Chapter Four

“WE’LL MEET IN the barn in the morning. Benita will help you with the mucking. We’ve been feeding them at seven and then turning them out. Martha will come by at ten to go over her expectations.” Millie lowered her chin to her chest. “I’m sure dinner was overwhelming. I’m sorry if Ashley made you uncomfortable. Consent is a priority here.”

Why won’t she look at me? “I’m okay. Believe me, I’ve had worse first days.” At least this one didn’t feature orange jumpsuits.

Millie cleared her throat before she spoke. “If you are interested in seeing the rest of the house, I’ll arrange it. If you desire the type of tour Ashley suggested with her or one of the other submissives, she’ll need to clear it with the Mistresses of the house.”

“What?” Veronica failed to keep the shock out of her voice. “Are they slaves?” Fuck, what have I signed up for?

Millie frowned. “They are submissives pledged to the house and employees. They have schedules and obligations, duties in the house they are expected to perform. They are well compensated for their availability and talents. That means if we have guests expecting certain women to be available, they need to be. It’s part of their contract.”

Veronica was too exhausted to keep the anger flaring in her chest under control. “What if I was interested?”

Millie crossed her arms in front of her chest, her gaze hard. “Are you?” She pressed her lips together in a firm line. In the light Veronica made out the fine line of a scar crossing the bridge of Millie’s nose.

“I don’t know.” Veronica shoved her hands in her pockets and leaned on the stair rail. “It’s been so long since I’ve had any action, my clit gets hard when the wind blows.”

Millie’s face broke into a broad grin before she laughed. The genuine sound of her laugh turned Veronica inside out, fanning the tiny flame of want that had begun on the pier in Armadale.

“And here you are starving, presented with a buffet, and told you can’t eat anything.”

Veronica scrubbed her hand over her face. “I’m sorry. I’m tired. And a little freaked out.”

Millie tilted her head at Veronica. “Get some sleep. If you want something to eat before morning staff meal, Myfanwy or Robin will make you whatever you’d like. And stay out of Elaine’s way before she’s had her tea.”

“Thanks.” Veronica walked three steps up to her bedsit. She stopped and turned to watch Millie as she walked away. She moved with grace and a touch of swagger. Forget it. She’s with Myfanwy. Don’t get involved with women who are involved.

 

VERONICA SAVORED THE last bit of the coffee she had made in the French press. I would work for this coffee. So good. She checked the time on her phone before she shoved it into her pocket. She cleaned out the press and washed her cup and dried it. She’d slept better than she expected to, exhaustion solving her sleep issues for once. Restless to be moving, she tugged on her sky-blue fleece over her shirt and zipped it up. On the landing she patted her pockets. Reassured she had her multitool and her phone, she locked the door and pocketed the key.

The early morning was chill and quiet. A fine mist rose off the rolling fields surrounding the estate. She walked around to the front of the barn and rolled open one door just wide enough to slip through. She waited in the dim light for her eyes to adjust. Ten stalls lined the center aisle. To her left was a door with a brass plate declaring it the tack room and opposite it was another door labeled “office.”

She stopped to admire the organization of the grooming area. Labeled boxes and chests of grooming supplies were arranged along a low bench. Built-in covered grain bins with cabinets over them were tucked in next to the office. She walked gingerly past the horses, most still dozing. Some of them raised their heads and turned to watch her with their ears forward as she walked past them. Over each stall hung a brass nameplate. Bruno, Marco, Patrick, Clyde, Jack, Honey, Bella, Luna. It’ll be easier to remember their names than the women I met last night. Clean. Organized. Holy hell the Friesian’s mane is going to be so much work.

At the end of the aisle was another set of double doors. She rolled them back and looked out. Fenced paddocks with gates to three other paddocks were laid out behind the barn. The last stall on her right held hay bales, stacked in tidy rows. The stall on the other side held the mucking gear, barrows, shovels, and pitchforks. Veronica turned around as the large doors behind her rolled open, flooding the barn with light and cool air.

“Good morning.” Millie strode down the center of the barn.

Veronica walked back down the aisle to meet her halfway. Millie held out a thermos.

“Myfanwy thought you might need this.”

Veronica took the flask. “Thank you. I’m sure I will.”

She followed Millie as she walked back to the office. She opened the door and waved Veronica forward. “This is your space.”

Veronica entered the room. A large desk, rolling chair, and tall file cabinet took up one side of the cozy office. A credenza behind the desk held a laptop and printer. A worn leather couch, small refrigerator, and a bookshelf lined the other wall. A scuffed captain’s chair sat next to the couch.

“All the hard copies of health records for the horses are in the file drawers.” She pointed to a green binder on the desk next to a black one. “That’s a calendar of the guests we have scheduled for the next six months. There are notes about each guest, along with their riding abilities and desires about their experiences. In addition to the stable and indoor riding arena, there is a fire ring with a turnout area you’ll need to keep up with and supply if guests want to use it. The black binder has notes about each horse.”

“I’ve never seen a more organized barn.”

Millie smiled. “Martha is meticulous. After our last disaster of a barn manager, Martha took over and organized everything. She expects it will stay this way.” Millie’s foreboding expression made it clear to Veronica she needed to meet Martha’s expectations.

“Hello? Millie?”

“In here, Benita.”

Benita, her thick black hair pulled back and dressed this time in jeans and a sweater, smiled at Veronica. “Ready to meet the crew?”

Millie nodded at Benita. “I’ll leave you to it. I have a date with Robin’s orange rye raisin bread.”

“You better hurry. There wasn’t much left.” Benita sighed dramatically and rested the back of her hand on her forehead and groaned. “Robin’s bread makes me weak. I’d do anything for a slice.”

Millie laughed and jogged out of the barn. Shaking off her sense of abandonment as Millie left, Veronica shoved her hands in her pockets.

Benita tilted her head at Veronica. “You didn’t come for breakfast.”

“Not much for breakfast.” Wasn’t sure I could handle it without Millie. Or with Millie.

Veronica followed Benita out of the office. “All of them are well behaved except Luna. She can be pushy about her food.” Benita unlocked the feed bin and handed Veronica two plastic tubs, each labeled with a horse’s name. The sweet smell of alfalfa pellets and grains filled Veronica’s nose. “This is for Bruno and Marco.”

They worked together filling each horse’s food bucket. Veronica rolled back the door to Luna’s stall. The horse planted herself in front of the chest-high mesh stall guard, leaned against it, and stretched her neck as she strained to reach the tub of food in Veronica’s hand.

Veronica slipped under the mesh door, backing into the stall. She turned and kept her hand on the mare’s shoulder. “You have to wait.” The mare pushed into her, threatening Veronica’s balance. She spread her legs to steady herself and turned away from the horse. She pressed her back against the horse’s shoulder, moving her away from her food bucket. She dumped the food into the bucket and stepped back. Luna bumped into Veronica on her way to her feed bucket. “Easy, girl. I’m not going to take it away.” She pushed gently on the mare’s side again, moving her out of the way to exit the stall.

Benita was waiting for her. “You did better than me. The first time I fed her I ended up on my ass with the food everywhere.”

Veronica grinned. “It was close.”

They lined the tubs up on the shelf over the feed bin. “Now we scoop for dinner, then we don’t have to do it later.” She pointed to the white board on the wall. Each horse’s specific diet was listed. “If they are getting anything extra, like medications, it’s listed on the board. We store their medications in here.” She opened the right-hand cabinet and pointed to small baskets, each labeled with the horse’s name. “Bella is on hormones, but she only gets them in the morning. Jack gets medicine for his ulcers with each meal.”

Benita led Veronica around the barn, talking to her about the routine, her voice affectionate as she discussed each horse. Why doesn’t she want to be barn manager? It’s clear she loves the horses and she’s knowledgeable. Ask. Don’t ask.

When the horses were finished eating, they turned them out into two of the fields behind the barn, mares in the left side paddock and geldings to the right.

Once the horses were turned out, they mucked the stalls. At least this part is simple. Sweat gathered on the back of her neck and tickled as it ran down her back, and Veronica took her fleece off and hung it in the office. As they cleaned the stalls, Benita answered Veronica’s questions about the barn and workflow.

They took a break and shared the coffee Millie had left them. Benita sat on the leather couch resting her cup on her knee. Veronica edged a hip on to the desk. “How come you didn’t want to be barn manager?”

Benita pursed her lips. “Money. And vacation time. We get twelve weeks paid vacation. I’m from Brazil. My family lives in Fortaleza. I spend the winter holiday there. Have you been?”

“Not traveled much of anywhere.” Veronica sipped her coffee. Twelve weeks. I get a month. They earn the twelve weeks.

“It’s the only way I can cope with the winter here. If I had to stay through the gray months I would hate it. Besides, I like my work.” She arched a brow at Veronica. “I’m pledged to the house”—she slipped her finger under the edge of her shirt and lifted a brown leather collar for Veronica to see—“but I would kill for Mistress Martha and Mistress Lucia. I dream of wearing their collar.”

Veronica studied the fierceness in her eyes and the set of Benita’s jaw and didn’t doubt her words. What would it be like to have a sub so dedicated? To have a lover who believed in me? A memory of Dee’s arms and legs wrapped around Veronica’s body, her eyes bright, the sound of her voice when she declared her love for Veronica warped into her harsh expression when Veronica told her of her lawyer’s suggestion she plead guilty. Why didn’t I listen to her? Fuck me, this took a wrong turn down memory lane.

“I hope it won’t come to that.” Martha entered the office; her commanding presence filled the small room.

Benita stood up and placed her coffee cup on the table. She lowered her gaze and placed her arms behind her back. “Forgive me, Mistress, if I spoke out of turn.”

Martha walked over to Benita and lifted her chin with one finger. “Look at me.” Benita lifted her gaze to Martha’s face. “Nothing to forgive. I admire your commitment. I need to talk to Veronica. Leave us, please.”

“Yes, Mistress.” Benita left hurriedly.

Martha turned her gaze to Veronica. “An exquisite submissive, don’t you think? If we were interested in expanding our trio, we would collar her.”

“She’s lovely. I think anyone who collars her will not be disappointed.” Veronica met Martha’s gaze and lifted her chin. We? Trio. She and Lucia and who? She respects me, knows I’m a top. She gets me.

Martha motioned to the captain’s chair and Veronica sat down. Martha sat behind the desk. She turned the black binder to face Veronica and opened it. “Each horse has a page detailing their training and personality description and, directly behind it, a form with recent health history. I expect you to learn them and be able to assign a horse for our guests who want to ride. The password for the computer system is listed. You’ll need to coordinate with the vet and the blacksmith. Millie entered their numbers into your phone when she set you up on the house network. Anything you need to purchase for the barn work, put in a purchase order. Various submissives will be assigned to tasks to help you with keeping up the barn and fire ring in the wood. We’ve an indoor ring that will be your responsibility as well. There’s always help available. Please don’t be resistant to asking for it.” She rested her hand on top of the green binder. “Millie will provide you with an updated guest list each week along with detailed personal information. We strive to provide each guest a meticulous, perfectly planned, and executed experience according to their desires.” She arched an eyebrow. “Many of our guests think highly of their equestrian skills, but it would be wiser to underestimate what they can handle rather than overestimate.”

“I understand.” Veronica shifted in her chair as she examined the first page. “Are any of the horses off limits to guests?”

“Elaine does not care for her horse, Luna, to be used for guests. My horse, Bruno, is a warmblood and solid on the trail. For our taller guests he’s a perfect fit. He also tends to be chubby, so a little extra work for him is never a bad thing. Marco, the Friesian, is Lucia’s horse. He is extremely gentle and well mannered. Neither of us mind if our guests ride them. The rest of the horses were selected for their calm temperaments; all of them are decent on the trail. Bella’s a thoroughbred and can be a bit of a handful if she has not been exercised, so lunge her a bit before any of the guests ride her. She benefits from a more experienced rider with a firm attitude.”

Martha leaned back in her chair and rested her palms on the desk. “Do you have any other questions?”

Veronica flushed under Martha’s gaze. “Could you explain the house rules about contact between the other workers and myself?”

Martha smiled, and all Veronica could think of was a wolf about to devour a small animal. So like her sister. Damn.

“Has someone caught your eye?” The slight smirk on her face and light in her eyes suggested Martha had been informed Veronica might ask her the question. Millie told her. Loyal. No secrets here. “Ashley? Or perhaps Benita?”

“No.” Realizing from the surprised expression on Martha’s face how harsh her voice had been, Veronica softened her tone. “No. I don’t have anyone in mind.” Liar. “I want to understand the protocol, that’s all.”

Martha raised her eyebrow. “Keeping your options open. Very good. Anyone you see with a collar and a number tag is sworn to the house. They are submissives and employees. As submissives, they must ask permission from myself, Lucia, or Elaine to play with anyone outside of business obligations.”

Collars. Millie isn’t collared. Myfanwy’s collar is different. Robin wasn’t wearing a collar. Veronica rubbed her sweaty palms on her jeans. “What if they aren’t collared?”

Martha lifted an eyebrow, her expression appraising. “Then it is up to them. Only house submissives need to ask. It is a condition of their contracts.” Martha pinned Veronica with her gaze. “There are no restrictions on relationships as long as they don’t interfere with the services provided to our guests.” She pressed her lips together and a slight frown knit her forehead. “You’re a very handsome woman, Veronica. I expect you’ll receive attention from some of our guests. You are not expected nor required to respond to their advances. If anyone presses you, you must report it to me immediately.” The grim set of Martha’s mouth made Veronica feel sorry for anyone who violated Rowan House’s consent rule. “We have recently instituted a mandatory safe word policy, and it is strictly enforced between workers and guests. Some of our former guests are still getting used to the idea. If you observe any unsafe play, you are required to report it.”

Veronica opened her mouth to speak but stopped when Martha raised her hand. “If you decide you would like to scene with a guest, you are free to do so, as long as you follow house rules about consent and safe words, but you will not receive extra compensation unless you’d like to pledge to the house. If you’re interested in pledging to the house, a new contract can be drawn up with additional compensation.” Martha’s tone held no judgment, and she could have been describing a laundry list.

Veronica blew out a breath, her mouth dry. “I don’t expect I’ll want to interact with the guests in that way, but thank you for explaining my options.”

Martha tipped her chin at her. “You mean scene with a guest? Or pledge to the house?”

“Both.” Veronica pulled the binders into her lap, holding them like a shield in front of her body. “I’ll study these.” She dropped her gaze to the toes of her boots.

“Very good. If you have any other questions, my door is always open.”

 

VERONICA PLACED THE binders on the nightstand. She had eaten enough for two people at lunch because she had skipped breakfast. Not doing that again. She pulled off her jeans and fleece jacket, folded them, and placed them on the chair before she lay back on her bed. The soft scent of lavender filled her nose as she turned her head into the pillow. So much to learn. I’ll never get everyone’s name down. Roxy is funny as hell. Robin acts like I’m going to eat her, not in a good way. And Millie. She and Myfanwy. Elaine’s in love with Roxy. Does Roxy get it? Does Elaine?

She shifted on the bed and flipped the comforter over her body. Nothing scheduled for this afternoon. Her left shoulder ached, tight from the morning’s work, and she stretched to dispel the stiffness. She massaged the tight scar over her left deltoid. Could study the binders. Nah, nap then study.