Page 19 of Our Unexpected Beginning (Club Surrender #4)

“I don’t think that came until later, but you opened my eyes to realizing something was there.

” Julia placed her hand over Claudia’s. “I’m sorry if I offended or upset you in any way.

You went to the Dollhouse and agreed to play but that doesn’t mean you get to be treated like a piece of meat for a scene. ”

“Not meat, a puzzle piece maybe.” Claudia shrugged and smiled. “I’m so glad you found your happiness and if you and your Sir want to play–within your boundaries–I’d be my honor to submit beside you.”

Graham

Graham gave Nolan his undivided attention as he demonstrated the simple ties. While most acts in the club and lifestyle were safe during pregnancy, he’d asked the fellow dominant for advice as he and Mia had two children under three and were active members of the club.

“You can use the cotton rope for these knots, as well as a point of tension for the hook. For that you use a simple loop. You aren’t doing any suspension and minimal pressure so you’ll get the effect you want without causing too much strain.

” Nolan explained, showing Graham how to create a soft loop that had minimal give.

“Thanks, I really appreciate it. I didn’t realize there were so many things left on the table during this.” He grinned, thinking about the scene he had planned for them tonight.

She wanted to play at the club again, then they were going to play.

He’d noticed she’d inverted her activities the past few weeks and it didn’t sit well with him.

She didn’t have to be sunshine and roses all the time, but he knew it wasn’t like her to hole away from their friends just because he’d returned for good.

She wasn’t the type of woman to cling to her boyfriend.

After Graham had gone to the police and added the information he knew about the reporter Christian Michaels, he pressed stalking charges and was granted a restraining order for both of them and the baby when the time came.

With Julia by his side, he went to court and severed all legal ties to his father, wanting nothing more to do with it and put an end to any further claims or nuisances.

The men returned to the group. Graham came up behind Julia and wrapped his arms around her middle. “Have I told you how beautiful you are tonight? ”

Julia giggled, wiggling her ass against his crotch as she preened. “There’s no limit so a girl doesn’t mind hearing it.”

He growled lowly against her neck. “I can’t wait to get my hands on you.” He pulled her toward the bench and sat down. Spreading his thighs wide to allow her to sit in front of him.

Graham laced his fingers beneath her belly and lifted. She instantly melted into him and rested against his chest.

“You’re going to spoil a girl.” She hummed, swaying subtly to the music coming from the club speakers.

“Oh. Oh no,” he whispered mockingly in her ear. “You’ve found out my evil plan.” She placed her hands over his and rubbed her thumb over the back of his hand.

“Spoil please.”

They whispered quietly as the group milled around. Graham hadn’t realized that he’d missed the club atmosphere and the company of their friends. He was glad to be home and looked forward to whatever lay ahead.

Graham was now back at the garage part time with a hefty lump in his account from Alex. Along with an open invitation to join them anytime next season.

“My aunt called me. She’s going to meet us at the house to get the crib.” Graham heard the tension in her voice. He pressed a soothing kiss to her shoulder.

“Okay. How is she doing? ”

“Good, she said her and mom had a long talk.” She shrugged. “Not sure what good that will do. But that’s not my business anymore.”

Wes joined them in the pit and crooked his finger at Melody. She hurried over to him, her teeth firmly in her bottom lip.

“Whatcha doin’, buttercup?”

“Nothing, Daddy.”

“You sure ’bout that? You were supposed to be resting this afternoon and not running around.”

“But-”

Wes put his hand under Melody’s chin, angling her jaw up until she had to stretch on her tiptoes. “Why is my little girl supposed to be resting?”

“Because Dr. Schmidt said if I didn’t I was going to stress my knee before the muscle fully healed.”

“Were you resting today like you promised?”

“No, Sir.”

Julia winced in Graham’s arms, knowing the pang of regret Melody was about to feel. Wes had told him about Melody’s high school volleyball injury that resulted in three operations to repair.

“What happens to little girls who lie, Melody?”

“They end up on the punishment horse.” She mumbled.

Wes cleared his throat, his dark brow rose sharply.

“With a very sore butt, Sir. ”

“You’re to go to my office and get my jacket.” Melody hesitated. “I believe someone wanted to play at the club more.”

Melody’s cheeks heated.

“Club play means Club Daddy.” Wes’ eyes darkened.

“Yes, Sir.”

“Good. Oh, and babygirl?” His gaze met hers in a challenge. “Don’t forget the peppermint.”

Melody gasped, her face turning red. She wrapped her arms around her middle. “Ye-yes, Daddy.” She hurried off before he could add anything further.

Graham noticed Julia’s flush and she wiggled in her seat, his arms tightened around her, caging her in between his thighs. He kissed her shoulder. “Looks like someone’s getting a visit from Santa tonight.”

“What?” She peered up at him.

“Well, they used to call him Santa the Sadistic. He carved wooden plugs and has an affinity for using irritants such as peppermint to keep his girls in line.”

Julia’s eyes rounded in surprise.

“We both know that Wes is so thorough that he went over every good, bad, naughty, and dirty thing with Melody before jumping in.”

She nodded in agreement. They’d explored so much the past few months, but there was always something new to see and learn.

Melody came back wearing his button-down with a candy cane in her mouth. She returned to Wes in an instant, standing between his spread thighs with remorse written on her face. Wes jutted his chin and Melody held the shirt open facing away from the group.

It was out of her range of sight but judging from his movements and Melody’s whine of protest Wes yanked down her shirt and rubbed peppermint on her nipples. He kissed her forehead and closed the shirt, button by button.

Julia gave them her full attention, watching with fascination as the two interacted together.

Wes had pulled Mel into his lap, his fist wrapped tight in her ponytail as he pressed their faces nose to nose.

Melody’s breathing increased the more intense their contact went.

Wes brushed a stray tear from her cheek and brought it to his lips.

“You like to watch,” Graham observed. Her body spilled her secrets before her mouth could deny them. The blush ran from her cheeks to the tops of her breasts.

“Sometimes I think I’m too nosey. That part of me wants to figure it out. Take it apart and see why it works. I now know that I sound like a serial killer.”

“I love the way you think, Jules.” She hid her face in his shoulder. “I want to learn and understand you. I want to see where you’re coming from.”

“Sounds like shrinkage.”

“No Jules, I want to know what makes you tick, how you think. The right way to love you, if you’ll let me. I want the long haul.”

“Nobody’s ever treated me the way you do, Graham. ”

“Good thing I’m not nobody. I get you. And I got you as long as you’ll let me.”

“From here forward it isn’t just you, or me.”

“I know. It’s us.” He touched her belly, rubbing his thumb over her skin. He leaned in to kiss her forehead. “We’re a trio.”

Graham brushed her hair from her eyes, keeping her attention on him in their private conversation. “I think we could be amazing together.”

“How are you so sure?”

“Because we come from the textbook case study on what not to do when it comes to this kid.”

They laughed together softly and Julia nodded. “I think you’re right about that one.”

Graham handed Julia her water. “Finish your drink, kitten. We have a reservation upstairs.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Julia

Julia took a deep breath as Graham led her up the spiral staircase to the next level of the club.

She could feel her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

This was her first time in the reservation-only rooms, where solo players and couples came to be watched.

She knew the rules of consent still applied, but it was a different level of intimacy that she wasn’t sure she was ready for.

As they reached the fourth door, Julia paused, her anxiety catching up to her. She looked up at Graham, her hand gripping his tightly. “Graham?” she said, her voice shaking.

He stopped and turned to her, cupping her cheek gently. “Tell me,” he said, his eyes full of concern.

“I don’t know how I feel about people watching us,” she admitted, her fears spilling out. “I haven’t felt my best lately.”

Graham’s expression softened, and he pulled her into a tight embrace. “The only person you need to worry about is me, beautiful,” he said, his voice soothing. “The only eyes you need to care about are mine, understand?”

Julia nodded, her fears easing slightly.

“Do you want to find a different room?” Graham asked, giving her an out.

“No, Sir,” Julia said, mustering up her courage. “I’m okay here.”

“Good girl,” Graham said, his hand resting on the small of her back as he led her into the room. “I can’t wait to watch you come apart.”

It was one of the smaller rooms, the needs of this floor were basic and rarely required the same props and equipment. It also allowed the ability to hose down if need be .

“Slip your shoes off and step up.” The door closed and the lights changed to a softer glow.

Julia stepped barefoot on the soft padding that covered the floor of the room. The soft gym mats were easy on the body no matter the scene. As well as they were sanitizable which was a club must.