The Braille Club Undone (The Braille Club #3)

by J. A. Kerr

  He had been almost five years old and had been playing with his cars when he knocked his father’s book from the table. The blow that resulted caught him completely by surprise. The sting of his father’s hand across his legs left him gasping.

  “Pick it up,” said his father.

  Shocked and afraid, Virinder’s legs almost gave way. His father’s hand tugged him upright and shoved him towards the table. He started to cry and in his panic rushed forward. He tripped over the book and fell. When he awoke, his mother’s tear-stained face made him reach out his arms. It was the first time he had ever been in a hospital and he clung to her in confusion. He didn’t remember falling. The doctors assured his mother he would be fine, a bump to the head, although worrying, rarely resulted in any long-term effects. They were wrong. When he saw his father, Virinder shrank away from him. His mother looked at Maalik sharply but said nothing. He knew then what his father was. Virinder never forgot the incident and spent the rest of his childhood comfort eating and avoiding his father. His father never struck him again. Whether that was because Virinder was never alone with him or from guilt, he didn’t know. His mother wasn’t so lucky. The remembered conversation still stung.

  “Nina.” His father’s voice had been sharp and cold. “Virinder must lose weight. You will put him on a diet.”

  “Maalik, he is only a child. He must eat to grow,” she said nervously.

  He heard a slap and his mother wince.

  “Do as I say, Nina. No son of mine will be fat. It is a sign of weakness.”

  “Yes, Maalik,” she whispered.

  Virinder could not see his parents from his position in the larder store. It was a large walk-in cupboard full of his favourite thing...food. The shelves were stuffed with treats. He had been getting a snack when he heard them and froze. He was frightened of his father, none more so than at that moment. Normally when his father looked at him, he barely concealed his look of disgust. Virinder tried so hard to please him but never seemed to get things right. He wanted to rush out and protect his mother but instead shoved the bread into his mouth to stop himself bawling as he listened to his mother weep.

  His school days were filled with terror and humiliation. The school prided itself on its multi-racial students, but somehow being fat seemed to cross all divides. He was a target—picked on by all. Meanness and money made his tormentors particularly cruel. He was miserable and struggled to make friends. No one wanted to be associated with him. As if being fat was contagious. He saw the disapproval in his teachers’ faces. His only respite was his love of chess. There, he was appreciated for his skill and tactics. Virinder realised he was extremely good at board games and moved quickly to online gaming. Xbox and its wide variety of games became his life and his escape. He spent hours playing them, finishing most of his new games within a few short hours. That’s when he got interested in designing his own game platform. He was smart, grateful for the gene that made him academic, while cursing the gene that made him fat. He shuddered, thoughts of what his life would be like if he had been fat and stupid didn’t bear thinking about.

  He studied IT at university while honing his own game design. He met and struck up a friendship with Cara. She had a face full of metal and wild black hair. A misfit like himself, she was wonderfully caring under her hard exterior. She volunteered to help him with his project. Cara was just as clever as Virinder and together they decided to go into business. She had great ideas for the game’s design. Jointly they developed what they thought was the right recipe. There was something in it for all abilities. The beginners could enjoy the game on a one-dimensional level, while the more serious gamers could unlock hidden zones where the difficulty kept them interested. The game was called Time Traveller. Gamers could travel to the future or to the past and enter that time. They must search and recover items deemed critical before their enemy got them. When launched as an app, the game was an overnight success. Virinder thought financial independence from his family would set him free; it did not.

  He looked at Cara’s fierce face. The piercings through her eyebrows, ears and nose always made him wince. “Were they painful to get in?” he had asked her when they’d first met. She was so brave. Nothing and no one intimated her.

  She merely shrugged. “It was more painful for my parents,” she snorted. “They’re appalled by their daughter’s appearance,” she laughed. Looking at Virinder intently she said, “You need to stand up for yourself.”

  “It’s not that easy,” he sighed.

  “Yes, it is,” she replied firmly. “Take control, Virinder. What can they do?”

  Virinder shook his head sadly. “My father would disown me. I’d never see my mother or sister again. I can’t abandon them, Cara. They deserve more than that.”

  Cara sat beside him. “So you’re just going to marry this woman you don’t even like?”

  Listening to her words, even Virinder thought he sounded weak. “Yes. I don’t have a choice. My family wants the marriage,” he sighed.

  “Fuck your family, Virinder. They’re not the ones getting married; they can’t force you to do something against your will.”

  Virinder gave her a sad smile.

  “Okay, why don’t you like her?” Cara huffed.

  “I just don’t,” replied Virinder.

  “You know, I didn’t like Danny when I first met him. I thought he was an idiot. Maybe when you get to know her...”

  “No,” he interrupted. “She loathes me just like the rest of them. I’ve seen her look at me.”

  “Virinder,” said Cara softly. “You are a lovely man, stop judging yourself. If you’re not happy with your weight, do something about it.”

  Virinder knew she was right but he was miserable. “Cara, I’m still a virrr-gin,” he stammered. “I know nothing about pleasing women.”

  Cara put her hand on his arm. “Virinder, I’ll speak to Danny. I think I might have something that will interest you.

  “What?” said Virinder dejectedly.

  “A club. It’s hard to describe,” said Cara.

  “What good is a club?” said Virinder.

  “It’s a secret club,” said Cara smiling.

  Virinder looked at her closely. Cara had alternative tastes to match her alternative style.

  “Before you say it, no, it’s not what you’re thinking.”

  Virinder's cheeks grew hot. Cara could always see right through him.

  “No, the club is posh and it has a really expensive membership. That’s if you’re accepted, but as I said, I’ll speak to Danny.”

  Danny, like Cara, was part of this new uber rich set, although his parents were much more relaxed. His dad was involved with the music industry. Danny had a face full of metal too.

  “I’m not sure,” Virinder mumbled.

  “What do you have to lose?” asked Cara perceptively.

  The conversation seemed such a long time ago now. Danny had sponsored Virinder, and the rest was history. Secretly, Virinder was both terrified and completely out of his comfort zone. His thoughts turned to Noor and his stomach turned over. Why could he see what no one else could? She was a fake. Her facade didn’t fool him. Years of mistreatment and taunts had made Virinder sensitive to a certain type of person. Noor was a bully, he recognised the characteristics immediately, but she was clever, masking her true nature from his family.

  “Virinder.” He could hear his mother’s call. She was here. Virinder didn’t look at himself in the mirror. He must be strong; maybe she wasn’t as bad as he thought. He reluctantly went to join her.

  Chapter 6

  The Braille Club Undone

  The Braille Club, London. Two Years On. The Braille Club has several new zones—Pandora is one of them. New zones means new experiences, and of course new rules. They are sleeker now, those rudimentary days a distant memory. The technology they use at the forefront of their success.

  Noor

  Noor approached the large house, and the tension of the last few hour
s with her father slipped away. This was where she belonged, this is what she deserved. She played her part well. Virinder’s family was on her side, she had sensed that from the beginning. Her potential fiancé, the thought still thrilled her, was perfect for her purposes. He was fat, shy and awkward. He would be easy to manipulate and control. Noor had spent a long time finding the perfect match. It hadn’t been easy after her father’s fall from grace but her beauty had been her greatest asset.

  The Bashir family were willing to overlook her lack of wealth in exchange for her genes. They wanted their son married and made no secret of their desire for a grandchild—correction, Grandson—but all in good time, thought Noor; all in good time. She saw the taxi driver looking at her as she checked her reflection in her compact. Slowly she re-applied her lip gloss. She checked to see if he was still watching. He was. Noor smiled at him. He was young and good looking, just her type.

  “What’s your name?” she asked boldly.

  “John,” he replied, laughing.

  “John, I will need a taxi later this evening. Would you be available?” she smiled again.

  “Just ask for me when you call it in. It’s Chaudhry, isn’t it?”

  “Yes,” she replied, pleased he remembered.

  He turned and gave her a card with his number. Noor paid him and promised to call. Squaring her shoulders, she prepared herself. Like any actor, she took a moment to get into character. Her confident, beautiful face changed to the shy and nervous demeanour she had perfected. She smoothed her hair which she fashioned in a long, plain plait. She didn’t want to go too far, so the clothes she wore were fashionable but demure. They would be disappointed her father would miss this special night. She thought of the sedative she’d given him earlier. He’d been asleep before she left and would never know she’d been out, let alone the small detail of her being engaged. She couldn’t risk him spoiling things as he always did. No. This way was safer, for him and for her.

  Completely in character now, she rang the doorbell. Mrs Bashir greeted her and ushered her inside. Noor could see the tension in her face and experienced her first stab of doubt. Something was wrong. Where was Virinder?

  “Noor, please come and sit down,” said Mrs Bashir distractively. Her gaze travelled upstairs. “Virinder will be down shortly.”

  “Where is your father, Noor?” she asked as if she’d just realised Noor was alone.

  “He is unwell I’m afraid; he sends his apologies,” said Noor nervously.

  Mrs Bashir looked crestfallen as she stood wringing her hands. “You should have telephoned, Noor, and we could have rescheduled.”

  Noor pretended to fidget with her hands. Had she underestimated the Bashir family? She needed this marriage. There was a lot riding on its outcome.

  “I’m sorry,” Noor hung her head. Mrs Bashir was right. With her father missing it wasn’t proper; she was here unchaperoned, but she was relying on them not turning her away and they didn’t.

  She caught movement at the corner of her eye and swallowed the shudder of revulsion as Virinder wobbled across the floor. He was disgusting. His face, which could have been handsome, was lost in fat; blown up and puffy. A large double chin and thick neck made him appear shorter than his 6ft. His head looked out of proportion to his obese body. The loose shirt concealed the worst of his fat. He had his mother’s eyes, the light green unusual. Noor looked away and tried to compose herself. She visualised the taxi driver from earlier and kept his face fixed in her mind.

  “Virinder,” she spoke softly and glanced up at him from below her lashes. His response was a cool nod that threw her slightly. The last time they had met, he’d been tongue tied and placid. Noor felt a flash of anger. He should be down on his knees, grovelling at her feet. Well, he’d be there soon enough. Virinder sat as far away from her as possible she noticed with a smile. So, he didn’t like her. Why? Noor looked at Virinder, puzzled. He couldn’t possibly know how she felt. Her performance had been exceptional, even by her own standards. This was even better. No need to evade his advances. Noor had struck the jackpot. A rich husband and no strings attached. Noor smiled. A real smile this time that lit up her face until she remembered about the grandchildren and it faltered. When she glanced up at Virinder his gaze was cold, and she knew then he’d win if she didn’t get pregnant.

  Incredible, he was smarter than she had given him credit for, however, he wasn’t smarter than her. She’d seduced so many men. Virinder thought he could resist her—he was wrong. In the end, they always succumbed. It was in their biology; ingrained in their DNA. They were weak and often didn’t think with their brains. He was hers for the taking...whether he liked it or not.

  Chapter 7

  The Braille Club Undone

  The Braille Club, London. Two Years On. Pandora Zone. Siena pulls the zip into place; the sensory suit and chair in this zone have become one. She is naked and tingling beneath its firm and secure fit. The fabric is moulded to her body, touching her intimately...she likes it.

  Guy

  Guy sat examining the paper work in front of him. Simon and Tess Lawrence came to him highly recommended but Guy didn’t like what he was reading. He was all for live and let live, but some of the stuff they were into was...kinky on a completely different level. They were both swingers and indulged in various sexual practices. Their favourite was, in Guy’s opinion, little more than an orgy. Guy unearthed how their latest endeavour had landed them in trouble. One of the group members alleged Simon assaulted her. All hushed up by their management company, they’d paid the girl off but the details were disturbing nevertheless.

  Alleging her and Simon were having consensual sex when he started to hit her. She used her safe word to end their session, but he ignored it and continued to spank her until he ejaculated. His version of events was they were having consensual sex when she urged him to spank her and he did. He denied she used her safe word, calling her a liar and a gold-digger. It was tricky to prove, but the group took the girl’s side and Simon and Tess were expelled. The girl had threatened to drag his name through the paper and the courts. However, the money offered bought her silence and in exchange Tess and Simon agreed to join The Braille Club. It was decided it was a much safer venue for them.

  Guy had his doubts about them but looked at the bigger picture. They were all consenting adults, and it was her word against his. Who did he believe? Was Simon Lawrence set up by the group? It wouldn’t be the first time. Their sponsor was influential, and they had passed all the security with flying colours. However, Guy now dug deeper. He would be watching them. One wrong move and they would be out. Niven still haunted him and although Matt was out of the hospital, he was a shadow of the man he was. The plan had been that Matt would run Benedict’s architectural office while he based himself at Harrison’s. Obviously, that didn’t happen. Benedict did find someone to run his office but worked, for the most part, from home.

  Guy sighed. Danger seemed to lurk and follow his employers no matter what precautions they put in place. Worryingly, danger extended to those surrounding them. Matt was an example and Guy shuddered when he thought of his Anna. He never wanted her exposed to danger. He hadn’t forgotten what that bastard Robert had done to her despite Anna’s protests that it was an accident. The only reason he hadn’t paid Robert a visit was due to his work schedule. Another sigh escaped him. He knew he couldn’t keep this level of commitment going. He was exhausted both mentally and physically. However, he did not intend to let Benedict down; he’d done that already. He missed Anna but had to start as he meant to go on. Anna was very independent after all and refused his help point blank. Their relationship must change if it was to survive.

  Guy’s phone rang. He picked it up and listened.

  “Okay, I’ll be with them in a minute.”

  He closed the file containing the paperwork and locked it in his desk. Standing, he straightened his tie in the mirror before stepping outside his office. As he approached the reception area, he saw them. Simon L
awrence did not look happy. He had a sour look on his handsome face. Well, Guy thought, he wasn’t here to massage his ego.

  “Mr Lawrence? I’m Guy Walker.” Guy held out his hand.

  Lawrence took his time before he shook it, which annoyed Guy. Things only got worse as Guy showed them around. Simon Lawrence was rude and arrogant. His wife, on the other hand, was warm and kind. Guy did his best but could tell it was going to be a long night.

  Chapter 8

  The Braille Club Undone

  The Braille Club, London. Two Years On. Pandora Zone. Siena’s breathing slowed as she slipped on the hood and tucked her long blonde curls inside. Her fingers move along the chair until they locate the button and push it firmly. As she glides into the zone her heart flutters, the unique smell of Braille all around her.

  Anna

  Anna returned to her office and tried to refocus on her large workload, but couldn’t stop thinking about lunch. Simon Lawrence was young and handsome. The crisp white shirt he wore under his fitted jacket accentuated his light tan. Wide spaced, dark eyes; Anna could not determine their colour. They seemed to mock as they gazed at you. He wore his dark blonde hair slicked back from his arrogant face. There was no other adjective that described him better. Simon Lawrence was arrogance personified. He rarely smiled. She wondered what did make him smile, what his skin felt like below his shirt and, lastly, what his face looked like when he climaxed. Stop it, Anna, she thought. There was no denying their mutual attraction.

  Anna jumped guilty as her mobile bleeped. Turning, she saw it was Guy.

  Guy: Working late tonight. Don’t wait up.

  A mixture of emotions flooded through her; annoyance, desire, relief and frustration. Guy was working too hard. She had barely seen him. However, with her own backlog of work she was in the same position. She sighed; Guy was handsome but in a different way. He was more rugged, not pretty boy handsome like Si. Although he shaved, there was always a shadow. He was serious and controlled. The suits he wore were impeccable and his hair always neat. Anna always had the burning desire to pull off his tie and mess up his hair. She wanted him to lose all control. Yes, she wanted Guy right now, but as she sat, she realised how little she knew about him. What did he like to eat? Was he a movie lover? Did he have hobbies? She doubted he had but people surprised her all the time. Her phone bleeped with a second text.