by Alice Ward
She flinched and flushed red. Unlike my subs, it wasn’t out of guilt or embarrassment, but indignation. Her hands continued their play, sliding down my sides to smooth over my trimmed pubic hair and massage the skin around my pelvic bone. My cock was standing straight up in front of her so she lovingly stroked her thumb over the engorged head as she cupped my balls.
Those little fingers had me cross-eyed with delight. I wanted to be inside of her again, listen to her scream and moan as I pounded inside and showed her who was boss, who was master.
But those fingers had other plans as they tickled my perineum and she shifted behind me.
“Now time for your backside,” she sang in a low, seductive melody. She pushed me forward by laying a hand on my back and bending me toward the wall.
I grabbed her hand, and even I was surprised at the dark threat in my voice. “I told you, I’m not having you anywhere near my ass. You need to understand you can’t cross my lines.” I was the alpha here.
She stiffened, her lips pressed into a thin line. “What about my lines?”
“That’s different.”
“How are your lines different?” She got out of the shower and grabbed a towel. “We’re in this together. I’m not sure how they’re gonna know whether we do these challenges, but I’m in this to win. That means we both do the challenges, whether we like them or not.”
I followed her out of the shower and snapped a towel off the rack, not sure what her next move was going to be, but praying desperately that she wasn’t planning on walking out of this. We’d covered so much ground. We could get through this, she just had to chill out. Women were so overly emotional.
I opened my mouth to tell her how it was going to be, and she held up a silencing hand.
“Before you command me,” she started in a softer voice, “I want you to hear me out. This is supposed to be pleasurable for both of us. Our anal areas are the only sexual organ, other than our lips, that we share. Why can’t we experience something as foreign as this together? Why can’t we share our feelings with one another? Do you think I wanted to have your dick up my ass?” She was getting heated again, her face flushed.
“You liked it, admit it!” I wasn’t going to let her pull that on me. I could tell by her orgasm that she loved it.
“That is beside the point. I’m asking you if I wanted to do it before we started.” She stared at me, half wrapped in a towel, dewy and naked and gorgeous.
Fuck, she was messing with my head.
“Possibly not.” I wanted to cross my arms but knew that would make me look defensive.
“You were so intent on me being the one who had to complete this challenge when it said either of us. Telling me you’d pleasured other women’s asses wasn’t helpful.” She spit out the words. “I’m not a piece on an assembly line. Maybe I didn’t want to go there. Did you ever think about my having a right to say no?” Her eyes were blazing, and she’d never looked so stern and in command. And so fucking sexy.
I’d never let my subs get mouthy with me, and apart from my own mother, everyone had been too afraid to ever approach me in this manner. I’d always gotten my way. No woman had crossed me as she was. I wasn’t sure I liked it on a visceral level, but it was turning me on. Making me want to do whatever I had to do to make her happy. What was she doing to me?
She was still talking. “This is a game, and to play and be successful we have to try new things. This is something we can experience together. Why do you get to say no and I don’t? And why would you want to shy away from an experience you could share with me?” Now she seemed hurt, as if my reluctance wasn’t about power, but about her venturing into the unknown without me.
“There are a host of reasons that have nothing to do with you, Ava,” I stated plainly, unwilling to go further.
“I’m not subservient to you, Lucas. I won’t be. When I leave this game and walk away from this, you can find a woman who wants subservience. I’m not, and I never will be that woman. We’re playing a game. The rules stated that both of us could participate in the challenge equally.”
She was right. This was just a game. So… when had it become more than that? And why did her walking away make me want to lock her in the bathroom so she couldn’t?
She was unhinging my perspective, and I loved and hated her for it. Despite her belief to the contrary, she had my attention. Just the thought of her going back to her old life without me made my knees feel like jelly. I sank down on the edge of the tub, buying myself a moment to compose.
She followed my cue and sat next to me on the smooth surface. “I loved having you play with my ass.” She laughed. “I never thought I’d be saying that, and I never thought I would experience feelings that were so erotic and complex. They were shameful, guilty, and wonderful all at the same time. Why wouldn’t I want to give you the same kind of exotic pleasure?” Silence filled the room as she stared at me, waiting for an answer.
“It’s different for men like me. I don’t share experiences. I’m… well, I’m a billionaire. I don’t need to share anything.” And there it was…
She rolled her eyes. “The only reason I agreed to this contest after I found out I was selected was to challenge myself. I needed to break out of my shell, and the money would help me do that, to live a better life. I didn’t come here to flirt with or marry a billionaire. I could care less about your money or your power. I can walk away from it. What I struggle with now…” her gaze fell to the tile, and she swallowed, “is walking away from you. Yet, there are parts of your personality that I don’t understand. I’m willing to stretch my boundaries, why can’t you?”
She had no idea how much I’d already stretched my boundaries. She’d pushed me beyond my limits, and this was as far as I was willing to go. I wouldn’t break down nor succumb to my emotions, but still, I was considering giving her this. Because she was right. When she played with my ass last night, it was an intense and singular sensation. It took me to a place, sexually, I never thought I’d go. And I thought I’d been to the highest plateau. Those feelings were intriguing and not entirely unwanted.
“Because I’ve never had boundaries I didn’t set. However, in the interest of testing boundaries, men who practice this type of sex allow this kind of stimulation?” I needed to get my head around this.
“Yes, it’s called a prostate massage, and it’s a wonderful experience for a man. Most don’t allow themselves the pleasure.” Her face lit up with a smile.
“I’ll let you massage and touch me, but no more,” I said so quietly, I almost didn’t think she would hear.
Had I just given in?
A look of joy flashed across her face as she turned on the bath and poured in oils.
“The bathtub?” I asked, intrigued.
“Better than the bed.” She flashed that smile again, and it heated me from the inside.
“Just don’t ever tell anyone I did this…”
She laughed, a pure and musical sound that was filled with total delight. “I promise and double swear, I’ll never ever say a word about any of this. I think I also signed a legal thingy that said that as well. Your secret is safe with me.” She put her foot in the water to test its temperature. “Shall we?” she asked, giving me her hand.
She flicked on our trusty iPod and the room filled with exotic music as she smoothed the oiled water over my back, and we both sank into the rich, warm water.
And I sank into the unfamiliar land of submission.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Ava
I couldn’t believe he’d agreed last night. I knew he struggled with his feelings, but as I massaged him and worked around his body, he became more comfortable.
He was always on his guard, but he’d lowered the drawbridge some.
I’d explained to him, “This is not about your sexuality or weakness. This is about you owning your sexuality and accepting pleasure. You’re just as in command of your body now as you were when we came in this evening, the only difference
is, you’re more keenly aware of your needs.”
I’d been diplomatic and rational — two traits I knew he admired. He hadn’t really agreed, but he’d let me play. The look of ecstasy and relief on his face was exquisite when he came.
When he’d recovered, he stared at me with a smirk then gave me a hard slap on the ass. “You naughty girl.” Then he grabbed our robes, helped me into mine, scooped me up in his arms and carried me to the bed.
“Miss Ava, you need to be punished,” Lucas growled.
I laughed. “I’m no naughtier than you. What you give, you’ll also have to take.” I gave his shoulder a quick bite before he threw me on the bed.
We’d both been sated and blissful as I curled into his side and he draped his leg over my body, then spanked my ass again, hard. I guessed in his book, I deserved a couple of swats for pushing him as far as I did, but I meant what I said.
I’d be exacting an eye for an eye.
I nestled closer, content. I’d brought him to a place no other human had ever been able to take him. He’d given up a piece of himself, his humility.
This morning, I was hungry for food and achy. I watched him as he slept, amazed that I was so comfortable with this man I hadn’t known a mere week ago. So much, that I couldn’t imagine doing what I’d told him I would last night — walking away and going back to my normal life. Life would never be normal again. Lucas had awakened something inside me I didn’t know was there.
When the waiter brought our breakfast, he left a note that instructed us to meet downstairs at seven this evening for dinner with Isabella and Mason.
We had the day to ourselves. We could ski, hike, snowboard, or just laze around our room. There was an endless array of things to do.
“I remember when I was a child,” Lucas said as we lounged at the kitchen table and sipped our coffee, “and I’d need to escape this place from time to time. The adults would get too controlling and stuffy.” I raised my eyebrows at this. “Yes, even for me. I’d hike as far as I could climb up the incline in the back of the ski run. There’s a remarkable view from up there. Would you like to join me on a hike to my favorite spot?”
“I’d love it.” I took a final sip of coffee and stood, ready to escape to the outdoors.
We suited up in snow gear, and I packed water and some snacks. He added a flask of whiskey to our pack, and we left the chalet to trek up the mountain in the snow.
It was a rigorous climb. He must’ve been quite the little athlete as a boy. While I was in incredible shape, the altitude and snow made it a difficult climb for me. I stopped several times to rest as I trudged my way up the mountain.
Lucas remained attentive and caring and helped me over slippery or steep sections. After what felt like a lifetime, we made it to the top. I sucked in the sharp cold air and stared out at the view.
My religious beliefs had always run toward the eclectic, so I was very open to spiritual experiences, but seeing that beauty of the mid-morning light was proof enough something greater than ourselves existed.
“Isn’t it magnificent?” Lucas asked, his face painted with a boyish gaze of wonder.
“I think it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” I stood mesmerized by the vast blue sky and majestic snow-covered mountains.
“I think you might be the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” He curled his arms around my waist and drew me in close.
The moment was electrifying… and big… oh so big for us.
“You know that’s a cheesy line, right?” I took a stab at humor, unsure I was ready for “the most” anything.
He laughed, and I was afraid he would feel my heart pounding out of my chest. “I know beauty.” He drew me away from the edge and led me to a large rock at the far side of the summit. “Let’s rest for a moment. We can have something to eat before we head back down.”
The moment felt surreal, and my head was spinning. Was it the altitude? I had to get my shit together. I liked Lucas, more than I wanted to admit. And with each day that passed, I felt like we were drawing closer. While the top of the mountain was almost unbearably cold, it was an excellent place to get to know Mr. Dominant Billionaire better.
“What got you interested in dominance in the first place?” I asked as he passed me the flask of whiskey.
I took a swig, and my breath crackled in front of my face. The whiskey was high-dollar and didn’t burn going down, but heated my insides, making me almost break a sweat. Or maybe that was worry. I waited on ice shards for his answer.
“Since I was young, I’ve been in charge of many things. It was just my mom and I, so I took on a lot of responsibility. With responsibility came pressure, and I needed a release. Some guys like violent video games and I tried those, then ran into a website that promised everything I’d been looking for. A world that I could control. I started joining online clubs and dating groups that liked to play rough. I didn’t so much enjoy the violence, but found myself enjoying the control being a Dominant offered. I’d finally found the satisfaction I’d been looking for.”
“Is something different now?” I pressed him, wanting better insight into the man who was stealing my heart.
“Something is. I just don’t know what.” He stared out at the mountain view, his face softening for a moment before hardening to resemble the solid cliff walls. “You don’t know how to be a sub, and I don’t think you have the personality to become one, but there’s time yet.” His voice was cold.
“Is that what you really intend on doing? Making me into your sub?” I was trembling, my voice shaky.
There was a long silence, and it was hard to conceal the avalanche of feelings within me.
“Don’t ask dangerous questions, Ava, if you won’t like the answers. Let’s get you back to the chalet before you freeze into a popsicle.” He punctuated his statement with a smile, which made me feel fractionally better. I took the flask and another swig of whiskey, and we walked back down the mountain in silence.
When we got back to the chalet, it was late afternoon. We opted to go to the spa for massages and to warm up in the sauna. There, we kept our conversation light and buoyant, mostly talking about the prospects of the other team. Later, we dressed and met Mason and Isabella at dinner.
There wasn’t a deep chasm between the two of us, but I sensed a divide as we faced our next challenge together.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Lucas
All the way down the mountain, I hadn’t known what to say to Ava. So I remained silent. I needed some space. It wasn’t her. I loved being near her. I enjoyed playing with her, our teasing and laughing. But my need to be dominant stood in front of our prospects for the future, and I just couldn’t face what I’d have to do to change that.
There was a chasm that would only grow wider between us. I knew she’d never be a true sub, and after this competition, I probably wouldn’t be able to walk away from her. So not being able to quit her would mean I’d have to quit the one thing that gave me the most pleasure.
I couldn’t tell her when she was asking her innocent questions on the mountain that one of the reasons I enjoyed being a Dom was because I liked the look of pain on my submissive’s face. I liked knowing I could inflict power even while being in charge of safety. I like hearing “yes, master” and punishing for any slight infraction.
As scary as it might’ve sounded, I could probably do a lot of bodily harm to a person, and yet, being a Dominant meant my first and most important responsibility was the safety and well-being of my submissive partner.
The submissives I chose to be with enjoyed what we did and wanted to be dominated. There was an intense sensuality in it, and until I met Ava, it was the only way I could reach orgasm.
I didn’t want to hurt women but knowing they enjoyed the pain I inflicted was a perfect symbiosis between two consenting adults. There was a kind of beauty in the balancing of two extremes. I worried that after the freshness of the new experiences I was having with Ava wore off, I’
d need her to be submissive without exception.
I didn’t know if I could function in a world without domination.
Ava would never like the submissive lifestyle, and I didn’t want Ava to have to be a submissive person. Part of what so deeply drew me to her was her ability to stand up to me and push me to try something I was more than reluctant to experience.
What would be ideal, however, would be to have Ava enjoy some elements of submission, which she apparently did. That way, I wouldn’t lose my sense of self completely if I decided to try a more permanent arrangement with her. Vanilla sex with an incredible person — even Ava and her ass play, oils and Hindu sex thrown in — wasn’t ever going to be enough for me.
We went back to our suite after an extraordinarily awkward dinner with the opposing team, during which Unc announced there was a tie. I was surprised Ava, and I had won, but feeling more confident now that Mason wasn’t ahead. He was a more formidable opponent than I’d thought.
In the entry sat another ominous red box with the fucking white ribbon.
I hoped the next challenge wouldn’t come back to bite me just yet. I needed another win to distance myself from Mason and get closer to becoming CEO. The ass fucking challenge had been my brilliant idea, and I’d devised two more depraved sex acts with the intent to freak Mason out. Little did I know, I’d be pushing away my own partner. A partner I surprisingly did not want to push anywhere but back into bed with me. While there was still an element of terror in completing these challenges with Ava, I was excited as well. There was a possibility now that she would like them. I knew from other subs, there were things they loved, like being blindfolded and expecting pain, but getting other sensations as well. BDSM wasn’t always about punishment.
Just as Ava had her spiritual centers, I had leather and gags.
“What do you think we’re going to do now?” Her voice was steady, but the expression on her face betrayed her nervousness.
I vowed, tonight, despite all, I’d get her to trust me, so I’d never have to see that expression again.
