Steven Page 9

  "Goodnight, beautiful. I'll ring when I can."

  "Goodnight, Steven, thank you for dinner and thank you for, um, for getting me through the drop thing."

  He returned her keys, and after a light peck on the cheek he left. Avril watched him back the car down the driveway, then went into the house. George practically leapt into her arms. She had a doggy door for him that opened with a gadget on his collar whenever she wasn't home. Now he followed her down the hall and into her bedroom.

  "Oh, George. I've got that much to tell you I don't know where to start."

  Sitting on the bed, she took a deep breath and thought about everything that had happened since Saturday night. She felt very different. It was hard to explain even to herself. Once she'd acknowledged what, and who, she was, it was as if this great weight had lifted from her and she became the woman she had always been destined to be. She actually felt sexy and alluring. For some strange reason she now believed she was more powerful, stronger in herself and in her mind. She told George everything, and he sat in front of her, looking at her face in silent adoration.

  Just speaking about it gave her strength. At first, she spoke haltingly. Then she recalled the touches, the smacks, and the pain and closed her eyes. Finally, she finished speaking. George’s demeanor was the same he always had. He didn't see her any differently despite how she felt. Laughing, she got to her feet and went into the bathroom. Stripping off, she had a quick shower and noted her body. The bruises across her breasts now stood starkly out against her pale skin. They were tender to touch and when she dried herself off she remember to rub in the cream that Steven had given her.

  Staring in the mirror, Avril traced her fingers along the line of bruises. "It’s like he's stamped his ownership."

  It surprised Avril that she wasn't upset. Instead she felt all mushy and warm inside at the thought. She was a woman who had always fought for control and now? Now she was considering handing over part of that to a man. Avril guessed this was what Peter had been talking about that first night—the exchange of power. If it meant unbelievable orgasms like she’d experienced, she was all for it, especially with a man like Steven.

  Throwing on a nightie, she said goodnight to George and crawled into bed. She thought she might lay awake thinking about everything, but the next thing she knew her alarm clock was waking her.

  On Tuesday morning Avril had to admit she was reluctant to go to work. She knew she'd face stares after Steven's entry and their dramatic exit yesterday. She glared at the alarm clock for at least ten minutes before finally getting out of bed, dressing and heading in to work on the bus.

  With her head held high, Avril sailed through the offices to her room, hardly breathing. She kept her eyes focused ahead and hoped she appeared as unapproachable as ever. Her secretary, Gail, gave her a pointed glance, but she ignored it as she entered the office and pushed the door closed. Once inside, she leaned back against the closed door and sagged a little. Avril took a breath, pushed off, and then settled in her chair behind her desk.

  Getting stuck back into work soon pushed thoughts of Steven into the background, but still every now and again her mind wondered about him. Around eleven he rang her.

  "Hello, Kitten. How are you?"

  "I'm fine."

  "No headaches? No feeling down?"

  "No, nothing. I feel great."

  "That's good news, but promise you'll ring me if you get down or headachy."

  "I will, Steven. Honestly, I don't want to go through that again."

  She heard someone in the background and Steven saying he'd be there in a moment.

  "I have to go, but I'll check in later."

  "I'm okay, you don't have to."

  "I know, but I like hearing your voice."

  She laughed as he said goodbye and hung up. Avril had a warm, cuddly feeling. No one had ever been that concerned about her before, and it made her feel cosseted and cared for even if Steven was only worried she'd slip into sub-drop.

  Late that afternoon he rang again to check up, then told her there was a possibility he wouldn't be able to ring her at work the next day.

  "I've taken some clients down south, and now I'm stuck around here for the remainder of the week before returning them Friday. It will be a little crazy, which means I may not be able to check in with you as much."

  "Don't worry about me, Steven. I’m honestly okay. I didn't get to ask you what sort of work do you do? We spent too much time discussing mine."

  "I run a charter company. Had to fly a bunch of people down to the border, then to a few other places over the next few days before we return on Friday. Kind of crisscrossing the country."

  "You're a pilot?"

  "Sure am."

  "Oh wow."

  "Anyway, even if I don't ring, remember I'll be thinking about you. Oh, and if you think you’ll heading to sub-drop make sure you send me a text immediately and I'll ring you as soon as I can to solve it. If I’m still away, I’ll make sure someone is there to help you."

  "Thank you."

  "I'm missing your voice. I miss hearing you scream, watching your skin turn red under my hand. I miss you."

  With that he hung up before Avril could reply, and she actually felt herself blush at his words. Not only that, she could almost detect the sting of his hand against her skin, and, amazingly, she felt excited.

  What was happening to her? Shaking her head, she threw herself into work and tried to push Steven to the back of her mind with little success. Over the next days he sent her a couple of texts simply asking if she was okay. Then on Thursday right after lunch he called again.

  "How's my kitten?"

  "Steven! Hi."

  "Did you miss me? I've missed you."

  She laughed.

  "Have you decided if you're going to come back to the club so we can play?"

  Avril had thought of nothing else. It would cost her an arm and a leg, but she knew she could afford it. She had accepted who she was, and this would be the perfect way to enjoy her new life.

  "Yes. I decided I'm going to join."

  "Oh, Kitten, that's wonderful news. I'm very glad, but listen, you don't have to pay immediately. I can sign you in as my guest until you're absolutely certain."

  "You can?"

  "Yes. I'll let the front desk know. It will mean you are sure before you fork out the cash. Mind you, I already know who you are."

  "Oh, do you, Master Steven?"

  "Mm most definitely, and I know you do, too. Honestly, Avril, I'm very happy you agreed to come back. I want to learn all there is about you."

  "You do?"

  "As if you didn't know." Avril could hear the laughter in his voice. "Will you come on Friday night? I could pick you up."

  "Yes, Steven, I'll definitely come, but I'll have to meet you there. I have a big meeting all day tomorrow, and I'm not sure what time I'll finish. Sometimes they go on ‘til six or seven."

  "Okay, I understand. I won't get back until late myself. How about I meet you in the lounge at eight?"

  "That's sounds good. Yes."

  "Great, I'll make sure Stan knows you'll be there and you are my guest. I can't wait to show you my world, Avril. I honestly think we are going to be perfect together."

  "Thank you, Steven. I guess time will tell, but I have to admit to wanting to learn more."

  Gail came in, gesturing and waving a handful of papers at her. Avril understood she was late for a meeting she'd arranged, and she nodded at Gail.

  "I have to go, Steven, but I'll see you tomorrow night at eight."

  "Bye, Kitten, I’m looking forward to it."

  "Bye."

  She hung up and stood. Avril followed Gail from the room and spent the next hour and a half trying to concentrate on work. On Friday she actually managed to keep all thoughts of Steven and BDSM from her mind. It was an extremely busy day as she led the meeting. By five-forty everyone was tired, but they'd solved a few major roadblocks and fortunately, everyone was ready to call it
a day. Avril walked back into her office, kicked off her shoes, and sat down. She had twenty minutes before the next bus home was due.

  Avril closed her eyes and leaned back in her chair, thinking about all that had happened and how different she felt. Steven consumed her thoughts and her dreams. She ran a hand across her chest. The bruises had faded to a sickly yellow color, but each time she thought of them she felt a thrill. She had no idea what the future held for them, but Avril was excited. He'd awakened a new life in her. She could almost feel the kiss of a crop on her body, taste him take control of her mouth, the way he took possession of her. The man had such control, he was very forceful and yet there was a tender side to him that actually surprised her.

  She remembered how he'd acted when she had sub-drop. The way he'd stormed into the office and dragged her off, threatening to throw her over his shoulder like a caveman but then he had held her so tenderly as she cried. Cried?

  Hell, that wasn't the word for it. She'd wailed and sobbed like some demented creature. She recalled how concerned he'd been. Then he'd known she had a horrid headache, yet she'd been grouchy instead of grateful when he told her she had to take something for it. He'd settled her on the couch, ordering her like he was her owner, then walked to the living room doorway.

  In the doorway!

  Avril leaped up straight in her chair in shock.

  He'd lied!

  Chapter Ten

  Steven was very keen to see Avril that night. He'd landed the jet at four after the flight back. After going through the landing checklist then clearing out the plane, he handed over all the paperwork from the flight and charter to his manager, Warren Prudeau. The plane would now be invaded by the cleaning crew—they'd clean it thoroughly and refit it, ready for the next charter.

  It had been a busy week. Tuesday morning he'd flown a popular rock and roll band down south in the Learjet Challenger 650. They had used Bray’s Charter many times before, and each time had specifically asked that Steven be their pilot. Not wanting to lose their patronage, Steven had always readily agreed. The band had three gigs—one in town Tuesday night, one Wednesday five hours away, and another a short flight east for Thursday night. Then on Friday he'd flown them back to their home city before coming back home. He and his copilot, Bradley Wilson, were both glad to be back at base and home.

  Avril was going to meet him at the club at eight. After finishing his logs and saying goodnight, Steven drove back to his house arriving a little after seven. By the time he'd showered and dressed it was close to seven forty-five, but the club was only fifteen minutes’ drive, which meant he should arrive a few minutes after eight. Steven was hungry, but he'd grab something once he arrived at Silk Rope and met up with Avril.

  He'd only walked in and greeted Stan when his phone beeped to say a text message had come through—he'd check it after saying hello to Stan. Going into the lounge he couldn't see Avril. Perhaps she was running late. Maybe that's who the text was from. He pulled out his phone from his bag and read the message.

  Sorry but something's come up & I can't make it, Avril.

  Fuck.

  Maybe it was something to do with her work. He knew she was high up and had deadlines to meet, knew she'd had some big meeting on today. He remembered she told him that sometimes they went late. He sent back a message.

  Understand. See u 2morrow night, same time, same place.

  There was no reply, but it didn't concern him at all. She was probably busy. He went into the dining room and grabbed a salad and quiche as well as a coffee. His good friend Kaden Turner was sitting alone at a table. Steven joined him.

  "Hi, Steve, just get back?"

  "Yep. Much as I love getting big charters, I absolutely hate rock bands. They're very noisy and demanding. Honestly, this lot is always a bunch of prima donnas, but at least I can charge them a small fortune."

  "Must be your age showing."

  "Very funny. I'm sure the year between us makes a big difference."

  "Just saying, you have to know you're getting on. Fifty-three already, soon you'll be sixty."

  "Remind me when it's your sixtieth and I'll rub it in."

  "I'll still be young and virile. Say, where's that gorgeous creature you were with last week?"

  "Avril? She was going to come tonight as my guest until she paid her fees, but something came up."

  "Ooh, do I detect interest in your voice?"

  "Piss off, Kaden."

  "Ha, I do. Don't tell me the great Master Steven's finally caught!"

  "Shut up, you're spoiling my dinner."

  Kaden had sat grinning at Steven across the table, and Steven knew he'd seen right through him. Fortunately, Kaden turned the conversation to more mundane things, but Steven's mind wasn't really on it. It surprised him really, how much he was missing Avril. Finally, both men finished eating, and Kaden said he was off to find someone else to torment but Steven had lost interest in staying. He decided to go home and catch up on his sleep. He’d see Avril tomorrow.

  Late Saturday afternoon, Steven sent off a text message to Avril.

  Would u like me 2 pick u up 2night?

  About fifteen minutes later he got a reply.

  Sorry, not coming.

  Fuck, don't tell me she's having second thoughts! What the hell?

  Y not?

  Maybe she was still caught up at work.

  I've changed my mind. I've decided I’m not pursuing this any further.

  This wasn't right. Avril had admitted on Monday who and what she was. She'd told him several times through the week she was looking forward to coming to Silk Rope. What on earth had made her change her mind this suddenly?

  Why?

  I just have, goodbye.

  Please tell me y Avril.

  She didn't answer, and Steven waited ten minutes before sending her another text, but she ignored that as well.

  Fuck this! I need to sort this out now. I want to see her, need to see her.

  Steven went into the garage and jumped onto his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR motorcycle. He roared down the drive and out onto the road. The ride to Avril's house took twenty minutes, and the whole time Steven wondered what on earth had happened to make her change her mind this radically. He practically leapt off his bike after he pulled into her place. Thumping hard on the door, he heard a dog barking wildly, and then Avril opened the door. She seemed very unhappy to see him.

  "What are you doing here?"

  He pushed past her only to encounter a huge dog, that barked and growled ferociously at him.

  No way was he going to let a dog put him off, so he stared at it and commanded, "Stop! Sit!"

  The dog immediately quietened and dropped to its haunches, staring up at him as if he knew he'd found his true Alpha. Avril, on the other hand, was staring at him in shock.

  "Please leave, Steven."

  "No, I will not, at least not until you tell me what the fuck happened to make you change your mind. When I spoke with you yesterday, you were joining the club and now?"

  She shook her head, and he indicated she should move away from the door. She stared at him a moment longer then slammed the door shut resignedly. He followed her down a hallway and into the kitchen. They both heard a whimper, and Steven glanced back to see the dog looking mournfully at them from where he still sat at the doorway.

  "Come."

  The dog bounded happily down the hallway and dropped to the ground adoringly at Steven's feet. Steven studied Avril. She seemed on edge, nervous.

  "I'm waiting, Avril."

  "I changed my mind, that's all."

  "Rubbish! Don't lie, Avril."

  "I don't have to give you a reason."

  "Actually, I think you do. We—there's a connection between us, Avril. I deserve to know why you changed your mind."

  "Please just go away."

  Steven knew this wasn’t sub-drop. This was something else. But what the hell could it have been to make her change so radically in such a short period of time?

/>   "For goodness’ sake, Avril! We're not going through this again. I'm here, and I'm staying here until you give me a good reason as to why you changed your mind."

  She merely stared at him, and he thought her eyes were too shiny as if she would start, or had been, crying. Giving her head a tiny shake, she turned away and went to move, but Steven grabbed her arm.

  "Please, Avril."

  "I will not play second best."

  Completely confused, Steven asked, "What on earth do you mean?"

  "Oh, please stop playing dumb, Steven. I caught you out. I refuse to be some guy's plaything."

  This is getting weird. What the fuck is she going on about?

  "Let's assume I have no idea what you're talking about, Avril, because I really don't. Tell me what you mean?"

  "I thought that was obvious. I know you're married. I'm not prepared to share your bed with your wife."

  "Wife? Married? I'm not married."

  "Well, your partner then. I will not be second fiddle to another woman. Never!"

  "Who told you I was married or had a partner?"

  "No one told me. I saw you, so you can't deny it."

  "Fuck, Avril. I honestly don't understand what you're saying. I can assure you I'm not married, nor am I in a relationship with anyone. I told you that on Monday."

  She all but shouted at him, "And you expect me to believe you? You expect complete honesty from me, but then you don't bother telling me the truth."

  Steven was getting angry. This wouldn't do. Somehow Avril had gotten this weird idea, and nothing seemed to convince her otherwise.

  He pushed down his feelings and said as calmly as possible, "I am telling the truth. Why on earth do you think I'm not?"

  "I saw her. I saw the both of you together."

  Perplexed, Steven could only stare at her. He'd been away all week, so how on earth could Avril have seen him? Anyway, he'd spent all his free time playing cards with Bradley. He lifted his hands in puzzlement and shrugged.

  "Please don't even try to deny it, Steven. I'm not some gullible little girl. I know what I saw."

  "When and where did this mysterious woman appear?"

  "At your home. I saw her on Monday."