form—has a history of abusive and stalking-type behavior. And that’s only what Malcolm found on a quick background check. I’m sure that’s not the end of it.” He shook his head and ran a hand down his face. “Does your sub live alone?”
“Her name is Emma.” Logan wasn’t quite sure why he felt the need to correct the man, but calling Emma his sub was just a little too uncomfortable at the moment. Truly, with his head a mess and his career in jeopardy, he wasn’t fit to be anyone’s Dom.
Viper gave him a curious look but said, “Fine. Does Emma live alone?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Well do me a favor and find out. The last thing I need is an ex-member creating problems for one of our subs.” Logan wasn’t surprised at Viper’s protective stance over a woman he didn’t even know. Viper’s Dungeon was well known for taking care to make sure that all members of the club understood how to play safely. The Doms at Viper’s Dungeon were well trained and the subs well protected. That’s why Logan had worked here so many years ago. But no matter how careful Viper was when screening new applicants, occasionally the wrong people made it through.
Emma’s ex-boyfriend seemed to be one of them.
“How long are you on leave?” Thrown by the abrupt change of topic but aware of where Viper was going with this, Logan nevertheless answered honestly.
“Three weeks.”
“Great. I’d appreciate your help on this.”
Logan nodded. A lump the size of a fist had lodged just under his rib cage, and even though he knew he couldn’t be Emma’s Dom, he also knew he couldn’t walk away and leave her vulnerable.
Chapter Four
Emma wasn’t sure exactly how it happened, but she managed to sleep several more hours in the arms of her men. Well, they weren’t her men exactly, but it felt kind of nice to think it. Lying here relaxed and warm, she knew her thought processes were skewed, but she was simply too happy to care.
“Good morning, darlin’,” Jace said as she rolled over in his arms.
“Good morning, Jace.” Good grief…was that shy, breathy little voice hers? She cleared her throat, trying to inject more of herself into her words. She planned to ask for a lift home, but the question was forgotten when she realized Logan wasn’t in the room. “Where’s Logan?” Great. Not only did she sound shy and unsure, now she sounded needy. Fabulous. Fucking fabulous.
“He’ll be back in a few minutes. Do you need to use the bathroom?”
Ooookay…that was an unexpected question. Embarrassment heated her cheeks, but the truth was she really did need to use the facilities, so she nodded shyly and cursed herself internally for her out-of-character behavior. It didn’t help her to find her balance when Jace gathered her in his arms, lifted her against his chest, and carried her into a small room with a shower and toilet. For one heart-stopping moment, Emma worried he was going to sit her on the damn toilet, but he placed her on her feet instead.
Emma rushed to straighten the rumpled black material, mortified to realize her breasts had practically worked their way out of the neckline. It didn’t help at all that her nipples were hard pebbles or that the memories of last night’s activities started to roll through her brain and heat her body.
Jace stood close, caressed her hard nipples gently with his knuckles for a moment, and then pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Call me when you’re finished.”
Hopelessly aroused from his simple touch, Emma didn’t need a mirror to know she wore a blank look. “Why?”
“So that I can carry you back to bed.”
“But I can walk,” she said, feeling off balance enough to state the obvious.
“True,” Jace said amiably, “but I like carrying you.”
She nodded, unsure why she was agreeing, but confused enough to go with the flow. He left the door open, and finally some small amount of sense kicked in and she marched over and closed it firmly. She wasn’t