by Demi Alex
“What do you want to ask?” Marko said, resting his thumb on her chin.
Nervously, she sucked on her lower lip and took a deep breath. “Do you come here often?”
“Rarely,” he replied, smiling when she exhaled. “Only if there’s a prearranged rendezvous. I take it it’s not what you were expecting?”
She shook her head.
“I know, bella.” He curled his hand at her nape and pulled her to him for a soft kiss. “It’s not the sex that bothers you, but the nature of it.”
She nodded, feeling her throat constrict with apprehension. She’d wanted the night to be perfect.
“The partners are dispensable,” Marko continued. “There is no emotional connection between the partners—well, other than the bridal party over there. But you consider masked strangers participating in such a manner as using her. The truth is, she’s using them. Regardless, the hollow pit in the bottom of your stomach is hurting you.”
Amazed, she looked up at him. Relief flowed through her. He’d described exactly what she felt. He knew.
“Drink this.” He placed a cool glass to her lips.
Kat sipped at the amber liquid, and was surprised to find it wasn’t alcoholic. “Fresh apple juice?”
“To soothe your throat and boost your energy level.” He caressed her cheek and tasted the juice on her lips. “Don’t forget the vitamin C benefits. We took a risk walking the bridge in the cold. I don’t want you getting sick.”
Marko spoke as if they were sitting at the kitchen table. The caress of his hand up and down her spine and the gentle tone of his voice relaxed her. She took the glass in her hands and ran her fingers up the frosty side. Sipping on the juice, she relaxed and tuned out the hammering beat of the music. She was with Marko, and no matter where they were, she was good.
“There is nothing wrong with wanting more out of sex, sweetheart. It’s what you want. However, some people crave only the carnal pleasure. That is what they want.” He brushed his lips on her forehead, and calming warmth spread back into her body “Neither is wrong. You take what is right for you.”
She nodded, trying hard not to judge. A dispensable fuck buddy wasn’t right for her. She did want more. She wanted it all in a nice little package, with a pretty bow on top. Maybe that was why she’d never been satisfied with any man other than Marko. “I’m so fucking doomed.”
“What was that?” Marko leaned forward, and placed his ear near her lips.
“This is what’s right for me,” she said, sucking gently on his earlobe and kissing down his neck. When she reached the collar of his shirt, she licked a slow and lazy pattern inside it, tasting the essence of the man that defined what she considered as right.
“Enough. Or we’ll be the next exhibit on the bar.” He pushed on her hips and pulled his shoulders back. Taking her hand, he placed it on his hard erection, and then stood. “Feel what you do to me, bella. I’m the one in charge. I thought I was supposed to be seducing you, not the other way around.”
She laughed, which gained her an approving smile.
“Leave the juice. We’ll head to the next room.”
“Okay,” she replied.
“Again with my new favorite word,” Marko said, hugging her close.
She dropped her forehead against his shoulder, closed her eyes, and inhaled his scent. Everything was good again.
“Come on, bella. Let’s go.” He took her hand and folded it tight against his lower back, shouldering past anyone who didn’t see him coming and move in time.
When a door slid open and they stepped out, she sighed her relief at the fading thump of the music. The furious techno beat, the building heat from all those bodies, and the intimate exposure to the orgy had been a lot. Too much.
“I’m such a chicken,” she admitted. “If it hadn’t been for you, I would’ve used the safe word in that room.”
He stopped walking and turned to look at her. “That’s what I’m here for, Kathryn. It’s my responsibility to keep you safe and allow you to feel secure enough to experience what you truly need.”
Perhaps his body was larger and his physical strength greater, but it was his acceptance of responsibility that she treasured. She couldn’t resist him, and she’d do anything to please him.
“There are five communal rooms in the club. We already saw the dance club, and established that I don’t visit it often, so now, let’s see one I do frequent,” he said.
“Which one is that?” Her pulse raced and her skin heated. She’d get to see what Marko wanted. One more layer to the man. Then the eagerness to learn crashed. What if, just like in the dance club, she didn’t like what she saw?
“Patience, Kathryn. You’ll be okay.”
The room looked like any other indoor café. The walls were burnt amber, with art subjects ranging from pictures of simple flowers to erotic acts at eye level. Big suede couches and small mosaic bistro sets served as seating areas. The strong smell of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air. Members milled around, some keeping to themselves, others interacting like old friends.
She blinked in confusion and surveyed the guests. Not what she’d expected of a sex club, either. Two professional-looking men, both in business suits and ties, pants on, sat at a table speaking intently. Two men, clearly lovers, cozied up on the couch and reviewed a photo album. There was a woman, who was naked, sitting on a bare-chested man’s lap, laughing at something a fully clothed man across the table was saying. That same fully clothed man was petting a man on a leash, kneeling beside his chair. A gorgeous woman sat alone, enjoying a glass of wine. It was all so intimate and different.
Marko chose a table in a far corner and instructed the waiter to bring over an espresso and an apple juice. He moved his seat close to hers and clasped her hands in his.
“When we first arrived, we witnessed a lovely moment in the lobby. A submissive following her master with such utter longing is very beautiful,” he said, placing the juice in front of her.
“He didn’t need to look back to see where she was,” Kat added.
“That is a very good observation. She trusted he would lead her where she needed to go. He trusted she would follow.” Marko placed a hand on her wrist and stroked his thumb over the back of her hand. “Trust is a valuable commodity, Kathryn.”
“I understand,” she said, recalling the harmony that the couple had emanated as they’d walked by. “They appeared to be a couple that belonged together. Choosing to be bound. Even the way he handled her chain was caring.”
“Master Jean is very caring. He’s owned the sub for years. They come out and play in the private rooms at least once a month.” His gaze narrowed and his fingers splayed beneath her sleeve. “Your body liked what they portrayed. Your body likes it now. There’s a soft blush spreading over your chest, and I could see your nipple straining against your bra. Does the idea of being led by your master, your nipples pained by the tug on the clamps, excite you?”
Was it right to be excited at the thought of a master owning her? She lowered her gaze, but he placed a finger under her chin and turned her face up. “Look at me when you think. I want to see what’s inside your lovely mind.”
“Yes,” she breathed, feeling her cheeks burn with the admission.
“Good girl. Thank you for sharing.” He moved his finger to her lips and pressed to part them, slanting his mouth gently over hers and kissing her. His hand moved inside her jacket, under the sheer material of her bra, and he caressed her breast with aching tenderness. He pinched her nipple hard and rolled it in his fingers. “Do you enjoy the sensation of clamps?”
“I don’t know,” she said, a moan escaping her lips. “I’ve never had any.”
He smiled and kissed her again. “Another first to enjoy together. It pleases me.”
“Yes,” she said, arching her back and pushing into his hand. Pleasing him pleased her. He released her nipple and it throbbed from the rush of blood. She wanted his hand back. Longed for the pain of the delic
ious squeeze.
“Kathryn, we came here so I could give you a short reprieve from the faith standards we established earlier. You have the opportunity to ask me anything you want. This is the time to do that. You are allowed ten questions, bella.”
She had so many questions, more than ten, but all she could think about was how she needed his hands on her again. “Can I sit on your lap?”
“Yes,” he replied, shifting in his seat and making room for her between his hard body and the edge of the table. He snaked an arm around her waist and pulled her close. “That’s one.”
She blinked and looked at him. She’d wasted the first question. She could have just slipped onto his lap—or maybe she couldn’t. She didn’t know. His hand smoothed up her thigh and her disappointment fled. She had nine more to go.
“Here’s number two,” she announced, and looked him in the eyes. “Will you please continue pleasuring my nipples?”
A wicked glimmer flamed in his eyes and he inclined his head. “Absolutely. I could never refuse when you ask so nicely.”
With his fingers teasing the sensitive peaks, she couldn’t think of number three. She just wanted him to continue. Heat spread through her body, and a needy sensation built between her legs.
“I can’t seem to concentrate,” Kat rasped. She struggled to speak, let alone think. She gasped as he rewarded her with a quick and searing tug. His laughter cleared her mind long enough to ask number three. “Do I need to call you master?”
“Only if you choose. Marko works for me, sweetheart.”
The leather grew tight on her skin, and she squirmed on his lap. Bringing her mouth to his ear, she wet her lips. “Question ten. Do they sell nipple clamps in this place?”
“Stand,” he commanded.
Chapter Twenty
Kat dropped her feet to the floor and stood. Marko wasn’t wasting another minute on the grand tour. He was taking her to a suite and giving what she’d requested.
“In addition to the five communal rooms, there are numerous private rooms in the club,” he repeated, as they walked out of the café and down a dark corridor. “We are going to pass through one more communal hall, the training room, on our way to our private playroom. Do not leave my side for any reason.”
As if she could break contact. His fingers closed tight around her hand as he guided her into the room. Masked spectators lined the perimeter of the large space, while half a dozen subs knelt before a bench. At the center of the floor, a man examined a display on a table. He was tall and very well built, radiating power and utter control. He wore tight leather pants, which outlined his muscular physique, and a leather hood on his head. When he turned from the display, she realized the pants were cut out at his groin. While not erect, the size of the man was very intimidating.
The master approached the line of kneeling submissives. Marko halted and wrapped his arm around her. “You may watch.”
Broad shoulders glistened with sweat as the dom bent and spoke privately to the first submissive. The young woman bowed and stepped away. Next, he cupped the jaw of a handsome young man. He whispered something to him as well, then messed his hair and dismissed him. Two more gentle dismissals and the master lifted the bound hands of a woman wearing a silk mask. He untied her hands and massaged her wrists, bringing them to his mouth and kissing them. Then, he slowly walked her around the edge of the room, presenting the chosen one to the observers.
Captivated by the elegance and ceremony of the scene, Kat sighed. The attention the dom showed the woman filled her with an unfamiliar yearning. She squeezed Marko’s hand and leaned her head on his shoulder.
“I didn’t know it’s customary to parade her around the room like a prize. Never read anything about that,” Kat said.
“It’s not,” Marko said. “The sub requested the procession in celebration of being chosen. He must oblige her wish. Every Friday night, the club offers members the opportunity to participate in new experiences. She’s been here for over a month, making herself available to him at every chance. I fear she’s already in love with him.”
Kat didn’t see a problem with that. Love was a good thing. Even the master deserved love.
“This woman wants to achieve subspace. It is the master’s job to see to her needs,” Marko explained, moving behind Kat and wrapping her in his embrace. “If you want to stay, we will. However, there is no way of predicting what will be required for her to fall. I have concerns here.”
For a moment, she considered asking him to stay and watch. She wanted to see the master at work, but there was a warning in Marko’s voice she couldn’t ignore. The agreement was no more questions. She didn’t have the knowledge to decide, and she didn’t need to. She had Marko. He would make the right choice for her. The burden of making a decision lifted off her chest.
Leaning back against his strength, she curled her fingers around his forearm. “I trust your judgment.”
“Thank you.” Warm breath brushed over her hair. He relaxed his chin on her head and held her in his embrace. “Bow your head as they pass. Then we will go.”
As the couple in the center of attention approached, Kat marveled at the poise the other woman portrayed. Her steps were dainty and measured. She followed directly beside the master, perfectly keeping pace. He held her to the inside of the floor and away from the others.
Kat lowered her gaze, staring at the shiny grey floor. She watched bare feet approach, and Marko said something too muted for her to understand, but beginning with the proverbial French bon.
“Welcome,” a recognizable male voice said above her head. “Look up, our little chocolate lover.”
Kat’s heart skipped a beat. The master had stopped before them, had spoken with Marko, and now he was speaking to her.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. Say hello,” Marko said.
She looked up and into a familiar green gaze. Recognition registered. Her breath caught. Jean-Luc was the master. “Hello—”
“Sh.” He placed a finger across her lips and smiled. Suddenly aware of their audience, she complied. “I want to wish you a wonderful evening, mademoiselle.” He bent at the waist and stepped away.
* * *
Marko took Kat’s elbow and led her from the room. He glanced over his back to see Jean-Luc securing the sub to the bench. He shook his head and chuckled. The hard-ass master was a goner. The little miss had his balls in her tiny hand.
“Considering I just saw your driver’s impressive package, you’re in a good mood,” Kat said, surprising him with the lilt in her tone.
“Considering you just saw my driver’s impressive package, you are in a good mood,” he growled back, reaching beneath her skirt and pinching her thigh. “I’d contain that enthusiasm if I were you.”
Teasing, he pinched her thigh a second time. The noise she made was a cross between a yelp and a laugh, and one of the nicest sounds he’d heard all night. He lifted her in his arms and started for their reserved quarters.
“Bella, how are you feeling?”
Her body relaxed and she nuzzled into him. Testing his restraint, her fingers twined in his shirt and rubbed over his chest, while she pressed her lips to his neck. Slow, small kisses tempted him to skip the niceties and get her to comply with his desires. She was responsive enough, and he knew what buttons to push. Kat wouldn’t change her mind and she wouldn’t need the safe word.
“I don’t exactly know how to describe it, but it’s almost like being in a dream. You know you’re safe and nothing bad will happen to you, but you can’t help but hold your breath until the next scene unravels. Your pulse races with anticipation. The exhilaration and thrill won’t allow you to wake up. But the outcome is uncertain.”
“You described it perfectly,” Marko said. Most importantly, she’d described it willingly. There was a small window of opportunity for Kat to embrace all she’d run from for years, and he wasn’t about to miss it. He wanted her completely.
Unable to get enough of the woman, he held her t
ight and rubbed his cheek over her head. He needed her.
Bringing Kat to the club had been a given, and he’d known that Jean-Luc would be center in the training room. Marko had given a lot of thought about whether or not to let her recognize Jean-Luc, coming to the conclusion that it would be best. Strong and even-tempered, Jean-Luc presented as a perfect and capable gentleman. There was more to the man than his driver persona.
As a master, Jean-Luc ruled every scene and met each responsibility. He chose not to get involved with his subs outside the club. And like Marko had, he chose not to engage in intercourse with his submissives in order to keep from giving them false hopes for a potential relationship.
Kat knew none of this, but she was accepting of the fact that his driver was the strong dom in control of the scene they’d witnessed. He’d chosen right. Accepting others would allow her to accept her needs, which in turn would allow her to accept Marko.
“Did you consider using your safe word while we were in the training room?”
“No,” she answered, shaking her head and wrapping her arms around his back. “It was different, but surreal. Everything about this place is surreal. The exchange between Jean-Luc and his sub was very intense. Everyone else faded into the background. The energy between them sizzled. I think they’re a great couple.”
“They’re not a couple. As far as I know, it’s the first time he’s touched her.”
“Not a couple, yet,” she cooed. Big brown eyes stared up at him, and pride for her keen observation flared in his gut. “You’ll see. She totally responded to him. And he was so caring and gentle.”
“Gentle may not be the correct word, bella.” He lowered his head and brushed his lips over her mouth. The optimistic Kat was so adorable. “We left before things changed. You’re right about him caring, but it won’t be gentle.”
“I know what the bench is for, and I saw the whips and the other things on the table. They may not be methods of gentle persuasion, but I think Jean-Luc will be. I saw how he closed his eyes when he kissed her wrists,” Kat said. Not only was she smart and beautiful, but she was also hopeful. “For him, it’s not about inflicting pain.”
