Beneath the Scars (Masters of the Shadowlands #13)(67)

She started to tie up her halter-top, caught the stern shake of his head, and dropped her hands. Dammit.

Beth and Zuri waited off to one side for her to join them.

Oh, God, they’d have watched the whole thing. She wished the ground would swallow her up. What must they think?

A hand took hers and squeezed. Zuri grinned at her. “Relax, girl. You’re not the first or the last to be on display.”

Beth took her other hand. “You’re so lucky—you got a blanket. Master Nolan put me on the bar—naked—where everybody could watch.”

“When I first started, I thought Master Cullen’s bar ornaments referred to the big chains over the bar. I have since learned up close and in person all about being a bar ornament.” Zuri rolled her eyes.

Beth burst into laughter.

Josie frowned. “What are bar ornaments?”

“Us, girlfriend. Naked submissives are the bar ornaments.” Zuri shook her head. “Haven’t you noticed the chains dangling from the ceiling beams?”

She’d noticed. “I figured the chains were there before the bar was built. Seriously? Those are for…restraints? On my bar?” Outrage made her voice louder.

“Oh yes.” Zuri shook her head. “That’s why Beth is laughing. I pranked my Dragon Doms, and I not only got secured to the bar—naked—but they made me come so many times I was begging them to stop.”

Josie stopped dead. “You’re joking.”

“’Fraid not.”

Beth gave Josie a sympathetic look. “It’s a shock when a Master makes himself free with what he considers his property. I have to say Master Holt was pretty careful with you.”

Nolan had put his pretty redhead on the bar. Naked. As a bar ornament. The Drago cousins had done that to Zuri.

Josie huffed out a breath. “I guess he was.”





Chapter Thirteen





Mountain Dew in hand, Holt frowned as he watched Z walk across the lawn to the center. What was he up to now?

On her knees in the grass, Josie was leaning against Holt’s lounge chair, obviously enjoying having him play with the soft, short strands of her hair and with her bare breasts. Gradually, she’d relaxed, more comfortable with his hands being on her.

And hadn’t she been gorgeous earlier, the way she responded to his touch despite her embarrassment? The way she’d climaxed so beautifully.

When the time was right, he planned to take her into the Gardens and take her more thoroughly.

“People.” Z lifted his voice…just enough. Like a wave, silence rolled outward from where he stood. When the grounds were quiet, he continued. “During Saturnalia, the Romans would conduct a power exchange and switch roles between a Master or Mistress and their slaves. Tonight, until I announce differently, the Dominants and Tops will serve the submissives and bottoms. Aside from food service, consent is still mandatory.”

As voices rose in elation—and complaint, Z simply strolled away.

Holt glanced around.

Nolan and Alastair wore frowns.

Max was laughing. “Z’s sure upset the apple cart.”

“This should be an interesting hour.” Holt rose to his feet.

Startled, Josie stared. “But—”

“I guess it’s our turn to work.” Max stood and lifted Uzuri to her feet. “Here, this is your spot, my lady.” He carefully seated her in the nest of pillows he’d been using.

Catching on, Uzuri smoothed down her slinky white dress and straightened regally. “Where’s my scepter? Don’t I get a scepter?”

Chuckling, Alastair reached into his bag. With a low bow, he handed her an oversized pink dildo. “Your scepter, my lady.”

“Pitiful,” she muttered, then waved it at Josie who still looked unsettled. “Get with the program, girl.”

“But…”

When Nolan rose, Beth stared. “Sir? You’re going along with this?”

“When the Lord of Misrule speaks, the guests obey.” Nolan’s amusement showed for a second. “Have a seat here, my queen, while I bring you some sustenance.”

Lady for one. Queen for another. Well, his Josie should outrank them. Holt held his hand down to her. “Let me assist you into your place, my empress.”

Catching the rise in hierarchy, she huffed a laugh and settled into the lounge chair.

Indulging himself shamefully, Holt stroked her smooth legs as he straightened her skirt. Then he retied her halter-top to cover her breasts. “Might your humble servant bring you and your friends a drink?” Since she was new to command, he added, “Please make your instructions clear for your somewhat foolish minion.”

Looking uncomfortable, she glanced at the other women. “What would y’all like? Holt’s fixin’ to fetch us drinks.”

Ah, her drawl turned thicker when she was uncomfortable. Good to know.

Beth considered and ordered herself a Bushmills with a Corona for Master Nolan.

Uzuri added her preferences and glanced at Alastair. “Would you like a—”

“My queen’s presence is the only refreshment I need,” the doc said smoothly.

His cousin Max made gagging sounds.

Uzuri glared. “Such unseemly noises.” She waved her hand at Max. “You get no refreshment. Be off with you and assist Holt with his task.”