Beneath the Scars (Masters of the Shadowlands #13)(62)

As the two moved on, Andrea appeared in front of Cullen. “You wanted me, mi Se?or?”

“I’m going to kick the bartender out and take over for a while.” Cullen glanced around with a frown. “And I want you with me, love. Can’t have you getting dragged down on one of the mats.”

In Roman days, the Saturnalia orgies were infamous—and the Shadowlands members were doing their best to uphold tradition. Although some used the Capture Gardens’ secluded nooks for private interludes, the less inhibited members were enthusiastically fucking on the thick mats around the lawn’s perimeter. The giant ocean of mats in the center had turned into a free-for-all orgy.

Considering the Shadowlands’ stance on consent, Cullen knew Andrea wouldn’t get dragged onto the mats unless she wanted to be. He just wanted his subbie at his side.

She knew it, too. Her eyes danced as she tucked herself against his side. “You’re very good to protect me from all the evil Doms.”

He grinned. “I know.”

For a moment, Holt watched Josie and all the people around the bar. She’d think better without an audience. He turned to Cullen. “Thanks for freeing Josie up. Do me another favor and send her over to Raoul with a couple of Sierra Nevadas?” Each small sitting area had a number taped on a table, and Holt squinted to get the number. “At sitting area nine.”


Relieved of her bartending job, Josie planned to head home after she dropped off a couple of drinks. Cullen had asked her to deliver them to Raoul.

Carrying the two bottles, she wended her way through the chairs and groups of people. Seven. Eight. Nine. Yes, there was the muscular Master in a patio chair. His black-haired submissive was on her knees in front of him.

Josie smiled at the two, glanced around the area, and froze as a winter-blue gaze met hers. Holt.

Her heart set up a disconcerting thudding in her chest, and she swallowed. “I, um, Master Raoul. I have the drinks Master Cullen sent over.”

Master Raoul gave her a quizzical look before holding up his nearly full drink.

“One is mine,” Holt rose and took a beer, then seated her beside him on the loveseat. “And one is yours.”

“But…”

“You’re off duty now. It’s time for a drink…unless you don’t want it.”

She did. She just wasn’t sure if sitting beside this…Dom…was her wisest choice. Especially since, as usual, an evening in the Shadowlands had sent her hormones whirling.

Looking away, she realized the conversational area was close to the center of the lawn. And the biggest mat area. Her eyes widened. A woman was taking on three men—one in each orifice—and seemed to be loving it.

Putting an arm around Josie, Holt followed her gaze. “Ah. The center mat is gangbang central.”

She took a hefty swallow of the icy beer. “Are you…into…that?”

He didn’t appear especially interested in the moans and slapping sounds of flesh. “I must lack a good imagination, since I had to check out everything for myself. Which means, back in my decadent days, I tried various multiples.” With a smile, he brushed her cheek with his knuckles.”

She frowned. “Did you like the gangbang stuff?”

“Yes and no. Sex is rarely bad—especially for a guy. With more than one man, it’s easier to drive a woman mindless. That said, I’m also possessive and don’t want anyone touching what’s mine.”

“But…” Josie well remembered how he’d made her strip.

“Oh, they can look. I do enjoy sharing your beauty.” His warm gaze made the heat rise in her cheeks. “They just can’t touch.”

How did he make her feel so stupidly flustered? Looking away, she realized Master Raoul was listening—and amused.

“Josie,” Holt turned her chin so she saw only him.

The firm hand, the way he didn’t ask, melted her bones. “Yes?”

“Do you want to take the next step and explore dominance and submission for an entire evening?”

Her breath clogged in her throat. “With you?”

“Yes, pet,” he murmured. “Totally and only with me.”

With his fingers still under her chin, he stroked his thumb over her lips. “I’ll push you…a bit…but you’ll be safe, baby.”

She knew that, actually. Well, she’d be safe physically. Emotionally…might be a different matter. But the funny sinking feeling she got every time she looked into his eyes made her want to say yes. Her tongue wetted her dry lips, brushed his thumb, and his eyes heated.

A shiver danced across her nerves, because…he wanted her. And she wanted him. In this place and this night, they’d have sex. “Yes,” she whispered, flinging common sense to the winds. Yes to everything.

“All right then.” He leaned forward and kissed her, slowly and gently.

When he released her, she blinked.

The other two were watching. And, hmm, Master Raoul’s submissive was on her knees while Josie was sitting on the lounge. Holt had made Josie kneel last week. “Should I be on my knees?”

Holt eyed her thoughtfully. “Do you want to be on your knees?”

“What? What kind of a question is that? No one wants to be on their knees.”

“You’re making an interesting assumption.” He pulled her closer. “I’m not sure you’ve actually met everyone. Master Raoul, this is Josie, our bartender.”