Lesson In Honesty (Club Serenity #3)

Chapter Four .2

Liam

Reverence .

It was the only word to describe how the strange Dom handled Sierra from start to explosive finish, and the only fucking reason Liam let the scene play out to that end.

One word from Sierra, one wrong look, and he’d been prepared to physically slam the big bastard away from his sub. Her reaction to the guy, however, had been receptive from the start—an anomaly in itself, given her reluctance to interact with society in general.

What began as an exercise in boosting her self-confidence turned into something a lot more fortifying and, in Liam’s opinion, an enlightening experience for them all.

“He’s taking a lot of liberties with your girl, Liam,” Fordham muttered, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him. “Is this what you intended to happen?”

“No, but I’m good with it. So’s she,” he added, watching as the Dom finally looked over and made eye contact. An interesting mix of blue and grey, direct, unapologetic. Aroused . “He’s the only one who sees her for who she is, not her physical flaws. He touched her like the precious gift she is, and she doesn’t come for just anyone. After Wyatt, she has precise requirements to meet before she relinquishes control; he met them.”

“So we’re not breaking any noses tonight?”

Liam laughed and elbowed Ford. “Not his, anyway. Can you get the ropes off, Ford? I think he and I need a chat while my minx takes a nap.”

“If you’re sure.”

They stepped forward together as light applause rippled from the crowd—the crowd Liam forgot even existed until now. Watching his girl come unraveled under another man’s hands eclipsed everything but the couple under the spotlight.

Fordham got straight to work, deftly undoing the knots as the stranger cradled Sierra’s limp form protectively. Within moments, the ropes were free, tumbling to the floor around Sierra’s bare feet.

In silence, Liam weighed up the new guy.

Six-two, light brown hair bleached blond at the tips by the sun, at a guess, not for fashion. Clean-shaven. Those mercurial blue-gray eyes. Physically fit, but not overstated muscles; just enough to fill out the black stretch-knit long-sleeved shirt and jeans to perfection.

The guy wore money like a second skin, but Liam wasn’t interested in the dollar amount or how his actual skin was naturally tanned. His focus was on body language, facial expressions, the look in those eyes… and he wasn’t disappointed in what he saw.

The scene, though it hadn’t been what Liam planned, hadn’t been an act. Not for the Dom who kept checking Sierra’s face like a mother worrying over a newborn child.

Fordham released the last rope, bending to gather his equipment. Giving Liam a nod, he stepped away to give them privacy.

Liam took his place, grasping one of Sierra’s floppy arms gently to massage the joints after their prolonged binding. He’d deliberately asked Fordham to leave the ropes loose so they didn’t compromise her circulation; this Dom was the only person who’d come up to Sierra and checked the condition of her hands.

That, to Liam, spoke volumes.

“Now you’ve had your hands all over my girl,” Liam said casually, “it might be time to introduce yourself.”

“Maverick Morehead,” came the answer. “Most people just call me Mack. I’d, ah, shake your hand but—” he wiggled his fingers against Sierra’s skin, “—both of mine are a bit preoccupied.”

Seeing as they were keeping his minx from tumbling to the floor like a cooked noodle, Liam wasn’t too bothered about formalities, although a handshake was a good measure of a man. “Morehead, seriously?”

“Trust me, I took my fair share of jokes through high school and college.” Eyes sparking with humor, Mack shrugged broad shoulders. “It’s a name, that’s all.”

Satisfied with one arm, Liam grasped the other, running his thumb over the shallow indentation in Sierra’s skin where the ropes had sat. “So where are you from?”

“Fresno, born and raised.”

Liam grunted. That explained the hair and the tan. “Haven’t seen you around before. Turnover’s been high since we opened but I’d recognize you if I’d seen you before now. You just get in?”

“Arrived a couple days ago. Decided to do the vacation thing and catch up on sleep, some movies, before venturing out to explore.” He gave her an adoring look that almost triggered Liam’s jealous streak. “Seemed I picked a good night to crawl out of my cabin.”

“Hmm.”

“Is she… yours?”

In answer, Liam plucked his minx from Mack’s gentle hold and swept her into his arms. He thought of the ring he’d tucked away in Serenity’s office safe, the one he was just waiting for the right time to offer her, and nodded once. “Come with me, boy. We have more to talk about.”

Spine straightening, shoulders widening, Mack glowered at him with eyes like slate. Dominance radiated from him. “There’ll be no boy when you talk to me. Respect works both ways.”

Yes, it did. Relieved Mack was all Dom and not a weird hybrid of Dom and submissive like Wyatt had been, Liam gave the point to Mack. Wyatt hadn’t been a Switch, not truly. He’d wanted to be Dominant, hadn’t quite managed it, what with the submissive streak in the way.

Maybe that was where some of his resentment toward Sierra had originated; she knew what she was, and dominance wasn’t in a single cell of her bones.

“I agree.” Tilting his head toward the bar, Liam said, “I’ll take a beer. Sierra likes a soda after her water. Get what you want, put it on my tab, and meet us in the back corner. That is if you’re interested in… talking.”

Warily, Mack waggled his fingers, stretching them. “Actual talking, or am I going to get my ass kicked?”

“The owners frown upon brutalizing guests without their consent,” Liam said dryly, nuzzling Sierra’s cheek when she whimpered softly. “I want to know more about the man who treated my sub more like a woman than the majority of people in her life have ever done. Does that reassure you?”

He thought about it for a moment. “Beer, water, soda. I’ll be there.”

Smart choice, Liam thought as he carried Sierra off the stage, meeting Fordham in the shadows to bundle her up in a blanket made of fluffy, soft material. She made a contented sound and snuggled in happily, barely awake.

The question was, was he making the right choice in taking this further? Sure, he wasn’t setting Sierra on a silver platter and giving Mack free rein to feast—tonight came close enough to that scenario—but he was opening both her and himself to the possibility of being hurt yet again.

He’d loved Wyatt, even if part of him was ashamed he could love the man who’d damaged Sierra so badly through words and actions. Still, what he’d felt for Wyatt didn’t come close to how he felt about the minx.

Very quickly, she’d become his reason for living.

Was his reason for getting out of bed in the morning.

She was the be all and end all of his existence.

Sierra missed the company of a third; Liam knew that, felt that himself. They loved each other, loved being with each other, and if that never changed, they’d both be content. But they’d gotten used to a third, missed that connection of sharing and amplifying the love between three people.

Coming to Denver only highlighted what they were missing.

Rather than taking Sierra to the aftercare room designed with low lighting and noise restrictions in place, Liam headed for one of the booths at the back he’d already reserved. Secluded without being isolated, private without being paranoid about it.

Settling with his back against the padded wall, he stroked her hair and drank in the beatific expression she wore. She was beautiful; he didn’t give a fuck what anyone else said. Unfortunately, she did, but she never saw herself the way he always had—and she was gorgeous, especially when she allowed herself to experience pleasure when it was given.

That brought him back to what he’d just watched.

Did Mack just have a gentle, compassionate nature in general, or had chemistry compelled him to act so reverently toward her? Everything from his body language to the touch of his hands, even the way he spoke to her, rang with genuine attraction.

Sierra hadn’t fought, looked distraught or uncomfortable with the stranger’s attention. If anything, Liam could admit she’d been equally drawn to Mack; he understood her body, how she reacted when she was aroused.

The fact she’d been wet was a huge indication there was more involved than simple chemical reactions happening for her; after being fucked repeatedly by Wyatt when she was dry, it had taken Liam months to undo the damage.

So what was it about the Fresno Frat Boy that made her hormones sit up and beg, he wondered. He was a good-looking guy, more to Liam’s taste than Sierra’s but that wasn’t part of the equation. There’d been men with equal or greater physical attractiveness at Avalon who’d never drawn her eye.

Because he was curious rather than resentful, Liam studied the guy in question as Mack strolled toward them, three glasses and a bottle in his hands. Long legs ate up the short distance; his hands were steady.

The man was a charmer, Liam noted, dipping his head at other members who hailed him as he passed. Modest, not cocky. A fast, honest smile reflected in his eyes. The aura of a man who was comfortable in social circles, in his element around new people and situations.

A good influence on a woman who struggled with both of those things.

“Beer for you,” Mack said as he set his goods on the table and slid a pint glass at Liam. “A bottle of water and a soda for Sierra.”

Beer for him as well, Liam thought. Not a fan of the hard stuff, or just mindful of what he drank in a club atmosphere? “Appreciate it. Take a seat.”

“Still feel like I’m going to be offered a blindfold before I stand in front of a firing squad,” Mack muttered, sliding into the opposite side of the booth and curling his hand around the remaining glass. “Am I expected to apologize for what happened on stage?”

“Do you think it requires one?”

“No.” He took a sip of beer and leaned back, lifting a shoulder. “Your directives were to make her feel good about herself; there were no restrictions or limitations on that. I asked for Sierra’s consent before touching her past what the others in line had, and she gave it. In fact, I believe you gave your own more than once when I asked her to get your permission—you were within earshot, so you heard everything I said.”

Confident, Liam noted with approval. Confident about the boundaries, his actions, and the situation overall. There was none of the arrogance Wyatt would’ve displayed, none of the I do what I please because I can attitude.

“What do you see when you look at her?” Liam wondered.

Eyebrows a few shades lighter than his hair lowered in a frown. “Is this a test?”

“Yes.” One to see if this guy was worthy enough to let into Sierra’s life.

“She’s young, beautiful, obviously troubled by what she deems her flaws. Most women are hung up on their weight—they think their thighs are too chunky, their butts are too big, their tits are too big, too saggy, too whatever the fuck.” Mack lifted his glass, circling it in Sierra’s direction. “Those aren’t what she worries about because, even though she’s beautifully proportioned, she believes her skin and the extra hair make her less than human, so no one’s going to look at the normal ‘flaws’.”

Liam nodded in agreement, impressed.

“It’s been a long-term condition, right, maybe starting in her teens? Preteens?” As he thought it over, Mack’s eyes landed on her. “My guess is she’d had her fair share of bullying and more. Probably had some jackoff as her first lover who fucked her as a joke and deserves to have his neck broken for it.” He sighed. “I see a woman who is loved and doesn’t quite believe she’s lucky enough to be. There’s sadness in her eyes, that hollowness she can’t hide, which brings out the guardian in me. Yeah, the beard is unusual but unless a man’s blind, he can see past that, beneath it to the stunning creature she is regardless of it.”

Perfect answer. Almost too perfect, but Liam couldn’t sense any falseness behind the words. Studying the guy, remembering the focus in his eyes when he touched her… that wasn’t something easily faked. “What draws you to her most?”

Again, no hesitation. “Her eyes.”

“Why?”

“Because everything she is, is there. When she looked at you for reassurance, there was love, then relief. When she’s vulnerable, she shows it without needing to say a word. If she dared to tell a lie, you’d know before she got more than half a sentence out.”

Liam almost chuckled; Mack had her pegged, in very short order. Nodding, he lifted his glass, liking the man despite his reservations. “What brings you to Serenity? I’m assuming you’re here alone?”

“Single, unattached, no tangled strings tangling me up with exes. A friend got me in; he’s acquainted with the owner, and he knows my proclivities. The last few years, I haven’t had much time to socialize, let alone play or date. I’ve been building and expanding my business,” he explained when Liam raised an eyebrow. “A few months ago, one of my rivals offered me a shitload of money to buy my company. It’s been nothing but lawyers, contracts, and stress since then.”

“A shitload of money equals stress?”

Mack shook his head. “Not the money. The feeling of guilt and betrayal mainly. Worrying whether it’s the right move, if my staff will be protected once the deal’s done, if there’s any way I can take my company to its fullest potential myself… the lawyers are continually hashing out the details, arguing, amending the paperwork. Tristan thought some time away would give me some breathing room, some… clarity, I guess.”

It seemed feasible enough, he supposed. Serenity was built for that reason. Peace, tranquility, clarity. He was aware he was being overly suspicious, but he wasn’t taking any chances when it came to Sierra. “How long are you here for?”

“A month.”

Four weeks. That was definitely a red flag—not short enough to be a fuck and forget fling, long enough for feelings and attachments to raise their heads.

Was it worth the risk?

“How much experience have you got in the lifestyle?”

Slightly chagrined, Mack grimaced. “Compared to everyone else here, probably not a lot. I’ve played on and off over the years, mainly in clubs, and I’ve only had one serious D/s relationship. That flaked when she decided she wanted a guy who was more into the… debasing kinks that she enjoyed.”

“Sorry.”

“I’m not. She showed her true colors in the end, and I didn’t like them. There was only one option, and that was end it. I know what I like in a sub—obedience, manners, a willingness to please, and a spark of adventure.” He pointed his finger at Sierra. “Do you know what I’d give to have a woman like her?”

Well now, wasn’t that just the perfect opening. “An arm, a leg?”

“Everything. Bank accounts, limbs, my firstborn—not that I have one,” Mack said with a chuckle. “A woman like her is the Holy Grail. I mean, look at her—do you even know how lucky you are to have her?” He shook his head ruefully. “Of course, you do. She wouldn’t look to you for guidance if you were complacent with her.”

Liam took two hefty swallows of beer, then set his glass down. Tapping his fingertips on the side, he paused at the metaphorical crossroad of his life, weighing up the turns. He knew he was being an asshole, taking a lot more information from Mack than he was giving, but there’d be time to share more later.

“How would you describe yourself?” Liam asked.

Mack lifted his eyebrow. “This is starting to feel more like an interview than a test. If this is some kind of roleplay, I don’t think it’s my kink.” A grin and an easy shrug followed his words. “I guess I’m pretty laidback when I’m not working. I stress too much when I work so I try not to let it leech into my downtime. Loyalty’s probably one of my main traits; I have a pretty fair sense of justice. I’ve been called smart—nerd smart, not genius smart. My humor is good, I’m a tidy guy but not a neat freak. Hygiene is a specialty.”

“All right, all right.” Holding his hand up, Liam stepped over the line and made the turn. “I’m going to say you’re not wrong about this being an interview. The last few years have been difficult for us after the death of our partner. We moved here to have a break from our old lives in Phoenix for… well, as long as we need. Sierra expressed an interest in finding another third.”

Mack jerked his thumb at his chest. “Me?”

“Potentially. Sierra is selective about who touches her; I’m infinitely more discerning. I’m open to discussing involving you in our relationship if that’s something you’re agreeable to, but only with her approval and several stipulations in place.” Liam took a breath, waiting for the instant of wave of regret to strike him down… but nothing came. Perhaps he’d made the right choice.

“This offer is on the table because you liked watching me touch her?”

“No. I liked the way you touched her, how you treated her, and her response. She has trust issues which result in episodes where she can’t get aroused and can’t orgasm. What you accomplished up there in front of an audience was a reflection of both her and you.”

“Hmm. When you say involving me in your relationship, I’m presuming you don’t just want me to be a living dildo for your girlfriend to ride when she has the urge?”

Liam’s lips twitched. Yes, long- or short-term, Mack would fit in well with them. “No. The level of intimacy you get with her will depend on how long you want to be included. I’m not searching for someone to break her heart, Mack. She has a soft one, vulnerable and open. If you just want a quick fuck over the weekend, this isn’t for you.”

“No, I get that. What happens in a month, when my stay here is over?”

That was a cliff they’d tackle closer to the time, when he knew the lay of the land more intimately. There was no guarantee Sierra was even going to agree to this, although judging by her physical reactions to the guy, her body was likely to vote yay. “We’ll figure that out when we get there.”

“I have to admit, this isn’t what I expected when I got here. I thought I’d spend a lot of time playing hit and miss with whatever free subs were willing. Sierra holds a lot more appeal.” Tilting his head, Mack frowned. “Would this be a two-on-one deal or is it a more of an interactive threesome?”

“Good question. Our previous relationship with Wyatt was complex. Sierra is obviously submissive; Wyatt was more submissive than dominant, if I’m honest. I suppose the simplest way to explain it is the only one who didn’t get fucked up the ass by someone else was me.” A slow, wolfish smile spread across his mouth. “I’m a giver in that respect.”

“So you fucked Wyatt and Sierra.”

“Yes.”

“Sierra fucked Wyatt?”

“She’s quite skilled with a strap-on but not comfortable using it.”

“And you fucked Sierra with Wyatt?”

Liam kissed her forehead when she began to stir. “My minx loves anal.”

“That’s a lot of fucking,” Mack muttered. “Are you sure you want to share those privileges with me?”

“Ultimately, it’s Sierra’s choice what she decides to share.” He reached for the water when her head lifted weakly, pleased when Mack took the initiative to grab it first and remove the cap. “I’m working until eleven tomorrow night. If you want, you can spend the evening with her. Here,” he added in a tone that brooked no argument, “where I can keep an eye on you. No sex involved, just a chance to get to know each other better.”

“I’d like that. I won’t say I’m keen on getting railed up the ass, so maybe we just see where that takes us. Do we, ah, shake on this or what?”

Yeah, he liked the guy, Liam thought as he stuck his hand out.

He just hoped this didn’t backfire on him.