Protege(67)

Heart racing and overwhelmed, she did the easiest thing possible and fell right into submission. “May I come in, Sir?”

Jude studied her, his face unreadable. He nodded and she went to his side. His mouth softly kissed her temple as his arm wrapped around her. “Everything all right?” he whispered, low enough that the others wouldn’t hear.

She wasn’t quite as calm. “I need to tell you something.”

“Are you sure this is the time?” he asked. His eyes held warning, the same look he often gave her when she questioned his judgment.

“Yes, Sir. I think you should know immediately.”

“Very well. Pardon us for a moment, gentlemen.” He led her to the hall and partially closed the door. “I’m listening.”

“Lea came on to me in the kitchen.”

This seemed to amuse him. “Is that so?”

She nodded hastily. “She ran her hand up my leg, felt my butt, and stuck her tongue in my ear.”

His lips pulled to the side in a half smile. “And what did you do?”

Her eyes widened. “Nothing. I pulled away and came to find you.”

“Did you like her touching you?”

“I . . .” It was as though he’d expected such a thing. “Did you tell her to do that?”

“Not specifically, but I gave her permission. I was curious to see what you’d do.”

“You told me I couldn’t do that without your permission.”

He chuckled and leaned forward, kissing her cheek and whispering, “I’m very pleased that you sought me out when you were unsure. Good girl, peach.” His gaze met hers as he smiled kindly. “This is still something you want to try, correct?”

There seemed to be something off in his expression, something he was hiding. Running out of time, she decided on honesty. “I want to get the most out of this experience. I want you to teach me everything we discussed, Sir.”

His gaze shuttered, but the curve of his lips remained pleasant. “Then for tonight, you have my permission.”

Her chest rose with each breath. “And the others?”

His eyes met hers and he notably swallowed, all amusement leaving his face. “Tonight we’ll see how you enjoy being shared. You have my permission to explore your desires, but your safe word still holds, so don’t hesitate to use it. I’ll be present the entire time and if I sense anything out of the ordinary, I’ll stop everything.”

He’ll be with you. It was amazing how much comfort that promise wielded. “Yes, Sir.”

His palms glided down her arms and captured her hands, his body pressing into her as he backed her to the wall, startling her with the sudden display of possessive aggression. His head tilted, his mouth falling onto hers in a kiss unlike any they’d ever shared. This was slow and penetrating, shaking her to the core.

His head pressed against hers as he whispered. “Who do you belong to, Collette?”

“You, Sir.” For now.

His gaze met hers and he nodded. “Remember that when we go back in there. You belong to me and I am offering your body to them. Never forget whose mark you wear.” His fingers traced over the diamond bracelet he’d locked on her wrist weeks ago, giving the bangle a tug.

“Yes, Sir.”

He pivoted and returned to the large room.

“Wow.”

Caught off guard, Collette turned and blushed at the sight of Lea watching her. “Lea. I didn’t see you there.”

“I gotta tell you, chick. I’ve known Jude a long time and I never saw him kiss a woman the way he just kissed you.” Her expression was serious. “Not even his wife.”

Feeling vulnerable, her hand went to her throat as she stared at the other woman’s jewelry. Lea wore a tight gold necklace with ruby grommets, and on the front was a small hoop.

It became painfully clear that she was out of her element and in need of assistance. Bracing her palms against the wall, she prayed the other woman could lead her. “Tell me what to do.”

Lea smiled and ran a gentle finger down her cheek. “Aw, aren’t you adorable. Say please, precious, and Momma will show you the way.”

Several thoughts clicked through her mind, all frightening and surreal. It seemed odd to defer to Ezra’s sub, but something had shifted and Lea didn’t seem like much of a sub anymore. It was as though she suddenly switched.

Licking her lips, she whispered, “Please.”

The other woman’s face transformed with great satisfaction. “That’s it, sweet baby.” Lea’s mouth lowered to hers as her soft tongue chased across the seam of Collette’s lips, parting and stealing into her mouth.

Collette let out a tiny squeak and hunched a little lower on the wall, but Lea stilled her with a sharp pinch to her nipple. Amazing that the woman could locate the nub on her first try through Collette’s dress. Suffice it to say, she stilled.

Lea hummed. “I knew you’d taste sweet. Now, let’s get this dress off so we can see that beautiful body.” Her hands reached for the hem and pulled, skinning Collette of her clothing and leaving her bare.

Lea stepped back and Collette stood awkwardly against the wall in her heels. The woman’s eyes combed over her greedily as her nostrils flared. “Are you a good girl?”

“What?”