Dark Desires (Dark Romance Boxed Set)

by Cerys du Lys

  One hell of a workout, she thought to herself. Even her skin shone brighter as she thought of the evenings to come, and she was now shyly looking into her own imposing hallway mirror to check herself out. Her confidence was growing.

  Crack. There was a swish and a snapping noise that Anna had not heard before. The pain that followed made her gasp and almost roll off the padded cushion. Heat like she had never known ran over her back and left buttock like a fiery snake had slithered over her.

  “What was that?” she shrieked. Tonight, she had permission to speak.

  “A whip, Miss Pierce,” Mike replied, raising it again. “I told you this would be liberating,” and he brought down the twisted leather again, this time on Anna’s right. Now both sides of her body burned with pain, and she twisted in the buckles, trying to find some relief. Tears threatened to spring from her eyes.

  Mike raised the whip again. “Too much?” he asked. Anna knew from experience that saying ‘no’ was not an option, and saying ‘yes’ would make no difference either. She bit her lip and tried to hold back her cries. Mike delivered four more slashes with the whip, and Anna was sure she could feel blood trickling down her legs. There was no pleasure. The pain was too great. The burn was too much. Her sex was pulsing, but only in the hopes Mike would thrust into her and forget about this new agony. She heard the whip being raised again, and her resolve snapped.

  Anna rolled off the pommel horse and staggered to her feet. The whip snapped on the empty cushion and Mike’s dark eyes widened.

  “Stop,” she moaned, struggling with her buckles. “You’re hurting me too much,” she blurted. Mike began rolling the whip up in his hand and over his elbow.

  “You are my submissive and I wish to cause you pain,” he said slowly. “Consider your next words carefully, Miss Pierce,” and he held the whip in a way Anna was sure he could unfurl at a moment’s notice.

  “No,” she said firmly as she could while naked and bound. “I don’t want this. Chess. Chess, chess, chess.” she said, repeating their safe word to be sure he had heard. Mike’s mouth dropped open and his shoulders slackened.

  “As you wish,” he said quietly, letting the whip drop to the floor. “You… have no idea what I was going to… What we might have…”

  “Chess to your whip,” Anna said, standing straight. “But not chess to you. To our ‘relationship’, whatever that is,” she spat.

  “Ah,” Mike replied, arms now folded in front of him. His chest was bare, but his legs were clad in a pair of cool beige chinos. “You wish to alter the terms of our contract?”

  “Maybe,” she said. Mike fished in his pocket and walked over to her, with a key. He began unlocking her buckles to free her arms. Once they were free, he stood in front on her, looking down at the slender, brunette woman whose blood was splattered on his white marble floor.

  “Then I wish to alter some terms as well,” he said carefully. Mike placed a hand on Anna’s shoulder and looked into her deep brown eyes.

  “Anna Pierce,” he began, “Would you consider becoming my submissive for life? To do as I wish, as and when I wish it?” he said it as seriously as a man proposing marriage.

  Perhaps, Anna thought sadly, This is the closest I will ever get. She looked straight at his handsome face – the tiny crows feet against his eyes and the high cheekbones she longed to touch were out of bounds, untouchable.

  “I need to get cleaned up,” she said hurriedly.

  “You may bathe,” Mike replied. “And when you come back, I expect an answer, Anna. One way or another.”

  Anna walked hurriedly in her nakedness towards the gilt bathroom. She had a decision to make, and it would either be her making or her undoing.

  * * *

  Anna sat on her new bed, feeling the unfamiliar softness and shiny slipperiness of the eiderdown. She had never had a four-poster bed before, and last night’s first sleep in it had left her with a bruised wrist from smacking her hand into one of the creamy white bedposts. The bruise only added to the general fatigue in her wrists from another session with Mike’s leather handcuffs. Last night he had handcuffed her over the strange pommel-horse in the living room and had worked up his spanking from the childishness of a newspaper to the thin, wooden switch that had left Anna gasping with pleasure and pain. There had been no penetration that night, but instead, Mike had smothered Anna’s buttocks in warm oil, working his way to her secret places and using his fingers to press eagerly inside her. It was an orgasm that left Anna’s clitoris twitching for several hours afterwards.

  Still, it had been a week of extreme change. Anna had handed in her notice at the agency, explaining she had had a better offer elsewhere. Her boss, a harsh and frowning tyrant, was relieved that she was to be rid of the woman who had spent so much time staring into space and blushing in the last few weeks. Anna’s friend, Kay, however, was not as understanding.

  “You can’t just quit!” she had exclaimed, watching Anna sweep her belongings into an oversized designer handbag. “What about your career?”

  “I won’t lose my skills or experience,” Anna replied, opening the desk drawers. “I’m just transferring hon, it’s not the end of the world.”

  “There’s a man involved, isn’t there?” Kay’s eyes had flashed dangerous. “You’re doing this for some fucking man, aren’t you?”

  Anna sighed and pushed her hair behind her ears. She could never begin to explain the last few months. The visit to the White Queen, the meetings with Mike and the way a curious burning sensation in her stomach roared whenever she thought about him. No, she could never tell her friend about the way she let this man abuse her, and tie her up, or what pleasure there was to be gained from it. It would shock, it would appall, but most of all, it would ruin the secret life Anna had begun to build for herself.

  “There is a man,” she answered carefully. “But it’s not just him. It’s more. It’s just everything.”

  “You’ll regret it,” Kay snapped, turning on her heel. “No man is ever going to stick around for as long as your career could. What happened to feminism? You’re giving up everything for a man who could drop you without notice.”

  Anna ignored the aggression in Kay’s voice. “Perhaps,” she said. “But it’s a risk I’ve got to take.”

  That had been the last time Anna has spoken to Kay, and she wondered if they would ever be as close as they once were.

  Ever since Mike had asked Anna to move in with him, she had been frightened by the possibility that she was settling on becoming his ‘live-in sex slave’ and nothing else.

  Although he was a gentleman, handsome and wonderful to spend time with, Anna had never seen a drop of affection in the greying man’s eyes for her. He viewed her with the unbridled lust of a man whose whole life revolved around his desire for and worship of the BDSM lifestyle. Their contract he had had framed and hung on her newly furnished bedroom wall – a constant reminder of the business-like transaction of their relationship.

  But Anna could no longer deny those swirling feelings that washed over her every time her Dom stepped into the room. She felt hot and cold at the same time; frightened and excited, breathless and calm all at once.

  When he had presented her with her creamy, clean, fresh bedroom on the top floor of his home, she had wanted to fling her arms around him and plant kisses all over the face of her dominant man. But now, as they were together all the time that would certainly be forbidden. Instead, she had bowed her head modestly and complimented the décor and the freestanding, enormous bath in the en suite. Anna had allowed Mike to steer her around the room, showing her the wardrobe and drawers where her things would be stored. The hall mirror, which she had previously avoided in her own house, was fixed in the bathroom, so her naked body would be unavoidable to look at. It was a rent-free, pleasurable dream. But Anna feared that one day she would have to wake up.

  * * *

  It was a week after Anna had officially moved in, and Mike had suggested they visit a restaurant in the
city to celebrate. Anna never knew what to wear when out with Mike. He always shone in her grey suits and dark shirts, while she plodded behind him like some incomplete ugly duckling. However, tonight, she has surprised to find a midnight-blue sink dress hanging on her wardrobe door.

  “For me?” she asked, taking it down on the hanger.

  “Of course,” Mike’s eyes sparkled as she appraised the dress. “Do you like it?”

  “It’s gorgeous,” Anna held it against herself and looked in the full-length mirror. “Should I wear it tonight?”

  “It should please me if you did,” Mike answered with a small smile. “It should fit. And the color is… is very you,” he finished awkwardly. Anna turned to smile at him and he nodded to leave her to change.

  “Thank you!” she called after him. She heard his footsteps pause on the wooden stairway before descending to his own room.

  The dress fit her like a glove – clinging to her breasts and hips like some sort of silken embrace. The deep color made her hair appear radiant as never before, and the normal pastiness of her skin became a seductive, milky glow. She descended the stairway to find Mike ready and waiting. His grey suit had a subtle hint of blue in it, as if subconsciously matching her dark dress, and he had forsaken a tie. As she reached the bottom of the steps, a genuine smile lit up her Dom’s face.

  “Stunning,” he murmured, taking her hands in his. “It really does become you, Miss Pierce.” He lightly kissed her hands. Miss Pierce… he only called her that during their scenes together. So tonight was a scene as well. Anna wondered where they could be going, and what sort of role she would be expected to play as they got into the car and sped off through the city streets.

  “Where are we going?” she asked, watching the lights whiz past. Mike stiffened slightly as if considering how best to answer. His mouth thinned a little.

  “To a private venue,” he said curtly. “The name of which you will soon discover, and the nature of which should be apparent after that,” he turned to look out of the window and Anna’s heart began to race. In her handbag was the tiny, cool chess piece - the white King – and she remembered she had the power to say ‘no’, if she chose.

  The car pulled up outside an innocuous looking building – it was the ordinary white stone used around Whitehall, but nothing so grand. The steps leading up to the front door were worn, and as the pair left the vehicle, Anna could see Mike’s fists were clenched.

  “Are you ok?” she asked.

  “Perfectly,” he said. “Now, you will learn the name of this place. Amongst those of us who regard the world of dominance and submission as more than a playful pastime, we call this house The Club. However, those foolish enough to attempt to stumble into my world refer to it as The Dungeon,” he looked at his sub with understanding in his eyes. “In this place, you are only mine, and must not interact with anyone else,” he said firmly. “You are to ignore all interactions from both genders and if your pursuer is not put off by your ignoring them, you must ask me for help. Is that clear?”

  Anna nodded. “Is this… a sex club?” she felt extremely stupid asking.

  “If such a place can be degraded by such terms, then, yes,” Mike replied. “Are you ready?” And he held out the crook of his arm in a gentlemanly way. Anna looped her thin arm through his muscular one and the two of them climbed the steps.

  Mike rang the bell and inhaled deeply. After a moment, a woman answered the door. She was wearing a yellow dress and her hair was curled up in a fashionable 1950s style. She had no facial expression as she looked at the visitors.

  “Yes?” she said sweetly.

  “Michael Stone and partner,” Mike said sternly.

  “Purpose of visit?” she answered as if checking their passports.

  “The show,” came the short reply. The woman nodded and opened the door just wide enough for Mike and Anna to squeeze through individually.

  The interior of the house was dark. Polished wooden floorboards were covered in threadbare Persian rugs, and the sideboard and stairway were also made of the same dark wood. There was a smell of incense in the air.

  “This way,” the woman lead them through a room to the left of the hall and Anna found herself in large room, around the size of Mike’s lounge, and it was full of people. People of all descriptions. Many, like Anna were dressed in their finest, sipping gently at the glasses of champagne that a suited waiter was bringing around. Some lounged in the leather armchairs in jeans and shirts that looked a little worse for wear. One of two couples were clad in leather and PVC costumes that left little to the imagination, and one woman was completely naked, although no one seemed to notice. As the two of them walked into the room, lead to a vacant chaise lounge by the woman in yellow, Anna saw several pairs of eyes checking them over, with more than a twinkle in some eyes directed at Mike.

  How often does he come here? Anna wondered and she settled on the sofa-like chair. How many of these women has he… her thought trailed off unpleasantly. She pictured her Dom; his muscular and hard chest glistening with sweat as he entered and thrust inside woman after woman, each one more beautiful than the last. She felt sick and forced a smile onto her face as Mike frowned at her.

  “Do you wish to leave?” he said in little more than a whisper.

  “No, I’ll be alright,” she murmured back. “It’s just… very full here.”

  “Remember, you must not participate,” he said gently, taking her hand in his. “We are observers tonight.”

  “Tonight? So you usually?” the question was out before she could stop herself.

  “Participate?” Mike’s cheeks glowed so subtly Anna was not even sure it could be called a blush. “I have on occasion – “ Mike’s answer was interrupted by loud, resonating claps. In the center of the room, a gap was clearing to reveal the woman in yellow standing alone, palms raised.

  “Ladies, gentlemen, Doms, subs, pets and others, welcome to The Club,” she said in a loud, clear voice. “Tonight is a night of showmanship, love, obedience and experimentation. It has been decided by popular vote that the safe word tonight is Rook,” she looked at each guest, checking they understood. “As always, there are those unwilling to participate either due to orders, shame or disinterest. Those must not be pursued,” she paused again for the message to sink in. “It has been drawn in the ballot that tonight’s first play should be Michael Stone,” she looked at Mike and Anna felt the bottom drop out of her stomach. Mike’s face remained impassive.

  “Rook,” he said clearly. The hostess turned away from him as though he had vanished.

  “The ballot’s second draw calls Adrian Talbot to first play,” she turned to a tall, blonde man who sat alone.

  “On with the show,” he replied in a northern accent. The woman bowed slightly and exchanged places with the slender, tall man on the makeshift stage. All eyes were on him as he removed his jacket and slung it over an empty chair. His green eyes roamed the room as if choosing a meal. The games had begun.

  * * *

  “You,” he said, pointing to a young-looking woman dressed in a grey frock. “Come and play,” he beckoned and the woman stood and walked into the circle center.

  “Marli. Submissive,” she said, answering a silent question.

  “Strip,” Adrian Talbot replied, beginning to unbutton his own shirt. The two players watched each other, ignoring the other eyes around them as they peeled off their clothing. Anna felt a rush of heat wash through her loins and she squeezed Mike’s hand unconsciously. They watched the tanned woman step out of her dress and leave it on the floor. She knelt down to remove her shoes, but Adrian put a hand on her head.

  “Leave them on,” he said gently, before kicking his own out of the circle. Now the two of them stood completely naked, aside from Marli’s heels, and seemed to be enjoying the sensation of roaming eyes tracing their bodies. Adrian had an erection that drew Anna’s eyes like nothing else. Adrian was not as well endowed as Mike, but the lights in the room gave the impression of gi
rth and length as well as a shining drop as the end of the stranger’s cock. Anna felt a sudden urge to touch the glistening pre-cum.

  Mike felt a switch in her pulse, and changed his position on the chaise lounge from handholding to wrapping his arm around Anna’s waist. He, too, had not taken his eyes off this new couple and inhaled with satisfaction when Adrian began circling Marli, surveying her every inch.

  With a cracking sound, the expectant silence was shattered as Adrian slapped Marli’s buttocks with his hands. The blow was so unexpected that Marli made a small noise of complaint and moved her hands towards her bottom. Adrian looked into the audience and said, “Dominant, please,” and two men stood up, both with obvious erections. “You,” Adrian pointed at the more muscular man who at once removed his clothes and threw himself into the game. He took hold of Marli’s hands and held them in front of her. Anna could see that Marli could have easily gotten free, but the way the powerfully built man held the tiny woman down was both exciting and terrifying.

  Adrian hit the woman again, making the slapping noise, if possible, even louder. Anna felt a twitch in her own buttocks and pussy as the memories of Mike’s hands touching her were ignited. In the circle, the taller man moved both of Marli’s slender wrists into one of his hands and began tousling her hair with the other. Adrian slapped Marli with both hands and at the same time, the larger man, Troy, pushed Marli’s head down so her face was close to his erect cock and her ass splayed open for the audience to see. Anna could not see Marli’s secret openings from her seat, but from the audience response – several people, male and female had stood up – she guessed they were inviting. Her own pussy became wet and she imagined all the people here being able to see inside her. She pressed her thighs together to try and relieve the building tension.