Essential Master (Doms of Napa Valley) (19 page)

“I called, Officer, because Ms. Teelen is
breaking a restraining order by being here.” Zeb kept his tone even, despite
the butterflies fluttering in his stomach. He just had to keep in mind Allison
couldn’t hurt him anymore. She had no control over him he didn’t give her. He
was tired of being scared of a woman who should have cherished his submission
not abused it.

“How was I supposed to know he was here?”
Allison batted her eyes at the officer, playing the victim. “I was visiting a
former friend, not looking for
him.”
She
placed a hand on the officer’s chest. “You know me and my family…I’d never
willingly violate a court order.”

Reggie seemed torn, but he stepped back
from Allison’s touch as the radio on his shoulder squawked. “Reggie, it looks
like a Zebadiah Pellegrino called in the report nearly eighteen minutes ago. He
filed a valid restraining order against Allison Teelen with Judge Kalicki.”

“Thanks, Base.” Reggie sighed. “Allison, my
hands are tied. You shouldn’t be here. I’m going to have to take you in for
breaking your restraining order.”

Allison’s eyes widened dramatically. “But I
didn’t know…”

Reggie stood firm before glancing up at
Zeb. “Mr. Pellegrino, how long have you been driving your current vehicle?”

Confusion swamped Zeb. Why the hell would
the officer ask about his car? Unless of course, the officer had a point to
prove. Moving down the steps, he came to a stop in front of Allison, standing
his ground. “I’ve had the same car for nearly five years, Officer. In fact,
Allison helped me pick it out.” After being with Steph and Nicky, he was hard
pressed to remember why she’d scared him so. “So forgive me if I don’t believe
her claims of not knowing I was here. My car’s in plain sight.”

Reggie nodded before turning back towards
Allison. “Then it stands to reason, Ms. Teelen, you’d recognize Mr.
Pellegrino’s vehicle. I’m sorry but…” He pulled the silver cuffs off his belt.
“Allison Teelen, you’re under arrest for violating a sworn restraining order.”

“But you can’t…”

“Yes, I can. Seeing as you may be injured,
I’m going to cuff you with your hands in front of you. Don’t make me regret my
kindness.” Reggie moved closer and Allison panicked, backing away from him.

“No. I’ll leave. I’ll never come here
again. Let’s talk about this. There’s no need to arrest me. It was an honest
mistake. Surely you can let me off with a warning…please Reggie? I can’t go
back to jail.”

Reggie scowled down at Allison. “Sorry.
It’s not going to happen. This is the second time you’ve broken your
restraining order. You’ve had your chance.”

“Fine. Arrest me,” she hissed. “But Daddy
will have you busted back down to a meter-maid.”

“I’ll risk it.” Without taking his eyes off
Allison, Reggie addressed the couple on the porch. “Who owns this property?”

“Both of us.” Nicky moved down off the
porch, uncaring of his skimpy attire. Steph followed him as they flanked Zeb on
either side, showing their support without words.

“And at any time, did either you or Ms.
McKeown ask Allison to leave?”

“Yes. I did,” Steph gritted out. “That’s
when she proceeded to pull a gun on me.” She nodded towards the derringer on
the railing. “I’m a former marine, and disarmed her before she hurt anyone -
including herself.”

Reggie shook his head. “Even if I didn’t
have you on the restraining order, Allison, pulling a gun on a homeowner after
they ask you to leave the premises, is a felony. You really should’ve left when
they asked.” He snapped the handcuffs on Allison before pulling her towards his
patrol car. “I’m going to need all three of you to come down to the police
station so I can file my report.”

Zeb’s breath came out in a rush as the
officer put the fuming Allison into the backseat of the car. “I’ll have her car
towed to the impound yard.” He shut the door and approached the porch. “I’ll
need to take the gun.”

Steph agreed. “I don’t want it. I merely
removed it from her person.”

Reggie went to the trunk of his car and
pulled out an evidence bag, then approaching the railing, he quickly bagged and
tagged the gun. “I’ll expect you in two hours.” Zipping the bag shut, he paused
on his way back to his cruiser to nod at Zeb. “You did the right thing, Zeb.
What she did to you was wrong. BDSM lifestyle or not, a safeword is a safeword.
I’m glad I was in the area this time before she tried to hurt you again.”

That’s when it hit Zeb. Reggie had been one
of the officers who’d responded to Allison’s initial attack at the club. He
gave a nod as the man stepped back and strode down the walk towards his parked
vehicle.

As soon as the officer pulled away with
Allison, Steph and Nicky surrounded him, Nicky with an arm around his shoulder,
while Steph tugged him closer by the loop on his jeans.

“Are you okay,
il mio colibrì?”
Nicky’s concern was his undoing, and he began to
shake.

“I…” He leaned towards Nicky. “I did it…she
can’t control me any longer.”

A smile broke over Steph’s face. “That’s
right, she doesn’t.” She laid a hand on his bare chest. “You’re free to choose
who you wish to be with.” She pressed a kiss against his temple. “But I’d be
lying if I said I’m not hoping it’s me and Nicky.”

A chuckle burst free of Zeb as he stepped
into their embrace. “I’ll take that under advisement.” Then his stomach
rumbled. “But do you think you have time to feed your soon to be submissive?”

“Of course.” Happiness shined from Steph’s
face. “Let’s go. How does pancakes sound?” she asked as they headed back
towards the house.

Chapter Eighteen

Zeb was
sitting at one of the battered desks giving Reggie his statement when Davis
walked into the squad room, his briefcase in hand. Moving gracefully through
the maze of desks, chairs, and filing cabinets, his lawyer stopped next to
Zebadiah and placed his hand on the man
’
s
shoulder.

“Officer Silva. I can’t thank you enough
for protecting my boy here.” Davis’s smooth baritone had several heads popping
up as the squad room grew quiet. It still amazed him how his buddy’s lawyer
persona had such an effect on so many people, even those who knew him outside
of his work.

“Davis.” Reggie paused in the report he was
entering in the computer. “I was just finishing up here with your client. He’s
been very forthcoming. Hopefully the judge doesn’t throw out the arrest because
of some shark lawyer.” He glanced up at Davis. “No offense.”

Davis chuckled. “None taken. We both know
Allison has several sharks on her legal team.” He set his briefcase down next
to the desk. “As long as I get a copy of the arrest record for Zebadiah’s trial
next week, I should be able to keep them at bay. We go in front of Judge
Kalicki on Monday morning. The report will definitely show a pattern of
recklessness as well as Allison’s ongoing harassment.”

Reggie hit a few more keys, then the
printer sitting on a small table at the end of Reggie’s desk flared to life,
spitting out the finished report. “Yeah, and you should be able to use the gun
charge against her as well.”

Davis frowned and turned to look at Zeb.
“You didn’t tell me she tried to pull a gun on you, Zeb. After her first
assault, that could be construed as attempted murder.”

Zeb held his hands up. “Whoa, boss. She
didn’t pull a gun on me.”

“Then…who did she pull a gun on?” He
reached for the yellow legal tablet inside his briefcase. “I’ll contact them
and see if I can call them as a witness. It will show a pattern of behavior.”

“Me.” Steph walked up behind Zeb and rested
her hands on his shoulders. Davis didn’t even arch a brow at her action, but
did shake his head at Allison’s nerve or stupidity.

“Was she insane? You could’ve killed her
for that stunt and the law would’ve been on your side.”

“Don’t need her death on my conscience.”
She leaned into hug him. “Besides I hadn’t had my morning tea, and I have a
strict rule about killing before breakfast. Now, can I steal Zeb or do you need
him still?” She addressed the question to Reggie.

“Yep. Just need him to sign the report.”
Reggie shoved the document across the desk at Zeb. Picking up a pen from the
cup on Reggie’s desk, he quickly scribbled his name on the form.

“Done, Sexy?” She nipped at his ear. “Nicky
wants to take us out to dinner…and maybe go back to our place afterwards.”

 
He
tipped his head towards her, his breath catching in his throat at the promise
in her tone. As usual, his body responded. “He did? I figured you two might
want some alone time after dealing with this mess.”

“Nonsense.” She kissed the top of his head.
“After this morning, I don’t think Nicky’s in any more of a hurry than I am to
allow you to escape.” She tapped his nose with her finger. “Ma’am wants to
spend a lot more time with you.”

A flush crept up his neck as Reggie
chuckled, and Davis cleared his throat. “Yeah, okay. I can do dinner.” He
refrained from looking at the men. Not that either men would probably say
anything about it. Not only was Davis aware of his unique situation, Reggie had
also visited the club more than a few times.

“Good.” She stepped back from him. “Get
your sexy ass moving, Zeb. Nicky doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

“Yes, Ma’am.” The words slipped out of his mouth
automatically as he stood. Before he passed Davis, his friend pulled him aside.

“Before you kidnap my client again,
Stephanie. I need to talk to him for a few minutes.” Davis flashed a smile at
her. “No worries - just some legal stuff I need to take care of. Give me ten?”

“Okay. We’ll be waiting outside for you.”
She playfully slapped him on the ass. “Ten minutes.” Her warning sent a shiver
of longing through him. His bottom was still tender from the spanking Sir had
given him several hours ago, and more than anything he wanted to experience
another, but perhaps this time his Ma’am could be the one who gave it to him.
The idea of fucking Nicky while Stephanie used a flogger on his ass was
tempting. Not that he expected the man he hoped would become his Dom would ever
let him do such a thing.

“Yes. Ma’am. Ten minutes.” His voice a
little hoarse, even to his own ears.

* * * *

Nicky
drummed his fingers on the wheel of the SUV as Steph climbed in beside him. Not
seeing Zebadiah, he arched an eyebrow in her direction. Today had been a roller
coaster of emotions for him. Not only had their submissive blown his mind with
their early morning loving, but the upheaval of Allison on his doorstep had him
wanting to gather up both of his lovers and hide them away where no harm could
come to either of them. He knew Steph was more than capable of taking care of
herself, but it still didn
’t eliminate his
need to protect her. Especially when the threat had come against Stephanie the
woman as opposed to Steph - the bodyguard.

“Relax, he’s coming.” Steph caught one of
his hands in hers before pressing a kiss to his palm. “Davis wanted to talk to
him about a few legal things before we kidnap him again- his words, not mine.”

A chuckle escaped him. “You know kidnapping
him sounds like a good idea. Do you think he’d mind if we locked him away in
our bedroom? I mean we could always let him out to cook once in a while.”

Steph gave a wistful smile. “That would be
nice for a weekend or two, but I want him for more than just sex. I want to
take him to the club so others can see how lucky we are to have him. Hell, I’ll
even settle for helping him get his bakery off the ground.”

“Yeah, me too.” He brought their joined
hands to his mouth, rubbing their joined fingers over his lips. “As long as
we’re with him, it’ll all work out.”

Turning in her seat, she stared at him.
“You know you said those exact words to me when we got together, Nicky.” She
crawled over to him, and he adjusted the seat so she’d fit on his lap. As she
straddled his lap, she draped her arms over his shoulders. “You love him, don’t
you?”

 
She
said it in such a matter of fact way, his heart began pounding against his
chest. He should’ve realized she’d figure it out. Not surprising considering
how long they’d been together. But still he wasn’t ready to blurt it out. So he
did what most guys do when confronted with a suspicious woman. He evaded the
question. “I happen to be in love with you, Steph.”

She arched her eyebrow at him. “”I know you
love me, Nicholaus, but if you try this pansy ass shit again, I’m going to give
you a titty twister you won’t ever forget.” Her fingers hovered over his chest,
her intent obvious.

He sighed and rested his forehead against
hers. “And if I were to say said yes?”

“Then I’d be thankful I’m not the only one
who’s losing their heart to him.” She licked her lips. “It scares me,
but…knowing you’re feeling the same way…”

Understanding welled up inside of him. For
such a brave, kick-ass woman, she hid a tender heart. It was going to take constant
reassurances on his and Zeb’s parts, to assure her that her heart was safe with
them. Even though he hadn’t spoken to the other man about Zeb’s feelings for
Steph or himself, he could see the growing affection the man felt for them
every time Zeb’s eyes met his. “Shhh…I know it’s scary. But I promise you it’ll
work out.” He brushed a knuckle over her lower lip. “Ethan was right, you know.
He’s going to be a perfect fit for us in every way. We just have to have
patience. Let him catch up with us.”

She squirmed closer until her lips were a
mere hair’s-breadth from his and their breaths co-mingled. “I’m going to hold
you to that.”

“Hold you to what?” Zeb asked, opening the
door to the vehicle before sliding in to join them.

Thinking on his feet, Nicky distracted Zeb.
“A surprise for later.”

“A surprise?” Zeb’s eyes darkened, his
breath catching in his throat. Under Steph, Nicky’s cock hardened at the not so
subtle hints Zeb was sending. But they had to feed Zeb first before he and
Steph made a meal out of their subbie.

“Yes, but we’re eating first.” He shifted
her off his lap and gave her a stern look when she pouted. “Enough of that,
cara mia.
Buckle up, so we can get this
show on the road. I hear a Reuben calling my name.” He slid the seat forward as
Zeb helped Steph with her seat belt. Within moments he had the Chevy Tahoe in
gear and pulling away from the police station. “Antonio’s Subs sound good?” He
kept his voice light, even as his mind raced ahead of him to focus on the
delectable things he and Steph could do to a willing Zeb.

* * * *

Looking
around the playroom, Zeb licked his lips. Being brought down to a well-stocked
room in the basement of Nicky and Steph
’s
house hadn’t been what he’d expected when they’d brought him back to their
place. In fact, his dick had been hoping for a repeat of their earlier fun, or
perhaps even the promised watching of
Serenity
since he’d fallen asleep the last time it’d been on television.

“Wow, I hadn’t expected to see this so
soon.” He tried to keep everything nonchalant, but knew he failed miserably
when a concerned look crossed Nicky’s face.

“We’re not expecting anything tonight. It’s
just…” Nicky rubbed the back of his neck. “We’re going to have to talk about
this sooner or later.” He moved closer as Steph entered the room carrying a
tray of iced tea and the absolutely divine divinity Nicky had bought at
Antonio's for their dessert.

“All right, guys, you need to relax or I’m
gonna whip you both.” She set down the tray on the counter which ran along one
side of the room. Then she turned to face them. “If the tension in here was any
thicker, I could cut it with a knife.”

She poured two glasses of tea and handed
one to Nicky and then one to Zeb. “Thanks.” He smiled at her then took a quick
gulp of the refreshing tea.

“Not a problem.” She tugged Zeb over to the
play swing hanging in one corner before shoving him into it. Sitting down with
a thud, he cursed softly as he tried to keep from spilling his drink while the
swing moved wildly from his sudden weight. “Now stay put.” She then turned to
face Sir, her hands going to her hips. She gave Nicky a once over. “Am I gonna
have to get rough with you?”

Nicky arched a brow at her before crossing
his arms over his massive chest. “You’re coming precariously close to
overstepping your boundaries, Steph.”

She rolled her eyes. “Whatever. You can
warm my ass later for my audacity.” She sighed, then turned her attention back
to Zeb. “Look, Sexy, Sir and I discussed this earlier, about seeing you in
here. You know you can tell quite a bit about a Dom from his playroom.” She
moved over to the tall armoire standing in the corner. Opening the doors, she
exposed the toys and other BDSM items hanging from their specialized pegs. “For
instance…” She pulled out a leather flogger. “…I’ll probably be feeling this on
my ass before the night is over.” She trailed the leather thongs up her arm.

Zeb’s mouth dried as she lightly smacked
her own arm, especially when the strands wrapped around the tanned flesh. A
soft sound seemed to escape her. It wasn’t a full moan, more like a heavy
exhale, but it settled in his groin, stroking up the embers of his need, which
had been banked during the course of their meal and the drive to the house.
“Son of a…” Grasping one of the chains on the swing, he steadied himself as Sir
joined her, taking the flogger from her hand with ease.

“Only if you’re lucky, slave.” The
roughness in Sir’s tone only inflamed Zeb more. He had a voyeuristic streak a
mile wide. Coupled with his need to serve, he found himself swinging between
the need to watch, and the desire to drop to his knees and offer himself up to
the pair as Steph wrestled the flogger back away from Nicky. Once she had it in
her hand again, a triumphant look on her face, she approached him with it.

“From what I’ve heard through the
grapevine, you do enjoy some impact play. Is that correct?”

Looking from the flogger in her hand to her
expressive face, he nodded. “Yes, Ma’am. Just not…”

“The torture the bitch put you through.”
She trailed the leather ends of the flogger over his shoulder. “You enjoyed
feeling Nicky’s hand against your bottom last night. So does that mean if I
wanted to warm your tight little ass with this, would you protest or would you
beg for more?”

Her words were dark with a promise that had
him squirming in the swing. The rattle of the chains barely registered as she
lightly tapped the flogger over his shoulder. “Ah…beg for more, Ma’am.” His
eyes drifted shut as she rhythmically snapped the flogger against his
shirt-covered torso. There was a light touch of the strands over his abs,
followed by a heavy caress of it against his left pectoral before it moved to
his right. The dull thuds were muffled by the fabric, but each landing of the
leather against him was a prelude to what it would feel like against his skin.
He was losing himself to the sensation when it abruptly stopped.