21. Bridget

brIDGET

I stepout of the shower and squeeze out my hair before looking at my form in the fogged-up mirror.

It's our last night in Key West. We're headed back tomorrow afternoon, and while I know Abigail wanted to go out yet again, the rest of us couldn't muster up the energy.

It's been one drunken day after another.

Tonight, we're keeping it low key which, in Seth's mind, means hiring a private chef for the evening and some help as well, so that we don't have to lift a finger.

While I've always known Seth is wealthy, he doesn't seem to flaunt it most of the time. Maybe he's working too much to have time to really enjoy it.

However, I got a taste of the private jet the other night, the luxuries of a black card, and tonight, a meal at home that's going to be more like a meal at a Michelin-star restaurant.

I guess that's the Carlton way. I don't mind that one bit.

Once I'm dried off, I head into my room to start beautifying for the evening.

Just because we're staying in doesn't mean I don't want to look my best. For Seth. Always. As is my duty as his sub. To please him, always. Although the lines are getting muddier and muddier since our encounter in the kitchen, and then last night at the tiki bar.

Revelations. I'm not used to them. Things have been the same for so long.

Sure, I've pushed myself to be successful in my career, but I have been sweet Bridget Vance for many years.

To hear that Seth, the man I've wanted in secret for a decade, wants to make amends beyond our sexual dynamic is…hard to believe.

I toss my towel on the bed and grab my bottle of moisturizer but before I start to slather it on, something catches my eye.

A flat jewelry box on my pillow on top of a box that is bit bigger.

I go for the jewelry box first with trepidation, as if it might disappear if it sees I'm too eager. Once it's in my hands, my heart begins to pulse in my throat.

I think I know what this is. What this means.

I pop the box open.

My jaw falls at the sight of a necklace. Two hands pulling on two linked rings, a chain binding the rings. The metal cord the necklace is made of is short. The hands would probably rest against my throat.

My collar.

It's not time. Not our agreed upon closing date.

Seth explained there would be a ceremony where I would graduate from the training collar to my permanent one that I could wear out in public if we wanted to continue after my training was over. If we became a committed pairing as Dom and sub.

In the community, these ceremonies are often public. But we don't have a community where anyone knows about us, so we were planning to do it in private.

Could this be it? My forever collar? Or is this just another placeholder?

Has he decided the time is now?

My cheeks fill with warmth. My core pulses.

I wish he was here now, putting it on me.

There is a note nestled in the lid.

I take it, unfold it carefully.

It's Seth's writing.

I smile.

You're my good girl. The best girl. You deserve this. Please wear both items to dinner tonight.

Both items? There's only one in the jewelry box.

That's when I remember the other box.

Is it lingerie? A dress? What could it be?

I set the jewelry box aside and grab the other one.

I lift the lid and have to blink my eyes clear to make sense of what's inside.

It's a purple wand item. Phallic looking. Except not like a dildo that is all one shape.

Whatever this is, it has three wide points.

My jaw drops when I realize what it is.

It's a toy…for my ass.

Coud this be the last part of my training? Is he trying to tell me something or just start the ball rolling for when we are back at the Underground?

I stare at the toy and sit on the edge of the bed.

Well, it's way smaller than Seth's dick. But I never had anything up there. Can I even handle it?

Is he expecting me to wear this for dinner? While we are with Jack and Abigail?

What if I can't? I will fail him.

And oh, my god. What if I can? Will they be able to tell?

It will probably be written all over my face. I can't do this!

But I have to.

This is Seth.

I look at it again trying to understand it better and maybe looking to see if I'm wrong. Because I have to be, right?

There are two buttons on the toy. One makes a small light flicker. The other makes it vibrate. Am I just supposed to let it vibrate in me all night?

I grab the note once more, read it over.

I missed a line.

Remember. I'm in control.

I look between the note and the toy as my throat threatens to close around the giant knot forming there.

This cannot mean what I think it means, can it?

Sitting is notthe most comfortable thing with the toy in my ass. Not to mention I'm on edge because we've already made it through the first two courses of dinner, and Seth hasn't done anything.Not one vibration. Not one pulse.

I'm grateful he hasn't because I'm not sure I'd be able to hide what is happening. But I know it is coming, and I have no idea what to expect.

It is hard enough having to wear it. And it was awkward having to put it in myself, the stretch was difficult at first.

Not that it is easy now. It isn't. It is a foreign object stuck where nothing should ever be stuck.

It's shameful, it's torturous, and weirdly enough, it is confusing, because wires are being crossed inside me making me feel like this is sort of pleasurable to.

I have no idea what to do or how to even deal with how I'm feeling.

Seth and I are across from one another at the long table. Abigail and Jack face each other.

I know he's been purposeful about keeping our distance. I know he wants to watch. Any other time or if we were alone, I'd love to give him a show, but here? Now? With our friends watching? I can't.

"When did you get that necklace, Bridget?" Abigail asks after we're served dish number three.

A salad which is three leaves of some overly expensive green leaf topped with a delicious smelling sauce and some multi-colored tomatoes and fresh mozzarella that apparently arrived from Italy today.

I place my fingers against it. "You like it?"

"Love it. It's very…" She furrows her brow. "I don't know, it's unique."

Seth's blue eyes are like lasers on me. They burn.

I love that feeling. That with only a look, he can consume me in such a complete way.

"I…" I rub my finger up and down the chain. I won't lie, but I won't disclose the whole truth either. "It was a gift."

Abigail frowns, which is miraculous considering yesterday she was so burnt she said it hurt to move her face. "Oh? Who gave it to you?"

Though I have no idea what to say, I open my mouth to respond but am cut off when the toy comes to life inside me.

I gasp and push my chin to my chest.

"You good?" Jack asks.

Oh god. No. I mean. Yes, but not in a way I can say.

The toy is rotating inside me, a feeling so foreign, yet not unpleasant. Actually, it's kind of good.

It's taken my breath away as it rolls and massages parts of myself I've never had even considered in a sexual way. And though it's an alien feeling, it's almost familiar, like if I was touching my clit, except it's…my ass.

"Yeah, I'm fine." I manage a flash of a smile. "I was just thinking I might want to keep a few of my secrets, that's all."

My eyes land on Seth.

He looks, as usual, nonplussed. Except I know him better now, so I notice the micromovement in his bicep.

Abigail scoffs. "You? Secrets?"

"Why is that so hard to believe?"

Seth punctuates the way I say hard by increasing the vibration the tiniest bit.

"You're just not the type." She takes a sip of her fancy, purple cocktail.

I'm tensing inside, trying not to clench my teeth as the plug tortures me so good. Trying to go for nonchalant, I shrug one shoulder. "Maybe I'm growing up. Turning over a new leaf."

Another notch of vibration. The toy rotates the other way, refreshing the feeling of newness. I hate that I have to pretend that nothing is happening when I'm so close to losing control. But I'm starting to love how it stretches me. How it presses up against one particular spot that has my insides singing. Even as my mind still rebels against the fact that this is so unnatural.

"So, you're telling me you have a secret admirer? Someone you don't want me to know about? Wow…so secretive." Abigail narrows her eyes at me.

I tuck my thumb under the hands at my neck. "Not secretive. Just… appreciative, Abigail."

Seth ramps up the intensity for a few seconds.

I dig my fingers into my thighs, roll my lips together, and ride out the burst of pleasure until it settles to an idling roll and ache.

I make it through the salad course, onto the fourth course, the fifth.

Throughout, the vibration goes on and off at uneven intervals. It is on long enough to drive me crazy, but not long enough for me to actually come. It is almost annoying.

I am so worked up. I just need to come already.

I shift in place, trying to move my hips back and forth as if I can somehow relieve the tension or give myself the final push to finally explode.

The trick about anal stimulation, I'm learning, is that it alights everything down there. My pussy is swollen and dripping, my clit is begging to be touched.

I haven't masturbated since Seth demanded all my orgasms. I have been such a good girl.

If I come, is this his orgasm? He is in control still, after all.

I have so many questions I'd like to ask. But then again if I get it wrong, that will mean a punishment.

And while I'm not a brat, I have to say, I have enjoyed a couple of his spankings here and there.

After the main course, Seth turns it back on and ramps up the intensity.

I'm sweating, and not just from the warm Florida night. I focus on the sounds of the waves in the distance, the cool breeze tickling my skin, and the color of the melting sky.

They are pitiful distractions from the fireworks threatening to go off inside me.

It's so funny that anal has ever scared me…And remembering how big Seth is, it still scares me.

But if this is the kind of pleasure it can elicit, boy oh boy, I'm going to be begging for it.

Can only imagine what it would feel like with Seth's hot cock inside me–

Seth demands my attention. "Bridget."

I snap my eyes to him. "Yes?"

"You're somewhere else."

I try to steady myself, but the toy is revving harder inside me. "Am I…?"

"Your eyes are kind of glassy…" Abigail says.

Of course they are. I've been close to coming so many times.

"I thought those oysters tasted weird." Jack places a hand to his stomach.

Seth scoffs. "The oysters are fine. I think her mind is somewhere else."

Abigail says something to Seth. Something admonishing. But I can't hear it because he cranks up the intensity.

All I hear is blood rushing in my ears as the toy roves in a circle around and around, skimming up against that delicious pressure point.

I bite down on my lower lip, furrow my brow, concentrating all too hard on not coming. Or coming. I'm not even sure which I'm going for anymore.

"Jesus, something's wrong," Jack says.

That's when Seth pushes me all the way over the edge.

The toy must be working as hard as it can, rumbling and rolling.

I snap.

My insides explode with a torrent of pleasure. It is almost like someone has been playing with me clit, except this comes from deeper inside and holy fuck I don't know what to do.

I squeak, pressing my chin to my chest, feel my new collar dig into my skin which makes the pleasure double.

I'm his.

I'm his, I'm his.

There's a hand on my shoulder.

Abigail.

"Oh my god, Bridget, are you okay?"

Seth pulls back on the intensity of the vibrator, thank god, which gives me a moment to recalibrate myself.

I need to go somewhere private. Breathe. Splash cold water on my face.

I can't take a second longer of this torture. I need to go. Now.

I push myself away from the table. "Sorry. I…"

Jack and Abigail look horrified.

Seth gloats from the end of the table, a smirk on his lips and a darkness in his eyes.

I touch my forehead. "Migraine. Suddenly. I need to go take something."

"You sit, Jack will get it for you," Abigail offers.

Jack doesn't hesitate and starts to rise from his chair.

"No!" I shoot up to standing and wave my hands. "I got it. You don't know where anything is in my room and–"

Their faces are all blurring through my tears of pleasure welling in my eyes.

Need to get out of here.

Need to be alone.

I turn on my heel and rush back inside, weaving around the two servers who are coming to collect dishes.

They both nearly drop their trays.

I mutter a quick apology, not bothering to look back as I head upstairs to my room.

Once in my private sanctum, I can't think. I can hardly breathe.

I need to take this out of me. Now. I can't…

I reach under my dress, grab hold of the toy, and ease it out of me.

I have to keep my breath measured. Everything is swollen and tight down there.

I drop the released toy on the bed and let out a heavy sigh.

Seth's voice swoons from the doorway. "Did I tell you to take that out?"

I start to turn. "Seth–"

"Hands on the bed."

My body feels lighter all of a sudden.

"You know what happens when you break my rules, pet."

Warmth pricks my cheeks.

"Yes, Sir."

Seth comes up behind me, touches my shoulders. His fingers skim down my arms.

Every hair on my body stands on end.

"You liked that, pet?"

I smile, let my eyes flutter shut. "Yes, Sir."

"I reward you with your collar," Seth begins, snaring the metal chain between his fingers. "And this is how you repay me? By disobeying me? Disrespecting me?"

"I'm sorry, Sir."

His fingers tighten. The metal digs into my skin. Then, he releases it.

Silence fills the room as he drags the skirt of my dress up until my ass is bare to him. He pinches a handful of my backside in his hand before withdrawing his hand and letting it crack against my skin.

My body balks forward.

I take in a sharp breath.

"I gave you two gifts tonight, and you repay me by giving up?"

"No, Sir. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to?—"

He slaps my ass again. "Say it. Say you gave up."

I tilt my head back, open my mouth, almost like I'm praying at an altar. "I-I'm sorry, Sir, I gave up."

In a way, accepting my punishments, my delicious, stinging spanks, is praying. I am praying at the temple of Seth. My Dom. The man I…

The man I love. Because it is true. I do love him.

But that feels silly when I still have so much to learn about him. And there is no way this could ever lead to anything other than what we are right now.

He doles out my punishment. It is not too much, nor too little. Just enough to get my clit buzzing.

And remind me how good it felt to have that toy…

Seth touches the rawness of my ass. I bite the inside of my mouth. Feels like rugburn.

"Let me get you some cream…"

"I'm fine. I don't need it," I say in a hurry, then add a quick, "Sir."

A moment passes.

Seth wraps his hands around the fronts of my thighs and presses me to his front. He tucks his mouth against my ear. A kiss to the lobe. A nuzzle of his nose.

So soft on me.

His scent is intoxicating. Fresh, clean. Musk.

I tilt my face closer to his.

His stubble rubs up against my cheek. More intoxicating burn.

"I just want you to be good, Bridget. You understand, right?"

"Yes, Sir, I understand. I promise I'll try to do better next time."

He places his hand to my collarbone, tips of his fingers skimming the collar. "You like it?" There is a genuine concern in his voice. A quiet hope.

I turn in his arms, tuck my hands against his chest and dare to look in his eyes.

How normal a moment like this feels. Like we're two people getting ready before a party. A couple. And I'm supposed to smooth out the wrinkles of his army green linen shirt. Give him a final smile to remind him that no matter what happens tonight, I'll be here when it comes to an end.

"Love it, Seth."

The corners of his eyes are crimped with an emotion I can't identify. Like there's something he'd like to say.

Though it's a risk, I lean in and press a kiss to his cheek. I whisper, "Thank you, Sir," with as much meaning as I can. I want him to hear all the things I'm thinking with just that kiss.

That my training has meant the world to me. That I feel complete by knowing what kind of sub I am now. That I'm so, so happy he is my Dom.

"Come." He steps back from me. "Downstairs. Play your part."

He walks out of the room first. And before I follow, I clutch the collar to my throat.

We chose each other.

What happens next, though, has yet to be decided or discussed.

And though I do everything in my power to understand his mind, stoic Seth is going to need to give me something to work with.