know some of the people. Cullen and Max will be there. And so will Sam who’ll be unhappy if I fail to get you to show up.”
Natalia snickered. “Ooooh, good threat. Don’t make the sadist unhappy, Valerie.”
“Really, this is a work party to help unpack,” Linda added. “The move was a hasty one, and we could use some extra hands.”
“Oh. In that case, I’d love to help.” Valerie smiled. “I’ll follow you there.”
Natalia followed Linda to the back to get their purses. “You are a very sneaky woman. I noticed you didn’t say who the party is for.”
“No, I didn’t, did I?” Linda smirked. “Have you seen the way Ghost watches her? He likes her, and it’s our duty as submissives to give the Masters what they want.”
“There’s an interesting way to look at a set-up. But I’m in.” Wouldn’t it be fun when Valerie realized who the housewarming was for?
Following the other two out of the store, Natalia sighed. Linda sounded so positive about knowing how to give a Master what he wanted.
So…how did a subbie give a Mistress what she wanted? Because Natalia sure had failed in that endeavor.
Chapter Ten
Humming to himself, Ghost wandered through his new place…flat…quarters. Hell, what did one call a living space on the third story of a mansion?
A home?
Not yet.
Relocating after only two years in his apartment was sure a pain in the ass.
But Z was a friend, and being an overworked shrink with a pregnant wife, toddler, and new home, the man didn’t need any added stress.
So Ghost had put out some extra cash to expedite a move and ease Z’s worry about the property.
Admittedly, the three-story stone building was beautiful. In front, the long palm-lined drive led to the parking lot on the left. Behind the mansion was a screened lanai, gardens, and pool for the private quarters—his, now. The larger area on the other side of the mansion held the club’s Capture Gardens.
The Shadowlands took up the first floor. The second floor housed the club’s private theme rooms.
And the third floor was now his living quarters, which held more than ample space. And was beautiful. The tall arched windows let in light—and the scent of tropical flowers blooming in the extensive private gardens below.
The living and dining areas had brownish walls—what Jessica had called cappuccino—with white crown molding and trim. The deep red Oriental carpets he’d brought home from his tours of duty looked good on the polished hardwood floors. Since he preferred oversized, deep-cushioned furniture, his beige chairs and couch filled the big room nicely.
However, the boxes piled high around the room detracted from the ambiance. The moving crew earlier had unpacked the bigger items—and barely made a dent.
“Yo, you home?” Cullen’s bellow from outside the mansion would have echoed off the mountains…if there were mountains in Florida.
What the hell? He walked through the kitchen and out the door that overlooked the patio and gardens. “I’m home.”
“C’mon down, Colonel. You have company,” Cullen yelled.
Company? More than Cullen—who wasn’t expected either? Hell, he hadn’t been expecting anyone.
Since his leg was aching, he took the steps slowly, stunned as people flowed in from the parking lot.
The tough Brit Olivia and tall, slender Anne were first. Anne had brought her submissive, Ben, who tossed Ghost a friendly salute.
Cullen and Andrea were already inside the screened-in lanai.
Z was carrying two-year-old Sophia and helping Jessica who scowled at the assistance. Z did tend to hover over his pregnant wife.
Max, Doc Alastair, and their feisty submissive, Zuri, carried in a stack of pizza boxes.
“How’s the moving going, Ghost?” Anne asked as he approached. The Mistress planted a kiss on his cheek.
“The movers unpacked the big stuff, but I still have boxes piled everywhere.” Ghost frowned at Ben. “I’m holding you responsible for the mess my life has become.”
His friend, a retired Army Ranger, had the size and appearance of a pro wrestler…and was a world-renowned photographer. Not something most people would guess from seeing him. He scowled. “And exactly why am I to blame?”
“I was enjoying a well-deserved retirement when you talked me into helping you out as a Shadowlands security guard.”
Ben snorted. “Colonel, you were bored out of your mind. Besides, if you’d been smart enough to stick to being a guard, you wouldn’t have these problems.”
“There you have it, Ghost,” Cullen agreed. “We all know someone waggled a crop and a couple of masochists in front of you”—everyone looked at Z—“and lured you right into the dungeon.”