by Claire Marta
Layla
Making my way into the employee room at Carnal Pleasures, I’m barely aware of the others already there. My mind is still on the latest session with Thomas.
A week on since I gave him a second chance and in a way I’m glad I did. After the evening I went back to him and he bound me in ropes, I’ve found a measure of security.
There’s something both erotic and surrendering about being tied up.
We may not see eye to eye on somethings but I’ve started to let my walls down.
Thomas hasn’t tried to push beyond what I’ve agreed to. It doesn’t mean I’ve forgiven him completely for what happened, but I know keeping hold of it will only poison the arrangement we have. Our play had only grown from there. Learning to stretch properly to ready my muscles for the tense and stressful positions have become a priority for me.
When Thomas runs his hands through his ropes in preparation I can’t stop myself from shivering in arousal every single time. I’d been a little dubious at first. Worried I couldn’t hold the poses for long or it would hurt. Thomas has assured me it would only hurt if I wanted it to.
Each time I’ve mentally prepared myself for the dance, because that’s what it’s become to me. A slow waltz.
Thomas is like an artist and I am the canvas. My body looks beautiful wrapped in his ropes. Thomas shows me in a mirror every time we try a new pose. It’s a high I’ve come to crave. A delirious feeling savouring every touch as he moves me into place he desires.
Listening to his instructions have become a must as the ropes tighten and the endorphins flood my system. The last few stressful positions we’ve done have pulled me into subspace. I’d felt drunk, joyful, afloat without worry or concerns.
Our last session I chose to fight against my bonds experiencing the burn and bite of the ropes. In truth I’ve come to like the hurt. Under Thomas’s watchful eye I’m learning to let everything inside me go. It’s empowering. I can’t get free until he chooses to let me go and that is a strangely peaceful feeling. As I surrender to my Dom’s will the world turns haze.
“Layla?”
“Huh?” Chin raising, I find Bane’s handsome face.
I’m not sure how long he’s been standing there but from his expression it might have been a while.
“Is that a yes or a no?” He questions with an air of uncertainty.
It takes me a second to realize I’ve been daydreaming again.
“Sorry, what was the question?”
Hazel eyes lightening in amusement, the wolf smirks. “I’m getting a few of the employees together to go out for a drink tomorrow. To socialize outside the club. You want to come?”
Unzipping my bag, I feel around inside it for my locker key. “It’s my evening off.”
“I know.”
“And you're inviting everyone?”
“Only those who want to come.” He replies, nodding to a few of the other employees as they pass us. “So far there’s eight of us. I thought it would be good to bond outside the club. Get to know each other outside of work.”
Fingers closing around the cold metal of what I’m after I hold it up with a triumphant hum. “Sure why not.”
Bane chuckles his look of amusement growing. “Does that mean you promise not to...banshee out.”
Meeting his stare, I wrinkle my nose at his term. “Hey, I’m not a banshee.”
“You came close to busting my ear drums last week…”
“And I’ve already apologized for that.” I cut in, patting the end of my key against his rock hard chest. “For your information I haven’t had an incident in seven days and counting.”
Another reason I’ve embraced Thomas’s rope. It seems to have quieted whatever has awoken inside me. The unpredictable rage. Primal feelings as old as the ocean and just as untamed. Seeing the patterns the ropes leave on my skin is both sexy and calming. I’ve come to look forward to my time with my Dom instead of dreading it.
Jamming my key in the lock, I give it a twist and then tug the door open. The smile I’m wearing slips off my face as my eyes land on the photo that’s been propped up for me to see. Enrico’s smug expression is caught in the picture. Lips curled back, his teeth bared as he fists the woman’s green hair. Attention moving to the rest of the scene, it takes my frozen brain a second to realize the female is me. Spread out, helpless, hair tumbling loose, my mouth forced open with the length of the tiger’s cock shoved down my throat.
A shudder rolls through me as my limbs start to quake. “No…”
“Layla?” Bane’s voice is dripping with concern. His body brushes mine as he steps around me and I instinctively recoil.
Reaching past me, he snatches the photo from its place, swearing under his breath as he does so. “That sick son of a bitch. I’ll get this to Adam. See if he can find out who left this here.”
Anxiety crushing me my nod is jerky. “Okay.”
“If anything else like this turns up let Adam know.”
I barely register his words. Stuffing my bag into my locker, I slam it shut and relock it. I suddenly wish I was still at Thomas’s cocooned in his ropes. Snug, safe. Hidden from the world and all its cruelty.
Scurrying from the room, I head to the main floor. I know Thomas is scheduled to scene tonight with a demonstration in Shibari. The other submissive named Layla is supposed to be on stage with him. Coming to a reckless decision, I make my way to where I know they’ll be waiting.
I just hope he won’t deny what I need.
Thomas
Adam wants me to demonstrate some rigging, the scene I have planned isn’t the most elaborate, but it’ll get the job done.
It's also a way to blow off steam. While things with Layla have been improving, there's not enough trust in our relationship yet to do more than what we have.
I'm waiting for the other Layla to meet me on the side of the stage when my Layla walks up to me. Immediately I know something is off.
"What's wrong?"
Dull blue eyes meet mine. "I...can I do the scene?"
Her voice trembles and I frown. "What happened?"
"I...I just need to be in a different headspace."
"I won't bring you on that stage in your state. You're not in your right mind for a scene."
Layla's face crumbles and she looks at her wits end of dealing with today.
This may be a bad idea, but I have to take care of her. I've been trying to show her why this thing between us can work. That can only happen by showing her she can trust me when she needs me.
"I can't change my plans, but I will give you what you need."
The other Layla saunters up to us dressed in nothing but a lacy black bra and matching panties. She looks between me and the nymph and raises an eyebrow. "Am I interrupting?"
"No. If you're ready go kneel in the center of the stage, facing the floor."
She nods and does as I command. "Are you sure you want to do this?" I ask the nymph.
"Yes, sir. I need it. Please"
"Very well. Follow me."
I lead Layla up onto the stage and to where my bag of supplies is waiting.
"Arms out in front of you. Fingers interlaced. Don't put too much tension on them. Feet together." I command.
As she complies I unzip my bag and grab a length of rope. Unraveling it, I move in front if Layla. "You can safe word at any time," I tell her, voice low.
I tie her wrists together fairly tight then move down to her ankles. After, I have her sit, knees up, arms draped over them and bind her wrists to her ankles.
With one hand on her shoulder I turn her sideways so she can watch where the other Layla is positioned. "You have a front row seat tonight, dear nymph." I murmur.
Running my hand through her hair I give her a few minutes to center herself and find the right headspace. "Remember to safe word if you need to."
Grabbing my bag, I make my way across the stage. I already have the required rope selected so it's easy to grab the bundles and get to work.
/>
Making use of the rings set into the stage, I knot two anchor ropes to them. Then I tell Layla to stand in the middle of them. With her feet shoulder width apart, I secure the rope around her ankles, then have her raise her arms, one hand cupped loosely in the other.
With a long rope, I bind her wrists together, then thread the end through the single ring I had some of the support staff hang for me.
I thread the rope through the ring until Layla rises up on the balls of her feet.
Securing the rope to the ring, I tug on it. Her body is loose, but the ropes around her ankles give her an anchor so she won't be flying all over the place.
The table behind her displayed body has a braided flogger on it. It's not from my personal collection, but if it's as sturdy as it seems I may need to purchase one.
"Are you ready?"
"Yes, sir."
I glance over at my nymph who is watching with avid fascination.
Picking up the flogger, I give it a few test swings before striking Layla across the thighs with it.
She gasps and then moans when I do it again and again.
I bring Layla up and down. It's a rollercoaster for her as I demonstrate the strength of my binds. Test the mobility of her body. All while keeping an eye on my nymph on the sidelines.
I don't like playing with more than one sub at once. It's a lot of responsibility. Staying within the boundaries of each person, giving everyone the care that they need, while making sure no one is neglected. Keeping an ear out for more than one safe word.
I don't know how other Doms do it. It's exhausting.
When the scene ends, Adam is there to help me get Layla down.
"Jonah will take care of this Layla. Unless you have any objections?"
I shake my head.
"Layla?"
She shakes her head at the other vampire. "No, sir. I don't mind Sir Jonah."
Adam passes her off to the man in question then turns to me. "Remarkable performance, Thomas. I believe you have secured your spot here.
“The Mistress would like to extend a personal invitation to you. It is not given lightly. We are having a dinner this Saturday at the Mistress's residence. Bring the girl."
"Thank you, Adam. We would be honored to attend. Extend our gratitude to the Mistress."
He inclines his head. "Go see to the girl."
Striding to the nymph, I don't bother untying her, but scoop her up and carry her off the stage.
We go directly to one of the nooks where there is seating and I hold her close to me.
I'm in a bit of a shock. I'd heard about the dinner parties the Mistress and Adam hold in their homes. It's rare for anyone outside their core group to get an invite. Unless they host it here at the club.
But a personal invite extended from Mystic herself?
She and Adam both must have been very impressed by the way I handled tonight.
Considering I had no time to come up with a solid plan, I am thankful it went off without a hitch.
"Are you okay?" I ask as I set Layla on the cushion next to me and begin to untie her.
"Better now. Thank you."
"Are you going to tell me what's wrong?"
"I...I...can't it wait? I don't think I can handle it right now."
"Okay. But we will be discussing it. I am proud of you for asking for what you need. But I will not allow you to get away with no explanation."
"I understand, sir." She whispers.
Pulling her into my side once the ropes are all undone, I believe, for the first time since we met, that she really does understand.
Layla
Thomas’s large palm caresses up and down my spine in a hypnotic motion. Snuggling into his side, the leftover tension melts away. It keeps at bay the storm I can feel brewing inside me. The anger and unfamiliar rage.
Somehow, I know if he hadn’t granted me what I needed tonight I’d have had another episode. Shuddering slightly, my mind reels with the possibilities.
“Ready to talk now?” He murmurs after a while, his breath stirring the hair at my temples. He’s so close his lips are almost pressed to my skin.
Is it weird that I want to feel that? His mouth on me. Touching me in places that will give me pleasure. Thoughts sliding into something erotic I squirm on my cushion.
“Settle, nymph.” He commands, his hand coming to rest on the back of my neck.
“Bane asked me if I wanted to go out tomorrow with some of the other members of staff.”
“That upset you?”
Shifting my attention, I focus on the werewolf and his vampire Dom from across the club. “No...I want to go. It sounds like fun and I don’t really have any friends so it would be good to socialize for once.”
Thomas’s fingers squeeze gently. “That’s because you do too much.”
“If I don’t work hard I won’t achieve any of my dreams.” I point out, my tone firm. He’s already changed my schedule. Everything I do is for my future.
“We won’t argue about that now.” He releases a long sigh. “What happened after Bane spoke to you?”
Tension returns to my muscles. “When I opened my locker someone had left a photo inside.”
A finger touches my chin titling it up. “Tell me.”
“It was of...of Enrico.” I tell him voice small.
Unable to keep his intense gaze my eyes bounce to focus on the wall behind him. “He had his cock in my mouth.”
A deep unfriendly growl escapes from his chest. “Where is it now?”
“Bane took it to Master Adam. He said they’d try and find out who left it there.”
“I’d hoped we’d see the last of that fucking tiger but it seems he has friends. Something which needs rectifying.”
Thomas’s statement has my breathing accelerating. Goddess, I don’t want to think about that. Doms and subs who might be in league with the Spaniard who forced himself on me.
“He won’t hurt you again.” Thomas promises gently. “I will not allow that. Do you trust me, Layla?”
“Yes.” I breath, shoulders slumping. “I trust you, Master.”
Thomas’s chin nuzzles my brow in an almost affection gesture. It brings a sweeping warmth through me that makes me smile. Leaning forward, I press my cheek into the softness of his long red hair.
“The Mistress has invited us to a dinner party on Saturday evening. You will come to my house at lunchtime and prepare there.”
“P-party.” I stutter, staring up into his golden irises in shock. “But I have nothing to wear.”
A small indulgent smile curves his lips. “That’s something I will arrange. Make sure you're on time. They’ll be an army of staff waiting to massage, wax, and prepare you.”
“Wax? I’ve not had one of those before.”
Thomas’s eyebrow lifts. “A new experience for you then. This is a very important event. I cannot stress that enough. The Mistress’s parties are exclusive. You need to be on your best behavior. I will expect nothing less of you.”
My stomach dips at the thought. Mistress Mystic the club owner. The boss. I’ve never met her, but have caught glimpses of the voluptuous vampire the rare times she’s on the floor. It makes me wonder who else will be there?
“Focus, nymph.” Thomas scolds when I don’t reply.
“Sorry...it’s just a little overwhelming.” I confide quietly. “I’ve never been to a party before.”
“One of many if things go well. Now, you're supposed to be working tonight.”
Remaining still I nod distractedly. Saturday is only a few days away. Excitement and nerves clash within me at the thought.
Thomas
The Mistress’s house is just as large and grand without being showy as I thought it would be. I would never admit this to anyone, but as the driver I hired is waved through the gates a pang of nervousness rushes through me.
I wish I would have driven, it would have given me something to do besides wait and worry. But tonight is important. I’m about to rub e
lbows with not only one of the wealthiest women in the city, but the most prominent Dommes in the BDSM community. I have the money, I have the experience, I have to look the part as well.
“Remember what I told you, nymph.”
Layla shifts nervously on the seat beside me. “Yes, Master.” Her voice is shaky, but there’s no hesitation.
I wish I had more time to prep her for something like this. I have no idea what we’re about to encounter, but I know the basics of dinner party etiquette.
“What are your standing orders?” I ask.
“I must be respectful, call all the Dominants by their title, and I am not allowed to touch anyone without permission.”
“Good.”
The driver opens the door and I exit the car, reaching a hand out for Layla. She trembles a bit as she places her hand in mine. I can feel the nerves rolling off her. The Mistress isn’t only my boss, she’s also Layla’s. This night has to go well for both of us.
With my hand on the small of her back, I guide her up the steps and press the doorbell.
It only takes about thirty seconds for the door to open. “Please come in,” the older woman greets. “The Mistress and her guests are in the sitting room.”
She leads us down the hall and gestures us through the doorway to the sitting room. She bows her head before disappearing. With a firm hand on Layla, I force us into the room.
Mystic is lounging on a chaise on one side of the room, a man sitting on it with her, they appear to be deep in conversation. Not far from them, Adam sits with another man, they both noticed our arrival and Adam stands, smoothing out his suit before heading our way.
“I am so glad to see you made it.”
“Thank you for extending the invitation.”
“It was the Mistress’s doing, but you’re welcome. Come, let me introduce you to everyone.”
He motions to the man on the sofa, “you remember Samuel. His husband and submissive is Elias, he’s the white-haired imp.” Adam tilts his head to the other side of the room where a trio of men sit tangled together.
