This ritual is completed a score of times until the waiting line of eager hopefuls dwindles down to the last woman standing. Before long, she’s on her knees. A few moments of furious bidding and she too touches her forehead to the ground. Katy leads her off the stage.
My arms ache from being suspended over my head during the lengthy proceedings. My feet are numb and I stamp them to bring back the circulation. I’m strangely tired and exhausted from the entire event, and I’m not really certain what happens next.
Suddenly, the stage descends into darkness and then a faint light illuminates the space over the dais where I stand with six other women.
Katy moves to the edge of the platform and clears her throat. A microphone carries her crisp voice to the crowd. “Thank you, gentlemen, for emptying your pockets and donating to a wonderful cause.”
Chuckles return from the darkness.
“It’s time for the last spectacle of the evening. One night. One week. One month. Or one year. These women have placed a price on their freedom, pledged their servitude, and promised their devotion to the men who would claim them as their own.”
The crowd comes alive with the rustling of feet and low murmurs of anticipation.
I’m not really sure what I’ve stepped into, except this feels bigger than me.
“In a moment, the lights will dim again. If their Doms have met the bids of their submissive a light will shine over her head. After that, she may be fully and rightfully claimed. Masters, as you claim your prize, I will hand each of you an envelope. Inside, you’ll discover whether you’ve met the bid for one night, one week, one month or one year. It’s up to you to decide what to do with that knowledge and whether to share it with your sub.”
She bows to the crowd and there’s a ripple of applause. It dies out the moment the lights flicker and shut off.
The darkness brings deep breaths to my lungs. I’m hyperventilating, wondering if I will be left in darkness or if a light will shine down on me. Five thousand grants Edge one evening with me. I’m certain he won’t meet the Reserves on the other lengths of time. I set them exceedingly high.
Why haven’t the lights turned back on? Why are they prolonging my torment?
One light pops on and it shines over Alexa’s head. Her smile is brilliant and there are tears in her eyes. A moment later, another light illuminates Penny and she beams with pride, standing tall and proud. The seconds tick by, and I’m biting my lower lip. Another light clicks on and Michelle glances up and blinks against the glare. A sigh of relief escapes her while a frown settles over my face.
More seconds pass and no more lights turn on.
I wasn’t enough.
He didn’t bid.
I’m surprised how unhappy this makes me, but I’m used to rejection and being chosen last. Or, in this case, not at all.
A click startles me moments before the floodlight overhead shines down on top of my head. Heat bakes my hair and I don’t know whether to laugh, to smile, or cry.
I may be doing all three.
Chapter 10
I’m stunned as heat warms the top of my head. I had doubts Edge would meet the bid for the evening.
Sparks fly between us when we’re close, like a firestorm waiting to combust, but that doesn’t mean he wants me.
Honestly, I’ve been waiting hours for this moment. So why is it taking so long for him to claim me?
Three of the women did not have lights shine over their heads. Katy approaches them and releases them from their bonds. A quick glance reveals relief and disappointment on their faces. They walk away while I wait for the man I will serve for the rest of the evening.
Michelle is beside me. A man approaches from behind. I can’t see him, but I know the moment he touches her. Her gasp is sudden and shocking.
Alexandria is beside Michelle. The clinking of chains tells me when her professor releases her from her bonds. I glance at her and watch as she lowers to her knees.
A man in a dark suit is turned slightly away from me. He reaches out and strokes Alexa’s hair, then he suddenly yanks her head back and wraps a collar around her neck. He leads her off stage and I’m left to gape at the suddenness and brutality of it all.
Michelle disappears as well, moving away behind me.
There’s still no sign of Edge.
Two men approach Penny. She stands to my left. They prowl toward her, moving across the stage with singular focus. Penny rolls back her shoulders and greets them with a fierce stare.
“You’re ours now,” one of them says.
The other reaches over Penny’s head and releases her wrists from the chains. “Did you think we wouldn’t pounce on this?”
She says nothing, but speaks volumes with her eyes. There’s a challenge going on between those three I do not understand.
As soon as she’s released, the first man points to the ground. “On your knees. Bow before your Masters.”
Penny gives one last haughty glare, but then she’s mirroring the pose Alexa took with her professor and kneels before her men. They, too, attach a collar around her neck. Two silver chains are attached and each of the men hold one end. With great reverence, Penny kisses the toes of each of their boots.
She glances up at them, her eyes shimmering with tears. “How long?”
The second man bends down and lifts her chin until her face is turned upward. “For as long as we like. Not one night, one week, or one month.”
Penny gasps. “No.”
The first gives a low chuckle. “That’s right sweet pet. You’re ours for the year and by then we’ll have convinced you of the truth.”
They lead her off and the rest of what they say is lost to me.
I’m alone now. The three girls who weren’t chosen left immediately, and now my friends have left as well. My arms ache and I stamp my feet. Why is Edge keeping me waiting?
Before I can complete my thought, the soft tread of feet sounds behind me. A moment later, his presence floods my senses. I feel him all around me before he says a word or touches my body. Standing behind me, his breath brushes against my bare shoulder and his deep inhale leaves me shuddering. That terrible ache is back between my legs and tension coils in my gut.
“You’re mine,” he says with a possessive growl.
The moment he touches my wrists, electricity races along my nerves and rushes to my core. My breath hitches and I turn to look over my shoulder.
“No.” His fingertips press against the side of my face. “Eyes straight ahead.”
The chain rattles overhead as he works the release. I’m free of the post, but not the cuffs. His large hands hold mine over my head and there’s a snap. With exhaustion tugging on me, I let my arms sink down. This is when I find he’s locked the cuffs to each other.
He guides my hands down, lowering them for me, taking control of my arms. My body responds to him, obeying the lightest touch. I follow his direction and leave my hands pressed against my belly, elbows slightly bent.
“You’re going to feel a rush of blood to your hands in a moment. They’re going to feel warm and tingly. How are your legs holding up? Are you having problems standing?”
“No, Sir.” But then I wobble. Without the support of the chains, I sway on my feet.
“I’ve got you.” He wraps his arms around me and holds me tight to his chest. “Give it a second.”
“Oh!” A gasp escapes me as heat rushes to my palms. My fingers throb with the return of blood. I clasp them together, but then Edge massages my hands.
“The feeling will pass. Feeling dizzy? Light-headed?”
“I think I’m good.” I test my balance.
“You sure?”
“Yes, Sir.” A quick shifting of my feet reassures me this is true.
“Good.” He nudges my neck with his nose. It’s a reassuring gesture, soft and warm.
A sigh escapes me, because in his arms I’m content. The fear from earlier is gone now that he is here.
“Standing for that l
ong messes with your circulation. Tell me, how did it feel being put on display?” He kneads my shoulders and digs into knots I didn’t know were there.
I hiss against the pain.
“Relax.” His voice soothes me. “You’re going to be a little sore.”
I love how he’s taking care of me. This is not what I expect. Like Michelle, Alexa, and Penny, I thought he would force me to my knees and…well, I’m not really sure what I thought would play out next. This isn’t something I’ve done before.
We’re going to have sex. There’s little confusion about that going on in my mind. I’m relieved he’s not jumping straight into it, but I’m also a bit disappointed too.
“I asked you a question,” he reminds me.
“I’m sorry.” I struggle to remember what he asked because all I’m thinking about is sex. Then I remember. “I was too overwhelmed to really think about it.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Try. It’s important.”
“Why?”
“Some women feel empowered when placed on display. Some feel diminished, or worse are traumatized by it. As your Master, it’s my responsibility to look out for your best interests.”
“My answer is yes and no. I couldn’t see anyone in the audience, but I knew you were out there. I wasn’t worried about anyone else. I guess, if I’m really thinking about it, I’m not sure I’d feel comfortable with others watching us…”
“Watching us do what?” A soft laugh escapes him. “What is it you think they might watch?”
My cheeks heat because he knows exactly what I am thinking. I don’t want to answer, but he’s not going to let me get away with that.
“I’ve never…well…I’m kind of…” I can’t help but stammer. Speaking this frankly about sex is hard for me. My entire face is on fire now and my flush creeps down my neck.
He nuzzles my neck and nips at the tender skin.
“Never be ashamed to speak to me about sex. How can I know what you do and don’t like? If you make me guess, I might get it wrong.”
“I’m not trying to be difficult.” Shame fills me with the thought of disappointing him.
“That’s not what I’m saying, little mouse. Take a deep breath.”
His command has me doing exactly that.
“Now, let it out. Slow.”
I let my breath out slowly, letting his words guide me.
“I want you to relax. You’re new to this. That’s what makes it exciting for me. To be the one who will introduce you to this life is a tremendous honor. It’s one I cherish. But, I have expectations of you, the first is that you never hide your thoughts, your feelings, or your desires. I want to know what turns you on, what things you fear, and those which you’re curious about but are uncertain whether it’s for you. My first command is for you to speak openly with me. I will never judge you, and I will never violate your trust. Now if I can infer, I’m assuming exhibitionism isn’t something you’re comfortable with?”
I shake my head. “No, Sir. I’m not.”
“But being put on display in front of others is okay, and maybe even exciting, as long as you’re not naked?”
“Yes, Sir.”
He’s not afraid to come right to the point, or to discuss things openly. I’m reassured by this and find my entire body relaxing. That floaty feeling is back and it’s almost as if I’m flying.
“I’ll tell you one thing about me. I’ll never let another man touch you. Not while you’re with me. I’m not a man who likes to share.”
That’s a good thing, because despite my actions tonight, I’m not that adventurous with my sexuality. Being passed from man to man is a no-go for me.
“I don’t want to be shared.”
“Then we agree. That will go on our list.”
Yes, there’s a list I must complete, but he’s speaking as if it’s a joint effort.
“Now, as for what happens next, how do you feel about blindfolds?”
Chapter 11
Buttery smooth fabric settles over my eyes.
Edge is everywhere.
His expansive chest presses into my back. The muscles of his biceps brush against my shoulders. The steady rhythm of his breath pulses in and out, measured, slow, and deliberate. A deep inhale steadies my nerves, but also brings the scent of him flooding my senses.
I take another breath, and another. I can’t get enough of the intoxicating smell of him. His fingers trace the edges of the silk blindfold, gliding over my cheekbones and traveling around to the back of my head.
“Is that too tight?” he asks.
The fabric grows taut as he fastens a knot at the back of my head. The entire auditorium disappears behind a veil of black. I’m blind and helpless.
“No, Sir.” My voice is soft and cautious.
I can’t believe I’m really here, or that my fate is now sealed to this man. What are his intentions for the rest of the night?
I’m dying to ask, but there’s another, quieter, voice in my head, whispering at me to let this play out.
Trust Edge. Allow him to lead.
The advice is sound and I listen. From the moment Edge opened that door, and invited me inside, this has been calling to me.
“Nervous?” He wraps an arm around my midsection and pulls me tight against his chest. A nibble at the corner of my earlobe has me bringing my shoulders up.
“That tickles,” I say with a squeak.
“Do you like things that tickle?”
“Yes.”
“What about things that sting?”
My answer is not nearly as quick to this question. He traces a finger along my arm, bringing a shudder racing down my back.
“Pleasure and pain, little mouse. We’ll explore the depths of each during our time together. If you trust me, I’ll show you how pain can become pleasure and pleasure turn to pain.”
I’m not sure I fully grasp what this means, but I’m savvy enough to know some of what he’s talking about.
“It scares me a little,” I admit.
“Only a little?”
“It’s exciting too.”
“Ah, now that is wonderful to hear.”
“I’m new to all of this. Be patient with me.”
He shifts around, coming to stand before me. While this isn’t something I see, my other senses are oddly heightened and aroused.
“You’re mine precisely because you’re new. It’s rare to bring one into the lifestyle. You’re an unexpected treasure, and for the next...”
I’m leaning forward, listening intently for him to tell me exactly how long we have. Instead, the tip of his finger presses against my nose.
A groan escapes him. “You have no idea how hard it is to restrain myself. I want to take you and claim you right now. You’re a carnal temptation in the flesh.”
Then why don’t you?
I’m not brave enough to actually speak those words, but it’s on the tip of my tongue.
Before I know what’s happening, my world is tipping and shifting. I’m falling backward even as my feet are swept off the ground. Only, I’m not falling. Edge lifts me up in his arms and cradles me in a protective grip.
“Carnal temptation?” I ask with a squeak.
I grab at him. Blindfolded, I’m having trouble with orientation and it feels as if the entire world is spinning around me.
It’s not.
My head knows this, but something is happening to my senses. They’re hyper-alert and terribly confused.
With a groan, he sets off. “I’m going to do delicious things to you, things you’ll love. I’m going to worship your body and learn every secret you hold. I don’t know why, but it’s different with you.”
“What’s different?”
Clearly, there’s much I’m missing.
“I have a room reserved for us.” He kisses the top of my head and takes in a deep breath.
I lift my wrists and place the tips of my fingers against his chest. It’
s warm, solid, and powerful. Each pull of breath fills his chest and feeds the steady beat of his heart beneath my hands.
I swallow, nod, and swallow again. I don’t understand what’s happening either.
I’m more aware of my body than I’ve ever been before. Electricity dances across my skin, lifting the fine hairs on my arms. He’s all around me and strangely inside of me too. There’s a warmth there, building within me. It’s not the heat of arousal, which is overwhelming. No. This is a simmering promise of something much more profound.
I press my hands to his chest. The beat of his heart thumps against my palm. It’s slow and regular, and having an effect. The rapid racing of my pulse slows, mirroring the cadence of his beating heart. We’re synching together, melding our souls together far before any union of flesh.
“We have a few things to discuss before we can begin. Did Michelle show you the list of limits?”
“Yes, she did.”
“Good. Did you have a chance to read any of it?”
With my hands bound, it’s hard to steady myself in his arms. Not that I need to. His grip is sure and he shows no signs of fatigue.
As we’re talking, he sets off. I don’t know where, except a door opens and he maneuvers me through the opening, taking care not to bump my shins or my head. We head straight for some time, a long hall? I give up trying to make sense of what I can’t see and place my trust in Edge.
He’s given me no reason to believe he will hurt me. I take that back. Edge has every intention of causing pain. He’s mentioned it a number of times, but always linked to delivering pleasure.
I’m talking about the creepy, serial killer kind of pain. I trust Michelle, Katy, Alexa and Penny. While strangers themselves, I don’t believe they would let me walk into danger. All those women on stage didn’t appear coerced.
I am safe in this man’s arms. That knowledge allows me to open myself to new and different things; only some of those will lead to pleasure.
His lips press against the top of my head. Next, the heat of his mouth is between my eyes, fluttering over the blindfold, pressing against the bridge of my nose. When I gasp, he takes advantage of my surprise to capture my mouth. He tastes like heaven and makes me believe in forever. His tongue rubs up against mine and I moan.
Ivy: The Ties That Bind (Auction Night Book 4) Page 6
