E is for… (BDSM Checklist Book 5)

by L. DuBois

  She’d thought edging would be frustrating—not coming was always frustrating. She’d had no idea how emotionally intense it would be.

  Master Green was relentless. She’d begged and begged and he never gave in. He was both her torturer and her white knight.

  He pulled her legs across his lap and stroked her hair when she rested her head on his shoulder. “You’ve been very good today, Charlie.”

  “I hate this, Master.”

  “Do you?”

  “I…I don’t know. I’m so tired and my whole body aches.” She sobbed out a shuddering breath. “But I’m so turned on I want to keep playing. I’m confused.”

  “That’s understandable.” He tipped her chin up and met her gaze. “I am not unaffected, Charlotte.” His voice deepened, and his eyes were intense. “I’ve never asked so much of a submissive. I’ve pushed you harder than I’ve planned, because your obedience and your frustration are like a drug. I can’t get enough. Even now, I find I cannot let you sleep in peace.”

  His reached into his pocket and withdrew a remote. His eyes still on hers, he pressed a button and the vibrating egg started to buzz. Charlie shuddered as fresh waves of arousal swamped her. She jammed her head against him and fresh tears fell.

  “Will you make me keep it in all night, Master?”

  “Yes.”

  And now the arousal came not from a physical stimuli but a mental one. His implacable command of her body. His unflinching dominance.

  “You will sleep beside me. I will remove the ropes in a few hours.” He slid her off his lap and pulled back the covers, helping her into position under them. “I will touch you in the night. If my touch brings you close to orgasm, you’re to say ‘edge’. You must not come. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, Master.”

  “Very good, pet.” He pulled off his clothes and slid in beside her. His hand settled over her breast, casually plucking her nipple.

  Charlie moaned. The orgasm built inside her. She was never far from the edge, and she let herself come close, almost to the point of no return.

  “Edge.”

  His fingers stopped, his hand dropping from her breast to lay on her stomach. “Go to sleep, Charlotte.”

  “Yes, Master.”

  She closed her eyes, and much to her own surprise, she did fall into an exhausted sleep.

  “Come for me, Charlie.”

  Maybe she dreamed the words. But if she had, she didn’t care. She’d take the punishment.

  Charlie spread her legs wide as Master Green’s fingers slid through her pussy. She didn’t open her eyes. Didn’t want to face a reality where this wasn’t happening.

  Two long strokes to her clit and then those same two fingers pressed into her, curling to massage her G-spot.

  Charlie’s body bowed up as she came. Every muscle from her shoulders to her calves clenched. The orgasm, so long delayed, was more relief than pleasure.

  He tugged the egg until it was positioned on her G-spot and then flicked it on. She’d had it in all night, but he’d turned it off when he’d released the bondage on her arms. Now it vibrated to life, turned up much higher than it had been last night. His fingers pressed down on either side of her clit, then squeezed.

  Charlie screamed as she came again, her toes curling and her calf muscles cramping.

  She frantically reached down to grab her own toes and pulled them up to stretch her cramping calves. Master Green threw the covers back, and the shock of cold air made Charlie open her eyes.

  It hadn’t been a dream. Thank god.

  He grabbed her feet. “Calf cramp?”

  She nodded jerkily.

  “Straighten your legs.” He forced her to uncurl, keeping the upward pressure on the balls of her feet. The muscles relaxed and he began to massage her legs.

  Charlie shivered.

  “Talk to me, Charlie.”

  “That hurt.”

  “The cramp?’

  She lifted her head to look at him. “The orgasm. It wasn’t…it wasn’t enough, and it was too much.”

  He nodded. “I spoke with Master Mikel last night and he told me to expect this. After denying yourself for so long it will take your body a while to release the tension I created within you.”

  He cupped her calves and spread her legs wide, knee-walking up the bed between them. He tugged the egg out of her.

  “Are we done with edging, Sir?” Please say yes.

  “Yes.”

  Charlie’s whole body sagged in relief. He braced his arms on either side of her ribs, holding himself suspended above her. His gaze swept her face, and then he grinned.

  Charlie’s heart lurched when she saw that grin.

  “That means I get to spend the rest of the day making you come. I won’t stop until you’re limp with pleasure.”

  The head of his cock slid over her clit as he lowered his hips. Charlie wrapped her legs around him, drawing him into her body.

  He thrust in, a little at a time. The thickness of his cock opened her, filled her. Charlie moaned in pleasure, and when he dropped his head and sucked her nipple, she came.

  “A good start,” he murmured. “But I can do better.”

  Aram read the ingredients on the spray bottle. “Detangler?”

  “Yep. If someone hadn’t made me all sweaty, my hair wouldn’t be a mess.” Charlie grinned into the mirror.

  Aram examined her reflection. She was pink and scrubbed, bundled up in a robe. It was Sunday afternoon, and the first time she’d had anything to wear since he’d ordered her to strip Saturday morning. Yesterday had been incredibly intense. He’d been shaken by the depth of her response, though he’d tried not to show it. He’d maintained his control, pushing her to the edge again and again, until she’d been raw.

  When she’d sobbed in his arms, he’d been tempted to stop, but he knew better. He needed to ease them both out of it. He’d used the dark hours of night to gentle her body. She’d slept, but he’d been up most of the night, listening to her breathe.

  This morning he’d fucked her and pleasured her over and over, using everything he’d learned in his ten years as a Dom. When his cock had finally tapped out, he’d fucked her with his fingers and tongue.

  They’d spent five hours in bed, stopping only when the rumbling of both their stomachs could no longer be ignored. He’d kept her naked while they ate lunch in the dining room. He’d thought she’d balk, considering her insecurities, but she’d been rather distracted by the remote-control vibrating butt plug he’d made her wear, and light tweezer-style clamps that had dangled from her lovely breasts.

  Now it was later afternoon, time for him to leave. He’d dedicated the last hour of their time together to true aftercare—no sexual touches. Well, hardly any. He’d showered her, and if his fingers lingered overlong on those sweet breasts, no jury in the world would convict. They begged to be fondled.

  He turned the bottle and sprayed it on her damp hair, then took her special brush and started combing her hair. She sighed happily and snuggled deeper into the robe.

  He used his fingers, dragging a few strands of damp hair off her cheek, pulling them behind her ear. She reached up and captured his hand, pressing it to her cheek.

  Aram pulled his hand away. A hurt expression flittered across her face, and he winced internally. He didn’t want to hurt her. That was the absolute last thing he wanted to do, but looking at her now—so soft and young—he was reminded what a terrible pairing they made.

  Not as Dom and sub. No, in that they were so well matched that every scene they’d engaged in was better than the last.

  He was used to playing with subs who were more like opponents in a chess match—a battle of wills and wits, wrapped in packages of elegant, well trained submission.

  Charlie was different. He now knew exactly how to push her into her subspace, the place where she was pliant and obedient, where she whimpered and moaned at each touch. Where she looked up at him with those big blue eyes, full of both trust and fe
ar. She made him want to simultaneously protect her and spank her until she couldn’t sit for a week.

  She played with the tie of the robe. “I’ll be out of town the next two weekends.”

  He kept brushing, letting his hands smooth down her hair, dark blonde when wet. “The weekend after that—” I’ll be out of town watching my friend make a stupid mistake, for the second time. “—I’m attending a friend’s wedding.” He gathered her hair into a tail and gave it a light tug. She looked up. “Would you like to attend with me?”

  Well that wasn’t what he’d meant to say.

  She blinked. “You want me to be your date for a wedding?”

  Aram frowned. “Not precisely.”

  Charlie grinned. “You want me to be your wedding date! Is your mom, like, worried you’re not seeing anyone so you have to bring a date? And who said rom-coms didn’t happen in real life!”

  Well yes, his mother was worried, but that was neither here nor there. “It’s a bit more complicated than that.”

  “Why?”

  “It’s Hadrian’s wedding.”

  “Master Hadrian?”

  “Yes.”

  “Who’s he marrying?”

  “Cleo.”

  “His ex-wife?”

  “Yes.”

  Charlie’s mouth opened. “Oooh, drama! You mean since they got paired for the checklist now they’re getting remarried?”

  “Precisely.”

  “And she invited you? Weren’t you his divorce attorney?”

  “I was. And I will be again after they implode for the second time.”

  She twisted to look up at him. “Really? The divorce attorney who doesn’t believe in love and is trying to control the world by being a Dom?” Her brows climbed her forehead.

  He folded his arms. His face felt hot. Was he blushing? Oh, for fuck’s sake. He cleared his throat. “They’re having a surprise wedding. I only know because he asked for my assistance for the second part of the ceremony.”

  “What second part?”

  “I’m helping draw up their new BDSM contract. They’re going to be bonded as Master and submissive here at Las Palmas in a month or so.”

  “Wow.”

  Was that a good or bad wow? He couldn’t tell.

  “Wait, why does that mean you have to go to the wedding?”

  He shrugged. “Well, I was the best man the first time.”

  “Ohh, I see. You’re in the wedding party, so you definitely need a date.” She giggled.

  She giggled. Aram sighed. He really shouldn’t find that charming. “Yes, well. It’s short notice, and it’s in Saint Lucia.”

  “Beach vacay! I’m in.”

  He smoothed her hair one last time and then lifted his hands off of her. “Well then, that’s arranged.”

  “You mean ‘it’s a date.’ Say it.”

  “It’s not a date. I’m too old to date.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Stop acting like you’re a million years old. It’s a date. Saaaay it.”

  Aram glared at her. “I’m going to spank you.”

  Charlie jumped off the vanity stool and stood on her toes to kiss him. “Promises, promises.” She bounced out of the bathroom, then popped her head back in. “Text me the deets.”

  Aram shook his head, but he was smiling.

  Chapter Nine

  The groom’s mother started to cry when she realized it was a wedding. Charlie and Aram were some of the only people who’d known when they got here that Hadrian and Cleo were getting remarried. There had been exclamations of happiness as the family and friends the engaged couple had invited under the pretense of an all-expenses paid reunion realized what was happening.

  Charlie had been looking forward to this since Aram asked her. Romantic surprise wedding, lovely resort location, a sexy man, and a weekend of uncomplicated, kinky sex.

  She’d been wrong on one count. This really wasn’t a date, and she wasn’t going to be treated to a weekend of uncomplicated, kinky sex. She should have known better. Master Green was too stern to let go, even when on vacation.

  And the sneaky man had waited to tell her exactly what he was planning. Just as they started their descent to the small airport, Aram had leaned over to whisper in her ear.

  “Once we step off this plane, until we board the return flight, you are my submissive. You will address me as Aram in public, but in private you will address me properly.” He smiled wickedly. “And we will continue working on our checklist items.”

  Charlie hadn’t been able to relax since hearing that. She was both nervous and excited. They’d landed this morning, and checked into their lovely room. As soon as the door closed he’d ordered her to strip and get on her knees. She’d sucked his cock until he was hard as granite, and then he’d fucked her while she sat on the small desk.

  Then they’d scrambled to dress to make it to welcome cocktails. Aram had cleared his throat as she was starting to get dressed and she dropped her lacy panties back into her suitcase. He’d shaken his head when she picked up her bra. Charlie had tried to explain that big boobs didn’t do well braless, that it would be risqué.

  He hadn’t said anything, merely looked at her. She’d found herself pulling on her gauzy teal wrap dress with nothing under it. The dress had seemed perfect for an island wedding—the style casual, but the material a heavy silk that glimmered expensively. Now she was painfully aware of how hard her nipples were. Luckily, the heavy fabric made it not terribly obvious.

  Aram stood beside his friend for the ceremony. His face was stern. Hadrian and Cleo were clinging to each other and smiling. Aram caught her eye and she smiled wide and pointed at her cheeks. He immediately curled his lips up and she nodded. It didn’t matter if he thought this was a terrible idea, the best man shouldn’t be frowning.

  Charlie had a hard time imagining he really thought this was that terrible of an idea. His best friend had broken up with his wife, then they’d gotten back together. It didn’t mean they’d get divorced again. It didn’t mean relationships were a bad idea. People were complicated, life was complicated.

  Admittedly, Aram probably saw a lot of people at their low points due to his line of work, but moments like this should prove to him that love could find a way.

  The happy couple kissed and everyone clapped. Charlie joined in, tearing up a little when she saw the way they looked at each other. The sun was setting on the ocean, a gorgeous gold, orange, and blue backdrop to the ceremony. Rather than walking down the short aisle made by the few rows of folding chairs placed on mats on the sand, the newlyweds started to mingle with the crowd, accepting hugs.

  Aram stood awkwardly on the sand. He was doing his best to look casual, in khaki slacks, a white shirt, and a tan vest. The bride, groom, and most of the attendees were barefoot. Charlie’s heels were tucked under her chair. Aram had on loafers, no socks. He was trying.

  Charlie popped out of her seat and went over to him, sliding her arm through his. He seemed to relax a little. “Good job smiling.”

  “I hope I didn’t offend them.” He frowned.

  “By looking like you thought their wedding was a terrible idea? No, that’s what everyone wants from their best man.” He regarded her balefully. “If I were you, I’d a bribe the photographer to get rid of any photos where you’re frowning.”

  “Bribery I can handle.”

  “I’m shocked, shocked I say. You’re an officer of the court.” Charlie put her hand first on her chest, then pressed her wrist to her forehead as if she were going to faint.

  When he chuckled she opened one eye. His gaze met hers, and his eyes were softer than they had been since they’d met at the airport. He tugged her around until they faced the ocean. There was a thin strip of sand between where they stood and the gently lapping surf.

  Aram reached over with his free hand and tugged the top of her dress to one side.

  Charlie sucked in air and yanked it back in place. “We’re at a wedding.”

  Aram looked a
t her, a smile playing around his lips. “Everyone is headed for the reception.”

  “It’s a beach. Someone is going to see.”

  “You’re a pretty, young blonde. If anyone does, just pretend it was an accident.”

  “Seriously?” she squeaked.

  He raised one brow. “Charlotte, either you pull your dress to the side and expose your breasts, or I’ll order you to strip completely naked. If you’re lucky I’ll let you run into the water, and you can pretend you’re drunk and want to skinny-dip. I’m feeling magnanimous, so the choice is yours.”

  He wouldn’t. He wouldn’t.

  Oh yes he would, and damn it if this wasn’t making her hot.

  Charlie mashed her lips together and tucked the fabric to the sides, exposing her breasts.

  Her left arm was tucked into his right. He reached across with his left hand and stroked her breasts with a single finger, then tweaked her nipples. She moaned and tipped her head to the side, resting it against his shoulder. He continued to casually toy with her nipples as they watched the sun sink into the water. She shivered.

  “Cold?”

  “Not really, Sir.”

  He tugged her dress back into place, and she was disappointed. “Let’s have dinner, shall we?”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  They stopped to collect her shoes, which she carried by the ankle straps. Once they had plates of food she was able to shake herself out of her arousal-induced stupor. She teased Aram about wearing shoes, and had everyone at their table laughing when she finally got him to take them off and he poured out what looked like a ton of sand.

  When the bride and groom came to say hello, Aram slid his hand under her hair, gripping her neck lightly. She’d lowered her eyes submissively when she said hello to Hadrian. He clearly recognized her and merely smiled before raising his brows in question to Aram. Then he’d turned his attention on his lovely, skinny wife. Charlie recognized her now. Cleo was better known as Saffron, a health and fitness guru. Before she could start comparing herself to the older woman and sink into an insecure funk, Aram leaned into her.

  “Well done, pet. You made sure he knew you were mine.”