Chapter 2

chapter two

J ensen stepped out of the car and smiled at John. “Thanks. I’ll text you when I’m ready to go.”

“Sure thing, sir.”

Jensen was smiling when he flashed his card to the doorman and then walked into Rough ‘n Ready. Years ago, Nicola had suggested that maybe he needed to explore his need for control. He had thought she meant going to a therapist, but instead, she sent him to a Dominatrix who taught him exactly what he needed in the bedroom. His need to control his environment, and failing at that, had sent him running to drugs. Now, he had this.

He stood at the top of the stairs and took in the crowd. It was Saturday night, so the place was packed. Of course, it was busy on the weeknights also, but Saturdays were probably their best nights. Jensen enjoyed Rough ‘n Ready. It was well-run and always packed with a good group of people. The regulars were great, but being in a vacation spot like Honolulu, he could always count on someone new to meet. The black and red interior was common in many clubs, but the layout was different. Ross and his partner Evan Chambers understood that just because you were at the club, you didn’t always want to play. Being among people who understood who you were, that was a comfort.

The private rooms were filled with the best equipment, and the open area included a bar—only for those not playing for the night—and ample seating. The best part about it was what he called the stadium. There was an opening in the floor that served as a demonstration area. While many people would assume that a BDSM club in Hawaii would be a little more than a tourist attraction, Rough ‘n Ready was so much more than that. They brought in people from all over the world for classes and demonstrations; and boasted every well-known Dom and Domme on the islands as members and/or teachers.

He was only about halfway across the floor when he spotted Micah Ross, one of the two owners of Rough ‘n Ready. Jensen changed his direction, so he could chat up the Native American Dom. Ross would have the best idea on who was willing and able to take up for some fun for a night.

When people thought of the quintessential Native American, Micah Ross could be the poster boy. Tall, stoic, with long, black, straight hair, he dominated any room he was in. Even as crowded as the club was, there was no doubt he drew most eyes when he walked through the gathering. It had nothing to do with him being the owner of the club, and everything to do with the man.

“Hey, Wulf,” he said with a smile and handshake. “How’s tricks?”

“Ross. Seems the club is hopping tonight.”

“As usual, thankfully.”

“It shouldn’t be a surprise to you.”

His lips twitched. “I never take anything for granted.”

“Indeed. I know better than most.”

“I talked to the very attractive Ms. McCann. She didn’t say how long you’ll be here.”

He shrugged. “At least a couple of weeks. Maybe a month”

“Good. We have some great classes and demonstrations coming up.”

“Indeed. Think I need to learn something, Ross?”

“A refresher course never hurts.”

“True.”

“More than a few willing subs here tonight. Lord knows they would clamor at a chance with the Bad Boy Billionaire.”

He winced. “Oh, God, not you too.”

“I thought you liked the name.”

He had at one time. It was heady being named by the press. He’d been twenty-two at the time and full of idiotic ideas.

“I would rather just be called Jensen or Sir.”

Ross’ lips twitched again. “I can understand that. How long have you been on the island?”

He didn’t like the idea that Ross seemed to be so familiar with Nic. “Just a few hours ago. Tell me, Ross, how well do you know Nic?”

The other man’s eyebrows rose. “What are you asking?”

He didn’t want to say it because saying it would make him look like an ass. Ross was in love with his wife and never played outside the bounds of marriage. Why would he think Ross was messing around with Nic? Besides, Jensen had no say in what Nic did in her personal life.

Micah was still watching him, and that was a dangerous thing. Jensen shrugged, then pretended interest in a group of women who walked by.

“Nothing really. Just that you called her very attractive. I thought you hadn’t met in person.”

“Hmm, no. Just in pictures with you, and of course in her days on the ice. Other than that, I’ve only talked to her on the phone.”

Jensen didn’t respond. It was a stupid reaction that had been plaguing him in recent months. Jealousy. Bloody hell, he wasn’t involved with her. He had no right to her. He didn’t get jealous of his lovers. He didn’t like attachments, and usually stayed away from entanglements.

“Don’t you think she’s hot?” Ross asked.

He shrugged, trying to pretend disinterest. “Sure. But she’s not my type.”

“And what type would that be? She’s stunning.”

She was. It was what had been keeping him up at night. “Yes, but can you see her being a sub? You’ve dealt with her on the phone.”

Micah gave him a side eye glance. “I don’t know her that well.”

“Now, what the bloody hell does that mean?” Jensen asked with little heat.

“I’ve been in this business for a few years. I was a bounty hunter back in the day, so I know a little bit about human nature. People rarely show their true selves to the world.”

“I know that. It took my family three years to know I was a heroin addict.”

“You just proved my point.”

Jensen chuckled. “Either way, I’m off to find someone to play with tonight.”

“Have fun, but play safe.”

The phrase caught his attention. It was the exact same thing that Nicola said.

“What did you say?”

“I said have fun.”

“But play safe. Where did you hear that?”

He shrugged. “I’ve said it for years.”

“Ah, okay. See you later, Ross.”

The club owner nodded but said nothing else. Jensen headed off in the direction of Latochia, a rather frisky sub he’d played with last time he’d been at Rough ‘n Ready. It was time to get himself back on track.

* * *

Nicola parked her rental car just as her phone started to ring. She smiled thinking it would be Serenity calling to complain at her tardiness, but it was Jeffery Smyth, a skater she knew from her competition days.

“Hey, you, what are you doing calling me so late?”

“Because I talked to your mother earlier today, and she told me that you are in Hawaii, which Ben and I are too.”

Most people would find it odd that he had a relationship with her mother, but skaters could be a very cloistered bunch. Long hours of training left them with little time for a social life outside of the rink. When his own parents turned away from him when he came out ten years earlier, her mother had welcomed him with open arms.

“Here? In Hawaii? On Oahu?”

“Yes. Yes, and no. We are on Maui, but when I heard you were going to be here, I was hoping you would be up for a lunch. Ben and I have some business early next week.”

Out of all of her friends from those days, Jeffery was the only one who had not blamed her for walking away or for Oliver’s death. Since leaving the business, he had become very successful at selling his brand, including a crazy reality show.

“This isn’t going to be on the show?”

“Darling, the show ended about two years ago. You really are out of touch. It’s just that it’s been longer since we’ve seen you and we want to see you.”

“Okay. I am free a lot next week because Jensen is actually going over to your island for a visit. Text me the particulars, and we can set something up.”

“Sounds great. Going out?”

“I am out.”

“Oh, and what kind of beautiful men are there? Describe them for me.”

She chuckled. “The only two I’m going to see are completely committed to my friend Serenity and each other. They wouldn’t have eyes for you.”

“You need a life, Nicola.”

“You need to butt out, Jeffy.”

He gasped. “You promised never to use that name.”

She laughed again. “I love you. Text me.”

“Love you, too.”

She was just stepping out of the car when Serenity came running out of the house and practically slammed into her. The attack hug took Nicola by surprise, causing her to stumble back into the car. Serenity Jones was small, but she was mighty.

She hugged her friend back as fiercely as Serenity hugged her. She was the only person in the world that Nicola completely trusted, and vice versa. Well, until Serenity had found Adam and Mick.

“Okay, that’s enough,” Nicola said with a laugh, as she untangled herself from Serenity.

Just a shade over five-foot-four, Serenity looked like the girl next door. Big brown eyes, blonde locks, along with that dimpled smile, she fooled everyone. Nicola knew there was a world class and quite devious mind that operated in her cute head. The darkness that she had seen in her all those years ago when they’d first met was no longer there. Now, only joy sparkled in her eyes. Her whole body practically glowed with it.

“God, you look happy.”

“That’s because I am,” she said.

She glanced back at the house and blinked. For once, the guys weren’t standing there.

“Where are the guys?”

“They’re out back on the lanai drinking beers. Rice is cooked, and salad is made. Mick said he would wait for our special guest.”

“Oh, how fancy. I’m a special guest.”

She looped Nicola’s arm with hers. “So, how was the trip?”

“Long and boring. Jensen was a pain, but that is nothing new.”

“One of these days, you are just going to drop that man, and he isn’t going to know how to function.”

She shrugged. “Truth is, he has barely spent any time in my presence. I think he might be getting ready to fire me.”

“Really? That’s odd.”

“You just can’t think of anyone wanting to fire me, but believe me, it happens.”

She smiled. “No, just something the guys said. But, before we go in there and talk to them, I have something to tell you.”

“Okay.”

“We’re pregnant.”

For a long second, Nicola’s mind blanked. Then, delight spilled through her. “Oh, I am so happy for you, girl.” She pulled her back into her arms for a hug. “You are going to be the best mom.”

“I am, and well, I have double the help, so it will be easy.”

Nicola shook her head as she pulled back. “I’ve never seen you so happy or confident. It is beautiful.”

“Oh, no,” Serenity said. Tears welled up in her eyes.

“What did I say?”

“Nothing, just you made me even happier.”

The screen door opened to reveal Adam. He was the epitome of what a blond surfer would look like, with a hint of danger. He was in a tank top and board shorts.

“She’s crying again,” he yelled back to Mick. He smiled at Nicola and kissed her on the cheek. “She cries all the time these days.”

“How long have you known?” Nicola asked.

“Three days,” Serenity said as she sniffled.

“Three days and you just told me?”

“I wanted to tell you in person!”

Nicola sighed as Mick appeared in the doorway. Dark to Adam’s light, he had black hair and chocolate eyes.

“Has she stopped?” he asked with a grin, and another kiss on the cheek for Nicola.

She looked at her friend. “Sort of.”

“She’s been driving us crazy about telling you. Every day she has given us an hour and a minute update of your arrival,” he said.

She chuckled. “Well, I’m happy for all of you. And I hear that I get shrimp truck shrimp tonight.”

“That you do,” Mick said as he slung his arm over her shoulders. “I made it extra spicy since I know what you like.”

He held the door open for her and waited as Serenity followed her in.

“I was just on the phone with Jeffrey.”

“Jeffrey Smyth?” Serenity asked.

“Yeah. He and Ben are here on the islands.”

“Wait, you know those two?” Adam asked.

She nodded. “Jeffrey and I came up at the same time in ice skating.”

“Are they filming here?” Serenity asked.

“No. Apparently their show went off the air two years ago.” Serenity shrugged. She’d spent her childhood in front of the TV, so she avoided it now. “They’re flying over from Maui to see me. Apparently, they were trying to hunt me down and got hold of Mom. Now I have no way to avoid lunch.”

“Oh, stop it. You love those two.”

She sighed. “Yeah, but I have a bad feeling about this. Like they are in search of something.”

“I take it Jensen is on his way to Rough ‘n Ready?” Mick asked.

“Yep. Maybe he can find himself a sub to work his irritation out on.”

“What do you mean by that?” Adam asked as he set a glass of her favorite red blend in front of her.

She looked at Serenity. “Seriously, now I might have to fight you for both of them.”

“You are avoiding the question,” Adam said with a smile.

“I mean that he has been cranky. We flew from London to New York. We stayed for two days, then on to LA for one. Now here. He hasn’t had time to let loose; going to the club and finding a willing sub usually works for him.”

He studied her for a long moment.

“What does that look mean?” she asked.

He shrugged. “I think his irritation might be closer to home.”

“Now what the bloody hell does that mean?”

He opened his mouth to respond, but Serenity stepped in. “Did you want to give me some ideas on a nursery?”

She dragged Nicola down the hallway to the opposite end of the house.

“What are you doing, Serenity?”

“Avoiding a discussion you don’t want to have.”

As they stepped into the half empty room, Nicola shook her head. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“And let’s leave it at that,” Serenity said. “So, the guys are going to add another room, and move this stuff there. Or, do you think we should have the baby room over by us?”

“You aren’t as smooth at deflecting as you think you are.”

She smiled. “Yes, but you love me, so you will let me get away with it.”

Nicola tried to look stern, but she broke down. “You suck.”

“No comment.”

Nicola chuckled. “I still want to know what he was talking about.”

“You won’t like it.”

“That’s what I do. I deal with the parts of life that people don’t like. And, you also know that if you don’t tell me, I will get it out of Adam. Those two are so easy to squeeze information from.”

Serenity rolled her eyes. “That’s why I wouldn’t let them talk to you. They want to tell everyone I’m pregnant.”

“They don’t care who the father is, genetically I mean?”

“Nope. They’re excited, that’s it. They say it will be both of theirs.”

“Well, they are good at sharing,” she said.

Serenity stared at her for a second then snorted. “Yeah. They are good at that.”

“So...”

“Okay, but don’t bother me about it later. Deal with Adam.”

“Scout’s honor.”

“You were never in the scouts any more than I was.”

“Stop stalling, Jones.”

“Okay. It wasn’t that big, but Adam thinks that Jensen has a thing for you.”

She frowned. “Really? I think he would rather I just didn’t exist lately. He’s been very difficult.”

“See. I think he’s crazy.”

“What made him think that?”

“When you were dealing with that tabloid reporter last year, he said Jensen sounded in awe.”

She rolled her eyes. “That all has to do with what I can do for him.”

“ Exactly .”

“He was weird about me coming over here tonight.”

“What?”

“He was questioning me about Adam and Mick, like we were going to have an orgy.”

Her eyes widened. “Really?”

“Yeah. I think it was because I made plans without him. I think he sees Adam and Mick as his friends or something. Like if they spend time with me, then they are cheating on him.”

“Weird.”

“Dinner’s ready,” Mick called out.

“You remember I told you I’m stealing him, right?”

“Just try, woman,” Serenity said, slipping her arm around Nicola’s. “And let’s eat. Mama needs some food.”

* * *

Several hours later, Nicola had just slipped into her rental when her phone buzzed. She was going to ignore it until she realized it was from Rough ‘n Ready.

“Hello.”

“Nicola, this is Micah.”

“Hey, Micah. Is there a problem?”

“No. Not really. I was wondering if you think Wulf knows you’re a member here.”

“No. There’s no way. Why?”

“He was acting weird tonight.”

“How?”

“Just that he seemed preoccupied, and he didn’t end up with a sub.”

“What?”

“He’s still here and has spent time with several women, but he hasn’t taken anyone to a private room.”

“Oh, that doesn’t mean anything. Jensen can be picky.”

“Okay. Just wanted to make sure you knew I didn’t tell him anything.”

“Micah, I know better than anyone you know how to keep a secret.”

“Well, from everyone but Dee.”

“Your wife knows you were my first Dom?”

“Yes.”

“Okay.”

He chuckled. “My wife is a different kind of woman. If anything, she wants to ask you questions.”

Nicola chuckled. “I always said it would take a very special woman to tame Micah Ross, so I’m not surprised. Call if there are any issues. I’m about to head back to the house right now.”

“Will do, night.”

“Night.”

She hung up and started the car, waving her hand out the window to signal to Serenity that she was leaving. She pulled out onto the street, then waited at the light at Kam Highway. It was late, past eleven, and she was exhausted. Thankfully, it was cool enough to have the windows down in the car. Fresh air would keep her awake.

As she drove down Kam Highway, she marveled at the beauty. Even in the dark, it was easy to see why Hawaiians loved their home. It was amazing during the day, but the air at night was so sweet. It almost made her want to live here all the time, but she was a woman made for snow.

She’d just passed the lighthouse when she saw a car speeding up behind her. She didn’t like this road that much to begin with, but she really hated when people drove too fast on it. Ignoring the person, she continued to drive. Then, they flashed their brights. It figured. She was about to hit the most twisty/turny part of the road. The driver slowed down, but as her heartbeat evened out, he sped up again, getting closer to her. Tightening her hands on the steering wheel, she paid no attention to the way her stomach twisted into a knot.

They continued on like that, the bastard slowing down then speeding up closer to her. About the time she was ready to scream, he turned off onto the road that headed to Koko Head State Park.

She was rattled, but she made it back to the house in one piece. When she walked inside, her legs were shaking. After kicking off her sandals, she forced herself to walk up the stairs and to her bedroom. Liquor had never been Jensen’s thing, but she also didn’t believe in tempting the addict. She kept a bottle of whiskey in her room.

She found it, grabbed one of the glasses, and poured two fingers of the liquid. She downed it in one long swallow. She poured herself another glass, but this time she sipped. With uneasy legs, she walked out onto her balcony. She was kind of a ninny. The fact that some asshole decided to play games shouldn’t scare her so much. Still, it reminded her of her skating days and the obsessive fans she and Oliver had dealt with. They obsessed over their relationship, the ups and downs. Add in the fact that they were the ranked number one skating couple in the world, it made for a lot of crazed fans.

Sitting in one of the two chairs on the lanai, she closed her eyes. That was a lifetime ago with a girl who still believed in fairytales and happily ever after. When she opened her eyes, she was steadier. That girl might be gone, but she was pretty damned satisfied with the woman she had become.