The Master Read online

  She must have fallen asleep because the next thing she became aware of was Dylan cursing. She opened her eyes and sighed. The roads were gridlocked. It seemed they weren’t the only day trippers wanting to spend some time by the sea on a sunny day. It took another half an hour to get to the seafront, but when they got there, every parking space they passed was taken. Twenty minutes later they managed to squeeze into a tight space that was clearly only free because two large four-by-fours had parked over the lines on either side.

  He checked a board displaying the parking charges then dug his phone out of his pocket. “I won’t be a minute. The only way to pay is by phone.” He prodded his mobile, frowning. “Damn, my battery is dead. Could I borrow yours?”

  “Sure.” Jodie handed him her phone then turned back to stare at the sparkling blue sea.

  “What’s your password?”

  “Two-three-one-one.”

  “Thanks. Hang on, isn’t that your birthday? Twenty-third of November?”

  “Well remembered,” beamed Jodie, pleased that he’d memorised her birthday.

  “That’s not secure. You should change it as soon as possible.”

  Jodie shrugged. If a stranger found her phone they would hardly know when her birthday was, so what was the big deal?

  He fixed his eyes on her and gave her one of his ‘dom’ glares. “Change it tonight, okay?”

  “Yes, Sir.” Jodie popped her sunglasses on and rolled her eyes behind the dark screen.

  “All done. Here’s your phone back, thanks.” He glanced down the long road and sighed. “Sorry, we’re miles from the pier.”

  “That’s okay. It’s a lovely walk back along the seafront.” She linked her arm through his and gave him a tug. “Come on.”

  The walk was farther than she had expected, but it was just what Jodie needed. With the sun on her face and a gentle sea breeze wafting through her hair, all her stresses lifted, leaving her feeling freer and calmer than she had in a very long time.

  “This is fantastic! I love this place.” She kicked a pebble that had strayed onto the path then ran after it and dribbled it as if it were a football.

  “Yeah, I’d forgotten how nice it is here.” Then he suddenly smacked her bottom and ran off onto the stony beach. “Catch me if you can.”

  She laughed and charged after him, slipping on the thick carpet of pebbles under her feet. It was so much harder running on stones than on sand, but Jodie was younger and fitter than Dylan and soon caught up with him. She grabbed his arm and pulled him down then rolled on top of him and pinned his arms down, using her weight to anchor him. Grinning, she fought against his attempts to topple her. Then, as if someone had pressed a pause button on a video, she stopped and stared down at him. Their eyes locked and Jodie’s heart squeezed as she was rocked by emotions so powerful they took her breath away. It was as if the two of them were connected by some sort of invisible force field. Dylan’s eyes reflected the same realisation as he gazed up at her with a faint smile playing on his lips.

  “Dylan…” How could she express in words how she felt at that moment? Her head swam and her heart pounded so hard she was sure he could hear it over the sea as it rolled over the pebbles. Could she really be falling in love with her coach?

  Dylan was the first to snap out of the spell and used her hesitation to his advantage. Before she could stop him, he flipped her over onto her back so he was now on top, straddling her. “You really must learn to stay focused,” he teased. Then he kissed her, hard and forceful, making her body melt into the stones beneath her.

  “If it wasn’t for the other people on the beach, I’d fuck you right here and now,” he murmured. He rolled off her and lay on his back next to her then took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “I need a distraction before my cock explodes. Fancy a ride on that zip wire?”

  “You bet.”

  The zip wire was a lot higher than it had looked from the ground. As they waited in their harnesses and helmets for the instructors to give them a final safety check, Jodie closed her eyes and wished she hadn’t been so quick to agree. There were two wires, side by side, so they would go down together. Not able to keep her competitive side at bay, she wondered how she could get down faster than Dylan. When they were given the go-ahead, Jodie glanced at him then stepped off the platform a split second before him and gained the lead all the way down.

  “Oh, my God, it’s like we’re flying,” she cried and laughed out loud as she glided down toward the lower platform at the end of the ride. She beat Dylan by about two seconds and it took all her self-control not to call him a loser.

  Now that their adrenaline was fired up, they headed to the fair at the end of the pier. From the distance it had looked pretty tame, but actually some of the rides were terrifying. She wasn’t about to lose face in front of Dylan, though, so she braved them all and barely survived.

  “I think we need a break after all that,” said Dylan, his eyes still sparkling with exhilaration from the rides. “Let’s wander up to The Lanes and find somewhere to have a coffee.”

  They made their way, hand in hand, to the narrow cobbled lanes, stopping to look in the windows of expensive jewellery and quirky antique shops. After a much needed latte, they crossed the road back to the beach where they found a couple of abandoned deck chairs.

  Jodie sat back in her chair, closed her eyes, and listened to the sounds around her—the sea crackling over the pebbles, children laughing, seagulls screeching. She drifted in and out of a light snooze, always aware of her surroundings, but relaxed enough to let everything pass by as she soaked up the evening sun’s rays.

  An hour must have passed when Dylan suddenly stirred. “Are you hungry?”

  “Starving.” Her stomach rumbled in agreement.

  “Let’s go find somewhere to eat.” Dylan rose then held out his hand for her.

  “Thanks,” she said, taking it and letting him help her out of the low deck chair. He really was perfect—a kinky beast in the bedroom and an absolute gentleman out of it.

  They found a small restaurant just off the seafront that had tables outside so they could watch the world go by, with the sea as a backdrop.

  “Do you like fish and chips?” he asked, scanning the menu.

  “I love them, but…”

  “Jodie, today you’re on holiday and you can eat whatever the hell you like. You can get back to normal tomorrow.”

  “Thanks.” She studied him, aware that something was bothering him. She didn’t need to think too hard to work out that he might be concerned that the pressure of the competitions was getting to her. “I really am okay, you know.”

  “I know.” He put the menu down and signalled to the waitress. “I just want you to enjoy yourself today.”

  “I am. Thank you for bringing me here.”

  He smiled and time seemed to stop as she stared at him. The same feeling she had experienced on the beach returned, making her heart flutter and her pulse soar. Suddenly, it was more important than anything that she was open with him. She didn’t want to risk anything going wrong between them and that meant total honesty. She had to tell him why she’d lost that competition. “Dylan…”

  But at that same moment the waitress came bounding up to their table with a big smile on her face and a pen poised on her notepad. By the time they had ordered their food and drink, and the waitress had disappeared again, Jodie had lost her nerve. She didn’t want anything to spoil the day. She’d tell him another time.

  The food was delicious and they chatted nonstop while they ate, for once about stuff other than taekwondo. They learned they had similar tastes in music and they both loved animals. The conversation remained light until they had finished eating, but then the mood changed when Dylan’s face became serious again.

  “Jodie, I want to talk about last night. I need to know that you’re okay with what we did. You know, both the punishment and the rough sex.”

  Jodie laughed. “Dylan, do you honestly think you’d still be able
to walk if I hadn’t been okay with it?”

  He gave her a lopsided grin, easing some of the tension from his face. “I know, but it was pretty intense.”

  “Yeah, and I loved it. I know I’m fairly new to the more serious side of D/s, but I totally got why you punished me and I’m glad that you did. And as for the rough sex…” She gave him a look that would hopefully make it clear what she thought about that.

  “Good. Promise me that you’ll tell me if I ever do anything you’re not comfortable with. If we’re going to make a go of this, and I really hope we do, I need you to be honest with me.”

  This was the moment she should tell him about Mr. Hartwell. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Instead, she hid her guilt by giving him a flirtatious grin. “I promise. You can always punish me again if I’m not.”

  “Oh, trust me, I will. Next time you’ll get more swats and they’ll be harder. I have a new cane that I’m keen to try out, so watch it.” Although he was smiling, the threat in his eyes made it clear he wasn’t joking. “While we’re on the subject of sex, are you on birth control?”

  “Yes. I’m on the pill to keep my painful periods in check.”

  “Good. I got tested for STDs about four months ago and was clear. I haven’t had sex with anyone since. How would you feel about sex without a condom?”

  “I’d be fine with that,” she replied, as butterflies fluttered through her belly. “I’ve never had unprotected sex so I know for a fact that I’m also clean.” The mere thought of being fucked by Dylan without a condom made her shiver with excitement. She had already guessed he’d be clean seeing that he had allowed her to swallow his cum that morning, but to have him come inside her pussy so she could feel his cum, hot and slick, dripping out of her when he pulled out…

  Dylan reached across the table and took her hand. “That’s sorted then. Now, how about one last blowout before we head back? Would you like some ice cream for dessert?”

  “Wow, you really are treating me today. I’d love some.”

  Dylan grinned. “I take it you don’t want vanilla?”

  * * *

  Jodie stepped out of the shower and reached for a towel then scrutinised her backside in the mirror. Her welts had all but disappeared and the tenderness had gone several days ago. Still, it had lasted for nearly a week so she couldn’t complain. Once dry, she grabbed a sports bra and a pair of shorts then checked her bag for everything she would need for today’s training—her dobok was clean and folded neatly, a full water bottle, deodorant… Her phone rang, distracting her from her inspection. She glanced at the display, but didn’t recognise the number.

  “Jodie Price.” She stuck the phone under her chin and picked up a spare towel to bring to training.

  “Good morning, Jodie,” said a smooth male voice.

  The temperature seemed to drop several degrees when she recognised the voice. “Mr. Hartwell,” she said coolly.

  “Hello, Jodie. I trust you’re well?”

  “Fine. Look, I’m in a bit of a hurry so—”

  “You did well last week,” he interrupted. “I was pleased.”

  She remained silent, gripping the phone tightly. What the hell does he want?

  “I need you to do one more thing for me.”

  “No! Forget it. I nearly blew my chances of getting onto the Olympic squad because of you. I’m not going to play your stupid games any longer.” She knew she should hang up, but she couldn’t. This man held the key to her future so she held the phone away from her ear while he laughed into the earpiece.

  “Oh, Jodie, do you think the Olympic selectors would choose someone who had lost her sponsorship because of disreputable behaviour? Your career would be finished. Now, are you listening to me, Jodie?”

  Jodie sank onto her bed before her legs gave way. “What do you want?”

  “I don’t expect you to lose the next competition; after all, people might get suspicious. But, I need you to make sure you lose several points during the match so that you only win by a small margin.”

  “Why? Why are you doing this?” asked Jodie, still not quite able to believe what she’d just heard.

  “Never you mind. All you need to know is that you stand to lose everything if you don’t do as I say. And remember, one word to anyone and our deal is off, and your coach’s career is finished.”

  The line went dead and Jodie was left staring at her phone in disbelief. This couldn’t be happening. As if in a daze, she put her phone in her pocket, picked up her holdall, and left her flat. The bus journey passed in a blur, but as she approached the training hall, a dangerous cocktail of anger and despair built up inside her. She needed to tell Dylan. But what if Mr. Hartwell carried out his threat and got Dylan sacked? By the time she stormed into the large hall, her blood was close to boiling point.

  “Good morning, Jodie,” said Dylan, smiling as she approached him.

  “Morning,” she muttered and pushed past him. She dumped her bag on a bench and strode over to the far corner where a punch bag hung for boxing practice. She grabbed a pair of boxing gloves and threw a punch at the bag, imagining it was George Hartwell she was hitting. That first punch seemed to trigger a rage so intense that all she could see was red as her blood pounded in her ears. She let rip and beat the bag until her hands hurt. Then, gradually, through the haze, she heard Dylan’s voice.

  “Jodie, what’s the matter?”

  That seemed to snap her out of the rage, but now she was left drained. Defeated. “Nothing,” she said and tried to pass him. But he grabbed her arm and glared at her. “Jodie, I’ll ask one more time, what’s wrong?”

  “I said nothing. Now will you just fucking leave me alone.” He was blocking her escape so she pushed him out of the way and stomped across the room. Dylan followed. She huffed and looked up at him, although she couldn’t bring herself to make eye contact. She did notice the angry set of his jaw, though. Oh, crap. Now she was in trouble. “Look, I’m sorry, okay?”

  Dylan took her hand and pulled her closer to him. “Please tell me what’s wrong.”

  She shook her head, desperately trying to hold back the tears. “Please don’t. I don’t want to talk about it.”

  “So there is something?”

  “No,” she snapped and snatched her hand away from his. But Dylan grabbed it again. Then he took her chin in his other hand and held her head so she had no choice but to look at him.

  “As your coach and your dom, I won’t tolerate being spoken to like that. I’m warning you now that you will suffer the consequences of your behaviour.” His anger bored straight into her eyes, leaving her in no doubt that she had gone too far. He released her chin and turned away. “Now, get on with your warmup. You’ve got a particularly gruelling session today. You can start by giving me fifty push-ups.”

  Chapter Six

  Jodie hit the gym like a woman possessed.

  Dylan watched, assessing her volatile mood and almost manic exertions. Despite her refusal to tell him what was going on, it didn’t take a mind-reader to know she was seething about something.

  What’s upset her? More to the point, why won’t she tell me?

  He was her coach, her dom, and her lover—on all those levels she owed him an explanation.

  He wasn’t getting one, apparently so instead Dylan jogged beside her, crouched as she dropped to perform yet more push-ups, another punishing set of crunches, four more circuits of the gym. She was at the peak of physical fitness, took everything he threw at her in her stride. He barked out orders and she obeyed.

  Perfect.

  Except, it was anything but.

  They moved on to practice patterns, set combinations of taekwondo routines performed to perfection to impress the judges. This was not part of the Olympics’ competition, but good for general training and for honing technique. Jodie was flawless, as ever.

  The session came to an end. Jodie sank onto her haunches, panting, the jacket of her dobok long since discarded as she ran around the
indoor circuit. Dylan took two bottles of water from the mini fridge and passed one to her. She nodded her thanks but said nothing as she snapped the lid open.

  Right, then. Dylan made up his mind.

  “I’m offering you one last chance to tell me what’s eating you.”

  No response, unless he counted the quick shake of her head.

  “My place, then… eight o’clock. Wear something you can take off easily and bring an overnight bag.”

  “I’m not really in the mood for—”

  “It’s your moods that have got you into this situation. Tonight, your ass pays the price for it.” He lowered himself until they were nose to nose. “It won’t be fun, and you can leave your pissy attitude at the door. Do not expect to enjoy yourself this evening.”

  He was gratified by the widening of her eyes as she registered what he meant, what was going to happen.

  “Go take a shower. I’ll clear up in here and I’ll see you at eight. Don’t even think about being late.”

  She showed up right on the dot of eight o’clock. He let her into his apartment and took her duffel bag from her. It was light, he noticed as he hung it from the back of a chair in his kitchen. She regarded him from just inside the door, her expression distinctly anxious but with more than a hint of defiance on display too. She tried to assume a nonchalant air by shoving her hands into the front pockets of her jeans. When he lifted one eyebrow she thought better of her belligerent stance and pulled them out, then stood with her fingers interlaced before her. She managed not to wring her hands. Barely.