Chapter 13

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

B arron walked into the agency’s building, musing on the events of the past few days. Things had been fairly quiet, at least for his baby girl. Even though she’d given Captain Weaver a complete rundown of Betty’s suspicious behavior, nothing was done because Betty, with marvelous timing, called in sick with the flu. As luck would have it, Yoanni’s mysterious stalker stopped sending threats. The entire situation went from tense to peaceful, which put Barron on edge. He walked around in a constant state of alertness as he expected not a shoe but a steel-toed boot to drop on his head at any moment.

Meanwhile, the grunt work at the agency was nearly over. Thanks to his and Johnny Gun’s efforts, all the furnishings, computers, and electronic equipment ended up where it belonged. With Cabo’s help, Lobo brought plants from a family-owned nursery in Pooler, adding a touch of color to an otherwise dry and sterile environment.

Tonight was Barron and Yoanni’s date night at Nightshade. Even though he wasn’t happy about it, Deacon would tag along. As the day progressed, Barron had growing misgivings about this visit. The closer he got to the time when he’d agreed to meet Deacon, the more anxious he got. At least Johnny G would be there. His buddy offered another pair of able hands, maybe fists, Barron could count on to assist if the situation turned sideways.

In the days leading to the visit, he’d told Deacon more than once there was no guarantee that Spike, the Wolf in question, would be present. A week had passed since Barron encountered the Wolf. More than likely, Spike was back at the Alabama clubhouse hanging out with his brothers. But Deacon refused to listen and insisted on going.

Another big item, Betty’s true identity, remained unresolved. Shifter had followed the trail to Louisiana, which agreed with the story she told Yoanni. But then, two years into Betty’s history, the trail abruptly dead-ended.

“It’s like she came into existence two years ago,” Shifter explained. “Not a peep before that. No job, no school, no credit history. I dug into her supposed family. I encountered the same two-year dead end.”

“What do your instincts tell you?” Barron asked.

Leaning into his chair, Shifter folded his arms, staring at the computer screen. “Couple of things. Either I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing, or someone camouflaged or cloaked her record.”

“Is that possible?”

“Sure. All it takes is a decent hacker, money, and the right connections. The government hides people’s records all the time. But they can do anything they fucking want.”

“Isn’t there a law or something against it?”

“Ha!” Shifter exclaimed. “My goodness, you are naive.”

“What about the face?”

“There’s the rub. The face you gave me bounces back.”

“What?”

“You heard me. She doesn’t exist in any database. But we know she didn’t come out of a cave two years ago. However.” He lifted a finger. “The program I was using is quite rigid. You know me, I’m like a dog with a bone. I won’t stop until I find out what I’m after. Since I hit a dead end right away, I figured I needed to go a step higher. For the sake of the agency, right?” He winked. “So I spent a few extra bucks and got a brand-new, highly specialized program. I just uploaded the image. I can’t wait to see the results.”

“Meaning?”

“This program gives me evolution. It’s much more intuitive. Plays with hair color, wrinkles, and things like that. Searches for possible matches instead of an exact result.”

“Like, she could be a blonde in real life?”

He nodded, typing on the keyboard. “You got the idea. Women tint, cut, and reshape their hair, pluck eyebrows, and change makeup. That throws an exact program into a tizzy. But this one…” He hit Enter, and circling points of lights appeared on Betty’s face. “See the pinpoints moving around her photo? It’s studying her face and searching for every possible match.”

“Amazing. How soon will you have results?”

Shifter scratched his beard. “It depends on what the program finds. Could spit out several women or one. I’d say by tonight or tomorrow morning, we’ll have the most accurate results. Can you wait that long?”

“Do I have a choice?”

“I guess you don’t.” Shifter chuckled. “I’ll text you when I learn anything conclusive. So… Deacon is going to Nightshade with you, right? I bet you’re not happy about it.”

Barron jerked at the abrupt change in topic. “Dude, unhappy barely covers it. I’m taking Yoanni to her first BDSM club with a dedicated age-play room. The night’s for her. I don’t want to babysit an adult who hopes to reconcile with his old buddy turned enemy.”

“Cancel. ”

“I thought about it, but she has her heart set on it.” He finger-combed his hair with both hands. “Fuck, she went shopping and everything. I don’t want to disappoint her. Lately, she’s had too many tough days. She deserves a fun night.”

“Just make sure fun doesn’t turn into a disturbance. At the first sign of trouble, get the fuck out.”

“I intend to, and I appreciate what you’re doing.” He stood, straightening his pants. “My job here is finished. The office looks good. I even like the plants. The agency is ready to accept clients. I’ll tell Master Darius to come by on Monday.”

“Cool. His file is ready and waiting. And, dude, try to have fun tonight.”

Barron clapped his friend’s shoulder. “Yeah, yeah. I’m just not confident Deacon will stick to his promise. The guy seems too…wound up. I really hope the Wolf’s visit was a fluke and he doesn’t show up tonight.”

“The ideal outcome for everyone,” Shifter said. “Be prepared for anything, my friend. I have a feeling Spike and his MC are up to no good. Why would Captain Weaver have you follow the guy to LaFayette, and what was Spike doing in Savannah a week ago? Are Los Emes scoping the port? I don’t want to have a repeat of the Sons of Chaos and the Oquendos.” Frowning, he shook his head. “Something ain’t kosher. Just watch your back tonight. I’m glad Johnny Gun’s with you.”

“Me too. See you ma?ana, as Yoanni likes to say.” Tapping his forehead, Barron left the office.

Barron’s concerns about the trip to Nightshade eased up under the influence of Yoanni’s happy excitement. She smiled and hummed songs from her favorite popular singer as she moved about the house, getting ready for her first visit to a BDSM club. Caesar followed her everywhere. Barron had explained she could use the locker room to change, so she packed her club outfit behind the guest room’s closed doors. She bought clothes to surprise Daddy and wouldn’t budge.

However, when Deacon knocked at their door—ten minutes before they planned on leaving—and Barron invited him in, she took one look at the imposing man dressed in all black leather, and her attitude changed.

Barron pulled her aside in the kitchen. “What’s the matter, Nugget?”

“Oh, nothing.”

“Wrong. Try again with the truth, or you get the corner.”

“You’d do that?” Her hazel eyes couldn’t go any wider.

“Yes. Either we start on the right foot, or we go nowhere.”

“Okay.” She lowered her gaze. “He’s in so much pain.”

Well, fuck. Not the answer Barron was expecting or the bewildering revelation. Yoanni was an empath. Funny he’d never noticed that before about her. Here was another surprising aspect of her amazing personality. Life with Yoanni promised to be a constant adventure, one undiscovered trait after another.

Touching her cheek, he studied her expression. “Really, Nugget? You see pain?”

“Uh-huh.” She winced, tapping her chest. “It’s so bad, I feel it.”

“Is this common? I mean, does it happen often?”

She shrugged. “Sometimes. The feeling just comes.”

He straightened and glanced at Deacon, who now paced his small living room, with new eyes. If Yoanni, a total stranger, had sensed such heavy emotions in the older biker, Barron could go a little easier on him. He knew about demons and how tightly they held on to a man’s soul .

“I love you, Nugget.” He kissed her head, then held her hand. “Come on. Let’s get this party started.”

Back in the living room, Barron asked Deacon, “Do you have the club’s address?”

“I have it in my phone,” Deacon replied, patting the pocket of his vest. “But I’ll follow you.”

“Sounds good. I’m taking the truck. We’ll be out of the garage in a second.”

With a nod, Deacon walked out the front door, and Barron locked the bolt behind him.

Moments later, Barron pulled out, waved at Deacon where he waited on his bike, and drove off toward Nightshade’s quiet industrial neighborhood.

As he pulled into the parking lot, he noticed Johnny G’s bike right away. Deacon must have seen it as well because he parked next to it. A good thing to do, from Barron’s point of view. There was always safety in numbers, and two or more bikes parked together sent a clear message to everyone: “We’re not alone. So, fuck off.” The last part was Barron’s.

He dashed around the side and helped Yoanni descend. The obvious thrill in her expression made the night worth it. She didn’t speak, but her bright eyes locked with his, and he knew he’d made the right choice. Deacon joined them, and together they walked inside.

Johnny G waved at their little group. “Hey, guys. Marie’s waiting to check you in.”

“Barron, are these your guests?” Marie asked, holding up two wristbands. She then pushed a clipboard his way. “Print names and sign, please. I also need some form of ID.”

Once the formalities were finished, Barron slid Yoanni’s wristband on and led her to the heavy entry door.

“Ready?”

Smiling, she nodded quickly .

Chuckling to himself, he ushered her in. Deacon walked right past them without saying a word. Barron shrugged. The biker could take care of himself, unless he got into hot water or made a scene. No pun intended. In which case, Barron would have to get involved for the sake of the Spawn’s Nightshade membership.

Barron scanned the length of the dungeon. For a Thursday night, the place was unusually busy. Standing in a crowded section down the center aisle, Master Darius’s huge form was impossible to miss. He glanced away from a rigging demonstration and gave them an acknowledging gesture but didn’t come over.

“I’m going to walk around the place,” Johnny G said.

“Kathy?”

“Yes. Call if you need me. My phone’s not silent.”

“Thanks, man.”

Johnny G walked away, and Barron turned his attention to the bright-eyed beauty with him. From this moment forward, no one but Yoanni and her wishes and pleasures existed in his mind.

“The ladies’ locker room is this way.” Her hand was cool under his. Nerves, he imagined, but decided to let it ride for now. Once she changed and he showed her around the different sections and rooms, he’d address her nerves. He scanned the entire dungeon again and found nothing troubling or suspicious. Best of all, he caught not a hint of the blond Wolf. Feeling relieved for the time being, he headed for the locker room.

He stopped in front of the ladies’, pulled out his phone, and tapped a text. Yoanni’s phone dinged. “I just texted you the combination to the lock. When you’ve finished changing, leave everything locked inside. You’re my submissive. I’ll supply whatever you need.”

“This is so exciting.” She gave a chirpy sound and disappeared into the locker room.

Barron settled against the wall to get out of the way of club guests going in and out of the changing room. He enjoyed watching the creative outfits people wore to satisfy their kink. At times, he wished his imagination was as active as, say…Master Darius’s, with his elaborate harnesses and flamboyant codpieces. Barron was a simple Dominant. He wore basic black pants and a T-shirt. And no leather for indoor activities, thank you. Too hot in a crowded dungeon. If he was going to give it his all to please a submissive, he preferred light clothing when throwing a flogger or whip.

“Daddy?” The voice followed a soft touch on his arm. Barron came out of the daydream and blinked. His mouth sagged.

Yoanni, her hair tied in pigtails, wore a hip-hugging plaid pleated skirt that barely covered her butt cheeks. She tied a white blouse high enough to expose her sexy belly button and the golden skin of her pushed-up breasts, which, at the moment, threatened to spill out. Her strappy black platform shoes added a devilish aura to the outfit. The perfect combination of innocence and sin stood before his bewildered eyes. His system responded to the allure with an instant erection.

“Do you like?” Holding out her arms, she pivoted before he could activate enough brain cells to speak.

He finally managed a question. “What are you wearing under the skirt?”

“Um… A thong?”

Sliding his hand under the skirt, he moved around her ass to inspect the size of said garment. “Why bother? It’s tiny. Take it off.”

Her eyebrows shot up to her hairline. “Daddy?”

“Is it too loud in here? Didn’t you hear me?”

Her cheeks flushed. “I heard you.”

“Tell me, princess. What’s the difference between wearing a slip of a thong, which barely covers your sex, to wearing nothing?”

“Ah… I think it’s the idea.” Her eyes darted from one side of th e hallway to the other as if people walking by could hear the conversation.

“Daddy doesn’t want anything interfering with his touch. What do you say to that?”

She lowered her gaze. “Daddy’s wishes rule. I’ll take them off.”

“How does that make you feel?”

“Naughty, wicked, brazen.”

“Aroused?”

Yoanni glanced up. “Very much aroused.”

He pushed her beyond her comfort zone, but they were in Nightshade. The evening was just beginning, and all bets were off. But what she did next spun his brain again. Lifting her skirt, she widened her stance, then slipped two fingers between her legs. When she pulled them out, her juices clung to her skin.

Fuck. Who was testing whom?

Yoanni was the answer to his every prayer. In her sweet submissiveness, she dared him right back. She moved the goalpost, inviting him to go a step further. He’d feared bringing her to the club because this was the ultimate test of submission and obedience. He should’ve known she’d succeed with flying colors. She was more than his perfect mate.

“Get over here,” he growled. “I want a taste.”

When she took a step forward, her heels clicked, and her delectable hips sashayed. He grasped her hand, then slowly savored her fingers.

“Now, the panties. Or I rip them off right here.”

Son of a bitch, her smile was triumphant. Yoanni wiggled her hips as she rolled down the thong. She held on to his hand for balance and carefully stepped out of the silky piece. In a graceful move, she picked it up and dropped it on his open palm. He tucked the thong halfway into his pocket. The other half he left out. A sign to the unattached Dominants in the club. Hands off the beauty and the thong. Both belonged to him .

“I brought you a gift.” He searched in his side pocket.

“For me?”

“Always.” He held up the ribbon, and the attached paci rolled down. He draped the ribbon around her shoulders, and the paci settled between her stunning breasts.

She giggled. “I loves it.”

“Makes me happy you do. It’s time, princess. Let me show you around.” Leaving the hallway behind, he entered the dungeon’s main aisle. The place seemed way more crowded than when they first arrived.

“Stay right behind me, and don’t let go of my hand,” he directed, extending his arm to her as they snaked around several groups. The aisle’s traffic lightened once they passed the rigging demonstration. The next section was dedicated to impact play. He stopped here. Three Saint Andrew’s crosses were lined up next to each other. Two were unoccupied. On the third, a Dominant settled his submissive’s front against the cross.

“Why is he only wearing boxer shorts?” Yoanni whispered.

He bent closer so only she could hear him. “Every pair negotiates their play according to their unique wants and desires.” As Barron finished explaining, the Dominant pulled the sub’s boxer shorts off. Only a jock strap outlined his perfect glutes.

“Oh,” Yoanni murmured.

“The sub’s exposed skin is the Dominant’s canvas,” Barron said. “He’ll make patterns on it. Is it something you’d like to try?”

She glanced up. “I love it when you spank me, but I’m not sure about being buck naked in front of everyone.” She pouted her full lips, and Barron chuckled.

The Dominant threw four times, making the first crisscross pattern on his submissive’s back, and a sudden rush of people gathered around them to watch.

“Getting too crowded.” Barron pulled her by the arm. “There’s another room I want to show you. This one is special. You’re going to love it.”

As he moved down the central aisle, Yoanni didn’t speak. He reached the section with the new private rooms. There was no one around. He turned right. All four viewing windows were open. Two rooms were illuminated inside, indicating scenes in progress but he didn’t stop to see or show Yoanni. His interest was farther ahead.

“See the pink glow in the hallway?”

“Uh-huh.”

“That’s the room I wanted you to see.”

Barron led Yoanni to the room’s entrance and stopped to watch her expression. She puckered her full lips into a cute circle as she scanned the length of the room. They were the first couple to arrive. Barron nodded at the DM supervising the room. He remembered him from his first visit.

“Good evening,” he said to the DM. “I’m Barron, and we’re playing.”

“Evening, sir. I’m Gary. Let me know if you need anything.”

“I think we’ll be fine,” Barron said, leading the wide-eyed Yoanni into the room.

“Where would you like to go first?”

She glanced up at him, then scanned the room again. After a long pause, she pointed to a small table with coloring books and crayons. The choice seemed simple to him, but maybe she was overwhelmed and was opting for the most familiar activity. Holding her hand, much warmer this time, he brought her to the table and pulled out a chair for her. As she settled to pick out her books and sort her crayons, he sat on the adult sofa to watch her and absorb the ambiance around them. Compared to the acute sexual aura in the main dungeon, the mood in here was peaceful and nonsexual. Any Little could throw a tantrum, and the Caregiver would punish the behavior, but it just didn’t feel the same .

He smiled as she colored a picture of a bird. “Do you like it, honey?”

“Uh-huh, loves it.”

Wonderful, she’d easily slipped into Little space, and he’d never felt happier or more fulfilled. This was what he’d wanted for her first visit to Nightshade.

Initially, he intended to discuss limits and safewords and give her a preliminary introduction to submission and dominance, but she was so happy in her sweet space that the topic might be too jarring. Leaning comfortably against the backrest, he crossed his ankles as he watched his baby color pictures.

A new couple came in. The Little saw Yoanni right away. Pulling her Daddy’s hand, she made a beeline for Yoanni. She wore flowery pink shorts with a matching top. She’d tied her dark-brown curly hair in a ponytail.

“Hi. I’s Cindy.” She tapped her chest. “Wanna play wi’ me?”

Barron stood and extended his hand to the new Daddy. “I’m Barron.”

“I’m Jonathan.” He shook Barron’s hand. “I think my baby girl wants to play with yours. Do you mind?”

“Not at all. Join me.” Barron slipped to the side, making room for Jonathan.

But instead of sitting, Cindy whirled on her heel and grabbed Yoanni’s arm. “We go cook. I show you. See?”

“Can I, Daddy?” Yoanni asked. “Can I, can I?”

“I’m afraid Cindy is a bit of a whirlwind,” Jonathan said, his expression apologetic. “Do you care if they check out the play kitchen? We can watch them from this spot.”

Barron smiled. “It’s fine. Let them play. That’s why we brought them here, right?” He turned to Yoanni. “Go ahead, Nugget. Have fun.”

The girls scampered away. Laughing softly, Barron stood to stretch his back. Damn. He was getting old. Bending over small furniture was an awkward position. To Jonathan, he gestured that he was moving closer to the play kitchen, and the guy nodded with a bland expression. Obviously, this wasn’t Jonathan’s first visit to Nightshade’s age-play room.

“It’s so good to see you, sir.”

The voice behind him froze Barron in place.

Iris?

Slowly, he faced her. “What are you doing here? You’re not Little,” he growled.

She wore a different mask, but her lipstick was the same attention-getting crimson shade. Iris dropped her face. He didn’t buy into the fake subservience one bit. He’d seen it before, with terrible results.

“I saw Sir come in. May I join you and your partner? I could demonstrate a few things for her.”

The idea of this woman touching his sweet Yoanni sent him over the edge. “You put one lousy finger on my Little, and there’ll be hell to pay. Go away.”

“But Sir. Please give me another chance. I can please you both. You can watch an adult woman sucking your baby’s pussy. It’s so erotic.”

“Stop this. I don’t want to hear another filthy word out of you. I told you, go away.”

“Please?” She grasped his arm.

Fuck, this was a repeat of the other night. This woman didn’t accept the word “no.” Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Yoanni. Completely out of Little space, she frowned at him and the insistent woman. He couldn’t allow this.

Shaking off her hand, he strode to Gary. “This woman came to disrupt our play. She’s harassing us.”

“Out,” Gary demanded, standing up. “Go find a caregiver. Don’t come back until you do.” He signaled to the hallway. Lowering her head, Iris stopped resisting and shuffled out.

“Wait!” Yoanni shouted. “Don’t go.” She rushed his way, leaving a bewildered Cindy in the play kitchen.

“Princess?” Holding her wrist, he stopped her.

“Hurry. She’s getting away,” Yoanni insisted.

“Who?”

“But you spoke to her, Daddy. Didn’t you recognize her? The woman in the mask is Betty.”