“I’m bored.”
Maxwell turned and leveled a hard stare at Maggie. “What do you mean? You’ve just been shopping, bought out nearly all the wool the store had, got sixteen new patterns, eight new needles, and ogled the clerk. How could you possibly be bored?”
She frowned. “That was two hours ago.” She sighed dramatically. “My life is so…so…meh.”
Oh, crap. Maxwell knew where this was leading. “No.”
This time he got a scowl from Maggie. “No?”
“That’s what I said. No.”
“Listen, fussy pants, I—”
“No.”
Her lower lip jutted out in a completely fake pout. “But—”
“The last time we went out and did something Jarod didn’t approve of, I got a talking to. He wants you safe.”
“No,” she insisted. “He wants me to be a homebody. He thinks I should sit up here and knit all damn day. He also thinks I shouldn’t be allowed to have any fun.”
“You know that isn’t true. He just doesn’t want to have to go down to the police station. The only reason you got away with it last time is because Wayne and Ellis knew the coppers who pinched you.”
She grinned. “Oh, he could have pinched me. He was adorable. I wanted to stuff him in my bag and bring him home with me.” She slumped down. “That’s not the point, though. I want to go out and do something.”
Maxwell rubbed his nose with a thumb and forefinger. “I’m not saying yes, but if I was going to, what would you want to do?”
That perked her right up. She reached for her phone. “I have some phone calls to make!”
Rob stepped into Secrets. He waved at the cleaners, who greeted him warmly. He was shocked when he got Maggie’s call asking him to come down. As he stepped into the bar area, he was surprised to see Ellis, Tim, Heath, and a few other guys. Plus… “Olly!”
The blond whirlwind spun on a heel, nearly falling over. “Rob!” He rushed over and threw his arms around Rob’s waist. “It’s so good to see you.” He leaned back and grinned. “So, how was the spanking?”
Rob’s cheeks heated. “It…wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be,” he admitted.
“Told you!” Olly crowed. “When we got home, Joe refused to spank me. He said that Vic told him corner time worked wonders on you, so he figured that was a suitable punishment. I don’t even know what we were being punished for! We wanted to do something for our men. How can that be wrong?”
Rob snickered. “Maybe because we were in a sex shop, and you didn’t bother to mention that fact?”
“Me?” Olly squeaked. “I’m pretty sure you were there too.”
And he had been. It was probably the most fun he’d had in ages. “So what are you doing here now?”
Olly’s eyes widened. “I have to admit, when I got the phone call, I thought it was you. When the woman said her name was Maggie, and she was the owner’s mother, I figured she had the wrong number. But nope! She said a little bird told her that if she wanted to have some fun, I was the person to invite.”
A sick feeling settled in the pit of Rob’s stomach. “Maggie called you too? And she was talking about fun?” He groaned. “I see another spanking in my future.”
“You’re lucky. With the way things are going, I’m starting to worry Joe will keep putting me in the corner.”
It was weird, but Rob kind of missed his corner time. As he was about to say something, the lift doors opened, and Maggie stepped out. She looked resplendent in a dark blue sweater—probably one she’d knitted—with black pants and, of course, a pair of trainers. Her hair was swept up, framing her face. God, he loved this woman.
“So,” she said with a big grin. “I suppose you’re wondering why I called you all here today.”
“I know I am,” Tim said. “Master Aaron was… dubious when I said you’d called and asked me to come down. He was going to come home and drive me, but I said I could take a taxi. And then call him when I got here.” His cheeks pinked. “It’s like he worries or something.”
It was so damned good to see Tim in love. Aaron and Sam were the best things that ever happened to his friend.
“Don’t worry,” Maggie said. “I called and sorted it out with your masters. I reminded them they owed me, and I was collecting. Who knew Sam was such a growly bear?” She snickered.
“Why are we here?” Heath asked. “I have a bookstore to run, you know.”
“Pish,” Maggie tutted. “You needed a break. I asked Xavier, and he agreed, so you can hush now.”
“Xavier isn’t my boss,” Heath insisted.
Everyone cracked up over that.
“I don’t know why I’m here,” Olly said. “I’m not a member of the club.”
“You’re friends with my boys,” Maggie said. “That trumps everything else.” She clapped her hands. “Okay, let’s get going. We have a lot to do and not much time to get it done.”
“Uh, where are we going?” Ellis asked. “I’ve got a stack of applications to go through, and there’s a venue I need to call back to see how their event went.”
She waved a dismissive hand. “Spoke with Wayne. He’s fine doing that. He said if I needed you—and I do—then that was okay with him.”
Rob scowled. “You lied to all of them.”
Maggie shrugged. “I wouldn’t exactly say I lied. Let’s just say I might have been a tad less forthcoming than I ought to have been.”
“Lied,” Heath blurted.
“Fine! I lied. Remember, I’m old and I’ve learned to live by the old adage it’s easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission.”
“We’re doing something bad, aren’t we?” Olly said, a wide grin on his face. “I’m in. Maybe this will get Joe to give me my spankings again.”
Maxwell frowned. “If Maggie is in charge, I guarantee you a spanking is going to be the least of your worries.”
She gave Maxwell a frank stare. “I said you didn’t need to go. Me and the boys can catch a taxi there. Stay home.”
“No,” Maxwell said quickly. “Where you go, I go.” He gazed fondly at her. “Besides, you haven’t got me into trouble for hours.”
“Trust me,” she said. “This is going to get every one of us in trouble.”
Tim paled. “I don’t like the sound of that.”
Maggie stepped over to him and brushed a hand over his hair. “Sweetheart, your bears need to learn to be a little less stuffy. And don’t worry, they won’t be mad at you. It’ll be me that takes the blame. I mean, what can they do to me? It’s not like they can spank me.”
“Ooh!” Olly piped up. “They could spank me.” His cheeks pinked. “I mean… Never mind. Joe would have a fit, and I’d probably end up in chastity for like forever. So not worth it.” He snickered. “Plus, when Aiden hears, he’s going to be positively green with envy. That alone makes it worthwhile.” He glanced across to where the other men were standing. “We have a Heath too,” Olly said. “But he’s big and dommy, no offense.”
Heath rolled his eyes. “None taken.” Then he grinned. “So how big and dommy are we talking?”
Olly held up his hands to indicate broad shoulders and stood on tiptoe to raise a hand over his head.
“Ooh, that sounds…interesting. So, does he teach classes at this retreat of yours?”
“Boys, you’re getting off track.” Maggie’s eyes sparkled. “Though I’d like to know that too. We can discuss it later. Maybe I can get fussy pants a gift for his birthday.”
“Maggie? If we’re going to go, it’ll need to be soon,” Maxwell told her. “You said you’d have the guys back early.”
She cackled. “One in the morning is early,” she insisted.
“No, sorry. I can’t do that,” Tim insisted.
“I know, sweetheart. I’m only teasing. We’ll be back in a couple of hours, tops. I promise.” Then she grinned. “Unless I get lucky.”
Maxwell couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled out of him when the guys saw their destination.
“We’re going to a strip club?” Olly squealed. “I haven’t been to one in years. I asked Joe, but he said the only one he wanted to see strip was me.” He sighed. “He’s wonderful.”
Before they could enter, Maggie pulled them together and handed each of them a stack of notes. “Okay, this is in case you want to go wild and tip the dancers or get a lap dance or something.”
Tim pushed it back at her. “No, sorry. I should go home.”
He seemed near panic, his eyes wide, his breath coming in short, sharp pants.
“Tim?” He looked up, and Maxwell could see the fear bubbling. “I can take you home if you’d prefer.”
He wheezed out a few breaths, then Rob wrapped an arm around his shoulder. “We’re going to be right there with you,” he promised. “If you want to go, I’ll come with you.”
That seemed to settle something in Tim. “You would?”
“Of course,” Rob insisted, cuffing Tim on the shoulder. “You’re my mate. I would never let you go alone.”
Tim shook his head. “No, I’ll stay,” he said, his voice stronger. “Just… don’t leave me alone, okay? Master Sam is already going to be mad at me.”
“No, he won’t,” Ellis said, leaning heavily on his cane. “You aren’t touching anyone, and no one is touching you. He’ll be fine.”
Tim fidgeted. “Maybe I should call him and ask—”
“Come on, boys. Time is wasting. I need to stuff money in a hot thing’s G-string!” Maggie called out.
Olly took Tim’s hand. “We’ll all be with you. I understand you don’t know me well, but you’ve got my word that we won’t leave you alone.” His eyes gleamed. “Oh my God! Justin Tanner is having a show here tonight.” He turned and peered at Tim. “Forget everything I said. Justin Tanner is here.”
“Who?”
Olly’s eyes widened. “Only one of the hottest porn stars to ever grace a video.” His cheeks flared. “Not that I watch porn, mind you. I think Aiden was watching a video with him in it. Or something.”
That made everyone chuckle.
Maggie led the way, with Maxwell bringing up the rear. He would never admit it, but he was absolutely besotted with Maggie and her attitude, her live life to the fullest mantra. After the scare she’d had, he was glad to see she was rebounding and nearly back to her old self again.
The lights blazed when Maggie opened the door, and the sound coming from the club was near deafening. As soon as they entered, they were approached by a young man in nothing more than dental floss. Not that it bothered Maxwell. He’d seen guys in a lot less at Secrets.
“Hi! I’m Cory.” He smiled at Maggie. “And hello to you, hot stuff,” he purred.
“Oh, I like this place already,” Maggie insisted. “We’d like a table near the stage, if we can.”
“I have just the place,” Cory told her. He reached out and took her hand, and if Maxwell didn’t know better, he’d swear Maggie swooned slightly. Cory brought them to a large, round table. “Here you are. I’ll be back in a few minutes to get your orders, okay?”
“We’re not drinking, right?” Tim asked, his voice tremulous. “Masters Sam and Aaron don’t want me drinking.”
Maggie reached out and stroked a hand over Tim’s cheek. He seemed on the verge of another breakdown. Who knew that Sam and Aaron had been woven so tightly into his life? It was nearly impossible to say where one started and the other ended. It was what Tim needed to make him whole. “No, sweetheart. There won’t be any alcohol.”
“Okay,” he breathed out. “If you want, I can go back home. I know you’re here to have fun, and I’m not—”
“Don’t you dare say another word, Tim. Not one. I invited you because you’re my friend. Do I want you to have fun? Yes, of course. If you aren’t, though, then we’ll do something else. If I’m honest, it’s not the strip club that’s the draw, it’s being here with you boys.”
Olly took that moment to pipe up. “But strippers are fun too!”
Tim snorted a laugh. “Strippers it is.” He reached down and took Maggie’s hand. “But don’t go running off with them, okay?”
Maggie snickered. “I’m sorry, sweetheart, I can’t make that promise.”
They took seats at the table, and a few moments later Cory returned and took orders for non-alcoholic beverages. When he came back, he made a show of giving Maggie hers.
“For the sexy chick at the table.” He nudged her gently with his shoulder. “Are you going to get up on stage tonight? We have an amateur hour after the main event.”
Maxwell was stunned when he saw Maggie’s cheeks pink. She never seemed to get embarrassed. Of course, when she reached out and stuffed a note in the guy’s pants…
“You keep up the sweetness like that, and I won’t be held responsible for my actions.”
He leaned in and whispered something in her ear. If Maxwell thought her cheeks were pink before, right now they were blazing like a four-alarm fire. Maggie stuffed another note in his belt, then smiled when he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.
“Enjoy the show. I’ll be around if you need anything.” He smirked at Maggie. “And if you’re looking for something to do, I have a break in about an hour.”
Maggie tittered. She actually tittered! Max was fascinated watching her dissolve into a puddle of goo under this kid’s watchful eye.
“Something you want to tell us, Maggie?” he asked.
She frowned at him. “Mind your own business, snoopy.”
The shows started. Boys slipped out on stage in stunning costumes. There was glitter, there was leather, there was some of the sheerest materials known to man, and everyone—except Tim—sat enraptured as they started to slide out of the clothes. As they shimmied, men came up and proceeded to put notes in their G-strings, which generally earned them a smile or, in some cases, a kiss.
“Which one are you going to grace, Rob?” Ellis teased.
Rob shrugged. “Me? Nah, I’m happy with Vic. I like the eye candy, sure, but beyond the looking, there’s no touching. Why? Do you have your sights set on someone?”
“That guy that had the cowboy costume on was sexy as all hell,” Ellis admitted. “But I’m like you. Wayne is what makes me happy.”
“You are all a bunch of old people!” Maggie said, a wide smile on her face. “Let me show you how it’s done.”
She stood and made her way to the stage. One by one the boys paraded in front of her, and every single one of them earned a note in his G-string. And every single one of them bent and gave her a peck on the cheek. It was all so…and then it struck Max. Maggie had been here before. Many times, by the look of things. But he knew he’d never brought her to this club.
“Gentlemen!” the announcer called. “And lady. Tonight, Club Paradise is proud to present the one, the only Justin Tanner!”
Olly squealed and rushed to the stage, his notes in hand. A man stepped out and everyone in the room went quiet. He was tall, at least six-four. His sandy hair was cut short, with lightning bolts shaved into the sides. He had a broad chest, and narrow hips. His smile showed dimples and made his blue-green eyes pop.
“How is everyone tonight?” he called out.
The roar was deafening as he slid his fingers over his chest, stroking them down toward his stomach.
“Don’t know about you, but I’m feeling pretty hot.”
Woops and whistles answered that declaration.
He made his way around the stage, and Olly stood there, hand flailing, to show the money he held. Justin stopped in front of him and went down on one knee. Olly slipped him a note, but not in his belt. He put it in the man’s shirt pocket. Justin smiled down at him.
“You can put it in other places, you know,” he teased.
“Oh, I don’t think so,” Olly exclaimed. “You’re hot and everything, but Joe has it all. Plus, he’s got a paddle with my name on it, and if he even thinks I was touching another man, I won’t sit down for a month.”
Justin reached out and put a hand on Olly’s shoulder. “Then Joe is an incredibly lucky man. Tell him I said so.”
“Y-yes, I will,” Olly sputtered.
Justin’s gaze then fell on Maggie, and he beamed a smile.
“Hey, sweetheart.”
She waved at him. Justin jumped off the stage and made his way toward her. He bent and kissed her on the cheek, just as everyone else had.
“Glad you could make it,” Justin gushed. “It wouldn’t be the same without you here.”
Now Max was dying to know what was going on.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Maggie said. “How are you doing?”
“Better. Thanks to you.” He hugged her. “Can we talk after I finish?”
“Of course. I think at least one of the boys is dying to meet you.”
“The little blond? He’s too cute.”
She grinned and ran a hand over his cheek. “All my boys are.”
The rest of Justin’s time on stage, Max noticed Maggie never looked away from him. She stared as much as Olly did, but there was a difference there. Where Olly was agog, Maggie was watchful. Max got up and moved closer. When he was behind her, he leaned forward and whispered in her ear.
“Okay, what’s going on? How do you know all these people?”
Maggie shook her head. “Not now, please. Later, I promise.”
And that was good enough for Max.
Maggie took a seat at the table, all the boys that had come with her each seated and watching as one by one the boys came and greeted Maggie with a kiss on the cheek or a hug. She was so damned proud of her men. Justin came out and took a seat with the group.
“I’m really glad you’re here,” he said to Maggie, taking her hand in his.
“Well, this is your first time since….” She looked around the table.
“It’s okay, you can say it. It’s the first time since I got clean.” He faced the boys. “If this woman has claimed you as her boys, I want you to know you have the fiercest friend you’ll ever find. When I met her, I’d been hooked on cocaine. One of the…perks of being a ‘star’ is that everyone wants to throw things at you; money, sex, drugs. Whatever. I was strung out. My manager got me into a program at a place run by Maggie’s son and his partner. She was my counselor. She talked, I listened. I talked, and she scoffed.”
“I did no such thing!” Maggie blurted out.
“I know you didn’t,” Justin said, a wide smile on his face. “You were my angel.” He waved a hand toward the club. “You’ve been an angel to many of us here.”
“Maggie?” Max whispered.
She sighed. “When I started volunteering, I met boys who were out on the street. Some of them were hooked on drugs. But every damned one of them was a human being. And I intended to show them that fact. It took a while. Some of them were looking for jobs. I found this place. They could have been hired as servers or bartenders, but a few—not many—wanted to try stripping. They made great money, and they were happy about that. The one thing I insisted on was they keep talking to me. I never wanted them to fall back into old habits.”
“You think you know someone,” Heath whispered.
“So how long have you been doing this?” Maxwell asked.
“Since they opened,” was the reply. “I…” She sighed. “Anyone repeats this to Eli or Jarod, and I’ll swear you’re lying. Jarod needs Eli to center him. As such, he’s devoted to him. I’m not saying he doesn’t have time for me, because he does. The thing is, he’ll make time, even if Eli has something planned. I don’t want that for him, but I also need something for myself. This place? These guys? They’re my something.” She grinned. “Plus, it’s like having a secret family. After what happened to Tim, I will do my damnedest to ensure these guys always have someone there for them.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? I could have driven you.”
“Because I wanted this to be for me. I love you, but sometimes I need some alone time. I hope you understand.”
“I do,” he promised. “When we got here, why did you let us think you didn’t know about the place?”
“I didn’t want to influence how you saw it. I wanted these wonderful men to win you over with their personalities, not have you like them because I do.”
He smiled at Justin. “How’d you meet Maggie?”
Justin sighed. “My parents never accepted me. They were sure I could change. The love of a good woman, and all that. It split us apart. I mean, we talk, but it’s always light conversation. They don’t want to know what’s going on in my life. They couldn’t care less that I’ve been seeing Jon for a year now. Maggie? She’s always so excited when I make progress.”
Cory came by the table. Maggie slid over and let him have her seat. “Whew. Been a busy night,” he said, reaching for Maggie’s hand. “I got that shawl nearly done. If you have time, I’d love for you to see it.”
“Absolutely,” Maggie promised him. “Did you have any problems?”
He shook his head. “Not once you showed me where I was messing up. My friend is going to love this. Blue and red are her favorite colors.”
“Ooh, guys…” Ellis said, nudging Rob, “I think she’s got another knitting group on the side. Do we need to be jealous?”
Maggie frowned at him. “Do you want to know why I brought you all here tonight? I wanted you to meet my boys. Maybe become friends with them. They need the support structure that you all share at the club. I want that for them too.”
Olly beamed. “I would love to help them out. Joe would too, I’m sure.”
“We all will,” Rob promised. Then he stood and hurried to Maggie’s side. When he got there, he pulled her into a tight hug. “You amaze me, you know?”
She sighed and wrapped her arms around his waist, putting her head on his chest. “I’ve been blessed with so many things, I want others to share in them too. I have two sets of amazing friends, and I’d love to see them get closer.”
“Speaking for myself, I’d love to have more friends,” Rob exclaimed. “And knowing they have your seal of approval? That speaks volumes.”
Justin rose. “I have to get ready to go. Jon is picking me up and we’re going shopping. He won’t tell me what for, but I think he’s going to ask me to marry him. If not now, then soon.”
Maggie’s eyes lit up. She turned from Rob and hugged Justin. “I am so proud of you.”
He kissed her on the top of the head. “None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for you. You pretty much literally saved my life.”
“No,” she said, her tone showing she wasn’t going to brook any argument. “You did that, because you wanted more for yourself. I just got to watch as you stepped up.” She glanced at Cory, who stood there looking at Maggie as though the sun rose and set on her. She reached out and he took her hand, and Max noted the sheen of tears in his eyes. “All of you.”
“I’m never going to be perfect,” Cory reminded her.
“I would never want you to be. Perfect is boring. I mean, look at me.”
Everyone at the table laughed, and it was then Cory burst into tears. He leaned over and clutched Maggie.
“If it wasn’t for you, I’d be dead.”
“See, I don’t believe that. You’re a survivor. You’ve done everything you can to claw your way back to having a life.”
“What happened to you?” Olly asked, eyes wide.
“That’s not for me to share,” Maggie said.
“No, it’s okay,” Cory replied. “My therapist says I need to talk it out. My stepfather used to beat me,” he said, a shiver coursing through him. “It started with his hand, then a fist, and finally a belt. Each time my mum made excuses. ‘Oh, he works so hard and he’s stressed’ or ‘If you’d stop upsetting him…’ The last time, it was so bad, the neighbors called the police because of my screams. They took me out of there and arrested him. I didn’t have anyone to take me, so the officers helped me get to Maggie. I know others have said it, but she’s my guardian angel. She got me a job here, and I love it. I get to watch hot guys strip for free, I make good money behind the bar. Now I just need a man who’ll see me and sweep me off my feet.” His cheeks flushed. “I mean, that’s my dream.”
“And it’s a good one,” Maggie assured him. “I’m afraid we have to go. Is it okay if I take a look at the shawl next time?”
“Oh, sure. I—”
“Maggie?”
She turned to Tim. “Yes, love?”
“I… Can you give me a minute to make a call?”
“Is everything okay?” Rob asked, his concern obvious.
“I think so. It’s just important I make this call now. Don’t do anything until I get back, okay?”
“If you’re sure you’re okay.”
Tim nodded. “I’m fine. Better than.”
“Okay. Don’t go too far.”
“I won’t.”
Tim stood and went to a quiet corner. He snickered, thinking this was the kind of place Rob would end up. He fished his phone from his pocket, and tapped the contact he wanted.
“Tim? Is everything okay?”
“Yes, Master Aaron. It’s fine. I… I need to ask you for a favor.”
“Okay, what is it?”
“Maggie brought us to a strip club, and—”
“She what?”
“No, please, don’t be upset. I was with Rob and the others the whole time. I didn’t do anything you wouldn’t approve of, I promise. It’s just…” He drew in a sharp breath. “Maggie brought us here, because a few of the men who work here have Maggie to thank for helping them, just like I did. She wanted us to make new friends and… Is it okay if I stay here a little later? I know you’re probably upset, but—”
“Tim, stop. Take a breath. I’m not upset, okay? Not with you, not with Maggie. Her heart is always in the right place. Now, what’s this favour?”
“I’d like to stay. I want to get to know these guys, to become friends with them, if I can. We have so much in common, and I just…” He sniffled. “I know how they feel.”
“Have I told you recently how very proud of you Sam and I are? You’ve brought so much to our lives, and every day you continue to enrich it. We’re humbled that you’re ours. Yes, stay with them. I expect a call when you leave, though. Is that fair?”
“Yes, Master. More than. And Master? I love you too.”
“Don’t stay out too late. Remember, you still have your morning chores to do. As Sam says, our dicks aren’t going to suck themselves.”
Tim snickered. “Those aren’t chores,” he insisted. “I rather enjoy them.”
“Cheeky git. Go on, make friends. Do us proud – again.”
Aaron disconnected. Tim squared his shoulders, then headed back for the table. He gave Cory a smile. “Does this place serve hot chocolate?”
Cory frowned. “Not really, but we have the stuff we use for drinks. There’s chocolate syrup there.”
“Good enough. Would it be okay if you brought each of us a glass of chocolate milk so we could toast to friends, both old and new? I have a feeling the lot of us are going to be seeing more of each other very soon.”
Rob snorted. “They’ve already taken their clothes off. How much more can we see?”
Tim settled into his chair as Cory went to the bar. He reached for Maggie. “Hey, I spoke with Master Aaron. He said I could stay out later. I… I want to thank you for bringing us here. I’m eager to meet your other friends.”
She threw her arms around him. “Thank you, love. That means a lot to me.”
Looking at the smiles on everyone’s faces, it seemed that the road trip meant a lot to them, too.
And that made Tim proud to have this now expanding family.