Davis was almost sure he was overreacting. She hadn’t been interested in the overly kinky club member he’d pointed out in the lounge so logical thought made it nearly certain that she wasn’t some crazy, depraved axe murderer. Keeping in mind that she obviously wasn’t in possession of concealed weapons and that one of the Club Azar panic buttons was within reach, Davis gave her another order. “Take me into your mouth.” He deliberately gave her no other directives, certain she would understand the obvious yet also curious to see how she would proceed.
Imanya approached, fluidly dropping to her knees in front of his chair. Her touch was gentle as she opened and unzipped his jeans, slowly releasing his stone-hard cock from its almost painful captivity.
She didn’t pounce, but instead took her time to politely get acquainted: examining, fondling, gauging his reaction to every caress, and identifying the most sensitive areas. Davis sat comfortably, fascinated as he watched her movements, each one precise and seemingly choreographed. Her fingertips were soft and she wasn’t in a rush as she respectfully stroked every inch of his length.
He was well aware that his cock was average in width, slightly longer than average in length and he wondered at her abilities to satisfy him. The reader of body language seemed to understand all about satisfaction and read him perfectly as her lips made their first contact with his balls, taking each one in turn, tugging, nuzzling, probing, with a light sensation of suction as she drew him into her mouth. So far she wasn’t disappointing him.
When she was ready, Imanya turned her attention to his shaft, hesitating only long enough to lightly lick the small bead of precum from the crown. For several minutes her attention was focused entirely on the smooth tip as she took several dozen quick and rapid breaths, almost making the head vibrate. It was an interesting sensation, one he wasn’t certain he’d ever felt before but he liked it. One small shift and her tongue shimmied along the length, taking long licks and making him feel a little like she was enjoying a popsicle and he was enjoying it along with her.
He hadn’t given her a time limit and she definitely wasn’t in a hurry which was keeping him just enough on edge to savor her actions. After several minutes she finally drew him fully into her mouth, then partially into her throat, her head moving up and down as she repeatedly pulled and released the length of his cock. He reacted to the small tremors in her throat when she gagged slightly, eliciting a low groan from him. Imanya switched direction, her lips continuing their exploration, suckling the head and upper part of him. Davis liked the sounds she made, both the slurping and the quiet gasps, as she did her best to take measured breaths before resuming her movements.
When he finally came in her throat, he watched as she swallowed then carefully and delicately cleaned him with her tongue. She was great at giving head. It was an experience he’d always enjoyed, but she made it feel different, maybe a little reckless. Even so, he still had doubts.
Davis zipped his jeans as he watched Imanya kneeling in front of him, her submissive pose perfect. It was how he wanted to see her but his own instincts were sharp and insisted on screaming that something was off. The only way he was going to learn the truth was to ask.
“Who the hell are you, Imanya?” His tone of voice was a lot harsher than he had intended. “You’re perfect. Everything you say is perfect. Everything you do is perfect. You’re like some fucking robot. Why did you come to Club Azar? What do you want?”
She remained in position, with her head bowed, for a few more seconds, and finally her façade crumbled. “I knew this was a stupid idea. I’m not ready but Glenn insisted,” on the verge of tears, she nearly choked on the words. Standing up, she grabbed her discarded clothing and practically ran toward the one door in the room other than the entry. He had a feeling she was probably hoping it was a bathroom so she could get dressed and preserve a little of her dignity.
Perplexed, he stared after her as he heard the door lock click into place. He hadn’t been expecting her reaction although he wasn’t sure why he was surprised. Almost every minute of their evening had been unusual but he wasn’t accustomed to having women lock themselves in a bathroom to escape his company.
Davis downed two glasses of wine while waiting for her. She was taking a long time, probably hoping he’d get tired of waiting and leave. At one point he was almost certain he heard crying but running water muffled the sound. Finally he decided to put a stop to things. “Imanya, I’m not leaving until we talk and I’m prepared to stay all night if I have to, but if you’re not out here in two minutes, I’ll call security and have them unlock the door.” He was beginning to think he was going to have to make good on the threat when he heard the lock click and the door opened.
She was dressed, had fixed her hair and makeup but there was a slight redness in her eyes which made it obvious he was right about the crying. From the expression on her face, it was also obvious she was hoping to make a run for it but he’d positioned himself with his back against the main door to the room. The only way she was going to get out was straight through him or by answering his questions. “Imanya,” he gave her a direct order, “sit down. Why are you here?”
“I already told you. I’m looking for a Dominant. Just let me leave and I won’t bother you anymore.”
Her response didn’t impress him. “I told you to sit down and I want the truth.”
She sank down in the chair he had recently vacated. “That is the truth. It just wasn’t my idea to look for one. This isn’t a good time for me to start a new relationship with anyone.”
Davis sat across from her, silently observing the woman he continued to find intriguing even though he still knew virtually nothing about her. He noted how she continued to show self-assurance even if a venture to Club Azar hadn’t been in her plans. Was she being forced to do things against her will? “Imanya,” he altered his tone of voice to a caring and comforting level, “you appear to be a natural and superbly trained submissive. Is that not what you want? Is someone forcing you?”
She frowned at the question. “Of course not. I’ve always been submissive, even before I knew the word or understood what it meant.”
He did his best to remain patient. “I’m waiting for the entire truth and we can sit here all night if necessary. You mentioned someone named Glenn. Is he your Master? Why did he insist you come here?”
“Davis, my story is complicated and not especially interesting. Please let me leave and I promise I’ll never come here again.”
He leaned back and made himself more comfortable. “I’m ready whenever you are.”
Her resignation was obvious when she sighed. “No, Glenn isn’t my Master or my Dominant. He did train me but now he’s my boss and he was only trying to help. He doesn’t understand the entire situation.”
“Nor do I,” Davis reminded her, “and it shouldn’t be taking this long for an explanation. I’m impatient, remember? We established that about two minutes after we met, so explain.”
“I’m a graphic designer and I’m good at what I do. A couple of years ago, I applied for a job at Glenn’s company and he saw something in me. First was my potential for his business and second was my need to be submissive. I didn’t know anything about BDSM so I thought I was a freak because I had a need to have someone take control of me. Glenn changed everything. While his company trained me professionally, Glenn and his wife trained me personally. He understood what I was feeling and why. All of a sudden, so many things made perfect sense and I stopped thinking there was something wrong with me and started to understand and accept myself for who I am.”
“What did he help you to understand? I take it Glenn is a Dominant?” Davis questioned.
“Yes, but he was never my Dominant, only my trainer and pseudo-therapist.” Imanya looked over to where Davis was sitting. “My mom walked out on my dad and me when I was seven years old. I never knew why or what made her leave but, like any psychology textbook will tell you, I figured it was my fault. My father refused to talk about it and, I think, th
at made things worse. I always wondered if he blamed me, resented getting stuck with me. In reality, I don’t think he ever got past what happened and he was overwhelmed when it came to knowing how to parent. I ended up looking after him and myself. Most of my childhood vanished when she left. One day I was a typical seven year old pretending to play house and the next I was doing our laundry, learning how to make supper for us and keeping track of where my dad left his keys.”
“Everyone loses in a situation like that,” Davis wasn’t without sympathy, “and I can see how you would crave control and care. You missed out on that as a child so you feel as if you need it now.”
Imanya nodded. “That was Glenn’s diagnosis and it makes sense. Your diagnosis was pretty much on target, as well. I hate the idea of humiliation and I don’t want pain, only discipline to show that I’m loved and cared for. It probably didn’t help when dad got sick and being his nurse fell entirely on me. I was about to start college, which ended up being put off for a year, and I watched him fade away. After he died, it was just me to look after myself. I finished school with honors, worked for a couple of years and was extremely confused about who I was and the things I felt. I knew nothing about Dominant/submissive relationships. I just thought I was crazy but that was when I met Glenn. He was incredibly patient and explained everything step-by-step. For a while, I thought he was crazier than me but, eventually, I could see that he knew what he was talking about. He was able to explain everything I didn’t understand. Because I was so inexperienced, he wanted to make sure I was safe so he offered to train me so I could see if it was what I truly needed. At first it was hard but after a few weeks, my whole life took on a new focus and I realized he was right.”
“I’m sorry for your family situation. I’ve been a Dominant long enough to understand the dynamic of your feelings. What I don’t understand is what role Glenn plays in your life, why he sent you here and the special circumstances you mentioned earlier.” He was doing his best to remain as even tempered as he could. “When I said I was prepared to stay all night, I wasn’t actually planning to listen to a marathon length explanation.”
“I did say it was complicated,” she bristled at his comment.
“You also noted I was impatient,” he retorted, “and getting to the point before daybreak would be preferable.”
“Training with Glenn happened before I started working in his office and we both understood his personal and professional lives never intersected. When my employment began, he transitioned from being my trainer to being my boss and overprotective friend. After a few months, when he realized all I was doing was working, he decided I needed a personal life so he introduced me to some men. One of them was Chase.” Davis listened, curiously noting that the sparkle he had seen earlier was gone. “I didn’t think happiness existed until I met Chase. Maybe it doesn’t.”
Davis was surprised at the slight twinge of apprehension he felt at hearing her response. “If everything is so happy, why are you looking for a Dominant?” he questioned. “More precisely, why did Glenn send you to look for a Dominant? Did your overprotective friend suddenly decide Chase isn’t the right partner for you and can you wrap this story up before I need to order breakfast?”
“Complicated,” Imanya reminded him.
“Impatient,” he declared in response.
She looked down at the floor, her first submissive gesture since her story started, although Davis was certain she was mostly attempting to control her emotions. “It was wonderful at first. Chase understood me, knew what I needed and how I felt. He was good at being a Dominant and I don’t misbehave very often so we were like those couples on the greeting card commercials except that he knew when I needed to be spanked or controlled in some way. He was like a mind reader when the pressures of life or work were getting to me and he’d do the right thing to make me feel better. He took care of me like no one did since I was seven years old but I took care of him, too. I thought it would last,” Davis watched her and saw both strength and stoicism, “but one trip to the doctor changed everything. It’s strange how an appointment is made because someone feels more tired than they think they should feel and just one hour later nothing is the same. The prognosis is as bad as it can possibly be and Chase didn’t take the news very well. He ordered me to leave, said he didn’t want me around him during the medical treatments so I moved into a small apartment near my office but Glenn doesn’t know the truth. He thinks Chase and I simply ended things.”
“And that’s the reason Glenn wants you to find a new Dominant. I’m so sorry, Imanya.”
“For the past few months I’ve been throwing myself almost entirely into my work and my good friend and boss decided I still need a personal life. He tried setting me up a few times but I’ve been reluctant to get involved again. Yesterday Glenn presented me with the invitation to Club Azar and ordered me to come here, to try to meet someone. I know he’s concerned for my wellbeing but the timing is really bad. I doubt if any Dominant man would be willing to blindly accept my conditions. I can’t fault them for those feelings but it’s the one area I refuse to accept being controlled.”
“What conditions, Imanya? Does it have something to do with Chase?”
The unreadable look was back in her eyes. “Chase forced me to leave but he’s alone. He doesn’t want anyone to know the truth or to feel sorry for him, and I refuse to allow him to face things by himself. My condition is that I be permitted to virtually disappear for about forty-eight hours once a month because of treatment. The procedure itself takes about three hours, but he’s so weak and tired afterward. It takes about twenty-four hours before he starts feeling like himself so I stay and take care of him and he hates that I’m there but, physically, he’s not able to do much about it. It’s not easy for me either, in fact, I end up equally exhausted. I’m also back to being the one in control and forced to watch someone fade away. Once again I’ve become the caregiver instead of the cared for. Glenn doesn’t know any of this. I tell him I’m working at home those days.” Her voice became quiet. “I miss being submissive, so thank you for tonight. I needed it.”
The room was absolutely silent for several long minutes. Davis was the first to speak. “During the times you’re caring for Chase, is he your Dominant? Are you still involved sexually?”
“No. There’s been nothing like that between us, no real relationship at all, since he ordered me out of his house. He’s made it clear that he doesn’t want anything to do with me. Rejection isn’t easy but I try my best to understand his reasons.”
“Rejection is always hurtful,” he agreed. “Have you come to terms with your feelings for him?”
“I guess my feelings are almost as complicated as my story,” she shrugged. “We seemed to fit together so well and I thought it was becoming love but that was probably wishful thinking on my part. Sometimes I wonder if he pushed me away because he cared. Other times I wonder if what we were feeling was simply two people with certain needs finding someone to meet those needs and being comfortable with each other. I feel a sense of obligation but I don’t believe it’s love.”
“The lady with sharp instincts doesn’t know if she’s in love? I think if you were truly in love with Chase, or anyone else, you’d know it.”
“Perhaps you’re right.” Imanya reached for her purse and stood up. “I guess I’ll say good-night and thank you again for tonight and for listening. Telling someone helped. It was a pleasure meeting you, Davis.” She started walking toward the door.
“Wait!” Davis again stood between her and the exit. “When we were in the lounge, you said I was a contender. Is that still true? In all honesty, this isn’t the way I’m accustomed to beginning my relationships but you’re not like any submissive I’ve ever known and if you’re willing, I’d like to give it a try. It doesn’t exactly thrill me to know you’ll be spending time with your former Dominant but I understand why you’re doing it and I respect your reasons. I can’t make promises about the future, but I would
like the opportunity to get acquainted with you. Nothing is certain and we don’t get guarantees in life or in relationships. You know that better than anyone but, clearly, caring for Chase isn’t easy for you so, maybe, while you’re caring for him, I can care for you.”
That was the first time; their first meeting. When she agreed to his offer, he again felt as if he’d won a prize. Davis was accustomed to following his instincts and he had a deep feeling that being with Imanya was going to work.
One of the first things he’d learned about her was that she loved the beach. Right from that moment, he knew, when the time came, he’d propose by the sea. He’d purchased a ring and she was going to love it. Still he sat, watching the waves, wanting her to come running along the water’s edge.
Davis never believed in the lightning bolt concept but he had to admit that his attraction to Imanya had been swift, almost instantaneous. Even so, the first time he took her out to dinner he was willing to accept that lightning bolts might have hit him from several directions. He was captivated.
The first time was cautious, two people getting to know each other; but, as the evening went on, they relaxed and Davis couldn’t recall the last time he’d enjoyed himself so much. He was far too practical to think of himself as one of those love-at-first-sight, head-over-heels, where-have-you-been-all-my-life type of guys but he genuinely liked Imanya. She wasn’t just attractive. She was also smart, talented, quick-witted and damn fun to be around. At her core she was submissive and needed to please, but she wasn’t some hesitant, fearful woman. She had a mind of her own and she wasn’t afraid to speak up if she had something to say. It was fun. It was challenging. It was different. It made him want to see her as frequently as possible.
He knew he’d been in control of the evening and the conversation, drawing her out, making her feel comfortable enough to talk about herself, but he hadn’t intimidated or overwhelmed her. She’d been through a lot so he wanted to take things slowly, sensing it was exactly what she needed. Of course there was the initial uncertainty found at the beginning of every new relationship but it was followed by an amazing interaction with someone who shared many of his likes, dislikes, interests and views, and was accompanied by a strong and completely unmistakable sexual tension.
Twist (A BDSM & Romantic Erotica Boxed Set) Page 13
