His Pleasures and Pain (Book II) (Allen Trilogy 2)

by Chevelle Allen

  He and Nikita were clearly on the other end of the spectrum because of her self-awareness and impenetrable personality. Their relationship had grown to the point where frequent explorations of darker play had become their norm. He no longer felt the duality that previously crept into his psyche with her. He credited her with helping him get there. They genuinely loved each other even with both knowing their love was not the life partner kind. For him, the true beauty of their relationship was they valued each other and where they were in their journeys. She was exactly what he needed when he met her. He also knew she might be a helpmate with Jocelyn.

  The doorman buzzed letting him know she had arrived. He glanced at the kitchen clock noting it was six fifty-five. Good girl, he thought. He placed a tray of light foods on the counter and waited. When the doorbell rang, he opened the door greeting her while taking her coat. She wore an off the shoulder cocktail length dress with heels. Her closely cropped hair was slicked back.

  “You look lovely,” he said.

  “Thank you!”

  “Have you eaten?”

  “I had a little something since you didn’t mention dinner. I presumed we’d…well, I presumed we wouldn’t be eating.”

  He smiled and said, “There’s a few snacks if you get hungry later. Have a seat.”

  “Thank you.” She sat on the sofa setting her clutch on the end table.

  He sat in the chair next to her with his leg bent holding his ankle over his knee. Rather than beat around the bush, he simply asked her, “Why do you want to be my Submissive?”

  She chuckled and adjusted in her seat. “I’m intrigued. And the truth is you’re sexy as hell. I have a feeling making love with you will be amazing.”

  He unfolded his legs, leaned towards her and said softly, “We won’t be making love. We’ll be fucking. A lot.” Leaning back, he continued, “But you have quite a bit to learn before we get to that point.”

  Her face grew crimson red with arousal and embarrassment. He watched every slight movement she made, paying particular attention to how she licked her lips in anticipation. Her hazel eyes dilated slightly as she tried to regain her composure.

  “What are you going to teach me?”

  “What do you want to learn?”

  “Everything. But I’d like you to tie me up in your bed.”

  “Why?”

  “Why?”

  “Yes, why? What intrigues you about that?”

  The pace of her breathing increased even as the flush began to subside. She was back in her intellectual space instead of emotional. She had to think about her response more carefully.

  “I guess the idea of being restrained turns me on.”

  “Have you ever been restrained before?”

  “Handcuffs…once or twice. Not much else. Nothing like what you have back there.”

  “You’ve mentioned the bedroom several times, what about the other devices. What do you know about them?”

  “Designing them required some research, but they look a bit more…extreme.”

  “What’s extreme to you?”

  “Anything that draws blood, I guess.”

  “Trust me, that leaves a lot of room to explore.”

  She twitched and for a moment he could see her reconciling the decision to pursue this with him. The more they talked few of her answers surprised him. He simply listened and watched her trying to glean as much as he could to structure her training if she chose to go further. What impressed him was how thoughtful she was throughout their conversation. Her initial bashfulness had given way to the self-assured woman he believed her to be.

  “What do you think about pain?”

  “Honestly, I don’t know.”

  “Is it something you’d like to try too… along with servitude, toys, binding and restraint?”

  “I’m willing to try it all. As long as you go easy on me.”

  “You need to understand my job as your Dom is to take care of you every step of the way. Each time we’re together, we’ll talk and discover things about one another. You’ll learn how to ask for what you want, what I like and how I expect you to behave.”

  “Well, you already know what you like, so I’m willing to do that for you.”

  “That’s not exactly how it works for me, Jocelyn. Every woman is different. My pleasure is derived from what you choose to share with me. What you like.”

  “I don’t understand. I thought there were certain things you like and my job is to do it for you. The Dom is in control, right?”

  He smiled and said, “I only have as much control as you choose to give me. You’ll always be able to say no, to guide our interactions by your behavior or your explicit requests. But if you violate my rules, you will be punished. Do you understand?”

  “I think so.”

  “Good. Now take off your clothes.”

  “Well that was fast! Doesn’t a girl at least get a glass of wine before getting naked?”

  “No. No drinking or drugs when you come to see me—especially in the beginning. I want your mind clear to make all your choices willingly.” His explanation reflected the seriousness of their exchange.

  “All right.” She got up and started walking towards the bathroom.

  “Where’re you going?”

  “To take off my clothes,” she replied.

  “I want you to take them off right here…in front of me.”

  “Oh.”

  “Can you do that?”

  She flushed again saying, “I don’t have the body of a thirty year old anymore, Michael.”

  He stood up, came behind her and gently ran his fingers slowly down her arms as the goose bumps raised on her flesh. He leaned into her letting his breath tickle her neck when he spoke, “I know that. If I wanted a naked thirty year old in my living room…she’d be here, not you.” He took her by the hand leading her back towards the sofa. He sat, leaning back letting his arms drape across the back of it. Looking into her eyes, he repeated, “Take off your clothes.”

  She breathed deeply trying to steady herself to carry out his command. She reached down and removed her shoes one at a time revealing a fresh pedicure. She moved with ease suggesting she had a good sense of balance. Once she was upright, she reached behind her neck unfastening the hook and eye before unzipping her dress. He watched as she slipped her arms out of the sleeves. Her nervousness was mounting. Through it all, she didn’t at look him. A slight tremble in her hands confirmed his assumption this was difficult for her. She needed to work through her discomfort with this simple act and he wasn’t going to aid her.

  With her dress around her ankles, she stepped out of it and picked it up.

  “Where should I put this?” she asked looking at him for the first time.

  “Put it on the chair,” he responded never once taking his eyes off of her.

  After placing the dress, she lightly clenched her right fist anxiously while rubbing her thumb against the inside of her fingers. She turned back to him and took off her panties before removing her bra. The blush returned to her face and it radiated throughout her upper torso. She stood silent with her arms by her sides at first and then she crossed them over her breasts.

  “Don’t ever hide from me. Drop your arms.”

  He walked towards her. Standing in front of her, his penetrating eyes began closer inspection of her pale freckled body. He raised her arms, directing her to rest them on her head. His fingers meticulously traced her jawline and down to the sides of her neck. Her skin was fairly supple, but its firmness was in the early stages of thinning. He knew striking or binding her too tightly would leave bruising lasting twice as long as someone younger.

  He continued to move his hands over her body as it warmed to his touches. Her breasts were firm with faint bluish veins becoming far more evident without the support of her bra. He let his fingers brush her nipples, which responded immediately to his exploration. Her breath quickened as he stepped even closer with his body touching hers. His hands traced h
er back while his fingertips slid slowly down her spine. She shuddered in response. He walked around her, finally standing behind her. Moving his hand to her throat he gently squeezed pulling her close against his body.

  He whispered in her ear, “You’re lovely,” before coming back around to face her once more.

  “Thank you,” she said giving him a faint but nervous smile.

  “It’s Sir. That’s how you’ll address me when we are together like this. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “Good. Now spread your legs for me.”

  She smiled moving her feet apart. Keeping his eyes fixed on hers, he reached down rubbing his fingers and palm against her trimmed mound before letting his finger slide inside. She let out a gasp then a low moan. He inserted his middle finger in and out of her while his thumb tickled her clit. He presumed she might be in early menopause because every other response strongly suggested she was very aroused. She wasn’t as wet as he preferred, but that issue could be easily managed.

  “How do you feel?” he asked still expertly moving his fingers in and out of her.

  She struggled to respond with redness filling her cheeks and her eyes getting hazier, “Amazing,” she panted. “Fuck me now!”

  He quickly removed his fingers and stepped away from her.

  The expression on her face shifted from pleasure to confusion. “What’s wrong? What did I do?”

  “The next time you say that to me, you’d better address me correctly and there better be a ‘please’ included. Do you understand?”

  She hesitated before answering, “Yes…Sir.” She was clearly frustrated in more ways than one way.

  “Tsk, tsk, tsk. Watch the tone. That’ll cost you. Now get dressed.”

  “What? I don’t…”

  He raised his brow firing a stern look her way.

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “Better.” He walked towards the kitchen and poured himself a glass of wine while she put her clothes back on. “I want you to do two things until we see each other again. First, I want you to spend as much time naked as possible. I want you to become comfortable with your own body.”

  “That’s easier said than done, Michael.”

  He turned his head sharply and stared at her with increasing intensity. “Excuse me?”

  “I’m sorry. Yes, Sir.”

  “I don’t want to have to remind you about how to address me again. Are we clear?”

  “Yes, Sir. And the second thing, Sir?”

  “I want to be able to see your pussy clearly, so shave. No pubic hair.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “Much better,” he smiled. “Now go home. I’ll let you know when its time for your next lesson.”

  Once she was dressed, he draped her coat over her shoulders before opening the door.

  “Good night, Jocelyn.”

  “Good night, Sir.”

  CHAPTER 30

  “So how do we make this go away, Josey? Neither one of us wants to go to trial.” Opposing counsel sat on the other side of the conference table with four other attorneys evenly flanked on both sides of him.

  “Your client needs to pay the full amount of his pledge. It’s fairly simple.” Michael sat alone with the Board Chair and Executive Director of Sorenson House.

  “That’s not going to happen. His fortunes have changed. He’s willing to pay thirty percent.”

  “Unacceptable.”

  With mounting evidence and a few carefully placed discoveries in the media, the Sorenson House had won significant public sympathy. So much so their donations were up considerably. But it still wasn’t enough to resume expansion plans without the larger gift.

  Opposing counselor’s tactic didn’t surprise Michael at all but momentum was on his side. By all accounts it was highly likely he’d win the case if they went court. But the smug attitude being displayed by the donor gave him considerable pause. Something wasn’t right, but he couldn’t put his finger on it yet.

  “This case has lessened shareholder confidence and his companies have experienced loss in value.”

  “It’s a blip and you know it. The companies are just as solid as they were before all of this. Besides, he and his family are majority shareholders. By last market calculation, he’s still personally worth a few billion. Figure it out,” he told them.

  “You’re assuming it’s all liquid,” another lawyer chimed in.

  “He made the commitment. He has the assets to pay. If he has to liquidate a mere fifty million, so be it. I’ll even let him pay it over time.” He strategically placed his hands on the table entwining his fingers as he waited for a response.

  “He doesn’t have fifty million at his personal disposal, Mr. Josey,”

  “You’re lying. And you know how I know you’re lying? Because this whole time he doesn’t seem the least bit concerned about what’s going on here.” Michael directed his comments to the donor. “You built these companies. You care about your public image. Your ego is too big not to care. But throughout this proceeding, you’ve behaved as if you couldn’t give a shit. Now why is that?”

  “This meeting is over, Josey. We’ll see you in court,” lead counsel fired back gathering his papers.

  “I look forward to it. Prepare your client for writing a bigger check including damages and my fee. I’m thinking at least a hundred fifty million.”

  “You’re insane! The Sorenson House will be shut down before you ever see a dime.”

  “Is that what your client wants, counselor? Shut down an exceptional charity helping homeless vets and their families? If his stocks have taken a hit so far, what do you think will happen when word gets out he’s trying to shut it down?”

  The group gathered their things and left leaving Michael alone with his clients.

  “How long can they really drag this out, Michael,” asked Mr. Stevens, the Board Chair.

  “It depends. Even if we go to court, they have the right to appeal any decision. That’s how it works.”

  “So why don’t we settle? We’ll figure something out with the fifteen or so million we’d get from all of this.”

  “Honestly, we’re not there yet. I told you they’d make an absurdly low offer. They did, now we counter.”

  “Oh my God! Is this what we have to deal with?” the Executive Director asked.

  Michelle McCullough had been Executive Director of Sorenson House for the past ten years. She was now completely flustered, but had managed to keep her composure throughout the meeting. It was clear the stress was getting to her.

  “All I ever wanted to do was help people! We do good work. We make sure homeless families have a safe place to lay their heads at night…food to eat… decent medical and dental care. We help them get back on their feet. How could he be so callous! How could he do this?”

  “Because he thinks he can.” Michael placed his hand on hers continuing, “Honestly, by all accounts, this is nothing to him financially. He’s paid more for houses. My instinct says this is personal for him. The question is why?”

  In a split second, Michelle looked frightened and troubled.

  “So what do we do next? Make a counter to their settlement offer?” Mr. Stevens asked.

  “I’d advise against it. But ultimately, it’s up to your board how you want me to proceed. Best case, they pay forty million to settle now. If we go to court, I’m sure the award will be considerably higher. But if an appeal is a given, they can drag it out for years. The question is can you leverage your public support to carry you to the finish line.”

  “That’s a question the board will have to consider.” Mr. Stevens extended his hand to shake Michael’s as he stood to leave. “Thank you. I’ll let you know what direction the board is leaning. Perhaps you can come to our next meeting to talk about it in more detail with us?”

  “Absolutely. Take care. It’s going to be all right.”

  Turning to her, Stevens said, “Michelle, I’ve got to run to another meeting. I’ll touch bas
e with you tomorrow about how we best frame what happened today, okay?”

  “Of course.” She started making her way out of the conference room when Michael stopped her.

  “Michelle, I have a few other questions related to operations that I hope you can help me with.”

  “I don’t know what else I can tell you. Our records show everything that happened with the pledge.”

  “I don’t think so. Can you stay for a few minutes?”

  “Sure.”

  With Mr. Stevens gone, he closed the door. “Like I said, I think this is personal for him. I have a feeling you can tell me why.”

  She swallowed hard. “Really there’s not much more I can say.”

  “I’m considering a subpoena for phone records,” he said watching her very closely.

  “Our database contains records of all our donor communications. You have everything.”

  “Not personal communications.”

  “What?”

  Michael sighed heavily. “Sit down a minute. We need to talk.”

  “I really need to go.”

  “Sit down, Michelle. Please.”

  She returned to her seat, bringing her hands to her mouth as her nervousness mounted. She was a statuesque brunette with stunning blue eyes and olive skin. She was beautiful, intelligent and by all accounts, performed her duties above and beyond.

  He sat beside her and asked quietly, “I saw the way he was looking at you and how you did everything you could to avoid his glances. How long were you sleeping with him?”

  Her eyes grew large with an emphatic response. “I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

  “Listen very carefully to me. Whatever you tell me right now will determine whether or not you keep the job love. If you choose to lie to me about what happened between the two of you, you’re out. Everything and everyone turns against you. Do you understand?”

  “Yes.”

  “So let me help you. Please.”

  As much as she fought against them, tears began to fall. “He’s a slimy bastard!”

  “Tell me everything.”

  “I can’t…I’m too ashamed.”