Derrick's Choice (Titan Security Book 1)

by Cynthia P. O'Neill

  I couldn’t help but pick up the flowers and dance around the room as I grabbed a vase to put them in some water. I felt as if my feet were walking on air. He wanted me, or at least to teach me. I needed relief, an outlet to purge my aggression toward work, Derrick, and everything else wrong in my life. I needed the Master more than anything else.

  I sat down in the window seat, feeling overwhelmed by a thought: what if I failed the Master? What if I didn’t live up to his expectations? Would he be willing to take the time to train me, or would he cast me aside, not wanting to waste time on my inexperience? I know his note said one thing, but could I do everything he’d ask of me? Would he ask me to reconsider my hard limit —was that what he meant by fine-tune my limits?

  I was a bundle of nerves. I couldn’t think. Take a deep breath in and then out. You know deep down this is what you want. If you can’t have Derrick, who you seemed to share so much in common with, then go after Mister Mysterious, and let him give you the release you’re looking for. Take a chance, girl, and go for it.

  My subconscious was right. I needed to take a chance at things. I looked down at myself and realized I was still dressed in my work clothes, looking frumpy and tired. The shower was definitely calling my name. I could freshen up, add some perfume to strategic areas of my body, and get dressed in his preferred clothing. I could envision myself now; I’d look like sin on a stick, a complete one-eighty from what I normally looked like, and I’d be all his.

  I jumped up from the window seat and sprinted to the bathroom, grabbing the clothes, shoes, and collar along the way. It was time to make myself look good enough to eat, which is exactly what I hoped Master would do. I wouldn’t ask for it, because that would be topping from the bottom, which was punishable by spanking. But, at this point, I’d take a spanking just to get his hands on me. The idea already had me soaked.

  It took a lot of herculean strength for me not to touch Jesse at work this week. She’d put up walls against me, wanting to keep things strictly professional between us at work and here at the apartment complex, but I couldn’t play her games anymore. I needed to touch her again, feel her pressed against my flesh, feel her heartbeat pressed up against mine, and taste every inch of her body, whether as myself or as the Master. Not being near her, not being able to talk to her about anything and everything…that was worse than having a case of the blue balls, which by the way, I’m suffering from that as well.

  I hated that I couldn’t come out and tell her I was the Master; I was the one who had her screaming in cataclysmic ecstasy inside Rapture. But I couldn’t reveal my identity to anyone. Mr. Tennison was very specific on the attire I was to wear. He’d not only provided the mask I’d been wearing, but provided me some colored contacts, which I failed to wear—since they were itchy as hell—the night I’d had my encounter with Jesse. She’d seen my face up close at work and at the complex we both lived. I couldn’t risk her realizing the Master had the same eye color as me, so I’d give in to the hazel-brown contacts I’d been provided to retain my anonymity.

  I really had no choice but to be a mystery at the club. I’d discovered there were several employees from Pterodyne—mainly former military special ops men and women—who frequented the club, needing their release, their time to unwind and play. I couldn’t have them knowing that I was watching each of them like a hawk to see if anyone had a beef with their employer. So far, there’d been no reason to believe any members at Rapture were a threat.

  I’d left work earlier today, citing the need to run an errand for the company. In actuality, I went by a shop that specialized in fantasy wear for BDSM clubs. I wanted to pick out something special for Jesse to wear. I’d send it along with her invitation to come back to Rapture. I wanted to throw something in to not only entice her to come back, wearing the sinful attire I provided, but to see just how serious she was about discovering her inner self.

  Remembering how amazing her legs looked in the short skirt and high heels, I knew I had to go with something similar. However, this time I wanted her to look the part of the submissive. I picked a dress with a zipper running the full length of the back and with cutouts on both sides. I wanted to show off her amazing skin and provide everyone a glimpse of her luscious breasts while keeping a mystery of what lay beneath the surface. She shouldn’t be too self-conscious, only the lower curve of her boobs would be showing.

  I was thankful for the day we’d washed laundry together; it enabled me to get a glimpse at the size clothes and undergarments she wore. The shoes were a little trickier. I had to wait until she’d taken them off at work, while at her desk, to grab a peek. I knew I’d made her uncomfortable that day. I’d had to get so close and pretend that I was checking out her new design of the weaponry system on M-9I. I had her squirming in her seat to the point she’d gotten up to go to the bathroom and left her shoes at her desk. I hadn’t anticipated that kind of luck, but damn if I didn’t want to follow her into the bathroom and lock the door, because I was just as pent up as she was. As it was, I ended up in the men’s room, locked the door, and jerked myself off to the vision of her. The perfume she was using lately was wearing on my senses. I think it was something called Red Forever or Forever Red. The scent of pomegranate and vanilla rum mixed with her natural pheromones was an aphrodisiac that set my soul aflame.

  It didn’t take long to put together a complete outfit for her. I also bought several small gifts I’d bestow on her at a later time, should our relationship as Master and sub progress. I didn’t want to scare her off too quickly. But the idea to claim her as mine kept running through my head. I didn’t want her coming into the club and playing with other Dominants or Masters.

  Upon checking out, I noticed they had a variety of collars in their display case, many of which could be personalized. I looked at them and debated whether she’d be receptive to a collar this quickly, but only one word registered in my mind: MINE. I’d never felt this instant attraction to anyone. It was only a bounty of one-night stands never to be repeated, prior to Jesse.

  I’ll admit, when I filled in at Mr. Prescott’s club in Orlando, it was mainly to have free membership, provide him some extra security, and have a means to relieve some pent up aggression. Basically, I hooked up with anyone that caught my attention and fucked them hard to get out of my head for awhile. I had issues, still do, in regard to the aftereffects of being in the military and going into enemy territory. The story Tennison had told me about his and my father’s ambush and the sights they’d seen wasn’t much different than what Rick and I experienced. Only I’d gotten caught behind enemy lines, and he had to come rescue my ass.

  My brother seemed to be getting control of his issues a bit better than I’d been. It makes me wonder if his girlfriend, Tiffany, could be the reason. Could she be his anchor like I suspected Jesse was to me? All I could confirm was the nightmares and waking up sweaty and shaking had pretty much diminished since I’d been here in Tampa. For the first time, I found myself considering the idea of something more, something with Jesse.

  I asked the sales clerk to show me one of the softer collars, a bit on the feminine side, but one with loops I could use to anchor someone to a spanking bench or St. Andrew’s Cross. To my surprise, she’d pulled out a soft black leather collar dotted with small rhinestones and consisting of hidden rings. When she asked if I wanted it stamped with my name or initials, I couldn’t resist. The idea of Jesse wearing it, should she accept the proposition I was going to offer her, filled me with pride. She’d wear my initials MD, the Master of Her Dreams, and hopefully, one day, as Master Derrick. Everyone would know she was claimed and off-limits with this on.

  I’d had the shop wrap everything up nicely, before stopping by a florist, and then a delivery shop. I wanted everything to arrive shortly after she got home from work. Thank goodness for her schedule still being predictable.

  By the time I’d gotten back to my apartment, I had little time to spare before being due at Rapture to help open the club for the nig
ht. I quickly jumped into the shower to wipe away the scent of my daytime cologne and reemerge as her Master—smelling of musk and bergamot. I ended up giving myself a hand job in the shower to alleviate some of the pent-up emotion I had toward Jesse; otherwise, the first touch of her hand on my dick and I’d be firing off like a teenager. The shower did little to quell my growing need for her though.

  I looked at the clock and realized my delivery would arrive at any moment, so I wrapped a towel around my hips and hid in the corner shadows of my bedroom window—the one with the clear shot to her living area—and waited. I needed to see her expression as she opened my presents. I needed to know how the night would play out.

  I watched as she opened the door and signed for the items being delivered. The roses seemed to be a big hit, as she took in their aroma immediately. I’d hoped she would unwrap everything in her living room, where I could continue watching, and she didn’t disappoint. That’s the one thing I loved about Jesse: she was predictable. Did I just use the word love? Have you forgotten you’re on assignment to watch her? Dude, you’re moving way too fast.

  I shook my head to clear my thoughts and smiled as she quickly read the letter from Rapture before tearing into the presents. I knew she’d adore the shoes. When I’d placed the surveillance equipment in her apartment, I’d seen numerous pairs from classic to fuck-me pumps lining the floor of her closet. If only I’d thought to get her shoe size then, but who could’ve predicted the impact she’d have on me.

  I held my breath when she opened the next box containing the dress, underwear, my note, and the collar. I wasn’t sure if the dress would be her style or to her liking, but she’d held it up to her body and spun this way and that. The smile radiating off her face made my heart feel lighter.

  Panic filled me as she began gathering up the boxes to throw them away, without seeing the collar or my letter. I was thankful when she realized another item still inside and breathed a sigh of relief when I saw her reading my note. Would she accept and be mine? Or would she go about her normal Friday routine?

  She seemed giddy at first, holding the note and the collar to her chest, but suddenly sadness consumed her features, making me wonder if I’d pushed things too far too quickly. I watched as she moved to the window seat, her back to me. From my observations, I knew this was where she contemplated her deepest thoughts; the place where she could escape from reality with a good book or a conversation with her sister.

  I smirked to myself as I realized I was a whipped man, having been wrapped around her finger already. She might think that as the Master I have all the control in the relationship, but she’s the one that wields the power, being able to put a stop to things at any moment with her safeword. I was already at her mercy and would accept the decision…wait a minute…what’s she doing? A smile began to form at the edges of my mouth as I realized she’d gotten up and was moving toward her shower, with the gifts in her hands. She’d be at the club, and I’d be waiting.

  Where the hell was Jesse? It had been almost two hours since I’d left the apartment building and made it to the club. I always made a point to park down the street and come in the back way so no one would be able to identify my car and figure out I was there.

  I was monitoring a scene with a couple willing to play in front of the crowd, while keeping a position where I could keep watch on the door. Her timing couldn’t have been more perfect. She walked in right as the scene ended. I didn’t have to worry about the man providing aftercare to his submissive. They’d done numerous scenes for the crowds, and he’d always taken care of his lover, providing a massage to any area that had been tied up to get the circulation going, giving her warm cover, embracing her fully in his arms, and providing her water and chocolate to ward off dehydration and potential shock from the adrenaline rush of her orgasm.

  I nodded to another one of the Masters to indicate my submissive was there. I’d already informed him I’d be taking on a new sub to train, letting him know where to find me if there was any trouble.

  Waiting in the shadows, I watched as she removed her overcoat, handing it over along with her purse to the check-in girl. My eyes instantly zoomed in on my collar around her neck. She was MINE. God how I loved how that word played in my mind.

  She looked around the room for me, but I’d hidden myself quite well, wanting to see if she’d obey all my rules. She had the clothes on, and I noted she went braless. I’d have to wait and see if she wore the G-string I’d purchased, but damn if my eyes didn’t keep going back to that collar laying my claim on her, marking her as mine.

  Several men had approached her. I guess they knew she wasn’t a regular of the club and they weren’t paying attention to the fact she wore my collar. I wanted to march over and slug each one of them for coming on to her, but she did me proud. She took my orders to heart, not speaking a single word to any of them, only holding her hand up to stop them, and then pointing to her neck. They quickly offered a polite nod and stepped away. Those bastards.

  I’d never known what it felt like to feel pride in anything other than the satisfaction in work for a job well done, but the kind of joy I was feeling toward Jesse was through the roof. Now it was time to start her training and let her meet her Master.

  She jumped as my hands wrapped around her from behind. I placed one hand around her neck and one against her lower abdomen, drawing her firmly against my body. “Its just me, baby.” My words seemed to relax her as she molded against my form, fitting me perfectly.

  My lips blazed a trail from her collar to right behind her ear, where I bit gently into her skin. “My collar looks good on you.” She tried to turn around in my arms, but I kept a firm grip on her as I whispered, “You know what this collar means, right?”

  Jesse nodded.

  “You can speak to me unless I’ve asked for your silence. You’re just not allowed to talk to anyone else, without my permission.” My fingers trailed above and below the front of the collar, checking to make sure she didn’t have it on too tight or too loose.

  My other hand lowered over the area of her mound, forcing a low moan from her lips and causing her hips to grind into my already erect cock. I needed her to understand the fire she was playing with by allowing me to guide her. I made sure my voice was firm and commanding, none of the sensitive southern side I had to portray during the day. I wanted her to hear the real me, the person held deep within my soul. “By you wearing my collar, you’re now mine to claim, mine to train, and mine to pleasure. You belong to no one else but me. Understood?”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  My dick was hard, ready to split my pants in half if I didn’t find some relief soon. The way she looked in the dress, the way she was responding to my touch…we needed a room to play in and fast. I was thankful I had the foresight to reserve the perfect place for us to get to know one another better.

  I released my hold on her and took her arm. “Follow me, sweetness.” This was the first test to see if she’d play by my rules inside the club.

  She hesitated for half a step before keeping her eyes downcast and allowing me to pull her toward our destination. I kept hold of her arm as I unlocked the door and guided us through.

  She gasped and her body tensed when she took in the sight of the room I’d selected for tonight. The first time she’d been here at the club, I’d placed her in the punishment room as a way to intimidate the hell out of her and get her to talk. This time was meant to push her past her comfort zone and to have a little fun playing a game.

  I turned Jesse toward me and bent down enough to meet her eyes. “I know your hard limit is no penetration with my dick in your pussy. We’re going to see about renegotiating that limit and putting it on your soft list. But that won’t happen tonight.”

  She seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and the muscles in her body seemed to relax at my words. “I’ve brought you in here to go over what I expect of you as my submissive and to get you used to the idea that eventually we’ll end up in that bed togeth
er. For now, I’ll only want to feel your naked body flush against mine, but I’ll make no qualms about letting you know I want to claim you in every way a man can claim a woman. I want to possess your body, mind, and soul by the time we’ve completed your training. You’ll grow to anticipate my every word, bending to my will and freely giving me your pleasure.”

  I took a step back from her, letting my eyes travel the full length of her body. I noticed a shiver run through her, surprising that I affected her as much as she affected me. “Damn, that outfit was made for you; it’s fitting your body like a second skin. As much as I’d like to stand here and appreciate the attire, your first lesson begins now.”

  Jesse instantly dropped her gaze to the floor. This wouldn’t do. Most Dominants wanted to rule over their submissives completely, not me. I wanted one to respond to me and follow my lead, but I also wanted her to see the pleasure she brought me. I reached out to her, grabbing her chin and forcing her to look at me. “When we’re in the general club area, your tendency to look at the floor will serve you well with other Dominants. But when we’re alone, I want your eyes on mine at all times unless I have you blindfolded or tell you otherwise.”

  “Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir.” A grin spread across her face, happy that she would be able to look at me.

  Her smile seemed to falter as she stared into my eyes. “Permission to ask a question, Sir?”

  She didn’t need my permission, but I’m glad she asked. “Go ahead, little one.”

  “You ask me to be yours and yours alone during our time together. What about outside the club, and do the rules apply to you as well? Are you strictly mine?”

  She was already possessive of me. I liked this side of her. If what I was feeling for her holds true, she’d never have to worry about me taking another, and no man would dare to look her way again—she’d be mine and mine alone.