A Valentine Destiny [Holidays in Destiny 1] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 3

  After listening to several songs by Gya Gaynor and eating her lunch, Grace glanced back at the clock. “Damn.” Only thirty minutes had passed since Cooper had left. Climbing the walls, she wondered how she was going to survive the next several hours. She knew that if she stayed busy the time would go by faster. But today was her day off, and even if she went back to her office all her paperwork was caught up. She was one of those people who didn’t like to leave business unfinished. Some might even think she was a bit OCD. Neat and orderly. That’s how she liked her life to be. Always.

  Then it hit her. I can get to those extra little jobs I’ve been dying to do.

  Still in her robe, she began cleaning out her refrigerator, throwing out anything that was past its expiration date and wiping down the shelves. She looked at the finished job. The fridge looked pristine. Everything was orderly and in its place, just the way she liked it to be.

  She looked at the clock. Twenty minutes had passed since she’d started the task. “Damn, that went by too fast.”

  She grabbed the vacuum and decided to clean the entire house. With each pass over her carpet, her mind swirled with a million thoughts.

  What about Brock?

  Cooper hadn’t even mentioned him. But they always went to the club together, whether alone or with a sub. Why had Cooper asked her on a date without Brock? It didn’t make sense to her. Could it be that Cooper was interested in her but Brock wasn’t? She knew that had to be the reason. What else could it be?

  She sighed, wishing that tonight’s date would be with both men. Nonetheless, she knew she would have a blast with Cooper. And perhaps she was wrong about Brock. Maybe he was going to meet them at the club. Could that be the sexy duo’s plan?

  “I hope so,” she said aloud, looking at the time on the clock once again. “Damn. Four hours until he rings my doorbell.” Fidgeting like crazy, she glanced around her place. “What can I do next?”

  Two and a half hours later, she put away her vacuum and other supplies. She’d cleaned the baseboards, the ceiling fans, the windows, and every other surface inside her house, while continuing to sing along with Gya Gaynor. Her home had never looked more perfect, but finally the time had arrived to start getting ready for her date with Cooper.

  Since she hadn’t finished her bath earlier, she filled the tub with fresh, warm water. Climbing in, she sunk underneath the surface. She washed her hair and body. When she stepped out, she wrapped a towel around herself and began blow-drying her hair.

  After applying her makeup, she put on her new outfit. She stood in front of her full-length mirror and gazed at her reflection. She loved the red stilettoes she’d chosen. They and the short black leather mini showed off her legs perfectly, and the red top revealed just the right amount of cleavage, in her opinion. Would Cooper think the same?

  Knock. Knock.

  Chapter Four

  When the door opened, Cooper saw Grace standing in one of the sexiest outfits he’d ever seen. God, she was beautiful.

  “Hi.” Her green eyes were bright surrounded by her long lashes.

  “You look incredible, Grace.”

  Her smile blew him away. “So do you. I really like your leathers.”

  He pulled her in close, inhaling her intoxicating scent. “God, you smell good.” His cock began to stir. “We better go or I’ll end up keeping you here tonight. I know that we need to set up our protocols for the evening, but I’ll tell you that in the car on the way to the club. Not here. Not on these steps. Not with your lush lips luring me to kiss them.”

  “Yes, Sir.” She grinned, clearly trying to tempt him to action. “You’re the one in charge, not me.”

  He put his arm around her and led her to the car. He’d waited a long time for this night, a night to be with Grace.

  Once in the car, she turned to him. “So how do you want us to act once inside Phase Four?”

  “Like any other Dom and sub would act.” He stroked her hair, loving its softness.

  “Okay, but I’m a little curious about something, Sir.” Grace was already slipping into her submissive role, which was exactly how he wanted her to be.

  He cupped her chin. “And what is going through that gorgeous head of yours, sub?”

  “I’ve never seen you and Brock apart at the club before. You’re a Dom duo, right?”

  He sat back, stiffening. “We are.”

  “So is he waiting for us at Phase Four?” Her question was brazen but not unexpected.

  “Maybe. You’ll find out soon enough.” He’d known for a long time that Grace was interested in both him and Brock.

  Her sideway glances. Her nervousness whenever they were near. Her cute flirtations. All were proof that she was attracted to them and wanted to pursue more. Brock had put the brakes on that ever happening for some time. But with or without his friend, Cooper was moving forward. Still, he hoped that once Brock saw him and Grace enter the club together, all the doubt and holding back would end.

  “Even though you are a club member, you are my guest tonight, Grace. You are in my care and I will make sure you are safe and have a good time. You will follow all my instructions. If I ask you to do something that makes you uncomfortable, tell me. We can discuss that in private. If something is bothering you that someone else is doing or saying, just let me know and I will take care of it. If I am doing or saying something that bothers you, let me know. Again, we can discuss it in private. And you will address me as ‘Sir’ while we are inside Phase Four. Understand?”

  “Yes, Sir. I understand.”

  “Very good, sweetheart.” As he drove into Phase Four’s parking lot, he saw Brock’s car.

  Grace saw it, too. “Brock is here.”

  “Seems so.” He couldn’t wait to show her off inside. “That new outfit looks great on you.” He reached over and ran his hand up and down her thigh. I hope Brock will appreciate it as much as I do.

  “I’m glad you like it, Sir.” She grinned, making him want to kiss her again. “I know I’ve been to the club many times, but I have to be honest with you. I’m a little nervous.”

  “Or maybe you’re just excited about what this night will bring.” He got out of the car and offered her his hand. “Ready to find out?”

  She nodded, taking his hand and stepping next to him. He put his arm around her and led her to the front door of Phase Four.

  * * * *

  Standing in the farthest corner of the main room, Brock stared at the door that led to the reception area. Every member and guest of the club had to enter from that direction.

  Even Cooper and Grace.

  It was early, but there was already quite the crowd, especially for a Tuesday night. He barely took any notice of anyone. All he had come to the club for was to see Grace with his best friend.

  Since Coop had told him he was going to ask Grace out, Brock’s whole world had been turned upside down. He’d driven halfway to Denver and back just to clear his head. No matter how much he wished he could avoid the inevitable, he had to face this head-on. Hell, why was he surprised that Coop was done waiting on him? I’m not surprised anymore. Who could blame him?

  Coop was ready to get on with his life and start a future, and that’s what Brock wanted for him, too. Even if that meant he would have to step aside. He’d been holding Coop back far too long. His best friend deserved happiness.

  And Grace? God, she was beautiful, absolute perfection. Brock found it fitting that Coop, whose body was the epitome of male excellence, began dating Grace.

  Although he and Coop had spoken many times about the poly life, there would be no room for a scarred up former POW like him. Grace deserved better.

  She and Coop would make a wonderful match.

  Zac Gold, the owner of the club, stepped next to him. “You here alone, Brock? No Cooper?”

  “Alone,” he barked back. “Is that okay with you?”

  “Sure.” Zac held up his hands. “I wasn’t trying to pry.”

  “Sorry,” he said in a
more civil tone. “Just isn’t a good night for me.”

  “For me either. I just learned my brother is coming to Destiny.”

  “You have a brother?” Even though he hadn’t known Zac for very long, he and Coop had bonded with him. Like them, Zac had served in the military. “You never mentioned a brother before.”

  “Ben disappeared a long time ago.” Zac sighed. “Until this morning, I hadn’t spoken to him since he left, but that’s a long story I’ll share with you over drinks another time. I can tell you have your own issues you’re dealing with tonight.”

  One of the other club Doms, Jace, walked up to them. Brock felt his body tense. Jace and Sebastian were the ones who had trained Grace. He knew he shouldn’t be jealous, but he was. He’d refused to train Grace himself, despite Coop trying to convince him otherwise. Brock knew if he ever touched her he wouldn’t be able to walk away. So Jace and Sebastian had stepped in.

  “Hey, Brock,” Jace said.

  He acknowledged him with a nod.

  “Zac, we have an issue outside that needs your attention.”

  “My attention?”

  “Yep. There’s a man who is insisting on coming into the club, though he’s not a member. Says he knows you and you would let him in.”

  “Did he give a name?”

  “He did. Ben.”

  “Damn.” Zac’s face darkened.

  “So you do know him?” Jace asked.

  “Yes. I’ll take care of him. Where is he?”

  “Right now, outside with Sebastian.”

  “It must be your brother, right?” Brock asked Zac.

  “Has to be. Demanding to be let in is something Ben would do. My night just got much worse, buddy. Hope yours gets better.”

  “Me, too. Good luck with your brother.”

  “Thanks. I’ll need it.”

  Zac and Jace walked to the door Brock had been staring at all night.

  Still no Cooper. No Grace. Had she turned his friend down? Or had Coop taken her somewhere else for their date? What if the date wasn’t for tonight, but for some time later in the week? He thought about texting Coop to find out, but didn’t, knowing that would only give Coop hope where there was none. Besides, it’s none of my business.

  “What’s a good-looking Dom like you doing standing in this dark corner all by himself?” Piper, one of the subs he and Coop had trained, came up, bouncing up and down as usual.

  “I have things on my mind, Piper. This is not a good time.”

  “Well let’s make it a good time, Brock.” She got up on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around his neck just as he noticed Coop and Grace walk into the main area.

  His eyes locked with Grace’s. She appeared to be shocked and disappointed.

  He grabbed Piper’s wrist and pried them off of him. “I told you that this isn’t a good time. Now go away and leave me alone.”

  She was undaunted. “Please, Master. We could have so much fun together. We did before.”

  “Piper, I’m not your Master.” He turned to get one more look at Grace, but she and Coop were gone.

  Chapter Five

  Sitting next to Cooper in the front row by the main stage, Grace glanced back at Brock. She made sure to stay hidden from his view. Not too difficult since so many members were taking seats all around them to watch the next scene.

  Why had Brock been talking with Piper? And why had she put her arms around his neck?

  Isn’t it obvious, Grace? They’re an item.

  Even though she could feel jealousy ripping through her body, she didn’t want to ruin her night with Cooper. She’d waited far too long for this to finally happen to blow it. Plus, she cared a great deal for him. But she also cared a great deal for Brock.

  On the surface, Grace would have never put Brock and Piper together. Piper surely wasn’t his type. Or was she? The happy couple walked out of the main area and into the reception room. Were they leaving the club? Together?

  That had to be the real reason Cooper had asked her on this date without the other half of the sexy Dom duo. Brock was dating Piper. How had she missed it? Piper had been trained as a submissive by him and Cooper. Many subs in the club had been. So what was different about the twenty-three-year-old, immature blonde from all the others? What did Piper have that Brock was attracted to?

  Even though Grace was craning her neck, she no longer could see Brock and Piper. They were gone.

  “Who are you looking at?” Clearly, Cooper hadn’t spotted Brock.

  She turned back around and faced the stage. “I was looking at Brock and Piper.”

  “Brock and Piper? No way.”

  “Yes way. Didn’t you know?”

  “Know what?”

  “Brock and Piper are seeing each other.”

  He frowned. “Brock and Piper? A couple? Not a chance. Where did you see them?”

  “They just left together.”

  “Sit here.” He stood and walked over to one of the club’s resident Doms, who was standing to the side of the main stage.

  Cooper seemed surprised by what she’d seen. Though it was strange that Brock would keep anything from him given how close they were, her eyes had told her all she needed to know. How would he feel about Brock and Piper being together once he knew it, too?

  After speaking with the other Dom, he returned. He knelt down in front of her and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Xavier is right there if you need him. I’m going to find Brock. I’ll be back as quickly as possible.”

  “Yes, Sir. I’ll be fine.” But she wasn’t fine. Far from it.

  As the lights dimmed and the scene on the main stage began, Cooper left her.

  All her dreams of having a chance to spend time with Brock and Cooper were over. She closed her eyes, feeling lost and alone. It was something she knew well, having been in so many foster homes. Why did I even let myself hope that I could have a life with them?

  From the stage, a voice she recognized said, “Hello. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Jace.”

  She opened her eyes and looked at him. Jace was one of the Doms who had trained her in the life. He was the more fun loving and open of the two, whereas Sebastian was more serious and guarded. Jace’s eyes found her and he smiled. Even though she felt like the rug had been pulled out from under her after seeing Piper’s arms around Brock’s neck, she smiled back at Jace.

  He began, “Mr. Gold, the owner of the club, normally introduces the scenes on the main stage but he is temporarily unavailable. Tonight, four of our members are going to present to us a demonstration on the Japanese art of binding known as Kinbaku, sometimes referred to as Shibari. Please welcome the Stones.”

  Amber, wearing a blindfold and black bikini, and her three husbands, all in their leathers, took the stage. Emmett and Cody stood on either side of her, attentive and protective in every way. Bryant held a variety of ropes, dyed in a multitude of colors.

  Emmett removed Amber’s tiny swimsuit. She had the cutest figure. Hard to believe she’d given birth not long ago. Even from where she sat, Grace could see that she was trembling from the excitement.

  A shiver ran up and down Grace’s back, wondering what was going through Amber’s mind as she stood fully exposed in front of so many club members. Will I ever have that kind of courage? And what about the trust it would take? The relationship with Doms and their subs was critical for a scene to work. She immediately thought of Brock and Cooper. They were the only men she could imagine getting on stage with.

  While Bryant began tying Amber’s arms behind her back, Emmett and Cody ran their hands up and down her body. There was no doubt those three adored her. The trust that she had for them was evident with every breathy moan that left the woman’s lips.

  Amber’s three Doms expertly bound her arms and legs together, continuing to caress her. Her face was flushed and her breathing labored. It was obvious that Amber was in that subspace that all submissives, like Grace, longed for.

  Amber’s men took their t
ime, making sure she was safe and secure and the ties were perfect. All three had two pairs of scissors should she cry out her safe word. But Grace didn’t expect that to happen.

  Amber had surrendered a long time ago to the Stone brothers—the men she loved with all her heart and who loved and adored her with all of theirs.

  The crisscross of the ropes on Amber’s pale skin was intricate and beautiful.

  Grace wondered what it would be like having Brock and Cooper take her on the main stage.

  Stop it, Grace. That’s never happening, and you know it.

  Chapter Six

  Cooper rushed into the reception area. No Brock or Piper. Just a club Dom with his sub behind the desk. He was about to ask them if they’d seen Brock when Piper came through the front door.

  Seeing her eyes were welled up with tears, he went to her. “What’s wrong, Piper?”

  “Cooper, I don’t know what I did to make Brock mad. He was very mean to me in the parking lot just now.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll handle him. Go inside and enjoy the rest of your evening.”

  “Yes, Sir.” She grinned, obviously no longer upset as she’d been just seconds ago. One thing he knew about Piper was her mood could change at the drop of a hat. She was as mercurial as any sub he and Brock had ever trained.

  As Piper trotted back into the club, he rushed out the door to find and confront Brock. There was no excuse for him upsetting her. Did I push him too far? Maybe I should have waited a little longer to ask Grace out. But would that have changed anything?

  He scanned the parking lot and spotted Brock’s car backing out. He ran to the driver’s side window and knocked on it.

  Brock rolled the window down. “What the hell do you want?”

  “I saw Piper. She was upset.”

  “I know.” The look on Brock’s face let him know that he felt bad about that. “I’ll talk to her tomorrow and straighten it all out.”

  “Brock, this isn’t like you. You know how impressionable Piper is.”