“Good. Yes. There’s also a littles room, a pony play area, and a couple of other new rooms that we’re working on. One is set up to appear as if you are outside, for those who have exhibitionist tendencies.”
“Really?” Her face grew flushed as all eyes turned to look in her direction.
His gaze turned to Clover and she met his inquiring look with a shy, apologetic glance, then immediately lowered her gaze to the floor.
She wasn’t going to have it that easy, he decided.
“Hello, everyone, please welcome Clover. She is our guest, so make her feel welcome as we learn more about the many facets of the BDSM lifestyle.”
“Thank you.” She replied, her eyes shining with her animal.
He cleared his throat. “Okay, folks. One of the other rooms we have is dedicated to something called Shibari. Has anyone heard of that?”
The group started to mumble amongst themselves.
“Raise your hand.”
Casey, a young, perfectly coiffed, African American woman, thrust her hand in the air. “Yes, it’s the Japanese art of rope tying.”
“Is it something recommended for beginners?” Another person asked.
“No. Not usually.” Master Richard replied with a frown. “Most of them haven’t learned how to be still.”
“So, people shouldn’t try this at home without some training?”
“Very good.” Master Richard nodded. “Shibari is something that requires concentration and the skilled hands of a Master or Mistress to lead the sub through. Otherwise, you risk loss of circulation and a host of other issues.”
His gaze met Clover’s, and for a moment he could swear she parted her lips in what looked like desire.
Chapter Seven
The dozen or so students followed Master Richard from one room to the next. Clover trailed behind the others, trying to keep up. She was fascinated by the varying ages of the people interested in play. They looked just like anyone else, not dressed in black or obviously different. They could have been anyone. The person next door, or a coworker. It made her think maybe she could do this.
Her curvy form had always been something she hid from. Modeling was a way to make herself see that she had something to offer. The fact that Master Richard had seen something in her meant more to her than words could say.
The first door opened to a room resembling a stable. A young woman fitted in a bridle and shoes that looked like bronze hooves pranced and preened under her Dom’s attentions. He was very obviously aroused, and at a nod from Master Richard, he began to stroke her to orgasm, his finger buried between her thighs.
Heat swirled in her lady bits and she forgot the fear that had been plaguing her. The woman threw her head back, teeth chomping the bridle between her lips.
“Don’t come. Not yet.”
Her Dom stoked her fire, bringing her closer to the edge, but pulled back each time she came close, the last time withdrawing from her completely. Finally, he unzipped his fly, taking his engorged cock into his hand. He slipped a condom on and slapped his length against her leg.
“Do you want this, girl? Do you?”
“Yes, Master,” she panted. “Please.”
“Do you think all these people want to see me fuck you?”
“I do, Sir.”
She assumed a position, ass in the air, her hands covered in hoof-like gloves. He took her hard, thrusting inside of her, the piston motion of his hips, making Clover wish she was the pony girl on display.
Master Richard cleared his throat. “This room actually leads out into a paddock, a riding trail, and a small barn. It’s set up completely to do pony play and support training of a good horse woman or horseman.”
He led them down the hall and one of the students spoke up.
“Why would someone want to be a horse?” This came from an older man with a confused look on his face.
“The one good thing about BDSM is there are as many variables as there are people. A kink for one person may not be for another. The important thing is to be open-minded and not judge. And, if you form an opinion or if you decide you don’t care for something, keep things under wraps. You wouldn’t like someone else to pick you apart for something that you enjoyed, would you?”
“No, not really.” The other man admitted.
“Well then, let’s move on, shall we?” The next room was done in nursery room style with stuffed animals and what looked like a crib station. In the corner, a woman in a nurse’s outfit tended to three young women outfitted in little girl pinafore dresses with bows in their hair.
Some of the students whispered among themselves but Clover watched, strangely rapt as one young woman was draped over the top of the nurse’s legs and paddled over the top of her ruffled little girl panties. She cried pretty tears and was set aside and told to stand in the corner.
“This is the room for all our guests to enjoy pretending that they are small people. Their Master or Mistress attends to their needs and both are gratified by the process.”
The man who had questions about pony play started to raise his hand but quickly lowered it.
“It’s all right, Walt. Go ahead and ask.”
“Isn’t that kind of gross?”
Master Richard frowned. “Remember what I said, Walt. No judgments. People who play in littles attire are not child predators. They simply choose a different type of BDSM. The two are far removed, I can assure you. There is, in fact, a large movement across the world of people who enjoy this lifestyle. Most are happy, well adjusted couples, some even with children of their own.”
The others murmured among themselves.
“Remember, the arrangements that you create with your significant other or partner are based on mutual agreement and respect. Trust and communication are the two things that are the most important.”
A young dark-haired woman spoke up.
“My Dom is teaching me that. He wanted me to come here and learn.”
“Very good, Jasmine. He is right. The more you know, the better you’re prepared to make reasonable and responsible choices. Now, back to the discussion. In this scenario, the submissive is dressed as a child and treated well. There may be varying degrees of sexuality and depending on the couple. There may also a nurse who provides support and discipline. Not everything in BDSM involves sex.
“If you have more questions about this, please inquire after class. This can be a hot button issue for many folks and we like to be as clear and transparent as possible in your education so you can decide what your soft and hard limits are and where your interests lie.”
“What is the next room?” An older man spoke up, clearly interested in moving onto the next step in the tour. She could tell he wasn’t a fan of the littles lifestyle and, to be honest, she wasn’t sure how she felt about it either.
But Master Richard was right. It seemed as if there were as many aspects of this lifestyle as there were people.
The crowd moved down the hall and Clover made out a room full of smallish desks, a chalkboard, and a large desk at the head of the classroom.
“Here is our schoolroom environment. This is quite popular with Doms and subs of all shapes and sizes. Here you can have some interesting impact play with rulers, paddles, and hands. For those of you not familiar with impact play, that involves anything that you can use to what, class?”
“Spanking.” The voices of the people surrounding her cried out in unison.
“Very good. There’s also an aspect in this category of some humiliation and correction, and the schoolroom can be tied closely in with the littles environment next door, should that be necessary in training.”
Master Richard paused a moment and led the group forward once again. “Here we go. The next room is the medical suite.”
Clover peered in through the window. It appeared to be a medical office with a doctor’s examination table covered in paper. She didn’t know what they were called; she just knew it reminded her of the gynecologist office and she d
idn’t like that. Equipment in sterile plastic enclosures sat on the tray next to the table.
“Doctor and nurse play are one of the most popular sequences we have. You can have a lot of fun here if you choose the right partner.” The last comment was made nonchalantly but she could see it tightening around his lips and in a hard stare as he gazed into the room.
She’d heard people talking about Richard in the couple of days since she’d arrived. Apparently, the pretty sub from the pictures had cheated on him in this room.
Not cool.
“Okay, everyone. Keep moving.” He showed them more rooms, like an old-fashioned Victorian one with outdoor amenities, and another trussed up with a large wooden cross and hooks in the ceiling.
“That’s all for tonight. Thank you for asking questions and making our guest feel welcome. Tomorrow, will be discussing some different aspects of BDSM, particularly the art of tying up a sub with scarves and a little bit of wax play. These are two things that can be done in the home with ready made equipment, but you have to know what you’re doing because...again what, class?”
“Knowledge is power.”
“Have a good night. For those of you playing at the club later, I’ll see you on your best behavior. I’m dungeon monitor this evening.”
Good natured laughter and banter between the people made her smile. This was not what she expected from people who hung out with whips and chains. Not in the slightest.
A quick glance at her watch told her it was almost time for work. She ran upstairs to check on Sylvester and took him out for another quick walk. She couldn’t believe how fast the time had flown. When she got downstairs, Miranda was already waiting and the night began in earnest. Duncan asked her for her car keys and, with a smile, she handed them over.
“What are you up to?” She eyed the big bear shifter.
“Got to get that beast fixed, don’t you?”
She did. Or else she’d never be able to leave. But as the time drew closer, she wondered if that was what she truly wanted at all.
Her job here was fun and she was learning about a world that made her feel special and protected. She quite simply didn’t want her time here to end. Not when there was so much more to explore and, if she was honest with herself, she knew who she wanted to explore it with.
The lure of Richard’s camera taunted her and she wanted to discover what it meant to submit to his ministrations. To surrender to him in body and in spirit.
Her bunny just wanted a tumble and kept insisting he was their mate.
She smiled and shook her head. For her, it was too early to jump back into the frying pan. Hell, she was still recovering from the singe marks from her last bad decision.
Nope. She was going to take it slow.
Wednesday was more crowded. Couples dressed in leather and scantily clad costumes populated the floor. Some of them were familiar from the previous evening, with others new to her. But each of them sported the alcohol stamp and one inebriated woman even got escorted out when she attempted to wield a flogger on an unsuspecting male.
The night went fast and before she knew it, it was time to go upstairs. She was exhausted, but as she left the main floor her gaze found Master Richard’s and a little thrill slid up her spine.
She shifted back into her rabbit form and snuggled next to Sylvester, dreaming of the Dom’s intense eyes.
***
Her training with Miranda went easy and she found herself almost feeling bad that it was Thursday. She would be able to leave soon, or, at least, get paid so she could reimburse whoever took the car in. Her account with PayPal had been secured, so all she had to do was wait for the last job to roll around to payday.
These people, as she watched them, had started to become a bit of a family in a way, and she was loath to leave them. Especially Miranda with her good humor, Duncan the big teddy bear, and a certain Dom with silent eyes that spoke volumes.
He wanted her. She could see that. As her body healed, she admitted to herself that she wanted to feel what it was like to be tended to and mastered by someone she could trust not to hurt her.
And she didn’t think of Ellis much at all. How long had it been since the love she’d originally felt had turned into something more akin to fear?
She watched from the bar as Master Richard engaged in some sort of tutorial showing a young man how to hold a paddle, and in another session with a woman on how to hold a whip. He was patient, showing each of them what the proper form was, and never lost his temper. With the woman, he was very impressive.
He pointed to her boots.
“Take them off.”
“What?” Dressed in leather to the nines, the six-inch boot heels made her almost tower over the muscular Dom.
“You’re going to fall on your ass in those stupid shoes. They look great, but anyone who knows anything about holding a whip or, for that matter, a cane, will tell you that if you want to keep your traction and wield your implement effectively, be barefoot.”
“I don’t understand,” she replied, her brow furrowing in confusion. “The books never say that.”
“You haven’t read mine.” He gave her a stern look. “When you are barefoot, you are in tune with your body’s movement and how the sub reacts to you. Stay in those boots and you chance over compensating with a harder stroke and possibly injuring them. You could also twist your ankle and lose control, injuring yourself and the submissive because of your vanity.”
“Oh. Well then.” She blinked at him. “Let me try.”
She did, and damned if Master Richard wasn’t right. Her movements became less clunky and the whip almost an extension of her body.
Clover’s days had become a routine of working in the bar in the morning, then attending class and tutorials. From time to time, Richard brought his camera and snapped pictures of her, testing out the waters to see how she would react. Surprisingly, she didn’t mind. On Friday, he approached her.
Wearing tight-fitting, black tee and crisp black trousers, he pulled her to the side. His eyes bright with his beast, she couldn’t help but react. Her bunny wanted him, no ifs, ands, or buts.
And, she decided, she quite liked the look of his butt.
“Come with me.” His voice was husky and she couldn’t help but wonder what he had in mind. “Full warning. I may not be able to keep my hands to myself today.”
She swallowed. “What if I don’t want you to?”
Glancing down, she noted his erection and her own body stirred in response. Contract or no, she knew what could happen and, for once in her life, wanted to experience something just for her.
“Put this on and join me in the classroom.” He thrust a garment bag at her.
“Okay.” She went back to her room and changed, marveling at the sexy schoolgirl outfit and how different it made her feel. Her curves were those of an average woman, not a girl’s. Her modeling jobs were chosen carefully for those who would appreciate her shape. Unlike Ellis. He called her fat, and for a long time she’d believed him. Until one day a photographer happened to stop in at the restaurant and left her his card.
“You’d be sensational. Call me.”
She had. The first few shoots she didn’t even bother telling Ellis. It wasn’t enough to mean much. But as her reputation started to grow, she had to tell him when it became clear that the money she was making could have tax implications. He did the bookkeeping and she didn’t want to chance anything going awry with the IRS.
Proudly, she’d flashed her PayPal balance and explained where it had come from. She thought he would be proud of her. Instead, he just used it as another excuse to demean her.
How foolish she had been.
But the one thing he’d forgotten in his rage was demanding the password.
Never had she intentionally worn anything meant to turn a man on, but in the skimpy short skirt and blouse that threatened to pop open any minute, she felt different. Sexy. In an act of rebellion, she left off the panties, the open air feeling st
rangely provocative on the exposed damp skin of her aroused pussy.
Clover knew why she was going down and it wasn’t just for instruction. Her bunny had finally called her bluff.
She wanted this.
Clover made her way downstairs and ambled down the hall in her Mary Janes and little white socks. He was already in the room, his back to her.
“You’re late. Again.” He turned to her, his lips a thin line of disapproval. The camera rested on the edge of the desk.
“I’m sorry, Sir,” she replied, thinking of how the others responded.
“In my classroom, you can expect to feel the length of my ruler across your backside for tardiness. Is that understood? Come here and bend over the desk.”
Heart beating fast, she did as he asked. But first, he grabbed her by the chin and held her face up for his inspection.
“Kiss me.”
A millisecond of panic slid through her but just as quickly dissipated. She was here with Master Richard and he would never hurt her.
The idea of it opened a floodgate and she leapt at him, her breasts pressed against the hard muscle of his form.
Her lips met his in a frenzy of pent up emotion that shook her to the core. Heat flooded her body, desire scorching the blood in her veins. This was what Miranda had meant. This...hunger for whatever he wanted to do to her. His touch.
Her bunny reveled in the sensation, rubbing herself against the underside of her skin.
Master Richard tasted of peppermint and strength, and as his tongue slipped into her mouth, she let herself bend toward him.
Breaking away, he moved behind her once more. Her skirt was tossed up and she heard the quick intake of his breath.
“Very naughty, young miss.” He pressed against her and she felt the hardness of his erection press alongside her ass. “No panties.”
“Is it, Sir?” she asked, her voice all innocence.
“It is.” He stepped away and sat down on the desk, pulling her across his knees and wrapping his thigh around her like a steel band so she couldn’t move.
For a moment, her bunny senses panicked, but then she remembered where she was.
Surrendering to Her Mate Page 6
