Bound & Teased (25 page)
All around the trio, the crowd shifted. Ry held his breath. The mayor supported them, but did anyone one else? Katie glanced around, then so did Ry and Jed. Most of the town stood behind them. Ry noted a several people walked away, and it didn’t bother him.
“There’s your answer, Father. It’s time to leave.”
“They need to answer for the vandalism to Katie’s car,” Ry said.
“No charges, Ry.” Katie tilted her head to the side and went up on her toes. “They’ve got more problems than just vandalism.”
“Get out,” someone yelled.
“Leave our town,” another voice added.
“We don’t need trash like you around,” yet another called out.
All of it came from the people surrounding them.
“You will regret this,” Randall said.
“That sounded like a threat.” Jed glared at the man.
“No, Father, I will never regret this. I regret I never saw you for the shallow, selfish, cruel man you were until a few months ago. And you, Walter, you’re just my father’s puppet. Oh, and by the way, the Feds should be raiding the company anytime now, if they haven’t already.”
Her father’s eyes widened. “What did you do?”
Walter whimpered.
“Let them know about the books being off. I’m not as stupid as you think, Randall. Did you really think I’d miss the fact that you are stealing from your employees’ retirement funds?” She tilted her chin up. “Go away.”
“Leave and never come back,” Jed said.
“I couldn’t say it better,” Ry added.
Without another word, the two men turned and all but ran to their car.
The crowd let out a cheer.
“Now let’s get this celebration back to being fun,” the mayor announced.
Katie let out a laugh, and Ry knew they were going to be okay.
****
Later that night, just as it was turning dark, Katie sat between Ry and Jed underneath one of the oak trees on a blanket. The fireworks would start soon. Katie glanced at the two men. They really hadn’t talked about what had happened today. She didn’t want to spoil their evening, but they needed to discuss it.
“Ry, Jed—”
Her grandmother meandered up to them.
Both men started to rise, but Gran waved them to stay seated. “Everything okay now?” she asked.
“I think I’m still in shock,” Jed said.
“I don’t know why.” Gran put her hands on her hips, and Katie smiled.
“I’m with Jed,” Ry said.
“You two boys should know by now this entire town would support you. Heck, everyone knew about your parents, and no one cared. What you do in your private life is your business and no one else’s. But you had better take care of my Katie, or you’ll have to answer to me.”
Both men nodded before Gran grinned at her. “I won’t expect to see you until tomorrow at the booth.” And she ambled off.
Ry and Jed both let out a laugh, and Katie grinned. Gran was something else. But now she needed to talk with the guys. She’d blurted out she loved them in front of the whole town without telling them first.
Katie rose to her knees and faced the two men. “We need to talk about today.” Nerves had her twisting her fingers together.
Jed groaned, and Ry shook his head. Both men reached over, untangled her twined fingers, and each took a hand, holding it lightly.
“Do you really love us?” Jed asked.
“Yes,” she whispered. “I think I’ve loved you since I was eighteen.” The pressure in her chest eased.
“I love you.” Ry’s fingers tightening on hers.
“And so do I,” Jed said.
Her heart lightened. They loved her.
“And with that...” They rose to their knees in front of her. Oh, God, what were they doing?
“Katie Crane,” Jed said. “I love you, and I want you to become my wife.”
Her mouth dropped open as her gaze went from Ry to Jed, and back again, then back.
“Katie Crane,” Ry said. “I love you more than life itself, and would be honored if you’d become my wife.”
“But...” She swallowed, her stomach rolling and dipping. “I can legally only marry one of you.”
“We know.” Reaching underneath the blanket they each pulled a box out.
Shivers of excitement slid through Katie’s veins.
“This is for our wedding night,” Ry said. He opened his box to show the beautiful collar consisting of two strands of pearls connected with a black clasp at the back. The front had three silver, entwined hearts. He and Jed had picked it out together this morning in Monroe.
“And these are for the ceremony,” Jed said opening his box, that held three gold rings.
Tears filled Katie’s eyes.
“We’ve already talked to the pastor,” Jed said.
“He agreed to marry the three of us. Only Ry’s name will appear on the marriage license. But we would love it if you took both our last names.” Jed stared at her.
The tears slipped down her cheeks. “I love you both so much.” She pulled her hands away from them only to throw her arms around their necks, hugging them tightly.
“Is that a yes?” Jed asked, amusement in his voice.
“Yes.” She let out a laugh. “I’m proud to marry both of you and take your names. That’s what the hyphen is for.”
Katie’s lips met Jed’s, and then Ry’s, as the fireworks went off overhead.
About the Author
Marie Tuhart can't remember a time when she didn't have a book in her hands. A voracious reader since childhood, she began writing at nineteen, and in 1994 decided to join RWA and get serious about publishing.
When she isn't reading or writing, Marie loves to spend time in bookstores. A world traveler, she enjoys searching out corners of the globe she hasn't experienced yet. While still totally open to finding her own tall, dark and handsome, she is certainly enjoying the journey.
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Also Available
Red Club Temptation
by
Marie Tuhart
She needs a dungeon master. He needs her secrets.
Red Club owner Jessie Michaels isn't looking for love, just someone competent to monitor her dungeon in Lobster Cove's only BDSM club. But a new Dominant catches her eye and makes her tingle in all the right places. She's called away for business before she can catch his name, but not before that commanding voice tempts her for more.
Caleb Drake has returned to Lobster Cove to find out what makes the Red Club so successful only to discover the sexy redheaded sub he met the night before is actually his boss. He vows to keep business separate from pleasure, but the temptation to see if the iron-fisted club owner is truly submissive in the bedroom becomes too much.
But when Caleb's ulterior motive is revealed, will Jessie be ruled by business...or pleasure?
Chapter One
Caleb Drake rested against the wall inside the public play area of The Red Club hoping his nonchalant façade didn’t slip. The masks covered the eyes enough to obscure one’s features. The women wore more colorful masks while the men wore the more traditional black or navy ones. This was something new and unexpected.
Much had changed in the club since he’d last seen it. The club had been split into a public and private area. Two raised stages of dark polished wood graced the wall of the public area, with sofas scatted in sloppy circles in front of both. More sofas sat behind them in a line, then chairs and small tables.
He shifted his stance. The concrete floor was hard and unforgiving, but there were small area rugs in strategic places beneath the sofas for the guests to use. Plus there were pillows scatted everywhere to be used for kneeling or support. The club almost had a homey, welcoming feel to it.
It had been well over twelve years ago when he had gone to The Red Club for the last time and had left, knowing he couldn’t have what he wanted.
So he packed up and left Lobster Cove for what he thought would be forever. But Matt, his business partner and friend, had asked him to explore the club to find out what made the club so special, so they could duplicate it and make their clubs in Chicago, Dallas, and Las Vegas more profitable.
A familiar sound reached his ears, and his gaze went to the scene being played out on the stage. Some in the audience were watching with rapt attention. A female sub in nothing but a g-string was tied onto the St. Andrews cross, her Dom holding an impressive leather whip. Her Dom wore black leather pants and nothing else.
Caleb figured at least half the audience had never been into BDSM, or a BDSM club for that matter, until tonight. The other half seemed a little more experienced.
“You’ve been a bad girl,” the Dom said.
“Yes, Master, I have been.”
“What have you done to merit this public punishment? And say it loud enough for everyone to hear.”
“I masturbated and orgasmed without my Master’s permission.” Her voice was clear and strong. Her body quivered with anticipation and Caleb smiled.
He wanted a sub like that. A woman who would test his boundaries. A woman who would play with him. A woman who wouldn’t run screaming from his needs.
“And because you disobeyed me, you will receive twenty lashes with my favorite whip. Count each stroke, pet.”
“Yes, Master.”
The whip sailed through the air and landed with precision across the sub’s right ass cheek, leaving a mark.
“One,” the sub called.
His gaze began to wander around the club, and he found himself under scrutiny by a curvaceous redhead. Could it be? He blinked. It had been twelve years. But the Jessie he knew wouldn’t be caught in a black corset, exposing the tops of her breasts and making his mouth water, wishing for a taste of her creamy skin.
And it couldn’t be her mother. A not-so-nice shiver went up his spine. Lacy Michaels was a Domme with a reputation he wouldn’t even challenge.
Their gazes met, and Caleb sucked in a breath. Arousal shot through his blood at the lust in her eyes. With deliberation he let his gaze drop to the black leather pants clinging to her curves, making him wonder what she wore underneath. Black boots filled out the outfit.
His dick stiffened, and he fought against adjusting himself. His cock’s quick reaction to this sexy woman almost made him smile. Time to find out if she was a Domme or sub. This time when their gazes met and held, he mouthed the word “Obey.”
Her gaze dropped. He sucked in a breath. Damn, she was a submissive. And just what he needed. He couldn’t help himself as he strode across the room.
Caleb stopped when he was within touching distance, and her gaze never rose from the floor. Excitement stirred in his spine for the first time in a long time.
“Hello,” he said.
“Good evening, Sir.” Her voice was soft but calm, eyes still downcast.
He cupped her chin and tilted her head up. “Look at me, sweetheart, I want to see your eyes.”
Hazel eyes to go with beautiful red hair. He loved looking into the eyes of his subs, unless of course he had them blindfolded, and then he would make them use other senses.
“Are you available?” He glanced at her wrist. No band. He’d been told anyone with a black band was off limits.
“Excuse me?” a male voice intruded.
Caleb’s gaze left hers to see one of the dungeon masters standing next to them. “You’re needed in the other room, Red.”
Her spine stiffened, and she lifted her chin out of Caleb’s hold. “Thanks, Ryan. I’ll be right there.”
Ryan nodded and gave Caleb the once over before he disappeared into the private club area.
“Sorry, but I have to go.”
“I understand, but first...” He cupped her cheeks and brushed a kiss across her soft lips. She leaned into him when he released her mouth. “I’ll be here if you want to play later.” He released her and stepped back.
Her fingers touched her lips and then she smiled. “I might take you up on that.” Then she strode away, hips swaying.
He wanted to follow her into the private area, but he wasn’t cleared for there. His cock throbbed. Damn, this was inconvenient. Hopefully he’d see her again. But then again, he probably wouldn’t. He had an interview at the club tomorrow.
Matt had secured the interview after finding out the club was looking for another dungeon master. Most clubs had rules about playing with patrons. He shook his head. He needed to get back to the business at hand. Find out why the club was so successful and then get back to Chicago so it could be duplicated. That was his job.
****
Jessie Michaels yawned and took another sip of her coffee. She hated early morning interviews, especially after a late night, but she needed another dungeon master. And this man came highly recommended by her old friend and mentor, Rusty.
This whole interview thing was really a formality. While he was bringing his application, she’d already talked with Rusty about his qualifications. Glancing at the clock. Almost ten, she set her mug down and went to the back entrance.
The Red Club wasn’t just a BDSM club. The thriving business had been handed down from mother to daughter for four generations. From when the first concert saloon, as they were called in during her great-great grandmother’s time, to now after her mom made it into a BDSM club.
Of course the location had been moved, mainly because the old location had burned down when Jessie was little, but also it made more sense. It was on the edge of town with ample parking. The old factory was perfect with its high ceilings and concrete flooring. They’d turned the second floor into a living area, another plus. When Jessie’s mom had died three years ago, she had taken over.
And she loved every minute of it.
She’d more than wondered when she was a child how the club survived in the small town of Lobster Cove, but she found out it wasn’t that hard. There were other towns close enough, and people were curious.
When Jessie was twenty, she convinced her mom to split the club into two—a public side and a private side. The minute they did, business skyrocketed. The public side was more for the tourists who were curious. It gave them a safe place to experiment or just watch. The private side was more for regulars who wanted more options and privacy.