“Destiney did a great job on the jewelry,” X said as the hands continued to caress her nipples. Was it one of them touching her, or both of them? X’s voice was on the right side of the swing, but it could very well be his hand caressing her.
“Didn’t she? It made my little Vixen come hard tonight, didn’t it?” Knox’s voice sounded from the left of the swing.
“Yes, Master.” Tatum squirmed. She hated being on display in front of someone she’d never met, much less not knowing if Knox’s ‘guest’ was touching her in such an intimate manner.
“But that’s not why we’re here,” Knox said. “My little Vixen, was a bad girl tonight, and needs to be punished.”
“May I ask what she did?”
“I told her to be naked and she wasn’t.”
“Tsk, tsk, tsk, naughty little Tatum.”
“Yes, she was.” Knox’s voice held more than a tinge of disappointment and Tatum cringed. “Since Tatum’s uncomfortable being naked, I thought the proper punishment should take her out of her comfort zone. I’m going to spank her pretty little pussy while you watch. You don’t mind, do you, Master X?”
“Not at all, Master Knox.”
Tatum’s mind reeled. She hadn’t figured on this. She let out a gurgling noise and someone, she presumed Knox, gently stroked her cheek.
“Do you want to say something, Vixen?”
She swallowed panic and shook her head. She was already naked, and the ‘mystery guest’ had already seen her. She knew that what she had done was wrong, and now she must be punished. It didn’t mean she had to like the idea, though.
“I can’t hear a headshake. Do you have something to say?” There was no anger in Knox’s voice. He sounded as if he were having a normal conversation with someone on the phone.
“No, Master.”
“Good. Now, I hope you enjoyed your orgasm at dinner, Tatum, because you won’t get another one for twenty-four hours. That’s part of your punishment.”
Hands left her body and Tatum felt strangely bereft. She wanted those hands back. It was a bizarre feeling, considering she was about to be spanked, and not on the place she’d thought her first spanking from Knox would be. And, it was happening in front of a stranger. Would Knox take the blindfold off when the punishment was over? Would he let her see who Master X was? Or would she never find out? Would she look at each one of his friends and wonder if he was the man who had witnessed her first punishment at Knox’s hands?
The room fell silent and Tatum’s feeling of vulnerability increased. She knew that Knox wouldn’t leave her there, unable to break free of her bonds, but still she was nervous. That was part of his plan; she was sure.
She jumped when the sound of a chair moving closer broke the silence. She knew that X had taken a spot where he could watch the punishment. Her body flushed and she tried to control her breathing.
Silence prevailed for a few more minutes and she wondered where Knox was. Was he over at the wall, choosing a paddle? Or would he use his hand?
The silence stretched out and Tatum wiggled. Finally, she felt as if she could take no more.
“Master?”
“Hush, Vix. We’ll start when I’m ready and not before.”
“Yes, Master.”
The silence stretched on, and then Tatum felt the heat from his body between her legs. She almost sighed in pleasure. When he stroked the soft leather paddle over her pussy, she stifled a gasp.
“You’ve brought this on yourself, Tatum,” Knox said. “I hope you think about it when you consider disobeying me again.”
He rubbed the paddle back and forth, the friction heating up her pussy. Then he smartly smacked it down.
Tatum bit back a groan as the paddle hit again, this time lower. Three more swats landed in quick succession, the leather biting against her sensitive skin.
“How many swats should I give you, Vixen? Ten? Fifteen? Twenty? How many do you think your little show of disrespect is worth?”
Her mind reeled at his question. Brandon would have never asked. He would have just spanked her until his arm was tired, and she would have felt it for days afterwards. The fact that Knox was a different kind of Dom, one who actually cared about her feelings, solidified in her mind.
“However many you think I deserve, Master.”
“Very good answer, my subbie.” Knox’s voice was thick with desire. “We’ll start with ten and see what I think from there. Count them for me, Tatum.”
He delivered the swats quickly, varying the intensity of the paddle. By the time Tatum called out ten, she felt like she was on fire.
She heard Knox’s friend get up, felt his heat beside her as the swing gently rocked.
Tatum hissed when Knox traced the edge of the thin paddle down her slit.
“She’s wet,” X said.
“She is indeed,” Knox replied. “Have we learned our lesson, Tatum?”
“Yes, Master.”
“Do I need to deliver more?”
“No, Master.” Even Tatum could hear the doubt, and desire in her own voice.
“What if I think you need more?”
Tatum struggled with an answer. Finally, she sighed.
“That is your decision, Master.”
* * *
Knox continued to trace Tatum’s slit with the paddle. He took a huge breath and then mouthed, “Fuck,” to Vince.
If Tatum hadn’t been so vulnerable, so in need of love, he’d have both of them fuck her right here and now. But he knew that would send the wrong message. He took a step away from her and bent over, clasping his knees as he tried to rein in his desires.
Finally, he stepped toward her and smartly slapped her pussy with the paddle. He delivered four more swift strokes, then ran the leather across her thighs. He was only using a small paddle, but he knew it still stung. He was proud Tatum hadn’t called out for him to stop or used her safe word. That meant she felt a connection to him, and it made his heart swell.
He was sure, now, that Tatum and he would be together for a long, long time. He just had to convince her of that.
“You won’t disobey me anymore, will you, Vix?”
“No, Master.”
“When I tell you to be naked, you’ll be naked, won’t you?”
“Yes, Master.”
“Good girl.”
He looked at Vince, who pointed toward his chest and jerked his head toward the door.
“Master X is leaving, Tatum. Thank him for watching your punishment.”
His cock swelled more when she murmured, “Thank you.” He followed Vince to the door.
“Fuck. I’ll ask again. Does she have a sister?” Vince’s voice was low.
“Don’t think so. Thanks for your help.”
“Are you kidding me? Geez, I hope Mandy’s still at the desk. Jacking off’s not going to hack it after this.”
Vince shut the door behind him, and Knox moved toward Tatum.
“I’m proud of you. I know that wasn’t easy.”
“May I get down now, Master?”
“Not yet.” He stood above her head and removed the blindfold. She blinked several times, then looked toward Vince’s empty chair.
“Part of the punishment is not knowing who he was, Tatum.”
“Will I ever?”
“Maybe. Maybe not. I haven’t decided yet.”
“Master? Did you mean it when you said I couldn’t orgasm for twenty-four hours?”
“Yes.” He looked at his watch. “It’s almost midnight. So, we’ll just go from midnight to midnight tomorrow night. And I expect you to be honest with me. If you come, I’ll punish you again. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Master.”
He stroked his cock. He knew he’d never make it twenty-four hours, but for him to come in front of Tatum would add insult to her punishment and he didn’t want to do that. But then again, he didn’t want to leave her tonight, either.
Her skin was soft under his touch.
“Come home with
me, Tatum.”
Surprise dawned in her eyes and he bit back a smile. He hadn’t expected to make the offer, but he was glad that he did. He wanted her warmth beside him, wanted to wake up next to her in the morning.
“Don’t trust me not to play with George?”
“No, I want to sleep next to a naked Tatum, wearing nothing but my collar.”
“My animals…”
“Then we stay at your house. I don’t care. I just want you next to me.”
Several emotions passed over her face, and he had trouble reading them. When she finally said, “I like that idea, Master,” his cock pounded.
* * *
Tatum placed the towel and lube on the couch. She took a few steps back and looked down at Knox.
“Undress and kneel in the center of the floor, arms behind your back.” His voice was deep, and it sent shivers up her spine. She did as he asked, proud that she only hesitated a moment before dropping the last of her clothing and dropping to her knees.
She lowered her gaze and remained silent. They sat there for a few moments; then he cleared his throat.
“Would you like to suck my cock?”
“Yes, Master.”
“I’d like it too.”
She bit back a smile.
“But, until you learn to mind, you’ll only get to listen.” He undid his jeans and pulled down his zipper. Tatum bit her lip at the thought of his cock, hard and thick, bursting free of his jeans.
“Spread your legs. I want a good view of that dripping pussy.”
She did as he asked. “Master. I’ll be good. Please may I have your cock?”
“You may not. Lift your gaze and watch me, Tatum. Watch me stroke what you want.”
She lifted her gaze in time to watch him stand and push his jeans to the floor. His cock burst free and her mouth watered. She wanted to taste him, feel him swell between her lips.
He ran his hand up and down the length several times before bending down to retrieve the lube. He coated his cock and increased his strokes.
“Tell me how you’d like to submit to me, Vix.”
“By obeying.”
“Really? I’d like that. What else?”
It was hard to concentrate on his words, since her eyes were focused on his cock and his hand.
“Answer me.” He picked up the tempo, his breathing matching his strokes.
By trusting you.”
“That would be nice, too. Where would you like my cock?”
“In my mouth, Master.”
“And?”
“My pussy.”
“And?” His hand was moving faster now, his hand stroking from the plump head to the base of his balls in quick fashion. She could tell he was close to the edge, ready to come. Their gazes locked and he grunted, swallowing hard as if to control himself.
“Answer me.”
She took a huge intake of breath. “My ass.”
Her pussy was more than dripping now. Her clit pounded with need.
“Master, please. Don’t deny me.”
He slowed his strokes, his breathing calming with the slower caresses.
“Let me tell you what I’d like. I’d like a sub who wants to submit to me. Who wants my cock in her mouth, her pussy, and her ass. But more importantly, I want a sub who enjoys what she’s doing. Who is confident in her ability to please me, and who knows that I want her.”
He increased the strokes again. The head of his cock swelled more and she licked her lips.
“Master. Please.”
He ignored her and continued to stroke.
“Do you understand, Tatum?”
“Yes, Master.”
“Can you be that sub?”
“I can try.”
“No. I don’t want you to try. I want you to do it.”
His hand moved faster. After a few moments, he stepped toward her.
She closed her eyes, praying that he’d changed his mind… that he was going to let her finish him with her mouth.
He stopped in front of her and put his free hand on her hair, stroking it in time with his cock. Then, abruptly, he moved back to the couch and sat down.
Without saying a word he picked up the towel sitting next to him, then laid his head on the couch. He came within seconds, placing the towel over the top to catch his cum.
“Fuck, yeah. Oh, fuck. Oh, fuck. You have no idea how I wish I were coming inside you right now. All it takes is obedience. Do you understand me, Tatum?”
“Yes, Master.” Her pussy ached with need but she knew she would receive no relief tonight.
She whimpered when he said, “Let’s go to bed, little subbie. Maybe tomorrow you can come.”
She returned his nod, knowing that sleep would be a long time coming.
Chapter 8
Tatum turned a sausage and then opened the refrigerator door, a frown on her face. She didn’t know how Knox liked his eggs. How could she? She’d known him for a week. But still, she’d let him sleep in her bed last night, let him hold her tight while she wore nothing but the leather band around her neck. The leather band that marked her as a submissive. His submissive.
Her hands went to the collar. Last night had been a huge step, and she knew that each step she took drew her closer and closer to Knox. When the relationship ended, it would hurt like hell. And relationships always ended.
Her sexual frustration didn’t help matters. She knew that Knox was a Master of his word, and she would have to obey to get to play. She’d obeyed him this morning. She was naked except for the robe she was wearing to protect herself from splattering grease.
“The sausage is burning.”
“Oh crap!”
She ran to the stove and turned the flame off.
“Don’t cook much?”
“No. My mother wasn’t exactly the homemaker type. And she didn’t pass any skills along to me.”
“Well, no time like the present to learn.” Knox stood behind her, reached around, and turned on the burner. “Keep the heat at medium, and don’t move away for too long.”
He patted her behind, then walked to the table and pulled out a chair.
“I enjoyed sleeping with you last night, Vix.”
“Me too,” Tatum said. “Master.”
The last word was an afterthought and he laughed.
“You’re getting better. How’s your clitty?”
“Throbbing, Master.”
“Good. I hope this punishment is effective.”
“It will be, Master.”
Tatum removed the burned sausage from the pan and set it aside to cool. It wasn’t so burned that she couldn’t feed it to Fred. She added new patties and adjusted the heat.
“How would you like your eggs?”
“How about scrambled. With some toast.”
Tatum nodded in approval. Scrambled was easy. She put bread in the toaster and put jam and butter on the table.
“I talked to a cop friend of mine about the key.”
“And?” Tatum flipped the patties, then turned her attention to Knox.
“He asked about financial records, to see if Craig had rented a storage unit, or safety deposit box.”
“I don’t remember anything like that. I did keep a lot of his records, just in case something came up.”
“Maybe we should go through the boxes, see if we can find anything. What time do you have to go to work today?”
“One. Then I work until eight when the store closes.”
“My first appointment isn’t until one, so we have some time. Do you remember what boxes they are in?”
She told him she’d marked the boxes as ‘records’ and stored them in the garage.
He stood and came up behind her, lifting the robe to rub his jean-clad cock against her bare behind.
“I’ll go and get them.” He smacked her butt on both cheeks, then picked up the burned sausage and headed for the backyard.
His “Hey, Fred, how’s it going?” warmed her heart. After an initial bar
king fiasco, Fred had taken to him last night, and they’d sat in the backyard and played fetch with the dog while they talked and enjoyed the cool air. She had felt warm and comfortable with him.
She laughed when he teased Fred with the food, and Fred barked playfully.
She’d just finished putting breakfast on the plates when he carried two boxes into the house. He went back outside and carried in one more, putting all three of them into the living room.
“Smells good,” he said as he came into the living room. He lifted his eyebrows at the sight of the two plates.
“Take off your apron and have a seat,” he said.
“You want me to eat naked?”
“I’m going to feed you naked,” he replied as he scraped the food from one plate on top of the other. “Go and sit.”
“Master…”
“Do you want to wait another twenty-four hours to come?”
“No.” Tatum’s voice was harsh.
“Then do as you’re told. Now.”
“No. I can feed myself.”
Knox took a step back from Tatum. He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the counter.
“Am I hearing you using your safe word, or just refusing to follow my orders?”
“I can feed myself. Knox, I…”
“On your knees, Vixen. But first, take off the apron.”
Tatum frowned, then slowly stripped and dropped to her knees. On his command, she spread her legs and clasped her arms behind her back.
“I know why you’re disobeying me, Tatum. If you think it’s going to drive me away, you need to think again. Do you know why you’re being bad, stacking up punishment after punishment?”
Tatum nodded.
“Tell me.”
She remained silent and he let out an angry breath of air.
“You’re afraid to give me control in this little area, yet you submitted to me two nights in a row, one of them for punishment. Why?”
“I don’t know.” Her voice was soft.
“Do you truly want to submit to me? Because I’m beginning to think that you don’t. Are you just playing a game in hopes that I’ll fuck you, and then you’ll scream out your safe word?”
“No!”
Dark Redemption Page 13
