Authors: Ella Jade
“That’s horrible.”
“What I promised would never happen under my watch has happened. I should have seen this coming.”
“How could you have? They met up outside of the club. You can’t police everyone. How could you have known?”
“You knew. You tried to stop this yesterday but I didn’t listen. Nico convinced me he understood Nadia’s situation, but the only thing he saw was a chance to dominate and control a virgin sub. I should have done a better job protecting that girl. I’m sorry I dismissed your instincts.”
“I didn’t know he would hurt her. I just got a bad vibe, but I could have done more. I should have told you Nadia’s circumstances. I tried to help Roxy and I ended up failing Nadia.”
“This is not your burden. Alex and I should have been more observant. We have some changes to implement. The first one is ridding the club of people like Nico.”
“What will happen to him?”
“I paid him a visit this evening. He won’t be showing his face in my club again or coming near anyone who subs there.” Martin made it very clear to that scum he was not welcome at
Master M’s
. Nico had no choice but to comply, especially if he wanted to keep his reputation in the business world. Martin always made sure to have a reserve when it came to the people who hung out in his club. In almost all cases, he never needed his ammunition, but every once in a while he encountered a Dom like Nico who needed an extra incentive to walk away. Nico’s business was far too important to him not to comply with Martin’s request.
“Does Nadia want to press charges? I’m sure Hunter or I could apply for a restraining order.”
“No, my little lawyer, that won’t be necessary. She’s been through enough.” Martin had offered to take Nadia to the police station because he wanted her to know she had rights. She didn’t deserve what happened to her. He would stand behind her decision even if it caused problems for him.
“Now what will happen to her? According to Roxy she has no one.”
“That may have been true before, but not anymore. She is part of my circle now and I’ve found her a safe and secure place to go. I think you’ll be pleased with my choice for her.”
“You placed her with a Dom? You said she isn’t a sub, so how can you be sure she’ll be okay? How do you know someone won’t abuse her?”
“She’s staying with Hunter.”
“Really?”
“I trust him completely. He knows the situation and he would never ask Nadia to do what she isn’t comfortable with. He’s offered his guest bedroom. He’ll help her get back on her feet.”
“That sounds like something you would do.”
“A few months ago, Nadia would have come home with me, but that’s no longer an option. It will never be an option for me again. You’re the only woman in my life. No one can ever replace you and you could never be a replacement for anyone else. I hope you believe me when I say that.”
Arianna looked down at her hands as she bit her bottom lip.
“Did you think I forgot about our conversation at the restaurant?”
“I was on edge because I hadn’t heard from Roxy and I knew I shouldn’t have kept anything from you. I didn’t mean what I said about Gracie. I know I’m the only one for you.”
“Good, because Gracie is coming here next week.”
“Here? Why?”
Martin saw the panic in her eyes. “I called her this evening and asked her to come and visit Roxy. Alex isn’t happy with his sub. I’m not pleased with her behavior either.”
“She wanted to help Nadia.”
“I understand, but sometimes our actions have consequences.”
“I said I was sorry.”
“I know, but Alex isn’t in a forgiving mood. Roxy has much to repent for.” He pulled her back down and wrapped his arms around her. “I want you to meet Cade and Gracie. Will you consider it?”
“I know they’re important to you.”
“They’re my family and I want you to meet them, but if you’re not comfortable with that I understand.” He stroked her hair. “Why don’t you sleep on it? We can talk about it in the morning.”
She rested her head on his chest. “Can we still go to Connecticut?”
“Of course.” He kissed the top of her head. “But first I want to make sure Nadia is settled. I need to mediate for Alex and Roxy, and I’d like to see Cade and Gracie. If you want to go before me and work on the Hartford property I can arrange that.”
“Would you miss me?”
“More than you can imagine.” He hoped she would stay with him but he wanted her to feel comfortable.
“I want to wait for you.” She cuddled deeper into his chest. “I want to meet your friends too. I want to be part of your life. All of it.”
“I want you with me. Always.”
Chapter 14
Ari rearranged the flowers in the foyer one last time before checking herself in the mirror. She smoothed her hair and reapplied her lipstick. Cade and Gracie would be there in a few minutes. She’d spent the better part of the day making sure everything was perfect for their weekend guests. They would stay the next two days at the penthouse. Gracie didn’t want to impose but Martin insisted.
Ari tried to get a hold of herself as she ran her hand along the foyer table. Not a speck of dust to be found. Of course, there wouldn’t be. Martin had a cleaning service in three times a week. Nothing was ever out of place. Martin’s homes were as meticulous as he was.
“Stop over thinking this.” He came up from behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Her eyes connected with his in the mirror. “You’re going to love Gracie as much as she’ll love you.”
“If you say so.”
Pushing her hair to the side, he kissed her neck. “I know so.”
Ari’s heart pounded hard against her chest when the doorbell chimed. “I guess we’ll find out soon.”
“Stop it.” He turned her to face him. “You are my world.”
She smiled, giving him a quick nod before taking his hand and walking to the door. She appreciated his effort to assure her. “Let’s do this.”
Martin reached for the handle and pulled it open. His whole face lit up when Gracie stepped through the door. He swooped the gorgeous brunette up in his arms and spun her around. She giggled and hugged him tight, whispering something into his ear.
“You must be Arianna.” Cade extended his hand for hers. “You’ll get used to these two.” He nodded toward Martin and Gracie’s reunion.
“Nice to meet you, Cade.” She smiled as she shook his hand.
Martin placed Gracie on her feet and then shook Cade’s hand. “Did you have a good trip?”
“Yes, we were worried the storms moving through would delay us, but we made it.” Cade dropped their bags in the foyer. “My wife would have swam here.”
“Arianna.” Martin put his arm around her waist. “I’d like you to meet Cade and Gracie.”
“Hi.” Gracie stepped forward and pulled Ari into an unexpected hug. “I’ve been waiting so long to meet you. I’ve been crazy all week.”
“It was the longest week of my life,” Cade said with a hint of sarcasm.
“It’s nice to finally meet you, Gracie. I’ve heard so much about you.”
“Hmm.” Gracie looked at Martin. “I’m sure Master M has told you all about my bad habits.”
“Let’s hope Cade has managed to break some of those habits.” Martin arched a brow at her and Gracie giggled again. “I know what you’re thinking about.”
Cade looked at Arianna. “Don’t even try to figure out their secret language. I gave up a long time ago.”
“We have no secrets,” Gracie said. “Just memories.”
Martin pulled Ari to his side and squeezed her, making her feel comforted and included.
“Please, come in and have a seat,” Ari said. “Martin has a new bottle of wine he’s been dying to serve. We have some time before dinner is ready.”
They followed Ari into the living room and took a seat. Martin went to the bar by the windows overlooking the Manhattan skyline. “Will everyone have a glass?”
“I’ll just have water,” Gracie said.
“We’re not going into the playroom tonight.” Martin uncorked the bottle. “You can drink.”
“Water is great.” Gracie glanced at Cade and they both smiled at one another.
“Cade?” Martin poured a glass and handed it to Ari.
“Sure,” Cade said. “I’ll have a glass.”
“Arianna, you’re Martin’s attorney?” Gracie asked.
“You can call me Ari,” she said. “Martin is the only one who uses my full name.”
“It’s such a beautiful name.” Martin joined her on the sofa, taking her hand in his. “I like saying it.”
Ari squeezed Martin’s hand before answering Gracie. “Yes, he’s my only client. He insisted.”
“I requested,” Martin said. “There is a difference.”
“Which in Martin-speak means the same thing.” Cade laughed. “You bullied the woman into being your exclusive attorney.”
“That’s not true.” Martin looked at Ari. “I gave you a choice.”
“You told me you were demanding and required a lot of attention,” Ari reminded him. “You gave me less than twenty-four hours to make my decision.”
“That sounds spot-on,” Gracie said.
“Maybe we should take this conversation to the club where I’ll get the respect I’m used to.” Martin sipped his wine. “Sometimes.” He smiled at Ari.
“No clubs or playrooms tonight.” Gracie cuddled against Cade as he wrapped his arm around her.
“Very well.” Martin sighed. “But I’m not that demanding.”
“Yes, you are.” Ari drank her wine. “It’s one of the things I find attractive about you.”
“Well, in that case, is dinner ready? I’m starving?” He smirked as he brushed his lips against hers.
She tasted the wine on his hot breath as she waited for him to deepen the kiss. A tingle coursed through her when he touched her. She didn’t expect him to be so intimate in front of their guests. “Umm.” She lost her train of thought. “What?”
“Dinner, sweetheart?” He chuckled. “Are we ready to eat?”
“Yes, of course. We can go to the dining room now.” She turned and saw Gracie staring at them. “Dinner will be ready in a few minutes.”
“Can I help with anything?” Gracie asked.
“No, everything is done. I just need to serve it.” Ari stood and composed herself. “Please go to the dining room.”
Martin followed her toward the kitchen, cornering her against the wall. “I like the way I make you blush, kitten.”
“Go in the dining room.” She pushed against his chest. “I need to get dinner on the table.”
“I just wanted to say I’m flattered you like my demanding side.” He took her face between his hands and kissed her hard on the mouth. “We’ll put it to good use later.”
“I hope so.”
“Have I told you how much I love you today?”
“Several times, but I’ll never tire of hearing it.” She quickly kissed him then hurried into the kitchen. If he kept that up she’d never get dinner on the table.
Two bottles of wine later, dinner and a decadent cheesecake that Martin picked up from his favorite bakery, the meal was complete. Conversation was light and easy. Ari felt comfortable around Cade and Gracie, and she could see why Martin was so taken with her. Gracie teased Martin and he acted like an adoring older brother around her.
After helping to clear the table, the men retired to Martin’s study for a game of pool. Ari and Gracie settled in the living room.
“Now that we’re rid of those dominant personalities, we can have some girl talk.” Gracie plopped on the floor in front of the fireplace. She looked so comfortable and at home. Ari remembered that the penthouse was her home for two years.
“I guess they’ll be occupied with that pool table all night.”
“It’s an excuse,” Gracie said. “Cade has questions and Martin likes to hear about our progress in the playroom. Plus, Martin has given us permission to use his tomorrow morning. He has some equipment in there that we don’t so Cade wants to make sure he knows what he’s doing before we enter.”
“This whole lifestyle works for the two of you. It fascinates me that tonight you looked like an ordinary married couple.”
“We are an ordinary married couple.” She patted for Ari to sit by the fire with her.
“An ordinary married couple with a playroom.” Ari sat down next to her. “How does that work?”
“It just does. My husband is Dominant and I’m submissive. We have boundaries and limits. Cade was worried it wouldn’t work, but with Martin’s help, we found a way to incorporate BDSM into our lives.” Gracie slipped off her shoes and stretched her legs out in front of the fire. “When Cade and I first got back together, after I subbed for Martin, there were lots of growing pains. I thought we needed to be in our roles more often and Cade worried that we couldn’t work as a normal couple if our alter egos were constantly front and center.”
“That doesn’t seem to be the case.” Cade and Gracie’s relationship intrigued Ari. Gracie wasn’t as submissive as Ari initially thought she was. After observing them during dinner, Ari didn’t see the woman she’d perceived Gracie to be in her mind. “You have a healthy, playful banter. Even with Martin. I kept thinking you would be more…” Ari stopped, realizing she may offend Gracie.
“Did you think I would drop at Martin’s feet when I came through the door?”
Ari covered her face and nodded. Why did she find Martin’s lifestyle so awkward to discuss? Cade, Gracie, Alex, Roxy, and even Hunter were all so open and comfortable with the whole thing.
“Last year I would have. Martin was my Master in every sense of the word. I know you’ve spent some time at the club and you’ve seen the other submissives. That lifestyle worked for me when I was in New York, but with Cade it’s different. Our emotional relationship always comes first. Martin explained to us that Cade and Gracie had to exist before Master and slave. He was right.”
“Martin gets that.”
“He helped Cade get it.” She smiled. “Do you think he doesn’t get it with you?”
“I’m not very submissive.”
“Martin collared you.” Gracie touched Ari’s bracelet. “He must have thought you were on some level and you must have agreed because you’re wearing it tonight.”
“I wear it all the time.” Ari looked down at the collar and reflected on what it meant to wear it. “The reason he collared me was because we needed a reminder to help me in the club. I have a hard time complying with the rules. That’s why I know I’m not a very good submissive.”