“Remember my instructions,” Trent stated as he started walking.
Troy and I fell into step with him, keeping that small distance between us.
Excitement fizzed in my veins as soon as he started toward the stairs. Would we go up or down? Dungeon or playroom? Exhibitionism or privacy?
Finally, I had something to look forward to.
I didn’t mind being in the dungeon, but I preferred something a little more intimate. I rarely experienced that with the Doms I’d played with. Most of them got off on showing me off, dragging me around, ordering me to do this or that. Naked, clothed, it was never the same in that regard, but all in all, it was still a monotonous routine. I’d never had a Dom who hadn’t been working, as one might say. The men I played with tended to be actors, if you will. Always putting on a show for everyone else. I’d gotten used to it.
My heart skipped a beat when Trent started up the stairs toward the playrooms.
During our brief intermission, quite a few more bodies had arrived. The club noises had intensified, the music a little louder, whips snapping, floggers thudding, chains rattling. The high-pitched screams were becoming more insistent, the deep bellow of instructions more consistent. The place was in full swing.
Once we made it up the stairs, I scanned the room. This floor was getting its intended use as well. Several of the rooms had people in them, some with doors closed for privacy, others with windows offering the voyeurs a view.
We stopped at a door on the far side of the room after Trent paused long enough to whisper something to one of the club-collared submissives I had noticed walking around. This cute little redhead offered a quick nod, then headed in the opposite direction while Trent turned back to the row of rooms lining the wall.
Trent opened the door, ushered us inside, then closed it behind him. There was a small window in the door, which would allow the monitors to check in to ensure everything was all right, but other than that, we wouldn’t have an audience that I could tell.
“Kneel beside one another,” Trent instructed, his voice hard.
Troy seemed to be watching me, as though trying to figure out how to take the position. If there was a right way or a wrong way. While I eased as gracefully as I could down to my knees, he did the same, although he lacked any grace whatsoever.
“I want you touching,” Trent insisted.
We inched closer to one another until our thighs were pressed together. The warmth of his body had me drawing a deep breath in.
“If you know me or know the way I do things, you’ll understand I don’t overly share my intentions with my submissives. I don’t seek permission. I expect you both to dutifully follow my instructions. Should you need to, you have a safe word. I expect you to use it if necessary. Otherwise, I will not be lenient. This is not a game for me. Your pleasure is of my utmost concern and I will ensure I pleasure you immensely. In return, I expect obedience. Especially here in the club.”
For whatever reason, that sounded like a spiel. As though he’d rehearsed it a million times and delivered it at least that many. He was certainly different than he’d been the last few times I’d seen him. Gone was his quick smirk, in its place an intensity that was almost overdone.
I had to keep in mind I’d never played with Trent. It was possible this was his tried-and-true method. It wasn’t my responsibility to determine a right or wrong way. I simply had to follow his commands, to please him. That was my job.
In order to have the experience of submitting to Trent Ramsey tonight, I had to remember that.
So, rather than dwell on it, I perfected my position, ensuring I was as pleasing to my Master as I could possibly be.
Trent
WHEN IT CAME TO PLAYTIME, I was a patient man, a controlled man. I could withstand quite a bit. An unruly submissive wasn’t abnormal and I’d learned to deal.
What I wasn’t used to was a robotic submissive, one who seemed disconnected from the situation, only willing to follow instruction without understanding the give-and-take required to make it an effective scene.
This Clarissa, the one who had arrived looking like an erotic fairy, was as robotic as they came. Every movement was measured, every inhale, every exhale timed perfectly. And that light I’d seen in her eyes, that sassy spark I’d come to admire, was nowhere.
I was trying not to let it piss me off, but it wasn’t easy.
Perhaps it was due to the fact that I was constantly letting my imagination get away from me while doing my level best to show them the sort of attention they should expect. I wanted them with a barely restrained passion, but I knew my role was important. My control was important. It wasn’t necessarily about my pleasure, it was about theirs. In return, when I gave them pleasure, I received the same simply from doing for them.
That was what I’d learned from BDSM. Not only had it allowed me to quell these deep urges I had to dominate, but it helped to hone my patience through the years. And now, I wanted to show them more of what they could expect from me. I refused to be the man who lost control, who took risks that shouldn’t be taken.
I had something to prove tonight.
“It might not look like it, but this is a playroom,” I explained, mostly for Troy’s benefit. “There are hooks hidden throughout the rooms for those Doms who prefer to restrain their submissives. Personally, I have an affinity for bondage. I want to see you at my mercy. However, since we’re engaging for the first time, I’m going to keep things light.”
I had given some thought as to what I wanted to do with them tonight. Although Clarissa had been on my mind for most of the evening—thoughts of tying her up and having my wicked way with her—I was reluctant to do so without knowing her limits. Although she had a safe word, it wasn’t about pushing her to the point of using it. The objective was to push her boundaries, to give her unprecedented pleasure. Not knowing what she enjoyed or what she didn’t put me in a position I wasn’t fond of. I could simply ask her, but I feared I wouldn’t get honesty right now. She seemed more inclined to tell me what I wanted to hear.
As for Troy … I knew what he wanted and what he didn’t. His limit list had been completed with the same attention to detail he gave everything else. I was confident he had some idea of what he was willing and unwilling to do. He seemed more curious than anything and I looked forward to exploring this world with him. Seeing it through his eyes gave me a new perspective.
But it was also about building trust with the two of them, getting them to open up and offer me every ounce of themselves. Clarissa was going to be my biggest challenge. No matter what I told her, she was still in submissive mode. On display, waiting for her next directive, ignoring her base instincts, and ensuring she was pleasing everyone else.
Some Doms would’ve gotten off on that shit. Sure, I liked that she was obedient, but I wanted her to be content, not merely a toy to play with.
The knock on the door had me pausing. I went over and retrieved the file folder I’d asked Tiffany to get. I offered a quick thank you, then closed the door and turned back to my submissives.
I held out the folder to Clarissa. “In there, you’ll find a membership agreement for Dichotomy as well as a nondisclosure agreement.” I squatted before her, looking directly in her eyes. “If you choose not to sign the membership agreement, I’ll have you watch tonight. If you choose not to sign the nondisclosure agreement, I’ll have Zeke take you home when we’re finished here.”
She didn’t say a word, and honestly, it pissed me off.
I gripped her chin firmly. “Do you understand?”
Her eyes were clear, void of all emotion. “Yes, Master.”
This was not going the way I’d imagined it would.
Pushing to my feet, I stared down at her. “If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them when I return.”
Clarissa nodded.
“While I retrieve my kit, Clarissa, I want you to undress Troy.” I stood to my full height. “After you sign the papers. If I come bac
k and find him naked, I’ll know you had no issues with the forms. Otherwise, I’ll undress him when I return and you can kneel and observe.”
Still nothing. No spark of interest, no desire whatsoever. Clarissa was a shell of herself, a body in the room.
I had no doubt she would participate. Her logical brain would allow her that much. After all, her friends were members of my club. She knew it was legitimate. As for her participation, that was yet to be seen.
I might enjoy getting my way, but I damn sure wasn’t looking for a submissive who would merely give it to me regardless. And while Clarissa showed spunk when we were outside of the club, I’d noticed a difference tonight. She was subdued, as though she was only willing to do exactly as protocol necessitated.
The acknowledgement had me grinding my teeth. I needed some air, some time to put this frustration on the back burner so I could tend to Troy in an appropriate manner.
When I reached the door, I glanced at them over my shoulder once more. “And in case you didn’t realize it, that wall is mirrored from this side, but it is viewable from the room next door. Keep in mind, you might have an audience. Since exhibitionism wasn’t a hard limit for either of you, I think that might heighten the experience.”
I glanced at Clarissa, hoping she would say something about limits. She didn’t. In fact, she didn’t acknowledge me at all.
Troy’s eyes darted over to the wall immediately. I could see a hint of fear there, but it wasn’t the kind that would have him running from the room.
“I want him naked by the time I get back,” I ordered, then opened the door and stepped outside.
As much as I wanted to stay and watch from the adjoining room, I opted to give them some time together. Perhaps Troy could get Clarissa to relax. If that was possible, we all might enjoy the evening.
“Master Ramsey?”
As I was heading toward the stairs, I looked up to see one of the in-house submissives walking toward me, the red studded collar around her neck signifying her duty for the night. “Yes, Erica?”
“There’s a bit of an issue down on the main floor.”
I started walking that way and Erica fell into step with me. “What’s the issue?”
“I think it’s being handled, but there was a submissive who safe-worded out. Master Xander asked that I inform you.”
This was the sort of thing I insisted on knowing about. Not because it was out of the norm for a submissive to use their safe word, but because I wanted to ensure everyone was all right. After all, it wasn’t the submissive affected when the safe word was called. I simply wanted to know what was happening. It was the main reason I was looking for a resident Dom who could step in while I was away.
As far as I was concerned, I was responsible for the people in my club. Both Doms and subs. Should an issue arise, I expected to be briefed on it immediately.
“Who was it?” I asked as we made our way down to the main floor.
“Jade.”
Jade Worth was one of those submissives who was eager to explore all her boundaries. I’d seen her many times, though I’d never played with her. She was the happy, sunny sort always quick to smile and extremely willing to do whatever was necessary to be a part of the club.
“What happened?” I asked Erica.
“I don’t know exactly.”
When we arrived on the main floor, I spotted Xander first, so I made my way over to him.
Before I could speak, he nodded toward the Dominants’ lounge area. Sure enough, there was Jade, wrapped in a blanket sitting on Christian’s lap. He held her close, cradling her head.
I turned back to Xander. “What happened?”
“It wasn’t anything dire,” Xander stated in that laid-back tone we all knew him for. “No one was hurt. She panicked.”
“Was Christian with her?”
“No.” He subtly nodded his head toward the bar. “He was. But as soon as she called her safe word, he backed off instantly. All went according to protocol, so there were no issues. But I think he’s a little shaken. Thought maybe you’d talk to him.”
I turned and stared at Xander. “What were they doing?”
“Suspension. He took his time, binding her tightly and thoroughly beforehand. And before you ask, yes, he did everything correctly. I was there the entire time, simply watching. I was enjoying the scene. He’s good at what he does, very thorough, very observant. I don’t think it was what Jade bargained for.”
“Got it. Let me talk to her for a minute.”
“Sure thing.” Xander stepped back out of the way.
When I approached, Jade turned her head. It was evident she’d been crying, her eyes red.
“I’m so sorry, Master Ramsey. I didn’t mean to cause a problem. I got scared.”
“She was hyperventilating,” Christian confirmed. “Took a few minutes to get her down.”
“It’s no problem. You have every right to use your safe word,” I assured Jade. “Are you all right? Any physical problems? Injuries? Trouble breathing? I don’t have a medic on staff, but I can call the EMTs to look you over.”
Jade shook her head and offered a watery smile. “No. I’m not physically hurt. Just … mental.”
I met Christian’s eyes and he nodded. “I’ll take care of her. You should talk to Andrew, though.” There was no accusation in his tone, which I took to mean Xander’s recollection of events had been spot on.
“I will.” Pushing to my feet, I patted the top of Jade’s head, then excused myself to speak with the brooding Dom.
Andrew Peebles was new to my club, but not to the scene. He’d been here for roughly six months, never had an incident, and I’d seen him play with plenty of submissives during that time.
“Hey, you all right?” I asked as I joined him at the bar.
“I’m good, thanks. Just took me by surprise.” Andrew glanced over, and I could see the concern in his eyes. “She okay? I tried to take care of her, but she wasn’t having it.”
“Yeah.” I peered over to see Christian still holding her, whispering something. “She’s good now. And she apologized. I think it surprised her as much as it did you.”
“I try to ensure they know what they’re signing themselves up for. Rope play isn’t for everyone. She said she’d done it before.”
I wasn’t so sure that was true. Jade had been at the club for a while, but I generally saw her involved in impact play versus ropes. While it might seem relatively innocent, being tightly bound—suspended or not—could cause an unexpected panic attack. Several submissives experienced a claustrophobic reaction, a fear stronger than they could handle.
“Sorry for the interruption,” Andrew offered.
I patted him on the shoulder. “Don’t apologize. Let me know if you need anything.”
“I think I’m gonna check with her one more time, then call it a night.”
I couldn’t necessarily blame him. Some people thought Doms were all hard-core, never affected by the reactions of a submissive—good, bad, or indifferent. However, that wasn’t the case.
As I was turning away, I noticed Tristan coming up from the dungeon. I made my way toward him.
“Is the girl all right?” he asked, his eyes scanning the room behind me.
“Yeah. Your brother’s with her.”
“Oh, good. I stayed back with Zeke because most of the Doms came up here. Figured someone needed to keep an eye on things.”
This man was a born leader, someone who could be trusted to keep a level head when everyone else panicked. That was exactly the type I needed to oversee my club when I wasn’t here.
“I know I’m being presumptuous by asking this, but would you be interested in working here?”
His eyebrows lifted and a small smile tugged at his mouth.
“I’m looking for a resident Dom,” I explained. “Someone who can manage the place while I’m away. Dylan manages the business end, but he’s not in the lifestyle, so I’m looking for someone who can manage the floor.”
He was still staring at me, so I continued, “It’s a paid position, of course. And if you’re not, that’s cool. Maybe you know someone. Someone you trust.”
His eyes scanned the room briefly as he nodded. “I’m sure I could be persuaded.” His smile widened. “The shop’s doin’ well, so I can move a few things around to free myself up. I’ve done floor duty before. Been a DM at another club.”
All of my club’s Masters had dungeon monitor duty, but I was looking for someone who could be in charge overall. I needed someone to keep an eye on everything, including the submissives.
“Let’s talk more later,” I told him.
“Sounds good. Give me a call.” He nodded toward the Dom lounge. “I’m goin’ to check on the little submissive. Make sure my brother’s treatin’ her right.”
I grinned. More like Tristan wanted to ensure his brother wasn’t getting all Jade’s attention. I knew what it looked like when a Dom was interested in a submissive.
Speaking of submissives…
I had a couple of my own I needed to get back to.
Troy
THE SECOND MASTER STEPPED OUT of the room, my heart rate spiked. I managed to push myself to my feet, then assisted Clarissa to hers. She had opened the folder and was scanning the papers inside. I watched her for a moment, wondering whether or not she was going to sign them.
“Did you sign one of these?” she asked, still looking at the paper.
“Yeah. One of each, actually.”
“Did you have any issues with the membership agreement?”
“No. It seemed relatively straightforward.”
“It is,” she noted, and I figured if anyone would know that, it would be her.
Clarissa lifted her gaze, scanning the room. “I need a pen.”
I peered around, wondering whether there was one. I wasn’t sure why there would be, but I walked over to one of the nightstands, and sure enough, there was a pen and notepad inside. I chuckled as I passed it over to her.
“What’s so funny?”
“Nothing. Just curious why someone kept a pen and notepad in the nightstand. Almost like it’s a real bedroom.”
Their Famous Dominant (Office Intrigue, 4) Page 36
