Chapter Six
Fallon had beenso busy taking in her surroundings and trying to remember names she’d forgotten about the dress she was almost wearing until Tobi West grasped her hand, flashing a broad smile.
“Damn, girl, I have this dress, and it doesn’t look this good on me.Holy Hannah, I need to start working out again now that I’m not traveling for work.”The petite blonde squeaked when a man standing nearby gave her ass a solid swat.He looked nearly identical to Kent West, but there was a subtle difference in this man’s demeanor, letting Fallon know they weren’t one and the same.
Kyle West flashed Fallon a smile so quick, for a few seconds, she thought maybe she’d imagined it before returning his stern attention to his wife.
“Kitten, how many times have my brother and I warned you about this lapse?You will not talk negatively about yourself, or you won’t sit comfortably.For the life of me, I don’t understand why we suddenly seem to be back at square one on this particular issue.You are absolutely perfect, and we’ll not have you insulting what belongs to us.”He softened the reprimand by giving Tobi a quick kiss before turning his attention to Fallon.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Fallon.We’re happy you are here.Thank you for submitting your paperwork electronically.We have a couple of things for you to sign, but we’ll take care of those details tomorrow afternoon before your shift starts.Tonight is all about getting a lay of the land and learning about your own boundaries.Silas and Carson will be able to answer any questions you might have.If, for some reason, you’re not comfortable asking one of them, my brother or I will be happy to find someone else.One word of warning—some Doms are more committed to strict protocol than others, so it’s important you avoid initiating a conversation with a submissive unless you are in the locker room.”
Fallon knew her expression must have reflected her surprise when Tobi reached out to place her hand on Fallon’s upper arm.
“Most of the members at Prairie Winds are wonderful, and they’ll understand if you make a mistake, but there are a couple of Doms who would take a lot of pleasure in overseeing your punishment just because you’re new.Don’t hand them the opportunity.”
Tobi’s warning meant more than Kyle’s because Fallon sensed it came from experience.Nodding her understanding, Fallon started to feel closed in by all the people surrounding her.Would she be able to fit in here?Moving so far from home suddenly seemed like a rash decision.Maybe she needed to reconsider.The idea that a stranger could have her punished was so far removed from her reality, it was hard for her to grasp the concept.Her fantasies about playful spankings that ended in mind-melting sex seemed like a childish version of the reality she’d felt Tobi was referring to.Knowing a stranger could seize the opportunity to hurt her was terrifying.
Her heart was beating so hard, she worried the two men flanking her would be able to hear it.When black dots started dancing in front of her eyes, Fallon felt warm hands moving slowly up and down the cool skin of her exposed upper arms.
“Fallon, look at me.”
A vaguely familiar voice sounded like it was coming from the bottom of a well rather than from the man standing in front of her.
“Cher, you are a hot second away from being carried to the first aid station.Breathe with me.”When she didn’t respond, he gave her a quick shake.“Take a damned breath.”
She sucked in a breath and saw relief in the man’s eyes.
Carson.His name was Carson, and something about him made her think of fallen angels.His blonde hair was a couple weeks past needing a much-needed trim, making him look like the surfers she’d seen on California beaches.Fallon swore her heart seized for several beats as she remembered one of the many vacations she’d enjoyed with her parents before they died.All of their trips had been special, but their last excursion had always seemed to hold the most meaning.After her college graduation, the three of them spent a week enjoying the warm sunshine before she’d started her career.Their time walking along the colorful sidewalk of Venice Beach was the happiest and most carefree she’d ever seen them.
During one of their beach strolls, her dad reminded her they wouldn’t be around forever, and she needed to be brave no matter what life threw her way.
“Someday, when your mother and I are no longer here, courage will be your greatest asset.”His words were sadly prophetic—they’d died a month later.
Another breath and the fog clouding her view of Carson started to clear.He stepped to the side, making way for a second man.Silas.She remembered thinking his eyes looked like blue pools of crystal-clear water.If she looked deeply enough, would she be able to fall into their shallow depths?Did he know how captivating his eyes were?How his soul called to hers despite being virtual strangers?
“Sweetheart, my soul is drawn to yours as well.”
His words surprised her since she didn’t realize she’d spoken out loud.
“While Kyle and Tobi’s warnings are valid, I’m asking you to trust us to guide you.We know all the members here at Prairie Winds, so we won’t have any trouble keeping you safe.”
Fallon pulled in a deep breath, letting Silas’s reassurance smother her panic.Looking around, she was surprised to find they were no longer surrounded by other people.
“You aren’t the first new member to become overwhelmed, Cher.Everyone moved back when they realized the effect the crush was having on you.”Carson gave her a reassuring smile as he and Silas stepped back as well.
She knew they’d stayed close in case her knees gave out and would have appreciated their show of confidence more if it wasn’t so laughable.Lord love a leper, who’d have ever thought she’d have come so close to swooning?That was the word, right?When a damsel felt utterly overwhelmed and went weak in the knees, and the hero had to steady them?
Holy shit, I really need to stop reading historical romance novels.
*
Silas and Carsonled Fallon to a small grouping of chairs behind a wall of plants, giving her a small measure of privacy while she got her feet under her again.Seeing color come back into her pale cheeks was a relief, and Silas was relieved when she started asking questions.He wasn’t sure what had tipped the scales of her fear, but it was something they needed to explore.When her hands trembled, he wanted to slap his palm against his forehead.
“When is the last time you ate, sweetheart?”Fallon seemed surprised by the question, and watching her struggle to remember her last meal told them everything they needed to know.
“Jesus, Joseph, and Mary.No wonder you’re struggling.”Carson quickly hailed one of the trainees, giving the young man instructions to fill a plate for Fallon and bring it back as quickly as possible.The man smiled and nodded before darting across the room.
Silas knew the newbie sub would be back quickly—the man had the reputation of being almost too accommodating.Dr.Ben Stewart was an up-and-coming orthopedic surgeon at Cecelia Barnes’ clinic and used his time at the club to relieve the stress of his job.Knowing his skills met CeCe’s high standards and that he’d passed Cam’s rigorous interview spoke volumes, but what impressed his fellow club members the most was his infectious smile and easy-going personality.