by Jane Jamison
“Is that a good ‘whoa’ or a bad one?” Hank glanced around as though trying to see the room through her eyes. “It’s hard to tell with you.”
“I don’t know. Good, I guess, but definitely amazing. And interesting. Very interesting.”
Customers were crowded onto the dance floor as the band standing on a raised platform played a slow song. Some of the people danced while others looked like they were having sex to the music.
Her libido had already been whipped into high gear the moment she’d seen Hank, but with the air filled with sexual tension, fragrant with the aroma of men’s and women’s arousals, her body had taken over and was on a runaway course toward a climax. She swallowed, and tried to stay calm, tried not to think how long it had been since anyone had touched her like that, since anyone had lain between her legs and drank her juices.
But she didn’t want just anyone. She wanted Hank and Ron.
She was aware of the all the sex going on around her. A sex swing in the corner of the room was moving back and forth as a man let the motion do all the work for his cock. He nipped at the woman’s breasts every time she swung closer.
A woman, dressed in black leather, strolled around the room leading a man who was totally naked except for the furry animal head he wore. Every so often, she’d turn around and give his head a quick pat.
Hank leaned closer, snatching her breath away. He smelled musky, masculine, like steel and iron forged together. His hand settled on her hip and she felt the urge to move it around her thigh to sneak between her legs.
“Do you like what you see?”
“It’s pretty incredible.”
His chuckle was close enough to her ear to send a tingle along her spine. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
“Yeah, that’s a yes.”
“And you really think you could work here?”
She inhaled, trying not to be too obvious that she was trying to draw more of his alluring scent in. “Yes.” At least, she’d do her best. “I want to try again. To prove that I can.”
“Not that you can. That you want to.”
“Yes. I want to. Give me that chance.”
He turned her to face him then, just as she noticed that a trio consisting of two men and one woman. The men were busy tying the woman with loose ropes to a wooden bar hung on one wall. They spread her wide, binding her arms above her head as they eased her legs apart. She was naked, but the men were fully dressed. Her eyes were wild with lust when they found Carly’s.
The woman cried out, “oh, yes!” louder than even the music as one of the men knelt between her legs and put his face to her pussy. The other man dug into a small box mounted on the wall, then brought out a flogger.
“Watch them, baby.”
She couldn’t have taken her eyes off them even if she’d wanted to. And wanting to do that was the last thing on her mind. The man held up his arm, said something to the woman, and then brought the leather strips down to strike across her thigh. To his credit, the first man was too engrossed in lapping at her pussy to notice when the strips flicked over the back of his head.
Carly jolted as he lashed her for a second time. “Doesn’t it hurt?” And yet the expression on the woman’s face was filled with joy.
“Not really. It depends on how hard he flogs her. If he knows what he’s doing—which he does—then he can give her just the right amount of pain.”
“The right amount?”
Hank eased his arms around her, snaring her in his grasp. She closed her eyes when he slid his hand under her dress, then her bra, and found her nipple. But she had to see. Had to watch.
“That’s what being with the right Dom can do. Once he knows your limits and your desires, he knows exactly how to do it. If you like getting flogged”—he paused—“or spanked”—he paused again at her quick inhale—“then he’ll give that to you. If you don’t, then he won’t. But it takes time to learn each other’s likes and dislikes.”
“It still looks painful to me.”
“Haven’t you ever heard that there’s a thin line between love and hate? The same holds true for pain and pleasure. Sometimes the perfect amount of pain gives you more pleasure than you could ever imagine.”
The man continued to flog the woman, alternating that with a quick pinch or lick on her nipple. She fought to get free, although Carly could tell that the ropes that held her weren’t tight. Soon, she lost the strength to stand on her own two legs. The man who feasted on her pulled her legs over his shoulders and kept on attacking her pussy.
Carly’s pussy was so hot, so wet that she was sure Hank could smell her arousal. She leaned back, letting him support her as he pushed the straps out of the way and played with her nipples. The quick bites along her shoulder had her arching her back, urging him to bite her tits.
“Do you really want to learn how to be a good submissive? Mine and Ron’s?”
Yes, God, yes.
She wanted to let go, to forget everything, to simply enjoy being with him, but she had to make good on her promise.
“I came here for a reason. Give me another interview. Test me again.”
He turned her around to face him again. Desire filled his face, his gaze intense as it met hers. “We already went through this. I wouldn’t want to upset you again. I’d never want to hurt you in any way.”
She bit her lower lip, disappointment softening her face.
“Damn, how I want you.” His hand dropped lower, then took hold of her panties and shoved them out of his way. She sucked in a breath as his finger slipped between her folds and found her weeping pussy.
She wanted him, too. Both of them, and somehow, someway, she’d have them.
He lifted her leg, pulling it to his waist as he added a finger to her pussy. “Do it, baby. Call me sir. That’ll be a start.”
“Sir.”
“I want to fuck you until you cream in my hand. Do you like me finger-fucking you, baby? Tell me you do.”
“I like it.” She struggled to think. Why had she come back? “I want this job. I know I kind of freaked out when you spanked me, but you surprised me, is all.”
She knew the real reason why she’d reacted that way, but she was determined not to let it stop her from getting the job. The job and the money she’d earned were the only escape for herself and for her mother. But it was much more than that. The job would allow her to be close to Hank and Ron. To learn what they liked and wanted.
“I think there’s more to it than that.”
Had he read her thoughts? He was searching, but she wouldn’t give in. To do that, she’d have to trust him. “I thought the waitresses have a right to refuse. Doesn’t that include spankings or anything else that seems…abusive?”
He jerked away, his hand leaving her clit throbbing for more. Damn it. She’d messed up again. She knew they’d never harm her. Why couldn’t she get that through her head?
“First of all, it’s not abuse. What happens in this club is a consensual thing between two or more people. Safe, sane, and consensual is the main rule around here. Abuse”—he paused, his stare driving home his meaning—“is what your father did to you.”
She closed up inside as she always did whenever anyone mentioned her father, then let the pain and anger come to the outside. Her body tensed and she fisted her hands against his chest. “Don’t bring my father into this. Got it?”
He arched his eyebrows. “Got it, but I don’t think that’s realistic. Secondly, yes, the employees can say no to anything. Nothing, whether a person is an employee or a member, is ever forced on anyone. Members are required to follow the rules, but those are fairly lax as long as it doesn’t violate anyone else’s rights. Including yours.”
“I’m sorry. It’s just that I want to try again. Please. Try me again.”
“I’m not sure we should do that. For your sake.” He paused, letting his gaze sweep over the others. “Our club is different than ones you’d find in Dallas or any big city. Since our customers are loca
ls, we’re more like a big family when we’re inside the club. Our rules, our expectations, are a little different.”
“And if I can handle the spanking? Would you hire me then?”
The caress he gave her cheek took her by surprise. How could such a simple touch like that be as erotic as his playing with her pussy? She let out a sigh, then was surprised that she’d moaned, too.
“I’d have to ask Paul, but, yeah, without a doubt. But why? You had the job before the spanking. It’s not a job requirement. I’m sure Paul will still hire you.”
“But I want to try. I need to see if I can do it.” How could she make him understand? She didn’t want anything from her past to keep her from her future. A future she’d love if it included them. “I have to prove it to myself. Please. Let me try again.”
Was she really ready? Could she handle the activities at the club, including the spankings? But there was no turning back now. Sometimes it was best to just take the plunge and hope.
“I can’t right now. I’m taking over for Paul and Destin tonight. I have to keep on my toes for everyone else and not get distracted.”
Her hopes shattered. “Okay. Then tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow’s good. Destin’s handling the club all day, so why don’t you stop by around two in the afternoon. I’ll give them a call and ask them to hold the job open until then. Then I’ll come by and lend you support. How’s that sound?”
“Okay.” She’d have to spend at least one night in her car.
He took her by the chin and lifted her face. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Are you sure?”
She reared her head back. “I’m sure.” He didn’t deserve the tinge of anger in her tone, but she couldn’t take it back.
“Then I’ll see you at two tomorrow?”
“You bet.”
Having him turn away from her was an almost physical hurt. A hurt that was gone as soon as he whirled back around, grabbed her by the arms, and crushed his lips to hers.
He’d taken her breath away before, but now it was her heart that he commandeered. His mouth was hard yet soft, forceful yet yielding. He plundered her, stroking his tongue along the seam of her lips until she had no choice but to open for him. His tongue sought out hers, not for a dance, but a contest. A contest that would have two winners.
She moaned and leaned against him. His hands flowed over the rise of her buttocks, then squeezed. He pushed her crotch against his legs, using the hardness there to work against her. Finding his hard enclosed cock at her belly, he took her by the underarms and lifted her up. Heeding the urgency inside, she wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. She clung to him, her desperation meeting his as their bodies hungrily ground against each other.
He buried one hand in the hair at the back of her neck and brought his lips to her throat. His low moan rumbled against her neck and a shudder wracked out of her. Spinning her around with him, he crushed her against the wall, using that to keep her upright as he yanked her dress up, then slid his hand underneath to fondle her breast.
He was everything she’d ever dreamed he’d be and more. Her girlhood fantasies paled in comparison to the real man. The only thing that could’ve made it better would’ve been to have Ron sandwiching her between them.
“Uh, excuse me.”
Go away. Whoever you are, just go away.
“I’m sorry to interrupt you, Master Hank, but you’re needed in one of the private rooms.”
Master Hank. He probably expects me to call him that.
She wondered if there was an employee handbook, then choked back a giggle.
He groaned, making a sound that was as close to that of an animal’s as a human could make. Tearing his mouth from her, he lowered her to the floor and pulled her dress down.
“Damn, Elbert, can’t you get one of the other Doms to handle it?”
She ducked her head. Elbert? As in Elbert Wiggins, one of her father’s friends?
Shit. Shit. Shit.
“I’m sorry, but the man’s asking for you.”
“Fine. Tell him I’ll be there in a minute.”
She waited until she was sure Elbert had gone, then peered up at Hank. And yet, she couldn’t find words that fit.
Thankfully, he did.
“Carly, listen up.”
Had he changed his mind? “Yeah?”
He stared at her, into her, seeking something she hoped he’d find. “Never mind. We can discuss it later.”
He pushed her back, gently, but like he was trying to keep away from her not only for his sake, but for hers. “See you tomorrow at two? You’re okay getting home, right?”
“Sure.” She plastered on a fake smile. Maybe she hadn’t gotten everything she’d wanted tonight, but it was a step in the right direction. “See you then.”
“Great.” He paused, then wiped at the corner of his mouth. “You’re going to do great.”
Great as a waitress? Or did she dare hope he meant something more?
She thrust away the idea. She was after the job. Letting her fantasies play into it, hoping for more, was asking for trouble and she already had enough trouble in her life.
* * * *
Seeing Carly, having her body close to his, made the rest of the night go smoothly. Even a few of the employees noticed Hank’s good mood.
After having her turn the job down, he and Ron had talked about their options. They were positive that she was the woman who’d become their one and only submissive. Yet after she’d gone, they weren’t sure how they were going to make that happen.
Then there she was, back at the club, asking for the job. Hell, practically demanding the job.
Life could be a roller coaster at times, but the ride was well worth it. Hank smiled and texted Paul about tomorrow’s interview. As he’d expected, Paul was surprised, but readily agreed to give her another chance. Especially since the interview would once again be handled by Ron and Hank.
Hank grinned as he pushed through the back door of the club and strode toward his Jeep. Lucinda would see to closing up. Sunrise was only a few hours away and he needed to get what little rest he could. He’d have to get up early to get the chores on the ranch handled before he and Ron went back to the club for her interview.
He was so engrossed in texting the good news to Ron that he didn’t realize that a car was still in the otherwise empty lot. Was there a client still inside? He almost pivoted on his heel until the curly mass of brunette hair caught his attention.
Carly? Why hadn’t she gone home?
The closer he got to the car, the more certain he was that she was asleep.
Or is she?
Panic gripped him as his walk became a run.
She’s asleep. She has to be. If something’s happened to her…
He didn’t allow himself to finish the thought. It was simply too unbearable to think.
Pressing his hands and face against the front windshield, he studied her. She was leaning against the driver’s side door with her purse smashed against the door as a makeshift pillow. He didn’t see any blood or anything that might lead him to believe she’d been attacked. In fact, now that his heart was beginning to get back to its normal rhythm, he could see that she was sleeping.
Her full lips were parted just enough for her tongue to peek out. Her cheeks held the hint of a rosy blush. Her long, thick eyelashes were feathered outward like small fans that hid the beauty of her eyes behind them. Her chest rose and fell in an easy flow, making her not-too-big and not-too-small breasts entice him even more than they usually did. She was curled up with her knees brought toward her chest while one arm held the purse and the other lay palm up over her stomach. Her dress rode up exposing her long legs.
But why was she sleeping in her car? Why hadn’t she gone home? And yet, wasn’t the explanation clear enough?
Damn that Bill Rivers.
She hadn’t looked like she’d been hit, but he had no doubt that her f
ather was the reason she was spending a night in her car.
He looked around the empty lot. Although Pleasure Ranch was the safest place around, he couldn’t let her stay there.
Hating to disturb her peaceful sleep, he knocked on the windshield, then knocked a little harder when it didn’t rouse her.
She stretched her arms above her head, giving another added boost to the rise of her breasts, then yawned and opened her eyes. Recognition hit her and she sat up straight in the seat.
“What are you doing here, Carly?”
She was hunting for an answer he’d believe. Her mouth opened twice as she rejected one idea, then another. “I guess I kind of fell asleep.”
“In the parking lot?” He shot her a disbelieving grin, then made the universal circling motion for her to put her window down. “What’d you do? Let me guess. You put the key into the ignition, then just keeled over before you knew what hit you?”
He had her and she knew it. “I needed a place to sleep, okay? And I figured what better place than right here? That way, I was sure not to be late to my interview tomorrow.”
He liked her spunk, even when she was trying to make a ridiculous lie fly. “Come on, baby. Don’t feed me a load of crap.” If he hadn’t already guessed, he would’ve known from the expression on her face. Something had gone wrong at home.
“You still live at your dad’s place, right?”
She didn’t respond, giving him the answer.
“Did you leave?” He gritted his teeth, holding back the anger that was boiling within him. “Did your father do something to you?”
She dropped her gaze, again giving him his answer, then brought it up to meet his dead-on. “I left. I couldn’t stay there a second longer.”
“And you don’t have any place to stay? What about another family member? Or a friend?”
“They’re all the family I have, and my best friend, Suzie Wittacre, is out of town.”
So she was stuck sleeping in her car? “Why not stay at the B&B? Or a hotel?”
He could smell her fragrance as he put his hands on the car and leaned closer. Hers wasn’t one of those store-bought sweet aromas, but one all her own.
