“They said they didn’t want to make a fuss and have the other doms think they were difficult. But they both told me they’d never scene with him again. And this isn’t the first time he’s criticized a submissive for being too heavy or called them fat.”
Eric scowled. “I’ll speak with Mandy and Analise. They were play partners but should never be afraid of using their safeword during a scene, no matter how it might be perceived by others. In Fiona’s case, she was a patron at our bar. She had the expectation of using our common areas without being disrespected and harassed. And she hasn’t exactly been a regular. In the year she’s been a member, except on her first night when activities were held in the bar, I can’t remember her ever stopping by for a drink.”
“Me either. I think I finally convinced her to come to sub night, and now Jordan has probably scared her off.” Val’s cheeks were flushed, and she was trembling with anger when she told him, “I wish you had hauled off and slugged him, Master Noah.”
“No one is slugging anyone,” Eric stated with authority. “And, you, my darling wife, will retract your claws and let me handle this. Is that understood?”
“Yes, sir,” she responded dutifully, although from the tense set of her lips, her anger hadn’t yet subsided. “May I be excused, master?”
“Not if you’re going to find Jordan and pick a fight.”
She dared to scowl at her dom. “I just said I wouldn’t,” she exclaimed. “But the drink you suggested earlier that I declined,I’ve changed my mind. I’m ticked, and a stiff one might help with that.”
Eric scanned the floor. “I see Mistress Lenore and Daniel leaving. They always stop by the bar to unwind before heading back to San Diego. You may sit with them and have one drink while I take care of this ugly business with Jordan.”
“Two might get me in the mood to play again because currently that ship has sailed—sir.”
Noah bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. The master dom had his hands full with his only sometimes submissive wife.
“You may have one,” Eric repeated. “Because I plan to give you a stiff one before the night is over, and I’d like you sober enough to participate.”
“Master!”
He pulled her into his side, ignoring her heated cheeks and shocked reaction as he glanced Noah’s way. “Thank you for bringing this to my attention.”
“You’re welcome. Witnessing the subbie guardian in full protector mode went a long way in calming me down. I’d still like to punch the offensive prick.”
“Can I watch while you do?” Val asked, her blue eyes gleaming with a thirst for vengeance. “Nobody likes that horse’s ass. We could sell tickets and make a fortune.”
“Enough about punching and brawling with other members, the two of you,” Eric insisted as he led his bloodthirsty wife away.
As he watched them go, Doc didn’t wish Eric’s job as sheriff to a membership of close to 1000 on anyone. But he had his sub at his side now. A twinge of envy for his intelligent, uniquely perceptive, and beautiful wife washed over him. But only for a split second. He was staunchly anti-relationship, and rational thought quickly returned.
Noah had to wonder if Val’s volatile response was because the situation hit too close to home. She was petite, with womanly curves. They weren’t as blatant as Fiona’s, but hers was a silhouette he preferred, as did her husband, apparently. And a refreshing change from the reed-slender, diet-and-fitness-obsessed model types that pervaded the LA club.
He quickly dismissed the notion. Word would have gotten back to her very protective husband if Jordan or anyone else had made hurtful comments. Their membership immediately revoked, the master dom would have promptly shown them the exit, his boot print on their ass on the way out, despite his insistence on no punching or brawling to the contrary.
Chapter 3
To Last for a Lifetime
NERVOUS, HER HEARTpounding, Fiona crossed and uncrossed her legs and tucked hair behind her ear that didn’t need tucking. She shifted onto one hip and tugged the hem of her short skirt down for the umpteenth time. She’d been guilty of eating her feelings these past few days, and her hot-pink leather skirt was tighter than the last time she’d worn it. Self-conscious of the pooch in her lower belly, she folded her hands over it, but that exposed her thunder thighs.
Damn. What was she thinking coming back tonight?
