Addict (Cravings #1)

by Rachael Orman

  "Yes, sir," her steady voice responded immediately.

  "Good." I brushed her hair over her shoulders letting my fingers drag over her skin as I did it. That's when my eyes landed on the leather collar around her neck and the silver chain still attached. "Still wearing my collar, are you?"

  "I couldn't bring myself to take it off, sir." She lifted her chin proudly so I could see the collar better.

  The smile that jumped to my lips wouldn't be denied. There was nothing sexier than seeing her spirit despite having a blindfold on and being completely nude. "I understand, Precious, that it was a mistake. An error, if you will. However, I am still going to punish you so that you don't forget anytime soon." I licked my lips as my eyes ate up every inch of silky skin on display. Reaching up, I tugged on the chain to release it from the way she'd kept it tucked up and out of her way. With the chain wrapped around my hand, I led her across the room to the St. Andrew's cross in the corner. I hadn't yet tied her up to it, but it seemed the perfect time to use it. Skimming my hands over her shoulders and down her arms until I reached her wrists, I circled them with my fingers before lifting them above her head. "Stay," I breathed into her hair.

  Stepping to the stand near the wall, I removed four long strands of pearls I had bought for just such an occasion. Returning to Alix, I wrapped a strand around each wrist, securing her to the cross before doing the same to her ankles.

  "You are tied with pearls. Pull, struggle, fight at all and you'll break them. Break them and it all stops. Understood?" Unable to help myself, I fisted her hair so I could pull her head to the side and sink my teeth into that ultra-sensitive skin at the base of her neck. Feeling her body tense and the grunt of pain she fought to hold back as I bit her had my cock swelling in my jeans. I'd been in the process of changing into my suit when she'd showed up. Not willing to make her wait, I'd come to her in just my jeans and feeling her skin repeatedly against my own made me wish I had done so before.

  "I understand, sir," Alix grunted as I released her hair.

  Placing a soft kiss against the angry red marks from my teeth, I stepped away from her again. All of her was on display and I planned to take advantage of it. There would be no rushing. I was going to make sure she knew down to the smallest grain of her being that she was mine and only mine. Looking at the wall of treasures, I debated on which one would be the best to use. A glint of something silver caught the corner of my eye. Turning my head, a dark smile took over as I knew I had found exactly what the night's pleasure was going to be. The small metallic object was perfect.

  Without getting too close, I reached out and let the sharp points of the Wartenburg's wheel roll across Alix's shoulders. The sharp inhale let me know she felt the tiny points exactly how I wanted her to. They left a beautiful pattern behind on her skin. Lowering my hand, I started at the base of her spine. As the spikes worked their way along her back, she groaned and arched her back, but didn't tug on her delicate restraints. After giving her a moment to wonder where I was going to go next, I started at her hip and followed the curves of her body. The sides of her breast were going to be sensitive anyway, but I pressed harder, letting the points dig in a bit more. "Oh!" Alix yelped, but still didn't struggle.

  After repeating the treatment to the other side of her body, I put the wheel back on the stand. As pleasing as it was to see the dots left behind on her skin, I wanted to see more. Opening the bottom drawer of the stand, I pulled out the carefully-wound rope. As I undid the ties, the free end of the rope slapped against the ground — teasing Alix with what was to come next.

  Once I had the entire length of the rope free, I closed the distance between Alix and me. The warmth of her back against my chest, the swell of her ass pressed against my throbbing cock had me dropping my lips to her neck. Not lifting my head, I spoke against her skin. "This is something new. I will be right here. Speak to me as I work so I know you are doing all right."

  "Yes, sir. What would you like me to talk about?" She tilted her head away to give me better access to her throat.

  "Ask questions and I'll ask you questions." I knew it'd be the perfect time for us to get to know each other better as I showed her one of my favorite things.

  "I can do that." She smiled. "Will I still be in the pearls?"

  "No. I will take them off in just a moment. Don't move unless I tell you to, though." Running my palms up her raised arms, I slowly undid the pearl restraints. As each came undone, I placed them around her neck, replacing the strand she'd left behind. Once she was released, I started with the rope. It wasn't a fast process to get her tied up the way I wanted, but if I kept her distracted and talking there was no reason she couldn't do it.

  "Is this going to hurt?" she asked after I'd wrapped the rope around her stomach a few times, knotting it as I went.

  "No. If it does, tell me right away," I reassured her as I kept working on the intricate knots.

  "Will you ever tell me your name?" She wasted no time getting to the questions I knew were coming.

  "One day."

  "Can I see your face?" She didn't hesitate at all.

  "Soon." I still hadn't figured out how, so I couldn't say more than that.

  "Have I seen you before? You know, outside of here?"

  "You have." I smiled. She was trying to piece everything together.

  "Have we spoken?"

  "No." I knew that'd give me away almost instantly. Not all that many men had the British accent I was unable to get rid of. Plus, she'd heard my voice so much I was sure she'd be able to identify me just from that.

  "What is so special about your job that you won't tell me what it is?" she asked after a moment of thought.

  "Let's just say that not everyone likes what I do and I didn't want that to get in the way of us getting to know each other."

  "Are you a lawyer? No one likes lawyers." She smirked even as she asked, which made me laugh.

  "No. Not a lawyer. I can't stand them either. Unless they are saving me from angry clients." As soon as the words left my mouth, I knew I'd let slip something I hadn't meant to. Instead of letting it show, I kept working with the rope as if I'd meant to share that I had clients.

  "I can only imagine. I know I've dealt with some horrible clients. Thankfully they can't really come after me for anything, but in other situations I could see how they would be absolutely the last person I wanted to deal with." She sighed as I tightened a knot, securing one of her wrists to her body. Her eyes fluttered closed for a brief moment before slowly opening again. Her voice was noticeably relaxed when she asked, "I thought I was getting a punishment — this doesn't feel like punishment."

  "No, not a punishment, Precious. I would never lay a hand on you in anger. This is not a time for discipline, but a reminder of all that we have together." As I secured her other wrist, effectively restraining her, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. Knowing that I was in control of her body in every aspect gave me the same rush that a sub got from handing over their control. The adrenaline rush knowing I was in charge — I am the master.

  I could see Alix was in subspace from the slowed blink of her eyes and relaxed body. Scooping her into my arms, I carried her to the bed. Brushing my hand over her cheek, I smiled back when a lazy smile tilted her beautiful lips. Slowly, I began to remove the bondage from her— it had served it’s purpose. Simply having rope restrict a submissive’s movements was all it took to most to subspace. Seeing the rope release her, but leave behind the rugged marks was quite possibly the sexiest thing I’d ever seen on Alix. A sign of her submission etched on her skin for everyone to see.

  Once all of the rope was removed, I made sure all four pearl necklaces were still around her neck before sitting next to her on the bed. Placing one of her hands on the necklaces, I made sure she knew they were there.

  "These are to replace the one you left behind. I am now going to remove the leather version, as I'd much rather see my woman draped in pearls than strapped down in leather." I carefully took the leather
collar from her neck. Even though she had marks all along her torso from the rope, I was still slightly disappointed that the leather collar didn't leave additional marks on her. She could never have too many marks on her to show everyone that she was mine. Sadly the rope marks would only last for a few hours at most. The marks left on her mind would last much longer. There is nothing as special as the first time you let someone restrict your movement. The fact that you trust someone enough to tie you up and that the person doing the tying up has earned that level of trust, creates a unique bond.

  I didn't know if Alix understood everything I was trying to show her, but I was willing to illustrate again if she missed anything. I wanted her to ask questions that came to her mind, not me telling her things that didn't matter to her.

  Alix simply nodded when I told her about the pearls — still flying in subspace. After admiring her beauty and the red marks on her creamy skin for a few minutes longer, I flicked off the lights and joined her in the bed. Tucking her close to my chest, her small palm lifted to rest above my pounding heart as a relaxed sigh brushed against my skin. My cock was throbbing for attention, but that wasn't part of the plan. The lesson of the night was about control and I wasn't going to let mine slip because my dick wanted in her tight pussy.

  Releasing the knot on the blindfold, I removed it from her eyes. Wetness met my chest when the silk moved. Tears? Immediately, I sat up so I could rub my thumbs under her eyes. Sure enough, there were more tears there.

  "Precious, why are you crying?" I asked stroking her hair.

  "It was just so beautiful." She gave a short laugh and reached up to swipe at her face, but I beat her.

  Using my lips, I removed every tear I could find. It was my pleasure to kiss tears off her.

  "Can I ask one favor?" Alix asked, reaching up to hold my wrist as I cupped her cheek.

  "Anything." The single word was out before I even thought it through.

  "Will you hold me until I fall asleep?" she whispered.

  "Absolutely." I lay down and pulled her close again. Her breath on my chest, her weight resting against me, relaxed me. As I ran my hand over and through her hair, I found myself fighting to keep my eyes open. When her breathing slowed and deepened, I told myself it was time to get up. The scent of her was wrapped around me, the heat of her body seeped into mine and I was captive to her unintentional spell. Before I could put up a good fight, I was fast asleep with my woman wrapped in my arms.

  Chapter 21

  Alix

  Rolling over, I realized that I was not in my own bed. There was too much space. The sheets were softer than the ones I owned. Sitting up, I looked around the barely-lit room only to realize that I was still in the room where Master and I had played. I couldn't believe that I had slept — normally I dozed off, but never for more than a few minutes. From the way fogginess in my head, a few hours had to have passed. Feeling around the massive bed, I found I was alone in it. Not what I was hoping for.

  I quickly ran my fingers through my tangled hair before climbing from the bed. Since I was nude, I wrapped the sheet around my body and took the few steps needed to bring me to the dressing room, the tail end of the sheet dragging along the floor behind me. I entered the small room hoping that at least my coat was still there, which it was. Although I had left it on the floor, it was hanging on a hook on the wall. Dropping the sheet, I reached for the coat. My own reflection caught my eye in the mirror. The multiple strands of pearls draped around my neck looked incredibly elegant even though they were the only things on my body. In fact, they were so beautiful, I dropped my arm and stared at myself for a few moments. There was more color in my cheeks than normal, my hair sleep-tousled; the faint lines from where Master had wrapped his ropes around me were still visible. I was almost beautiful. Delicately, I ran my fingers up one arm to touch the rope marks. Just seeing them reminded me of Master and the feeling of his hands on me.

  A sound from outside the room had me dropping my arm while reaching for my coat with the opposite one. Holding the cold fabric to my chest, I was barely covered when the door to the hallway opened. I dropped my eyes, afraid I was going to be in trouble for taking too long to dress or being out of bed when Master didn't want me to be. Instead, I heard a choking sound which had my eyes shooting up to make sure the person who'd opened the door was okay.

  To my horror, it was John. The man I'd dreamed about. The man I'd masturbated thinking about. It was my turn to choke. Instinctively I took a step back toward the other room even as I tried to think of a way to get my jacket on without flashing him. How would I explain what I was doing nude in such a place? Would he tell the people I worked with? He knew who I was! My cheeks burned as embarrassment flared within my soul.

  Before I could even fully process the situation or what I was going to do, he took a step forward and reached for me, and I retreated.

  "Wait." It was Master's voice. I spun around to find where he was. He had to have entered the room from the other door, but looking around the room, he was no where in sight. Slowly, I turned back to see if John was still there or if maybe I had imagined him. Nope. Still there, hand still extended toward me. As if in slow motion, his mouth opened and Master's voice left John's mouth. "Precious, let me explain."

  I stared in horror and stepped back again from the man I'd fantasized about with the Master’s voice. It couldn't be. The world was too big for the two to be the same. The chances were slim to none. No. It just wasn't possible. When John took another step toward me, my entire body flamed red. How embarrassing. He'd known who I was the entire time. I had told him about my addiction. He'd caught me masturbating at work. He had more than enough ammunition to completely ruin my life, not just make me lose my job.

  Holding out one hand, I slowly shook my head in denial. It just couldn't be.

  John took another step closer to me and I retreated again. Realizing that I was still mostly naked, I flipped the jacket over my shoulders, uncaring that I gave him a good, clear view of my entire body as I quickly buttoned it closed — or as quickly as my shaking, fumbling fingers would allow. When I lifted my eyes from the buttons, he had moved closer.

  "Alix. Please let me explain. Let's talk about this before you run off," John said softly His hand gently rubbed up and down my arm.

  Jerking back from his touch, I rapidly shook my head. I couldn't talk. I couldn't even fully comprehend. Dodging his hand again, I darted around him and out the door in my bare feet. I didn't know where I'd lost my shoes. It didn't matter. What mattered was getting the hell away from the most confusing place I'd ever been. The only thing that had happened since I had first entered the club was that every time I walked through the doors my life got even more confusing and messed up. Rushing past the woman at the entrance, I slammed into the door to the outside only to have it not open and pain to scream down my shoulder from the impact.

  "I'm sorry, miss. We have to open the door for you and you have yet to retrieve your purse." The woman spoke calmly as if a woman running for the door was a normal occurrence. Maybe it was, but that didn't matter. I just needed out.

  Grabbing my purse as she held it out, I attempted to walk much more calmly toward the door, which thankfully was unlocked as I pressed my hand against it. Once the cool air from outside rushed in against my face, I threw my purse straps over my shoulder and clamped it close to my body as I ran for my car. I didn't care how crazy or strange I looked, I just needed to get away before John or Master or whoever he was came after me. I couldn't handle another run-in with him. I just couldn't.

  Thankfully I was able to make it to my car without anyone stopping me. I heard those damn creepy footsteps again, but ignored them, figuring they had to be an echo of my own in the half-full parking lot. Locking the doors of my car, I wasted no time backing out of my spot before speeding the entire way home. A speeding ticket wasn't anything compared to the mess my mind was trying to make sense of, but thankfully I didn't get stopped.

  At home, I locked the doo
r after entering. Pressing my back against the thick wood door, I slid down it. My vision was tunneling; all I could see was John's face standing there in the dressing room where I'd stripped numerous times for encounters with Master. It didn't make sense. Breathing rapidly, I tucked my head between my bent knees, folding my arms over my head as I tried to calm myself. A panic attack wouldn't help anything. Finally I was able to get my breathing under control, my vision stopped closing in on me and I leaned back against the door with my eyes closed.

  Swallowing hard, it all started to click together. Master didn't want me to know his name or face. Why? Because I knew who he was. He knew who I was. It made sense why I would want to hide who I was from him, but I couldn't figure out why he would want to hide who he was from me. I didn't know anything about him. Nothing that he hadn't shared with me in our play room, anyway.

  He had been in charge of what I knew about him. It didn't make sense.

  After several long minutes I was able to convince myself to get up from the floor. I needed to shower. The smell of Master... I mean, John, was all over me. Normally a scent I loathed removing from my body, it just reminded me of the confusing place I was. Everything was a mess. I had to return to work on Tuesday, which left me an entire day to figure out what I was going to do if I saw him while at work. I would see him, I knew that. He seemed to always be around when I was at work. Maybe not always, but it had seemed like I was seeing him more than I normally did. I had thought it was all me making things up, but after the recent turn of events maybe it wasn't so random or made up. He'd known.

  That was the part that kept swirling around in my head and I couldn't get over. He.Had.Known.

  All the run-ins. All the looks. It all made sense.