When I woke the next morning my eyes felt like they’d been dipped in kitty litter. After a second night of tossing and turning while residual images of Joshua filled my head, I couldn’t stop thinking about all the things Savannah had said. The two combined proved to make sleep an elusive indulgence.
Of all the questions that spooled in my brain, one in particular continued to stump me… when and how had my little sister found such profound enlightenment? Finally it dawned on me. “When she found her Masters, of course,” I whispered aloud.
I tried to close my eyes and get some sleep, but it was useless. Dragging myself out of bed at nine o’clock, I shuffled to the bathroom and climbed into the shower. Leagh and Tony’s wedding was at three. Even though Julianna and Trevor were her bridesmaids, Leagh wanted extra reinforcements to prepare for her big day, and had asked if Sanna and I would come early to help her get ready. I was strangely excited to be a part of it all. Usually I avoided weddings, but after spending so much time with Leagh and the rest of the gang from Genesis, I was actually looking forward to it.
When I stepped out of the shower, I found a hot cup of coffee sitting on the vanity. Sanna. A smile spread over my face as I quickly dried, donned my robe and opened the door. A pensive look lined my sister’s face as she sat on my bed.
“Hey. I’m sorry if I was too hard on you last night. I know you’re a big girl and live your life exactly the way you want. I had no business sticking my nose in it.”
“Oh, baby,” I groaned. “You have every right to stick your nose in. You’re my sister, and you’re worried. I get that. You have no idea how many nights I spent worrying and wondering if I’d done the best I could to raise you… to prepare you for the big bad world out there.”
“You did.” Sanna smiled. “I just needed a little help breaking out of my cocoon. Thankfully I found the two men who could get the job done.”
“Yes, you did.” I grinned. “I’m sorry about my snarky comments last night. I am happy for you.”
“I know you are… and I know you were lashing out because, well… I was attacking you. I’m sorry for doing that to you. I just want you to be happy. Honestly, that’s all I’ve ever wanted. So whether you’re with someone or alone, as long as you’re happy, then I’m happy for you.”
“I am happy. I’m just a little screwed up at the moment because of a certain man. But don’t worry. I’ll be back to my old self soon. I promise.”
Savannah gave a resolute nod, then hugged me tight. “We need to be at the church at one. The guys are going to start fixing breakfast, so come down when you can.”
“I will and thank you for the coffee, baby. I love you.”
“I love you too.” A broad smile spread over her lips as she scurried out of the room.
Three and a half hours later, I stood staring at the two dresses draped across the bed. Vacillating between the designer tea length cranberry twist silk chiffon, strapless, or the designer knee length champagne chiffon halter… I couldn’t decide.
There was a soft knock at my door, and I let out an indecisive sigh. “Come in,” I called, too distracted to glance over my shoulder.
“Oh, Mel, you’re not dressed yet?” Sanna gasped.
Spinning around, I took a look at my sister and gasped. Wearing a knee length ruched strapless chiffon, the royal blue color made Sanna’s brown eyes pop and her pale skin glow. She looked like a princess.
“Oh, wow,” I whispered. “Sanna… you look… god, baby, I’ve never seen you look so stunning.”
She couldn’t hide her proud smile. “Hurry up. The guys are looking at their watches and pacing a hole in the floor. They sent me up to fetch you.”
“Okay, hang on. I need you to help me with the zipper.”
Snatching the cranberry silk off the bed, I stepped into it, adjusting my boobs as Sanna zipped me up. With one last glance in the mirror, I snagged my clutch, hooked the straps of my gold-heeled sandals around my fingers, and rushed from the room.
When we arrived at the church, Dylan and Nick took off to find Tony while Sanna and I discovered Leagh in the bride’s room with pandemonium in full swing. She looked frazzled beyond sanity, and fighting back tears as a short, pretty Italian woman tugged at the neckline of her wedding gown. Three younger, dark haired women looked on, wearing various expressions of annoyance as they watched the older woman attempt to conceal Leagh’s cleavage.
“I’ve got it, Alisa. Really,” Leagh snapped, brushing the woman’s hands away. “I’m afraid this is as good as it’s going to get.”
“Oh, honey. I’m sorry. I’m not trying to be a prude, but Tony’s grandma is going to be here… and… she’s from a different generation,” Alisa began with a pained expression. “I think your breasts are beautiful…not that I spend my days staring at your…oh, dear.”
“Ma,” a younger woman with dark hair and big brown eyes hissed. “Just stop. Leave poor Leagh alone. If Gramma Rose can’t remember what it was like to have a set of perky tits, that’s her problem. She’ll just have to get over it.”
I bit my lips together to keep from laughing.
“I suppose you’re right.” Alisa exhaled heavily. “I just don’t want to hear… oh, never mind. I think she’s getting senile anyway… she probably won’t even remember the ceremony after a couple of drinks at the reception.”
“Exactly, so give it a rest, ma.” Another one of the girls chimed in.
“What can we help you with, Leagh?” Sanna asked. Swooping in to give the bride a hug, she accidently-on-purpose nudged the overly anxious Alisa out of the way.
“I don’t know. I think I need a bigger dress.” The look of mortification on Leagh’s face was heartbreaking.
“No you don’t, sugar. You look like a fairy tale bride; breathtakingly stunning,” Sanna reassured her.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I haven’t introduced you all.” Turning toward the four dark-haired ladies, Leagh extended her hand. “These are my friends, Savannah and her sister Mellie Carson. Sanna and Mellie this is Alisa Delvaggio, Tony’s mom, and his sisters, Anna, Sofia, and Maria.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Sanna and I replied in unison.
“How’s Tony holding up?” I asked hoping it might prod the nervous mom out of the room so we could try and calm Leagh down.
“Oh, dear, I’m not sure.” Alisa wrung her hands as she flashed a worried look toward her daughters.
“Maybe we should go check on him, Ma,” Sofia urged as she flashed me a look of gratitude. “Leagh’s got plenty of help now. We need to get out of her hair so she can finish getting ready.”
“Yes. Yes, that’s a good idea. Let’s go check on your brother.” Alisa nodded.
Like a mother hen, she gathered up her daughters before leading a parade out the door.
“Good luck,” Sanna called.
Maria, the last in line paused and glanced over her shoulder.
“We don’t need luck, we need Prozac,” she announced rolling her eyes. “You look gorgeous, Leagh. My brother’s eyes are going to pop out of his head, and his tongue’s going to hit the floor. Don’t worry about Gramma Rose. She’s half blind anyway.”
The young girl grinned, winked, and blew a kiss before closing the door behind her. I rushed over and quickly engaged the lock.
“Oh my god, thank you, Mellie. You just saved my life.” Leagh let out a loud sigh and slumped down on a fluffy couch in the massive dressing room.
“You’re doing fine, Leagh. Just try to relax,” Sanna comforted her as she eyed a big tray of finger sandwiches, fruits, and cheese. “Have you eaten today?”
Leagh shook her head.
“Okay, we need to get some protein in you.”
“I can’t. My stomach is rolling so badly, I’m afraid I’ll barf all over Tony’s Italian dress shoes.”
“No, you’re not. Listen to me, just close your eyes and take some deep breaths. Relax and think of the night Tony proposed to you. Go back to that romantic beach and how he got down on one knee in the sand. Come on. Think back on how it amazing it was… just like you told me,” Sanna urged.
I put together several plates of food while Sanna helped Leagh out of her dress, before we started applying her make-up, while talking the nervous bride down off the ledge. Taming Leagh’s anxiety, my sister reminded her about the butt plug fire, the twerking stripper, and what a lucky man Tony was to take her hand in marriage. Coaxing Leagh to eat some food, the girl downed two full plates and asked for another. The bride-to-be had actually relaxed, until a knock came from the door, and her anxiety spiked again.
“God, I love Alisa, I really do, but please don’t let her back in here,” Leagh whispered in a desperate plea.
“I won’t,” I mouthed, before I cracked open the door and peered through the tiny gap. Smiling, I swung it open wide as Julianna and Trevor rushed in, both wearing broad smiles and dressed to the nines. Closing the door behind them, I locked it once again.
“Thank god. I was starting to get worried that you two weren’t going to show,” Leagh groaned.
“Bitch, please,” Trevor chastised with a grin. “I think you need some liquid calm.”
Untucking his arm, he pulled a bottle of champagne from his tuxedo jacket.
“Yes, I do.” Leagh nodded emphatically. “Lots and lots of champagne...hell, just give me the bottle.”
“No way,” Trevor giggled. “If I get you drunk before the wedding Drake will have my balls dangling from his rear view mirror. You get one glass, then I’m going to have to cocktail block you.”
“Make it a big one then, please,” Leagh begged.
“Why is the door locked? Are you expecting more cop strippers or something?” Julianna laughed.
“Lord no. No more strippers. I can barely function as it is. We’re keeping Tony’s mom, Alisa, out. God, that sounds really bad.” Leagh made a face. “I love her to pieces, but she’s making me crazy today.”
Sanna found some plastic cups, as Trevor popped the cork with a squeal. They filled the cups and passed them around.
“Oh, honey,” Julianna, moaned. “Come on, drink up. You need to jump start your zen. You’re getting married to the man of your dreams.”
“Yes I am.” Leagh nodded with conviction then downed her glass. Grabbing the bottle from Trevor, she took a long swig, then handed it back to him. “Let’s do this.”
“That a girl,” Sanna giggled. “Come on gang. It’s time to work our magic.”
As Sanna, Julianna and I began primping Leagh for her big day, Trevor stepped toward the door.
“I vow to keep everyone out of the sacred beautification room, with the exception of our Masters,” Trevor declared with a solemn salute.
In less than two hours we’d transformed not only Leagh’s outward beauty, but calmed her inward anxiety, thanks to several pep talks and a couple more swigs of champagne. When we were through, we helped her back into her bridal gown. Leagh looked every bit the quintessential ‘blushing bride’, and when she checked herself in the mirror, a smile so bright spread across her lips, it rivaled the sun.
Trevor wiped a tear from the corner of his eye as he stared at her. “Oh, sis. You look… stunning.”
“Don’t cry, Trev. You’ll get me started. Then the girls will have to redo my face, and there’s not enough time for a major overhaul.”
“I’m sorry, love. It’s just that you look… amazing. All but one thing.” He pouted.
“What? What thing?” Sanna scrutinized Leagh’s hair and makeup as she nibbled her lip.
Trevor reached into his breast pocket and pulled out the flashing penis veil from the adult toy store. With a flick of his wrist, the netting unfurled. He then pushed a button on the real imitation rhinestone encrusted tiara, and the penises started pulsating in neon colors of green, red, orange, and purple.
Leagh snorted in surprise as we all started howling.
Trevor placed the plastic tiara on her head, careful not to mess up her hair, then issued a satisfied sigh. “There. You are now a complete and perfectly breathtaking, kinky bride.”
“You are so bad,” Leagh giggled.
“The one we bought for your bachelorette party perished in the fire. But being the awesomely fantabulous friend I am—“ Trevor preened, with a twist of his wrist. “—I decided to raid my own wedding stash. No self-respecting tawdry bride would even think of walking down the aisle without one.”
“Is that so?” Leagh laughed as she dashed back to the mirror.
Unbeknownst to us, the phallic symbols were motion activated. Once we’d discovered the added feature, Leagh raced around the room as the strobe of cocks throbbed. We were laughing so hard, we had to blot away our tears.
“Stop. Stop.” Julianna cried. “My cheeks and stomach hurt.”
“That’s just wrong, on so many levels,” Sanna chortled.
“I know it is,” Leagh snorted. “I bet Gramma Rose wouldn’t pay one bit of attention to my boobs if I danced down the aisle wearing this.”
Roaring with laughter once again, Trevor shook his head, barely able to speak. “If you try to wear that damn thing, you won’t sit for a month. Tony will paddle your ass till it’s black and blue.”
“I know. But, oh my god, it would be so worth it.”
“Yes, but poor Gramma Rose’s false teeth might fall on the floor. That wouldn’t be good,” I warned.
“True.” Leagh pouted, then suddenly a scheming flicker lit up her eyes. “I’ll just save it for our wedding night.”
Trevor snorted. “By the time Tony’s done with you at the club, you won’t even know your own name, let alone have the energy to put that thing on your head.”
Leagh’s eyes grew wide with fear, and just as she opened her mouth to reply, a loud knock filled the room.
“Oh shit,” she hissed. Snatching the tiara from her head, she shoved it back at Trevor. “Hide that.”
“You mean you’re not going to wear it?” Trevor teased as he quickly tucked it back in his jacket and unlocked the door.
Dylan and Nick stepped through the portal, still looking like bookends out of GQ magazine. Suspicion furrowed their brows as they studied us.
“What trouble are you wild ones cooking up now?” Nick asked.
“Nothing, Master.” Sanna smiled ever so sweetly.
“Right.” Dylan rolled his eyes and shook his head. “You five look as guilty as a fox in a hen house. You didn’t start another fire, did you?”
“Honestly, Master,” Sanna chastised with a peevish scowl.
“Kitten,” Dylan’s tone dipped in warning, making it clear he didn’t appreciate her sass.
“I think you just earned an attitude adjustment tonight, precious,” Nick announced with a conspiritory grin.
“You bet your sweet ass you did,” Dylan chuckled, as Sanna frowned.
“Come on, you two, it’s time for us to take our seats,” Nick announced.
Both men stepped in close to Leagh. “You look like an angel. Tony’s a lucky bastard,”
Dylan praised.
“Our happiest blessings to you both,” Nick added with a grin.
“Thank you, Sirs.” Leagh whispered, softly.
Sanna and I hugged our partners in crime before following Dylan and Nick to the chapel. Stopping at a pew close to the front of the church, Nick stopped and tapped a man wearing a dark suit on the shoulder. When he stood and turned I couldn’t help but smile. It was James, the cop I’d railed on the night before. He floated an approving gaze over my body, and I issued an inward curse. I didn’t want his attention… I wanted Joshua’s. That was nothing more than a hopeless pipe dream… the man still hadn’t called; he wasn’t going to.
“It’s good to see you again, Mellie.” James grinned.
“Likewise.” I smiled as an awkward, itchy film blanketed me within.
James sidled down the pew making room for us to sit, and I exhaled a sigh of relief for not having to sit next to him. He seemed nice enough; I simply wasn’t attracted to him and I didn’t want to encourage him, especially after the inner conflict of Scotty’s kiss.
A buzz of excitement filled the air as the ushers hastily seated guests. Soft organ music filled the ornate sanctuary as people packed the pews. Sanna and I bided our time whispering and giggling, wondering if Leagh would shock the crowd and wear the tacky penis veil. Evidently we were getting a little too carried away, because Nick flashed a stern glare in our direction. Of course that only made us giggle harder. He narrowed his eyes and shook his head. I was afraid our bad habit of feeding off one another would wind up getting Sanna into trouble, so I quietly shushed her and bit my lips.
I watched an usher escort Alisa to the front pew with Tony’s handsome father following behind her.
When the organ fell silent, anticipation spiked. Tony and the priest appeared from behind the nave, looking calm and cool. The groom smiled at his family before locking his gaze to the back of the church, as if mentally calling Leagh to join him. The organ blared with dramatic music as both Sanna and I wiggled in our seats, staring toward the back of the room. Drake and Trevor appeared arm in arm, wearing stunning tailored tuxes. Drake’s dark charcoal gray ensemble accented his beautiful eyes, while Trevor’s deep burgundy color seemed to make his pale skin glow.
Following the two men were Mika and Julianna, linked arm in arm. The dungeon owner wore the same gray sophisticated tux as Drake, while Julianna wore a luxurious strapless flowing burgundy ruched chiffon gown. Their fashions were lavishly chic, but it was their dazzling smiles—even Drake, who rarely ever wore one—that cast each in an almost ethereal hue.
At the altar, Mika, Drake, and Tony shared a private chuckle as Julianna and Trevor stared at the doorway waiting for Leagh to appear. As the chords of ‘The Wedding March’ began to echo through the A-framed interior, I joined the rest of the crowd and stood.
Turning to watch Leagh walk down the aisle, I noticed one lone guest facing the front of the church. His gaze locked with mine. A startled cry fluttered over my lips as Joshua Lars’ twinkling green eyes snared me like a hunter’s trap. My heart clutched. My knees nearly buckled, and I wanted to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. Unable to avert my gaze, I stood mesmerized by the fiery lust shimmering in his sexy eyes. Once again, his bewildering talent to see right deep inside slammed me hard.
My entire body began to shake. My heart thundered in my ears, and my mouth felt as dry as a desert. The room began to spin and I placed my hand on the back of the pew to keep from sliding to the floor. Trying to keep my hammering heart in place while struggling to draw air into my lungs, I placed a palm to my chest and issued a tiny whimper.
Amused by my astonished reaction, a brazen smile crawled across his lips—lips that had unraveled me to the bone—before he flashed me a devilish grin. Drinking in the sight of him, every minute detail of our night together rushed through my mind, bringing with it an onslaught of arousal. My nipples tightened and my pussy wept. The physical ache to be beneath his naked body, filled with his massive cock stretching me with that amazing silken burn, stole my breath. Tearing from his gaze, I bent to whisper in Sanna’s ear.
“What the fuck is Joshua Lars doing here?” I hissed.
“What? Where?” Sanna blinked as she scanned the crowd.
“Right there,” I choked, nodding in his direction. Scared to lock gazes with the man for fear I’d never break free, I looked at my sister, hoping she’d see the man staring at me.
“That’s not Joshua Lars, that’s Master Stephen,” she whispered with a frown.
“No, that is Joshua Lars,” I spat.
“Are you kidding? Oh, my,” she replied, seemingly surprised. Tugging Nick’s sleeve, she arched on her tiptoes and whispered in his ear.
Taking his attention off Leagh, Nick and Joshua exchanged nods then Nick bent and softly said something to Sanna.
Fighting the urge to look at him and failing miserably, I watched his shoulders begin to shake in a silent chuckle.
Sanna’s breath warmed my ear as she leaned in. “Yeah, that’s him all right. Damn. I had no idea Master Stephen was Joshua Lars.”
“Nick did,” I grumbled in a terse whisper. “Why didn’t he tell me?”
“Don’t be mad at him, Mel. You know the rules. Anonymity is a sacred thing among lifestylers.”
“I know, but… Shit. I am so screwed,” I hissed under my breath.
“Not yet. But I’d say the way he’s undressing you with his eyes, you could have another shot at it,” Sanna whispered, then giggled.
So stunned I couldn’t even think of a witty comeback to Sanna’s jab. The blurring white figure of Leagh making her way down the aisle briefly obscured my view of Joshua. Thankfully it was long enough to sever the magnetic hold he had over me.
Vaguely aware of people around me turning to face the front of the church, my feet remained frozen in place. Sanna elbowed me in the side and I almost tripped readjusting myself in the narrow pew.
When Leagh reached the altar, the priest stepped up to the microphone and invited us to take our seats. His words registered in my brain, but my body wouldn’t seem to obey. With a tiny giggle, Sanna cupped my elbow and pulled me down next to her in the pew.
“You’ve got it bad, sweetie. Really, really bad,” she whispered in a giddy tone. “He’s an impressive Master, by the way.”
Like I hadn’t already figured that out?
“Does he have a sub?” I murmured.
“Not anymore. He released the one he had a few months ago.”
My heart sank as a combination of anger and grief burned within. What were the odds of me attracting another player who got his jollies off slapping Velcro collars around subs’ necks? Why did they always seem to sniff me out? Joshua Lars was really Master Stephen in disguise. My brain swirled in shock and dread, while unwelcome desire zipped through my girl parts like a bumblebee on crack.
Drawing in a deep breath, I forced myself to focus on the priest’s words as he instructed Leagh and Tony to join hands. All the while Joshua’s heated gaze bore into the back of my head, making it impossible to concentrate on anything but him. The fucking rat bastard.
I needed to stop him from driving me insane. He was forbidden fruit. Not only was he a friend of Sanna and her Masters, but a Dom with little regard for the gift of submission or the sanctity of a collar. No matter how badly my body ached for one more night with the man, drowning in his commanding lovemaking skills wasn’t enough to warrant self-inflicted emotional harm. I needed to box up my lofty fantasies of submission and slap on a shiny new lock—one that couldn’t be picked quite so easily again—and drive him out of my psyche.
The harder I tried to ignore him, the hotter his gaze seemed to grow. Clenching my jaw I squared my shoulders. If he wanted to watch me, fine. Let the man get his jollies however he chose. I didn’t have to participate in his stupid cat and mouse game. I may not have known Tony and Leagh well, but I was there to celebrate their union, not get sidetracked obsessing over some wanna-be Dom and our one-night stand.
I spent a whole thirty-seven seconds mentally browbeating myself before I caved. Glancing over my shoulder, I discovered Joshua’s fiery stare had not been a figment of my imagination. He still remained zeroed in on me with those gorgeous green eyes and toe-curling gaze.
His hungry stare flipped some masochistic switch in my brain. I could feel the warm texture of his lips, taste the tart bead that swelled on his cock, and smell his masculine scent, as sure as if he’d been hard-wired inside my brain… my body.
My growing arousal sparked an electrical current that literally hummed in my ears. The man hadn’t so much as touched me, yet he had the power to draw me to him, like a moth to a flame. I had to put a stop to it all. Once and for all, I had to exorcize the demon known as Joshua Lars. Problem being, I had no idea how.
The priest cleared his throat. Snapping my head toward the sound, I swallowed tightly. “Dearly beloved,” he began. “We are gathered here today…”
To watch Mellie Carson lose her ever-loving mind.
I closed my eyes and drew in a ragged breath. The forty-five minute ceremony seemed to drag on for hours. The nuptials were beautiful and heart-warming, yet I couldn’t focus on anything except Joshua’s incessant stare. Well, that and calculating how long it would take me to jump from the pew, dash out the church, and race back to Sanna’s to hide away in the safety of my room. There were only two obstacles in my way: I couldn’t run three seconds in my five-inch heels, plus I didn’t have a car to get me back to the house. It was a hell of a long walk in stilettos, which I probably wouldn’t achieve without breaking an ankle. Nope, running away wasn’t an option. I’d have to stay and face the music—which pissed me the hell off.
“You may kiss the bride,” the priest instructed, pulling me from my ruminations.
Tony cupped Leagh’s cheeks in his hands and bestowed her with a commanding, potent kiss. A shiver rippled through me. Joshua had kissed me in that exact manner and I could still feel the heat of his lips.
Aarrgghhh.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the priest cried out as he raised his hands, “It is my privilege to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Delvaggio.”
Tony and Leagh’s faces beamed in absolute bliss. For a few glorious moments, joy for their happiness drowned out the chaos swimming inside me. Tony wrapped a protective arm around Leagh’s waist then bounded down the stairs, escorting her toward the back of the church. The rest of the wedding party followed behind, all wearing happy, broad smiles as they joined the bride and groom in the receiving line.
The guests began to spill into the aisles toward the church’s foyer. The passage quickly became so choked there was no place for us to go, so we remained in our seats waiting for the steady line to shorten.
When it came our turn to get in line, I stood, but froze like a statue, unable to move. I had assumed Joshua would follow the other guests in his pew, but he didn’t. He lingered in the aisle, paying no attention to the people going ahead of him. Joshua’s focus was on one thing—and one thing only—me.
“Come on Mel, move,” Sanna urged, prodding me to move. “We’re not going to find a good table at the reception if we don’t get through the line.”
I swallowed tightly and stumbled from the narrow passage, cracking my ankle on the edge of the kneeling bench beneath the pew. Biting back a curse—because I knew swearing in church was frowned upon—I hobbled on one foot as I reached down and massaged the zinger.
Sanna, Nick, Dylan, and James stepped into the aisle as well.
“You okay?” James asked in concern.
“Yes, I’m fine. Just clumsy is all.”
“You can lean on me if you need to,” James offered with a broad smile.
“Thanks, but really, I’m fine,” I assured him, hoping I wouldn’t embarrass myself further.
Peeking over Dylan’s shoulder, I saw Joshua working his way against the flow of guests and heading our direction. Extending his hand, he and the other Doms exchanged hellos. Two sets of eyes were intently watching James, Joshua, and me.
For the love of… can this possibly get any more awkward?
“It’s good to see you, Master Stephen,” Sanna said with an impish grin.
“It’s a pleasure to see you, as well, little one.” Joshua briefly turned his attention on my sister and smiled. Then like clockwork, his stare landed right back on me. “What a delightful surprise to see you again, Mellie. I take it Savannah is the sister you spoke of the other night?”
“Ah, yes.”
“You two know each other already?” James questioned with an arch of his brows.
“Yes, we met the night before last.” Joshua nodded.
“What a coincidence. We met last night,” the other man replied with an assessing smirk.
“Yes, but I saw her first,” Joshua added with suave self-assurance.
Oh, good grief. Their posturing had all the markings of an ensuing pissing match. I wasn’t having any of it. If cussing wasn’t welcome in church, peeing on the pews to mark their territory wouldn’t be either.
“I guess what really matters most is that we’ve all been introduced, right?” I snapped my mouth shut before I slipped and reminded them that I wasn’t some toy in their sandbox to fight over.
“May I accompany you to the reception?” Joshua asked with an intrepid smile.
“Hell, yes,” Nick replied. “Please, join us.”
My body tensed. Dammit, Nick. He was asking me, not you. By then the damage was done. I couldn’t un-invite Joshua without looking like a heinous bitch.
“You’re going to join us too, aren’t you, James?” Nick inquired.
God, I wanted to kick him in the shins.
“I appreciate the offer, man. But I promised I’d save Arianna a seat. She missed the ceremony because of work, but she’s coming to the reception.” Turning a solemn expression toward Joshua, James gave something that resembled a ceding nod. “I guess I’ll see you guys downstairs.”
With a wave, James circumvented the crowd and took a route out of the chapel via the front of the church and through an uncongested door. As we waited to congratulate both Tony and Leagh, I had time to calculate how many hours I’d be forced to sit at a table with Joshua, deflecting his charismatic advances. I wanted to throw up. Even more unnerving was the steady sexual throbbing in my core. Joshua slid in next to me. A few minutes later he wrapped his arm around my waist and I tensed. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him turn a confused frown my way as he intently studied me.
Do you honestly want to shun him?
My brain cried out in a resounding ‘Yes,’ while my body churned in a desperate ‘No.’
As we reached the back of the church, Sanna sucked in a little gasp. Wobbling with a stutter step, she gripped Nick’s hand. Turning an angry look toward her Masters, she huffed. “What in heaven’s name is she doing here?”
Craning my neck to see who’d ruffled Sanna’s ire, I spied a curvy blonde staring at Joshua with a worried expression. This time he tensed, then turned toward me, his face lined in concern, or maybe annoyance, I wasn’t sure.
“I’ll be down to join you shortly,” he announced in a bitter tone.
In four firm strides, he ate up the distance between the pensive blonde and us. Wrapping his hand around the woman’s elbow, Joshua led her to a corner of the chapel. Leaning in close, the woman wilted into the crevice as Joshua’s tall body shrouded her from view.
Studying his body language closely, it wasn’t difficult to put the puzzle pieces together. The blonde had to be his former submissive. He clenched and unclenched his fists, finally jamming his hands into his pants pockets. Joshua’s reaction left no doubt: he was not happy to see the woman. Dying to ask Sanna a million and a half questions, I discovered she was now wedged between Nick and Dylan as the line tapered to single-file near the open doorway. I’d have to wait until I had my sister alone. Nearly to the portal, I caught a glimpse of the girl, all but cowering in the corner. Tears brimmed in her eyes and she adamantly shook her head.
“No,” she cried out in a heartfelt sob.
Don’t do that to yourself. He’s nothing but a callous prick that doesn’t deserve your gifts. Don’t grovel for the bastard, let him go and find a real Dom.
Nick glanced toward the woman’s cry and issued a scowl. Dylan simply rolled his eyes before ushering me out of the chapel. After giving our best to the bride and groom, we followed several others downstairs to the reception hall.
The room was chilly, but the temperature wasn’t to blame for my throbbing, beaded nipples. No, the man upstairs dealing with the teary-eyed blonde was responsible for that. Focusing on the interior of the lush hall with its hues of cream and burgundy, I smiled at its simple elegance. Offsetting colored linens covered dozens of round tables. Fragrant centerpieces of white calla lilies and roses surrounded by purple hydrangeas lent a classic, formal flair to the room. No buffet tables had been erected, so I knew dinner would be served in several courses. Great. I hadn’t calculated the time that would take in my mental equation, upstairs. Near the dance floor, members of a five-piece orchestra tuned their instruments as guests situated themselves at the numerous tables.
“This looks like a good spot.” Dylan smiled. “We’re close to the bride and groom’s table and near the dance floor.”
“You two are going to dance with me, right?” Sanna turned an expectant look to both her men.
“Of course, kitten,” Dylan chuckled.
“Indeed we are. Have you ever known us to turn down a chance to hold you close, precious?” Nick teased.
“Aww, Thank you, Sirs.” She beamed.
Half listening to their continued conversation, I couldn’t keep from checking out the doors as more guests entered the reception. Curiosity was killing me; would Joshua appear alone, or would the blond be latched to his arm?
“What do you think, Mel?” Sanna asked.
“Huh?” I blinked. “Think about what?”
“We were talking about the club. You know… after the reception…Tony and Leagh’s collaring ceremony? We talked about it. Remember? You’re still coming with us, right?”
“Oh, yeah,” I absently replied.
Joshua would be at the club… I’d be at the club. Shit. I needed to back pedal… fast.
“Um, I mean… maybe.”
“Melllll,” Sanna moaned. “You can’t change your mind. You already said you’d go… twice even. Please don’t back out on me now.”
“Sanna.” Nick frowned with a warning. “If she’s not comfortable…”
“Sorry, Master,” she sighed dejectedly.
“No, I’m sorry, sis,” I replied forcing a smile. “Yes. I’m going to the club with you.”
Her eyes lit up as a wide grin spread on her lips. “Yesssss,” she hissed, giving a tiny fist pump.
“Thanks for saving me a seat.” Joshua smiled as he pulled out the white wooden chair and eased down, right next to me.
What the hell? There’s four other chairs across the table he could have plopped his Dom-playing ass into any of those, but oh, no… he had to choose that one, right? Shit.
“Everything all right?” Nick asked with a cautious expression.
“Yeah, fine,” Joshua replied with a curt nod.
“It was a beautiful wedding, don’t you think?” Savannah asked, rushing to expunge the sudden tension in the air.
“The only bride more beautiful will be you, kitten.” Dylan winked as he leaned over and placed a tender kiss on Sanna’s lips.
“Oh, Master,” Sanna gushed.
“I don’t know,” Joshua began. “I think Mellie would make a stunning bride as well.”
“Who? Me?” I gasped. He nodded and I couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh, no. No. Marriage is not in my life plan. Not at all.”
“Really?” Joshua looked shocked. “Why not?”
“She’s allergic to monogamy,” Sanna snickered.
“I am not.” I scowled at my sister. “The typical wifely mold doesn’t fit me. I have a business to run, and I travel all the time. What kind of husband would want a wife that’s never home? I wouldn’t even attempt a relationship. It would be next to impossible.”
“Nothing’s impossible,” he replied with a shrewd grin.
Thankfully, a roar of cheers and applause interrupted the awkward conversation. Tony and Leagh entered the hall, waving to the crowd; they hurried to the long, oblong table at the front of the room. We stood and clapped in celebration while the rest of the wedding party joined the bride and groom.
After helping Leagh arrange the train of her dress, Tony picked up a microphone and tapped the mesh-covered end, cringing as a scream of feedback squealed from the speakers.
“Oops. Thank you all for coming to share this special day with us.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world, son. It’s about damn time,” Tony’s dad cried out from the table next to us, drawing a collective round of laughter.
“I was waiting for the perfect woman, Dad, like you did.” Tony flashed his father a grin before turning a love-struck gaze on Leagh. “And luckily, I found her.”
He bent and kissed his bride then straightened and smirked. “Let’s eat.” Tony grinned then settled in beside Leagh.
A bevy of waiters and waitresses converged around the tables, filling glasses with water and wine, and serving the first of several courses. Throughout the commotion, Joshua’s hot stare kept me riding a rollercoaster of anxiety. I desperately wanted to ask why he hadn’t called, but popped a crusty piece of bread into my mouth. No matter how I tried to arrange the words in my head, they ended up sounding like a love-sick fool. It didn’t matter—not now—not since I’d discovered he was nothing more than a well-polished player.
Taking a sip of water, I swallowed down the sweet yeasty dough. “So I assume I should call you Stephen from now on?”
“Master Stephen,” he corrected with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
“Of course,” I replied dryly. “Master.”
“Do you have a problem with that, little one?” He pressed.
Clenching my teeth together, I exhaled a long, quiet sigh. “Nope,” I replied with a sarcastic pop of my lips.
“I think maybe you do,” he smirked, before lifting the glass of wine to his lips and taking a long swallow. “I’ll make you a deal, Mellie. You call me Master Stephen for the rest of the day and when I pick you up for dinner tomorrow night, you can call me by my first name.”
Dinner? With him? Oh, hell no. Not in this lifetime.
A date with the man was entirely out of the question. It was bad enough that I had to sit by him at the reception. No way would I volunteer to be tangled like a fat fly in his web of deceit.
“I’d rather call you Master Stephen, without any strings attached,” I snapped with a forced smile.
You’d like to call him a whole lot of things, and not a one would be ladylike.
“Either way, we’re having dinner tomorrow night, little one. Just you and me,” he pressed with a jovial wink.
“I’m sure you’ll be having dinner at some point tomorrow night, but rest assured, it won’t be with me,” I challenged with a sarcastic sneer.
“Ah-hem,” Sanna cleared her throat and shot me a scowl. “I need to use the ladies’ room. Why don’t you come with me?”
My sister’s ploy to get me alone and scold me was as veiled as a Mac truck. She could lecture me all she wanted; I wasn’t going to shuck off my armor and wilt like a hothouse flower for Sanna, her Masters, Joshua, or anyone.
“You go ahead. I’m eating right now,” I replied with a stern glare.
“But I need your help… to um… zip my dress back up,” she stammered, blatantly grasping at straws.
Denying my sister any kind of help would make me look like a cold-hearted shrew.
“Fine,” I spat.
Dropping the fork on my plate with a clatter, I stood and followed her into the bathroom.
Once through the door, Sanna checked the two stalls, making sure they were empty before she spun on me like a feisty tornado. Slamming her fists on her hips, she frowned.
“Just what the hell crawled up your ass? Stephen just asked you out on a date, and you’re acting like a total bitch. I’ve never seen you treat anyone so rudely. What the fuck is going on?”
“Nothing,” I barked.
Shooting me a look that screamed ‘bullshit’, Sanna arched her brows.
“We’re not discussing this. Pee and let’s get back to the table so I can get this craptastic day over with.”
“I don’t have to pee. I brought you in here to talk.”
“Sanna,” I began in a tone of warning. “I’m not discussing this. Drop it.”
“Oh yes you are.” She glowered. “We’re not leaving this bathroom until you tell me why you’re being so mean to him. What did he do to you?”
“Nothing.”
“Nothing? I don’t believe you.”
I let out a long-suffering groan, my shoulders slumping. “He didn’t do anything… he did everything.”
“Talk to me, Mel. Help me understand why you’re so upset.” Desperation resonated in her voice as she reached out and grasped my hand.
“I can’t do it. I can’t let him in any further. Shit, he’s already so deep inside me, I don’t know how to get him out,” I cried. “It’s never been like this with anyone else. How do I get him the hell out of my head?”
“Oh honey.” The starch instantly left her body. “You don’t have to push him away, hell, the way he looks at you gives me chills. It’s a good thing. Why can’t you just enjoy the time you have with him while you’re here?”
“Because he’s already ruined me for other men… at least I think so. But that’s beside the point. Don’t you understand?” I implored. “Why would I want to get mixed up with another wanna-be Dom? That’s fucking insane.”
Savannah blinked, and her jaw fell open. “A wanna-be? Who the hell told you he was a player? Master Stephen isn’t a player.”
“You did,” I argued. “You told me he released his sub. Was she the woman upstairs? The blond? Was that his former sub?”
“Me? I never said he was a player. What the hell are you talking about?”
“You did too,” I argued. “Tell me yes or no, was that his former sub?”
“Yes, but hold on. I never said Master Stephen was a player… ever.” She gaped. “He’s a well-respected Dom in our community.”
“Well maybe not in so many words, but he obviously has a fine collection of Velcro collars.”
“Have you lost your fucking mind, Mel? He does not,” she snapped. “He never… it wasn’t a Velcro collar. He tried to teach her about submission. Carnation is a… well, she’s a lot of things, mostly a bitch and a drama queen. But, trust me. Stephen did all he could to set her on the right path. She didn’t… he tried to… shit.”
“Spit it out, Sanna. I can take it.”
Sanna closed her eyes and held out her palms. “Okay. Listen to me. Carnation wasn’t really a sub. She just pretended to be one. At the club she was more concerned about performing to the crowd than anything Stephen tried to teach her. He never gave up on her… he was tenacious. Hell, the man has the patience of as. He’s even more stubborn than my Masters, and that’s saying a lot. But nothing he tried to teach her worked, because Carnation wasn’t in the lifestyle for the right reasons. After trying and trying and trying he finally released her. It was the only choice he had. Dammit, Mel, do you hear what I’m saying? Carnation is really one horrific bitch.”
Yes, I hear you. But why did he collar her to begin with if she’s such a bitch?”
“I asked Julianna the same thing a while back. She told me that a couple years ago Stephen and Carnation started scening together. It was no secret that she needed direction, so he offered her his training collar. That’s the collar he removed. He never formally collared her because she never earned it. She just wanted to flaunt the fact that she had a Master to all the un-owned subs.”
As Sanna explained it all, a heavy cloak of humiliation weighed on me. I’d thought horrible things about the man… made a total ass of myself in front of him and Sanna’s Masters. I owed them all an apology, but I owed Joshua an even bigger one. But what if he took my capitulation as a sign of submission? How could I make amends without him storming through my defenses harder than he already had?
“A few months ago Carnation got pissed at Leagh and verbally tore into her like a raving lunatic, right in front of Stephen. He released her, but soon after, she dumped a soda over Leagh’s head in front of all the members at the club. Drake tossed Carnation’s ass to the curb, and Mika rescinded her membership, and that’s the last we saw of her… until today. I don’t know what she was doing upstairs, but obviously Stephen handled it, because she’s gone.”
“Gone, for how long though?” I wondered aloud.
“Forever, I hope,” Sanna replied with a sour expression. Suddenly, she blinked and tried to bite back a grin. “You’re jealous of that heifer. Holy shit. I’ve never seen you jealous of anyone before, Mel.”
“I am not jealous,” I lied.
“Oh, Mel, shut up. It’s me you’re talking to… remember?” Sanna chided. “You really need to go to dinner with him. What’s the worst that could happen… you’d have a good time?”
“No. The worst that could happen is falling deeper under his spell and doing something stupid, like submit to him.”
“Maybe you should. Don’t you think it’s time you put the past behind you and give it a try with someone new?”
I glared at my sister, wanting to debate her suggestion, but I couldn’t. The gnawing desire to feel whole again was all but eating me up inside.
“First I have to apologize to him,” I pouted. “He might not even want to take me out now.”
“Yes he will, but you definitely need to say you’re sorry.” She giggled. “Dressing down a Dom is… well, you know. You might already be in some serious trouble. He might just have to spank you.”
Spank me… with those incredible hands of his? The submissive inside me stretched with an ancient burn. My brain started to protest, but I blocked out the screams and nodded.
With a squeal of delight Sanna hugged me tight. “Good. Let’s go back.”
Practicing the apology in my head the whole way back to the table, Joshua smiled and stood. Holding my chair like a classic gentleman, I took a seat and stared at my plate filled with rich Italian food. My stomach pitched and I swallowed back the urge to vomit.
Turning to face him, I raised my head and timidly gazed into Joshua’s compassionate eyes.
“I’m sorry for my disrespectful behavior. I was inexcusably rude to you. My attitude was totally out of line and uncalled for. I truly am sorry. If your offer for dinner still stands, I’d like to accept, Sir.”
A slow sensual smile spread over his lips. Drawing my trembling hand to his mouth, he pressed a soft kiss over my skin. Warmth enveloped me, like a calming blanket of bliss.
“Apology accepted, little one, and yes, the offer of dinner still stands.” A wolfish smile tugged at his lips. “I know the sub inside you is timid and shy. I’d like to know why. But I’m a patient man. Besides, I’ve coaxed her out before and I damn well plan to do it again.”
“I remember,” I whispered. And dammit, if I didn’t get my libido under control he’d be coaxing her out again before the night was through.
Leaning in closer, his warm breath made me shiver. “Trust me, Mellie. We’ll take this nice and slow, but I need you to be open and honest with me, okay?”
Would he? Would he really take it slow, not push and demand more than I could give?
You’ll never know unless you try. Question is, do you want to try?
“Yes. I mean, I will.”
Sanna and her Masters watched our exchange. My sister wore a cheeky little grin, but Dylan and Nick looked smug and guilty. Sanna had clearly had no idea that Stephen and Joshua were one and the same, but Nick certainly did; I suspected Dylan had known, too. Once I got the two men alone, I planned to bombard them with a whole lot of uncomfortable questions and make sure they didn’t ever play me again.
The orchestra began and soft, romantic tunes filled the air as we ate. The Doms talked and laughed while I picked at my chicken parmesan. Without warning, Joshua suddenly leaned in close; his masculine, erotic scent wafted over me and I nearly dropped my fork.
“By the way, dinner’s at my place tomorrow night, little one. I’ll pick you up at seven.”