Hold Me (Love The Way Duet 2)

“Somebody got hungry,” I say, and throw down my cards.

I go back into the kitchen to order the pizza and end up wandering down the hall while I’m on hold. All the way to Ella’s playroom.

There are windows high up on one wall, thin ones to let in a bit of light, but otherwise it’s equipped with necessary and custom furniture for play, along with a large antique dresser that I use to store toys in.

I have … a collection. Some of the more severe instruments will stay in the dungeon in the basement. Two locations for two different purposes. I’m hard again imagining Ella spread across the burgundy padded spanking bench.

I chose that design just for her. It looks expensive as hell and having her perched there, with her ass reddened as she pants, is going to be picture fucking perfect.

The St. Andrew’s Cross is in the dungeon, although I debated having it in this room. I think it’ll serve us better for punishment.

I took my time, making sure it would be perfect so when she enters this room all she’ll have to do is enjoy it.

Still on hold, I meander to the dresser and pull open the top drawer. Counting each accessory in the row of vibrators and dildos. All sizes. All intensities. I could spend an entire day using these on her. In fact, when she comes here, I will spend an entire day using them on her. It’ll take a few days to truly indulge.

Checking on my phone, she’s fast asleep. I hope it’ll be a deep, easy sleep for her. offering her nothing but comfort.

The other drawers are filled with riding crops, clamps and restraints. I have a separate rack for the longer implements.

Again it strikes me how torn I am with my little bird. She’s delicate in a way that holds me back. The first day we agreed, I would have shown her this collection. I would have already toyed with her.

There’s so much about her, our situation, about us in general that conflicts me.

Even the idea of bringing her here isn’t as easy as it would be with anyone else.

It would have to go through Cade. Until the courts dissolve her ruling, everything would require his approval.

If my brother agrees, then there’s a process we’ll have to follow. The Firm will have to modify my house to fit the judge’s orders, which I’ve taken into consideration, but cameras would be necessary.

However, the toys could fall into a different category regarding her physical health and access to any items that could be harmful. They would need to be involved to make sure no stone is unturned for every item in the establishment she resides in. It’s the same thing we did for Ella’s property, only I can’t do it myself, because it will have to be in compliance to the last letter. There would be no room for error if we made a change of this magnitude.

Shutting the drawer, I’m not clear on how this particular room would fare in that investigation.

We’d also have to request a full psych evaluation for Ella. Cade will need documentation proving that it is her choice, and that she made it of her own free will. He’ll also have to attest that he thinks it would be in her best interest, which might be a hard sell.

It’s one thing for me to be with her in her home, which has already been vetted and cleared and is a familiar location for providing care. It will be another thing entirely to move The Firm’s base of operations here. Even if it is only for a night here and there.

It’s a massive inconvenience, in other words.

“Nico’s Pizza,” a voice says on the other end of the line. “You there? The connection doesn’t seem great.”

“I’m here.” Clearing my throat, I remind myself that my friends are here, that tonight is a night where I don’t have to think of all these things. I can’t help myself, though. All I can think about, all night, is Ella and how best to handle her. How best to proceed with the concept of “us.”

Ella

“So would you say you’re happy with how things have been going?” Kam asks as we stop in front of the large paned windows so I can peek into the boutique shop.

The tissue paper peeking out from the thick, pearly black shopping bag tickles my wrist as I sway to face him.

He nods toward the bag. “Not the shopping. I already know you’re happy about the shoes for this weekend's social.”

Damon, Kam and, more appropriately, Kelly and Trish said I need to get back on the scene. So long as it goes well, everything else should fall into place. Kam said this weekend is the first piece. If my life is back to what it was, if everyone sees me and there’s no sign or evidence that I’m unwell, the judge should be moved to dissolve the initial ruling.