by Karen Nappa
"Relax, Melda. You're a beautiful woman and I want to have our friends witness our bond and love for each other," Jim said.
She didn't look convinced so he swooped in for a long, hot kiss. By the time he came up for air, she had a nice flush from her cheeks down to her breasts and the wariness in her eyes was replaced by lust. Good!
"Undress, please."
Her color intensified and she looked around. Jim waited for her to come to a decision. Would she protest or use her safeword?
After a brief hesitation, Paula started to undress.
"Good girl," Jim praised. "What's your safeword, Melda?"
Paula answered with the police codes they'd decided on months ago, and he was pleased with her automatic response and the way her shoulders relaxed when they reviewed them. He wanted her a little bit unbalanced but not scared.
"Remember red, yellow, and green will always work, too." He saw that she was undressed and ordered, "Lie down on your belly on the table please." Jim raised his voice. "Kate, would you join us?" Paula halted in her descent to the table and he gave her a stern look. She obeyed his order and he nodded in approval before turning to Kate. "Thank you, Mistress, for your help."
Kate inclined her head and stepped closer to Paula. She stroked Paula's calf. "Paula, your Master has asked for my assistance in this scene because of my experience. I will touch you, but it doesn't have to be sexual. What would you prefer?"
Paula stayed silent and Jim walked up to the table, squatting to be on eye-level with her. "Melda, an answer is required. How far do you want Kate engaged in our scene?"
"Er, I don't know, c-can we play it by ear?"
Jim looked over to Kate, and she shrugged. "Works for me."
"Okay, Melda. For now, there are no limits on what you allow Kate, and it's for me and her to decide what she can do with you and to you. However, if you use either 'yellow' or 'ten seventy-five' Kate will back off and only supervise and assist. Agreed?"
"Yes, Master." She licked her bottom lip and Jim took her mouth in another passionate kiss.
"As a safety measure for this scene, I won't bind you, but I need you to hold very still. Can you do that for me?"
Her eyes widened but she answered, "Yes, Master," and he had to suppress a grin. Kate handed him the damp towel she'd prepared for them and Jim covered her hair with it, leaving her face free. He wanted her to see the flames!
"Can you warm her up, Mistress?"
"With pleasure," was the swift answer. Jim didn't linger to watch but turned to the small side table where the spray bottle with rubbing alcohol, several batons, a utility lighter and flash cotton were waiting for him. He had a fire extinguisher next to the table as a safety precaution. A moan from Paula had him almost turning, but he forced himself to go over the scene once more in his mind.
Jim shoved the lighter in his back pocket and, with the spray bottle in one hand and two batons in the other, turned back to the table.
Kate gave him a big grin as she ran her slender hand over Paula's pussy and showed the glistening wetness of her arousal. "Lovely responsive submissive, Master Jim."
Now that was a pleasant surprise; not only had Paula enjoyed the touch of another woman, but she'd relaxed enough to become aroused. Jim smiled and gave one of the batons and the spray bottle to the Mistress. They'd rehearsed their performance until they didn't have to think about what would come next. Jim lit the baton Kate was holding and she sprayed some alcohol on it to make bigger flames. It was as much for the visual effect as it was to make sure the baton was soaked and would drip burning liquid on the skin.
Paula stiffened when she noticed the big flames in her peripheral vision. No way! Was he thinking of setting her on fire? But now the setup made sense. The big fire extinguisher, the towel over her hair, Kate.
Again, the sound of the spray bottle and roaring flames. She could see how Jim took the burning mini torch from Kate and came closer. What to do? Safeword? Run?
"How are you doing, Melda?"
Now wasn't that the question of the century? The last weeks had been hard for her, first with all the responsibilities and then overhearing the conversation between Jim and Will. It drove home all her doubts and insecurities—she was too old for him, she wasn't suited for him, she was being a complete idiot! It was clear that Jim had gone to great lengths to prepare this scene and it showed how committed he was to her. What had he said at the beginning of the scene? Show our bond and our love for each other. She could show that by being honest.
"I-I'm worried, but I trust you know what you're doing." It was true, she realized, and suddenly, she knew what to say, what she wanted to say and what he needed to hear. "I accept your decision to do this scene and submit to it."
His smile told her she'd given the right answer. "Good girl."
Paula felt something connecting with her back, followed by a warm sensation over her skin and a stroke of his hand. She closed her eyes and gave over to the sensations. A tapping on her back followed by liquid heat and a sweep of his hand over the area. Over and over. She melted into the table.
"I want you to turn over."
"Huh?"
Jim chuckled and repeated his request. She felt sluggish as she complied. Jim propped up her head on something sturdy and soft.
"For the next part, I want you to watch," he told her, and she didn't care. She felt wonderful and cared for. He loved her, she loved him. And Kate? Kate was here, too. Paula's eyes slid closed and she had to force them open. Kate was handing Jim thin strips of fluffy fabric. Paula squinted. He was putting it on her front. He'd started on her breasts and ended near her shaven mound.
Paula blinked as she lifted her head and took a closer look at the pattern. At first, it seemed random to her, but when she got a better view, she asked, "Is that a word?"
"It says 'MINE' and you are."
As he produced the lighter once more, her eyes widened. "You can't be serious? Are you going to burn the word 'mine' in my skin? I didn't sign up for this."
Kate chuckled next to her head. She'd all but forgotten about the Mistress.
"Don't worry, Melda. It won't leave a mark on you," Jim reassured her. He held up a hand for Kate and she draped some of the gauzy material on his palm. Jim switched on the utility lighter and held it to the end; it flamed up suddenly and was gone as quickly.
Jim showed her his hand. "See, not even a light burn. It's called flash cotton, and as long as you keep it thin enough, it'll burn so fast, it won't damage the skin." He held his hand closer. "Feel, not even warm." Paula reached out her hand and stroked his palm and nodded.
"Watch, Melda." Jim held the lighter close to the cotton on her left breast, and she watched in fascinated wonder the way the fabric burned and dissipated as the flame came closer and closer to the sensitive spot between her legs.
Paula seemed weightless when Jim picked her up from the table. He realized he was still in topspace and running on adrenaline. A movement at the bar caught his attention and he noticed Henry and Connor heading over. As though prearranged, they took care of the clean-up, giving him and Kate the time and space to take care of Paula.
"Do you want me to stay with the two of you, Jim?" Kate asked in a soft tone as she stroked the drowsy submissive in his lap over her cheek. His submissive!
"I think that Paula would like for you to have a part in the aftercare," Jim answered, feeling happier and more settled than he had in weeks.
It was almost like the Domme had followed his thoughts, or maybe he'd spoken out loud because she said, "You're going to be all right, Jim. She's yours, and she knows it."
Jim nodded and leaned back on the couch, happy to wait for Paula to come back to them and engage in some aftercare with help from Kate. Jim looked down into her relaxed face. Paula didn't look her age, but now she seemed at least ten years younger. Jim realized her youthful appearance wouldn't be a benefit in their job field. Might that be the reason for the drab pantsuits she wore to work? She certainly downplayed her
femininity at the Department. He couldn't blame her for that. Too many men were still the primitive hunters their forefathers had been. However, Paula was beautiful and all female, and their colleagues noticed that. Her inclination to keep them at arm's length seemed to have backfired, and when cavemen didn't get what they wanted, they went to war. After fighting over Paula hadn't led them anywhere, they had teamed up against her. He needed to show them she was his. He had collared her, but it was time to mark her so that the vanillas would know, too. He would find a ring that would tie them together more tightly than Sauron's ring of power.
Chapter 19
Jim entered the bullpen like a man on a mission. His stride was firm and even, with not even a hint of a limp now that his leg had fully healed. He halted a few steps from Paula's desk. She studied his serious face. The slight bump on his nose only made him more handsome.
"May I have everybody's attention, please?" Jim's voice carried through the open space, and people turned in their direction as a hush fell over the room.
Paula stole a glance around and saw that Captain Morris had come out of his office and had a wide grin on his face. She turned back to Jim. What was he up to now?
"As you all know, a couple of months ago, I had a little accident." Jim's statement elicited snorts and laughter and Jim waited for a moment before he continued. "However, the explosion didn't blow me off my feet as much this wonderful woman did. Waking up in the hospital was confusing and horrible, but finding my fiancée at my bedside blew my mind. Life can be short and a lot can happen while you're unconscious. I want her with me every day for the rest of my life."
Paula could feel the ripples of whispered excitement going through the room and realized even more people had come to see what was happening.
"Paula," Jim addressed her, "our engagement was a hurried affair." Paula huffed a laugh. "Why postpone the wedding?"
Is he saying what I think he's saying?
Paula's mouth fell open. Before she could say anything, Jim silenced her with a hard kiss and then whispered against her lips, "I'm not going to wait another moment to make you mine in every way possible, Melda. Do you want to marry me?"
She smiled and pressed a sweet kiss on his lips. When she pulled away, she whispered, "Yes Master," before raising her voice. "Nothing would please me more than marrying you, Jim."
"Those are the words I wanted to hear." He turned back to the room. "I want to thank Captain Morris for hosting the ceremony and reception. I also want to thank the criminals of Kansas City for taking a break so we can have this celebration." As if on cue, the big elevator doors opened and Yvonne and Suzie from The Sweet and Savory Table wheeled in a beautiful wedding cake with handcuffs on top. "Sorry, but we couldn't manage champagne during the workday." More laughter erupted before Jim continued. "We have a few technical details to take care of, and then the festivities will commence. We would like all of you to witness our wedding. As you can see, there will be cake."
As Jim led Paula toward the captain's office, Det. Bill Christopher, Paula's partner, grabbed a couple of other guys to move the desks around to create a makeshift aisle while others helped Suzie and Yvonne set up for the reception. Jim's boss, Captain Lacey, was waiting in the office, along with a man in judge's robes and Henry Cole.
Captain Lacey introduced them, "Your Honor, this is the happy couple, two of our finest detectives, Jim Cagney and Paula Stone. This is Judge Matthew Edinger, who has agreed to preside instead of having lunch today, and I believe you both know Mr. Cole?"
"Thank you so much for coming, Judge, Captain Lacey, and Henry. We really appreciate you taking the time to help make this wedding happen." Jim turned to Paula. "I sweet-talked an old friend in the County Clerk's office into giving us a license without you there as long as we show up together this afternoon for the signatures."
"You've really done a lot to pull this together, Jim. What can I do?" Paula was dumbfounded at how quickly everything was moving.
"Unless you need time to write vows, we go out there and get married. Henry's going to be my best man since he helped convince you that we were right for each other."
Henry said, "Jackson wanted to come, too, but his schedule was impossible today. He sends his best."
"I invited another friend, too," Jim said.
At a knock on the door, Jim opened it to reveal Kate. "I heard a rumor something special was happening here today," the woman said.
Paula's head turned rapidly between the two of them. "How did you know, Jim? How did you know I would want Kate here to stand up with me?"
"Call it an educated guess or evidence that I know you pretty damn well."
"Kate, will you be my maid of honor?"
"I would be delighted, Paula. I even brought a little something to brighten up your outfit." She pulled a luxurious fuchsia scarf from her bag and wrapped it around Paula's neck and shoulders. The color had become Paula's favorite since she and Jim had gotten together.
"One more thing," Captain Morris interrupted. "I know you're a modern woman and don't need to be given away, but it would be a great honor if you would allow me to walk you down the aisle."
Paula took one look at his face and stepped forward to hug him tightly. "I didn't know how to ask, but that would be perfect, Captain. Thank you." She turned to Jim. All of her doubts had fallen away and she was ready. "Let's get this show on the road."
The seven of them filed out of the office. Judge Edinger, Jim, and Henry took their places at the head of the aisle. Captain Lacey joined a group of officers from Jim's unit who had come to show their support while Paula, Kate, and Captain Morris moved to the back. Suzie stood waiting with modest bouquets for Paula and Kate. "All ready to go?" she asked.
Paula took a deep breath and smiled. "Let's do this."
Suzie pulled out a Bluetooth speaker and tapped the screen on her phone. "I hope you like the music. Jim picked it out."
The sounds of Beyoncé singing Halo filled the room, and Paula did a double take. "It's perfect."
Kate moved into place and began walking up the aisle. Paula took Captain Morris' arm and followed when she was about halfway to the front. The words echoed in her mind, reminding her of how this relationship had begun. When she and the captain reached the front, he gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek and handed her off to Jim. She gave her bouquet to Kate and the couple faced the judge.
Judge Edinger began, "We are gathered here today to witness the wedding of James Francis Cagney and Paula Helen Stone. As I only have a short lunch break today, we'll keep this brief. I'm not leaving without a piece of that cake. Do you, Jim, take Paula as your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do."
"Do you, Paula, take Jim as your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do."
"Do you have rings?" Judge Edinger asked.
Paula looked to Jim. "Do we?"
"Yes," he said as Henry handed Jim a plain gold band.
Jim turned to Paula. "It's all taken care of."
"Place the ring on her finger."
"Paula, I give you this ring as a token of my love and a symbol to all that you belong to me." His voice dropped. "The rings belonged to my parents. We can get different ones if you don't like them."
"Paula?" Judge Edinger prompted.
"Oh." She turned to Kate, who handed her the matching ring.
She knew Jim's words had been perfect. "Jim, I give you this ring as a token of my love and a symbol to all that you belong to me."
"By the power vested in me by the State of Missouri, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may—" Before he could finish, Jim pulled Paula into a passionate embrace that bent her backward and had the room erupting in catcalls and whistles.
Paula was gasping for air when Jim finally let her up. "You know how I feel about PDA," she whispered as she struggled to stand on her own.
Jim grinned at her discomfiture. At his expression, she realized that, for once, she didn't mind and grabbed his face for another scorching kiss.
Judge Edinger cleared his throat loudly. "If you two are done, I have one more thing to say. It is my pleasure to present for the first time, the newly married Jim Cagney and Paula Stone. Work hard and live together in love."
The room burst into applause.
Suzie and Yvonne had already begun cutting the cake, having been instructed that there would be no symbolic cutting the cake by the bride and groom. It was a new special of Suzie's—a yellow genoise cake with raspberry Chambord mousse and fresh raspberries between the layers, all covered with white chocolate ganache. The dark chocolate handcuffs had been removed before they started slicing.
Paula took the first piece to Judge Edinger and thanked him again for presiding.
"I've known Andy Lacey and Walt Morris for years. We were rookies on the force together before I decided to go to law school. When they asked for this favor, I was happy to help. I wish you both the best of luck. The police force can be hard on marriages."
Jim came up at the end of the judge's remarks. "Paula's had the wrong end of that stick once, Judge. I'm going to make sure she doesn't have to go through that again."
"Good luck with that, young man. Good luck to both of you." The judge turned away as Captain Morris came up to speak to him.
Jim took Paula's arm and leaned down to her ear. "Let's get out of here, Melda. I don't feel in the mood to let go of you now that I have a ring on your finger to go with the collar on your neck."
"While I would love to get away with you, I think we should mingle with our guests." She lifted her lips toward his face for a kiss.
Jim sighed. "I suppose so. We're sticking together, at least."
They made the rounds of Paula's colleagues and quite a few officers neither of them knew. Apparently, word of the cake had gotten around and anyone who could was coming for a taste. Jim was glad he'd asked Suzie to bring enough for a hundred people. Paula was exchanging pleasantries with two female uniforms when she felt Jim tense beside her and she looked up to see Will Tolbert. Paula lifted her chin, determined not to let the bastard get to her.
