Chapter 293: A DecisionAs she watched Scott heading across to the island for the night, Jackie tried to swallow her disappointment. She'd enjoyed her afternoon with him, the terrifying rappel of death notwithstanding."You know, Jackie, sometimes you just have to let go and fall. But I promise I'll catch you."Scott's words echoed in her mind as she poured herself a glass of wine, turned off the kitchen lights, and made her way upstairs. That afternoon, she'd defied her fear and let go. And he'd caught her, just as he'd promised.Is it really as simple as trusting Scott? She turned the idea over and over in her mind. The next logical question was, did she trust him?Back in her own room, she closed the door and leaned against it. The day seemed to have been inordinately long, starting with her trip into town with Amy. Which reminds me…She opened the top drawer of her dresser and removed the bag from Kink Ink, pouring the contents onto the bed. Rolling out was a small spray b
Chapter 294: I Am Your KingScott stared into the orange flames that danced in the fire pit in front of the island cabin. Across the water, he'd seen the lodge lights blink out, and had thought to go to bed, the better to be up and ready early the next morning. But his time with Jackie had left him feeling restless. So instead, he'd built a campfire, sinking into a green Adirondack chair with a glass of bourbon in his hand. Jackie was attracted to him. Of that, he had no doubt. And since they'd met, he couldn't think of anyone else. He envied what Blake had with Amy, and his gut told him he could have the same thing with Jackie. She'd tried to warn him off, the glint of self-protection showing in her eyes, in her up-tilted chin. "It's not like it's just me, Scott. I'm a mother. I have two kids to care for, and they have to be my priority. I can't decide I'm going to just go off and do whatever I want…"Her tone, her body language, had dared him to walk away. As though be
Chapter 295: Boat Ride of ShameJackie shifted, her eyes blinking open. Misty grey light filtered in from outside. A large log beam loomed overhead, the underside of a wooden roof rising to a peak above it. The cabin. I must have dozed off.Beside her, Scott, eyes still closed, turned to his side, reaching to gather her to his chest. "Good morning, beautiful," he murmured."Hi." Her voice was soft, and she pressed little kisses to his collarbone."I think we fell asleep." His bleary eyes were half open.Jackie nodded. "It's getting light. I need to go deal with breakfast."Scott inhaled deeply. "I was just wishing you could stay a little longer."She lightly kissed his jawline. "Me, too, but hungry guests will be up soon." She slid out from beneath the blankets and tiptoed across the room to pick up the dress she'd discarded the night before. With a content smile playing on his lips, Scott propped himself on one elbow and watched as she slid the straps over her arms and
Chapter 296: DebriefingThe Lake Miranda Lodge compound was normally a quiet, serene place, the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll. Now, swarming with construction workers and heavy machinery, it was anything but peaceful. After they'd cleaned up from breakfast, Jackie and Scott ended up walking to the end of the dock. They both kicked off their shoes and dangled their feet in the cool water. Jackie tried to ignore the butterflies that swirled in her stomach."Last night was amazing," Scott said, lightly bumping his shoulder into hers.She nodded. "It was," she agreed."I should have taken the time to ask you about your limits, though."Puzzled, she glanced up at him."You know, your hard limits, your soft limits, that kind of thing." Beneath the surface of the water, he nudged her foot with his. "Obviously, you're okay with straight, vaginal sex. But what about other things? Like oral?"Jackie felt her face heat up in what had to have been her fiftieth blush of the youn
Chapter 297: The Wheels Are Always Turning"So, what do you think?"Across the table, Blake appeared to mull over all that Jackie had laid out about the renovation plans now that they'd received the insurance settlement. Scott watched the two of them thoughtfully. He'd listened as Jackie, assisted by Amy, had outlined their ideas, and to him, they'd seemed rock solid."I just think we need to put away some of the money for later on," Jackie clarified.Blake nodded. "It sounds perfect to me." He looked to his sister. "But it's a lot to take on, Jackie. And I won't be here to help. Amy and I leave the day after tomorrow, and we won't be back until right before the wedding.""I'll help in any way I can," Scott interjected. And he meant it, too. Beyond flying the odd guest here and there, he'd be happy to pitch in with whatever was needed.Construction on the island cabin would be finished in the next week or so. Setting it up would require minimal effort—he'd already ordered the
Chapter 298: Where We BeginHe gestured to the bag over her shoulder. "You have those things I asked you to bring?"She clutched the leather straps of her bag. She'd forgotten all about the things she'd packed at his request. Wordlessly, her heart pounding, she bobbed her head. A look of annoyance flashed briefly across his face, then he nodded. "I need to get a little firewood. While I do that, you will change into the nightie you wore that night you came to me at the lodge. And I want you to put the toy on the bed. The bag you can stash beside the nightstand."He tilted his head. "How do you answer your King, Princess?"Jackie's eyes widened. "Oh. Yes, Sire.""I wasn't planning on starting with a spank tonight, but now I don't know." His visage was stern, but she saw the gleam of mischief in his eyes."I'm off for firewood. Be ready when I return."She bowed her head. "Yes, Sire."She kept her eyes on the floor until she heard him walk out the door. Then she hurried t
Chapter 299: Wearing Her OutJackie felt the room spin as Scott turned her around. "We'll begin like this." The buzzing started again, and he drew the vibrator down the center of her body from the hollow of her neck, trailing between her breasts, and down her flat belly to the top of her mons. Squirming in her bonds, she ached for the toy to hit home."How's this, Princess?" Using his fingers, he spread her lips wide and placed the toy squarely on her sensitive nub.Jackie's head lolled back, and she mewled unintelligibly. "That's right," he purred, "just lean back and enjoy."In her present position, she couldn't move. With her hands secured above her and her ankles gently shackled mid-air, she had no leverage at all. Scott stood between her legs, gripping her hip securely with one hand while he pressed the vibrator against her hyper-sensitive nub. Eyes covered, she gave herself over to the sensation building in her core. Of its own accord, her body shuddered as the orgasm
Chapter 300: A Perfect EveningWith Jackie curled warmly against his chest, Scott dozed for a couple of hours. He'd been intent on wearing her out, but he'd ended up spent as well.The distant rumble of thunder eventually roused him. He shifted slightly, and Jackie sighed in her sleep. He smiled down at her peaceful face, unable to resist lightly pressing his lips to the top of her head. He breathed in the essence of lavender and jasmine, along with her own feminine scent, and he sighed contentedly.Their evening had gone perfectly. When he'd been shopping at Kink Ink earlier in the day, he'd picked up several items, knowing he wouldn't use them all for their first play session. But he'd known the swing would be just right—a reminder of the afternoon they'd ended up rappelling down the bluff. A chance for Jackie to simply let go and trust him, to relax and let the moment happen. And she had.He was beyond proud of her, his own Warrior Princess. He'd been secretly pleased when
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