Authors: S.J. Maylee

Taking Courage (16 page)

BOOK: Taking Courage

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Janna
kept her head down as they walked into the club. Once Mistress Charlie checked
their positions, she signaled to the DJ, who quieted the music. Janna's heart
beat erratically. She lifted her gaze just enough to search for her friends.

She
found Lydia first. She was sitting at Jake's feet not far away. Anne stood next
to her, and they both looked relaxed, no worry twins tonight. Janna took it as
a sign and took a deep, cleansing breath.

Mistress
Charlie stepped forward. “Good evening, Club Voyage. Tonight we have four
willing submissives. It's my honor to first offer this fine young woman.” She
stepped close enough that Janna could see her boot clad feet. “Who claims this
sub?”

She
strained to hear past the shuffling of feet to her right and a couple that
whispered to her left. Maybe Simon wasn’t willing to risk anything more for
her. Long seconds ticked by, easily counted by the pounding of her heart.

“Simon!”
Charlie shouted in a quick, “stop messing around” tone.

Janna
wanted to kiss the woman for her sharp tongue. Where the hell was he?

A
bar stool skidded on the floor, and then she heard the crowd shift and Simon’s
large feet came into view.

“You're
here?” Simon lifted her chin, and his gaze roamed over her.

“Not
even my father could keep me from you.”

“I
was hoping you'd say that.”

“I'm
sure we haven't heard the last from him.” She searched his expression.

“You're
no match for your father.” He reached out and caressed her cheek. “But you're
my match.
My strong and beautiful Janna.
You're a
fighter, and it will be an honor to stand with you, my pet.”

“Oh, Simon.”
She leaned into
his caress. “In my heart, I've been yours since that first time you called me
pet. You changed my life that first night.” She looked at him directly. “I'm
not afraid of my father anymore, not really. I have been afraid of losing my
heart, though. It's firmly here with you.”

“And
mine is with you.” He pressed his hand over her heart. “I left it with you this
morning.” He picked up her hand and pressed it over his heart. “Thank you for
bringing it back to me.”

Mistress
Charlie cleared her throat. “You will claim responsibility for her training?”

A
wicked smile spread over Simon's face. He took a step to her side, took her
hand, and guided her down on her knees.

“Thank
you, Mistress Charlie.” He turned to the gathering crowd. “Yes, I claim Janna
as my submissive. I take responsibility for her training.” He got down on
bended knee. “She belongs to me, and my heart is hers, if she wants it.”

“Oh,
I want it.” With a gentle kiss, she freely gave him her heart.

She
felt sorry for her father. No guilt or tricks were needed. He’d probably never
know the power of love. Once Janna let her soul open to what she needed, it
took her in a direct path for acceptance and a safe place for love to grow.

She
set herself free from the ties that held her bound, and she knew it was just
one of the reasons why Simon was falling in love with her. She loved him for
letting her work through it.

He
listened and guided her heart, and she helped him to heal. Together they were a
formidable team. Together they had the courage to open their hearts, and now
they'd share their love.

Epilogue

One week later

“I’m
so proud of you, Janna.”

“Thanks,
Mom.” She hadn’t spoken to her father in a week, but her mother was calling her
daily. “You’re sure Dad had nothing to do with us getting the funding back?”

“I’m
positive, Honey. Every time I try and share how you’re doing, he tells me he
doesn’t want to hear it, and he won’t lift a finger to help. He has no idea you
don’t need his help.”

“It
must have been Gina then. I’m surprised though.”

“Why?”

“I
don’t know her well, but I wasn’t expecting her to pull through on her
assignment. She doesn’t seem to be the type to lift a finger either.”

“I
guess you really don’t know her then.”

Simon
stepped into her office, closed the door, and tapped his watch.

“You
must be right. Sorry to cut our talk short, but I need to get to our project launch
party.” She walked over to him, grabbed hold of his lapel and pulled him
towards her.

“I
wish I could be there to help you celebrate.”

“Let’s
plan a visit.”

“I’d
like that. I need to meet Simon anyways. Have fun, and I’ll talk to you
tomorrow. Bye.”

“Bye,
Mom.” She tossed her phone onto her guest chair and wrapped her arms around her
Dom. “Are we late?”

“Yep.”
He kissed his
way from her ear down to her shoulder and grabbed her ass.

“Master
Simon, am I going to have to spank you for making us late?” She ran her fingers
through his hair and arched into him.

“I’d
like to see you try.” He tickled down her sides and pinched her ass.

“Oh!
You’re terrible.” She shook her head at him. “Do you think my father will ever
come around?”

“I
don’t know. Do you need him to?”

“No.
I want him to though.” She played with the top button on his shirt. “I should
thank you for walking away from me that first night.”

“Why
is that?” His hands roamed over her back side.

“It
put me in a position to choose. It was scary, but empowering.” She pressed her
lips to his, lingering close. “You give me what I need.”