Lisa's Gift (20 page)

He turned, leaning his elbow on the seat. “Would you rather not go?”

With another sub he wouldn’t have even asked. But this was Jana.

Lisa spun around, her eyes widening as she stared at Jana in disbelief.

Like a blanket, Jana pulled her tough-guy persona over her face. Her shoulders squared. “Are you kidding? I’ve been looking forward to this.”

Her hands were folded in her lap and the tightness of her grip revealed her lie.

Strength and courage, just a couple of the attributes Nicolas found charming in Jana. She was a fighter and he had no doubts that whatever she put her mind to she would accomplish or get through.

After they exited the truck, several more individuals joined them while they strolled up the sidewalk to the front door. Knowing there was www.samhainpublishing.com 147

Mackenzie McKade

no need to knock, Nicolas opened the door and they walked in. Lisa’s and Jana’s arms were linked in his.

It was nine o’clock and already the cave was packed. The large basement home of his college buddy morphed into a play party for night crawlers—people who sought their pleasures from the dark side of their dreams and desires. Men and women of every walk of life congregated here.

About eighty percent of attendees were simply curious, as he had been at his first party. Some people were in-between partners or didn’t plan to participate and only came for the socializing. Others were energy vampires—people who had no sense of connection to the participants, they were only there for the thrill—the fuck—as if they were watching a porno movie. The remainder of the people would act out their fantasies.

They were here to seek a higher plane than vanilla sex could give them.

Some were dressed casually in jeans or slacks, others in full blown leather outfits or naked. Of course, those individuals wore a cape or coat to hide the shocking attire or lack of until they entered the large entryway of Trent’s home. The hum of the air conditioning unit kicked on and a gust of cool air caressed Nicolas’s face. He could hear the click of ladies’ stilettos against the polished marble floor.

There were several men and women formally dressed in tuxedos or gowns, acting as valets, taking guests’ coats and wraps as they progressed further down the hall.

Nicolas enjoyed attending Trent’s soirees, because his friend ensured that safety and cleanliness was top on his agenda. For every ten to fifteen people at the party his friend posted a man or woman as a dungeon monitor, referred to as a DM. A DM was assigned to each of the rooms, ensuring the proprieties of the rules were followed. Boisterous or rude individuals interfering with the concentration of the participants were eighty-six’d. No alcohol or drugs were allowed, nor were those already under the influence.

148

www.samhainpublishing.com

Lisa’s Gift

Trent took his lifestyle seriously. He was a Master. Yet he usually let his guard down when he entertained Nicolas. They always had fun when they got together.

Nicolas looked around for his buddy. The Master was always first to welcome his guests.

During college, his friend had introduced Nicolas to the fine art of BDSM. Nicolas knew right off that this wasn’t a twenty-four-seven lifestyle that he would consider. But it was a great way to spice up a relationship and gave him control of where a relationship went, which was usually down the non-commitment road. His parents’ marriage had been a disaster. No way did he want to relive that experience.

A naked man and his Mistress caught Jana’s attention. She leaned over to Lisa, said something, and they shared a quiet giggle. He was glad to see Jana had relaxed. Perhaps she would find what many others had, the joys of letting go and just feeling.

The glances of appreciation Lisa and Jana received from men and women alike as they moved through the masses caused his chest to swell with pride. Jana tugged the collar of her coat tightly around her neck as if she were chilled. It was still too warm to wear a coat, but he had known the effect would be priceless.

He was right. The air of elegance as they walked beside him was riveting. The effect was amazing, making him even more thankful that during the two weeks since their shopping spree, he’d had the opportunity to buy the coats and stop by a local jeweler for two other special items.

From beneath his own black leather jacket he extracted two thin, square velour boxes and handed one to each of them. Jana looked suspiciously at the gift. Lisa was thrilled. As they each removed the lids of their boxes, his stomach knotted. He wondered what Jana’s reaction would be.

Lisa giggled with excitement as she pulled the silver chain collar dotted with diamonds and a D-ring out of the box. Jana only stared blindly down at the jewelry. Then she murmured, “A dog collar?”

www.samhainpublishing.com 149

Mackenzie McKade

“Oh, Jana,” Lisa chastised.

He should have known the jewelry wouldn’t impress Jana. The fact she thought it was a dog collar was disturbing. Yes, it was a collar, but there was significance in his gift. He wanted both women to know they belonged to him.

“Fasten it for me, Nicolas,” Lisa asked, moving her blonde hair out of the way. His heart raced as he clasped the necklace around her slender neck. “It’s beautiful. I’m assuming there’s more?”

Darn, Lisa. He hadn’t decided whether or not to actually leash the women. Yet, it looked like Lisa was fully expecting it.

“Is this what you want, my pet?” He extracted two silver chains from out of the inside of his jacket pocket. Jana’s wide-eyed gaze moved from the box to the leash. Her scowl told him exactly what she thought of it.

No fucking way.

There was no time like the present to take control. He stuffed the leashes away for the time being and approached Jana. From the box she held he retrieved the collar. She made no attempt to lift her hair as Lisa had. Instead, he felt her tense beneath his touch and then a shiver raked her body as his hands slid across her neck and he fastened the collar.

When the beautiful jewelry graced her throat, he slipped out the two silver chains from his pocket. As he snapped the leash to the D-ring, Jana startled, her eyes widening. He turned and did the same to Lisa’s collar then released both leashes to dangle down their coats.

A solid pat came across his back. Nicolas turned to face the host of the party. Trent had played halfback for Arizona State University all four years. Blond and tanned, his friend definitely had a way with the women.

“Well, well. I see that you still have exquisite taste in women.”

Nicolas watched Jana for a reaction to his friend. Women fawned over Trent. Nicolas prayed Jana wasn’t one of them. He was pleased when her gaze turned to him instead of Trent’s.

Nicolas gave a low nod in respect. “Master Trent.” Then he extended his hand.

150

www.samhainpublishing.com

Lisa’s Gift

His friend’s hungry gaze was pinned on the women, even as he shook Nicolas’s hand. Trent’s blatant interest set Nicolas on edge, which surprised him. He had called Trent before the first party was canceled with special plans. Nicolas never reneged. Yet suddenly something crawled beneath his skin. That nagging sensation that his previous agreement with Trent just wasn’t right lingered. No matter how Nicolas tried to convince himself it was only for one night, the unease he felt wouldn’t go away.

This feeling of jealousy was bullshit. To prove it he said, “Ladies, your coats.”

With a drop of her shoulders Lisa’s coat rolled from her body and into Nicolas’s hands. Jana hesitated only briefly before she wiggled awkwardly from the fur and held it in front of her. She placed it in his outstretched hand, but she didn’t release the coat, as if it were stuck to her palms. He gave a slight tug, but she refused to surrender it. For a moment Nicolas thought she might tear the fur out of his hands and go running for the door. Instead her chest rose on an inhale. On the exhale she let the coat go.

Standing beneath the magnificent chandelier above them, the two women stole Nicolas’s breath away. Their black corsets, the rhinestones crisscrossing the cleavage between their breasts and ribcage, were sensational, complimenting every curve and mound with ease. The shiny stones lying high on their hips, connecting the glossy material of their panties, glistened beneath the light, having a sparkling effect.

The gasps and sighs of appreciation surrounding them said it all.

Lisa and Jana were gorgeous, statuesque beauties. Nicolas handed their furs to a DM whom Trent motioned over.

“Perhaps exquisite was too mild of a description.” Trent’s arm slipped around Nicolas’s shoulders, but his eyes remained pinned on the women.

“It will be my pleasure to assist you tonight, my friend.”

Well shit!
Nicolas wasn’t sure about sharing Lisa and Jana with his friend tonight. The thought had been exciting and adventurous at first.

Now it just made him wince every time he thought of Trent touching www.samhainpublishing.com 151

Mackenzie McKade

Jana. Lisa too, he added quickly to his thoughts as he let his jacket roll off his shoulders and then his arms. Beneath he was bare-chested, wearing only tight leather pants and boots. He wore a silver chain as a belt, bringing his ensemble together with Jana’s and Lisa’s. The DM next to his side immediately took his coat.

“Mmmm…” Lisa’s purr was soft and low. She scanned Nicolas’s length with appreciation.

He waited for Jana to remark, but she remained tightlipped, an action that Nicolas should have known would intrigue Trent. She stood like a statue, as if calculating her alternatives. Whether it was the possibility of escape or hope to wrestle back her coat, Nicolas didn’t know.

Either way she was beautiful. Couldn’t she see that? Clearly the attention bothered her, but it should have been an awareness that made her stand tall and proud as Lisa was doing. Lisa preened like a flower in the sunlight or a star in the heaven. Every move was meant to entice the crowd. She owned the room.

His friend moved away from him to stand in front of Jana. “May I touch your subs, Lord Nicolas?”

“Permission granted,” Nicolas managed through clenched teeth.

With the tip of his index finger beneath her chin, Trent raised Jana’s gaze to his. She stared him directly in the eyes.
That’s my girl
, thought Nicolas.

“Defiant. I like defiant.” Trent leaned forward and flicked her nose with his tongue.

She jerked back, a frown on her thin lips.

Nicolas should have punished her for the disrespect, but Jana was inexperienced. Trent would understand—this time.

Without another word, Trent turned to Lisa. He grasped her hand, turned it over so her wrist faced the ceiling, and licked a slow wet path up the inside of her arm. “Lisa, it’s good to see you again. Are you ready for some fun?”

152

www.samhainpublishing.com

Lisa’s Gift

Lisa looked up through feathered lashes. “Of course, Master Trent.

That is if it will please, Milord.” She turned her attention to Nicolas, as was appropriate.

Lisa was pure sensuality. She attracted men like a magnet. Yet, it was Jana who held his attention. The silver stilettos made her long legs appear even longer. The silver collar and leash identified her as belonging to him. The black, silver and rhinestone ensemble made her fair skin look angelic, but that mass of auburn hair flowing over her shoulders and the fire in her eyes screamed vixen.

A vixen he wanted to release tonight.

He gathered up Lisa’s and Jana’s leashes. “It would please me for both of my pets to enjoy themselves tonight.” The tug he gave on the chains was received differently from each woman. Lisa moved to his side.

Jana stood steadfast, fists clenched at her side. Her breathing had elevated slightly—from nerves or fear, Nicolas wasn’t sure. No doubt the leash was the issue.

Lisa opened her mouth to speak, but Nicolas held up his hand to silence her. Even if Trent understood that Jana was inexperienced, Nicolas would lose face if he couldn’t control one of his subs. It was his own fault he hadn’t realized exactly how Jana might respond. He’d been certain she was ready.

Trent crossed his arms over his broad chest and cocked a brow.

Nicolas slowly curled the chain in his hand, tightening the leash and forcing Jana to his side until they were nose to nose. He pressed his mouth lightly to hers.

Her eyes remained open, challenging.

He kissed her again, but this time there was no tenderness. Teeth meshed, his tongue demanding entrance, and then he sucked in her bottom lip and bit down hard. She squealed, falling back on her heels, but Nicolas held her leash tightly.

“Trust me,” he breathed against the corner of her mouth.

“I don’t know if I can,” she said. “A dog collar? It’s humiliating.”

www.samhainpublishing.com 153

Mackenzie McKade

Nicolas pivoted and handed Lisa’s leash to Trent. Then he turned his full attention back to Jana. This time when he took her into his arms he stroked her gently. Running his hand through her hair, he whispered,

“It’s a show of my ownership. It pleases me to have you wear it. To let all others know that you’re mine.” Her features softened with his last word.

“Trust me that I won’t hurt you or let anyone else hurt you tonight. We’re only here to have fun. If you become uncomfortable I promise to take you home.” Then a little louder, so his friend could hear, he said, “Submit to me.”

In an act of surrender Jana tipped her chin up to receive his kiss. He had won. She was his for the night.

With just a kiss, Jana allowed Nicolas to conquer her fears, at least for the moment. The pride in his eyes showed brightly, filling her with a warmth that rivaled the Arizona summer heat. His wide smile was just for her. She’d never had anyone, other than Lisa, who’d been proud of her and she reveled in the feeling. She needed to please Nicolas, craved to see that smile again.

For once in her life she felt wanted. Held close to his strong body, she needed desperately to believe she could trust Nicolas. He had proven his trustworthiness these past four weeks, but could she trust him around his friend? Would the need to one-up his buddy get out of hand?