She paused, then nodded.
“Do you trust me?” He raised the headphones and smiled as she nodded without hesitation this time. “Do you believe in me enough to turn over complete control? Your body and your mind?”
She nodded, slower this time, but again without pause.
“I’m taking everything from you, Chessie.”
He raised the headphones and put them over her ears.
Chessie’s pulse raced and her heart thundered. Panic clawed her chest. She squeezed the silk cloth, tightening her fist, her nails digging into her palm.
Nick had given her a way out. She could drop it.
Her body was on full alert. She could hear nothing, see nothing, say nothing. She could touch nothing.
She struggled to slow her breathing. Could she do this? Could she let him take her voice, as well as sight, sound, and the ability to use her hands?
I can do this. I can do it.
Her sense of smell seemed keener as she breathed in Nick’s scent.
He brushed his mouth over hers and her lips tingled. She felt everything far more intensely than ever before.
Nick moved away and her heart rate picked up again. She tried to swallow, but the gag made it difficult. She tried to hear, but a buzzing in her head grew louder.
Music started playing from the headphones, jolting her. She breathed in and out, trying to steady herself. A contemporary violinist she’d listened to before, one of her favorite music artists, now played in her head.
Nick gripped her elbow—at least she thought it was him—and he guided her a few feet before he took her by her shoulders and turned her around a few times. Not enough to make her dizzy, but enough to make it impossible to know which direction she was now facing.
A lump lodged in her throat. What will he do to me now?
Nick ran his palms over her shoulders, down to her hands before sliding them over her barely clad ass. He untied the bows on each side of her panties and they slipped away.
Moisture flooded her pussy and she wanted him to fuck her.
Yes, fuck.
Hard, fast, intense.
Instead, he ran his fingers beneath her lacy garter belt and down the satin strap to the top of her thigh-high stockings.
Her body had never felt so alive, so filled with the moment. And the moment was amazing.
She had forgotten her fear and now she just felt. She felt everything so intensely her body thrummed like a livewire.
Nick grasped her hair and yanked her head back again.
She caught her breath behind her gag, the sound reverberating strangely in her head with the music.
Another shock shot through her body when Nick sucked her nipple. His hot mouth lit her on fire.
Her mind spun as he licked and sucked her nipples until she thought she would melt into a puddle at his feet.
She could barely catch her breath behind the gag.
He drew away and her nipples felt large and hard as the heat of Nick’s mouth no longer warmed her. They tightened even more as the chain swung between her breasts.
He pulled the chain off and she whimpered.
In the next moment, something latched on to her nipples, pain ripping through her breasts, causing her to cry out behind her gag.
She gritted her teeth, waiting for the pain to subside. It will lessen, right? The nipple clamps were nothing like the gentle ache she’d felt with the nooses of her diamond chain.
Her breathing came fast again and she had to focus on calming it. As she did, the music in her earphones seemed to soothe some of the pain in her nipples, too. Gradually, the sensation turned into an ache that eased to the point where it actually felt…erotic.
Sexy. Exciting.
She’d never thought pain could be sexy, much less erotic or exciting.
Soft strips of leather slid over her skin. She turned her attention on the feel of the leather as it caressed her, teased her.
An image of a flogger came to mind. She’d seen one in the pictures Nick had on his tablet, and one on the wall of this room.
A flogger.
He’s going to use a flogger on me.
She shivered with both fear and delight.
Nick dragged the leather across her breasts, tweaking the nipple clamps. Electricity shot through her. She gasped, then groaned with pleasure behind her gag.
Okay, she might seriously be starting to lose it. So much pain turning into pleasure didn’t make sense.
Or did it?
Is this why people get into BDSM? They like the exciting feelings I’m experiencing at this very moment?
Nick left her for a moment. She knew he was gone without him saying a word. He returned, grasped her cuffed wrists, and raised them over her head. She had a hard time comprehending anything while blindfolded and unable to hear. But she felt him loop the connected cuffs over something. A moment later and she was being pulled up by her wrists until she was standing on the tips of her toes.
Nick began gently slapping the bared parts of her body. Nothing was sacred. He swatted her belly, her mound, her breasts, her ass. He moved around her, constantly swishing the flogger.
A swat landed on her ass, harder than the soft ones. He began slapping each ass cheek, first one then the other in a steady rhythm.
If this is all there is to being flogged…
A deep burn grew in her ass cheeks. Mild at first, but developing in intensity.
Heat expanded, radiating from the flesh he continued to flog.
Tears moistened her eyes as the pain blossomed into flames licking her flesh.
She squirmed, trying to lean away from the flogger and Nick. He only moved closer.
More tears flowed down her cheeks.
Giraffe? Should I drop the silk cloth now?
As the music continued in her ears and the questions poured through her mind, she realized the pain no longer felt so harsh. It burned—a deep, penetrating fire beneath her skin. But…like the clamps, which no longer bothered her at all, she felt increasing pleasure.
Everything about what was happening felt so intense. She could only focus on her body and the man touching her.
Chessie let the music fill her mind, the sensations complete her body.
She drifted onto a plane, another form of existence…and drifted away.
Nick knew the moment Chessie entered subspace. He hadn’t expected it her first time, but she had slipped into it so easily.
He immediately tossed the flogger aside, removed the nipple clamps and the earphones, and unfastened her cuffs from the hook overhead.
She sighed as if in a blissful state as she sank into his embrace. He carried her to the soft mat so he could remove the cuffs, gag, and blindfold. She snuggled against him. Crimson still lined her cheeks from the gag, and to either side of her eyes, as well as her wrists.
He scooped her up and held her close as he carried her to aftercare. The marvelous woman in his arms looked so sweet and peaceful.
She felt wonderful in his arms, like she belonged there.
She does.
Nick walked into the aftercare suite and headed toward his private room. He entered it and closed the door behind him before carrying Chessie to the circular divan. He eased onto the mattress and settled her on it. Her hair was splayed on the bedcovers, her eyes were closed and her lips tipped up.
He studied her as he rubbed at the red marks on her wrists, working on her circulation. She’d been hanging from the hook, and standing on her toes, for a good twenty minutes.
For years, Nick had kept an emotional distance from women. He’d be a sub’s Master, but only at Club Surrender. He’d had no desire to take play beyond what it was.
Then came Chessie.
He’d kept an emotional distance from her for so long…and one day he realized he’d fallen in love with a woman who was innocent and sweet.
Often, he had thought about what a perfect sub she would be. On her knees, obeying his commands while he brought her ultimate plea
sure.
He had thought Chessie’s complete subservience would be required. Without it, there would be no relationship.
Now, as he looked at her lying peacefully in his arms, he knew she had him with no conditions whatsoever. He would do anything for her. If she woke up and said she didn’t want to have anything to do with the lifestyle, he would walk away for her, and only her.
Damn. This wasn’t supposed to happen.
He stroked her cheek with his knuckles. He hadn’t planned on taking things so far her first time. He hadn’t even had her look over a contract and let her set her limits.
He’d wanted to ease her into it slowly.
But he’d taken her all the way to subspace.
The beautiful little witch had him.
He settled her on the mattress. She made small sounds of protest, perhaps not wanting him to leave.
He strode to the small refrigerator in a bar that stocked everything but alcohol. He didn’t allow it in aftercare.
One condition of membership to his club was a strict policy of no alcohol before, during, or in aftercare. After a Dom had completely cared for his or her sub, they were free to do whatever they wished.
Nick grabbed a bottle of water and a bottle of orange juice. He deposited them on the nightstand next to the circular divan before he settled on the edge of the mattress.
“Come here, princess.” He drew her into his arms again.
She had looked somewhat distressed when he’d left her for those few moments. Now, she snuggled into his arms and smiled again.
“Sit up so you can take a drink.”
Her eyes still closed, her expression languid, she looked as if she was traveling in dreamland.
He eased her into a sitting position before selecting the bottle of water, removing the lid, and putting it to her lips. He made sure she sipped from the container rather than gulped. She protested, wanting more. She drank every drop, as if she hadn’t had water in days.
When she’d finished the water, he offered her a sip of orange juice. She sighed with clear delight.
As she drank more of the juice, her eyes fluttered open. She looked confused as she stared up at him, then turned her head to take in her surroundings.
“Where are we?” She pushed her fingers through her hair and brushed it from her eyes. She looked only a little sleepy now. “What happened?”
“Subspace.” He slid his fingers down the side of her face. “I didn’t expect it. I thought you might enjoy a little play. But you went beyond.”
“Beyond.” She looked thoughtful. “That’s a good word for it.” She leaned her head against his chest. “I remember everything now.” She tilted her face up so her gaze met his. “I’ve never experienced anything like it. When I saw those pictures, they made me feel…excited.” She gave him a small smile. “But it was far more exciting than I would ever have dreamed. I never imagined I could enjoy being tied up and flogged like that.”
He smiled, warmth burning his chest.
“You’re mine, princess.” He brought her close. “You belong to me.”
Chapter Fourteen
Chessie had woken to sunshine and a blissful feeling that bubbled up inside her to the point of bursting. She’d bounced out of bed into a beautiful new day.
It isn’t going to last. The refrain once again tried to push its way forward as she dressed for the day. She shoved the thought to the back of her mind.
She took a quick inventory, from the tenderness of her nipples to the gentle burn on her ass where Nick had flogged her.
She shook her head in amazement. Never in a million lifetimes would she have believed her boss would take her out to dinner then flog her to the point of no return. And just as unbelievable… She liked it. No, she loved it.
Her mobile phone rang on her nightstand. Probably one of her best friends checking in on her—or maybe all three wanting the latest scoop right now.
She couldn’t wait to tell them—
Tell them what? That Nick had hung by her wrists, her nipples clamped, and she’d been flogged until she had gone into some kind of dream state?
Nope. Not gonna tell them everything.
The phone continued to ring insistently.
She smiled, grabbed it, and glanced at the screen.
Nick.
Her heart rate picked up and she nearly gave a schoolgirl cry of excitement.
She managed to answer the phone before it went to voicemail.
“Hi, Nick.” She sounded breathless, as if winded from a run.
“Good morning, princess.” The deep timbre of his voice sent a shiver through her. “How are you feeling this morning?”
“Wonderful.” She grinned and scooted up in bed. “Amazing.”
Nick’s warm laugh made her all toasty and gooey inside, like a roasted marshmallow. She pictured his sexy smile. “I’ll take that as you having enjoyed your evening.”
“I more than loved it, Nick.” She wondered if she was showing too much excitement, but this was Nick. Her boss for the last few years. Still, he’d been so unobtainable. Maybe he was, but he’d called her. “It was magical.”
“I am pleased to know you found our evening enjoyable.” He still had a formal way of speaking in his sexy accent, but it sounded more casual this time.
She wondered if others could spot the change if they hadn’t spent as much time with him as she had as his assistant.
“I’d like to pick you up for lunch,” Nick said. “Can you be ready by eleven?”
Chessie glanced at the clock, feeling as if she might burst with excitement. Don’t act like a silly girl, Chessie.
It was still fairly early, which gave her plenty of time.
“Eleven is perfect.” She heard the grin in her voice. “What should I wear?”
“Do you have anything that doesn’t hide your lovely body like your suits do?” he asked with a smile in his voice.
She laughed. Lovely body? “I have sundresses, but nothing fancy.”
“Perfect.” She could picture his decisive nod. “See you soon, Chessie.”
“See you,” she said a moment before he disconnected the call.
She sat on her bed and hugged her phone to her chest. This thing with Nick might not last, but she’d treasure every moment he gave her.
* * * *
It was exactly eleven when a knock sounded on the front door. She’d already dressed and chatted with her best friends. Greg had left earlier to hit the beach with his buddies, leaving Chessie alone.
The outfit she had picked was her favorite sundress. The white eyelet material set off her light tan, and thank God, she had a decent pair of flat white sandals she had bought a couple of weeks ago.
She’d chosen simple but well-made silver-toned jewelry, including hoop earrings and a pretty heart necklace. Greg had given her the set for Christmas. He might have been a big doofus sometimes, but he had great taste.
She answered the door the moment she heard the knock—so much for not acting like a teenage girl too excited to wait.
Chessie’s breath escaped her in a rush. Nick stood on her doorstep, looking even sexier than she could have thought possible. He wore a sapphire-blue collared shirt that stretched across his broad chest and shoulders, and snug Levi’s that showed off his powerful thighs to perfection. He wore boat shoes with no socks. She wasn’t used to the casual style on him, but he couldn’t have looked better if he’d tried.
Her throat grew dry as she stared up at him. He caught her by her waist and dragged her close. He took her mouth in a commanding, dominant move. It caused her nipples to tighten and tingles to run from her bellybutton to her core, the place that wanted him, needed him. God, she loved how he possessed her in every way.
When they parted, she had to catch her breath as she stared up at Nick.
He moved his gaze down her body, lingering on her breasts before he met her eyes. “You look beautiful, Chessie.”
Her cheeks warmed. “Thank you.”
She grabbed her purse and he escorted her to a black Jaguar coupé parked in her driveway. He held the passenger door open and waited until Chessie was settled. He strode to the driver’s side and folded his length inside. This time, no chauffeur—just this powerful man, her, and a hot little sports car.
Nick sped through LA to Santa Monica. Racing through the city and on to their destination together gave her a high, and she felt like she was on top of the world. Like one of those actors in the movies, she wanted to stand with her upper body through the sun roof, spread her arms wide, and scream with delight.
It didn’t matter where they were headed, as long as it was with Nick.
They made it to Santa Monica in less than half an hour.
When they reached the town, Nick found a parking spot not far from the pier.
He opened her door, took her hand, and helped her out of the Jag. “Do you like crab?”
Chessie nodded. “Love it.”
He locked the vehicle and took her hand. His felt large around hers as they walked to the pier. The conversation between them in the Jaguar had been casual and relaxed, as if they were a couple who’d been together for years.
Sun warmed her bare shoulders and her hair on their way to the pier. She breathed deeply of the clean smell of fresh air breezing in from the Pacific.
Nick took her to a crab shack where he bought two buckets of crab. They sat outside at a picnic bench and she laughed when he put on a bib.
“You think it’s funny?” He gave her a mock-stern look. “Don’t laugh, because you’re going to wear one just like me.”
She snorted when she laughed, which caused her cheeks to heat and made him grin.
He made a production of tying it around her neck. He leaned close and she breathed in the scent of his sun-warmed skin.
A spark of amusement lit his eyes when he leaned back. A grin quirked the corner of his mouth. “Gorgeous,” he said, and she rolled her eyes.
“You’d look great in a flour sack.” He leaned forward and lowered his voice down to a low purr. “You definitely look good in barely anything at all.”
She shook her head and smiled.
He took his seat across from her, selected a crab leg, and started cracking it.
Shameless Surrender Page 11
