Guardian Domination (7 page)

“Cut it out, you two. I hate flying and you aren’t making this any easier. Mark, try to act like a mature, responsible adult. Just for a few hours, please,” Jace grumbled, leading the way. Mark ignored his request and smashed me against the wall as we raced down the ramp, grinning as Jace turned to investigate the obnoxious ruckus behind him. He scowled at his friend, who merely shrugged.

“Can you at least try to act your age?” Jace grumbled, plopping in the lounger that he had reserved for himself.

Mark shoved me into my seat on the aisle, ordered me to buckle in, and then turned to respond.

Jace had already fallen asleep.

“How does he do that?” Mark whispered, climbing over me. I didn’t respond as I filled out Jace’s meal and drink request card for Shrimp and Lobster grill and an Amaretto. I slipped it to the attendant along with mine, making sure I wasn’t noticed as I slid the little bottle from Jace’s table into my carry bag.

Jace woke once during the flight to eat, then went back for his extended nap. Mark, tired of reading and not interested in the movie, also slept.

Bored and not interested in occupying myself with either reading or video games, I rose from my seat to nose around. The liquor cart sat unattended in the cabin so I quickly slipped three bottles into my jacket's pocket before casually continuing to roam around the cabin. Fooling only the idiot section of my beady little brain, I convinced myself that I would never get caught as the bottles were transferred to my carryon. Still bored, I snuggled against Mark’s arm and took a nap.

A waiting limo swiftly took us to the Plaza Hotel across from Central Park. I wrinkled my nose, not in the least bit impressed and viewed it as worn and ugly with an odd, musty smell misted with heavy perfume. The boys, lacking any sense, thought it was wonderful.

We were escorted to the 12
^th
floor, with Mark letting out a familiar whistle as we entered the suite. “I’ll say this much, J. You sure know how to travel. You sure it’s okay I stay here tonight?”

Jace grunted, pointing at me. “You think I want to be responsible for
that
all by myself?”

THAT earned him a pout.

“Hmm, got the message. Besides, I’ll be taking the runt to stay with my folks during recording tomorrow and will probably stay the night there.”

“Hey, I thought I was hanging with you guys the whole trip,” I protested. My pouting increased when I was informed that I was not permitted to go to the studio because I was under twenty-one.

Jace ignored me as he went into the master bedroom and checked out the TV while Mark headed into the living room and did the same. I was left to my own devices, which included stewing over their plans to leave me alone or with strangers like I was some stupid, irresponsible little child.

After our luggage was delivered and dinner was ordered, Jace informed me that he and Mark were going to check out the equipment delivery to the gig. Ignoring my pouting once again, he planted a quick kiss to the cheek and told me not to leave the hotel while they were gone.

Fuming once again at being treated so poorly, I pulled the little bottles of liquor from my carry-on bag, unscrewed the top of the vodka and took a deep swig. After choking on the nasty, burning taste, I added the orange juice I found in the refrigerator, and quickly finished off that and the other two bottles. I had never had the opportunity to drink hard liquor before and enjoyed the wonderful, numb warmth traveling through my body and the sense of being absolutely invincible.

The effects of the alcohol grew stronger as I left our room to venture down the hall and explore the hotel. People and places became blurry as I roamed about and several people inquired about my health as they led me to the big lobby and sat me in the overstuffed, oversized chair. With a purr, I closed my eyes and promptly fell asleep.

“Excuse me, young woman,” a man with a strong British accent asked, “are you a guest here?”

“Yeah,” I opened one eye to glare at him. How dare he awaken me? Where were people’s manners nowadays?

He frowned, beckoning to another man in a suit. “This child seems to be inebriated. Do you know to whom she belongs?”

“I belong to
Master
Jordon,” I giggled uncontrollably.

“Please call her father…”

“He’s my guardian and he’s out doing more important things than being with me,” I remarked crankily. “Lemme go back to sleep.”

“Girard, would you please escort our guest to her suite and make certain she remains there until her guardian returns?”

With some coaxing, I reluctantly rose to follow the butler, grabbing his arm as the room started spinning. He carefully steadied me, tsking all the way up.

I groaned, grabbing my head.
What was wrong with me?
The boys would never leave me alone after this. I felt anger rising in me.
This was THEIR fault. They should have taken me with them!

When Jace and Mark returned, I was sitting on the couch with a washcloth over my eyes and groaning loudly. The butler stood respectfully, explained the situation and his instructions, and left quickly as Jace’s eyes grew dark and menacing. Mark stood over me with his hands on his hips, waiting for Jace to join him.

“Don’t look at me so loudly,” I begged. The spinning had finally stopped and just left me feeling exhausted.

“Where did you get the alcohol, young lady?” Jace asked. I squinted at him, not about to add another transgression for lying to the list of crimes committed against Jace’s sensibilities. Spilling forth the truth, including the information that there was another unopened bottle in my bag, I prayed my honesty would earn some leniency.

Mark looked sick. “J, this is my fault. I had a Jack and soda earlier. I shouldn’t…”

“Cut the shit, you know it’s not your fault,” Jace snapped. “She
stole
the liquor with the intent to drink it once we left. I can’t believe you would be so foolish. You are way too smart for this,” he directed towards me. I looked shamefully at the floor.

“Why don’t you go take a walk and cool down? I’ll stay here. Don’t worry, everything will be fine,” Mark said, putting his hand on his best friends’ shoulder.

Jace glared at me, grabbed his wallet and stormed out of the room, slamming the heavy door behind him. Mark came over to me with a fresh washcloth and glass of juice.

“Drink this,” he ordered gently. “You know how Jace feels about the stuff. Why did you do it?”

“It’s your fault,” I cried.
Might as well play the card.
“You two left me alone instead of taking me with you. This trip was about me spending time with you guys, not being locked away.”

“No one under twenty-one is allowed in the studio, Hon. We explained that earlier.”

“I could have stayed in the car or something,” I mumbled.

Mark inhaled deeply. “I can’t help you with this one, nor do I think I should. I just hope he calms down enough not to seriously hurt you.”

“Jace would never seriously hurt me, and you know it,” I barked defensively.

Mark smiled, patting my thigh. “I do, and I’m glad that you do too. Word of advice, don’t fight him. If I was as pissed as he is, that would be a huge mistake.”

“You’re not mad?” I asked sheepishly.

“Oh, I’m mad. Don’t think this calm demeanor is anything other than controlled rage. One of us had to remain sane right now, and it was my turn,” Mark said seriously. “I suggest you go take a cool shower and get comfortable. It’s going to be a long night for you.”

Silently, I rose to obey. Tears filled my eyes when he didn’t even try to touch me as I walked by him. The lack of a familiar squeeze of the hand or a gentle pat on the rump indicated the level of fury he was experiencing.
What have I done this time? Have I blown it for good? They might want to change their minds after this. Oh God, what have I done?

The tears flowed endlessly as I showered then dressed in a thin t-shirt and khakis. I heard voices in the sitting room and held my breath. The butler had brought dinner and was setting everything up in the dining area.

Jace still wasn’t back and I fought desperately to push down my panic.
No
, I told myself,
he would never desert me and Mark. What if something’s happened? What if he was hurt somewhere? What if he wanted to release me from the contract?

Without hesitation, I tore into the living running and fell into Mark’s arms. He listened to my fears and held me close, calming me.

“Shhh, he called me, baby. Everything’s fine. He’s not going anywhere nor is he sending you away. He just needed to pick up some things and will be back shortly,” Mark said, reassuring me and calming my overactive imagination.

“Don’t let me go,” I begged. “I don’t want to be alone again. I hate this feeling!”

Mark pulled me tighter against his chest. “Not to worry. We’re not going to leave you alone. Come here, sweetheart. Shhh, no need to be afraid. That’s my girl… being vulnerable can be tough if you aren’t used to it. I understand…”

When Jace came back, I went straight to him and wrapped my arms around his solid waist. “I’m so sorry, Jace. Please forgive me. I swear, I will never do that again. I learned my lesson.”

“I’m just grateful that you’re not hurt. No problem, you’re forgiven,” Jace said brightly, patting my head and pulling me away from him. I didn’t see the wink he gave Mark. “Coming to eat?”

“I’m not very hungry,” I said quietly.

“Please, come sit with us anyway. I love being in your company,” Jace requested pleasantly. His demeanor threw me for a loop and I sat silently, unsure of what to say or do.

He and Mark started chatting about the upcoming TV gig and recording sessions, and Jace suggested a ride through Central Park that evening. Mark cheerfully agreed and asked if I’d like that. Numbly, I nodded, but my heart wasn’t in it. Something was dreadfully wrong. This behavior was completely uncharacteristic for both of them and I had grown used to their consistency.

On Saturday, I went with Mark to stay with his folks, a nice old-fashioned couple who had moved from a small town in Georgia to a little ranch in Poughkeepsie. Mark’s younger sister, Lisa, lived with them and was working as a model in the city.

As the day progressed, Jace’s comment about being forgiven floated about in my mind and despair twisted my stomach to the point that Mark’s mother believed me to be ill. I needed to talk with Jace, but I truly didn’t know what to say. This wretched existence continued through Sunday, which was our last day in the city. I had no appetite, I couldn’t sleep and I felt like a stranger with my own family as they acted like nothing had ever occurred.

When they departed to finish the recording session that morning, leaving me alone again at the hotel with nothing said but ‘have a good time’, I felt even more ostracized. They returned by 2:30 that afternoon, asked no questions or volunteered any information, but simply began to make plans for the remainder of the day.

I stopped them both. “I don’t want to go anywhere. I need to talk to you two. I’m miserable.”

Neither of them commented as they sat down and listened intently as I spilled my guts, my confusion, and my guilt. I did not mince words as I stated that I desperately needed their forgiveness.

They looked at each other, then me. “But baby, I told you I forgave you,” Jace said. But there was no hug, no touching. I didn’t realize how much that had become part of me.

“You don’t like it when I lie to you, so please don’t lie to me. You don’t hug or even touch me anymore, or play, or anything. You didn’t even… spank me!” THERE! I said it.

Jace lifted an eyebrow. “You feel you deserve to be spanked after what happened?”

“Are you kidding? Oh God… yes. I feel so bad about it, and you and Mark were so mad, and you didn’t do anything to…”

“To show you we really care?” he asked softly.

I lowered my face to the floor and a genuine smile met his eyes as he looked at me. “Then you believe that we love you and we aren’t just trying to be mean.”

“Yes,” I whispered as he pulled me into his arms to squeeze me tightly, joined by Mark. I felt safe, warm… but… “Are you going to spank me now?” I asked in a little voice.

Jace hid his smile. “Do you want us to?” Us?

“I guess so. I deserve it,” I admitted, blushing. I could not believe that those words had escaped my mouth.

Mark squeezed my hand. “Then you need to ask us this time. We need to hear what you want.”

How humiliating! I couldn’t believe they would make me do this. My pride was already gone, so I gathered what little courage I had. “Would you both please spank me for stealing the alcohol and getting drunk?”

“Absolutely, but you do realize that this offense goes beyond a hand spanking. And that it will mean a very uncomfortable plane ride home tomorrow,” Jace said seriously.

“Yes, Sir… Whatever you think is best.” I was so ashamed.

“Go to my room and wait for us while we discuss your punishment. Have you pants off and panties down, and be lying across the bed on pillows,” Jace said firmly, sounding like his old self.

I hesitated for a moment, hugged him and Mark tightly, and then ran into the master bedroom.

“Your plan worked. She’s really learning about taking responsibility for her actions. I’m impressed,” Mark commented quietly.

“Yeah, finally. But I’m not really in the mood for this right now. What do you think of half now and the rest when we get home? It’ll give her something to think about.”

“You really are sadistic, J.” Mark grinned, a twinkle in his eye. “Let’s do it. It’s just my opinion, but I think we need to open that second drawer. We can’t let this ever happen again.”

“She’ll be tasting some wood at home, trust me. I might even have her cut a switch.”

“If you don’t, I will. I want this to be memorable from each of us,” Mark stated, serious once again. “Hand and belt for me?”

“Hand and hairbrush for me. I bought a new one for such an occasion. Even got you one.”

“I’m sure our girl won’t be as appreciative of that gesture as I am. Ready?” Mark stood up.