There was no way she could give her submission its due chance with this bombshell of information, especially since Jason wouldn’t even be around to talk to her this week. “Like I said, I won’t be here Friday. That’ll give you three space to explore without worrying about me. If you need anything, see Carlton.”
Aiden and Dane pondered the idea in silence.
Dane finally spoke. “I’m still not sure I like this plan, but we’ll give it a try. If anything changes, anything at all, we reserve the right to tell her and connect you two.”
“Agreed.” Jason stood, wiped his hands on his pants and nodded toward the door.
Both men followed.
“Oh, take this.” Jason handed them the file on his desk. “I made a copy and put it in my safe. If you have any doubts, you won’t after you see that.”
Dane took the file. “Thank you, Sir.”
Jason felt a slight weight had been lifted off his chest. He was anxious about meeting Stephanie and discussing her father’s disappearance from her life, but he was inordinately glad she was in these two capable sets of hands who so obviously doted on and cared for her. And he was incredibly pleased to know Lori was working with her. If he had to choose anyone on the planet to help Stephanie right now, it would be Lori.
All he could do for now was hope Stephanie wasn’t making a mistake. When he met her, he’d grill the hell out of her to ensure she wasn’t being unduly coerced. Couldn’t one of Stan’s daughters be vanilla?
Chapter Fourteen
Stephanie opened the apartment door when a knock occurred at precisely eleven o’clock. Aiden and Dane had gone to visit the new club and then were heading straight to the restaurant.
She’d expected Lori at eleven, but the woman’s promptness was amazing. “Hi,” she murmured as she let Lori in. Why did she feel so shy around this lady?
“Hey.” Lori smiled broadly. She set her bag down by the door and wandered toward the living room couch. “I hope the guys gave you permission to be at ease with me. I want us to be equals when we’re together. Eye to eye.”
Stephanie had to laugh at that. She followed Lori and sat in an armchair next to the sofa. She plucked at her shirt and tiny skirt when Lori glanced back. “If you consider this equal. I’m betting you’re wearing a bra and panties.” Stephanie cringed. She was glad Aiden and Dane had allowed her to wear anything. She should be grateful. They really liked her naked.
However, the clothes they’d handed her as they left were not exactly what she would have had in mind. She tucked her legs under her, her calves making contact with her bare pussy. Finally, she crossed her arms over her breasts, anything to conceal her nipples, which insisted on remaining erect no matter what she did. The damn stimulant the guys put on her didn’t help, and the tight tank they’d decided would be a good shirt for this morning didn’t jibe.
“Been there, done that. No worries. I could take my undergarments off if you’d like?” Shit. Lori was serious.
Stephanie shook her head. “Not necessary. At least one of us should be comfortable.”
“Are you? Uncomfortable, I mean?”
Is this an inquisition? Stephanie had the sense she was at a shrink’s office. All she needed was a chaise lounge to lie back in and she’d be ready to let the good psychologist tear into her brain. She shivered.
“Shouldn’t I be?” Good, answer a question with a question.
Lori smiled. She was good at that. It wasn’t even fake. Try as she might, Stephanie couldn’t come up with a good reason to dislike the woman.
“You are what you are. No one can tell you otherwise. That’s the most important part of the D/s lifestyle. Aiden and Dane, well any Dom for that matter, can only make requests. You have the right to turn them down at any time. Make sure you exercise that right.”
Stephanie narrowed her gaze and shook her head. “I’m not sure about that. They have a lineup of punishments they like to use that reaches a mile long. I don’t think I’d want to disobey their wishes anytime in the near future unless I want to spend a lot of hours every day horny beyond belief without release.”
Now Lori laughed. She tipped her head back and giggled. “Isn’t that the point? I mean, the entire reason you agreed to submit to them is because you like the way it makes you feel, right?”
“I guess.”
“You hold all the power, girl. Don’t you know that?”
“Me?” Now Stephanie had to laugh. A single “Ha”. It wasn’t sincere.
Lori leaned against the arm of the chair and grew serious. “I’m not kidding. Think about it. The only way any Dom can truly be in a relationship with a submissive is if that party is willing to give over his or her power. They can’t force you.” She paused. “Well, they could, but then it wouldn’t be a willing D/s relationship at all. That’s an entire other bag of worms. You aren’t a slave. You’re a willing sub. Am I correct?”
Stephanie nodded, but tucked her lower lip between her teeth. It hurt when she bit down, but the pain grounded her.
Lori continued, “So all the power is really yours. They’re at your mercy to submit to them. Sure, it makes them feel fantastic to have your permission to manipulate you any way they see fit, but trust me, they both know if they fuck that up, you’re out of here.”
“You think?”
“Girl, I know. I’ve been on both sides. Since I’m the Domme in my current relationship, I can tell you I wake up every day relieved when I discover my sub is still there and still willing to obey me. It’s empowering and fulfilling, but even more so for her.
“Tell me you don’t get a rise out of doing their bidding?”
Stephanie thought about that for a moment. God, she was right. It was heady doing as the men demanded. It made her adrenaline pump knowing she’d pleased them and in response, it turned her on. She’d been horny more hours in the last week than her entire life. “I do,” she admitted.
“Turn around the way you see it. Instead of thinking you’re under their thumb and at their command, consider that they are at your mercy. Every time they ask for your compliance, you have the power because they have to hold their breath hoping you will obey.”
Stephanie smiled now. “True. Hadn’t thought of it that way. I’ve been caught up mainly in the logistics of letting these two boss me around.”
“And that’s confusing when your pussy gets wet each time you follow their demands, right?”
Stephanie felt the flush cover her cheeks. She nodded again. “Very.”
“So look at it in that new light. Aiden and Dane can only do so much. They can ask anything of you. They can harp, demand, coerce, even stomp, but in the end, you have the power to say no.”
“God. That’s deep.” She lifted her head a little higher. “I could put more clothes on if I wanted.”
“You could. Why don’t you?”
“Because I love pleasing them. It warms me up deep inside to make them happy.”
“And?”
There’s more? Ugh. “Um… I hate disappointing them. I want to be whatever they ask of me.”
“Why? You’re still not quite getting it.”
“I feel…geez, empowered, when I do what they ask.”
“Ah ha.” The smile broadened. “That’s amazing for someone who’s been in the lifestyle only a week. Now, in regards to your lacking in undergarments, keep this in mind. Dane and Aiden aren’t going to expose you to the general public until you’re ready. Within the fetish lifestyle you’re going to encounter tremendous nudity. Eventually, you will even grow accustomed to participating. It’s only awkward for you because your mind is convinced it’s wrong.
“After you spend several evenings at dungeons, clubs and private parties, you’ll become more open sexually. Trust me. It grows on you. We could both sit here butt naked and not even flinch because you’ll get over the stigma of thinking your body needs concealing.
“I’m not saying you’ll eventually enjoy presenting yourself to the world at large. Most pe
ople don’t like to do that for fear of the response, but within the society, you’ll find yourself loosening up. It’s natural.”
Huh. She wasn’t so sure.
“I heard you did a spanking scene yesterday.”
“I did.”
“What did you think?”
“It was frightening at first and exposing my ass and privates for everyone in the room was discombobulating. But as soon as I started concentrating on Aiden and Dane I forgot everyone else. They…made me come.”
“Of course they did.”
Stephanie rolled her eyes. “Am I that shallow?”
“Not at all, but I know those two like to orgasm. I would expect nothing less for their sub. Not everyone uses spanking as a sexual tool. Some subs enjoy the release it brings them, the rise in endorphins, with no thought of orgasm at all.”
“Seriously?”
“Yep.”
“All I could think about was reaching climax,” Stephanie admitted.
“That’s because you’re a sexual submissive. You aren’t a domestic sub or a pain sub. There are different types.” Lori uncurled herself from the couch and stood. “Let’s get a drink.” She turned to look over her shoulder. “Any beverage restrictions I should know about?” She wiggled her eyebrows.
“Not specifically, I guess. I’ve never eaten or drank anything without permission, actually. Not since Monday morning.”
“They do have a tight leash on you.” Lori grinned. “And you’re loving it?”
“I am,” she admitted, ducking her gaze.
“Don’t be ashamed. It’s invigorating and I love seeing you open up and grow as you learn. You’re not even the same woman I met two days ago. Do you realize that?”
“No.”
“Your confidence in what you’ve chosen has risen. Your head is higher. Those men of yours are correct. You’re a natural.”
Stephanie flushed again at the compliment.
Lori pulled a pitcher of lemonade out of the fridge. She helped herself to two glasses from the cabinet, clearly familiar with the lay of the house. As she poured, Stephanie pondered her relationship with Aiden and Dane. The men had said she was strictly their sponsor. Had they been completely truthful?
As Lori slid one glass across the island, she took a sip. “Mmm. Dane is the finest man to have around the kitchen. Even his lemonade is divine.”
“This I cannot argue. I’ve eaten the best foods ever this past week.”
Lori leaned her elbows on the island. “Do you have any questions? I’m an open book.”
Hmmm. Her mind was spinning with all the ideas Lori had planted in it so far. “Knowing Aiden and Dane, do you think they will be able to lighten up and give me some personal freedoms?” She gritted her teeth.
“Is that what you want?”
“I’m not sure. But they seem to believe I’m a full-time sub. What if I’m not? I can’t imagine bowing to anyone’s will forever with no room for personal growth. Not to mention working. No way in hell could I stay here in the apartment all day and wait on their bidding. I’d not only go stir crazy, but I’d lose a piece of myself in the process.
“Financial independence is a must for me. I watched my mother fall into too many bad relationships while allowing us to live dirt poor. I never want that to be a possibility for myself.”
“Then don’t back down if it’s important to you. The last thing you want to do is conform to what someone else wants from you to please them when it goes against your moral values. If working and having that part of yourself outside the D/s relationship is important to you, then you shall have it.
“No way would I expect either of those two men to consider that request a deal breaker. If they did, they wouldn’t be right for you. In addition, you’d begin to feel resentful of them if you denied yourself what you need.”
“True, but it still scares me to death. It’s a give and take like any relationship. I’ve fallen hard for them. I can’t imagine life without them already. What if they can’t make this allowance or they push me all the time about it?”
“Then you’ll deal with them with the upper hand. Tell them like it is, sister.” Lori giggled. “You may be their sub, but always remember, that’s by choice. You never have to let that front door hit you in the ass on your way out. It goes both ways. They can only control you to the extent that you let them.”
Stephanie exhaled. So much information. She wasn’t sure if she was relieved by Lori’s guidance or more overwhelmed than before she’d arrived.
“As for nudity, let me tell you a secret.” Lori almost whispered as though it were a deep dark revelation. “You have a fantastic body. Not many people do and that goes for submissives and Doms alike. I’d be proud to show off those tits if they were mine. So don’t lose sleep over a little nudity. Think of it as a means of expression. Just like some people have piercings or tattoos, and some people are shaved down below, your nudity expresses your style. Own it, girl.”
“I’ll try. That’s a comfort level I’m not quite ready to breach yet.” And I’m not entirely sure I will ever be ready for entire rooms full of people to see me in my birthday suit.
“You’ll get there. I have faith. Stay strong. And remember—you’re the one in control.” Lori stepped around the island. “I’ve got to get to work. Please call me anytime you need or have Aiden and Dane call me. Whatever works. Okay?”
“I will.” For the first time, she actually felt comfortable enough to mean that. Lori was extremely nice and clearly willing to help out a newbie like herself. She’d be a fool not to latch on to that lifeline.
As soon as Stephanie shut the door, leaving her in the silence of the empty apartment, her phone pinged on the island.
She smiled as she headed toward it. She was never going to know a moment of privacy with these two. On the flip side, if they hadn’t texted her within thirty seconds, she’d have been worried and unsure what to do with herself.
She picked up the cell.
Aiden: Why are you still dressed?
Stephanie giggled. She wasn’t quite back in sub mode after spending time with Lori. Her nipples pebbled anew when she read the words. She pulled the tight tank over her head and set it on the counter. After she wiggled out of the short skirt, she held it up toward the surveillance camera. “Happy?” She still didn’t know if they could hear her, but she doubted it.
Ping. She jumped.
Dane: Are you being a smart ass?
Shit. Not quite what she’d hoped to elicit. She lowered her shoulders, grabbed the phone and headed for the bedroom, leaving the two tiny articles of clothing on the island.
As soon as she knelt in her corner, she glanced out the window. When would it stop unnerving her to be naked in front of this pane of glass so high in the sky?
She waited. She held very still. She’d been given no further instructions, but she knew without contemplation that she needed to assume the kneeling position facing the corner of windows. She gripped one hand with her other behind her back and inched her legs out farther than usual, just in case. The last thing she needed was to incur any further infractions.
She shivered to think what they might deem a worthy punishment for her insolence in the kitchen.
The minutes ticked by. She didn’t know how long.
Her knees ached and her legs began to shake before the cell finally buzzed again. She exhaled as she released one arm to lift the phone.
Aiden: Eat your lunch and then spend a half hour working with the Ben Wa balls. We’ll address your impertinence afterward.
She sighed as she set the phone down and then winced when she straightened her legs to stand.
She was unsteady. Wobbly. She stretched momentarily to get her blood flowing to her lower limbs, but not long enough to draw attention to her detour from the specific instructions. Nobody said anything about stretching. Would they add that to their punishment list?
Stephanie ate quickly. She was hungry. She sat at the kitchen table, her l
egs appropriately spread, her back straight. She guzzled the water, wishing for a moment she had another glass of the lemonade. A chill went down her spine thinking about that perfect beverage. Had she been out of line indulging in it with Lori?
In any case, a bottle of water was with her lunch. No mention of lemonade.
After she used the restroom, she returned to the mat and picked up the metal balls. Geez. Had they been this heavy on Monday? Tuesday had been skipped in lieu of the spanking session, though they’d told her from the beginning she should get used to exercising her pussy around the balls every day.
She almost pushed them between her lower lips when she remembered to suck on them first. Thank God she hadn’t fucked that up.
She took them into her mouth with much less shame than she had before. She moaned around them, shocked by her own voice filling the silence. Why was she already turned on by the idea of pushing the balls inside her and practicing keeping them there?
Her pussy moistened as she sucked, and even clenched when she let the metal spheres pop out of her mouth.
With her knees spread wide, she pushed the balls inside. Her head rolled back at the intrusion. Nothing had been inside her pussy since last night.
They’d also let her sleep in their own bed between them. They had not made love to her again this morning. She had been disappointed, but they insisted she would be sore from the night before. Telling her they had no intention of fucking her to death was little consolation. At the time she thought she’d rather die; at least she’d be happy.
She hadn’t questioned their judgment on that one. She didn’t relish the day they decided she needed to sleep in the guest room. It made her feel unwanted. Discarded. Naughty.
Bound to be Tamed: Emergence, Book 2 Page 16
