Chapter 11

CHAPTER 11

Gael Grimes

So it was actually settled? It was going to happen? This was no longer a discussion about limits for a future event that might take place; we had plans now. A date. For an actual orgy.

Oh my gosh.

And I was going to attend with my two Owners.

It was laughable!

Me? At an orgy? With two partners?

Nuts. Nutty-nut, nut, nuts.

“What’re you snickering about back there, baby?” Daddy chuckled and eyed me in the rearview.

“All of this,” I laughed. “That this is actually happening.”

The orgy was just the icing on the cake. The past week I’d spent with Santiago and Dean was…everything. Everything. Daddy and I had totally cracked Dean—and goodness, they had cracked me too. Not that I’d been wary of entering anything, but it’d been tough to believe initially. I just had to keep reminding myself that I deserved to be happy.

I’d missed being happy.

Now I couldn’t contain it.

I bobbed my head to the beat of the song playing on the radio and looked out the window. Traffic was getting worse the closer we got to the city madness.

I checked my phone to see what time it was, and I nodded to myself. We were on time. Macklin and Archie’s class started in fifteen minutes. We’d be on the third floor, and while we were up there, Daddy and Dean were gonna have an early dinner date downstairs. And tomorrow, we were hopefully having leftovers for dinner! Macklin had promised I’d have a meal to bring home, and I loved the idea of preparing something delicious for my Owners. ’Cause I had those now! Two of them. One, two. Who were so stinking amazing, I couldn’t describe it accurately.

A message from Dean popped up, reminding me to change his name in my phone. He was way more than Professor Dean.

Tell Daddy I just parked. I assume he’s driving. Kisses.

“Master’s at the restaurant, Daddy,” I announced.

“I bet he stole the last good parking spot,” he said.

I snickered and replied to Dean.

We’ll be there in ten, Sir! Also, Daddy thinks you stole the last good parking spot. A thousand kisses.

I liked this song. It was a happy one. Daddy listened to so many genres, from Latin pop to metal, from opera to country—like this one. It was a country music channel.

Another text popped up, and I saw it was Kit.

Have fun at the class!

I smiled and typed back.

Thanks! I still think you should’ve come!

I’d asked him about it, despite that the class was geared toward slaves and subs into domestic servitude—I mean, everyone was welcome—but Kit had declined. He and Colt were gonna spend the night building model craft.

Which reminded me… “Daddy, do you think it’s possible I could keep my 3-D printer at your house? Maybe in the garage?” He’d already hinted at it when I’d said I kept my printer at my grandmother’s house in Virginia Beach. I just didn’t have room for it at my place.

I’d given a couple mini figurines of fighter jets to Kit, and he’d painted them like some professional. They looked so cool.

“Absofuckinglutely,” Daddy replied, switching lanes before our exit. “Just say the word, and we’ll drive down to Virginia Beach.”

I beamed. “And I can introduce you to my grandma?”

He smiled back at me. “If you’re ready for that, nothing would make me happier.”

Awesome! We’d have to find a day Dean wasn’t too busy so he could come with us.

I’d already told my dad because I told him everything, and he’d been so surprised—but happy for me. Okay, I’d gossiped a little too. I hadn’t been able to help it. It had been yesterday, when I’d gone back to work for the first time in days. Dad had logged in as usual, and he’d noted my absence.

That was how my dad and I functioned. We usually had a phone date once every other week, where we could talk for hours about everything between heaven and earth, so it wasn’t like we talked every day. A few messages through work’s intranet chat, sure; otherwise, we waited. In other words, I’d had a lot to tell him yesterday on my lunch break, and he’d been almost stunned to silence.

He’d gotten used to updates about General and whatever class I was taking at the moment. Not that Caleb was harassing me again, and oh, I’d shacked up with two wonderful men from my kink community.

Actually, he was kind of used to hearing about Caleb, and he was reacting to that news much like I was reacting to Caleb’s sudden disappearance—or return to the West Coast. I didn’t know why Santiago and Dean were so suspicious. This was totally what Caleb did. All would be well now until he reached out again in a couple months.

The only difference now was that my fears had faded. I wasn’t scared of him anymore. Meeting Santiago and Dean had given me strength. More than that, I’d finally moved on. Caleb didn’t have a hold on me like he used to.

* * *

“You’re late, you two.” Dean narrowed his eyes at us as I climbed out of Daddy’s truck.

“We’re right on time,” Daddy argued.

“Early is on time, and all that,” I quoted, half joking.

“Exactly.” Master gestured at me.

I ran up to him, and he dipped down and kissed me soundly. It was a little crazy, but I’d missed him today. He’d started early, which had cut our morning routine short, and I wasn’t a fan.

“How was work, Master?”

He grinned faintly. “Once I stopped procrastinating and reading your latest arguments in the history group online, I actually got things done.”

I chuckled. That damn AlphaDom69 was at it again, but Master Greer and I shut him up.

“Hey, guys.”

I turned around and spotted Shay climbing out of Reese’s car, and I waved. “Hi, Shay.”

“Is Reese letting you drive his Impala?” Dean seemed surprised.

Shay smirked and pocketed the car keys. “Yup, but he’s plenty nervous.”

Daddy let out a low whistle. “That’s true love. Those two will never let you go.”

I smiled. I remembered when I’d joined Mclean last September—the triad Shay shared with River and Reese had been very new, but they’d appeared 100% solid from the start.

“That’s what I’m hoping for.” Shay’s smirk softened, and he shifted his gaze to me. “I’ll see you up there.”

“Yeah, I’m right behind you.” While I gave these dumb, awkward waves, he’d nailed the badass two-finger wave. He was so cool.

Shay was one of those bad-boy-looking types, all while being super nice and genuine. Not unlike Santiago, who always looked like he’d just rolled out of bed and thrown on his jeans and leather jacket.

I turned back to Daddy and Master. “So you’ll wait for me, right?”

“Of course we will. You can head on up—actually…” Dean faced Santiago. “Did you tell him about Macklin?”

“Fuck—no, I forgot.” Daddy rubbed his forehead and chuckled. “I knew there was something.”

“What?” I asked, curious.

Master took over. “We spoke to Walker and Macklin earlier, and we agreed to give Macklin the green light to warm you up for Thursday’s event—if you’re comfortable with that. Safewords apply, naturally.”

Um. Warm me up? How?

Daddy touched my cheek and smirked a little. “We’ve okayed him to flirt with you, and we’re drawing the line at kissing. Nothing further than that today.”

Holy crap, did Macklin want that?

“It’s always good to see if there’s chemistry beforehand,” Master reasoned.

Yeah, okay, that made sense, but how was I gonna focus on spaghetti if my original Mclean crush flirted with me? Gosh.

“Emphasis on see for us, querido.” Daddy leaned down and kissed the corner of my mouth. “Dean and I will be watching.”

Whoa.

Master smiled faintly. “My date with Santiago has turned into a peep show that includes Walker. He’s on his way.”

“We’ll be dining in Macklin’s office,” Daddy explained. “Where we have access to live footage. Walker installed a camera in the section where Macklin and Archie are hosting the class.”

Sweet baby Jesus, February no longer felt cold. I swallowed nervously, and a million butterflies started buzzing around my tummy. Then I glanced up at Dean, and I took a deep breath. As exciting as this was—and boy, was it!—my priority today was to learn to make a pasta dish that would satisfy my Owners. I wanted to please them, first and foremost.

“Do you have any thoughts on this?” Dean asked.

Uh. A million thoughts.

I let out a laugh and shook my head. “My head is stuffed! I’m excited and nervous and determined and flummoxed, all at once.”

“That’s a good mix,” he chuckled and pulled me close. “I suggest we get out of the cold, then.” He kissed the top of my head, and I grinned up at him. “You enjoy your class, little peach. Daddy and I certainly will.”

“Just remember you can safeword anytime,” Daddy murmured. “If you tell Macklin yellow, he’ll bring you downstairs to us—or he’ll take you aside and make sure you’re all right.”

I nodded, though I couldn’t foresee a reason I’d need to safeword. When push came to shove, this was still a pasta-making class, and several others would be there.

Also, my Daddies knew I was very keen on making new friends, so I didn’t think they would set me up for something major today just like that. I had nothing to worry about. And all the things to look forward to!

Not wanting to be late, I hopped up and gave Dean and Santiago a couple quick kisses, and then I said I was gonna go upstairs. I didn’t know if they were heading in right away or waiting for Master Walker—Master McKenna? I’d have to find out how he preferred to be addressed. As instructed, once I reached the desk, I told the host I was here for Mr. McKenna’s class on the third floor, and he crossed off my name before I ran up.

Macklin’s restaurant was definitely popular. So it was kind of surprising that he didn’t utilize the space on the top floor. Other than the rooftop terrace always reserved for private parties—and munches—there was a closed-off dining area, which I guessed had been attic space back when people had lived here.

Once I reached the third floor, I had to catch my breath a little, but as soon as I spotted Cam and Tate by the service elevator, a bundle of nerves and joy pushed me forward. Like, I was so motivated to finally join the community for real that breathing could wait.

“Hi, Cam and Tate.” I hurried over to them and instantly worried I’d interrupted an important conversation. “Crap, sorry, maybe I interrupt—”

“No, no, it’s fine. We were just talking about Master Lucian,” Tate replied with a reassuring smile.

Cam’s own smile was wry. “His blood pressure is high, and he’s trying to hide it. So there’s a minor war going on at home. KC and me against Master and Noa.”

“Oh,” I mouthed. “What’s the war about?”

“Master and Noa are downplaying everything, and KC and I are frustrated because they’re living in denial,” Cam answered. “KC and I wanna make changes to his diet—meanwhile, they think it’s hilarious when Noa sneaks Master takeout at work.” He rolled his eyes. “I didn’t mind it before, but now with the doctor’s exams…”

“But he’s been under a lot of pressure too, hasn’t he?” Tate wondered. “I’ve read that stress is an insanely big factor. It’s not just food.”

I nodded, agreeing with Tate. More often than not, it was a combination of things.

“If he cuts down on a little bit of everything that might cause high blood pressure, maybe he can still enjoy takeout from time to time,” I suggested.

Cam pinched his bottom lip, thinking, and—

“Hey! Tate and the brats! Let’s go. We’re starting now.”

I spun around, spotting Macklin heading toward the closed-off section behind the stairs.

I turned back to Cam real quick and gave his arm a brief squeeze. “Maybe we can think of something after the class.”

“Count me in,” Tate said. “Lee’s working late anyway, so I suggest wine and snacks at the bar.”

Oh—I hadn’t thought… I mean, I’d sort of thought we could make plans to meet up or… Oh, whatever—I liked Tate’s idea better anyway! I was sure I could convince Dean and Santiago to let me stay a while longer.

The three of us went after Macklin, with Cam muttering that he wasn’t a damn brat, and Tate nudged me and smirked slyly as he said, “I want all the deets on your new triad too, hon. I hear you bagged both Santiago and Master Dean.”

Gosh—bagged? I flushed, highly unsure I’d use that word.

Tate chuckled. “It’s always the quiet ones…”

I had no response to that, and I wasn’t sure it mattered. Tate pulled aside a curtain, and then we entered an open space I’d never seen before. Oh, I liked it! Macklin had preserved the old wooden floor, but the walls had new wallpaper and painted crown molding. Dark, dark, dark gray wallpaper with some stylish, old-fashioned design just a shade or two lighter. Maybe he had plans to open this up for more dining. But right now, it was clear he was planning for more classes.

Eight stations were prepared, with a longer counter up front where I presumed Macklin and Archie would demonstrate from. And I was glad I’d snuck a peek at the attendance list online—otherwise, I would’ve been more nervous. Not to mention surprised to see so many people here. Fourteen subs had signed up, and other than Macklin, Archie, Cam, Tate, and Shay, I recognized Gretchen, Lane—and he was standing with a girl I’d seen him interact with online, but I didn’t know her. Santiago did, however.

Sandra, Darnell, and Mateo were here as well. More people I’d watched online like the lurker I’d been. A few others from the bondage crowd as well.

“Welcome to our first cooking class, everyone,” Macklin said, rounding the station he’d share with Archie. “You’re here because you love pasta—and because you’re good subbies who wanna serve your Owners first-class meals. Archie and I will help you with that.” He folded up the sleeves of his black button-down. “Before we start, you can come up here and wash your hands. It’ll be a while before we get sinks installed. You can also pair up.”

I glanced at Cam and was super relieved to find him turning to me too. At the same time, Tate and Shay paired up, and Lane was with that girl, NoraOfTheNorth or whatever she called herself online.

“Wanna team up?” Cam asked.

“Yeah, definitely.” I nodded.

“Gael!” I heard Macklin call over the chatter.

I stood on my toes, ’cause people were flooding the front where the only two sinks were. I had to raise my hand too for Macklin to locate me.

He offered a quick smile and pointed at a station. “I want you up front, pet.”

Oof, here we go. “Yes, Sir!”

“Pet?” Cam lifted his brows, his curiosity clear as day.

I grinned sheepishly and followed him toward the front. “Dean and Santiago want to see if Macklin and I have good chemistry before the group-play thing on Thursday.”

He knew about it, considering KC and Noa had signed up to attend. But Cam himself—and Master Lucian—weren’t interested in scening with others outside their poly family.

“I see. Noa told me a lot of people are attending.” Cam grinned. “You looking forward to it?”

“Yeah—but I’m trying not to think about it too much yet,” I admitted. “I’m gonna be crazy nervous right before.”

Noa wasn’t wrong either. Everyone who’d received an invitation had signed up, plus a few others. Although, the extras were only going to watch. River, Reese, and Shay, for instance…? I’d been surprised to see them on the list until I’d spotted the “watch only” symbol next to their names. Well, next to River and Reese. Shay’s name had come with an asterisk but no explanation about what it meant.

Also, Tate’s Master was going to watch. Master Kingsley. Not Tate. Just Master Kingsley, along with Franklin’s Owner, Jack. But Franklin was going to play.

“Once you’re buried in bodies, you’ll stop thinking altogether,” Cam replied.

Fingers crossed. I just wanted to feel.

After a few minutes, everyone had washed their hands and put on aprons that Archie handed out. He looked tired, like he hadn’t slept last night. Maybe that was to be expected? Between Master Greer, Mister Sloan, Corey, and Archie, they had five children, so yeah.

“All right, please pipe down, everyone!” Macklin called. “One last thing before we begin! My Master has installed a camera—” He gestured at a spot behind him, and I saw the camera in the corner. “It’s not recording anything, but he, Master Dean, and Santiago are watching downstairs. Just so you know.”

Tate cocked a brow. He and Shay had the station next to Cam’s and mine. “And why are they watching?”

“Call it homework for our group-play event on Thursday,” Macklin responded. “Don’t worry, they’re not collecting dirt to pass on to your Owners. But—” He paused briefly and eyed Tate. “Perhaps they can persuade Master Kingsley to get you to join us…?”

I raked my teeth over my bottom lip.

Tate laughed and shook his head. “Nope. I opted out. I have tests to grade—and benefits to reap when Master comes home with a head full of inspiration. Besides, they’re just there to humiliate Franklin.”

Ooh, nice strategy. I wanted to try something similar with my Daddies. Like, at another event, we could just watch? And then go home and take out our frustrations on each other.

So many possibilities!

“That’ll be fun to watch.” Macklin smirked lazily, then moved on. “Okay, subbies! Everyone knows me already, but Archie’s still a newbie with us. What he’s not new at is pasta.” He handed the proverbial microphone over to Archie, who rose from a stool and smiled tiredly.

“Hello, everyone. I’m Archie, Master Greer’s slave. Before I talked him into claiming me as his property—”

“As if he took long to wear down, babe,” Tate laughed.

Archie smirked, half proud, half smug. “Yes, well. My cooking sure helped. And—long story short. I spent my twenties in and out of university, and I was lucky enough to take a quick class in pasta making in Naples. Which works out great because Macklin’s primarily schooled in northern Italian cooking, where the pasta has an extra ingredient. Eggs.”

Macklin nodded and folded his arms over his chest. “Today, we’re going to make two kinds. Tagliatelle from northern Italy, and cavatelli from the south.” He began bringing out ingredients from the shelf below their worksurface. “Underneath your counters, you’ll find everything you need. Flour, semolina, durum flour, eggs, and salt. You can bring it all up.”

Alrighty, I got cracking right away. There was one of those pasta makers too—like, the ones that rolled out spaghetti and whatnot. Meanwhile, Cam raised his hand.

“Yeah, hon?” Macklin replied.

“Is there a way to skip the salt?” Cam wondered. “I’m aiming for low sodium with Master.”

Hm, he raised a good point. Could Master eat pasta all he wanted? I mean, there was no white sugar in there, but it was a white carb. So…maybe in moderation…?

“That’s not a problem,” Archie assured. He sounded a bit British. “The salt goes in the water, not the dough, and you can absolutely skip it.”

“Okay, great. Thank you.” Cam ducked down and grabbed the bowl of eggs.

“As you can see,” Macklin went on, “there are no mixers or KitchenAids here. We’ll be doing everything by hand—except for the tagliatelle. I’m not a Sadist.”

“But you are a liar,” Lane muttered behind me.

I slapped a hand over my mouth and giggled.

“What was that, baby?” Macklin cupped his ear, having heard Lane.

“Nothing, chef!” Lane insisted. “I think it was Nora who said something, actually.”

“Oh, shut the fuck up—I did not.” Nora smacked Lane’s arm. “Sköt dig, jag är här för att komma närmre du-vet-vem.”

Okaaay, that was a language I didn’t recognize.

Lane chuckled. “Åh, slap af.”

What the crap. I glanced back at them. “Where are you from?”

Before any of them could answer, Macklin cleared his throat loudly, and the sound was so close that I sort of went rigid before I spun forward again. Gulp. He was right in front of me, on the other side of the counter.

Crap, crap, crap!

Switch or not, the look in his eyes was all Dom. He had warm features, from his dark-ish hair to his intense hazel-brown eyes, but that stare was cutting through me. And despite being in his early thirties—I didn’t recall exactly—he could come off as someone much older.

“One’s a Swede, and the other’s my half-Danish boyfriend,” he stated. “And maybe that’s more interesting than learning how to make pasta for your Owners?”

Heat bled onto my cheeks, and the mortification threatened to swallow me whole. I’d been disrespectful! I fucking sucked!

“N-no, Sir,” I stammered. “I’m sorry.” I’m so sorry. Please tell me I didn’t screw this up—

“Good.” The severity in his gaze softened, and he leaned forward and stunned me by kissing the corner of my mouth. “Eyes on me now, pet.” He was gone a beat later, returning to his counter.

“Fuck me,” I mouthed. I felt all shaky, dammit.

Someone in the back whistled, resulting in chuckles from a few others.

Yeah, I was going to behave now.

“Dude,” Cam whispered.

“I know.” I swallowed and wiped my suddenly clammy hands off on my pants.

* * *

I swore it took the better half of an hour for my blush to fade, and by then, we all each had two balls of dough resting inside cling film on the counters. My head was also full of information that I was busy jotting down, from something called double zero flour to semolina, the importance of fresh eggs, preferably free-range and large, and the secret to a perfect pasta dough was “an extra yolk.”

A server from downstairs came up with soft drinks and snacks, and when Cam offered to grab me something, I thanked him and nodded. Sprite Zero was hardly the go-to soda when refreshments were brought without preorders, so whatever worked. In the meantime, I was a good boy and wrote down everything I could remember.

I was going to buy drying racks and a pasta machine tomorrow.

Daddy loved pasta, and I was sure Master did too.

For next class—if there was one—I was going to bring a notebook. I had to settle for my phone for now.

Let the dough rest for a minimum of 30 minutes.

All of a sudden, a shadow fell over me, and I stood up straighter, only to back into something solid.

Macklin!

“Can I see your notes?” His low voice hit my ear, causing me to shiver, and then I felt a hand on my hip.

Holy crapamoly of shudders.

I swallowed dryly and nodded, holding up the phone to him.

He was right there. Leaning over my shoulder. If I tilted my head, I’d freaking kiss his cheek, and not even I was that awkward.

He hummed as he read from my screen.

“I have a couple notes too,” he murmured. Then he retrieved his own phone. “They’re from Dean.” His mouth twitched with mirth, though there was something else too. I inched away enough to get a glimpse of his eyes, and they carried traces of concern. “I daresay my brother-in-law is beyond fucking attached.”

What?

I dropped my gaze to his screen and saw the message.

Take that tone with my boy again, and we’re going to have a problem, Macklin. This isn’t Franklin or Lane. We’re not that stern with him yet, if we ever will be. Make sure you didn’t hurt him.

Gosh—the warmth that washed over me nearly melted me into a puddle. My eyes even smarted, and I didn’t like that. It seemed like too much. But…fuck, I… He meant so much to me. More than I’d expected this early, to be honest. Because I’d told myself to be careful around Dean, since he hadn’t—initially—been so keen on going all in like Santiago. Now, though, everything had changed, and it would kill me if I lost either of them.

“I’m sorry, Gael—”

“No!” I cleared my throat and blinked back my emotions, and I shook my head. I didn’t want him to get the wrong idea. “It’s not you—you didn’t hurt m-me, I swear. It was just his text. He’s…um, I like him so much.”

He faced me fully, not convinced yet. “Are you sure I didn’t come off too strong?”

I exhaled a laugh and sniffled, feeling ridiculous. “I mean, my heart jumped up in my throat, but yeah, I’m sure.”

“Gael!” someone called. Lane. He was over by the refreshments table. “Don’t let him scare you, okay? Say the word and I’ll deal with him. I have permission from Master McKenna.”

Oh my goodness, we had to tone things down immediately. I didn’t enjoy being the center of attention to this degree! Also, everyone was so nice, and it made me feel like crap for having pushed them away before.

“Can you let me fucking deal with this?” Macklin responded to him, half irritated, but he had laughter in his eyes too. “Goddamn brats.”

I couldn’t help it—a snicker burst out. I was a brat too, according to Daddy!

Macklin narrowed his eyes playfully at me, and he leaned closer. “Can’t live with them, can’t live without them.”

Crap, he was making me blush again. It sucked!

“I apologize either way,” he murmured. “Like Dean pointed out, I’m used to subs and degradation sluts. But you…are fucking adorable.” He closed the distance between us and pressed a kiss to my cheek. “Can I tell you one thing?”

I nodded dumbly. His face was right there, and I couldn’t hide my reaction to him. He was so damn handsome. And he thought I was adorable? I could live with that.

He smiled a little. “It’s totally fine to fall for Dean. He’s not going anywhere. I’ve never seen him like this.”

It’s totally fine to fall for Dean. As if I had a choice at this point. It’d already started.

It made me grin, and somehow I found my courage. “You should take some credit, Sir. You did push us together after all.”

“I did, didn’t I?” His own grin was pure sex, and I…I wanted. I wanted, and I wanted to show my Daddies, who were undoubtedly watching.

I bit my lip. It was my turn. I needed to make the next move, and I wanted to be brave for this stuff. He wasn’t going to shoot me down, right? I mean, he’d been so straightforward and honest with me.

“Pet?”

Crap, I was staring at his mouth. “Yes, Sir?”

“Kiss me.”

Yes, Sir!

Heat flooded my face, but I pressed forward. I took that final step, and I reached up and kissed him carefully.

He didn’t have a trimmed beard like Daddy and Master, just some stubble—and the softest lips. Goodness. Unsure of where to put my hands, I tentatively placed them on his upper abdomen, and I felt his muscles tense up. Then he cupped my cheek and deepened the kiss, and right then and there, with people around us, I tasted his tongue against mine, however briefly.

It was totally Shay who wolf-whistled—because I heard him go, “Nice foreplay for Thursday!”

And then Tate followed with a chuckled, “Let them be, brat.”

Macklin grinned into the kiss, and it made me grin too.

Oof, I got a little dizzy when I broke away and looked up at him.

“I think it’s safe to say we have chemistry,” he whispered.

I nodded.

Yeah. Um, yeah.

“I’m gonna go help Archie take out the cooktops for the pasta sauce.” He held my chin and brushed his thumb over my bottom lip. “Preferably before he falls asleep in the corner.”

I flicked a glance over there, and sure enough, Archie was struggling to stay awake. He was literally standing up, leaning against the wall, and his eyelids seemed super heavy. And it made me frown, ’cause that wasn’t right.

“Is he okay, Sir?” I had to ask.

Macklin looked over there too, and he sighed. “I have a feeling I know what’s going on, but—come on. Let’s go ask him.”

Oh, me too? Yeah, okay.

He even grabbed my hand, and it was almost too much. Because a bajillion fucking hells, was this my life now? Owners, future play partners, friends…? Belonging to a community? Was this what that was like?

Not for the first time, I took Kit’s reminder to heart. Never ask a Dom to pinch you because it felt like you were living in a dream.

Archie tried to look alive as we approached, and he scrubbed a hand over his face. “Is it time to get the burners?”

“Not yet.” Macklin gave my hand a squeeze before he released me, and he folded his arms over his chest. “Are you gonna tell me what’s up with you, hon?”

Archie waved it off while stifling a yawn. “I’m just a bit tired.”

“A bit tired?” Macklin retorted. “You passed tired and cruised right into exhausted before you got here.”

That made Archie chuckle, and this time he couldn’t withhold his yawn. “Fine. It’s…” He let out a sigh. “It’s Master. He’s been pushing me more lately, and I’m only trying to adjust.”

I scrunched my nose. That didn’t sound like Master Greer—from what I’d observed online, or at the house in Mclean. He always seemed so attentive to Archie’s and Corey’s needs. And Sloan’s, for that matter.

“Pushing in what way?” Macklin asked.

“Preparations for spring, mostly.” No matter how tired he was, Archie clearly loved whatever spring meant for him too. His blue eyes lit up a bit. “We’re almost done with the planting beds, and two hens are hatching soon—”

“Yeah, yeah, that’s—that’s great,” Macklin said. “But is this a temporary thing, or is he just piling more chores on you?”

Archie knitted his brows together. “What do you mean? Of course I’m taking on more chores permanently. I didn’t start out doing everything—we’re easing into things.”

I cocked my head, and I couldn’t help but ask, “Have you told him you’re tired?”

“That.” Macklin pointed at me. “Because I’ve known Greer almost ten years, and he wouldn’t exhaust you for no reason. He would, however, push you to be more honest if he feels you’re not communicating properly. Are you taking on those extra chores with a smile on your face?”

Judging by the look on Archie’s face, something was dawning on him. Doubt, realization, more doubt, then resignation flitted by in his expression, until he palmed his face and groaned.

Macklin chuckled. “He knows you’re fucking spent, Arch. But he’s gonna keep adding shit to your plate till you do what you’re supposed to—which is tell him.”

Yup, always tell the Owners. I’d learned that much! It was possible I told Daddy and Master too much, ’cause I often rambled in the car about everything and nothing, though they seemed to like it.

Archie blew out a breath. “I should go call him.” He checked his watch.

“Did you drive here?” Macklin wondered.

Archie shook his head. “I came in with Master this morning—with Kyla. He told me to—” He snorted and rolled his eyes. “Now I can see it. Some of the tasks he’s given me are so unlike him. He told me to clean Corey’s place, which I only do when the kids have been there. Otherwise, Corey and Sloan make sure it’s presentable.”

And I thought Daddy’s house was far away. No wonder Greer and his family were keeping Corey’s condo in town, because Winchester, where their farm was…? It was a solid ninety-minute drive.

“Or maybe I should wait.” Archie hesitated. “Master’s had a long day. I bet he’s napping with Kyla at Corey’s. I don’t want to wake him—”

“That’s exactly what you’re gonna do,” Macklin told him. “Trust me, it’s one of the toughest things to learn as a slave, but there are times when you gotta put yourself before him, and that time is now. And I bet my restaurant he’ll agree with me.”

“I’ll bet Macklin’s restaurant also,” I interjected. I was very confident in this matter because I’d read so many entries online from our founding members, and it was all about how the Owner’s desires went before the sub’s, but the sub’s needs came before the Owner’s. So, yeah.

“Oh, you do, huh?” Macklin chuckled and threw an arm around my shoulders. I smiled impishly and nodded, to which he turned back to Archie. “There you have it. You go call Greer—ask him to come pick you up earlier—”

“Whoa, what?” Archie protested. “I’m not leaving you—”

“Why not?” Macklin shrugged. “I have a new assistant right here.”

Uh-oh! That was me! I just had to talk to Cam first and make sure he was okay with it.