So where was Sir Ethan? Mistress Tara was demonstrating wax play on the right stage. On the left one, a Dom and his submissive were setting up equipment for their upcoming scene. Sir Ethan wasn’t at a table watching or at the bar near the far end. Or on the dance floor.
He’d probably gone downstairs.
She took the stairs down into the more intense environment of the dungeon. Here the music was punctuated by the sounds of impact toys like floggers and paddles, by groans and moans, harsh breathing, an occasional shriek.
To her disappointment, when she spotted Sir Ethan, he wore a dungeon monitor’s badge. He wouldn’t be able to play until he was off duty.
He gave her a wave and mouthed the word later. Oh well, he was worth waiting for. He was one of the best Doms in the club. Although he read her so easily it was scary, he hadn’t pushed when she’d said she didn’t want anything serious.
Too many of the Doms seemed to want to form a relationship—and what was with that? Didn’t they realize men were supposed to prefer keeping things light?
Shaking her head, she walked past a suspension scene where the Dom had flipped the submissive into head-down position to give him a blowjob. Lindsey bit her lip. Hanging in the air really took a sub’s control away. Adding oral sex into such a mix might be a bit much, and yet there was something wonderful about being able to please a Dom that way.
Farther down, a needle-play scene made Lindsey wince. The Domme had created a needle design on the submissive’s back that looked like fairy wings. Really painful ones.
Next, a gay Master was flogging two of his slaves, one and the other, working them both with an amazing skill, especially since one was obviously a needier masochist. But the Master seemed to be enjoying each.
At the end of the room was…deVries. Hell, she shouldn’t stop, but the sadist did such fantastic scenes that she loved to watch him, although the thought of taking so much pain made her sweat—and not in a good way.
As always, he’d attracted a number of observers, so she quietly positioned herself at the rear.
For some reason, his usual flogger was still in the bag, and he was using a violet wand instead. The male bottom, johnboy, was strapped down on the bondage table. Leather had been wrapped around his exposed testicles.
DeVries applied the wand here and there, obviously testing the bottom’s tolerance for electrical stimulation…and pain. After a few minutes, he used a cane on johnboy’s thighs, stomach, and chest, occasionally adding some light whacks to his penis and balls.
Lindsey realized her legs were clamped together in sympathy.
DeVries returned to the wand. Gradually, the bottom’s muscles grew rigid. He was groaning. Fighting. Sweating. Then as johnboy slid into subspace, his eyes glazed and his lips curved up, despite the way his body shook.
DeVries played him like a musical instrument, dropping the intensity before deliberately bringing him up to even more pain, over and over.
Heat curled low in Lindsey’s belly. Holy shit, she never, ever wanted pain like that, and yet she’d never seen anything so erotic in her life.
The audience grew. Conversations were kept to a whisper to avoid disturbing the scene. With a shock, Lindsey realized the man next to her was the bottom’s Master—and partner. She frowned and glanced at deVries.
As if understanding her unspoken question, Master Rock said, “Johnboy needs more pain than I’m willing to dish out. So occasionally, I hook him up with a sadist.” As his partner groaned, Rock watched with an indulgent expression. “I asked deVries not to let johnboy get off; I intend to reap the benefits.”
Well. That was different. Lindsey turned back to the scene.
The expression on deVries’s face was akin to the submissive’s. Intent, completely focused, showing both satisfaction and pleasure.
What would it be like to have all that attention focused on her? She actually felt her heart skip a beat at the thought.
Acting as if he had eternity to play, deVries switched to the cane again. The whapping sounds were drowned out by johnboy’s gut-wrenching groans. Faster. Harder.
At last deVries stopped and waved a hand at Master Rock. “All yours. Primed for action.”
And God, johnboy really was. He was so hard his cock pulsed with each heartbeat.
From the mouthwatering bulge barely contained inside deVries’s worn-soft leathers, he was in equal discomfort. Lindsey’s brows drew together. The arrangement was all good for the two gay guys, and yet, what about the sadist? He didn’t get relief?
Come to think of it, she rarely saw him fuck anyone here. And she’d watched him. Ever since she’d joined the club last spring, he’d fascinated her. Damned if she was sure why.
Tilting her head, she studied him as he cleaned his equipment and stowed it away. His hair was military short, his face lean with a strong jaw and well-formed hard lips. A frown line showed between his eyebrows. No laugh lines; he didn’t often smile. He wasn’t quite as tall as Xavier, but God, his broad shoulders and muscular chest under a black T-shirt made saliva pool in her mouth.
And the way he walked was simply deadly…as if it wouldn’t bother him at all to turn someone into a pile of bones and blood. Knowing how much deVries enjoyed dispensing pain, Xavier often asked him to administer punishment to unruly submissives—who’d nicknamed him the Enforcer.
Lindsey bit her lip. Why the hell did she have to be attracted to a sadist?
Now he was done with the heavy scene, what would he do? She felt a smidgen of pity as she watched him pack his toy bag, leaving the submissive tied to the table for Rock to enjoy. No one was there for deVries.
However, though most of the observers had left, several still waited, attention focused so intently on deVries they reminded her of sheep at feeding time. As he slung his bag over his shoulder and picked up his wand case, the submissives—male and female—went to their knees. Offering themselves. In the very front was HurtMe— one of the masochists he often played with. When the blond touched his forehead to the ground, Lindsey snorted. Obviously deVries would have no problem scratching his itch after a scene.
She started to leave and paused, wondering which he’d choose. Sub gossip hadn’t made mention of a favorite, which might simply mean the Enforcer was exceedingly private in who he was screwing.
At least, since she wasn’t kneeling, he wouldn’t think she was one of the applicants for his favor. She couldn’t take another insult.
When he assessed the offerings indifferently, her mood lightened. It was reassuring to know she wasn’t the only sub he’d ever rejected.
Without picking anyone, he headed for the stairs. As he neared Lindsey, she caught his tantalizing scent, wild and musky with a hint of clean masculine sweat.
He stopped in front of her. His gaze was hotter than a Texas summer sun as it swept over her feline costume—cat ears, furry bra, and leopard-fur boy shorts. Violence lurked in his eyes.
And the growl in his voice was unyielding. “Changed my mind. I could use some sweet wildcat pussy, and you’re up. I’m calling in my debt.”
“Wh-what?” The explosion of air from her lungs made his lips tilt…slightly. She shook off the disbelief. “You said no.”
“I said when I wanted. Choose—do I fuck you here or at your house?”
Oh my effing God. Only a sneaky weasel-dog like him would pull such a stunt. She’d hankered after him forever, and yet the thought of being with him dried the spit in her mouth.
She jerked her gaze from his intent one and saw Sir Ethan behind him. Watching. As a dungeon monitor, he could tell deVries to go jump in a lake. He lifted one eyebrow.
But…she’d participated in the games last summer. And lost. There hadn’t been any time limit on collecting the prize.
DeVries stood silently, letting her think. His gray-green eyes showed no expression.
Under Dark Haven’s rules, she could safeword if she was really scared…only it would be a cheat. She wasn’t past her limit. He hadn’t don
She shook her head at Sir Ethan and said to deVries, “Fine.”
“Where?”
Heavens. Let him take her here—where all those submissives would watch? Uh-uh. Home? Unease made her bite her lip. What could he learn about her there? Not much, actually. Thank goodness it wasn’t really her place. “Home.”
He looked a little surprised, then nodded.
Aw heck, she was going to have sex with the Enforcer. Maybe it was only for an hour or so, but…he wants me. A thrill shot through her and made her quiver.
And lit his eyes with amusement.
Chapter Two
Her Pacific Heights place was fairly close, and yet she always felt nervous when outside in the open. What if Travis finds me and sets someone up with a rifle? She never managed to relax until she was out of the parking garage and safe in the secured building.
Her heart rate was still elevated when the doorman greeted her with his usual Miss Lindsey, and she led deVries into the elevator.
On the way up to her floor, he frowned at her and tilted her face up. “If you’re this scared, maybe you should back out.”
“Huh?” God, he thought she was afraid of him. “Oh. Right. Parking garages make me jumpy.”
After a long regard, he nodded. The elevator doors opened. As they walked down the hall to the overly ornate, very gorgeous condo, he set his hand on her lower back. The warmth of his palm went right through the denim wraparound dress to sear her skin, blasting away any thought of fear. The knowledge his powerful hands would restrain her body in a few minutes made the very air of the hallway shimmer with heat.
After she ushered him in, he strolled across the living room and silently took in the view of the Ferry Building and the Bay Bridge. Down below, the city sparkled with lights. “Pretty pricy digs, little girl.”
“I like them,” she said lightly. It had been an unanticipated dream when a rich friend of Xavier’s left for Europe and needed a condo-sitter. Although the Italianate décor was stuffy—at least to her mind—everything was oh, so luxurious. Even the fancy house Victor had owned in San Antonio didn’t compare.
Abandoning the view, deVries turned. Utterly confident and masculine, he looked at her, taking her in at his leisure, until she could almost feel his attention stroking against her skin. “Lose the dress.” His voice was level. Unreadable. “Kneel there and wait for me.”
Oh. Man. Her fingers fumbled with the dress’s ties as every nerve in her body started to dance.
* * * *
The surroundings didn’t please deVries. Cold and formal—very different from the warm little submissive kneeling in the living room. But the view over the Bay was a plus. Maybe he’d do her there, looking down at the lights of the city.
He studied her for a minute.
Fast, shallow breathing. The flush on her lightly tanned cheeks deepened with his perusal. He could see her nipples were hard under the fuzzy bra. Her hands on her thighs weren’t palm up as he liked, but were turned over, her fingers digging into the skin. Nervous. Excited. Maybe a little scared.
She should be.
“What the hell were you thinking letting a stranger into your home?”
Her startled gaze met his. “You’re not a stranger. I know you.”
“Hardly. I could break your pretty neck.”
Her lips curved slightly. “Bless your heart; you’re worried about me, aren’t you?”
“About your common sense.”
“I’ve never brought�� I mean, I’m careful. Abby was on reception and knows you’re here…so Xavier will also know.” Her smile disappeared. “I’m not completely stupid. Xavier and Simon are your friends.”
“You’re smarter than you look.”
Her glare was pretty ineffective considering her cat ears had slid sideways. “If you’re through insulting me, how about I give you a blowjob and we call this quits?”
Fuck, she was cute when steamed. His hard-on had returned; his cock was past ready for relief. Pity that, since he had no intention of rushing. Not with this little submissive. However, she needed to learn that snark didn’t win a reward. Not in his universe. “If you’re so eager, you can start with a blowjob.” He stepped in front of her. “Go on.”
Her flush was more from anger now than arousal, but her gaze lowered. And she leaned away from him.
Hell. Even for him, he was being an asshole. He dropped to one knee and lifted her chin. Confused brown eyes met his. Setting his hand on her shoulder, he bent and kissed her gently. Pulled back an inch. “Check the attitude, baby, yeah?”
She gave a tiny sigh and nodded. Her eyes were liquid and soft—anger gone. There it was…she wanted him.
He ran his tongue over her lips, felt them part, and took her mouth. Jesus Christ, she had soft lips. Her body was vibrating with anticipation. Nice.
This time when he rose to his feet, she leaned forward. Her eager, graceful hands undid the buttons of his leathers, releasing him. Fuck, the freedom felt good.
She started to take him in her mouth, and he made a reproving noise. “Tongue first. Hands on my thighs.”
Gripping his legs, she licked around his dick, tracing the veins, teasing the head, the slit. Pink heightened the color in her cheeks, and her knees squeezed together. Nice. She liked giving blowjobs. “Take me in your mouth.”
Her annoyed look at his direction was totally bogus. She moved one hand to direct his cock toward her.
“Hands stay on my legs.”
“Sheesh,” she said under her breath. After some awkward fumbling, she got his cock in her mouth, and damn, the feeling of being engulfed in steamy softness almost made him lose control. A tiny purr vibrated through her throat and into his dick. She bobbed her head up and down, her little tongue swirling, taking her time. Trying to tease him.
Uh-uh. Letting her have too much control wasn’t good for either of them.
So he leaned forward and bracketed her head with his hands. His slightly bent position tilted his shaft in a better angle for her throat, and he used her hair to guide her. He slowed so his control couldn’t get fucked up, then went faster.
When her fingernails dug into his legs despite the leather, he grinned. She appeared submissive enough in the club—however, he’d only seen her in lightweight scenes. He wondered how much she really surrendered.
By the time he was through with her tonight, she’d give him everything.
LINDSEY HELD ON to Devries’s legs, trying to think. Couldn’t. Her mouth was filled with his cock. His ruthless fist in her hair took all control from her, and every thought in her brain kept swirling away.
He thrust harder, pulling her head down on him, hitting the back of her throat. She struggled to suppress her gag reflex and swallowed to increase his pleasure. His guttural groan sent a shiver of delight through her. He wouldn’t let her offer him less than he wanted—and God, she loved knowing that. And loved trying to give him more than he thought he could get.
To her dismay, he set her back on her heels and buttoned himself away.
When she pouted, he traced his finger over her wet lips. “Very nice, babe.” His half smile streamed into her, warming her. “Stand up.”
With a hand under her arm, he helped her up and moved closer. His lean fingers were teasingly rough as they glided over her collarbone around to the back of her neck. She shivered. When he gripped her nape, her knees almost buckled. Holding her still, he ran his other hand over her torso.
He lifted her hand and kissed her fingers—lips unexpectedly gentle. The hold on her nape was unyielding.
After removing her bra, he stroked his finger around her breasts. Between them. Across her stomach. Her ribs. One finger above her mound. As his hand played over her body, his gaze stayed on her face. Learning her. Her hot zones, her triggers.
His fingers brushed down her spine and reached the ever-so-sensitive hollow at the base.
Her toes curled into the carpet. Jeez, he hadn’t even touched her pussy, and she was ready to come.
He lingered there, one finger circling right where her buttocks joined her back, dipping down into the crease, and finally, finally farther. His big hand cupped one buttock, and he gave a grunt. “You got a nice ass, girl.”
Standing at her side, he pushed her briefs down to tangle around her ankles, and she tensed. All of her body seemed to be pulsating, begging for more. Growing increasingly sensitive the longer he touched her.
She could feel him watching her. Waiting…for something. With an effort, she controlled her breathing, tried to act like a good submissive and be patient—even though she wanted to grab his T-shirt and demand he take her.
Now, dammit.
He made a huffing sound—a laugh—and smacked her ass, hard and stinging.
The shockwave blasted into her, swirling like water down the drain and right to her clit. “Criminy!” Her fingers curled into fists as her need yanked at her like a bull in breeding season.
“Enjoy that, do you?” His voice was a low growl. Releasing her neck, he set his palm on her stomach to brace her and spanked her. The sound of his palm slapping her bottom rang through the room, each blow an explosion of bright fire sliding into a deep pool of molten sensation.
The blows lightened. He slowed, stopped, and tipped her face up with steely fingers under her chin.
Tears had filled her eyes, and yet her skin burned with a tantalizing heat. And she wanted more. More and more and more.
“Step out of the briefs.” He waited while she forced her shaking legs to obey. “Thighs wide, pet.”
Oh God. She widened her stance, biting her lip against the moan when he cupped her mound, his fingers skating over her labia. “Drenched.” He gave a grunt of approval. “We’re going to get along well.”
The thought was terrifying. Appalling.
Horribly exciting.
His fingers spread the wetness up over her clit before he teased it. When he bit her neck, she couldn’t keep the moan back. His chuckle vibrated the delicate skin under her ear.
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