Chapter 18
Master
I’d crossed my own line and I knew it. From what started out with me giving in to my feelings and her needs, quickly became so intense that I’d pulled back from fear. Once again, I’d almost convinced myself to keep her, that things could work out if I let her in and showed her more of me. Then, reality set in. She’d only just decided she might want to live. If I lost another significant other, even a possible one, to suicide…I would lose it for sure. There’d be nothing left of me to resurrect this time.
Diane was beginning to mean too much to me. I ached to hold her. To hurt her. Imagining us separated left my heart aching and she hadn’t even left yet. Distance. It was time to put some between us. With her monthly arriving as if on cue, it was a fresh start. One that settled her mind and one that seemed to tell me to back off now, while I could.
My eyes rose to the monitor, watching as she typed my speech. She had no idea what to write. I’d told her to be creative. The content was something I couldn’t wait to read. I doubted I would actually use it, but I needed her focused on something and it sounded like a good enough excuse to break her in to her old life. If she could start writing again, she might have something to look forward to when it was her time to move on.
Vibrations from my phone had me looking down. Jaime’s name appeared on the front and I glanced at the time. He’d be here soon. Hell, he was probably already on his way.
I hit the button, going back to staring at Diane. The new bob haircut she sported fit her well. It was different, but a hell of a lot better than the butchering I had done.
“Hey, Jaime.”
“Don’t sound so depressed to be talking to me. Something happen? How’s Diane?”
My mouth twisted and I leaned back in the chair, letting my head rest against the leather. Darkness took over at my lids lowering. “She’s writing my speech. Did you get the stuff I told you to pick up?”
“I did. There’s some…very sexy lingerie in there. You want to tell me something?”
I opened my eyes, my jaw clenching at the all too familiar anger appearing. “You looked through my purchases?”
He laughed. “I wasn’t aware it was off limits. You never seemed to mind before.”
Shit. He was right. Usually I made him go through my orders to make sure everything was there. “The lingerie isn’t for me to get pleasure from. Not anymore, anyway. I just figured…” Fuck…I wanted the temptation. The excuse to lose it and ravage her. “Forget it. Do me a favor and throw them out. I thought her self-esteem could use a boost. Stupid idea.”
“You sure?” Jaime’s tone dropped. “I bet she’d look amazing all dressed up in those stockings, the garter belt at her waist... I can see it already. Maybe you should keep them just in case.”
“No.” The word gritted out past my clenched teeth. I knew exactly how she would look. If I saw her all dressed up as nothing more than a present to unwrap with my knife… it would be all over with.
“Can I keep them, then?”
I eased forward in my chair, my eyes going back to Diane. “What for? You planning on putting them on?” The tease was nothing more than a cover. The anger of his true motives weren’t sitting very well with the possessive side of me.
“Funny, but no. Listen.” He got quiet and I could feel my pulse start to hammer in my chest. “We both know she’s probably going to be alright. I’d like to bring her back to Portland with me. To try to help her, myself. There’s plenty of slaves waiting to come to you. Let me take her and you can have a new one.”
My hand fisted at the roaring in my ears. “You want to take my slave, Jaime?” The threat was evident to me and I was sure he’d caught it.
“Master.” He hesitated. “If you don’t have any objections, of course…I do. I want her. I think there might be a chance she and I could connect.”
“Connect.” A smile pulled at my mouth, but not of the happy kind. The sadistic part of me begged to hurt him for even daring to ask. “Let’s be blunt. You think you could connect enough to fuck her, is that it?”
“Jesus,” he breathed out. “Listen, I like her. If she were to like me to, it wouldn’t merely be fucking. Besides, I’m ready to settle down.”
The smile grew larger. “Oh, are you? I wasn’t aware of that. Since when? If I recall, you just broke up with Jasmine not two weeks before I got Diane. Why not just go back to her?”
More silence. “Diane will get me more than any other woman will. She’s seen what I have. Been to hell and back. We’ll click, I just know it. Please. Let me take her back with me in a few days. I’ll get my place secured like yours is. At least until she’s well enough. Then, it’ll work out for everyone. If she doesn’t grow feelings for me, not a problem. I’ll still continue to make her better and she can move on with her life just like she would with you.”
Fuck if he wasn’t giving me a way out. But to just hand her over to him? My head shook. “No. I can’t do that, Jaime. I’m sorry, but I’ve taken responsibility for her. If something were to happen, it’d be my fault, regardless if you took blame or not.”
Diane stood, stretching. Her face turned toward my door and I pushed my fingertips into the desk. God, I wanted her all over again. Wanted what we shared last night, before I ruined it.
“Can I start coming over to see her then? Maybe spend some time with her so she can get to know me? It might help her heal on the inside. A counteragent to…well, you.”
My eyebrows drew in. “We’ll talk about it later. Are you on your way?”
“Yeah, I’m actually almost there. I just thought I would call because it was driving me crazy and I knew we wouldn’t be able to talk with her there.”
I stood, pushing the chair in. “I’ll see you when you get here.” The line disconnected and I placed the phone in my pocket. Diane was still standing, staring toward my door, as I walked into her room.
“Did you finish?”
Sadness. Yes. The invisible force bellowed out around her, pulling me in until all I wanted to do was comfort her from being the asshole I’d acted like this morning. No sweet words. No kisses or hugs for the amazing attention she’d given me the night before. Just one word when her eyes had opened and she smiled at me. Bathroom.
I had meant to force her back into routine. The anger over the situation had tainted my voice and the beautiful expression she’d held melted off as if I’d slapped her across the face. Fuck, I’d never felt like more of a bastard in my life.
“Yes, Master.” She walked over, grabbing the sheet of paper and bringing it to me. I lifted it, only to jerk the sheet to the side at her collapsing to kneel at my feet. Nothing came at her submission, no thoughts or words. I hadn’t told her to do that, yet she’d instinctively known from me pushing her to kneel this morning while I started her bath water.
Slowly, I drew the paper up, still unable to focus. The black ink blurred together until finally I could scan over the introduction. As I read even more, I couldn’t stop my eyes from widening at the detail and personal link my slave had for the cancer society. I’d forgotten when I’d asked her to write it that she was a nurse and had lived seeing those children suffer every day.
Still, I scanned down, taking in each line and relating it to what I would have to say. In the past, I had written my own speeches. The difference was clear. Empathy. She had it. Me…not so much. Not because I didn’t feel for the patients, but because I hadn’t experienced the pain like she had.
“This is wonderful. You did well.” My hand reached for her hair and heaviness pulled at my chest as I eased her head into my thigh. God, to have her like this with me forever as a partner. What a dream. It was impossible. I couldn’t have two slaves here at all times. I needed to focus. I wouldn’t be able to do that if my attention was on Diane. The responsibility was too great to chance. Someone could die and I couldn’t let that happen.
“I’m glad you like it, Master. Writing that was painful, but I think I know what I need to do.”
I crouched before her, sliding my finger under her chin to make her face me. “And what is that?”
“Nursing. Not with children again, and not in this field, but I could still help.”
My hand rose to rest on her cheek. Instantly, she turned into my touch. The quick jerk away told me she’d caught herself a little too late.
“Jaime asked, if I could do one good thing before I died, what would it be? I didn’t know. I’m still not sure. But I thought maybe I could contribute by using the skills I possess until I figured it out.”
“Wouldn’t your skills be enough?”
Diane’s eyes lifted to mine. “No. Not to me. I want to help more than that. I’ll figure it out, but at least that’s a start. When I leave here, I’m going to go back to nursing. Then, maybe I’ll find my own charity to become involved in. Maybe to help women like me.”
If only we could do it together…impossible.
“That sounds like a great plan, slave. You have a start. That’s important.”
“Master?”
“Yes?”
I stood, pulling her to stand, too.
“How much longer would you say I have? I’m not rushing to leave, I’m just curious.”
Such a change in you, slave. “A few more weeks. If you continue to improve, I’ll make my decision then.”
“Thank you. Not just for this…but—”
A knock had me turning around. Jaime’s eyes were wide as he stepped in the room. “What happened to your hair? Wow! I almost didn’t recognize you. Come, let me see.”
Diane’s eyes rose to mine while she waited for my permission. Amazing. “Go ahead,” I said softly.
As she walked over, the look on my friend’s face was genuine. He liked it, just as I did.
“So beautiful.” He walked a circle around her and I couldn’t stop the anger as I viewed him as the predator I knew that lived inside. Jaime was too much like me. Dominant. Sadistic. Maybe not to my level, but I’d yet to see him stay interested in a woman long enough to find out.
“You think so? I still don’t know. It’s hard to look at myself in the mirror.”
“I love it.” He stopped directly in front of her. “It suits you. What made you decide to cut it?”
Her head turned and her eyes came to me.
“I cut it. Well, not like that. We had it fixed this morning.”
The smile melted from Jaime’s face. “You cut her hair off? In anger?”
“Yes, I did. And I’d do it again. She deserved it.”
Diane’s mouth pursed, but she kept quiet.
“Where’s the stuff?” I stepped forward, coming more toward them. Jaime’s head gestured to the door.
“I put it outside your door.” Still, his eyes kept coming back to Diane. I didn’t like it. Not at all.
“Slave, come with me. I got you something to wear for tonight. You can get ready while Jaime and I get everything prepared.”
Diane followed me to the bags and I handed them over, motioning with my finger for her to leave us. At her door shutting, I reached into my pocket, taking my phone out, and started for the stairs. My fingers fumbled over the buttons while I pulled up the monitors.
“Prepare? I thought you had the food delivered?”
My eyes cut over as I entered the kitchen. “I did, but the food isn’t going to make it to the table by itself. Here.” I put down the phone and opened the cabinet, taking out three plates. Jaime was staring down at my screen while I held them out. Diane was undressed, standing in her bra and panties, but with her back facing the camera.
“Fuck, she is amazing. That ass…”
“Hey,” I snapped. “You focus on what’s happening here. Not there.” I pushed the plates into his chest. Jealousy scorched my insides, making the beast in me roar with the need to protect what it felt was mine.
“Jesus. You know, if I wasn’t smart, I’d say you’ve fallen for your slave.”
I took out the glasses and silverware, pausing before I took out a third knife.
“You’re wrong, Jaime. I haven’t fallen for anyone. She’s obviously getting dressed and if you didn’t put something in there that will harm her, she doesn’t deserve to be spied on. Especially with your intentions.”
What a hypocrite I was, but he didn’t need to know that.
I turned the phone over, taking one last look at her sliding the dress past her curvy hips. Damn, she did look good wearing panties and a bra. I’d seen her nude for so long that the material served as a tease.
“We’ll eat in the formal dining room tonight, so go ahead and set everything up while I carry the food over.”
Jaime disappeared and I picked up my phone, hitting the button to turn it off as I placed it back in my pocket. I could trust her for now. If she didn’t appear in the next few minutes, I’d check on her again.
The oven was still going, keeping the steaks warm. I walked past them to the fridge and took out the sides. The white boxes were something I was used to. They were Mrs. Clawson’s and she’d been cooking for me for years now. The big orders to the supermarket were made monthly and I usually took trips to pick them up in between slaves, but Diane was taking longer than the others.
“Here, let me have those.” Jaime walked up and I turned, handing them over. As he disappeared through the door again, I placed my palms on the counter, lowering my head. I couldn’t stop the truth from sinking in no matter how hard I tried to deny it. Last night had changed things. I’d given her something I never should have. By going back to being Master, I knew she would have a hard time growing feelings for me, but what if it wasn’t enough? Here I was, taking a broken woman and trying to fix her. Feelings for each other didn’t mix well in that field. When we separated, would she be okay…or would she want more from me? It was almost enough to make me reconsider Jaime’s offer. Would it be best to separate from her now? Could I let her go so soon? What if something did happen because I didn’t build her strength up enough before I let her go? Shit. I was so damn confused and that never happened.
I pulled my phone back out, not able to take it anymore. As the monitor came on, I narrowed my eyes. Diane wasn’t in her room. My finger swiped to the next screen even as I made my way to the entry of the kitchen to see if she was coming down the stairs. Nothing.
Parlor, study, my bathroom, my bedroom…I stopped, seeing her lying on my bed. The sobs that wracked her body were evident. Uneasiness had me taking a step forward.
“You going to check on her?”
I stopped, turning to look at Jaime. “Yeah. We’ll be right down.”
He nodded and I stopped my advance. “Why don’t you go check on her? She’s in my room.” The words made me sick, but I had to know how they were together without me there. A plan was beginning to push into the back of my mind and I couldn’t stop myself from putting it into motion.
Jaime swept past, heading for the stairs. I stayed still while I watched him take them two at a time. My pulse was escalating by the second. Would she let him comfort her? How far would he try to go to calm her? Too many questions and I was nervous to have them answered.
My stare lowered to the screen. Diane had my pillow in her arms and she was curled around it. What caused the breakdown? Something had to have triggered it. Was it me? She had been about to tell me something before we were interrupted.
Jaime stepped through the threshold, slowly advancing toward her. I hit the volume, turning up the sound.
“You okay?”
Diane pushed up, wiping her cheeks as she plastered a smile to her face. “Oh, yes, sorry. I was just on my way down. I don’t know what came over me.”
Jaime advanced forward until he came to sit on the edge of the bed. His large frame made her look tiny next to him. Is that how we appeared? I was taller and a little wider than he was.
“Do you want to talk about it? About this?” His hand rose, wrapping around the hair that framed her face. My hand squeezed around the phone tighter, but I stayed still, letting the fire take over my insides. This was Jaime. I shouldn’t have been so upset.
“No,” she whispered, moving back to fit herself against the headboard.
Jaime turned more in her direction, adjusting himself on the bed. “How is this going, Diane? Overall, is Master treating you okay? I haven’t really had a chance to talk to you.”
I knew I should storm upstairs and end it, but I was curious of what she thought, too. I knew nothing good could come out of it, but I couldn’t resist.
“Everything is…fine. Why? Does it even really matter? You can’t do anything about it, just like I can’t. It’s pointless to even talk about this right now.”
“I don’t think so.” His voice was smooth, calm, as he tried coaxing her to converse with him. “It would make me happy to hear how things are going for you. You’ve come so far. I’m very proud of that.”
Diane’s eyes narrowed while she stared across the room. “I said I don’t want to talk about it. I’m…more worried how my life is going to play out after this is all over.”
Jaime nodded. “That’s understandable. Do you have a plan?”
“I do. What you said to me on the way over, it’s made me question a lot of things. You asked if I could do one good thing, what would it be. I’ve decided to go back to nursing. But that’s not my good deed. I want to do more. Something charity related like Master. I just don’t know what yet.”
A smile came to his face and he reached out and grabbed her hand. Diane’s head snapped over, but she didn’t remove it from his grasp.
“I think it’s wonderful that you’ve chosen that path. You know, I’m a part of several charities, too. I could help you pick which one is right for you.”
“You’d help me do that?”
The edge of his mouth pulled back. “I’d probably do anything you asked. Within reason, of course.”
Open flirtation. I breathed out deeply, trying to gain control. This wasn’t a big deal. Diane was a beautiful woman. Faulting Jaime was pointless. I couldn’t blame him for finding her attractive.
“You really should stop doing that,” she said lowly.
“Doing what? Complimenting you? Showing interest?”
The hair framing her face swayed as she nodded. “Yes. You don’t mean it. You’re just trying to make me feel better. It’s very sweet, but really, it’s uncalled for. I’m fine.”
“You know, when I said you shouldn’t be embarrassed from the spankings Master gave you, I meant that. You have a very nice ass. I wouldn’t have said it if it wasn’t the truth. That wasn’t me trying to make you feel better because of your punishment. That was me being honest. What do you think about that?”
So, that had been what he whispered. It took all I had to calm. The only thing keeping me in a stable state of mind was watching the screen. Diane’s lips parted and she turned away. “Then you should stay away from me. I’m clearly a walking disaster. Surely, you see that.”
I sat down on the fourth step from the bottom, not even knowing how I got there. Still, I watched.
“You may see yourself that way, but what I see is an extremely strong woman. I know what Master is capable of, and here you are. Your spirit isn’t broken. You have a plan. A way to succeed at life now, if that’s what you choose. I’m enamored by you, Diane.”
“Fuck,” I breathed out. Could I keep watching this? My hand held to the step as an anchor so I didn’t ruin what else might happen between them.
Her hand pulled back from his. “I’m flattered, Jaime. I really am, but I’m sorry. I’m not sure I’m ready to have anyone’s attention yet. You understand, don’t you?”
Damn if he didn’t reach back out and grab her hand again. “I have all the time in the world.” He placed a kiss on her knuckles. “Shall we? Master is probably wondering what’s taking so long.”
I stood, heading to the kitchen, at the same time, turning off the volume to the phone. Diane was already standing. I closed out the monitors and pushed the phone in my pocket. Well, at least she’d made her feelings clear, and they didn’t seem interested in a relationship of any kind. Something about that sparked my bad side.
Clicking from her stilettos sounded in the distance. I pretended not to hear as I pulled out the steaks and placed them on the top of the stove. While I arranged them on a platter, I couldn’t stop the slight shaking of my hands. Everything in me — the good, the bad — it wanted to possess her in every way imaginable. To pull her into me and tell her she didn’t have a choice on the attention I wanted to bestow upon her. Relationship, be damned. If I wanted to have one with her, I would. And she’d fucking love it. But, I had to think more on this plan. Figure out what I wanted for her and what was best.
The footsteps entered the room and I turned with the tray. It nearly fell from my hands at seeing her arm wrapped around his. They appeared the couple. It could happen over time. If I stepped away and let it. “After both of you.”
Diane wouldn’t even look at me as he led her into the formal dining room. I followed, setting the tray down while Jaime pushed her chair in. My head shook from the selfish need and the decision to let her eat on her own was suddenly out of the picture. “Slave, down.”
Still, no reaction. She stood, coming to kneel at the side of my chair as I took my seat. A comfort came over at me at having her by my side. The false ownership made me thrive. At least I had her now and I’d damn well take advantage of it. My eyes lifted to look down the table. Jaime appeared neither upset nor amused. Just…lustful of her submission.
“So,” I forced a smile, “you’ve put in for vacation. Where do you plan to celebrate this time? France? Italy? You mentioned those not too long ago.”
Jaime reached for the side dishes, taking his time placing them on the plate. “I was actually thinking of staying around here. Maybe just relaxing at home. Haven’t really decided yet.”
I followed suit, filling my plate with enough to feed both Diane and me. “Sounds like an excellent vacation to me. Although, I think I’ll be taking one here soon, too. After my slave is dealt with accordingly, of course. And if the opportunity presents itself.”
The look of surprise couldn’t be hidden from Jaime’s face. Even Diane’s head lifted the smallest amount. There we go, baby. Let’s see what gets your attention.
“Oh yeah? Where are you going?” Jaime took a bite as he waited.
“I have a place in New York. I think I’ll go up there for a few weeks. Either that, or I’ve been considered exploring the French Polynesia Islands. I hear it’s beautiful there.
“Nice. I want to go.” Jaime threw me a playful smile and I shook my head, laughing.
“You are not allowed. Not after the last time.”
His head tilted and his face grew serious. “Hey, that’s not fair. I had no idea I’d get seasick. First boating experience and the last.”
“It’s a yacht, not a boat. Besides, you nearly wiped out my Scotch…and you snore.”
Diane laughed and I looked down, my smile broadening as she continued to stare at the floor.
“Do you get seasick, slave?”
Green eyes rose to meet mine. “I’m not sure, Master. I’ve never been on one, either.”
My head shook back and forth. “And here I thought Jaime had been the sheltered one. Seems it isn’t just him.” I put some mashed potatoes on the fork, trying to ignore the glimpse of cleavage I caught as I turned to give her a bite. My eyes stayed glued to her lips as they encased the utensil and the tip of her tongue darted out, licking the food away. Fuck…those lips…that tongue. They’d done wonders to my cock, and it knew it. The hardness pushed against my pants and I shifted as I brought the fork back up.
“What about flying? Have you not done that, either?” It was said as a joke, but from her expression, I almost wished I could take my words back.
“No, Master.” She paused. “Ronnie and I drove everywhere. I was too afraid to fly and he never pushed the issue. He liked road trips.”
I sighed, preparing her another bite. “Fear enables us to miss out on things in life. Perhaps if you continue on your idea of a new start, you can incorporate some of these things into your plans.”
“You want me to fly somewhere?”
I shrugged, feeding her more. “It’ll be up to you, but I encourage it.”
Diane stayed silent, nodding as I removed the fork. Only when she swallowed did she speak. “Maybe I will. I’ve always wanted to go to Rome.”
“Beautiful,” Jaime said, rushing in. “You’d love it there.”
“I’m sure I would.” Her eyes lowered and I saw her mood decline. I started eating, taking turns feeding her. By the time we were finished, I was sure my cock couldn’t ache any more. Standing was out of the question.
I pulled my keys out, tossing them down the table. “Jaime, why don’t you grab the Scotch.”
“Now, that, I can do.” He stood, leaving the room. I turned the top half of my body toward Diane. Her breasts pulled at me and I reached down, dipping my finger just past the material to trail along the low cut lining.
“I’m half tempted to leave with you tonight. I’d like to see you scared.” I smiled as she stared up at me, wide-eyed.
“I don’t think I’m ready to fly yet. I don’t want to.”
“We both know your opinion doesn’t matter. Besides, you lucked out. I have that speech to make. Maybe in the future.” What the fuck was I saying? I was supposed to be distancing myself. My possible plan…it made itself known again.
Her bottom lip came out and I reached down, using my thumb to pull it back. “Pouting has consequences. You’ll get yours after Jaime leaves.”
“Yes, Master.” Anger swelled, flashing on her face, but she kept it inside as I removed my touch. Jaime strolled through, not seeming to notice her change in mood as he sat the decanter and glasses on the table. Three glasses to be exact. My mind rolled through the options. How would Diane behave under the influence? She’d be more prone to be brave. Would her temper get the best of her? Would she open up to me if I asked her questions? The possibilities were endless.
I reached forward, pouring both of us a glass. “Drink.” Not an option. The order had her reaching forward even after the slight withdraw. So…she didn’t really want it. Too bad. I was anxious to see what would happen.
Jaime poured himself a glass and pulled out the chair next to Diane. At the offer of the cigar, I took it, letting him light it. The smooth flavor rolled over my tongue while I inhaled.
“Very nice. Where’d you get these?”
He laughed. “A gift from some potential clients.”
“Even better.” I took off my jacket, removing the cuffs so I could roll up my sleeves. Diane shifted at my feet and I longed to grab her hair and pull her higher on her knees. Have her suck my cock while I drank my Scotch and smoked my cigar. Perhaps I would once Jaime left.
I took a drink, eyeing my friend as he stared down at her. Not lustful like before, but more curious.
“Drink, slave.”
She moved again and I knew her knees had to have been hurting. The glass rose while her eyes met mine, challengingly. In one drink, she finished off half of it. The coughing that followed had me pulling her to stand before me. I took the glass, placing it on the table. “You are the most stubborn woman I’ve ever met.”
“I don’t drink, nor do I want to…Master.”
“Too bad. Now pick up the damn glass and sip on it. And sit.” I patted my leg and her eyes widened. From the glance she threw Jaime, I knew she didn’t want to in front of him, but she obeyed, sitting as far away from me as she could. I put down my glass and handed Jaime my cigar. My hands gripped her hips and I pulled until her back was against my chest. “There. You want to act like a baby, I’ll treat you like one. Drink,” I said, handing her the glass.
“Jaime.” I reached for the cigar and used the same hand to pull my drink closer. Diane wiggled and I tried to not moan or have a reaction as I gave my friend my full attention. “If my slave is allowed to ever leave, I’ll be setting her up with Rachel. Make sure to talk to her tomorrow. I think she and Diane are a good fit.”
“Rachel…I think you may be right.” He pulled out his phone, typing away in what I assumed were his notes. “Is there a length of time you want them paired?”
“Six weeks. Not a day earlier.”
“Done.” He continued to move his fingers against the screen, but I barely noticed. The only thing I knew was the smell of Diane’s hair, or the faster than normal breaths as she continued to squirm.
“Master,” she said softly, turning toward me. Our faces were but inches apart. I wanted nothing more than to kiss her like I had last night. Slow. Passionate. Fuck, I was making this impossible on myself. Why wasn’t I sending her back with Jaime? I should. She might be safer than she was within the walls of my home.
I licked my lips, holding her stare. “Yes?”
“Who’s Rachel?”
“Suicide councilor. A friend of mine.”
Her eyes lowered for the briefest moment.
“You’ll like her. And you’re going, or else you come back here. It’s non-negotiable.”
“I’ll go.”
I wanted to smile; instead, I kept my face expressionless. “Good girl. Now, drink.”
A deep exhale left her and she brought the glass to her lips, sipping, just as I told her to.
“All set up. I’ll contact her in the morning. What about housing?” Jaime went on.
“I have a house,” Diane rushed in.
My fingers pushed through the hair at the nape of her neck, not pulling, just securing into place so she had to look at me. “Did I ask you to join this conversation?”
“No, Master.”
“This is between Jaime and me. You are to listen. What I decide is what you’ll do. Besides, we both know you’ll not be going back to your house, ever. Not to live, anyway.”
“You don’t know that,” she snapped. “I may very well move back there just to prove to you that you don’t know everything you think you do!” Diane’s lips pressed together and she looked a cross between pale and pissed.
A sadistic smile pulled at the edge of my lips as we stared at each other. I knew she was aware that she was going to pay from her outburst, even more than she already was. And I couldn’t wait. But she had no idea what I had in store and it wasn’t what I’d normal do. Her body was too bruised to add to them.
“I’m sorry, Master. I wasn’t thinking.”
“I guess that’s something else you’re going to have to work on.”
My head turned and I looked at Jaime. It was evident he loved the way I treated her. “I’ll let you know on the living arrangements soon. I may very well end up giving her to you. Perhaps, she’d like that.”
The panic that clouded her features as I glanced over told me quite the opposite, but she kept quiet. Fear had the power to shut people down completely. Diane was about as compliant as she could be. She’d go if I told her to. And she’d stay, because if she didn’t, she knew what I’d do if I ever found her. I could read it in her eyes. Fear. I had her right where I wanted and she didn’t even know it. Poor thing.
“I’d very much be honored for her to live with me. For however long she wishes.” Jaime smiled and I let go of her head.
“Tell him thank you for the generosity, slave.”
Tears and anger shown through, but she turned and faced him. “Thank you, Jaime. That is very kind of you to offer me a place to live.”
The glass rose to his lips as he nodded. Diane didn’t need me to tell her again. Shakily, she took her own drink. The cigar smoke billowed around, perfuming the air with the strong aroma. I brought it to my lips, inhaling deeply. The burn in my lungs sent a calming sensation through me. I leaned back more, relaxing, noticing that Diane had automatically curled into me. The flickering of Jaime’s stare sent a sense of satisfaction, yet an all too striking truth. I was making it clear to him who she belonged to, whether I wanted her or not. She’s was choosing me and the asshole that I’d become concerning her was inexcusable. Still, the damage was done, and I’d be damned to put her down. Regardless of my decision, I didn’t want him to have her. I couldn’t see them together like that.
“I should be taking off soon.” He set his glass down and Diane flew forward to sit up.
“You can’t leave.” The way she shook her head sent her hair flying. I could hear the anxiety in her tone. She turned to me, desperation nearly causing her to crumble completely. “Tell him he can’t leave. Tell him we won’t let him.”
“I have to go home,” he laughed. “I have appointments in the morning.”
Before I could say a word, she flew off my lap, lunging for Jaime. He was just as taken aback as I was. She pushed her hands into his pockets while he moved to the side, sliding off the chair. But not fast enough. Diane had his keys and bolted from the room, faster than I could have imagined in the stilettos she wore.
“Slave,” I growled, racing after her.
She was halfway up the stairs before I grabbed the railing. I took two steps at a time, grasping her ankle just as she broke into the hallway.
“Stop it! No, I won’t let him go.” The heel kicked toward me as she turned and clawed at the wood. I managed to make my way up, blocking her legs so I could cover her body.
“Give me the keys.”
Her clutched hands forced their way behind her back. “Never.”
“Give. Me. The. Keys.”
Tears streamed down her face and the sob that tore from her throat twisted at my insides. “I can’t, Master. I really can’t.”
“Tell me why. What is this all about?” My tone became soothing at the terror she was experiencing. I didn’t understand, but I wasn’t blind enough not to see that she was having some sort of genuine break down.
“He’ll k-ill some-one.” Her voice was broken up as she fell even further apart. “What if…it’s…a child? Or…” The words were gone, the wracking of her chest so heavy that I rolled to my side, pulling her in my arms so I could hold her tightly. Jaime came into view and I couldn’t move. All I was capable of was comforting my slave. The woman who’d brought me back to life after I thought I was just as dead as I had wanted to be.
“You’ll stay in the guest bedroom downstairs tonight.”
He nodded his head, no doubt hearing what she’d said. He knew how her husband and daughter were killed, and she was right. One drink was one too many for anyone to get behind the wheel. I only wished I would have considered it first.
“That was very smart of you. I’m proud that you went against my rules to stand up for what was right, but you could have expressed this without reacting the way you did.” My hand brushed back the hair sticking to her wet face. “Look at me.”
Bloodshot eyes rose to mine, the green so bright that it was hypnotizing. I had to force myself to go on.
“Go get in the shower and get ready for bed. I’ll be in there shortly.”
“I’m sorry, Master. I just couldn’t let him kill someone or himself. Not when I could do something about it.”
I kissed her forehead, hugging onto her even more. “You did the right thing. Now, do as Master says.” I stood, helping her up. She paused, but gave me the keys. My hand lifted to show them to her and then I pushed them into my pocket.
“He stays. Now, go.”