“Thank you for being honest and telling me. Angel, I love you. I love your body. No one else turns me on like you do.”
“I highly doubt you were unaffected by your experiences.”
“Unaffected? No. Men are visual creatures. You know the way my mind works. Mostly my brain followed the ‘Damn, Laura would look fucking hot in that’ train of thought. Honestly, it was the submissive positions and situations that stayed with me. Imagining how you would look on your knees with your hands bound behind your back, your mouth open for my cock.” He shook his head. “I gotta tell ya, Laura. I’m glad you want to try bondage with ropes because I’ve got more than one fantasy about tying you up.”
“But not at a club.”
“No, not at a club.”
She opened her eyes and looked at him, trying to gauge his mood. His tone sounded like a reassurance. Did he think she didn’t want to go? “Why not?”
Nick studied her face. She never wanted to be a witness interrogated by him. She’d crumble in no time. “What is this about? You checked you had no interest in clubs. I assumed you’d be relieved I didn’t want us to go.”
“That was before I knew you’ve been to them.” She knew she sounded petulant. It made no sense, even to her. “The water is getting cold. Should we dry off?” She caught the look of disappointment before he turned away.
Nick released the drain and helped her step out of the tub. “This isn’t a competition, Laura.”
“I know that, Nick.” Why was she pursuing this? She’d had no interest in clubs until she’d found out he’d been to some. Was it competition? No, it was deeper than that. “Is it because I’m not twenty anymore? Is that why you don’t want to go with me?”
“What?” His voice had an authentic note. “Why in the world would you think for a moment this is about you?”
What did that mean? Obviously he didn’t have a problem with the clubs. He’d attended their play nights, he just didn’t want to take her. Therefore, the problem was with her. And men thought they were the logical ones.
His phone started buzzing. He picked it up, looked at the screen, then threw it on the bed, ignoring it.
“Laura, I don’t like the idea of other people getting aroused watching us be intimate. Exhibitionism doesn’t get me off. Do I love having you on my arm? Hell yes! Do I love showing you off? Absolutely! I feel like I’m ten feet tall when you submit to me, but I don’t have a desire to share that experience with a club full of people.”
“You’re right. I don’t either.” And she didn’t. So why was she still disappointed he didn’t want to take her? It didn’t make any sense and yet, there it was. A small part of her worried that he was ashamed of her.
“Who called?” She wanted to change the subject. She hated that she’d put a wall between them over this. It wasn’t about him, she knew that. The problem was her own insecurities. She needed to just let it go.
“André.” He sounded reluctant to tell her.
“He left you a voicemail. Why don’t you listen to it while I put my face back on?”
She took her time putting on makeup. It was a comforting ritual. Layer after layer of products hid the imperfections from both nature and time. When she was finished, she looked in the mirror. Her jowls were still visible. No matter how much weight she lost, they were still there. Genetic gifts from her mother and grandmothers. Her eyes were puffy from lack of sleep. Even expensive products couldn’t erase them completely. She’d considered surgery more than once. Eventually, she’d probably go down that road. For now, she’d do what she could to minimize and hide her flaws. Most days, she could look in the mirror and find her reflection acceptable.
“You are beautiful, as always, my love.” Laura looked up, shocked to see Nick watching her from the bedroom doorway.
Chapter Five
“Thank you, Nick.” A sad smile touched her lips. “Why do men get distinguished and women get old? Life’s not very fair.” She laughed, but it sounded forced.
He kicked himself for not realizing she would think this was about her appearance. She had always focused on her flaws. Her hair was beautiful, thick, healthy and full, yet all she saw were the gray hairs. She had sexy, big breasts. He loved her breasts. When she looked in the mirror, he knew, she saw that one was slightly larger, and they weren’t quite as firm as they had been in high school.
Damn
.
He debated telling her about André’s message. Eventually she would ask. If he avoided it, she would assume he had something to hide. Telling her would just expound the current problem.
Fuck
. “André wants to take us to dinner for screwing up our golf game. He’s been trying to meet up with me for a week or so. If you don’t mind, I think we should just get it over with.” Well, that was a total lie. He wanted to tell the source of his frustration to just fuck off. The money be damned. This club shit was becoming more trouble than it was worth.
Her expression closed down. “Whatever you think is best, Nick.”
He nodded and stepped into the bedroom. He noticed Laura lingering near the closet. Was she listening to the conversation?
“Hey André, sorry I missed your call. We’d love to meet you for dinner, but please don’t think twice about the game. You saved me from having my ass handed to me. This way I can call it a draw and save some face.”
After they had finalized their dinner plans, Nick threw his phone on the bed and went to his gym bag of toys. From the corner of his eye, he saw Laura tighten the belt of her robe and approach him. Silently, she wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his back. Did she think that robe would protect her?
He turned in her arms and held her. He loved her so much, but she could frustrate the piss out of him. It was time he started Topping. They both needed it. He drew back a pace and opened his hand. “You will go to dinner wearing this.”
Her eyes widened looking at his gift. The rubber-ended pair of tweezers had a delicate chain and two large pearl balls attached to the closed end.
“What is it?” her voice barely a whisper.
“It’s a clitoris clamp. Much like the nipple bands, it keeps the clit in a state of need.”
Laura was speechless. Emotions raced across her face too fast to comprehend. “I’d like that, Sir. Thank you.”
“I’m glad to hear that, Laura. Lose the robe and lie on the bed, face up. Spread your legs, close your eyes and place your hands above your head. Don’t move them until I allow it.” He hoped the clamp would keep her focused at dinner. If it became uncomfortable, he’d allow her to remove it. Her clit was already large and begging for attention. With his mouth watering to taste her, he slowly built her arousal. When she was a lick or two from orgasm, he stopped and attached the clamp. He continued to kiss her thighs and rub her stomach while she caught her breath. It was hard not to bring her over the edge.
Her frustrated groan had Nick chuckling.
“You can’t just stop, Nick. I’m dying here.” She rocked her hips in the air trying to entice him to finish.
“No, Angel. No dying. We are keeping the fire stoked. We want a constant simmer.” He had to admit he rather enjoyed seeing her hot and needy. A very primitive part of him was breaking free from the political correctness bounds he’d lived by for so long. “You come when I allow you to, Laura. You’re going to sit next to me at dinner and know you belong to me. That pussy is mine.” He fondled her breasts, pinching her nipples into tighter peaks. “These belong to me too. They crave my touch.”
“It’s true.” She sounded petulant, like she wasn’t happy her body responded to him. “All you have to do is look at my breasts and they get hard and achy.”
Nick raised his eyebrow in rebuke. “Whose breasts?”
Laura’s innocent confusion eased some of the tension in his belly from their earlier fight. He knew she understood what he expected when her gaze drifted to the floor. “Your breasts, Sir.”
“Yes, they’re mine.” He pinched them harder, making his point. “I’m so pleased they like it rough.”
A pretty pink blush colored her face. “They have come alive this weekend.” She arched her back, pushing them farther into his palms. “Nick, I can’t go to dinner like this. I need some relief here, please.”
Nick stilled his hands. “Who is in charge, Angel?” He reached into his gym bag and pulled out a short-handled crop. He gave her breast a satisfying smack.
Her eyes opened wide seeing the crop in his hand. “Sounds worse than it feels, huh?”
“It sounded horrible, but it just tingles.” Her smile was breathtaking.
“If you Top from the bottom again, I won’t be so nice. That was an attention getter. While I love your ideas and your smart mouth, you need a firm hand to rein you in and keep you focused. Now is not the time for you to have a quick and easy orgasm. We will build your arousal and train your body to accept pleasure on a deeper level. Think about your releases this weekend—weren’t they worth the wait?”
Her head fell back onto the pillow in surrender. “If I admit you’re right I’ll be going through dinner in a highly aroused state and staying that way for hours. That’s torturous!”
“Sweetheart, whether you admit it or not, you’ll be wearing the clamp throughout dinner. Now, were your orgasms worth the wait?”
When she didn’t respond immediately, he took turns peaking her nipples and smacking her breasts with the crop. He wanted her to share her thoughts, not think about her response. Over time, he would train her to open up to him both physically and mentally. Her mouth was open. Moans of pleasure sang right to his heart then spread to his groin, threatening to unman him. “When your Master asks you a question, you answer immediately. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Sir. Yes, they were worth it.”
“Good girl.” He threw the crop back into his gym bag so he could take her in his arms and lift her off the bed. Once she was on the floor, she took a few steps.
“Like that, don’t you, Laura?” He’d been watching her closely. She wore a sexy, secret smile on her face. He was supposed to be keeping her on edge, showing her who was in charge and here he was sporting an embarrassingly large hard-on.
“The pearls swing. Oh, Nick. That feels crazy.”
“I want you to address me as Sir or Master when we’re playing. It’s considered a matter of respect and will help you stay in a submissive mindset. If we’re in public we’ll relax that rule.”
Laura seemed to give his new demand a moment’s consideration. “Yes, I can see how keeping the roles clearly defined would be helpful.”
“Tonight in particular, but whenever we play, it’s important to stay in constant communication with me. I need to know what you’re feeling. If you start getting sore, or think you’re going to come, I expect you to tell me.” Nick knew her attention was on the sensations each swing of her hips caused her clitoris, but she nodded in understanding.
Tipping her chin upward so he could look her in the eye and know she was listening he made it clear, “You will be severely punished if you come. Do you understand?”
Her eyes glazed over before she answered demurely. “Yes, Sir.”
* * * *
André had beaten them to the restaurant. As they walked to the table, she caught herself rocking her hips so she could feel the pendulum effect. Each time the balls swung to the limit of their movement they gave the clamp a tug. It felt decadent. Going to dinner panty-less was another new experience for her. It felt naughty. Like everyone in the restaurant knew and was watching her.
Once they were seated, she noticed he’d ordered one of Nick’s favorite wines. Coincidence or did they meet often? She remembered the tone Nick had used on the phone with him. It had surprised her. She’d expected his professional, detached demeanor. Instead he’d spoke to André like he was a true friend. What the hell was that all about?
“Laura, I’m so sorry about this afternoon. Nick tells me you were cleaning his clock.” André was an interesting man. He was about their age, carried himself well and he looked her in the eyes. That earned him points. Then again, considering his occupation, he probably looked at enough boobs that he didn’t feel the need to ogle just for ogling’s sake.
She took Nick’s hand under the table. “He was exaggerating, it was a very close game. Better we quit when we did, than battle it out for the rest of the course.” She looked into Nick’s eyes and saw genuine happiness. It warmed her like nothing else could.
After the waiter had taken their orders, they discussed sports. André was a huge baseball fan. While they discussed stats and possible World Series contenders, Nick brushed his knuckles over the clamp sending tingles dancing along her pussy. She had to work hard to keep her breathing normal. Her breasts were tight and pushing against the cups of her bra. It was a good thing she didn’t have a strong opinion about baseball, as she was losing track of the conversation.
Once the food was served, Nick needed his hand, granting her a brief reprieve. Thank goodness Nick was right-handed or she never would have been able to eat.
“The reason I’ve been pestering you, Nick, is we’re doing a new membership push and we have a special event planned for Mardi Gras. I need you to look over the events and see if we need anything special added to the standard waiver.”
“You’re going to open it to the public? All the sites or just the one here?” Nick was all business now.
“All of them. Hiring Monica was a great move. Thanks for steering me toward her. She’s transformed our Internet presence. Social media has made DiscipliNation practically a household name. Between the blogs, ‘how to’ videos and the usual search engines, our hits have increased exponentially. I want to pull all the individual interest groups together on Mardi Gras. Our community is too divided. The ‘my kink is great, but yours is weird’ mentality isn’t helping anyone. A lot of the clubs are offering separate days for each subgroup to keep the bickering at bay. I disagree with that practice. Exclusion only perpetuates the narrow thinking. On the other hand, I want my ass covered legally in case my theory blows up in my face. That’s where you come in.”
Both men laughed. Nick was comfortable with André. He had hundreds of associates, but not many close friends. Obviously, André was one of the small number of people Nick held dear. How had she missed that? And what had cemented that friendship?