Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Thirteen
Home.
Until now—until Master Michael—that hadn’t been something Sydney had really understood.
Her parents had moved so often that she’d never had a place to return to for visits or holidays.
Suddenly, he closed the physical and metaphoric distance between them, and she was enveloped in his strong arms, comfortable as well as cared for, and a realization rocked her.
Home wasn’t necessarily a place—it was a feeling. Of safety, of security. One like she had when she was with him.
The Eagle’s Bend Ranch offered her a sense of belonging.
“I’m going to kiss you.”
He didn’t ask permission, he took.
Gently at first, he staked his claim, coaxing her response, asking for only what she wanted to give, exploring her as if for the first time.
When he sought more, she responded, moaning, wrapping her arms around his neck, holding on tight, yielding completely, offering everything she had to give as he devoured her.
He tasted of invitation, of promise.
Of forever.
The thought no longer terrified her.
Everything she’d needed to hear when she arrived, he’d said.
That he didn’t want to curtail her freedom. That she could keep her condo. See her friends. And he hadn’t shot down the ideas she had for the ranch.
If he wanted her to work from here, expanding her business onto his property made sense.
As the kiss went on, his hard cock pressed into her.
From the moment they’d met, the attraction had sizzled, a spark that threatened to combust.
How had she survived while they were apart?
When he pulled back, she didn’t want to let him go.
She yearned for connection, shoving away the past so they could more fully embrace their future. Own me, Sir.
“How was that?”
Amazing. “Fine, Sir.” She smiled coyly. Then she spoke again, issuing a submissive challenge. “For an appetizer.”
Smoky haze clouded his eyes as he responded in the way she’d hoped he would, with Dominant determination. “Shall I welcome you home properly, Sydney? The way a brat deserves?”
“Did you have something specific in mind?” Intentionally, she left off the expected honorific.
“Yeah.” Fire consumed his eyes. “I believe I do.”
They were now back in familiar territory, and with each moment that passed, he chased her anxiety further away.
“Join me in the barn.”
“The barn, Sir?”
“Before you turn it into a carnival site, you might want to see my plans for it.”
“Oh?” Intrigued, she cocked her head to the side.
With a mysterious grin that knocked her pulse for a loop, he captured her hand.
Apparently once again interested in the humans, Chewie jumped off her perch to follow them.
In the distance, Jeb waved and headed toward the bunkhouse, giving them plenty of privacy.
With each step that they took, her nerves ratcheted a notch tighter.
Finally, he opened the door and gave her a tiny push. “In you go.”
Then he turned to seal the entrance and keep Chewie out.
He slid a bolt home with a loud metallic thunk. “Now you have no escape from me.”
Anticipation made her shiver.
“See what I have in store for you.”
“Oh my good God.” The place gave her goose bumps, in the very best way possible. “This wasn’t what I expected, Sir.”
“No?”
He’d turned the massive space into a dungeon, complete with Saint Andrew’s cross and a spanking bench. He’d also stacked several bales of hay in various places.
Whips of all kinds—single tails and floggers—hung from the walls, along with an assortment of paddles, tawses, and crops.
Making the place somewhat homier, a couple of rugs were tossed on the polished concrete floor between an oversize couch and a couple of chairs. He’d even thought to add pillows, a few blankets, even refreshments. Really, there was no reason ever to leave.
“Have a look around. Make yourself familiar with all the things I’m going to use to torment you.”
She met his gaze, and his eyes were stoked with possessive heat.
“Everything is for you.”
Accepting his invitation, she crossed to a small bathroom, complete with a gorgeous glass-tile shower.
Then she wandered across the barn to a set of built-in drawers.
“Open them.”
Her mouth dried.
One held ropes and cuffs. Another had an assortment of butt plugs, including an inflatable one that terrified her.
He had vibrators and dildos—including one that was crafted from an enormous piece of glass, long and thick with raised veins. “You’ve thought of everything.”
“I’m sure we’ll be adding to it.”
She explored the rest of his offerings, opening a cabinet that held alcohol wipes, lubricants, and condoms.
But one thing seemed to be missing. “I don’t see collars or leashes.”
Master Michael shook his head. “After your experience, I assumed you’d have no interest.”
“That was…” Sydney struggled for words. He had honored everything she’d said. “Thoughtful, and I appreciate it.”
Maybe because he’d been so considerate, the idea of wearing one for him didn’t scare her.
“If you change your mind, we can shop together. Or I can purchase a few. Alternatively, I’ll give you my credit card so you can choose your own.”
Gratitude overwhelmed her.
“If you do, get one with studs on it to match your shoes.”
The image rocked chills through her.
“And add a leash while you’re at it.”
Her tummy plummeted in much the way it had when she’d headed straight down the hill on her bicycle near the Beaver Creek resort.
This—wild, wicked, slightly scary feeling—was what she liked best about BDSM and him.
“You’ll be glad to know we have both heating and air conditioning out here to keep you comfortable year-round.”
“You’re doing this for me, Sir?”
“For us,” he corrected. “I know how newness and adventure appeal to you. Coming up with something creative will keep me sharp and keep our relationship fresh. I was hoping you’d have the chance to see what I spent weeks building for you.”
She inhaled sharply.
“Anything in particular you’d like to start with?”
“Surprise me, Sir.”
“My pleasure.” With a hungry gaze, he devoured her. “Strip.”
Nervous in a way she’d never been before—maybe because no one had ever mattered like he did, she trembled as she removed her clothes beneath his watchful, intent stare.
“Turn around for me. Let me see every delicious inch that I’ve been missing.”
Mouth dry, she did as her Dominant said.
“Good,” he said when she faced him again. “Now go stand beneath that.” He pointed to an overhead pulley that hung from one of the rafters.
How had she not noticed it before? Maybe because she’d been so busy taking in everything else. “Ah. I’m not sure what you have in mind, Sir.”
“Access to your entire body as I flog you hard for a very long time.”
“Oh, Sir.” His words made her knees weak.
After lowering the hook, he faced her again, expression set in implacable lines. He crooked a finger toward her. “Come here.”
Once she stood in front of him, aware of her nudity and how tiny she was in relation to his overwhelming size, he placed a strong finger beneath her chin and tipped it back. “Here’s my promise to you, Sydney. I will try my best to be the Top you need and the man you deserve. I’ll spend every day working on both.”
The conviction in his voice made her shudder. “I’ll do my best to meet my fears straight on. And be a sub to your Dom.”
“Oh, fuck…” He groaned. “You’re so damn perfect, you’re killing me.”
Had she managed to say the words he’d longed to hear?
“Let’s start where we were—with my response to your earlier brattiness.” He secured her wrists together then fastened them to the hook before adjusting the height to keep her on her toes.
She was stretched taut, not enough to hurt her shoulders, but enough to ensure she was helpless.
Once she was in position, he nodded and stepped back. “Every bit as beautiful as I pictured.”
Her body vibrated with need.
Then, before she was ready, he pinched one of her nipples brutally hard. “You’re mine, Sydney.”
She sighed.
“Another time, I’ll blindfold you and gag you while we do this. But it’s been so long since I’ve heard your sobs and screams. And I want to witness the agony in your eyes.”
He knew the words that would undo her. “Thank you, Sir.”
Tenderly, in shocking contrast to the way he’d brutalized her nipple, he kissed the top of her head. “What’s your safe word?”
“Everest, Sir.”
“And slow word?”
“Freaking tur-tle.” She smiled. “Sir.”
“That will earn you a delayed orgasm.”
“Yes, Sir.” The stuff of her fantasies. When she finally came, she’d explode. “If that pleases you.”
“Darlin’, I’m besotted enough to lasso the moon for you, if you ask me to.” With that, he rolled up his shirtsleeves and removed his hat.
If she hadn’t been suspended, she might have collapsed. “Now we’re getting somewhere, Sir.”
After placing it on a hook, he selected a flogger and took a few practice swings, the long, thick strands of leather cutting through the still, afternoon air.
Then, shaking the hilt so the falls danced back and forth, he returned to her, face set in serious lines. “Open your legs.”
He didn’t add a please or a pet name. He was all serious and Dominant.
Fear left her momentarily frozen.
“Don’t make me repeat myself, or I’ll shove my cock up your ass before I start.”
How could she do as he demanded when her brain had ceased to function?
“Do it, brat.”
Slowly, in a haze, she spread her thighs.
When she had he caught her pussy a few times, making her cry out and respond with a flood of desire. “You’ve missed this,” he observed, inhaling deeply.
“I haven’t come once since I was with you last, Sir.”
“Do you know what you just did to my cock?”
Trying to see through her haze, she looked at the evidence pressing against the front of his jeans.
“Those words have earned you an orgasm. But you still have a penalty to pay from earlier.” He sucked on one of her nipples and fingered her until she jerked against him.
Oh God. She burned for him. “Sir? May I have permission to come?”
“Not yet.”
Again and again, he edged her until she was sobbing, so desperate to climax that she was going to explode.
“I’ve learned my lesson, Sir!” Her legs quivered, and her buttocks were clenched tightly as he continued to demand her responses.
Low and soft, disbelieving, he chuckled. “Have you, brat?”
“I swear.” Muttering, she repeated herself, mixed with frantic pleas.
“Now you may.”
With more fervor, he continued to play with her, stroking harder, lighting the flame. “Thank you, thank you,” she whispered as she climbed higher and higher, closer and closer to a climax. “Yes… This!”Her head lolled to the side.
“Pleasing you makes me happy.”
Persistently kissing her, finger-fucking her, he brought her to the edge.
Then he sucked a nipple into his mouth, licking and stretching it, then gently biting.
Sobbing, she shattered—every part of her relieved to finally be back with him.
Even though he kissed her, caressed her, whispered soothing words, he wasn’t finished with her.
Instead, he resumed the flogging, this time with easy strokes. With a sigh of pleasure, she allowed herself to go limp, surrendering in total trust.
Though she’d spent years traveling, playing with numerous Doms, she’d never met anyone who could make her lose control so completely.
By measures, he increased the harshness of his strokes.
“Thank you, Sir.” With each little lick from the strands, she began to float.
He moved around her in a complete circle, marking every part of her body.
After a few initial flinches, she closed her eyes.
Within moments, she resided somewhere else where reality blurred, and time no longer existed.
“Subspace?” he asked.
Though she tried to answer him, her mouth was dry, as if it had been stuffed with cotton, and she couldn’t speak.
Her amazing Dom continued to light up her body, catching her everywhere, leaving nothing off-limits.
“Talk to me, darlin’.”
“Mmm…” That, and a tiny sigh was the best she could manage.
Over time, she noticed he’d eased a little, but thankfully he continued, warming the backs of her legs again.
Eventually, bliss engulfed her.
Then later, as if it were happening to someone else, she was aware of her arms being released and she was swept from the floor.
She slept, dreamed, all snuggled in a protective embrace and a cozy blanket.
Sydney had no idea how much time had elapsed when he pressed a bottle of water to her lips.
Dutifully, she took a sip.
After she had, he brushed strands of her hair back behind her ear then once more cradled her close.
Secure, she drifted off again.
When she managed to blink her eyes open, darkness had fallen. “I think I was gone.”
“Subspace?”
Gently, she pressed her palm to his massive chest and eased herself back so she could look at him. “Not long ago, I used to argue that it didn’t exist.”
“Until you submitted to me?”
“Arrogant, much?” she teased.
“Well, if you didn’t believe in it and now you do…” His grin was ridiculously, endearingly triumphant.
“I concede your point.”
“Let me know when you’re ready to visit there again.” He lifted her hand and raised it to his lips.
“I need you as much as I crave my next breath.”
Possessiveness flared in the depth of his eyes. Beneath her, his cock hardened. “Will you fuck me?” she asked.
“Are you sure you’re up for it? There’s nothing I want more. But I have an obligation to care for you.”
Reassuringly touching his face, she promised, “Then that’s the best way to do it. Please.”
“Fuck, Sydney.” His voice held a feral growl. “I can resist anything but the way you say that and that longing in your gaze.”
If she had any idea what he was talking about, she’d ensure she always looked at him that way.
Keeping the blanket wrapped around her, he moved her to the side, then he stood.
The magnificent man removed his clothes then strode across the floor in all his masculine glory to open a drawer and pull a condom from a box.
As he walked back, he sheathed his pulsing, hard cock. The motion made his biceps ripple, flexing the wings on the eagle on his arm.
“Have I told you how sexy I find your tattoo?”
“We should get you a matching one.”
“Really, Sir? I’d like that.”
“Would you? It’s my brand.”
This moment mattered, the importance making the air heavy. “I’d wear it proudly.”
“I honor the fact you said that you didn’t want to be any man’s submissive.”
Except yours. “And you said we get to define our own version of D/s. We decide what it means to us.”
“Oh, fuck, Sydney.” He growled, a feral, hungry sound. “I want you on my lap, facing me,” he told her. “Stay where you are. I don’t want you to move.” Masterfully, he took hold of her and managed it so that he was sitting, and she was in the position he wanted.
“I get to be on top, Sir?”
“But not in charge.”
“Of course not.” Cheekily, she grinned as she raised herself up onto her knees while he guided himself to her entrance.
Then, trying to accommodate his impressive girth, she sank onto him, exhaling by small measures as she did so.
“Ride me, darlin’. Ride me like you mean it.”
Leaning forward, she snaked her arms around his neck.
Her hair spilled erotically over him as she worked her body up and down his shaft, some of the strokes shallow, others longer.
Within moments, her insides constricted.
“Wait,” he commanded.
Unsure that was possible, she sank her teeth into her lower lip, hoping to distract herself so she could obey his command.
He clamped his hands on her waist, helping her to complete several dozen more strokes before he relented. “Now, Sydney.”
Screaming, she climaxed, her internal compressions squeezing him hard, driving his orgasm.
After they’d ridden out their pleasure together, she collapsed against him, staying there as he stroked her back and she caught her breath.
On some level she was aware of time passing, but she never wanted to leave this beautiful little cocoon he’d created where the outside world didn’t exist.
“I don’t want to scare you…”
Despite herself, a small tendril of fear nipped at her happiness. Since his voice was low, but serious, she tipped her head back.
“You don’t have to respond, and I have no expectations of you.”
“But…?” She waited for unwanted words to follow.
“I love you.”
“You…?”
He captured her wrist, as if afraid she might flee, but that was the last thing she wanted to do.
Blinking back tears, she smiled. “Thank you for saying that. Being apart has been so hard. Soon after leaving, I discovered the truth. I missed you so much because I love you, too.”
With that, her tears fell.
Right after, kisses and laughter flowed.
“Having you here makes me the happiest man in the world.”
“One more thing we agree on, because you’ve made me the happiest woman in the world.”
“Shall we celebrate our reunion? A glass of wine and dinner, followed by making love and a long soak in the bathtub.”
“Sounds wonderful.”
He narrowed his eyes. “You don’t need to leave?”
That he asked made her blink back fresh tears. “I’d like to stay. If you’ll have me.”
“Forever, if you want.”
Maybe, just maybe that would work for her.
“I need to be sure you’re not too sore to play again soon.”
The truth was, she was so greedy for him that she would endure any pain just to feed their connection.
Still, he tenderly rubbed arnica into her shoulders and on her red marks, and she appreciated his ministrations.
Then he helped her to dress.
Sydney tipped her head to the side, studying him as he pulled up his jeans. “You know you’re a seriously sexy man, Sir. That flogging was amazing. Thank you.”
“Did you learn anything from your punishment?”
That I’ll intentionally misbehave every day. “Uhm…I’m afraid that may take some time, Sir.”
“We’ve got plenty of that,” he replied, sliding his gaze purposefully over her.
Inside, he poured the wine he’d promised and offered a toast.
“To our home. To us. And to many tomorrows.”
She clinked her glass with his. “I love you, Sir.”
“And I love you, Sydney.”
“Uhm…” She slid her stemware back onto the counter. “About making love…”
In interest, he raised his eyebrows, and she arrowed her index finger down the row of buttons on his shirt, stopping when she reached his silver belt buckle.
Then she plucked his glass from his hand and placed it next to hers.
“You’re playing with fire.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Get upstairs, darlin, and be quick about it.”
With a giggle, she dashed away, only to be swept from her feet at the landing and carried the rest of the way to his bed.
“I’m going to spend the rest of my life sexing you up as much as you want.”
“Well, Sir…” She blinked seductively. “What are you waiting for?”