Protege (24 page)

Jude studied her, his face unreadable. He nodded and she went to his side. His mouth softly kissed her temple as his arm wrapped around her. “Everything all right?” he whispered, low enough that the others wouldn't hear.

She wasn't quite as calm. “I need to tell you something.”

“Are you sure this is the time?” he asked. His eyes held warning, the same look he often gave her when she questioned his judgment.

“Yes, Sir. I think you should know immediately.”

“Very well. Pardon us for a moment, gentlemen.” He led her to the hall and partially closed the door. “I'm listening.”

“Lea came on to me in the kitchen.”

This seemed to amuse him. “Is that so?”

She nodded hastily. “She ran her hand up my leg, felt my butt, and stuck her tongue in my ear.”

His lips pulled to the side in a half smile. “And what did you do?”

Her eyes widened. “Nothing. I pulled away and came to find you.”

“Did you like her touching you?”

“I . . .” It was as though he'd expected such a thing. “Did you tell her to do that?”

“Not specifically, but I gave her permission. I was curious to see what you'd do.”

“You told me I couldn't do that without your permission.”

He chuckled and leaned forward, kissing her cheek and whispering, “I'm very pleased that you sought me out when you were unsure. Good girl, peach.” His gaze met hers as he smiled kindly. “This is still something you want to try, correct?”

There seemed to be something off in his expression, something he was hiding. Running out of time, she decided on honesty. “I want to get the most out of this experience. I want you to teach me everything we discussed, Sir.”

His gaze shuttered, but the curve of his lips remained pleasant. “Then for tonight, you have my permission.”

Her chest rose with each breath. “And the others?”

His eyes met hers and he notably swallowed, all amusement leaving his face. “Tonight we'll see how you enjoy being shared. You have my permission to explore your desires, but your safe word still holds, so don't hesitate to use it. I'll be present the entire time and if I sense anything out of the ordinary, I'll stop everything.”

He'll be with you.
It was amazing how much comfort that promise wielded. “Yes, Sir.”

His palms glided down her arms and captured her hands, his body pressing into her as he backed her to the wall, startling her with the sudden display of possessive aggression. His head tilted, his mouth falling onto hers in a kiss unlike any they'd ever shared. This was slow and penetrating, shaking her to the core.

His head pressed against hers as he whispered. “Who do you belong to, Collette?”

“You, Sir.”
For now.

His gaze met hers and he nodded. “Remember that when we go back in there. You belong to me and
I
am offering your body to them. Never forget whose mark you wear.” His fingers traced over the diamond bracelet he'd locked on her wrist weeks ago, giving the bangle a tug.

“Yes, Sir.”

He pivoted and returned to the large room.

“Wow.”

Caught off guard, Collette turned and blushed at the sight of Lea watching her. “Lea. I didn't see you there.”

“I gotta tell you, chick. I've known Jude a long time and I never saw him kiss a woman the way he just kissed you.” Her expression was serious. “Not even his wife.”

Feeling vulnerable, her hand went to her throat as she stared at the other woman's jewelry. Lea wore a tight gold necklace with ruby grommets, and on the front was a small hoop.

It became painfully clear that she was out of her element and in need of assistance. Bracing her palms against the wall, she prayed the other woman could lead her. “Tell me what to do.”

Lea smiled and ran a gentle finger down her cheek. “Aw, aren't you adorable. Say please, precious, and Momma will show you the way.”

Several thoughts clicked through her mind, all frightening and surreal. It seemed odd to defer to Ezra's sub, but something had shifted and Lea didn't seem like much of a sub anymore. It was as though she suddenly switched.

Licking her lips, she whispered, “Please.”

The other woman's face transformed with great satisfaction. “That's it, sweet baby.” Lea's mouth lowered to hers as her soft tongue chased across the seam of Collette's lips, parting and stealing into her mouth.

Collette let out a tiny squeak and hunched a little lower on the wall, but Lea stilled her with a sharp pinch to her nipple. Amazing that the woman could locate the nub on her first try through Collette's dress. Suffice it to say, she stilled.

Lea hummed. “I knew you'd taste sweet. Now, let's get this dress off so we can see that beautiful body.” Her hands reached for the hem and pulled, skinning Collette of her clothing and leaving her bare.

Lea stepped back and Collette stood awkwardly against the wall in her heels. The woman's eyes combed over her greedily as her nostrils flared. “Are you a good girl?”

“What?”

A sharp brow lifted. “Are you a good girl?”

“Y-yes.”

“Spread your legs and show me that pussy.”

Collette stared at her, throat dry. Lea slowly unzipped the side of her dress and let it fall to the floor in a whoosh. Her foot kicked it out of the way. “Word of warning, Collette, when someone clearly more dominant than you tells you to do something, do it.”

Collette parted her legs and looked up, her eyes closing as she faced the ceiling. The scrape of the other woman's trimmed nails teased her folds as Lea leaned into her, their breasts brushing against each other.

“I asked you to show me. Take your fingers and open yourself.”

She didn't know if she was aroused or terrified, but her hands slowly went to her sex and parted her slit. Lea's finger slipped deep in her pussy, twisting and zeroing in on her G-spot. A guttural moan slipped from Collette's throat as her knees buckled.

“You're soaking wet,” Lea whispered. “I wonder, is it because a woman's touching you or because you're that much of a slut for domination and I gave you an order?”

Her shoulders lowered at the term
slut
and Lea chuckled. “I'll tell Jude to put in your paperwork that being called a slut doesn't work for you.” Her finger withdrew. “My apologies. Shall we?”

Collette stared at her, fear freezing her muscles and making it impossible to move. Lea's fingers intertwined with hers as she tugged her away from the wall. With staggering steps, she let the other woman drag her into the room.

The conversation stilled the moment the men noticed them. Three sets of hungry eyes stopped her progress completely. Lea's hold disappeared as her posture shifted. Collette watched, thoroughly confused, as the woman went to Ezra's side and kneeled at his feet.

“Collette,” Jude called, and she eagerly went to him—her sanctuary—she hoped.

Jude's protective nature spiked the moment she entered with Lea, both women unclothed. Lea went to her husband, assumed a submissive pose, and waited while Collette hesitated. Sensing she was overwhelmed, he held out a hand for her. “Collette.”

Relief softened her expression as she hastily walked to him, her eyes not downcast but her gaze locked with his. She wore nothing but his bracelet and a pair of pewter heels. When she reached him, he kissed her cheek and whispered, “Good girl.” Her body lowered as she folded gracefully to her knees.

His cock thickened as pride inflated his ego. The other men took note of her beautiful submission, her devoted gift, the way she voluntarily placed herself in his service, not by force or pressure, but as the result of an emotional exchange they'd developed through lengthy conversations and careful communication. It was indeed a sublime privilege.

His hand swept over her hair and cupped her jaw, expressing how her devotion pleased him. She was an incredible woman, smart, clever, and brave. She was his sweet Georgia peach, soft and delicate, but also a touch tart. It was a pity such dedication was reserved for someone else and this gift would eventually be revoked. The thought made him want to stop time and gorge on her mind and body.

He held out a hand and her fingers trustingly slipped into his grip as he pulled her from the floor. His palms slid over her hips to her rear as he kissed her passionately, more intimately than he would usually allow, but he wanted to deliver a message to the others—she was his—on this night at least.

Her fists balled in his shirt as she hummed against his lips, her tongue eagerly meeting his. He squeezed the supple flesh of her ass, his cock throbbing and thickening as it pressed against her.

“Jude,” she whispered, voice breathless.

As his body responded to the familiar use of his name, thrilling at the closeness it represented, he had the unfortunate job of protecting himself. He tucked her hair behind her ear and whispered so only she could hear. “Tonight you will address me with a term of authority,
Sir
or . . .” It wasn't right for him to request she address him as
Master
, not when this was temporary. It would mislead both of them. “Sir will be fine.”

Revoking her right to call him
Jude
definitely sent a message, but he wasn't sure which one. Her eyes studied him and she slowly nodded, her mouth curving slightly as she whispered, “
Mon Monsieur
.”
My Sir.

Heat filled him as she surprised him, pleasing him once more. That was his good girl, his peach.
“Tu es ma bonne fille, ma pêche Géorgie.”

Her gaze softened with a smile as she brushed her face to his chest like a cat wanting to be petted and adored. And she would be.

Bracing himself, he held her loosely and gazed over her shoulder, meeting Ezra's eyes. His friend gave his wife a command to stay and slowly approached. When Ezra crept behind Collette, she tensed, her eyes searching Jude's. He nodded. Permission was granted, as this was a necessary experience in the completion of her application.

Ezra's fingers slowly closed over her upper arms, holding her in place as he brushed a kiss to her shoulder. “I finally get to taste that peach of yours,” his friend whispered.

Collette's eyes were large as she took a step back, watching Jude as her breasts rose with each heavy breath while another man slowly fondled her. Being that it was Ezra, he had a mild tolerance for what he was seeing; however, another large and suddenly raging part of him wanted to punish her and rip the other man's hands from her body.

Yet on the outside he appeared perfectly calm and consenting. She had a safe word and would use it if this became too much. She wasn't panicking or breathing erratically from stress. Her eyes searched his face, seeking permission as she was pulled another step away from him as Ezra's hands glided to her hips.

Jude nodded again and her face turned to the side as her lashes lowered, breaking the connection. He watched, cataloging every touch and tempering his emotions.

Ezra's hands crept over her pale flesh, mapping her curves as his mouth kissed down her hip while he gracefully dropped to one knee. His friend sent his wife a signal, and she rose. While he familiarized himself with Collette, touching and kissing her belly and breasts, Lea slowly stripped her husband of his jacket and tie.

Ezra stood, pressing slightly on Collette's shoulder, and she lowered. Lea kneeled beside her, reaching for her husband's belt buckle and sending Collette a look of promise.

Jude walked to the bar and watched as he poured himself a drink while Lea worked her husband's cock with her hand. She reached, her fingers curving over Collette's and bringing them to Ezra's crotch.

Jude's stomach tightened so painfully his sides ached. His jaw clenched as he saw the other woman guide Collette's head forward, and he had to shut his eyes the moment her lips parted for his friend's cock.

Not wanting to make a scene, he gritted his teeth and finished his drink, leaving the glass on the counter as he walked to Ezra's side. Brys was watching from the chair against the wall, a greedy look in his eyes as he bided his time.

Jude stepped beside Ezra where Collette bobbed over his cock, her expression placid and her eyes shut. Lea, who was lounging beneath the two, fondled Collette's breasts, noticed him, and smiled, easing out from under them.

Coming to her knees beside Collette, she faced him and asked, “May I have your cock, Sir?”

Ezra's attention never fully left his wife. Collette's head turned, her task momentarily forgotten as she looked at the other woman and then to him. Ezra's hand carefully guided her face and attention back to his needs. “Here, peach.”

Perhaps they all needed this not-so-subtle reminder that the current arrangement was meaningless and temporary. He had no desire to participate in any of this, no enthusiasm for what Lea offered, yet he widened his stance and shoved back his personal reservations in order to drive the point home that he was no more Collette's than she was his. But he wasn't sure who he was trying to convince more, her or him.

Collette's lips, again, closed over Ezra's flesh, but her eyes stayed on Jude. They were clouding the experience with illusions of guilt, or at least that seemed to be the main emotion he was experiencing—that and rage. Resigning to what he had to do, he widened his stance and folded his hands at the base of his spine.

Looking directly at Lea, his tone took on an authoritative sharpness he knew she'd respond to. “Suck me hard, slut.”

Collette turned sharply and Ezra grabbed a handful of her hair this time, directing her back and giving her a warning look. She was a much gentler submissive than Lea. Lea liked being called
slut
and dirty names when she was submissive. However, she was also a switch, and the transition was marked. One would never call her such a name when she topped.

Her warm hands pulled at his cock and suddenly his flesh was engulfed in heat. Lea gave a very good blowjob and a man would be hard-pressed to not enjoy such attention. Gripping her hair tighter than he preferred, but knowing she needed it a certain way after years of coming to know her, he fucked her mouth roughly.

Ezra's panted moans and his wife's slurping was all they could hear, and when his friend's body jerked and shifted, Jude watched as Collette's breasts were painted in another man's pleasure.

His eyes closed and Lea's nails scraped over his thighs in a slight reminder that he wasn't done. He scowled at her and gave a sharp yank to her hair. “Problem?”

“No, Sir.”

Sometimes Lea tried to top from the bottom, but he wouldn't allow it. He was no sub.

“Lea,” Ezra snapped. “Be a good slut and clean her up.”

With a final slurping lick, Lea turned and lowered Collette to her back. Her dark hair fanned over Collette's body as she slowly licked at her belly and breasts. Collette's eyes closed under the other woman's attention. Jude couldn't tell if she was too ashamed to show her enjoyment or if the contact wasn't necessarily enjoyable, but she didn't safe-word.

Brys's bare feet stepped into his peripheral vision as the other man lowered to the floor and took hold of Collette's ankle. His hand dragged up her leg and Jude's entire body tensed, his breath heating like burning acid in his lungs.

Lea went to Ezra, who kissed her passionately, the two falling into each other's arousal the way melted metal blends and re-forms more solid than ever. They were a very special couple.

“Did you like having his cock in your mouth, Collette?” Brys asked, crawling over her body, kissing her curves gently as he progressed.

Jude didn't like hearing him use her real name. It was a name he reserved for moments weighted in consequence and significance. The other man's use of her name made him want to hurl his body off her. But before Jude could react, Collette answered and part of him shattered.

“Yes, Sir.”

“I bet you did.” Brys's legs twined with hers as his chest rose above hers. His hand delved between her thighs. “Open for me.”

She gasped and Jude scowled. That request was a little too close to her trigger, the one that immediately aroused her since her first time pleasuring a man, and now Brys would be reaping the benefits of Jude's conditioning. The other man's arm bent, working his fingers in and out of her sex.

Lea and Ezra were fucking across the floor like rabbits. Jude's attention returned to his sub, her face, the draw of her features. Her lips parted as small wisps of hair sprung from her bun and clung to her dampening flesh.
Goddamn Brys and his attention to detail.

“You like that, kitten? Let me see how pretty your face flushes when you come.”

Her cries collided with the sound of slapping flesh in the distance, soft but pitched as Brys's hand moved faster. Her head tipped back as her toes pointed and suddenly she trembled, her fingernails digging into the other man's shoulders.

Brys leaned down and Jude frowned. He tried to kiss her mouth, a specific act he'd noted was off limits in his e-mail. But Collette turned away and whispered, “I can't.”

Damn right she fucking couldn't. It was in the rules Jude had sent.

Brys nodded and spread her legs wide. Part of Jude's insides twisted so tightly it was a challenge to stand. The other man suited himself with a condom. Jude swallowed hard as she lay open for him, pussy glistening, eyes dilated, nipples pebbled tight. He glanced at Brys, noting his cock lacked the girth she was used to.

As the other man climbed over her, Jude's eyes locked with hers, a thousand objections ringing in his mind. The connection was lost when her head tipped back on a gasp as Brys penetrated.

Jude turned away, a crushing weight resting on his chest, as he returned to where he'd left his drink. The room echoed with sounds of colliding flesh and gasping bodies. His hand actually shook as he refilled his glass. Forcing his motions to steady, he took a sip and gritted his teeth, turning to watch as Collette's legs folded over the other man's back and she took what he gave.

Breathing harshly through his nose, Jude stilled. What the hell was he doing? She had every right to enjoy this evening. They were determining her likes and dislikes, providing an experience. All he had to do was keep her safe.

So what if she was enjoying it? There was a time when he also enjoyed such play. If this was something she wanted, well, all the more reason why she would eventually belong to someone else. He didn't want or need that sort of headache in his life.

Sharing Tiffany had been an occasional treat, which later led to things he hadn't planned. The day she left, he vowed that should he ever find himself in a committed relationship again—
unlikely
—sharing would be a hard limit he'd avoid. Casual sex was fine, and borrowing Lea tonight seemed appropriate, being that he and Collette were merely working together toward a common goal. Not only did she need to test her limits as far as
being
shared, she needed to recognize any limits she might have about sharing a partner as well. But in reality, he loathed the feelings associated with other men touching his woman.

She's not your woman, though, is she?

Lea screamed as Ezra pounded her into the floor and she came hard. Brys was thrusting rapidly into Collette, which, as much as Jude realized he was being too territorial, he still couldn't bring himself to watch.

He nursed several drinks while the night unfolded. Collette, eventually, was on her hands and knees sucking Brys's dick while Lea ate her pussy, Ezra then eating Lea's. It was really a bit redundant at that point for Jude to observe, so he stayed to the shadows and let them have at each other.

Collette's voice drew him back again and again. Every crescendo, every hum of pleasure brought an ache of jealousy, the territorial beast inside him clawing to get out. Soon enough, Brys was spraying his load across her chest, and Jude had had enough.

His face was going to crack if his jaw tightened any more. Once everyone rested a bit, the girls stood and went to freshen up. The men sighed and stretched.

“You can definitely run my numbers against hers, Ezra,” Brys said, cupping himself. Ezra chuckled.

When the women returned, Collette was laughing, a soft flush still on her cheeks. Her nipples were darker than usual and her skin seemed to glisten. The moment her eyes landed on him, she stilled, her smile fading.

She noticeably swallowed and came to him, dropping to her knees at his feet. His chest tightened when her body folded over into a child's pose, each notch of her spine showing as she waited for him to react.

His mind rallied as he braced himself, selecting his words carefully and minding his tone. “Did you enjoy yourself, peach?”

Slowly, she lifted, her eyes large and searching. She gave nothing away as she looked at him. And then she said, “Thank you, Sir.”