspecting her closely, like he was still looking for latent signs of injury.
