Chapter 17

Before Nathan could react or respond, Jen pivoted around and swung at Tanner’s head with both fists, using all of her body to deliver what she hoped would be a surprise attack.

It was.

Taken aback by the sudden movement, Tanner didn’t move, eyes wide as her balled fists slammed into the side of his head.

He flew to her right, smashing into the wall and dislodging one of the exotic prints.

But he didn’t drop the pistol.

Jen froze in place, ready to pounce again. But her attack hadn’t gone as she’d planned, sending Tanner to the floor disoriented and possibly disarmed.

He’d recovered faster than she’d guessed, and now she found herself staring down the barrel of the pistol that wavered from side to side as Tanner staggered to stay upright.

Damn it.

Tanner smiled as his finger tightened on the trigger. He licked his bloody lips.

“You don’t get to do that twice,” he rasped.

Jen flipped him the bird, defiant to the end.

A roar from behind startled her, and suddenly she couldn’t see Tanner, couldn’t see the pistol.

All she could see was Nathan’s back as he leaped in front of her, charging at Tanner.

All she could think about was losing him.

Now or never.

Nathan’s police training took over as he lunged forward past Jen and grabbed Tanner in a bear hug.

There was no time, no space to do anything fancy like slap the pistol out of Tanner’s grip.

Jen was in danger.

He couldn’t let Tanner take the shot.

But he was too late.

The burning in his right side told him so.

He fell to the ground pulling Tanner down with him, the weapon out of sight.

Nathan groaned as the pain intensified, the fire scorching his right side.

No.

I won’t leave you to him.

He can’t shoot anyone but me.

Tanner yelled as he tried to pull free, but Nathan kept his arms locked even as he felt the momentary rush of energy beginning to wane, his body reacting to being shot.

Suddenly Tanner whipped his head forward, head-butting Nathan.

Nathan’s world spun as the deranged man’s forehead smashed into his, breaking Nathan’s grip as they both fell away from each other.

The pain in his head and side magnified a thousandfold, matched by the fear boiling up in his gut.

I’ve failed you.

As he fell to the floor, all Nathan could think of was how he’d let her down.

His Mistress.

“You bastard!” Jen’s roar startled him.

Nathan looked up to see Jen leaping onto Tanner’s chest, her knees pinning him to the ground.

The pistol fell away from the man’s hand as she pummeled his face, delivering one blow after another.

Nathan saw Tanner’s eyes roll up and knew he was out, the combination of the head butt and Jen’s attack taking him down.

Jen didn’t stop, slamming her fists down with a steady rhythm.

“Jen.” Nathan pulled himself close enough to touch her hip.

He didn’t dare try to grab hold of her hands.

“Jen.” He raised his voice.

She didn’t falter.

“Jen,” Nathan snapped with as much authority as he could muster out of the pain haze threatening to overwhelm him. “He’s done.”

She stopped and looked down at the bloody mess.

“Oh my God.”

She looked at her hands, now stained red.

Jen glanced at Nathan, and he saw the shock, the horror setting in as she saw the results of her actions.

“Come here. I need you.” He squeezed her hip. “I need your help.”

Jen rolled off the unconscious man and went to him. “How bad is it?”

Her tone shifted from the angry woman of only a few seconds ago to the concerned Domme he knew and needed.

“I don’t know. I can’t see it,” he wheezed with the last of his strength.

A sound of crashing came from overhead, yelling and screaming at the top of the stairs.

Jen pulled up the bloody T-shirt to check the wound. “You’ll be okay now.” She glanced over at Tanner. “We’ll be okay.”

“Good. That’s good,” Nathan repeated as he heard heavy footsteps on the stairs. “I think I’m going to rest now. This hero stuff is exhausting.”

He closed his eyes and let the darkness overtake him.

The world blurred into a mess of medical personnel and policemen running around, pulling Jen to one side as the paramedics rushed to Nathan and the cops pulled Tanner to the other side to be cuffed and dragged upstairs.

She shook her head as they asked if she needed medical help.

I need Nathan.

The logical part of her mind droned on about how it looked like a flesh wound, the bullet skimming along the skin.

The emotional part of her screamed and cried, created vivid scenarios on what more she’d do to Lucas Tanner if left alone with him for a minute.

A policeman took her up the stairs and out into the living room to clear more space. The paramedics were working on Nathan, the stretcher taking up a good part of the basement floor.

No one asked about the flogging post.

Yet.

She broke away from the cop and staggered out into the front yard, the chilled night air helping clear her mind.

“Jennifer?” A voice broke through the chaos around her. The bright lights from the ambulance temporarily blinded her, the noise from the curious bystanders gathered on the street clogging her senses.

Wendy ran out of the crowd and up to Jen, ignoring the policeman trotting close behind. She pulled Jen into a tight hug as she gasped, the tears still damp on her face.

“Are you okay? Where’s Nathan? Is he hurt?” She clasped Jen’s face in both hands. “Are you hurt?” The rapid questions brought Jen out of her fog.

“I’m fine. Nathan—” She shook her head. “He got shot. I don’t think it’s bad, but they’re working on him.” She focused in on Wendy. “You got the message and called the cops.”

“Loud and clear.” Wendy gestured at a man standing at the edge of the crowd. He wore a three-piece suit, standing out among the other spectators. “This is Dan. He’s a lawyer and a damned good one. He’s going to take care of you as far as the legalities go.”

The man slipped by the cop on guard duty and approached them. He looked at the waiting policeman and flashed a business card. “I’ll be representing Ms. Lowell for all future inquiries.” He looked at Jen. “Please say nothing for now.”

The drama had moved to the hospital, where she’d watched the paramedics rush Nathan into one of the examination rooms and taken her to another room, lawyer and Wendy in tow. After a few minutes of cleaning with soap and water, the doctor noted Jen was okay save for some scrapes on her knuckles.

That was when it started to get interesting.

Wendy had to leave when the questioning began, but not before giving a lot of stink-eye to the detective.

He listened to Jen talk, not interrupting until she’d finished the entire story.

Jen was grateful for the lawyer—he stayed quiet through the litany, touching her arm every now and then for support.

At the back of her mind, she wondered if he was an HP client or just on retainer for situations like this.

He didn’t give off any submissive traits, but then the good ones never did in public.

She came back to the topic at hand as the policeman cleared his throat after scribbling page after page of notes.

“So let me see if I’ve got this straight.” The plainclothes detective arched an eyebrow. “Tanner was out to get you because you were partially responsible for his going to prison. He phoned in a bomb threat to your clinic and not only slashed a tire and keyed your car, but actively sought out men you know to attack?” His voice rose at the end of the sentence as if daring her to convince him of it.

“Obviously, Mr. Tanner was out of his mind,” Dan Silverstone answered for her. “The man has issues. But the facts speak for themselves.”

“Obviously,” the detective repeated. “But these men, including the injured officer, they, ah—” His cheeks went scarlet. “They paid you for your services.”

Dan put his hand on her arm before she could respond. “No sexual acts were ever performed. Ms. Lowell has explained this to you. These were consensual agreements between two adults.” He leaned in. “Frankly, we’d rather talk about a possible lawsuit for the inept handling of Mr. Tanner’s mental issues. It’s plain to see he needed psychiatric help while in custody and didn’t get any. Not to mention improper supervision while on parole.” He eyed the policeman. “There’s plenty of issues here for you to answer for.”

The detective moved back. “I’ll remember that. Right now we’re more concerned about this particular situation.” He rubbed his forehead with the back of his hand, wiping away the sweat. “The other, ah, issues we’ll take up later.”

“I do want to press assault charges against Tanner. Along with anything else you come up with along the way,” Jen said. “That should be enough to put him away for a bit.”

“Yes.” The detective smiled. “It will. I think that’s all I want to talk to you about for now.” He moved to the exit. “Thank you for your help.”

The thick door shut, leaving her along with the lawyer.

Dan squeezed her arm lightly. “Don’t worry about this. It’ll be fine.” He glanced at the closed door. “You’re not the one in trouble here. It’s all on Tanner, and they know it.”

“But Nathan—” She shuddered. “They know who he is. What he is, I mean.”

“He’ll be fine,” Dan said. “You, of all people, should know how tough a man can be when he learns to submit to a woman’s wishes.”

She looked up in time to catch his fast wink.

“You—” She choked on the words.

He pressed a finger to his lips. “I’m your lawyer and pleased to serve you.” Dan got to his feet. “I’m going to update Wendy and get an update on Nathan. Please wait here.” Before she had a chance to answer, he left.

Jen grabbed for her cell phone before the door closed. It was well after midnight, and she had no doubt Colleen had seen the news.

She tapped the phone number with trembling fingers, the last bits of her self-control dangerously close to snapping.

“Colleen?”

“Oh my God. Are you okay? Where are you?”

“I’m at St. Joe’s. Nathan—” The tears flowed freely. “He got shot. I don’t think it’s bad but—”

“Are you okay?”

“Yes but—”

“Do you have a lawyer? I know—”

“I’ve got someone here.” She didn’t want to go into the details.

“Okay. I’ll be there as soon as I can get someone to cover for me.” Colleen’s sharp tone helped Jen regain control. “Don’t even think about moving from there until I arrive.”

“But—” Jen found herself talking to a dead line.

She sighed and massaged her temples.

She sat for about ten minutes alone with her thoughts and worries.

The door opened, and Wendy came in, holding two bottles of water. She offered one to Jen and sat down opposite her.

“Nathan is fine. The bullet ripped the skin open but that’s all, no injuries to anything important. A few stitches and he’ll need to rest but he’ll be okay.” She reached out and snapped the top off of Jen’s bottle. “Drink. I’d get you something stronger but I think Dan might disapprove of you sucking down booze while we’re around the police.”

Jen sipped the cold water. “Thank you for Dan. He’s been a godsend.”

Wendy smiled. “He’s a good man.”

“Is he—” Jen couldn’t help asking.

Wendy tilted her head to one side. “What do you think?”

Jen smiled. “I’m in awe of the lucky woman he belongs to.”

Wendy laughed. “I spoke to him, and he doesn’t think there’s anything you need to worry about as far as you and Nathan are concerned. Tanner is going away for a long, long time.” She opened her own water bottle. “You don’t shoot a cop and walk away.”

“Nathan—” Jen pressed the cool plastic to her forehead in an effort to fight the oncoming migraine. “His secret’s out.”

Wendy nodded. “Most likely. We gave as much information as we could to the cops without violating anyone’s privacy. Shooting Nathan pretty well sealed Tanner’s fate.”

“And Nathan's,” Jen added softly. She rolled the bottle between her hands. “There’s no way around that, is there?”

“Not really. We spoke to the detective in charge, and while we’re keeping the names out of it and doing our best to minimize exposure, Nathan’s got himself in a bit of a pickle. Being a submissive isn’t illegal, and it technically isn’t against any rule when it comes to being a cop—”

“But it doesn’t look good,” Jen finished the sentence.

“We’re going to see what we can do for him. But yes, it’s likely he’ll have to leave the force. He’d have a hell of a time dealing with the teasing and joking.”

Jen sniffled as the tears flowed again. “He quit HP for me. Now he’ll end up quitting being a cop for me. It’s not fair.”

“It may not be fair, but in a way, it’s best for both of you.” Wendy’s statement brought Jen up out of her sobs. “You were due to leave the company, and he was ready to move to a more permanent arrangement. In a way, Tanner was what the two of you needed, the final spark to set off the explosion that brought you together.”

Jen smiled through her tears. “That’s one hell of a warped way to look at it.”

Wendy laughed. “Take it where you can get it.” She paused. “Evan told me he met with Nathan on the side. He told Nathan he’d have to think hard about what he wanted from his relationship with you in light of recent events. That man stood by your side and took a bullet for you.” Wendy tapped her chest. “In my book, that makes the man a keeper.” She stood up. “Dan will keep me updated, but I think you should be all right.”

There was a soft knock on the door, and it opened to show Colleen. The stout woman rushed across the floor to hug Jen.

Wendy gave a short wave. “See you at the club. Don’t forget to bring Nathan along.”

The door swung shut as Colleen pulled back. “Who was that? Was it the club she was talking about?”

Jen chuckled. “That was Wendy. And yes, the club.” She sighed. “I need to see Nathan.”

“Of course. Let me go see what we can do about that.” Colleen gave her another hug. “He’s a tough one. He’ll be fine.”

“Yes,” Jen agreed. “And he’s mine.”

Nathan gingerly touched the bandages covering the wound. The dull throbbing was a testimony to the strength of the pain drugs they’d given him, and he suspected there was something in the intravenous bag the nurses had insisted stay hooked up.

The head detective had clucked his tongue after hearing the whole story.

“You should have called us in.” The pen flew across the notebook paper. “Guy like this could have snapped and started killing anyone, everyone.”

“The other victim wasn’t interested in pressing charges. The other incidents could be put down to random vandalism. Believe me—if I’d had something to get him back behind bars, I would have used it.” Nathan hadn’t given Charles’s name and wasn’t going to. Dan, the HP lawyer, had swept in as soon as he could and laid down the rules for his participation. Nathan could have held out for the police union rep but figured he’d be better off with Dan.

“Still—” The detective closed the notebook. “Doesn’t look too good.”

Nathan knew he was referring to a variety of things, the least of which being Nathan’s continued employment.

“We’ll be in touch.” The detective left.

Nathan heard him talking to one of the officers standing in the hall.

The laughter made Nathan grind his teeth together.

Jerks.

He closed his eyes.

Maybe I can get a job in some small town.

The house was paid off, so—

“Hey.”

Nathan opened his eyes to see Jen standing by his bed.

“Hey yourself.” He grinned. “You okay?”

“I’m fine. How are you feeling?” She pulled up the single chair to sit beside him.

He lifted the blanket to show off his bandages. “Between this and the concussion, it’s enough for them to keep me overnight.” Nathan chuckled. “Like I’ll get any sleep. As soon as I can check out I’ll go home in the morning and recuperate there.” He gestured at the white pad, the surgical tape pinning it to his side. “Leave a bit of a scar, but the doctor doesn’t see any permanent effects.”

Other than making me unemployed.

“That’s great.” She reached out and took his hand, careful to avoid the IV line. “I’m glad.”

“Looks like you won’t be worrying about Tanner for a few decades. He’s going down for attempted murder on both of us. They can argue mental illness, but either way, he’s headed back to prison.” He smiled. “It’s over. You won’t have to worry about him anymore.”

She entwined their fingers. “We won’t have to.” A sad smile appeared. “You’re going to have to quit the force now, aren’t you?”

“Probably.” There was no use lying to her. “The union’ll do what they can, but the gossip and the whispers wouldn’t make it easy to stay even if I wanted to.” He shook his head. “I can tell you I don’t care what they think but I’d be lying. And I don’t want some desk job where they hide me in the back and laugh about me in the front.”

“I’m sorry.” Jen sighed. “I shouldn’t have brought you into this. I—”

He silenced her by putting her hands to his lips and dropping gentle kisses on her skin. “I don’t regret a thing. You were right, and I’m glad you felt you could trust me with that information.” He paused. “And your love.”

She wiped away tears with her free hand. “Damn. I thought I was done crying.”

Nathan chuckled. “It was the right place and the right time for both of us.” He squeezed her fingers. “We’ll make do.”

A rapping came at the door.

They both turned to see Wendy and Evan standing there.

“May we come in?” Wendy asked.

Nathan nodded his approval, and they came to the bed.

“How are you doing?” Wendy spoke first.

The shrug sent aching pain through both shoulders. “I’ll survive.”

“Good,” she replied. “I’m sorry this had to happen. Especially to you two.” Wendy shook her head. “When we set up Hooded Pleasures, we worried about something like this. With the services we provide it was only a matter of time before someone thought about targeting either the clients or the employees.” She looked at Jen. “Even though he didn’t know anything about HP or what we do, it highlights the dangers. And while we’ve kept this out of the media there’s no guarantee this won’t happen again.”

“I agree.” Nathan shifted his weight, finding a more comfortable position. “And with the need for secrecy I can see the problems taking it to the police would entail.”

Evan looked at Wendy before speaking. “Which is why we’d like to offer you a job. Director of Security for Hooded Pleasures. It’s a new position, and we’re not quite sure what we’re going to do with it, but we agree it’s necessary and something you’re well qualified for.”

Nathan must have looked more shocked than he felt, because Wendy jumped in.

“You know both sides. The legal and the personal. We’ve got lawyers on call. You’ve met Dan. We do have other law enforcement people we network with, but most of them are clients and therefore rather shy about going too far, not to mention they already have full-time jobs. You’d be helping all of us to stay safe.”

“Safe, sane and consensual,” he murmured, finding the mantra surprisingly relevant.

“You don’t have to decide right now,” Evan added. “Take your time. I know it’s a big decision to leave the police force, and we don’t want to put any pressure on you. We’ll offer comparable rates and benefits, and you’ll have carte blanche to come up with your own program.”

“Thank you,” Nathan managed before stifling a yawn with his free hand.

“Let’s go.” Wendy nudged Evan. “Jen, drop me a call when things get settled.”

Before either of them could answer, the pair slipped out the door.

“That was interesting,” Nathan said before yawning again. “Sorry I’m exhausted.”

“I’ve no idea what from,” Jen deadpanned. “But I’ll let you get some rest.” She went to pull away but he kept a tight grip on her hand.

“Are we going to—” He paused, his strength and energy waning.

“Yes.” She leaned over and kissed him. “We’re going to make this work so hard, it’ll have you grinning for a week. Now get to sleep and I’ll be back in the morning to help you get home.” She shot him a saucy wink before heading for the door. “Guess I’ll have to take it easy on you for a few days.”

He smiled as he drifted off, already imagining their future.

Nathan signed the clipboard and handed it back to the nurse. “Thank you.”

She nodded and ripped off the bottom pages. “This is a prescription for pain pills. Keep the wound clean and dry. See your doctor in a week to get those stitches out, and if you see any redness or signs of infection you get medical help immediately. Any bad headaches, you get your butt back here.” The redhead looked at Jen. “You’re driving him home?”

Jen nodded. She’d brought in a change of clothing for Nathan and now held the plastic bag holding the bloody clothing Nathan had arrived in.

“He needs to rest.” The older woman gave Nathan a scathing glare. “No strenuous activity. Between the concussion and the stitches, he’s in no condition to do any hard work.” She turned back to Jen. “I know men. He’ll want to be out and about in no time, pushing his limits. I’m counting on you to keep him in his place.”

“Oh, I will.” The Domme voice sent a welcome shiver up Nathan’s spine, centering in his groin. “I’ll make sure he stays put.”

She’d taken the last of her vacation days with Colleen’s blessing and a warning to call in if there were any issues with Nathan’s wound. Instead of staying away, her boss had shown up not long after she’d put Nathan to bed.

“I know he’s a tough guy. He’d have to be.” Colleen sat on the couch. “How’s he feeling?”

“Like he got beaten up and shot by a madman,” Jen replied, bringing two cups of coffee into the room. “He’s upstairs, sulking because I won’t let him take a shower.”

“Good idea. Sponge baths for a bit longer. He’s probably looking forward to those.” Colleen dug in her purse and handed her a nondescript box. “Made you up a care package. I’ve included extra bandages and tape in there, along with some lotion. Save you a few dollars.”

Jen smiled. “Thanks. He’s already gotten the pain pills, but he’s refusing to take them.”

“Men.” Colleen rolled her eyes. “Make him take them if you see he’s in agony. He might be a sub but he’s also only human.” She eyed Jen. “And no raunchy sex. Regular old vanilla’ll have to do you for a few weeks.”

Jen gave her an innocent look. “I know not of what you speak.”

“I’m sure.” Colleen sipped her coffee. “Just don’t call me if he pulls those out and needs to be restitched. The longer you keep him on his back and still, the faster he’ll heal.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Jen smiled and picked up her own mug. “Thanks for the help.”

“Don’t forget I want an invite to the club when you get around to it.” She laughed. “Suzanne’s getting more curious by the day. And I wouldn’t mind seeing you in action.”

“Promise.” Jen nodded. “I’ll drop you a line.”

“Good.” Colleen looked around the room. “So when do you plan to move in?”

Jen almost choked on her coffee. “What?”

“Girl, I saw the way he looked at you. You’re not going to be able to keep that tucked away now that you’re together.” Colleen winked. “Call me when you start to pack. I’m excellent at organizing moving parties.”

“I don’t think this is what the doctor was talking about when she suggested bed rest,” Nathan drawled as he propped himself up on the pillows and looked at her.

Jen grinned as she climbed onto the bed, naked.

She was right on time.

It was early morning, a month after his injury and two weeks since Jen had gone back to work.

He knew her system.

She’d dashed to her apartment and checked on her mail, then grabbed a change of clothing to return to his shower and bed, staying with him for the day.

At the rate his pile of laundry in the corner was growing, he might as well just tell her to move in.

Nathan smiled to himself.

He’d broach that subject after dinner.

“She said for you to rest.” Her long blonde hair fell over her shoulders, framing her face. “So just lie back and think of England. Or whatever homeland you might want.”

“You think this is what I want?” He couldn’t help laughing.

It’d become a familiar routine almost every morning since he’d gotten the stitches out. Up until then, she’d treated him like a piece of precious china, catering to his every whim.

He’d taken advantage of it to push her limits, tease her to the point of making her threaten to tie his hands to the bedposts and leave him there overnight while she went to work.

Jen hadn’t yet—but she’d taken great pride in showing him the nylon cords tied to the bedposts for future use.

Nathan sighed as she pulled the blankets back with a flick of her wrist. “I guess I’ll have to suffer.”

“That’s a lot of suffering.” She pointed at his cock, already erect.

“I’m a sadist.” Nathan allowed himself a smirk.

“You’ve taken your pills.” She glanced toward the bedside table, where the small bottle sat.

“Yes, dear. And changed the dressing.” He put his hand over the fresh white bandage. “It’s looking better now that the stitches are out. A week lying around the house has it looking great.”

“Still have to be careful.” She curled up next to him and drew a finger down his chest.

“I could handle the basement.” The words slipped out before he could self-censor them.

Jen paused. “I know you could. I’m not sure if I could.”

Nathan didn’t pursue it. He’d already made plans to tear up the floor, redecorate the room.

He wasn’t sure if it’d be enough. Tanner had desecrated their safe place, and he didn’t know if he’d ever be able to go down there alone again. He’d stumbled down while Jen was at work to clean up the mess left behind by the paramedics and almost thrown up.

“I think I’d like to try the club.”

The words shocked her into stillness, her hand resting over his heart.

“Are you ready?”

“Ready enough.” He took her hand and kissed it before rolling over and pinning her to the mattress.

Her shriek was a mixture of concern and pleasure.

“Nathan—”

“Hush.” He nibbled on her jawline, working his way around to her mouth. “I’ve had enough of you being on top. Let me do some of the work for once.”

Her protestations turned into whimpers and sighs as he kissed her. His hands skimmed down the sides of her body as he moved against her, feeling the moisture already gathering between her legs at his approach.

“If you pull something and hurt yourself—” Her shallow whisper echoed in his ear.

“Just add it to the list of things you’re dying to punish me for.” Nathan stretched out a hand and retrieved a condom from the drawer. “I know you’ve got one.”

“A long one. And I intend to make you pay for every infraction, every refusal to take your pain pills and—” She let out a grunt of annoyance as he twisted away from her.

“Aren’t you the one who told me low and slow was the way to go?” he joked as he slipped the condom on.

“Been a while since I let you drive,” Jen replied, punctuated with a throaty sigh as he moved back between her legs. “You sure you know the way?”

“Let me see.” Nathan grabbed her hips and pulled her up as he slid home, dragging a long silent scream from her. “I think I remember.”

Jen couldn’t remember the last time Boots ’n’ Chains was so packed. True, it was a Saturday night and one of the few nights each month dedicated to invited guests, but every booth was filled and there was a waiting list for the private rooms. The club was rocking, and as she made her way to the private booth, she passed Kate and Alex, who were sitting at one of the tables, enjoying the shows.

Kate waved her over, the excitement visible on her face. “I can’t believe you’re doing this. That he’s doing this.”

Jen grinned. “It was his idea. As soon as he got better, he started nagging me. Had plenty of ideas while working up the new security department for HP. I decided to let him have some fun as a present for doing so well.”

Kate cocked her head to one side. “You should be keeping him in line.” She reached out and tugged on Alex’s collar. “Don’t want him running free just ’cause he saved your life.”

Alex chuckled as he leaned in and nuzzled Kate’s neck. “Darned uppity men.”

“Yes.” Kate growled as she let loose of his collar. She slapped his bare leg. “Darned uppity men who know they’re begging for a spanking.”

Jen shook her head. “It’s an ongoing job, woman. They never seem to learn.”

“True,” Kate said. Her fingers curled around the back of Alex’s neck. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to put him to use before he says another word.”

She pushed the grinning man down onto his knees and pointed at her feet.

Jen laughed as she turned away.

She retreated to the booth where she’d settled Colleen and Suzanne.

They’d arrived not too long ago and were already slack-jawed at seeing the scenes around them. Colleen seemed much more interested in the Dom/sub displays than Suzanne, who spent more time gawking at the scantily clad women strutting by.

Jen expected some interesting conversations at work next week.

She hovered over Colleen. “How are you doing?”

Colleen beamed. “I can’t believe you kept this from me. It’s wonderful!” She reached over and squeezed her partner’s hand. “Isn’t it?”

Suzanne swallowed loudly as a Domme walked by with another woman at her heels, both wearing equal portions of leather and lace and still managing to cover almost nothing. “Oh. Yeah.”

“How’s he doing?” Suzanne asked.

“He’s wonderful. The new job’s working out fine and I’m planning to move in next week.” Jen tugged at her dark red corset. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got an appointment I have to keep.”

“Go.” Colleen waved her off. “And thanks again for the invite.”

Jen walked to a special room set aside for scene preparations. It was equipped with soundproof walls that provided a private space to get your head in the game.

Now it held only one man.

Mine.

She beamed at seeing Nathan standing there, naked and strong. The puckered skin on his right side was pale, but other than that, he’d healed completely.

“Are you ready?” She put her hands on her hips and studied him. “It’s a full house out there.”

“I am.” He stood proud and tall. “Mistress.”

“Then let me show you off to the club. The whipping post is open and waiting for us.” Jen took his hand. “Let’s show them what you can do.”

He hesitated, and for a second, she thought he was about to balk. The words were on her lips, reassuring him he didn’t have to do anything he didn’t want to do and if he would prefer waiting for a private room as they’d done over the past week during their preparations for this public—

Nathan pulled her close and kissed her, a long, hot, steamy kiss that drove all worries from her mind and churned up her emotions to the point of making her teary-eyed by the time he’d finished.

He pulled away first and smiled.

“All I am, all that I was, all that I will be, I give to you and you alone.” He raised her hands and kissed the palms, one after the other. “My Mistress.”

She sniffled. “Bastard. I can’t go up there with my makeup running.”

He reached up and stroked away the single tear threatening to run down her cheek. “Thank you for giving me what I’ve dreamed about for so long.”

“Don’t thank me yet.” Jen felt the surge of desire rise and shift into her Domme persona. “You’ve still got to get through it.” She tugged at the well-worn leather collar around his neck. “Come on and let’s show them what you’re made of.”

Nathan smiled. “Yes, Mistress.”