Chapter 224: PreparationsJudd walked up the street to Coffee Plantation, a coffee shop and bakery housed in a small white Victorian house with a wrap-around porch. A tall, dark-haired man was already seated at a small bistro table at the far end of the porch. Judd nodded to him and went inside to order. Minutes later, he emerged with a steaming cup of dark roast and made his way to the man's table."Mateo, how are you, man?" Judd proffered his hand. The other man stood, shaking Judd's hand heartily. He was as tall as Judd, 6'4", with shoulder-length black hair, dark brown eyes, and a neat black beard and mustache. He flashed a bright white smile. "Judd, it's been too long." He spoke with a soft Spanish accent. "I know," Judd admitted as he sank into his chair. "I've been busy, with work and…" Jessi flashed through his mind, "well, other things.""But you'll be at the club tonight? How long has it been?""Oh, I guess I let my membership expire nearly a year ago, but it's
Chapter 225: Angel and Master Judd"Wake up, Angel." Judd's soft voice and the gentle kisses he placed on her temple roused Jessi from a dream. She and Judd were walking hand in hand across a deep green meadow, a great stone castle in the background, and she felt bathed in complete contentment. She opened her eyes and smiled sleepily. "Hi." "Hi, gorgeous. Did you have a good nap?" "I did. I was dreaming about you. We were at a beautiful castle." Judd laughed softly. "Am I your Prince Charming?" "You are." She gazed up at him adoringly. "I love you." He leaned over her again, this time pressing his lips to hers. "I love you, Jessi." He removed his dark t-shirt over his head and slid onto the bed beside her, leaning against the headboard and gathering her up into his lap. "We're going to have an amazing time tonight. Are you curious about what to expect?" Jessi snuggled against him and lightly fingered the smattering of hair dusting his nicely defined pecs. "Yes," s
Chapter 226: TransformationTwenty minutes later, Jessi couldn't believe the creature staring back at her in the mirror. Her red hair was swept up in a loose, low, messy bun just above her neck. Eyes framed in extravagantly long black lashes blinked back at her. She pursed her velvety, ruby-red lips, turning her head this way and that. The effect was remarkable—she no longer looked like Jessi Crenshaw, wedding planner. She looked more like a sultry seductress, particularly when her eyes moved further down. As she'd predicted, the purple and silver corset came up to just below her breasts. The halter straps that continued up and around the back of her neck served to make sure the 'girls' were pushed front and center. She wasn't sure whether it was the cool of the room or her excitement that rendered her nipples into tight, pink points. The sheer black tulle skirt hung to the tops of her thighs and did nothing to hide the fact that, as she'd discovered to her surprise, there we
Chapter 227: The CastleSeated beside Judd in the back of a cab as the last vestiges of orange, pink, and plum faded in the western sky, Jessi peered out the window at what was, apparently, their destination. The taxi was stopped before an ornate security gate guarded by a pair of very large men wearing business suits and earpieces. With the butterflies in her stomach now performing full gainers, Jessi tore her eyes away from the security guards to scan the ten-foot-high coral wall that extended in either direction from the gate in front of them. In contrast to the white wall, bougainvillea peeked over the top with bright bursts of green and fuchsia. After Judd produced his invitation for scrutiny, the gate rolled open and the car proceeded along a winding drive of white crushed shell rock that cut a narrow swath through a lush tropical garden. Eventually, the vegetation gave way to a clearing and Jessi saw a large yellow three-story Victorian mansion not unlike the inn in which
Chapter 228: A DemonstrationTurning to Jessi, Judd lightly touched her shoulder and she gasped. "It's okay, Angel, it's me." He took her lead and reached for her hand, helping her to stand before him. When she kept her head bowed, he gently lifted her chin. "We're going to take a look around. You may keep your head up and look where you will. But don't make eye contact with the Dominants. It's considered disrespectful."She nodded solemnly. "Yes, Master Judd."Pride warmed his eyes. "You're doing so well, Angel. You were very brave."He continued to hold her lead, but he offered her his right arm to hold. Jessi grasped the crook of his elbow and they strolled together through the main parlor. To Jessi, except for the clothing, or lack thereof, and the submissives who knelt here and there, it looked like any other cocktail party, guests lounging in conversation groupings, others standing together. She began to wonder if she'd had the wrong idea about what went on at a BDSM
Chapter 229: The PlayroomJudd maneuvered Jessi back down the corridor and through the parlor, which was now much more crowded than it had been earlier. As exposed as she was, Jessi was becoming used to the feeling. And looking around, she saw that she was more clothed than some. "I need to get my bag," Judd said, stopping near where they'd first entered the house. "Kneel. Wait for me here."This time, Jessi didn't hesitate, but her heart pounded. Was it time for the threesome Judd had arranged? She knelt and assumed the position he'd taught her, with her head bowed and her eyes closed. Shortly, he returned with his black leather duffel bag. He helped her up and led her through a pair of French doors into a lush tropical courtyard. The area was huge, with a crystal blue free-form pool in the center that barely merited notice, due to the size of the surrounding deck. Tropical plants hemmed in the space and Jessi noticed six small platforms, arranged three on each side of th
Chapter 230: DaylightSunlight streamed through the sheer panels obscuring the garden view from their room at the inn. Judd lay on his right side, arm curled beneath his pillow as he watched Jessi sleeping. It was late, nearly noon, but they'd had an intense night. At Mateo's insistence, they'd taken a club limo back into town. Jessi had been completely spent, and Judd had carried her out to the car. Back at the inn, he'd lovingly bathed her as she slipped in and out of wakefulness. Then he'd tucked her into bed, remembering to place the 'Do Not Disturb' sign outside the door before climbing in beside her.Now as he watched her smile in her sleep, he thought back over the night. As tired as she'd been, he hadn't been able to debrief with her as he'd wanted to. The scene seemed to have gone well. Mateo had done everything Judd had asked him to do. Although it had been outside of Jessi's comfort zone, she seemed to have fared well. He couldn't resist reaching out to touch he
Chapter 231: A WeddingAfter Jessi and Judd returned from the Keys, Jessi shifted into high gear finalizing arrangements for Alex and Trish's wedding. There were schedules to check, food and liquor to order, and a vast myriad of other details to manage. An inveterate perfectionist, she would have checked and rechecked anyway, but because this wedding was for friends, she felt added pressure to get it right.Since their night at The Castle, she and Judd had discovered a deeper intimacy, and she found that she spent at least a couple of nights a week at his place. Buddy was always thrilled to visit Judd, spending his time chasing birds on the beach until he wore himself out. They also completed the final chore on Graham's list by taking down the battered old ceiling fan over Jessi's bed, replacing it with an ornate silver chandelier. They'd celebrated by enjoying cocktails at Square Grouper and watching the lighthouse across the inlet. Then they'd gone to Judd's and made love for
Chapter 328: Epilogue"Just one more push, you're doing great," the doctor said."How are you holding up, Dad?"Bleary-eyed, he nodded to the pink scrubs-clad nurse. He was ready for this long night to be over.He felt her starting to squeeze his hand again. "You've got this, babe," he murmured, kissing her forehead.Eyes closed and teeth clenched, she bore down, releasing a grunting squeal with the effort."Stop! There we are, Mom. The head is out. Now don't push, just breathe for a moment."Still holding her hand, he leaned over to see the back of the baby's head. His heart was in his throat and tears streamed down his face."Now this is it. On the next contraction, go ahead and push."He turned back to her. Eyes wide, she panted, gripping his hand for dear life."Oh, God, here it comes," she cried."You're doing great, I'm so proud of you," he murmured, turning to watch as their child was born.Fifteen minutes later, he strode down the hospital corridor to the family waiting
Chapter 327: No Time Like the Present"You should go home and get some rest, Jackie."Without taking her eyes off Scott, asleep in his hospital bed, she reached for Blake's hand. "I can't. I need to be here when he wakes up.""You're sure?"She nodded, then looked to her brother. "Can you take care of the kids? I hate to impose, but…""No worries, Jackie. Now that the storm's over, we'll take them back to our house. Amy's more comfortable there, anyway. We'll have a sleepover party."Jackie sighed. "I know they're ready to be back in their own beds. But I'll be home tomorrow, for sure, at least overnight.""Okay, sis." He kissed Jackie on the cheek. "Keep us posted."In the quiet of the hospital room, Jackie pulled a chair beside Scott's bed. As soon as they'd arrived back at the lodge, Blake and some of the others had carried Scott to the battered Suburban, laying him on the back seat.At Amy's insistence, Blake had driven Jackie and Scott to town. By the time they reache
Chapter 326: Dream Versus RealityHe was staring up at an azure sky. A warm summer breeze caressed his face. He turned his head and Jackie smiled at him, her deep blue eyes sparkling. "Where were you?" she asked.Scott shrugged. "I don't know.""Well, you're back now. That's what counts." She took his hand and led him to a bed in the middle of a sun-drenched field full of flowers. The bed's sheer white canopy billowed in the breeze. Kissing his hand, she released it, reaching up to slide first one, then the other spaghetti strap of her filmy white dress, allowing it to slide down her body and pool at her bare feet. His gaze slid from her sapphire eyes to her succulent lips. Then it traveled over the firm globes of her breasts with their pert pink nipples, to the flair of her hips, to the junction between her thighs where tight black curls were neatly trimmed. When he met her eyes again, she smiled knowingly and sank to her knees, bowing her head and resting her hands palm
Chapter 325: Warrior Princess"Jacks, you can't go out there." Blake's face twisted with concern."He won't come back until he finds Pierce. But he won't find Pierce, because Pierce is here. You can't leave Amy. I'd never even ask. And if Ned Hart won't go out there, I have no other choice." Her voice was deadly calm.She grabbed her grey coat, then put it back on its hook, heading into the dining room. Blake followed. "Jackie, seriously, I don't want you going out there." He grabbed her hand, stopping her. "Scott wouldn't want you going out there.""He can tell me that when I find him. Can I borrow Amy's pink parka? It's brighter than mine, easier to see."Blake exhaled sharply, his tone resigned. "I've known you long enough to know that once you've set your mind on something, that's it. At least let me put together a pack for you."While Blake scavenged from the survival students, Jackie put on Amy's parka and spoke to Grant and Emma. "I'm going out to let Scott know
Chapter 324: From Bad to WorseAway from the wide-open expanse of the lake, the trees blocked a certain amount of the wind, but plenty of snow filtered down. Try as he might, Scott couldn't make out any tracks left by Pierce. He continued up the trail, slipping and sliding as he made his way up a steep ridge. The designated campsite was the clearing at the top, but once he arrived, the area was empty. Even the snow was thin, having been blown into drifts against the bases of the trees surrounding the clearing. Where are you, you little shit? Scott turned in a circle, considering the most likely way Pierce might have gone. The clearing was exposed. He'd have wanted to find a spot that afforded more shelter. Which meant he would have gone lower. But in which direction?Rolling the dice, Scott headed west, where the clearing dropped off in a bluff about thirty meters above a ravine created by a now-frozen creek. He peered down into the gully, willing Pierce not to be there at
Chapter 323: Who's Missing?An hour later, Scott sipped his coffee and gazed out over the room. A handful of his campers had volunteered to help with lunch, and they'd all enjoyed potato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Now, a group of guests was working on chili for dinner.Out of habit, he mentally counted his group. Tom and Patty Payton, who'd headed up lunch, were playing cards with Justin Sapp and Paula Martinez. Dan Spinelli was talking fishing with the father and sons from Cherub Lake. Not finding Pierce, Adams, or Bennet, he frowned slightly. A trip to the restaurant kitchen revealed Brian Bennett and Keely Adams working on cornbread to go with the chili.That leaves one. Scott returned to the dining room. Jackie was across the room checking on Amy. He cruised by the table where Dan was swapping fish stories. "Sorry to interrupt, but have you seen Pierce?"The younger man frowned. "Not since we ate. But you know, now that you mention it, his backpack is gone." H
Chapter 322: Everyone Shelter at the LodgeAs Jackie and the children hiked toward the main lodge, they heard the snowmobile returning from the island. Jackie sent Emma and Grant ahead with their backpacks, Max galumphing along behind them, while she waited for Scott to secure the snowmobile."How'd it go?"Scott's lips were a grim line. "About how you'd expect. There's nothing we can do about it with the storm coming. Everybody understood, really. Except for Pierce. He's such an asswipe."Jackie's eyes widened but her lips curled impishly. "Oh my, Sire. Language."He popped her ass lightly. "And now my Princess requests a spanking. My day is complete."They both laughed as the entered the lodge. Trina had a huge fire going in the dining room's fireplace, and she'd already been to the cabins to invite guests to gather in the main lodge, where there would be food and heat."Hi, guys," she greeted Jackie and Scott. "I called the crew to let them know to stay home today. Then
Chapter 321: Blizzard WarningFrowning, Scott watched the latest weather report on the early morning local news, his mouth set in a grim line. Beside him, Jackie stirred. "What is it?" she murmured."It's alright," he answered softly. "Go back to sleep. It's not even 5:00 yet."She sniffed loudly and yawned. "I'm awake now. What's the matter?" She pushed up on an elbow and rested her head against his shoulder.He shook his head derisively. "The blizzard. They're predicting the storm to hit by this afternoon.""I thought it was supposed to skirt us to the south.""I hoped it would. But now we're under a blizzard warning." He kissed her temple and slid out of bed."What are you going to do?"He stepped into a pair of fleece-lined jeans and shrugged into a grey thermal Henley. "I'm heading to the island to let the campers know. Obviously, we're postponing the solo outings. I'll offer them the chance to return for free to finish their second week of this session." He glanced
Chapter 320: Winter SessionPulling the hood of his black parka lower over his head, Scott ducked behind the windscreen of his snowmobile and headed back to the lodge. At the bunkhouse cabin, he'd just welcomed Tom and Patty Payton, the only married couple he'd had thus far in his wilderness school.Having checked in with Jackie in the reception area of the lodge, the pair had made their way on foot across the ice to the island where they joined fellow survival students Justin Sapp, a stocky young man with an infectious sense of humor, and Paula Martinez, an attractive thirty-something Latina who wrote a Spanish-language adventure blog.Everyone in this session had broad outdoor survival experience, including the Paytons, who had once spent a year in the Amazon cataloging wildlife. They'd told Scott they were excited to learn winter survival skills in the wilderness of Ontario.That leaves four more clients yet to arrive, Scott mused as he pulled up the slope to park beneath the lodg