Unbind My Heart (7 page)

“Shibari can be a relaxing, sensual experience.  I think you will enjoy it.  I hope I can open your eyes to the true beauty and power of the experience.”  Jonas took a step closer and brought her face up to his.  “I’m very attracted to you, Lexie.  Ever since the first night, I’ve wanted you.  Tonight was a first step in building something between us.  Shibari will bring us even closer together and be a giant step toward a more sensual relationship, ultimately easing you into the BDSM lifestyle, as well.” 

Jonas’ words and his thumb grazing along her plump lower lip had her melting.  His touch was magnetic, and she seemed to be pulled closer, the attraction irresistible, his lips compelling. 

“It will be an exciting and very satisfying journey for us both.  Does that sound like something you’d like?”

“Yes, Jonas, I think I’d like that very much.” 

“Excellent.  That means as of now, I am your Sensei and you are my dorei.”

“That’s beautiful. What does it mean?”

“Literally, it means slave.  In the western world of Shibari, it means rope slave, and of course Sensei means Master.”

“Really?  I thought it mostly meant teacher; your other students call you that, too.”

“Yes,” he agreed.  “Like English, many Japanese words have different meanings.  Within the context of Shibari and our relationship, I intend to be far more than your teacher, Lexie.”

“I’m beginning to see that and, um well… although I’m comfortable calling you Sensei, I don’t know about the other.”

“That’s fine.  I think I’ve made it clear that I don’t want a full time Master/slave relationship; D/s is all that I’m interested in.” 

Relief swept over her upon hearing that. She didn’t know that she could give up her entire identity for anyone, even Jonas. 

Brushing his lips across her damp cheek, he moved to capture a lobe gently before whispering teasingly, “However, should you feel the need to call me Master in the heat of passion or if the spirit moves you, I won’t take offense.”

She laughed softly and pressed her face against his neck, much more relaxed in the circle of his arms.  He went on to clarify his new authority with her.

“Soon, at The Club, in the bedroom, and beyond, however we choose, I will be the Dominant that commands your submission.  Ultimately, I intend to be the half that makes you whole, Lexie. Do you accept this?”

“Jonas,” she exhaled his name against his lips.  “My head tells me no, that it’s too soon and this is crazy, but my heart is screaming yes.”

“Listen to that little devil on your shoulder, Lex.  He is prodding you to take a risk.  What is life without a little risk?  Trust me.  I’ll be here to keep you safe, to catch you if you fall.”

Once again, his words closely mirrored her thoughts.  It seemed like a sign that she could trust him and take a chance, to try to find love again.  “Yes, I accept, Sensei.  For the first time in a long time, I want so badly to follow my heart.  Something inside tells me strongly that this is true, that it’s real.  I pray that I’m right, because if it’s not and I’m wrong, I fear it will crush what’s left of my heart.”

“I realize this is a huge leap of faith for you, and I am humbled by the trust you are giving to me.  I swear to protect your fragile spirit, my dorei.  I also promise to help you grow beyond whatever is holding you back.  I’ll push for the answers, but I’ll be there for you.  I vow that together we will unbind your wounded heart and allow it to heal, opening it up to me.”

Tears rolled down her face at his beautiful words.  Who was this man?  She was waiting for someone to pinch her and wake her from this dream.

“I’m going to kiss you now, Sunshine.”

It was a statement of intent, not a request.  As he bent his head, he brushed her lips softly, sampling tenderly.  Lexie immediately responded by leaning up and into the kiss.  When his tongue swept along her lips, she pressed more firmly against him, allowing her body to mold against his larger, harder, masculine form.  The kiss ignited their passion and soon, they wrapped around one another in a heated embrace.

Jonas was the first to pull away, regret clear as he looked down into her flushed face.  Her lips felt wet and swollen.  She watched his eyes drop to her mouth as her tongue darted out, licking away the remaining moisture.

“I should probably take you home.  It’s almost midnight.”

She agreed in a breathy whisper, “I have to get up in six hours.”  Yet, she didn’t move away or give any indication that she was ready for the night to end.

“I’d like to see you again soon, Lexie.”

“I’d like that too, Jonas.”  Taking a steadying breath, she searched for calm.  Easing away slightly, she suggested, “I’m off this weekend.”

“Perfect, the Balcones Heights Jazz Festival is this weekend.  One of my friend’s and his band are featured.  If you like, we could take that in or we could go to the River Walk and sightsee with the tourists.”

“I love jazz.  And would you believe I’ve lived here for over ten years and never been?”

“The festival it is then.  On Sunday, we have our first class.” 

She sucked in a breath—that soon?—he sure didn’t waste any time.  Longing and trepidation warred inside her.  

Jonas chuckled softly, kissing her quickly when he saw her stricken expression.  “Don’t worry, I promise it will be fun.  I’ll take charge of everything.  All you have to do is follow my lead, relax and enjoy.”  

The following Saturday, Jonas picked her up early.  He’d told her in advance to skip breakfast and she understood why as they spread their blanket on the grassy hillside facing the amphitheater.  Lexie was surprised that there were already hundreds of people staking out their spots for the free afternoon concerts. 

As they sat, Jonas looked on with a smile as Lexie adjusted the flowing skirt of the white and aqua sundress around her bare, tanned legs.  The halter neckline was high in front, yet revealed the soft curves of her shoulders and halfway down her back. 

“Did I mention how sexy you look in that dress?”

“You have now, so thank you.  I was going for cool and comfortable, but I’ll take the compliment.”

“I hope you wore sunscreen.  We’ll be getting a lot of sun today.” 

She produced a tube of SPF 30 from her large tote as she looked at his blonde hair and blue eyes.  He was tanned but with his coloring, she imagined he’d burn worse than she would.  “I came prepared for both of us it seems, Blondie.”  She watched a dimple appear in his cheek as he chuckled and bowed his head, as if to say “touché.”

As he unloaded the soft side cooler, he ticked off the goodies he’d brought.  “Fresh fruit, bagels, cream cheese…”  Pulling out a small bottle of champagne, he also unpacked some orange juice and plastic cups.  “And mimosas!”

“That sounds wonderful.  But I thought I saw a sign that said no alcohol. Won’t we get busted?”

Shaking his head, he grinned.  “No way, that sign is for the tourists.  We natives know that security turns a blind eye as long as no one gets too rowdy.”  Handing her a cup, he poured his own and raised it in a toast.  “To second dates, a beautiful woman, and excellent jazz.”

“I’ll drink to that, if I can add to a handsome man and a romantic picnic breakfast too.”  Smiling back at him, they both sipped their morning cocktails.  They were sweet and fizzy with just a little kick.  Lexie cautioned herself to take it easy.  She didn’t want to get too rowdy and make a fool of herself in front of him.   

“Tell me about the class tomorrow.  I’ll admit to being a little nervous.  How many people will be there?  What should I wear?  Anything I need to know beforehand?”

“There’s nothing to be nervous about.  It will be very low key and fun.  Wear something thin and body hugging.  I’ll do a few ties over your clothes as a demonstration, but most of the class will focus on safety.  That’s the most important thing to learn out of the gate.  You, my lovely assistant, will be the only one bound on the first day of class. 

His eyes twinkled with excitement, and she felt exhilaration mix with anxiety knowing he would soon be wrapping his ropes around her body.  She felt her nipples tighten and moisture pool between her legs at the mere thought of being bound and controlled by him.  Shifting uncomfortably, she reached for a piece of fruit.  Before she could take a bite, his large hand grasped her wrist and halted the juicy piece of pineapple a hairsbreadth from her lips.  Her eyes flew to his, lips parted in anticipation of that first taste of sweet, succulent fruit.  She had expected him to feed it to her; instead, h
e
e leaned in and stole her bite before licking the sticky juices from her fingers.  In seconds, he captured her lips, his tongue demanding entry and invading her mouth.  Flavors of orange, champagne and pineapple exploded on her tongue as he teased and tasted her mouth.  After he’d taken his fill, he lifted his head and sat back, reaching for another succulent piece of pineapple to replace the one he’d pilfered.

“You have no idea how sexy you looked.  I couldn’t help myself.”  He popped the fruit wedge into her mouth.  His eager gaze watched her slurp up the juicy piece of fruit, and he couldn’t contain the sexy groan that escaped when her tongue slipped out to lap the juices from her lips.

“Lord love a duck!”  

“What?”  She choked out laughing, her mouth full of pineapple.

“Hm?” he asked absently, still staring at her glistening lips.

“Something about loving a duck…  What on earth?”

“Oh…  Well, I have had the pleasure of observing three of my friends with their women over the past year or so.  I’ve concluded that the level of the man’s profanity is adopted and at times eclipsed by that of his sub.  I plan to start as I mean to go on with you, sweet Lexie.”  He put his hands together and bowed to her, causing her to break out into peals of delighted laughter.  “This ex-Green Beret Dom is also a grand master, Lexie-San!  Which means I must have dis-a-prin.” 

Flopping back on the blanket, she wrapped her arms around her waist and cackled in a very unladylike manner.  “That has got to be the worst Japanese accent I’ve ever heard.  Jackie Chan would be appalled.” 

Heads turned their way, but neither appeared to care.  Jonas moved next to her and trapped her upper body between his strong arms as he leaned over her.  “I was wrong, Lexie.”

That sobered her instantly.  She thought they were having fun.  Surely, he hadn’t been serious with that wonky accent.  “What were you wrong about, Jonas?”

“Remember when I said you were like a ray of sunshine.  I was wrong.  You outshine the sun—like a stellar explosion—baby.”  He leaned lower and kissed her deeply, not caring about the hundreds of people around them.  “And baby?”

“Yes, Jonas?”

“Jackie Chan is Chinese.”

Giggling, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss more intoxicating than the mimosas.

Lost in each other, they didn’t notice the rubber ball rolling onto their blanket, but the sound of childish giggling did the trick.  Pulling apart, they looked up to see three blonde-headed little girls in pigtails, huddled together on the edge of their blanket.  The oldest couldn’t have been more than seven.  They’d been watching them kiss, their little hands over their bright smiles as they tittered.

“Jeez, Mitchell, get a room why don’t you?  This is a G-rated event.”

Although the tall man was in the shadows as the sun shone brightly behind him, Jonas recognized the voice immediately.

“J.T., my man!  It’s been ages.  Where’s that gorgeous woman of yours?”

“Right here, Sensei.”  A petite blonde popped out from behind her brawny husband, waving.  She smiled warmly at Lexie, a dimple appearing in one cheek.

Hopping up from the blanket, Jonas shook his friend's hand, pulling him in for a manly, chest-bumping, backslapping hug.  Addressing his wife next, he scolded her gently.  “Miki, you know you’re supposed to call me Jonas outside the dojo.  How’ve you guys been?  Wait,” leaning down, he grabbed Lexie’s hands and pulled her to her feet.  “Lexie, let me introduce you to Justin and Michelle Velasquez and their three little girls, I’m guessing?”

Jonas scooped up the ball and tossed it softly to the oldest girl as their father introduced them.  “Say hello to your mother’s karate Sensei, girls.  This is Rhiannon, Shannon and Emily.”

“Wow, did you teach Mommy all those kicks and flips?”

“Can you teach me?”

“I want to flip Daddy, too!”

The eager voices overlapped as they bounced up and down excitedly. 

“Mommy has been flipping daddy, huh?”  Jonas looked at his friend in amusement.  He outweighed his wife by at least one hundred pounds.  “I warned you to take the class with her, J.T.  Size doesn’t always win out.”

“Yeah, well…  I’m on the list for the next one and we signed up for your beginner’s class this weekend.  We’re really looking forward to that.”

“What’s that, Daddy?”

The adults stared at the oldest girl in alarm before their mother stepped in.  “It’s a rope tying class, Rhiannon.  You know how Daddy has a hard time with those fisherman’s knots when we go boating.”

Rhiannon’s wrinkled nose told them she’d lost interest.  Quickly bored with the grown up conversation, she challenged her sister’s to a game of soccer.  Soon they ran off, leaving a trail of little girl squeals and laughter.

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Jonas grinned as he watched them tear away.  “Nice save, Miki, you’re always so quick on your feet.  That’s why you’re my best student.”  His gaze moved to his old teammate and he quirked a curious brow.  “I didn’t know you’d signed up.  Since when are you interested in ropes?”

“Since I have three little girls sleeping down the hall—ropes are a lot quieter than impact play, don’t you know.”  The three of them laughed while Lexie gaped in amazement.  She had no idea there were so many people involved in the lifestyle. 

“Lexie will be helping me out this weekend.  It will be her first class, too.”

“Really?” Miki said, looking at her with interest.  “How long have you been our Sensei’s submissive?”

Lexie’s cheeks suffused with heat, and she must have pulled a face, because Miki quickly apologized.  “I’m so sorry, Lexie.  I just assumed—me and my big mouth—you’re not even wearing a collar.” 

“Don’t worry, Miki.”  Jonas put a supportive arm around Lexie’s shoulders as he spoke.

“PDA notwithstanding, this is just our second date.”

Seeing the woman’s obvious distress, Lexie also tried to put her at ease.  “It’s no problem, really.  Your girls are very cute. The younger two look like twins.  Are they?”

The opportunity to talk about her children refocused the woman, and she talked non-stop for at least ten minutes before her husband finally interrupted.

“She was being nice by changing the subject, honey.  You can stop with the biography anytime now.”

She made a face as she realized she had monopolized the conversation.  “Oops.  Put my foot in it again, didn’t I?”

“Maybe Master Jonas can teach me some techniques to control that tendency, babe.”

Both women looked at him before turning to stare at Jonas.  “What kind of techniques?”  they asked in unison.

Jonas laughed at the looks on their faces.  “Sorry, those techniques require advanced training and won’t be covered until at least class ten or twelve.” 

The ladies looked at each other and gulped. 

The sound of a little one crying had all the adults turning.  One of the girls had fallen.   Her bloody knee held upward, as if paralyzed by the minor scrape, she hopped back to her parents held up on either side by her two siblings.  J.T and Miki excused themselves and returned to their blanket, the sniffling little girl cradled in her daddy’s strong arms.

“They seemed very nice, and their little girls are adorable,” Lexie said as she watched them walk away.  “Do you have any vanilla friends?”

“Listen to you with the BDSM jargon,” he teased, grabbing her hand and pulling her back down on the blanket before answering.  “It seems like everyone from my old unit is in the lifestyle.  Most are members of The Club, and I guess we just gravitate toward each other on the outside because of work and similar interests.  I do have some vanilla friends as you call them, but not many.”

“Evidently, it’s not as uncommon as I thought.”

“Don’t kid yourself.  Most people still consider BDSM taboo.  At least that’s what they say publicly, but more people are doing it in private than they’re willing to admit.  Fortunately, there are adventurous people out there who want to express themselves, the nonconformists, if you will, who flaunt societal mores.”

“Nonconformist—you used that word before about me, but I don’t want you to get the wrong impression.  I’m not really all that adventurous.  For the most part, I have conformed all my life.  I’ve respected authority and followed the rules, complying with what society expects.  This will really be pushing the envelope for me.”

“And won’t that be exciting, challenging yourself, spreading your wings, snubbing your nose at the conformity?  I’ll enjoy helping you push that envelope, both at The Club and in private.”

Lexie blinked as her imagination ignited at the possibilities.  “Um, I’ve read some on the subject; exactly how far does that envelope get pushed at The Club?” 

“That’s a subjective call, I’d imagine.  What’s shocking to some is considered tame to others.  Although our club might be considered tame by some standards, you my little novice will be shocked down to your conservative toes, at first.”  Taking her hand, he squeezed. “I’ll guide you, Sunshine. Don’t worry.”

“Isn’t it uncomfortable meeting people outside The Club, like J.T. and Miki, knowing what they do in private.”

“Again, subjective.  Most people in the club scene possess a certain degree of exhibitionism or they would keep things at home, in private.  Our members come to participate in public scenes, try out the equipment, learn more about the lifestyle, and to meet others with the same kink, if you will. Unlike public clubs, we are very selective with our membership.  We have to be.  There are too many weirdoes and gawkers out there, not to mention haters.  We get enough ‘you’re gonna burn in hell’ mail as it is.”

“You get hate mail?”

“Yep, practically since we opened.  Although we’re exclusive, word gets out.  People are so hung up about sex.  They can unflinchingly watch violent movies where buildings get blown to smithereens and hundreds of people die horrible, excruciating deaths, but a little sex and nudity gets their panties in a wad.”

“I guess sex hits close to home since everybody does it.  Just like with anything else, some folks have to point fingers at and criticize things that are different and label them as strange.”