did.
And maybe being called on her disparaging thoughts might help. Would help. Oh effing hell. “I’ll hate it, but I guess being switched for disparaging comments is all right.”
Not able to meet his eyes, she glared at his chest. “The naked stuff, though…”
“I know it’ll be difficult, sweetheart, but it goes with the rest.” He stroked her hair. “Although I can’t say it’s going to be a problem for me. I love seeing you naked, and I’m really looking forward to seeing you in the lacy red undies I bought you.”
“You won’t when you see what I—” Her mouth closed with a snap, because she’d seen him touch the gods-benighted switch.
“Excellent response time you have there, Professor.” He cupped her cheek, kissing her lightly.
With a sigh, she set her forearm on his stomach and gazed down at him. “Why couldn’t you have been an accountant or pencil-pusher? I’m not sure I’m up to all this military discipline.”
“Discipline is fun,” he said solemnly, although a crease appeared in his cheek. “At least from this side of the paddle.”
Her lips twitched because he totally meant it. “Riiight.”
“And if you’re walking around bare-ass naked, it means we’ll be having sex a hell of a lot more often.”
She blinked. Actually, that sounded rather nice…
When he burst out laughing, she hit him.
And regretted it…
Chapter Twenty
Wednesday morning, Ghost walked out of the bathroom. Jesus. “If I have a heart attack, pet, I’m blaming you.”
Bending over, Valerie was doing a shimmy to settle her gorgeous breasts into the royal blue bra he’d purchased for her. “What?” Brows together, she glanced over her shoulder at him.
She hadn’t turned on the lamps, relying on the dawn light coming through the tall arched windows. The glow danced over her skin. Hair the color of caramel swung loose. Her full, heart-shaped ass was…right there. Her breasts were pushed together, begging for his hands.
Within two steps, he’d closed on his quarry and pulled her upright and against him. With her back against his chest, he turned so she faced the full-length mirror. His arm across her pelvis kept her ass pressed against his already hard erection. He curved his other hand around her throat.
Her eyes had closed.
“No, pet. Look at yourself. At us,” he growled. “Woman, you’re sexy as fuck.”
She opened her eyes, and he smiled at her flush. The way she aroused so quickly was a delight.
With his foot, he shoved her legs apart and slid a hand under the pretty thong to cup her pussy. “You’re slick for me.”
“Ghost…no.”
“Such a weak protest.” He squeezed one breast, increasing the pressure until he heard her breathing catch. Until he felt even more wetness against his palm. “I found a ripe peach in my bedroom…and I’m going to pluck it from the tree and enjoy every bite.”
To illustrate, he sank his teeth into her shoulder, pleased she’d wear the mark of his teeth all day.
And then he stripped her and satisfied them both.
Chapter Twenty-One
Olivia had chosen her attire with an eye to what was coming. Black leather pants, black bustier, black leather jacket, knee-high black boots. Her hair was spiked, her makeup strong.
Natalia, the little brat, had laughed and decked herself out in an adorable pink tank and lacy briefs.
Leading the way into the club, Olivia glanced around. “It’s busy tonight.”
Natalia gave her a pleased nod. “About like it was before Wrecker drove off all the nice members.”
So it seemed. “Has it been a month since Ghost took over as manager? Time really does fly, doesn’t it?”
Standing near a scene, Alastair spotted them and nodded a greeting. The tall Master was wearing a dungeon monitor vest…as was the younger Dom beside him. One of Ghost’s changes. She’d helped teach the first DM class last weekend and was pleased with the quality of Doms he’d chosen. Interested, experienced, intelligent, responsible. Later tonight, she’d put in her DM time and would have what Ghost tended to call “recruits” following her.
Last weekend, she’d given a demonstration on Florentine flogging along with some instruction on when it was useful. Too many Doms learned because it was flashy—instead of understanding it was merely one more technique. In this case, one to be used for the rather delightful effect that continuous rhythmic sensations could have on a submissive.
She half-smiled…because Natalia had started to drift into subspace illustrating exactly what Olivia had been saying.
As they headed for the bar, Natalia returned a silent wave to a couple of submissives. A group of Doms gave Olivia chin-up greetings.
Yes, the Shadowlands had