To Play or Obey

To Play or Obey by Abby Wood

Breathless Press Calgary, Alberta www.breathlesspress.com

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. To Play or Obey Copyright© 2010 Abby Wood ISBN: 978-1-926771-73-1 Cover Artist: Victoria Miller Editor: Sandra Rychel All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews. Breathless Press www.breathlesspress.com

To hubs: You put up with my month-long attempt at finding an endearing nickname to call you, and in the end, you gave me one. I think I like it.

Chapter One

“Listen to this.” Gabby picked up the piece of paper from the printer. “Dear Gabriella, I am writing to you from a small town in Washington, where the whole community is comprised of people who live the dominant and submissive lifestyle twenty-four seven.” The bark of laughter interrupted her reading. “What? That’s crazy.” “Hang on, there’s more.” She lifted the paper. “I invite you to Peckerwood for an extended stay as my guest. A gifted gas card and a check will be arriving in the mail shortly to make your travels easier. I look forward to meeting you.” Gabby laid the paper down on the desk. “He signed the e-mail ‘Mayor Dick.’” She gazed across the room at her friend Barb and raised her eyebrows. One second passed, another, and both women bent over in hysterical laughter that threatened to bring the other employees into the closed room. 1

To Play or Obey “Oh my God, what a load of crock!” Barb rocked back and forth in her chair, her arms wrapped around her middle. “Peckerwood!” She snorted. “Mayor Dick!” “Stop! I’m going to pee my pants.” Gabby wiped the tears from her eyes. She gazed down at the paper and blinked. The laughter died in her throat, and she inhaled to calm her racing heart. “Oh sweet lord…” “What?” Barb scooted to the edge of her chair and leaned her elbows on the front of the desk. “What is it?” “Guess what his e-mail address is?” Gabby frowned. “Let me see.” Barb reached across the desk and scooped up the e-mail printout. “Holy crap.” In the header, the return-path showed an e-mail address labeled Mayor Dick at Peckerwood dot org. Gabby jumped up and paced the small room. “No way. It’s not possible.” Barb shook her head. “He must have a way to hide the identity of the real sender. An address ending in org is usually a business. He’s probably some hacker or computer genius and thinks this is funny.” “I’ll soon find out.” Gabby sat back down and let her fingers fly over the keyboard. Her gaze zigzagged across the screen. She jerked her head up to meet Barb’s expectant gaze. Impossible. “Well, it’s not so strange. I know there’s a town in Pennsylvania called Intercourse, and Newfoundland has a place called Dildo. It only makes sense that somewhere there’s a Peckerwood. That way people can pick where they want to live according to their kink.” Barb laughed. “This is America, land of the free, blah, blah, blah.” Gabby flipped her laptop around to face her friend. “Hurry. Google the words ‘Mayor Dick’ and ‘Peckerwood, Washington’. I can’t do it.” She sat back in her chair. “Make sure you put quotes around it all.” Barb’s fingers pounded out the words, and she hit Enter. Gabby held her breath. How many times had she received an e-mail saying she’d won the Nigerian lottery? A BDSM community? Yeah right. And she’s the next Nora Roberts. It was too out there, too bizarre. She’d never before heard of a whole town devoted to a certain alternative lifestyle. In all her research as an erotic romance author, she’d have heard of this place before now. “Shit.” Barb moved her finger over the touchpad, tapped, and leaned closer. “Mayor Dick is the town mayor, it seems.” She scrolled 2

Abby Wood down the page. “Currently six hundred and thirty-six people live in Peckerwood, Washington. It’s a real town nestled along the Puget Sound.” Barb coughed. “I bet they have a statue of a giant woody welcoming visitors to their town.” Gabby leaned back in her chair. “Oh, shut it off. He’s probably some computer guru who designed a Web site, created a fictional town with a very kinky name, and is trying to rake in money somehow.” “I don’t know, Gabby. There are pages of results just for Peckerwood, Washington alone.” Barb sat back. The office door swung open. “Lunchtime, girls. You joining the crowd or what?” Pete stood in the doorway with his wrist planted on the side of his hip. “Five minutes, or you lose.” “Lose.” Gabby stood up. “I’m out of here. I’m taking the rest of the day off and heading home to get some writing done. I’ve finished edits and want to start on this new idea I have for the third book in my series.” “What is it this time? Werewolves and beauticians? The prince and the waitress? Debbie does Dallas, David, and Derek?” Barb laughed. “Ha ha, funny.” Gabby grabbed her briefcase. “Nope. I’m writing another vampire romance.”

***

Gabby rushed through the front office, bent down beside Barb, and grabbed her hand without missing a step. She pulled her coworker and best friend into her office, shut the door, and thrust an envelope at her chest. “Open it.” Barb raised one eyebrow, lifted the flap, and pulled out a piece of paper with a professional letterhead embossed at the top. Gabby stared at Barb’s gaze roving back and forth across the paper. Her friend’s mouth dropped the farther into the letter she read. “Shit, Gabby. He’s the real deal.” She ambled over to a chair with the letter hanging at her side. “What are you going to do?” “I’m going.” Gabby crossed her arms and grinned. “This is so unfucking-believable, how can I not?” “But you can’t afford it. Not to insult you, but you’re not exactly a well-fed writer,” she said with a scoff. Gabby rounded her desk, opened the laptop, and pushed the On button. “Look inside the envelope.” 3

To Play or Obey The muffled scream continued for so long, Gabby thought she’d have to go over and slap Barb before she ran out of oxygen. She grinned. She’d reacted exactly the same way this morning at the sight of the cashier’s checks worth two thousand dollars. “This is too good to pass up.” Gabby punched keys on the computer. “I’ve already talked to the boss. He’s letting me have one month off as long as I take no pay. I told him I have the biggest lead on a story that will blow the top off this newspaper and I needed to go.” “But—” “Don’t even try to talk me out of going.” Gabby closed the top of the laptop. “I’ll use the extra money to pay the bills, plus I have the gas card he included. The trip won’t cost me a thing.” She zipped up the carrying case. “I don’t know why this guy thinks it is so important I come to Peckerwood, but I’m going to find out.” Barb fingered the skin at the base of her neck. “I…I’m not sure if you should do this, Gab. You know nothing about the place or this guy.” Gabby carried everything in her arms, circled the desk, and stood in front of Barb. “I’ll be fine. I’ll even call you every day at eight o’clock when you get to work, and if I don’t call, you can come rescue me.” She patted Barb’s arm. “Just think of all the research I can do. Besides, it’s not like I’m going to participate in any of their”—she shook her head—”sex stuff. This is solely research for my book, and if it gets me an article in the newspaper to appease the boss…so be it.”

4

Chapter Two

The house, sheltered by the steep hillside, stood among towering evergreens. The sunset cast the place in shadows highlighted with beams of red and orange, creating a majestic ambience. Gabby sat inside the car in stunned silence, her gaze soaking up every little detail—from the professional landscaping to the small brown patch peeking out from the side of the yard, resembling a…vegetable garden? On the sidewalk, a man holding a leash walked ahead of a woman. Gabby’s brows lifted. She’d written about that kind of thing in her books and spent months reading and researching the BDSM lifestyle practices. She had even dabbled in a little soft BDSM play with an old boyfriend in his bedroom one weekend. But to see someone flaunting ownership in real life—she sucked in air—took the breath right out of her. She stared in utter fascination. What kind of woman enjoyed humiliation? Okay, she could see playing a submissive in the bedroom, but outside on a public street? She turned away. The faster she walked 5

To Play or Obey up to the house, the closer she’d be to finding out all the answers to her questions. Gabby removed her one suitcase from the trunk and rolled it up to the front door. She rang the doorbell, to a deep breath, and waited to meet the man who claimed to have the only BDSM village in the world. She plastered a smile on her face as the door opened. Her jaw dropped, and for the first time, every witty salutation or clever line she could think of escaped her. The most beautiful man she’d ever seen stood with his hand on the doorframe and a smile on his face. Barefoot and wearing only a faded pair of jeans, he was one perfect, lean, muscular male body. Gabby’s stare wandered from his toes up to the tattoo on the side of his neck. She sighed. She loved men with tattoos and forced her gaze up to his face. Long straight black hair hung past his shoulders, and his angular cheekbones would have given him a stern look if not for his eyes. Her stomach growled. Those beautiful orbs reminded her of melted chocolate. “You must be Gabriella Torraine.” He held his hand out and gazed into her eyes. “I’m Mayor Dick.” She lifted her hand automatically, as if pulled by some magical force. His hand, big, rough, masculine, and all too soothing, held her much smaller hand with extreme care. Damned if her pussy didn’t dampen her panties at the simple act of attention. “Please, please, come in.” He stepped aside. “Here, let me take your luggage.” She nodded. The motion set her brain into action, and she remembered to close her mouth. Without any prodding, he led her through the entryway and into a big formal living room. The beauty of the room matched that of the stunning exterior of the house, and she smiled in approval. One wall was covered completely with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. She laid her hand on her chest. A dream house filled with all kinds of books to read at one’s leisure—a heck of a good sign that there was more to this man than a silly name and mesmerizing good looks. Cushioned lounge chairs and overstuffed Queen Ann chairs graced the corners of the room, where reading lamps hung down from the ceiling. Gabby craned her neck to take everything in and was blown away by how welcomed the décor made her feel. 6

Abby Wood She’d never visited someone’s house where she instantly felt so comfortable. She almost wanted to grab a blanket, snuggle down in one of those chairs, and lose herself in one of the stories from Mayor Dick’s shelves. She swallowed. It’d be a bonus if Mayor Dick would want to cuddle up with her while she read. “Why don’t you sit, and we can get to know each other a little bit.” Mayor Dick let go of her hand. She’d forgotten that she still clutched a part of him, and she rubbed her hands together, missing the warmth coming off him. She scooted over to the closest chair, sat down, and inhaled a huge breath to ward off her sudden lightheadedness. Coming here turned out to be more surreal than she expected, and she almost believed she walked into a dream. She cleared her throat. “Thank you again for inviting me.” “It’s my pleasure.” He sat down across from her in a wingback chair. “I trust you had no problems during the trip here?” She shook her head. “No. Actually, I wanted to thank you for that as well. I’ve never been this far west, and, well…you made that possible. I’m not used to someone offering to help me financially and giving me lodging while I research.” She licked her lips. “I’ll admit, after doing my own investigation on your town—and you—I’ve gained some insight into what makes Peckerwood special. I’m looking forward to my stay, but I’m wondering what the reason is behind your offer to stay with you?” She brushed her hair off her shoulders. “I’m not even a full-time author. I still hold a job at the newspaper four days a week.” Mayor Dick rubbed his hand along his jawline. “I understand your concern. I offered to have you stay here because I have the room to give you your own space and because I’d like to be involved in your research as much as you’ll allow me.” Her heartbeat sped up. Why did his offer to help her during her stay warm her insides? “As I explained in my e-mails, I think this is a way for you to show the BDSM world in a positive light through your stories. It might not be for everyone, but for those of us who live and breathe our roles as Dominants and submissives, it means a lot.” He raised his brows. “Although we’d prefer Peckerwood not be exploited.” She tilted her head. “I understand.” There was a fine line between boosting a town’s tourist trade and bringing visitors in to gawk. She bit down on her lip. To learn about any subject firsthand was a gift to 7

To Play or Obey a starving author, and she couldn’t wait to learn more about Mayor Dick and Peckerwood. “When can I get started? I’d love to interview you. I’ve written a list of questions.” She laughed. “I know I sound overeager.” He smiled. The corners of his eyes crinkled in amusement, and at that very moment, it didn’t matter the reasons behind his invitation. She was going to take the extended stay as an opportunity to live life a little more. Between her editing job at the newspaper and spending every evening typing away on her stories until late at night, she’d not taken any time lately to laugh, dance, and be merry. “We have plenty of time for questions later. I’ll be more than willing to answer them all for you.” He smiled. “I imagine you’re starving from your trip, yes?” He stood up and glanced down the hallway. She stood up to follow Mayor Dick through the house. “Would it be all right if I called my friend after I eat? I promised I’d check in when I arrived.” “Of course. Feel free to use whatever you want in the house. This is your home too for the duration of your stay.” She trailed so closely behind him, she almost slammed into his back the moment he stopped walking. He turned, smiled down at her, and laid his hand on her arm to steady her. “I’m afraid I am not much of a cook, and the kitchen is rather unequipped compared to normal kitchens.” He slid behind her. “It’s small, but I’ve stocked it with everything you would need for your stay, I hope. Feel free to make yourself something to fill your stomach. I will let you relax, and you can enjoy your meal.” “You’re leaving?” “For a few moments. I need to let the council know you’ve arrived safely and to hold my calls while I get you settled in.” He bowed his head, walked backward, then turned and left the room. Gabby shot a glance down the hallway at his retreating backside and silently whistled. A powerful urge to skip dinner and ask if she could keep Mayor Dick company hit her hard in the chest, but her stomach growled, and the idea didn’t last long.

***

Dick shut the front door and took a deep breath. With Gabriella eating in the kitchen, he didn’t have much time to update the council. Every one of the citizens needed to hear the good news. He was certain they too would see her visit as hope for the future. 8

Abby Wood At the very sight of the erotic romance author, his cock had grown stiff and throbbed with an incredible need to stake his claim on her. He’d hoped for the familiar rush at meeting Gabriella, but he sure didn’t expect the experience to hit him so damn hard. It took all his control not to order her to strip down to her skin, kneel at his feet, and let him come all over her. He found himself drawn to her in the most intimate ways. The sweet scent of her skin, the pulse of the blood traveling through her veins—even the aroma of her arousal—fed his soul. Every sign that he’d found his life mate was there. Long auburn hair floated around her shoulders and accentuated the flawless ivory skin of her neck, tempting him more than any woman ever had before. The desire to run his fingers through the thick strands and pull her closer to claim her full lips encouraged him. This was the woman for him. Even her dark blue eyes reached out and begged him to take her under his wing. She possessed enough vulnerability behind that brave exterior; he had no doubt of her submissive nature. The need to care for this woman dominated his soul in a way he’d never experienced in the couple of hundred years since his birth. He’d prepared for this day, looked forward to it happening, and this one woman created such an intense desire in him to pamper and love her, he couldn’t wait to show her. The other women he’d had sexual relations with just…entertained him while he waited for her. He kept to the shadows of the tree-lined yard and wove his way farther from the house. Even though the sun set in the distance, out of habit he followed the trail within the trees. Dexter waited for him up ahead, where the trees gave way to the community center. He slowed down and jogged over to his old friend. “Well?” Dexter leaned against the base of a towering fir tree, his arms crossed, and Dick witnessed a flash of apprehension cross his face. “Gabriella arrived.” He inhaled, blew out his breath, and grinned. “She’s more than I ever expected. The rush was incredible.” Dick rubbed his chest. “Shit. I had to make some idiotic excuse to get out of the house. I almost lost control.” “You?” Dexter laughed. “I’m going to have to see that.” “It’s crazy. One minute, she’s standing at my door, my heart’s pounding, and the next thing I do is shake her hand. Pow! The most intense pleasure I’ve ever experienced happens.” He grinned. 9

To Play or Obey The knowledge that their plan had worked excited him, and he could tell it rubbed off on Dexter. The vampires had waited so long for this moment, and completing the first phase immediately pushed him into phase two, where things were bound to get stickier. He’d reacted to the woman ten times more strongly than he had to her picture on the back cover of her book. “Do we forge ahead?” Dexter stared off into the distance. Dick nodded. “Yes. I get my time to convince Gabriella she belongs to me, and then we’ll go ahead and set up the next person to receive his sub.” “Keep an eye on her. If she leaves Peckerwood…” Dexter shook his head. “I know.” Dick gave a slight nod. “Don’t worry. I’ll protect the vampires and deal with the consequences.” The community was lucky to have a thought-thrower in the group. Without Dexter and his telepathic gift, they’d have to arrange meetings to go over the agenda, risking the chance that Gabriella might overhear their plans too soon. Dexter pushed away from the tree. “I’ll swing by later, after she’s asleep.” He shook Dick’s hand. “Here’s to good luck, eh bro?” Dick gave a half smile. “Wait until you meet her… I have a feeling I’m going to need it.”

***

Gabby strolled in front of the bookcase in Mayor Dick’s living room. She sighed. To have so many books at his disposal, allowing him to lose himself for hours within their pages, filled her with envy. Some of the books dated back to the mid-eighteen hundreds. Judging by appearances, she never would have guessed Mayor Dick was a book collector. He seemed more the athletic type, but it secretly pleased her that the books she’d written sat on the shelf among so many famous authors. A door clicked and banged, and Mayor Dick entered the living room. “I’m so sorry to keep you waiting. I needed to check up on some business I couldn’t put off. Please, excuse me for being so rude.” He stood beside her and laid his hand on her arm. “It’s all right. I don’t expect you to cater to me all month. I imagine your job as mayor keeps you very busy.” She glanced away to keep from staring at him. He tilted her chin with his finger and smiled. “You are too nice, my Gabriella.” 10

Abby Wood The blood rushed through her veins and echoed in her ears. Her nipples hardened, and she moved close enough that her right breast brushed his arm, sending delightful shock waves through her lower stomach. If given enough time, a simple conversation with Mayor Dick might turn into an orgasmic experience. “Are you okay about staying here by yourself? If you’d like, I can invite one of the women to stay here with you.” He gazed down into her eyes. “I can swear on my life, you are perfectly safe in my house, but I want you to feel at ease here too.” “I do. It’s weird, but the moment I arrived, I felt very comfortable.” She grinned. “Most of my vacations have been working ones. They are the only times I can get away to do research, and I’m really looking forward to having so much free time to write.” “Ah, your books.” His smile broadened. “I’m not one for women’s romances, but when your books were brought to my attention, I secretly read them. You portrayed the Dominant-submissive lifestyle very well and in a positive light, and for that, I and the others here are very appreciative.” “Oh! Well, thank you…” She glanced away, unsure if she should confess to writing books about a lifestyle she’d barely ever participated in, or grab him and beg him to teach her everything he knew. “I’m surprised to find you are a booklover.” “Yes, I find that reading helps me relax.” He glanced up at the books. “They help me pass the time.” “Me too.” She covered her mouth and yawned. “Would you mind if I read some of your books while I’m here?” “Not at all. I want you to make yourself comfortable. Pretend this is your home.” He smiled. “I shouldn’t keep you. You are probably half dead on your feet and would like to go to bed.” He ran his hand down her arm and scooped up her hand. “Let me show you to your room.” He led her up the stairs, down the hall, and to the third open door on the left. Inside the room, a double bed outfitted with a lavendercolored comforter and plumped-up pillows reached out and tempted her to collapse atop the cushioned goodness. “There is a bathroom at the end of the hall, and my bedroom is right across the hallway. If you need anything, please feel free to ask. I don’t sleep much, so you won’t be bothering me at all.” He pushed an errant strand of hair off her face and tucked it behind her ear. “I want you to be happy here, Gabriella.” 11

To Play or Obey Mayor Dick left her alone to rest, and she shut the door. She should be exhausted. Despite the long road trip, the anxiety over spending time with a stranger and his bizarre community, her body twitched with pent-up energy. The abused computer case she’d brought with her sat in the corner of the room. She carried it over to the bed, unzipped it, and removed her laptop. She’d sit down and write. Maybe forgetting about the man downstairs who sent her heart to pounding and looked delicious enough to eat would relax her enough to get a good night’s rest. Ten minutes later, she still sat with her fingers poised above the keyboard. Mayor Dick’s image invaded her mind. She had to write this sex scene, but her thoughts wandered from the hero in her story to Dick. She turned into the heroine. Dick pinned her arms above her head, and she’d succumb to anything he wanted because he’d take care of her. She shook her head to dispel the imagery, but the evidence of her damp panties and peaked nipples didn’t go away so easily. She’d try to write later, when the words were not so personal. Gabby set her laptop on the dresser, rummaged through her suitcase for her nightgown, and headed down the hall for a shower. If she still found herself worked up over the mysterious Dom after she washed her hair, she’d freeze the erotic thoughts out of her head with a blast of cold water. Yeah, like that’s going to work.

***

Inside the extra-large room of the full basement under his house, council members of Peckerwood assembled. Dick shut the door behind the last person to arrive and turned his attention to the group. He ran his hand over his chest and gazed down at Julia, Rowen’s slave. A surge of excitement came over him at the thought that soon Gabriella would kneel at his feet and attend one of the vampire’s meetings with him as his mate. “You’re sure this woman is the right one?” Jonathon stood apart from the others. Dick raised his head, nodded, and smiled. “Yes, my friend, she is my mate.” He slid down onto the couch. “She’s willing to stay. In fact, she appeared eager to stay with me.” He chuckled. “I have a feeling she’s tossing around on the bed upstairs, wondering what is happening to her. It’s going to take more strength than I imagined to slow this down and give her time to get to know me…us.” 12

Abby Wood The others laughed, and the serious mood of the night lifted. He’d put them at ease and paved the way for each single male to now go forth and invite his own mate to Peckerwood. The whole idea of going outside the vampire community was rather unconventional to his kind, but it still left them the ability to use their good judgment in finding a mate. “But is she submissive, Mayor Dick?” Rowen raised his right eyebrow. “That is the question we are all dying to have answered.” He reached down and petted the top of Julia’s head without breaking his gaze from the mayor. “Our dream of having a community where we do not have to hide who we are and can live true to ourselves depends on finding more submissives for our males.” “That’s true.” Charlie sat atop the pool table, his legs swinging back and forth. “We’ve already lost over ten men this year. I don’t want to see any more of us leave and live life on the outside.” He hung his head. “I remember what it was like out there.” “If we grow too small in number, what other choice will we have?” Dexter sat kicked back in the recliner, his hands clasped behind his head. “We’ve found freedom here, where we can relax. Even with the number of citizens we have now, at least we keep out the drivel. We need to keep the numbers up.” Jonathon cleared his throat. “Some of the men are getting restless and trying to find their life mates in other cities. Our natural senses are blocked around groups of humans, and those of us who venture out make the wrong choices. They’re drawing too much attention to themselves on their trips out of Peckerwood. It won’t take long before others follow them back here, or worse, they’re ousted for being vampires. We’d never be able to keep Peckerwood exclusive then, and I’m afraid there will be more deaths.” “I understand, and that’s why I wanted to experiment with this plan.” Dick slapped his hand on his leg, gazed over at the Dexter, and nodded. “Tell the others in the community to search out ways to find their submissives. Have them look through the newspapers and magazines, watch television, and pay attention for any sign they’ve connected with someone special. “Once that’s done, we’ll figure out a way to bring each one to Peckerwood, where nothing will obstruct their senses.” He held up his hand. “Make sure they know they’ll have to take turns. One woman at a time to make it fair and better their chance at recognizing the gift that comes within all of us. It’ll have to work that way for us to experience a true rush.” 13

To Play or Obey He turned to the others. “It worked perfectly for me. I received the rush the moment I touched Gabriella, so to answer your question, yes, she’s a submissive. She just doesn’t know it yet.” He moved his gaze from one person to the next. “The women who come and do not work out will have their memories wiped and be sent back to where they came from. Honestly, I don’t expect that to become a problem. I imagine all the single males will make good choices. “Any more questions?” He hoped not. He wanted to go upstairs in case Gabriella needed anything during the night. Charlie stood up. “What about reproducing? I think we all agree the new system of feeding only on the animals and staying away from humans to purify our blood is going to help, but what about procreating with humans? Are the odds more in our favor? Less?” “Time will tell, Charlie.” Dick shook his head. “All we can do is wait and see if a change of diet works.” Dick saw the others out and returned to the couch. His best friend, Dexter, remained behind. With much less weight on his shoulders, he credited the arrival of Gabriella for bringing hope back to his people. “This is good.” Dexter nodded. “It gets harder and more dangerous to cover our tracks when the single men go out of town to search for a mate. They’ve been making mistakes because of their inability to pick out the right woman when around the others. In their frustration, they are leaving evidence everywhere, running with the vampires who still live by the old rules. That can only bring trouble to Peckerwood.” “I know.” Dick sat down. “I remember what it was like to be young. We can’t fault them. Hormones, thirst, and the thrill are all powerful cravings. From now on, if the men must leave, the cleanup crew will go too. They will make sure the humans’ minds are wiped clean, no traces left.” He inhaled and shook his head. “Tell the men to be patient. If this works out, we will make sure every man has his chance at bringing someone new here.” Dexter crossed his arms. “I hope this does work out for everyone. We’ve waited so long. I wish we could go back to the old days, when babies came easily and there were plenty of women of our own kind.” He sighed. “Most of the women from the outside lack the submissive gene all our women have. It will be difficult, I’m afraid, to convince human females to submit to us.” He nodded. “Yes, but not impossible. Opening up Peckerwood and inviting others here will make the transition much easier.” He 14

Abby Wood smiled at the thought of how easily Gabriella accepted his rush. “There are subs out there; we’ve just got to find them, love them, and convince them to stay.”

***

Gabby woke up with the room cloaked in darkness. She rolled over and searched for her travel alarm clock on the nightstand beside the bed. Squinting, she focused on the time. She flopped back on the pillow. Quarter to four in the morning was much too early to wake up. She squirmed under the blankets. Groaning, she sat up. If she didn’t visit the washroom, her bladder would explode. She peeked out the bedroom door. Mayor Dick’s bedroom door was closed. She sighed in relief and hurried down the hall. She closed the bathroom door before turning on the light and quickly went about her business. The loudness of the flush and the sink’s faucet echoed in the small room. She tiptoed back down the hall, not wanting to wake up the mayor. “Everything okay, Gabriella?” She screamed, jumped back a couple of feet, and covered her mouth. Mayor Dick turned on the hallway light and advanced in her direction from the top of the stairs. She lowered her hands and wrapped them around her waist. It didn’t appear she’d woken him up. In fact, he still wore his clothes from earlier. “I was just using the bathroom.” She hitched her thumb over her shoulder in the opposite direction. “Why are you still up? It’s not even time for the sun to come up yet.” He chuckled. “I know.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Not only is this a community of like-minded people, but we run the town a little differently than most. The majority of our activities are done at night rather than in the daytime.” “I see.” Gabby pursed her lips and then lifted her brows. “Oh! I understand. All the sex stuff you do. That makes sense. It’s probably easier to do it at night.” Shit, I sound like a naive fool. Mayor Dick gazed down at her gown and seemed to focus on the pearl buttons of the bodice. She glanced down. It’d unbuttoned while she slept, and her cleavage was exposed. It didn’t help that she had her arms crossed under her breasts, which pushed them up to an abnormally high level. She wrinkled her nose, turned her body, and gazed over her shoulder. “I guess I’ll go back to my room.” 15

To Play or Obey “Gabriella—” “Yes?” She turned and stepped back out of the doorway. Mayor Dick moved closer. “Since you’re up, would you like to go visit the town while everything is open? You can get a feel for the people and what we have to offer others.” “Now?” She gazed back in the bedroom. Why not? She doubted she’d get back to sleep anyway. Turning her head, she nodded. “Give me a few minutes to get dressed.”

16

Chapter Three

Seated beside the mayor in a motorized golf cart with her hand slipped inside of his, Gabby gazed off at the different buildings he pointed out. It seemed natural to let him slip his fingers into her hand. Nothing about the gesture made her feel uncomfortable. Instead, the sense that someone was protecting her left her feeling content, and she found herself searching out his hand again if he let go to turn the cart. Somewhere between her arrival to Peckerwood and now, she’d stopped thinking of him as Mayor Dick. He was simply Dick. “Do you think you are up to stopping by the community center?” He gazed down and searched her eyes. She nodded. If he stayed beside her, she’d love to see where the people congregated. Although, she’d never been a big fan of bingo or card games. “You’re doing very well, Gabby Girl. It pleases me to see how open you are to learning about things that are different from what 17

To Play or Obey you are used to, especially since the people, the town, and the lifestyle are new to you.” Dick pulled over to the curb outside a large, long building decked in lights. “Tell me, have you ever wanted to submit to someone, let them take care of you, pamper you…?” She snorted. “No.” Not wanting to insult him, she smiled. “Not that there is anything wrong with that, of course. I might write about Doms and subs, but I…I’ve never participated in… Only played around with…” She leaned in closer. “Do you expect me to do that here?” She swallowed. “Because I’ve only done a little kneeling and obeying with a guy I used to date.” He cupped her face between his hands, stared down into her eyes, and the lines around his eyes creased more deeply. “Oh, you will do that here, but on your own time, and only with me.” She shook her head, but his hands stopped the movement. A pleasant twinge in her pussy released a giddiness of emotions in her lower belly. She wanted to explain how she was not the kind of woman who’d take orders from a man, but her body begged him to kiss her. To take the kiss and make her submit to every delicious touch he wanted to give. “I can see by the way your pupils dilated and your eyelids lowered that the thought excites you.” He leaned in closer, bringing those full lips of his within inches of her mouth. “I knew from the moment I opened the door and brought you into my house that you are a submissive.” She licked her bottom lip. “You…you don’t know anything about me.” She swallowed. “I might go through men faster than I use up my bottle of shampoo—this is true, by the way—but I’m not one who forms close relationships.” Dick grinned. “I know enough.” He touched his lips to the side of her mouth. “As a Dom, I can tell when the woman I am drawn to is stimulated, and that makes me want to take care of her. I’d like to give you everything your body cries out for and fulfill your needs.” He kissed the other side of her mouth, not giving her lips the full attention they craved. “I want you to open your mind, trust me, and learn from our time together, Gabriella.” He hovered over her lips. At such a close range, she gazed back and forth from one dark chocolate eye to the other. Her nipples begged for attention, and her pussy was wet and inviting. He promised good things, not punishment. “Trust me, Gabby Girl.” 18

Abby Wood She inhaled. The swift intake made her shudder. “Yes. Yes, I’ll try.” God, what am I agreeing to? Dick lowered his lips to her mouth in a move so gentle, it tugged at her heart. Exploring the shape, the taste, the heat of her mouth, he coaxed her lips open. Not too wet, not too dry, his lips hinted of peppermint. She mewed and arched toward him, wanting more. He answered her request and dipped his tongue between her lips. In a ritual dance as old as time, he showed her with his tongue what his cock wanted to do to her pussy. He plunged, retracted, and licked. Her eyes closed. She squirmed on the seat of the golf cart. Never before had she wanted to jump someone’s bones this badly. Dick groaned and slowed down. He pulled back, leaving featherlight kisses in his wake. She gasped huge lungfuls of air. With one kiss, the man had skipped every common form of foreplay and brought her so close to an orgasm, she ached. “Say you’ll stay and learn, Gabriella. Let me have this month with you to show you how a true master treats his slave. How a submissive woman can find happiness.” He lowered his hands, sat back, and smiled. “Let me train you in the way your body begs to live.” “Yes.” She didn’t hesitate. One month with him, she’d learn so much, and then she’d go back to her real life. “I mean no…” She buried her head in her hands, groaned, and sat back up. “This is insane!” She tilted her head back, and her laughter hinted at hysteria. “I don’t even know what I’m agreeing to.” She gazed at Dick. “You…you are like no man I have ever met.” “Good.” He smiled. “Good?” She crossed her legs and rubbed her thighs. “I don’t know about that. It feels like I don’t even have control of my thoughts when around you.” She shivered. “I think I’m still half asleep. That must be it.” “How about you play along with me. For your research… Let yourself live the life.” She chewed on the inside of her cheek. Experiencing the lifestyle firsthand would give her invaluable insight to use later in her books. She glanced at Dick. His kisses were to die for, and he did make her feel more alive than anyone ever had before. “Okay. Yes.” She raised her brows and inhaled deeply, wondering what she was getting into. “Yes what, Gabby Girl?” He lifted his brows. She smiled. She wrote about this very thing many times in her books. If she acted the sub, she must show respect. 19

To Play or Obey “Yes, Master Dick.” “We’ll start out with you remaining at my side.” He winked. “That’s an order.” He held her hand and led her up to the community house. “Because you are my sub, others will not bother you, so relax and enjoy.” She nodded. Here in a new place, where no one knew her, she’d step out of her comfort zone and live out the fantasies she wrote about in her books. The people inside the community center milled around in all manners of dress and undress—some shackled, some collared, and all playing out scenes. The place hopped with business. She stared around, wide-eyed and curious. A feeling of déjà vu came over her. If she didn’t know better, she’d swear the people of Peckerwood had walked straight off the pages of her latest book, just for her viewing pleasure. “Hey, Mayor Dick.” A man leading a woman on a leash strolled in front of them. Dick clapped him on the shoulder. “Having a good time, Alex?” He nodded at the man’s answering wink, turned, and smiled at the woman. “Veronica, this is Gabriella. She’s visiting our town for the month.” Gabby held her hand out, but the woman turned to the man holding her leash and ignored the friendly gesture. Gabby lowered her arm. Don’t they shake hands here? “Gabby Girl, a submissive cannot touch another person without permission from her master.” He motioned with his head back to the other couple. “Yes, you may talk with Mayor Dick’s submissive.” Alex curled his hand against his sub’s cheek. “Welcome the lovely Gabby to Peckerwood.” Veronica turned back to Gabby, held out her hand, and grinned. “It’s lovely to meet you, Gabby. I hope we can sit and chat while you are here. I would love to get to know you better.” She laughed. “Did I sound too hard up for company?” Veronica leaned closer and whispered, “The men outnumber us, so we women have to stick together.” Gabby’s eyes widened. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, and I’d love to talk with you more, but”—she glanced up at Dick—”I’m not really his submissive. I’m just pretending to be while I’m here.” “Alex, feel free to come and bring Veronica over to the house. I think Gabriella could learn a lot from your sub for her research.” Dick 20

Abby Wood gathered up Gabby’s hand again. “We’re going to wander around and let my little sub get a feel for how we live.” He scooted Gabby past the couple and continued walking. “Maybe you shouldn’t introduce me as your submissive,” she whispered. “I don’t want them to think I’m making light of their lifestyle.” He gazed down at her and winked. “No, you need to get used to hearing the word being referenced to you. Trust me, everyone understands a beginner.” Everyone they passed either elbowed each other, bent their heads in whispers, or stared at Gabby—in horror or fascination, she wasn’t sure which. She glanced down at her clothes. She was overdressed for this place, but this morning she hadn’t had a clue she’d end up in a community center where all kinds of kinky sexual practices took place. Not that she’d bare her soul and flash her ta-tas in front of everyone. “They stare because you are beautiful.” Dick dropped her hand and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. How did he know I was…? She shook her head and snorted. “Not likely.” He pulled up short and turned her around to face him. His eyes narrowed, and the set of his mouth thinned. She caught her lower lip with her teeth. In a face where she’d seen only kindness and joy, this new expression filled her with apprehension. His eyes turned flat and dark, no longer resembling her favorite candy bar. She lowered her gaze. Unable to take the displeasure he emitted, she wanted to escape. Did I break a rule? He hooked his finger beneath her chin and tilted her face back up. She glanced at him but shifted her eyes to escape his gaze. Her stomach sank, and she scrambled to think of a way to put the joy back in his expression. “Gabriella.” He nudged her chin. “Look at me, little Gabby.” She stared at his mouth. “Unless you’d like me to slide those jeans down past your ass, bend you over my knee in front of everyone, and paddle you for disobeying me, you will look me in the eyes.” His voice, deeper than usual and so very quiet, drew her attention. She gazed into his eyes and watched the light come back to his face. He nodded. His thumb stroked the length of her bottom lip. She blinked, surprised there were tears in her eyes. She didn’t even know 21

To Play or Obey this man, and this absurd yearning to obey him puzzled her. She wasn’t a real submissive. She only agreed to playact, right? “You agreed to be my sub. I expect you to follow my rules.” He sighed, closed his eyes, and opened them again. “I know you don’t know all the rules yet, but you must know I have them for a reason. I want only your happiness, Gabby Girl.” He leaned down closer. “I will not tolerate you scoffing at your beauty or putting yourself down. Understood?” The moisture in her vision spilled out and trickled down her cheeks. She nodded. No one had ever demanded she believe in herself. Not her foster parents, not any former boyfriend—no one—and she wondered what it would be like to have someone in her corner, encouraging her and caring if she found happiness. Was this the reason so many women enjoyed having a Dom? “I-I’m sorry, Master Dick. I will try to remember.” She held her breath. He kissed her lips. “Good girl. Now, let’s walk down below and watch a scene before it is time to leave.” He glanced at his watch. “It is almost daylight.” The man standing at the top of the stairs shook Dick’s hand, removed the corded rope barrier, and permitted their entry into the stairwell. Gabby bit her tongue to keep a nervous giggle from escaping her mouth at the thought of going down into the dungeon. One thing she never understood was how people played out BDSM scenes without feeling as if they were drama students in a very erotic play. In her books, she wrote how fantastic the resulting orgasms were and how the subs gave complete control over to their Doms, but she wrote fiction. This town existed on the map. Dick stopped halfway down the stairs. “Gabriella, before I take you to view the scenes, I want something from you.” She nodded. “Yes, Master Dick.” Kiss me, touch me, and make me feel beautiful again. “I need to build your trust, Gabby Girl. Without it, there can be no real relationship between us.” He leaned back against the wall, one foot placed on a higher step. He pulled her in between his open thighs. “Part of that trust is having a safe word.” Right. A safe word. She knew about this. “I’m not asking anything of you tonight. All I want from you is to open your mind and learn about what goes on in the center.” He smiled. “But someday…some other time, our roles will involve play, and it is important for you to have a safe word.” 22

Abby Wood “What is my safe word, Master Dick?” His hands slid down her back to tease the top of her buttocks. She let her body fall against him. She shivered. A delicious wave of lust traveled from her womb up to her nipples. A prominent ridge at the front of his jeans was evidence that he too experienced the same feelings. He shook his head and kissed the tip of her nose. “You must pick a word. Something you would not say in a moment of passion, but when you change your mind and want me to stop doing something.” Gabby shrugged. He wanted her to make up a word, and all she wanted was to rub against him and forget the silly game they played. He shifted his hips forward, and she mewed. He chuckled. “You’re a little kitten, aren’t you? Do you have any idea what that sound does to me?” She froze. Heat traveled up into her cheeks. She couldn’t believe the effect he had on her—and she’d just met him today. “You might think I’m crazy, but I find myself attracted to you.” She ducked her head but hurried to gaze back up into his face. “Master Dick.” He smiled, lifted her, and set her apart from him. “I need your safe word, Gabriella. It is an important part of our relationship. I want you to always feel safe so that when we do advance to experimenting with each other, you are confident that you have control of what I ask of you. Do you understand what I mean?” She nodded. “Vulcan.” He cocked his head. “The vampire in Suck Me and Obey?” “Yes, Master Dick.” She grinned. His laughter bounced off the walls of the stairwell. Dick bent over and clutched at his stomach. Gabby stood back, covered her mouth, and giggled. It seemed fitting she’d pick a word branded into her head. She’d slaved over that manuscript for months. “Aw, come Gabby Girl, let’s get going.” His amusement came out in chuckles the rest of the way down the steps, and he muttered “Vulcan” several times under his breath. “Why is the name Vulcan so funny to you?” She smiled. “You’ve read the book, right? Vulcan is a master Dom and the alpha vampire of his clan. He…he’s almost godlike, not someone you should laugh at.” “I’ll make you a deal.” He leaned down and placed his mouth beside her ear. “At the end of your month, I’ll tell you why I laughed. I’ll bet you’ll find it very funny too.” 23

To Play or Obey She shook her head. “He’s my character. I won’t laugh. Many women have written to tell me how strong and beautiful he is. I bet not one woman ever found his name humorous.” “We’ll see, Gabby Girl, and if you find the humor in it, you’ll have to do anything I ask of you.” He stood back up. “Deal?” “In a month, right?” He nodded. “Yes.” Gabby sighed. “Deal, Master Dick.” The downstairs appeared to be a lot bigger than the upstairs. The room was separated by large standing curtains, making it easier to distinguish where one scene ended and another began. In each open room, different equipment sat ready for anyone who wanted to play out a sexual fantasy. Dick led her past a man flogging a woman tied to a cross; a woman bent over what resembled a tripod, where a man inserted a vibrator into her pussy; and over to a scene where a woman was draped over a man’s lap. She stopped and tugged at Dick’s hand. Something about the couple drew her attention. The man gazed up from the woman’s posterior, smiled and winked at Dick, then continued to pleasure the woman on his lap. Gabby stared, transfixed at the way the man caressed the woman’s butt cheeks. Her back stiffened against Dick. The unease she felt at the man knowing she watched faded when his hand lovingly touched his sub’s body. Would Dick want her to bare her body like this in public? Nervous energy crawled up the back of her neck, and she shivered. The thought of being in such a vulnerable position scared her. The Dom didn’t care who watched, and his submissive lay in complete bliss, unaware others viewed such an intimate moment. Gabby leaned to the left. How did a person lose their insecurities and allow someone else to control them? After taking the vibrator out of her pussy, the man reached down to the floor and picked up a paddle. Gabby leaned forward, but Dick’s arms tightened around her, keeping her in place. The women dangled over her master’s legs in total submission; she hadn’t done anything to warrant a punishment. Smack! Gabby flinched and grabbed on to Dick’s pant leg. She shook her head. Okay, some people got their jollies from pain. She got that. It still didn’t make it easy to watch. 24

Abby Wood Smack! Not wanting to stay and be witness to any more, she turned and buried her head into Dick’s chest. “Please…” “Turn around, Gabriella.” She gazed over her shoulder but kept her body snuggled up to Dick. The woman moaned in pleasure and began to beg for more. “He’s not hurting her. He knows the slight sting from a paddle drives his sub insane with pleasure.” He laid his hands on Gabby’s arms and turned her around. “See how her pussy shines with her cream? Her face is relaxed, and she is in the throes of ecstasy.” Gabby stepped out of Dick’s arms and studied the scene. He was right. The woman moaned, and the man reached between her legs and massaged her clit. He held his arm over her back, above her bottom, and told the woman to come. She arched up over his legs. Her body convulsed, and she collapsed again on his lap. The sub’s Dom lifted her into his arms, stroked her face, and placed kisses along her neck. Gabby’s panties were definitely damper, and her own breathing came out in little puffs. “Come, Gabriella. That is enough for your first day. It is almost time for the center to close, and we must get home.” Dick put his arm around her, guided her back up the stairs and through the main floor, and helped her into the golf cart. She stared at nothing. Her mind circled over everything she’d witnessed and tried to separate fantasy from reality. Until now, she’d thought this lifestyle came in the form of a story or an act between two people, not as a recreational sport shared by a group. These people lived this way every day, without having to conform to society’s standards. Most of all, they seemed happy.

25

Chapter Four

Dick drove back to the house in silence. Gabby glanced over at the man, trying to figure him out. Proud, confident, yet compassionate, he held himself in an almost regal way. What made him the man he is today? What led him down the path of a Dom and to finding pleasure in having a submissive? His cheeks indented, and she realized he’d caught her staring. She lowered her chin and concentrated on her hands, which she kept folded in her lap. He must have thought she was some backward country bumpkin with the way she acted in the community center. She wrinkled her nose. Maybe she should tell him she’d watched porn before and viewed pictures on the Internet. Nah, he’d see through that charade. God, I’m pathetic. “What are you thinking about, Gabby Girl?” He reached over and slid his hand between hers. “I hope you understand you can ask me anything. I’d like to hear what thoughts circle that pretty head of yours.” 26

Abby Wood She peeked over at him, found him smiling, and turned back to gaze ahead at the road. “I’m wondering how someone starts being a Dom or a sub.” She frowned. “Maybe I’m asking it the wrong way. I suppose it’s similar to the age-old question people have about homosexuality. Are they all born gay, or is it a lifestyle choice they’ve made? Everyone has a different opinion.” “Hmm…” Dick turned the cart and drove down the street toward his house. “That’s a very good question.” Gabby turned in the seat, encouraged by his willingness to talk. He entwined his fingers with hers. “For me and most of the others, it is part of our personality.” He pursed his lips. “Think of it this way. Some people don’t like a messy house. They like order and everything to have its place. Then you have the messy people who couldn’t care less if there are dirty clothes on the floor and toothpaste on the edge of the sink. Usually you can see these traits from childhood, and people carry them into adulthood, when they can finally take control of their environment. It is the same way for a Dom.” She lowered her brows. “You were a bossy little kid?” He laughed. “You would have to ask the little girls I chased, I suppose.” Dick pulled into his garage, shut off the cart, and climbed out. She scooted out on her side and moved around to join him. “I see what you’re saying.” Gabby followed him into the house. “You wouldn’t be happy not having control, and vice versa for a submissive.” “Ah, but it is more complicated than that, Gabriella.” He pointed at the couch. “Sit.” He waited for her to pick a spot and then sat down beside her. “We’ve also had to learn what pleasures us the most. Everyone is different as to what it takes to reach those deep recesses of our soul.” “You have to find your kink?” Gabby grinned. He chuckled. “Yes, exactly. But a Dom’s kink must match his sub’s for it to all work, though.” “So, it’s all about sex—” He shook his head and held up his hand. “That is where you are wrong. It is all about trust and giving the most vulnerable part of yourself over to someone else.” He inhaled deeply. “A Dom and sub’s relationship takes them to higher levels of intimacy than even most married couples reach. It’s opening up your soul for another person to see. Not many people are able to do that.” 27

To Play or Obey She leaned back into a cushion. “It all appeared so sexual, as if everyone performed for the pleasure alone. The couples at the community center, I mean.” “Yes, I imagine it does to those not experienced.” He leaned closer. “I would really enjoy showing you ways in which we can learn to trust each other and fulfill each other’s needs.” She swallowed. “Just playing, right? Like earlier at the community center? I mean, I’m not a real submissive.” Shit. “Sorry, I’m babbling.” Dick cupped her face in his hands. “Relax. I would never force you to do anything against your will. I will ask for more than I think you are ready for, but you always have your safe word.” The corner of his mouth lifted, and the skin around his eyes crinkled. “Vulcan.” She tilted her head and studied him. For as powerfully as he came across, hidden right below the surface was a sense of humor that appealed to her, even if his honesty scared her. In her world, she usually kept a healthy distance from committing to others, but this wonderful mix of personality Dick showed her made her even more curious to know him at a deeper level. Dick laughed. She didn’t understand what he found so funny, but his amusement helped her make the decision to forge ahead with her research. Oh, who am I kidding? Dick offered everything she’d ever dreamed about but never thought she’d find in a relationship. She placed her hand on her chest. Her insides quivered at the possibilities. She wanted to do this. Not for her writing, not because she wanted to learn about others— she wanted to learn about herself. “Okay, I’ll play.” He nodded. “Good. Will you agree to obey me at all times?” He stroked her face. “Will you throw yourself into learning what we are all about, and give it one hundred percent?” “I’ll try.” She licked her lips, unable to look away from the depths of his eyes. “Just to let you know, I’m usually not this open with other people. I write about people who are committed to each other at the deepest level two people can reach, but personally, I’m not good at sharing my inner thoughts.” “You’re doing fine.” He laid his forehead on hers. “Shall we kiss and seal the deal, Gabriella?” She nodded, not trusting herself to speak. 28

Abby Wood Her nipples hardened into pebbles. The man at the community center had spanked and manipulated his sub to orgasm. Would Dick make her cry out with relief too? Did she even want that? She clutched his shirt, tilted her head to the side, and met him halfway. She moaned. Tingles from deep in her stomach spread out to touch her breasts, her pussy. A gentle tug on her bottom lip, and she opened her mouth more to allow him full access. His hand slid up the back of her neck to cup her head. She closed her eyes, loving the way she wanted to melt into his arms. A need to submit to his control and not worry about what happened next was a powerful drug. His tongue tested, tasted, and explored, yet he left the choice of kissing him back up to her. Unable to deny the swirls of desire building inside her, she met his tongue and tasted him. Oh God. Better than chocolate. Her heartbeat raced, her chest rose and fell, and she forgot about her game plan and her being a guest in his home. She surrendered to him. Dick pulled back, kissed, pulled back, and kissed, each time bringing her back down to reality in such a tender way, she sighed. She opened her eyes, gained control of her senses, and inhaled. “My cock is rock hard.” He smiled. “I’ll bet your pussy is making your panties wet too.” She ducked her head. Heat crawled up her neck and settled on her cheeks. His frank words shocked and pleased her at the same time. “Soon I will push you further. I will bring out the little kitten I see lurking behind your eyes.” He kissed her one more time—a simple kiss that sealed his promise. “We will go slowly, and in time, in baby steps, you will succumb to me. I will wait, my Gabriella.” She nodded, or she thought she did. She wasn’t sure. She wanted to shake her head and understand what just happened between them, but she feared she’d lose the way he’d made her body sing out in delight. Dick stood up in front of the couch. Her gaze lowered to his jeans. She whimpered. A definite ridge behind the zipper prominently stood out. He chuckled, adjusted his cock, and leaned down to kiss her again. “I need to work today, so you will be on your own until later this afternoon.” He moved over to the end table, removed a business card from his wallet, and set it down. “The number for my office is 29

To Play or Obey on the card. If you need anything, give me a call. I’m only a couple of blocks away. I can come right home.” She cleared her throat. “I’ll be fine.” She stood up and rubbed her arms. “I’m going to settle down and do some writing after I eat. Do you want me to make you something before you go? Toast? Coffee?” He shook his head. “No thanks. I’ll grab something at the office.” He crossed the room, grabbed her around the waist, and nuzzled the soft spot on her neck. “When I get home, we’ll practice some more.” Her breath caught, and she nodded. “Say, ‘yes, Master Dick.’” She giggled. “Yes, Master Dick.”

***

Dick threw open the door, stepped inside the city hall, and slammed against the wall of citizens that had formed in the lobby. He stretched his neck and peered over all the heads blocking his way, in search of his secretary. What the fuck had happened to cause the townspeople to storm city hall? “Mayor Dick! I found her!” “Move over. I want to show him who I picked.” A young man elbowed his way through the crowd. “Hey! Watch it! I’m fifth in line. Back up!” Another man shoved the eager man back. He raised his hand, and the crowd settled down. All eyes locked on him. There. That’s better. Fuck, what a mess. “I know you are all eager to bring your sub to Peckerwood, but you’ll have to be patient. Each one of you will have your turn, I promise.” He raised his hand again. “Back off, or I’ll kick you all out, and you’ll never find out how we’re going to do this.” The horde shuffled backward. He inhaled and shook his head. He should have expected this kind of reaction to the news. Hell, if he hadn’t have been the first vampire to test out the theory, he’d be standing beside them, wanting his turn to find his life mate too. “Our main problem is not being able to recognize the signs of a submissive while around humans. You all have to stop, think, and realize that if I allow all of you to invite the woman you’ve picked at the same time, the same thing will happen in Peckerwood that happens when around the others outside our town, and our plan will not have solved a damn thing.” He reached over the heads closest to him to grab the paper his secretary, Sally, waved in the air. 30

Abby Wood He scanned the sheet and nodded. “Pete is forming a lottery.” He smiled. “At midnight tonight, you’ll submit your name to him, and he’ll pick out a lucky winner at the end of the previous person’s time limit.” “But—” He shook his head. “Don’t bother arguing about it. This is the fairest way to do it.” He stepped forward and parted the crowd. “In the meantime, feel free to contact the woman you’ve picked out, or go in search of one you are interested in.” He turned around and faced the crowd from his office door. “I strongly suggest you scour the newspapers and magazines and use the Internet.” He paused, and the corner of his mouth lifted in a half smile. “Trust me. You will receive a light rush from a picture alone. When that woman arrives, you will receive the full-blown rush, and the long wait will be worth it.” “It could take years for our names to finally get drawn,” Jeff complained. Dick’s lip curled. “What are you…fifty years old? Some of us have waited hundreds of years.” Dick stared him down. “You’ve got plenty of time, young man.” “Mayor Dick, do you really think bringing human females in will better our chances at producing children?” Stanley stepped up on a chair. “You’ve given us a secure place to live without the worry of discovery, but even with the forest animals so close by and the ability to come and go in the dark, we must think about our future. We’re losing too many vampires who are reverting to the old way of eating.” The rest of the men murmured in agreement. Dick held up his hand. These people relied on him, but he didn’t have all the answers. “I don’t know, Stanley.” He looked at each one of them intently and let the answer sink in. “I know we are capable of finding life mates in the humans. With our ability to target our mates better here, it certainly helps our chances, but will the women stay? Will they reproduce given the vampires’ hardships in that department? I just don’t know.” He inhaled deeply. “We must all do our part in this plan. Watch your step, keep to the woods if you are hunting, and give no sign of who we are when in Gabriella’s presence until I tell her the truth.” “But, Mayor—” He shook his head. “Enough. We’ve talked this to death. Dexter will inform you of my progress.” Dick headed toward the back of the 31

To Play or Obey room, where his office was located. He should have been relieved that his plan was moving forward, but it pained him to not divulge the truth of who and what he was to Gabriella at this point in their relationship. It couldn’t be helped though. He had to know she’d accept him without question. Cheers broke out and built up to a deafening roar. He stepped into his office, closed the door, and leaned back against it. He’d be lucky if total chaos didn’t break out in Peckerwood. If the men calmed down and waited for their turn to invite their choice of mates back here, each one of them would learn how easily this would solve all their problems in time. It would make Peckerwood the vampire utopia so many dreamed about. A soft knock interrupted his musings. “Come in.” He stepped over to his desk and sat down. Sally squeezed inside and hurried to shut the door. “I’m sorry, Mayor Dick, but may I stay in here until all the men leave the office?” “Of course.” He sat up straighter and frowned. “Are they bothering you?” She nodded. “Not in that way. It is all the testosterone rolling off them from their excitement about bringing more females to town.” She ducked her head. “I’m afraid it is bothering the sub in me.” Sally sat down in the chair in front of Dick’s desk, folded her hands in her lap, and blew out a slow breath. He smiled at the sight of her aroused state. A supersensitive submissive, she fed off others’ energy, and this morning, with the crush of men visiting the office, no doubt turned out differently than she expected. “Sally, I think you should take the rest of the day off.” He laughed when her head snapped up, her eyes filled with hope. “Go find your master and have him ease your discomfort.” “What about organizing the plan?” She sat at the edge of the chair, her body poised to run out the door despite her sense of duty making her stay put. “Dexter is coming over soon to join me for a hunt.” He opened his desk drawer. “I’ll close the office early. I can fill you in tomorrow on what we come up with to make this more organized.” He nodded toward the door. “Now go! Have fun.” “Thank you, Mayor Dick.” He understood Sally’s craving all too well. With Gabriella’s arrival, he’d found himself hungrier than usual for the sweet taste of blood. The intense rush his body experienced this morning while near Gabriella aside, he doubted they’d get much work done today anyway. 32

Abby Wood He stripped off his shirt and prepared for Dexter’s arrival. A fresh kill, a fill for his thirst, and he’d once again gain control. His upper lip twitched. His fangs grew to full length. An urge to fuck Gabriella and taste her blood swept over him. Someday…soon.

33

Chapter Five

The ding of the microwave signaled the baked potatoes were done. Gabby removed the two steaks she’d fried over the portable burner and placed each one on a plate. Cooking turned out to be easier than she imagined, never having used anything but a regular stove before. The unusual kitchen setup forced her to make do with what was available, but in the end, the steaks appeared well done, and with the potatoes, she called dinner a success. With no sign of Dick coming home yet, she set his plate in the microwave to heat up later. She’d skipped lunch, and although she would have liked to have shared a meal with him, she didn’t expect him to cater to her wishes. So what if she fixed a little more than for just herself? They both needed to eat, and if she fed him too, it gave them more time together. Goose bumps rose on her arms despite the heat from the kitchen. She glanced down and groaned. Her nipples stood out in identical twin salutes. Even after the cold shower earlier, her body remembered how alive it became from the idea of having a master. 34

Abby Wood The whole experience surprised her. She had responded exactly as her heroines did in her books. She shook her arms and rolled her head and shoulders. It was as if coming here had turned into a fantasy. She expected someone to pinch her any minute now, and it would all disappear. She carried her plate into the living room. Despite learning this morning that her body craved Dick’s attention, the new surge of desires that followed surprised her. She enjoyed submitting to him. After she woke up from her nap, she settled down, wrote for a full six hours, and broke her record word count for the day by over two thousand. Balancing the plate on her thighs, she cut into the steak, popped a piece into her mouth, and closed her eyes. Mm…perfect. She caught her plate before it toppled off her lap. Along with the minimal kitchen setup, Dick’s house didn’t include a dining room. The front door opened and clicked shut. She hurried to chew and swallow her bite of steak. She used the back of her hand to wipe her mouth. The morsel of food lodged in her chest. Her stomach flipflopped in anticipation of tonight. “Gabriella?” She cleared her throat. “In here.” The congested food slid down farther. “I’m in the living room. I made dinner for you.” Shit, that sounded so lame. “Oh, sorry. I ate at the office.” He didn’t enter the living room. “Stay there and finish eating. I’ll be back in a few minutes. I’m going to grab a shower real fast.” Gabby carried her plate to the kitchen and wolfed down half her baked potato and a couple more bites of meat. She didn’t want to eat in front of him if he wasn’t going to share the meal with her. With the way her body sizzled when around him, she’d probably choke, and he’d have to perform the Heimlich. That would be embarrassing. Finding no foil, she dumped the rest of her dinner on top of his already made plate, and then covered everything with a bowl to protect the food. She opened the mini fridge, moved a few things around, and placed the meal inside to save it for tomorrow’s lunch. Gabby returned to the living room, snuggled down in a corner of the couch, and waited. She strummed her fingers on the back of the couch, caught herself, and stood back up. There was no way she could relax when her mind wouldn’t shut off. “Here you are.” Dick bounded into the room and enveloped her in his arms. “How did the writing go? No problems?” He ran his hand 35

To Play or Obey down the back of her head. “You’re shaking.” He leaned back and rubbed his hands up and down her arms. “You’re not scared, are you?” She shook her head. “No.” Laughing, she stepped back. “You won’t believe this, but all day as I wrote, I found myself incorporating what I saw at the community center this morning into my storyline.” “Hmm…” He rubbed his chin. “I’d like to read it. See it through your view.” “No!” She widened her eyes. “Not a good idea.” He grinned down at her, cocked an eyebrow, and studied her expression. She crossed her arms, suddenly feeling naked under his watch. Did thoughts of kissing her enter his mind, or did Dick visualize something more? “I’ve explained how Peckerwood is run a little backward from what you are accustomed to, and I’m wondering if you are up to another visit to the community center.” He didn’t break his gaze. “Am I pushing you too fast?” She swallowed. “I do want to learn, but it’s hard to picture myself taking part. It’s not something I’d consider doing back home.” He nodded. “I understand.” He paused for a moment. “Do you think you can handle late nights instead of having to wake up before the sun comes up? The center opens at seven and goes all night. We were hurried this morning, and I think you’d learn more if you can hang out with the other subs and their Doms for a longer time.” “I…I suppose I can set my alarm clock for earlier.” He reached into his front pocket, removed a cell phone, and typed on the tiny keypad. “Excuse me for a moment.” Dick moved over to the couch, held the phone to his ear, and smiled over at her. He began talking, and she turned her back to him. She inhaled and blew out her breath a few times to calm her racing heartbeat. Another visit to the center? Will he expect me to participate this time? Get naked in front of the others? He’d explained to her this morning that he’d push her to explore her sexuality. Her fingers found the tender skin at the base of her neck. She’d embarrass herself, for sure. But for some reason, she’d drifted, without any thought, right into the game he played. To say she was addicted to the wonderful feelings he awoke in her was putting it mildly. Her concern and lack of experience flew right out the door and had her melting under his instructions. “Sorry. I needed to set things up for tonight.” He sank down on the couch, patted the cushion, and motioned for her to come over and sit. “That’s assuming you agree to come with me.” 36

Abby Wood “Sure, why not?” She sat down. “That’s what I am here for, right? I do want to learn, and the visit to the community center really did help me today with my writing. I haven’t churned out that many pages in a day’s time, well… I’ve never written that much at once.” “Excellent!” He hooked his finger under her chin. “What does Gabriella the woman want to do? Does she want to learn what a true submissive will do for her master?” The tender contact sealed the deal. She nodded. Her body overruled her mind. She craved his touch too much to say no. Maybe the more time she spent with him, the more she would come to understand how attractive the benefits were to the BDSM lifestyle everyone in Peckerwood lived. “Gabriella, I want tonight to bind you to me. Not only do I want you to play as my sub during nights we go to the center, but I want you to spend your days and nights learning how to submit to me all the time.” Dick leaned back. She frowned. “What do you mean? I came here to do research. I must write, or I might as well go back home.” She wrinkled her nose. “I’m not sure it’s possible to always obey you when I have work to do.” She had to look away from his gaze to understand where her thoughts were going. Writing was her passion, yet it almost seemed unimportant when Dick offered her so much. “Do you think I can do both?” “Of course you can. All the submissives work, have other interests apart from their masters. It’ll come naturally to you.” He winked. “You will still write. I’d never take such a thing away from you. Anything you want to do or try while in Peckerwood is perfectly fine with me.” He laid his arm across the back of the couch. “I want you to understand that at any time I may request you to do something. Sometimes what I request might seem strange or uncomfortable to you because it’s not what you are accustomed to. But I’d like you to follow my directions just the same, so we both can learn what you enjoy and what you don’t. You need to trust me. I know what is best for you, but if you are ever uncomfortable or if I push you too far, you have your safe word.” “Vulcan.” She nodded. “Yes, Vulcan.” He chuckled. “From now on, our relationship is real.” “But, we’re playing, and—” 37

To Play or Obey His hands cupped her face faster than she registered his moving. “This is not a game, Gabriella. We do not play at being a Dom or sub. It is a part of us.” “I’m not a sub, though. I’m a normal woman.” Gabby broke away from his touch and stood up in front of him. She was quickly losing her control of the situation, and she needed to take a stand and make him understand. “I can’t allow someone to own me.” The conversation had turned from playful to serious, and a hint of fear came over her at the realization that she might be in over her head. She needed to keep her wits about her and not let her body overrule her thinking—no matter how much her pussy dampened at the thought. “I won’t argue the point with you, Gabriella. You’ll have to trust me when I say I know you are a submissive. You can deny it, but I want this time together to show you that your personality is primed for obeying me. That you crave having someone bigger, stronger, more forceful than you, showing all the ways you can be loved.” He stretched out his legs, hooked his fingers together behind his head, and waited for her to say something. She shook her head and paced the small area in front of the couch. He’s wrong. She wasn’t one of…them. That took too much trust, meant too much vulnerability and way too much dependence on one person. Impossible! “No.” She stopped, swung around, and planted her hands on her hips. “I’m not a real sub, and I don’t think I can be one.” He twirled his finger in the air. “Turn around, Gabriella. Face the bookshelf.” What was he up to? She pursed her lips. He didn’t ask her again, so she turned, curious to know why he’d request such a thing. With her back to him, she stood stiffly, staring at the second shelf on the middle bookcase. “Put your hands behind your back and clasp them together.” Did he really think she’d go along with the submissive act after telling him this wasn’t a part of who she was? She turned back around to face him and lifted her chin. “Turn around, Gabriella. I will not tell you again.” She whipped around and presented her back again. Liquid pooled in her panties. Her body betrayed her mind and did exactly what he wanted. “This isn’t funny. I already told you that—” “Hush. I don’t want to hear you talk. The only thing you are allowed to say is your safe word.” The creak of the couch spring, fol38

Abby Wood lowed by footsteps, reached her ears. “I will only tell you once more. Put your hands behind your back and clasp your fingers together.” She followed his instructions. The movement pulled her shirt across her nipples, and to her shock, the touch of the material aroused her, and warmth filled her pussy. “Spread your legs wider, Gabby Girl.” His breath moved the hair at the back of her head, yet he kept himself out of her view. Her hesitation to obey earned her a slap on the ass. She spread her legs, shocked out of her indecision. It opened the lips of her pussy, and the soft tickle of her juice ran out onto her panties. She mewed. How did he know she’d obey, and furthermore, how did he know her body enjoyed the way he was commanding her every move? Dick moved around her and over to the lounge chair in front of the bookcase. He sat down. Gabby fixated on his face, whether daring him to make her do more or begging him to stop and let her save face, she didn’t know. “Is your pussy wet?” His gaze traveled down to the junction of her thighs as if he could see through her jeans, and the area heated up even more. “I asked you a question, Gabriella. You must answer me in the proper way of a submissive.” “Y…yes, Master Dick.” She clamped her lips together. He raised an eyebrow. “I can see your nipples poking through the front of your shirt.” Her legs began to buckle, and she locked her knees to keep them spread. She wanted to beg him to stop teasing her and to bring the release her body craved. He’d proven his point. She wanted him. He could make every fantasy she ever had come true. She’d no longer be forced live in the stories she wrote, but rather experience life the way she’d always dreamed of—with a master. “I want to share something with you.” He leaned forward, his elbows on his knees, and waited. Seconds ticked by, her curiosity growing, and then it dawned on her what he wanted. “Please tell me, Master Dick.” He smiled. “Very good, Gabriella. You are catching on fast.” He stood up and approached her, then stopped near enough that she swayed from the closeness. He lifted her chin and tapped her lips with the tip of his finger. “Concentrate and listen.” “Yes, Master Dick.” The skin around his eyes smoothed, and he ran his finger down the side of her face while running his tongue along the edges of his 39

To Play or Obey top teeth. “It might be hard for you to understand, but I don’t get off on bossing you around, kitten. I don’t demand obedience because I want to show how powerful I am.” His fingers played with the ends of her hair, his knuckles brushed the hardened tip of her breast, and she shuddered. She leaned forward, wanting more contact. “My need is to draw a reaction out of you. Seeing your body come alive is what turns me on, makes my cock stand at attention. A true sub gives me total trust, and that’s a huge gift to give someone. I don’t take it lightly, and once given, I’ll fight to my death before anyone takes it away from me.” He lowered his head, cheek-to-cheek with hers. “I want to love you completely, my Gabriella. In you, I have found my mate for life.” Gabby’s head fell back, and her body fell into Dick’s hard chest. His arms came around to support her weight, and he scooped her off the floor. Relaxed in his embrace, she laid her head underneath his chin, nuzzling his neck. He carried her over to the couch and sat, her body cradled to his chest. “I want you to realize this is love. What I feel for you is something I’ve never shared with another.” She moaned and shook her head in denial. “How can that be?” “Let me ask you, have you ever truly loved another? Have you gifted any man with all the secrets hidden deep within your soul? Have you ever felt one hundred percent secure the man would never leave you?” Tears fell down her cheeks. She refused to brush them away. What he asked was impossible. No one could ever place their life into another person’s hands so completely, especially not someone with her experiences. Foster kids learned fast never to trust someone’s words. “No.” “I’ve asked you to allow me to teach you, and you’ve agreed.” He stroked along her side, down her hip, and over her thigh. “I know you are fighting against it because of what you are accustomed to in a relationship, but will you let me open you up, make you trust my love?” “How can you love me? You don’t know me.” “There is a reason for that, Gabriella.” His chest rose and fell with the deep breath he sucked in. “This will be hard to believe, but in time, you will experience it too, through me.” She raised her head. “Have you ever heard of an empath?” He kissed her forehead at her nod. “I can sense when a woman is compatible to me. I receive 40

Abby Wood an adrenaline rush, much like the one you would feel if you walked home in the dark, alone, and everything is fine. You’re not scared until you draw closer to the door of your house, and suddenly the need to get inside and quickly lock the door washes over you. Your adrenaline spikes, and energy flows throughout your limbs. The only thing you can think about is turning the door handle, but your body is trembling from something invisible…some unimaginable danger…lurking in the dark, and your body seizes in fear.” She frowned. “That’s a bad feeling.” “Is it?” The skin around his eyes wrinkled. “What about when you open the door, hurry inside, and lock the door behind you? Do you not feel relief? A sense of safety? A burst of energy you want to experience again? Do you not feel like you can conquer anything?” She gasped. “Yes.” “That, my kitten, is the feeling that rushed through my entire body the exact moment I touched your hand the day you walked into my life.”

41

Chapter Six

Burnt orange rays from the setting sun filtered through the treetops on the outskirts of Peckerwood and cast the streets in a warm glow. With her hand nestled inside Dick’s grasp, Gabby strolled beside him on the way to the community center three blocks away. He’d suggested they walk and enjoy the evening air rather than take the golf cart this time. “Master Dick, can I ask you something?” She gazed straight ahead at the sidewalk. He raised her hand, kissed the back of her fingers. “Of course. You don’t have to ask my permission. The only time I would want you to do that is when we are playing.” “In casual, everyday conversations, do I have to call you Master Dick?” She turned her head and gazed up at him. “Like now. It feels weird to call you that.” It felt strange to say the words “Master Dick” aloud, but the name rolled off her tongue rather easily. She chewed on the inside of her 42

Abby Wood lip. She’d always had a clear understanding of her past relationships. Her desire to protect herself from getting hurt overrode the desire to commit one hundred percent to any relationship. She’d never planned for a future with anyone and took each date as if it were the last. What role she played and expected of the other person didn’t enter into the equation, because she never invested any part of herself in a relationship. This new, insatiable desire to let Dick have the upper hand and guide her through the liaison they had formed perplexed yet fascinated her. He stepped off the sidewalk and led her across the street. “No, Gabriella, you can call me Dick any other time.” He passed the community center and crossed Main Street. “I want to show you something.” Walking down a clean but abandoned alleyway between a second-hand clothing outlet and the post office, she cocked her head. Boisterous sounds came from behind the buildings. Dick rounded the corner and came to a stop. “I thought you’d like to meet some of the citizens outside of their nightly activities at the center.” He pulled her to his side and draped his arm over her shoulders. “They’ve all been told we have a famous author visiting, and they are very happy to have a chance to talk with you.” She stepped back and hid behind Dick’s larger body. “Do they know about our…arrangement?” Her hand fluttered in the air. “Or whatever we are calling it?” Dick laughed and gave her a squeeze. “I have no doubt they will see how attracted I am to you. You are gorgeous, talented, and hot.” He leaned back and peered down into her eyes. His laughter died down. “What they can’t see is how I feel about you inside. I show that only to you.” “Okay.” She stuck out her lower lip and blew the bangs out of her eyes. “I can handle that. I didn’t want them to think this is normal for me.” “That what is normal?” He raised his brows. “Tell me.” She scrunched up her nose. “Do you have to know every thought that goes through my head?” “It helps, kitten.” He lowered his chin, lifted his eyebrows, and waited. “I want to hear.” Confident in his ability to convince and seduce his way into her life, he stood in front of her, knowing he’d get his way no matter what. Damn him. Damn me for being so weak to his charms. 43

To Play or Obey If he wanted to try to unnerve her, fine. She could prove to be a wicked opponent. He’s not the only one who can play at this game of control. Let’s find out how Mr. Confident feels stripped bare in front of everyone he knows. Sheltered from the other people’s view, she raised up on her tiptoes. “You want to hear what isn’t normal for me?” She caught her bottom lip between her teeth, peered up into those deep, dark, chocolate-colored eyes of his, and blinked. “This isn’t normal.” She brushed the tips of her breasts against him, stepped back, and glanced down. “My nipples get hard from one simple touch of your body.” She stood toe-to-toe with him again and ran her hand down the front of his jeans in a single caress. “Knowing I make you hard makes my panties damp.” He groaned. “Shall I go on?” She grinned. “I could tell you about the wicked, naughty fantasies I have. Like… I’d love to crawl across the floor on my hands and knees and beg you to let me take your big, hard cock in my mouth and tease the head with my lips. I’d suck you so deeply, you’d rise up on the balls of your feet and beg me to drink every… single…drop—” Dick grabbed her shoulders, pulled her in, and captured her mouth. She mewed. This wasn’t a soft lip dance of discovery, but an I’d-fuck-you-in-front-of-God-himself kiss. Her plan backfired, and her body jumped into full arousal. Her nipples throbbed, her pussy spasmed, and her hands clutched at the front of his shirt. Instantly lost in his kiss, she didn’t want him to stop. Gabby’s body curved backward. Her leg came up to wrap around the outside of his thigh. Deep-contained laughter rumbled from his chest into her open mouth, and she quickly moved away from him. Her mind battled with her body over control, not believing she’d just relinquished any power she might have had in front of all the people gathered around. Dick shoved his hands in his front pockets, teetered back on his heels, and grinned. “You may try to get the better of me any day, Gabby Girl.” He laughed. “I do enjoy the challenge.” She slapped his arm, giggles threatening to burst out. He’d gotten the better of her instead. “It’s not funny.” “Oh yes, it is!” He threw back his head and let loose with his delight. “I’d like nothing more than to lay you down in soft grass and—” 44

Abby Wood “Don’t say it!” She covered his mouth with her hand and whispered, “No more. Please. I can’t take any more right now. My pussy is dripping.” His tongue flicked her palm. A shudder ran down the back of her neck, and she jerked her hand down. Something told her this little stunt would come back to bite her in the butt, and she hoped it did— after they went home. Right now, she needed to pull herself together to meet the people of Peckerwood. “Hey, Mayor Dick, are you coming over?” The voice in the distance splashed over her body, drenching it in the cold, hard fact that others had been privy to their intimate battle of wills. She inhaled, slipped her fingers in Dick’s hand, and turned him around. “Come on. Introduce me to your town, Mayor Dick.” Her smile trembled, but she held her head high. Dick squeezed her hand. “That’ll be Master Dick to you.” “Oh, yes sir, Master Dick.” She shook her head and grinned up at him. “I’m going to have to watch out for your tricks.” In pure mayoral fashion, Dick paraded her around the park. Among many others, she met the librarian, the man who owned the natural gas company, and the street sweeper and his sub. When they ended up back at the beginning of the park, she could hardly remember a name. Then the truth smacked her hard in the head. She’d smiled and truly wanted to learn about these people—not for research, but because they were wonderful, charming people. Years of sheltering herself from others, losing herself in her stories, alienating herself from people, was how she behaved back home. But it was different around these people. Excitement bubbled in her chest at the prospect of meeting them. For some reason, the need to have the citizens of Peckerwood accept her urged her to open up more than any foster parent or friend ever had. “Dex, I’d like you to meet Gabriella Torraine.” Dick turned toward Gabby. “Gabriella, this is my childhood friend and cofounder of Peckerwood, Dexter.” “It’s nice to meet you, Dexter.” Gabby smiled back and forth between the two men. “Wow. Childhood friends, huh? I bet you both have some stories to tell.” Dexter winked at Dick. “More than a few. You’ll have to come visit me while you are here.” He smiled down at Gabby. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Is the big guy keeping you well entertained?” 45

To Play or Obey Gabby coughed and gazed back at Dick. “You could say that.” The sexual undercurrent running between them gave her a jolt. “Peckerwood has been a delightful surprise. I’m eager to settle in and explore the community, visit the coastline, and even take a nice walk through the woods.” She smiled. “I’m from the inner city and have never been someplace where the forest trails into town.” Dexter turned to Dick and raised his brows without commenting. She placed her hand on Dick’s arm. “Sounds like a plan. Do me a favor, though. If I’m working, give me a call first, and I’ll have Dex here walk with you through the forest.” Dick nodded at his friend. “We have bears that bother the town on occasion, and we wouldn’t want anything to happen to you. Dexter will keep you safe.” “Yeah, bears.” Dex shuddered. “They get into the garbage cans and make a real mess.” The low buzz of the halogen lights turning on seemed to signal something, for everyone began to move about. Dick clapped Dexter on the shoulder and led Gabby out of the way of the rush of people leaving the park. “Is there a curfew here?” Gabby smiled and waved at Veronica, whom she recognized from the center the night before. “No. Everyone goes to the center and sets up their scenes at dark.” Dick leaned down. “I’ve got one more thing to show you before we head over there ourselves. You game?” She nodded. “Sure.” He led her back through the park, past a couple of blocks of housing developments, and to a dead-end street. At the growing sound of water slapping against rocks, she quickened her pace. It couldn’t be. At the end of the street, a manmade, haphazardly stacked wall of rocks came into view. A smile grew on her face and she laughed. I know what that is! Gabby let go of Dick’s hand. She jogged ahead of him to the end of the road. Dark and powerful, the waves slapped against the rocks below the wall in angry bursts of strength. Whitecaps sprayed up into the air once they made contact with the land. She leaned forward and reached out, wanting to touch the sprinkles of water landing in front of her. “Whoa there.” Dick wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her tight against his chest. “The tide is in. You have to be care46

Abby Wood ful you don’t fall in, or it’ll sweep you out faster than you can swim back to shore.” “Oh Dick.” She spread her arms out in front of her. “I’ve never seen the ocean before. This is beautiful.” “It’s just an inlet, kitten, coming off the Pacific Ocean.” He pointed toward the left. “Follow the rocks, and you’ll see how this forms a huge bay.” Another wave crashed below, and this time the water sprayed up and trickled down upon them. She laughed and turned to gaze over her shoulder. “Got us that time.” “I’ll bring you back when the tide is out. The water recedes quite a ways, and you’ll have about three hundred feet of sand to explore— and waves to outrun.” He kissed the top of her head. “The birds come out and hunt for mussels the water left behind, and I’m sure you’ll find a seashell or two.” Wrapped in Dick’s arms, she laid her head back against his chest and watched the last little bit of orange from the sun say good night before tucking itself away beneath the earth. The moon lit up the water, and it practically glowed over the land. He guided her down from the rocks. She pulled on his hand to slow down. The pitch-black street did not have any lighting, and most of the houses sat in darkness. “How are we going to see to get back?” She snaked her arm around his waist and peered down at the road in an attempt to see where she’d placed her feet. “I’ve got you.” He hugged her to his side. “I know these roads with my eyes closed. I won’t let you fall.” It took her a few minutes, but she learned to trust Dick’s much longer strides and gave up on making sure she didn’t step on a rock or uneven ground and twist an ankle. She peered up ahead. Back home, the city would have begun to come alive at this time, but here in Peckerwood, the town sat quiet. Gabby leaned her head back to gaze up at the sky. She smiled. Twinkling lights speckled the black backdrop, giving her another show only found in Peckerwood. “Oh Dick. Look!” She pointed up. “I’ve never seen so many stars. I’ve always heard about how once you get away from the city lights, the stars show up, and now I’ve seen it for myself.” She laughed. “I think I could stay out here all night, staring up into the sky.” Dick tilted his head up. “Makes you feel small, doesn’t it?” 47

To Play or Obey “Yeah.” She sighed. “Yet everything is connected under the stars. Countries, oceans, people—everything, all covered by the same sky.” “You’re a poet.” He pulled her into his embrace. “I don’t know the last time I took time out to look up.” She shifted and gazed up at the man cuddling her to his side, whose voice was husky and low in wonderment at seeing the beauty of the world. She swallowed. Her breath hung in her chest as they stood together under the stars. It wasn’t lust or love that swept her away, but an attraction to the man who took the time to gaze at the stars and see them in a different light all because she shared the moment with him. She moved closer and wrapped her arms around his waist. Her eyes drifted closed. The passionate fire he ignited within her smoldered under the surface. If she wished on one of those stars they viewed together, she’d hope for this night to never end. His hands stroked her back up and down in lazy circles. “Is everything Okay? You’re not having second thoughts about me? Us?” She shook her head, and gave him a squeeze, unwilling to break the ambiance of the night. “I just want to stand here for a minute and remember everything about this night. The people I’ve met, the ocean splashing me, the sun setting. Just hold me, and let me listen to your heart…” Her head snapped up. “I can’t hear your heartbeat.” She placed her palm on his chest, over his heart. “Dick…I really can’t.”

48

Chapter Seven

Gabriella laid her ear to his chest again. He coughed to cover the lack of a heartbeat. It was too soon for him to explain. She’d never understand. “Sh…” She held onto his shirt. “Be quiet and hold still.” He moved her away from his chest and guided her hand down to the front of his jeans. His throbbing cock should show her how alive he felt with her in his arms. “What do you think? Does this feel like blood is still pumping in my veins?” He steered her hand up and down against the ridge in his jeans. She giggled. “I guess it does.” Squeezing him along his length, she sighed and gave all her attention to exploring his cock through his jeans. He reached up to skim the tip of her breast, thrilled but not surprised to find her nipple hard and begging for attention. The way Gabriella’s arousal matched his own captivated him. He’d had hundreds of years’ worth of sex with many different women—his kind 49

To Play or Obey and human—but they’d never moved him the way Gabby was right now. “Ah kitten, if we keep this up, you’ll miss out on what I have planned for us tonight.” He stepped back, his hands on her shoulders, and waited for her to catch her breath. “Planned?” She folded her arms underneath her breasts. “I’m a little nervous. I hope I don’t disappoint you.” He smiled, and with his arm around her shoulders once again, they walked toward the alley. “I reserved us a room in the dungeon.” Her feet stopped walking, she bent over at the waist, and the arm he covered her with slid over her head. He stopped, turned around, and found a hellcat ready to go to battle. “I can’t do anything in the dungeon! People who participate are hardcore. I-I’m a beginner.” She planted her fist on her hips and thrust her chin out. “You are completely nuts!” She threw her hand up and pointed it at him. “I will not bare my soul, my…my pussy in front of people I have just met. What will they think?” She squealed in frustration. “Never mind, stupid question.” Gabriella flounced past him and hurried through the alley. Once she reached the sidewalk, she paused and turned her gaze from left to right. The rumor that women gifted with crimson hair had short tempers proved to be spot-on in Gabriella’s case, and he couldn’t be happier. He loved a feisty woman. “What are you looking for?” He stood beside her and followed the direction in which she turned. Her shoulders slumped. “If you must know, I’m lost. Did we cross the street here, or did we walk along the sidewalk and then turn?” “Where are you planning to go?” He stepped back and leaned against the brick wall of the post office. “Back to your house.” She glanced over her shoulder. “I’m not up to one of your games at the center. I’m not wild and willing to flaunt my…sexuality for everyone to see, like you think I am.” She drew in a deep breath and turned away from him. “I…I’m…” With her back to him, he couldn’t read her face. “You’re what, Gabriella?” “Never mind.” She obviously hadn’t meant for her words to reach him, but with his supersensitive hearing, he heard them loud and clear. He wanted to bundle her up and take her home, but for her to push past the barriers she’d built around herself, she needed to forge ahead and defeat 50

Abby Wood the worm that insisted her yearning to experience a different side of her personality was wrong. “Gabriella.” She shook her head and refused to turn around. He smiled. At any other time, he’d have loved to pull those tight little jeans off her round, plump ass and give her the spanking she unconsciously begged him for with her stubbornness. “Turn around, Gabriella. That is an order.” Her back straightened, and she sniffed. Every cell in his body screamed. Female vampires rarely resorted to tears. He wasn’t quite sure what to do. His stomach knotted. He felt like an asshole for trying to force her too fast. He deserved to have a stake speared through his pathetic body for making her cry. Gabriella sniffled, and her shoulders shook. He marched forward, scooped her up in his arms, cradled her against his chest, and kept her face buried in his neck. Using his accelerated speed, he whisked her down the road and crossed over to the community center. Sitting on the wrought-iron bench outside, he realized he’d do anything to stop her tears and assure her that he loved everything she gave him. “Sh….” He kissed the top of her head. “Don’t cry. I’m done. I won’t push you any more tonight, so relax.” She shook her head. “I promise. Stop crying now. I’m sorry I’ve hurt you.” “No.” She rubbed the heels of her hands across her eyes. “You didn’t make me cry. I did.” Dick’s brows rose at her admission. “I don’t understand. What has you so upset that your body is breaking down and leaving you so miserable that you’re falling apart?” He stroked her hair. His hand trembled over the silken strands. Even with an entire town at his disposal and enough money to buy her the world, female emotions always left him feeling inadequate and poor. “Gabriella?” “I want you.” She tilted her head up. Tears glistened at the edges of her eyelids, but her gaze came across strong and determined. “I want you to fuck me, Master Dick. But, not this way.” He stood up, still holding her in his arms, and moved toward the entrance to the center. “No. Not in front of everyone.” She shook her head. “I can’t do it. I’m not ready.” 51

To Play or Obey He smiled. “That wasn’t the plan, Gabriella. I’d never ask you to have sex with me—the first time we celebrate coming together—in front of the others. I told you I had a surprise for you tonight in the dungeon, right?” She nodded. “This is where you must trust me. Trust your master.” He pushed through the doors, and the blast of conversations, laughter, and music snapped him into action. Gabriella clung to his neck, and he sheltered her face from those who turned to gaze upon them. He’d protect her from anything that might upset her. Philip, the dungeon monitor, caught sight of him and nodded his head in welcome. Dick descended the stairs two steps at a time. To hell with control. He needed to get inside the room he’d reserved and relieve them both of the high level of stress they carried from each other’s constant stimulation. Dexter stepped over and opened the door to one of the few private rooms. Dick stepped inside and kicked the door shut. The room was pitched in darkness, and as he set Gabriella on her feet, he inhaled deeply to slow his fervent desire to strip her naked and slide his cock into her pussy. “Gabriella, I’m going to turn on the light.” In the dark, he had the advantage and could still see her standing there with her arms wrapped around her stomach. He paused with his hand over the switch and gazed at how vulnerable she appeared. He smiled. It touched a chord in the Dom inside him. If she left him, he’d mourn forever, unable to transfer his love to another. His chest tightened. One small screwup, and he’d have no choice but to wipe her mind of all her memories of him. This made tonight so important. Gabriella was bent over. He narrowed his eyes to study what she was doing, and dropped his hand from the switch. Oh, sweet mercy. In a flying rush to strip off her clothes in the dark, Gabby threw each article of clothing behind her and stood naked in a room where she had no idea if she and Dick were alone. If she didn’t take this next step, she’d never find the nerve to go through with anything Dick had planned. Thinking about the time she’d spent in his house, and tonight at the park, and later at the water, she realized she wanted to further her commitment to Dick. She needed to like she needed to breathe. She wanted to connect with him fully and completely and for him to give her the biggest orgasm of her life. 52

Abby Wood “Master Dick?” A light was turned on in the room. She squeezed her eyes shut and covered them with her hands. After opening one eye, she spread her fingers. She sighed, laughed, and lowered her hands. The room stood empty except for the two of them. “A little anxious, kitten?” “I’ve made up my mind. I want to give this a try.” She stepped forward. “This Dom-sub stuff.” She took another step closer to Dick. “I know what to expect. I’ve researched and written about it in my books.” She ducked her head. “I’ve fantasized about it many times.” “But?” His expression softened, and he smiled. She shrugged. “I have no experience at this sort of thing. I don’t want to screw up.” “You are a submissive.” Dick moved over and ran his fingers from her shoulders down her arms, and picked up her hands. “If you make a mistake, it is my job to correct you through punishments. There is no reason to be afraid. You’ll find the way you learn is also exciting.” “I don’t do pain.” She gazed up into his face. “At all. I can’t even handle having a hangnail.” “There’s a difference. The slight pain I give you will comfort you, letting you know that I love you. I am teaching you what you need to feel complete.” He brought her hands up and laid them on his chest. “You’ll have to trust me.” “I do, I think.” He lifted his eyebrow. She grinned. “I’m trying to learn, Master Dick.” “Good girl. Now, what is your safe word?” He stepped back and let go of her hands. “Vulcan.” He smiled. “Good. Throughout whatever I tell you to do, if you ever feel uncomfortable and want to stop, say ‘Vulcan.’” He nodded. “I will stop. I give you my word.” Dick walked over to a bureau in the corner of the room, and opened a drawer. Gabby swung her head around in awe. She hadn’t even noticed all the toys and props in the room. At first glance, it looked like any ordinary sitting room-- a couple of chairs, lamps on end tables, an old-fashioned lounge chair-- but it was the other intimidating items that drew her attention. She shivered. Hooks on the walls, chains hanging from the ceiling, a coatrack with at least a dozen scarves draped over the prongs, all sat out in the open. Who knew what the bureau held or if she’d enjoy what came next? 53

To Play or Obey The drawer clicked shut, and the sound bounced off the walls. Gabby flinched and shot her gaze back at Dick. He held a tan rope of some sort bunched up in his hand. She stared down at the object, trying to figure out what he wanted to do with it. “Gabriella, do you know the submissive position while standing?” Dick crossed his arms over his chest and hid the object in his hand. “Yes, Master.” He nodded. “Assume the position.” He strolled around her. “From now on, when I tell you to ‘assume the position,’ this will be the way you stand.” He stood in front of her. “I prefer this position rather than the kneeling position to start. If I want you on your knees, I will say one word—’down.’” “Yes, Master Dick.” Gabby kept her gaze lowered to the ground, spread her legs wider, and clasped her hands behind her back. Her nipples hardened into stiff nubs. She enjoyed how Dick was controlling the situation, and she let herself relax and follow his lead. His voice, low, firm, and husky, moved through her body like a swallow of hot tea. Her muscles relaxed, her breathing eased, and it didn’t matter a damn bit that she stood buck naked in a strange room, noise from the dungeon filtering inside. She was alone with her master, and that’s what her mind focused on. “I am going to bind your wrists.” He moved behind her. “You will be unable to remove the soft leather material.” The hair at the back of her neck stood up. She shivered. “You please me, Gabriella,” he whispered into her ear. “I’m glad you shave and keep your pussy bare. I prefer to see your lips covered in juice and not hidden.” “Th-thank you, Master.” She swallowed. “I am enjoying this too.” His mouth remained close to the side of her head. “What is your body telling you?” “That it likes this position, Master. I want to do this to please you.” Dick moved back to face her. “Look at me.” He waited for her gaze to make contact with his, and then ran his finger along the length of her slit. “Your cunt is wet, but not as much as I’d like.” He raised his brow. “Let’s see if we can fix that.” He returned to the bureau, opened a drawer, and came back. “Do you know what these are?” He opened his hand and showed her what lay on his palm. 54

Abby Wood “Nipple clamps, Master.” Dick lowered his head to her breast, flicked his tongue over her nipple, and blew cool air over the surface. He carefully clipped on the nipple clamp. She gasped, but the shock turned to a nice, soothing pressure. He repeated the process on her other nipple. She shivered with pleasure. “What are you feeling?” He stepped back to view his handiwork. She glanced down at the clamps and back up at Dick. “A little pressure, but I like it.” He stared into her eyes. “Will I find your pussy wetter than last time?” She wrinkled her nose, shook her head, and ducked her head again. Tears came to her eyes. She wanted so much to do everything right. If she could just forget about how nervous this all made her… What if he’s wrong and I’m not sub material? “Down.” Her head snapped up, and she hurried to kneel on the floor. She wiggled to find a comfortable spot. The hard linoleum shocked the tender skin on her knees. Dick stepped up to her. He used his foot to widen her knees. “Sit back on your heels and keep your legs spread.” He strolled around behind her, grabbed her hair, and tugged her head back. “When kneeling, you will look at the ceiling. I like to see the vulnerable length of your neck as you kneel before me.” Gabby’s pussy spasmed. “Yes, Master Dick.” The way he yanked her head back caught her off guard, but a delicious lust for more swam through her lower body, and she needed him to do it again. She wanted to beg him to pull her hair again. Dick squatted in front of her, and using his finger, he checked her slit for moisture. She mewed. He’d done it. Her juices flowed, and her body hummed with desire. “Look at me, Gabriella.” She straightened her neck. He waved his finger under her nose. She inhaled. “Open your mouth.” Gabriella did as he said. He stuck his finger on her tongue. “Close your mouth and suck all the juice off my finger.” He stared into her eyes. “That is your body’s way of showing you what a good girl you are. The more submissive and obedient you become, the quicker your body will react and reward you with the pleasure you seek.” 55

To Play or Obey He removed his finger. She moaned and stared down at the prominent ridge at the V of his jeans. With the evidence of how much she pleased him so close, she ached to reach out and touch him. His finger in her mouth only teased her for the part of him she wanted between her lips. Now she wanted the real thing. “Stand up, Gabriella.” She struggled to get to her feet. Dick stood back and waited without giving her any help. Once back up in a standing position, she squeezed her legs together and moved them back and forth, trying to find friction for her clit. She wanted to come. “Stop squirming and open your legs.” Dick slid his hands underneath the weight of her breasts, lifted them, and eyed her nipples. “I am going to remove the clamps. Do not come. You do not have permission. If you come, I will punish you.” “Y-yes, Master.” She tightened her jaw. From her research, she expected pain followed by pleasure. She inhaled deeply, preparing for a more intense sensation than when he applied the clamps. Her pussy pulsed in anticipation. Dick let her breasts fall back naturally. She inhaled again and held her breath. Hurry, give me more pleasure. Dick released one clamp. With no breath to suck in, she exhaled a guttural scream. A powerful shock from the surface of her nipple traveled straight into her breast, down through her body, and deep into her cunt. Juice ran out onto her pussy lips. To not let the pain go on too long, Dick enclosed her nipple in his mouth and lavished the area with his tongue. She groaned and struggled against the ties on her wrists. She wanted to grab his head and beg him to never stop. The indescribable pleasure on top of the pain titillated her body in ways she’d never imagined possible. He moved his mouth off her breast but covered the unclamped nipple with his hand, letting the warmth from his palm soothe and comfort her. He unclamped the other nipple. She threw back her head and screamed through clenched teeth. Oh God. The pain caused a warmth that grew and burned inside her breast. Dick latched on to her nipple and swiped his tongue over, around, and on top, then finally settled on suckling the sensitive nerves. Her hips undulated in time with the suction. Cream ran down the insides of her thighs. She moaned and pushed her breast against his mouth. The quiver in her cunt grew, and she lost control. She screamed out his name as the orgasm rocked her body. Her legs gave out. He caught her and pulled her up against his chest. Un56

Abby Wood able to keep her eyes open, she lay her head down on his arm. She’d never experienced such an awesome climax in her life. Dick supported her and rubbed the back of her head. She inhaled deeply. He was right. She liked the way he dominated her. “Gabriella?” He lifted her off from him and held on to her shoulders to steady her wobbling body. She opened her eyes and tilted her head. “Mm…?” “You disobeyed me.”

57

Chapter Eight

Gabby stepped toward Dick. “Wh-what did I do wrong?” Dick didn’t answer her question but moved over to the bureau and removed a paddle. In three long strides, he crossed the room, sat in the chair, and motioned for her to come to him. Coming down from a tremendous high, she now felt shaky and unsure from the letdown of disappointing him. She stood in front of him, spread her legs, and ducked her chin. She’d show him how she remembered everything he taught her. “You will lie across my legs and receive eight swats.” He lifted his arms out of the way. She didn’t budge from her spot. His eyes narrowed, and the muscle at the side of his jaw twitched with his displeasure. No way did she deserve this. She had stood the way he’d wanted, kneeled on the floor, and wore the clamps without saying her safe word. She didn’t deserve any punishment. “Now!” 58

Abby Wood She jumped and hurried to lie down. In her rush and because her hands were bound behind her back, she almost rolled off his lap. He clasped her wrists in one of his hands and kept her from falling. “Lift up more and hang your head down toward the floor. I want your ass pointing up in the air. Usually I would unbind your hands and you could use your fingertips to touch the floor to keep your own balance. This time, however, I will make sure you don’t move and teach you to let me look after your safety.” He moved his legs, raising her body even higher. Her hair hung down around her face and dragged on the floor, and blood rushed to her head. The tears she tried to hold back fell and left a trail of wetness on their way into her hairline. Her legs shook, and she squeezed them together. “Let your legs relax, Gabriella. Point your toes together and let your heels fall to the sides.” He tapped the back of her knees. “Do it, or I’ll add two more swats to the eight I’ll be delivering.” That would be…ten! She moved her feet into the right position. The action spread her legs apart enough to leave her pussy open to the air. A sob escaped her, and she sniffed to hold it together. She didn’t want to give him any more reasons to punish her. She wanted to go back to moments ago when she pleased him. “Have you remembered what you did to deserve this punishment?” She shook her head. Her stomach clenched at the dizziness that hit her. She cleared her throat. “No, Master Dick. I’m sorry. Tell me what I did so I don’t do it again. I don’t want you to spank me.” She gave up on trying to keep her head up and let it hang loosely over the floor. “I specifically asked you not to come, and you did.” He laid the paddle on her butt. “I will always let you come, but you must learn to obey me and train your body to wait for permission. With each reminder on how to obey, you will learn and gain control.” “I’m sorry, Master Dick.” She sniffed. Smack! Gabby’s whole body stiffened, and she bit down on her lip to keep from making a sound. Smack! “Relax your muscles. Don’t tense up, and it won’t sting so much, Gabriella.” He gave her two more swats in quick succession, one on each cheek. 59

To Play or Obey He was right. She concentrated on the warmth that came from the contact rather than the initial shock to her skin. Smack! The paddle hit lower on her buttocks, between the rounded mounds and the top of her thighs, but the slap landed on the outside of her pussy, heating up her lips. She moaned, and the sensation of her pussy growing wet brought her to a realization—her body loved the spankings, and she wanted more. He applied the paddle two more times. “You must tell me how many more swats you are to receive. If you get the answer wrong, I will add one more to the remaining number.” She tried. She really gave it her best attempt, but the pleasure tempted her too much to tell the truth. Her pussy cried out to come again, and she listened to her body instead of her master. He had one more swat to dish out. “Two more swats, Master Dick.” She held still and waited. Any moment she’d get the extra swats, and then she’d concentrate on his pleasure. He enjoyed this too. His cock lay hard and stiff beside her hip. He waited so long to answer her that she held her breath. Maybe lying to him hadn’t been the best idea. He asked her to trust him, and she did; she just wanted the wonderful feelings to continue. Fuck. “Master Dick? Can I tell you something?” She let her body go lax. He ignored her question, and instead he slid his finger down her crack and swirled it around the entrance to her pussy. She moaned and shoved her ass up higher in the air, giving him better access. Smack! Smack! Her body arched on his lap, and she struggled to get away from the much harder swats he applied to her bottom, but he placed his arm across her lower back and held her down. Her throat grew dry. She stopped screaming to swallow and gather her breath. Smack! Smack! A hiss blew out between her clenched teeth. The pressure in her head pulsed in her ears. Tears leaked out her eyes even though she didn’t want to cry. She realized her mistake. “Master Dick? May I speak?” Her muscles spent, she relied on him to keep her body prone across his lap. “Yes, sub, you may speak.” Dick laid his hand on her butt cheek and rubbed the tender skin. 60

Abby Wood She shook her head to dislodge the strand of hair stuck in her mouth. “I lied.” She inhaled. Confessing proved to be tougher than she imagined it would be. “I knew how many swats I was to receive, but”—she scrunched up her face—”I found that I became aroused from the pain.” “Come here, kitten.” He straightened his legs and set her feet on the floor. “Let me slide my hand underneath you.” He pulled her up. “There you go, now turn around.” He undid the binding that held her wrists behind her back. “Sit back down on my lap, and let me hold you.” He rubbed her back with one hand and massaged her wrists with the other. “What is the most important part of our relationship?” “Trust.” She closed her eyes. “Yes.” He hugged her and cradled her within the safety of his arms. “What makes you sad, Gabriella?” “I made you mad.” Without any clothes on and coming down from an emotional high, her body shook, and goose bumps covered her arms. “I also disappointed myself. I have no control when it comes to your touch, or even when you talk. You make every cell in my body crave attention. Your attention.” He chuckled and squeezed her to his chest. “Good girl. Those are the things I need to hear from you. That makes me very happy.” “It does?” She pursed her lips. “I thought you’d change your mind about making me your sub.” He shook his head. “This honesty is what I want from you. I want to know your body sings in pleasure at my touch, my words.” He tilted her chin. “Give me a kiss.” She kissed his lips in the same way she’d kiss someone hello or good-bye. He confused her. “Then why punish me, Master Dick?” “I want to know your body inside and out. I want to know your body’s needs better than you know them. That way I can give you everything you would ever want.” He smiled. “I want to make you happy for all the years ahead we have together.” “B-but, I thought you said we’d do this for a month.” She licked her lips, tasting salt from her tears. “Yes. That is the agreement.” He stroked the back of her head. “But that won’t stop me from trying to convince you to make this permanent.” 61

To Play or Obey She sighed. Content and cozy on his lap, his dreams for the future gave her even more to look forward to. Permanent was a word no one had ever said to her before. She sat up straighter. How could I forget? “Master Dick? What about your pleasure? Don’t you want to come and feel good too?” “It pleases me to have you as my submissive, kitten.” His voice had grown low, intimate. “For me to gain the upper hand on my own release is challenging, because everything you do makes me rock hard. It feeds the Dom in me to deny myself the ultimate pleasure while giving you everything I feel inside. Learning to control how long I can wait is pleasing to me. In other words, Gabriella, you are not the only one learning.” Gabby thought back to the times she’d witnessed the proof of his arousal. Whenever he had pulled her into his arms and she felt the presence of a woody against her belly, it secretly pleased her. Tonight during the lesson, and even now, heat radiated off him, and his cock lay engorged against her hip. She squirmed in his lap. Content and warmed by their conversation, she was surprised her desire still bubbled under the surface, ready to come out and play again. In the past, masturbating alone seemed to fulfill her, and she’d be good for a day or two in between dates with her battery operated boyfriend. But with Dick, she couldn’t get enough. Her body was insatiable. “Down, Gabriella.” She slid off his legs and kneeled at his feet. Instantly she spread her legs and lifted her chin. Not knowing where to place her unbound hands, she laid them on the top of her thighs. “Good girl.” He stretched his legs out on each side of her and scooted his ass forward on the chair. “Unbutton my jeans, pull the zipper down, and remove my cock.” She grinned. “Yes, Master.” In her excitement, her hands shook, and she struggled to slip the brass button out of the buttonhole. The dark path of hair trailing down his chest and disappearing underneath his jeans fascinated her. She could barely wait to trail her fingers down to the base of his cock. Gabby pulled the zipper down in slow motion. She gasped. Under his jeans, Dick went commando. He raised his ass off the chair, and she pulled his jeans down lower to protect him from the teeth of the zipper. 62

Abby Wood His cock lay engorged and beautiful against his lower belly, clear up to his navel. His balls constricted tight against his body. Gabby reached out but stopped before making contact. She gazed up into Dick’s eyes. She licked her lips, begging for permission. “Bring the head of my cock to your mouth, Gabriella.” His cock twitched in anticipation. “Show me how much you love sucking my dick.” After wrapping her fingers around the base, she pulled his cock toward her, lowered her upper body, and brought the mushroomed head into her mouth. She moaned. The heat mixed with the woodsy scent she associated with Dick and the drop of precum on her tongue brought a decadent satisfaction. “Take a little more into your mouth.” Dick reached out and ran his fingers through her hair. “I want to see all of it in that sweet, hot mouth of yours.” She removed her mouth from his cock, licked her lips to make gliding down its length easier, and brought him back to her mouth. Her pussy wet, she ground her ass onto the heel of her foot. She moaned in surprise when she realized giving him a blowjob would likely bring her to orgasm too. Dick’s hand tightened in her hair, and he pressed her head down more and groaned. She relaxed her throat muscles and slid down farther. Bobbing in a rhythmic motion, she sucked harder on the upstroke. Each time she moved down, his hand guided her farther. “That’s it, kitten.” Dick groaned. He placed his hands on the edge of his seat and let his head fall back. With his pleasure in her hands, she sank down all the way. The dark black hair surrounding his cock tickled her nose. Her tongue lavished the sensitive underside where his vein pulsated with life. She’d never get enough of this. “Put your hand between your legs.” He gasped. “Oh yeah, just like that. Suck me hard.” He arched his back. “Let me hear you moan and come while sucking my cock.” She slipped her middle finger between the lips of her pussy, rubbed her clit in a hurried circular motion, and continued to thrust her mouth down on him. His breathing became heavier, and knowing he was enjoying the blowjob brought her to a quick orgasm. She screamed without losing hold on his cock. His hips shuddered, and he thrust all the way to the back of her throat. She swallowed, taking the majority of his cum. The rest she sucked down as she slowed her movement. 63

To Play or Obey She eased up on his cock, then licked him clean and caressed him through the aftershocks of his orgasm. Her body languished in blissful relief on the floor in front of him. A sense of belonging washed over her. Dick scooted back on the chair, bent at the waist, and leaned his elbows on his knees. Gabby laid her head between his legs. He held her head in his big, strong hands. So happy to give him something for everything he’d given her, she closed her eyes and smiled. He kissed the back of her head. “No one has pleased me the way you do, kitten.”

64

Chapter Nine

Dick pushed through the doors of the community center on their way out, and Gabby’s laughter broke the silence outside. She let go of his hand, spread her arms out in the air, and danced ahead of him. He’d pulled her through the center, ignoring all the greetings and cheers from the other people who’d gathered inside. His attention had been centered on her happiness. “This is the best night of my life.” She twirled with her head thrown back. Dick swooped her up in his arms. “It is only the beginning. We will have every night for the rest of time to enjoy each other, love each other, and find new ways to make life interesting.” Her laughter wound down, and she studied his face. His eyes shone bright under the streetlights, and the lines around his mouth disappeared with his apparent excitement. In fact, he appeared downright ecstatic. “But, I’m only here for a month.” A dark shadow fell over her carefree mood. 65

To Play or Obey “Gabriella, you haven’t been listening.” He grinned. “Is it time for another spanking so soon?” Glad for the darkness that hid the color on her cheeks, she’d enjoyed the paddle on her bare ass more than she’d thought possible. Her chest constricted at the idea of leaving him and going back home. “I’m serious about loving you.” He smacked her ass. “You’re staying here with me. I can’t give you up now that you are here.” “My job—” “You’re a writer. You can do that here.” He raised his brows. “You don’t need to work two jobs.” She wiggled out of his embrace. Pacing in front of him, she rubbed her temples. She believed he’d spoken of their month together, not a lifetime. Despite the scariness of giving up a part of her life to come live in Peckerwood after meeting Dick only a couple days ago, her mind already scrambled to put all the pieces together to figure out if it was even possible. Live with him forever? Did he mean in a relationship? A contract? She gasped. A marriage? She swung around and faced him. “What exactly are you asking me for?” “Your life.” She snorted. “Don’t joke around, Dick. I’m serious. You expect me to leave everything behind and continue on with this relationship? I don’t understand where this is going.” She inhaled, threw her hands in the air, and continued her pacing. “This is crazy. Nothing about you and I meeting”—she flapped her hand—”doing all this! It’s not normal.” “Gabriella, I’ve reached a time in my life where I want to settle down.” Dick waved his arm. “We all have dreams and hopes for the future. My hope is to have my life mate next to me forever.” He clamped his lips together and turned his head. Gabby studied his shoulders as they rose and fell. “What? What are you thinking?” “Trust, Gabriella. You’ll just have to trust me that this will all work out.” He stepped closer. “I mean every word I tell you. I want you to live with me. Not for a month, but forever.” “I don’t know…” Not having to edit the same boring reports for the newspaper was a fantasy, not reality. She had bills to pay. She’d worked her whole life for the few things she did have, and to hear Dick offer a dream come 66

Abby Wood true was…well, too good to believe. The newness of their relationship would wear off, and Dick would pass her on to the next person who entered her life. That’s what always happened. Her steps took her farther away each time she passed Dick. Her spine stiffened. She’d be okay. Others had shuffled her from one home to the next her whole life. When her month-long stay expired, she’d handle it the way she always did—calmly and without emotion. “Gabriella.” She shrugged him off, too caught up in building the wall around her heart to listen to any more of the sweet dreams that rolled off his tongue. This time she had let herself become too vulnerable. She would not make that mistake again. “Gabriella!” “What!” She stopped and planted her hands on her hips. “I love you.” She stared at him. She didn’t breathe or dare move a muscle. He didn’t play fair. She didn’t even know what those words meant in her life. No one had ever spoken them in quite the same way he just did. Dick didn’t break the eye contact. “I love you.” She’d held the air in her lungs too long. She gasped, but the oxygen she needed didn’t come. Doubling over, she panted to force the air past the panic squeezing her chest tight and closing off her throat. Dick came to her side, stood her up straight, and rubbed her arms. “Breathe through your nose.” He inhaled, showing her what he wanted. “Hold it.” He squeezed her upper arms. “Blow it out.” They repeated the action several times. Dick stood alongside her, waiting for her to catch her breath. Confident she was once again under control, she nodded. “I’m okay now.” She blew her hair out of her face. “Thank you.” “The idea of moving in with me brings on a panic attack? I know I’m moving our relationship forward incredibly fast for you, but you are scared. I don’t mean to frighten you. I never want to make you afraid of me.” He led her over to the bench in front of the center, sat her down, and joined her. She shook her head. “No. I… No one has ever said that to me before.” She glanced at him, then looked down at her feet. “The love part, I mean. I can handle living with other people.” “Never?” He brought his arm up behind her, pulled her closer, and snuggled her in his warmth. 67

To Play or Obey “Nope.” She inhaled. “I grew up in foster homes. I never stayed more than six months in one spot.” She shrugged. “I’m okay with it all. It’s not like you miss what you’ve never had. But I’ve never depended on anyone for anything, and you’re asking me to give up everything. It’s one thing for you to want me to trust you, for us to become closer and have sex. But it’s harder for me to let you support me. That’s pretty fucking huge in my book. Having a job is the one thing that keeps me from becoming dependent on others, and I won’t give that up.” “Hmm…” He stroked her arm. “What if I solved that problem so you could earn enough cash to have spending money? Would you feel more comfortable living with me then?” She turned. “I know that doesn’t make sense to you, but I think it would.” “Okay.” He nodded. “I can do something that will settle that little crisis.” He laughed. “Now, on to the next obstacle.” He winked. “I plan on telling you that I love you every day. You, Gabby Girl, are going to get used to hearing it and believing it. And someday, when you are ready, you will return the affection.” She frowned. The words struck fear in her heart. “Don’t worry. The words will come naturally when you believe them.” He grinned. “Trust me.” “I’m trying.” She wrinkled her nose. “But I’m afraid not saying those words out loud is something deeply ingrained in my soul. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to say them out loud.” “No problem. I believe enough in you to know I’m right. I’m patient.” He stood up. “Come. Time to find you a job.” She tugged his hand. “Now? But it’s the middle of the night!” “No better time. This is Peckerwood, Gabby Girl; we come alive at night.” He laughed and pulled her back into the community center. She shook her head, smiling. She never imagined she’d ever jump into a committed relationship with anyone, but Dick made it so easy. Deep in her heart, she knew she was making the right choice. He fulfilled a burning need deep within her, and she wanted to stay with him. It’s not like when I was a kid. No one else can hurt me or grow tired of me. Dick wants me forever…forever! A giggle threatened to burst out. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.” Laughing, she let Dick drag her to the far corner of the main floor. He whispered into Dexter’s ear, glanced back at her, and smiled. What was he up to now? 68

Abby Wood Dick’s friend took a few steps over to the wall where the fire alarm was. She covered her ears. Dexter pulled the lever, and short blasts of alarm bells filled the center. Everyone from down in the dungeon came upstairs and joined the rest of the crowd clustered at the back of the room. Dexter shut off the alarm. She lowered her hands. Dick moved over, leaped up onto a chair, and winked over at Gabby. A hush swept over the room. Gabby shrank back against the wall, hoping Dick wouldn’t draw everyone’s attention to her. She was so happy, she probably had the goofiest smile on her face. “Can I have everyone’s attention?” Dick waited for everyone to turn toward him. “Thank you. I’m sorry about interrupting everybody’s good time, but I have a little problem I want to solve.” He scanned the crowd. “Where’s Rowen?” Gabby noticed the others turning and pointing over to the side of the room. Rowen stepped forward, leading his sub, Julia. The leash and collar marked her for everyone to see she belonged to her master. “Rowen, are you still looking for someone to help at the newspaper?” “Sure, I could use someone. You know me—I’m always running late and then rushing around when it’s time to print.” He nodded. Dick gazed over at her. “Gabriella, come here.” He motioned for her to follow his request. She excused herself through the crowd and stood beside Julia. She fiddled with her fingers, hoping against everything that she understood what Dick was saying. Julia whispered to Rowen and waited for him to nod his permission before reaching over and holding Gabby’s hand. She smiled in thanks and received two squeezes in return. “I just happen to know someone who would love a job here in Peckerwood so that she may live here with us.” Dick’s grin grew wider. “Rowen, Gabriella, as you know, is a published author. But she’s also worked as an editor for a big city newspaper back home for years. She’s looking for a job.” Rowen turned around and lifted his brows. His smile came fast and beautiful. “It looks like today is my lucky day.” He nodded at Julia. “Julia works for me, but I know she’d love to have help with some of the more time-consuming tasks, like gathering ads and working up the classifieds. I would love to hire you if you’re sincere about wanting a job here in Peckerwood.” Gabby glanced up at Dick, over at Julia beside her, and then at Rowen. “I would like that very much. Thank you.” 69

To Play or Obey “Well then, there is only one more thing I’d like to say.” Dick cleared his throat, his gaze never straying from Gabby. “Congratulations. You’ve just become Peckerwood’s six-hundred and thirty-seventh resident.” The entire room of people clapped and yelled congratulations. Gabby turned to Rowen, whispered “thank you” in his ear, and then with his permission, gave Julia a quick hug. In a matter of minutes, Dick had replaced some of her fears with dreams, and despite all her worries and doubts, she found herself extremely happy. Dick stepped down from the chair, and Gabby moved over to join him. Not able to contain her huge smile, she squealed and bounced up and down. She wanted to…to… “Go ahead. Tell me what you are dying to say.” He laughed. In one leap, she jumped into his arms. Her legs wrapped around his waist, her arms linked around his neck, and she peppered kisses all over his face. She might still worry about everything he promised to give to her, but tonight’s job offer and declaration of love would help bring her closer to trusting him with all her heart. “Excuse me, Mayor Dick?” A petite woman with brunette hair stood off to the side, a frown plastered on her face. “Gabriella, this is Sally, my secretary.” Dick lowered her to the floor. “What is it, Sally?” She glanced between Gabriella and Dick. “We have visitors.” “Thank you for coming to get me.” He smiled. “Can you go get Dexter and tell him I’ll meet him outside?” He waved Rowen over. “Can you and Julia take Gabriella home? I’ve got business I need to take care of and don’t want her walking home in the dark.” “Sure we can. That’ll give us time to talk over a work schedule and get to know each other better.” Rowen smiled and nodded. Dick leaned over and kissed Gabriella. She leaned against him, caught herself, and glanced at Julia. Her new friend winked and linked her wrist through Gabriella’s arm. “I’ll wait up for you.” She gave Dick one more kiss. “Hurry.” Dick tapped her butt. “Are you giving your master orders now?” She laughed and shook her head. “No, I wouldn’t dream of it.”

***

Dick strolled through the community center in no hurry, but once outside, he ran to the gas station where Jonathon stood patrolling the town’s main road for unwanted visitors. Situated more than a mile 70

Abby Wood away, he arrived in ten seconds, thanks to the superspeed vampires could travel when on foot. He kept to the shadows the whole time, letting his capable night vision direct his way. Ending up at the back of the station, he casually strolled around the corner as if he came here every night. He nodded at Jonathon. They always handled unwelcome visitors the same way: convince them to turn around and leave, and if they didn’t, the cleanup crew would use its power to wipe their memories. Those were the rules in Peckerwood. “Good evening.” He walked up to the car. Two males sat in the front seat. The acrid, musky scent of whatever they had smoked rolled out and consumed the area around the vehicle. He leaned over to get a good look at their faces. Humans. That just made his job a whole lot easier. “Look mister, we were just explaining to this guy that we’re looking for a campground or some woods to pitch our tent for the night.” The driver pointed at Jonathon. “We’re not causing any problems. We just want to be on our way. We’ve been driving all night, and once we get a good night’s rest, we’ll be out of your hair.” Dick smiled. “Peckerwood doesn’t boast any campgrounds, and as far as the forest surrounding the town, it is privately owned.” He tapped the hood of the car. “If you go about twenty-three miles down I-5 and take exit one thirteen, you’ll find a KOA campground that allows tent camping.” “Shit, man.” The driver got out of the car. “All we want is a place to lay our heads. We’ve got enough gas money between us to make it back to college, and that’s about it.” “I told you we shouldn’t have wasted all our money on that weed, man. Plus, those girls stole it all, and we got nothin’.” The passenger got out on the other side of the car. “Shut up, asshole. I said I was sorry.” The driver turned to Dick. “Hell, why can’t we sleep in the car? We’ll park behind the gas station and be gone tomorrow. Have some pity on us. We’ve been raked through hell the last couple of days. We need a break.” Dick glanced at Jonathon, nodded, and then both of them had the men’s heads grasped between their hands before either suspected a thing. He knew his eyes had turned bloodred, and he focused on gaining control over the kid’s mind. “You will get in your car and drive south on the highway without stopping. In a half hour you will not remember ever stopping here or 71

To Play or Obey asking for a place to stay.” Dick lowered his hands, stepped back, and joined Jonathon on the sidewalk. Without a word spoken to each other, the two young men hopped into their car and made a U-turn in the middle of the street. Dick shook his head at Jonathon. Wiping someone’s memory took its toll on his energy. “I’ll go back and get someone to relieve you for the rest of the night so you can go home and rest.” Dick patted his shoulder. “Thanks for your work tonight. It helps to catch visitors before they get too far into town and see something they shouldn’t.” Jonathon managed a nod and moved back into the shadows to sit down behind the gas pumps. Dick turned and ran at a slower pace than earlier back to the center. He’d find Philip to relieve young Jonathon and go home. His own energy was depleting fast, and he slowed to a walk. It took a few minutes to give Philip and the other men in the cleanup crew instructions about the visitors. Not every vampire possessed the power to wipe the minds of others. Not wanting to overspend his remaining strength, he walked back to the house and Gabriella. Despite the wear and tear on his body, he’d recoup his strength just by being around his life mate. Drinking blood wasn’t the only way to feed. She didn’t know it, but she enriched his life in more ways than by loving him. He smiled. One day she’d learn to recognize the love between them. His house lit up the surrounding area. He chuckled. Gabriella must have turned on every light she could find. He let himself inside, peeked in the living room, and found it empty. After climbing the stairs, he stopped at the open door to her bedroom and found her curled up in bed, sound asleep. The light from the hallway shone down on her auburn hair. He leaned against the doorframe. His body tingled and came alive, even from this distance. What would I do without you now that I’ve found you? He crossed the room, bent down, and smoothed the hair away from her face. “Gabriella?” A soft sigh answered him. Unaccustomed to staying awake all night, she needed her rest. He kissed her temple, pulled the comforter up to her shoulders, and backed out of the room. Four hours left to the night; he’d have just enough time to hunt. He slipped out the back door and ran at a leisurely lope into the forest behind the house. He sniffed the air. The craving for blood raised his awareness of where he could find it. 72

Abby Wood The pungent whiff of deer flooded his senses. With a smile on his face, he mustered all the energy he had left and ran off through the forest. His speed outmatched the animal’s ability to flee. After subduing the doe, he sank his teeth into the thick vein running down its neck. Warmth flooded his throat, and he drank his fill. He didn’t need much tonight. He slapped the deer on the rump, and it sprang forward to run back into the night. The vampires had learned to ration their food supply. Leaving the animals alive gave them another meal later. Only in extreme cases of hunger did the vampires of Peckerwood take an animal’s life. They all tried very hard to keep the forest well stocked with food.

73

Chapter Ten

Working at the table beneath the front window of The Peckerwood Chronicle, Gabby lifted her gaze out to Main Street. She smiled and waved through the glass at the group of individuals that walked along the sidewalk. Dexter, Jonathon, Vanessa, and a few others she couldn’t make out in the darkness of the evening no doubt headed toward the community center. The wall clock showed twenty more minutes until break time. Excitement bubbled up inside her. He’d routinely pick her up whenever she had some free time during her work schedule to show her parts of Peckerwood. They’d settled into a nice routine the last couple of weeks, and she loved her new job. She not only proofread news items and articles, but helped with the reporting of town functions and worked on layouts in her spare time. She yawned. The one thing she found hard to adjust to was working swing shift. She didn’t understand how everyone ran on so little sleep. 74

Abby Wood “Let me guess. You’re daydreaming about your master.” Julia joined her at the table and picked up a stack of flyers that needed to be slipped into the newspapers. Gabby laughed. “I’m always thinking about Dick.” She glanced over at her friend. “Can I ask you something?” “Sure.” “Whose idea was it to keep all the businesses open at such crazy hours? I’ve never heard of closing down during the busiest part of the day before… Well, unless your business caters to nightlife.” Gabby moved the pile of papers to the stacks on the floor and started a new batch. “Hmm…” Julia stopped and laid her hands on the table. “I suppose Dick and Dexter. They’ve enforced all the rules we follow since the creation of Peckerwood.” Gabby raised her eyebrows. “Shit! That makes them sound as old as George Washington. Exactly how old is the town?” “It does, doesn’t it? Although, Peckerwood isn’t that old a town…” Julia clamped her lips together and tapped her finger against her mouth, leaving a smudge of black ink behind. “I can’t remember how old it is, but it hasn’t been that long since Dick and Dexter bought it from the previous owner.” Julia shrugged. “You gotta love small, independent towns. They’re not like the bigger cities where you come from, I’m sure.” She glanced sideways at Gabby. “What has Dick told you about the town?” “Not much.” Gabby’s grin grew. “We’ve been a little preoccupied lately. In fact, I’m surprised I’ve advanced as far as I have in the story I’m writing. It’s hard to find the extra time to have lengthy conversations now that I am in a relationship, working, and writing.” Julia finished her pile, and Gabby carried it over to the end of the table. “There! We finished sorting a day ahead of schedule.” “I love to hear that, girls.” Rowen walked out of his office, shut the door, and glanced at his watch. “It’s close to six o’clock. Why don’t we take the rest of the evening off? You girls work together so efficiently, it does wonders for my social life.” He winked at Gabby and clipped the leash on Julia’s collar. “Ready to go, baby?” “Yes, sir!” Rowen turned to Gabby. “Do you want us to walk you over to Dick’s office? I bet you could convince him to take off a little early.” “Actually, he was coming over to spend my break with me, but thanks. I’m sure we’ll see you later at the center.” Gabby lifted her 75

To Play or Obey hands to run them through her hair, stopped, and wrinkled her nose at the black ink covering them. “I’ll clean up and lock the doors behind me.” “Okay. See you at the center.” Master and slave strolled out the door, wrapped up in each other’s arms and laughing over something they kept private. Gabby hurried to the bathroom, washed up, and glanced in the mirror. Despite trying not to touch her face during the day, she still ended up with black smudges on her cheek and chin. She bent over the sink, closed her eyes, and soaped up her face. Scrubbed clean and with pink cheeks, she wandered back out to the work area, grabbed her purse, and decided to wait on the sidewalk for Dick. She locked the door then stood on the curb, gazing down the empty street. Everyone else wouldn’t be off work for a few more hours. Impatient to see Dick, she paced along the walkway and bumped into a pole by accident. Giggling, she rubbed her arm, glad no one had witnessed her stupidity. She glanced up at the sign and frowned. The image showed a yellow diamond-shaped warning with a picture of children crossing the lined street. That’s strange. Why hadn’t she ever noticed this before now? Come to think of it, she’d never once ran into any kids in Peckerwood or found any playing out in the yard during her walks. She’d explored the entire town during the two twenty-minute breaks she had during the workday. Two hands snaked around her waist and pulled her backward. She screamed and tried to pull away, but the arms held her tight. She glanced over her shoulder. “Shit! You scared me to death.” She turned in Dick’s grasp and threw her arms around his neck. “Have you ever thought of giving someone a warning instead of sneaking up on them? I could have had a heart attack!” Dick leaned down and gave her a kiss. “Mm…I missed you today.” He gazed over her shoulder. “What were you thinking about? You looked lost in thought when I walked up. You didn’t even hear me.” “Where are all the children?” She tilted her head to look into his face. “I haven’t seen any since I’ve been here.” He nodded. “Most of the children have grown and are now adults.” He nuzzled her neck. “The citizens have either not been blessed or are holding off having children.” 76

Abby Wood “Stop that!” She swatted at his arm. “You know I’m ticklish under my chin.” “Come on. I’m eager to have you all to myself.” He left his arm around her and ushered her across the street. He led her not to the community center, but in the opposite direction. She had to practically skip to keep up with his long strides. She’d walked this area on one of her breaks. Past the couple of rows of houses, the shoreline would put an end to their walk. “Are we going to the bay?” She stopped calling it the ocean after everyone laughed at her for doing so. “Yep.” He picked up his pace. “We’ve got to hurry, though.” She jogged beside him. She was panting by the time they arrived at the rock wall, but to her surprise, Dick wasn’t even breaking a sweat. I need to start working out. “Come on, slowpoke.” Dick climbed up the rock wall and sat on the top of it. “Give me your hand.” She stepped up onto the nearest rock and reached out, and he lifted her whole body. “Whoa!” “Look, Gabriella.” He pointed to the water. She reached out and clutched his arm. “The tide’s out!” Instead of waiting for him to help her down onto the beach, she worked her way lower until she stood on the sandy area. “Hurry up, Dick. You’ve got to come with me.” “Take off your shoes. It’s easier to walk.” Dick pulled off his sneakers and socks, and tossed them up on the rocks. She followed suit, then rolled her jeans up to above her knees. Laughing, she ran across the beach toward the water. She glanced over her shoulder and noticed their footprints had left a zigzag pattern in the wet sand. Although the sun lay on the horizon and the water this time of year froze her feet, Gabby danced at the water’s edge, letting the gentle surf wash over her toes. She squealed at the cold rush sweeping over her skin. Because she was from the Midwest, the inlet to the Pacific Ocean appeared both daunting and majestic at the same time. Dick joined her but kept his feet away from the water. He held out his hand, closed into a fist, and nodded for her to open her hand to accept his surprise. She spread out her fingers palm up and shrieked. “Oh!” In her hand sat the most beautiful seashell she’d ever seen—about four inches long, the outer side black and rough to her fingers. She 77

To Play or Obey turned it over and gasped. The inside was supersmooth, and the mother-of-pearl colors dazzled her. She’d take it home and set it on the bureau to hold her earrings. “Thank you! How did you find this so easily?” She bent over and studied the sand. “Help me find something. I want to start collecting shells.” She lifted her head and grinned. “I could line the walkway to the house with them.” Dick laughed. “You’ll have a lifetime to find shells. Don’t you worry about finding them all tonight.” Stooped over as she peered at the ground, Gabby’s back was to the water. A wave rushed in around her feet. The ground appeared to move out from under her as the sand shifted, and she fell on her hands and knees. Shocked by the water careening around her and the freezing cold seeping into her clothes, she froze and looked to Dick for help. Instead of showing amusement or panic, Dick’s eyes grew darker, and a lazy smiled signaling his arousal greeted her. She looked down. About two inches of water swirled around her hands and knees. Her shirt had come unbuttoned and displayed the top of her black pushup bra. “Gabriella.” She lifted her head. He crooked his finger and motioned her toward him. She struggled to stand up. The waves washed the sand out from under her, and she fell back onto her knees. “Crawl real slow toward me, Gabriella. Keep your eyes focused on me.” Dick unzipped his pants and freed his raging hard-on. “You look so damn sexy right now with your clothes plastered to your curves. So cold, wet, vulnerable… You make me hard just watching you.” She crawled toward him on shaky limbs, clenching her teeth to keep them from chattering. The cool wind on her wet clothes chilled her even more than the water had. Even her hard nipples ached. The wind whipped her hair over her face, and she tossed her head. Wet stray tendrils clung to the side of her mouth, but she dared not change her position. Dick removed his shirt, tossed it aside, and let his jeans slide lower on his slim hips. Her gaze trailed over his chest, down to his stomach, and ended at his cock jutting out from his fist. She caught her lower lip between her teeth. God, he’s sexy. “Kneel in front of me.” He stroked his cock. “Spread your legs.” Gabby moved into position, widened her knees, and lifted her chin. She moaned. Her nipples constricted into small hard nubs, and 78

Abby Wood despite the cold, she enjoyed the tingling sensation traveling throughout her body. “Open your mouth.” Dick widened his stance and moved his hand up and down his engorged cock at a steady pace. “Pull open your blouse and show me how your bra molds to your breasts.” She followed his instructions. Sweet shivers rolled over her body. Her stomach’s core heated her enough to keep her from curling into fetal position to seek warmth. She stared at his cock and the way his stomach muscles rippled. He kept control over his pleasure, timing it perfectly. Gabby’s jaw dropped, her head sank back, and her neck arched, exposing the delicate flesh between her chin and breasts that he claimed drove him crazy. She closed her eyes and let her head fall back between her shoulders. Another wave rushed up and caught them both by surprise. Gabby sat in water up to her waist, and the water swirled around Dick’s ankles. She gasped. Dick aimed his cock and shot his load. Cum landed on her lips, trickled down her chin and her neck, and left a trail between her breasts. The warmth of his cum branded her in the role of submissive. “Rub it in, kitten.” He gazed down at her and continued to stroke his spent cock. “Take my cum and rub it into your smooth skin.” Yet another wave came, and this time it hit the back of Gabby’s head. Dick scooped her out of the water and into his arms. His body heat warmed Gabby, and she clung to him. Burying her face in his neck, she sighed. His body was so warm compared to hers. She’d been so intent on Dick’s pleasure, she had ignored the cold temperature of the water. “Hold tight. Let me pull my pants up, and I’ll get you home.” His fingers came back and entwined in her hair, pressing her face into the nook under his chin, where she loved to rest her head. She closed her eyes and let Dick carry her away. The front door shut behind them. Dick removed his hand from her head, and Gabby peered around. She frowned. But, how…? “H-how d-did we g-get home s-so fast?” She slipped her arms around Dick’s neck. He ran up the stairs two at a time. “You’re too cold. Your teeth are chattering. We need to get you into a warm bath.” He placed her on the bed, pulled the comforter up, and wrapped it snug around her body. He then rushed into the bathroom. She closed her eyes. A bath sounded perfect. 79

To Play or Obey “Okay, kitten. Let’s go.” He removed the blanket, stood her up, and stripped off her clothes. She lifted her foot and stepped out of her pant leg while holding on to Dick’s shoulder to keep her balance. She half groaned but let him undress the rest of her, thinking she must have looked pathetic with her skin wrinkled and raised with goose bumps. Dick carried her into the bathroom and placed her in the bath, where bubbles came up to tickle her chest. She gasped and coughed, struggling to breathe. Every muscle clenched tight at the sensation of being dunked into what felt like a kettle of boiling water. But it didn’t take long for her body to get used to the temperature, and she scooted down lower to lie along the bottom of the tub. Tingles prickled her skin. Oh God, this was just what she needed. Gabby’s lips twitched. “If the water in the bay hadn’t been so freaking cold, what you did to me out there would have been the hottest thing I’d have ever done.” He grinned and brushed the hair back from her face. “You liked that, huh?” “Oh yeah.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “Super sexy the way you stood in front of me and showered your cum on my chest.” “God, Gabriella.” He laughed. “How could I not love you?” She grinned. It was getting easier to hear his declarations of love each time he told her, and he did several times a day. Whether on the phone at work, waking up in each other’s arms, or in secret at the center, he both told her and showed her daily. It was the little things he did that meant the most. They went beyond words. Things like my seashell. She groaned. “Oh no. I forgot the seashell you gave me at the beach.” “Don’t worry. I slipped it into my pocket and set it on the dresser when I was filling the tub.” He cleared his throat. “Let’s get you into bed. You need your rest if you are going to stay up for this weekend’s holiday celebration.” Gabby pursed her lips. “Holiday? There’s no holiday.” “The winter solstice.” He chuckled. “You’re going to love Peckerwood’s celebration of it. Trust me.”

80

Chapter Eleven

Gabby turned the handle on the drinking fountain, lowered her head, and drank her fill. She wiped the back of her hand across her mouth and let the cold refreshment cool her down. It didn’t help. The last scene in the dungeon had her pussy dripping and every nerve in her body seeking pleasure. It didn’t help that Dick’s hands wandered over her body and ignited the fire burning deep inside during the Dom and sub’s act. Her lips curved. She was amazed at how differently she now felt about watching others play at the center compared to when she’d first arrived in Peckerwood. She loved to watch the interactions of the others. It let her fantasize about what she’d do if put in the same situation and gave her ideas to talk over with Dick. He treated her so well. Most of her curiosities no longer remained a mystery, because he made every fantasy she had come to life. Tonight he’d do it again. She’d be the one performing for others to watch and enjoy. With Dick’s tutelage and patience, she’d come to 81

To Play or Obey realize how intimate the experience of playing out a sexual scene in front of everyone can be for a couple. But even so, that didn’t stop her nerves from having a field day with her stomach. “Relax, Gabby. Dick will make sure you have a pleasurable time.” Rowen laughed. “You look wound up tighter than a kite string on a spool.” She groaned. “Thanks a lot, boss.” Julia whispered in Rowen’s ear. He nodded, and Julia hurried over to give Gabby a hug. “Everybody’s first time is scary. I’ve always known my place in my Dom’s life, but for you to give yourself over to your master in such a public way will bring you to the next level of trust. Even though I always led the sub life, I too was nervous my first time in front of others.” She winked. “You’ll do fine, my friend. I admire the way you’ve handled everything. You really were made for the submissive lifestyle.” Gabby stuck out her bottom lip and exhaled, blowing the bangs out of her eyes. “I hope so.” She fanned her face. “I’m sweating.” She glared at Julia. “All of you are so experienced in doing this…this stuff. You don’t even break a sweat or get thirsty. Me, I’m falling apart.” “Where is your Dom?” Rowen looked toward the upstairs of the center. She shrugged. “Philip came, and Dick left with him. Something about someone needing directions or their car having broken down. I’m not sure.” “I’m sure he’ll be right back. In the meantime, stay with us, and Julia can help calm your nerves.” Rowen nodded at Julia. Nearby, a few people clapped, and the three of them moved over to the next scene. A naked woman wearing a collar and leash sat on the floor in true submissive form. On her knees, legs open, her arms behind her back, she tilted her head down and waited for her master’s orders. Rowen leaned in between Gabby and Julia. “Watch, girls. Charlie is awesome at making a woman come without touching any part of her body. Although, I think he has something else in mind right now.” He kissed Julia on the neck. “Study his sub, see how she’s drifted to a place where the only thing she feels is pleasure.” “She looks stoned.” Gabby wrinkled her nose when she realized she’d spoken the thought. She turned and shrugged. “Sorry, that just slipped out. I’ll be quiet now.” The sub stared down at the floor. Her body was erect, yet her muscles remained relaxed. Gabby shifted to get a better view. The 82

Abby Wood woman appeared to have adapted to the position the way another person slouched on the couch—without a care in the world. “Head up.” Charlie stood in front of the woman and waited for her to do as he bid. “Is your pussy wet?” She nodded. “Yes, sir.” Whoa… She’s fast. “Very good.” He unclipped the leash from her collar. “Lean over and put your head on the floor.” Charlie stepped behind her and removed an object from his pocket. “What is that?” Gabby leaned left then right to catch a glimpse of what he held. “I can’t tell what he’s holding.” Rowen chuckled. “I take it Dick hasn’t introduced you to a butt plug yet?” “Yes, he has!” Her eyes grew wide, and then she frowned. “Not that it’s any business of yours.” She swiped the hair back over her shoulder. “I couldn’t see it, that’s all.” Gabby chewed on her lip. A quiver of envy came over her. She loved it when Dick had inserted one up her ass the other night. He’d also taken her once from behind, and the resulting pleasure surprised the hell out of her. Squirming, she glanced away from the scene, inhaled, and tried to gain control over her body. It wouldn’t do to get too excited or come. She didn’t want to spoil her time with Dick during their scene later. Through the crowd, familiar eyes stared back in her direction. She smiled. Dick stood beside Rowen, who must have snuck away without her seeing. A shiver shot up her spine, and her nipples hardened. Her master put all the other Doms in Peckerwood to shame. Dick nodded, motioning for her to look down at the couple. She sucked in her breath and lowered her gaze. He wanted her to watch. Did he know how her body reacted when watching other people and imagining Dick doing the same thing to her? She inhaled. Of course he did. Charlie bent over and slipped the plug into his sub. Gabby’s brows shot up. Attached to the part of the plug that remained outside the sub’s body were strings of ribbons. Oh, pretty! The woman rose back up and sat on the heels of her feet. Charlie returned to his original position in front of his submissive. Gabby couldn’t hear what the Dom said, but the sub stuck her index fingers in her mouth and brought them down to draw circles around her nipples. Gabby’s own nipples hardened. She seriously wondered if she’d make it through the rest of their scene without climaxing. 83

To Play or Obey Needing Dick, she dared to glance up. He smiled and motioned his head to turn to the side. She pivoted, and Rowen stepped between her and Julia. What was her boss grinning about now? “Put out your hand.” Gabby did, and he put his fist out in front of him. “This is a gift from your Dom.” She opened her hand, and Rowen dropped a small rubber ball the size of a cherry onto her palm. She frowned. “What is—” Rowan laughed. “Dick’s right. You are too inquisitive.” He bent down and whispered in her ear. Gabby’s heartbeat sped up, and she turned back toward Dick. He nodded. She shook her head. I can’t do that! “Your master wants you to know you have a safe word if you need to use it.” Rowen stepped back and pulled Julia away from her side. She turned back to Dick. He stood with his arms crossed, and the side of his mouth lifted in a half grin. Say her safe word? Not on your life! Fisting the ball, she then slipped her hand inside the front of her pants. She rolled the rubber ball onto her clit and pressed her legs together. Shivers racked her body at doing something so wicked. Her hand came out of her pants slick with pussy juice. She continued to watch the scene play out in front of her, visually stimulated, and now, excited with the odd sensation pressing against her clit. She was enthralled at how Charlie and his sub played off each other. Because her view of the scene was from the side, she was able to gaze at both their bodies, each one beautiful in a different way. Charlie possessed a strength she imagined brought comfort to his sub. Charlie helped his sub to her feet and ordered two men from the crowd to come forward and suck her nipples. The strings from the butt plug resembled a tail, making the sub look like a pretty pony all dressed up in the ring. Gabby’s whole body suddenly jolted, and she screamed. The rubber ball Dick had given to her vibrated. The other people in the room turned around and stared at her. Even Charlie and his sub gazed over in her direction. Questions were written all over their expressions, wanting answers. She shrugged and wrinkled her nose. “Sorry. So sorry.” She gazed up at Dick, and she narrowed her eyes. I’ll get you later! He gave her the classic “lock your lips” motion, passing his fingers against his mouth, and winked. Her pussy smoldered with plea84

Abby Wood sure as the ball caressed her clit with a quick humming sensation. She turned back to the scene. Charlie placed a dildo up his sub’s pussy. Gabby fixated on the woman’s face. With every erogenous zone touched, licked, probed, and stimulated in some way, the sub must have been in pleasure overload. Gabby swayed. Her own response to everything going on around her—and happening to her—titillated and drove her higher. What if she orgasmed now instead of later in the dungeon? Dick loved to have her hold out for his permission to come, and she didn’t want to disappoint him tonight when he had such big plans for her. Charlie’s sub moaned. Gabby jerked to attention and crossed her arms. Her breath came in pants. She searched for Dick. The spot he stood in earlier was empty. Arms came around her waist. She closed her eyes and sank back against him. Oh, thank God. “Ma…Master Dick?” She swallowed. “I…I don’t know if I can stop with that ball on my clit.” She shuddered. “Oh God.” Her hand moved to the base of her neck. “Oh God.” Keeping one arm around her waist, Dick pressed her head back against his chest. “Come now, Gabriella. Give me a sample of what’s in store for us.” She squeezed her legs together. The ball’s action against her clit built up heat. Her panties were soaked from the stimulation, and she gave up worrying about what anyone around them thought. “Let it out, kitten.” She moaned and covered her mouth to keep from yelling out in pleasure. Spasms rocked her insides, and she rode out the orgasmic waves pulsating throughout her body. The ball mysteriously shut off and no longer vibrated against her pussy. She inhaled and let the breath out in a rush. “Take the ball out of your panties.” Dick pressed his hard cock against her ass. “Good girl. Pop it into your mouth and taste your juices coating the rubber.” His hips swayed from side to side. “Excellent. Go ahead and remove it from your mouth, and slip it into my front pocket.” He kissed the top of her head. “Can you walk?” She nodded. “Let’s go outside and get some fresh night air to cool off for a little bit. We need to restore your energy.” He wrapped his arm around her waist and parted the crowd, leading her to the exit. 85

To Play or Obey Rowen winked and Julia smiled at her on the way past them. She smiled in return, not one bit shy about what happened or that they knew she’d come in front of everyone.

***

Gabby stood beside Dick, watching the scene. She gazed at the couple, but her mind was a million miles away. She’d come a long way—from the erotic romance author who wrote about other people doing this stuff, to a full-fledged member of a secret society where BDSM was the norm. She’d realized she craved acceptance—not only from Dick, but from everyone in Peckerwood. The more she allowed herself to trust Dick and advance in their scenes together, the more content she became. Being someone’s submissive filled a hole inside her that had been empty for a very long time. She’d discovered she was a natural. Every day, she and Dick engaged in play, and she’d learned so much about herself, Dick, and the lifestyle. She now honestly believed she’d been born a submissive, but it wasn’t until she’d met Dick that she understood what had always been hidden deep inside her. Despite being nervous, she smiled up at Dick. Joy rose in her chest, flooding her with warmth. What would happen tonight remained a mystery, but she trusted Dick in whatever he asked her to do. “Do you need a drink of water or anything before we start our scene?” Dick pulled her back to make room for the couple leaving the sectioned area. “I’m okay.” She didn’t even notice they had finished. “I can’t believe it’s time.” She raised her brows and inhaled. “I’m excited and scared at the same time.” “Scared?” He cocked his head. She nodded. “I don’t want to disappoint you.” He threw back his head and laughed. “Gabby Girl, you could stand in the middle of the room bundled up in winter clothes and a smile on your face, and you’d please me.” “So you say.” She nudged him with her shoulder. “Want to give me a hint about what is going to happen? A cheat sheet?” He shook his head. “Nope. That’s part of the excitement. I want to see the vulnerability in your eyes when you gaze at me with trust written all over your face.” He lowered his head and whispered, “That is a precious gift you give me.” Philip stepped out of the room partitioned on three sides, where he had just wiped down and sterilized everything, and waved to Dick. 86

Abby Wood Dick led Gabby by the hand into the room. Her head began to spin, and she blinked to clear her vision. Relax. Trust your master. Everything will be okay. “Gabriella. Strip.” Dick removed his shirt, but his jeans remained on. She flashed a glance to see if anyone watched. He stepped in between her and the gathering crowd. “No. Watch me. Only me. This is between us, and you will focus only on what we do together.” She nodded. Stalling, she folded each article of clothing she removed and placed it on the dresser in the corner of the room. She ran her hands through her hair and fluffed it out. It barely covered her nipples, but it brought her some comfort and sense of cover. “Put your hair up.” Dick handed over a big silver barrette. She hid her groan of disappointment. Well, there goes that brilliant idea. With her hair rolled and fastened, she stood and let Dick pull at a few tendrils to frame her face. His hands roamed down the length of her neck. She shivered despite the warm temperature in the dungeon. “I want everyone to see what a pretty neck you have. How it tempts me to take little bites.” He lowered his head and nipped her skin. “Here.” He changed sides and gave her another love bite. “And here.” She giggled. “Sorry, Master Dick, you know I’m ticklish there.” He stood up, stepped back, and removed all traces of playfulness. “Lie on the bench, sub.” Gabby moved over to the bench, which resembled a chiropractor’s table, only shorter and narrower. It even had a hole cut out where she was to place her face. She lay on her stomach and let her arms and legs dangle over the sides. She fought the urge to get up and leave. The overwhelming thought that people would judge the performance scared her silly. To her, she was Gabby, the girl who faded into the background unseen, easy to forget, and definitely not worthy of anyone’s attention. She squeezed her eyes shut. She couldn’t do this. It’d be better if she quit before anything started rather than fail and disappoint Dick. Dick tied her left ankle to the floor. “Relax, Gabriella. Whatever happens will please me.” He hurried to finish the task of securing her to the bench. 87

To Play or Obey With her face hidden in the bench, she concentrated on Dick’s touch. His hand never left her body. Tears came to her eyes. No one had ever shown her so much attention in the way he did, with all his little touches, his words, and the time he spent with her. “Gabriella. I ask that you do not speak during this scene. The one word you have permission to say is your safe word. Only that word may be used.” Dick trailed his fingers up her back. “I’ll remind you that Vulcan is your safe word.” She nodded. “Thank you, Master Dick.” For everything. For loving me when no one else would. Unable to see him, she listened to his footsteps. The crowd gasped, and her muscles tightened. Her legs strained against the binds tying her to the floor. What did Dick have? “You’ve shown me that you enjoy a little pain along with pleasure.” Dick touched the bottom of her foot with something soft and smooth. “Keep your face down in the bench, Gabriella.” He dragged something lightly across both legs. She squirmed. The skimming sensation tickled rather than hurt. He trailed it over her skin, from her toes up to her head, and back to her ass. Slap! She flinched and bit down on her bottom lip. The sting shocked her out of her self-doubts and made her focus on how her skin heated and cooled under her whipping. Slap! The flogging came harder this time. Each sharp sting was followed by a soft skim of the leather to soothe and bring the decadent bliss to the surface. He promised pleasure would always follow. Pussy juice leaked out, and a slow drip ran down to her clit. Her ass shot up off the bench. Yes, more! In quick succession, he whipped her across the buttocks in a pattern she loved. With just enough slack to move, her hips humped the bench, as if craving more. Her excitement quickly grew. Dick’s shoes clicked over the tiled floor. She inhaled to steady her heartbeat and keep from coming without his permission. Everything would turn out perfectly as long as she listened to Dick. A cold wetness dripped between her buttocks and ran down to her puckered hole. She pressed her face harder into the bench at the shock. Dick spread the lube around in a circle with his finger to cover her anus. It was a magical cure that relaxed her limbs, and she succumbed to the delicious warmth consuming her body. 88

Abby Wood She bucked back against his hand, but her limited movements prevented her from showing him she wanted more. The muscles around her anus relaxed, and she offered herself to him. Whatever he wanted to do next was okay. She trusted him. Something firm and smooth pressed against her, and she bore down the way Dick had taught her. Her anus stretched at the intrusion and then returned to its original tight shape. She raised her head. What had he put inside her? She could tell it didn’t stick out. “Face down.” Dick pressed against her anus again, and again something slipped past the tight ring and lodged inside her rectum. He repeated the process four more times. She mewed at the added pressure filling her back channel. Her hands fisted on the floor, and she tried to push back against…something. Dick moved up beside her head. She stared at his shoes through the hole in the bench. She opened her hand and stretched her fingers in an attempt to reach out and touch him. She wanted the contact, even if she only dared to touch his shoe. He stroked her hair, her back, and continued down over the rise of her ass. She tried to push her hips off the table, and she groaned. Not being able to move the way she wanted proved frustrating. “Gabriella.” She lifted her head. He kneeled beside her, and she mewed again. Unable to express what she needed, she’d whine until he gave her what her body craved. “I will let you have some slack in the ties at your wrists. Enough that you can use your arms to brace yourself on the bench, but you must be careful you do not slip.” He worked diligently with the knots, undoing and retying them. “I call you kitten for a reason, Gabriella. I want to hear you purr and rub against anything that brings you pleasure.” She raised her hands to the edge of the bench and pushed back. With the added slack, she stood on her feet, straddling the bench, pointed her ass in the air, and kept her upper body down. Dick moved to stand between her legs. She rocked back and forth. She loved this position. He dominated her every move, and she willingly played into his plans like a sacrificial gift to the gods. She’d do anything for him. Dick stroked his hands over and around her butt cheeks. She rocked her hips, strained against the ties, and muffled her screams to low purrs. Her pussy spasmed. A drop of juice dripped out of her 89

To Play or Obey body. Mentally she urged him to hurry. She wouldn’t last much longer. “This is the reason I call you kitten. You purr under my attention. You arch your back and stick your cute little ass in the air when I stroke you. Like a cat in heat, you open yourself up and beg me to take you.” Dick unzipped his jeans. “I’ve got what you want right here in my hand, hard and begging for your tight pussy. Let my cock bring you release.” Her nails dug into the leather bench. She tossed her head and arched her neck. She squealed through locked lips at the swift plunge of his cock inside her. With the toy shoved in her anus and his cock filling her pussy, her inner muscles tightened. Oh, yes! Yes! Dick pounded away at her cunt. She balanced her weight on her toes and clawed at the bench to keep from falling against her binds. Perspiration coated her forehead and upper lip. She needed…needed something to carry her over the edge to that wonderful flood of sensations. “Open your mouth and let them hear what you sound like when you come for me, kitten.” Dick picked up his pace, his strokes shorter. His ball sac bounced against her clit. “Ready? I want you to concentrate on how it feels when I remove the beads.” She nodded hard. He kept fucking her and pulled one of the anal beads at the same time. “Now.” A guttural groan came from deep in her core. Her orgasm squeezed his cock. He pulled another bead from her puckered hole. She moaned long and hard each time he slowly slipped a bead out, bringing her higher and higher to the verge of another orgasm. With the last one out, Dick sank balls-deep into her pussy and held on to her hips to keep her in place. His pulsating cock coated the inside of her cunt with his warm cream. He sucked wind and chuckled. His palm came down to slap her ass cheek without removing his cock. “Good girl, Gabriella. Good girl.”

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Chapter Twelve

“Gabby, run these outside to Dick.” Jonathon shoved an armload of rope lights at her and rushed off to the dungeon. “Uh…” She glanced around. “Okay. It’s not like I was pinning contest numbers on the wall or anything,” she muttered, watching him disappear from sight. Everyone in the community hustled about in total chaos, either running errands or setting up for tomorrow’s festivities. She approached the door and stepped back to let Philip come through with his sub. Seeing another master and slave together made her hurry outside to find her own Dom and reconnect with him. Dick had disappeared more than a half hour ago, leaving her inside to finish setting up one of the many games planned. This break gave her an excuse to seek him out and get her “Master Dick” fill. She skipped across the grass. The future looked promising, and she couldn’t help throwing herself into her relationship with Dick, her writing, and even bonding with the residents of Peckerwood. It 91

To Play or Obey almost seemed as if she had come alive the moment she’d stepped foot into this small town. “Hey Vanessa! Have you seen Dick?” She waved and held up the lights. “Jonathon wants me to deliver these.” Vanessa held a pair of scissors between her teeth and pointed across the road toward the park. “Thanks!” She hitched the lights up higher in her arms and crossed the street. Loud voices raised in anger came through the alley, and she hurried to find out if someone needed help. It didn’t take her long to pinpoint where they came from. Dexter pinned a man she didn’t recognize up against the back of the brick building, and judging by their torn clothes and rumpled appearances, they’d fought prior to Dexter getting the upper hand. She slowed and walked a wide circle around them. It wouldn’t have mattered if she’d bumped into them. Their argument was so intense, it kept their full focus. “I said I’m sorry, man.” The man shoved Dexter off him. “You don’t understand. I can’t wait for my turn at the lottery.” “So you fucking join the death squad for the night, and for what? To stick your dick in a woman who isn’t even your life mate?” Dexter threw his hands in the air. “You’re fucking lucky James came along and fixed your stupid mistake. Do you want everyone to find out where we all live?” Gabby stopped and stared. What did that mean? She scooted over and stood behind a tree. Dexter sighed. “This can’t happen again. Mayor Dick has set up the only possible solution to our problem. If you want to go run wild with those who haven’t converted, go. But you’ll never be welcome in our town again. The citizens of Peckerwood have finally found some hope with Gabby’s arrival. We can bring more females here now that Dick has tested the waters and it’s proven successful. Just give it some time, Vic.” Gabby shrank down and sat on the ground, out of sight. She stared at the grass. Tested the waters? This didn’t make any sense. Why would Dick bring women here? He kept no secrets from her. She’d studied every inch of his body, learned every little detail about him during their long talks, and every morning she lay down beside him in bed. She squeezed her eyes shut. No! “Gabby!” Dick bent down in front of her. “What happened? You look scared to death.” 92

Abby Wood She looked up and stared at him. She shook her head and scooted away. He’d told her to trust him. She’d even asked him if he planned to fuck other women, and he’d said no. But she was too in love to see the truth. Dick frowned and reached for her. “Gab—” “No! Stay away from me.” She crab-walked away from him, stood up, and continued her retreat. “Leave me alone.” She wrapped her arms around her middle. “Y-you lied to me. You made me believe after I swore I’d never love anyone again!” Arms came around her from behind and lifted her off the ground. She screamed, and then the world’s light blinked out. “What the hell happened? Why is she acting like I have a disease?” Dick removed her from Dexter’s arms. He stepped over to sit under the tree where he’d found her, and cradled her against his chest. He alternately stroked her head and placed his hand on her chest to make sure she still breathed. She had appeared scared to death when he came across her sitting there on the ground. “I have a feeling she overheard my talk with young Vic.” Dexter ran his hand through his hair. “How much, I don’t know. Jesus, Dick, I’m sorry. I was so pissed at the trouble he caused, I wasn’t paying attention to where Gabby was at.” “Vic? I don’t understand.” Dick tucked her head underneath his chin and held her close. “Tell me what the fuck’s going on.” “Vic had gone to Seattle and joined up with the vampires there.” Dexter sighed. “By the time the cleanup crew came around, he’d already hooked up with a human and was showing off his skills. Luckily our vampires wiped the woman’s mind and got him back here without more damage being done.” “Goddamn it!” Kicking himself for keeping the truth from Gabriella this long, he dreaded what he needed to do now. “I didn’t want to do this to her.” He gazed up at Dex. “The second she knocked on my door and I opened it, I promised myself that I’d tell her the truth once I knew she loved me.” Dexter laid his hand on Dick’s shoulder. “She does love you. Everyone can see that. She’s turned out to be the perfect submissive and life mate for you, my friend.” He sniffed. “I know, but I’ve waited too long. It was never my intention to keep it a secret this whole time.” He shook his head. “I was afraid of her reaction.” Dick lifted his head and looked at Dexter. 93

To Play or Obey “What if she’s sickened by someone who can go without sleep, needs to drink blood, and will live forever? I wanted to give her enough time to understand, to fall in love with each one of us.” “I’ll wipe her mind for you.” Dexter smoothed Gabriella’s auburn hair back. Dick shook his head. “No. I’ll do it. It’s my fault.” He sighed. “If I bring her back to consciousness without wiping her memory, she’ll never calm down enough to listen and accept who I am.” He squeezed his eyes shut and groaned. “Fuck! Did you see her face? She’s had so many people hurt her, she’s mentally shut everyone out of her life”— he clenched his teeth—”except me. She let me in and loved me. I’ll never forgive myself.” He lay her down on the grass, smoothed her hair, and adjusted her arms. “I’ll tell her the truth after the festivities are over. I’ll make her understand. Without her, I’ll not want to live.” Dexter stepped away to give him privacy. Dick cupped the side of her head with his hand. “I’m sorry, Gabriella. I swear I’ll make this up to you, and it’ll never happen again. I’d kill anyone who hurts you, including myself.” Dick first had to wake her up from the deep sleep Dexter slipped over her body. He needed to peer into her eyes and view the ugly truth. He deserved to see every bit of the pain, hurt, and confusion he’d caused her. A mind-cleaning took so much of a vampire’s energy, yet he wished for this one to knock him on his ass. He deserved much worse. “Gabriella, I’m going to wake you up. I wish with all my soul I could spare you the few seconds of pain that’ll come to you when you realize who I am and what I’ve done, but I’ll fix it all. Trust me.” He covered her nose with his hand, lowered his mouth onto hers, and forced her to inhale the pure oxygen coming from deep within his soul. Gabriella’s eyelids fluttered open. Her brows creased, and she blinked up at him. He held his breath, waiting for reality to swarm back to her mind. He couldn’t wipe her memories until her eyes were clear and focused. She needed to be conscious for him to enter her thoughts and wipe her memory of the last few minutes. Without that, she’d continue to sleep. She scrunched up her nose and rolled her head from one side to the other, trying to escape the truth. He frowned and reached for her arms to keep her on the ground, where she wouldn’t get hurt. His 94

Abby Wood movements caused a full-blown panic attack, and he hurried to clasp her head with his hands. Dick lowered his face to hers. “Gabriella, stop.” His gaze locked with hers, and he penetrated her mind. She froze in place and stopped struggling. He erased from after the time she crossed the road. He fought against the urge to break the contact with her mind and hide from the truth of her memories. The eye contact necessary for the cleaning to work meant that through her eyes, he lived what she had suffered from the moment she stepped out of the alley. Her pain and sense of betrayal cut him to the core. God Gabriella, I’m a fucked-up asshole. I’ll make it up to you, I swear. With the last bit of strength he had left his body, he helped her to stand, and he placed the wad of decoration lights in her arms. “Resume.” Gabriella blinked. Her eyes came back into focus. She smiled. “There you are! Jonathon wanted me to bring you the lights.” She handed them over. He cleared his throat. “Thanks.” It took all his self-control to hold the strands of lights and not throw them on the ground. “Wow! Look at this place.” Gabriella stepped past him and scanned the area. “You’ve turned it into a magical fairyland.” Dexter strolled up to Dick and laid his arm around his shoulder. “He’s done a great job, hasn’t he?” Gabriella turned around and smiled at Dex. “Hi, Dexter. I can’t wait to experience Peckerwood’s big celebration.” She laughed. “I’ve never heard of people celebrating the winter solstice quite the way you guys have planned.” “Yeah, it’ll a blast.” Dexter looked around at all the lights strung up in the trees. “How’s the inside of the center looking?” “Great. I’m in charge of setting up for the music contest.” She snorted. “Where I come from, it’s called a cakewalk.” She shook her head. “I swear, you all must be the healthiest people around, because you are always grabbing food and running. It’s as if you’ve never heard of sitting down at a table. Julia practically had a seizure when I offered to make some goodies for the table.” Dexter laughed. “Oh no! We shouldn’t be distracted with food. We’ve got a party to enjoy, games to play, and each of you women is the queen of the night.” He winked and hugged Dick to him tighter. “Right, Dick?” 95

To Play or Obey He smiled and nodded. “Give me a kiss, kitten, and then you can go back and finish your job.” She stood up on her tiptoes, kissed him, and moved away once she drew a soft groan from him. She patted Dexter’s cheek. “See you guys later!” She turned and walked away. Dexter turned Dick around to witness her leaving. The moment she hit the alley, his legs gave out, and Dex lowered him to the ground. The cleaning had taken more out of him than he thought possible. He’d heard about the wearing after effects messing with a life mate’s memories, but until he actually had to do it, he’d never believed how draining it was. “Stay down.” Dexter’s brows lowered, and his face became hard. “Sit for a few minutes, and we’ll see if you can make it to the forest after you recover some strength. If not, you can have some of my blood.” “No!” Dick sighed. “I’ve gone this long, purging my body of contaminated blood. I’ll make it to the woods.” “You might not have a choice, my friend.” Dexter sat down on the grass across from him. “Did she hear everything?” He shook his head. “No. She heard you talk about the lottery and the plan for more women to come.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “She found out I brought her here to test the possibility of bringing more women to Peckerwood. She believes I don’t love her and the other women are for my…amusement.” He squeezed his eyes shut. “All the trust she had in me, gone in thirty seconds of overheard conversation.” “Fuck.” Dexter hung his head. “At least I came back around and we got her before she ran off.” “Does it really matter?” He thumped his chest. “I know in here what happened. I erased her memory, but the knowledge of her pain stays with me.” Letting his hand fall, he gazed at the grass in front of him. “I wish I could erase it from my mind.” “I am so damn sorry, Dick.” Dexter stood up. “We’d better go. You’re about ready to keel over.” “We need to get Gabriella back to the house. I can’t leave her here.” Dick held out his hand, and let Dexter hauled him to his feet. “Go ahead and send what happened to Rowen. Ask if he and Julia could walk Gabriella home, and make sure they stay off the trail.” He gazed up at the sky. “Tell her to eat and relax until I get there. I’ll pick her up a little before midnight.” He waved his hand. “Tell her I 96

Abby Wood got tied up and have to take care of business.” I may as well lie my soul away. I’ve ruined everything else today. Dick gave Dexter a few minutes to make sure Rowen understood everything. Having a thought-thrower among them came in handy during times of crisis. He inhaled deeply and weaved on his feet. Nothing had prepared him for how exhausted wiping Gabriella’s mind made him or how devastated he’d be, knowing he’d caused her pain. “Okay, done. I’ve filled Rowen in. They’ll take care of Gabriella.” Dexter put his arm around Dick. “I’m going to run with you. The sooner we get a deer, the faster you’ll feel better.” “Hell, we better make it two, because I feel like shit.”

***

With the dishes done and her clothes changed, two hours remained until Dick would come to pick her up. She wandered back into the living room. During the extra time, typing away on her story would occupy her thoughts. She hated waiting for something exciting to happen, and Dick swore she’d love the party. Gabby sat down on the lounge chair, powered on the computer, and waited for the screen to display so she could type in her password. She giggled. Not only was Vulcan the lead character in her first book and her password, but it was also her safe word. Anyone who knew might believe she had a kink for vampires. She scrolled down and read the first half of Chapter three. Why in the world had she thought Jordan would be a good match for the vampire Cristo? Tami, the waitress at the local diner, would make the perfect submissive for the Dom. Hitting the Delete key took care of that little problem. All she needed to do was have Tami lock her keys in the car, walk across the street to the BDSM club, and bingo—sparks would fly. Caught up in the story, she lingered over developing the new plot, then reached the end of the Chapter. She turned off the computer, gazed up at the clock, and found Dick sitting on the couch. “How long have you been here?” She closed the laptop and set it aside. “You should have said something. I’m ready to go.” “You were so intent while writing, I didn’t want to disturb you.” He smiled. “I’m early, so the wait didn’t matter.” She hurried over and plopped down in his lap. “How does everything look in town? Did you guys get it all done in time?” 97

To Play or Obey “Yeah.” He nuzzled her neck. “It’s a party fit for all our women. Nothing but the best for those we love.” She sighed and lay back in his arms. “Tell me how the solstice was chosen to have a festival to celebrate the women.” He slipped his hand under her sweater and kneaded her breast. “We—the town, that is—made it all up. The men outnumbered the women, and we decided we should show them how much we love and appreciate them. Since we love the nightlife here, it only seemed natural to pick the night we gain the most darkness.” “Hmm…” She closed her eyes. “That is a really sweet thing to do.” She arched her back. “What do we women do at the party?” She opened one eye and peeked at him, grinning. “Do we get to service all the men, or do all the men get to have their way with us beautiful females?” Dick’s chest rumbled. “Neither, although there are a few women who do that sort of thing. Well, allow a few men to service them, I should say. They have rather easy-going Doms. I, however, won’t allow another man to touch the most important person in my life.” He pulled his hand out from under her sweater, straightened the hem, and pushed her to her feet. “It is a night where all the women receive a gift from their life mate.” “Really?” She grabbed his hand. “What did you get me? Is it here?” He laughed. “Oh, I can tell you are going to be a pain in the ass every solstice.” He picked up her coat. “Come. Let’s go. The sooner we get there, the faster you’ll get your gift, Gabby Girl.”

98

Chapter Thirteen

Bright white lights lit up every tree, building front, and row of fences along Main Street, lending the night an aura more brilliant than any other night she’d witnessed so far. She smiled and gave a little skip. The men had created a wonderland fit for every woman’s fantasy. Instead of gathering in the community center, the people of Peckerwood mingled outside. She hugged Dick’s arm. In spite of the dropping temperatures lately, excitement and anticipation for the party kept her warm enough that she didn’t mind the cooler weather. Julia intercepted them, turned to Dick, and smiled. “Master Rowen gave me permission to come over and ask if I may steal your sub away so that we can join the other women out on the street and dance.” She nodded and clasped her hands under her chin. “May I take her? Please?” Dick gazed down at Gabby. “Do you want to dance, Gabriella?” She smiled. “Yes, please.” 99

To Play or Obey “Go, then!” He laughed. “Dance for your master.” She caught Julia’s hand and turned to leave, but Dick cleared his throat. She stopped. He cocked his eyebrow. “Oh.” She bowed her head and came up grinning. “Thank you, oh-wonderful-sexy-and-powerful Master!” Her giggles were infectious, and laughing in pure delight over the leniency and good nature of their Doms, she and Julia danced off. Julia twirled her around in a circle, and Gabby was sure her cheeks would hurt tomorrow from all the smiling she did. The upbeat music changed, and a slow song began. She stopped dancing and held her arms out for Julia. Happy and carefree, they swung each other under the lights and finally linked arms to dance in a giant circle with the other women. She caught sight of Dick standing beside Rowen and Dexter and gave an extra jiggle, hoping he enjoyed the way she moved. Both the party and the camaraderie she shared with the women made her feel carefree. A sense of belonging, not only with her master, but with the community as well, settled upon her. Three dances later, she put her hand to her chest and waved to Julia, calling it quits. The others could go on dancing, but she was pooped. Hours spent writing her book and working for the newspaper had caught up with her, and she made a mental note to start an exercise program so she could keep up with the women at next year’s festival. She approached the group of men and singled out Dick. “I’m out of shape.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned against him. “I think the other women can dance all night without taking a break.” Dick slid his hand down and gave her a little smack on her rear. “I love your shape. There’s no reason to change it.” “Next slow song, will you dance with me?” She tilted her head back. “Please, Master Dick? We’ve never danced together before.” Rowen and Dexter covered their laughter with coughs. Dick glared over at them. She raised her brows. No way was she going to let him get out of dancing with her at least once. “Yeah, Dick, show us how you dance.” Dexter elbowed him. Rowen backed up, waving his hands in front of him. “Damn, Dex, are you crazy? If Gabby gets him out on the street, I guarantee you Julia will come over here two seconds later to work her magic and make 100

Abby Wood me dance too.” He shook his head and stuck up his chin in Gabby’s direction. “Men of Peckerwood do not dance.” He might as well have thrown out a red flag and challenged her to a duel of stubbornness. Her lips curled into a slow, mischievous grin, and she turned her full attention to Dick. He sighed and cast his gaze to the sky. “Master Dick?” She purred. He shook his head. “I forbid you to speak, Gabriella.” He shot the other guys a look and wiggled his eyebrows in triumph over his solution to her trying to talk him into dancing. Gabby snorted. Did he really think that would stop her from trying to get him out on the dance floor? Ah, he has so much to learn. She walked her fingers, ever so slowly, from his chest down to below his belly button, then to the spot where the slightest touch from her brought his cock to attention. She drew lazy circles with her finger along his hardness. Then she pressed her body against him. He scoffed, and she grinned. He might be putting on a show and acting tough for the men, but she hadn’t played her trump card yet. Moving even closer, she ran her hands around his neck, up through his hair, and pulled his face down so he had to look at her. She drew her eyebrows up, stuck out her bottom lip, and fluttered her lashes. One, two— He slipped his hands under her armpits and picked her up, and she wrapped herself around him as he stomped his way out into the street. With her arms locked around his neck, she brought her lips down on his. The moist heat of his tongue caressed her mouth. She sucked and teased his lips. Her pussy spasmed. She tightened her thighs. The man drove her wild. He groaned and pulled his head back. “I’m going to have to punish you for this little stunt, Gabriella.” He growled and attacked her neck with love bites. She laughed. “Stop! It tickles!” She leaned back into his arms. “Technically, you still aren’t dancing.” She unlatched her legs from his waist and slid down his body. “This is dancing.” She put one arm around his waist, picked up his hand, and stepped belly-to-belly with him. “Now shift your weight from one foot to the other. We don’t have to go anywhere or do many moves.” She smiled. “That’s it. Isn’t this nice?” Who knew? She might have been the first woman ever to have convinced a Peckerwood man to dance. 101

To Play or Obey Dick grunted, but those wrinkles at the corners of his eyes appeared. “It’s all right, I guess.” Gabby laughed. “I think it’s pretty fabulous. Dancing under the moon with my master is not something I ever imagined doing. Only my characters have ever got to do this.” She tilted her head back. “This place, where I can show everyone how much you mean to me, where no one frowns at public displays of affection…this is my perfect world.” The slow song ended, and a faster, more upbeat mix came out over the speakers. Gabby smiled against Dick’s chest. He didn’t make a move to end their dance. “Master Dick?” She kept her face hidden in his shirt. He stroked her back. “Hmm?” She searched his eyes. She felt his love shining down on her. There was no doubt the man loved her. “I…” She swallowed. Dick stopped his swaying and waited. I love you. “I-I’m really glad you danced with me. I’ll never forget tonight. You’ve made it so special. You make me feel special.” She hugged his waist. There were so many things she wanted to say to him. Feelings he needed to know, yet she couldn’t get the words past her lips. “I’m glad.” He kissed the top of her head. “Now that you’ve got your memory of our first dance, what do you say we call this dancing done with and check out the community center?” “Sure.” She slipped her hand into his and strolled over to the town’s gathering place. A boisterous crowd stood inside the main floor of the center, participating in the games created specifically for this one special night. She pointed out Vanessa to Dick. Her friend sat in a kissing booth, where a long line of men had formed. Vanessa was a more sexually adventurous submissive with a Dom who seemed more lenient than most she’d encountered. Dick excused his way past the front of the line toward the back of the room. Gabby held on to his hand and trailed after him, trying to take in all the activities. “Hey, Mayor Dick!” He turned back to the kissing booth, blocking Gabby’s way. “Evening, Vanessa.” “Come here and get your kiss. It’ll be on the house…” She giggled. “Or on me, rather.” 102

Abby Wood Gabby’s squeezed his hand, and he grinned. “I better pass, sweetheart.” He looked down at Gabby. “I’m afraid this beautiful woman has all my attention.” Vanessa stuck out her lip but quickly grinned again. “Hey, Gabby. Come get your kiss. It’s on the house for all women.” She pumped the air with her arm. “Girls rule, and tonight we’re celebrating.” Gabby laughed. Dick bent down and whispered in her ear. “Go ahead, Gabriella. Give all these single men a show they’ll never forget.” She raised her brows. Kiss another woman? She shrugged and pushed her way through the men. They stepped back and clapped, egging her on. What a crazy night. Vanessa leaned over the counter onto her elbows and puckered her lips. Gabby glanced back at Dick, cocked her eyebrow, and turned around again. She inhaled and grabbed hold of Vanessa’s cheeks. In one move, she plastered her lips against the other woman’s mouth and threw herself into the kiss. Vanessa gave a little squeak of alarm, and then opened her mouth. Gabby wasn’t sure who stuck whose tongue out first, but she explored Vanessa’s mouth thoroughly. Her nipples hardened, and she enjoyed the taste of the other woman despite longing for a cock to be attached to the body she kissed. She pulled back, ending the passionate kiss. A hush fell over the entrance of the center. The two women stared intently at each other, their chests heaving to catch their breath. Gabby broke out into laughter first. Vanessa joined in and gave a loud whoop. “You’re insane, Vanessa.” She reached over and hugged her friend. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re one heck of a kisser.” “Made ya wet, huh?” Vanessa laughed and blew her a kiss. The men rifled through their pockets in search of another dollar to pay for Gabby to kiss Vanessa again. Gabby shook her head and waved her arms back and forth. She had a feeling Vanessa would enjoy the rest of the night, kissing all the men eager to try their hand at rocking her world. Dick swept her up in his arms. “Remind me not to dare you to do too much. Who knew you had such a fierce competitive streak.” He laughed. “I don’t like to back down from a challenge. And kissing Vanessa didn’t hurt anyone. You know you’ve got my heart, right?” She brushed his hair off his forehead. “For keeps and everything.” 103

To Play or Obey He nodded. “I know, kitten. Thank you.” She sniffed. What was wrong with her? She usually wasn’t this emotional. Next she’d be getting misty eyed over those damn family Hallmark commercials on television during this time of the year. At the next booth, Philip sat shuffling cards and dealing them out. Gabby walked behind the men, peeking at the cards in their hands. She didn’t know how to play poker. “What’s the prize?” She leaned against Dick. He put his arm around her shoulders. “Uh…I’m…um…not sure. I think they get extra lottery tickets for the men’s club’s weekly prize.” He pulled her along to the next game. “It’s pretty crowded here. Let’s go see what else they have to play.” “Oh, this is the one I helped set up! Let’s play.” She dragged him over and signed their names. “This will be fun, and I’m feeling lucky. How about you?” “I’ve already got my prize.” He grinned and grabbed her from behind, letting her feel his cock. “What do I have to do?” “See those numbers taped up along the walls?” She pointed. “Someone will ring a bell, and when they do, we have to hurry to a number and put our hand on it. Then the person will call out the winning number. If your hand is on the number that’s called, you win a prize.” She wrinkled her nose. “Although I don’t know what the prize is. Back where I come from, you’d usually win a cake.” “Okay. So let’s stand beside”—he looked around—”number sixty-nine.” He glanced back at Gabby. “Did you put that one up there, knowing it’s my lucky position?” She slapped his arm and laughed. “No! You don’t play it that way. We have to work our way around the room. We can’t be seen hoarding a number. Plus, you have to find your own number. We can’t share one. That way we have a better chance at winning.” “God, you’re tough.” He slapped her ass. She jumped. “Don’t you forget it, Master Dick.” For the next half hour, they socialized with the people, heard about others’ luck at the games, and enjoyed the high spirits everyone was in. Gabby’s smile never left her face. These people, this community, her new job—all of it gave her the peace and acceptance she’d never found anywhere else, even with any of the families she’d lived with while growing up. “Come on.” Dick pulled her hand over to the edge of the room, looked around, and opened a door. “Get inside!” 104

Abby Wood He pushed her through the darkened doorway. Unable to see anything, she stopped and waited to see if he’d turn on the light. He stepped in beside her and shut the door. “Dick?” “Yeah?” “What are we doing?” The trill of a zipper followed by a rustling sound filled the silence. He then reached over and fiddled with the top of her jeans. She smiled, although he couldn’t see her in the dark. “Turn around, Gabriella.” Dick gently guided until her back was to him and placed his hand on her hip. She bent over at the waist. Her jeans and panties puddled around her ankles. He ran his finger up her slit, and she spread her legs as far apart as her jeans would allow. “Let’s do it hard and fast, or I’ll never make it through the rest of the night.” He placed his hands on her hips. “Is there something you can brace yourself on?” “Yeah. I’m not sure, but I think it might be a vacuum cleaner.” She gripped tight to a long handle. Dick plunged into her cunt in one swift, determined move. She rose onto her tiptoes and prepared herself to take everything he wanted to give. In this position, his cock speared her insides and knocked her breath out. “Oh God, you are so big.” She moaned every time he pushed. “That. Oh. Feels. Ah. So good!” Dick reached around and fingered her clit. She pushed back against his thrusts. His balls slapped her pussy, further exciting them both. “Fuck, your pussy…” Dick grunted. “Feels good.” He pinched her clit between his thumb and finger. “Get ready.” He slapped her ass hard. “Come.” “Oh!” Warmth spread through her in a delightful flourish. Her pussy squeezed his cock. “Yes!” “Argh…” He buried his cock to the hilt and leaned over her back. He chuckled. “That was fast.” “That was good.” She giggled. “Yeah. Maybe now I can survive a little longer without thinking about sticking my cock into you every sixty seconds.” He helped her stand up and slipped his dick out from her. She snorted. “I doubt it. When have we ever had sex only once a night?” 105

To Play or Obey “True.” He handed her a piece of material. “This should be a towel. You can wipe yourself up.” “Is it clean?” She held it up to her nose. “Yeah, I smell detergent. Where exactly are we?” “The janitor’s closet.” He laughed. “Not a bad place to get some action.” A loud buzzer sounded outside the room. Gabby froze, her jeans bunched around her thighs. Oh no! “What the hell?” “Come on! That’s the game!” Gabby opened the door, the waistband of her jeans clutched in her fist. Dick followed her out with his pants unzipped. He wove between the people scrambling toward the numbers on the wall. “I got one!” Gabby jumped up and down, one hand on the wall, the other holding her jeans up. Dick laughed and pointed from farther down the wall. “Me too. Sixty-nine. What did I tell you?” The loudspeaker crackled. “The winner is…number twenty-four!” Gabby lifted her hand, screamed, and almost dropped her jeans. “That’s me! That’s me!” Dick came over and struggled to help her pull up her jeans and fasten them. “Stand still, Gabriella, or you’ll have to walk over and claim your prize flashing your ass.” “I’ve never won anything before, Dick.” She squealed. “Oh God, this night is the best of my life.” “Congratulations.” He kissed her cheek. “Go find out what you won.” She hurried over to the entrance, where the man who handled passing out the prizes stood. She skipped to a stop and pointed to the number on the back wall. “I’m number twenty-four.” She laughed. The man smiled, motioned to another man to come inside, and shook her hand. “Congratulations!” He nodded toward the left of the room. “Here’s Lance with your prize.” Gabby turned toward the door. A man came in holding a rabbit by the scruff of its neck. She raised her eyebrows. A rabbit? “Here you go.” The man held out the animal. She scooped the bunny up in her arms, and it wiggled to hide its head in the crook of her arm. “Th-thank you…I think.” Everyone turned to check out her prize, and she smiled graciously. What would she do with a pet? She’d never even owned a dog or cat before. She didn’t know anything about taking care of a rabbit. 106

Abby Wood “Dick?” He turned around, flinched, and rubbed his jaw. “Gabriella, what are you doing with a rabbit?” “It’s the prize I won.” She peered down at its soft, furry back. “I don’t know what to do with it.” “Uh.” He looked around. “I’ll run it back to the house. We can decide later what to do with this…rabbit.” Rowen approached, his head snapped back, and he petted the rabbit. “Look, Gabby brought dinner.” “Shut up, Rowen.” Dick glared and removed the animal from Gabby’s arms. “Gabriella, go find a chair and sit down, rest. I’ll be right back. I’m just going to take this…this…thing home.”

107

Chapter Fourteen

Dick held the rabbit at his side and raced to the house. Damn it! He should have spoken to the prize committee and found out what they offered the winners. He’d have put a stop to handing out food. Now, along with sneaking out to hunt, he’d have to figure out how to live with a pet rabbit without draining its blood when a midnight craving hit him. Inside the house, he searched for something that would hold the animal. Coming up empty, he decided the bathtub would do. He set Gabriella’s new pet in its temporary home, stood back, and crossed his arms. Fuck! He hurried out the room, found a glass bowl, and stepped outside to pull up a few handfuls of grass. He stomped up the stairs, leaving bits of his lawn in a trail behind him. No doubt the men back at the center laughed their asses off at the knowledge that their alpha vampire was now the proud owner of one blood-rich rabbit. After shutting the bathroom door, he walked into the bedroom and reached up to the top shelf inside the closet. With the square 108

Abby Wood box covered in gift wrap that almost matched Gabriella’s red locks clutched in his hand, he ran back to the center. It should be time for the ceremony soon. The solstice signified the fertile time for vampire women. According to ancient lore, females stood a better chance at becoming pregnant over the darker winter days than at any other time of the year. He picked up his pace. Energy rolled off him at the thought of Gabriella someday carrying his child. It stood to reason that it would be easier for a human female to carry a child—even a vampire’s child. He sighed. None of them had known all the chemicals humans unknowingly ingested through their food would negatively affect vampires, until it was too late. Humans could still reproduce, but something about the vampires’ DNA when combined with those chemicals prevented them from doing the same. He only hoped that changing their main diet from human blood to animal blood would slowly reverse the effects. The vampires needed to have children. If they didn’t, they would eventually lose the dreams their ancestors had worked so hard to accomplish through the years. The growth, the ability to mix with humans, and a conscientious desire to live side by side with humans without fear will have all been for naught. He wanted Peckerwood to continue to be a place where vampires lived and thrived. Rules were in place for family members to participate at the community center separately, on different nights, giving all citizens the chance to express their sexuality. The arrangement had been working out for everyone, but then it became harder to have children. It was time to do something about that and bring in outsiders. He slowed to a jog the closer he drew to town. As he neared the center, he spotted Gabriella. Who knew…? Maybe she’d be the first to produce a child in fifty years. If his theory was correct, the chances were higher that she’d be able to conceive. Even if she requested to be turned into a vampire, she’d still have a better chance to become pregnant than the natural vampire females who had feasted on human blood for years. “Miss me?” He gave her a kiss and patted her ass. She laughed. “You were gone only five minutes. You must have run the whole way.” She narrowed her eyes. “Unless you didn’t take Bucky back to the house and let him go free in the forest instead.” “Bucky?” He shook his head. 109

To Play or Obey She grinned. “My new pet rabbit.” She glanced down and gasped. “What?” He followed the direction of her gaze. He held up the present. “Did you think I put the…Bucky in the box?” He shook the gift. “Nah, he was too big.” Gabby gave him a push. “That is not funny.” He chuckled. “Come on. Let’s go over to the park. It’s time for the ceremony.” He tucked her beneath her arm. “I think you’ll enjoy this part.” It being almost midnight, the city park should have sat in darkness, but tonight it stood out in all its magical glory, with every tree lit up and bundles of flowers decorating every picnic table. A circle in the middle of the clearing outlined with a rope of lights provided a stage for the women. “I’m going to have to leave you for a bit. I have to make an announcement and welcome everyone.” He ran his hand through her hair and down her neck, then pulled her in for a kiss. He sighed and let her go. “Make sure you participate when all the women are called into the circle, okay?” She nodded. He walked toward the microphone, but he slowed down as he drew nearer. He still hadn’t figured out when the right time would be to tell Gabriella the truth about himself and the people of Peckerwood. Emptiness filled his soul. Despite his love—and the love he was positive she had for him—he didn’t have a good feeling about the outcome and kept putting it off. He had hoped to have told her before so much time had passed. That was the rule. He sighed. There was no denying the chances of her accepting his kind grew more favorable the longer she stayed. His biggest fear was that she’d leave without hearing him out. Gabby stood back from the crowd. She chewed on her lip. She didn’t know what to expect. Despite the solidarity she felt earlier with the citizens of Peckerwood, a wave of apprehension came over her. Without Dick beside her, she felt a little lost and didn’t know what to do with herself. “Gabby.” Rowen laid his hand on her shoulder. “Would you like to join Julia and me at one of the tables?” She nodded and smiled. “Thank you.” She rubbed her arm. “I don’t know why I always feel a little detached from everyone when Dick isn’t around. I’ve never considered myself shy, especially since everyone here has grown on me.” 110

Abby Wood “That’s the submissive in you.” Rowen glanced over at Julia. “My sub has claimed the same thing happens to her.” He leaned closer. “To tell you the truth, we Doms feel the loss of our subs when you are not around too.” “Thanks, Rowen. That makes me feel better.” She sat down beside Julia, facing Dick from across the circle. A yawn sneaked up on her, and she hurried to cover her mouth. “Excuse me. I’m still having the hardest time keeping up with you all.” Julia rubbed her back. “You’ll get used to it.” “Can I have everyone’s attention?” Dick held the microphone and waited. “Everyone find somewhere to sit, and we’ll get started with the ceremony.” Gabby laid her elbows on the table and cupped her chin in her hands. Her insides shivered as she watched Dick standing up there, so cool and confident. She’d bet all the women salivated over his strong shoulders and the way he swept back his long black hair every so often to keep it from hanging in his eyes. “I want to welcome you all to the annual winter solstice festival.” He smiled. “If all the women will come down and stand in the circle, we can start.” Julia stood up and grabbed Gabby’s arm. “Last I looked, my friend, you have boobs. Let’s go.” The women joined in the circle and stood at the perimeter, facing outward. Gabby found herself pulled along and placed in front of the table Dick stood on. He winked. She wrinkled her nose. What if she didn’t know what to do? What if they asked all the subs to switch Doms or something? She wished she had some idea of what the men had planned for tonight. “Men of Peckerwood, have you ever seen a more beautiful group of women?” Dick waved his hand over the circle of women. The crowd clapped, and some of the men let out loud, two-finger whistles. Gabby broke eye contact with Dick and glanced at the other women. Vanessa lifted her shirt and flashed her bare breasts to her Dom. She laughed. Her outgoing friend was the picture of self-confidence. “Although we come together as a community—and our bonds with one another are the strongest I have ever seen—I’m even more excited to partake in this year’s ceremony because of Gabriella.” He gazed down at Gabby and smiled. “May each of you realize how important you are to the continued success of Peckerwood.” Dick held up his hand. 111

To Play or Obey “One more thing before I join my sub at the circle’s edge.” He paused and looked over the crowd. “I want each of you who do not have a woman in the circle to sit back and learn how to make a woman feel special.” He turned his gaze back to Gabby. “It is our life mate— our submissive—who makes us men. They give us life and a reason to wake up each day. Tonight, I hope the ladies understand that they, in reality, dominate and complete us.” He smiled down at Gabby. She placed her hand on her chest. Her heart raced. His words meant so much to her, but she always seemed to fall short on sharing her feelings with him in the same way. It pained her to let him go on without her giving him that piece of her heart she kept protected from everyone. Dick jumped down from the picnic table, turned to grab the gift he’d brought, and walked over to Gabby. She opened her mouth, but he placed his finger over her lips. “Wait, Gabriella.” He lowered his hand and held the gift between them. “I want to take tonight to tell you how much I love you.” She caught her lip between her teeth. Oh Dick. You are too good to me. He shook his head and smiled. “I don’t want you to say anything, so relax.” He thumped his chest. “In here, it doesn’t matter what you’d say, because I know how you feel about me, about us. “My whole life”—he cleared his throat—”I have searched for the woman who’d give me a rush. I’ve traveled the world and gone to places I normally wouldn’t go to find my life mate.” He smiled. “Then someone gave me a book.” He chuckled. “An awesome book I read in one sitting. I found it fascinating, charming, even…stimulating.” He lowered his voice. “At the end of the story, I turned the last page. I saw a black-and-white photo of you.” He rocked back on his heels. “I knew I had to meet you.” He inhaled. “You see, I knew from your picture that you were the woman for me. For days, I couldn’t get you out of my mind. “And since the day I opened my front door and touched your hand, there has not been one doubt in my mind that we are destined to be together.” He lifted her arm and placed the box in her hand. “I want to give this to you to show you that you belong to me, that I will never leave you, and that I love you.” Gabby’s hands shook. She dropped her chin and gazed at the present. It was wrapped so carefully, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to break this moment. 112

Abby Wood “Master?” “Open the box, Gabriella.” He held the bottom so she could tear back the wrapping paper and slip off the lid of the box. Her hands hovered over the gift. After one last look at Dick, she gingerly lifted the top of the box. She gasped. Inside lay a black velvet collar ringed with sapphires so blue, they sparkled beneath all the lights in the trees. “Will you wear it for me?” Dick tilted her chin up. “Will you take my love forever and be my submissive?” She nodded. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She’d never dreamed she’d want to join the other women who wore a collar, but now that Dick presented her with one and told her the reason behind his gift, she wanted nothing more than to have the constant reminder that her master loved her. “Let’s see how it looks.” He removed the bejeweled piece, set the box down on the ground, and turned her around. “Lift your hair.” The soft material slid along the sensitive skin of her neck. A perfect fit. She turned and lifted her chin. “How does it look?” “Beautiful. I had it made especially for you. The sapphires remind me of your blue eyes.” He leaned down and pressed his lips to her mouth. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him back. He pulled away grinning, bent over, and lifted the box back up. “There’s more.” “Oh, Dick.” She clicked her tongue. “I don’t know how much more I can take.” She wiped her cheeks. “No one has ever given or shown me such love before. I’m not sure if I’m acting right or…” She sniffed. “Thank you. For everything.” She lifted the tissue paper out of the box and found a black leather leash, so thin and delicate. Caught between a laugh and a sniffle, she gazed up at him. She wanted to give him everything. He’d pushed past her barriers and loved her. “You do know this isn’t to tie you to my side so much as a sign that you belong to me, right?” Dick removed the leash from the box. “Wearing this will remind you of the commitment we have to each other, and how I will always put your needs first.” She nodded and touched her collar. “Put it on, Master Dick. Please?” “Aw, kitten.” He clipped the leash into the D hook at the front of the collar. “Do you know how hard my cock is seeing you standing there wearing my gift?” 113

To Play or Obey “I do.” She inhaled. “My panties have been unbelievably wet since I opened the box. This”—she trembled, pointing at the collar— ”means everything to me.” “I’m glad you like it.” He smiled down at her. “Master Dick?” She lifted her chin and gazed straight into his eyes. No one had ever made her feel this way. “I love you.” His mouth moved, and his Adam’s apple bobbed. He smiled. “I love you too.” He gathered her to his chest. “Thank you for that wonderful gift.” Clearing his throat, Dick lifted his head and scanned the area. “It looks like everyone is preoccupied.” He gazed back down at Gabby. “How about we go home, and you can show me how much you love me?” She shook her head. “No?” He raised his brow. Without a word, she kneeled in the damp grass, put her hands behind her back, and tilted her chin up. “I’d love to pleasure you right here, where everyone can see how happy I am. Is that all right? I want to show everyone that you have stolen my heart, Master Dick.” He threw back his head and laughed. “Never stop surprising me, Gabby Girl.” Smiling, he nodded. “It is fine. Those who prefer to be alone are having their own ceremony in the privacy of their home.” She licked her lips and waited. Her nipples throbbed for attention. She thrust her shoulders back. Her sweater pulled, showing him how firm her breasts were. She’d stay in this position forever just to have him gaze upon her with all the love that shone in his eyes at this moment. Dick reached down and lifted the hem of her sweater. “Raise your arms.” She followed his orders, and he pulled her top off, leaving the leash hanging from her collar. Coldness swept over her bare skin and sent a shiver of discomfort up her neck. The change of temperature made her body shake, and she enjoyed the challenge in controlling her movements. “Take off your bra.” Dick removed his shirt and pants and stood naked in front of her. He picked up the end of the leash, gave it two tugs, and motioned for her to stand. “One tug, you kneel. Two tugs, you stand.” “Yes, Master.” She rose up from her knees. He stared at her breasts. “Take off your jeans and panties.” 114

Abby Wood She kicked off her shoes and socks, and removed the rest of her clothing. The slight yet cool wind zeroed in on her pussy and caressed her skin. She moaned. “Please, Master Dick.” She let go of her wrists and brought her hands in front to rub her breasts. “My body aches for you.” He frowned. “You do not touch yourself without my permission.” “I’m sorry, Master Dick. I’m just so—” “Quiet. Get on the picnic table. Lie on your stomach.” He scooted over and pointed at the table behind him. “You must learn to follow my orders. Good girls are rewarded.” He led her with the leash. She raised her foot onto the bench, but her body shook from the cold, and she lost her balance. Dick caught her and supported her climb to the top of the table. “Lift your head.” He reached under her chin and unclipped the leash. “No!” She pushed her upper body off the wood, but he stopped her with a hand to her lower back. “Did you not hear what I said during the ceremony, Gabriella?” He sighed. “The collar and leash signify that I will never leave you, whether it is around your neck or sitting on the bureau at home.” He pressed her back down flat. “Remember that.” He stared into her eyes. “I’m not taking the leash away as punishment. I want to use the leash on you to bring you pleasure.” Dick brought the end of the leash down on her bare ass. The slightest flogging against her chilled skin stung. She moaned. The pleasurepain so near her puckered hole sent pleasure coursing through her lower body and caused more cream to leak from her pussy lips. Pop! Her hips lifted, as if begging him to whip her again. She bit down on her lip. The sweet, metallic taste of blood entered her mouth. She waited for Dick to put her in her place, to teach her right from wrong, but nothing happened. She glanced over her shoulder. He stood back from the table. His gaze settled on her mouth. She wiped the back of her hand over her lip to remove the trickle of blood. “Master Dick?” She rolled over and sat up on the edge of the table. His mouth appeared odd, as if he were in pain. A loud, anguished groan filled the night, and then he lay on top of her. Plastering her to the table, he latched on to her mouth and sucked her bottom lip hard. 115

To Play or Obey His knees shoved open her legs, and he plunged his cock into her pussy. She grunted at the impact. In. Out. In. He fucked her hard. Her body shifted farther along the length of the table with each thrust, until her head hung over the edge. He fisted her hair to keep in contact with her lips. She moaned into his mouth. Her feet beat against the wood in an attempt to match the rhythm he set. She needed to come now—hard, fast. Dick let go of her lip, snarled, and drove himself into her one more time. His neck arched back. He groaned louder than ever, and cum squirted out of his cock to coat her cunt. Her fingers dug into the skin on his chest as her pussy convulsed around his cock, and she screamed out her orgasm. Several minutes passed, and then Dick dragged his body off her. He staggered and dropped down onto the grass beside the table. Gabby sat up. She spread her legs. Fluid gushed out from her pussy and puddled on the table. She raised her brows and hurried to cover her face with her hands. “Kitten?” Dick groaned and wrapped his hand around Gabby’s ankle. “Oh Jesus. Come here, Gabriella.” He tugged. “I’m sorry. I—” She lowered her hands. A shriek burst out, and she covered her face again. Oh shit! Oh, shit! Oh, shit! Dick used her leg to pull himself up. He placed his head in her lap and embraced her waist. Her body shook uncontrollably. How did she go about explaining this new discovery to him? “Gabriella.” He lifted his head, kissed her breast, and nuzzled her chest. “I can explain. Please. Hear me out.” She reached out and hugged his neck, pulling his body back against her. “You can explain?” She burst out laughing. “Master Dick, you gave me the hottest, sexiest tabletop sex I think I’ll ever experience.” His back stiffened, and he frowned. “Huh?” Gabby pushed him back, spread her legs, and pointed. “You must have been holding back on me all this time, because I just received the fucking mother lode of cum shots. Geez, that was hot.” Dick helped Gabby get dressed, latched the leash back on at her request, and led her out of the park toward home. His vision allowed him to take in the frowning Dexter hidden in the shadow of the trees. 116

Abby Wood The message he sent was clear. What happened tonight couldn’t happen again without Gabby knowing the truth.

117

Chapter Fifteen

Dick stood in his office with all the council members and spun an old bingo tumbler stuffed with bits of paper. Every male in Peckerwood who was single had written his name down and contributed it to the life mate lottery. He’d held them off until now, but it was time to get the ball rolling. It wasn’t fair of him to take so much time because he feared the outcome. He’d wanted to wait until Gabriella learned the truth, but he had yet to tell her about himself. He couldn’t hold the men off any longer, and in reality, it was wrong for him to ask so much from the community. He announced that he’d tell her this weekend, when he had enough time explain everything and make her understand why he’d contacted her, the rush he felt when they touched, and most of all, how very much he loved her. He had two days left. “Come on, Mayor. You’ve twirled the papers enough. Let’s get this over with.” Jonathon crossed his arms at the end of the table. Dick stopped turning the crank, lifted the wire cage door, and dug into the pile. He pulled out a folded piece of paper. His mouth 118

Abby Wood went bone dry. This wasn’t his life he now played with, but someone else’s. The responsibility of the vampires’ happiness rested on his shoulders. He hadn’t even told Gabriella, and yet, the one-month period had passed. Was he doing the right thing by going forward with the plan? It’d kill him if she decided to leave. Would the others feel the same way if the lottery didn’t work? “The second man chosen in Peckerwood to seek out his life mate is”—he turned the paper around—”Dexter.” Jonathon groaned. The other men sat in stunned silence. Dick turned to the left and cocked a brow. “You’re the one, Dex.” He patted his friend’s shoulder. The rest of men filed out of the room, leaving Dick and Dexter alone. Dick plopped down in the chair beside his longtime friend and sank his head into his hands. Guilt ate him up over having to tell Gabriella she’d fallen in love with a bloodthirsty immortal who expected her to ignore how very different they were on the outside. On the inside, they were life mates. “I don’t know, Dex.” Dick turned his head. “I’m scared to death. What if she flat out refuses to listen, or worse, she’s disgusted with what I’ve done? I asked her to trust me, and I took advantage of that gift.” Dexter rubbed his hand over his jaw. “There is no easy answer. We can’t go outside Peckerwood. We’ve tried that, with no success. Our senses play havoc with our judgment. We have to believe that mixing with humans will satisfy our need for life mates and continue our line of vampires. Hell, we’re civilized compared to the death squad vampires running wild.” “Yeah, but will Gabriella think…?” He swept his hair off his face. “Never mind. I’ll pay the price for my actions, whatever that price might be. I just hope the extra time I waited will have worked in my favor and she’ll realize I’m the same person who earned her trust.” “She loves you. That is all that matters.” Dex patted his shoulder. “She’ll see that and stay.” Dick nodded. “So, you have any idea who you are going to ask to come to Peckerwood?” “No.” Dexter straightened up and squared his shoulders. “I’ve one week to find someone and another week to convince her to come. I better get busy.” He scooted off the chair. “I’ll meet you in the forest in a couple of hours after I go run off the anxiety I’m feeling.” Dick stood up. “I’ve got a few more things to do around here, and then I’ll be ready.” 119

To Play or Obey The door shut, and he stared at the table. He hated that he gambled with Gabriella’s happiness. In the end, he’d have to have faith in her ability to see past the lies and into his heart. If she didn’t, he’d walk the rest of time alone and miserable.

***

Julia danced into the back room of the newspaper office, wearing a huge smile on her face. Gabby cocked her head to one side. What had happened to put Julia in such a good mood? An hour ago, she pouted and refused to talk about what bothered her, and now she acted like Little Miss Sunshine. “I get to go shopping.” Julia twirled over to the desk, opened the drawer, and removed her purse. “Master Rowen has finally seen the light and agreed that we need a boat.” “A boat?” Gabby covered her chest with her hands. “That’s one big purchase. How did you manage to convince him to buy you that?” Julia cackled. “Never underestimate the power I hold within my pussy. I can weave spells around Rowen and make him succumb to my wishes.” She grabbed Gabby’s hands and danced them both around the room. “Three cheers for pussy power! Rah! Rah! Rah!” “You are crazy, girlfriend!” Gabby pulled away, caught sight of Rowen standing in the doorway, and lowered her head. “Um, Julia, exnay on the owenra.” Julia stopped. “Huh?” She pointed over Julia’s shoulder and mouthed, Rowen. Rowen cleared his throat. “Gabby, go ahead and take the rest of the evening off. We’re going to go buy my submissive a boat right after I pull her into my office and spank that round little ass with my bare hand for pulling this stunt.” Julia ducked her head, but not before Gabby witnessed a tiny grin curving her lips. “Thank you, boss.” She hurried to get her briefcase, which held her laptop, purse, and jacket. “Now I can hit the last Chapter of the book I’m working on before going to the center tonight.” She opened the door and looked back over her shoulder to wave, but Rowen and Julia ignored her as they threw heated looks back and forth. She shut the door, shivered, and scurried across the road toward home. The forecast called for snow over the weekend, and the signs sure showed that Peckerwood might receive their first snowfall. “Brr…” She flipped the hood up on her jacket and hugged her briefcase to her chest to block some of the wind. 120

Abby Wood The breeze whipped the cold against her face and through the material of her jeans. She should’ve called Dick at his office and asked him to walk her home. With his big body shielding her from the weather and holding her close, she’d be toasty warm right now. She crossed the street at the stop sign. Debating whether to stick to the road or take the path along the forest edge, where at least the trees would protect her from some of the wind coming off the Puget Sound, she decided on the path. It wasn’t quite that late; daylight still lit the area. Besides, she could still see if any dangerous wild animals walked the trail too and turn back if she needed to. She bobbed her head up and down to study the path and search for wildlife. The path made the perfect walking trail, and once the weather changed in the spring, she’d have to set up a walking program if she wanted to stay in shape to keep up with the other people of Peckerwood. They never seemed to get tired, staying up all hours of the night. Rustling in the brush up ahead alerted Gabby that she wasn’t alone. She stopped and held her breath to hear every little sound. A branch broke. She gasped, ready to turn and run back toward town, but a familiar figure broke through the woods. What the…? “Vanessa!” She walked forward. “Hey, wait up!” Claude’s sub darted back into the trees farther up the path. Gabby hobbled along the trail, burdened by her briefcase, but she lost sight of her friend. What was Vanessa doing out alone in the woods in this kind of weather? Oh shit! What if something happened to her? Gabby’d never forgive herself. She looked around, picked the biggest tree, and hurried over to lay her case on the ground. Her things would only slow her down, and if Vanessa was in trouble, she wanted her hands free to help her. Moss-covered logs from ancient trees long fallen over and rotten blocked Gabby’s way. She threw her upper body over and swung her legs down. Holding her hands out in front of her, she broke twigs as she forged her own course through the dense forest. “Vanessa!” She stopped and cocked her head to listen. The wind whistled through the trees, and her heartbeat boomed in her ears. Keeping her sight on the ground, she continued to trudge deeper into the woods. She’d stop every ten feet or so, listen, and keep forging ahead to find Vanessa before a bear or wolf did. The trees blocked out what little light came through this late in the afternoon, and she squinted with the hope that something would catch 121

To Play or Obey her attention. Her foot sank into something mushy, and she peered down. She stood in a small stream that trickled across the ground. She grabbed a branch to help lever herself out of the mud at the bottom of the water. Soaked to her calf, she pulled her foot loose and trudged away. Up ahead, through the trees, she spotted a speck of purple. Wasn’t Vanessa wearing a purple shirt? “Vanessa?” The wind blew the name back into her face. She jumped and skipped over fallen debris and pushed her way through the brush. Branches reached out, slapped at her, and stung her cheeks in her hurry to catch up with her friend. It didn’t make sense for her to be out here in the forest all by herself this time of year. The spot of purple no longer in view, she barreled through the undergrowth and slammed to a stop. She reeled from the sight in front of her. No! Vanessa leaned over a dead deer. Her face turned toward Gabby, and she snarled with a mouth covered in blood. Visible fangs gleamed white between her open lips. Fever heated her eyes, making her unrecognizable. Gabby glanced from the woman down to the deer, its neck bleeding, then up again to Vanessa. Her eyes wide, Gabby shook her head and backed up. This wasn’t happening. It must be the darkness playing a trick. Another glance showed Vanessa returning to eat the deer. Propelled to escape the grisly scene, Gabby launched back through the trees in the direction from which she came. She stumbled and fell, but she kept going despite the scratches and abuse the forest lashed at her. Nothing compared to the hurt and pain of witnessing such a raw, powerful feeding. Feeding! Billows of white puffs blew out her mouth. She tripped on a protruding branch. Her hands sank into the damp, composted land. Why would Vanessa be eating off a wild animal like a scavenger? Maybe a rabid animal bit her. How much time did it take to go crazy from an infected bite? Out of breath, weak from her run, she struggled to get up. She rose to her feet, wiped her muddy hands on the front of her coat, and set off again at a slower pace. Time stopped, but the darkness invaded the area underneath the trees. It grew more difficult to see where she should be going, and she’d yet to find the stream she’d stepped into by accident earlier. She had no idea if she even moved in the right direction. 122

Abby Wood Oh God. She was my friend. I’d laughed, danced, and…and…kissed her! Gabby’s body shook not from the cold any longer, but from the fact that none of this made any sense. She sobbed. She wanted out of this damn forest. Turning in a complete circle, she fought to get her bearings. The clearing out of the trees lost, she didn’t know if she headed back toward Vanessa—she swallowed—or deeper into the forest. “Gabriella!” She jerked around and faltered to get behind the safety of a nearby tree. Breaking out into a cold sweat, she hunkered down on the ground and wrapped her arms around her knees. Unable to tell who called her, she prayed Vanessa hadn’t caught up with her. Vanessa had no reason to be out in the forest alone in the first place, but to be eating a deer? She’d never heard of someone acting so savagely and—Oh fuck! Oh fuck! Oh fuck! The vampires she created in her books drank from dogs they raised in captivity and kept in a kennel for feeding purposes. She banged her forehead against her knees. Think! What reason would Vanessa have for eating an animal? Humans didn’t do that sort of thing. Sure, they ate cooked meat, but Vanessa ate from an animal that lay dead, steam rising from its opened neck. “Gabriella!” Gabby scrambled to her knees, peeked around the tree, and sobbed. Using the rough bark of the trunk, she clawed her way up on to her feet and fought her way through the branches. “Dick, take me out of here! We have to hurry. Van—” He shook his head. “You’re safe. I’ve got you.” He ran his hands down her hair, pushing the stray strands stuck to the side of her face out of the way. “Breathe, Gabriella.” She closed her eyes, breathed in and out, and opened her eyes to try once again to tell him how important it was to leave the forest. Her hands came up to cup his cheeks, and she brought his face down closer. “Dick, we must…” She pulled her hands away. He had blood smeared at the corner of his mouth. Pulling out of his arms, she shook her head, trying to deny the facts. “Gabriella.” He stepped forward. “Come home. Let me explain.” “Explain?” She sobbed. “You’re just like her! What kind of fucking crazy people are you?” 123

To Play or Obey “Please, follow me back.” He held out his hand. “You’re going the wrong way, and any moment it will be too dark for you to make your way out of the woods safely.” Vanessa and Jonathon stepped out from behind Dick. Gabby’s back connected with a tree, and she lost her balance. Hands came out of nowhere and snagged her up. Save me… Dick carried Gabriella out of the forest. Jonathon ran beside him, and Vanessa ran back home to Claude in tears. Desperate and scared, he used his power to put Gabriella into a deep sleep. He’d planned the whole confession for days, and it all changed in two unfortunate seconds. He should have learned the first time she overheard Dexter’s conversation with young Vic, but no, he’d wanted to keep living the fairytale life he’d created. Fuck! He didn’t deserve someone so trusting and lovable. He’d let her down, betrayed her trust, and why? He was a selfish prick. “Do you want me to wipe her memories?” Jonathon stopped outside Dick’s house. “I’m strong. I can do it.” He shook his head. “No. It’s over. I can’t let this go on. I’ll wake her up and tell her myself. She deserves the truth.” Jonathon nodded and backed away into the shadows. Dick opened the door and carried Gabriella to the couch. He laid her down and then removed her shoes, wet coat, and pants. He told himself that he didn’t want her to get sick, but he knew he was lying. He hoped that without any clothes on, she’d hesitate to run off, leaving him time to explain everything. First he needed to shower and clean up. He’d finished feeding and was headed home to shower when he found Gabriella’s briefcase. He’d sent Dexter to deliver her things to the house while he went back to search for Gabriella. His muscles tensed when he remembered Vanessa informing him that Gabriella had seen her. Everything afterward happened too fast. He cranked the water on in the shower, stepped in without letting it heat up, and held his face under the raging showerhead, as if water alone would turn him into someone who wouldn’t scare Gabriella. He groaned. He couldn’t lose his life mate. Without her, he didn’t want to go on living. She brought out everything that was good in him, and he wanted to spend the rest of his life loving her. He finished washing off, hopped out of the shower, and stalked to the bedroom for clean clothes. 124

Abby Wood He’d wake her up, stay calm, and not stop talking until she understood. Despite the dramatic turn of events and having to right his stupidity for keeping the truth from her, they shared a love few ever knew. She has to understand.

125

Chapter Seventeen

Gabby blinked. Covered with a blanket, she lay in her shirt and panties. She frowned. Why had she fallen asleep on the couch in her shirt and panties? “Gabriella?” Dick reached out and held her hand. She stared down at the way the size of his fingers hid hers from view. Her master, big and strong, always took care of her every need. She bit her lip and pulled her hand away. “Please… Listen to me.” He removed his hand from her lap but kept his place in front of her. “I know you’re feeling a little scatterbrained right now. There’s a reason for that, and I’ll tell you everything. Trust—” He clamped his lips shut and swallowed. “I promise.” “Dick, what’s going on?” She shoved the blanket aside and sat up. “Did something happen? Are you okay?” He nodded. His gaze never left hers. “Something did happen, but not to me.” Gabby wrinkled her nose. “Then who?” 126

Abby Wood “You.” “I don’t understand.” She scooted forward on the couch. “Nothing happened to me.” She gazed down at her bare legs. “Where are my clothes?” “I have no right to ask anything of you.” He hung his head, inhaled, and raised his chin back up. “What I am going to tell you is going to have all your memories come rushing back into your head. It’ll scare you, and I wish like hell I didn’t have to do this, but it’s the only way.” He sighed. “I was going to tell you everything this weekend. I know that doesn’t mean much now. It’s too late.” “I don’t understand…” She wrapped her arms around her waist. Something was wrong. “Will you please hear me out? Promise me you won’t run out of the house without letting me explain some things to you?” She shook her head in confusion, but said, “Okay.” Dick remained in front of her on his knees. “Tonight, for some reason, you entered the forest.” She sat back and cocked her head to the side. The forest? She wouldn’t do that. Dick had told her many times to never ever go there without having someone with her, especially at night. “You ran into Vanessa, and she was doing something that disturbed you, even frightened you.” The lines around his eyes deepened, and he studied her. Vanessa? That’s right. She was afraid an animal would attack her, but her friend ran deeper into the forest. She’d followed her. She glanced at the floor and concentrated. What happened in the woods? Minutes ticked by, but she continued to play the scene over in her head. She shook her head. No. That couldn’t… She glanced back at Dick. He nodded. She sucked in air, but it wasn’t enough to stop the vision of Vanessa bent over the deer, feasting on it. “Gabriella. Please, listen to me.” “No!” She glared. “You had blood on you too.” Her mouth curled. “You do the same thing she does. That’s why you never eat with me.” She pulled the blanket up higher and shrank back into the couch. “None of you eat. I’ve seen it.” “We’re vampires, Gabriella. We have to consume blood to stay alive.” She stared. “No.” “It’s true. Everyone in Peckerwood is a vampire. Dexter and I purchased this town over fifty years ago. It was practically a ghost town 127

To Play or Obey after the lumber mill closed. We slowly built this place into a utopia of sorts for those of our kind. It gave us somewhere safe to get away from the general population and live our lives without detection.” He rubbed his face. She fumbled with the blanket and struggled to get off the couch. Dick moved over to let her up, and he sat down on the couch. She moved away from him and walked over to the bookcase. “You lied to me.” A deep sigh floated across the room to her ears, and she stared at the spine of a book on the shelf. She wasn’t even able to read the title for the tears clouding her vision. She had given him her love, and he had lied—about everything. She’d trusted him, yet he’d lied. Gasping, she leaned her head against the bookcase. My God! They’re all vampires. Dick’s a vampire! “I know this sounds wrong, but I never lied to you. I kept things from you—” “Same difference!” She wheeled around. “I told you everything about me. You broke my…the wall I surrounded myself with. You chipped it away until the only thing I could do was put my heart in your hands and trust you.” She clenched her hands. “Growing up, after watching my mother leave me at the Children’s Society and walk out of my life, I swore I’d never let another person close enough to hurt me.” She clamped her teeth together. “I’m such a fool. I’m standing here arguing with a man who claims to be a vampire.” She scoffed. “Do you realize how ridiculous this is?” She swatted the hair out of her face. “I just want to go back to yesterday. Forget everything. I want that man I dreamed up, who’d always be there no matter what. Who loved me for who I am, not because he had to take care of me or because the state sent him a check every month.” Gabby turned around and gave Dick her back. She held on to the bookcase with both hands. Her belly convulsed, and she swallowed the bile that crawled up her throat to choke her. “I love you.” “Shut up.” She closed her eyes and let her head sink between her arms. “Just stop talking. I have to think.” Every little warning sign she’d missed the last month or so popped up in her mind. She opened her eyes. Shit! It’s true. Everyone, including Dick, is a bloodthirsty vampire. The muscles along her shoulders tightened, and she rubbed the back of her neck. Why hadn’t she noticed 128

Abby Wood all the questionable behaviors? She’d never seen him sleep or eat. Shit! She’d even questioned him once about not having a heartbeat. And all the whispering that went on around her… She should have realized something wasn’t right…that they were not normal. She dropped her gaze to the books in front of her. She snorted and drew the small, familiar paperback with the black-covered spine off the shelf. Holding the book up, she then turned and threw it across the room. It landed a foot away from Dick, who didn’t even flinch. “You thought you’d write to an erotic romance author, thinking she would jump right into your bed, didn’t you?” She marched over, picked up the book, and shoved it onto his chest so he had to grab it. “Hates sunlight, never eats, doesn’t sleep, has no fucking heartbeat, grows fangs, drinks blood… Am I leaving anything out?” She crossed her arms. He stood up and tossed the book back on the couch. “Yes. You’ve forgotten that vampire males are born with a dominant personality and have only one life mate forever. You forgot to explain to your readers how it is next to impossible for vampire women to become pregnant in this decade because years ago, when we feasted on humans, all the preservatives they had ingested created a reverse reaction in the normally fertile vampires.” Dick stepped over and blocked her escape. “This isn’t one of your stories, Gabriella.” He sighed. “This is about you and me…together. I received the rush that all vampire males are blessed with when they come into contact with their life mate. It’s simple for me. There is no doubt that we belong together.” His jaw throbbed with power. He turned away and stared out the window. “If we travel outside of Peckerwood, the presence of humans blocks our ability to find a life mate. I thought…” He inhaled. “I thought the theory of bringing someone believed to be a life mate to Peckerwood would work. I believed if we paid attention to a small rush we’d get from a newspaper article, a picture, or even the television, we could bring the woman whom we believe to be our life mate here and convince her that our intentions, our love, our trust, are true.” Gabby gazed at Dick as he stared out the window, his hands shoved deep inside the front pockets of his jeans. He faced the outside, but his eyes glazed over as he dwelled on his own thoughts. She hugged her waist. Not wanting to think about his side of the story or how it was even possible that a creature—she swallowed—a vampire even existed in her world. 129

To Play or Obey “I’ve got to get out of here.” She headed upstairs to put on some clothes. She grabbed a pair of jeans out of the dresser, pulled them on, and didn’t stop there. After finding her suitcase in the closet, she opened it on the bed and started to throw her clothes inside. She couldn’t stay. A person didn’t live in a community where the people stared at your neck, drooling for their next meal. “Gabriella.” Her hand froze on the zipper of her luggage case. She squeezed her eyes shut and refused to turn around and face him. Damn that authority in his tone. Despite all the information thrown at her just now, his voice still made her heart race and convinced her to do whatever he said. “Don’t run off. Stay the night. I’ll leave you alone. You can lock the door. Just don’t go. Think about what you are throwing away.” He paused and cleared his throat. “Talk to me in the morning. If you still feel the way you do right now, I’ll pay your way home, and you never have to see me again.” She didn’t dare turn around. The pain in his voice pierced her heart. She wanted to run into Dick’s arms and seek the comfort he always gave her, but this wasn’t the same man she loved. This wasn’t her Master Dick who was asking her to trust him. Gabby nodded. She’d stay tonight because she was in no shape to leave. Her eyes burned from the tears that wanted to come, but in her anger, she held them back. She was furious at Dick, but she was even more disgusted with herself. Her mind said to run, to never come back to the town of Peckerwood… And yet her body wanted to obey his request to stay. He’s right. I am a submissive. The door clicked, and the silence broke the control she’d been keeping. She threw herself across the bed. She sobbed all her hurt, anger, and longing out into a pillow that faintly smelled of outdoors, musk, and Dick. Great blubbering gasps turned into a coughing fit, and she rushed into the bathroom, where she lost what little food that remained in her stomach from lunch. She returned to the bed and lay down. Her body out of sync with the now normal routine of staying up most of the night and visiting the center threw her out of sorts. This all felt like a bad dream, but she knew it was really happening. In her own personal twilight zone, she stared up at the ceiling. Why couldn’t her life carbon-copy a romance book? A huge fight or someone was kidnapped, and the hero swooped in and saved the day, 130

Abby Wood and they all lived happily ever after. She snorted and hit the mattress. Books are filled with fantasies; that’s why. Real life didn’t happen that way. She closed her eyes. Her mother had taught her that at the age of six. She had waited every day for her to return, but the only thing that happened was someone shuffling her off to another foster home. No, happily-ever-after didn’t happen to someone like her. She chewed on the inside of her cheek. The ironlike tang of blood coated her tongue, and she remembered the night of the festival. She moaned. Dick had latched on to her lip, fucked her harder and faster than ever, and she experienced one of the most incredible orgasms of her life. Dick hadn’t scared her; he’d made her body feel alive, and he’d filled a need inside her she hadn’t even known existed. He’d seemed so concerned that he’d hurt her, or worse, driven her away with his lack of control over his own needs. The fact was, it had turned her on—big time. The sobs inside the room quieted, and Dick leaned his head against the door in blessed relief. Tearstains wet his cheeks. He’d promised her he’d never leave, but staying outside her door so she wasn’t alone just about killed him. Each sob, every time she hit her pillow, condemned him to his own personal hell. All these years of living, and he sat clueless on how to fix what he’d broken. Nothing had prepared him for having a life mate—or the thought of her walking away from him of her own free will. Mates never separated without both of them coming to a miserable end. As a Dominant, he wanted to rush in there and demand she stop crying, to calm down and believe everything he’d ever shared with her. He stood up, put his hand on the door handle, and stopped. No, he promised he’d stay away. Sinking back down on the floor, he listened for the tiniest sound to tell him to barge through the door and hold her to him. He’d never survive without her. Listen to your heart, Gabriella. Your heart now beats for both of us.

131

Chapter Eighteen

Gabby sat on the edge of the bed, swearing the clock had ticked faster the last two hours she’d sat vigil in the room. After hours of tossing and turning, she gave up the troubled sleep and spent the rest of the night willing an easy answer to hit her smack in the head. One thought kept coming back to her and pushed all the doubts away. She had loved Dick before she knew the truth. Without him, she’d still love him. Love never changed, despite someone’s actions or words, or even if the person turned out to be a vampire. On a normal night, she’d be going to bed right about now, with Dick beside her. She’d done what he’d asked and given him another night under his roof, and he’d kept his promise to stay out of the room. The questions circling her head remained, but she hoped Dick would have the answers she needed. Gabby stood up, turned the bedroom door handle, and swung it open. She stopped at the sight of Dick propped against the wall in the hallway across from their room. Judging by his rumpled appearance, he’d sat out here all night. 132

Abby Wood He hauled himself to his feet. “Morning, Gabriella.” “Morning.” The warmth spreading in her lower body invaded her pussy. She glanced away. The talk Dick planned was too important to ruin with her desire to throw herself into his arms. Their relationship meant more than sex. “Let’s go down into the living room, sit on the couch, and talk.” Dick held out his hand. She studied the sprawl of his fingers, the dark hair on the backs of his knuckles, and slipped her hand into his. She swallowed. The shell she’d formed around herself loosened, despite her will to keep it in place. He always had that effect on her. His dominant personality brought her comfort and the feeling of safety, despite everything. Halfway down the stairs, Dick squeezed her hand. “Did you get any sleep?” “A bit.” He led her over to the couch, sat her down, and handed her one of the couch pillows she always cuddled during their daily talks. She caught his eye, her lip twitched, and she accepted the gift of comfort the pillow gave her. “I imagine you have lots of questions.” Dick sat down on the couch. He didn’t sit beside her, but he also wasn’t plastered against the other arm of the couch. She inhaled. Where did a person start? “Would you like me to go first?” Dick laid his arm over the back of the couch. His hand skimmed her hair. She nodded. “Let’s get the tough ones out of the way first, then.” His fingers played with a strand of her hair. “You remember the night of the festival, when you pricked your lip?” Her pussy dampened her panties. How could she forget? “I scared myself. I became aggressive because you are my life mate. If the rush I experienced the first time I touched you wasn’t proof enough, that night, smelling your blood, sealed it for me.” He turned his head away from her and stared up at the ceiling. “If my life mate were a vampire, she too would have become overwrought with desire and craved to taste my blood. To mix the two would have brought you to a level of ecstasy you’ve never dreamed about.” She frowned. “You wish I were a vampire instead of a human?” “Fuck, no.” Dick shook his head. “I’m trying to explain how I felt that night. Because you are human, the same desire doesn’t overcome 133

To Play or Obey your body the way it does me.” He ran his hand through his hair. “I’d not change you for the world.” “But you just said I can’t reach that level.” “Yes, but I was so afraid I’d scared you. We call it going into heat. Nothing will stop me from having sex like that if I smell your blood.” He wound the tendril of hair around his finger. “You’ll act that way around any woman if they bleed?” She held her breath, afraid of the answer. “You didn’t do that when I had my period.” He laughed. “No, Gabby Girl, only with my life mate. Once I’ve found my mate, no other woman will appeal to me.” He rubbed his hand across his mouth and stopped grinning. “Although some men in Peckerwood have relationships with other women, they don’t receive a rush or go into heat around those women. Just their life mate.” He shrugged. “A woman’s menstrual blood is not purely blood, so we don’t react to it.” She picked at the corner of the pillow. In his letter, he’d invited her to come and research. She thought he meant the BDSM lifestyle, not vampires. The vampires in her book didn’t compare to the citizens of Peckerwood. “What happens to us if I leave, we being life mates and all?” She refused to look at him. She couldn’t allow him to see how much it pained her to ask. Even the thought of going on without him hurt her deep inside, where she didn’t allow other people. “I’m able to wipe your mind of everything you’ve experienced since having contact with me. I would have to do that, Gabriella. The risk of people outside this town finding out about us is too great to leave you your memories.” He cleared his throat. “It would be better for you anyway. A separation between life mates is…not an easy way to live.” She glanced to her left. “And if I decided to stay? What then?” “We continue on with the way we’ve been living. We’d love each other and fill our life with everything that brings us happiness, joy, and pleasure.” He removed his arm from the back of the couch, leaned forward, and placed his elbows on his knees. “You’ve experienced how life is with me. It will only get better.” “But, it’d be better for you if I wasn’t human, right?” She stood up. “I mean, I’ll die someday, and you’ll go on alone.” She crossed her arms. “How old are you?” He shook his head. “Almost two hundred.” 134

Abby Wood Gabby puckered her lips and inhaled through her nose. “I’m your only life mate?” “Yes.” “If I stayed, you’d have me for forty, fifty years. So either way, you’d suffer from my leaving you.” She ran her hands through her hair. He took a long time to answer her question. He nodded. No matter what she decided, Dick would be the one to pay the price. If she left, she would go on with her life without ever remembering having loved him. She wouldn’t miss him, she wouldn’t carry any of the memories he’d created for her. If she stayed, he’d still suffer after she died. Gabby sat back down on the couch, picked up the throw pillow, and hugged it to her chest. “Can you turn me into a vampire?” Dick’s breath hissed out between his teeth. He stood up and stalked across the room. Apparently it was his turn to wrestle with the options they had if they were going to make this work. The easiest answer was to join Dick completely and become a vampire. She insisted to herself that she wanted to do it for his comfort, so that he would never suffer from the loss of his life mate. She chewed on her lip. She was lying, though. Some of her deepest fantasies were of being a vampire, and maybe writing about vampires was a way of expressing that wish, just like writing BDSM stories might have been a way of fulfilling her need to live a life as a submissive to her master. The thought of having him with her forever tempted her too much. “It can be done.” Dick wandered back over to the couch and kneeled in front of Gabby. “It’s uncomfortable, and you’ll not enjoy the transformation that happens to your body during the forty-eight hours it takes to complete.” He stared into her eyes. “You can never change back to human again.” There was just one more thing that bothered her, and it might have made the difference between Dick allowing her to be one of his kind and not. “You mentioned that vampire women have a hard time conceiving…” He nodded. “It’s true. We believe that years ago when we fed off humans, the preservatives in their diets messed with our DNA, making it more difficult.” “Would that happen to me?” She held her breath. “I’m thinking that a human’s DNA would be dominant enough to withstand the transformation, but it’s a guess. We all carry the hope that a half vampire will be able to conceive.” 135

To Play or Obey She nodded. Okay. The grandfather clock in the corner chimed the countdown to six o’clock. Gabby lifted her head and gazed around the room. That’s odd. “Why do you have a clock in every room? Even the bathroom has one.” She loosened her hold on the pillow. Dick glanced over his shoulder at the clock and then back to Gabby. “I have difficulty remembering the time.” “Hmm…” She tossed the pillow from her lap. “I suppose when you live forever, time isn’t so important.” She laughed, but it carried an edge of hysteria to it. “Okay. Say I wanted to become one…a vampire. How is that done?” Dick moved onto the couch, reached out, and lifted her into her lap. “Please don’t pull away. I just need to hold you for a little while.” He stuck his nose in her hair and inhaled deeply. “What am I going to do with you?” She trailed her hand up to his chest and slipped into his shirt. She laid her palm over where a heart should be beating and felt nothing, even though that specific organ held all the love he’d shown her each day. “Tell me what will happen, Master Dick. Tell me how I can stay with you forever.” She slipped down farther on his lap, settled her head in the crook of his arm, and gazed up at him. “I love you.” “I love you too, Gabriella. I just don’t want you to make a rash judgment and regret a decision you’ll never be able to undo.” He let his head fall to the back of the couch. “I want to do it. I’ll admit I’m scared.” She shook her head. “The thought of losing everything we’ve shared, or worse, loving you for my lifetime and letting you go on to suffer for eternity…” She swallowed. “That’s not something I could live with.” He smiled down at her, his hand cupped her cheek, and he stroked the area under her eye with his thumb. “The easiest way is if I prick the thin skin at the base of your neck. Here…” His finger trailed along the curve where her neck rounded over to her shoulder. “Does it hurt?” A shiver traveled down her spine. He shook his head. “No. There is a natural numbing solution in my saliva. You’ll feel a slight pinch, similar to a bee sting, where I puncture the skin with my fangs.” She ran her tongue over her teeth. “Let me see your teeth.” “I have good control over when they appear.” He smiled. Two rows of perfectly white, blunt teeth showed in his mouth. She wrinkled her nose. Yeah right, even mine are pointier than that. 136

Abby Wood “Show them to me.” She pursed her lips. “Make them long and hard.” He grinned, but kept his lips shut. She squirmed on his lap and burst out laughing. His cock grew under her butt. “I wasn’t talking about getting that hard!” She playfully swatted his chest. “Oh.” He opened his mouth. It happened so fast. One second his teeth appeared normal, the next, he had fangs—very sharp fangs. She didn’t look away in horror. They weren’t awful, and they did give him a very roguish appearance. Oh my God. “Pull your hair back.” She shook her head when he started to question her. “Just do it. Gather it at the back of your neck so it looks like you have short hair.” Dick lifted his arms, gathered the long strands in his fingers, and held them behind his neck. “Why am I doing this?” “I never noticed this before, but you are Vulcan.” She raised her brows. “All those months while I wrote Suck Me and Obey, it was you I envisioned as the hero Vulcan.” “No kidding?” He let his hair drop back down over his shoulders. “You know, he got the girl at the end of the story.” She smiled. “Yep. A happily-ever-after.”

137

Chapter Nineteen

Everyone waited in the basement for Gabby to come down, but she stood in the kitchen in front of the portable stove. She used the turner and removed the hamburger from the skillet. Dick had insisted that Dexter and Rowen stay during what she referred to as her “crossing to the other side.” She slathered on the mayonnaise, stuck a slice of tomato onto the hamburger, and set the bun on the top. There! The perfect hamburger, full of calories and fat she’d savor and enjoy. “Gabriella. We’re all waiting for you.” Dick entered the kitchen and stopped. “What are you doing? “I’m having my last meal.” She grinned. “Everyone who dies gets a dinner of their favorite food first. It’s what we humans do.” Dick coughed. “You’re not being executed.” “I know. It sounded dramatic though, didn’t it?” She laughed and brought the hamburger up to her mouth. He grimaced. “I told you that having any food in your stomach is going to make it worse. You are going to feel as if you have the 138

Abby Wood flu. Throwing up, fever, and feeling like shit are one thing. Putting greasy junk food into your stomach is going to make it a hundred times worse.” “I named it. The sickness thing…” She laughed. “The bat flu.” She winked. “Funny.” He didn’t laugh. “Before we walk down there, Gabriella, I want you to know that you can say your safe word up to the second before I do what I have to do.” She chewed, swallowed, and shook her head. “I know.” She raised the hamburger again, bit into it, and smiled around the bulge in her cheek. “I won’t say it, though. I’m one hundred percent sure this is what I want. I’ve already called Barb, and she’s packing up my things and sending them to me.” He nodded and gazed down at the burger she clutched in her hands. “Gabriella? Please put down that disgusting thing.” Gabby took a large bite, sighed, and threw the rest in the trash can. “Okay. Let’s go, Master Dick. I’m ready.” She’d convinced herself she wasn’t nervous, but stepping into the downstairs room just about brought up the hamburger she had hurried to consume. Dexter, Rowen, and Julia sat on the couch, wearing matching grim expressions on their faces. She wished they wouldn’t worry about her. She was going to handle the change into being like them just fine. “So, how do we do this? Standing right here, or do we sit down?” She caught her bottom lip between her teeth. “Maybe I should lie on the couch?” Dick turned and framed her face with his hands, then bent his head and claimed her lips. She mewed. All the nervous chatter left her, and a feeling of calm swept through her body. He pulled away but left his hands on her cheeks. “Better?” She nodded. “Okay.” He led her over to the chair, sat down, and pulled her into his lap. “The reason I asked Dexter and Rowen here is that I want to make sure I keep control of myself. After experiencing what a small drop of your blood did to me at the festival, I want them here to protect you. You’ll not have your full abilities for a few days. I don’t want you getting hurt if I’m too forceful.” She kissed his cheek. “You’d never hurt me, Dick.” She traced her finger along his mouth. “Just.” She wet her top lip. “Do.” She smiled. “It.” 139

To Play or Obey Dick tilted her head back and exposed her neck. She’d worn a Tshirt with a scoop neckline just for this night. She wanted nothing in the way to discourage him from turning her into a vampire. His tongue came out and caressed the sensitive skin. She giggled. “Sorry.” She rubbed her neck. “That tickled.” Her nipples peaked, drawn to attention by his making the moment sexual instead of seeming like a medical procedure. Gabby closed her eyes, her legs fell open, and she sighed. Her pussy juice dampening her panties on top of the wonderful, lush sensation on her neck sent her to a place where she forgot about the others in the room. She melted in his arms and wanted to experience it all. Dick nipped her neck, and the sucking sensation released pure pleasure throughout her body. She arched back on his lap and moaned. Tiny fingers of pleasure drummed all over her body. Her pussy pulsated, and Dick cupped her mound, pressing down on her clit. She screamed out her orgasm and collapsed against his chest. Her arms and legs lay useless. Zapped of strength, she tried to focus on how it all happened so incredibly fast. Dick gave a final sweep of his tongue to the side of her neck. She smiled. She almost wished the experience would leave a scar, a personal tattoo marking her as one of them, one she’d wear proudly through the rest of time. “You okay?” Dick ran his hand down her body. She smiled. “Are you kidding me? That was fabulous!” The others stared over at her, as if waiting for something to happen. She moved her legs and tested them to see if they still worked. Her body came down from the high Dick had brought her to, and she scooted off his lap. Standing in the middle of the room, she laughed. “Stop looking so serious. I’m fine. Really. In fact, the only thing that surprised me was flooding my jeans while you bit me.” She unbuttoned her jeans, slid them over her hips, and stepped out of them along with her panties. “Wow, is it hot in here or what?” Unable to stand the material of her shirt touching her, she removed it next. Standing nude in front of Dick and the others, she wrinkled her nose. An unexplained desire to plaster herself against her master hit her solid in the chest. She kneeled at his feet and assumed the submissive pose. “Master Dick?” “Yes, Gabriella?” 140

Abby Wood “This isn’t the bat flu, is it?” Her words echoed in her ears. Julia’s breathing changed. Gabby peeked over at her friend, amazed that she could hear the slight shift of air coming from her. Julia covered her mouth, her eyes lit up in amusement. How could I have heard her from this side of the room? “Your hearing is improving. You’ll learn to tune out all the unnecessary noise once you become accustomed to hearing every little sound.” Gabby moved her gaze from Julia to Dexter the moment he started speaking, but his lips didn’t move. She frowned. “You can hear like this too?” She raised her brows. “Yes. All vampires have exceptional hearing, along with superior strength, speed, and good looks.” Dexter winked. “Dick?” She tugged on his pant leg. “Master Dick?” “You may speak.” He stroked the top of her head. “Something is wrong. Dexter’s talking, but his lips aren’t moving. I can hear his voice in my head, though.” She glanced back at the three people on the couch. Julia covered her mouth again and breathed heavily. Rowen patted Julia’s leg, yet it sounded as if he played the drums. Boom. Boom. Boom. “Dexter is a thought-thrower. He’s the only one in Peckerwood who can communicate with us without saying anything aloud.” He turned to Dexter. “You have all the time in the world to show off your skills. Give her a chance to get used to everything else first.” Dexter nodded and wiped the smile off his face. “I’m sorry for scaring you, Gabby.” She’d gone back to her submissive kneel, with her head arched back to show her neck, and didn’t answer him. Focusing on one thing proved difficult when Dick’s leg rubbed against her breast every time he moved. She shuddered. Maybe if she leaned a little more, she could run the denim material against her nipple. “Gabriella. Look at me.” He waited for her to lower her face before continuing. “Feel free to touch your pussy if you need to relieve the pleasure building up in your body. What you are experiencing is normal. Tonight isn’t about following orders, but making you more comfortable.” Her hand zeroed in on the damp area between her legs, and she slipped her finger between the lips to rub her clit. She focused on Dick’s face and rocked back and forth on her heels. “Master Dick, it seems so wrong to do this without you.” She caught her lower lip between her teeth. 141

To Play or Obey He leaned forward and gathered her hair in his hand. A sharp tug and her neck bent. In this position, she found what her body needed. She wanted him to overpower her, show her where she belonged, and claim her as his submissive in front of the others. Dick stood up and pulled her to her feet by the back of her hair. “Undo my pants, Gabriella.” Unable to see the front of his jeans, she ran her hands down his chest, past his waist, and fumbled with the zipper. She strained against his hold, loving the sensation it sent throughout her body. “Pull my pants down past my hips.” He leaned over and nipped her throat once…twice. The tension on her hair increased. He removed his jeans. She tried to move closer to feel the heat coming from his cock, but he held her back. She raised her knee with the hope he’d slide that part of his body into her pussy. “Lie on the floor.” His hand changed directions, and he pulled her to the floor by her hair. Once she was on her back, he untangled his hand from her hair and gathered her wrists together over her head. He bound them in his hand. She bucked her hips and groaned. Widening her legs, he slipped in between her knees. “How do you want it?” “Hard! Fuck me hard, Master Dick.” She clenched her teeth and strained to connect her pussy with his cock. “I want your cum inside me.” Dick impaled her pussy. She strained against his hands holding her in place. Her body cried out for more. “Harder.” She panted. His balls slapped her anus. She gasped. Pleasure and pain rippled through her lower half. Her body tensed up, and she quaked as her orgasm exploded. Her pussy seized and clamped down on his cock, encouraging him to give her every drop of his cum. Dick groaned and buried himself to the base of his cock. His pubic hair brushing against her bare pussy was too much to handle, and she convulsed underneath him. Her entire body more sensitive than usual, it wouldn’t take much to have her coming multiple times. He lay on top of her. Chest to chest, they breathed in and out to gather more air. “I love you, Gabriella.” He kissed her lips. “I’m so proud of you.” He let go of her wrists and moved his elbows down to take some of the weight off her. 142

Abby Wood “I love you too, with all my heart.” She smiled. Oh. My. God. Her hands fell from his neck. Shit! “What’s wrong?” “My heart’s not beating.” She stared at him and hurried to push him off. “Oh fuck, I’m—” She gagged and covered her mouth. He helped her up, and she ran out of the room. Down the hall, she opened the bathroom door, and barely made it in time to vomit into the toilet. Her stomach seized again, and she sank to her knees. The vile taste overwhelmed her, and she settled in with dry heaves. Dick held back her hair with one hand and turned on the faucet with the other. She accepted the wet towel he handed her and mopped her face. He hadn’t been lying when he told her not to eat. “Better?” He let go of her hair and pulled her to her feet. “Do you want to stay in here longer, or do you want to go lie down on the couch?” “Couch.” She leaned against him and walked back to the basement room. Julia met her at the door. “Are you okay?” “Yeah.” She turned her head toward Dick. “Bat flu sucks.” Dick chuckled. “That it does, Gabby Girl.” He settled her onto the couch, propped her head up with a throw pillow, and stood back with the others, not two feet away from her. “I think you guys can go home. We made it through the hardest part better than I imagined.” “You know where to find us if you need anything.” Rowen clapped him on the shoulder. He turned to Gabby. “You did really well, Gabby.” Julia bent down and kissed her forehead. “I’ll come back in a couple of days to check on you.” Dexter smiled. “Hang in there. Let Dick take care of you.” Her friends left together, and Dick moved to sit on the arm of the couch near her. She closed her eyes. The soothing action of his hand rubbing her forehead relaxed her stomach muscles, and at the moment, she didn’t feel too bad. “I’m not going to be able to fall asleep and make the time go any faster, am I?” Dick’s hand stopped stroking her head. “No.” “Shit.”

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Chapter Twenty

At least half the citizens of Peckerwood had gathered both inside and around the outside of the community center tonight. Gabby’s body hummed at the blatant excitement rolling off all the Doms and their subs. The single males’ bodies were tense with hope and longing for their turn to bring their submissive to town. Every emotion they experienced bounced off her own. Her turning into a vampire meant they didn’t have to hide their true selves from her anymore. She now understood why Dick brought her to the center for only a few hours each night. The rest of the time the citizens were able to relax and enjoy themselves. “You okay?” Dick rubbed her lower back. She nodded and smiled. “It must have been hard for everyone to cater to my being here.” “Not at all.” He pointed to several of the men. “Do you see the optimism and anticipation in their expressions? The way their bodies are supercharged at the thought of dominating their future submissive?” 144

Abby Wood He slid his hand lower and squeezed her ass. “You did that, Gabriella. You gave them tangible hope they can dream about.” Vanessa’s moan of pleasure in the alcove drew her attention, and she stepped closer to see how Claude satisfied her friend. She pulled in a lungful of air. Vanessa was receiving a right fit punishment for some unknown reason at the hands of her Dom. Each solid slap on her rosy, flushed butt cheeks warmed Gabby. Her pussy was damper than ever—one of the nice perks of having vampire blood circulating inside her veins, which she enjoyed. Every reaction was heightened to a new level, just the way Dick explained it would happen. Dick tugged on the leash, and she turned to follow him. He crossed the room and headed into the dungeon. Halfway down the stairs, she giggled and received an extra firm jolt on her collar. “Silence, Gabriella.” She clamped her lips together, but her cheeks indented at the smile she hid. “Master Dick?” He stopped and turned around. “You are just looking to get punished, aren’t you?” His smile gave him away. “What is it?” “Vulcan.” She laughed. “You win! Remember when you said I’d laugh?” He threw back his head. His laughter echoed in the stairwell. “Told you I’d win.” She giggled. “You sure did. I can’t believe how crazy this all turned out.” He leaned over to kiss her. “It’d make a great book.” She smiled. Maybe tonight she’d tell him about the third book in her series that she’d turned in to her editor. She was confident the Suck Me and Obey Me series would make the top twenty bestsellers list… It was that good. Dick led her into one of the open rooms and tied her leash to a hook attached to a chain suspended from the ceiling. Gabby was dressed for the occasion in a black latex catsuit. Her breasts hung free through the holes cut out on the suit’s chest, and the crotchless bottoms showed all the important parts of her body. Dick had made sure she didn’t have to strip down to her birthday suit this time. Her nipples appeared larger than normal, firmer, from the weight of her breasts hanging free with no support. She gazed down at Dick’s head latching on to her breast and drawing in a mouthful of flesh. Tingles warmed her body. A delirious urge to fuck came over her. 145

To Play or Obey He removed his mouth and blew over the wet nipple. She inhaled. Spasms rocketed through her nipples and down into her womb. The skin constricted to a hard nub. Dick applied a clamp to her nipple with a small chain attached and added a tiny weight to the end. Gabby gasped. The pain-pleasure grabbed her attention. Dick stepped back to view his handiwork, his tongue slipping out between parted lips. Her body shook. The fact that she excited him wound her up even more. “One more, Gabriella.” He held up another clamp and chain. Her brows drew together. She already wore two. There wasn’t enough room to put a double clamp on her nipple. Dick moved in closer, and using his foot, he spread her legs wider. He ran a finger from her anus up to her clit, and then brought his hand up to her face. “Open your mouth and clean all your juice off my finger.” He tapped her lips. “That’s it. Keep your eyes on my face. Suck it hard. Roll your tongue around the length.” The tangy taste and musky smell of her arousal spurred her on, and she lavished his finger the way she sucked cock. Pulling and drawing his whole finger inside her warm mouth, she could tell the vibrations of her moan pleased him. His eyelids dropped a fraction of an inch, and his irises turned red. He slowly withdrew his finger, kneeled at her feet, and parted her pussy lips. Cream coated the insides of her thighs. He attached the mini-clamp to her clit. She hissed. A sharp jolt of pain surged through her pussy, but he’d distracted her enough that she forgot all about the extra clamp. Dick added the weight to the chain, stood up, and flicked each weight hanging off her nipples. “I know how much you like the clamps. I thought you’d enjoy them again tonight.” “Th-thank you, Master Dick.” Her shoulders shook at the intensity of all her nerves stimulated at once. Gabby arched her back and writhed in torment. She wanted his hands on her, his cock shoved up her pussy—anything to satisfy the craving building up inside of her. Dick walked behind her and ran his hands down the bare cheeks of her ass. He moved away, and she whimpered for him to come back. Her anus pulsed for attention, joining her pussy in begging him to fill her up. She wanted him to show her who owned every part of her body 146

Abby Wood Snap! She flinched, and he whipped her with the leather strap again. Her back end undulated in search of more contact. Heat built up on the skin where the soft strap left stinging marks. “Please, Master Dick.” She strained against the leash. Nothing happened. She held her breath. She’d spoken without permission, and her only thought centered on begging her Dom to forgive her, but she dared not try in case he chose to hold back her orgasm. Dick pressed himself against her back. “Open your mouth.” She dropped her chin. His arms came around her and placed a ball in her mouth. She tried to swallow, but a moment of suffocating panic came over her. Relax. I can do this. A leather belt attached to the ball wrapped around her face, and he fastened it behind her head. He’d taken away the ability to spit the ball out of her mouth. She inhaled through her nose the way Dick had instructed her whenever she’d feel herself tensing up. “This will teach you not to speak without permission. You will learn that I know what is best for you, and you’ll learn a little patience.” He smacked her ass with his palm. “Relax. Breathe in and out. Loosen the muscles in your mouth.” He waited. “Tell me your safe word.” “V…V…Vul…can.” “Very good, Gabriella.” He rubbed his engorged cock against the crack of her butt. “See how you can speak your safe word if you relax? I would never take that from you.” She nodded. “Put your hands behind your back.” He bound them together. “Spread your legs wider.” He waited. “Good girl.” The click of a cap warned her that he planned to pay attention to her anus. Her breath came in little pants as she waited. A drop landed on the ticklish spot where her buttocks split, and rolled down. She shivered. The trail of lube felt like the caress of Dick’s tongue. Dick rubbed the liquid around her puckered hole. Her muscles relaxed, and she accepted the tip of his finger. She closed her eyes for a moment. The pleasure too much to take, she concentrated on not coming without permission. His hand left her bottom and returned with something cool, rounded, and bigger. She bore down to accept his gift. He pushed it past the first tight muscle, then let her relax and accept the invasion. Her body sucked the rest of the toy up solidly inside her. 147

To Play or Obey The added pressure created more juice in her pussy, and a new surge of liquid spilled out onto her bare lower lips. She swished her hips side to side, enjoying the sensation. Dick stepped in front of her, removed one clamp from her nipple, and quickly enclosed the pained nub in his mouth. Her hips bucked at the intense pleasure he brought. The added swing of the weight hanging from her clit threatened to make her come, but she found that with the clamp on, she rose to a fevered pitch and remained riding the high. With his mouth latched on to one nipple, his hand came up to remove the other clamp, and he hurried over to take that nub in his mouth. She closed her eyes. His tongue swirled around the sensitive nerves, relieving the pain from the blood rushing to the surface. The mixture of sweet torture with the love of her master’s attention carried her to a place where she focused solely on the pleasurable sensations sweeping through her body. “Gabriella.” Dick nipped her neck with the tip of his fangs. “I’m going to kneel down and take the clamp off your clit. You have my permission to come.” The collar pulled at her neck, the ball a reminder to obey, and her body involuntarily listened under Dick’s care. She opened her eyes and nodded. Everything her master did reminded her she was a submissive, and she luxuriated in the role. Dick removed the clamp and lavished her clit with his tongue, easing the pain from her blood flow rushing back. She arched into his mouth, tipping her hips into the most wonderful flood of desire. Her tongue pushed against the ball as her pussy spasmed, and her orgasm rocked through her body, sending delicious pleasure coursing throughout her. She hung her head, closed her eyes, and rode the orgasm out. Her buttocks clenched, relaxed, and tightened again with every swipe of Dick’s tongue on her pussy, lapping up her juice. Oh God. Oh God. Oh God. Her body finally quieted down, and Dick rose to his feet. He pulled her to him and lowered his mouth to her throat. A quick prick, and he sucked her blood enough that she stiffened once again. He lifted his mouth off her skin and whispered in her ear, “I want you to come again.” She nodded. After pulling back, he unclipped her leash from the hook and led her over to the chair in the corner of the room. He unbuttoned his 148

Abby Wood jeans, lowered them past his ass, and sat down. His cock stood, thick and ready. “Straddle my legs.” He pushed his legs together and helped her hover over his lap. She had one leg on each side of the chair, and his cock danced at the entrance of her pussy. Her legs threatened to give out and plunge her down onto him, but she waited. Her body warm and accepting, she enjoyed the comfort the anal plug brought her. She’d never get too much of him. “Bend your head down.” He reached around her neck and undid the ball gag. “I want you to bite me as your pussy squeezes my cock.” She widened her eyes. He’d never asked that of her before. The simple act of biting each other during orgasm brought vampires the biggest rush possible. He guided her forward a little more and then slowly pressed her down onto the head of his cock till he filled her pussy. Her nipples peaked, and a shudder ran through her body. With him filling one hole and the butt plug filling the other, delicious heat filled her womb. Dick’s hands ran up the front of her body. He rolled her nipples between his thumb and finger, and smiled when she slowly bounced on his cock. He circled her neck with his hands and brought her head down to the soft spot above his collarbone. “Don’t hold back. The second you reach that peak, where there’s no turning back, pierce my skin, and take what you will.” Dick placed his finger on her clit and rubbed. Gabby rocked against him, her mouth opened to suck on his neck, and her tongue licked the slightly salty taste of his skin. She lifted, plunged, and set a rhythm that satisfied them both. His pleasure oozed from his skin, teasing her mouth. Dick squeezed her swollen clit, and her fangs grew. She hovered over his neck. Her eyelids closed, and she dragged the tips of her fangs from beneath his ear down to the pulse point at the curve where his neck met his shoulder. No trepidation or fear, only a deep-seated want and desire to experience this part of her new life entered her mind. Dick reached around and grabbed her ass. His finger flicked the butt plug. She moaned and sank hard down on his cock. Her fangs pricked his skin, and she sealed off her groan against his skin. A dizzying ecstasy swept over her at the thrust of his hips and the first shot of his sweet nectar. 149

To Play or Obey She drank greedily from his body. Her blood-rushing climax continued. Every cell in her body felt charged and caressed. Dick’s arms fell away, and his cock shot cum incessantly. Every spasm of her pussy squeezed every drop from him. Unable to take anymore, she withdrew her fangs, licked the wounds, and collapsed onto Dick. Her body floated, light and relaxed. She sank into total bliss. Heaving, Dick reached behind her, undid the binds at her wrists, and rubbed her arms. His cock still twitched in reaction to her pussy’s slow retreat back to normal. She gave a huge sigh as Dick removed her plug and dropped it to the floor. “Happy?” He rubbed her back. She nodded against his neck. “Completely.” She used her arms to push up off his chest. “I love you, Master Dick.” He chuckled. “I know you do, but it’s sure nice to hear you tell me.”

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Chapter Twenty

“Master Dick?” Gabby followed behind Dick’s steps, the sapphire collar and black leash keeping her close. He glanced over his shoulder and stopped. “Yes, Gabriella, you may speak.” “Can you remove the collar so I can race you home? I enjoyed our run last night.” She raised her brows. “Despite how often I came tonight, I feel stronger than ever.” She grinned. “I might even beat you this time.” He chuckled and smiled. “Yes, I’ll let you race me. It will do you good to get more practice. That way you can get your own dinner instead of me hunting it down for you.” She giggled. “Admit it. You like it when I let you play the caveman role. Makes you feel big and manly.” She rubbed his chest and batted her eyelashes. “It makes you feel all alpha-ish.” Her breasts rubbed against his arm. “Invincible and dangerous.” She purred. “You know it gets me hot.” 151

To Play or Obey “You don’t play fair.” He smacked her ass. “Go!” Gabby’s legs flew her across the ground. He threw back his head and laughed. He’d give her a five-second lead this time, if only to pay her back for teasing him. It didn’t take him long to push himself into a faster pace and sail past her. So intent on running, she didn’t even pay attention to the breeze he created when he passed her at the corner and took a slightly different path. It wouldn’t surprise him a bit if one day she kicked his ass and beat him home. He’d never seen a more stubborn woman than his sub. Dick slowed down to a jog at the sight of Dexter leaning against his front door. He joined his childhood friend on the stoop and studied him. He looked like shit. “What happened to you?” He clapped Dexter on the shoulder. His hair stood up on end, and his shirt was half tucked into his jeans. “She’s coming.” Dexter stared out into the front yard. He nodded. “I know. She wanted to race.” He laughed. “I swear she acts like a child with all these new skills she’s developed since the change. I barely remember my own childhood.” “I’m not talking about Gabby, although she’s headed into the yard now.” Dexter motioned his head toward the trees. “She’s getting faster, my friend.” He cocked his head to the side. Who did Dexter mean, then, if not Gabriella? “Shit! You beat me again.” Gabby stopped in front of them. “Hi, Dex.” She glared at Dick. “You cheated, didn’t you? I swear, you better start training, because I’m going to run each day until I can stand up there and gloat.” Dick didn’t rise to her taunts. The nervous energy flowing off Dexter concerned him. If something was going on with the citizens of Peckerwood, he wanted to know so he could fix it. “What’s going on?” Gabby gazed back and forth between Dick and Dexter. Dick waited, but Dex remained silent. “Well, spit it out, Dexter. What woman are you talking about?” “My life mate.” Dexter ran both hands through his hair. “She’s arriving in Peckerwood next week.” “That’s great!” Gabby smiled. “Congratulations.” “What’s the bad news?” Dick leaned against the door. “Something is bothering you. You should be thrilled.” 152

Abby Wood “What if she’s not the one?” He crossed his arms. “Sure, this worked for you, but what if I fail? Do you know what it’ll do to the other single males? To me?” Dick shook his head. “Relax. I second-guessed myself too after I invited Gabriella.” “You did?” Gabby snorted. “You sure didn’t act like it when I arrived. I didn’t stand a chance.” She turned to Dexter. “Tell me about her. Where did you find her?” Dexter sighed and smiled. “In the paper. She’s a psychic who tells people’s fortunes all across the United States. She travels with a carnival. A paid vacation in Peckerwood and time off from traveling appealed to her, and she wrote back telling me she can stay for a month.” “A psychic, huh?” Dick shook his head. “That gift will come in very handy for the vampires.” Gabby coughed. “Um, not to burst your balloon, but you both must know that carnivals hire people to pretend to tell your fortune. It’s a skill that convinces customers their psychic powers are real. It’s all a sham.” She frowned. “Sorry, but I wouldn’t hold out hope that she can tell the future.” “That’s okay.” Dexter shrugged. “It’ll make things less complicated if she’s just a normal human.” Dexter grinned. “Like Gabby was.” “Hey!” She laughed but controlled her amusement. “Seriously, Dexter, I’m happy for you. Coming to Peckerwood has been the best experience of my life. I had one bad day before I found out the truth, and then again when suffering through the bat flu, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat.” She widened her eyes. “Get it? Heartbeat?” Dick stepped closer to Dexter. “See what you’re getting into, my friend? Better make sure you want to do this.” Gabby giggled and moved over to wrap her arms around Dick’s waist. “Don’t listen to him. Go home, sit back, and plan for your future. It won’t be much longer, and you’ll get to meet your life mate.” Dexter nodded and moved off the porch. “Yeah, good idea. Thanks, guys.” “See you tonight,” Dick called after him. “It might take a hundred years for each vampire in Peckerwood to finally have his life mate beside him, but I do believe we’ve discovered a new way.” He turned Gabby around, opened the door, and smacked her on the ass. “Get in there, sub.” She jumped and stopped in the doorway. “What if I don’t?” “I’ll have to punish you.” He pursed his lips and lifted an eyebrow. “Trust me. You’re not going to like it.” 153

To Play or Obey Gabby ran up the stairs. “Yes I will, Master Dick.” She laughed. “I always do.”

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Biography Multipublished author Abby Wood lives in the Pacific Northwest. A huge animal lover, she enjoys the many animals on her farm and the wild ones that roam the forest. In her free time, she loves to ride motorcycles, garden, go fishing, and play tennis. She loves to write stories that allow readers to escape into a brand new world. You can find out more about Abby at www.authorabbywood.com, visit her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AbbyWoodFanPage, and follow her on Twitter at @MsAbbyWood.

Other Books by Abby Wood

Going Down at the Dock Tagging Her Lynx Winning Off the Court To Play or Obey Truth of Fire From the Water Summon the Wind