Chapter Twelve
Fallon had forgottenwhat hard work bartending was—damn, her feet hurt.Her back ached from carrying freaking bottles of water from the back storeroom.Everything ached, but she was happier than she’d been in over a year.The staff she worked with were friendly.They’d answered her questions and helped her master the identification system that assured members didn’t participate in scenes after drinking anything with alcohol.
One piece of protocol had been easy for her to remember—addressing the Dominants as Sir and Ma’am.It was a point of etiquette her parents had always insisted on, so the habit was already deeply ingrained.Hearing subs refer to their play partners, spouses, and Dominants as Master seemed odd, and she hoped to get past thinking it was degrading.Aside from anything involving body fluids, the only other aspect of the lifestyle she’d read about that totally repulsed her was humiliation.For the life of her, Fallon couldn’t understand why anyone would willingly submit themselves to some things she’d read about.
“Hey, girl, how did your first shift go?We didn’t scare you off yet, did we?”Tobi bounced up onto a bar stool, flashing a huge grin and pulling Fallon out of her thoughts.
“It was fun, but I’m humbled to find out how out of shape I am.Holy Helga, who knew those cases of water were so heavy?”The bar where she’d worked during college had been paranoid as hell about injuries, so she’d been required to use a handcart to move anything heavier than a six-pack of beer.Once she’d started at the pharmacy, she’d worked such strange hours, it became difficult to establish a workout routine, and the gym in her small apartment complex was overrun with creeps.
“You are supposed to have one of the male subs bring the cases up for you.Didn’t they tell you?”
“Yes, but I never seemed to know I needed help until it was too late to track someone down.”
“Cher, that excuse isn’t going to cut it.”Carson’s arm snaked around her from the back, and with a quick tug, she was surrounded by his warmth.
Closing her eyes just for a second, Fallon absorbed his warmth and strength, hoping no one heard the small whimper she hadn’t been able to hold back.When she opened her eyes, Tobi was grinning like a Cheshire cat.
“Oh, this is wonderful.Master Carson and Master Silas had almost given up finding you.”Kyle and Kent quickly flanked their wife, giving Fallon the impression they hoped to keep her from talking herself into trouble.“And then to think they smacked you with a mirror.Damn, what an introduction.At least Master Kyle didn’t run over me on the highway.”
“It was a near miss, and you know it, Kitten.I’d never have forgiven myself if I hurt you.”Kyle’s tone reflected a sincerity and softness Fallon hadn’t expected.
It seemed the club members she’d overheard talking about Kyle West considered him the harder of the two men.She knew they were considered mirror-image twins, but she was pleased to find it hadn’t been difficult for her to tell them apart.Their different personalities made the distinction clearer, and she wondered if they could switch the personas at will like she’d seen other twins do so often.
“But you didn’t hit me, so I’m not sure I see your point.On the other hand, Fallon was sent ass over tea kettle into the ditch.”Turning her attention back to Fallon, the bubbly blonde grinned.“You did a great job covering up the bruises, Fallon.I was going to offer to help, but… well, I got distracted by two very handsome men this afternoon.”She leaned against Kyle, making him chuckle.
“She took a nap after our water sports.Shameless.”He nodded toward Silas, who was making his way across the main room.“Mom tells me the two of you are going to chat tomorrow.She wants the meeting to take place at my parents’ home.The property is directly adjacent to Prairie Winds but doesn’t have the same level of security.”
Fallon recognized the deliberate pause for what it was, but if he thought she was going to let him off the hook without a full explanation, he didn’t give her enough credit.A fleeting smile or resignation was the only outward acknowledgment he knew she was onto him.
“In the interest of security, I’ve asked her to host you on-site.You’ll have lunch in the gazebo, so you’ll have privacy.”
Fallon didn’t miss the subtle shift in Tobi’s posture.Something her husband said didn’t sit well with the other woman, and Fallon made a mental note to find out what had triggered her response.
“After you talk to our mother, Kent and I would like to speak with you.Carson and Silas are welcome to join the conversation, and I hope they do.Communication is always key when you are working to keep someone safe.”
Fallon had to give the man credit—he was a master at spinning an understatement.She might not be the most experienced or worldly woman around, but she’d worked in bars long enough to spot a smokescreen at a thousand paces.
“I appreciate your concern, but I’m curious about something.”He blinked in surprise, making her want to smile.Kyle West wasn’t a man accustomed to being questioned.If Fallon was guessing, she’d put good money on him allowing only two women to push him away from the hardline he seemed to take with those around him.“You mentioned the security being less at your parents, which implies you don’t have the entire property covered with cameras and audio-recording equipment.”
Kyle’s lips quirked a second before a broad smile spread over his face.
“Jigs up, brother.Level with the woman so we can all get to sleep.She’s going to find out anyway, and you can save us time and entertainment at your expense when she leads you by the nose to the inevitable reveal.”Kent West shook his head, amusement making his eyes sparkle.Redirecting his attention to Fallon, she watched him turn on the charm and wanted to laugh.
Hello.Bartender in a college bar for over six years.Hell, I worked for two years with a fake ID.I wasn’t even old enough to drink when I started.Thinking I’d miss this ploy is borderline insulting.
“I swear I’ve tried to civilize him, Fallon.Unfortunately, nothing seems to stick.He regularly underestimates women—particularly those he believes require his protection.”
Oh, brother.Kent West was laying it on thick and smooth.It seemed Kyle wasn’t the only one who underestimated her.Fallon crossed her arms over her chest, leveling a look at him she hoped he understood.
“We are all tired.How about I help you cut to the chase.I’ve dealt with enough drunken frat boys to know a snow job when my nose is being rubbed in it.”Tobi snickered and gave her a discreet thumbs-up.“I don’t have any illusions about privacy during my meeting with your mother.I only ask that we aren’t interrupted.I want to ask questions and listen to her responses without worrying about what everyone around me is thinking.Focusing on what your mother knows will help me put together the pieces.I may not be a cryptologist like your friend, Carl Phillips, but I know my dad wouldn’t have given me a puzzle I had no hope solving.”All three Wests reacted to her mention of Carl Phillips—interesting.
“Our team will monitor visually, but we won’t eavesdrop on your conversation.You need to be able to ask questions, confident my mother can respond candidly.I assure you she has already torn several large patches off my hide during our earlier… negotiation.”
“Juicy deets to follow.I can hardly wait for the party version of this conversation, but I’m sacked.Let Fallon get some sleep; she’ll need it to keep up with Lilly.I love that woman to death, but she is a firecracker, and it’s in your best to stay alert.”
Fallon sagged back against Carson without realizing how tense she’d become.Grateful for Tobi’s intersession, Fallon turned to Silas, giving him a small smile.
“Tobi’s right.I haven’t spent a lot of time with Lilly, but it doesn’t take long to know I need to be in top form to find out everything I’d want to know.My mom counted Lilly among her oldest and dearest friends, so it may be tough to crack through that loyalty.”Carson’s arms tightened around her, infusing her with strength.“I’ll be happy to share whatever information I learn.The more we know, the sooner this can be resolved.I’m not thrilled about having the rug yanked out from under me by the controlling jackass who wanted me to share a bed with a teenager.”