by India Kells
“Any last-minute Intel on our target?”
“No news in the last several hours. Nothing suspicious so far. Regular phone calls, normal behavior.”
“Good, and the eyes and ears?”
“All is running as planned. Minimum people in the booth—me, Wes, and Margot, security on standby, ready on my signal. The comm system is off now until I get back in.”
Mac nodded, taking a deep, grounding breath. She knew Purgatory, Gabrielle, and Lance. They wouldn’t leave anything to chance.
Lance came closer, putting a sympathetic and very warm hand on her shoulder. “Ready?”
As she wanted to agree, only laughter crossed her lips. “No! I don’t think I’ll ever be ready to do this. But I’ll give it my best shot. Margot is a tough teacher and will guide me back if I screw up. It’s just that the only rehearsal was very far from what I will do now.”
“Listen, Mac. This is the worst possible moment for it, but it’s the only one when there won’t be eyes and ears on us.”
Mac tilted her head. “If it’s some special kink of Rodriguez, I’m not sure I can take anymore.”
Lance shuffled a little. “Hope we don’t have any of those. I don’t think my mind can manage with more of those images.”
“Well, thanks.” Lance ignored her sarcasm, which made her worry. “Lance, I don’t need more pressure now, so spill it.”
“I had the chance to talk to Wes when you were getting ready.”
Oh, no. She couldn’t cope with any negative aftermath of what she had done. Wesley may have affirmed that she had saved him, but she didn’t have a moment to process it. Not yet. And knowing the man, he may have told them only to reassure her.
“He talked to me … not long, but it’s more than I ever had from him since …”
Lance swallowed hard, but there were tears in the SEAL’s eyes. Mac took him in her arms before she even realized it. He returned it, full force. “You didn’t break him, Mac. You brought him back. Thank you.”
Mac squeezed her eyes to prevent tears from ruining her badass make-up. But, deep down, she was relieved.
Lance laughed when he let her go. “Jeez, it’s the first time I’m having a hug from a dominatrix. Are you even allowed to, without whipping me into submission first?”
“Oh, shut up before I consider it.”
Lance smiled before turning serious again. “Wes wants to talk to you. And he will. I’m sure you’re starting to understand how the stubborn Sorenson SEAL gene works by now.”
Mac winked at him, as his cell phone beeped in his pocket. “It’s show time. Rodriguez just arrived at the club.”
Chapter 18
Mac was ready, but found it quite weird how she didn’t feel anything. As soon as she left the dungeon room, taking one last glance at her reflection, it was as if ice flowed through her veins.
That perception of detached purpose was what she needed as she marched into the corridor, toward the bar. Time to set the wheels in motion.
Lance was waiting just outside the door. Music and laughter echoed on the other side. Lilianne and Sebastian would be there with specially chosen submissives. Mac didn’t like using civilians, but it was necessary to maintain the appearances of the Wolf’s Den; a place where pleasure had many faces.
“Don’t ask me if I’m okay.” Her tone was clipped and slightly annoyed.
Lance stayed quiet but his silence spoke volumes. He handed her the earbud. “As discussed, security is placed in surrounding rooms.”
Nodding, Mac pulled back her shoulders, prepared for battle. Lance quickly squeezed her hand then disappeared. She took a steadying breath before pushing the padded green door.
It was the first time she had the opportunity to admire the bar in full swing, with patrons lounging and talking around the fireplace. The low beat playing in the room resonated inside of her. And then she saw him. Alone at the bar. He was a bulky man, and that the bulk was all mean muscle. The energy coming from the dark, bearded man, was something that made her trigger finger tingle. In a very bad way. Again, Margot’s lessons helped her keep the persona. She felt more than saw Lilianne and Sebastian’s eyes on her. They were the only two in the room aware of what was about to unfold.
As planned, Sebastian stood and moved to her side. Elegantly dressed in a dark three-piece suit and shirt, he detailed her, too. When she came closer and offered him a smile, the dangerous man took her hand before kissing it.
“You’re stunning, as always, my lady.” His voice was caressing, in his most seductive and enticing tone. Mac only raised an eyebrow. Appreciation and satisfaction lit him up before she hooked her arm with his and was escorted to the bar.
“Mr. Rodriguez, may I have the pleasure of presenting you with Lady Margot, one of our most illustrious dominants in our club? My dear Margot, may I present Mr. Rodriguez who came all the way from Texas to see you.”
Mac extended her hand and smiled. The use of Margot’s name was logical as no face appeared on the club’s website and she was indeed, respected and famous in her field. A new name would have arisen suspicions.
Rodriguez took it and regally kissed her palm, his beard tickling her skin. “It’s a great honor to meet you, Mistress.”
Mac dismissed Sebastian and sat on the stool beside him.
“Mr. Rodriguez, as you may know, I rarely take new … friends. But your request intrigued me. That’s why I agreed for an appointment and to share a drink with you. But your time is limited and my patience thin.”
Disappointment tinged with hope flared in his black eyes as he ordered a glass for her. The barman had received the instructions to offer her a liquid resembling Margot’s usual, rare scotch, minus the alcohol.
“Is this only a meeting, Mistress?”
Mac looked at him from over the rim. “Every adventure must start with a chance encounter. Let’s drink to chance encounters, Mr. Rodriguez.”
They clinked their glass and sipped. Mac was on high alert while maintaining a very contained and enigmatic façade.
“What are you searching for at the Wolf’s Den?”
“I guess the same thing as all of your clients, Mistress.”
Mac smiled, looking amused. “My friends have very different, eclectic tastes and enjoy a variety of activities. How am I to supposed to discover yours? You’re a man used to our desires, and of our world, therefore communication is mandatory. State your demands, Mr. Rodriguez, and we can then debate if I’m the woman to fulfill them.”
Rodriguez relaxed an inch. That single inch confirmed that she had him hooked. The discussion was a must, as per Margot’s instructions. The level of trust in the dungeon required this discussion on limits, soft and hard, about what the submissive wanted and if sex was to be added to the mix. And with Rodriguez, of course, it was. The dark, muscular man described in detail the type of scene he wished to experience. Pure and classical BDSM, bondage, flogging, some canning, and probably clothes pin action before his mistress would make him see stars. The advantage in this scene was that he would be bound quickly, which would shift her persona from pleasure mistress to lady assassin.
Lance, Wesley, and Margot were listening to her every word. So far, they remained silent, which meant that everything was going according to plan and that her dominatrix teacher was satisfied with her performance.
Once the details were discussed and negotiated, Mac uncrossed her legs and got to her feet. “I think we have reached an agreement, Mr. Rodriguez. You are aware of the Wolf’s Den additional fee for not respecting the normal appointment schedule, as well as my compensation fee?”
“Yes. And I’ve paid everything beforehand.”
“Very well. We have an agreement, Mr. Rodriguez. Your safe word please.”
“Red.”
“Very classic. Now, if you would please follow me.”
Rodriguez stood close to her like a puppy through the padded door, into the dim-lit corridor. Every step she took, Mac swayed her hips, giving him a show, keepin
g him in his body, far away from his mind.
However, the puppy turned wolfish when they reached the dungeon door. Rodriguez let go of her hand and plastered her to the wall.
“I will pay for this one, but I was unable to resist.”
He turned her around and Mac was caught between the wall and a thick wall of muscle, who started kissing her. Panic flooded her for a moment. Was that a test? Only one way to be sure. And she poured herself into that unwanted connection. And thank heavens, he wasn’t a bad kisser. When she yielded to him, she heard him groan and he pushed his growing cock against her buttocks. This single movement made her react and despite his huge frame, he was flat on his back, heaving, and his erection nowhere to deflating whatsoever.
Mac put one foot on each side of his hips … well, as much as the tight leather would allow, and leaned forward. “You will pay for taking liberties with me, slave.”
Rodriguez smiled. “Small renegotiation, Mistress, if I may.”
Mac straightened and arched a brow, waiting.
“May I have the pleasure of making you come with my mouth once you’re through punishing my misbehavior?”
She winced internally. A kiss may have been allowed, but the lips on her face were the only one he would ever touch. Nevertheless, keeping in character, she winked. “Now, enter the room, undress, and kneel by the door.”
Scrambling up, the man bowed slightly and smiled. “I think I know who you are.”
Mac froze at the words, but before she could react, Rodriguez smirked. “A dominant who isn’t reluctant in giving control sometimes.” And he shut the door.
Whoa, that has been a close call. Her head spinning, she leaned against the wall an instant. She almost jumped out of her skin when Wes’ voice resonated in her ear.
“Are you all right? Don’t speak, just make a sign to the side camera.”
She gave him a thumbs up and was glad she didn’t have to use her voice right now. It would have sounded wobbly. This wasn’t even close to what she did with Wesley earlier. There was no connection, no caring, and disgust was hovering near the surface.
Margot’s voice came in her ear. “You’re doing very good, girl. Stay in character and when you walk into that room, go full force. Don’t forget, that man is a connoisseur. The quicker you get him bound, the less likely you are to make mistakes. You understand?”
Mac nodded to the camera.
“He’s ready, girl. Knock him off his feet.”
Shoulders back, spine straight as an arrow, she braced for what was to come.
When she entered the room, as expected, Rodriguez was kneeling by the door, head bowed buck naked, the image of submission. Involuntarily in her mind, Mac compared him to Wesley and pushed the thought aside quickly. Lack of focus would be her undoing.
She went to retrieve one of Margot’s recommendations for him, a rattan cane. Classical, but thin enough to inflict lots of pain if the dominant didn’t control the strike. That wasn’t Mac’s case. Margot had taught her well, even in a short amount of time.
When she turned to Rodriguez, Mac took a moment to walk around him, looking at the plethora of art inked on his body. Her cane in hand, she started contouring the one on his back, one of a cemetery with many tombstones and rising moon.
“You please me, slave. I like a man who isn’t afraid of pain, and I see that some of your tattoos must have been painful.”
“Yes, Mistress.”
The cane cracked on the muscles of his upper back. He shivered uncontrollably.
Her voice remained calmed and detached. “I didn’t give you permission to speak. And you already have a lot to amend for. I would be very careful if I were you. Understood, slave?”
“Yes, Mistress.”
Even if the strike had been mild, Mac saw a red slash blossoming where it had landed. As Margot had told her, it was a powerful tool.
“Stand up.”
The man moved so quickly, Mac almost yelped in surprise. He stood before her, relaxed, his head bowed.
“Go to that bench and leaned forward.”
As he positioned himself, Mac decided to follow with what Margot had told her. She may not push as far as he wished, but it could very well be the preliminaries to have him bound and under her control.
“Now, you have taken liberties with your mistress. Is that right?” She let her hand trace his back and clenched her teeth as she forced herself to touch his buttocks and inner thighs.
“Yes, Mistress. I’m sorry.”
“No, you are not. I can hear it in your voice.” The cane cracked and this time, his smile was replaced by a wince.
Rodriguez wasn’t taking her seriously yet and she had to upgrade the pain, that was a fact. She softly glided the cane from his ass to lower on the back of his thighs. Up and down, and then she hit again. Harder, in a slightly sensitive place before caressing the sting again. In no time, his ass and thighs started to glow with heat. She came behind him, pressing her hips against his ass, scratching her fingers up his back until she reached his neck and grabbed a handful of hair, pulling his head back.
“Slave, I want to hurt you bad for putting your hands on me without permission. I’m debating what punishment would bring me satisfaction.”
His pulse tripped on his neck and his breath started to accelerate, but he remained silent.
She pushed him back, flat on the table. Mac straightened, letting her hands glide to his rosy cheeks, making a lazy pattern on his hips until she made a detour to grab his cock with one hand. “Would your cock take a lashing as good as your ass, pet? Maybe it’s something we can explore together very soon.” He couldn’t hide his breath of relief when she let got of him.
“But now, pain before pleasure, as we say.” She grabbed her cane again. “For your punishment, and as I want to prove you’re the outstanding sub I suspect you are, I will give you twenty lashes with the cane. And as I hit you will count. Understood?”
“Yes, Mistress.”
She saw him brace himself, knowing what was to come. At that moment, she decided to increase the challenge. “And while I administer your punishment, you will stroke yourself. You’re not allowed to come. As I said, pain before pleasure, slave.”
Rodriguez pushed himself up, and with one hand immobile on the table, he took himself in hand.
As clockwork, she started canning and Rodriguez started counting. At the tenth stroke, his voice broke and from behind, she saw the accelerated movement of his arm.
“Careful, slave. You’re still in your punishment. If you come without my consent, I will have to explore more dire consequences.”
His hand slowed down and she resumed until the number twenty was reached. Her arm hurt and by the appearance of his ass and thighs, her criminal submissive was in a world of pain, too.
“Stand up and face me.”
He did, his face red from the pain and excitement, sweat slowly sliding down his chest, his member so red, it had violet hues. Mac prayed for strength when all she wanted was to beat that murderer to the floor and flee. Her sensual side had trouble keeping this masquerade up.
But she did, this was her mission, this is what she had to do to get to Calvi and end all this, even if she had to chip at her sanity.
So Mac cocked her head and smiled, stepping closer to whisper in his ear as she caressed his torso.
“You bring me great joy, slave. And I can’t wait to give you as much pleasure as you can withstand pain.” Her hand wandered down to his stomach until she circled him with her fingers. As if possible, he grew even thicker. With his member still in her hand, she started to walk backward, toward the St. Andrew’s cross, her ultimate goal.
Mac made sure to caress as much of the man as she could stand while she started to place him in the X-shaped contraption. As she was about to tie his first leg, he moved slightly.
“Mistress? Do you allow me to ask for a request?”
No! her mind screamed. She was so close to having him where she wanted to. But, instead
, she stood up, placing her fists on her hips.
“I was in a good mood, slave. Do you desire to switch into a nasty one?” Then, she sighed dramatically. “Your request better make me smile.”
Rodriguez hesitated and slightly bowed his head. “After, and only if it pleases you, can I make you come, Mistress?”
Far away in her ear, she heard a familiar voice stating something like over his dead body, so the grin she gave Rodriguez wasn’t totally fake.
“Only after I’m satisfied taking you in my mouth, slave. Now, shut up.”
That simple sentence did the trick. Rodriguez relaxed in his submissive state again. As she forced herself to slow down, tying the leather straps one by one over his body, she made sure nothing was out of place, avoiding any mistakes to make him suspect that this whole scene was quickly coming to an end, and not the way he was expecting.
