Layla

by Claire Marta

  “I...I’m the one everyone comes to when they need help with something. I thought you might not have a sub available.” Shrugging awkwardly she doesn’t meet my gaze. “Okay, I wasn’t thinking straight and it was a stupid idea. I should have immediately checked with Carlos and I know he’s going to be pissed at me. I’ve made a fool of myself and how the heck can I go back out there now?” She trails off in a wail, tears glistening in her eyes.

  “You will because it is your job. They’ll forgive you because they know you. They’ll be upset with me because of it.

  “Stop crying, love, you’ll be fine. Yes, you made a mistake but you can learn from it. That’s what the punishment is going to do. It’ll help you.

  “Second question: why did you run?”

  Rubbing the dampness on her cheeks away with the back of her hand, she sniffs. “You're pretty petrifying when you're angry. I thought Adam was frightening, but you take it to a whole new level. I wasn’t going to stand there to be growled at so I ran.”

  Gently I reach a hand out and stroke her hair. It’s soft under my fingers. She tenses but doesn’t pull away.

  “My kind usually are. I’m sorry for scaring you. It wasn’t you I was upset at. It was the situation. If I'm honest, I was irritated you didn’t speak up but I’m over that now.

  “We figured it out before anything happened.

  “We’re going to start over, girl. You’re sorry, I’m sorry, you need to be punished, I need to save my job.

  “It’ll all be fine.”

  It has to be fine. I didn’t work my ass off to let one incident ruin me.

  Layla gives me a look of horror. “What do you mean? It’s your first night. Why would they fire you?”

  “Because Adam is an asshole who doesn’t agree with the Mistress’s decision. Don’t worry your head over that though. Are you ready to go back?”

  I watch her wrestle with a decision. Her emotions clear on her lovely face. “I really don’t want to...but if it helps you keep your job I guess I have no choice. I’d feel awful after tonight if Adam fired you.” Pressing her hands to her pink stained cheeks she releases a shaky sigh. “Goddess I hope tonight can’t get any worse.”

  “This is the course you chose to take tonight, pet. Don’t worry about things that you cannot control. In fact, don’t worry about anything.”

  Her eyes are wide and she lets out a shaky breath. “Come,” I set my hand on her hip and she jumps. “Easy, walk down this hall and into the main room, now.”

  Layla takes a deep breath and then nods. I follow behind her, my hand on the small of her back, mostly to keep her from running off.

  No one pays us any mind when we step onto the main floor. “Up on the stage.” She halts. “Now, don’t make this any more difficult than it already is.”

  She does as commanded, but her entire body shakes.

  This whole night is a clusterfuck, but I’m sure as hell going to enjoy what’s about to happen.

  “Strip, everything goes.”

  “I…”

  “You consented to scene with me. When you failed to communicate you earned yourself a punishment. I know you’re not stupid, dense perhaps, but not stupid. Now strip. You have your safe word. Nothing is going to harm you.” Humiliate, yes, but not harm.

  With shaking hands she takes off her clothes. Like the good little sub she is she folds each article of clothing and sets them off to the side.

  She may not have tapped into the submissive side of herself before, but it’s there. I plan on giving her a crash course tonight on what it would be like to be mine.

  “Step up to the cross, facing the front of the room.”

  “What?”

  “I didn’t stutter.”

  “Why are you doing this?”

  “You know why. Now, I won’t tell you again.” I reply as patiently as I can.

  She walks slowly across the stage and stands in front of the Saint Andrew’s Cross. A smirk crosses my lips as her small frame stands next to the intimidating piece of equipment.

  “Turn around.” She does and I place my hand on her shoulder so I can gently push her back until she’s flush with the wood.

  I restrain her to the cross and tears trail down her cheeks as she looks out to the crowd. Only a handful of patrons have noticed us, I don’t mind, but she certainly does.

  “You’ll stay here for half an hour. That is your punishment. You humiliated me, so I think it’s only fair that I do the same for you. Tit-for-tat and all that.”

  “Is this really necessary? I’m sorry that I didn’t speak up. I’m sorry that you might lose your job, but I don’t think…”

  “You’re right, pet, you don’t think. But now you have some time to do so. I won’t leave the stage, but I will be on the side, discussing something with Adam.”

  With a gentle finger, I caress her cheek.

  More tears fall and I collect them on my finger before bringing it to my mouth and licking the salty flavor off.

  “Be back soon,” I whisper before heading to the side of the stage where Adam waits.

  “You’ve impressed me.” The vampire says. “That is very hard to do. After her punishment is over I want you to bring her to my office.”

  “Thank you. I’m sorry things got a little out of hand.”

  “It’s no problem. I’ve learned many things in my time here, and one of those was to expect the unexpected. Your job is secure. It seems the Mistress was right about you. I apologize for having any doubt.”

  I let the relief flow through me. While I’m mildly irritated at the girl, if she cost me my job I would have set her on fire.

  “I can’t say I wouldn’t have done the same in your position. What are you going to do with the girl?”

  His expression gives nothing away. Cool blue eyes look over my shoulder to where Layla is restrained. I don’t know how good her senses are, I don’t make it a habit to spend time with the more subdued species of Supernaturals. Following his gaze, I find her head bent, hair falling out of its clips and obscuring her face. It’s impossible to know if she can hear us over the noise of the club.

  “I do not know. It will depend on how I am feeling when I have her seated across from me.”

  I nod, “then we shall see you shortly.”

  Adam gives me a faint smile, his lips barely twitching before he leaves the stage and heads out onto the main floor.

  That man is odd, arrogant, and a pain in the ass, but I think I will come to like him.

  Layla

  Staring at the floor, everything is distorted through the tears clogging my eyelashes. I can feel the heat of eyes on my body. Mortification has me trembling, while my arms ache from where they’re bound.

  It’s one thing to watch the scenes, but not what I imagined to be part of one. I feel exposed. Not just with my nakedness, but everything inside me. I’m no supermodel, I hate to think they’re judging me on how I look. I’ve always been shy, being on display is my worst nightmare. Kind of ironic when I’m a mermaid.

  I hate him.

  The arrogant Dom. He’s taken my secret dream of being on stage and twisted it into something that makes me cry harder. A stranger instead of one of the dominants I’ve gotten to know over the last year I’ve worked in the club.

  I can hear the soft murmur of voices. I am completely aware that Carnal Pleasures is now teeming with patrons. I’ve always been a shadow behind the scenes. Helping out at the bar, and other back of house jobs, and now I’ve been thrust into the harsh light for everyone to view.

  No one will untie me. I know better than to call out as it will only make things worse. In the middle of a scene, it's rare that anyone intervenes. Not even Eli behind the bar. The only way anyone would dare to step in is if it were dangerous or life-threatening.

  Emotions slam into each other, panic, shame, chagrin.

  I want to go home. To the safety of my tank and the soothing water. Immerse myself beneath the surface where I’m safe. Imagining it cocooning
me in its depths, my quiet sobbing lessens.

  I may not be as powerful as other Supernaturals on land, but when it comes to my natural habitat, I can take care of myself.

  Picturing the sanctuary in my apartment, I let my imagination spiral away with it. An escape from where I am. The confusion and embarrassment. Cool azure blue, washing over my skin. Gleaming in the overhead lights. the brilliance of the scales of my long beautiful tail. Solitude. Safety.

  “Time’s up.”

  The voice pulls me from my fantasy. Blinking, I raise my head to meet Thomas’s golden eyes as they observe me closely.

  “I’m going to untie you. Don’t move to quickly when I do, understand?”

  Dully, I nod.

  Reaching over he unbuckles the cuffs one at a time.

  Rolling my shoulders, I try to work out the stiffness as I lower my arms with a pained groan. The wood of cross feels as if it’s been permanently imprinted into my back. A bottle of water is held out in front of me.

  “Drink some of this.” I obey when it’s held against my lips, too tired to argue.

  I want to get off the stage. Scamper to one of my hiding places and crawl into myself away from everything and everyone.

  I’m barely aware of Thomas talking to me. The bottle leaving my lips. It’s the large hand curling under my chin, tilting my head up that catches my attention.

  “Pay attention, Layla.” His tone is berating. “How do you feel?”

  Shivering, I stare up at him blankly. “Can I go now?”

  His hand caresses down my throat to my shoulder. “Not until I’m sure you're okay.”

  Sweeping me up before I can protest, he carries me carefully from the stage. I burrow my face into his shirt, hiding from the onlookers. He holds me with no effort at all. The strength in his muscular frame announces itself with every move he makes.

  Thomas’s pace slows, a moment later I’m nestled on his lap. Peeking from his chest, I recognize the corner he’s chosen to sit in. Chairs and tables away from the main floor in a more secluded spot. Eli, who must have followed us, lays my clothes and shoes on the ground.

  Giving me a sympathetic look, he hurries back to the bar.

  A palm slides up and down my bare spine. “Now are you going to answer my question?”

  “My arms ache and I’ve never felt so humiliated in my life.”

  “That was the point of the punishment.”

  Shifting on his firm thighs, I wrap my arms around my waist. “I hate you.”

  “No, you don’t. But that’s a perfectly natural reaction after your first punishment. Do you know why you were punished?”

  “Because I didn’t tell you I’m not a submissive, and you were desperate not to lose your new job.” I spit back.

  Why had I ever felt guilty over it? My own fault for agreeing to help him.

  “Incorrect. Try again.”

  Throwing Thomas a hostile look, I wiggle free. “The scene is over. You're not my Master or anything else, so I’m going to get dressed and get back to work.” Hunching my shoulders, I bend to retrieve my clothes self-conscious of my nakedness.

  “Stop. You may no longer be tied to that cross but I am still very much in charge. And even if I wasn’t you wouldn’t be able to work. Adam wants to see you.”

  Scrambling into my panties, I freeze. “Adam?”

  No. No. Oh, goddess, this isn’t good. One scary arrogant Dom is enough for me this evening. I don’t need the attention of another. Especially my boss.

  “Oh sweetheart, you’re asking for trouble tonight, aren’t you? Because I highly doubt you have permission to call your boss by his given name.

  “But yes, he would like me to escort you to his office, so hurry up now.”

  When I meet his eyes there's no sympathy just impatience. Teeth clenched together, so I don’t say anything else that might get me in trouble, I quickly finish dressing. I don’t want to be in this asshole’s presence any longer than I have to. After tonight I’m going to avoid him as much as possible. Just because I work here doesn’t mean I have to interact with him. I’ve learned to avoid the ones who can be more than a little pushy.

  Not waiting for him, I lead the way to Adam’s office.

  Eli shoots me a worried look as I pass him in the bar. I take the stairs as quickly as I dare, well aware of the domineering ass behind me.

  Trying to steady my nerves, I take a few deep breaths. I’ve only been to Master Adam’s office once and that’s when I was hired. I’ve seen him unleash his displeasure onto others. A cold haughtiness that’s legendary around the club.

  Knocking on the door, I hover waiting for a sound.

  “Enter.”

  Twisting the knob, I scurry into the elegant room under the observation of the blond-haired vampire behind the desk. Just as handsome as other vampires I’ve encountered, Adam has a severity which makes me squirm on the spot.

  “Good evening, Layla. Please take a seat. You too, Thomas.”

  Not looking in the direction of the asshole who followed me in, I slip into a chair. Please don’t let this be bad. Goddess, I need this job. Lacing my fingers together, I settle my hands in my lap.

  “Who would like to go first in explaining the mess that happened here tonight?” Cold blue eyes study me intensely and I fight to stay in the chair.

  “It was...a...a bit of confusion.” I start meekly. “ Thom….Master Thomas needed help and I didn’t realize he was looking for the other Layla. I should have checked with someone first...I’m sorry...I know I’ve not been vetted as a sub. I promise it won’t ever happen again, Master Adam.”

  “Why didn’t you speak up for yourself, girl? Surely you know by now how things are done. I should fire you. Give me a reason why I shouldn’t.”

  Tears burn the backs of my eyes but I blink them away. “Because I’m a good worker. I’m here every day. I’ve never taken time off. I’m here before I’m supposed to be and always leave well after my shift ends. You’ve never had any complaints against me and the clients I’ve interacted with like me.”

  “Do you realize how bad tonight could have gone if Thomas wasn’t good at his job? He knew enough to ask questions and stop before anything could happen. But what if he wasn’t? What if he didn’t realize something was off until it was too late. You’re not stupid, I know that. You wouldn’t be here if you were.

  “Do you fully realize how lucky you are?”

  “Yes, Master Adam.” Hanging my head in shame, I have to bite my lip to prevent myself from crying.

  “Are you curious, Layla? Is that it? Do you want a mentor? Someone to teach you how to come into your submissive side? I know you have one, I can see it lurking under there. All you have to do is ask. Is that what you want?”

  Attention fixed on the wooden desk in front of me, my heart races. Do I? I am curious. Goddess knows I am, but am I brave enough to step across the line?

  “I…” My gaze slides sideways, letting me see Thomas out of the corner of my eye. He’s watching me intently and it sends my heart racing faster. “I don’t know…”

  “Very well. Do you know what being a submissive actually means, Layla?”

  “I think so.” My voice holds a thread of doubt that I curse the second I hear it.

  “Tell me.”

  “You grant someone the gift of your submission. Trust them enough to take control. Let them make decisions for you.”

  “Very good. I did have my doubts, but you know the basics. I think you’re beginning to understand why Thomas is upset. Tell me, why were you punished?”

  Squirming, my hands slide off my lap and I curl my fingers around the sides of my chair. “Because I didn’t tell him right away I wasn’t the Layla he was looking for. I let myself be taken up on stage in front of the entire club instead of directing him to the sub he was looking for.”

  “And?”

  I feel like a mouse trapped under the hungry gaze of a pair of cats. Trying not to tremble, I grip the wood beneath me tighter. “
I’m very sorry for letting it go so far, Master Thomas. I won’t do something so stupid again, Master Adam.”

  “Layla, how did it feel to be tied to the cross? To know everyone was there, watching you be punished for what you did.”

  “Humiliating,” I whisper quietly. “I was ashamed everyone could see me, especially as I was made to strip naked first.”

  “And did you not think about the fact that Thomas was also humiliated by your actions? That the people in this club would see a Dom who had no control over his own scene. How do you think that was for him? Or did you not care? Part of being a submissive is being aware of the dominant at all times. You are there to serve them, but you didn’t do that. Did you?”

  “No. I wasn’t thinking about him.” I admit, wishing I could lie but knowing that’s not who I am. “But I’m not a sub. I just work behind the scenes.”

  “But you were pretending to be. You were punished by humiliation because that’s what the Dom punishing you also felt.

  “Had you taken a second to stop and think about your actions, this may have all been avoided. Instead, you knowingly let him lead you onto that stage and into embarrassment.

  “How are the members supposed to trust him enough to make good judgments if he can’t even do a simple demo?

  “These people pay a lot of money to play and to be mentored by us.

  “You can be sorry all you want, but I don’t think you fully understand your punishment. Until you do you’ll be on cleaning duties. You’ll be the one responsible for all the deep cleaning, the type we have two or sometimes even three people do. The job is yours alone for now.”

  Not a job I enjoy, but it’s better than being unemployed. Raising my chin, I meet his cool gaze steadily. “Yes, Master Adam. Thank you.”

  “You can go, Layla. I’ll let Carlos know about the change. Go home.”

  “Yes, sir.” Rising slowly, I turn to go.

  Home.

  Somewhere I can let all the churning emotions from this evening out safely. I don’t look back as I close the door behind me with a click. All I want to do now is escape.