She pulled on a robe and ambled toward the kitchen. Gus stood at the stove, dressed in jeans with an apron over his naked chest.
“I really love that look.”
His easy grin was infectious, and she smiled right back, happy he hadn’t left. Happier still that he wanted to stay. “Would you like me to take over?”
One brow arched. “Always. You just say when.”
In just those few words, he reassured her that what was happening between them was hers to shape. She came closer, sliding an arm around his naked back and peering into the skillet. “Making enough for both of us?”
“Yup. I figured you’d be hungry once you stopped snoring.”
“Not nice.”
A smile twitched at the corners of his mouth. “So spank me.”
She blushed and ducked her head. “I’ll set the table.”
She placed their settings close together, poured orange juice and then took a seat. Gus carried in two plates covered with eggs, bacon and toast.
Aislinn ate so fast she didn’t realize it until she glanced up to catch his bemused expression. “I was hungry.”
“I can see that. Glad the food was to your likin’.”
She shoved her empty plate away and leaned an elbow on the table to watch as he ate. His plate was piled high, three eggs, numerous strips of bacon and three slices of toast. “So you know how to cook.”
“I cooked for my mom. After she divorced Dad, it was just her and me. When I didn’t have football practice, I made her meals so she could rest.”
“You were close?”
“We still are. But I’m not a mama’s boy.”
“I don’t think it would necessarily be a bad thing. Means you respect women.”
Gus nodded and speared another bite of egg. “How ’bout you? Got brothers, sisters?”
“One of each and both parents. They live in Kansas City.”
“Why’d you move so far from home?”
Aislinn shrugged. “Old story. I followed a boyfriend here. Things didn’t work out.”
His expression grew alert, hazel eyes narrowing. “Why’s that?”
Aislinn glanced away. She felt foolish saying it aloud. “Wrestling was his idea of foreplay. He couldn’t figure out my gasps were from panic, not excitement.”
Gus’s forehead furrowed into a fierce, furious frown. “What’s the name of this dickwad?”
Aislinn shook her head. “He’s long gone. And after him, I wanted to be in charge of my own pleasure. It’s how I found La Forge. So it’s all good, right? We never would have met if he hadn’t been a dickwad.”
Gus set his fork aside and leaned toward her. “Aislinn, I’m a big guy. You ever feel like I’m comin’ on too strong…”
She laid her hand on the side of his face and gave him a little smile. “I’ve never felt a moment’s panic with you, Gus. You’re big, but you know it. It’s what impressed me so much that first time. Why I let you take over.”
He turned his head and kissed her palm. “I don’t like that you’re gettin’ love notes from a stranger. Maybe you should consider…” His lips crimped into a straight line, like he’d thought better of finishing the sentence.
“Say it. Whatever’s on your mind.”
“Maybe you should only play when I’m around to keep you safe.”
Aislinn grew still, savoring the warmth blanketing her, the gentle fullness in her chest, like her heart was expanding. “You’re sweet, Gus. But are you saying that because you want to keep all women safe or because it’s me?”
“Baby, I don’t know any speed but fast. Sorry if it makes you uncomfortable, but I’m sayin’ it because it’s you.”
His hot, intense stare left her without any doubts that Gus was hers—if she wanted him. The only question to be answered was whether she was ready for a commitment like that. The problem was Aislinn didn’t know what she wanted. She’d plotted a slow course of self-discovery and didn’t think she’d reached her destination. Not quite yet. She hoped she’d recognize some landmarks soon.
Aislinn picked up his fork and handed it to him. “Eat up. You’re gonna need your strength.”
Not betraying a sliver of disappointment that she hadn’t given him the answer he craved, Gus smiled. “Yes, ma’am.”
Chapter Five
Friday night arrived, and with it, a major case of cold feet.
Techno throbbed like a headache. The recessed lighting above the raised stage shone like a spotlight in a 60’s crime-show interrogation room.
Aislinn stood, hands jammed on her hips, and surveyed the space she’d reserved, trying her best to shake off her unease.
“Have everything you need?”
She turned to the club manager. “I think so.”
“Are you sure he’s ready for this?” Jennifer asked, concern in her gray eyes. “You pushed him hard last week. He’s still relatively untested.”
Aislinn cringed inside. The more apropos question circling her mind since Gus had left her apartment early that morning was why she felt the need to go through with this at all. Something had changed between them. Something not the least bit subtle. He’d given her his heart. So why was she dead set on still doing this?
“He topped me, Jenn,” she said softly, knowing she was really trying to convince herself that was the issue. “That hasn’t happened before.”
Jennifer reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. “So is this meant to restore your confidence?”
Aislinn wrinkled her nose. “That would be bad?”
Jennifer nodded. “His welfare and evolvement as a sub should be your foremost priority. Perhaps you should consider taking a step back and let him see you work with someone else. Someone who doesn’t matter to you quite so much.”
The suggestion made her stomach churn. Aislinn stood still, wondering if she was doing the right thing. She hadn’t consulted with Mondo because he was friends with Gus and might give him a heads up. The way Jennifer watched her, concern etching a line between her brows, made her worry that she was taking this too far. Maybe Gus wasn’t ready. Maybe this really was all about her needing to reassert herself. Was she really that insecure?
Why take a stage and arrange a scene—something sure to embarrass the gruff, quiet man?
“I could sub for you tonight…”
Aislinn shook her head. “I appreciate your offer. And I’ll think about what you’ve said, but I need it to be Gus.” And that was the only thing she knew for sure. No one but Gus had ever knocked her off her sure footing.
Jennifer’s expression cleared and a sparkle of humor glinted in her eyes. “Now I’m regretting having to cut that video feed. Care to tell me what happened between you two?”
Heat suffused Aislinn’s face, thinking of the masterful way he’d taken her. “I plead the Fifth.”
Jennifer glanced at her watch. “Guess you better go get dressed. I’ll keep this setup free.”
Aislinn gave her a tight smile. “Thanks for everything.”
“I live to serve.”
As Jennifer moved away, Aislinn wondered, not for the first time, exactly where the manager’s passions lay. For the most part, she dutifully wandered the rooms, dispensing advice, stepping in when she thought a particular scene got too intense for one of the players. On rare occasions, she joined in, a deft switch, able to demonstrate proper techniques like a seasoned Domme or submitting while she provided needed critique. Most often, she opted for S&M play, seeming to enjoy the more sadistic forms of punishment.
Aislinn had recoiled from some of the heavy-duty things Jennifer had endured. It wasn’t in her nature to inflict truly painful punishments. And yet, she’d witnessed the glowing serenity that suffused Jennifer’s face following a particularly grueling session.
Perhaps, Aislinn thought, she wasn’t really destined to live the life. Her reasons for drifting into the club no longer seemed valid. After leaving her numbskull boyfriend, she’d wondered about the attraction of D/s and decided to exp
eriment. While he hadn’t left her damaged goods, he had inspired a burning curiosity.
And she’d found something here, for a time, that she’d been missing in her life. Lately however, she’d wanted something more. Was the missing ingredient true connection? Or perhaps, love?
Was Gus the one? She really didn’t know. For sure, his animal attraction was a potent aphrodisiac. His willingness to submit left her heady, excited like she hadn’t felt in a long, long time.
Today, she’d been eager to rush through work, flubbing orders, just so she could get out the door early and hurry to La Forge.
All day long, she’d relived their encounters over and over. Her body hummed with anticipation and arousal at just the thought of seeing him again, of stroking his skin and laying stripes on his body because he’d allow it. But she didn’t know precisely how she wanted the scene to end.
Certainly, she wanted to dominate him, find his passion buttons, figure out how to trigger his arousal and push him to the breaking point. By accident, she’d found one that first night—offering her nipples for comfort after the stinging pleasure of the paddle—but she’d paid with fragments of her dignity.
Not that she truly minded all that much—which was why she was riddled with self-doubt. What did she really want?
Aislinn was inside the changing room, opening her locker before she remembered her little problem. Instead of a note this time, something shoved through the grill at the front, a package lay at the bottom of the metal cage. How the hell had he done it? Her combination was known only to herself and staff.
Her hands trembled as she opened the package. Inside, nested in layers of pink tissue, lay a gel dildo—with a harness. A strap-on. When she lifted it from the box, a slip of paper floated to the floor.
Use this tonight. I’ll be watching.
A flash of anger hitched her breath. Who the hell was playing with her? Although no longer frightened—because the gifts and notes smacked of a love-struck secret admirer rather than a predator—she was nonetheless annoyed at how well-tuned to her desires the gifts really were. She fingered the leather straps. It was perfect.
If her secret admirer hoped for a show, she’d give it to him.
Gus no sooner pushed through the door of the salon when Mondo stepped from where he’d hovered beside it and grabbed his arm. “Come with me.”
Gus gave a quick glance around. Everything seemed like always. Nudity abounded—seats were inhabited by playful couples, naked slaves trailed Masters holding leashes. That particular custom had always seemed a little bizarre—not something he’d ever thought he’d accept. However, the idea of Aislinn leading him around like a Dachshund, eager for a nibble of his favorite chew-toy, appealed.
Then he spotted Beau and Craig, fully clothed, leaning on their elbows against the bar. They lifted their chins in silent acknowledgement. He passed Jackson and Marti, whose outfit consisted of strips of shiny PVC across her breasts and hips. He gave her a quick, tight grin and shook his head at Jackson, who looked extremely uncomfortable.
The only member of their posse not present was Craig.
“What’s goin’ on, Mondo? Aislinn’s stalker make another move?”
“Don’t know about that, but buddy, you’ve got trouble.”
“What do you mean?”
Mondo pushed him toward a lit stage, empty except for the manacles hanging from a hook in the ceiling and a padded sawhorse. Gus’s eyes widened, and he shot a glance at Mondo. “No. You’re fuckin’ with me.”
“Oh, you’re gonna be fucked, but I’ll only be watching.”
“No way.”
Mondo’s hand latched around his upper arm again, and he pulled Gus toward the first room down the corridor. Mondo pushed him inside then closed the door. “How much do you want this girl?”
Gus shrugged, trying to be nonchalant and not give away the fact he was head-over-heels for the woman. “I like her.”
Mondo canted his head, eyes narrowing as he studied Gus’s expression.
Gus’s cheeks heated, and he cursed the fact he’d never learned to keep a poker face. “Okay, I like her a lot.”
“And what happened between you last Friday night…”
Gus blew out a deep breath. “Just the most amazing sex I’ve ever had.”
Mondo nodded slowly. “And that was all?”
“That’s not enough?” He said the careless words, but inside he winced. The last thing he wanted to do was admit he’d felt the world tilt the moment she’d laid the first sharp slap across his ass. He wasn’t some slave-boy looking for a spanking. The fact she’d wanted to do it had made the difference.
“How far would you go to please her?”
Mondo was using the voice—the one he used on subs right before he flicked a tender nipple with the sharp end of a whip. The texture of it was soft, yet not the least soothing.
Gus’s hackles rose. “Get the fuck out of my head.”
“Would you take a little humiliation if it pleased her?”
“What the hell does she want to do? Spank my ass where everyone can see? Seems a little too late to spare my dignity since everyone knows that’s what she already did.”
When Mondo’s direct stare didn’t relent, Gus’s shoulders fell. “She’s not stoppin’ there, is she?”
“She hasn’t consulted with me. But I know she wants to take back control. Punish you.”
Gus felt a twinge inside his chest. “Didn’t she enjoy what happened between us?”
“That’s not the point.”
“Didn’t she?” Gus asked again, beginning to worry.
“Yes. But it’s more complicated than that. And I shouldn’t tell you anything more.”
“You could give me a clue.”
Mondo shook his head. “Trust her. Nothing she’ll do will be anything you can’t live with. If you want her, let her lead. But be ready.”
Gus didn’t like the sound of that. He was already beginning to feel a little queasy and starting to sweat. He scraped a hand through his hair. “Is she here?”
“She’s ready. Whenever you walk out of here, it starts. If you don’t want this, keep walking right out the door.”
Though tempted, Gus couldn’t stand the thought of leaving her standing on that stage. Her disappointment would weigh him down, crowd his chest. Even before they’d started to figure out what was happening between them, it might be over. Just like that. Gus knew it.
Biting back his unease, he decided to give her a cue, a reminder that he was there for her—no matter what. Ignoring Mondo, who stood beside him, arms crossed over his chest, Gus stripped, leaving his clothes in a pile beside the door.
Then, giving Mondo a glare because his friend’s grin stretched wide across his face, he slammed open the door and strode naked, body and soul, into the hall.
Aislinn could have heard a pin drop against the buffed concrete floor, it was so quiet. Jennifer had shut off the music. All the other stages had been vacated as everyone gathered around her stage, ready for the scene to begin.
Word must have spread that something had happened between her and Gus last Friday night. That tonight was all about consequences.
She’d dressed carefully, selecting colors and clothing that would entice Gus, but also confuse. Leather gear, but in a pale orange sherbet. Daring, but feminine. A scanty top that looked more like a shredded bikini bra with skinny straps holding it together. A tight but supple leather skirt with dark flames edging the hem. She’d chosen red gladiator sandals with 3-inch heels. She wore no underwear, no hose. Nearly nude, if she bent she’d flash the crowd, but she intended to give them a show to prove she didn’t give a damn. That last Friday she’d strode through the hall with her own come gleaming on her thighs because she’d meant for it to happen.
As feminine and flashy as her clothing was, she’d pulled back her hair into tight ponytail and worn little makeup other than kohl-rimmed eyes. She’d entice and intimidate.
When Gus strode nude into the hal
l, his strides stalled as he caught sight of her.
Her breath caught at the sight of him, his frame, so large, so vulnerable in his nudity. His face gave little away of what he was thinking, but she noted a pulse pounding at his temple. His skin glowed with a slight slick of sweat. Already, his cock lifted from his groin.
By the square jut of his chin, he told the room to go to hell, and his gaze never strayed, never dropped from hers. Not until he climbed the steps and approached her. Her breath hitched the moment he dropped his head, staring at her toes.
With everyone watching, she fought to clear her mind. To concentrate on Gus. “I thought I might see you this morning,” she said softly.
Not raising his head, he murmured, “I had the day off. No doughnut run.”
“Oh.”
His head lifted slightly. “I didn’t know if you’d want to see me again so soon.”
She accepted his explanation, realizing he’d likely needed the space as well. To think about where this thing they had was going. They’d moved so fast. “I don’t usually push this swiftly with a sub to public displays…” She bit her lip to keep from saying more. Already, the doubts were crowding in that she’d chosen the best way to move forward.
“Don’t worry,” he whispered. “I’m ready.”
Gratitude shouldn’t have been what she felt. Not if she were truly trying to take back the bit she’s surrendered the last time they’d been together in the club, but there it was. She breathed more deeply. “This won’t be easy.”
“Don’t hold back,” he said, his voice gruff. “Whatever you need…”
She cleared her throat and pitched her voice louder. “Do you remember your word?”
“Doughnut,” he replied, no hesitation in his deep voice.
She cleared her expression then pointed toward the sawhorse. “Stand in front of it.”
Gus gave her a last smoldering look, then turned and walked toward the sawhorse. She glanced over the gathering crowd, found Mondo, whose dark eyes gave away nothing of what he was thinking.
Although not officially the dungeon master, he was one of the club’s most experienced Doms. If he found fault with anything she did, he’d call a quick halt to the play. She wondered if he’d be equally moved to spare his friend embarrassment.
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