Doms of Chicago, Boxed Set One, page 11
“That’s when I realized I could easily give you total control of my body and emotions. It’s scary to think that after such a short period of time and what I’ve been through that I would willingly give up my control so soon.”
“Is that what had you panicking?”
His voice soft and smooth came from her left. Turning her head in his direction she answered.
“Not entirely. While my willingness to give up my control to you is uncomfortable, I realized it may not even matter if I try to become comfortable with it.”
“Why’s that?” He was close enough she could feel his body heat.
“Because no matter what I decide, you have to make your own choice. I can’t ask you for something you’re not willing to give. No matter what you decide I’ll accept it, but honestly if you decide against your beginning to train again, there is nothing I can do to prove to you I’m different than the last one.”
“You know nothing of what happened, slave. What makes you think you’re any different?” His voice was much harsher this time.
She flinched but stood strong. Or at least as strong as a blindfolded slave could. “I must be or I wouldn’t tempt you. If I remind you of what you’re missing, how could I possibly remind you of the things which drove you away from training?”
“You’re a very astute woman, grá.”
She blinked up at him when he removed her blindfold. He still looked dangerous but there was a small part of her that had recognized his vulnerability. It was the same vulnerability she felt herself. She didn’t even flinch when he reached up and untied her wrists. Taking her hands in his, he checked both wrists for bruising before unleashing her ankles. Taking her hand, he guided her over to a narrow bed in the corner of the room. She sank down on it while she waited for him to speak.
“If I take you on, Nisey, you’ll be different than any other sub I’ve ever trained. Unlike other women who’ve come under my tutelage, we’ll have something more in common than just the desire for the ropes and the unique relationship between a Dom and his sub.”
She cocked her head. “We will?”
“Yes. We will share the desire to heal and take back what was taken from us. It will make the bond between us stronger than the average bond between Master and slave. I don’t know if you’re ready for that, but I’m tired of letting the past rule my future.”
Surprise filled her. “You’re going to break your rule about training newbies?”
“I’m willing to try with you. You’re not going to try to hurt me anymore than I am going to try to hurt you. I trust you.”
“I’m shocked.”
He smiled sheepishly. “Imagine how I feel.”
She smiled back at him before taking a deep breath. “I don’t know if I can accept your training yet, Caelan.”
He took her hand in his. “I don’t expect you to. I’ve got to go out of town tomorrow for another conference. If you’re willing, while I’m gone I want you to think about us, our relationship and how you feel. I want you to write me. Each night when I come back to the hotel, I’m going to expect one e-mail from you. It’ll help both of us decide whether or not we’re ready to try this.”
“What do you want me to write about? “
“Why you’re drawn to the lifestyle, how it makes you feel, and what you’re expecting to get out of it. Ask any questions you want and I’ll give honest answers, but the object of this is for you to work through your emotions and your fears about giving what needs to be given. When I return, hopefully, you’ll have come to a decision. If you decide you’re ready, we’ll begin your training then.”
She nodded her understand before adding her verbal response. “I’ll try.”
“You’ll do more than try. I have every confidence you’ll succeed. Now, since it’s not safe for us to return upstairs yet, luckily for you I have a nice bed right here that you can curl up and sleep on.” Helping her lay down, he covered her with the blanket he’d brought down with him. Leaning over her, he pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Don’t worry, I’ll wake you before I leave in the morning.”
In the fading warmth of her arousal, she assessed her emotions as he settled into the chair beside her making her feel protected. This is all going to work out somehow. It has to. Moments after hitting the pillow, she was fast asleep. Caelan’s thoughts kept him awake longer but finally he too slept.
* * * *
Caelan groaned as he woke up. Glancing at his clock, he realized he’d only managed to get a few hours of sleep. Standing up from the chair, he stretched and another groan escaped him as he considered last night and where he and Nisey were now.
Checking in on his sleeping beauty, he ventured upstairs for a cup of coffee. Walking into the kitchen, he flipped the light switch on, but there was nothing. Muttering under his breath, he wandered over and reached into the cabinet above the sink for the camp coffee he’d stored there after his last camping trip.
His jaw dropped when he glanced out the window and saw the devastation in his backyard. “Son of a bitch!” Dropping the camp coffee on the counter, he rushed outside. Tree branches and debris littered his yard and the huge oak tree, one of the features that had sold him on purchasing this house, had split in half. With only half still standing, he surveyed the damage the fallen half had caused with a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.
“Damnaigh, I’m glad I didn’t let her go back up there last night.” Still leaning against the house, the tree had buried itself in what looked to be the living room of Kalinda and Nisey’s apartment. “Christ, it’s even blocking the back stairs.” Heading back inside, he took the front stairs and entered the apartment. He shook his head as he saw the damage. Pulling his cell phone out, he called the company who had originally done the renovations for him.
“Hello, Henry. This is Caelan Doherty and I have some severe damage from the storm. It took part of my big oak tree down. I was wondering if you would be able to send a couple of your guys over to board up some broken windows and tarp a hole in my roof.”
“Sure thing. I’m going to have a crew out in your area late this morning. I’ll have them swing by and rig you up something until I can come out and give you an estimate.” The contractor knew Caelan and they trusted each other.
“That would be wonderful. The sooner the better.” After going over a few brief details with the man, he ended the call.
Deciding while he was upstairs he’d grab some clean clothing for Nisey, he wandered into her bedroom. Shamelessly opening drawers until he found a soft faded pair of leggings and one silk poet’s shirt, he felt no guilt. He couldn’t help but smile at the idea of dressing Nisey as Gabriel had dressed his sub. Perhaps soon, I’ll be the one picking out her clothing for her. I’d love to see her dressed in a silk kimono wearing nothing under it besides my collar. His groin tightened once more. Damnaigh, I got to quit ‘putting the cart before the horse’ as Kalinda would say. One thing at a time, first Nisey’s got to make her decision.
* * * *
Caelan had just reentered his kitchen when his cell phone rang. Glancing at the display, he recognized his sister’s number.
“Good morning, little sister.”
“Caelan! Are you all right? I just saw the news. They’re showing our house. Please tell me Nisey wasn’t upstairs when the tree went through!”
“No. I had her tucked all safe away in the basement. I didn’t even hear the tree hit the house. The thunder was amazingly loud last night.”
“Oh, good.” The relief in her voice was evident. “The news people are saying it shut O’Hare down but the majority of the damage was in Evanston and Skokie. Rogers Park was hit hard too.”
“I’m not surprised. The electricity is out still but if O’Hare was affected I’m betting my flight has been delayed. I’m assuming since you’ve called, it didn’t get too bad up there for you?”
“No. We got quite the light show and some thunder. It rained for awhile too, but nothing major. Have you been upstairs yet?”
“Yes, and it’s a mess. The contractor who did the renovation is going to be coming over to board it up. So when you come home, I want you to stay with Nisey in my part of the house until the repairs are done.”
“Okay. I will head home now, but I’m not sure how long it is going to take with the roads closed and detoured from the damage and all.”
“Of course. I’ll let Nisey know about the workmen coming. I’m supposed to be at the airport by ten and I don’t think Henry’s men will be here by then. I can’t get out of the conference in Portland but I should be back by Saturday, possible Friday if I push it.”
“I’m sure Nisey and I can handle the repair guys. Henry seemed like a nice enough man the last time he worked for us.”
“I need you take pictures of the damage for the insurance company before they start the repairs, Kalinda. I’ll leave the digital camera out for you.”
“Aw, Caelan! You know that thing hates me. Every time I use it, the pictures never come out right or get lost in the transfer. Why don’t I have Nisey do it?”
“That’s fine. Don’t let her out on the roof. I’ll tan both of your bottoms if I find out she was.”
“Aw, you won’t spank me but be careful, Big Brother, Nisey may just like that.” Her laughter tinkled through the phone.
Keeping his composure was a stretch but he managed despite the memories his sister’s words evoked. “Regardless, I will be very displeased and genuinely angry if I find out either of you risked your fool necks trying to get pictures of the roof. Have one of the workers take the pictures before they cover the hole.” His stern reprimand had her giggling. “I’m serious Kalinda.”
“I know you are, Caelan, but you’re so much fun to tease. I swear neither Nisey nor I will set foot on the roof.”
“Good.” Glancing at the clock on the wall, he groaned. “I’ve got to go. I’ve only got an hour to pack and get my ass to the airport. I’ll call you tonight after I finish my meeting. It should be around nine or so.”
“Okay. I love you, Big Brother and have a safe trip.”
“I love you too, brat. Remember the rules.” He hung up and headed for the shower.
* * * *
After taking an extremely uncomfortable icy shower and shaving with his rechargeable electric razor, Caelan dressed in a faded pair of blue jeans and a black short-sleeved shirt. Slipping his loafers on, he was glad he’d packed his bag yesterday before the power had gone out. Rummaging around his huge walk-in closet in the dark to find appropriate clothing to take would’ve been a major pain in the ass.
Picking the camp coffee off the counter where he’d left it, he broke the seal on the heating component and while he was waiting for it to heat the coffee through, he wrote down his email address and a few questions on a blank sheet of paper. I can only hope she’ll trust me to help her find the answers together.
After folding the paper into a neat little square and tucking it his shirt pocket, he picked up the clothing he’d grabbed from Nisey’s room and both cans of the camp coffee. Shouldering his way into his playroom, he was glad he’d thought to leave one lantern burning on low to light his way. Even in the daytime it can be darker than the ace of spades in here. Spilling our coffee would be a cardinal sin. I’d beat my own ass for such a crime.
After setting the coffee on the bar a few feet from where Nisey slept, curled on her side with one arm tucked beneath her head. The toes on one foot peaked out from under the edge of the blanket as if they couldn’t stand to be covered. As enchanting as he found watching her, he knew his time was short. The cab company had promised his taxi would arrive in less than half an hour.
“Maidin, grá.” As he uttered the words in his native tongue, his brogue became much more pronounced. Trailing his fingers over her cheek, he slowly brought her from the world of slumber to the land of the waking.
She stirred and then took a deep breath. “Is that coffee I smell?” Her voice husky from sleep stroked over his senses. Lifting both arms to frame her head, she arched her back in an exaggerated stretch. Licking his lips as the cover slid to her waist and exposed her breasts straining against her shirt, he had to firmly remind himself he didn’t have time to take what she was offering.
“Yeah. I need you awake and as coherent as you can be on only three hours of sleep.”
“Oh.” Concern filled her face. “Did you get any sleep?”
“A bit. Don’t worry about me, grá. I’ll sleep on the plane.” Reaching behind him, he snagged one of the cans. “Come on, sit up.” Helping her sit up, he offered her the can. “Careful. It’s hot.”
Nodding her understanding, she devoured him with sleepy eyes while she blew gently into the small opening. Taking a small sip, a contented sigh escaped her. “This is good. Hot and strong.”
He nodded before snagging his own and taking a drink.
“I have to leave shortly, Nisey, but I wanted to talk to you before I left.”
She shifted uncomfortably as if she were embarrassed.
“No need for that. We’ve done nothing to be embarrassed about.”
She covered her face with one of her hands, attempting to hide her self-consciousness.
He tugged her hands down. “I’m serious here, grá. We’re both consenting adults. Your parents don’t have any bearing on what you decide. You need to quit worrying about what they think. It’s obvious trying to please them hasn’t made you happy, so why continue to try?”
“I don’t know.”
“Why not from here on out - find out what makes Nisey happy?”
She nodded, keeping her head hidden. His sigh of frustration at her response echoed through the room. “It’s obvious this is going to take time. Time I don’t have right now, but this subject isn’t done. My cab will be here shortly and I need to go over a few things before I leave.”
He quickly explained the damage and the workers coming to her while she continued to drink her coffee.
“Until the damage is repaired, both you and Kalinda are going to stay at my place.” He ordered.
“But –“
Pressing his finger against her lips, he gave her a silencing look.
“No buts, Nisey. I want you both safe. Kalinda will be back sometime this afternoon.”
Pulling the paper out of his pocket, he held it out to her. Reaching up to take it, he held it out of her reach.
“Listen carefully, Nisey, I want you to follow these instructions to the letter. I expect obedience. This is only a small part of what a relationship with a Dom entails. By ten every night, you will send me an email. I don’t want to have to remind you.” Offering it to her, he continued, “Inside you’ll find my email address and questions I want answers for.” He stopped her when she went to open it. “Wait until I’m gone to open it. I want you to think about it and give me honest answers. Not ones you think I want to hear - but the truth.”
“Okay. Can I ask questions in return?” Her request was soft spoken.
“Of course. I expect them. I’ll answer them when I return your email. There will be more questions depending on your answers, just as I’m sure you’ll have more questions.”
“Why are you doing this? There has to be more than the fact you find me desirable. I doubt not many Doms would take on someone like me.”
“There’s nothing wrong with you that a lot of patience and a bit of tough love won’t cure. Understanding is the first step. I need you going into this with your eyes open. Unrealistic views of what a D/s relationships are the downfall of many relationships. When I return, you will have the knowledge to be able to decide if you want that kind of relationship with me. Make no mistake, I can be a dominating ass when it comes to my sexual desires. The common courtesies I’ve shown you will stop once we enter this room or any other room where I choose to continue your ‘education’ in.”
“What does your sub get out of it?”
“Pleasure so intense it borders on pain.”
When her breathing came faster, he knew they’d slipped off track. Standing up, he offered her his hand.
“It’s time for me to leave, come see me off.”
“Time for my exile once more? I didn’t even get a chance to explore.”
The unexpected reemergence of her spunky humor had him smiling
“You’ve been given a temporary pass to the playroom so you can explore your curiosities about what’s in there. You may examine my toys and ask your questions about them, but you’re not allowed to use them until I’m back. Perhaps you can tell me which toy intrigues you the most in one of your emails.”
* * * *
Standing just inside the vestibule while they waited for his cab, Nisey dressed in the clothing he’d brought down for her, couldn’t help but enjoy their closeness. Despite everything that had occurred in the past twenty-four hours or perhaps because of it, she felt a closeness she hadn’t expected.
“I’m glad you decided to call in today. Even if the “L’s” are running, I doubt your boss will have much business.”
“I doubt it. If the “News” radio was right there are quite a few downed power lines.”
“Stay home where you’re safe, grá. I’ll call tonight when I arrive.”
She nodded.
“I left my digital camera on my dresser. Kalinda is an absolute wreck when she uses it, so be a good girl and take pictures of the damage for me. It’s for the insurance company, but stay off the roof.”
Her eyes lit up. “A digital camera?”
“Yes. It’s a Nikon D300. I bought it last year.”
The light in her eyes faded. “But Caelan, I can’t use your work camera. I’d feel terrible if something happened to it.”
He crossed his arms over his chest. “Nothing is going to happen to it. I trust you. I’m sure your boss lets you use more expensive equipment every day.”
“But I’ve had training …“
Her continued protests were starting to annoy him.
“You’re coming close to have a good bye spanking as opposed to a good bye kiss, grá.”
