Page 22 of Vengeance of Childhood Proportions (Till Death Do Us Part #7)

Chapter Twelve

Holly

I was tempted, so very tempted. I didn’t know what it was about this man. I should not be wanting to go with Special Agent Mallory.

I’d never been upstairs before. I knew of the rooms above, but nothing specific. There was no reason for me to inquire because I never dreamed I’d have a reason to go upstairs.

Until now.

Suddenly, I felt like a fool for not knowing what the rooms upstairs were. How they worked or what the requirements were. I lowered my eyes again.

Kneeling at Valentino’s feet felt natural. He was the Master of the House and deserved my respect for all that he did for me. I knew that I was safe here, whether Jason was present or not because of Valentino. For that, I would always show deference to him.

It did not escape my notice that I was also kneeling right next to a black tactical boot. His pant legs covered the top and the two dark materials blended where it wasn’t automatically noticeable that he was wearing work boots with a suit. But I could see it now because I was kneeling so close.

I could have very easily been kneeling at his feet.

I wasn’t sure what to call him. ‘Special Agent’ seemed too formal, but ‘Master Mal’ was too personal.

Maybe just ‘Mal’ for now, at least in my head.

I also noted that even though both Jason and Valentino had referred to me by my alias ‘Dani’, that Mal had not.

He’d called me ‘Little Owl’. The nickname made me feel funny inside.

I felt Valentino’s hand on my head again. He had a very comforting touch, one that was protective and encouraging.

Valentino waited for me to lift my eyes to him before speaking.

Some Doms did not like eye contact, thought it was disrespectful for a submissive to look directly at them, but Valentino never did.

Personally, I always thought that made him more authoritative.

“There is a room upstairs with a pole. I apologize for not thinking of that before. I will have Dominique reserve it for you for the rest of the night. I’ll even post Noah outside your room in case you need something.

That way, you don’t have to come downstairs during the party if you don’t wish to. ”

Relief filled me. “Thank you, Sir. What about my music?”

I needed to get out of my head. I needed to stop thinking about Sam and my identity, or lack thereof. I needed to escape .

“I will personally see to it that music is brought upstairs for you.”

I felt lightheaded, I was so grateful. “Thank you, Sir.” Sagging back, my eyes lowered to the floor, and the boot right next to my knee. I bit my lip. I had not forgotten the man’s offer. “Sir, would it be okay if Master Mal came upstairs with me?”

“That’s up to him,” I heard Valentino answer. “Sit up straight and ask him, Dani.”

Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders. I was no coward, but this was a new experience for me. I was entering into uncharted territory. I knew the upstairs rooms were closely monitored, but it was still outside my comfort zone. But I needed to dance.

Up on my knees, my head came to his hips. As he turned, the motion drew my eyes directly ahead to his zipper—and the generous bulge beneath. I swallowed, my mouth watering. I could not deny my attraction to this man.

A low chuckle sounded above me. “My eyes are up here, Little Owl.”

My blush from minutes before returned as I realized I’d been staring straight ahead at his erection for far too long. But rather than cower, I lifted my chin, looking up his tall body to meet his dark green eyes that reminded me of summer forests.

Calling him ‘Mal’ in my head was one thing, but I could not disrespect him by not using his title in front of other Masters. Our flirting before was a bit of a playful exception because no one else had been around.

“Master Mal, would you join me upstairs? I would appreciate the company.”

He reached forward slowly, cupping my cheek just under the curve of my mask. “It would be my pleasure, Little Owl.”

The nickname was growing on me. “I do have one stipulation, and I’m not sure you’re going to like it.”

He raised an eyebrow. “If it is what you need to feel safe and secure, I will gladly do it.”

I wasn’t too sure about that. “Master Kade would also need to come with us.”

To Mal’s credit, he didn’t flinch or blink, didn’t get angry or insulted.

Instead, he dropped his hand from my cheek and turned towards Jason.

“I apologize for stepping between the two of you. If she requires your company to feel safe, then I will, of course, allow it. However, I don’t share. You’re an observer only.”

I leaned around Mal’s body to see what Jason’s reaction was to this. Both he and I knew he had no intention of being anything other than a watcher. That wasn’t our relationship, but Mal didn’t know that. And Jason did not handle taking orders well.

Jason looked Mal up and down slowly, like a predator sizing up its prey. Then he turned to Valentino. “You said Noah was available?”

Valentino nodded. “He was, last time I checked.”

“Tell him I want him in panties and a skirt kneeling outside the room Dani will be using in ten minutes. I’ll use him while she gets what she needs inside.” Jason’s calculating look turned back to Mal. “The door will be open and I’ll be right outside, listening to everything.”

The threat in his voice was clear, but Mal did not back down. “I’ll make sure the volume is turned up for you.”