Doms of Chicago, Boxed Set One, page 22
“I love you too, Big Brother.” Her eyes were bright, but she seemed more relaxed. “So you’ll come upstairs and save me from big, bad Josh?”
Laughing, Caelan shook his head. “Fine, I’ll be up with Nisey in about twenty minutes.”
* * * *
Even though the soak in Epsom salts had soothed her, Nisey couldn’t help but be self conscious as she walked up the steps to her apartment. The fact that her father was waiting for her the morning after she’d finally indulged her true sexual nature was not a comfortable one. The only thing calming her was Caelan’s guiding hand at the base of her spine. While she had tried to assure him she was more than capable of dealing with her father by herself, he’d told her in no uncertain terms he was going to be by her side.
“Relax grá. Your mother isn’t here. Just your father and Josh.”
They paused in front of the door. Looking up at him, she placed her hands on his hard chest before leaning forward and pressing her cheek against it. Automatically his arms came around her and pulled her close. Her reply was muffled against his chest. “You’re coming up to save Kalinda, aren’t you?”
“Something like that, but aside from Josh, I want to talk to your father about what happened yesterday. Your mother’s actions were really inexcusable.”
She lifted her head and he pressed a kiss against her lips. “Now, quit stalling, Nisey. You’re a grown woman.” He opened the door behind her before ushering her in. The smell of cinnamon rolls had her mouth watering. Following her nose to the warm kitchen, she wasn’t surprised to see Kalinda keeping an entire table plus her father between Josh and herself.
“Morning, Daddy. Did you save me a roll or did you eat them all?” Pressing a kiss on the top of his balding head, she reached around him to snag a roll and feigned relaxation. The last thing she needed was her dad to realize how nervous she was.
“Good morning, sweetheart.” He turned in his chair and his eyes roamed up and down her form. She was glad she’d chosen to wear her soft cotton sleep pants and a regular tank top. Everything was covered, even though she was vastly aware of the fact she wasn’t wearing a bra. She couldn’t see the happiness glowing from her whole being, but her father could and knew its source.
Next to him, Caelan pulled out her chair and waited for her to sit. She blushed, but noticed how her dad nodded slightly as Caelan pushed her closer to the table. Obviously she wasn’t the only one who had noticed Caelan’s old world manners.
While Caelan, Josh and her father made small talk, Nisey ate her cinnamon roll and sipped on the mug of coffee Kalinda had handed her. When the caffeine rushed into her system, she sighed. She hadn’t had a chance to get even a sip after Caelan had come in and rushed her out of the tub, briskly drying her off and urging her to dress. It seemed he was more interested in seeing what her father had to say than the obvious erection pressed against the fly of his old jeans. While lying in the tub soaking away her aches, she’d thought of nothing other than returning Caelan’s favor and giving him a spine-tingling blowjob. Being rushed to dress then go upstairs without her coffee had definitely quashed her ideas of any immediate repayment.
Perhaps after lunch when I go down to help Caelan get ready for his class…
She was jerked out of her thoughts when her father placed his hand over hers.
“Well, I guess I can’t avoid this any longer.” His voice was dull and full of pain while his gaze asked for her understanding.
Fear raced over her. She’d only seen him like this once before. It was the day her mother had taken back the Lab puppy her father had given her for her birthday. She had made Larry break the news to their daughter.
“What’s wrong, Daddy? Is Mother giving you grief over Derrick? Did she tell you to come over and try to convince me to drop the charges against him or she’ll completely disown me?”
“No, it’s nothing like that.” He sat up straighter. “I’m divorcing your mother. Her treatment and handling of this thing with Derrick was the last straw. I found out yesterday from Councilman Landing, his wife and your mother came over here to try and convince you to drop the charges against Derrick.” He squeezed her hand. “For what he did to you, he deserves to rot in prison. I confronted your mother about it, and she gave me some song and dance about how you were ruining a perfectly good boy’s life. When she couldn’t convince Caelan to order you to drop the charges, she thought perhaps the bribe Mrs. Landing was willing to offer you might do the trick.”
Standing behind her, Caelan growled and squeezed her shoulders in a reassuring way.
“Oh, Daddy, if Caelan had ordered me to do that, I wouldn’t be with him. Besides he never would’ve done that. He only wants the best for me and letting that weasel go free to attack me again or some other inexperienced girl wouldn’t have been in anyone’s best interests.”
“I know. Your Master would never mistreat you. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. He cares about you. Deeply, if I don’t miss my guess, but to make a long story short, your mother threatened to divorce me if I didn’t get behind her plan. I realized if she’d betray her own daughter for so-called social standing in the community, she would have no qualms about doing the same to me, if she’s given the chance.”
“I hope you told her you were going to divorce her instead!” Anger made Nisey’s voice tight. How dare her mother threaten her dad!
He nodded. “I’m going down Monday morning and filing the necessary paperwork. I’m glad you’re taking this well. I know I always told you to never give up, but…”
“I’m not mad, Daddy, even I know there’s a time and place to finally cut your losses. You haven’t been happy with Mom for a long time now. Too many times she’s put you through hell.”
“I know. It’s hard, though.”
“Have you thought of where you’re going to stay?” She was just about to open her mouth to offer her dad the couch when he shook his head.
“Don’t worry. I’m not going to stay with you, sweetheart. Josh here offered me his spare room until I can find an apartment.”
Leaning across the table, she gave her dad a tight hug before smiling at Josh.
“Did I ever tell you, Josh, that you’re the greatest?”
Caelan squeezed her shoulders and leaned forward to whisper in her ear. “Just remember who’s your Dom, grá.”
* * * *
Entering his study Caelan was aware of Josh’s presence following him. It was time to let bygones be bygones. Seeing his sister and Josh together in the same room had assured him he was doing the right thing. Kalinda deserved a chance to be happy. He had a feeling his best friend could tame his sister without breaking her and in the process make her extremely happy. If explaining what really happened a year ago could insure that chance, he’d break his rule about justifying his actions to anyone – let alone Hillary’s brother who needed the truth.
“Sit.” He moved around the desk, and sank into the chair behind it.
“What if I don’t want to?” The easy going Josh from upstairs was now gone - in its place was the prick that Caelan had become accustomed to dealing with.
“If you want to know what happened a year ago, you’ll sit.”
“You’re going to finally talk to me about it?”
“I want my sister to be happy and this feud going on between us is hurting her. She wants you, but won’t take a single step in your direction because she thinks it’s going to hurt me. So sit down and I’ll explain what happened, or walk out the door and throw away your only chance with my sister. It’s your choice.”
Josh sat. They talked for well over an hour and parted as friends.
* * * *
Later that night, Nisey followed Caelan as he opened the door to a nondescript industrial looking building. From the outside, Olivia’s looked like any other warehouse in the Old Town district of Chicago. There were security cameras and fenced, lighted parking. A tall man wearing leathers stood just inside the doorway. He nodded in respectful greeting to Caelan before opening the door.
“Evening Master Caelan. A new sub?”
“Yes. One I’m training. I can vouch for her.”
“No disrespect, but Mistress Olivia’s tightened security rather strongly since that idiot Landing tried to take refuge here.”
“Relax, Carlos.” Olivia’s dulcet tones had Nisey glancing up in surprise when the attention-commanding woman walked out of the dimly lit interior and into the bright light of the foyer. Gone was the casual brunette she’d seen at Gabriel’s. Now, she was dressed so every inch proclaimed the Domme she was. Wearing skin-tight black leather pants and a leather halter with a flogger hanging from one hip, she looked like she was ready for business. Nisey shifted nervously. She wasn’t sure how to greet Olivia in this setting.
“I’m glad to see you Nisey. How are you feeling?”
Deciding to take the high road, she lowered her head and answered. “Very good, Mistress. Master Caelan has been taking very good care of me.”
A lush laugh escaped Olivia.
“No need to stand on formality, Nisey. I appreciate the respect you’re trying to offer me, but in this case it isn’t needed. Right now I’m just Olivia, inquiring about the health of a friend.”
Nisey lifted her head and smiled - one of utter satisfaction. “Better now.”
“Obviously. Caelan dear, do you mind if I steal your sub for a moment?”
“Of course not, but I do need her back in time for the class.”
Glancing at the slender watch on her wrist, Olivia nodded. “Come with me, Nisey.
Following Olivia inside the massive building, Nisey’s eyes widened. The lush interior was dark and sensual. The dark red mahogany of the bar shone with a rich satin finish and reflected the warm glow of the soft light coming from the track lights above it. The bartender was deftly pouring drinks for a waitress who wore nothing but a leather g-string and a slender red collar around her throat.
Noticing where Nisey’s attention was, Olivia guided her out of the bar area towards a darkened hall. “My wait-staff all wear red collars designating their position, so there is no misunderstanding by any of my patrons. While they’re on ‘my time’, there’s no play allowed. The last thing I need is to be accused of prostitution. Do you realize how hard it was to get a permit from the zoning committee as a woman owner? It would’ve been damn near impossible if they suspected me of being a madam.”
Nisey giggled while Olivia drew her into what turned out to be an office. Unlike Gabriel’s office, this one definitely belonged to a dominatrix. The dark leather furniture and red walls with rings at various heights had Nisey envisioning some slave being restrained for Olivia’s viewing pleasure while she worked at the sleek black desk in the middle of the room.
When the door was shut, Nisey waited on pins and needles to see why Olivia had dragged her into the office. Finally - nervously she spoke to break the tension.
“You know, Olivia, I think you’re making a habit of dragging me into offices. Does Caelan have to worry about you trying to steal me away?”
A full belly laugh escaped Olivia. “Not a chance sweetie. I prefer…shall we say…playmates who relish a much rougher hand, or deserve harsh treatment such as the idiotic Landing boy. Somehow, I don’t think you need a firm hand to be kept in line.”
Nisey shook her head ‘no’ before shifting nervously at the mention of Derrick. She tried to sink into one of the chairs in front of the desk before her knees deserted her and left her kneeling on the floor at Olivia’s feet.
“Relax. I just wanted to assure you it will be a long time before he ever abuses another sub again, even after he gets out.”
Letting out a sigh of relief, Nisey figured it was over until Olivia pushed off the desk.
“Now, I need to know, is Caelan planning on restraining you tonight during class?”
“Honestly I don’t know. From my understanding Sara is here and he may use her. He hasn’t said.”
“And how do you feel about it?”
“A good slave accepts that her master may play with other slaves.” Even as she said it, Nisey had to push down her jealousy at the idea of Caelan giving Sara something she wanted so badly.
“Yes, a good slave does accept it. It’s part of our lifestyle, but I wasn’t asking the slave. Nisey, I was asking you. Honestly, can you handle watching Caelan tie up another?”
“I don’t have a choice, do I? I don’t want to be a clingy and possessive slave, Olivia. He’s a man and a Dom who’s accustomed to doing what he wants. What I feel or don’t feel should have no bearing on my Maister’s actions.”
Smirking, Olivia crouched down so she was level with Nisey. “That’s where you’re wrong, Nisey - at least with Caelan. I’ve known him for many years and watched him with many slaves, and while he can be domineering and a total ass about what he wants, he never once has neglected or left a sub wanting. He gets his high off the fact he’s physically and emotionally pushed his slave until the point they fall into subspace. Have you ever heard of it?”
A blush crossed Nisey’s face. “I thought that was a myth.”
“No, it’s very real. Many slaves find bondage especially freeing. When they’re pushed to their very limits, it’s not uncommon for them to feel extremely connected to their Dom. I had one slave say it feels like he was floating on a cloud where nothing could touch him.”
Nisey couldn’t help but be fascinated by what the other woman had told her. “Why are you telling me this, Olivia?”
Olivia cupped her cheek. “Because I think you’re one who’ll easily achieve subspace once Caelan puts the ropes on you. I didn’t want you to be scared when it happens.”
“What ever happened with Doms not interfering with one another’s slaves?” Nisey meant it as a joke.
“We don’t on a whole, but Caelan had asked if I’d mind if he used a newbie for his demonstration. As the owner of the club, I have strict rules about classes. I provide first class instruction and entertainment here. I don’t want any incidents to occur with a newbie and ruin the evening.”
Hope filled her. “So you think he may use me tonight?”
Standing back up, Olivia looked down at her. “That depends on you and whether you’re willing to ask for what you want.”
Unease now warred with her need and had Nisey trembling while she knelt between the desk and the chair.
“Now, we’ve got about ten minutes before the students start showing up. I’m going to go check on Caelan and Gabriel. When you’re ready to join us, we’ll be in the room down the hall. The second door on the right.”
“Okay.”
“One more thing, Nisey. If you decide you’re going to ask for what you want, in the closet there’s a dark garment bag with your name on it. Caelan gave it to me a couple weeks ago, so when you started assisting with his classes you’d have the proper attire. Put what’s in there on, then come and join us.”
Nisey nodded then Olivia walked out and shut the door behind her. Standing up, Nisey walked over to the closet and placed her hand over the knob. Indecision warred within her, but her heart won.
* * * *
Caelan was talking with Gabriel when Olivia came back in by herself. Had he pushed too hard? His plan to have Olivia approach Nisey had been a gamble. If Nisey chose to only watch this time he had Sara to fall back on, but he’d been battling his need to restrain his slave all day. The last thing he wanted was to revisit old bad memories of her first taste in bondage, but he was dying to see his shibari ropes around Nisey’s nubile body.
“How did it go?” His voice was a bit hesitant.
“She spouted off a bunch of the theologies of BDSM about not being jealous of another sub and how you could choose any slave you wanted without asking her. I think she was waiting for some sort of signal from you. Somehow I don’t think she understands you, my friend.”
“We’re still learning about each other. One of these days, she’s going to learn how to ask for what she wants. I’m not a damned mind reader.”
“Of course you’re not. Maybe I should give her a two by four to bash over your head, if yesterday was any indication of your mind-reading abilities.” Gabriel joined the conversation.
“Fuck off!” His retort lacked real ire. He knew his friend was trying to give him shit so he wouldn’t worry about Nisey.
“What happened?” Olivia demanded.
“The great Caelan Doherty got seduced by his own sub.”
Olivia raised an eyebrow. “Really? Do tell?”
Caelan opened his mouth, but nothing came out when he spotted Nisey standing just outside the door. He moved to go forward, but Olivia glanced over her shoulder and stepped in front of him.
“She has to do this on her own, Caelan. Let her come to you.”
Caelan stopped and gave a deep sigh. “I know.”
* * * *
Standing just outside the room, Nisey could see Olivia talking with Gabriel and Caelan. Her breath caught in her throat when Caelan glanced up and started towards her. When Olivia stopped him, she realized the ball was in her court. She had to be the one to come to him, to show him she was ready and ask for what she wanted. Tightening her fingers on the sash holding the thigh length robe closed around her, she gathered up her lagging courage, stepped over the threshold and into the bright lights of the instruction room. The soft slippers she’d found in the bottom of the garment bag protected her feet from the cool wood floor and barely made a sound when she approached the three doms who were standing in the center of the room.
Within moments, she was standing next to them. Kneeling quickly, she greeted her master in his preferred way, her head lowered to touch his instep.
“Greetings, Máister. This slave presents herself for your pleasure.”
“My pleasure, slave?”
“Yes, Máister.” Keeping her head lowered, she waited for him.
“It pleases me to see you wearing my robe, slave, but are you certain you’re ready for the responsibilities which come with it?”
“Yes, Máister. It would please this slave to feel your shibari ropes against her body.”
