It'll Be An Adventure (Masters of the Shadowlands #15)(32)
Author: Cherise Sinclair

 

“Oh. Uh-oh.” Kari jumped to her feet and grinned at Murphy. “Being misplaced at a picnic is an oopsie. Being misplaced in the Shadowlands where there are floggers covering the walls? Bad idea.”

 

As she hurried toward the bar, Murphy gave the walls a harder look. Good god. On previous visits, her attention hadn’t gotten past the scenes, and she’d totally missed seeing all the impact toys hanging on the wall. Floggers here. Another section displayed whips. That one had paddles. “Unusual decorating scheme.”

 

“I like it.” The man took a seat beside Jessica. “Would you be the Murphy who Ghost mentioned?”

 

“That’s me, yes.”

 

He had silvery-gray eyes, and when his gaze met hers, she felt the disconcerting punch of power. Much like she felt with Saxon, only far stronger. When he put his left hand on Jessica’s knee, Murphy noticed his wedding ring design matched the more delicate one on Jessica’s hand.

 

Leaning forward he held out his right hand. “Welcome to the Shadowlands, Murphy. I’m Master Z.”

 

Murphy froze. Gianna had talked about a Master Z who was the owner. And…something else. A doctor of something. Probably family practice or—yeah, probably a gynecologist. He had a look in his eyes like he’d already seen all a woman had to offer. Not in a sleazy way. And despite exuding dominance, he, somehow, had a comforting presence.

 

Yeah, gynecologist for sure.

 

Thankfully, this time, she hadn’t snuck in using Gianna’s ID. She had nothing to hide.

 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She took his hand, feeling the warmth of the lean fingers.

 

Holding her hand, he gave her a long, assessing gaze. When he finally released her and sat back, she realized she’d been holding her breath.

 

“I heard from Ghost and Josie that you’re writing a Regency thriller set in a kink club and wanted to research and get the feel of some activities.” When she nodded, Master Z smiled. “Do you have anything in particular in mind?”

 

“Types of flagellation, mostly. A whip, for sure, but also birching.”

 

“Ah, indeed.” When his lips tipped up into a slight smile, Jessica’s eyes widened. She gave Murphy a worried look as did Gabi.

 

Pulling a walkie-talkie off his belt, he changed the frequency and spoke into it. “I have a task you should find interesting. Bring your bag, please. We’re in area 18.”

 

Gabi shook her head. “Ghost’s two-way radios and numbering the sitting areas are efficient, but as a submissive, I miss being able to hide.”

 

Master Z’s grin was a flash of white teeth in his tanned face. “If you feel the need to hide, I’ll ask Ghost to open the Capture Gardens.”

 

“That might be fun.” The voice from behind Murphy was deep and strong—and familiar. Her stomach sank several inches.

 

No, no, no. The plan was to avoid Master Saxon. Why wasn’t he in the pet play area where he belonged?

 

She turned slowly, feeling far too warm. Because her mind had immediately brought up the memory of the roughness of his hands on her. Of his cock inside her.

 

He wore black jeans, a long-sleeved, black Henley with the neck buttons undone, and had a leather bag slung over his shoulder.

 

“Murphy.” His gaze swept over her with a very masculine look of appreciation. “You look fantastic. Sexy as hell.”

 

“Saxon.” Oops. “Master Saxon. Good to see you.” Oh, such a lie. She didn’t want some…some Dom turning her insides into a mess of hot goo. Or to have her heart speeding like it’d been set in overdrive. Sheesh, what was she, some mindless bimbo?

 

If he touched her…

 

But he didn’t.

 

Instead, he looked past her. “Z, you rang?”

 

“I did.” Master Z’s eyes had lightened as if he was silently laughing, although no smile showed on his face. “Our Murphy here has a problem that requires a Dom’s assistance.”

 

Oh god, no. He wouldn’t.

 

Saxon stroked his short dark-golden beard thoughtfully as he studied her. His lips quirked. “As it happens, I’m a Dom.”

 

Appalled, she stared at him before turning to Master Z. “I don’t—”

 

Just his glance stopped her words. “To fully describe the sensations in her book, she needs to experience a variety of impact toys. I’d say—at a minimum—a single-tail and a birching. And bare hand, of course.”

 

She shook her head no.

 

Saxon frowned. “Birching?”

 

“Her book is set in the early 1800s. London, I believe?” Master Z glanced at her.

 

“Yes, but I don’t need any—”

 

“You always have the right to say no, little one.” Master Z considered her. “But I’d feel better if one of our Masters took charge of…your sampling experience. Unless you would prefer a full scene?”

 

Is this what is known as digging your own grave?

 

“No, no, just a sample.” However…what would a real scene feel like? “But there’s no need to bother Master Saxon. I’m sure he shouldn’t leave the pets for too long.”

 

“Not a problem. Pet play is only on certain nights, and tonight isn’t one of them.” Saxon looked past her. “Z, I don’t own a birch rod. May I use those in the dungeon?”

 

“Of course.” Master Z rose, pulling Jessica to her feet with him. “Come, kitten. I hear a cross calling your name.”

 

Jessica’s mouth dropped open. “I thought you wanted to see how the club is doing.”

 

“Mmmhmm. And I will.” He gripped her chin, tilting her head back. “After you come a few times.”

 

Oh, dear god, did he just say that? Out loud? In public? Murphy swallowed and muttered to Gabi, “I’m not ready for a place like this.”

 

“Girlfriend, no one ever is.” Gabi patted her arm. “Good luck…and can I read whatever chapter the birching will be in?”

 

Ohhh, excellent. “Absolutely. I’d love some expert feedback.”

 

Gabi grinned. “In that case, I’ll get a few others, and we’ll all have a wine and reading party. You’ll like the other submissives.”

 

The easy invitation left Murphy speechless.