Mastering Melody (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) by Rachel Clark

frustration. He’d had a lot of subs use their safe words with him in the weeks leading up to Casey’s attack—even Bianca and Kate safe worded him.”
    “That’s no excuse,” Grant says angrily.
    “I’m not making excuses for him,” Mitchell says in that deep, rumbling voice that I’d found so intimidating that first night—and in all honesty still do. “I’m merely trying to identify any warning signs that we missed.”
    “Have you spoken to Bianca and Kate?” Ryan asks.
    Mitchell raises an eyebrow and apparently waits long enough for Ryan to realize that was a stupid question. “Yes, I spoke to them both. Bianca says that with Robert she often used ‘yellow’ to slow things down, but Kate has never safe worded anyone. When she first told me, I was glad to hear that she reached a point where she knew to use it. I was even grateful to Robert for pushing her to that point. I’ve long been worried for Kate’s safety. It takes a lot of pain for her to get into subspace, and once she’s there she seems oblivious even to extreme danger. I actually forbade her to play outside of the club.”
    “Good call,” Ryan says. “How did she take it?”
    “Quite well,” Mitchell replies with a nod. “I think she realizes that the type of play she enjoys can easily get out of hand. At least with the dungeon monitors around she’ll be protected even if she forgets to use her safe word.”
    “Can we do that with some of the other subs?”
    “I’ve already spoken to those at highest risk, but we really have no control once they go home.”
    Ryan still looks concerned, but he nods and says, “Thanks, Mitch, I really appreciate your help on this.”
    “Not a problem,” Mitchell answers with a smile. “Many of my clients are members of the club these days.” He holds up a hand, perhaps stopping whatever question Grant was going to ask. “All of the subs and even several of the Doms have signed waivers for me to discuss issues that may be a problem inside the club. I have their trust, and I don’t plan to abuse it.” He smiles but breathes out heavily. “It does make it tricky some play nights, though.”
    “Just as well you’ve got a sub who doesn’t like sharing,” Grant says in a slightly more jovial voice.
    “Very true,” Mitchell agrees with a wicked grin.
    They talk for a little while longer and then finish their meeting. I watch as the other men leave quickly, but Mitchell stays behind, clearly curious enough to court Ryan’s annoyance.
    “Anything I should know?” he asks with a nod in my direction.
    “No,” Ryan says in that dismissive tone once more. Apparently Mitchell knows Ryan well and isn’t the least bit intimidated by his attitude.
    “So I don’t need to keep an eye out for irate fiancés?”
    Ryan breathes out heavily, obviously annoyed at the questions but apparently realizing that he owes his friend an explanation. “Bradley knows what’s going on. For the most part, it was his idea.”
    “For the most part?” Mitchell asks, managing to keep a straight face.
    “Drop it, Mitch,” Ryan says irritably.
    Mitchell holds up his hands in surrender. “Just doing my job,” he says in a rather smug-sounding voice. “You’re the one who made the rule that any Dom who introduces a sub to this lifestyle in your club is responsible for her welfare. I’m just doing what you asked. Making certain the little sub is well cared for.”
    Ryan runs a hand down his face and laughs softly. “You’re a real bastard some days.” But there is no heat in his words, just the type of brotherly teasing I often see between Ryan and Bradley. “Melody has a contract with both myself and Bradley for the next three weeks. This week she is a full-time submissive with two Doms. We’ll review the situation on Sunday and adjust accordingly.”
    “So Bradley is coming back into the fold?”
    Ryan nods, grinning widely, clearly happy to have his brother step back into the BDSM lifestyle. Mitchell