Mastering the Virgin Box Set Five: A BDSM Ménage Erotic Romance novel Chapter 13

My gut curls in on itself. “I’m beginning to understand why she got so frustrated at being locked up, not able to do anything….”

“Hang on to that thought.”

“I’ll let Richard know we’ve heard from her. That should cheer him up. Beth too.”

“Good idea.” Michael leans back against the desk, hands in his pockets. “Has he spoken to you the last day or so?”

“Barely at all. I’d say he’s trapped between joy at having Beth back and guilt that we didn’t get Charlotte.”

“Yeah….” He huffs. “I think I’d feel the same. As you say, give him a call. Put them out of their misery.”

I set the phone to loudspeaker, then call. The phone rings only once before Richard answers, his voice strained. “Yes, James?”

“Good news. We’ve heard from Charlotte.”

“Oh, my God!” Twenty floors separate us, and I can hear him stand up. “Is she alright?”

Michael’s eyes dance in the first real shot we’ve had at humour in days.

“She’s free,” I say, “And she’s on the move. Is it convenient if Michael and I come up to talk?”

“Yes, of course.” His voice breaks away from the mouthpiece, somehow echoing and muffled at once, but still clearly audible. “Elizabeth, it’s James. They’ve heard from Charlotte.”

Beth’s voice starts distantly but grows loud by the end of a few short words. “Oh, thank God. Where is she?”

“They’re coming up to talk. James, have you told Will Stanton yet? Do you want me to call him?”

“No, don’t. That’s what we need to talk about.”

His puzzlement is loud. “Really? Very well. Come up as soon as you’re ready. We’ll be here.”

“On our way.”

It’s an emotional meeting. As we enter their apartment, Beth bursts into tears, throwing herself into Michael’s arms where, slightly awkwardly, he pats her on the back, trying to ‘touch without touching’.

Richard cocks a brow, but his eyes crinkle as he watches the performance. Then he turns, shakes my hand, taking my elbow in the other hand. “James, words fail me. This last few days….”

“It’s alright,” I say. “She’s fine, and it’s clear that she’s very much functioning.” Michael disentangles himself from Beth’s trembling embrace while I recount the conversation of a few minutes prior.

*****

A few hours later, we both receive a single short message.

On my way

Then nothing for a full day, until:

Almost there

And again, nothing else for some time.

Before, I was in despair, but now, blinded by the love of my Jade-Eyes, wondering what happens next, I am crippled by hope.

And we wait…. endlessly….

*****

Richard

Michael paces up and down, his face a brewing storm as he grows more and more agitated. Something is building in him and I'm not sure I want to be in the way of it when it bursts.…

James, unspeaking, watches him. He can see as well as I can that something is about to blow.

She’s coming….

…. but when?

My thoughts must show in my face. Michael looks at me askance. “What?”

“Do you blame me for this?”

He swings his head, brow furrowed. “Why would I blame you?”

“If I had forbidden Charlotte…”

He cuts me off. “If she wouldn’t take it from me or James, I don’t think you would have gotten anywhere.” His voice is bitter. “Charlotte does what Charlotte does. Perhaps we all simply have to live with that if we want her in our lives.”

I had lost my wife and they had Charlotte….

She brought Elizabeth to me, but at what price?

It’s taking too long….

…. Has she been recaptured?

I can't say that....

They must be thinking it themselves.…