Dance for Me

by Kay Elle Parker

  “Let her go, did you?” The guy didn’t seem pissed.

  “With a condition on her release, yes. Think you’ve got her running scared, Steven. I’ve seen slower lightning in motion.”

  Steven smirked. “She hates enemas. Especially when I add some ginger and peppermint for extra bite. I do love torturing that woman. Speaking of which, I think I just spotted her bare butt on route for barn three. Excuse me, gentlemen.”

  “I pity the lass once he catches her,” Braun mused as he and Jasper continued toward the walkway. He glanced down, relieved to see Bodie was still out like a light—he didn’t think she’d react well to talk of enemas and anal sex. “Ginger and peppermint? That’s just mean.”

  Jasper rolled his eyes. “It’s inspired, Braun. You’ve just gotten soft in your old age. Or maybe,” he added innocently, shooting a knowing look at Bodie, “because of a certain little poppet.”

  “Or maybe I’m just not as sadistic as you and Steven.”

  “Oh, that’s the truth. Sadism’s not just a skill, you know.”

  “It’s a God given right to torture willing subbies,” Braun drawled.

  “Precisely.”

  “Well, you and Steven can concoct despicably evil ways to drive the masochists wild together. Me? I want a drink and someplace to sit down with my own satisfied subbie on my knee. That’s the extent of my goals tonight.”

  They pushed through the doors, finding the walkway blissfully quiet, and wandered along in companionable silence for a few moments. When they reached the communal area, Bodie stirred, her feet twitching.

  “I’ll take your floggers to Liam, ask him to stow them until later.” Jasper offered, plucking them from Braun’s pocket. “There’s a booth in the far corner free. Might be quieter for sleeping beauty here. Usual to drink?”

  “Please. And a bottle of water for Bodie.”

  “Got it. Back in five.”

  They split off, Jasper beelining for the bar and scaring a huddle of unattached submissives near the bar by snapping the tails of the floggers in his hand against his leather pants. All but one of subs headed further down the bar...the one who didn’t scamper off regarded the Master with open fascination.

  Bad move, subbie. Don’t toy with the sadist if you don’t want to play.

  Leaving Jasper to deal with the doe-eyed sub quivering like an excited puppy, Braun cut across the busy room to the far corner. He was stopped several times by people wanting to simply say hello, and others to complain jokingly about the lack of a certain dancer on stage.

  Couldn’t be helped. Bodie was popular with the regulars. Even though her shyness and her antics of the last few weeks had kept her apart from the audience she danced for, club members had taken to her well. Tips were left behind the bar for her whenever she performed.

  Now she was his—there were no ifs or buts about it, she was his—they were going to have to discuss her schedule for Friday and Saturday nights. He didn’t mind waiting for her to finish her sets before whisking her off to play, but he might look at ending her nights an hour early.

  Any other night she was present at the club, she’d be fair game for him.

  He made it to the booth, sliding in and settling her into him. He’d wrapped her into her new subbie blanket—he’d bought it just for her—and the damn thing was so big it covered her from head to toe. He hoped she felt safe in it at her most vulnerable; the faux fur was soft against his skin, but the plushy velvet side would offer warmth and comfort if she felt uneasy. Like being hugged by a big furry bear.

  God, she’d taken the scene in her stride. He was so fucking proud with how she took what he gave her, even if it was tame by many Dominants' standards, and been with him every step of the journey. Sure, they’d had that small rebellion, but it was to be expected. He would have been concerned if she hadn’t tested his limits.

  Now she knew how far she could push him, and what the consequences were if she went over that line.

  He closed his eyes, bringing back the memory of tight, hot flesh giving way to his fingers. He’d almost taken her in that moment, said to hell with keeping things slow and easy. The taste of her, the squeeze of her pussy on his digits, had damn near been enough to shatter his control.

  When he claimed her fully, he knew he’d need to keep his head screwed firmly on. Fucking her senseless was one thing; hurting her through carelessness completely another. Knowing she was on the small side only added to his duty of care.

  The curse of a well-endowed man.

  Beneath the blanket, her body came alive. Hands and feet moved restlessly, her head jerked up then settled back as though it was too heavy to hold up. Loose, limp female stiffened into a woman on guard.

  “Shush, darlin', you’re okay. Take your time, gather your bearings.”

  She stayed still. Too still for his liking. He wondered which side of her would surface first and how much of a fight he was about to have on his hands. He could deal with the bitch, coddle the submissive...he just hoped to hell she didn’t saddle him with the runner straight out of the gate.

  “You did so well, Bodie. I am phenomenally proud of you.”

  Her eyes popped open and pinned him with bright blue fire.

  Fucking fantastic. The bitch was in full murderess mode.

  Her go-to defense when she felt insecure, it was a pain in his ass. However, now she’d agreed to become his submissive, there were a few more options he could use to his advantage when dealing with her in this state. He figured it might take all of them to break her free of this incessant cycle.

  Bite, run, submit. Bite, run, submit.

  Only once in his life had he submitted sexually and, well, saying he had respect for the submissives who stepped into clubs around the world was an understatement. He didn’t have the strength of character to hand control over; one night was enough to prove that.

  Those who did...he admired the hell out of them.

  “You bastard.” Well, that was a pleasant opening to their aftercare session. Her voice croaked, vocal cords probably sore from her crystal-shattering screams. “What the fuck did you do to me?”

  Braun clenched his jaw. Obviously, someone didn’t get the memo about aftercare being the time for quiet reflection and basking in the haze of a good orgasm. “Before your emotions get the better of you, darlin’, you might want to weigh the ramifications of your actions.”

  “Ramifications of my actions?” A throaty growl reminiscent of an angry kitten let loose. “You put your fingers inside me!”

  “I did. I specifically gained your consent for just that nefarious purpose, Boadicea. You responded exceedingly well and, although you were hesitant to orgasm, it was beautiful when you came.” Deliberately, he kept his tone low and warm. “What’s gotten you all het up, little one?”

  She tried to thrash her way out of the blanket, but Braun wasn’t letting her get away so easily. If he did, she’d throw her hissy fit and then let her running instincts take the reins. She’d flit off like she did before, and it would be another month until he caught her again. Then he’d have to start over, and things would just be a giant clusterfuck.

  “Want me to take you back through there and make you feel better?” Braun asked quietly, seriously, with a jerk of his head toward the second barn. “All those nasty emotions ricocheting around inside you can’t be easy to deal with, Bodie. Why don’t you let me help?”

  Ah, there was that insecurity, creeping around beneath the anger. He saw it in her eyes, the fury in the blue depths wavering for an instant. Her lower lip quivered pitifully before she sank her teeth into the firm flesh. “You did this to me. I didn’t want to feel this way, I’ve never wanted to know—”

  Oh, little one, you’ve stepped on a landmine now.

  Two glasses and a bottle of water thumped onto the table. Jasper slipped into the other half of the booth silently, assessing the standoff with curiosity. With a shrug, he lifted his glass and sipped, settling in as though watching something fascinating on
the TV.

  Boadicea clammed up immediately, fuming inside her fluffy cocoon, glaring at both Masters with the same degree of hostility.

  “Evidently I’ve done something against your wishes, little one.” What, he couldn’t say. He’d be damned if he let her shut him out after a scene as intense as theirs, and her ass would be several degrees warmer if she kept up the attitude, defense or not. “Explain it to me. You’re angry, Bodie, but there’s more to this than you are telling me, isn’t there?”

  “Just fuck off and leave me alone! Why did you have to interfere? I was doing just fine until you...you...” Tears filled her eyes.

  Braun glanced at Jasper. His friend’s eyes were narrowed in thought, and after a moment, the sadist mouthed Subdrop? Possible, more than possible. The extreme rush of adrenaline and endorphins in her blood would be receding, and a crash was definitely on the cards, but it wasn’t the sole reason for this. “Flogged you and gave you a screaming orgasm?”

  She faltered for a moment.

  “It’s a lot to process, little one. New sensations. Understanding the balance of pain and pleasure. No, don’t smart that pretty mouth off to me now. I’m torn between cuddling the scared part of you and blistering the ass of the rude little madam who keeps swearing at me.” Braun pushed the blanket away from her face and head, baring her to the shoulders. “I want to be lenient, little one, but one more outburst and you’ll not be sitting pretty for a few days.”

  “Give her to me for five minutes,” Jasper muttered. “She’ll never use profanity again.”

  Not helping, brother.

  Bodie curled her lip at Jasper, then ducked her head, all the color leeching out of her skin when he answered with a wolfish smile, showing every pearly white in a display of dominance.

  Rolling his eyes, Braun nudged her face back to look at him. Pale as glass, she avoided his eyes until he gently cleared his throat. “Why are you so scared, little one?”

  “I’m not!”

  “Yes, you are. The fear runs deep enough you can hide it but not control it. It’s governing you and as a result, you’re lashing your claws at me.” His fingertips trailed over her forehead, down her cheek. “I’m not the enemy here, Bodie,” he whispered. “The enemy is inside you.”

  The tears spilled over her cheeks. “It is me.”

  Jasper uncapped the water bottle, slipped it into Braun’s outstretched hand. His eyes didn’t leave Braun or Bodie, studying both of them with unnerving focus. Braun couldn’t read the expression in those icy blue eyes.

  Instead he made his subbie drink as she cried silently, feeding liquid back into her almost as quickly as it leaked out. “One way or another, I’ll get the truth from you, darlin'. Would be easier on us both if you just tell me. You’re not alone anymore, you don’t have to handle it all by yourself. You’ve got me. And Jasper, Liam, Atticus...” An idea hit him. While it galled him to think she’d been hurt—emotionally, physically, sexually—she might be afraid to open up to him. “Would you talk to Connie if I organize it, little one? Just you and Connie?”

  Bodie went very, very still. Tears and water dripped from her chin as she hiccupped sadly. Her eyes were so sad now, the bitch fading into nonexistence. After such a good scene, she should still be floating on air, but she just looked defeated and miserable. “Y-You’d do that?”

  “I’m prepared to go to any lengths to keep you here with me, Bodie. If we don’t purge the shit festering inside you, we’ll end up having this battle every time we play, and then you’ll bolt. Neither of us want that. I’d rather you talk to me, but it’s more important that you talk to someone.” As his shoulders loosened, he kissed the tears off her cheeks. “Connie will listen, little one.”

  She sniffled pitifully, sighed. Then she rested her head on his shoulder. “I’m sorry, Braun. I don’t mean to hurt you.”

  “You’re not. I’m hurting for you, Bodie.” Setting the half-empty bottle down on the table, Braun sent Jasper an apologetic smile. “I know it’s about time you were hunting your subbie down, J, but would you mind—”

  “I’m on it. Your office?”

  “Yeah, it’ll be quiet and private.”

  “I’ll get it done. I’ll be busy for the rest of the evening; if you need me, send me a signal. I’ll finish up whatever I’m doing as fast as I can.”

  “Appreciate it. Tell Connie the door’s open; we’ll be there shortly.”

  Jasper evacuated the booth, taking his glass with him. Tapping two fingers on his forehead in silent salute, he marched off on his mission. The same starstruck subbie who’d made eyes at him before latched onto him, trotting along three feet behind.

  Might have trouble there.

  Dismissing it for now—Jasper was certainly big enough and mean enough to discourage an overly fascinated sub if he wished—Braun leaned back and relaxed, hoping it would help keep Bodie from thinking too much. His drink sat on the table but, with what was coming, he wasn’t keen on imbibing just yet. He’d need something later, he imagined.

  “I...you want to do this now?”

  At Bodie’s uncertain whisper, Braun nuzzled her hair. “I think it’s best, yes. I don’t like seeing you like this, little one. The sooner we get you talking to someone, the sooner we can ease this nightmare you’re living in.”

  “But...she’s a Domme.”

  “She is indeed, so she won’t take any evasive shit from you if your bitchy side comes back out to play.” Which he had no doubts it would. “She’s also a highly qualified, kink-friendly therapist. A few members see her on a regular basis, and they sing her praises, Bodie.”

  She just huddled deeper into the blanket, pulling it in tightly around her. Another defense system activated. “Will she tell you what I say?”

  “Absolutely not. Connie won’t repeat anything you say to her, not without your express permission. If there’s something you want her to tell me, just ask her. Everything else stays with her and her alone.”

  “She’s your friend. You’re her boss.”

  Braun hummed in agreement. “Connie and I are very good friends, yes. Have been for quite a few years now. Doesn’t mean she’ll violate your trust in her, Bodie. She thinks too much of herself and her reputation to ever break someone’s confidence. And as for me being her boss...we don’t have that type of relationship. I own Avalon; she’s a member here. A trusted, valued member who through her own actions earned her title as Mistress. Just as her morals, her hard work, and her nature earned her respect in her field.”

  “What if I...” She peered up at him and he realized just how insecure she could be when her fears got hold of her. “What if the words won’t come out?”

  “Well now, I guess that’s a good question.” He slipped his hand into her cocoon, the backs of his fingers skimming warm, smooth flesh. He hated how she tensed, really fucking hated that her first reaction to touch was always to shy away. Finding her hands tucked together, he grasped one, linking his fingers with hers. “If they won’t, I guess there’s a reason. Connie can help you find what that reason is and how to get past it.”

  “M-Master Braun?”

  Irritation welled up inside him as Bodie flinched, breaking vital eye contact and angling her head into his shoulder. Struggling to keep his voice easy, he focused on Jasper’s wannabe stalker submissive dancing nervously from foot to foot on the other side of the table. “Yes, subbie?”

  “I’m really sorry to bother you, Master Braun,” she gulped when he arched a brow at her, “but Master Jasper asked me to come tell you the Mistress is waiting for you in your office.” Her voice cracked on a squeak.

  Oh, sweet little thing, he’s going to eat you for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if you’re not smart. “What’s your name, subbie?”

  “My name, Master Braun?” She blinked in surprise.

  “Your name, subbie,” he affirmed, amused by her bafflement. If she really was stuck on Jasper and ended up scening with him, the sadist would be toast. Jasper had been known to turn do
wn more than one subbie who thought she had the stones to survive him—Braun wondered if his friend would have the strength to refuse this one; she seemed sweet and completely flappable, but there was something about her that screamed masochist.

  “Oh, I’m Anarchy.” She flushed beautifully and Braun knew Jasper would just love marking up that flawless skin. “Everyone calls me Archie.”

  Anarchy, how...apt. Braun offered her an innocuous smile. “Thank you for passing along the message, Archie. Go back to Master Jasper and tell him he has my approval; you’ve done well.” When she all but vibrated on the spot with joy, Braun stifled a laugh. She was a delightful little thing. “Go on now, subbie. Don’t keep him waiting.”

  She quailed a bit then. “Oh no, Sir, he’s not playing with me tonight. He’s with Tiffany.” The edge of bitter jealous seemed out of character for the sweet subbie, saying volumes about what she thought of her sister submissive. “I’m just the errand girl, Master Braun.”

  “Would you like me to find you someone to play with this evening, Archie?”

  She shook her head, shyly hiding behind the curtain of blonde hair falling over her face. “Thanks, Sir, but I think I’m going to, ah, go watch Master Jasper at work. If you don’t mind?”

  Polite little subbie. “Your time here is yours, Archie. Have a good night.” When she skipped off, literally, Braun shook his head in wonderment. Some subs had more energy than they could contain. “All right, my precious subbie, time to make a move.”

  “I don’t want to.”

  “That’s a shame, little one. As your Dom, I’m overriding I don’t want to and replacing it with Master knows best.” He rose with ease, sidestepping out of the booth. He swore her heartbeat was audible above the chatter of the club. “Just give Connie a chance, that’s all I ask. Hell, sit and talk about the weather if that’s what you want.”

  Her nails dug into his skin through his shirt. A stranded kitten clinging frantically to the last inch of solid ground, claws hooked into anything it could. The trouble was this little kitten had a lifeline right beside her if she’d only reach out and snag it. “Braun, please.”