Chapter Eight

“I missed the dressing up,” Joanne said as she twirled in front of the mirror.

“I have to admit, it’s half the fun about going to Club Devil’s Cove―choosing the perfect outfit to fit my mood. Of course, my moods always involve teasing and tantalizing my Dom,” Paige said with a dimple forming in her cheek. They shared a smile in the reflection. Paige Scott was Ethan Brodie’s fiancée

“Thanks for helping me with an outfit and the clothes. As soon as I can get to the bank, I’ll be able to buy my own.”

Joanne twisted this way and that, admiring the decadent purple and black burlesque corset embellished with black lace, and feathers edging the beautifully cut neckline, giving her a killer décolletage. Satin ribbons, hand-beaded fringe and sequin appliqués gave the corset a vintage look and since it was cut quite high, it drew the eyes to her shapely legs which were encased in sexy stockings and lace garters. It was a sexy outfit, completed with skimpy thong panties that made her feel wicked.

“I forgot what it felt like to feel beautiful and dolled up.”

“I don’t even want to imagine how restrictive it must have felt to have your breasts bound the entire time. It’s a wonder they didn’t flatten,” Paige said as she watched Joanne twirl on black stiletto pumps which they’d christened as ‘toes in bondage’. The shoes were adorned with purple leather strips woven in a crisscross pattern, dotted with gold studs. Jo looked gorgeous and oozed sensuality.

“It wasn’t easy. I started to fear that I was going to lose my femininity. Wearing heels and makeup . . . oh, I can’t tell you how good it feels!”

“Hm, on those spikes? You’re gonna kick them off in no time.”

“I don’t doubt that,” Joanne agreed with a whimsical smile. “So, shall we? I can’t wait to see Jack’s face when I walk into the club.”

“I’m surprised he hasn’t showed up here. Ethan told me how devastated he was when you disappeared.”

“He doesn’t know I’m back. Max didn’t tell him he found me because he didn’t want to get his hopes up. We felt it would be perfect to surprise him tonight at the club.”

Joanne and Paige had formed an immediate bond when they’d met the previous night. Ethan and Max lived a couple of houses from each other and it felt good to have someone she immediately found a rapport with.

Paige pointed to the collar around her neck.

“That’s gorgeous and enhances your outfit. You can tell me it’s none of my business, but you have none of your belongings here, so, where did that come from? I know enough about diamonds to know that’s the real thing.”

Joanne fingered the pear-shaped diamond with a smile. “Max locked it around my throat this morning.” She quickly told her what had happened. “Our relationship didn’t end well five years ago, so I was completely stumped when he gave it to me.”

“Are you ready for a relationship? So soon after . . . you know, after your ordeal?” Paige didn’t want to pry. She knew what effect sexual abuse had on women. She’d seen enough of it over the years at the clinics she’d worked at.

“I was the lucky one. I was specifically bought for Sheikh Lufti, who was under the misconception that I was a virgin, so the guards had strict instructions not to touch me. I managed to escape before it was too late. From then on, I was disguised as a man. To be honest, I don’t think it’s fully hit me yet. That I’m back home, you know.”

“Even though you weren’t in the same boat as the other women, you are still a victim of human trafficking. I hope you’re considering therapy,” Paige said gently.

“I don’t think Maximilian will give me a choice. I had to listen to his lecture all the way home from the safe house this morning when I told him I don’t need it.”

“Good and remember, I’m always around if you need to talk.”

“Thank you, Paige. I missed the camaraderie between friends. Don’t get me wrong, I made friends with other women in captivity, but it wasn’t the same.”

“Well, it’s over now. From this point on, you’re going to put it behind you.” Paige got up from the bed and hooked her arm into Joanne’s. “Shall we?”

Joanne grinned mischievously. She knew what affect her outfit would have on Max. The corset had been clinched in so tight that her breasts threatened to spill over. Her nipples peeked cheekily out at the top―just enough to tantalize and tease; exactly what she had planned for the night ahead. Maximilian’s eyes would be on her all-night long. His gaze wouldn’t stray to others.

Well, not if he knew what was good for him!

“We shall.” Joanne answered, putting on a trench coat over her scandalous outfit.

They got into the black SUV waiting for them in front of Ethan’s house. The two men had left earlier because they were on early CM duty at the club, but Max had been adamant on a security team driving them to the club. Joanne had balked at it at first, until Paige had suggested she stop fighting it and get used to it.

* * * * * * * *

Jack reacted like a movie reel played in slow motion. The shock on his face was almost comical. Joanne swallowed hard, her breathing increased as her defenses came tumbling down.

“Jack!” She choked, but before she could draw in the air her body demanded, she melted into her brother’s arms that enveloped her. She clung to his neck, feeling his heartbeat against her own. His hands folded around her back, holding her tight. Her body shook as tears started to fall. She cried for the missed time and the release of the tension of the past year. He pulled his head back, tenderly wiping away her tears. Joanne smiled at him through her tears. She traced his attractive face with eager eyes. Seeing him here made her realize how much she’d missed him.

“Jo, it’s really you! You’re here!” he exclaimed as he ran his hands through her hair like he couldn’t believe that she wasn’t a specter. He hugged her again, saying her name over and over. He looked up and found Max’s eyes. Jack mouthed a ‘thank you’, which Max responded to with a nod and a broad smile.

It was a good thing Joanne only had eyes for Jack when they’d arrived. It gave Max time to get his own emotions under control. Not to mention the lust that had spiked through him at the first glance of her standing under the wide arch leading into the Entertainment room of Club Devil’s Cove. He had forgotten how she used to affect him, all dressed up for the club. Joanne wore kink like she was born for it. A seductive siren, armed and ready, to awaken the Dom in him. He found it difficult to force his gaze from the satiny curves of her breasts that were a study in seductiveness. The coral pink edges of areolas caused his mouth to drool, her taste still fresh on his tongue.

It hadn’t escaped his attention how the other Doms were looking at her. Even Bruce and Lance seemed completely enamored. His breath caught in his throat when she stepped back from Jack and the soft lights caught the shimmering diamond around her neck.

She’s wearing it!

Max felt a sense of ownership fill every nuance of his being. Stronger than anything he’d ever experienced with any other woman. It was inexplicable, but this time it felt different.

Joanne was a natural submissive, but she’d always suppressed it―unconsciously so. She’d never truly embraced what it meant to give control of their sexual relationship over to him. She’d been too scared by preconceived beliefs to fully understand what he had been offering. She’d played the submissive perfectly when they were at the club but never understood what ultimate submission to him as her Dom entailed. She’d believed it was all about what he demanded and gained from being a powerful Dom. It was the main reason he’d walked away. He’d realized that she was too young and had needed time to find herself. She’d just begun her career and it was all that had mattered. She had been terrified that he was going to take that away from her.

But I shouldn’t have done it in such a callous way. I could’ve been gentler.

Max sighed. He’d failed in guiding her in a Dom-sub relationship. But at least he had the presence of mind to let her go, however hard it had been for him at the time. Maybe that was why he’d said the things he had―a defense mechanism to safeguard his heart as he’d watched her walk away.

He realized then that he should’ve waited longer but he had wanted Joanne since her eighteenth birthday. He’d moved too soon—way too soon. She had needed time to find herself and become the strong woman that now stood in front of him.

Now, she was ready. Maybe now, she would understand what they’d been missing. It wasn’t only about Domination. It was about the ultimate sense of security, for him, as much as for his sub.

“Well, don’t be selfish, Jack. Give the girl here. We missed her too,” Lance said. He pulled Joanne into his arms and hugged her tight. “Damn, it’s good to see you, little one,” he murmured against her hair.

Keon followed and then Rhone and Bruce hugged her too.

“Okay, enough,” Paige interceded. “You are smothering the poor woman. Joanne, this is Lauren, this big bear’s wife.”

Joanne smiled at Lauren who hugged her too. “We’re so happy that you’re back.”

Joanne glanced at Keon who stood next to Lauren with his hand curled possessively around the back of her neck.

“You got married?”

“Yes, also Beckie’s alive and back as well,” Keon said, smiling broadly. “And all because of this wonderful woman.”

For the next thirty minutes, Joanne demanded to be filled in on everything she’d missed. She was hyperaware of Max who stood watching silently. Not to mention the subs flocking around him.

“Continue teasing me like that, my pet, and you are sure to spend some time in the Devil’s Den with me later,” Max chuckled at the sub, who stood next to him, tracing his abs with a seductive brush of her fingers.

“He'll never change,” she muttered under her breath.

"Who, Max?" Jack asked. Joanne cursed herself for voicing her thoughts aloud.

“Yes. Still the most lecherous man I've ever come across.”

“And how would you know that, little sis? You couldn't stand Max from what I can recall,” Jack asked with raised eyebrows.

Shit! Keep your cool, Joanne!

She'd forgotten that Jack had never known about the relationship between her and Max. By the time he'd returned from the six-month covert op, they'd already broken up. She had chosen not to tell him who the bastard―his words at the time―was who had broken her heart. She had no intention of being the reason her brother and his best friend became enemies.

“I’ve never been blind to his libidinous ways, my dear brother,” she said with a chuckle.

“Well, I suppose it means you see all of us in that light then,” he laughed at her expression. “But we love you, nevertheless. Fuck, I’m so happy you’re home.” Jack pulled her against him and hugged her.

It didn’t surprise Joanne that Max had never told Jack either. It was just more proof that to him, it had been nothing more than a short-term fling.

Joanne could feel the familiar anger simmer inside her as she watched another woman’s hands on his body. She felt the resentment bubble inside her. Then she noticed it. She had watched him do it multiple times when they had been together.

Why did I never see it? Oh my god!

It was there in his eyes. Every time they touched him, his attention was on her and her alone. With his unwavering gaze, he let her know that she was the one who had his devotion. That it was her who excited him, who awakened the Dom in him.

I was such a fool!

Like it had been years ago, only she’d been too immature and jealous to see it, to realize just what Max had been trying to teach her about a Dom-sub relationship. What she’d seen as loss of control had been ownership of a different kind. Max had tried to guide her into finding her own secret fantasies, not force his onto her. She’d always thought she understood the power exchange between a Dom and a sub. That it signified that a sub freely chose to give up control and therefore she was owned.

But it had never been completely like that. Not with Max. He had never wanted to own me and that’s what I had failed to understand.

"Well, well, look who's here," Bruce’s deep voice interrupted her thoughts. Everyone followed his gaze toward the entrance of the entertainment area.

The sudden silence that descended on the group drew Joanne’s gaze in that direction as well. The petite blonde woman, who stood under the arch, was breathtaking. Her hair glowed like liquid gold as it cascaded over her shoulders. She was wearing a daring see-through, black mesh top with draped sleeves that showed off her phenomenal tits, jeweled pasties on her nipples, and a very short leather mini. She turned to respond to the receptionist and a collective sigh of appreciation escaped the men staring at her. The top had a low back and the skirt had a unique corseted detail on the back, with black satin ribbons crisscrossing over and leaving her buttocks bare.

The smile was still on her face when she turned and started walking toward them.

"Well, now look at this. Little Ace is still wearing your collar, Rhone. I would've thought she would’ve pawned it by now." Max said with a teasing glint in his eyes. All eyes turned to Rhone whose gaze was glued to the woman gliding closer. She was all seduction and temptation.

“Who is she?” Joanne whispered to Jack.

“Rhone’s sub, Samantha. They’d been living together for months but she walked away two months ago. It’s the first time she’s been back.”

“From Rhone’s expression, I think we can all agree that he’s missed her,” Max said under his breath.

“We’ve all been trying to get him to talk to her, but he’s being a complete ass-hat about it. She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to him and he completely fucked it up by closing her out,” Jack volunteered.

 “I’m so glad you decided to come, Sis. I’ve missed you,” Lauren said as she embraced her.

“I’ve been busy. We have a big order from a hotel group we’re working on,” Samantha said. She appeared at ease and completely unfazed by the scorching look the powerful Master Razor slanted at her.

“When Lauren told me that Max had found Jack’s sister, I just had to come and meet you.” Samantha smiled at Jack.

“I’ll be forever grateful to Max for finding her. And don’t think you’re getting away with not telling me, Max. I should’ve been there,” Jack scolded at Max.

Max shrugged his reproach off. “Let’s not darken such a joyous reunion with trivial things, Jack. Jo’s back. For now, let’s celebrate that.”

Rhone still hadn’t moved from where he stood staring at Samantha. She, on the other hand, made a point of ignoring him. She had a sensual smile on her lips and fluttered her eyelids at Bruce.

"I'm glad you're here, Master Goliath. Would you be interested in a scene with me?"

Bruce didn't answer immediately. He watched her and noticed the small twitch on the side of her temple. What was of more interest was the immediate tension in Rhone's body. Bruce rocked back on his heels.

"Well, seeing as you're asking so nicely. Yes, Ace. I would be―"

"No, he won't," Rhone said in a dark and dangerous voice.

Samantha ignored him and offered Bruce a sweet smile. Rhone’s lips flattened, and his jaw turned rigid at her blatant rebuff.

"Perfect. Shall we―"

"No, Ace. You shall not." Rhone snarled.

Her eyes swung to his. She straightened her shoulders and pushed her breasts forward in a bold, taunting move. It was evident to everyone that Samantha had come prepared for a battle. One, she had no intention of losing.

"And why exactly not?" Samantha’s chipped in a cold voice.

Rhone’s eyes dropped to the glittering diamond choker around her neck. "That collar marks you as mine, Ace, which means you came here as my sub.”

“Who says I don’t intend to return it to you?” She taunted.

Rhone’s body turned cold but none of the emotions showed on his impassive face. He tilted his head back and stared down his nose at her.

“Are you?” He called her bluff.

Samantha pressed her lips together, forcing her legs to obey and not break into a run, to throw herself in his arms.

“Well?” Rhone pressed her for an answer.

“I’m still thinking about it,” she snapped.

“Then, for as long as it remains around your neck, it means you’re my sub and under my control. You know exactly what that entails, don't you, Ace?" Rhone voice deepened; his eyes turned into dark pools of gray that held her gaze captive.

"Hmm, well, let me see, it's been so long that I can barely remember―"

"It means that you belong to me and I control your body. I’m the one who decides what pleasures you’re allowed. Yes, Ace, for as long as you're in this club and wearing my mark of ownership, you will yield to my dominance."

Joanne stared in awe at the two people. She was amazed that the tiny blond woman stood brave and fearless in front of the powerful Dom.

"I didn't expect anything less, Master Razor,” Samantha retorted. “So, I guess the question is, can you give me what I want and need tonight?"

Rhone covered the distance between them. Samantha could feel the quiver of excitement start at her toes and travel up her spine, leaving a trail of heat in its wake. She was enthralled by the sudden raw lust that reflected in his eyes, which he made no effort to hide. She pressed her thighs together, desperate to keep her sexual excitement contained. Like before, she was helpless against the instantaneous chemical attraction and reckless impulse to taunt him until he snapped and fucked her. She’d missed him terribly, which was why she couldn’t resist the temptation to visit the club. A classic case of, if Mohammed wouldn’t come to the mountain . . .

"I will be the only one in here to give you anything, Ace. You are my sub, by your own admission, which means you abide by my rules and in case you forgot, I decide when, how and what you need."

"And what if what I need tonight is someone like Master Goliath?" Samantha’s chin was tilted back in defiance as she continued to taunt him.

"Ace is treading on thin ice," Max voiced everyone's thoughts in a loud whisper. "Lucky for us she chose the biggest motherfucker among us. At least he will remain standing once Master Razor is done with him."

"How is that my fault?" Bruce grumbled. He was still watching Samantha speculatively. He knew what she was aiming for, and in all honesty, he didn't mind that she was using him to achieve it. He'd even be willing to battle with Rhone if it came to that. Maybe it would wake up his fucking ass and make him realize the feelings he was fighting so hard against.

Rhone's hand closed around Samantha's throat and he squeezed, forcing her on her toes. Her eyes widened but she willed her hands to remain on her hips and not claw at the hold he had on her.

"You want Master Goliath, Ace?" Rhone's deep voice was edged with an icy sharpness that warned Samantha she was pushing his boundaries.

“I―”

“Fuck, you are so beautiful,” Rhone’s voice rumbled unexpectedly. “And these pouty lips are all mine,” he said.

His head lowered to breach the space between them. Her gasp dissolved within the heat of his breath as he caught it within his mouth. He kissed her slowly, in a meshing of warmth, passion and need; a need that had been borne the moment he’d seen her standing there. The kiss turned demanding, forcing Samantha to acknowledge the power he still held over her. Not just as her Dom but as the keeper of her heart.

He lifted his head, far too soon in Samantha’s opinion. Her eyelids fluttered open to find his haunting gaze. The smile on his lips was no more than a twitch.

"Let it not be said that I don’t see to my sub’s needs. You want Master Goliath, my pet, then you shall have him."

His fingers closed around the back of her neck and he started walking toward the dungeon.

"Come on then, Master Goliath. Let's not keep my demanding sub waiting, shall we."

"Fuck me sideways," Keon rumbled as he stared after the trio, as shocked by Rhone’s reaction as the rest of them. "Rhone is gonna fuck this up. He's become too withdrawn since she'd left, to think straight. If he gives her to Master Goliath, she might just walk away for good this time."

"Yeah, sometimes a sub pushes the wrong buttons for the right reasons. Let's hope Bruce can talk some sense into the two of them," Jack said as he took a swig of whiskey.

"Sub? What about Doms?” Lauren’s heated gaze landed on Jack. “Don't tell me you agree with him, Jack. He's the one who fucked up. He should've understood why Ace did what she did. He should've been―"

"Red, calm down. You're preaching to the choir here. We're all on Ace's side. All of us want to see them get back together but I'm afraid Rhone . . . well, I guess none of us realized just how deep his wounds are," Keon pondered thoughtfully.