An Angel Exposed [Safeword LLC 3] (Siren Publishing Sensations) Page 6

Chapter Seven

  One week had passed and every day seemed similar, yet different. Amy’s mornings were spent with Alec, while her afternoons were spent with Chad. The evenings were hypnotic, with some spent on the town and others spent in the quiet of their apartment. They were giving her time to adjust and she found herself falling into a routine that she would forever be grateful to have, much to her amazement. Amy had dreamt of Chad and Alec many times over the years, but the reality of being with them far surpassed her dreams.

  They were back in the studio, which is where Alec seemed to spend most of his time. She liked it in here as well. For some reason, the atmosphere made her feel closer to him. Amy also liked the attention he bestowed on her.

  “So what, exactly, are you doing, Sir?”

  Amy hoped the inquiry didn’t come out as if she were questioning him. She wasn’t, but what he was doing to her body seemed so odd. The stroke of his brush against her skin felt sensual in nature. She’d been ordered to stare straight ahead, but what she really wanted to do was see what he was doing.

  “Tomorrow night, after the showing at Chad’s gallery, we are heading to the club. You’ll be wearing nothing but what I have painted on you and today is a test of sorts.”

  “Test, Sir?”

  It was the only question Amy could come up with, as her mind tried to wrap around the fact that she’d be walking in a club wearing nothing. Her first thought was that she was grateful it wasn’t her brothers’ club. The second thing that ran through her mind was how many people would be there and what would they think.

  “I’m applying a water-based paint to test the sensitivity of your skin. I want to make sure you have no allergic reaction. So, I’m starting off by painting something small on your breasts and down your abdomen, although I will stay away from your nipples until we know you have no allergies.”

  Amy felt a stroke of his brush across the top of her right tit, the smooth sensation cool, yet it ignited a fire within her nipple. She didn’t have to look down to know it hardened and that he was probably quite aware of her reaction. It traveled straight down to her clit, causing it to swell with need. If she weren’t allergic, would he paint her there too? A throbbing occurred letting her know that her body would like that immensely.

  “May I talk to you while you paint, Sir?”

  “It seems as if you’ve already chosen to do that, haven’t you?” Alec questioned, although there was humor in his tone. She felt a sense of relief that he didn’t mind. “Today, yes. Tomorrow, no, as what I have in mind will need my full attention. You want to be displayed properly at the club, correct?”

  “Yes, Sir,” Amy said a little breathlessly. She felt the tip of the brush leave her skin and heard a shuffle, before feeling another stroke come down around the curve of her breast. What was he painting? To keep her preoccupied, she looked around the well-organized studio. She’d always thought that artists were messy, but Alec didn’t have the personality of being someone disorganized. Was that from his upbringing? “You said you went to visit a family member last Sunday. Did you have a nice visit?”

  “Yes.”

  Well, Amy thought, that was to the point. She didn’t need to be hit over the head to know that he didn’t want to talk about his family. She saw something that caught her interest on the corner of what looked similar to a bookshelf. Was that a picture of him and Chad when they were teenagers?

  “How long have you known Master Chad?”

  “Since I was sixteen. Chad was around fourteen, so that would make it around fifteen years. Have I mentioned what beautiful skin you have? This silver stands out as if it were made for just your pallor.”

  He must have added more paint to his brush, for she felt him making small ovals down the center of her stomach. The silky texture of the paint was in direct contrast to the scrub brush that Chad had used on her ass after each spanking she’d received last weekend. When he pulled it away from her skin, she felt the tingling remain. She was glad the smell of the paint masked her personal scent. She was so wet, there was no other way to hide it.

  “No siblings?”

  Alec didn’t answer, but instead, seemed to concentrate on making more of those oval shapes he seemed so fond of. What was he painting? His silence carried through his studio, making it obvious that he wasn’t going to answer her. Did that mean he did have siblings but that they didn’t speak? She startled when his deep voice echoed throughout the stillness of the room.

  “Chad has no brothers or sisters.” He made a ticking sound as he put down his brush and brought what she assumed was a rag to wipe off excess paint. When Amy jumped, she must have messed up his stroke. She felt guilty, but he didn’t make her feel that way. He just continued to speak, much to her surprise. “You haven’t mentioned Josh or Tyler in days. Have you spoken with them? Do they know?”

  Amy shook her head, but realized that he’d started to paint her skin again and didn’t see her motion. “I sent them an email, Sir, telling them I was enjoying myself and that I was fine.”

  “Are you?”

  “Enjoying myself?” Amy couldn’t prevent the smile that lifted her lips. “Yes, Sir, very much.”

  “You don’t strike me as the type of woman to outright lie,” Alec murmured. She could tell that he was concentrating on what he was doing, as his statement seemed more nonchalant, yet she had no doubt he would listen carefully to her reply. “This must have been very important to you for you to lie to your brothers.”

  “I’ve wanted this for a very long time, Sir,” Amy whispered, her eyes sweeping the studio to see what else she could find out about him. Alec had conveniently switched the topic back over to her, but she didn’t mind answering any questions he might have. She had nothing to hide, well, except from her brothers. “And you’re right, it isn’t in my nature to lie, but Josh and Tyler would never, ever have condoned this. And yes, I know I’m an adult, but they can be, well—”

  “Overbearing? Domineering? Dominant?”

  “Yes,” Amy chuckled. “All of the above, Sir.”

  Alec shuffled back on his knees, admiring what he had done to her. Instead of giving her permission to look, he placed his items on the floor and reached out for a rolling chair that was off to the side. Taking a seat, he then picked up the objects, but sat back as if debating whether he should paint more. She itched to look down and see what he’d created, but knew better. To keep her mind off of viewing herself, Amy kept talking.

  “I will tell them the truth, Sir. I just wanted to make sure that this is what I wanted.”

  “And is it? Amy, look at me.” Alec’s tone had altered and become stern. She felt her heart start to race, as she feared what he was about to ask. Her eyes met his and she noticed the green had deepened to a carnal mossy color. “Is this what you desire? When you fantasized about it, replacing the submissives you see at the club with yourself, who did you dream of serving?”

  Truth time. Amy found herself hypnotized by his stare, knowing she would never be able to lie to him or Chad. The trust she’d placed in them went beyond anything she’d ever experienced, and while she loved her brothers, it was this type of connection she needed…she craved.

  “You, Sir. And Chad, as my Masters. I remember meeting Chad the first time he’d brought your paintings into the club. He was dressed in his usual business suit, not a hair out of place and walking in as if he’d owned the place. Chad and my brothers seemed to connect immediately, forging a friendship that would last years, as you know. But when he and I were introduced, I could feel the chemistry and knew immediately that I would have to stay away from him. He was too tempting and I’d yet to have the courage to do what I needed to do.”

  “And me?”

  Amy felt giddy, yet vulnerable. She was laying her heart out, exposing her most inner fantasies and dreams. Would he take care of it like it was spun in gold, or was she taking the chance that he’d throw it away after the contract ran its course? Chad was the only one who seemed willing to be open an
d honest about his feelings, where Alec was keeping those cards close to his chest. Needing to answer him honestly, Amy did the best she could while trying to keep a part of herself protected.

  “The first time I laid eyes on you was when you had joined Chad in a scene with one of our regular submissives. I found you...captivating, Sir.”

  “And why is that?”

  “Because the way you looked at her while Chad used a flogger made it seem as if she were your everything.” Amy still felt a sting of envy. Usually when she entered the floor of her brothers’ club, her attention was drawn to the submissives. She loved to view their adoration, their acceptance, and even at times their punishments. But that night, she’d only had eyes for Alec. “She was special in your eyes, Sir.”

  Silence descended and once again, Amy felt exposed and open to rejection, but didn’t regret telling Alec how he had affected her the first time she’d laid eyes on him. He was so different from the other Doms in the room, emitting a natural sensual aura that few men possessed. Put him together with Chad, and they were an impressive match for her.

  “Her response was what captivated me, as yours does, but in a different way. Would you like to know how?”

  * * * *

  Alec waited, looking up at their angel and taking in her beauty. With every day that passed, he felt himself being pulled deeper and deeper into that emotional pit that Chad wanted to drag the three of them. He hadn’t needed to ask Amy if this lifestyle was for her, because it was written as clearly on her face as was the paint that he’d placed on her body moments ago. A part of him felt guilty, knowing that he would never be able to release his chained-up emotions the way that she deserved and he found himself at an impasse. He couldn’t let her go.

  “How, Sir?” Amy whispered, her blue eyes wide with curiosity and wonder.

  Alec had never felt so relieved when he heard James’s footsteps coming down the hall. He’d left his studio door open, knowing that Calihan would stop in for his daily check-up on Amy, but his timing was impeccable. He would have felt compelled to tell Amy the truth, and right now, that would be like exposing a deep wound to salt.

  “Come on in, James, and tell me what you think of my work today.”

  Alec ignored the look of disappointment that flashed in her eyes as he rolled his chair back, making sure she was in full view of the door. He would allow Chad to have time with her this afternoon, as usual. Maybe he’d even skip dinner tonight, since he still had a couple pieces to finish for his showing in two weeks. Placing his paintbrush, along with the paints, on the side table, he took a moment to admire his artwork. It was nowhere near what he had in mind for tomorrow, but it would do for now.

  He tried to see her through James’s eyes, but couldn’t stop himself from seeing what he knew her to be. Alec shook his head slightly to make the thought go away, because he sure as hell wasn’t ready to admit what that was. Amy stood with her hands clasped behind her head, eyes still fastened on him, with her legs spread shoulder width apart. Silver chain links had been painted over the mounds of her breasts, dangling down her abdomen with a small lock surrounding her belly button, as if waiting to be connected to a chastity belt.

  “Interesting. Very lifelike,” James replied, standing in the doorway. “Since when did you get into body art?”

  “What can I say? This little sub has inspired me,” Alec replied, leaning up against the side table and crossing his arms. “I know you don’t stop by the club often, but if you’re stopping in tomorrow, you’ll see the outfit that we’ve chosen for her to wear.”

  “Let me guess,” James said, chuckling. “A hand-painted one.”

  “Got it in one, my friend.” Alec kept an eye on Amy, gauging her reaction to having James back in the room. His daily visits varied, sometimes showing up in the morning and other times in the afternoon. This was the third time that James had seen Amy in a state of undress and still, Alec could see her reaction to the exhibition was one of arousal. “Judging from her reaction from your observation, it’s my bet that I won’t have to add any color to her cheeks.”

  “I’ll have to skip tomorrow evening, as I have to tend to an investigation, but I’m sure members from the Order will be more than happy to get a view, if not a touch, shall you allow it.” James smiled slyly, and Alec was taken aback that he would mention the Order yet again. He and Chad had been asked to join the elite group, made up of men who liked to share submissives within the lifestyle. To protect the members, it was rarely discussed in front of anyone other than those with some type of connection, which meant that James felt Amy’s contract would turn into a permanent one. “Amy, are you still happy with your placement?”

  It was the same question James asked her every day, and while Amy answered him, Alec could see the curiosity written all over her face. He knew that she was wondering what the Order was, but she could keep on speculating, at least until he spoke with Chad about it. He knew that Lane and Ross Ellison were having a formal collaring ceremony with their permanent sub, Becca, although that was a few months off. If their conversation with Josh and Tyler went well, then they should be able to attend with Amy. He doubted she knew that her brothers were part of the Order.

  “Tomorrow, your annex to the contract should arrive and you may then take your relationship to another level. Kennedy will be stopping by on her way to the office in the morning.”

  “I’ll let Chad know,” Alec said, noticing that Amy’s eyes widened at the news. Tomorrow, they would be permitted to have intercourse. Chad and he had agreed that she wasn’t ready to handle both of them at the same time, so they’d choreographed a scene to ease her into a sexual relationship. “Enjoy your weekend, whatever your plans may be.”

  “Always do, Alec,” James replied with a smirk, his five o’clock shadow making it seem a little sinister. Alec never knew him to play at the clubs, but something told him that James was indeed part of the lifestyle. “Have a good day.”

  “Sir?” Amy asked as James left the studio. “May I ask you a question?”

  “No.” Alec knew his stern answer wasn’t what she’d been expecting, but he had no doubt that she was going to question him about the Order. He’d let Chad handle it. “Right now, I’d like you to walk over to the floor-length mirror and tell me what you think of my work today.”

  Amy tried to hide her disappointment, although she didn’t do a very good job of it. Her bottom lip puckered out just a bit as a sadness stole over her translucent blue eyes. He didn’t like how that made him feel, so he turned his back on her as he grabbed his paintbrush and headed over to the sink. Turning on the water, it covered the sounds of her shuffling as he ran his finger over the bristles and washed away the leftover color.

  “It’s beautiful, Sir.”

  Alec could hear the astonishment in her voice and couldn’t wait until she saw what she would be wearing underneath her dress tomorrow. They’d get started immediately after Kennedy left. Alec just hoped that he’d be able to hold off tasting her pussy, because he’d promised Chad they would do it together. Being noble was a bitch.

  Chapter Eight

  Chad got the call right as he was entering their apartment. It was midafternoon and as much as he had been looking forward to spending time celebrating their restructured contract that they’d signed earlier that morning, getting to the hospital was all he could think about. Fishing out his key ring from his pants’ pocket, he fumbled inserting the correct key in the lock of the door. Finding success, he managed to push it open while keeping his cell phone glued to his shoulder.

  “We’ll be there within fifteen minutes,” Chad replied, slamming the door behind him and making his way across the living room to the hallway where Alec’s studio was located. “Thank you so much for calling, Ms. Merlet.”

  “What’s happened?”

  Chad whipped around, letting his phone fall down his arm and into his open hand. Alec was walking out of the kitchen, a bottle of water in his hand. Was it for him or Amy? If they’d
just had a session, she would need time to recover. Although he was relatively sure that Alec had used Amy’s body as his canvas to show off at the club this evening. Maybe Alec and Amy could meet up with him in an hour.

  “Ruby was having chest pains at her women’s luncheon today. They think she had a heart attack.”

  “Fuck!” Alec tossed the bottle of water on the couch, narrowly missing the stainless-steel art design displayed in the middle of the black granite coffee table. “I’ll grab my shoes.”

  “Where’s Amy?”

  “We just had lunch,” Alec said over his shoulder. “She’s still in the kitchen.”

  “I’m right here.” Chad turned to see Amy hesitantly entering the living room. She must have heard their conversation and wasn’t quite sure what to do with herself. He wasn’t surprised to find her still in her robe that Alec seemed to favor. If they’d had time, he would have had her take it off so that he could see her outfit for this evening. “Um, who’s Ruby?”

  “She’s our foster mom,” Chad replied, waiting for some type of reaction. He wasn’t sure what he was expecting, but Amy’s nod of acceptance gave him a slice of relief. It almost seemed as if she’d been expecting it. They hadn’t really gone into specific details regarding their upbringing, but the one thing he and Alec hated most was pity expressed regarding their childhood. “Ruby’s been taken to the hospital for possible cardiac arrest.”

  “Would you like me to go with you?” Amy asked, her indecision still evident. Chad knew she wasn’t quite sure where she fit within their lives as of yet, but there was no time like the present for reassurances. He wasn’t quite sure how Alec would handle Amy being with them during such a time of worry, but Chad wasn’t going to have it any other way. “If not, I can—”

  “We need you, angel.” Chad let that settle with her, although he could see the surprise on her face. Alec came back from putting his shoes on, stopping short as he could probably feel the slight tension in the air. Chad was grateful when he didn’t say a word. “Amy, as you know, you’ll find your closet is furnished with various outfits. Please choose one that will provide comfort in case the day runs long.”