Claiming Cleo (Masters Club 2)

“Just relax,” Marcus repeated. “And…breathe.”

The second needle was a flash of piercing fire even worse than the first, perhaps because she knew what to expect. She gasped as she worked through the pain.

Master Jack kept her hand in his, his eyes on hers, and the pain faded.

“That’s it. Want to see?” Marcus asked.

Endorphins pinged through Cleo’s bloodstream, the high not dissimilar to the conclusion of an intense BDSM scene. She gazed into the mirror the piercing artist held up for her. Her mouth dropped open as she took in the lovely jeweled hoops glittering at her engorged nipples.

“Oh,” she breathed, awestruck. “Beautiful.”

“Yes,” Master Jack said fervently. He raised her hand to his lips and kissed her fingertips. “You are.”

Chapter 17

Jack and Cleo walked slowly back to the Masters Club, hand in hand. He had tucked the printed instructions for the piercing aftercare into his back pocket. He would personally attend to her, making sure to allow her nipples time to fully heal before engaging in any breast play.

He realized the implications of his intention. It could take several months for pierced nipples to heal completely. If things worked out as he hoped, he would be there for her all along the way.

Cleo was quiet as they walked, seemingly lost in contemplative thought.

“What are you thinking?” Jack asked as they turned into the small alley behind the brownstone that led to the back entrance of the club.

She looked at him, a big smile dimpling her cheeks. “I did it!” she crowed triumphantly. “I faced down my hard limit fear and I conquered it.” She gave a little skip as they walked, childlike and delightful in her joy.

“You did,” Jack agreed, smiling back. “How do the piercings feel right now? Are they okay?”

Cleo placed her hands lightly over her breasts through the fabric of the sundress, wincing as she did. “They’re pretty sore, but I don’t care. I’ve always envied other subs their piercings, and now I have them too. Plus the jewelry you picked is so beautiful. Thank you, Master Jack.”

“My pleasure,” he replied sincerely. Then he cocked a brow. “Perhaps there’s another piercing in your future, a little lower down.” He cupped his hand playfully over her crotch, adding, “That one, I’ll do myself.”

Cleo’s eyes widened, but she said nothing in response. Jack was okay with that. He had no plan to rush her.

When they returned to the Masters Club, they made their way up to Cleo’s room on the fourth floor. She promptly removed her sundress and stood before the full-length mirror on the back of her door.

Cupping her breasts lightly, she turned this way and that, admiring the pretty hoops that now hung from her cherry-red nipples. “They’re so beautiful, Sir,” she breathed. “I love them.”

Before she could quite complete the sentence, her mouth opened into a wide yawn. “Oh, gosh, excuse me,” she exclaimed. “I’m suddenly exhausted. I feel like I could sleep for a week.”

“It’s been a very busy day so far,” Jack noted. “That scene with Rowan and Eric, our walk and lunch in the park, the piercing. Why don’t you take a little nap? I have a few things I need to attend to here at the club.”

Cleo flopped back onto her bed. “I never nap during the day,” she pronounced with finality. “Way too much to do.” Then she yawned again, her whole face scrunching with the effort.

Jack smiled down at her. “Rest, Cleo. I’ll be back in a while.”

Cleo shook her head. “I won’t be able to fall asleep.” Her eyes fluttered closed. “I’ll just rest my eyes a little.”

Jack stood watching her for several seconds. She didn’t move a muscle. After maybe half a minute, her lips softly parted, her breathing slowing until it was deep and even. She looked so vulnerable and sweet, it was all Jack could do to keep from tearing off his own clothing and climbing into the small bed beside her.

But he had other things on his mind at the moment, and now was the perfect opportunity to address them. He took the stairs down to the second floor. While the main dungeon was the featured attraction on that level, it also contained several smaller rooms along a wide hallway.

Jack poked his head into the study where Grayson and Dominique attended to club business. Grayson wasn’t there, but Dominique was seated at her desk, clacking away on her laptop.

She looked up as Jack tapped lightly on the doorframe.

“Jack, hello.” She glanced past him. “Is Cleo with you?”

“No. She’s resting up in her room. Do you have a minute to talk?”

Dominique closed the lid of her laptop. “Absolutely. What can I do for you? I trust our little slave is serving you well?”

“Very well, indeed,” Jack confirmed, unable to stop his grin.

“Come sit down and tell me what’s on your mind.” Dominique rose from her desk and stepped around it. She waved him to a seating arrangement in a corner of the room and joined him.