by P. Stormcrow
“Well, that’s why the ropes. For beginners, we’d more likely start them out at an indoor gym where, if all else fails, they can let go. The rope will keep them up and there are big cushy mats to prevent any injuries.” Dylan’s voice softened, a shyness creeping in that only endeared him to her. “Would you like to try sometime? I’d be happy to show you the ropes, so to speak.”
A pun. It was a pun. He was making a corny climber pun. All Luna could think of, though, was bondage and the shibari master Lani had said would be at the party tomorrow. Oh dear God. Her face heated.
“Climbing is also an excellent supplement to your training at the dojo, Luna,” Brandon cut in. He sounded so much like a father that it worked to deter her from inappropriate thoughts. “It promotes awareness of your own body and helps develop your sense of balance. I think it’d be worth giving it a shot.”
Trapped! But, in this case, she didn’t mind. And why the hell not? She was single, and he was cute. The worst that could happen was that she made a new friend instead. That wasn’t a a bad deal. “Sure, I’ll take you up on the offer.”
“Awesome! This weekend?”
Oh crap. She had just said she wasn’t up to anything this weekend, so being busy as an excuse was out. Something else, quick. “I don’t want to interrupt your outdoor climb. Why don’t we book for the following Saturday, if you’re free?”
He beamed, his smile reaching from ear to ear. “Sounds good to me. What’s your number? I’ll text you mine.”
Smooth. But she didn’t mind smooth. After exchanging numbers, they lapsed back into small talk and Luna felt a smidge more comfortable about the whole thing.
“So, what did you think of Dylan?” Ted insisted on walking Luna to the bus stop. That was sweet but she still glared at him. His knowing smugness only annoyed her further.
“The next time you and Brandon want to set me up with some guy, warn me beforehand, ’kay?”
“Hey, maybe there won’t be a next time! You two seemed to hit it off.”
“Yeah, yeah, you got lucky. And it’s too soon to really tell, Ted, too soon. I don’t even know the guy yet.”
They came to the bus stop just as Ted chuckled. “Well, let’s see how climbing goes then. Text me when you get home, Luna.”
“Yes, Dad!” She stuck her tongue out at him as he turned and walked away with a wave.
Between fixing a late dinner, a re-run of the first Iron Man—still the best one, in her opinion—and cleaning her apartment the next day, it was time to get ready for the play party before she knew it.
As she stood in front of the bathroom vanity, she struggled with the makeup. Mascara, eye shadow, eyeliner, a dab of lipstick… That was as far as she was willing to go. The makeup was much more subdued than she imagined was appropriate for the event, but she had always been a natural kind of girl. Then she got dressed.
She wasn’t sure if there was enough material to call the dress Lani had chosen for her a dress, but it was certainly nothing like she had ever worn in her life. Made of faux leather, the deep V of the garment dipped so low that it almost reached her navel, strings crisscrossing across the peekaboo glimpses of her cleavage. The back was bare, for the most part, save for the strip of material across her upper back to keep the top half of the dress up. The fabric of the bottom half began at about the hip and ended just below the rear. Luna wondered if she was flashing people more with the top of her butt crack or the bottom of her cheeks.
She had promised Lani fishnet stockings and heels to complete the look, so she put them on, but part of her was afraid to look in the mirror. Luckily, her phone went off with a message from Lani saying she was downstairs. Soon there was no time to doubt anymore. She shrugged on a large jacket to cover herself, despite the summer heat, then grabbed a large bag with a change of clothing. After that, she was off.
Lani pouted when she saw Luna approach the car but gestured her inside, nonetheless. When Luna settled, the Domme gave a small chuckle. “Afraid you may run into a neighbor?” The teasing had begun.
“Something like that,” Luna mumbled, blushing as she sank lower into the seat.
Instead, she got a sting from a slap to her thigh from Lani. “Ow!”
“Sit up straight. Be proud. Confidence is sexy.”
The tone brooked no nonsense and Luna recognized the command in her mentor’s voice. She obeyed without another thought, pushing herself up and straightening.
“Good, dolly.”
The tone of approval warmed Luna. She recognized that it was what Lani liked to call subs.
“Now, let’s go over the rules one more time.”
Luna began, “Be respectful. No touching unless invited. Don’t interrupt a scene. No recording of any kind. If I have any questions, see a dungeon monitor. Safe, sane and consensual.” Luna repeated for the nth time. She didn’t mind, though. She understood these rules’ importance.
“Good. Don’t forget, too, that the touching goes both ways. No one should be touching you if you didn’t invite them. If you feel pressured or uncomfortable with something happening, come find me or a dungeon monitor. They’ll be wearing a green ribbon around their arm.
Luna nodded once more. “Got it.”
“Good. Jacob is the main dungeon monitor tonight. The others are on rotation. So if anything, I’ll make sure you get introduced to him right away.”
Jacob. Oh God. That Jacob? As the memory of the conversation at the munch surfaced in her mind, all the pieces fell into place. Well, crap.
What was Mr. Tall, Dark and Dominant going to think of her outfit? Was she going to be able to string a sentence together to save her life? Did he only think of her as the klutz from The Playgrounds?
“Luna?” Lani’s hand on her knee jolted her from her panic. Luckily, the Domme’s eyes were on the road, so she couldn’t have seen the color of her heated cheeks.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, just nervous.” Luna let out a shaky laugh.
“Relax. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do, okay? Just think of it as research.”
Then there was no more time to reply as the car pulled into the driveway of a gorgeous two-story white house that had lights twinkling in the fading sun of a late summer’s day. Out here in the suburbs, she was sure few could imagine the perfectly maintained house with the modern architecture behind a fancy black steel gate and tall hedges would be a site of the kinds of debauchery promised tonight. Luna tried her best not to let her jaw drop.
“Well, here we are. Are you ready, sweetie?” Lani asked, grabbing her own bag.
Confidence was sexy. Luna slipped out of the car and shrugged off her coat, slinging it over her arm before retrieving her bag.
“Yeah, as ready as I’ll ever be. Let’s do this.”
Chapter Four
When the same drop-dead gorgeous Amazon of a woman who had called Jacob away at The Playgrounds opened the door, clad in nothing but a lace bodysuit and five-inch stilettos, a sense of awe and intimidation threatened to overwhelm Luna. As she stood three steps behind Lani, she hunched over and shifted her weight from one foot to another, like a child caught playing dress-up among adults.
She kept her eyes downcast as Lani hugged the woman before she entered. Trailing behind, Luna rummaged in her bag to pull out yet another bag, a tall gift one containing a bottle of Zinfandel, and she offered it to the hostess. “Please, Ma’am, accept this gift as a token of gratitude for allowing me to join.” Inside, she cringed at how awkward and formal she sounded.
The woman smiled, warmth lighting up her face as she accepted the bag. “Please, simply Dominique is fine. I’m more like you. Thank you. I’ll make sure my Mistress receives this.” With that, the woman ushered her inside.
Luna blushed in embarrassment for assuming the other was a Dominant. Great, not even inside yet and already I’ve blundered. But then there was no time to berate herself when she stood stunned by the decor of the place.
Every line was clean
, sleek and modern. A small stone fountain stood by one side, water gurgling to provide a subtle ambience. Beyond the foyer, light hardwood flooring stretched into a semi-open concept to meet with large windows that let the light of the setting sun bathe the place in warm oranges and reds. The living room was immaculate, like something out of a showcase spread in an interior decorating magazine.
To her left, she heard laughter drifting from what must be the kitchen. Still following Lani’s lead, Luna stepped inside.
A small crowd had gathered around the massive kitchen island, onto which was placed a large charcuterie platter in the middle and punch, coffees and teas to one side. There was no alcohol. For a minute, the mundaneness caught Luna by surprise, but she kicked herself for it. She had been so focused on the play element that she had forgotten about the party part.
Her gaze followed Dominique, who had approached and remained behind a small blonde in a golden corset. She noted that the sub waited until a break in the conversation between the blonde and someone else before leaning down to whisper in her ear. Already, her own nature was taking mental notes of what they deemed appropriate behavior.
The woman, whom she assumed was Dominique’s Mistress, smiled at the gift and looked their way before she sauntered over in confident strides.
“Lani!” The two greeted each other with a hug before Lani took a step back. “Erica, may I introduce my friend Luna.”
Luna had the strongest urge to curtsey, not that she knew how. Instead, she inclined her head. “Good evening, Mistress Erica. Thank you for having me at this party.”
“Heavens, are you sure the girl is new at this?” Erica asked Lani.
“Nah, just a natural,” her friend replied, and Luna wasn’t sure if she should be proud or not. Actually, with the bundle of nerves she was, she wasn’t sure what else she should be feeling.
Erica eyed Luna before turning to address her. “You are welcome, little one—and my thanks for the gift. Please relax and enjoy yourself.”
Something must have drawn Erica’s attention, as she looked up and over Luna’s shoulder, and Luna had to resist the urge to look with her. Erica gave a wave to whoever it was that must have just entered the kitchen then gave them both a polite smile. “Please excuse me for a moment.”
As Erica and Dominique walked off, Luna swallowed hard, only to feel Lani’s hand on her with an encouraging smile. “You’re doing great. You even impressed Erica—and that’s no small feat.”
“Oh.” Luna sucked in a breath. “She was a bit…intimidating,” she admitted.
Lani laughed, keeping her voice soft. “Of course. Those are the two goddesses of The Playgrounds.” At Luna’s blank stare, Lani giggled harder. “The owners.”
“Oh!”
“Lani, may I speak with you for a minute?” someone called out from behind them, although Luna wasn’t sure who it was. Panic welled in her at the thought of being left alone. She didn’t want to be that clingy friend at a party, and she knew that at some point Lani would leave to scene, but she couldn’t hold back her fears.
Something must have shown on her face. Lani reached out to take her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “I won’t be long. Go eat something and I’ll be back before you know it.”
Luna smiled gratefully and nodded. She squared her shoulders in an attempt to recover that bravado from earlier and threaded her way to the kitchen island.
The various cheeses and meats had her mouth watering and, bit by bit, her nerves calmed. A rather succulent-looking prosciutto next to the most beautiful wheel of brie she’d ever seen caught her eye. She grabbed a plate and made a beeline for it, only for her hand to be brushed by someone else’s. Startled, she looked up to stare into the dark chocolate brown eyes from the other night.
Her mind blanked.
Surprise made the man’s eyes widen before one brow arched. How the hell could a man have such long lashes and perfectly shaped brows? It was a crime against all women.
No, the smile that came next was the crime against all women.
“Go ahead.”
Crap…his voice. Low and smooth. Luna swallowed and thought she may have found her voice. “Thank you, Master.” She drew another blank at his name. “Sir…” Her voice was squeaking and she kicked herself. He was just a guy.
“Jacob. Here…” He chuckled and turned, taking a small cheese knife to cut a piece of brie, then placed it on her plate. Next, he took a small fork and speared a piece of the prosciutto, dropping that onto her plate as well.
Dear God, the ‘just-a-guy’ is feeding me.
“Thank… Thank you, Master Jacob.” Inside, she willed herself to stop stammering.
“Jacob!” Lani’s voice rang out from behind, causing both of them to turn. Lani to the rescue! As she approached, she placed a reassuring hand on Luna’s back and pivoted them both to face Jacob once more. “I see you’ve met Luna. She’s here as a guest of mine.”
“Luna.” There was that surprise in his eyes again. “I see. Well, welcome to the party.”
“Luna, remember that Jacob is the main dungeon monitor tonight, so if you have questions, you can go to him.”
She nodded a little, though she wondered if she could even formulate a sentence around the man. She had never been so flustered around anyone in her life. Well, one. Sorta.
Jacob’s eyes captured hers, reminiscent of that night at The Playgrounds, and, with that, she was barely aware of anyone else being around.
“Yes. And if there’s something you’re uncomfortable with any time, please come to me right away. I’ll be on the floor,” he offered.
The floor?
“Ah, Jacob, why don’t you take Luna and show her around the main areas. I think Erica and Dominique are going to be busy for a while playing hostesses.”
“Sure.”
Luna half expected to be scrambling after him—or at least following behind. Instead, Jacob gestured for her to go ahead. She cast a last glance back at Lani, only to see her give a wide grin and a wink. It was so reminiscent of Ted that the realization whacked her over the head. Lani was matchmaking.
And was that such a bad thing?
Her stomach did a little flip at the unbidden question in her head. It was just a tour of the place. She didn’t have to answer any complicated questions or decide yet. He. Was. Just. A. Guy.
She flashed Jacob a small smile of gratitude in an attempt at recovery, then started walking in the direction he’d indicated to leave the kitchen. Once out, Jacob stepped forward to lead the way.
“The kitchen will have snacks and water laid out at all times. If you need, there’ll also be Gatorade and juice in the fridge. Help yourself to any of the food you find.” They walked toward the living room, Luna falling in place just to the right of him, three steps behind.
“The living room on this floor will be for relaxing and chit-chatting. There won’t be any play here.” That was a bit of relief to know. If her senses got a bit overloaded, she could just curl up on one of those couches or beanbag chairs.
“Let’s go upstairs.” Jacob led the way once more, though he kept his pace slow and paused to ensure Luna was following. Luckily, he stopped doing that as they climbed up the stairs, or else he would have caught her staring at his butt—firm, round and like the rest of his body, speaking of powerful muscles beneath the black bondage pants he wore. Was it wrong, she wondered, to want to see what he looked like underneath?
Where is that lust coming from? It was so not her.
“Any open door means it’s a private guest room available for use. You’re welcome also to use any towels you find in there. The rooms are just for rest, not play. The party tonight is public play only, just to let you know, so you don’t have to worry about running into something you didn’t want to see up here. Most of the rooms have private bathrooms as well, if you need to clean up.”
Was Jacob expecting she was going to play? “Um…that’s good to know, but I’m not planning on doing anything beyond observin
g.”
“Good.” He smiled at that, a genuine smile that made her wonder what she’d said to deserve it. His compliment made her straighten, but she tilted her head to one side, a question on her lips.
Jacob turned toward her, approval clear in his voice, even as he explained. “It’s good to observe for a while, figure out what you like and don’t like before diving in. The worst mistake someone new to the scene can make is to jump right in without thinking things through first. It’s how people get hurt.”
Luna suppressed the urge to find a pen and paper to take notes, so she nodded instead. It was reassuring to hear that she was on the right path. “So, what did you mean when you said ‘floor’ earlier?” After a split second, she realized she had forgotten the honorific. “Master Jacob—or do you prefer Sir? I’m always confused with which I should use.”
He chuckled and she couldn’t help but blush. “Relax, just Jacob is fine. We’re not scening, and as much as I appreciate the respect, you’re also just exploring right now.” His lips quirked into a crooked grin. “Besides, even for a scene, I prefer my partner screaming out my name instead of some generic title.”
Oh. Dear. God.
She had to be turning as red as a tomato and Luna swallowed as those words, combined with that grin, sent a shot of heat straight to her core. “I…see…”
None of it made sense. She usually had such a low sex drive.
“Come on. You asked me about the floor. Let’s head to the basement and I’ll show you.”
He led the way once more and, after a slight pause, Luna followed, thankful for his lack of comment about how red or flustered she was.
She was still struggling to calm her pounding heart and clamp down on her arousal when they arrived. As she took the last steps down, her eyes widened at the different stations featuring an array of large apparatuses along the perimeter of the room. In a lot of ways, the setup was like a kinky version of a gym. But it was the center that drew her attention, a small stage with spotlights set up on the ground. The stage was empty for now, but Luna could see hooks installed above and strong ropes dangling from them. There was no doubt that their hosts had prepped for the shibari demonstration.
