Page 15 of Imperfect Skin

“Yes, we’re colouring now and after we are going to eat some more cake and get Doc to dance again,” Alice answered, leaning against me.

Doc, who was sitting across from the kids, shook his head. “Little monsters.”

That only earned a pair of giggles from Alice and Benji.

“Look, love, I have to pop out and do something, so Gran is going to take you home tonight. Is that okay?”

Alice nodded. Looking at me, she frowned. “Is it to find Mouse?”

“Why is that, love?”

“He left a while ago and he kind of looked sad.”

I glanced over to see Doc watching me, his silver brow arched so high I thought it had become one with his hairline. “Yeah, something like that. Now can you promise me you’ll behave for Gran?”

“I promise. I can even help her feed the ducks in the morning.”

I kissed her head and got the usual scolding for my beard tickling her, before she turned back to Benji and started to tell him all about my mum’s ducks.

Doc stood as I did and came around the table. “I’ll keep an eye on her till your mum’s ready to head home. Is everything okay?”

“Honestly, Cullen, I have no idea,” I answered, shaking my head.

Sitting in my car, I pulled out my phone and scrolled through my contact list. I found Marcus’s number quickly and hit call. I just prayed he answered.

The phone rang for what felt like forever and I was about to give up when Marcus answered with a rushed hello.

“Hello, Marcus, it’s Callum Harris.”

“Well, I’ll be damned. I was just speaking to Eve about you the other day. How are you?”

“I’m good. The shop and Alice are keeping me busy.”

“Still no special little pain slut in your life?”

“Ah no, not quite. Look, mate, I wish this was a social call but it’s not. I’m a bit worried.”

Marcus's voice became serious. “Of course. What can I do for you?”

“A friend has been going to The Pit. It seems he’s been getting himself hurt, more than a sensible Dom would allow, and tonight he’s headed there with someone who I don’t think is even trained.”

Marcus let out a slow breath. “I was worried about something like this. I sold The Pit going on eight months ago or more. I was pressured into selling. It was a whole ugly mess and the people who took over would not have been my choice, so needless to say I’ve heard some rumblings.”

“Shit. I was hoping you were still there. Well, there’s nothing for it. I’m just going to have to break a few speed limits. I think I remember how to get there.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be more help.” There was a pause before Marcus continued speaking. “Actually, swing by and grab me. I want to have a serious word with the men who took over.”

“I will. You still at the old place after the Leeds turn-off?”

“Same place. I’ll be waiting for you.”

I turned the ignition over as I finished up the call. I didn’t want to waste any more time getting to Mouse. My stomach clenched at the thought of Mouse letting himself be hurt. As a sadist I enjoyed dishing out pain—but it was always consensual, and always with the knowledge that the submissive was getting something from it, be that catharsis, stress relief, or sexual pleasure. What Mouse was doing was looking for punishment—and as brutal as possible.

Five

MOUSE

Ifucked up.

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