Ticket to Love

By Donna Jay

Sometimes, the end is just the beginning...

When Tara's mother catches her in a compromising position, she's given an ultimatum - A therapist to help her get over her issues or a one-way ticket to New Zealand.

From the moment Tara walks through her door, Kathryn’s orderly life is knocked off-kilter. The sassy Australian, ten years her junior, is as charming as she is off-limits.

When lines are crossed, fireworks explode, and not all of them good. Emotions run high, loyalties are tested, bonds are made, and bonds are broken.

Just when Tara thinks life has settled into a comfortable routine, a door to her past looms ahead. Taking a giant leap of faith, with Kathryn by her side, she steps through.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Donna Jay
• Release date: Oct 27, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463680070

Donna Jay

Donna lives in the land of the long white cloud, otherwise known as New Zealand. Living in a picturesque country and enjoying the outdoors has provided many opportunities for her to write ‘naughty stories' featuring strong women.

Book preview

Prologue

Melbourne, Australia

Feeling like a naughty schoolgirl up to no good, Tara grabbed her girlfriend by the hand and towed her through the house.

Eve’s sweet laughter floated over her shoulder and wrapped around her heart. Oh my God, I can’t believe we’re doing this.

Tara paused midstride. Cold feet?

No way.

The words were said with such conviction; the thought of what was to come made Tara giddy with excitement.

Once she reached her bedroom door, Tara turned. Her heart melted when her gaze landed on Eve’s gorgeous face. She had cropped red hair, freckles to die for, and a smile that lit up an entire room.

They’d met when they were eighteen, and over the last two years, they’d gone from casual acquaintances to best friends and, more recently, lovers.

If you’ve changed your mind, we don’t have to do this. She held Eve’s gaze, searching for any sign of uncertainty.

Now who’s got cold feet? Eve flashed her a mischievous grin.

Touché. Tara smiled, relief washing over her. She was so hyped; she would’ve had to swallow her disappointment if Eve had had a change of heart.

One thing. Eve held up a finger.

Without thought, Tara wrapped her lips around the digit and sucked it into her mouth. Eve’s eyes slid closed, and she murmured her appreciation.

Ever since Eve had declared she wanted to be tied up and flogged, Tara hadn’t been able to think about much else.

Eve glanced around nervously. Are you sure your mum’s out?

Positive. Her mother wouldn’t miss bingo for the world, and it was the one night a week they got to explore. That would change as soon as they had enough money between them to move into a flat.

Come on, Eve, Tara chucked her under the chin. You know as good as I do Mum’s never home before nine thirty on a Thursday night. It was only seven, so they had at least two hours before they had to be back in the living room, lounging around like two teenagers when her mother set foot inside.

So, what are we waiting for? Eve rubbed her hands together.

The click of Tara’s bedroom door tore through the silence like a thunderbolt. And like a lightning strike, adrenaline shot through Tara’s body.

Standing beside the bed, Eve dropped to her knees in supplication.

Ah-ah. Tara pulled her to her feet.

Like a child denied a treat, Eve jutted out her bottom lip. Although Tara was tempted to kiss those beautiful pouty lips, she held back. Tonight wasn’t about Eve worshipping her. That would come later. So would Tara, with any luck.

Strip and present yourself on the bed, face down, arms above your head.

Desire flashed in Eve’s eyes. Yes, Mistress.

The term made Tara cringe. It made her feel like an adulteress. You’ll address me as TJ.

Yes, TJ. Eve’s shirt and bra hit the floor, closely followed by her jeans, socks, and underwear. She scrambled onto the bed like an excited puppy; her pale skin a stark contrast against Tara’s black duvet.

Tara caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror as she tugged her sweatshirt over her head. Her black jeans and T-shirt clung to her like a second skin. On a whim, she opted to leave them on. Being clothed while Eve was naked added to the sense of empowerment she craved.

Not wanting to be distracted by her hair in her face, she plucked up a hair tie and secured her long blonde hair in a ponytail.

When Tara turned, her breath caught in her throat.

Eve truly was gorgeous. She had buxom thighs and a backside made for spanking.

Safeword? Tara asked as she crouched beside the bed and reached under the mattress to retrieve the flogger she’d hidden from her mother’s prying eyes.

The look of revulsion she’d directed at Tara when she’d come out had been hard enough to swallow. The shitstorm that would ensue if she found out Tara got off on dominance and submission wasn’t even worth thinking about.

Koala. Eve’s safeword drew Tara back to the present.

Good girl. After securing Eve’s wrists to the headboard, Tara dragged the whip along the length of her back and thighs, leaving a trail of gooseflesh in its wake. If things get too intense or anything makes you uncomfortable, use that word. All play will stop, and we’ll regroup. Okay?

Yes, TJ. Now, can we get on with it?

Brat. Tara delivered a light lash, testing the weight of the whip and Eve’s responses.

This was new to them both, and although she’d played with the whip on her own, Tara’s pain threshold was considerably lower than Eve’s.

Exhaling a moan, Eve waggled her backside, a silent plea for more.

In no hurry, Tara walked from one side of the bed to the other. Anticipation built with each measured step she took.

Brace yourself, Evie. Tara slashed the implement across her rump, leaving a light-pink mark.

Eve inhaled sharply then murmured, Harder.

Delighted, but not willing to grant Eve’s wish so readily, Tara let the strands of the whip slide through her fingers. Harder what?

Harder, please, TJ.

A rush of excitement raced up Tara’s spine as she drew her hand back. The whip whistled through the air and connected with a resounding thwack.

A beautiful red stripe appeared on Eve’s lower back and blossomed. Tamping down the urge to wind up again, Tara rubbed her hand over the offended spot.

You okay?

Yes, TJ. Eve’s voice was thick with arousal.

Good. Because I’m just getting warmed up. Tara slapped Eve’s backside, then dipped a finger between her legs. So wet, you naughty girl. You’re dripping all over my duvet.

Sorry, TJ. Please, punish me.

Oh, I intend to. Tara delivered a blow, harder than the first.

More, Eve whimpered.

The word was music to Tara’s ears. She pulled back and delivered a firm blow, eliciting a squeal out of Eve.

With her attention focused solely on her target, the click of her bedroom door barely registered. However, the face swimming in Tara’s vision was unmistakable.

Her blood ran cold, and she felt all the colour drain from her face. She was screwed, and not in a good way.

A range of emotions played across her mother’s face—shock, mortification, outrage, and underlining all three like a big black line was disgust.

Once her mum found her voice, it boomed around the confines of Tara’s bedroom. Tara James, what the bloody hell do you think you’re doing?

She wanted to ask her mother the same thing, but right then, Eve’s modesty was her first priority. She stooped to gather up Eve’s clothes, then froze.

Help, help, Mrs James. Thank goodness you’re home.

What the fuck?

Tara wiggled a finger in her ear, wondering if she’d heard right. What was said next rocked her to her core.

Please untie me, Eve pleaded. I begged Tara to stop, but she wouldn’t. She just kept beating me.

Pain tore through Tara’s chest. She felt like Eve had ripped her heart out and stomped all over it.

Like a heroine saving the day, her mother dashed to the head of the bed and untied Eve. It’s okay, honey. She pulled Eve into her arms and wrapped the duvet around her.

Tara didn’t know what stung more, Eve’s betrayal or watching a mother—her mother—who barely had the time of day for her own daughter, offer comfort to her girlfriend.

Numb, Tara lost her grip on the whip. It landed on the floor with a thud.

Her mother glared but continued to soothe Eve. Are you hurt?

No. You got here just in time. Eve hiccupped a sob. I came over to hang out, and when I told Tara I called in sick today, even though I wasn’t, she got really angry and said I needed to be punished.

Wow, who knew you were a drama queen, Eve? Bravo, now explain how you ended up naked without a fight.

Although Tara wanted to scream the words, she couldn’t speak around the emotion clogging her throat. In that moment, she knew their relationship was over. She wanted to jump up and down and curse over the injustice of the situation, but she wouldn’t give her mother the satisfaction.

Although falling apart on the inside, Tara leaned back against the wall as if she didn’t have a care in the world.

Her mother handed Eve her clothes, speaking in hushed tones as she dressed. No one needs to know about this. I’m sure it was all a big misunderstanding.

With her gaze fixed on the floor, Eve nodded.

Look at me, Eve. How could you betray us like this?

Stupefied, Tara kept the words to herself. As much as the realisation that Eve cared more about her reputation than their relationship stung, what was done couldn’t be undone.

Her beloved Evie had thrown her to the wolves. How did someone come back from an attack like that? They didn’t.

Leave now, and don’t come back. Her mother’s voice took on a menacing tone. If you ever speak of this to anyone, I’ll make sure you rue the day you ever crossed me.

Head down, Eve walked out of Tara’s bedroom, mumbling, I’m sorry.

The words were said so softly, Tara wasn’t sure if the apology was meant for her or her mother. Silence reigned until the back door banged shut and then like Tara had predicted, all hell broke loose.

That’s it, Missy. This time you’ve gone too far.

With no one else to direct her anger at, Tara turned on her mother. What do you mean gone too far? You’ve always told me it’s bad etiquette to call in sick when you’re not. I was merely imparting your wisdom.

Her mother gritted her teeth. Don’t patronise me, Tara.

Why not? I could tell you the truth, but then I’d have to deal with the mess when the little bubble you’ve put yourself in explodes all over my bedroom.

The slap that landed across her face knocked the bravado right out of Tara. Her jaw stung, but she was too proud to rub it. She held her chin high and stared her mother down.

I don’t know what to do with you anymore. Her mother’s lip curled. I haven’t lifted a hand to you since you were a little girl, but for some reason, you have the unique ability to rub me the wrong way. She laughed without humour. I admire your spunk, Tara, but you need taking down a peg or two.

Her mother smoothed out Tara’s bed as though straightening the blankets would somehow erase what she’d walked in on.

Tara considered picking up the flogger, then decided to leave it at her feet like a rattlesnake ready to strike if her mother got too close.

I blame your father, you know?

Still smarting from the slap, Tara barely managed to keep her anger in check. Oh, and why’s that? Because he would’ve been able to knock me down a peg or two?

No. He wasn’t a violent man, just vile.

What the hell was that supposed to mean? Tara rolled the words around in her head and came to one conclusion.

I’m nothing like him. I’d never abandon my own child.

You have every right to be angry, Tara. He left us, never forget that. Her mother’s features hardened, and she looked closer to fifty than forty. Even her beauty regime couldn’t erase the bitterness marring her face.

I think the best thing for both of us is some time apart. Your aunty’s always spoken fondly of you, calls you the daughter she never had. Her mum smiled, an evil smile that made Tara wary. Susan’s welcome to you.

Oh my God. Was she listening to herself? She’d just called Tara’s father vile for abandoning them, and here she was doing the same to her daughter.

Either that, her mother continued, or you find a good therapist who can deal with your…issues.

Not bothering to point out her mother would benefit more from a therapist, Tara grabbed hold of the offer dangling before her.

Torn between Eve’s betrayal and the urge to shout Hell yeah, I’m fucking out of here, Tara calmly replied, Fine, I’ll hand my notice in at work tomorrow.

I knew you’d see reason. Her mother plastered on a smile so fake Tara wanted to scratch it off her face.

But unlike her mother, she’d never struck another person in anger, so she smirked instead. The result was more satisfying.

Her mother stormed out of the room, muttering, You ungrateful little bitch.

The words bounced off Tara like a blunt knife. Sure they left a dent, but they no longer had the ability to cut deep.

Chapter 1

Wellington, New Zealand

The clip-clop of high heels racing up the stairs drew Kathryn’s gaze to the wall clock. Twenty past eight. Damn Sue for being late for work again.

Putting aside her personal feelings and donning her business hat, Kathryn stood, smoothed down her pencil skirt, and took a fortifying breath. By the time she reached her office door, Susan had fired up her computer and slumped into her chair.

As if sensing Kathryn’s eyes on her, she glanced up. Morning, boss. Even though her voice was light, her smile was tight. Dark circles ringed her eyes as though she’d barely slept.

Can I have a word, please? Kathryn held her head high. In my office.

The smile fell from Susan’s face.

The tapping of keyboard keys came to an abrupt stop as June’s head snapped up, accounts payable forgotten. She took one look at Kathryn’s unsmiling face and slunk down in her chair until just a few strands of grey hair could be seen over the top of her monitor.

The lingering scent of coffee and perfume breezed past Kathryn as Susan entered her office. With no intention of alerting June to the seriousness of the matter, Kathryn turned the handle and quietly closed the door.

After rounding her desk, she gestured to the chair in front. Have a seat.

The padded chair let out a none-too-ladylike sound when Susan dropped into it. If the situation wasn’t so serious, they probably would’ve laughed.

Susan crossed one leg over the other and placed her hands on top. What’s going on? The tone of her voice matched the troubled look in her eyes.

I was hoping you could tell me. Kathryn picked up a piece of paper and scanned it. Let’s start with why you’re late?

I overslept. The boys have been acting up. Staying out past curfew.

While the excuse sounded feasible, Kathryn wasn’t buying it. Not when Sue wouldn’t meet her eyes. Try again.

Blinking hard, Susan replied, It’s my niece, Tara.

Those were the last words Kathryn expected to come out of Sue’s mouth. When she first told Kathryn her niece had come to live with the family, she couldn’t sing the young woman’s praises enough.

What had changed?

How’s she doing? Kathryn asked, her voice light and conversational.

She’s doing great, but… Sue fiddled with the hem of her skirt. We no longer have enough room for her. When she came to live with us a year ago, the boys didn’t mind sharing a room, but now that Cameron’s seventeen and has a girlfriend, it’s not working out so well. Geoff feels she knows her way around Wellington well enough by now to go flatting. I have to say I agree with him, but I’m terrified she’ll think I’m abandoning her.

Confused, Kathryn tilted her head. How old is she?

Twenty-one.

Why would she feel abandoned? Kathryn still wasn’t getting it. Tara was far from a child.

A blush rose up Susan’s neck. She lowered her voice as if she was about to share an embarrassing secret. Her mother… Kathryn cleared her throat. My sister turned her back on her because she’s gay.

That bit of information made Kathryn seethe. Were some people still that bigoted they’d turn their back on their child because of their sexual orientation? Apparently so.

Thankfully, Kathryn hadn’t suffered the same prejudice when she’d come out at the age of eighteen. And in the twelve years since, while she never hid the fact she only dated women, she didn’t go around announcing it to everyone either.

I was too ashamed to tell you the real reason we took her in when her mother sent her away. And I’d hate for her to think we don’t want her either. Every place I’ve checked out just doesn’t feel right. Looking wrung out, Susan massaged her temples. I normally try not to let my personal life interfere with work, but right now, I don’t know what to do.

Before she could question the wisdom of her proposal, Kathryn blurted out her offer. Not only would it help Sue, but it would solve her problem too.

I’ve been toying with the idea of taking in a boarder, not a housemate. That would put us on too much of an equal footing. I’m too stuck in my ways and like things done my way.

A broad grin spread across Sue’s face, her eyes twinkling with humour instead of tears.

Don’t say it. Kathryn pointed a finger in warning.

She was more than aware that on the odd occasion she had to pull one of the admin staff into line, they stalked off sulking and grumbling to their co-workers about what a tyrant Kathryn was. Something Kathryn shook off. She hadn’t climbed the corporate ladder by being a pushover.

Although she set the bar high and expected employees to toe the line, she wasn’t an uncaring person. She knew first-hand life happened. It wasn’t that long ago she’d barely been able to function. Then work had become her life. How had she let that happen?

I have a spare room if your niece wants it until she can find something else. Tara isn’t it? Kathryn asked.

Sue nodded, then chewed on a fingernail.

Giving her time to consider the offer, Kathryn straightened some papers on her desk.

I don’t know if that’s a good idea. Sue diverted her gaze. I’d hate it to interfere with our working relationship. Or worse, our friendship.

I’m sure that won’t be a problem. I mean, why would it?

After a beat, Sue got to her feet. True. She extended a hand, smiling for the first time since she entered the office. You’ve got a deal, boss.

It wasn’t until the door closed behind Susan that Kathryn started to second-guess herself. She hoped she didn’t live to regret her offer.

Chapter 2

After a busy week at work, Tara tossed her overalls in the huge blue washing basket, slipped into shorts and a T-shirt, and navigated her way through the workshop.

See ya Monday, guys. She waved to Tim and Gareth who were standing around the wash bay.

Not staying for a cold one? Tim asked, drying his hands on a towel.

Nah, not tonight.

Gareth glanced up and shot her a wink. Hot date?

Tara chuckled. If only.

It’d been a long time since she’d dated. She’d had the odd hook-up, but nothing she wanted to pursue long-term.

I’ve got my car, she said by way of explanation. Whenever they planned on going out for drinks after work, she caught the bus.

Okay, we’ll let you off. Tim smiled. More for us. He punched Gareth in the shoulder and a playful tussle broke out.

Leaving her work colleagues to their roughhousing, Tara exited the four-bay garage.

Despite the warmth of the sun on her bare arms, she wasn’t prepared for the blast of hot air that hit her in the face like a furnace when she opened her car door.

Damn it to hell! She cursed herself for not leaving the windows ajar.

Tired and distracted when she’d arrived at work, she hadn’t given it a second thought.

Once on the Wellington motorway, Tara turned down the radio and concentrated on the traffic around her. Heavy-footed motorists zipping in and out of lanes made her nervous.

Relief washed over her when the overhead sign pointing to Johnsonville loomed up ahead. Before long, she’d be out of the traffic and relaxing at home.

Thoughts of hanging out with her cousins filled her with joy. The fact she liked girls had never been an issue in the Williams household. Hell, it hadn’t even been a topic of conversation.

Cameron and Josh loved it when they all watched television together, lusting after the same hot babes. Uncle Geoff often glanced over to see who they were swooning over, but never commented.

As soon as she set foot in the country, she’d followed her dreams of being a mechanic and enlisted in a pre-apprenticeship course. For the first few months, she’d worked part-time at the local supermarket, stocking shelves.

Now that she had a full-time job, she could start saving for her own place. Her aunty and uncle had been supportive, but she wouldn’t mooch off them forever.

She’d heard the boys squabbling and, more recently, the raised voices of her aunty and uncle. And just like a caring parent, Sue tended to be overprotective at times.

Right on six, her aunty breezed through the door. Her cropped hair bounced around her jawline and her eyes twinkled with merriment. Most Fridays, she stayed for a drink after work, and tonight had been no different.

Hey, sweetie. Sue greeted Tara with a beaming smile before strolling across the room and kissing her sons on the top of the head.

She received mumbled Hey, mums in response, but their eyes remained glued to their Xbox game.

She strolled back into the kitchen. Something smells good.

Tara stirred the mince and tomato sauce one last time and turned the element on low. How do nachos sound for dinner?

Anything I don’t have to cook sounds wonderful. The smile fell from her aunty’s face. Oh my god, I didn’t mean to sound ungrateful. You’ve been so helpful. I’m gonna miss… She cut herself off abruptly, her

Reviews for Ticket to Love

[Katina · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the second book I've read by this author, and I've enjoyed both of them very much.