Aurora's Doms [Club of Dominance 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 4

  Once out of the military they had seen a need in their hometown for more removal companies and had pooled their money to start up their own business. It had taken a couple of years but now their company was doing so well, they had quite a large contingency of employees and never had to move another piece of furniture if they didn’t want to. Not that he or Mike minded working. They didn’t, but it was nice to know they had financial security as well as trusted employees.

  They searched the house and found nothing, but he was still unsettled. Something wasn’t right.

  “Anything?”

  “No, but my skin’s still crawling,” Mike replied.

  “Mine, too.” Mac entered the kitchen and snagged two beers then passed one over to his brother. “You know, it’s easy to blame all the shit that’s been going on at the bay on kids, but it makes you wonder now.”

  “Yeah, maybe so. Worth looking into, anyway. What I’d like to know is how the fucker got in. There are no broken windows or signs that any of them were forced open and the alarm isn’t going off.”

  “Yeah, that doesn’t sit well with me. The only other way…” Mac straightened from his slouched position on the counter and headed for the front door. “Check the back and the garage.”

  Mac pulled the front door open and flicked the entrance and porch lights on. There were a couple of small scratches on the metal surrounding the keyhole. “Someone picked the fucking lock. Whoever it is tried to make damn sure we didn’t know they’d been here. Nothing was out of place.”

  “My gut churned more in the office,” Mike said and turned back down the hall. Mac came up behind him as they both stood inside their home office, looking intently around the room.

  “Someone was here, all right. I know damn well that pad was next to the phone. It’s across the other side of the desk now. You know how I always leave it close to the phone so we can take down any messages.”

  “What the hell would anyone want with us? We haven’t made any nemeses as far as I know. And the only people who know we are retired Marines are the friends we served with.”

  “Fuck if I know.” Mike scrubbed a hand over his face. “There’s nothing we can do about it now. Let’s get a few hours sleep. Thank God we don’t have to work tomorrow. I’m going to call Garth first thing and see if he can put in a better security system with cameras.

  “Shit!” Mike turned to face Mac. “Speaking of Garth…Turner has arranged for Aurora to scene with Garth and Derrick next weekend.”

  “What?” Mac slammed his fist down on the desk. “Un-fucking-believable. Why would he do that?”

  “There’s more.” Mike hesitated.

  “Spit it out,” Mac snapped.

  “He’s appointed us as scene monitors.”

  “Jesus H. Christ. Why the hell would he do that? Is he trying to torture us?”

  Mike sighed. “I think he’s trying to make us jealous. Fucking asshole! How the fuck are we going to watch two of our friends play with our sub and not rip their fucking throats out?”

  “God only knows.” Mac finished off the last of his beer and went to dump the bottle in the recycle bin. Mike was just coming out of the office.

  “I think we should just avoid the club altogether. That way we won’t see what they do to her and we won’t try and kill them for touching our sub.”

  “Wait!” Mac exclaimed. “Did you see any of the scenes Aurora did?”

  “Yeah, fuck it.”

  “I did, too.” Mac held up his hand to cut Mike off. “None of the Doms laid a hand on her.”

  “What?” Mike straightened with interest.

  “The Doms only used a switch and paddle on her. They never touched her with any part of their body.”

  “Well, thank heavens for small mercies.” Mike frowned. “Why didn’t I notice that?”

  “Knowing you, you were probably too pissed off to notice it.”

  “Yeah, you’re right. I had to walk away after the first minute or I would have started a fight. Why would she do a scene and not let a Dom touch her?”

  “Now there’s a question I wish I knew the answer to. You know, now that I think back, I don’t think Aurora was engaged at all. She looked downright bored.”

  “The Doms must have been new to play. Any good Dom in their right mind would know how to get a sub off even without laying a hand on her.”

  “You would think that, wouldn’t you?” Mac grinned.

  “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “The Doms weren’t new.”

  “Who were they?”

  “Luke and Matt Plant.” Mac watched as a slow smile spread across Mike’s face. The tension left his brother and he knew they wouldn’t be avoiding the club after all.

  “Interesting.”

  “Isn’t it, though?” Mac walked toward his bedroom, but before he closed the door he glanced back at Mike. “When Garth and Derrick arrive to outfit the new security system I think maybe we should have a little talk with them.”

  “That’s a definite, not a maybe.”

  Mac chuckled as he closed his bedroom door. He stripped and got into bed. Maybe things aren’t as bleak as they first seemed.

  * * * *

  Mike watched as Derrick did the last check on their new security system. He and his brother Garth Jackson had made sure that Mac’s and Mike’s cell phones would alert them if anyone broke into the house. Small cameras had been placed around their property, inside and out, which would record any images on a system that was hidden in the back of the hall utility cupboard. Mike was curious and had wanted to begin questioning his friends as soon as he’d seen them get out of their truck, but had held off.

  “Do you think you could update our security at the warehouse?” Mike asked Derrick.

  “Sure. What do you have?”

  “Just an alarm on the doors,” Mike replied and then sighed. “We’ve had a spate of break-ins and vandalism. I thought it was just kids fooling around but after the break-in here I’m not so sure.”

  Derrick glanced at him and then back to the panel on the wall. “Windows have been smashed and the office was ransacked. Nothing was taken but all the files were rifled through and the papers on our desks were strewn about the place. Graffiti was left all over the walls inside and out plus left on the side of a couple of trucks.”

  “Sounds like kids.”

  “That’s what I thought, too, but now, I just don’t know.”

  “Do you want the same setup as we’re putting in here at the warehouse?”

  “Yeah, but make sure that you put cameras all around the outside. That way if anyone manages to break in we’ll have them on camera.”

  “Okay.”

  “Thanks.”

  Derrick looked up at him as he closed the panel which would hide the recording device from view. “What else is on your mind?”

  “Has Turner contacted you yet?”

  “Ah…shit.”

  “I’ll take that as a yes.”

  Derrick nodded.

  “Have you scened with Aurora before?” Mike glanced to the side when he saw Mac walk close and lean against the wall. His brother crossed his arms over his chest in a nonchalant pose, but Mike wasn’t fooled. He could see the tension in Mac’s muscles and the slight tightness around his mouth.

  “No.”

  “Have you watched her play?”

  Derrick nodded.

  “Tell me what you saw,” Mike demanded.

  A frown marred Derrick’s face and Mike could tell he was thinking before he spoke.

  “I don’t want you beating around the bush. Just give it to me straight.”

  “About six months ago she did a scene with Matt and Luke.” Derrick sighed. “I don’t understand it, but from what I could see she wasn’t into the play at all. Her eyes wandered from them to other scenes and she looked totally bored.”

  “That must have gone down well,” Mike commented, knowing how dominant Luke and Matt were. Not being able to engage a sub in scene p
lay would be a real ego booster. Not.

  “Yeah, like a fucking hole in the head. They finished up without seeing it through.”

  “Do you think she’s just playing at being a sub but not truly submissive?”

  Derrick looked at him as if he had rocks in his head. “What do you think?”

  “She’s definitely a sub.”

  Derrick nodded and looked toward Mac. Then their gazes connected again. “They’re not the only ones who had trouble engaging her.”

  “Explain.”

  “She did a scene with Jack and Tank once. They used wax play and cupping.”

  “Shit, she didn’t stand a chance. Those two are the best I’ve seen at that play. She would have been in subspace within ten minutes.”

  Derrick shook his head.

  “No?”

  “Nope. Same thing. She just lay on that table and stared at the ceiling.”

  “Shit. What the hell?”

  “Turner stepped in and halted play. He took Aurora aside and spoke to her. She looked kind of embarrassed, but by the end of the discussion she looked…resigned.”

  “Any idea what they talked about?”

  “I don’t have a clue.”

  “Thanks, Derrick.” Mike stepped back and led the way to the kitchen. “Do you want some coffee?”

  “Yeah, thanks.”

  As Mike made the coffee, Mac and Garth entered the kitchen. They sat around talking for a while, but Mike spaced out from time to time. He wondered why a natural-born submissive would struggle to respond to four well-trained Dominants in two separate scenes.

  Now that was a question he would like very much to find out the answer to.

  Chapter Four

  The club was nearly filled to capacity and Aurora was pretending to have fun, greeting members, laughing and joking with them as they signed in. It was Friday night and even though this was only her third shift of the week, she was exhausted. Ever since that night she had been attacked by that asshole Mitchell and then been watched over by Mike and Mac, she had hardly slept a wink. Mitchell had died in a car accident after abducting Emma from the club, and even though she would never wish death upon anyone, she was relieved that she didn’t have to be worried about him coming in and beating on her again. That bastard had done a real number on her but she should be over it by now. He was no longer a threat to anyone, but the nightmares persisted.

  Every time she closed her eyes she felt that fucker’s hand around her throat cutting off her air supply. When she finally slept it was to dream. The dream was the same each night. It started out with Masters Mike and Mac touching her, kissing her, and playing her body until she was one big aching mass of need begging them to make love with her. Just when she was about to get her wish, the eroticism of the dream changed to a nightmare. Her dream lovers faded away, and in their place was Mitchell with his hands on her body, making her feel so violated and dirty. Why her conscience changed from the loving scene to one of horror when that bastard hadn’t touched her in any sexual way, she had no clue. But she didn’t know how much more she could stand. She was a mess in more ways than one.

  Aurora had actually taken the time to put on makeup for tonight. She had dark smudges beneath her eyes and still had some bruising on her cheek that she was trying to hide, and because she wasn’t sleeping, she was so anxious she wasn’t eating much either. The thought of food made her feel physically ill, and she only managed a few bites to eat over the last five days. She let the smile fall from her face as the latest members to enter disappeared through the internal double doors to the club, and she lowered herself into the chair with a sigh.

  Masters Matt and Luke were taking turns being with her at the reception counter, and Master Luke was currently speaking on the phone. When he shifted she glanced over to see him watching her with a frown. She looked away quickly and cursed the heat suffusing her cheeks. Aurora had attempted a scene with him and his brother, and she hadn’t felt a thing when they had played with her. She was deeply embarrassed over that incident and had hoped she wouldn’t have to spend much time with them, but it seemed she was being thwarted in all directions lately.

  What the hell is wrong with me? Why can’t I feel anything when I submit? I know I’m submissive inside, so why can’t I let go?

  Aurora felt like she would never experience the deep-seated need of true submission and wondered if she was just wasting her time. Maybe all those boys in high school and college were right. Maybe I am just so fucking cold inside that nobody will ever get through the layers of ice. The word frigid hovered on the edges of her mind.

  Master Turner had taken her aside quite a few months back and suggested she not play in the club until she was truly ready. She could remember that conversation like it was yesterday and didn’t think she would ever forget it. God, she was so naïve. How the hell had he known how she felt? She had been so careful and tried not to let on to anyone what her feelings were, but it seemed her efforts had been futile. Sometimes she wished she had never discovered the world of BDSM. If she hadn’t, maybe she would be in a vanilla relationship and happy enough with her lot, because she wouldn’t have known what was missing.

  * * * *

  “Aurora, why do you persist trying to scene with Doms you have no connection to?” Master Turner asked.

  “Sorry, Master?”

  Master Turner sighed. “You, little sub, have a very loving heart. We both know that no matter how hard you try, no one but the men you love will be able to make you react. You aren’t ready to play with other Doms, Aurora. I would really appreciate it if you didn’t play unless your heart was in it, honey. You are damaging my Doms’ egos.”

  Aurora’s face flushed. She lowered her eyes and shifted uncomfortably.

  “Will you do something for me?” Master Turner asked and waited for her to meet his eyes.

  “If I can, Master Turner.”

  “I want you to think about playing out a scene with Masters Mike and Mac.” He held up his hand and gave her a stern look when she opened her mouth to interrupt. “Don’t interrupt me, sub. We both know you want to, Aurora, so please don’t you dare insult my integrity by denying it. You are the sort of woman who will love once and deeply. You won’t ever be able to endure another’s touch. Please, just go and ask them to top you. But if you can’t find the courage you need to face the men you care for, don’t ask or accept scene plays from other Doms unless you can give them your true submission.”

  Aurora didn’t know how to respond to or face such blatant truthfulness. She tried to lower her head, but Master Turner reached out, cupping her chin to stop the action.

  “I’m not trying to hurt you, Aurora, but if you continue on the way you have, you may end up doing more damage than good. How are you going to feel if you finally find a Dom who can reach you physically? I know you, sub. You are going to tear yourself up inside if you give yourself to a man or men you don’t love. You will never be able to look yourself in a mirror again. You will feel like you have betrayed your heart and soul. Give them time, honey. They will come around eventually, and the wait will be worth it.

  “Don’t ever doubt the passion you have buried deep inside. It’s there just waiting for the right men to tap into. You are a true submissive, Aurora, but you need to have your heart engaged to give up that tight control.”

  Master Turner took hold of her hand. “Now, why don’t we go and sit at the bar for a while. We can share a drink, and I want you to relax for a few minutes and think about what I’ve said.”

  Master Turner helped her onto a stool and ordered her a drink. She sat and thought over everything he had said and knew he was right. She wasn’t in love with Masters Luke and Matt, so she had been locked up tighter than a chastity belt inside. Making the decision then and there to not play in another scene was like a weight lifting from her shoulders. There were only two men she wanted to be with, and no one else would ever do.

  * * * *

  Aurora came back to the present with
a start when Master Luke spoke. “Have you been ill, Aurora?”

  “No, Master Luke.”

  “You’ve lost weight and your clothes are much looser than they should be. You have dark smudges beneath your eyes and you’re pale beneath that makeup. Are you sure you’re well?”

  “Yes, Master Luke. I’m fine, but thank you for asking.”

  “At least that bruise on your cheek and eye has nearly gone.” Luke picked up a bottle of water and removed the cap. “Here, drink this. You look like you’re about to pass out.”

  Aurora took the bottle gratefully and drank deeply. By the time she lifted it away from her lips half the bottle was gone. “Thanks, Master Luke.”

  “You aren’t sleeping,” Master Luke stated, and she just gave a negligible shrug.

  What was there to say when someone stated the obvious?

  “Are you having nightmares?”

  Aurora looked up, startled, and quickly looked away again, mentally cursing the fact that she worked with such highly trained, perceptive, and intuitive Doms. She had thought she had learned to hide her feelings well, but she couldn’t seem to hide anything from the Doms who visited the Club of Dominance. Did they have to take lessons on How to Read Subs 101?