Cherished (Club Indigo Book 4)

  Cherished

  Club Indigo, Book Four

  Karen Nappa

  Published by Blushing Books

  An Imprint of

  ABCD Graphics and Design, Inc.

  A Virginia Corporation

  977 Seminole Trail #233

  Charlottesville, VA 22901

  ©2019

  All rights reserved.

  No part of the book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. The trademark Blushing Books is pending in the US Patent and Trademark Office.

  Karen Nappa

  Cherished

  EBook ISBN: 978-1-64563-140-8

  v1

  Cover Art by ABCD Graphics & Design

  This book contains fantasy themes appropriate for mature readers only. Nothing in this book should be interpreted as Blushing Books' or the author's advocating any non-consensual sexual activity.

  Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Trapped

  Trusted

  Appreciated

  Karen Nappa

  Blushing Books

  Prologue

  S onja Madden felt out of place as she sat alone on the edge of the scening area while the celebration at Club Indigo continued. As the place where the local BDSM community gathered to play, it was her favorite hangout, but tonight, she wasn't feeling a part of things. Something about the way the people around her kept falling in love was throwing her off balance. Sonja studied the proud and possessive way Jim was watching Paula, his new wife and submissive. She had never thought she needed a partner, but after seeing them together, Sonja wanted someone who couldn't take his eyes off her, too. She longed for a soulmate, someone to share her life with and somebody who cared about how her day went. As she watched, Paula turned her head in Jim's direction. Sonja loved how the newlyweds seemed to have an entire conversation with just a look that spoke of love, devotion, and promise. At that moment, nothing existed for the two of them except their connection.

  That's what I want! Why can't I find it?

  Sonja sighed and wondered if she should go home. It would be cold and empty since Snuggles was at the vet. He had been losing weight the last few months, and the doctor had found an abscessed tooth. Her black sweetheart had been operated on this morning. and because he was sixteen, they were keeping him for observation. Going home held no appeal but staying didn't, either. For someone as goal-orientated as she was, it was strange to feel this indecisive.

  Movement from the bar caught her eye. Chris was getting up from his barstool. Sonja had once lusted after the playful and handsome dominant, but it had never sizzled between the two of them and she had crossed him off her list for everything except occasional play. Now he led Yvonne to the St. Andrew's cross in the main room. Yvonne had been helping out at The Sweet and Savory Table, the cafe Sonja owned with fellow club members Suzie and Connor, and Sonja naturally felt protective of her. Her mind drifted to her absent business partners and their relationship. After a couple of punishments at the club, Sonja had avoided the Scottish sadist. However, he was a great accountant and an unexpected bonus when she'd partnered up with Suzie. She was the most skilled baker Sonja had ever met and their business was doing better than ever.

  The sounds of a flogger hitting flesh drew Sonja's attention to the scene before her. She watched with rapt attention as Chris worked over the bound woman before him. He had taken off his shirt and his well-developed muscles flexed and tensed as he wielded his tools. The man had worked construction all his life, and there was nothing artificial about his physique. Sonja watched as Chris pressed his body against Yvonne's back and snaked his arm to her front.

  Is he fondling her breasts or stroking her pussy?

  She couldn't see from her position, but both thoughts made her hot. Knowing the blond hunk of a man, he was probably whispering something wicked in Yvonne's ear that would heighten her arousal.

  Chris stepped to his gym bag and retrieved a cane. Sonja winced. She enjoyed watching lighter impact play with floggers and even crops, but whips and canes were too much.

  As Chris started to land measured strokes across Yvonne's buttocks and thighs, Sonja looked away from the scene. It didn't matter that subs had a safeword and the dominants here, even the sadists, would never break the skin, she'd rather not watch a caning or whipping, let alone receive one. Sonja was more into erotic play and D/s. She allowed her gaze to wander over the crowd. The festivities had not only brought Yvonne to the club but three other newcomers—a small woman whose outfit screamed Domme and two tall men, one dark and the other red-haired. From their dark slacks and dress-shirts, she suspected they were dominants as well. Ordinarily, she would be among the first to introduce herself, but she didn't have the energy tonight. When was the last time she didn't want to meet new people?

  A keening cry followed by a commotion had her turning back to the scene as Kate, the dungeon monitor for the evening, rushed past her to assist Chris. Sonja went from mildly interested to deeply worried as Kate helped Chris lower a now limp Yvonne to the ground and turn her on her side. Her stomach dropped as she recognized the recovery position from her high school first aid classes. This would make breathing easier for the girl, and it would still be possible to monitor her.

  What the hell is wrong? Should I call 911?

  That was a stupid thought since the club didn't allow cell phones in the play areas. She had to do something, though. Sonja surged to her feet, intent on helping. Before she managed to take more than three steps, she was halted by a firm hand on her shoulder. Sonja turned around to give the man, whoever he was, her patented death glare and came face to face with one of the new guys. Serious hazel eyes and a strong, unyielding jawline confirmed her earlier suspicion; at least, this latest addition to Club Indigo was as dominant as they came.

  Chapter 1

  " D on't interfere in their aftercare," he said in a low voice, his hand still on her arm.

  Sonja blinked up in confusion. Aftercare? Yvonne's reaction wasn't normal, and she needed to help. Why couldn't he get that? She tried to worm herself free from his hold on her, but he tightened his grip. She was helpless and wasn't sure how she felt about it.

  "Contain your impulses, girl. Watch and listen," he ordered, and Sonja debated between flipping him the bird and obeying him. Her good girl nature won, and she stopped her struggles. Sonja allowed the sounds and impressions to enter her mind. She heard the melodic laughter that could only come from Kate and Chris' low murmuring rumble. She studied the three as Chris collected Yvonne in his strong arms and the trio settled on the big red couch.

  Sonja relaxed and glanced up at the strange Dom. He gave her a crooked smile, and she felt his approval warm her from the inside out.

  "There we go," he said in the low tone that reverberated in Sonja's stomach and lower regions.

  After another deep stare into her eyes, he let go of her arms, and she missed the warmth of his touch. She crossed her arms and rubbed them to alleviate the chill before it could reach her insides.

  Now he would walk away. Maybe I should head home.

  She was so caught up in her miserable thoughts, she mi
ssed what he said to her. "I'm sorry, Sir, I didn't catch that."

  If he had any thought or reaction, he was good at hiding it. "How about I get us a drink, we sit down, and get to know each other."

  She narrowed her eyes and asked in the careful and slow way Snuggles would approach a new toy. "Why would I want to do that?"

  He frowned at her lack of honorific. "Is this the way subs address a Dom in this club?"

  Sonja straightened and looked up with what she hoped was a contrite expression. "I'm sorry, Sir. The subs here aren't rude, but you're not my Dom."

  He grabbed her chin and studied her face. His grip was careful yet unyielding, and she froze. "Baby, I like a little bit of sass in a submissive. I might not be your Dom, yet, but it would be good to remember I have my limits." He let go of her chin and smiled at her, transforming his face from interesting to charming. "I'm Derek, by the way."

  "Sonja."

  "Nice to meet you, Sonja," he said with another panty-dropping smile—not that she was wearing any under her form-fitting dress. "Now, tell me what you want to drink."

  She asked for an orange juice without a second thought, and he told her to sit at the barrel table near the main floor and a red couch. Sonja was halfway to the spot he'd indicated before she realized she was doing what he wanted. Damn the man, she felt like the cornered mouse she'd saved from Snuggles last summer. She still didn't know which one of them had been more afraid—she really didn't like rodents—but she hadn't been able to let her cat eat the creature. This Dom looked at her like he could eat her. It was scary and exhilarating at the same time.

  He returned from the bar with a beer for himself and her drink. Her gaze zoomed in on the container he was holding in his right hand. She looked at him and the cup, and her mouth dropped open. He was holding a child's plastic cup with a straw sticking out of the lid. Hell, no! She wasn't going to drink her juice from that!

  She rose from her seat at the small round table, planted her fists on her hips, and opened her mouth. Before she could utter a sound, he captured her lips in a toe-curling kiss. How was that possible? Only their mouths touched, but she felt herself falling under his spell with every slow movement of his lips against hers. His tongue snaked out, and she reciprocated with her own.

  Sonja opened her eyes when he moved away and planted his fine butt on the stool. He placed the cup on the round table and nodded to the seat she had vacated. Her eyes went from his face to the stool, the drink, and back to his face. She saw the challenge in his eyes and returned it with her own stare, throwing daggers. "I'm not a child, and I'm not going to drink from that stupid cup!" Hell, she had been fending for herself since she was seventeen! She debated throwing a tantrum and decided against it. It would only substantiate his assumption she was a baby girl and a brat. She huffed and crossed her arms. She looked around and back to him. He was taking a swallow of beer from his bottle. He pulled the dark brown glass away from those lips that had felt so good on her mouth, and he gestured to her stool again. She shook her head. Deliberately, she walked over to the couch a couple of feet away and plopped down. She peeked under her lashes at him. He just sat there, sipping his beer, her cup seemingly forgotten on the table. She was thirsty, dammit! She could always go to the bar for her drink, but Bob might side with the Dom and refuse to serve her.

  Derek had trouble containing his laughter, but he knew from experience he had to hold it back. What a brat!

  He knew he had been pushing it when he asked Bob to put her drink in a role play cup. Bob had arched an eyebrow but had held up a sippy cup for a toddler and a cute Disney princess cup with a red and white straw. He wasn't sure why, but he had chosen the one for a slightly older child. He didn't know to what age she regressed, although her whole demeanor had screamed 'little one' to him from the moment he had laid eyes on her. She was beautiful, with dark skin and sinful curves, but those weren't the only reasons he was attracted to her from the beginning.

  All right, Daddy's in the house.

  He finished his beer and placed the bottle slowly and deliberately on the table. He rose to his feet and strode over to the couch, where he bent down and put his hand on the backrest beside her head. She shrank back into the cushions.

  "Are you done being stubborn?" He hardened his voice without raising it.

  She shook her head, eyebrows drawn together in an attempt to look threatening.

  "Little girl, let me tell what is going to happen tonight. You're going to obey Daddy unless you want to use the club's safeword—red." She opened her mouth, and he held up a finger. "Don't you dare use it unless you're in pain or distress," he said sternly, and her mouth snapped shut. "You're going to sit with Daddy like a civilized girl, and you're going to have your drink." She started to shake her head again, and he continued ruthlessly, "Or Daddy is going to drag you to the table, and you're going to finish your drink." She huffed and looked him squarely in the eye, but she didn't use her safeword.

  He sighed and started to straighten. Game on!

  She let out a sigh of relief, now that he wasn't crowding her space, and a small smile tugged at her lips. The little brat was feeling confident and was thinking he was all talk and no action. She had another think coming!

  His hand shot out, and he grabbed a large handful of her hair and pushed himself up, pulling her with him. He had a firm grip so she couldn't do anything but follow him. He steered her back to the table and the abandoned cup. She glared at it as he pushed her down and let go of her hair. She started to slip off the seat. "If you leave the chair, you'll end up over my knee, and then you can finish your drink. I don't want you dehydrated when we start playing."

  Her gaze whipped up at him. She had an expressive face, and she practically lit up the room when he mentioned play. Wasn't she aware they were already in a scene? Probably not. "Sonja, do you want to use your safeword?" He needed to be sure they were on the same page.

  "No, Sir."

  "Do you want to play with me?"

  "Yes, Sir." The longing in her voice came through loud and clear. He was glad he hadn't misread the situation.

  "Daddy," he emphasized. "When we're in a scene, I'm your Daddy. I'll take care of your needs, and I'll discipline you when needed. You want to be Daddy's good girl, don't you?"

  Although she must be past forty, she looked so young and vulnerable with her big brown eyes staring up at him. Then she gave a small nod. If he hadn't been studying her carefully, he might have missed it.

  "Good girl," he breathed and pressed a kiss on her forehead. He picked up the cup and handed it to her.

  She looked at the silly cup in his hand and back to the man before her. He really wanted to play with her. It had been almost a month since she had last done a scene with someone. She didn't enjoy playing with sadists, and most of the other dominants had partnered up. She occasionally scened with Bob, and they liked each other, but nothing beyond that. She longed for her own Dom, just like Laura, Suzie, and now Paula had. She didn't begrudge them their happiness, but it seemed unfair since they had all joined the club after she had. She wanted a lifetime relationship, too.

  Sonja took the cup tentatively from his hand and brought the straw to her mouth. As soon as the sweet and tangy liquid touched her tongue, she realized how thirsty she had been—for more than a drink.

  Before Sonja knew it, she had finished her juice and earned another "good girl" from Derek. She studied him and raised an eyebrow. "What now, Sir?" He narrowed his eyes at her and after a slight pause, she amended, "What now, Daddy?" When would she get up the nerve to explain that it freaked her out to call him that? The last time she had seen her own father was when her mother had been diagnosed with cancer, and he'd never wanted Sonja anyway.

  "Does the title bother you?" he asked. He seemed genuinely interested in Sonja's answer.

  How much do I want to tell him? "Look, Derek—Sir—Daddy, I don't know you. I—" Sonja fell silent again, not sure how to continue.

  "Sonja?" The tender tone of his
voice had her looking up into his expressive hazel eyes and she felt her breath catch. "Although it's smart of you to be cautious with what you tell a stranger, I do think it's imperative in BDSM to be open with each other. I expect you to answer truthfully or you can say 'I'm not comfortable with answering that question, Daddy.' You can call me Sir, for now, although Daddy is what I prefer."

  She admired his straightforward reaction and answered, "I've never tried age play, so calling someone Daddy seems odd to me."

  He made a noncommittal sound as he studied her, and she had the disconcerting feeling that he knew what she wasn't saying. "Okay, let's keep it Sir," he conceded without waiting for her to provide any more explanation. At her sigh of relief, he arched an eyebrow and added in a foreboding tone, "For now."

  "Yes, Sir," Sonja answered.

  "How long have you been a member?" Derek asked.

  "Five years now." She was glad to keep the conversation casual. She wasn't ready to get into anything personal yet. Time to turn the tables. "You're new here, but you don't seem new to the lifestyle. Where have you been playing before this?"

  "I've been in the lifestyle for years. I was in a long-term relationship until about a year and a half ago, and I wasn't ready to get back into the scene until just recently. The breakup hit me pretty hard. It's part of the reason I moved to Kansas City."

  Sonja relaxed as they talked about the club and its need for volunteers, their likes and dislikes, and previous experiences.

  Derek rose from his stool and held out a hand to Sonja. She was closed off about her private life, but her answers about the lifestyle and the things she did and didn't enjoy were open and honest. The Daddy-Dom in him wanted to pry her open and fix the hurt that had made her so guarded. The man in him wanted to remove her tight-fitting clothes and taste all her delectable curves. Tonight, he would try light play with one or two orgasms for her, and hopefully, the next time she would be more forthcoming. His first impression of her was that of a strong, intelligent, and friendly woman, and he liked her for more than just her looks. He appreciated her wariness when she took the drink from his hand, but he longed to build trust between them so she would take and give whatever he offered or demanded.