by Desiree Holt
“No.” Garrett gave him a slow smile. “I actually think it was all mine.”
Black Jack
Chapter 1
“I’m glad you arranged this for me, Kelly.” Nia March inched forward on the back seat of the car. “Thanks so much.”
“And I’m just glad you agreed to come with us.” Kelly LeBlanc turned her head and grinned at her friend as they turned into the parking lot for Club Fantasy. “You’ll enjoy the club.”
“And Blackjack.” Tanner Sloat’s deep voice rumbled from the driver’s seat.
Yes, Blackjack. The Dom Tanner had arranged for her to meet tonight, along with her first introduction to the new card game at Club Fantasy. The game that had brought Kelly and Tanner together. A little shiver of anticipation raced over Nia’s skin.
Kelly shifted in the front seat, turning as much as her seat belt would allow. “It seems so long since we’ve done this together.”
“Because five years ago, you moved from Dallas to San Antonio,” Nia pointed out.
“To take a fabulous job,” Kelly reminded her.
“I know, I know. But I miss going clubbing with you.”
“And that’s why you came for a visit. And you got to meet the fabulous Tanner Sloat.” Kelly touched the thin gold collar that circled her neck. “Master of all Masters.”
“And don’t you forget it.” Tanner chuckled, pulling smoothly into a parking place.
“As if.”
Nia had to tamp down the tiny bit of jealousy that surged up at the intense connection in their voices. Kelly had searched for a long time for just the right Dom. She’d had so many disappointments. Nia had held her hand through all of them. Now it thrilled her to see her friend so happy. But she couldn’t help wondering if she would ever find that for herself. That one person with whom she had an instant link. Someone who lit up sparks in her body and aroused her just by looking in her direction. She’d seen the instant spark in others. Kelly told her that was how it was with Tanner. But to Nia, it seemed as if she’d been seeking it forever.
She forced away the negative thoughts. “I’m thrilled for you. You know that.”
“I do. And maybe tonight you’ll find the Master of your dreams,” Kelly teased.
“Maybe. Possibly. And if not, no biggie.” Nia unbuckled her seatbelt. “I’m excited just thinking about this card game.”
“What could be more appropriate for a sub whose scene name is Queen of Hearts, right?”
“Right.” Nia did think it was an incredible coincidence.
“And whose getting ready to play Cut the Cards with a hot Dom…”
“You know he’s hot?” Nia grinned. “Have you met him?”
“No, but Tanner’s recommendation is good enough for me. He knows not to put you with just anyone.”
“Damn straight,” Tanner told her. “Kelly would hand me my ass if I did, and I might be the one getting to feel the whip.”
“So…” Kelly half-turned in her seat. “You ready?”
“I am. Let’s go.”
They climbed out of the car and waited while Tanner locked it.
“Let’s move,” he said.
“You’ll love it.” Kelly winked and linked her arm though Nia’s.
Tanner pushed the button set into the frame of the heavy carved front door. It swung outward and Nia followed him and Kelly inside. The vestibule was circular in shape, large enough for a stand to hold a guest book and a small bench, with a hallway leading to the rest of the club. Nia stood behind her friend while Tanner checked them in.
“Good evening, Anton. We made arrangements with Reulas for our guest. Nia March. Queen of Hearts.”
The doorman nodded and checked their names off in the open book resting on the stand.
“Yes, it’s right here.” He looked at Nia. “I’ll need to see your membership card from your home club.”
Nia slid it out of the little pocket of the leather miniskirt she wore and handed it to him. She waited while he scanned it and handed it back.
“Enjoy yourselves this evening.”
“Thank you.” Tanner led the way down the little hallway, Kelly and Nia following appropriately behind him.
When they moved into the main area Nia saw that it was divided into two sections; a lounge and a performance area. The lounge was almost completely occupied, with most of the tables, couches and armchairs filled with people talking in soft tones. Some of the subs sat on the floor at the feet of their Masters. A couple had leashes attached to their collars. Nia noticed one Dom in particular who had most of the leash wrapped around his free hand, keeping his sub’s upper body close to his crotch. His other hand held a drink that he sipped while his sub stroked his exposed cock.
Two men sat side by side on a couch, conversing quietly. A woman lay across both their laps, eyes closed, while one man fondled her breasts and the other played with her pussy beneath her skirt. Nia wondered idly if she belonged to both or whether her Dom was just in a sharing mood tonight.
Tanner obviously had perks in the place because he commandeered a love seat against one wall, the occupants simply smiling as they moved away without question.
“Sit,” he ordered the two women. “Hands folded. Legs apart.” He looked at Nia and a tiny smile hitched up one corner of his mouth. “For the moment, consider me your temporary Dom.” He leaned down and winked. “I’d hate for anyone to think I’d brought a sub who didn’t obey orders.”
Nia swallowed a grin, moved her knees apart, and folded her hands demurely in her lap.
“Very good. I need to speak to Reulas. In the meantime, I’ll have someone bring you cold drinks.”
Nia knew that like many well-run private dungeons, Club Fantasy did not serve alcoholic beverages. Kelly had explained that at one time they had discussed permitting people to drink if they weren’t going to play, but then vetoed it because people could change their minds. Reulas, the owner, had a hard and fast rule about it. He wanted his members and guests to be aware of their choices at all times. But Nia didn’t mind. The club she and Kelly had belonged to in Dallas—the one where she was still a member—had the same rule.
She wondered where the Dom Tanner had told her about was, and how soon she’d get to meet this man he’d arranged for her to play with tonight.
“You can trust Tanner’s judgment,” Kelly teased. “Really. He wouldn’t set you up with a Dom who would turn you off.”
Nia knew he also was into the new card game Tanner had introduced to Club Fantasy, the one that had first paired Kelly and Tanner together. Without actually going into details, Kelly had told her with a secretive smile that it was an easy way for each person to let the other know his or her preferences, as well as the things they did not feel comfortable with, right from the start of the play session.
A pair of legs clad in grey slacks came into her field of vision and Nia looked up to see a waiter holding a tray with two glasses.
“Master Tanner ordered sparkling water for you.” He dipped his head then placed one glass in her hand and one in Kelly’s. “I’m sure Master Tanner will let me know if you need a refill.”
Nia sipped at her drink, letting the bubbles explode on her tongue, mingling with the bubbles of excitement fizzing through her bloodstream. She was playing a game with herself, trying to imagine what the mysterious stranger looked like, when in her peripheral vision she caught people moving their way. She recognized Tanner’s boots right away.
“Time for introductions. You may look up. Both of you.”
Nia lifted her gaze and her breath caught in her throat. Every nerve in her body snapped and her heart actually stuttered. Good lord! This man was a lethal weapon even before he uttered a word. Something deep inside her began to unfold and excitement jittered through her.
The man was taller than Tanner and more muscular. He was dressed all in black—precisely tailored slacks and a shirt she was sure was silk. His hair was an even inkier black than Tanner’s, but shorter, and layered in an obv
iously expensive razor cut. His hooded eyes were framed with lashes that were ridiculously thick, enough to make a woman green with envy. She wondered if there was a factory around here that turned Doms out this way and had to swallow a giggle before she embarrassed herself in front of the stranger.
Her eyes dropped involuntarily to his crotch, where the soft material did little to disguise an impressive bulge. Her mouth watered as she thought of closing her lips around it or lowering her body onto it. Whatever he commanded. Her arousal soaked her thong and dampened her thighs. God, she was hot for this man before they’d even exchanged two words. She knew that whatever he wanted from her, whatever boundaries he’d push, she’d agree to it. All of it.
His gaze raked over her like the sweep of a magnifying glass, taking in every detail. When he lifted his eyes to her face again and their eyes locked, a bolt of lust shot through her as if a sword had pierced her heart.
“Queen of Hearts, meet Blackjack himself.” Tanner’s voice held a touch of humor.
Blackjack? Nia’s lips twitched as she tried to suppress a smile.
“Queen of Hearts. How appropriate.” The voice was rich and deep, a little like Tanner’s but thicker and with a Texas twang that made every nerve ending fire up. “Stand up. Let me take a look at all of you.”
Oh, yes. His voice might have that Texas warmth but there was no mistaking the tone of command or the strength in his words. Nia rose on slightly shaky legs, clasped her hands in front of her, and bowed her head.
“You may keep your head raised, girl. I want to get a good look at your face.”
His eyes were like twin lasers, scorching her skin as they traveled over it. She thought a smile teased at one corner of his mouth but it was gone so quickly she might have imagined it. He skimmed his gaze over her from top to bottom and back again until she felt as if her clothes had been stripped off and she stood naked before him.
While she stood there, trying not to shiver beneath his scrutiny, another man strolled up, shook hands with Tanner and nodded to Blackjack, holding out his hand.
“Welcome to Club Fantasy, Blackjack. You come highly recommended from your home club.”
Blackjack chuckled. “Yes. I’ve been a member there for a long time. Thanks for the guest pass.”
“Our pleasure.” The stranger who must work at Club Fantasy pulled a sealed deck of cards from his pocket, along with a key card, and handed them both to Blackjack. “Tanner explained that you requested a private room. Number three, down the hall on the left. And a fresh deck of cards.” He flicked his gaze over Nia before looking at Blackjack again. “Enjoy your evening.”
Blackjack turned to Tanner. “I’ll see you later?”
Tanner nodded. “Just text me when the Queen of Hearts is ready for her ride home.” He looked at Kelly and grinned. “We’ll be playing our own card game.”
Blackjack tapped Nia on the shoulder. “Time to go.”
With a last glance at Kelly, Nia followed the man out of the lounge area and down the hallway. She waited obediently while he inserted the key card and opened the door to the room, then followed him inside. As soon as the lock clicked on the door he turned to face her.
“Safeword. Now. I never begin without it.”
Nia wet her lips and swallowed. “Scarlet.”
He cocked one eyebrow. “Scarlet?”
She nodded. “It’s the color of the queen’s gown. The Queen of Hearts represents womanhood. That’s why I chose the name.”
A combination of heat and approval swirled in his eyes. “Excellent. As long as it wasn’t from that foulmouthed woman in Alice in Wonderland.”
“No.” She wet her lips again. “Sir.”
“Scarlet it is.” He studied her. “We don’t know anything about each other except that our friends have put us together. I have to ask you; do you trust me? After just a few minutes together?”
At once she realized there was much more to him than just the cravings of the lifestyle. This was a man who knew what a D/s relationship was all about, who probably would live it with the right sub. Who had substance and wanted the relationship to be meaningful whether it was for an hour or twenty-four/seven.
“I—They said I would be safe with you. I trust them, so yes, I trust you.”
“Excellent.” His eyes mesmerized her until she couldn’t, wouldn’t, look away. “Then we begin.”
Her gaze tracked him as he walked to the center of the room, motioning for her to follow him. “Before I open the deck of cards I want you to remove all of your clothing.” His gaze flicked to her feet. “Except for those shoes.”
“Yes, Master.”
“I always like to lay everything out for my subs the first time we play together. To begin with, I prefer Sir rather than Master as the honorific.”
“Sir,” she repeated. “Yes, Sir.”
He focused his eyes intently on her face. “Is that insolence, girl?”
“No, Sir.” She bit her lower lip. “Well, perhaps a little,” she teased. Damn! Kelly had always told her that streak of impudence would get her in trouble.
“If it is, you know you will need to be severely punished.”
Oh, yes. Please.
“Or perhaps that is the goal. We’ll see.” He paused. “Next thing. I expect absolute obedience from my sub at all times. No matter what we are doing. Is that clear? If it is, nod your head.”
Nia nodded.
He dropped lithely into an armchair set to the side, rested one ankle on the opposite knee, and tore open the wrapping on the cards. But his eyes never left her. They had barely had a conversation. He hadn’t asked her any questions except for her safeword, although she was sure Tanner had filled him in on her history and sexual desires. But she felt connected to him in some mystical way, as if they’d known each other forever and they were only playing at being strangers. Odd, because she’d never had that feeling with any Dom before, even the ones she talked with at length before their first session together. Kelly had told her, with a secret smile, that was the way it had been with her and Tanner. Was lightning about to strike twice in the same club?
Slowly she unbuttoned her short cutaway vest, opened it, and let it slide down her arms to the floor. She had chosen to forego a bra so she was left naked from the waist up. The moment his eyes focused on her breasts her nipples hardened into painful points and her breasts ached with need. She swallowed and slid down the side zipper on the skirt that barely covered her pussy. A flick of her wrist and it joined her vest on the floor. That left her in the sexy sandals and the tiniest red thong.
When she hooked her thumbs into the elastic at the sides, he held up his hand.
“Come closer. I want to do that.”
He placed both feet on the floor, legs apart, and motioned for Nia to stand between them. As soon as she did he ran his hands lazily over her body, palming her breasts then pinching her nipples. Soft at first, then harder, and harder, until he noticed her first flinch of pain.
“Sensitive nipples. Excellent. I have just the thing for them.”
She knew he expected silence so she stood mutely as he continued to follow the dips and contours of her flesh, sketching her with his fingers. When he came to the thong he tugged it until the elastic rested low at her hips, then ran his fingers down the hot crease between the globes of her ass. Unexpectedly he pinched each rounded cheek, hard, as he’d done with her nipples. Moisture flooded her cunt and trickled to the insides of her thighs.
Lust burned in Blackjack’s eyes at her response. “Are you a pain junkie, Queen of Hearts? Does pain turn you on?”
She nodded, once.
“Good. I understand there are some interesting cards in this deck relating to methods of pain.” He continued to draw the thong down her legs until it reached her ankles. His eyes took in every inch of her pussy, naked except for a carefully trimmed line of curls. Blackjack carefully stroked one finger down the row then dipped his finger into her slit. When he removed it he brought it to his mouth and
licked it very slowly.
Her entire body clenched at the sight. Heat surged through her, warming her pussy even more and sending tiny electrical charges to her nipples.
“You’re a delicious treat. I expect to taste a lot more of you before the evening is over. You may discard the thong now.”
Balancing carefully so she didn’t tumble off her high heels, she stepped out of the miniscule piece of lingerie and kicked it to one side.
Blackjack removed the cards from their box, riffled them twice, then shuffled them.
“Time to set the game. Some people like to go through the deck one time and remove all the cards representing things totally unacceptable. Then each person gets to select from what’s left. The way I prefer is to each make our selections the first time around and discard the rest.”
She wet her lips again. “Whatever pleases you, Sir.”
“Good. I will allow you to make the first selections.” He pulled over a small table next to the chair and set the cards on it. “Cut them. Then I’ll deal. But choose wisely.”
After he’d separated the pile at almost exactly the halfway mark, Blackjack began turning over the cards one at a time. The third card depicted a woman on her knees, hands cuffed behind her, feet spread wide with a stretcher bar. A man stood beside her applying a flogger with rubber tips. A surge of desire coursed through Nia at the memory of the exquisite pain those tips created.
“That one.” She nodded.
He set the card aside, then continued turning them over. When he came to one with a woman stretched on a St. Andrew’s Cross, face up, weights attached to her nipples and clit, a man applying an electric wand, she pointed again. And again Blackjack set it aside. By the time they’d gone through the deck she’d also chosen one with the single tail whip, a short but wide paddle, and a stainless steel butt plug with a place to include liquid that would give the tissues a pleasant burn.
“Interesting choices,” he commented. “All right. My turn.”
She studied each of the cards he selected and set on top of her choices—a woman on a spanking bench; a woman stretched out by a wall, arms upraised, legs wide apart, manacles on ankles and wrists, a large plug in her butt and the edge of a vibrator extending from her cunt; a woman on her knees, hands cuffed behind her while she wrapped her lips around her Master’s cock.