Beyond the Masks

by Nicky F. Grant

  “Can hardly wait! Go get ’em. Shopping?”

  “Yes, please. I’ll call you when I’m done here.” Ending the call, she opened the email. Scanning the attached documents, she exhaled to settle the butterflies having a party in her stomach.

  “Now or never, Shane,” she assured herself.

  Blinking at the screen, she opened the documents, quickly completed the background check, and dove into the club policies and rules:

  The Resort takes the privacy, safety, and consent of its members seriously. The following rules are enforced to create a safe, private, and mutually consensual environment and atmosphere. Any member acting inappropriately or found in violation of the rules will have their membership revoked immediately.

  Masks and other identity concealing aids may be worn in the common areas at the discretion of the member.

  Masks and other identity concealing aids may only be removed when mutually agreed upon by all parties involved within a private scening area.

  Protected sex must be adhered to at all times. This is for the safety of all members.

  Medical history must be updated every three months. Failure to do so will result in membership suspension or termination.

  Use of recreational drugs is prohibited. Drug screening must be completed every three months.

  Any change in member’s legal name, location, or other personal information must be reported to the club office at the time of change.

  Dress code within common areas is strictly enforced.

  Any member visibly intoxicated will be removed from the premises and their membership revoked.

  Any member acting with force not consented to by another member will be removed from the premises and membership revoked.

  Standard safe words must be used: Red, Yellow, and Green. No alternative safe words will be permitted.

  Safe word usage is monitored at all times. Anyone not adhering to the safe word guidelines will be removed and membership revoked.

  Fire, blood, needle, scat, breath play, and golden showers are strictly prohibited.

  All members must adhere to the soft and hard limits of their play partner(s) upon receipt of such document. If these guidelines are not followed, immediate removal and revocation of membership will be upheld.

  Sex toys, apparatuses, and other objects of erotic nature aiding in sexual pleasure or pain play will be inspected at arrival.

  The anxiety loosened in her chest as she read each line. The safety of their members was paramount. Meeting someone with his own set of rules and being harmed in some way was not an option. The protection the club provided gave her confidence in the members.

  Next, she completed her medical history and order form.

  Physical within the last three months and birth control. Yes, and yes.

  Dominant, submissive, or switch. Submissive.

  Concealment aids. Satin gloves and mask.

  An overwhelming wave of unease flooded her as she gripped the mouse. The checklist for hard and soft limits spelled out all her fears and desires. Were people always this specific? Seeing the limits on paper made what she’d allowed Jacob to do so tangible. He knew her body so well she never worried about him pushing her into new realms of pleasure and pain.

  She thought back on all the things they’d tried, concluding each act or scene had happened organically. Sure, they’d discussed exploring new ways to play, but she’d never hesitated because of the trust she’d placed in him.

  What would it be like using these techniques and practices listed? Her mind spun as she read the details. Arm binders, suspension, sleep sacks, anal fisting? She shivered. “No way. Hard limits.”

  Riding crop, flogger, dildo, hair pulling, and orgasm denial. “Hell, yeah.” She grinned, checking them off with confidence. She scanned the remaining list and stopped on voyeurism.

  “Being watched or watching others. Hmmm.”

  What if…? A jolt of desire flooded between her thighs. Jacob was against sharing, which had stopped her from exploring it. Even if there was no contact, it still shared her pleasure with others. Something he considered a hard limit. A small side of her wanted to get back at him. “Maybe…”

  Leaning back in her leather chair, she rubbed her eyes. Attempting to be submissive again was her good-bye to the “Shane” she knew today. A glimmer of excitement promised hope. A journey in self-discovery and taking herself to a different place of power was what the doctor ordered. Reclaiming who she was on the inside, deep within her soul.

  Determination set in. No more feeling scared to meet someone new. No longer would Jacob have any power over her. This was her choice. No approval from Jacob necessary.

  Click. Swoosh.

  Membership application complete.

  She spun her chair and stared out at the New York City skyline. The beautiful sun peeked over the buildings, burning off the fog from Central Park. A new day. A new chapter in her life.

  Rising from her chair, she proceeded to the master suite. She entered the white marble bathroom and moved to the clawfoot bathtub. As she turned the chrome handles, water flowed out of flat spouts and rolled into the tub like a waterfall. Steam soothed her face as she added a few crystals of wildflower bath salts.

  She walked back to her cozy bedroom. Her retreat. A large sleigh bed filled the main space, and light filtered through the sheer curtains, giving her a sense of peace.

  She peeled off her gray camisole and matching panties and tossed them on the bed. Standing naked in front of her dresser with mounted mirror, she placed a large clip into her mouth. She twisted her hair in a pile on top of her head and secured it. Her eyes traveled to the rest of her naked skin.

  Gazing at her reflection, she admired the roundness of her breasts, slim body, and round ass. What would another man think about her? She blushed as a smile appeared on her lips.

  What would her mystery Dom look like? Dark hair? Light eyes? Yeah, totally different from Jacob. A tinge of arousal trickled between her legs. The temptation to touch herself overpowered her will to ignore her desires. Her reflection peered back at her as she gently stroked her breasts. What if he were here now? Touching her.

  She scraped her fingernails around her nipples. Her head fell back as she conjured up the man of her dreams. A delightful hum escaped her lips.

  His lips kissing sensually down her exposed neck. His dark hair tickling her ear. His blue eyes absorbing her reaction in the mirror as she accepts his amorous advances.

  As desire flared between her legs, her folds dampened. One hand drifted to her sex, massaging the outer lips. The delicate touch teased while the other tugged a nipple.

  He continues kissing down her back, his lips meeting each shoulder blade and down her spine. Unhurried, priming her for what is to come. A path of heat from his touch runs down her sides, goosebumps left in its wake. As his hands approach her hips, he lowers to the floor. She moans as two fingers slide unhurriedly into her wet pussy.

  “Yes…” She slipped her own fingers into the folds of her lips and down toward her opening, her melting core like silk to the touch.

  He kneels, nibbling her round buttocks, caressing where his mouth has made contact. Slow fingers pump in and out of her sex like he has all the time in the world. Turning her toward him, he kisses and licks following a path from her hips to the crease where her thigh meets her sex.

  Shane inserted two fingers, biting her bottom lip to stave off a simmering orgasm. Her knees buckled, causing her to lean the other hand on the dresser. Her labored breathing became synchronized with each thrust of her hand. In and out, she built a rhythm. The brilliant anguish from her movements tensed her core as she rubbed her clit.

  When his tongue circles her swollen bundle of nerves, she blooms like a flower, inviting him in. He stops. Piercing blue eyes, laced with lust, gaze at her while still keeping a rhythm with his hand. He inhales her scent deeply.

  “Fuck,” she breathes out as her knees buckle, but his strong hands hold her upright. Sh
e is lost in him. Blue eyes and his commanding touch hypnotize her. Any past pain she held is stripped away as it slips into the sea of passion. She closes her eyes once more, unable to hold contact. It’s too much. Her body aches for release, but he keeps her on the precipice. “Please…” she begs.

  He flicks his tongue on her pulsing clit and nibbles with his teeth. Divine pleasure takes her up, up as he sucks the nub. She moans loudly, and the man’s tongue circles her clit wickedly as his fingers thrust. Her core drips as sounds of her pleasure fill her ears. “Yes...yes!” she screams.

  Her strokes quickened as she pushed harder on her clit with the heel of her hand. The mental images scrolled through her mind until she exploded into her hand. Her body shook violently until she withered to the floor. The orgasm quaked again and again, wracking her muscles and her body. Damn, I needed this.

  As her body calmed, she rolled to her back and stared at the ceiling. Who would be the man at The Resort to take her on a sexual journey? Excited about the mystery, a final tremor moved through her.

  Sliding upright, she carried herself to the bathroom on shaky legs. Sinking into the tub, she immersed herself in the warmth. She turned off the water and lounged back, allowing her body to relax as wildflower scents filled her nose. She exhaled, finally letting go of years surrounded by sadness and loneliness. It was time to take the plunge.

  Gavin blinked as the light crept in through the window of his Brooklyn brownstone. Morning already, he thought, as his mind flashed back to the prior evening.

  Ethan Pax, the new owner of The Resort, had done an excellent job reviving the exclusive club. The investment he’d made as a silent partner had been put to good use. Ethan and Gavin had frequented the club over the years, and when it went up for sale, they both saw a great deal of business potential for their hidden lifestyle.

  The Resort was his retreat, and he was comforted by what it represented. The club allowed him to seek deep control, which complemented his overall life. The desire to bring a submissive to their knees as he artfully catered to their innermost fantasies became vital to the way he was wired. It was the foundation of his being.

  He swung his feet to the floor and turned. A beautiful blonde slept soundly. Blair. The bedding had slipped to her waist exposing her full breasts.

  He had grown tired of his last playmate and had decided it best to part ways to explore other interests. He was becoming a particular Dom. One only seeking a challenge. It meant struggle, which led to ultimate control—something his then playmate, lacked.

  Last night, he’d met Blair. She merely filled the space between play partners, but she allowed him anything. Carte blanche. Blair was an experienced submissive with a short list of limits, was obedient, and ready to fuck. Good for now, but only temporary.

  The chill in the air caused her dark nipples to purse, and thoughts of sucking them again hit his groin. No repeats, remember? That was their agreement.

  He rose from the bed and dressed in running shorts and black t-shirt. She could rest a little while longer. Their marathon evening required it. He grinned. What a great show.

  He jotted a quick note and left it by the bedside table along with her clothes neatly folded.

  Thank you for last evening.

  Please see yourself out.

  No offense should be taken. Time limits had been clearly discussed. This was a one-time thing. Blair lacked what he ultimately craved—challenge.

  As “Killing in the Name Of” piped through his ear buds, he ran down the steps and onto the sidewalk. The crisp air and hints of fall lingered as the breeze hit his face. Dodging walkers as he jogged, his mind turned.

  Shane. The only thing standing in his way to becoming CEO. If not for him, Omega Records would’ve lost out on extraordinary talent and necessary revenues to put them on the map in today’s market.

  His breathing accelerated as he sprinted forward. But what was it about her in the office? Blood drained south. The small sway in power invigorated him. The hitch in her breath. The slight shift in her stance. So, what if he had been thrown at first? She’d surprised him.

  Shane was always the intimidating, dominant businesswoman. She commanded the boardroom and never hesitated to remove dead weight. And now her mission was him. Inserting her presence into his deal with Ryan Digmore, she was on to him. Keeping enemies closer was a motto he lived by.

  Was her dominance a façade? Leaning over in front of his home, he took deep breaths to slow his heart rate. Male dominance was her weakness.

  The light bulb flickered in his brain. He wiped the sweat from his brow and smiled. Maybe working together on this deal wasn’t so bad after all. Dominance could sway her off track. She was attractive, and he would have no issues reveling in her bliss to test his theories. Once she surrendered her mind, body, and soul, he would figure out a way to get her to relinquish her position. She wouldn’t be able to resist him.

  He bounced up the steps, lighter than before. He removed the ear buds and tossed the phone on the foyer table. As he rounded the corner into the kitchen, the ways he could manipulate Shane flipped through his mind.

  “Good morning.”

  A cringe tightened his form. Blair…wearing his dress shirt from the night before with nothing else. He froze. Why was she still in his house? His gaze raked over her; she wore his garment so well, her lean, long legs on display, and her hair slightly disheveled from sleep and sex. There was a twinge of attraction for her.

  Maybe one more time? No way.

  She smiled. He gave nothing away of the sordid thoughts of her tied to his bed.

  “Good morning,” he said curtly.

  She went to reach for his neck and he snatched her wrists. “No.”

  Confusion swept her features. “But why?”

  “I have rules. I thought I was clear. Why are you still here?”

  “Last night was nothing short of incredible, and I thought an encore was appropriate.” She twirled her hair between her fingers.

  “We had an agreement.” The glimmer in her green eyes faded. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to take a shower. I expect you will be gone when I’m finished.” He was such a shit.

  The smile faded from her red lips as he passed her on his way toward the stairs, leaving her to consider his order. He demanded one thing from his submissives: Follow the damn rules. She’d failed, and strangely, he wasn’t even in the mood to punish her. His t-shirt thumped as it hit the hamper when he reached his room. He stopped to stare into the mirror, feeling like the bastard he was.

  Boundaries were just as important to him as they were for the women he played with. Limits had been set long before he became a self-proclaimed Dominant. No relationships. No fucking feelings. No love. These were all things that would screw with the structured life he fought to maintain. One failed course and it could all end.

  Seeing the longing in Blair’s eyes told him he’d made the right decision to dismiss her. She would become a problem if he entertained her company. Blair would never understand his past, the darkness he kept inside. No one ever did.

  Running his fingers along the edges of a fallen angel inked on his chest, it ached. When his palm smoothed over the inscribed name, nausea settled in the pit of his stomach. Nicolette. A constant reminder of why he needed distance.

  4

  “What do you think?” Shane twirled out of the dressing room.

  David whistled.

  “Perfect. No question about it. I mean, I did pick it out.” He uncrossed his legs and stood. The champagne glass clinked on the marble tabletop. He tugged the skirt of the backless flared halter dress to rest perfectly on her hips. He leaned back, tapping two fingers to his lips. “Yep, this will do.”

  “You make this so easy. It will always amaze me.”

  “It’s one of my many talents. Spin.” He twirled his finger in the air.

  She turned delicately, loving the way the dress fit her.

  “Now, for shoes. Jessica, can you come here, please?”
he called to the sales associate. Jessica appeared. “Giuseppe Zanotti’s Cruel Summer. Size seven.” She scurried off.

  “Who’s that?” She admired the low plunging neckline through her reflection in the lighted mirror.

  “Only the best shoe designer in the world. If only I could stand walking in women’s heels. My feet would be so happy.”

  Jessica returned with the shoes on a display tray, all five inches of sexy stared Shane in the face. Taking a seat on the settee, Shane allowed Jessica to place the shoes on her feet. The shiny metallic silver flames climbed her feet and buckled at the ankle.

  “I will take them!” No denying this was the attire for her first night at The Resort.

  She handed Jessica her credit card as David eyed his creation.

  “You, my doll, could take down an army of men in that dress. May the Dominants fall at your decorated feet.”

  “Thank you.” She gleamed in delight, hugging her dear friend.

  “Now get your gorgeous butt out of this dress and let’s eat. All this hard work has made me famished.” He smacked her ass, and she yelped, running into the dressing room.

  She dressed quickly in polka dotted rolled up jeans, sweater wrap, and tan wedges. With the dress draped over her arm, she found David scrolling through his phone. “Ready?”

  “Yep. Sean messaged and wants to join us for lunch. Would you care, terribly?”

  “I would love to see him. How’s the little bistro on 7th ?”

  “Great minds think alike.” He held out an elbow, and she slid her hand into the crook of his arm.

  The pair exited to the street and slid into the waiting SUV. As they pulled away, the buildings passed by as thoughts crowded her mind. So much time had been lost since the split with Jacob.

  Her father’s death had taken a toll on her. He’d been her savvy half. The man who’d taught her all she needed to know about survival in the business world. A hard-working union steel worker who’d fought for his beliefs and used his street smarts to get ahead, the lessons he’d taught never left her. Shrewd but honest was his mantra. She set herself up for success through observation, patience, and careful planning. One of the biggest things she’d learned was pivoting a negotiation on a dime, sending control back into her hand.