Music danced from rooms off to the side. Like any other club, the lights were dim. The art, however, was unlike anything she had seen: pictures of naked bodies positioned in bondage or acts of submission hung on the walls.
“Your name?” the host asked.
She finished checking in, signing the appropriate disclosures, then headed off to explore. A whipping sound came from a far-off area. Her curiosity peaked, and she headed straight for it.
She walked through a softly painted chamber which appeared to double as a dressing room. A large Chinese screen separated the couches and the dressing area.
A couple sat on one of the couches, talking. They didn’t seem to notice her walking through the room, but she noted the way his hand rested on the upper part of her thigh. Not being able to stop herself, she watched as his fingers disappeared beneath the hem of her black leather skirt.
The snapping of leather drew her from her gaze and into the next room where she found the excitement of the atmosphere to be seductive. The lights remained dim around the space, but there was more than enough illumination to make out her surroundings.
A large wooden cross stood in the far corner of the room. It tilted back toward the wall slightly. A thick metal ring hung from each arm of the cross. A woman stood next to it, a black bag in her hand.
Kelly found a spot close enough to see, but far enough away to remain unnoticed as she spied. Voyeurism appeared to be encouraged, making her nosiness more acceptable.
The woman standing next to the cross put the bag down and began to undress. She slid her sundress down her shoulders, allowing it to slide down her body until it reached the floor. A man stepped toward her and pointed at the puddle of cotton on the ground. She picked it up, folding it precisely before placing it back on the floor next to the bag. She smiled after the man spoke to her, but Kelly couldn’t make out what he said. The speaker behind her drowned her in music.
Kelly thought the naked woman would be timid with so many onlookers close by, but she didn’t seem to mind or notice everyone’s eyes on her.
Her attention was fully focused on her male companion. He stood a full head taller than her. His back appeared massive compared to the petite frame of the nude woman. The tight-fitting black t-shirt displayed the ripples of his arm muscles, and the snugness of his blue jeans did a good job of pointing out the hours he must spend at the gym.
He slid his hand up her body, brushing his thumb over her breasts, before his hand disappeared behind her neck. Her head jerked back by his fist full of her hair, and her glossy eyes locked on him.
Kelly’s heart raced in anticipation; she could only guess at the emotions the woman felt.
Although she seemed almost entranced by the events, she was focused, determined, as she listened to what her partner told her. When he was done speaking, he led her to the front of the cross, still holding the base of her neck, the thick blonde curls entwined in his fist.
He placed her facing away from him. She raised her arms up to mimic the beams as he left her side. A moment later, he placed black cuffs on each of her wrists and ankles. A short chain was used to secure each of the four cuffs to a metal ring on the cross.
When Kelly realized she’d been holding her breath, she forced herself to exhale.
The man stepped away again and rifled through the black bag on the floor. His lady kept her stare forward.
The cross sat near the large windows facing the street outside. Thick purple curtains covered the windows, hiding the scene from any onlookers on the other side.
The man reappeared behind the woman, carrying a thick leather strap in his right hand. His left hand gently caressed her bare bottom.
A soft slap of his hand jolted the woman’s attention. The next slap was harder; her backside rippled from the impact.
Kelly palms began to sweat at the sound of the woman’s gentle moan and watched as the man finished spanking the woman and readied the strap.
The thunderous clap from the first strike made Kelly jump. The woman only grunted. Two more strikes of the strap resounded through the small room.
The man ran his fingertips over the reddening area of the woman’s backside, while he whispered into her ear. Kelly wanted to know what he was saying to her.
She caught a glimpse of the woman turning her head to receive a kiss from her partner. Kelly guessed the words he’d whispered were full of passion.
She stepped a little closer to the couple in front of her, further immersing herself in the small crowd.
A body pressed up against her from behind.
She tried to move away from it, to allow the onlooker more space, but she stilled when a hot breath ran over her ear and a deep voice said, “Enjoying the show, Kelly?”
Chapter 6
Kendrick stepped back to avoid being hit by Kelly’s shoulder as she flung her body around to see him. Her eyes were large with surprise, and her pupils were dilated.
When he’d dropped her off that morning, he hadn’t expected to see her again. At least, not so soon. He could admit he wasn’t entirely annoyed at her showing up at the club, although he thought her impulsive act to be a bit careless. She couldn’t have known for sure he’d be there. And hadn’t she learned her lesson the previous evening? She was too bold for her own good. But damn she was beautiful and innocent as she watched the scene unfold before her.
Her lips had pressed together firmly as she watched Dominick bring out the strap. Her chest rose and fell quickly each time his hand swung back, taking aim.
When George had called Kendrick over to inform him his “guest” had arrived, he hadn’t known what George was talking about. The ass hadn’t even had the decency to hide his grin when he’d showed Kendrick the copy of Kelly’s ID at the front desk.
Kendrick had done his best to ignore the chiding he’d received as he walked away in search of her. She was persistent. He’d give her credit…before he pulled her out of the club and tossed her cute ass into a cab.
“Kendrick!” Kelly placed her hand over her chest, catching her breath.
He noted her deep blue shirt dipped further down her cleavage than he would like for a public setting, but he quickly reminded himself she wasn’t his to command.
“I didn’t see you.” She flashed him a wide smile.
“I doubt you’d notice anything while watching Dominick and Teri.” He raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.” He gestured with his chin to the scene before them, while keeping his hands shoved into his pockets. He didn’t trust himself not to touch her if they weren’t. He could smell her lilac scent, and her full lips were entirely too kissable for his comfort.
She turned around to continue watching the action. A few of their fellow spectators had drifted off to find their own play-station.
Dominick had removed his shirt, and he was pressing his bare chest against Teri’s back. When he moved away, the dark red stripes of the strap glared at the crowd.
Kelly’s sharp intake of breath caused Kendrick’s to hitch with desire.
“She’s okay. This is light play for them,” he whispered into her ear.
She responded with a nod.
Dominick went back into the play bag and retrieved a thin, braided leather whip.
“You may not want to watch this part. That’s a single tail. Her marks are going to get angrier, and she’s going to cry out. That thing can sting like a bitch,” he warned her.
She merely shrugged. “I’m fine right where I am, thanks.” She didn’t look back at him when she spoke, but the slight tremor in her voice couldn’t be missed.
He shook his head; the woman didn’t know her own limits.
Kendrick noticed a male bystander, a newbie, move a little closer to Kelly. His eyes wandered over her breasts like a hungry pup. Kendrick placed his hands on her hips and pulled her back against this chest—claiming her. She made no move to peel away from him, sinking back into his embrace. The wayward curls of her hair tickled his chin, but he didn’t rel
ease her. The feel of her against him came as natural as breathing, as though she had been made to fit into his form. He smiled over the contented sigh she released when he tightened his grip on her waist.
Dominick stroked Teri’s hair while whispering to her. After she gave a nod, he stepped back from her and unrolled the single tail.
Kendrick dug his fingers into Kelly’s hips as Dominick ran the whip through his free hand then held the tip between his fingers, taking aim. A flick of a wrist was barely seen before the screech reached their ears.
The muscles in Kelly’s back tightened, and she held her breath until Teri settled herself on the cross then remained motionless, awaiting the next strike.
Kelly leaned back into Kendrick as the scene progressed, and he wrapped his arms around her, completely enveloping her in his embrace. His chin rested on top of her head; the rough curls were softer to the touch than he would have thought.
Each strike of the whip made Kelly tense. The dark welts were starting to show nicely across Teri’s back and ass. Red crisscrosses rose in an intricate pattern. Kendrick admired the work.
He released his grip around Kelly once Dominick put the whip away and began the dance of aftercare.
Assuming Kelly was finished watching, Kendrick slipped his fingers through hers to lead her away. She pulled back and shook her head. They watched as Dominick tenderly released the cuffs from the beams and rubbed the feeling back into Teri’s arms. It was only after Teri was wrapped in a silk robe and being escorted to another room that Kelly allowed Kendrick to pull her away.
He led her to the front lounge, intending to talk her into a cab home. Once out of the playroom, she turned to him with tears glimmering in her eyes. He cursed himself for not dragging her away sooner. This wasn’t her world; it was too much for her.
“That was the most beautiful thing I’ve seen in a really long time.” She surprised him with her admission. She blinked away the tears and smiled, her hand resting on his forearm. A stray curl fell in front of her left eye.
Instinctively, he reached out, using the tips of his finger he dragged the disobedient lock along her cheekbone and tucked it behind her ear. Her skin felt like satin beneath the roughness of his fingertips. Her gaze darkened at his touch as his fingers lingered on her earlobe.
“Kendrick.” A barely audible sound escaped the small walkie-talkie strapped to his belt, breaking the spell between them. “Kendrick,” the invader persisted.
He stepped back from Kelly and plucked the talkie up. “Go ahead.” He kept his focus on Kelly as he spoke into the receiver.
“Sam’s taking his break now. I’m moving to the front door,” the no-nonsense voice said.
Kendrick grimaced. The new guy on the crew came from a military background. His many tours overseas had left him saturated in army culture.
“Okay, Todd. Thanks.” Kendrick shut off the device and placed it back on his belt loop. “Sorry,” he said to Kelly, who was already searching the room for another scene to bury her attention into.
“It’s okay, you’re working.” Her gaze settled on something behind him, and she walked toward it.
He followed her into a small private room off the main lounge area. It was mostly used by couples new to the scene who didn’t have the confidence to play in public or by couples looking for a more intimate experience.
Kendrick stood in the doorway watching Kelly make her way through the room. The walls had been painted a deep purple, similar to the curtains in the main play space. There were no windows in the room, but a large black ceiling fan, along with the small oscillating fans mounted on the walls, keeping the room cool. A spanking bench stood in the middle of the floor.
Kelly ran her hand over the black leather and paused when she came to stand at the head of the bench.
“This is like the thing Ted had me tied to.” Her voice was soft. The expression in her eyes didn’t portray fear or anger, but rather gave Kendrick the impression she was trying to remember the feel of the position she had been in.
“It doesn’t seem as scary as I thought it would…you know…sober.” She gave him a half grin and placed both hands on the leather. “It’s used for spanking?”
“That’s one use, yes.” Kendrick crossed his arms and leaned against the door frame.
Her low hung shirt gave him a good view of the bountiful mounds of her breasts rising and falling with her heavy breaths. Without the prying eyes of others, he allowed himself the indulgence of enjoying the sight before him. Her pleated skirt did little to keep his mind from wandering to the depths of the erotic sins he wanted to act out with her. Inhaling deeply, he refocused his mind.
“What are the other uses?” she asked with truthful innocence.
The danger she could find herself in if she were having the conversation with any of other men in the club terrified him. He checked over his shoulder to be sure there hadn’t been any unwanted lurkers beyond the door.
“You don’t want to tell me. Why?” She brought her eyebrows together in obvious confusion.
“What made you come here tonight?” he asked, his words sounding harsher than he’d intended.
“I was curious,” she gave a slight shrug, “I don’t know how to explain it, but I’ve found myself drawn to these thoughts…ideas.” She gazed off in the distance, avoiding his expression as she spoke. “I’m not completely ignorant.” Her gaze snapped back to him. “I may not have any physical experience, but I’ve read enough.”
Her indignant words made him want to laugh. She stood at least a head and a half shorter than himself. Although well-toned, she was extremely petite in comparison to his large physique.
“You’ve read?” His words held a sarcastic quality as he moved fully into the room. He shut the door and leaned against it, blocking her exit. “What have you read?”
“Blogs, mostly.” She kept her hands on the bench, but moved her fingers around in a jittery fashion.
“And these blogs have taught you what?” He stepped toward her, stopping only a stride away.
“They made me curious.” She raised her chin when she spoke. Her eyes locked with his; there was grit in her expression.
“About what?” He leaned forward.
“What it would be like to…well…” She glanced away for a second as if to round up her courage before looking him in the eye again. “To belong to someone,” she spat out in a rush. “To be theirs in every way.”
Her eyes held sincerity. Her eyebrows arched in a worried pattern, and her lips parted slightly. She pulled back from the bench, walking toward him until the tips of her sandals touched the toes of his boots. Her hands rested on his chest as her eyes searched his face, and she whispered, “I want to be owned.”
Chapter 7
Kelly held her breath after proclaiming her desire. They stood staring at each other in humiliating silence. Every passing second without his response was another moment of rejection lived and memorized.
Slowly, his hands moved to cover her own. His fingers wrapped around hers, and he pulled them away from his chest. His eyes were unwavering in their firm hold on her.
“You don’t have any idea what that means,” he softly chided, keeping her hands in his. His expression twisted away from the casual grin he had held to a dark hidden place. “It’s not like what you’ve read in books. This isn’t your world.” He let go of her and turned to the door. “I’ll call a cab.”
He’d reached for the door handle when her shoe hit him in the back.
He turned around, his handsome, strong features gawking at her from the door. “Did you throw your sandal at me?”
“You don’t get to tell me where I belong.” She fisted her hands on her hips, feeling slightly off kilter without the heel of her sandal to keep her even. “I don’t want a cab,” she bit out, retrieving her sandal from where it had fallen after striking him. She balanced on one foot as she slipped it back on, ignoring his glare as she did so. “You can move now.” She waved a hand at him; he was
still blocking the door.
Her heart raced in her chest. The pounds became deafening, and she wasn’t sure she’d be able to be so close to him for much longer before her threatening tears fell.
“Kelly—”
“Please!” She stepped away from his outreached hand. A single touch would be her undoing. She’d never spoken those words to another human being before. Not even her closest friends knew of her desires.
“Let me out.” Her voice trembled, causing anger to build.
He didn’t push her further. The door opened, and he stepped to the side. She didn’t so much as glance at him as she passed and returned to the main dungeon.
He called her name once, but she ducked into a smaller playroom with loud music, successfully getting away without looking back.
Taking several deep breaths to calm her racing heart, she leaned against the far wall, away from the scenes around her.
She’d played the fool.
Only an idiot could feel a spark where there was none. Once she settled and felt confident that her emotional turmoil would not resurface without permission, she decided to continue her tour of the club.
“Hey, there.” A man, not much older than herself, stepped to her side as she watched a woman lying on a table, receiving a fire treatment of sorts.
The young nude female was face down on a table while another woman, also nude, stood over her with a fire baton in hand. Both parties seemed to be enjoying the flames washing over the younger lady’s back, and no one around appeared concerned.
“What is this?” She pointed to the women.
“Fire play,” her new companion answered. “I’ve never tried it, but a few friends have. They seemed to like it.”
Kelly turned to look him over. He stood on the shorter side, standing at the same height as herself. He wore an old cover band shirt and baggy jeans. His hair was purposefully tousled around his head.
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