Nathaniel's Gift: A Submissive Series Holiday Novella Read online

  I turned off the shower and handed her a towel, calculating the entire time. “What’s the surprised look for?” I asked, and then stepped out to towel off, acting as if it was just an offhanded question.

  Abby began drying herself, but stayed in the shower. That was normal, though. She said she stayed warmer for longer that way. When she emerged, mostly dry, she’d schooled her expression, no longer looking surprised. “I wasn’t expecting you to say that.”

  Obviously. “Say what?”

  “That you wanted to talk while we had clothes on because it’d be easier to take me over your knee dry and not wet.” She’d tried to speak as nonchalantly as I’d done, but wasn’t able to pull it off. “You haven’t spanked me in so long.” She paused for a second. “It’s not like I thought you’d forgotten how or anything….”

  I couldn’t hold back a snort. “I suppose that’s good to know.”

  Her eyes danced. “It was more of a happy surprise. When you said it, something inside of me remembered you spanking me. Again, not that I’d forgotten. It was like you were reminding me and I realized how much I enjoyed it.” She sighed. “I’m not sure if that makes any sense, or if it sounds like I’m babbling.”

  She wasn’t babbling, but that didn’t mean I understood what she’d just said. As if sensing my incomprehension, she tilted her head. “You don’t get what I was talking about?”

  I shook my head. “I’m sure it has something to do with my Y chromosome.”

  “Probably.” She laughed. “Either that or it’s the trip catching up with us.”

  I grinned and slipped my arms around her, pulling her close. “More than likely, the jet lag.”

  Abby yawned. “I’m tired, but I don’t want to go to sleep yet.”

  “What do you want?” I asked her. Not sure if I was asking about right this minute or in general.

  “You still have to do your initial check to make sure everything’s here, right?” she asked, and I nodded. “In that case, I’ll go with you. It only seems fair since you interrupted my shower.”

  I raised an eyebrow at her. “I didn’t hear any complaints.”

  “Why would I have complained? I said you did it, not that I didn’t like it or that you shouldn’t.” She ran her hand down my chest. “So touchy, today. Maybe I should ask what you want?”

  Had I been touchy? I didn’t think so. I held my hand out. “Come with me while I check over everything.”

  She took my hand and together we went through the steps I always took when we arrived at the chalet. Fresh linens were in place. Security system was armed. Windows and doors were secure. Sauna and pool were clean and filled. Pantry and refrigerator were stocked with the items we specified. I smiled. Including one Abby didn’t know about.

  “Well, would you look at this?” I asked Abby, doing my best to sound surprised.

  “What?” she tried to peek around me.

  I picked up the brown paper-wrapped square and turned to face her. “Guess what this is?”

  Her expression showed no sign of recognition until I flipped the small package over and allowed her to see the labeling. Her cheeks flushed and her breath caught. “Is that….”

  “The cheese that makes you so wet?” I tease. “Yes. Though the rest of us call it Blue Jersey.”

  “Blue Jersey,” she repeats. “I don’t know how I forgot that.”

  “To be fair,” I said. “The day we first tasted it, Henry was going for an all time record for the number of times he could get his sister to say, ‘Stop it.’”

  It had been a particularly trying day, as best as I could remember. The plan was to go skiing as a family. We’d been to Switzerland several times, and in addition, the kids had skied in the States a handful of times. Unfortunately, the day we picked ended up having such horrible weather we didn’t feel comfortable heading out onto the slopes. Abby and I had taken them into the village because we were all experiencing a bit of cabin fever. Mostly Henry.

  We’d ended up at a local bistro where we tried the cheese. Abby, a lover of all things Blue Cheese, had instantly called it her favorite. By the time the server came by to see us, Abby was taking care of Henry. It wasn’t surprising she didn’t remember me asking for information on the cheese. Though she recalled the packaging it came in because we’d bought some to take back to the chalet.

  “I can’t believe you not only remembered it was my favorite, but that you made sure there was some here waiting for us,” she said.

  “Of course I did,” I said, putting the cheese back and feeling a little surprised it shocked her so much. I didn’t want her to know, so I teased her a bit. “Though had I known the cheese aroused you so much, I would have requested more.”

  Abby gave me one of her sultry smiles and shifted so she stood in front of me. “That was mean of me to torment you like I did in the shower.”

  I raised an eyebrow, not feeling as tired as I had been moments earlier. Especially when she lifted one hand and untucked my shirt. “Very mean,” I agreed. “Comparing me to cheese.”

  “What can I say?” She licked her lips. “I enjoy having you both in my mouth.”

  Fuck.

  Vixen. My wife was a complete vixen.

  Damn, I loved her. “Prove it.”

  She kept her eyes glued to mine as she slowly went to her knees. Only when she hit the floor did she break her gaze and found herself inches from my erection. I’d stopped asking myself how it was possible I never tired of her or our sex life years ago. If you’d have told me when I was in my early twenties that I’d be satisfied with the same woman for over ten years, I’d have laughed my ass off.

  I wasn’t laughing now. And if twenty-year-old me had laughed at that thought in front of me, I’d have smacked him. Now I didn’t think I’d ever grow tired of her or what we had. Somehow, when we came together now, after years of life, kids, and marriage, whether as husband and wife or Dominant and submissive, it felt more intense, more emotional, than anything I’d experienced when I was young and free.

  Some things grew better with time. Intimacy was one of them.

  I groaned as Abby took my entire length in her mouth and I felt myself enter her throat. “Fuck, Abby. I can’t think straight when you do that.”

  That was the wrong thing to say because she laughed, making her mouth do crazy intense things to my dick. I wanted to hold off coming for a little longer, though it seemed impossible until she pulled back, laughing and gasping at the same time.

  “What?” I asked her, unable to stop myself from grinning, even though I had no idea what she was laughing at.

  “You,” she said. “Why the hell would you want to think straight while getting a blow job? Isn’t that the entire point?”

  Since she put it that way, I couldn’t think of one good reason. “Well,” I started and then stopped.

  “Seriously?” she asked. “Were you trying to do taxes or something? Did you need to be thinking straight with your cock in my mouth?”

  “I promise I wasn’t doing taxes, so I guess I’ll have to go with the or something.” I bent to pull my pants up and caught her frown.

  “Did I ruin the mood?” she asked.

  “I think we’re both tired and now we’re getting punchy. Probably for the best we call it a night.”

  She kept frowning. I hurriedly finished righting my pants and reached for her hands, pulling her up to join me. “Don’t worry,” I told her. “I plan to collect on that blow job soon.”

  We decided on a light dinner at the chalet. Since we had no plans for the next morning, we could get up leisurely on our own timetable. In the afternoon, I’d scheduled Abby for a half day at her favorite local spa. When she finished, she’d meet me for dinner at a nearby restaurant I’d made reservations at weeks ago.

  I watched her getting ready for bed later that night. Ever since we’d started living together, it was an activity I never grew tired of seeing. What was it about the way she flipped her head down to brush her hair that seemed so
sexy? When did something as simple as smoothing lotion across her throat become a turn on?

  Her eyes caught mine in the mirror, and her lips curved into a perceptive smile.

  Yeah. After all this time, she knew me. Probably better than I knew myself.

  She glanced away first, bending down and lifting her gown to expose a leg. Well aware of what she was doing, she applied lotion to both legs, taking longer to do so than normal.

  When she finally finished, she made her way to the bed, rubbing the remaining lotion into her hands. “What were you watching with such intensity?” she asked, like she didn’t know.

  “You,” I said, pulling her toward me as she crawled into the bed and under the covers. “What else could I possibly be looking at?”

  “I don’t understand why you’re always so captivated by watching me put on lotion. I think it would be about the same as watching paint dry.”

  “Yes, there’s nothing inherently sexy about putting on lotion. I don’t feel the same watching any other woman apply the stuff. It’s something about the way you do it. I don't know why. All I know is I can’t look away, and the entire time, I’m thinking how wonderful it would be if I could be like lotion and have you spread me all over your body.”

  She shivered in my arms.

  “What was that for?” I asked. “Are you cold?”

  “No,” she said, but snuggled deeper into the covers. “Just thinking how it would feel if I could spread you all over my body. Pretty sure neither one of us would get anything accomplished.”

  “I’m certain I’d get lots of things accomplished. But they would all involve you and orgasms.”

  She laughed, but halfway through, she yawned. “Sorry,” she said. “It’s not that thoughts of you and orgasms are boring or anything.” She yawned again. “I’m just tired.”

  Her yawns triggered my own and within a few seconds, we were both yawning. I gave her a kiss. “Sleep well, my lovely. We have nothing but time for the next few days.”

  5

  Stepping into the lobby of the five-star hotel we were having dinner in, reminded me why I loved the chalet so much. Whenever we’re there, whether it’s all four of us as a family, or just Nathaniel and I as a couple, we weren’t surrounded by crowds of people. It’s only us, unless we decided to be around others.

  People filled the lobby, and though I wouldn’t call it crowded, there were more bodies present than I wanted to spend a week having to walk through. I thought I was a little early, but wasn’t sure since I didn’t know what time our reservations were for. Our plan was to meet in the bar before heading to dinner, and that’s where I headed, unsure if I’d find him there or not.

  I’d changed and got ready at the spa before making the short walk to the hotel. Dropping my coat off at the coat check, I went in search of my husband.

  It didn’t take me long to find him.

  He sat facing away from me on a stool at the boisterous bar in the middle of the room. From where I stood, it was impossible to see his face. No problem for me. I’d be happy to stare at his back for a while. But looking hadn’t been enough for everyone. Or at least not enough for the snow bunny at his side, who appeared to be talking his ears off.

  Years ago, I’d have gotten pissed and would have marched right up to her, and asked if she had a death wish. Over time, however, I learned my anger had nothing to do with those women, but everything to do with me and my insecurities.

  Only when I allowed myself to accept Nathaniel was truly and forever mine and no one else’s, and only when I accepted that he’d never leave me, had those insecurities disappeared.

  Now, I no longer wanted to kill those women; I wanted to mess with them.

  Knowing what I was going to do, I smiled and hoped Nathaniel would play along. Before heading his way, I stopped by the ladies' room in the lobby to ensure I looked good. I’d picked a dress I knew drove Nathaniel crazy. We’d only had sex that one time in the shower and we’d been in Switzerland for almost two days. I'd do whatever I could to ensure the dry spell ended tonight.

  Certain I’d turn a few heads, I left the ladies' room and made a beeline for the bar. I managed not to get sidetracked even once by focusing solely on Nathaniel’s back. The snow bunny was still there at his right side and still talking. I rolled my eyes. Nathaniel had his hands on top of the bar, brazenly flashing his wedding ring, and she acted like it wasn’t anything.

  Fortunately, for me anyway, the stool on his left was empty. I took out my phone, acted like I was on a call, and slid myself onto the smooth leather.

  “Yes,” I told no one on the other end of the line. “That’s exactly what happened.” I paused as if listening to a reply. “Right now I’m at a bar,” I looked at Nathaniel. “What’s the name of this place?” I asked, interrupting whatever bunny girl was saying.

  “We’re in the middle of a conversation,” she told me. “Don’t be rude.”

  “Let me call you back,” I said to nobody and made a big deal out of ending the call and placing my phone back in my purse. “What did you say?” I asked the snow bunny.

  She placed a hand on her hip. “I said we were in the middle of a conversation and you were being rude.”

  “How silly of me.” I brought my hand to my chest. “I wasn’t aware the gentleman was included in your conversation. From where I’m standing, it appeared as if you were doing all the talking.”

  “That’s because he’s listening.” She looked at Nathaniel. “Isn’t that right, Nathan?”

  Good Lord, she couldn’t even get his night right. Nathaniel didn’t appear interested in joining the conversation or correcting the bunny on his name. In fact, he looked to be having a grand time sitting back and watching the two of us knock it out verbally.

  I acted like I hadn’t heard her at all and stuck my hand out for Nathaniel to shake. “Abigail King,” I said. “But everyone calls me Abby.”

  His expression gave nothing away. He was so good. There wasn’t a hint of recognition present in his eyes when he shook my hand. “Pleasure to meet you, Abigail. Nathaniel West.”

  Fuuuuuck. Every part of my body reacted when he spoke my name in that tone of voice. It was all I could do to stay on my feet and not drop to my knees. And one look at his face proved he knew exactly what my reaction would be.

  “The pleasure is all mine, Nathaniel.”

  “I’m sure it’s not all yours,” he replied. “Surely you could spare a little for me?”

  “Maybe. But just a little.” I licked my upper lip because I knew it drove him mad. “Why don’t you buy me a drink and we can discuss it more?”

  He didn’t reply, but waved the bartender over. “I’ll have a Trios Dames Our Bruin and a..?” Nathaniel raised an eyebrow like he didn’t know what I wanted.

  “I’ll have a glass of red,” I said.

  “Any particular one?”

  I shook my head. “You decide.”

  “And a glass of Gialdi Merlot Sassi Grossi for the lady,” Nathaniel told the bartender with a nod in my direction.

  The snow bunny, obviously tired of being ignored, stirred her drink with the straw, causing the ice to bang against the glass. “Anyway,” she said. “Like I was saying — ”

  “But, honey,” I said to her in a fake I’m-so-sorry tone. “He wasn’t listening to you.”

  Her jaw dropped open as if she couldn’t believe what I’d just said. I tried not to laugh when she made a sound of protest and looked at Nathaniel as if he was going to say something to contradict me.

  “The best thing you can do is to go peddle your wares to a man who’s interested.” I placed a hand on Nathaniel’s shoulder. “Besides, I get the impression you’re much too delicate for his taste. Just a feeling, of course, but more times than not, they end up being correct.”

  For a second I thought she would argue with me, but she glanced down at Nathaniel and something she saw made her change her mind. I couldn’t see his expression from where I sat, but then again, I didn’t ne
ed to. We’d been together long enough, I was certain I’d seen every single one of his expressions. If not all, then at least ninety-nine percent of them.

  Though it was impossible for me to know for certain which one he gave her, I had a few guesses. There weren’t many people who would dare to cross any of them. For certain, Snow Bunny didn’t have the fortitude. It hadn’t been an out-and-out bluff when I told her she was too delicate for his tastes.

  Not that he’d be interested if she could handle him, but she had no way of knowing as much. Left with very few options to choose from, she gave a dismissive noise in her throat and spun on her heel. In less than ten seconds, she’d already cozied up to a newly arrived gentleman. Good riddance.

  The bartender arrived with our drinks. Nathaniel lifted his and took a sip. “So Abigail,” he said. “What are your plans while you’re in Switzerland?”

  It took me a second to catch on he wanted to keep up the charade. My belly tightened in anticipation and excitement. It had been years since we’d done anything resembling public role-play. Not only that, but he was allowing me to decide on some details.

  “My plans?” I asked, and bit my bottom lip as more of a delay tactic than anything else, but I didn’t miss the way his eye darkened in response.

  “Yes,” he replied. This time the tone of his voice and the set of his expression made several things clear. It didn’t matter I wasn’t wearing one of his collars nor did it matter we hadn’t decided beforehand that we’d play tonight. At the moment, he was no longer Nathaniel. He was my Master.

  My heart pounded hard, and I knew he was aware. My mind raced, trying to come up with something reasonable.

  “I was supposed to meet someone here for dinner, and it appears he's stood me up.” I shrugged. “He said we’d get together in the bar before our reservation time, but that was almost thirty minutes ago.”