Layla

by Claire Marta

  Layla

  Carnal Pleasures, Book 2

  Claire Marta

  Summer Stanton

  Table of Contents

  Disclaimer

  Thomas

  Layla

  Thomas

  Layla

  Thomas

  Layla

  Thomas

  Layla

  Thomas

  Layla

  Thomas

  Layla

  Thomas

  Layla

  Thomas

  Layla

  Thomas

  Layla

  Thomas

  Layla

  Thomas

  Layla

  Thomas

  Layla

  Thomas

  Layla

  Thomas

  Layla

  Thomas

  Layla

  Thomas

  Layla

  Thomas

  Layla

  Thomas

  Layla

  Thomas

  Layla

  Thomas

  Layla

  Thomas

  Layla

  Thomas

  Layla

  Thomas

  Layla

  Thomas

  About Claire Marta

  Other Books by Claire Marta

  About Summer Stanton

  Other books by Summer Stanton

  Layla: Carnal Pleasures

  Copyright © 2020 Claire Marta & Summer Stanton

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

  This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Trusties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information and retrieval system without express written permission from the Author/Publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Disclaimer

  This book is not meant to represent a real-life BDSM relationship. The characters in this book are supernatural creatures and do not follow the same standards as humans.

  Please play by SSC and RACK guidelines.

  Thomas

  Blue eyes glare at me from across the desk. The vampire before me thinks he can intimidate me. I’ve been alive for at least a few centuries longer than he has, and after the things I’ve seen, I am not easily intimidated.

  “This is why I don’t go on vacation.” He mutters. “The Mistress likes to get into trouble when I do.”

  “I was under the impression that Mistress Mystic owns the club.”

  “Be that as it may, you will still answer to me. I prefer to handpick my employees. Tell me, why should I let you near my subs?”

  “You have my history in your hands. I’m an experienced dominant, I know what it means to care for a submissive, even if they’re yours for only a night— a scene.

  I’m probably the best trained dominant you’ve ever met. The Mistress likes me, that should be the only thing that matters.”

  “Now that is where you’re wrong. My subs need to like you. My other Doms. I need to like you. And right now I don’t.”

  “So let me prove it. One scene. I’ll do one scene for you and prove that I’m worth more than what I’m being paid for.”

  The vamp sits back in his chair. His expression gives nothing away. I can do this all night. I know I’m the best one for the job. That’s not me being cocky, it’s just a fact.

  The vampire turns to the submissive curled up next to his desk. “What do you think?”

  I have to resist the urge to roll my eyes at the fact that he’s drawing this out. I’m sure he made his decision within minutes of me sitting down. Men like Adam Archer are arrogant and like to throw that arrogance in your face. I’ve met many of them over the years, his tactics do nothing but irritate me.

  “Give him a chance?” The submissive shrugs. “What’s the harm?”

  “If I don’t like what I see I’ll throw you out myself.” Those blue eyes move back to mine. “You have one hour to pick a sub. That’s when the doors open and you’ll be demonstrating right away.

  “Eli, the bartender, has a list of who’s working tonight. Ask him if you have any questions.”

  I hold back my smirk, but just barely. “I can’t wait to prove you wrong.”

  Standing, I don’t offer my hand, instead, I stride across the office and out the door. Two can play the alpha male thing.

  Down the stairs I go.

  There’s one man behind the bar and he looks over when I emerge from the door that leads up to Adam’s office.

  “Are you Eli?”

  “I am.”

  Eyes as blue as the summer sky assess me. His black hair sweeps across his forehead. “Are you the new hire?”

  “Up for debate. Who would be willing to scene tonight?”

  This time when he looks me over he looks deeper into me. I didn’t peg him as a submissive when I first laid eyes on him, still don’t, but he sizes me up like one.

  “I would, I have extra help tonight, but alas, my boyfriend wouldn’t like it. I think Layla would be a good fit for you. She’s usually down for anything, find her before the doors open though, she’s always one of the first ones to be asked to play.”

  “Very well. Thank you.”

  “Would you like a drink?”

  “Not before a scene.”

  “I won’t tell Adam. You look like you need it.”

  “I’m fine.” I snap.

  He raises an eyebrow and a very Dom-like mask falls over his face.

  A switch then.

  Now I just need to figure out what he is. There’s magic surrounding him but it’s held so tightly against him I’m impressed.

  No matter, someone will let it slip. And then maybe I can persuade him and his boyfriend for a scene.

  Right now I need to get moving.

  While I have most of the building mapped out after my tour the other day, there’s no telling where this Layla girl is.

  I slip around the bar and move across the main floor to the semi-public and private rooms. No one else is on the main floor right now, and Carlos said the other day that all employees are required to help with the preparations each shift.

  The first few rooms are void of people. So I move on, as I turn around I almost run into a young woman.

  She’s a little on the shorter side so she takes a step back to fully look up at me. Her eyes widen when they meet mine and for some damn reason my breath catches. Like the waters off of tropical islands, her eyes are clear and mesmerizing.

  I breathe in her scent, saltwater and something sweet. Her green hair is pinned back with clips.

  Mermaid.

  My beast rumbles as it senses easy prey.

  “I-I’m sorry.” She stammers.

  “For?”

  “Um...almost running into you?”

  “I think it was I who wasn’t paying attention. But it’s fine. No one got hurt.”

  Her heart beats too fast in her chest. Her breaths are short and quick. “You didn’t get hurt, did you?” I ask.

  “Oh, no, I’m fine.”

  “Good. What’s your name?”

  “Layla, s-sir.”

  I smile. This is who the bartender thinks is a perfect match for my first scene?

  As I look her over I see her appeal. While she’s a healthy weight, she’s also very generous in hips and breasts. I bet she’s stunning under her clothes.

  “Well, Layla, I’
m Thomas. The new dominant. I’m preparing for a scene in a few minutes. Would you like to play?”

  She blinks up at me. “I...Yes. Uh, yes, sir.”

  “Excellent.”

  Layla

  Dumbly, I stare up at the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen. Brain turned to mush, I can’t stop myself from agreeing with what comes out of his sexy mouth. Not that I’ve really been paying attention. Working here at Carnal Pleasures I’ve seen my share of good looking men, but Thomas blows them out of the water.

  Tall and broad-shouldered, his waist tampers down to long legs, he’s less muscular than other males I’ve seen, more of an athletic build. Reddish hair falls to his shoulders. Golden eyes observe me from his ruggedly handsome face.

  Trying not to drool, I continue staring.

  Eyebrows furrowing, he gives me an impatient look. “Shall we?”

  “Oh...yes.”

  I have no idea where we’re going. I can’t even remember what his question was as I was too busy ogling him.

  Turning on his heels, he strides back down the corridor. Trotting after him, trying to keep up, my gaze dips to his ass. I appreciate the fine, tight shape. Oh my goddess. How can he look so perfect? If he’s new then I’ll get to see him work.

  We’re on the main floor before I realize it. Snapping out of my daydreaming about how he might look naked, I glance around. I’m usually the one moving equipment and boxes. If he’s getting ready for a scene he’ll want some things moved. Looking toward the Saint Andrew’s Cross, I hope it's not that. Being a mermaid doesn’t give me supernatural strength like others who work here. Last time I’d been asked to move it I ached for days.

  “Up on the stage, darling. I want you stripped from the waist down.”

  Freezing, my heart does a weird little lurch in my chest. “I’m sorry what did you say?”

  “I’m not in the habit of repeating myself, girl. The doors will open at any moment and I want you primed and ready when they do.”

  Staring up at him, a shiver ripples over my skin. The tone of his voice makes me want to run and hide.

  “Erm…” Swallowing my anxiety, I hover at the stairs leading to the stage, uncertain at what to do.

  I’m not a submissive. I have never been in this position before. Sure a few dominants have asked me to play, but I’ve always turned them down. It’s not that I’m not curious, but I’ve always been shy. I like to watch more than anything else.

  “Did you change your mind? It’s okay if you have, but either tell me or do as I’ve asked.” His eyes flick over to something off stage.

  Peeking over my shoulder, I follow his gaze.

  “Eyes on me, girl. Don’t worry about the others. Come up and strip or stop wasting my time.”

  The sharpness of his words twists something inside me. Maybe there weren’t any subs available I reason logically. My job is to help around the club. Biting my lip, I move slowly to join him.

  Thomas watches me with impatience, his golden eyes assessing.

  Hands shaking, I unbutton my jeans and strip them off, taking my tennis shoes with them. Left in just my shirt, underwear, and socks I feel exposed and uncomfortable.

  “Kneel in the center of the stage, facing the cross.”

  Trying to keep my breathing even, I feel a surreal buzz as I obey. I’m on stage with a Dom. Something I’ve both secretly wanted and dreaded. Mind still reeling with the enormity and wondering why the heck it’s happening, I sink to my knees as instructed.

  Wouldn’t Carlos have spoken to me first? He’s always been meticulous with his list of jobs. This is a little extreme.

  Golden eyes narrow, “what’s your safe word?”

  “Erm...” My mind goes blank.

  I know from talking to the submissives on staff that it needs to be something I can remember easily while under pressure or duress. I blurt out the first thing that comes to mind, “sushi.”

  “Very well. You keep hesitating. Are you nervous?”

  “Yes.” I want to look at him so badly but keep my eyes straight.

  “Yes, what?”

  “Sir.” I reply meekly.

  I’m messing this up. Crap. Why did he pick me? Where the heck is everyone else? I’m just a dogsbody. The person who gets all the jobs no one else wants to do. I don’t mind helping out, but I’m starting to feel like this might be a little too much and he hasn’t even started the scene yet.

  “Why are you nervous? We’re not going to test your limits tonight. Is it because I’m new? What is with all of you? Snobs of the community it seems.

  “The bartender seems to think you’re a good fit for this, so tell me, why are you so scared?”

  “He did?”

  Frowning, I wonder why Eli would say that. He knows I’m not the confident type, even though he likes to tease me about doing a scene with him and his boyfriend. “It’s just…this is my first time.” I admit, glad I can’t see his face. “I mean I don’t mind but...well, this is a bit scary.”

  “What did you just say?” He snaps.

  Thomas’s anger is thick and fast. Tilting my chin, I finally meet his gaze. His expression is intense and chilling. Mouth suddenly dry, I can’t find any words to respond. I’ve never seen anyone this displeased before. Adam, the manager, can be terrifying when riled, but the man towering over me is ten times worse.

  “You’re not a submissive, are you, girl?”

  Shaking my head, I watch his mood grow stormier. “No, I’m just one of the support staff.”

  “Then why would you be recommended? Are you all against the Mistress’s decision? Trying to make a fool out of me?” Flames dance in those golden eyes.

  “Erm no…” Twisting my hands together, I squirm on my knees. “You found me...unless you were looking for the other Layla.”

  Dismay settles over me. Crap. Why hadn’t I thought of that before?

  “Son of a bitch. I’m going to have words with Eli. Stand up, now.” He snaps. “I need to have words with Adam and Eli, then I’m going to punish you, I don’t appreciate being made a fool of. Especially in a room full of people, all of whom can hear this exchange.” As he speaks his eyes dance with fire.

  Panic gripping me, I back away. “Look this isn’t my fault. This is your mix up.” I counter.

  I’m aware of eyes on me from the main floor but don’t dare look at the audience. Humiliation causes my cheeks to heat. Why hadn’t Eli stopped this? He’s at the bar, surely he’d have spotted me.

  “It is not my fault you couldn’t open your fucking mouth and explain about this mix up sooner. Naughty girls get punished.”

  Snatching up my jeans and shoes, I dash off the stage. One big formidable Dom is enough to send me fleeing for the safety of the back of the club. I’ve worked here for months and know plenty of hiding places. Surely Mistress Mystic won’t let him punish me?

  “Layla!”

  I hear Eli call my name but don’t stop running. I’m trembling with feelings I can’t name, tears stinging my eyes at my stupidity. I’m never going to live this down.

  Thomas

  Stupid girl. Doesn’t she know dragons are the original predator? I walk casually off the stage and follow her scent to the back of the building.

  “I am so sorry, sir.” Eli says as he rushes after me. “I couldn’t leave my post, Adam would have killed me-”

  “Enough. It happened. It pissed me off, but I still have a job to do. Leave me so I can go find my wayward girl.”

  He swallows but nods.

  Turning the corner I let my senses direct me.

  Past the semi-public and private rooms is a set of stairs that lead up to the second floor, where exclusive members hold personal private playrooms.

  But that’s not where I’m going, no, that intoxicating saltwater scent leads me behind the stairs. Well, that’s an issue.

  Getting as close to the wall as possible I say in a low voice, “I know you’re there. Come out, little girl, so we can chat.”

  I hear a s
queak. “Nope. I’m not coming out and you can’t make me.”

  “You have to come out sometime. I won’t leave until you do. We need to talk about what happened, then I promise to go easy on you.”

  “Look I’m really sorry I messed up your scene. I’ll clean your equipment or whatever you need doing for as long as you are here, but I don’t want to be punished.”

  I hold back a sigh. It’s going to be a long night. At least no one has followed us, yet. They’re probably all gossiping. Perfect.

  “I didn’t ask what you wanted, dear. Surely you know how this works, you cannot be naïve working at this type of club. You consented to scene with me, so you owe me a punishment for lying.”

  I detect the sound of movement behind the stairs. “I didn’t realize you asked for a scene, I was busy staring...it doesn’t matter. I wasn’t paying attention.” She admits quietly. “My mind tends to wander.”

  “That will be your first rule when you’re with me then. You will try your best to be aware. This type of mistake could get you in a lot of trouble.

  “No excuses, Layla,” I purposefully use her name. “I don’t care how hot you think I am. You will pay attention when I speak or you will be punished.”

  Leaning against the wall I consider my options, I’m sure another employee could coax her out, but what would that achieve? Adam wants me to prove myself so that’s what I’m going to do.

  I’m going to get this skittish, clueless little girl to trust me—at least for the night—and then I’m going to punish her.

  “Please, dear, come out now. Let’s talk like the adults we are.”

  A head emerges from the darkness, intense blue eyes stare up at me warily. “I’ll only come out if you promise not to punish me.”

  Even the dragon inside snorts. “I can’t promise that. But I can promise there will be no impact play.”

  Emotions clash over Layla’s expressive face. Whatever she’s thinking it’s over quickly. Edging out a few steps, she waits until I backup before she scurries free of her hole. Nervously she eyes me. “Okay, let’s talk.”

  “We’ll start out easy. Why didn’t you confess to the mix up once you realized what was happening?”