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  Rachel shifted her feet and glanced at Robin before she looked down at her boots.

  Lucia stepped out from behind the hedge. She tugged on her earlobe as if in thought. “Yes, I’d like to know how the hell you two got me down the pit.”

  Rachel’s eyes went wide, and she clenched her hands into fists.

  Robin turned and pointed at Rachel. “It was her. I didn’t want to. She threatened me.”

  Rachel spun and lunged at Robin, grabbing her by the hair. She wrapped her thick forearm around her neck in a chokehold. “Shut up, you stupid cunt.”

  Robin squirmed and fought, twisting her body. Rachel pressed her arm tighter, the muscles bulging. Robin gasped and stopped fighting.

  Elaine took a step toward them. “I want to know how you got all of your equipment set up in your room without us knowing.

  “Raintree will expose you if you don’t pay him.” Spit flecked Rachel’s lips. “Back off. I’ll snap her neck.” Martha could see the sweat on her forehead, and the fear and doubt in Rachel’s eyes.

  “Go ahead.” Martha kept her voice calm. She took three steps toward Rachel, closing the distance between them. “It will save us the trouble.” She pulled the Webley from her coat pocket and raised it to the level of Rachel’s head. “Because when she breathes her last, you’re next.”

  Robin’s eyes filled with tears. She trembled in Rachel’s grip. Martha pinned Rachel with her gaze, letting her see her determination and deadly intent. She didn’t want to deal with the fallout from killing Rachel, but she would do what she had to in order to protect her home and family.

  Robin stilled. Martha watched Rachel’s eyes as her gaze shifted from right to left, looking for an exit. Elaine took a step closer, staying out of Martha’s line of sight in case she had to fire the pistol. “And if Martha misses—” She moved the heavy pin from behind her back and held it across her chest like a bat. “I won’t.”

  Rachel let go of Robin and shoved her away. She sprinted across the yard. Millie rushed to tackle her. Rachel stiff-armed her and sent her rolling in the dirt as she fled toward the garage. Millie pushed herself to her feet and ran after her.

  “Stop, Millie!” Martha shouted and waved her hand. “Let her go.” She placed the pistol back in her coat pocket.

  The roar of an engine starting up made Millie take another step toward the garage. “She’s stealing the coupe.” Millie’s voice took on a frenzied tone.

  “And how far is she going to go? She’s got only what she has on her, a tank of petrol, and it’s after five now. Even if she gets to the ferry, or makes the bridge, she’s going to be out of luck when her employer finds out how sloppy she’s been.”

  Millie rested her hands on her hips. “Bloody hell.” She kicked a stone down the drive.

  “Myfanwy!” Lucia called out.

  Myfanwy stepped from behind the hedge, a confident smile on her face. “I got it, Miss, all of it.”

  “Good. We will send the video along to the blackmailers. See if they like it turned around on them.” Robin’s harsh sob made Martha turn to look in her direction. Lucia had come and gathered her in her arms. A wave of guilt washed over Martha when she thought about what she had said. She walked over to where they sat. She kneeled on the ground. “Robin. Eyes to me. Please.”

  Robin lifted her tear-stained face. The fear in her eyes made Martha regret her words. “I didn’t mean what I said. I wanted her to believe it. I would never have let her hurt you.”

  Robin’s eyes were wary. “What you said is true. He’ll find her.” She looked down. “And me.”

  “No. He won’t. Not here.” Elaine’s voice was loud, and they all turned to stare at her. “I need a good assistant, and you’ve a talent in the kitchen. No more clients unless you want.”

  Robin kept her gaze fixed on her hands. “I don’t deserve it.” She turned and looked at Lucia. “I helped her hurt you.”

  Lucia hugged Robin’s small body to her. “We’ve all done things we regret. You deserve another chance.” She lifted Robin’s chin with her finger, her gaze sharp and fixed on her eyes. “Make me proud we gave you one.”

  Robin stared into her eyes. “Yes, Miss.”

  Myfanwy came over and held out her hand to Robin. “Come on now.”

  Robin hesitated.

  “I’m not going to hurt you. We need to put the bread in if we want to have any with dinner.” Myfanwy passed the cell phone to Lucia. Robin took her hand and stood up. Myfanwy pulled a tissue from her pocket. “Wipe your face. Even if we work in the kitchen, we need to be presentable.”

  They left the lot, Myfanwy holding on to Robin’s hand. Elaine followed after them with her rolling pin on her shoulder.

  “What’d you want me to tell the police, Ma’am, about the theft?” Millie opened the door to the car. “Or do you want to call them?”

  “I’ll call them, Millie, thank you. Are you hurt? You took quite a tumble.”

  “Only my pride, Ma’am. She dumped me on my ass like I’d never stepped on a rugby pitch.” She tapped the top of the car. “I’ll park this, Ma’am. Do you want me to bring you the insurance records for the coupe?”

  “Just put them on my desk, Millie. I’ll call everyone.”

  “Very good, Ma’am.” Millie got in and drove the car slowly around to the garage.

  Lucia’s hand on her arm drew Martha’s attention. She leaned in and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “You were magnificent.”

  Martha’s held Lucia’s gaze. “I hated frightening Robin. Her eyes. I don’t think I’ll ever get it out of my head.” She bit her lip.

  “You did what you had to do. Rachel believed you when you said what you did.” She cupped Martha’s face in her hands. “So did I. You are as fierce a protector as Madame said.” She kissed Martha, her lips soft and warm, the length of her body pressed against her. “How much time you think we have before dinner?”

  Martha wrapped her arms around her and kissed the hollow at the base of her neck. “Enough.”

  Chapter Twenty

  “I’LL CALL WHEN I get there.” Lucia smoothed her hands over the front of Martha’s shirt. “The next time I see you, you’ll be in the black suit I first saw you in.” She pressed her cheek against Martha’s face.

  Martha sensed her sorrow and heard the resignation in Lucia’s voice. “I will.” She rubbed Lucia’s back through the sheer fabric of the gown she wore and held her tight as she kissed along her neck. “But this time I’ll wear the tie you bought me the day we visited Portree.”

  “I’m afraid the shop owner will never get over walking in on us in the dressing room.” Lucia turned her head, giving Martha access to the delicate curve of her neck and the space between her shoulder and ear.

  Martha moved her hand behind Lucia’s neck and cupped it. The give and surrender of Lucia’s body against her own set her on fire. Holding her in place, she kissed her, softly at first, her tongue teasing her as she nibbled her lips, then deeper as if drinking from a fountain on a hot day, taking her fill of her mouth.

  Lucia raised her eyes to Martha’s face and kept her gaze fixed on Martha’s eyes as she lowered herself to her knees. “Show me the Mistress of Rowan House. Give me something to hold on to when I’m feeling weak.”

  Wetness flowed from Martha as she took in Lucia’s submission, the way she looked on her knees at her feet. Mine to command. To cherish. She gripped Lucia’s curls and pulled her head back sharply. With her thumb she traced the thickness of her lip, and slowly pushed into her mouth. The low moan from Lucia brought out the beast in Martha. She reached down with her other hand and rolled Lucia’s nipple, squeezing it hard. Lucia sucked on her thumb, her mouth promising delights.

  Martha’s breath quickened, and she pulled her thumb free. “On your feet.” She gripped Lucia’s nipples and tugged her forward, leading her to the heavy armchair by the fireplace. She released her and sat in the chair. “Kneel here between my legs.”

  Lucia sank gracefully to her knees. Martha
admired the way the gown flowed and billowed around her before settling over her frame. She pressed her knees against her body, holding her in place as she teased a finger over Lucia’s peaked nipple, then flicked it hard. The sharp intake of her breath made Martha smile as she remembered Lucia’s challenge to her outside Madame’s house. She flicked her other nipple, this time drawing a short groan. The heady scent of sandalwood and cedar mixed with Lucia’s desire filled the small space between them, and Martha inhaled deeply. Heavenly. Exquisite. My angel. Us.

  She tugged the elastic neckline down to frame Lucia’s breasts before she lifted a pair of nipple clamps attached with a silver chain from the side table. Lucia’s eyes were bright, and she touched her tongue to her lower lip. Martha bent her head and sucked hard, drawing Lucia’s nipple deep into her mouth, and Lucia groaned. With firm fingers Martha applied the first clamp. The sharp hiss and short yelp from Lucia’s lips as Martha tightened the clamp made her pulse race. She took a deep breath to steady herself before she repeated the process. Lucia’s pupils were wide. The chain swung gently as she panted into the pain, and her nipples were a deep claret in the firelight. So beautiful. Her pain. Her gift to me.

  Salvia pooled in Martha’s mouth. She scraped her nail over the tip of Lucia’s nipple. Want her now. Have her now. “Stand for me. Lift your gown to your hips, show yourself to me.”

  Lucia obeyed. She stood and set her feet wide, bracing them against the inside of Martha’s boots. She gathered the hem of the gown and pulled it up slowly until she was bare. Her thighs glistened and the dark curls between them were wet. She trembled as Martha slid forward in the chair. With one finger she traced a line from Lucia’s knee to the damp curls between her legs. She pushed through them and rubbed the pad of her finger over Lucia’s clit, drawing a moan from her. “All this from a little kiss? And a bit of rough with your nipples?” Her face was even with Lucia’s center. She gripped Lucia’s ass with both hands and dug her fingers into the soft flesh as she took her in her mouth. She sucked her clit, savoring her taste and the way it hardened under her tongue. Lucia swayed, and Martha locked her in place, bracing her with her arms and knees as she licked her fill, driving her up and keeping her on the edge. Greedy for her, she was relentless, taking all Lucia offered.

  “May I come? Please. Let me come for you.” Lucia shook in Martha’s arms.

  Not ready to hear her surrender, relishing her desire and the taste of her, Martha pulled back. “No.” She reached up and snatched the chain free. Lucia’s scream as she came echoed in the room. Martha held her tight and laved her nipples with her tongue, triggering another orgasm. Lucia’s breath came in short gasps. “Sorry. I couldn’t hold back.”

  Martha pinned her with her gaze. “You’re in need of some discipline.” She sat back in the chair and patted her lap. “Lay down here.”

  Lucia’s shoulders heaved as she worked to control her breathing and draped herself over Martha’s lap. As tall as she was, her hands rested on the floor. “Wrap your hands around my boot. Don’t let go.” Martha pushed the filmy gown up and exposed Lucia’s ass, and the wetness coating her thighs. The catch of Lucia’s breath when Martha used her hands to spread Lucia’s thighs made Martha want to shove her off her lap and bury herself in her. “So smooth. So soft. I want to see my marks on you.” She focused, suppressing own desires, wanting to give Lucia the experience she deserved even as she was desperate to take what she wanted. Lucia’s vulnerability and trust sent a wave of heat coursing through Martha. With a gentle touch, she slipped one finger in deep. The soft clutch of Lucia around her finger made her clit swell. “Remind me of your safe word?” Martha added a finger as she talked, pressing deep.

  Lucia growled low in her throat and rocked back into Martha’s touch. “Peace.”

  “Peace.” Martha added another finger. She moved her other hand below Lucia, and rubbed her clit, drawing a deep groan from her. She pulled her fingers from Lucia, already missing the sensation of possessing her body. Martha raised her hand and brought it down hard across Lucia’s ass. The sting of contact and Lucia’s sharp intake of breath sent a shock wave of desire through her. She stifled her own groan of response. This woman. Mine. Hers. Us.

  She leaned over and laid her cheek against Lucia’s skin before she kissed the dull red imprint of her hand, cherishing the gift of her surrender, revering the strong woman who sometimes needed to surrender her control just as she did. Martha brought her hand back and slapped the other cheek of Lucia’s ass. She worked her clit. Liquid desire dripped from Lucia, coating her fingers. So wet for this. For me. Wordless, she began spanking Lucia in earnest, alternating the strength of her blows while she jacked her clit. Lucia moaned and rocked her hips, seeking contact with Martha’s fingers before rising up to meet her hand as she was spanked. Lucia begged and pleaded, a litany of need and want pouring from her mouth. Sweat dripped down Martha’s face. Lucia’s skin was now cherry red from Martha’s attentions.

  Martha stopped and smoothed her hand over Lucia’s ass. The heat of her skin filled her with want. The wet sound of Lucia’s quiet tears filled the room. Her fingers were tight around Martha’s calf, her face pressed against the soft leather of her boot. She looked down and watched as her tears dripped and traced their way down the leather. Her gaze settled on the delicate curve of Lucia’s cheekbone and the way her lips were pulled back, her throat working as she struggled to regain control. So beautiful. Her surrender. Her tears. Her trust. A gift.

  Martha picked up the bottle of lube she had placed on the table next to the chair. She poured it slowly down the cleft of Lucia’s ass, letting it run between her legs and catching it in her hand. She spread the lube over her thick clit before she pushed inside and coated her with the slippery liquid. Lucia’s chest rattled against Martha’s legs as she moaned. Working quickly, she slicked her fingers and hand to the wrist. Lucia’s rough breathing filled the room. The yellow-and-blue flames of the gas log fire sent shadows flicking up the wall of the room. Martha pushed three fingers into Lucia, filling her, while she rubbed her clit slowly. “So tight. Relax, angel. I’m not going to hurt you.” She pressed deeper and spread her fingers. “That’s it. Open to me.”

  Lucia’s breathing shifted, and she spread her legs and panted as Martha worked another finger deep. She shuddered as Martha curled her fingers over her sweet spot.

  “Oh. I’m going to come. Please. I need…” Lucia’s voice was rough.

  “Shh. Be still. Not yet. I have more for you. So much more.” Martha pinched Lucia’s clit, and she squealed and bucked her hips. Martha pulled back then pushed forward, adding a finger, and stilled. Lucia panted. Martha rubbed her clit in slow circles. “Slow your breathing. Relax, angel.” She worked her fingers slowly. A deep groan from Lucia vibrated against Martha’s leg where she lay across her lap. She kept her slow pace, opening Lucia to her, taking her time. Lucia rocked her hips back. “Please. Please.” She groaned. “All of you.”

  Martha shifted in the seat, the pressure on her clit sweet torture. She eased back and tucked her thumb before she pushed forward in a steady forward motion and filled her. Lucia shook and trembled. Martha groaned as Lucia opened to her, taking her deep, the soft fluttering of her body around her hand driving her desire.

  Lucia panted. “Please. I’m…I can’t.”

  Martha waited. Waited for the word she wanted to hear more than any other from Lucia’s lips.

  “Ask properly.” She rocked her hand forward, edging Lucia closer but holding back from what she needed.

  “Please.” Lucia’s voice broke. “Mistress. Please let me come for you. Please.”

  “Come for me, angel. Give me what belongs to me.” Martha rocked harder, pressing forward as she squeezed and stroked Lucia’s clit. Lucia shattered, soft cries spilling from her mouth as she came shaking, her body clenching around Martha’s hand. A surge of liquid silk flowed over Martha’s wrist. She slowed her movements and pressed her fingers over Lucia’s clit. She stopped and watched Lucia
’s face as tears came harder and her sobs broke the quiet of the room. She eased her hand from her gently before she pulled her into her arms. Lucia curled into her, her body shaking with her release. Martha held tight and rubbed her back, a quiet witness to her loss of control.

  “Sorry.” Lucia sniffed.

  Martha caught a tear with her thumb and brought it to her mouth to taste the bitter salt flavor. “Tears are a gift.” She pressed her lips to Lucia’s mouth in a gentle kiss.

  Lucia shivered and pushed closer. She nuzzled the space under Martha’s ear, kissing the tender skin there. “I haven’t done anything like this in a very long time.”

  Martha pushed her hand under her curls and rubbed the back of her neck. “You’re magnificent. Did I hurt you?”

  Lucia gazed into her eyes. “Yes. Perfectly. I see why Myfanwy is devoted to you.”

  Martha smiled. “Myfanwy has feelings for you too in case you’ve missed it.”

  Lucia smiled a soft smile. “No, I hadn’t missed it. But I wanted to check in with you.”

  Martha hugged her close. “Myfanwy has been my touchstone in this world.” She pulled back to look in Lucia’s eyes. “I don’t mind sharing. How about you?”

  Lucia quirked her mouth. “With Myfanwy? No. You’re her Mistress, even if she won’t ask for your collar.” She sat up straighter, her voice shifting into a soft command. “As for you.” She gripped Martha’s chin. “No. I don’t want you kneeling to anyone else.” She kissed Martha, the sweet submissive gone, hard Mistress in her place. She slid her hand down to Martha’s neck, and collared her with her fingers. “Ever.” Her eyes glinted in the soft light and her voice was fierce.

  Martha smiled and lifted her chin, giving Lucia better access to her throat, signaling her desire. “Yes, Miss.”

  “COME WITH ME. Elaine can handle the house while you’re gone.” Lucia placed the folded shirt in her suitcase.