At His Mercy (Masters Club 1)

“Yes, Sir,” Brandon replied, instantly stopping what he was doing to obey. He moved toward the counter, bending to open a cabinet door. A stack of kimono robes was neatly folded on one of the shelves. He plucked the topmost robe and dropped to his knees in front of Cameron, holding the folded silk on his upturned palms like an offering.

Cameron took the robe and draped it over Jess’s shoulders, assisting her as she slipped her arms into the sleeves. He ushered her from the room.

The Masters Club dining room, just off the kitchen, contained a number of tables in various configurations. On the floor next to each chair was a large, flat kneeling cushion.

While there was a resident chef on staff, she only did full meal service at dinner. But there were always snacks and sandwiches prepared and at the ready for any member who just wanted to grab a bite.

There was only one table occupied at the moment. An older gentleman named Norman Cushman, one of the founders of the club, sat at a table with a younger man Cameron had briefly met but didn’t know well, named Jacob.

Two women were also at the table, but they were perched on the floor cushions beside their Doms, as was typical at the club. Both women wore slave collars. Cameron recognized Gina, Norman’s wife and slave. Gina wore a clingy black outfit, her ample breasts partially revealed by its low cut. The other woman, who appeared barely out of her teens, was naked, save for her collar.

While Gina seemed to be listening to the murmured conversation between the men, the young sub had her head resting on Jacob’s knee, her eyes closed as if asleep. Jacob was absently stroking her hair as the men talked.

With a small wave and an acknowledging nod toward the two Doms, Cameron ushered Jess to a small round table for two in the corner of the room.

“Excuse me, Sir,” Jess said. “Do I sit on a chair or kneel on the cushion?”

He hesitated a moment, thinking it over. “Normally, subs don’t sit on the furniture at the Masters Club unless expressly invited to do so. But I’d like you to sit in a chair for now, please. There’s something we need to discuss before we move forward. If we move forward.”

He pulled out a chair for her, gesturing with his chin for her to be seated. Just as he was taking his own seat across from her, Mandy, one of the staff service subs, appeared with two glasses of ice water. She wore only a full-length apron cut very low to reveal most of her breasts.

“Good afternoon, Sir,” she said deferentially to Cameron as she set down a glass in front of each of them.

“Good afternoon, Mandy,” he replied with a nod.

Mandy glanced briefly at Jess, who met her gaze with a small smile, before returning her attention to Cameron. “What can I get for you today, Sir?”

Cameron looked to Jess. “Are you hungry?”

“I probably should be. I was too nervous to eat this morning.” Jess paused, as if considering the state of her empty stomach. “I might still be too nervous,” she admitted with a small, charming laugh.

“Well, I can’t have you passing out on my watch,” Cameron said with an answering smile. Turning to Mandy, he said, “Bring the tea service for two, please.”

“Right away, Sir.”

As Mandy stepped back into the kitchen, Cameron regarded Jess across the table. He could see she was brimming with curiosity, but making every effort to control herself. That was a good sign—her ability to exhibit self-control. It was a first step toward the serene acceptance that was a hallmark of the well-trained submissive.

If only things weren’t so damn complicated by their work relationship.

Cameron cleared his throat, not quite sure how to approach the issue. He decided to just go for it. He’d lay it out there, and let her decide.

“I’m very pleased you’ve accepted the invitation to become a pleasure sub here at the Masters Club,” he said, aware he sounded stiff, but still feeling his way. He wasn’t used to being off-kilter like this, and it irritated him.

“Thank you, Sir,” Jess replied. “I’m really excited. I’ve only ever played at the public clubs. I hope I’m up to the challenge here. I’m glad I have you to show me the ropes, if you’ll pardon the pun,” she added with a sudden, impish grin that both startled and amused Cameron. He hadn’t seen that playful spark in her before. But then, why would he? He barely knew the woman.

Cameron picked up his glass and took a sip as he got his bearings. Setting it down, he leaned forward over the small table, hands resting lightly on its linen-covered surface. “I’d like to regard the fact that we work for the same law firm as something we can easily dismiss, but you and I both know it’s never quite that simple.”