by Ford, Brynn
He charmed with a grin, “To new experiences, Blue. Please tell me you’ve sorted out what kind of establishment this is by now.
I sighed, “Yeah, I think I have, but I want to hear it from you.”
He looked at me deadpan, “In crude terms, this is a sex club, Blue."
I anticipated those words, but it still hit me like a shockwave to hear them said out loud, “For real? Like, people for real have sex here?”
He laughed, “Yes. For real.”
“So all of these people are kinky swingers and exhibitionists and into all that S and M stuff?”
He swiveled in his stool, turning his body to face mine. He leaned forward, catching my eyes with his, “Every single one of us.”
My heart skipped a beat before jumping into high gear, racing to kickstart my brain so it could sift through the sudden deluge of contradictory emotions. Guilt appeared first, sneaking its way in on the wings of the butterflies in my belly that went wild from Law’s proximity. It turned the flutters into a wave of nausea, pulsating from my stomach through my entire body, making my limbs feel heavy but my head feel light. My skin tingled as my body reacted to the sudden queasiness. But as my pulse raced faster, pumping blood through my veins, forgotten feelings overcame me, quickly overpowering the guilt.
It was the rush of something new.
It was the thrill of adventure.
It was novelty and spontaneity.
It was the awakening blast of adrenaline.
And I had to know more immediately.
“You okay?” he asked, drawing me back into the reality of the present.
My hand had come to rest over my heart, “I’m fine,” I replied, “I’m just…”
“Surprised? Excited? Horrified?”
I held up my hand, “Gimme a second.”
Law swallowed and leaned back, giving me patience and space as I processed. But after a few quiet seconds, I came to the realization that I couldn’t rationally process this right now anyway. So I asked the really important question on my mind.
“Why did you ask me to come, Law? What are you really expecting to happen here? You know I’m married.”
He smiled, “You’ve made that very clear. And I promise, I do respect that, much more than you can appreciate right now. I have nothing but respect for the various dynamics of all types of relationships. All relationships, traditional and not. This isn’t a free for all, Blue. I didn’t ask you to come here expecting that you would drop your panties and fuck me.”
“Well, then, Prince Charming, what is it? Why am I here?” my tone was sharper than I intended.
“For you, tonight, it’s nothing more than a demonstration. Everything that happens here is consensual, Blue. I have no intention of trying to seduce you or asking you to be disloyal to your marriage. All relationships are sacred, and we hold that in high regard here. I just want to show you a different world. I’m confident that what you’ll see tonight is something you’ll want for yourself. My instincts are good. I’ve never been wrong before. I’m just asking you to trust me. Trust my intentions are good. Trust that I respect you and what you have with Vaughn. Trust me to open your eyes to something exciting and new. I know that’s a lot to ask considering we just met.”
I paused considering what he had to say, but my brain wasn’t functioning to take in all this new information. I struggled to reframe it in my mind, in and out of context, to consider all the possibilities and consequences of this evening. Adrenaline had always ruled my decision making when it was present, overpowering rational thought.
Vaughn did always say I was his favorite thrill-seeker.
Fuck.
“Okay. I’ll trust you.”
He looked relieved, “Good. Thank you. I value your trust more than you know.”
I took the papers from where he had laid them on the bar, glancing over them, “So what is this that I need to sign?”
He pushed the first page in front of me, slapping a pen down on top of it, “This is a non-disclosure agreement. Our membership list is confidential. It’s crucial that no one reveals any information regarding what occurs or what is seen in the members only area with the outside world. Members can discuss with other members privately, but with no one else. Additionally, you may in no way reveal identifying information of any of the people you see here tonight. You could say we have some high-profile members. Privacy is sacred at Black Ties.”
“Good. Fine. Understood. Where do I sign?”
“Here,” he marked the signature line with an X, “Don’t you have any questions before you sign?”
“No,” I told him, “I understand it. What’s next?”
He shook his head in disbelief, but I guess he hadn’t realized that when I said I gave him my trust, I had. He was on the hook to deserve that trust now.
I saw the sly smile creep up from the corner of his mouth, “Okay. This next one is our rules and regulations statement. I must insist that you read through this one carefully.”
I took it from him and read the details at his insistence. It was pretty general, I suppose. You know, for a sex club, as if I knew anything about that.
1. Consent must be explicitly given and can be revoked at any time for any reason. We can, and will, intervene if we hear safewords Yellow or Red being ignored. We expect all club members and guests to report to staff immediately if they suspect someone is being assaulted. Yes, it is assault if you choose to ignore a safeword or any other indication that your partner(s) would like to stop.
2. Condoms must be used if you choose to have sex with anyone. The only exception is sex with your regular partner if you have both agreed not to use one.
3. If you have to get drunk to feel comfortable here, then this is not the right place for you. You are welcome to have as many drinks as you want at the upstairs bar, but please note that you will not be allowed downstairs into the members only area if you are inebriated. This is for your safety and the safety of anyone else you want to play with at Black Ties. Each member and guest is allowed only one drink from the Party Room bar downstairs. If you want to drink more, go upstairs or go home.
4. No sex or play of any kind in the bathrooms or Transition Rooms. No exceptions. None.
5. Formal wear is the required dress code in the Party Room and in all other members only areas of Black Ties unless you are directly engaged in play. Fondling, dirty dancing, and making out with your consenting partner(s) in the Party Room is acceptable and encouraged, but if you want to undress each other, please move to any of the following areas: the Party Room Cubes, a Semi-Private Room, or the Revelation Room.
6. Party Room Cubes are the cubicle booths located toward the back of the Party Room. Getting naked and having sex here is encouraged. No more than 4 consenting players per Cube. Peeking in momentarily if you are looking for your party is fine, but otherwise, leave players alone to have their fun.
7. There are eight Semi-Private rooms lining the back hallway of Black Ties. These rooms were designed with BDSM power exchange and pain play in mind, though they don't have to be used in such a manner. There are limits on the number of consenting players that can be in a room at any given time - these vary depending on room size and are posted at each entry. Semi-Private rooms are semi-private only for the purpose of our members and guests safety. These are not intended gathering places for voyeurs. Standing and watching from an entry is a violation of club policy and you will be asked to move along. Voyeurism from inside a room is fine if the players are okay with it and the person limit for that space is not exceeded. If you and your consenting partner(s) have occupied a Semi-Private Room and would like others to freely join, please leave the black velvet rope hanging open in the doorframe. If you're content to play with the party you've occupied the space with or you've reached the person limit for the space, please draw the black velvet rope across the entry to indicate to other members and guests that the room is in use. Minimum 2 people per room (anything less would be a waste).
&nb
sp; 8. The Revelation Room is our free play room. In essence, this space hosts an all-night orgy. Naked bodies and open minds are encouraged here. Voyeurs, this is the place for you. If you want to watch the action without participation, please stand around the outside edges of the room or have a seat on the black couches. Players should find space on any of the oversized, purple beds in the center of the room. While we encourage meeting and exploring new players here, consent must be explicitly given. Touching people without their consent is assault in any context.
9. All members and guests are expected to report illicit behavior and violations of policy to a staff member immediately. We are a community here at Black Ties and must look out for each other's safety and well-being above all else.
10. Did we mention how important consent is? No consent, no play.
I pushed out a breath rather dramatically, “Oh, boy. Well, I can say with compete honesty that I did not expect this kind of action and excitement this evening.”
He raised an eyebrow at me while I signed and pushed the papers back to him, “And yet you’re still here. It’s intriguing, really.”
“I know, right?” I grinned, “Next.”
“Common Safeword and Consent Policy. This is very important, Blue, especially because you’re new to this world. You’ll see things that surprise you downstairs. You may see things that disturb you or concern you. But I want you to know that our members’ safety is our priority. That’s why all members and their guests must adhere to a common safeword policy. We push limits here, Blue. We skirt the edge of our boundaries, waltz across the line, see if we can push it just a little further.”
Law came alive as he spoke, eyes sparkling with passion. He was telling me about something that outwardly seemed so crude and taboo but explained it all with such poise and conviction. This world was important to him, it belonged to him, and he belonged to it. It chilled me to see that kind of affinity. It gave me goosebumps to listen to him explain these rules.
He continued, “It is possible that someone might say no as a reflex, without really meaning it. For some, saying no is part of the fun. Consent always has to be given explicitly here. And it can still be given even if someone is screaming for you to stop. But it only works if everyone understands and follows the rules and we enforce them fiercely. No one here should ever fear being forced to do something they haven't consented to.”
I watched him in consideration, “Am I gonna need any safewords tonight, Law?”
I saw a flicker of interest brush across his eyes as I immediately realized my tone had sounded inviting. Unintentionally inviting.
I shouldn’t have said that.
Why did I say that?
“No, not unless you consent to putting yourself in that position,” he looked suddenly disappointed, “And as you are happily married and without your husband this evening, I imagine you won’t want to do that.”
“No,” the word tasted bad coming out of my mouth, “I don’t want to do that tonight.”
“Then you won’t, Blue. Not tonight.”
Not tonight?
“Is this your guest, Law?” a beguiling blonde woman appeared suddenly at Law’s side, interrupting our conversation.
Law turned his head toward the sound and looked pleased to see her, standing suddenly to greet her with a kiss to the cheek, “Christine. Where have you been, Angel? We’ve missed seeing you around here.”
The woman smiled brightly, “Work has been a little overwhelming. I’ve hardly had time to breath.”
“All the more reason to come play,” Law joked and she laughed.
“Are you going to introduce me?” she looked in my direction.
“Of course. Christine this is Blue. Blue, meet Christine.”
She held out her hand and I took it, “Call me Ris.”
“Are you a friend of Law’s?” I asked.
“Old, dear friends,” she smiled, laying her hand comfortably on his shoulder. He didn’t seem to notice, as if touching were natural between them.
“Ris and I went to law school together,” Law clarified.
I was shocked by this new piece of information, “You went to law school?”
“Yes,” Ris started, then leaned toward me, cupping her hand around the side of her mouth as if telling me a secret, “Except he didn’t graduate.”
“By choice,” he clarified with a friendly grin.
“Whatever you need to tell yourself,” she nudged him in the side.
“Is that why you call yourself Law?” I asked.
“No. It’s because here, I am the Law, sweetheart,” he winked at me and it twisted my insides a little.
Ris rolled her eyes, “Anyway, it’s wonderful to meet you, Blue. You’re new? How long have you been seeing Law?”
I chuckled, “I’m not seeing Law,” I held up my ring finger, “I’m married.”
“Oh. Will your husband be joining you? I’d love to meet him.”
I shook my head, “No,” and left it at that.
The thought of Vaughn, here, made my skin crawl with shame. I felt awful that I was here without him, worse that I didn’t think I could even tell him about it. I knew that meant I probably shouldn’t be here, shouldn’t be doing this, but I couldn’t help myself. I was excited for something for the first time in a long time and I just couldn’t walk away from that.
“Since you’re here tonight, Ris, I think this gives me an excellent opportunity to show Blue what I’m all about.”
She regarded him seriously, “She’s young. And she’s married, Law.”
“And she’s standing right here, Ris. Did you have a point to make?”
There was an abrupt tension between them I didn’t understand.
Ris glanced at me before turning her attention back to him, “Are you looking for a new submissive, Jasper?”
He went rigid, turning his body completely to face her, effectively blocking me out, “Yes, Christine. I am.”
Ris lowered her voice, but I could still hear them clearly, “She’s married. And she looks far too young for you. Does she have any clue how you like to play?”
“No. It doesn’t matter, Ris. She’s made it very clear she’s off limits.”
“And do you intend to respect those limits? We both know how you like to push.”
“You’ve never complained about me pushing limits before,” his voice was cloaked in aggravation, but still held a bit of playfulness that felt comfortable between them.
I could see her fighting a smile, “Seriously. Is it a good idea to go down this road?”
“I’m sorry,” I interrupted, “But what road?”
Law turned around to face me, “No road. Just ignore Ris. Tad melodramatic.”
She scoffed behind him, “Anything but. Blue, a gentle reminder for you to speak up with this one. Has he explained the safewords?”
I indicated the form on the bar, “Yeah, but I’m not planning to participate.”
“No matter, sweetie, use them. Jasper here doesn’t understand the word ‘no.’”
Normally, being called sweetie, especially by another woman, would piss me off and make me feel demeaned. But the way she spoke to me was from concern. It made my heart feel just a little bit lighter to have someone here to look out for me. I knew I liked her then.
I was enchanted by this woman and the way she carried herself. The way she handled Law without intimidation or fear was brilliant and rather entertaining to witness.
She was slightly taller than me and definitely older, probably the same age as Law, though I didn’t know what that age was. Ris had curves to fill out her dress in places I could only dream about. Her cleavage was ample in the silver, sequined evening gown that cut low between her breasts. The bodice was tight and the dress flared out artfully at the bottom in a mermaid style. She could’ve been going to her own wedding dressed like that. Her blonde hair was pinned up in carefully crafted curls against the side of her head. She looked like an angel without wings.
&nbs
p; “I’ll be fine.”
They both looked at me, but Ris spoke, “Just be careful you know what you need before you ask Law for anything.”
My stomach flipped.
“Are you quite done scaring my guest away?” Law interjected, “I assure you, Blue, that I’m quite the gentleman and very respectful of boundaries.”
“I’m not scared,” I said truthfully.
“Is Asher with you? What’s your flavor tonight, Angel?”
“He’s here. I’ve been making decision after decision all week and my brain is tired. He suggested putting me properly into subspace tonight and I desperately need it.”
“Do you think he would mind if Blue and I join you in one of the Semi-Private Rooms? To watch, that is.”
“I certainly don’t mind. As far as I’m concerned, the two of you can tag team me,” her playful smirk was full of wanting and a hint of something more.
He licked his lips, “Tempting. Its been a long time since we played, Ris, but I really should have my attention free for my guest. I imagine she’ll have 99 questions.”
“Probably 100,” I piped in, “But as you pointed out to me via text today, Law, I’m a big girl and I can make my own choices. You don’t need to babysit me.”
Ris turned her head to look at Law, smiling broadly, “Oh, I like her,” then she looked at me, “You’re amazing, Blue. I kind of love you already.”
That brought a smile of pride to my face, “Thank you.”
“Well, then,” he conceded, “Let’s see how things play out. Where’s Asher?”
“He might still be changing.”
“What’s with the dress code, anyway? Aren’t people just walking around naked down there?”
Law chuckled and Ris grinned.
“Image is everything at Black Ties, Blue,” Ris told me, “We boast a disciplined culture of sophistication and elegance. With exception for scenes of course.”
“Scenes?” I asked.
She elaborated, “In scenes, we're raw. Bodies and flesh enduring pain and seeking pleasure in all of its various forms of vulgarity.”
