Part 8 (2/2)

Sandra thought about it for a moment. The idea of spending the day with him lifted some of the load of fear and dread she'd been battling since Diego's call. ”I'd like that. Let me go pack a quick bag. I'll be right back.”

- A few hours later they were back in Master Brent's car, headed to Club Desire. They had already stopped for lunch, and had gotten her cell number changed, thanks to Master Brent. It still had a Phoenix area code, but since changing the number with the proof of the restraining order had been free and immediate, she didn't want to deal with the extra several steps of getting a number outside of the current area code that didn't match her billing address.

She would only give her new number to those she trusted implicitly. And Master Brent had given the number Diego had called her from to the proper authorities. She wasn't sure exactly whom he had called to report it to, but he had a.s.sured her that if the number could be traced back to Diego, it would be.

Now, after everything that had happened today and her very abrupt wake-up this morning, her lids were drooping and her thoughts had become sluggish. She had foolishly hoped she and Master Brent could play before tonight, or that he would join her in the shower. But at this rate she would only fall asleep and miss whatever happened.

- Brent tucked Sandra into the large bed in one of the guest rooms in Club Desire. ”I'll have dinner brought up around five so you have time to digest before heading down to the dungeon floor whenever you're feeling up to it.” He brushed a soft kiss over her forehead. ”Get some sleep.”

She murmured a sleepy response he couldn't make out and burrowed farther under the covers.

As he walked out of the room, he nearly ran into Logan, one of the original Doms that Club Desire had opened with. In fact, Logan was the second Dom who had signed on, right behind Dex.

”Hey, Brent. Is everything all right?” Logan studied him critically. ”You're rarely up here.”

They were only one floor above Brent's own suite of rooms, but he supposed Logan was right. He didn't come up to level 5 or 6 too often. There wasn't usually any need to go there. He gestured toward the door he'd just exited. ”Sandra. The woman I told you all about this morning.”

Logan glanced toward the door. ”I saw you two on the way up and figured after the information this morning that something might be going on, so I followed you to see if you needed anything.”

Brent was glad to see the protective gesture. It meant that Logan was taking the possible threat Diego posed seriously. And even more than that, it meant he was committed to ensuring the safety of the Club Desire members. And if Logan was, then all the Doms were. Logan and Dexter, along with himself, set the tone for what went on here.

Not that Brent doubted they would be diligent in taking care of the members, or they wouldn't be allowed into his club, but it was a nice confirmation nonetheless.

”Did you find out anything else?” Logan had pitched his voice lower so it didn't carry beyond the two of them even though the hall was deserted.

Brent clenched his jaw. ”Not much. He called from a New York number, a restaurant, apparently. NYPD is checking that out now. Sandra is spooked, but holding up all right. She insisted that looking forward to playing tonight was keeping her going through all of this, or I would've kept her out of the action for the rest of the weekend at the very least.”

Logan nodded. ”Good. Hiding isn't going to make this any easier on her. But playing and practicing some power exchange might...not to mention a few dozen killer o.r.g.a.s.ms could help her feel more relaxed and in control.” He smiled knowingly. ”But I'll leave that to you. Unless you need any help taking care of her in that arena?”

Logan's teasing grated on Brent's nerves, especially since Logan was usually a man of few words. This change in personality meant he was worried about Brent's reactions here.

Brent appreciated the concern, and knew it definitely had merit, but it irritated him nonetheless. He had to force himself to take a deep breath before responding. ”No, Logan, but thanks for checking. I've got this.” He made a shooing motion, which only made Logan laugh.

”Eager to be rid of me? Are you planning on heading back in there and getting started on those o.r.g.a.s.ms right now? Does it really take you that long to warm her up?”

Despite wanting to remain irritated, Brent couldn't help but laugh. Logan was a good guy and a good Dom.

Brent recognized his territorial instincts when it came to Sandra and tried to rein them in. He wouldn't tolerate them from any other Dom in this type of circ.u.mstance, so he had to hold himself to that same standard. Subs should always have the choice about whom they played with and when.

”Logan, I know you're only trying to look out for me and make sure this situation is handled correctly, but please leave it alone. At least for now.”

Logan c.o.c.ked his head to the side and studied Brent openly. ”All right. I got the message.” He smiled, letting Brent know he wasn't offended. ”Are you going to warn everyone else away from her? Is it there already? From the briefing this morning it sounded like she still needed a lot of experience and training to see if the lifestyle is truly for her.”

At the sound of a door opening down the hall, they both glanced toward the sound and then away as a couple walked the other way down the hallway.

Brent shook his head. ”It's complicated. We all need to watch the situation and do what's best for Sandra. And that includes me. I'll admit I'm a bit territorial where she's concerned, and it will be extremely difficult if she needs another Dom, but whatever's best for her is what needs to happen, regardless of my personal feelings.”

Logan nodded. ”You're a good man, Brent, and a good Dom. After listening to you this morning I knew there was something decidedly personal about this. I can imagine how hard this must be for you all the way around. Don't worry. We've got your back...and hers.” He smiled. ”I've got to head down. I'm teaching sub training to the new batch today.” He tipped his head toward the door to the room where Sandra slept. ”I'm a.s.suming you're taking care of her training? And will let us know if you need any help?”

Brent nodded once, acknowledging the statement. ”Thanks, Logan. Have a good cla.s.s.” As Logan was about to leave, he added, ”I've got to go check in with a few corporate clients as well. Duty calls, and it might involve a trip to London in the very near future, so I'd really love to get this situation with Diego and Sandra handled soon.”

Brent was an efficiency expert for several major corporations around the world, and while he loved his job, he often had to juggle it with his responsibilities at Club Desire. He'd known that when he opened the club, which was why he made sure the Doms he brought on board were not only top-notch Doms, but also men he respected and trusted to take care of things when he had responsibilities elsewhere.

Logan smiled. ”No problem, man. Regardless if this situation is resolved before you have to leave, we'll make sure things go smoothly in your absence. But who knows? Maybe Diego will cooperate and fall and break his neck and save us all a lot of trouble.” Logan's brow furrowed and he shot Brent a concerned look.

”What?” Brent wasn't sure what that look was for. He knew his nerves had been stretched tight for the last twenty-four hours, so maybe he'd imagined it. Either way, he needed to make some time for a workout soon.

Logan sent a pointed glance down at Brent's clenched fists.

Brent forced his fingers to relax, irritated he hadn't noticed he'd been doing that. ”I'm fine. It's just been a stressful few days. But I've got this. Thanks.”

Logan must have heard the finality and dismissal in Brent's tone because he cast a doubtful glance over his shoulder as he said goodbye and walked away, headed down the hallway toward the elevator to the public areas.

An hour later Brent had completed his business calls and was stepping off the elevator on Bas.e.m.e.nt 4. He had one area here set up as a dojo so he could work out and de-stress as needed. There had been a few times others had rented out that s.p.a.ce specifically, and on those rare occasions Brent made sure to have Jake lock up the staffs and other weapons he sometimes practiced with. His practice weapons were not to be used during play of any type, and although he was very careful about who he allowed down into Bas.e.m.e.nt 4, he still didn't like to take chances. Those in the throes of endorphins sometimes didn't make the best decisions. Himself included.

He felt an almost physical pull as he neared his temporary dojo. It had become something of a sanctuary for him when he couldn't calm his turbulent mind or flush the stress from his body. His habit of daily workouts had become ingrained, and no matter where he was he always tried to carve out time for them. But there was something special about using his own s.p.a.ce.

One of the myriad ways Brent had reinvented himself back in college was his immersion in martial arts. He practiced several types, and held a black belt in a few, but he had started purely to be able to defend himself.

He'd already hit six foot one by then, but he'd still been just as scrawny and frail as he was in high school. A local gang had mugged him and beaten him up one night when he'd stayed late on campus to study. He'd felt helpless and had sworn to himself he would never have to feel that way again.

Martial arts had been a savior of sorts for him. It had allowed him to discipline his mind, while honing his body and his reflexes. It had also opened a new world for him. One where he could be confident and a leader. Once he'd gotten a taste of what that was like, his life began to change in every area. That's when he started to think big and actually have hope for the future.

He toed off his shoes and pulled off his socks before stepping into his dojo area. Maintaining that kind of respect for his area helped him concentrate. Much of martial arts took strength of mind, not only of body.

Within minutes his muscles were warming and his mind was focusing. He smiled as he felt the stress sluice off him like water, while his body hummed with energy and vigor.

He pushed himself hard, punching and kicking the Wing Chun wooden practice dummy in the corner of the room until his muscles ached and his hands and feet stung. When he finally stopped, sweat poured off his body and he grabbed a towel out of a cabinet to dry his face and neck.

It was a very good thing he had play sessions scheduled for tonight. He knew he was a better Dom after a particularly taxing workout. The discipline to both his body and mind during his workouts was an easy extension to his play dynamic with his subs. And after a workout like today's he literally craved the thrill of the power exchange.

Now that he had found the way to discipline Sandra toward her own pleasure, he needed to gently guide her toward a true D/s relations.h.i.+p. He had a lot of work to do to undo the past, but for her, he would go to any lengths.

He looped the towel over his neck and headed off to get ready for tonight.

Chapter 10.

Sandra put the finis.h.i.+ng touches on her makeup and studied herself in the mirror. Even with a little blush she looked pale, but since the makeup hadn't helped there was very little she could do about it. The deep sleep in the comfortable bed had helped, and so had the wonderful dinner Brent had sent up for her, but they couldn't erase months of restless nights.

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