Chapter 11

CHAPTER 11

G age

BDSM.

It was always fascinating to me how people who didn’t know the lifestyle presented the acts as if they did. One aspect I did enjoy was helping change rather conservative thinking. Of course the majority of people who visited the island already knew and either lived the lifestyle full time or at least enjoyed recreational activities.

Having an ingenue like Evangeline was like having a baby bird. I shouldn’t think of her that way, but she had a way of enticing very different aspects of me.

“You look… incredible.”

This time Evangeline had chosen to wear a black dress, but it complemented her hair beautifully.

She blushed. “I didn’t know what to wear. I didn’t bring any chains or leather.”

While I knew she was teasing, a part of her wasn’t. “You’re going to be surprised about what you see and yes, people enjoying wearing costumes or are in collars and leashes. That much is true about what you’ve heard but I will venture a guess the majority of anything you’ve seen or heard is pretty showy and contrived.”

“I’ll take your word for it. Are we drinking here or…”

“We’ll grab a drink at one of the bars downstairs and I’ll provide a few details. However, it’s better if you see things in action, classes as well so you can truly get a good feel.”

“I’d like that.”

“First things first.” I backed away from her, giving her a very heated gaze. Damn if my cock wasn’t already twitching. “Remove your panties.”

“What?” She blinked furiously.

“You indicated you wanted to learn and perhaps experience something about the lifestyle. Correct?”

Her lower lip was twitching as she tried to determine how best to answer. “Yes.”

“What easier and simpler way is there than for you to learn to obey me with simple commands?” I was curious to see how she’d react. With every new conversation, it became easier to see Joseph had done a hard number on her.

Goddamn, I could fuck the man up and would if I was given the chance.

“True.” She didn’t hesitate after that, sliding the hem of her slinky dress past her thighs. Her eyes never left mine as she slipped her thumbs under the thin waist elastic. She was so ladylike as she removed her lacy black thong and there was no doubt how wet she was, how excited. Her longing scent wafted between us. I made her offer them to me and immediately brought the tiny pair to my nose and mouth.

As I inhaled, she pressed her fingers across her lips. But there was no surprise in her eyes, no indication of horror. It wouldn’t be long before her pupils were completely dilated from hunger. A part of her was a carnivore like me. I waited until I pocketed them and cupped both sides of her face, peering down into her shimmering eyes to give her exactly what she needed to hear.

“Good girl.” Very slowly, I lowered my head, brushing my lips across hers. The feeling of having her in my arms was far too enticing. “Are you ready to go?”

“I think so. You’re wearing all black. Is that a fashion statement?”

Chuckling, I led her from the suite and toward the elevator before answering. “It’s my choice of attire as a master. My costume if you will. It’s what I feel comfortable in.”

“A master. So you require a submissive.”

She looked up at me with huge doe eyes and all I could think about was how the fucker Joseph had almost broken her spirit.

“I don’t require one, Evangeline. When I play, I enjoy spending time with one.”

“Anyone special?”

“No one special and before you ask, I haven’t partaken in any aspect of BDSM in a very long time. I rarely do it here.”

“Why?”

We stepped into the elevator, and I pressed the button to the lobby. “I don’t particularly want my members to know what I prefer or enjoy. Just my personal perspective on the lifestyle.”

“Do you have a dungeon at home?”

What she thought about the lifestyle. “No, no dungeon but I do have some implements and one apparatus.”

“A cross. Everyone has a cross. Right?”

“Not a cross. Another special piece I had made in Denmark.”

“So you hire masters and dominatrices?”

“Yes.”

She chewed on her inner cheek, thinking about what I’d told her. By the time the elevator pinged, I could sense she was full of questions. She held them as I led her through the lobby toward one of my favorite little bars, my hand remaining on the small of her back. The electricity between us was significant, making her breathing ragged.

I already had lurid and filthy thoughts about what I would like to do with her, the aspects of the lifestyle I’d enjoy introducing her to, but I doubted she could handle being the center of attention and that was fine. However, I would show her enough for her to understand it wasn’t about inflicting abuse but about letting go. It would be a tough nut to crack but well worth the effort.

The bar wasn’t crowded, which surprised me. While we were walking, she did look over her shoulder once, likely expecting one of her friends to bound out from the shadows. I couldn’t help but find that amusing. From what I’d learned, she was a very good person. She paid her taxes. She owned a nice little house. But that’s basically where the information stopped and I knew there was more.

I grabbed a table far removed from anyone else.

“You don’t live the lifestyle all the time then? I guess not if you don’t have a regular submissive.”

“No,” I told her. “I never have. It’s not something I’ve ever wanted, but certain people do.”

“I don’t get it.”

A waiter walked over and I allowed her to order before I did. Once done, she leaned over the table. “What’s not to get?” I asked.

“Do people dress up all the time?”

“It’s hard to say. What they do in private is, of course, their business, but for most enjoying living the lifestyle, they hold regular jobs and shop for groceries. They often act like a traditional couple in public or out with their friends. It’s behind closed doors where things change.”

“So the submissive caters to his or her every need.”

I nodded, reserved in my answer. “Usually, but not in a cruel way. The submissive has all the power in the relationship, enjoying the requirements and it varies from just inside the bedroom to providing drinks and being the dominant’s company while they enjoy watching television or reading.”

“I have a feeling that’s nothing like what I would know. Is she on her knees, her head on his lap?”

Laughing wasn’t about making fun of her but about trying to make her more comfortable. “Perhaps. To each their own. There are no real rules in privacy.”

“But there are here.”

“The club has particular rules, yes. While I keep watch, I don’t spy,” I told her. “I need to know if you’ve had any experience with a club, a private party, or the lifestyle.”

She rolled her eyes this time. “The same friends I’m here with dragged me to a club once. I don’t think it was a decent representation, more of a glossy overview with dark panels and barely lit sconces. The drinks were flowing, the wild tribal music going, and both men and women were doing everything out in the open. I do mean everything, a lot of flogging going on.”

“Well, some of our rooms are dark while others almost look like a classroom. We allow flogging but drinking is very limited. While we might not be able to control what goes on behind closed doors, we certainly can keep drinking to a minimum inside the club. I’m not going to lie; I’ve seen a dominant become highly intoxicated and take out his anger that had nothing to do with the girl or the act, but he wanted to rid his world of tension. Not allowed.”

“Is he still a member?”

“Not any longer. He’s not allowed on the island. I don’t accept bad behavior.” I enjoyed making her blush but for all the right reasons.

Her long eyelashes batted and while I sensed she was remembering something from her past, she was trying desperately to let it go.

The waiter brought the drinks, a little nervous he was serving the owner.

“Will there be anything else, Mr. Royal?” Even the kid’s voice was shaking.

I quickly glanced at his nametag. “Nothing at all, Evan. Just relax. You’re doing a great job.” You would have thought I’d given the kid a raise from the smile on his face.

“Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.”

At least there was a little more spring in his step as he walked away.

She sighed. “You’re very good with that.”

“With what?”

“Making your employees and guests feel comfortable and wanted.”

I leaned forward until our lips were almost touching. “Well, if you’re adding yourself to this mix then it was easy to do.”

She laughed, the sound throatier than normal. “I like being wanted.”

There were so many questions I wanted to ask, but I refrained for now. She had to trust me and at this point, I hoped tonight would ease some of her fears.

“Well, you are very much so but I don’t push. That’s not my style.” That was a partial lie given my personality but again, I wasn’t going to try to drive her in any direction.

“You don’t know how much I appreciate that. Back to the questions.” She took a sip of wine first and I could swear there was fear in her eyes, but it had nothing to do with me. “You said the submissive was in charge. I don’t understand. Aren’t they often tied up?”

“Misnomer number fifty-seven,” I teased. “Not always. There are ways of being the submissive that have nothing to do with being tied down. And no, they are not being held against their will.”

“Are safe words real?”

“Here’s the industry standard. If you’re playing with a partner you don’t know, almost always used. That provides another comfort point. However, when you learn about a partner’s likes and dislikes, especially if you’re in a relationship, often they aren’t used. It’s between the couple and the level of comfort. Besides, it’s the dominant’s job to learn likes, dislikes just like in rounds of passion.”

“Yeah, well, most men aren’t good at that.” She sighed and looked away then slapped her hand over her mouth. “Shit. I didn’t mean you. You were amazing and seemed to know more about my body than I know myself. It was wonderful and exciting and so different. And I’m blubbering.”

Smiling, I rubbed my knuckles down her cheek. “You’re adorable when you blubber. I know very little about you, Evangeline. The more I know personally, the better our passion will be. Learning someone’s nuances and needs takes time. That’s why BDSM is an art. The best dominants will do anything for their submissives. That’s the reality of the lifestyle. Are there bad men and women who use the power in the wrong way? Well, of course. Just like with any traditional lifestyle. There are jerks who think they can lord their size, weight, family wealth, or education over others. I can’t stand people like that. They are rodents as far as I’m concerned.”

Her eyes were still wide but there was admiration in them, maybe a little respect. “You make the lifestyle sound amazing.”

“It can be.”

“You’re not what I thought you were.”

“And just what is that?”

“I don’t know. Powerful yet pushy, a user of women. I know, don’t stereotype. I’m bad about that, but I have my reasons.”

“It’s okay. I am standoffish for a reason myself. Just know that what you’re going to see tonight is safe, sane, and consensual. I won’t allow anything otherwise to occur in my club. Neither will my brothers. One infraction and they are gone.”

She lit up. “You are quite the man and I think I will enjoy what you’re going to show me. I know. I know. No writing about it.”

“No writing or I’ll be required to put you over my knee.”

“I’m not sure I’d be bothered by that.” She laughed, blushing as she did.

If she only knew what she did to me, the joy I felt by being around her. It was going to be tough to keep my hands off her for the evening. “Enjoy your wine and we’ll explore.”

“Okay. I’m glad to be going with you.”

My cock throbbed. What the girl was doing to me.

Evangeline

Fear.

That was too strong of a word. I’d had trepidation all day as well as excitement. Gage was correct in that I had no idea what to expect. Searching the internet let alone the single experience I’d had had both left a bad taste in my mouth.

I had to admit the way he’d described it did make me even more curious. As he led me toward yet another bank of elevators, I wasn’t surprised when he used the same black keycard to gain entrance. I was jittery but knew he wouldn’t let anything happen to me. It was utterly silly of me to feel anything but safe around him and I was sick to death that Joseph had come close to derailing my vacation.

No more. At least that’s what I’d promised myself.

Getting away from the girls had been interesting, all four threatening to follow me but I hadn’t seen them. Thank God.

“Do you have any additional questions?” he asked.

“I honestly don’t know what to expect. Not yet.”

He was smiling as if showing me around was making him happy. “I did learn a class was in session. Why don’t we start there?”

“You really have classes?”

“Absolutely. Remember what I told you. You don’t simply begin a new activity without learning about its nuances.”

He led me from the elevator, always keeping his hand pressed against my back. It felt natural, possessive yet not pushy. I sensed he knew what I needed and what I couldn’t take. If he only knew the reason I’d finally left Joseph. The night had been horrific, one of the worst in my life and a telling statement about the man. He was nothing but a violent pig who’d intended on keeping me in line.

This corridor in particular appeared as it would going down any other at the hotel. The lighting was normal. Maybe a bit dimmed. While there was no music, the area wasn’t suffocating at all. There were various closed-off rooms that reminded me of a typical hotel floor. I’d noticed the elevator had another floor below this one. I had a feeling that’s where the more interesting events occurred.

“Now, keep in mind you are absolutely allowed to ask questions but only when the master tells you that it’s okay.”

“What are we looking at?”

“Shibari. If you look it up, the books will tell you it was once used as a method of torture but no longer. Now, it’s called the beauty of tight binding. He usually has a submissive he works with at first who is also trained, but often he asks for volunteers, which is quite fascinating.”

He walked us both inside where a session was ongoing. I wasn’t shocked to see a woman twisted and tied in ropes. Completely naked. I was surprised to see how taut her nipples were. The fact the way her feet were crossed at the ankles, the entire audience had a bird’s-eye view of her glistening pussy lips.

“She’s wet,” I whispered, already forced to try to catch my breath. Gage rubbed his fingers up and down my arms, the tingling effect leaving me lightheaded.

“You’d be surprised how exciting being tied is, allowing your master to have full control. Many women find Shibari relaxing as well as the perfect prelude to hot, wanton sex.”

“It’s terrifying. The thought of being tied up I mean.” I wasn’t lying. Another random vision of the various horrors I’d endured with Joseph attempted to destroy my time tonight. Nope. It wasn’t going to happen.

“Remember, trust is vital. Also, some women will never be able to play with someone they don’t know. That’s why having an experienced master, someone who knows your needs and wants is so powerful. Remember, the submissive is in charge.”

I repeated the words in my mind several times, finally able to breathe more easily. I couldn’t deny my pussy was already wet, desire not only for the man but to experience something out of my comfort zone increasing.

Her arms were pinned behind her, the thick coil intricately wrapped past her forearms. The master, in truth, didn’t look so terrifying. Yes, he was wearing all black, including shit-kicking boots as my father would call them, but there was no leather hood. No wild cape or anything like some people might envision.

The master was average looking, but I could tell by listening to a few words he knew what he was doing. The audience was enthralled, the girl hanging in the swing-like contraption looking at him as if the sun rose and set on the man.

He was actively explaining the technique while tying the girl’s bent legs against her chest. She was hanging in an open-woven basket, which allowed for better working circumstances. It all seemed surreal, especially since almost every member of the audience was leaning forward in their seats. I was surprised to see thirty, maybe forty members. Some were dressed more the way I imagined the dominant in the lifestyle would look, but there were also men in suits and women in pretty dresses.

What I couldn’t take my eyes off were the four girls who were exactly as I’d described to Gage, each one on her knees with her head in her master’s lap, peering up at him as if the man was God. It was odd to think the men were likely telling them they were good girls.

Just like Gage had done only minutes before; was this what I secretly wanted? I was terrified of the answer.

“Once you learn the technique, you’ll find adding various roping styles will become much easier.” The master tugged on one of the ropes as he walked around the hanging girl, peering at every member of the audience before nodding out of respect to Gage. The man’s eyes shifted to me as if I was fresh meat, but he continued to educate, obviously enjoying the spotlight.

“What do you think?” Gage whispered in my ear. He was standing behind me, one hand placed on my arm in his typical possessive stance. As he nuzzled into my neck, a series of heated shivers coursed down my spine.

“It’s beautiful, more so than I had any idea about.”

“There are aspects that will floor and scare you. When you’re ready, I’ll be happy to introduce you.”

I leaned against him, needing the warmth. My throat was dry, my entire mind trying to process what I was seeing. It was odd that if I ever attempted anything involving BDSM, it would need to be with Gage.

Why was it the man was rocking my world?