CHAPTER EIGHT

 

Monday and Tuesday were busy days. Crystal and Jordan spent their time going over legal briefs and arguments for court. When the day ended, she would go over to Tessa’s and talk to Brady. Maybe it was a tad bit unethical…all right, a lot unethical. She wasn’t his lawyer, but she needed to advise Brady of their plan. As always, she would make sure Tessa was present in case someone wanted to say she or Jordan coaxed Brady.

“I’m totally on board,” Brady declared, his voice strong. He glanced at Tessa, then back to Crystal. “I’m sorry you had to see me the way I was the other day.”

“Hey, it’s okay.” She patted his shoulder. “I’m glad you had someone you could go to.”

“I’m a thirty-year-old man. I shouldn’t have fallen apart.”

“Bull.” Crystal wasn’t going to let him think that. “Brady, what your family did is reprehensible. You were in shock, something I understand well.”

“How?”

Crystal glanced at Tessa. “Tessa, I’m swearing you to secrecy until I’m ready to tell Sierra.”

“What?” Tessa looked shocked.

“Please.” Crystal knew she was asking a lot, but for right now, she needed to do this.

“I’ll keep it to myself,” Tessa said as she reached over and took Crystal’s hand.

“My family is a lot like yours; they don’t understand our life choices. I’m glad you had Sage to go to. When my father beat me, I had no one.” Tessa’s hand tightened around hers, and Crystal squeezed back.

“Your father raised a hand to you?” Brady’s features tightened, his eyes darkening.

“He did.” She swallowed. “The point I’m making is that I understand about family. I know you don’t want to press charges, and I get it.”

“Thank you. Do you still see your family?”

“No. There’s an advantage. They live in Kansas, so we’re not even in the same state.”

“But mine are.” Brady looked out the window of Tessa’s apartment. “I get what you’re saying. They’re not going to leave me alone even if we do win the case?”

“Maybe, and maybe not. I want you to prepare yourself. Seeing them in court tomorrow isn’t going to be fun, and it will be difficult to stare your family down.”

“I can do it. For me and for Sage.”

Twenty minutes later, Tessa gave Crystal a big hug, and then Crystal left the apartment. Crystal drove to Jordan’s home feeling better than she had in days. She’d faced her ghosts.

* * * *

“How’s Brady? Is he ready?” Jordan asked over dinner.

“He is.” Crystal pushed her food around on her plate.

“What is it, baby?”

“I’m not hungry.”

Jordan frowned, but he didn’t press; instead, he wrapped up her food and put it in the fridge. He pulled her from the chair and led her into the bedroom. “Shower,” he said, pushing her into the bathroom.

When she emerged, Jordan had turned down the sheets, and a bottle of oil sat on the nightstand.

“Come lay down on your stomach, baby.” He patted the mattress.

Crystal did as he bid. The scent of roses filled the air right before Jordan’s oil-slicked hands touched her back.

“So tense,” he murmured as he kneaded her shoulders.

“It’s been a long couple of days, and tomorrow is going to be no different.” Her eyes drifted shut as Jordan continued to massage her back. His soft voice and his touch were the last things she remembered as she drifted off to sleep.

* * * *

A small smile curved Crystal’s lips as she dressed Wednesday morning. Jordan had woken her early with gentle kisses and worked his way into making love. Her skin still tingled from his touch. She hated to leave his bed, but she needed to get home and change.

She slipped on a conservative outfit and put her hair up. After she met Jordan at the office, they went to the courthouse together. Jordan went into the courtroom with Sage. Crystal talked with the bailiff at the door before she went to check on Brady, who waited with Tessa in a nearby room.

She knocked on the door, and Tessa opened it. “Hi.” Tessa gave her a hug after letting her in the room.

“Hi.” Crystal looked across the room to where Brady paced. “Brady, you ready?”

“Yes.” He wore a pair of khaki pants and a white t-shirt. His blond hair was mussed, as if he’d just climbed out of bed. His hands shook.

“It will be all right.” She hoped her words helped calm him. “When they’re ready for Brady, I’ll have a bailiff come get you both.”

“Okay.” Tessa gave her a smile.

Crystal walked over to Brady. “May I hug you?” Brady nodded, and Crystal enveloped him in her arms. “I’m here for you.”

“Thank you,” he whispered.

She released him with a smile and walked back to the courtroom. When she stepped inside, she saw Brady’s family huddling with their lawyer. She moved to the front row and leaned down between Sage and Jordan. “Everything is ready.”

Jordan nodded, and Sage gave a tight smile. Crystal straightened, and everyone stood as the judge came in, then sat. Immediately, the other lawyer stood up. “Your Honor, we have an issue.”

“What would that be, Mr. Winters?”

“Mr. Jacobs is missing,” the lawyer said.

“And that woman has him,” Brady’s father stood up and pointed at Sage.

“Control your client, counselor,” the judge said and turned to Jordan. “Mr. Frost.”

“Yes, Your Honor.” Jordan stood up.

“Do you know where Brady Jacobs is?”

“Yes, Your Honor, I do.”

“See. I told you,” Brady’s father yelled.

The judge banged the gavel. “This is a warning, Mr. Jacobs. One more outburst and I’ll hold you in contempt.” The judge turned his gaze back to Jordan. “Explain.”

“Your Honor, Mr. Jacobs arrived at my client’s home on Sunday morning, beaten, bruised, and with his clothing torn. My client called me immediately. I went over with my paralegal.”

“Did you call Mr. Jacobs’ family?”

“No, sir, I didn’t. Mr. Jacobs asked that we not notify his family and made it clear to us he was in no condition to deal with them. Mr. Jacobs informed us his family, the very same family who brought the abuse case against my client, are the ones who inflicted his injuries.”

Brady’s father jumped up, as did his brothers. The judge glared at them, and their lawyer waved them back into their seats.

“You have proof?” the judge asked.

“We have Mr. Jacobs’ word, plus we have photographic evidence.”

“And where is Mr. Jacobs now?”

“Waiting in one of the conference rooms down the hall. He’s willing to testify, Your Honor. He wants to set the record straight, regardless of what his family wants.”

Winters jumped to his feet. “I object, Your Honor. This is unethical.”

The judge stared at the lawyer. “This case has been unusual from the start.” He looked back and forth, from defendant to plaintiff. “I’m going to allow it. Mr. Jacobs has a right to have his views heard. Mr. Frost?”

That was her cue. Crystal turned and nodded to the bailiff at the back of the room. He left and returned a few minutes later with Tessa and Brady. Brady was trembling. Crystal yearned to go to him, but she couldn’t. She smiled and nodded her encouragement.

Brady came down the aisle closest to the wall, away from his family. He stopped next to the front row. He stared at Sage until the judge spoke.

“Mr. Jacobs, I understand you wish to testify?” the judge said.

“Yes, sir.” His voice wobbled, but it was strong.

“Very well, please take the stand.” The judge gestured to the witness box. Brady looked at Crystal, and she nodded.

Tessa sat down as Brady entered the witness box. His family glared at him, but Brady kept his attention on Jordan and Sage. Once Brady was sworn in, Jordan stood up.

“Mr. Jacobs, please tell the court how you feel about this whole process?”

“Objection. This has no relevance.”

The judge sighed.

“Your Honor, I think this has great relevance. It is Mr. Jacobs’ life.”

“Agreed. Overruled.”

“You haven’t heard the full objection,” Brady’s family lawyer complained.

“I have agreed to let Mr. Jacobs testify. Mr. Frost is asking for his opinion.”

“But his opinion is biased,” the lawyer said.

Crystal barely prevented herself from rolling her eyes.

“Overruled. Go ahead, Mr. Jacobs.”

“I don’t agree with my family at all. What Sage and I have is consensual.”

“Objection. It’s obvious he’s been brainwashed,” the lawyer said a hint of desperation in his voice.

“You have not presented any such evidence. Overruled.”

“Mr. Jacobs,” Jordan said. “Can you tell us the events that led you to my client’s home on Sunday?”

Brady’s hand trembled as he ran it over his face. “I’ve been trying to get my family to understand about my relationship with Sage. They refuse to listen. Sunday, I told them I’d had enough, I wasn’t going to put up with them any longer.”

Crystal’s heart swelled. It took courage for Brady to renounce his family.

“What happened when you told them?”

“Objection. What relevance does this have to the case?”

“Your Honor,” Jordan said. “Mr. Brady’s family brought this case in which they made several allegations that Mr. Brady has vehemently denied. Mr. Brady is an adult and has not been found to be incompetent; therefore, we maintain he has a right to have his opinion heard.”

“Agreed. Overruled. Continue.”

Crystal kept an eye on Brady’s family. They were talking among themselves and to the lawyer. She had a bad feeling about this. As Jordan turned back to Brady, one of his brothers stood. She motioned to Jordan.

“Your Honor,” Jordan said. “I ask that no one be allowed to leave the courtroom at this time.”

Crystal sighed. She was so glad they’d talked about this. She’d had a feeling Brady’s family might try something underhanded.

The judge stared at the brothers. “Sit back down. Bailiff, please make sure no one leaves.”

“Yes, Your Honor.”

Jordan glanced back at Crystal and nodded.

“Mr. Jacobs, please continue,” Jordan said.

“Sunday morning, I told my family enough. I was leaving when my brothers attacked me.”

Brady’s family erupted, and the judge banged his gavel. “This courtroom will have order, or I will hold you all in contempt.”

“Your Honor, surely you can understand why my clients are upset,” Winters said, waving his hand at Brady’s parents and brothers.

“Get them under control, counselor.” The judge turned to Brady. “I’m going to question the witness.”

Brady was clearly nervous but stayed strong, his attention lasered on the judge. Crystal had warned him his family would go nuts, and the judge might ask him questions.

“Tell me about your relationship with the defendant.”

Brady swallowed. “Sage is wonderful to me. We enjoy each other and give the other what they need.” He smiled at Sage. “Our relationship has a sexual component that includes kink.”

“Kink?” the judge said. “You’re in an alternative lifestyle?”

“Yes, sir.”

“You do realize your family has brought a civil lawsuit for abuse?”

“Yes, sir. I don’t agree, and I refuse to play a part in my family’s pettiness. Sage does not abuse me. We have a loving relationship.”

“I see.” The judge looked over at Brady’s family. “Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs, you claim your son has been abused. I remind you that you are still under oath.”

Brady’s father stood up. “He has. That woman has beaten him.”

“She has not,” Brady yelled, then looked at the judge. “I’m sorry, sir.”

The judge nodded. “Brady, how long have you been in this relationship?”

“Two years.”

“I see. Have you lived at home all this time?”

“No, sir. I’ve been living on my own since I was twenty-five.”

“Are you employed?”

“Yes, sir. I’m a physician. I’m starting my own clinic.”

“Like hell,” his father said.

The judge glared at the family before turning back to Brady. “Brady, tell me more about how you ended up on the defendant’s doorstep on Sunday.”

“As I stated, I was tired of my family not listening to me. I wanted to give them one last chance to drop this case, so I stopped by my childhood home. I stated the facts and then got ready to leave when my brothers grabbed me and began beating on me.”

“I have to object,” Winters interjected.

The judge waved his hand in the air. “Overruled. Continue please.”

Brady swallowed. “When they were finished, it took me a little bit to get my body to work. I had my keys in my pocket, so I made my way to my car and went to Sage.”

“Why the defendant’s house?”

“Because I knew I would be safe with her.”

“I see.” The judge turned his gaze to Sage. “Ms. Montgomery.”

“Yes, Your Honor,” Sage stood up.

“When Brady showed up at your home, what did you do?”

Sage took a deep breath. “I brought him into my home, wrapped him in a blanket, and then called Mr. Frost.”

“Mr. Frost, how long was it from the time Ms. Montgomery called you until you arrived at her home?”

“About forty-five minutes, your honor,” Jordan answered.

“I see. Was there anyone else with you?”

“I was, Your Honor.” Crystal stood up. “Mr. Frost and I arrived together.”

“Ms. Hayden, what did you see?”

Crystal’s heart pounded. “Brady was huddled on the sofa. Mr. Frost explained right away about the legal ramifications.”

“Did that stop you?”

“No. Sorry, Your Honor, but I was worried about Brady.”

“Why were you worried about him?”

“I could see the fear in his face.”

“See? She beat him, not us. We told you,” Brady’s father yelled.

“This is your last warning. One more outburst, Mr. Jacobs, and you will be escorted from this courtroom and jailed on a contempt charge. Am I clear?”

Winters answered for him. “Yes, Your Honor.” He glared at his clients with the clear message to keep quiet.

“What did you do?”

“I took Brady into the spare bedroom, helped him clean up and talked with him while Jordan and Sage talked.”

“What did Mr. Jacobs tell you?”

“He told me about how he didn’t want this case against Sage, that his family was doing it out of spite. They hated his lifestyle. He’d told them Sunday morning he was done trying to get them to understand, then his brothers beat him up. He came where he was safe.”

“Your Honor,” Winters said. “Ms. Hayden works for the defense. She’s naturally going to protect her client.”

“I understand that, Mr. Winters. But she’s also a witness.” The judge turned back to her. “Ms. Hayden, as a paralegal you’re aware of the consequences of lying in court.

“Yes, Your Honor. I’m willing to take the oath if need be.”

The judge nodded. “Were you aware of the type of relationship your client and Brady had?”

“Yes, Your Honor.”

“Did it bother you?”

“Maybe at first.” She wasn’t going to lie even though Mr. Winters beamed. “I also believed it could be considered abuse. But as I learned more about the lifestyle, I realized I had some misconceptions. It’s all about consent between adults.”

“Thank you, Ms. Hayden.” The judge looked at Brady. “Brady, you may step down and sit wherever you choose.”

Brady left the stand and sat down next to Crystal. She squeezed his hand.

“I’m going to take a ten minute recess before I render my decision. Everyone stays in the courtroom.” The judge stood and left.

“What does this mean?” Sage asked quietly.

“It looks like he’s going to put an end to this one way or the other. I hope he’s going to rule in our favor,” Jordan said.

Brady’s family began talking furiously between themselves. Several times they glared at them, but Crystal didn’t care. Tessa smiled at Brady and told him he did a good job.

The ten minutes seemed like ten hours. They all stood as the judge came back in. “Please be seated,” the judge said. “This has been an unusual case from the beginning.” He looked at Brady’s family, his expression cold and controlled. “Brady is of legal age. He has the right to live as he chooses.”

Brady’s hand tightened around Crystal’s.

“Per the testimony of both parties, the relationship between Brady Jacobs and Sage Montgomery is consensual, and they are both adults.

“As to this civil matter, it is the finding of this court that there is no case since the plaintiff has not established that any abuse has occurred. Therefore, this case is hereby dismissed.”

Brady’s family erupted, and Mr. Winters started talking.

The judge banged his gavel several times. “Mr. Winters, get your clients under control.”

“We will be appealing, judge,” Winters said.

“Feel free, but my ruling stands. Mr. Brady Jacobs is free to be with Ms. Montgomery.” The judge addressed Brady’s family. “Mr. Jacobs, your son has grounds to pursue charges of assault, which is a very serious felony. I would strongly advise you to consider your options carefully at this point. Your son is an adult and, as I said before, has the right to live his life as he chooses. If you pursue another civil action, Ms. Montgomery could very well countersue for harassment. Think long and hard about your next move, sir. This court is adjourned.”

The judge stood and left the room.

“Did we win?” Brady asked quietly.

“We did.” Crystal smiled at Brady.

* * * *

Saturday night, Crystal took a deep breath before going into the club with Jordan. After winning the case, they went out with Sage and Brady to celebrate, then agreed to meet at the club on Saturday night.

Crystal was happy for her new friends but, at the same time, wondered what it meant for her and Jordan. Their working time was almost at an end.

The club was already crowded when they arrived. Jordan pulled her aside. “I know we’ve been talking about it, but I need to hear your choice. Do you want to play in the club tonight?”

Her skin tingled. They had been talking about this until the case took over. Was she ready for this? An anxious quiver ran through her body, but she trusted Jordan more than anyone else. Yes, she was. “I’m ready.”

“Are you okay with having your breasts exposed?”

Crystal closed her eyes. She could do this. “Yes, my breasts, not my pussy.” He knew she didn’t want to be nude.

“Not until you’re ready. I can still tease you with your clothes on.”

She smiled up at him. “I know you can. But I’m okay with the top.”

“I’ll let Max know we’ll need one of the areas later.” He brushed a kiss over her nose. “I see Sierra is with Sage and Brady. Why don’t you go say hello.”

He turned her, and she saw her friends.

“Okay, don’t be long.” She gave his hand a squeeze and joined them.

* * * *

Jordan found Max. “Congrats on winning,” Max said, shaking his hand.

“Thanks. It was really a non-case, but it’s always tricky when kink is involved. Plus, you never know with the judge.”

“I can’t believe the judge was so open,” Max said.

“Yeah, well, I got a call from the judge. He doesn’t fully understand kink, but he called a friend who did. It’s amazing how small the community is.”

“It is.”

“I want to reserve one of the scene stations for tonight.”

“You and Crystal?”

He nodded. “She’s ready. Is the spider web open?”

“Isn’t the web a little hard core for a first timer?” Max asked.

“I’m going to tease her. This way, she’s standing, and I can keep her attention on me.”

“Good idea. I’ll put you down at eleven.”

“Perfect. It will give us time to mingle and watch a few scenes. And by the way, the gate was open again tonight.” They’d had some issues with the gate being open rather than closed. “I thought it was fixed.”

“I know. The gate company is coming out again on Monday. I told them if they don’t fix it right this time, they’re going to put in a brand new one.”

Jordan laughed. “I bet that will light a fire under them.”

“The owner himself is coming out with the crew to see what the issue is. Ralph is staying on the desk all night to make sure no one wanders in who shouldn’t be here.”

“Good.” Jordan glanced over at the group. “It’s good to see Brady and Sage happy.”

“I was beginning to worry, but it is.” Max sighed as a Dom walked up to them. “Excuse me, Master Max, but there’s a situation with one of the stations.”

Jordan slapped Max on the shoulder and made his way over to Crystal.

* * * *

Crystal was nervous when Jordan led her up to a big round metal frame with what looked like a spider web in the middle. She’d witnessed a scene here, and she wasn’t ready for the web.

“Umm, Sir.” She tugged on his hand.

“Yes, sweetheart.” Jordan turned to her. In an instant, he had her in his arms. “Baby, what is it?”

“I don’t think I’m ready for it, Sir.” She gestured toward the equipment.

“You’re not.” He smiled. “I’m going to tie you to it. Trust me to know what you’re ready for or not.”

Crystal took a deep breath. Jordan wouldn’t do something he was aware she wasn’t ready for. “Sorry, Sir. I wasn’t thinking.”

“You were unsure, and I’d rather you ask than panic.” He dropped a kiss on her forehead and led her up the two steps and onto the small stage.

Jordan’s bag was waiting for him, and a covered metal table stood near the wheel. “Come here.” He pulled her to him. “Safe words?”

“Red to stop, yellow to slow down, Sir.”

“If things get too intense, don’t hesitate to use them.”

She nodded.

“And be as vocal as you want. I want to, need to hear you. Every cry of pleasure makes me happy.”

“Yes, Sir.” Oh goodness, she was going to do this. Excitement with a tinge of apprehension slid through her veins.

“Now, let’s get you out of your top.” He began to undo the lace babydoll-type top she’d worn at his request. When he finished, he folded it and placed it next to his bag, pulled out a set of restraints, and led her over to the wheel.

“I’m going to restrain your arms and legs. Your feet will be on the floor.”

“Yes, Sir.” Crystal tried to settle her nerves. Jordan had restrained her before, mainly at home.

He took her left arm and put it into position.

“Sir?”

“Yes, sweet.”

“This is different, Sir.” He had her arm out to the side rather than over her head.

“I don’t want your arms to go numb. This will help.” He fastened one and then the other. “Okay?”

“Green, Sir.” They’d talked about this as well. He would check in with her often. She was glad because, sometimes, when his loving overwhelmed her, her mind went blank.

Jordan knelt down and secured her feet, then crossed over to his bag. He dangled a blindfold in front of her. It was a soft limit for her.

“We didn’t talk about this, but it will heighten your sensations and help you forget where you are.”

She swallowed.

“What is it, my sweet?”

Leave it to him to notice her apprehension. “I’m not sure, Sir.”

“Talk to me.” He leaned close, and she fought to catch her breath.

“It’s just…it was dark when my parents threw me into the sin closet.” She hated the tremor in her voice.

His lips tightened. “I see. We don’t need it.” He started to turn away.

“Sir.” There had been brief disappointment in his gaze, then understanding. Crystal lifted her chin. “It’s fine, Sir.” She took a deep breath.

“No, sweetheart. Not if it’s going to remind you of a horrible situation. One that no one should ever have to go through.”

“Please, Sir.” It was time to stop letting her past control her and her feelings. “I want to try.”

Jordan nodded and slipped the blindfold on.

The leather clung to her skin and cut out all light. Jordan ran his fingers over her cheek and down her neck. Crystal shivered.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, Sir. I’m fine.”

“So courageous,” he whispered, then his touch was gone.

She took deep breaths to calm her racing heart and to see if she could hear him. Instead, she heard voices. Lots of voices. Oh yeah, they were in the club. She’d almost forgotten.

Oh crap, anyone could see her breasts. She tried to hunch her shoulders but couldn’t. She jumped when a hand landed on her shoulder.

“Easy, sweet, it’s me.” Her tense muscles relaxed with the sound of Jordan’s soft voice. “It’s just you and me.”

He trailed his fingers over her collarbone and between her breasts. Then he made circles around her breasts.

Her nerves quivered with anticipation.

“That’s it. Relax and let me arouse you.”

She sucked in a breath when he splayed his palm over her belly, the tips of his fingers brushing the pair of shorts she wore.

“Pale skin against mine.” He continued to caress her as he talked.

Her breasts grew heavy, and her nipples grew hard. What was he waiting for? Her skin pebbled with goosebumps under his touch. The anticipation was killing her.

Then his touch was gone, and she moaned. Jordan chuckled. Something new glided over her skin. He was twirling it over her neck and then over her nipples.

“What is it, Sir?” she asked.

“Concentrate and tell me.” He went from one breast to the other. Her breathing increased with the sensations over her skin. Whatever this was, it was light and tickled.

“Feathers, Sir.”

“Yes, it’s a feather duster.”

He swirled it over her stomach, and then down her legs, before taking it away. He was back within moments. Jordan pinched her nipples, and she couldn't suppress a small scream.

“Easy, sweet.” His breath whispered against her skin. “Are you ready for this?”

“What, Sir?”

“Remember what we talked about last night and what I wanted to do to these pretty nipples.”

Crystal sucked in a breath. “You mentioned nipple clamps, Sir.” Oh God. Part of her wanted to try, another part wanted to yell her safe word.

“I did. Since you can’t see, I’ll explain the pair I have. Think about a pair of tweezers with rubber on the ends and a round disk you push to make the tweezers close. That’s what I’m going to use on you, sweet.”

“Yes, Sir.” Her pussy tightened.

Jordan plucked her nipple until it was almost painfully hard, then he applied the first clamp. As he tightened it, she thought it wasn’t so bad, until it was almost too tight.

“Yellow, Sir.”

“Very good.” The pressure eased slightly. Then he applied the second one. This time, she didn’t have to call out her safe word.

Her nipples were so tight and needy. Her pussy clenched, and she shifted her hips.

“Oh yes, the clamps are making you hot already, aren’t they?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“What about now?” His tongue flicked one nipple, and she cried out as her hips bucked. He did the same with the other one, and her body shook. “Oh yes, do you want to know what I see, sweet?”

Did she want to know? “Yes, Sir.” She wanted to hear from his lips what he was seeing.

“Your skin is flushed a pretty, dark pink. Your nipples are hard little beads. You keep shifting your hips. I bet if I slipped my hand into your shorts I’d find you wet.”

His words increased the heat flowing through her veins. “You would, Sir.”

“Your arousal is music to my soul. Let’s see, what should I use next?”

Next? Wasn’t he done yet? No, he wasn’t. She should know better; the man had teased her before. Maybe not to this extent, but damn, he loved playing with her.

Something soft tickled the top of her foot, then moved up one leg, down the other, and back up. Then he ran it over her arms, letting her feel every inch of it.

Whatever the toy was, it was soft, but there were—tails. She trembled when he ran it over her breasts, teasing her nipples where the clamps still drove her nuts. He reached her hip and gave her a gentle swat.

Her body shook. “Flogger, Sir?” She hadn’t expected the soft caress to her skin.

“A very special flogger.” He flicked it against her other hip. “This is a rabbit fur flogger.”

The strands snapped against her abs, and she sucked in a breath. It didn’t hurt. There was a little sting to it, enough to awaken every nerve ending with each strike. Jordan teased her back and forth, the flogger, then the feather, his touch.

She had no idea how much time had passed. He removed the nipple clamps. Heat and exquisite pain flooded her body. Crystal opened her mouth, breathing heavy.

“Okay, baby?” Jordan asked.

“I need a minute, Sir.” The pain faded leaving behind pure pleasure flowing from her nipples to her pussy. “I’m good now, Sir.”

Jordan teased her nipples with the flogger. Her body was one big nerve. Each touch of his hand or a toy sent lightning to her clit. Her pussy throbbed.

“Please, Sir,” she whispered.

“Please what, my sweet?”

She didn’t know. Did she want him to stop? Not until he was ready. She moaned as he blew on her nipples. They tightened further. “Oh, Sir.” Her toes curled. “I think I’m going to climax.”

“You may come all you want, my sweet, though it doesn’t mean I’ll stop.”

Crystal wasn’t sure how long she could hold out, but she didn’t want to orgasm until he was through with her.

“Let’s see if this cools you off.”

She squealed as something freezing touched her belly. Crystal jerked in the restraints and shivered. Instead of cooling her off, it pushed her need higher.

“Let it all go, my sweet,” he whispered in her ear. “Let your body go. Come for me.”

“Sir.” Her body trembled.

“I want you to come. I want you to come apart from my touch, my toys.” He pinched one nipple and then the other. “Come baby.”

Crystal screamed as her climax overwhelmed her. She trembled from head to toe. Her pussy clenched, and her clit pulsed as her orgasm went on and on. She began to float away on a cloud.

* * * *

Jordan smiled as he watched Crystal climax and then as her face went lax. She was likely in subspace. He’d wondered if he could get her there. Jordan stood in front of her and kissed her softly. “So perfect.” He bent over and undid her ankle restraints, then, keeping his knee between her legs, he undid her arms. She slumped into his embrace.

“Take her to the aftercare area. I’ve got this,” Max told him.

“Thanks.” Jordan lifted Crystal into his arms and carried her off the stage, where Sierra waited with a blanket. He smiled as he took it. Their friends were the best. He sat on one of the aftercare sofas with Crystal in his lap, the blanket wrapped around her.

Jordan slipped the blindfold off and tucked it in his pocket. Crystal’s breathing was a little rapid, but her color had returned to normal after being fully flushed while he’d played with her.

God, this woman was one of a kind. She reacted to him like no other he’d ever played with. She was finally releasing her sensuality and letting him see the sexual woman underneath.

He held her close, keeping his gaze on her face. While the case they’d been working on might be over, he wasn’t going to let her out of his life.

“I can feel you staring at me.” Her words were soft.

“How are you doing?” He ran his fingers over her cheek, and she trembled. “Are you cold?” He glanced around to see if he could get someone’s attention to get him another blanket.

“I’m not cold.” Her voice was still dreamy. “Your touch made me shake. My nerves are hyper-sensitive right now.”

He grinned. “How did you like your first public scene?”

“I liked it.” Her green eyes flashed like gems. “The blindfold helped me relax. I forgot all about our audience.”

“Good. You went into subspace. How did that feel for you?” He shifted her on his lap.

“I was drifting on a cloud, if that’s what you’re asking.” She shifted, and his cock twitched. “Do you need some attention?”

“No.” He lowered his forehead to rest against hers. “This is all about you.”

“When we get home?”

Home? It was the first time she called his place home. “If you’re feeling up to it.”

“Oh, I will be.” Her eyes twinkled.

“Witch.” He took her lips with his, and when they finally parted, they were both breathing heavily. “Rest a bit. And then we’ll mingle a little before we go.”

“Yes, Sir.” She laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

Jordan smiled. This was his woman. He was falling for her. His heart pounded. When had he started falling for her? Probably the night they all went to coffee, when she wanted to protect the little boy. The more time they spent together, the more she crept into his heart and his life.

He didn’t mind it all. Crystal fit in his work and his life. She might think everything was over when the job was, but he wasn’t about to let her get away. He wasn’t falling for her. It was much, much more than that. He loved her.

* * * *

“How did you like being blindfolded?” Jordan asked as he dried Crystal off after their shower. Her skin seemed to still be glowing in the aftermath of their play.

“Once I got out of my head, it was enjoyable.”

He grinned. “That’s the point. Get you out of your normal thought patterns and rely on touch, sound, and emotion.”

“Were you testing me with the nipple clamps to see if I’d safeword out?”

“Yes and no.” He nudged her out of the bathroom. “I wanted to test your pain tolerance but also wanted to see how far I could go.”

“And my calling out yellow?”

“Was exactly what I wanted. You told me to slow down, and I did. Remember, communication is important.” He would continue to reinforce communication as their relationship went on.

“Yeah.” She climbed onto the mattress, and when Jordan laid down, she snuggled into his embrace.

“Did you enjoy the rabbit flogger?” He’d selected it very carefully. Light enough not to mark her skin but enough to cause a slight sting.

“I did. It caused my body to heat, and it didn’t hurt.” She tilted her head up. “But was using the ice cube, necessary?”

He laughed. “A way to get you to lose the control you were holding onto.” Jordan kissed her forehead. The blushing of her skin, the sheen of sweat, her choppy breathing, the way her toes curled, and the breathless moan of pleasure when she climaxed. He wanted to make her do it again and again. “Since you went into subspace, I want you to be prepared for the aftermath.”

“Oh?” Her lips touched his jaw.

“Yes. Everyone reacts differently to subspace, but I want to make sure you understand that, if you’re feeling down or start crying without reason, it’s okay. I’m here to take care of you.”

She smiled against his skin. “I’m here to take care of you too.” Her words were soft, and then next thing he knew, she was asleep.

Jordan tightened his arms around her. Life would never be boring with Crystal around. And he planned on keeping her.

* * * *

Crystal walked into the office Monday at ten. She and Jordan had overslept, and she needed to go home for clean clothes. She placed the coffee tray on Valerie’s desk along with a couple of bags.

“Coffee, breakfast, and something for later,” she said to Valerie as she handed her a coffee and set a bag on the desk.

“You’ve never been late before,” Valerie said taking a sip of coffee.

“I overslept.” She picked up a coffee tray and bags. Crystal carried everything into her office, before grabbing Jordan’s coffee out of the tray. She knocked on Jordan’s door and stuck her head inside.

“I hope you brought provisions.”

“As if I wouldn’t.” She walked in with his coffee and breakfast.

“Where is yours?”

“On my desk.”

“Bring it in. There’s something we need to discuss.”

“Sounds serious.” She frowned. He’d been in good spirits when he dropped her off at her apartment earlier.

“It is.”

Crystal bit her lip, went back to her office, and picked up her coffee, food, and bag before going back into Jordan’s office. Her mind spun over what could make Jordan so serious. She closed his office door before taking a seat.

Her stomach turned over at the grave look on Jordan’s face. “What is it?” Thank goodness she hadn’t eaten yet.

“Someone followed us on Saturday.”

She set her coffee cup on his desk with a trembling hand. “What does that mean?”

“It means they saw us go into the club.”

Crystal closed her eyes. Someone saw them. Did they know they went into a BDSM club? Slut. Whore. Bitch. Her parents’ words slammed around inside her head. Damn it. Those darn tapes had been silent for a while and were now back with a vengeance.

“They don’t know what goes on in the club, but they saw Brady and Sage walk in as well,” Jordan said.

“His family?” Who else could it be? Why was Brady’s family so insistent on making trouble?

“I’m guessing our tail was a PI his family hired to follow us and because of the court case. They’re putting two and two together.”

“Or that blasted reporter. Damn.” Her mind ran through the faces she’d seen on Saturday night. This could be bad, very bad.

“It was Brady’s family,” Jordan said with certainty.

“Have you told Max yet? Did anyone get inside?” She remembered his comment about how the gate shouldn’t have been open.

“I haven’t talked to Max yet. He’s next on the list. And no, he didn’t get inside. As far as I know, he didn’t even try. Ralph didn’t report anything. I wanted to tell you first because you’re named in the letter.”

“Letter?” Jordan was notified in writing? Her stomach turned over.

Jordan slid a piece of paper across the desk. Crystal picked it up, and her anger grew as she read it. “Oh fuck no,” she said. This was out of bounds and criminal.

The letter from Mr. Winters, the Jacobs’ family lawyer, threatened to expose Jordan, her, Sage, and Brady along with the location of the club unless they convinced Brady to return to the family fold. “Don’t they understand this is all consensual?”

“Apparently not.” He leaned forward. “I’m not concerned for myself; I couldn’t care less if someone outs me. It’s you and the others I worry about.”

“I agree.” This could impact everyone associated with the club.

Jordan’s cell rang. He looked at the screen and frowned. “Excuse me, I have to get this.”

Crystal nodded. She read the letter over again, her mind working out what they could do. Her main fear was somehow word would get back to her family, and they’d find her. She’d had minimal contact with them over the years, but still, if they came here, there could be trouble. For her, for Jordan, for everyone. Crystal shook her head. Silly, she was a grown woman, but her family could act like a cult at times.

“Yes, I see. Thank you.”

The defeated tone in Jordan’s voice pulled Crystal from her thoughts. She gasped at the devastation on his face. “Jordan, what is it?”

“The parole board voted to release my father from jail.”

Crystal was on her feet to his side. “I’m so sorry.” He’d shared with her late one night that his father’s parole hearing was coming up. He refused to be in the same room as the man who killed his mother, but this year, as he’d done every year, he made sure the board had his written victim impact statement. The man deserved a lifetime in jail for killing Jordan’s mother.

“I am too.” He shook his head. “I’ll deal with that later. We have to deal with this matter first.”

She wanted to tell him everything could wait so they could talk about his father, but she backed off at his closed-down features. Jordan hated talking about his dad, and while she didn’t blame him, the club issue seemed to be bothering him more at the moment.

“Why don’t you call Max and Damon, and I’ll go call Sierra. Have them come here and let’s see if we can get a game plan together on how to deal with this letter.”

“Good idea.” He smiled and some of the tension left his face.

“We probably need to get Brady and Sage in on this as well.” Crystal pulled her cell out of her bag as he picked up his. “Hey, Sierra, Crystal. Can you get to Jordan’s office right now?”

“What’s going on?” Sierra asked.

“I don’t want to discuss anything on the phone. Jordan is talking with Max and Damon to have them come in as well.”

“This is serious.”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

“Okay, I should be there in ten minutes. It will take Max a little longer. I think Damon is close, though.”

“Thanks. See you soon.” She ended the call and looked at Jordan.

“Max is in town, so he’s going to go pick up Damon, and they’ll be here shortly.” He dialed another number. “Hey, Sage. Can you and Brady come by my office right now? There is something we need to discuss. Thanks.” He glanced at Crystal. “They’ll be here in fifteen minutes.”

“Okay. Why don’t we use the conference room?”

“Good idea.” He stood up when she did. “I’m sorry I dragged you into this.”

“You didn’t drag me into anything I didn’t want.” She traced the lines on his forehead. “As a group, we’ll figure this out.”

Jordan took her hand in his and kissed her fingers. “We will. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” But was she? She wasn’t sure right now. After they met with everyone, then she’d analyze her feelings. Later she might be able to express her concerns for their relationship. “Let’s get some coffee going for everyone.”

“You didn’t drink yours.” He picked up her now cold coffee.

“No.” How much should she tell him? Be honest. “My stomach is a little upset with the news.” There was more, but until she had time to go through everything, she couldn’t explain it to him.

“Crystal.” Jordan kept a hold of her hand. “I hate how this has upset you, and this is probably the worst time for this, but I need to say it. I care about you, and I don’t want to lose you.”

Her heart clenched. “I care about you too.” It was true. She did. It was interesting that they both avoided the L word. “Let’s get ready for this meeting.” She didn’t want to get into her feelings right now. Not in the office. Not with all this looming over them.

Thirty minutes later, they were all assembled in the conference room, and Jordan showed the letter to everyone.

“This could cost you business,” Max said to Jordan.

“It could, but I doubt it. I’m not worried. My business will survive.”

“Damon?” Max asked.

“I’m fine with whatever you want. If you want my honest opinion, I say fuck them and to hell with them”

Sierra burst out laughing, and the men smiled. “That’s Damon,” Jordan said.

“Honey?” Max looked at Sierra.

“It’s dangerous to agree with Damon, but I’m fine if we tell them to go to hell.”

“Won’t it hurt your job?” Crystal asked.

Sierra shrugged. “I work for a non-profit. I can warn my boss, and if there’s a big deal about it, I can quit.”

“But you love your job,” Crystal said, staring at her friend.

“It’s a job. This is about family.”

Crystal’s heart stuttered. Family. She hadn’t been a part of a family who cared about each other in a long time, if ever. Sierra’s words filled her heart with joy.

“I’m fine with telling Brady’s family they can go fuck off,” Max said.

Jordan looked at Sage and Brady; both had been very quiet. “Sage? Brady?”

Brady lifted his chin. “I’m fucking done.” His words were quiet.

“Honey.” Sage covered Brady’s hand, where it sat on the table with hers.

“I’ve been quiet long enough. My parents and brothers are dead to me. They’ve been trying to cause trouble at the clinic as well.”

“What do you mean?” Jordan asked.

“They’re trying to do a hostile takeover of my clinic.”

Crystal’s eyes widened, and she began making notes. This was not good at all.

“Are they succeeding?” Max asked.

“Not yet. I’ve been countering everything I can, but they have resources I don’t.”

“Bull.” Damon slapped his hand on the table. “I refuse to give in to their blackmail.”

“Why don’t we call the police?” Sierra asked.

“No.” Brady’s voice was firm. “That is exactly what my father wants. Another court case where he can say, ‘woe is me’. I’m not giving in to him, not one inch.”

Crystal tapped her pen against her mouth. Her stomach was in knots. “What if we have a lawyer draw up a letter,” she started, and all eyes turned to her. “A letter states we are well aware of what they’re trying to do. Extortion is a felony in the state, and if he continues to go after Brady’s clinic and/or reveal this information on us and the club, all of them will be facing multiple counts and never see the light of day after they are prosecuted.”

“Will that work?” Max asked.

“It might.” Jordan jotted down some notes. “I mean, right now there are seven of us in the room. Not only is it a lot of court cases, but also if the maximum penalty is applied, it’s ten years for each count.”

“Not to mention damages, if we take the cases to civil court after the criminal trials are finished.” Crystal tapped her pen on the tabletop.

Damon whistled. “They could stand to lose big time.”

“I like that idea,” Sierra said.

“Let’s do it,” Brady said, and Sage agreed.

“All right. I’ll get on it,” Jordan said.

“Jordan, I think it would be better coming from another lawyer,” Crystal said.

“I agree,” Max said. “You’re involved. Is there someone you trust who could send this off?”

“You’re right. Yes, I know another lawyer I can trust.”

“Then do it, and we’ll go from there,” Max said, pushing back his chair.

They all said their good-byes, and Jordan ushered Crystal back to his office.

“I’m going to get the ball rolling on this. Are you okay?” Jordan asked her.

She nodded out of habit. She was anything but okay at the moment.