Page 74 of Jackson
“Me? No, I would never laugh at you,” she said, clearly trying to keep a straight face. Her ‘Sir’ was implied but unspoken. She would be punished as soon as he was able. Laughing at one’s Master simply wasn’t done.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
Exceeding everyone’s expectations, Jackson was coming home three days after surgery. Not still in the hospital, not going to a rehab facility, but home. He leaned heavily on Chris and James as the men helped him from the car. Paula had gone ahead with his bag and opened the door. She’d moved in two suitcases worth of her stuff the day before. Chris and James had come over to install a grab bar in his bathroom and check for other possible hazards. They had folded up three throw rugs Jackson might slip on, but found little else in Jackson’s ‘less is more’ interior design.
Almost all the Club Indigo members had stepped up to help. After Paula’s call to Laura, her friend had informed James and Suzie. Suzie, Connor, and Sonja had stocked the fridge and freezer with food; James had informed Chris, who in his turn had mobilized the entire crew.
Sandra—usually unintrusive, submissive and soft-spoken at the club—had surprised Paula by announcing, with no room for argument, that she’d be overseeing Jackson’s physical therapy. Paula had only spoken to her once or twice in passing, but apparently, Sandra didn’t need familiarity to take charge when it came to healing bodies.
Kate had said massage would be good for healing and rebuilding his muscles; and Scott would make himself available if Jackson needed help dealing with the emotional aftermath of the explosion. At first, Paula had felt overwhelmed with all the attention, but her protests had been halfhearted. It felt good to have a solid support system.
Paula hurried to open the door and guided the guys into the living area. James and Chris helped Jackson lower himself onto the reclining section of the couch.
“Can I get you guys something to drink?” Paula asked as soon as Jackson looked relaxed and comfortable. At least, as relaxed and comfortable as someone with his injuries could be.
“No thank you, sweetheart,” James answered for himself and Chris. “We need to head over to check on our construction site on 118th Street. We’ve left our team alone for long enough.”
Chris offered his infectious smile and winked at her. “I’d love a raincheck on that drink.” He approached her and kissed her on the cheek.
Jackson grumbled. “Watch it.”
Chris shrugged like he didn’t have a care in the world. “What?” He turned his innocent wide eyes to Jackson. “I don’t see a ring or a collar on her. Besides, we’re not at the club.”
James sighed. “Stop teasing the cripple, Chris. She’s his sub, and you know it.”
Chris’ grin widened. “I know, but it’s so much fun to poke the bear.”
Paula reckoned it was time to intervene. “I’m sorry, Chris, but you’re wrong about the collar.”
Jackson jerked his head her way. Paula pulled the small box she’d found on Jackson’s bedside table from her pocket and went to Jackson. She’d had it on her from the moment she’d found the necklace but hadn’t found the right time. Now seemed as good as ever. She knelt on the floor beside him and offered thebox on open palms, her head bowed. “Please, Master, I—” The words she had formed in her mind wouldn’t come. None could describe her feelings, anyway.
“Melda.” The urgency in his voice made her look up at him. “I will put on this necklace, and I promise you I’ll get you an appropriate collar as soon as I’m able.”
Tears welled in her eyes. “There isn’t a collar that could mean more to me than this necklace, Sir. If it’s all right with you, I’d prefer to wear this, Master.”
“In that case, I put it around your neck proudly, Melda. Please join me on the couch so I can put it on you.”
Paula perched on the seat beside him, mindful not to jostle his leg, and lifted her hair out of the way.
“Congratulations.” James’ low voice reminded her they weren’t alone, and heat rose in her face.
Chris piped up. “Yes, congratulations. I’d like to give you a hug to celebrate.” His sentence ended on a ‘hmph’ as James slapped the back of his head.
“Stop acting like a brat, Chris,” James scolded his friend and partner. “We’ll find our way out, Paula. Don’t get up.” He steered Chris outside by the back of his neck, the other man laughing too hard to do anything but go with the flow.
Paula watched them go, shaking her head before turning back to Jackson, who looked puzzled. “What?”
Jackson shook his head. “I was wondering—” He shook his head. “I don’t know.”
“What?” Now she was curious.
“For a guy who identifies as a Dom, Chris is acting a bit strange, don’t you think?” Jackson cleared his throat. “Melda, don’t bite your nails.”
“Sorry, Master, I wasn’t thinking.” She’d been nibbling on a piece of skin beside the nail of her thumb and pulled her hand away from her mouth. “That could be an explanation forthe attraction between him and Kate. He could be like Scott, couldn’t he?”
“You might be right. I didn’t see any tendency toward switching in him before, but it’s possible.”
They sat in silence for a few moments, and Paula didn’t know what to say or do. “Are you hungry, Sir?”
