by Suzy Shearer
Maybe it was because of the type of relationship this was. This was extremely intense, or maybe it was simply because it was a new sadist-masochist dynamic. Whatever it was, if he decided this wasn't going to work Avril knew she'd be devastated, and it scared the hell out of her. She shook her head as she followed Steven from the room.
Too soon. Too soon to get in this deep emotionally!
But it was too late. Avril knew deep down she was already seriously hooked on him.
Chapter Fourteen
Steven drove Avril back to her house. Both of them were surprisingly quiet on the return journey. He had no idea what was going on inside Avril's mind, but in his, his thoughts were racing. Suddenly this wasn't simply a sadist-masochist dynamic, it wasn't only about a sadist finally finding a masochist. He'd already told Avril he wanted them to see if they could make a go of things outside the club, but the intensity of his feelings stunned him.
He wanted her. He wanted to be the one who held her when she cried, who made her laugh. He wanted to be the person who cared for her when she was ill, the person who she shared her worries with. He wanted to grow old with her and share his hopes and dreams.
When they arrived at her home he didn't want to leave her. He didn't want to drive away. He wanted to be able to walk inside with her, to sleep in the same bed, to wake to her beautiful smile every morning.
And it shocked the hell out of him.
What if she didn't feel the same? What if the reason she was quiet was because she was having second thoughts? What if she said “no more”?
He walked her to the front door, took her keys, and unlocked the door. She smiled up at him, a different smile. She was hesitant, and his stomach heaved.
In his mind he crossed his fingers as he asked, "Will I see you through the week?"
"I don't know. I have a busy week." He wanted to scream, his heart lurching, but then she added, "Maybe we could meet for dinner on Wednesday, if you're not doing anything?"
"I'd love to. Have a few charters this week, but nothing that will stop me from seeing you. Can I pick you up from work Wednesday, maybe around five?"
"I'd like that."
"Then it's a date."
He kissed her then, and fortunately, her kisses felt the same, the same intensity, and the same passion. He broke off when George kept nudging at his leg. He bent to rub the dog’s head.
"You've got a friend for life with him. I'm sure he thinks you’re his alpha, and now I'm way down the totem pole."
Steven laughed as he stood.
"He's a smart dog. I'm sure he knows you belong on top."
"I hope he does."
"Goodnight, Kitten. I'll see you Wednesday."
"Night, Steven."
He kissed her again, softly, gently this time, then tore himself away.
The next three days he was distracted. He kept worrying that Avril might decide to break off their chance at a relationship. Tuesday, he sent flowers to her work to make sure he was in her thoughts, and she texted him when she received them.
Steven the flowers r beautiful. U shouldn't have
Of course I should
Thank u
Are you missing me?
Lol
RU?
Yes
Good. See u 2morrow at 5
U will
Bye gorgeous
Bye
Wednesday he left work early. He'd no charters to fly that day. These days he tended to only fly when the client requested him or if his other pilots were booked up. Today all his pilots were out on jobs, and his manager, Warren, had everything under control, which meant he could leave the offices in his capable hands.
After running an errand—a special present for Avril, he dressed with care in a dark gray suit then headed to Avril's office. The reception was different this time when he went to the front desk. The girl behind the desk gave him a big smile then rang through. Avril's secretary came out wearing another huge smile. Then he was ushered through the office to Avril's room. Judging by the looks he got, people well recalled the last time he was here. Maybe they were wondering if he intended to drag her off again—he was afraid they'd be disappointed.
Avril was on the phone when he arrived, but he was pleased to see her eyes light up when she saw him. He saw the flowers he'd sent were on the corner of her large desk, making him pleased.
He walked to the window and studied the skyline through the glass until she finished her call. Then she stood and came around the desk to him. He took both her hands in his and bent to kiss her gently. Of course, the gentle kiss turned harder as he breathed in the fresh scent of her hair, the sensual, oriental smells of the perfume she wore, the feminine smell of her. At this rate he'd end up fucking her on the desk. He pushed away slightly and smiled at her. She was wearing a dark blue suit with a white blouse, and he thought each time he saw her she was more beautiful than ever.
"Ready to go?"
"Yes."
He waited until she collected her bag and logged off her computer, then took her hand as they walked through the now-emptying office. Escorting her to his car, he settled her in the passenger seat then got behind the wheel.
"I've booked us a table at Rivers."
"Oh perfect. I haven't been there for ages. It’s a lovely place."
They drove out of the city and about forty minutes later pulled into Rivers, a restaurant, as it name suggested, right on the water. It was always popular, but he'd managed to snare a table for them probably because it was mid-week. Their table was right alongside the glass fronted window that overlooked the river, and he was especially pleased when Avril kissed his cheek in delight.
They had a relaxed meal and talked about everything and anything. He found her interesting—smart and well-read. It felt as if their relationship was entering a new phase as they chatted. They talked into the night and reluctantly left at eleven when the staff began clearing. When he reached her home, he walked her to the front door, carrying the gift he'd bought.
"This is for you."
"Me? Steven, you don't have to buy me gifts."
"I know that, but I wanted to, and you can use this."
"Come in for a moment while I open it."
He unlocked the door and greeted George, then followed Avril to the kitchen. She undid the ribbon around the large box then removed the lid. Moving aside the tissue paper she gasped as she lifted out a beautiful Japanese kimono.
"Oh, my goodness." She beamed up at him. "It's stunning!"
One of the subs at the club owned a business catering to the BDSM world, and she had a few of these gorgeous kimonos. Steven had been lucky that she'd just received new stock from Japan, which meant he'd had the choice of five. Avril ran her hands across the matte silk, tracing the design and caressing the fabric.
"Do you really like it?"
"Like it? Oh hell, I love it!"
She slid her arms through the silk sleeves, and he saw the color was perfect on her. The top half of the sleeves and kimono were black with dusky pink and light plum peonies, cherry blossoms, and off-white filler flowers, but then it bled down to white with the same flowers covering it. It was lined in a very light, soft, dusky pink matching the cherry blossoms. Steven couldn't have been any happier to see her in it.
“Steven, it’s so beautiful. I’ve always wanted a kimono.”
"My friend gets them from Japan. She's actually one of the subs, Denise. Her partner is Evan. He's a Dom."
"Oh, I remember her." She blushed, and Steven figured she'd recalled that first night when Denise had played with Evan and Simon. She looked down at the kimono, lifting an arm and scrutinizing the design.
"Steven, this is truly amazing! It's gorgeous! You really shouldn't have. This would have been very expensive."
He smiled at her then and shook his head then ran a hand down her cheek.
"You're worth every cent. You are so beautiful."
She pulled the kimono closed, her eyes glowing with happiness.
/> "Remember it goes left over right. There's a sash to go with it, be a bit awkward trying to tie it with an obi, but the sash will work for you."
"Steven, I don't know what to say." She lifted an arm and rubbed the sleeve softly against her cheek. "No one has ever bought me something this wonderful. Thank you."
Avril stood on tippy-toes and kissed him. He wrapped her in his arms and kissed her back, hoping this meant she wouldn't break the relationship off before it had a chance to get going. He was surprised at his insecurity about the relationship.
"I'd better go. I've an early flight tomorrow, have to leave at five-thirty."
"Oh hell, Steven, you should have told me. It's midnight!"
"Don't worry, Kitten. It's not a long flight, and I get to rest during the turnaround."
She nodded.
"Can I take you to dinner on Friday night then to the club?"
"I'd like that."
"Will I pick you up from work around five?"
"Can you pick me up here about five-thirty? I have to go out, have to check up on one of our campaigns, and then I'll come straight home rather than go back to the office."
"Of course."
With that he kissed her again then reluctantly took his leave with Avril framed in the doorway still wearing the kimono.
Friday afternoon Steven received a text from Avril, and when he first saw her name he panicked, thinking she was calling it off again, but then he relaxed when he read it.
Caught up with a client. Can we skip dinner & go 2 the club?
How about we grab something 2 eat there?
Perfect, sorry about this
All good kitten. What time should I pick u up?
7?
Perfect
Thanks
When he arrived at her house a few minutes before seven she opened the door wearing the kimono, and he was puzzled.
"Silly I know, but I wanted to wear it as soon as I could. I figured you wouldn't mind if I only wore my underwear underneath it."
At her words his cock leapt into action. He could imagine peeling the kimono off, revealing her body. Maybe one day she'd feel confident enough to not even bother with underwear.
"Mind? You’re kidding. You’re amazing, you look perfect."
She blushed and then picked up her handbag and followed him to the car. When they arrived, Stan greeted them and began talking while Avril went into the changing room. About five minutes later she came out, and they walked into the club proper. Steven felt very proud to have her beside him. They went through the bar and lounge areas where several people greeted them before entering the dining area. They sat at a table after ordering a selection of pastries and a small cheese board.
Steven couldn't take his eyes of her. She was delicious, and he couldn't wait to strip her off and get that pale skin of hers red. They'd almost finished eating when Kaden came over. He actually had the audacity to kiss Avril's cheek, and Steven felt jealous when she grinned up at him and laughed gaily. Kaden pulled out a chair and sat.
"So how is my favorite masochist?"
"I'm good."
"Ooh, I bet you are. When are you going to let me play, too, Steven?"
"Never!"
"Aw, go on. I'm sure Avril would like a change now and again."
"I'll say this very slowly for you because I know how hard it is to get things through your thick head, Kaden. Never, no way, nope. Avril will not be playing with you."
"Mm, that seems kind of final. You sure?"
"Yes, now get lost."
He leaned so he could lay his head on Avril's shoulder.
"Tell the nasty man you like me, Avril. Tell him I can play."
She'd been laughing all through the exchange, and now she patted his head.
"I wouldn't dare, Kade. Remember he wields a whip and he's a sadist."
"Damn. Forgot that, he's just as likely to use me as target practice merely to warm his arm up."
"Exactly! So be a good boy, Kaden, and find your own woman. Stop hitting on mine."
Kaden lifted his head and whispered sotto voce to Avril, "He loves me really, you know. Just doesn't like showing it in front of you in case you get jealous."
Steven realized his possessiveness was really showing, so he forced a grin, which made Kaden laugh.
"Look at him! He’s like a fucking shark."
"Grow up, Kaden!"
Kaden only grinned. "Think I'll go for a wander."
With that he stood and once more kissed Avril's cheek.
"I'm still heartbroken. By the way, can I tell you how sexy you are in that outfit?"
"Thanks, Kade."
"Leave!"
"Okay, I'm going."
He sighed dramatically before heading off through the lounge.
"I'm sorry, Avril."
"Don't be. I like him. He's really silly, but he's rather endearing and, as I said, far too good-looking."
Steven didn't know whether to be pleased or upset at her pronouncement. Still he guessed it was better that she liked his friends rather than finding them unbearable, although he was a little upset that she thought Kaden attractive. He stood and took her hand. Her face changed from amusement to arousal in a split second as Steven rushed her from the room.
Chapter Fifteen
The weeks and weeks flew by, turning into months, and Steven and Avril fell into a routine. If their schedules allowed they would dine together at least once a week, sometimes more. If they didn't manage to meet up they spent hours on the phone talking, getting to know everything possible about each other.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights were spent at the club. They went a few times on Thursday evenings but preferred the other nights. They joined in the monthly munches, and Avril soon knew most of the regular members of the club.
Usually on the weekends they did something together, except for once a month, on a Saturday afternoon Steven would generally hold a class, teaching the correct and safe use of equipment, especially crops, paddles, and the like. Avril tended to get her hair done, go window-shopping, or wash George then meet Steven after his classes.
More often than not Avril slept at his house, bringing George over on Friday nights. They'd been to see several movies, an art gallery exhibition, once to the museum.
Jake came back, and Steven was pleased when he and Avril hit it off immediately. The three men seemed to decide Avril was another sister, and very soon they were teasing and joking with her. She had even asked Kaden and Jake to help her when her car wouldn't start and Steven was away overnight.
They'd picnicked, joining Kaden, Ash and Jake for lunches or dinners a few times. They'd vegged out and watched DVDs together on the couch at Steven's eating pizza and popcorn. One Saturday they went for a long leisurely drive through the mountains, stopping for lunch before returning back to the city.
One Sunday lunch, together with Kaden and Jake, they spent at Ash's parents’ home where Avril was introduced to the delights of Indian cooking and the close-knit family unit. Ash was a different man around his family. He was gentle and loving, especially with his paternal grandmother, who obviously adored him. Steven often ate at the family's house, and he hoped Avril would like them as much as he did.
When they drove back to Steven's house late that afternoon all Avril could do was speak about the family and how much she liked them. Steven was happy—and relieved.
Another weekend Steven flew her across to the next state where they stopped overnight. He'd found a delightful old house that took guests. It was situated in the mountains alongside a river. They spent time walking through the trails surrounding the inn and making love. With each outing Steven found himself getting deeper and deeper involved.
He wondered what Avril thought of their relationship.
She seemed to genuinely enjoy his company outside of the club. They shared so many likes and enough dislikes to keep things interesting. Steven honestly believed they could make a go of a permanent relationship. He knew he really wanted t
hem to start living together, but how to ask Avril?
Whilst at the club their S and M relationship soared. He'd introduced her to the delights for both of them in caning, and she loved it. Steven could see she was accepting more and more pain as he gradually increased the strength and power of his hits. She'd also been introduced to anal sex—albeit slowly and carefully. He'd been using anal plugs, gradually increasing the size until she was now at the stage where Steven could use his cock. The thought of fucking her virgin ass had him so aroused, but he wanted to make sure it was a wonderful experience for her.
They had a late lunch one Sunday at a tiny Italian bistro they'd found a few weeks earlier, after wandering through an antique and mixed wares market and had now arrived at the club. Avril changed into her kimono while Steven waited in the lounge. Then together they went into a private room Steven had booked. As Steven watched in anticipation, Avril slid the kimono from her body and walked confidently to kneel on the flogging bench. He pulled off his boots and his shirt, then padded across the room to run his hands across her skin. He loved touching her, making her skin goosebump whenever he ran his fingers lightly down her side.
Starting with his flogger, he warmed her body until her back and ass cheeks were a delightful shade of rosy pink. Switching to his cane, he began lightly, gently tapping across her buttocks, her shoulders, and her ass until her moans of delight became more insistent. She tried to speak, but her pants made her only gasp—one-word requests of “more” or “please” or “yes” as he plied the cane.
He loved watching as the welts formed knowing the pain he was inflicting on her, delighting in her ability to take all he could dish out. As he listened her panting changed—he now knew her little “tells”. When she began breathing rapidly through her nose, he knew immediately she was very close to coming. This was the moment Steven had waited for. Quickly he unzipped, dropped and stepped from his pants, throwing them across the room toward the bed. He rolled on a condom after pulling a tube of lube from his pocket. Another few cane strokes, she was moaning, mewling, as he covered her ass in lube then began playing with her clit at the same time he rubbed his thumb and pushed it into the puckered rosette.