Waiting on April Read online

  Table of Contents

  Cover

  Table of Contents

  Acclaim for Bella Settarra

  Look for these titles from Bella Settarra

  Title Page

  Copyright Warning

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  About the Author

  Also by Bella Settarra

  More Romance from Etopia Press

  ~ Acclaim for Bella Settarra ~

  For Ménage on Moone Mountain

  “The well-written scenes and details capture the imagination and the well-orchestrated suspense ensures that the reader wants to know every detail. The reader can’t help but get caught up in the story emotionally... Be prepared for some tears as danger finds Brooke and threatens their happily ever after before they really get started on it.

  I was completely caught up in this moving and passionate romance from the very beginning and the author has created an intriguing setting with some sexy sounding characters that has caught my attention and I can’t wait to get to know them all better.”

  —Night Owl Reviews

  Look for these titles from Bella Settarra

  Now Available

  The Men of Moone Mountain Series

  Ménage on Moone Mountain (Book One)

  Red-Light Wrangler (Book Two)

  The Collars and Cuffs Series

  Waiting on Summer (Book One)

  Waiting on Tuesday (Book Two)

  Waiting on April (Book Three)

  Waiting on April

  Collar and Cuffs Book Three

  Bella Settarra

  Etopia Press

  Copyright Warning

  EBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared, or given away. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is a crime punishable by law. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded to or downloaded from file sharing sites, or distributed in any other way via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000 (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/).

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are fictitious or have been used fictitiously, and are not to be construed as real in any way. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales, or organizations is entirely coincidental.

  Published By

  Etopia Press

  136 S. Illinois Ave. Suite 212

  Oak Ridge, TN 37830

  http://www.etopiapress.com

  Waiting on April

  Copyright © 2015 by Bella Settarra

  ISBN: 978-1-941692-87-5

  All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  First Etopia Press electronic publication: July 2015

  GLOSSARY OF WAITING ON AND KITCHEN TERMS

  This is a list of some of the terminology used in the Collar and Cuffs series. Some terms may differ between establishments and/or countries.

  Waiting on—the term used for serving customers in a restaurant.

  Silver Service—the practice of serving each item of food separately using a fork and spoon (occasionally two forks or two spoons depending on food). Term refers to the use of silverware—food is served from silver platters/dishes with silver cutlery.

  Plate Service—the act of serving meals already plated, usually used in cafés, diners etc.

  Dumbwaiter—type of sideboard that is assigned to each station to hold cutlery, cloths, etc.

  Station—the area or tables to which a specific waiter/waitress is assigned to serve.

  Covers—the number of guests eating, i.e. “set that table for six covers,” or “we served over two hundred covers tonight.”

  Deuce—refers to a table of two diners or a party of two.

  Busboy/busgirl/busperson—a member of the restaurant staff who is assigned to help the waiting on staff by clearing and setting tables, taking dirty dishes from the restaurant to the dishwasher, etc. (In Britain this person is usually referred to as a commis waiter.)

  Bussing—roles performed by a busboy.

  Front of house—the area of the restaurant that a customer will usually see.

  Back of house—any area of a restaurant that a customer won’t be able to see, usually refers to the kitchen, but can also include changing rooms, utility areas, etc.

  The line—the area of the kitchen where waiting on staff wait to receive their food orders. (Sometimes used as in “waiting in line,” “waiting on the line,” etc.)

  The window—the area of the kitchen where waiting on staff are passed their food orders. “The line” leads up to this section.

  Expeditor (or “expo”)—this person is responsible for overseeing the food leaving the kitchen to be taken to the restaurant. They usually stand by “the window” to monitor quality, speed, etc.

  Eight-six—refers to an item that is “off” the menu, or a customer who is being or has been refused service.

  “In the weeds”—hellishly busy.

  Slammed—not quite “in the weeds” but close to it.

  Jumpin—very busy.

  “On the fly”—done straight away, i.e. a VIP’s meal may be done “on the fly” so he doesn’t have to wait around for it.

  To walk—to literally walk out of the job; to leave before the end of the shift.

  DEDICATION

  For Lisa, a lovely lady and a true friend. Xx

  CHAPTER ONE

  “Are you playing tonight, darlin’?”

  His words were music to her ears.

  “Yes please, Master Steve.”

  “Anything in particular?”

  April glanced around the dungeon of Collar and Cuffs, delighted that the handsome Dom had given her the choice. It was a quiet night and several stations were free. Her eyes settled on the St. Andrew’s Cross and a shiver ran down her back.

  “The cross?” Steve’s eyes must have followed hers.

  She nodded with a smile. “Yes please, Sir.”

  His grin made her stomach flutter. It seemed to light up his whole face. She followed him over to the cross, admiring his ass in his tight leathers. Steve Ratner was a really large guy; he must have been around 6’ 4” and all muscle. She supposed he needed to be that way for his job as Police Sergeant, and she loved it. He totally dwarfed her. She was only 4’ 10” and very petite, although when he praised her she felt like she was ten feet tall.

  Master Steve checked over the cross before inviting her to step up and take her position on the large structure.

  “I think we’ll use rope tonight,” he told her as she sank into the familiar sensation of the warm, hard wood against her soft skin.

  His hands felt warm and massive as his fingers grazed against hers while he fastened the ropes at her wrists and then her ankles.

  “Is that all right, darlin’?”

  He was running his large finger under the rope, checking the fit.

  “Yes Sir.”

  Excitement roiled in her belly at the feel of his skin next to hers and the anticipation of what was to come. She sighed as he rubbed her back, her arms, and then her legs
as if marking out his territory. This always made her feel secure, somehow.

  “Very nice.” His deep voice hummed through her, and she smiled at his compliment. It always felt so nice to please him.

  Her furor was further heightened by the sound of a single-tail being whipped through the air.

  The first sting made her squeal as it felt like it was penetrating deep into her soul, but after that she settled into his steady rhythm. Five whacks and then his warm hand would soothe her, five whacks again and then that big hand. She wasn’t sure how many times he did this.

  That initial bite soon dissipated and all she felt was the thud of the leather on her skin and that warm hand as they morphed into a heat which spread right through her body and dulled her brain. She closed her eyes and let the feelings overtake her, flying higher and higher on a warm breeze. Letting go of all her thoughts, she allowed the freedom he gave her to take her to places only they knew.

  She felt a connection with Master Steve she had never felt with anyone in her life before. He was the only person she trusted, the only man she wanted, though she could never tell him that. He took all her worries away from her without even knowing it.

  The thuds became more intense, as did her feeling of elation. The only sounds in her ears were the whip against her flesh and his deep, soothing voice. She felt like a bird, drifting from one thermal to another as she continued to soar. Her susceptible body, as well as her mind, was open to him and him alone as it wracked with delicious sensations only he could offer. It was too bad he would never know how intense he made her feel. She knew she’d never be able to tell him.

  “Come for me, darlin’.”

  She didn’t need telling twice. The sound of that broad Southern accent and the command of her Master were enough to send her reeling. She screamed as a colossal tidal wave crashed through her body. She could feel his large hands rubbing her as he gently swiped her soaking pussy, caressing her dripping folds while she zoomed to new heights. Every nerve, every fiber of her being was suddenly awakened and standing on edge, alert to his ministrations, ready to obey his every command.

  April trembled as his strong hands swiftly untied her and she was soon in his muscular arms, breathing in his fresh scent, snuggling into his massive bare chest while he carried her over to the sofas.

  “That was wonderful. You did so well, darlin’.”

  His voice thrummed through his chest and vibrated against her ear. Her eyes were still closed, savoring every moment, every sensation.

  She felt him sit down and snuggled deeper into his warmth as he placed a soft blanket over her. All the time she could hear him shushing her as she slowly fell back to earth. She was vaguely aware of him whispering to her as she sank into a beautiful dream.

  In her head she and Master Steve were lovers. They were ecstatically happy and enjoying a romantic stroll by a river. As they walked along the dream became darker. They were aware of someone running toward them. Greg Preston? He looked as handsome as ever—his blond hair shining in the sun and his big blue eyes staring at her.

  “What are you doing with him? You should be with me.” Greg looked mortified, and she felt horror inside her. How could she do this to him? And to Master Steve?

  Her heart sank. She wasn’t supposed to be with Master Steve. It was all wrong. She was betraying Greg, the guy she was supposed to love. She stared at Master Steve who looked confused and hurt.

  “I’m sorry,” she told them both and ran, crying, down the path, away from them. Her heart throbbed as she remembered the looks in both their faces. How could she have been so cruel? She thought of Master Steve and all that sweet love she’d felt for him moments ago turned to hollow pangs of guilt. Confusion swamped her mind and she suddenly slipped on some mud and found herself hurtling toward the river.

  “It’s all right, darlin’.” Master Steve’s voice seeped into her mind and she was drawn to it. “Open your eyes.”

  April’s eyes popped open and she stared up into his gorgeous face. She could feel him stroking her cheek gently as she took in her surroundings.

  “Was it a bad dream?” Master Steve looked concerned as he gazed down at her.

  Slowly her heart stopped hammering and she sat up, looking at the club around her. There weren’t many people about. Must have been late. The lights were dimmed and no one was playing anymore. She shivered, pulling the blanket tighter around her. She was still in Master Steve’s strong arms, and momentarily closed her eyes as the relief that it had not been real washed over her.

  “I have to get going,” she told him quietly, but firmly.

  “You sure, darlin’? We can stay a little longer if you like. Perhaps you should talk about it?”

  “No, really, I have to go.” She straightened up, and he released her.

  “OK,” he relented, standing up with her. Since he was a Dom, he knew when no meant no.

  They went through to the changing rooms and April slumped against her locker. That dream kept running through her mind and making it hard to focus on anything else. What the heck was it all about anyhow? Greg Preston was the rat who cheated on her! Why should she be worried about hurting his feelings? And what about Master Steve? He was a lovely man who she really enjoyed being with, but she had to remember that he was just another man. A great-looking guy like him could have just about any woman he wanted…and he probably did!

  She hadn’t actually seen him with anyone, but she wasn’t down here every night. Someone as lovely as him was bound to have women chasing after him. How on earth could she have even thought about him as her lover?

  She laughed out loud as she quickly dressed in her jeans and sweater. She grabbed her bag and opened the door.

  “You all right, darlin’?”

  Master Steve was waiting for her, leaning against the opposite wall. He had also changed into jeans and wore a sweater that opened down the front. His dark, curly chest hair peeked out enticingly, and his tight Levi’s accentuated his muscular legs.

  April gasped. She had seen him plenty of times and knew what a handsome man he was, but somehow he appeared a little different tonight. He smiled at her. That smile which lit up his whole face and made his eyes shine. His thick, dark hair was slightly damp. Weird for him to have taken a shower too.

  “I’m fine,” she assured him when she finally found her voice.

  “Come on then, I’ll run you home.”

  “No, honestly, I’ve got a bus due in a few minutes. Besides, it’s right out of your way.” She quickly brushed past him and headed for the elevator.

  “It’s late, darlin’. I’d like to drive you home.” He looked a little hurt as he keyed in the button for the floor above.

  The dungeon of Collar and Cuffs took up the whole of the lowest floor, while the reception area and restaurant were on the level above, with most of the offices above that. It was a very prestigious club, with membership only considered after several references and another club’s recommendation, so it attracted an elite clientele.

  “Thanks for a lovely night,” she told him as the elevator stopped. “It was really great. I just need to get home now. Honestly, I’d rather take the bus.” She smiled at him, silently pleading him to understand her need to be alone.

  Master Steve sighed as they reached the main doors, his car keys already in his hand.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said brightly.

  “Well, if you’re sure. But you be careful, ya hear? You still remember all those moves I taught ya?”

  She giggled. She’d never forget all the self-defense techniques he’d drummed into her. He had insisted on teaching her how to look after herself months ago, as he was so concerned that, being so small, she was a target for every mugger or rapist out there.

  “I remember,” she assured him, standing on tiptoes to give him a quick peck on the cheek as she set off.

  She’d never forget those hours they’d spent in the gym together. “Common sense is the best self-defense,” he had drummed
into her over and over. “Your brain is your best weapon.” He was right. By keeping a clear head and thinking logically about her next move she had managed to maneuver her tiny frame out of all sorts of holds he tried to trap her into, and even managed to sweep him off his feet on one occasion!

  She learned the best body parts to aim for to do most damage more easily. She remembered them by the acronym he had taught her, KNEELING. It resonated with her because kneeling was the last thing she would do in a dangerous situation, but it stood for knees, nose, eyes, ears, legs, neck and groin, while the “i” stood for the most important thing to remember—herself. She had been reluctant to poke Master Steve in the eyes, or swipe his carotid or jugular veins at first, but after he taunted her a little and sent her crashing onto the mat a few times she soon lost all her inhibitions on that score.

  Not that she ever did him any real damage.

  He’d made it a lot of fun too, although he never stopped telling her how serious it all was. She smirked as she remembered some of their more intimate moments when they had found themselves one on top of the other, adrenaline pumping, eyes shining, and skin tingling. Yeah, those were the times she’d never forget.

  The cold air whipped around her as she took the short walk to the bus stop. She was pleased she didn’t have to wait long and wasn’t surprised she was the only passenger on the bus. It was nearly two in the morning, after all.

  She sighed. She missed Master Steve already. He was a great guy and she would love to have taken him up on his offer of a lift home, but it wouldn’t be right. She would only ask him in for coffee, which would probably lead to sex. Then what? What if he stayed the night? What if she woke up in his arms in the morning? No, that would be too much. She couldn’t get that close to him. He was a man, and if she had learned anything about men it was that they required a wide berth.