Lucas took a step toward her.

“Don’t.” Slater pressed the gun into her belly as he addressed Lucas. “Don’t you come any closer, and the guy behind me better move, too.”

She went perfectly still, looking over at the stage where Jack was fully into his aftercare, talking Sam down, soothing him. His big hands ran over Sam’s skin. He wasn’t paying any attention to the fact that his wife had a gun shoved in her belly. Julian was, though. The club owner’s face had lost its color, but other than that, he appeared outwardly calm. Like this wasn’t his first rodeo.

“We can talk about this, Slater,” Julian said in that authoritative voice of his.

Lucas was trying to get Jack’s attention, but there was an awful lot of noise now that the punishment was over. People were milling about, some starting scenes of their own.

Leo moved to stand beside his boss, but his eyes were on her. There was an air of competence about him as though he was merely waiting for the opportunity to present itself. If she had to guess, she would definitely say Master Leo was ex-military.

His voice was steady as he stared at Slater. “Where do you think you’re going, Slater? Do you honestly believe you can get out of here with Mrs. Barnes?”

Slater’s hands tightened around her upper arm painfully and she bit back a cry. She’d just had a whip applied to her ass, but this hurt far worse. Her mind was racing. Jack was going to flip out. He didn’t need this. In her panic, she knew exactly who to blame. She felt her face get stubborn. It was the only way to stem the tide of panic. “Maybe you should install some metal detectors, Julian.”

Julian’s eyebrow shot up. He glanced around. “Have you seen my clients, dear? No one would make it through.”

Leo shook his head ruefully. “That little sub still needs a spanking.”

They were being awfully calm about her kidnapping. Julian actually checked his watch. Lucas was the only one who appeared concerned.

“Look, Matthew,” Lucas started, his hands shaking. “I’m the one you want. I’ll go with you. Let Abby go. She doesn’t have anything to do with this. I’ll go talk to my dad. We’ll work everything out. All you have to do is let her go and take me instead.”

“I think she’ll be easier to deal with than you, Lucas. I’m leaving, and I doubt Lodge there is going to call the cops on me.” Slater was trying to be tough, but there was a distinct tremor in his voice. “I’m sure he doesn’t want the police to know what goes on in this place.”

Julian shot Leo an acerbic glance. “I thought I saw the police chief in the playroom.”

Leo nodded. “Yes, I spoke with him earlier. He was with the district attorney. They brought their ‘nieces.’”

“And I am not going to be easier to deal with than Lucas,” she proclaimed.

Jack was staring over at the group, a worried look dawning on his face. She tried smiling at him to keep him calm. The last thing this unplanned scene of hers needed was her bull of a husband rushing in to save her. He’d been shot once in defense of her. It was someone else’s turn.

“You are going to be quiet, Mrs. Barnes, or I’m going to shoot you,” Slater promised.

“I doubt that.” This time Julian’s voice was all smooth satisfaction. “Look, Leo, our guests have arrived.”

Slater turned. It was just the opportunity she needed. The gun dropped slightly from her side and she brought the heel of her four-and-a-half-inch purple peep-toe Christian Louboutin down on her captor’s toes. He howled, the gun dropping from his hand. Lucas reached forward and pulled her away, covering her body with his.

“What the hell is going on?” Jack’s shout resonated through the dungeon.

Leo calmly picked up the gun and tucked it into his pants. He was far too comfortable with the revolver. Sam’s arms were suddenly tugging her back, and she found herself watching the rest of the action from behind Sam and Lucas.

“Don’t worry yourself, Jackson.” Julian nodded to the three men in pinstriped suits currently helping Slater stand up. “I believe Mr. Conti is going to take care of our friend.” He turned his attention to the new group in the room. “You spoke with my security manager? I was informed that you have some business to handle with Mr. Slater.”

“Indeed we do, Mr. Lodge. And I thank you and Mr. Taggart for reaching out and giving me this chance.” The man talking was the smallest of the three men, but there was no doubt that he was in charge.

She stared at him from behind Sam’s back. When she tried to get a better view, Lucas held her back. Damn protective men always kept her out of the good stuff. The three newcomers looked out of place in the dungeon. They did not, however, act uncomfortable. The largest of the three had a hold of Slater’s neck from the back. He held the campaign manager like he would hold an unruly puppy.

Slater’s face flushed. His eyes had a distinct sheen of moisture coating them. His gaze was fully concentrated on the leader of the pinstriped suits. “I’ve got the money. I really do. I just need a little time.”

Mr. Conti smiled, though there was nothing humorous about it. It was the smile a shark gave his next meal. “Your time was up three days ago.”

If Abby had to guess, she would say Mr. Conti was straight out of Jersey.

Slater puffed up. “I am well known. You can’t harm me. Do you know who I work for?”

The three dark-haired men laughed. Mr. Conti smoothed down his tie. “I talked to your boss not an hour ago. The senator understands business. I believe you will find yourself out of a job.”

“The senator might be annoyed with his son,” Julian interjected, “but he would never allow you to harm him.”

“He saves that for himself,” Lucas said, nodding.

“Did that man pull a gun on my wife?” Jack’s question was ground out of his mouth.

Julian put a hand on his shoulder. “There’s nothing you can do, Jackson, which will compare to what Mr. Conti has in mind. His organization has a long history of handling people like Mr. Slater.”

Conti nodded at his compatriots, and Slater was hauled off before Jack could decide to go after him. “As always, Mr. Lodge, it is good to do business with you. As for Mr. Slater assaulting the lovely lady, I will make sure to add it to his tab. Good night.”

Mr. Conti nodded and followed his men. No one seemed to think a thing about the crying, pleading man being carried bodily out of the building.

Sam finally relented, and Abby hurried to get to Jack.

All in all, it had been a hell of a night and she wanted to talk about everything that had happened. “That man was from the mafia, Jack.”

Jack didn’t seem to share her enthusiasm. “You think?”

She ignored him. Jack sometimes didn’t see how exciting life could be. “I do. I think Slater was planning on doing something terrible to Lucas so he could save the senator’s political career. But Julian’s a paranoid pervert and has cameras all over the building and caught him helping Jeremy when he tried to drug Lucas last night. I think they were trying to hurt him. That’s when Julian laid his trap. He had his investigative people find out that Slater owes money to the mafia and called them in.” Abby glared at an amused Julian. “Your timing might have been better.” She sighed. “I was the woman in the middle of it all. I bravely faced down a killer and was rescued by the mob.”

“Damn it, Abby, this is not going on some crazy talk show,” Sam said. “Julian isn’t going to expose his ties to the mafia. Jack, did you know he had ties to the mafia?”

Julian brushed off the implication. “I do not have ties to the mafia. I merely know a few people. And I’m sorry, Abigail. If I had thought for a moment that Slater would bring a gun into my establishment, I would never have permitted him to enter. In this case, I was more trying to catch my slave in the act than Slater.” When Julian turned to look at Lucas, he seemed very satisfied. “Don’t worry about him, young Lucas. He won’t be a problem anymore. He has much more to worry about now than your father’s potential presidency.”

“Why did Slater try to have someone drug me?” Lucas sounded slightly horrified, like he knew the answer but didn’t want to admit it. “Do you think he had something to do with that guy who tried to run me down the other day?”

“It doesn’t matter now, though I am thankful Taggart is a good driver. Don’t think about it again. Jackson Barnes is my family. You are his family. That means my door is always open to you,” Julian pronounced.

Jack hugged her to his side. “Are you all right?”

“Beyond the fact that my career in the tabloids is over before it even began, I’m fine.” She gave him a reassuring hug.

Sam ran his hand through her hair, smoothing it back. “It might not make the front of a magazine, but I promise to do some truly scandalous things to you tonight.”

“Let’s go,” Jack said, and she could tell he was still thinking about what had just happened. There was a tightness around his eyes that told her this wasn’t over.

Julian smiled. “Have a nice evening, Jackson. Invite me to this ranch of yours sometime. It would be nice to get out of the city.”

Julian nodded and walked out of the dungeon, Leo following behind him.

“So, Slater tried to roofie me. He was going to kill me. He would have killed me if Jack hadn’t come along. Maybe I shouldn’t drink?” Lucas asked.

Abby managed to not laugh. “Yes, Lucas. You should abstain for a while.”

 

* * * *

 

Sam didn’t think about the ache in his back as the door to the suite closed behind him, and he was finally alone with Abby and Jack. The ache was a delicious distraction, but the main thought in his brain was getting that look off Jack’s face. It was haunted.

Abby had tried to reach him. She’d already gotten his Scotch and sat in his lap. Jack was saying all the right things, but that look wouldn’t leave his eyes.

Sam hoped that asshole Slater was being tortured because he’d ruined one of the best nights of Sam’s life. He would never forget the moment Jack strapped him to the St. Andrew’s Cross. He’d loved the feeling of leather around his wrists and ankles. He’d pulled at the bindings, but they held him tight. They wouldn’t let him fall. He loved the crack of the whip, and he was starting to think there was absolutely nothing better that the burn of the lash. He could still feel it sizzle across his flesh. It stung, but every nerve in his body was awake in those moments. He was so alive in that place. His back was sore, but it was a good thing. Somewhere between lashes five and seven, he’d found that peaceful place. It had been perfect, better than any drug.

He’d even liked the aftercare stuff. He didn’t want Jack to cuddle him or anything, but the massage was nice. The stroking of Jack’s hands soothing the burn from his flesh made him feel wanted and loved. Next time it would be better because Abby could do the cuddling. He’d like to rest his head against her soft breasts while she told him how much she loved him. Sam wondered if he could get Abby to whip him, too. He would like that.

Jack stared off into space. Abby gave up. There were tears in her eyes as she walked past Sam and into the bedroom. He started to follow her, his hand on the door that would lead them back to the bedroom portion of the suite. He would take her into his arms, and they could comfort each other.

It wouldn’t solve the problem. Sam had been to heaven now, and there was no way he was going back.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?”

It took Sam a moment to realize the words had come out of his mouth.

Jack’s head came up. He was almost irritated for a moment, then a familiar blank expression came over his face. It was the same look Sam had seen on Jack’s face almost every day for the past six months. Yesterday and today had been different, but now it was as though none of those breakthroughs had happened.

“I’m fine, Sam.” Jack’s hand tightened on the Scotch. “I’m a little tired. I had a rough night.”

He shook his head, unable to believe what he was hearing. “You had a rough night?”

“Yes,” Jack replied through clenched teeth. He gave Sam a look that normally would send him into complete submissive mode. “I did. If you don’t mind, I’d like to be left alone for a while. Go to bed with Abigail. She needs someone with her.”

Sam’s first impulse was to do exactly what he said. He should walk into the bedroom and comfort Abby. But he’d been with Jack for almost twenty years. Obeying Jack was second nature. For the most part it was a good thing to do. Jack loved him. Sam knew that. Jack had Sam’s best interests in mind almost always. Tonight, Jack needed for Sam to think of Jack’s best interests, and walking out on him wasn’t it. Jack might think he needed time alone, but that wasn’t best for any of them. Jack hadn’t responded to Abby’s gentle requests. Maybe what Jack needed was something more forceful.

“No, I think I’ll go downstairs and have a drink.” Sam turned for the door.

“Samuel,” Jack barked, getting out of his chair. He stood with his feet apart staring at Sam. He pointed at the door to the bedroom. “You will get your ass in there and take care of our wife.”

Sam shrugged. “Why?

“Because she needs you.”

Sam tried to give off a negligent air he didn’t feel. “So? I need you. She needs you, too. It doesn’t matter what we need. You’re going to pull away. You’re going to leave us. Oh, you’ll be here in body, just not with your heart or your soul. You’ll get pissed off enough at some point to see us again, and the process will start over.” Now Sam felt a kernel of anger leap to life. “Tell me something, Jack. When did you get to be such a pussy?”

Sam ducked as the glass flew past his head and smashed into the wall. It hadn’t really come close to him. Jack hadn’t thrown it at him, but there was no small amount of rage in the act.

The bedroom door flew open and Abby stood there watching them. She’d been crying and it pissed him off even more.

“What the fuck are you so scared of?” He practically yelled the question. He walked straight up to the man who had been his whole world for almost twenty years. “Are you so scared of losing her that you’ll push both of us away? Would you rather be alone than have to deal with the possibility of losing her?”

“You will not talk to me that way.” Jack’s face was red, and Sam knew he was getting to him.

He had a desperate desire to smash through that wall Jack kept putting up. Being back here was reminding Sam of a few things. He was reminded of exactly why he could never have had a relationship with Julian. He could never be satisfied being admired and, in some ways, worshipped. Julian treated his subs like little dolls to be taken care of and played with. Sam wanted more. He wanted to be loved and he was done waiting for it. He finally understood.

A real sub was smart enough to know what he wanted and brave enough to ask for it.

He held his ground as Jack stared him down. There wasn’t anything to be afraid of. He’d almost never fought with Jack before, and each and every time he had, he’d backed down. He wasn’t going to do that this time. This time, he was going to win. It was the only acceptable outcome.

“You will not throw me away again,” Sam returned just as passionately. “You will not toss me to the side because you know I’ll always be your fucking lapdog. You can’t only love Abby. Maybe it’s not fair of me to change the rules after all these years, but there it is. You’re worried about losing Abigail? Worry about losing me, Jack, because if you pull the same shit you’ve been pulling for the last six months, then I’m walking. If you don’t want me, I’ll find someone who does.”

Sam turned to walk away. He knew he wouldn’t get farther than the bar downstairs, but he couldn’t watch as Abby soothed Jack and tried to convince him to see things their way. He just couldn’t.

His hand was almost on the doorknob when he was hauled back. Every muscle in Jack’s body seemed tense and ready for violence as he pulled Sam close.

“You think I only worry about Abby? How can you say that? You think I don’t worry about how impetuous you are? I built a whole fucking bar so I’d know where you were at night. I changed the course of my life because I knew if we stayed here, you would get hurt. Every decision I have made has been with you in mind. Don’t you dare say I haven’t loved you.”

He was shocked as Jack’s mouth slammed down on his. There was a moment of stunned motionlessness before he grasped Jack’s shoulders and held on for dear life. Jack’s mouth was a force of nature. He was inside and dominating Sam with his tongue and lips. Jack’s big hands wound into his hair to hold him still. He didn’t have to. Sam wasn’t about to fight. This was everything he’d wanted.

Jack wanted him. Jack loved him. Jack was passionate about him.

His arms wrapped around Jack’s waist, and he let his hands explore. He ran his palms down the strong planes of his back to cup his ass. Every muscle was perfect. Even through Jack’s jeans Sam could feel his heat.

Jack came up for air. His face was magnificently savage to Sam’s mind.

“Knees, Samuel,” he ordered.

He fell to his knees and immediately went to work on the fly of Jack’s jeans. That hard cock sprung free, and he was swallowing it down as he pushed the denim aside. He couldn’t wait to get that rigid flesh inside his mouth. He loved the sweet way Abby tasted, but he craved the saltiness of Jack, too. He wanted the best of both worlds. He grunted as Jack’s hands twisted in his hair. The nip of pain was sensational. He liked the bite and the warmth that pain left in its recess.

Jack fucked his mouth ruthlessly, thrusting hard in and out. Sam ran his tongue around the rock-hard cock, sucking down the liquid dripping from the tip. He opened his mouth wide and gave Jack just the edge of his teeth. All at once it was over. Jack pulled out, his erection still huge and unsatisfied.

“I’m going to do a lot more than get a blow job,” Jack growled. “Take those fucking clothes off and get on the bed.”

Jack stalked toward the bedroom. Abby tried to move out of his way. She was biting her bottom lip in a way that let Sam know she was nervous. He could practically read her mind. She wouldn’t want to get in the way. Sam wanted to tell her that she could never be in the way. She was the center of their world. Jack got to her first.

Jack reached out and grabbed her. He shoved her against the wall and held her there, pinning her with his body. He kissed her with every bit of ruthlessness he had used on Sam. Sam watched them as he tossed his clothes aside. Jack hadn’t bothered to zip up, preferring to leave his erection on display. That made it easy for him to pull Abby’s hand down to stroke his cock. Her hand ran up and down his erection, a truly beautiful sight. The head was thick and deliciously purple. Sam’s dick throbbed in anticipation.

Jack tore open the robe Abby wore and threw it aside, leaving her gorgeous body naked. With a hard tug of his hand, he pulled her close, letting his cock grind against her as their mouths melded together again. Watching them made Sam’s body heat until he worried he was going to go up in flames. He was going to be between them soon, and that was where he’d always longed to be.

“Get your ass to bed, too.” Jack groaned as he let her down. He walked into the bedroom without a second glance.

Abby turned to him, worry evident in her eyes. “Sam, I don’t want to come between you.”

He pulled her naked body close to his. Her nipples rubbed against his chest. He kissed her briefly, skimming her waist and hips with his hands. She was like silk against him. “You won’t. I’m going to come between you and Jack. It’s my night to be in the middle, baby. Don’t you dare walk away.”

It wouldn’t be the same without Abby there.

“But Jack—”

“Needs to work out some of his fears,” he replied, knowing deep in his heart that this was what Jack needed. “He loves us. He doesn’t understand that he can be weak sometimes. We have to show him it’s all right. Give him what he needs.”

Abby nodded, emotion in her eyes. “I love you, Sam.”

“I love you. You’re my woman,” he said with a grin. “Now let’s go get our man.”