by J. A. Kerr
With Guy’s return, Matt felt his nerves jangle.
“Okay, Matt.” Guy smiled. “This is your Braille Key. You will need it with you at all times at the Braille Club.”
Matt nodded and stared at the small key fob. He watched fascinated as Guy pulled it open to reveal a buckle design underneath with a ribbon.
“This is kind of outdated now to be honest but it’s still popular with members,” he said, unwinding the black ribbon and pulling it free. “This breaks into two pieces.” Guy tugged on the ribbon and it came apart. “This is the blindfold, basic but functional. This is the cuffs with a bell. Again, basic in terms of what’s on offer now, but it’s there should you want to use it.”
Matt’s cheeks burned, and he gulped. “Thanks,” his voice quavered with uncertainty.
Guy beamed a smile at him and slapped him on the back. “Relax, Matt, this is meant to be fun. I’ll take you for your sensory lesson now.” Matt’s face must have sported a dismayed expression because Guy quickly added, “Not with me, no. I’ll leave you in good hands though, don’t worry.”
“Right,” said Matt, trying to sound jaunty while feeling anything but, “I’m in your hands.”
“Don’t worry we will take excellent care of you.”
Matt followed Guy with mounting anxiety. He didn’t know what to expect from this sensory lesson. Niven would tell him nothing. He’d pressed her repeatedly but she’d shook her head and said he’d find out soon enough. His membership had been fast tracked. Once Benedict agreed to him joining, Guy had lost no time in making all the necessary arrangements. Matt hopped from foot to foot as they rode up in the elevator. Guy wasn’t much of a talker. As he walked down the plush corridor he stopped dead when he saw Grace. No. Way. He couldn’t believe Grace, of all people, was involved in the Braille Club. He’d met her several times at the club and at Benedict’s home. But never in his wildest dreams imagined her involvement in this, well...he struggled and failed to think of the right word—enterprise. His mind had been running riot ever since Guy had shown him that ribbon, come blindfold, come cuffs. Words like ‘orgies and swingers’ were swimming around his head.
“Matt,” said Grace, her smile warm. “Welcome.”
“Hi,” Matt squeaked. His nerves had returned worse than ever.
“Follow me.”
Again Matt sat listening to everything Grace told him. He’d refused her earlier offer of a drink and now wished he hadn’t. His mouth hung open like an idiot when she showed him the card with the Braille Commandments.
1. Thou Shall Not See
2. Thou Shall Not Speak
3. Thou Shall Not Tell
He was baffled and a little alarmed. What the hell had he got himself involved in? Only the thought of Niven calmed him. If she could do this...then so could he.
“Matt, I can see you are nervous,” said Grace. Her kind face creased with concern. “Please try to relax. Today will take you on a journey of body and mind.”
Matt nodded but had no idea what she was talking about. He listened closely to her instructions. When he saw the hood, he blanched. However, Grace moved on quickly to explain about the cuffs and the experience in general. Punch drunk, Matt tried and failed to comprehend everything she was saying.
“Matt, if you would like to follow me,” said Grace.
Matt got up and was led through a door. He stared in surprise. There was a high seat in the centre of the plush enclosure.
“Please, Matt, take a seat.”
Awkwardly he climbed onto the seat.
“Please buckle yourself in.”
Puzzled, he lifted the straps and snapped them into place across his body. His cheeks burned hotly when Grace tightened the straps.
“I will put the hood on now, Matt. Are you okay with that?”
Matt’s stomach clenched with anxiety, his muscles tensed.
“I’m as ready as I’ll ever be,” he said with a bravado he didn’t feel.
“Close your eyes, Matt. This will acclimatise you a little,” said Grace.
Matt did as she asked but it only made him feel worse. He jumped a little when the hood was slipped over his head. His eyes flew open but there was nothing but deep penetrating darkness. His breathing sped up. He didn’t think he could do this. Panic filled his body, his fight-or-flight instinct made him attempt to get up. His panic increased as the restraints prevented him doing so.
“Relax, Matt, I’m here now.”
Hearing Niven’s voice stunned Matt into submission. He slumped back down on the chair and tried to control his breathing, and his panic.
“Do you trust me?”
Confused, his head whipped from side to side until he realised her voice was coming from inside the hood. He went to speak until he remembered the Braille Club rules, instead he nodded his head.
“Good,” she breathed.
A shot of pleasure spread through him. He was intrigued. Niven’s participation had never entered his mind. As always he felt the usual rush of self-doubt. Why was she interested in him? She could have any guy...one that was perfect, with no body hang-ups or demons...so why him?
“I’ve missed you so much,” she said, her voice shaking with emotion.
Her desires, passion and needs were summed up by those words. Matt’s guilt flared. Niven may be a model, but she was just like the next person. She fell in love with Matt and never questioned why. For her it was natural. It was Matt who questioned it, and he decided, it was time he stopped.
“Matt, you must remain still. If you move your cuffs will vibrate. You have a fifteen minute grace period. After that if your bell rings everything stops and the session is at an end.”
What cuffs, thought Matt when his hands were pulled back and secured. He bit his lip nervously. He could stay still. Of course he could. The music took him by surprise, the slow sensual tune familiar and yet unique. He became aware of a seductive scent that reminded him of Niven. His heart thudded as he waited, in the dark. The music and aroma were sexy and Matt felt himself succumbing. The hot breath on his skin made the hair on his body stand on end and when her touch came, it electrified him; her lips on his, barely brushed his mouth. Repeatedly, her mouth brushed his skin. The cuffs vibrated violently as his body moved and responded to her. Heat rushed to his face, he was desperate for more. He took a second to realise the chair was vibrating below him before he was lost in sensation. Her lips grazed his mouth and neck over and over. He ignored the constant vibration of the cuffs as his sensitised mouth and body craved more and more of Niven.
Matt found himself groaning as a strong and powerful desire ripped through him. He was rock hard for the first time in months. The vibrations of the chair changed and to Matt’s shock, he felt something nudge between his legs as Niven’s mouth connected with his. Their kiss was intense. He desperately wanted to hold her, to love her. Instead her tongue darted into his mouth igniting a desire that left Matt gasping. His mouth hungrily sought hers and when their tongues entwined passionately, Matt was lost. The darkness brought a heightened awareness and the vibrating chair had his erection straining against his jeans. The jarring at his wrist told him what he already knew. He was hopeless at this game and yet he didn’t want it to end.
He steeled himself not to move but had no control over his body—his hips jerked in a primal way that left nothing to the imagination. In this cocoon, he was surprised to find himself lost to desire. His shock at his lack of control was genuine. He had never experienced anything like it. He’d had his fair share of sexual encounters, but nothing like this. Shaking, he was desperate for more and when Niven’s lips met his again, it was explosive...then she was gone and everything stopped as abruptly as it has started. Matt’s initial reaction was fury. He pulled against the straps holding him in place.
“Matt. Your session is at an end,” said Grace. “The lights have been dimmed. Please take your time when removing your hood to allow your eyes time to adjust.”
Pulse racing and blood roaring i
n his ears, it took Matt’s brain a second to grasp what Grace was saying. Where was Niven? Matt’s disappointment was sharp and cutting. The thought of Grace seeing him in an aroused state had his erection deflating as quickly as it had begun. Slowly, he pulled the hood from his eyes and blinked several times. The room was empty. His relief at not seeing Grace was quickly replaced by his distress at Niven’s absence. He fumbled with the buckles on the chair before violently releasing the clips. He staggered to his feet throwing the hood on the table. That’s when he saw her simple note.
Room 7. Niven x
The room key lay beside it. Without thinking, Matt seized it and marched out of the room. The corridor was empty, and he strode towards the elevator with a dogged determination; his inner securities forgotten for once. When he arrived outside the door, his heart hammered painfully in his chest. As he fingered the key nervously all his doubts returned with a vengeance making him step back.
Chapter 15
The Braille Club Reborn
Niven
Niven was still out of breath from sprinting to the room. She opened the room door and fell inside. Quickly, she rushed to the toilet to check her appearance. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright but otherwise she looked her usual self. Except, she felt nothing like her usual self. Watching Matt, connecting with him, had left her hormones rampaging through her body. Watching as Matt responded to her, she had wanted him badly. She’d sensed his desire for her, seen it with her own eyes, but more importantly—she’d felt it. Her body involuntarily tightened at the memory. She left the bathroom and stood waiting at the door, pacing back and forth. Where was he? The longer she waited, the more nervous she became. How could she be sure he would come to the room? Unable to stand it any longer, she threw the door open.
“Matt,” she gasped in surprise. He was just standing there with the key in his hand. Her earlier concerns forgotten, she pressed her lips against his. Matt’s body stiffened as her arms slipped around him. Slowly, he responded to her passionate kiss. His probing tongue entwined with hers and sent a jolt of desire through her. She pulled him closer as they explored each other’s mouths. Matt pushed her backwards towards the room, their mouths locked together. Niven’s nipples hardened and to her amazement, she longed to feel Matt’s hands and his lips on them. She kissed him harder, thrusting her pelvis against him, delighted to feel the hardness of his erection. She was clawing at his shirt when he put his hands on hers.
“Please Matt,” she whispered. “I want you so much.”
With a groan he crushed her to him, kissing her hair and face repeatedly, “And I you.”
His hands found her top and yanked it up and over her head. Her trousers were next. He peeled them off impatiently until she stood in her underwear. With a grunt he lifted her up and laid her down on the bed. His eyes were hooded with desire.
“You are so beautiful,” he breathed.
She thrust her arms out and pulled him down. “Make love to me, Matt,” she said desperately and his mouth closed over hers again. His hands travelled over her body setting her senses alight with their touch; her breasts strained to be free. When Matt slipped his fingers over the silk of the fabric, Niven’s nipples tightened and her back arched. She moaned with pleasure. Although new to this type of intimacy, her body certainly knew what it wanted—Matt. The ache between her thighs was unbearable and, as if Matt knew this, he brushed his fingers against them. Her body jerked with pleasure and she parted her legs to allow him access. His thumb stroked the fabric of her knickers and Niven felt a gush of wetness. She pressed against his fingers, wanting more, wishing he would take them off.
“You’re so beautiful,” he said over and over.
Niven couldn’t respond as her body took her on a journey of intense pleasure. When Matt pulled down the cup of her bra and his mouth closed over her breast, she cried out in ecstasy. Her body was thrashing below him, desperate for something she could not understand. His mouth was licking, sucking at her body and driving her wild. When his hand finally went beneath her underwear she tensed with expectation, willing him to go further. His fingers brushed against her throbbing entrance, stroking her.
“You’re so wet,” said Matt gasping.
Niven, delirious with need and longing, ground against him with a primal desire that came instinctively. “Yes,” she hissed as his fingers slipped inside. She gripped Matt tightly as her hips jerked involuntary against his touch.
She groaned when his fingers slipped out.
“No,” she moaned but gasped as she his mouth travelled down her body. Her legs automatically tensed but he gently pulled them apart and removed her panties. He brought his beautiful mouth down and sucked at her core. Niven’s body jackknifed in response but Matt slipped his hands beneath her buttocks and lifted her as his tongue drove into her, again and again. Niven jerked and moaned. Her body was alive in sensation. The build-up inside her intense. She pushed her hips against his mouth and then, like a dam bursting, she exploded and her body went limp as Matt sucked her dry. Niven became aware of his arms around her, holding her against him. He was still fully clothed. She turned to face him; drunk on desire and love.
“I want you,” she said hungrily and this time he didn’t stop her fingers as she unbuttoned his shirt and brought her mouth down to taste his skin.
Chapter 16
The Braille Club Reborn
Evan
Evan’s attraction to Chloe was a surprise. In the club for business, it was unlike him to throw caution to the wind and get a beer. He hadn’t been attracted to anyone like this in years. Chloe was older than him by at least ten years but her childlike frame and youthful face suggested otherwise. Evan knew his harsh upbringing was reflected in his face. He looked older than his years and his face had a hard edge that did him no favours.
“So what are your plans for tonight?”
Chloe shrugged. “I’m just chilling.”
Evan was interrupted by his mobile phone ringing. He frowned. “Sorry I need to take this,” he apologised. Chloe waved her hand indicating he should take the call, and he pressed the button on his phone.
“Hello?”
“Evan, it’s Guy. Are you still at the club? Can we meet?”
He sounded agitated. Evan glanced at his watch. “What, now?”
“Yes.”.
Evan glanced at Chloe. “Okay, you’ve got an hour.”
“Thank you. Can you make your way to reception and I’ll meet you in ten minutes?”
“Sure,” said Evan.
Guy Walker sounded tense and angry. Evan was used to his clients being like that. For whatever reason people sought him out it was never because they wanted to. Most were forced into it and were often desperate as a result.
“I’m sorry but I have a meeting in ten minutes,” said Evan, genuinely disappointed.
“No worries.” Chloe gave him an easy smile. “I might stay and check out the club. I’ve heard good things about it.”
“Club?” asked Evan confused.
“Yeah, this place transforms into a club later. I’ve been dying to check it out for months.”
“So, you’ll still be here?” asked Evan.
“Maybe.” Chloe’s expression was noncommittal.
Evan stood up. “Well, I’ll be sure to come back and check. Chloe, it’s been a pleasure.”
He saw a disheartened look flash across her face but she nodded her head.
Evan left and made his way towards reception. He realised he didn’t want to leave Chloe. His protective nature wanted to ensure she was okay, not abandon her. He was being ridiculous, he barely knew Chloe, and he was here on business after all, and yet the feeling persisted as he neared reception. Guy Walker’s handsome face looked deeply unhappy.
Guy
Guy shook Evan Radley’s hand and led him to his office.
“Thank you for seeing me at short notice,” said Guy. His agitated state had lessoned. Whenever Guy’s personal life got out of control, he buried hi
mself in work. It was so automatic it didn’t even register. Stung and confused by Anna’s reactions, he blocked it out and got down to business. “I wanted to touch base, Evan, and get your impressions.”
“I like what I see,” said Evan. “I want to know more.”
“Benedict explained the concept behind the Braille Club?”
“Yes, he did. The membership would be in exchange for my help with Nick Waters. I don’t usually operate like this Guy.”
“Neither do we, Evan. But we’re not talking about normal circumstances and the clock is ticking.”
“Benedict thinks Waters will run?”
“We both do. His alibi is shaky but he’s out and has cash. Money can buy you anything these days.”
“I’ll need all the information you have,” said Evan. “I do have one other case which will take me abroad for a few days but otherwise I can start tomorrow.”
“I’ve put events into a timeline using a white board. Let me show you.” Guy led Evan to a separate room where he had all the case information displayed on a large board.
