by Cara Carnes
“Get to the part that has her shivering in my office.”
“The great-aunt was recently stricken with cancer. Medical bills piled up, and for some reason I still can’t fathom Kathryn took it upon herself to care for the woman and incur the financial burden herself.”
“Clearly there was a bond of some sort.”
Stryker tossed the file he’d created to Lorenzo. “More like an abused dog bowing at the feet of her abuser.”
Lorenzo made no move to touch the file before him. Stryker doubted he ever would. “She’s destitute?”
Stryker nodded. “She had a small home that was foreclosed on last year. What income she generates working for us is thrown into the debt her lovely auntie left when she died.”
Lorenzo cursed. “We have programs for this shit.”
“Not to this extent, man. That woman scoured the planet for any remedy to save her aunt.”
“She’s never spoken a word of this to me.” Lorenzo’s shock punctuated his words. “Hell, she barely speaks to me at all.”
“I figured you’d want to handle this on your own.”
“I appreciate that.” Lorenzo stood and prowled toward the exit.
Stryker could understand the rage within his friend. It probably mirrored his own. They’d all sworn years ago to help anyone they could. To know someone within their midst was in trouble brought back too many memories—reminders Stryker didn’t want to deal with.
“Stryker.”
“Yeah?”
“Get those fucking cameras out of my office or I’ll neuter you.”
Chapter Seven
“Touch the hem one more time and you’ll go in naked.”
Viviana glared at Lance’s back. Though she’d been walking two feet behind him, he’d noticed each time when she pulled on the white lace peekaboo lingerie. Not that it had helped much. No amount of tugging was going to get the bottom to cover her bare ass. Two lousy inches. Why couldn’t it have been two inches longer?
The hem touched her lower stomach, just above her newly bared mound. She supposed that was the point. Soon everyone in The Brigade club would see her. She paused a brief moment and clenched her thighs.
“You are cute when you’re aroused.”
“Didn’t your mom ever teach you it’s not polite to start something and not finish?” Viviana cleared her throat and flushed as the angered question repeated in her mind. “Sir.”
He turned. Amusement glinted in his eyes and the sexy smirk on his mouth made her entire body shiver. “Oh, I fully intend to finish, sweetheart. And you’ll be gasping and begging for more, I assure you.”
Confident footsteps brought him to her. His fingers ran down her cheek. “Tonight is our annual open house. This means there will be quite a few non-Brigade people inside—many of them will be Doms. I’m on security detail as a Dungeon Monitor, so until Stryker gets here, you may be left to your own devices.”
She must’ve cowered slightly at the thought of being the proverbial Bambi trapped in a leather forest with no safety net. Strong arms cocooned her in a warm embrace. She inhaled his scent, memorizing the musky, woodsy scent of his cologne interspersed with well-worn leather.
“You have several tasks tonight. Task one will be to carry on a conversation with no less than three Masters. This doesn’t mean you need to perform a scene with them, but you do need to conduct yourself as a proper submissive should. They’ll understand you are still in training. Make sure they scan you in so I can monitor who’s had the pleasure of your company, Jane.”
“Yes Sir.”
“Make sure those you speak to are Brigade Masters. They will wear something with our logo. Visitors wear electronic bracelets similar to yours. I’d avoid them if possible, but do not, under any circumstances, be disrespectful should one of those Masters approach you.”
“Yes Sir.” Terror seized her lungs. “What if they want more than conversation?”
“Negotiation is the key to any D/s relationship, sweetheart. You are expected to play with others. That is part of the training experience. Who that someone is will be my decision and Stryker’s for the most part, but there will be times such as tonight where it is left to you.”
“I understand, Sir.”
“Very good.”
She prayed she did. Otherwise she suspected her ass was going to get lit up like a Christmas tree if she did something wrong. Her pussy throbbed at the thought. She wouldn’t mind getting spanked again, but wasn’t sure whether she could enjoy it as much with someone else.
Don’t you dare wuss out. Viviana agreed with her inner voice. Tonight was about experiencing new things, learning about her desires. This was the freaking Brigade. Nothing was going to go wrong. And Lance was a monitor. She doubted he’d get very far from her.
And Stryker would show up soon.
“Remember to kneel how we taught you and keep your gaze cast downward. Your behavior will reflect on us.” The unspoken threat of consequences wafted in his words.
“I will be a good submissive, Sir.”
“I know you will be.” Lance turned. “Let us enter.”
Viviana paused. “Sir?”
“Yes, Jane?”
“You mentioned tasks. What are my others?”
“Later, sweetheart.” He winked. “Do not worry. You’ll enjoy them.”
Viviana nodded and tried to ignore her body’s aroused state. The club was on the upper west sector of the large resort. Cordoned off with a circular driveway conducive to valet parking, the public entrance was around the corner from where Lance headed. A large man wearing a black leather vest similar to Lance’s stood in front of a door.
“I was wondering when you were going to show up. Kade was looking for you earlier.”
Lance motioned toward her. “This is Viviana. Tonight she will be Jane.”
The man smiled. “Nice to meet you, Jane.”
“My pleasure, Sir.”
She stepped into a two-level foyer. Mirrors covered the first level’s walls. Wood paneled the second floor. Sconces jutted from the walls every few feet, casting a warm, golden glow throughout the space.
A brunette clad in a purple-and-black bustier greeted them. Her gaze remained on Lance, a note of sexual longing in her eyes. Viviana bristled.
“I see you have a new toy.”
“Watch your words, Rhonda. You may be a Domme, but I will overlook that if you aren’t nice.”
Rhonda walked around Viviana, her gaze roaming from her feet, then scanning upward in a slow assessment that left nothing unseen. “I wouldn’t mind playing with her.”
“Not tonight.” Lance chuckled. “Jane here is unsure about her desire to explore with women.”
“What a shame.”
“Leave your shoes with Rhonda, Jane. Tonight you will remain barefoot.”
“Yes Sir.” Viviana kicked off the high heels. Losing them was no loss at all. They’d killed her toes all the way over from Stryker’s bungalow.
“To the left is the women’s private changing area. If you were a member or a guest coming here, this is where you’d normally leave your personal belongings and change, if needed. There are showers and quite a few other amenities.” Lance grinned. “We’ll have to explore them later.”
He continued walking. She followed, her pulse racing as the floor began to vibrate beneath her. Pulsating lights streamed at the end of the mirrored hallway. Flashes of blue and red mixed with white.
Lance paused and motioned for her to continue forward. She complied and turned a corner. His hand dropped to her waist. “Welcome to The Playground.”
Playgrounds Viviana had grown up around never looked like this one. Leather sofas sat among plants and ottomans throughout the massive area as far as she could see. Short glass walls sectioned off the room into sectors, like a twisted maze. St. Andrew’s Crosses, spanking benches, metal tables, cages, beds and other things she didn’t recognize adorned the quarantined areas—each complete with whips, paddles and other impl
ements.
She continued exploring, very aware of Lance’s arm at her waist. He remained silent as her gaze darted from one area to another. A long U-shaped bar jutted from the northwest corner. Mirrors behind the bustling area offered patrons glimpses of the play areas behind them.
“You can see almost everything from just about anywhere.”
“If you focus enough, perhaps.” Lance shrugged. “Most people aren’t that focused when they’re here.”
No doubt.
“There are private play chambers down three corridors over there.” Lance motioned toward the western wall.
“This place is massive.” So much for Lance not being too far away. How the hell was she supposed to just wander around? Hell, she could get lost in here. Easily. She swallowed.
Okay, she could do this. Stay against the walls and don’t look at anything.
Yeah, as if that would happen. Already her gaze was riveted to a curvaceous redhead getting spanked on a bench. Her mouth was greedily working a cock as the paddle landed again and again.
“Easy, Jane. The night’s still young.”
Viviana nodded. She looked down at the white see-through lace covering her and was, for the first time tonight, grateful. Most of the women wore a corset only. Some were naked except for heels. So the white lace wasn’t that bad. She could handle her pussy being bare as long as the rest of her was covered. Of course, if she bent over her tits would spill out.
No bending over.
“If you need anything or have questions, find one of the monitors. We’re all wearing these vests, okay?”
“Yes Sir.”
“Enjoy yourself, sweetheart.” He kissed her forehead and wandered away.
Viviana gulped. Alone. She was left stranded in the midst of a new world. Suddenly she didn’t feel as adventurous as she had before. The space swelled, the massive structure now seeming three times the size it had before. How many monitors were there? Why hadn’t she asked?
She could sit and wait.
No. Was she allowed to use the sofas?
Dammit. This was a prime example of typical Viviana behavior. She always, always jumped headfirst into situations without asking shit up front. Then—when it was way too late to turn around—that’s when the need to know things pounded her insides like a meat cleaver at a butcher shop.
No worries.
She’d figure it out.
She was a reasonably intelligent, quick thinker more than capable of handling a couple of hours alone without Lance and Stryker. She lifted her gaze and took a deep breath. Mental pep talk complete, she decided a grid-patterned approach to the massive club was in order. Start in a corner and make her way back.
Easy peasy.
“I didn’t realize you were working tonight.”
Lance shrugged and leaned against the bar. Chase leaned forward. “Figured it’d be best for her to strike out on her own.”
“She’s a brave little filly. Not sure I would’ve left her alone.”
“I’ll let her make a loop then drag her into a room somewhere.” He chuckled, knowing exactly which room he wanted to bend her over in. His cock had been hard for the past hour thanks to the freaking white-lace getup he’d found.
Stryker would love the hell out of it, but Lance knew damn good and well it’d be a small miracle if it stayed on her for the next hour. Strangers leered at her with too much interest for his taste.
“Lots of strangers here.”
“Yeah.” Chase slammed a bottle of water on the bar. “Fucking sucks to tend bar tonight. They’re all getting drinks already.”
Very few of the Brigade Masters touched anything more than water. An occasional beer here and there was one thing. Liquor was a strict no for a lot of them, including Lance. Half the pleasure of playing with a sub was noticing the sweet, sexy nuances to their expressive eyes and the way their skin reacted to a touch, a whip, a lick or a pinch. Why the hell would anyone want to dull their senses and miss even a moment of it?
“Is she fishing tonight?”
“Yeah, figured we’d get some of it out of the way before Stryker gets here. I doubt he’ll be in much of a mood to share.” Lance would be lucky if the guy managed to make it an hour in here before dragging their sweet little Viviana back to his place. “I suspect he’s had a rotten day.”
“Seems to be going around.”
“Oh really?”
“Yeah, Lorenzo came busting in earlier informing me I’d have an assistant starting. As if I wanted one. What the fuck is he thinking hiring someone to help when I didn’t ask for it?” Chase slammed his fist on the bar and shook his head. “He’s lost his freaking gourd, man.”
Lance shook his head and kept any opinion to himself. He’d been working with Stryker on the Lorenzo issue and knew there were reasons for whatever the normally mellow man was doing.
Viviana paused at the spanking bench to watch Vanessa with Joe and Mark. The two men were some of the newest members of The Brigade but had proven a crowd favorite with their public scenes.
The little sub sure loved spanking. Lance grumbled and shifted against the bar. It was going to be a long, long night. He glanced back at Viviana and anger surged within him. An unknown man wrapped his hand around her arm and spun her around.
Chase grabbed his shoulder. “Don’t.”
“Get your fucking hands off me.”
“Man, it’ll be a fucking miracle if anyone speaks to her as it is. Once they scan her and find out you and Stryker are training her, they’ll knock each other over getting the hell away.”
The stranger pointed to the floor.
“Seriously, you two are some of the most intense motherfuckers around. The newer Doms almost piss their pants when y’all are around.” Chase shook his head. “Lorenzo is on tonight. Let him deal with it since he’s closer. Besides, it’ll give him a chance to plow out some of the freaking shit that crawled up his ass.”
“I said get on your knees, cunt.”
Terror clawed at Viviana. The urge to flee scurried within her, but she remained locked within her frozen body as the gruff words burned her insides. Fingers dug into her arm, shoving her to her knees.
Say the freaking safe word. What was it?
“Bitch, I’ll beat obedience into you if you don’t get on your knees.” The scary man with the overgrown beard and reddening face growled. “Now.”
Viviana fell, sort of stumbled into an obedient kneeling out of fear. Being on the floor kept her farther away from him. Already a small crowd gathered. Shame echoed within her brain. She didn’t want this. His words fueled memories she’d stricken years ago.
“Pretty pussy, cunt.” The man grabbed her hair. “Open that mouth, bitch. I’ve got something to feed you.”
“Cobra.” The word tumbled out. She remained in position even though she wanted to crawl backward, flee the man tugging her hair.
“What did you say to me, bitch?”
Tears pooled in her eyes. “Cobra.” Her voice rose.
The man’s hand rose. She winced, her eyes shut and braced for the blow. He always struck hard and fast. No, this wasn’t him. It was someone else. But he was too similar.
Nothing.
She blinked her eyes open, petrified of the man’s intentions. A group of men shoved him backward. Two of them wore black vests emblazoned with the Brigade symbol. Her gaze darted around. Lance wasn’t here.
Why hadn’t he been there?
A tear slid down her face. She gasped lungfuls of air and cringed as someone crouched before her. A warm hand cupped her face and forced her eyes to meet his.
“Hi there, Viviana.”
She’d met him before. Her brain struggled for the name perched on the edge of her tongue. Why couldn’t she remember? She was so freaking stupid.
No. No she wasn’t.
A worthless piece of trash.
She battled the angered words from long ago and took another cleansing breath. The crowd had dispersed. The threat was gone, dragge
d toward the exit in a frenzy of angered shouts and foul words.
“Thank you, Sir.”
“You are very welcome.” He stood and held out his hand. “I’m Master Lorenzo. Let’s go sit down.”
She nodded and accepted his hand. Her gaze darted around again.
“I was closer than he was.”
Heat rose in her cheeks. Had she been that obvious?
“I suspect from the two men holding him at bay that it was decided his intervention would be a bad way to start the evening. Blood takes too long to clean up.” The teasing voice offered a release of tension in Viviana’s body.
He sat on a leather sofa in a darkened corner and tugged her down until she was beside him. His hand draped over her shoulder, running through her hair. “You were very brave to use your safe word but still comply.”
“I know I said it too early. I was scared. I know he hadn’t hurt me yet but…” She couldn’t explain why terror had seized her. Deep down she knew. The words haunted her, chilling the marrow within her.
Lorenzo scanned her bracelet and moved his fingers along his smartphone. “Had he bothered to follow protocol he would have known he’d violated one of your hard limits.”
“Hard limits?”
“Master Lance and Master Stryker both noted that degradation was a hard limit for you, given your past.”
Given her past? How had they known about her past? Had she entered some alternative time loop? Confusion kept her silent. His calming voice and soothing touched filtered through her fear.
“They are quite intuitive.”
“Apparently so, Sir.” She had a lot of questions for them. She took another deep breath.
“Nights like these try our patience. Too many freaks masking themselves as Doms show up. We try to screen them, but they are cockroaches who find their way in no matter what we do.” Lorenzo grinned. “We aren’t all that way.”
“No Sir.”
“You were quite enthralled with the spanking scene.”
“Yes Sir.” She fought to not look away from his molten gaze. His fingers grazed her lips.
