The Braille Club Undone (The Braille Club #3)

by J. A. Kerr

  He wanted to speak with Anna: get her opinion. From his research, complete honesty about their desires was the only way forward. Guy felt the uneasiness again. Could he be honest with Anna when he didn’t know what he wanted? Before Anna his appetite for sex had been as the books described it, “Vanilla” and he’d been satisfied…or had he? Was the reason he found married or unavailable women especially attractive was because he craved the danger it involved? He now saw how selfish and destructive his actions had been. His disregard for other people’s happiness had never mattered to him. He’d learned the hard way with Anna and the wound, although healed, had taught him some manners.

  He had been making enquiries about a selective group who practised different aspects of BDSM. This group both repelled and appealed. He wondered if he should check it out alone before he took Anna. However, decided that would not be a good idea. Anna would want to come, he was sure of it and yet he resisted the idea of taking her. Guy was unsure where their relationship was heading or where their desires were taking them. The Braille Club was allowing him to explore this taboo element but in a unique way. He looked at the number on his pad. All he had to do was call. They could attend this venue purely to observe or if they wanted to take part they could. Guy’s pulse surged and he knew it was more than curiosity, more than research. He needed this world and perhaps it was time he explored it, but he was still undecided about Anna.

  An email from Ford asking for specifications for the new design of hood diverted his attention. He wanted the hood to be altered so that the assignee’s hair was exposed. Cords could then be attached to hair to allow the patron to apply as much or as little pressure as they desired. He did his best to outline what he required, but was uncomfortable doing so. The second element he was considering was the delivery of electric shocks. He was starting with gloves and the hood. Guy had found out from a recent study that people’s fingertips and forehead were deemed by scientists to be the most sensitive part of the body to pain. The newly designed hood would incorporate the ability to give electric shocks to the forehead. This had to be controlled and monitored as thresholds to pain differed.

  As a copper he’d seen some brutal sights; unprecedented violence that, even as a hardened officer, had turned his stomach. Nothing prepared you for it and the memories remained forever, even when the case was closed. Human and sexual depravity was a constant in his profession and Guy, as a member of the force, was required to be whiter than white, and he had been. However, those constraints were no longer in place, leaving him free to experiment. Guy remembered the delicious sting of the cords from his session with Anna and wanted to reproduce the sensation. Combined with the thrust of the pulse, it would be sensational. Many people who use pain as a stimulant crave the rush of endorphins it produces. This takes them to a different state of consciousness which can be equally dangerous as they gorge on this sensation. The high impairs their judgement to assess pain, and therefore contact has to be established to ensure safety, but with no verbal communication allowed during Braille sessions, this was impossible.

  The Braille Commandments could not be broken, so Guy must find another way to ensure his members’ safety. He pondered on that. The commandment ‘Thou Shall Not Speak’ stopped direct contact between Assignee and Patron. Another element unique to the Braille Club was that members didn’t get to choose their roles. Dominant and Submissive alike would not like this lack of control. Would they be able to interchange roles satisfactorily like he did with Anna? As always the Braille Club did not conform. Members did have the choice of their zones if available. He’d read all about testing your limits with BDSM, but at the Braille club, there were no limits. He had lots to think about and lots to keep him busy. Picking up the pad he realised his hands were sweating as he carefully dialled the number.

  Chapter 31

  The Braille Club Undone

  The Braille Club, London. Two Years On. Guy always considered member suggestions and a considerable amount had requested a swingers zone. Guy had originally thought it would prove difficult to achieve but, with the arrival of the Braille key and new wireless technology, that was no longer the case.

  Anna

  Anna could barely concentrate on work. Her body and mind seduced by Guy and their games. She was desperate to see him, but as usual he was working. He was training Sasha, the stunningly beautiful Sasha, thought Anna. Sasha was spending more time with Guy than Anna, and she was jealous. She knew Guy’s history; she knew what he was capable of. He had admitted his weakness for married women and blamed it on his job, but leopards don’t change their spots. She wanted to trust him but found she had doubts. She didn’t like being denied his company. Her needs were stronger and darker than ever. Guy had awakened a side to her nature she’d fought hard to contain. Now she embraced it. Was, in fact, impatient to engage it once more, and was disappointed Guy didn’t feel the same.

  “Anna, this week is booked solid. I’ve got Sasha starting full-time, and I’m meeting with the engineers at night.”

  Anna bristled at the mention of Sasha’s name. “What and you have to do everything? Guy, you act like you own the place but you don’t. Let what’s his name...”

  “Benedict,” said Guy coolly.

  “Yes. Let Benedict take some responsibility.”

  “Anna, I can handle it,” said Guy angrily.

  “Fine,” she snapped. “I’ll just amuse myself will I? While you’re...handling things.”

  “I don’t have time for this, Anna,” said Guy.

  “Yes, I can see that. Well, I won’t take up any more of it.”

  She ended the call and switched her mobile off in a temper. She lifted her office phone and told Elaine to hold all her calls.

  “Mr Lawrence is not due for an hour,” said Elaine confused.

  “I’ve got so much to catch up on,” Anna snapped. “I don’t want any interruptions.”

  “Of course,” Elaine replied hastily.

  Anna stalked about her office until her fury dissipated. She realised she had been rude to Elaine. Picking up the phone, she immediately apologised; Elaine, good-natured and patient, asked if she wanted a cup of tea. Anna smiled, tea was always the answer. She sipped it and read through her messages and to her surprise, found only one was from Guy. Her anger spiked again. God, he was impossible. Glancing at her watch she realised Si Lawrence would be here any minute and took a compact from her drawer. She brushed her hair and reapplied her lipstick. She was in a dangerous mood.

  Simon Lawrence’s face looked strained as he entered her office.

  She offered him tea or coffee but he refused.

  “What can I do for you, Mr Lawrence?” she asked.

  He removed an envelope from his pocket and pulled a letter out and handed it to Anna.

  She scanned the letter and sat up a little straighter.

  “What is it you think I can do?” asked Anna confused.

  “The gagging order? Will it protect me from stuff like this?”

  “Mr Lawrence, no newspaper would print something like this. It’s hate mail bordering on blackmail. Ignore it. They have nothing to substantiate the claims.”

  “I’m sure it’s from the same person. I’ve had quite a few of them now,” he said.

  “Mr Lawrence, as far as I’m aware, there has been no charge brought against you. There have been no allegations of improper conduct, real or imagined.”

  She saw his shoulders visibly relax. Guilty, she suddenly thought. He’d assaulted that girl and bought her off. That’s why he was so worried. Despite his protestations to the contrary, he had done it. Anna’s instincts were never wrong. He’d gotten away with it but someone knew.

  “My advice. Keep all the letters as evidence in case things escalate; which I don’t think will happen. However, if they do, you can give them to the police.”

  “I don’t want the police involved; they’ve almost got a journalist hotline,” he said irritably.

  Anna smiled, he was right; so man
y stories were leaked to press and it usually came from these type of sources.

  “Can I have them investigated myself?” asked Si.

  Anna hesitated. Her firm did use investigators that were trustworthy and excellent at their job. “I could have one of our contacts look at them for you.”

  “Yes, Anna.” He pulled out several more envelopes encased in a plastic file.

  “As soon as I saw the envelope, I put on gloves and slit the top. There might be fingerprints or evidence to trace where they’re coming from.”

  Anna sighed, she doubted anything could be gained or traced but he was the client. “I’ll have an answer for you in a few days time.”

  “Good, Anna, good.”

  Anna saw his confidence return as he suddenly smiled at her. God, he was gorgeous. He saw her looking.

  “It must be knocking off time. Do you fancy a drink, Anna?”

  Anna’s first instinct was to refuse; then her eyes fell on her messages.

  16.30pm. Guy Walker called. No message.

  It was only a drink. Adrenaline pumped through her.

  “Yes, why not? It’s been a long day.”

  Anna insisted on going to Chambers, the bar at the corner where most of her associates drank. She wanted somewhere public, just in case. Nothing was going to happen but, still, better safe than sorry. It was packed. Anna nodded to a few colleagues whose eyebrows shot up when they saw her with Simon Lawrence. Anna felt a little thrill. She was enjoying the attention. The ice cold wine was delicious and Anna could feel her stress start to slip away. Simon Lawrence was surprisingly good company. His arrogance replaced by a razor wit that had Anna in stitches but he was still being an outrageous flirt. Anna could feel his hand pressing against her body as he drew her closer. His stories were fantastic and Anna could believe many of them were true.

  “This conversation is covered by the lawyer, client confidentially?” he asked her before he would reveal his secrets.

  “Of course,” she demurred. “My lips are sealed.”

  The look he’d given her was so smouldering; she understood why women fell for him. He was sex on legs and was getting a lot of attention from other women in the bar. Then she saw Tess. Her face was wretched as she watched them.

  “Simon,” said Anna quietly. She couldn’t bring herself to call him Si knowing it was his wife’s pet name for him.

  His face was close to hers as he whispered, “I want you.”

  Anna recoiled, aware that Tess was walking towards them. Si turned and smiled at his wife.

  “At last, Tess.” He reached over and kissed her deeply.

  Anna froze. What the fuck was going on?

  “Anna, you don’t mind if Tess joins us?” His eyes were bright. “I called her earlier.”

  Anna did mind. She minded a lot. What was he playing at?

  “You carry on,” she replied lightly. “I’m heading home now anyway.”

  “Where is home?” asked Si.

  “Not far,” said Anna evasively. “I’ll jump a cab.”

  “No,” said Si. “We can give you a lift, Tess is driving.”

  “Tess, thank you, but unnecessary,” said Anna, desperate to get away.

  “I insist,” said Si, firmly.

  Anna had no choice but to follow the couple out and into the large BMW jeep. She reluctantly gave Tess her address and ten minutes later drew up outside her building.

  “City pad?” asked Si.

  “Renting,” said Anna, not elaborating and quickly opened the door. “Thanks for the lift,” she threw back as she hurried away.

  She did not look back but she was almost sure Simon Lawrence was staring at her. She fumbled for her keys while she listened for the car to pull away, but it didn’t. Rattled, she pushed the door open, only breathing out when it closed behind her. Her heart was beating wildly. She punched the lift and was relieved when the doors slid open. Two minutes later she was in her flat. Clicking on the light, some instinct made her go to the window. Their car was still outside. What was going on? Were they fighting? She knew if she’d come in and seen Guy flirting with Sasha, the way she had been flirting with Simon, she’d have gone crazy.

  Tess had every right to be angry. Anna went to the fridge. She needed another drink and then she’d make herself some dinner. Two glasses of wine later she’d barely touched her food. Brooding over the day’s events suddenly made her lose her appetite. She reached for the bottle and topped up her glass. What the hell was wrong with her? She was either committed to Guy or...what? This childish game she was playing was dangerous. If Guy sensed anything going on between her and Simon Lawrence, they would be over. It was that thought alone that brought Anna to her senses. Tess’s expression tonight had been a wake-up call. She looked like she’d seen it all before. The sound of her buzzer made Anna jump.

  She lifted her intercom. “Yes?”

  “Is he with you?”

  “Sorry?”

  Anna could hear crying. “Tess?”

  “Is he with you?” the voice repeated.

  “No,” said Anna quietly. “I’m alone.”

  More crying. “Tess, do you want to come in?” Anna asked.

  The crying lessened and then a mumbled. “Okay.”

  Anna didn’t know what to think. If that bastard had hurt her...Anna answered the door almost immediately when she heard the knock. A visibly distressed Tess stood weeping and Anna ushered her inside. Tess looked around, her eyes searching frantically.

  “He’s not here, Tess,” said Anna, leading her to the sofa. “Do you want wine?”

  Tess shook her head. “I thought...” she sobbed, “I thought he’d be here.”

  “Well, he’s not,” said Anna impatiently. “What happened, Tess?”

  “You happened,” she replied. “I don’t think I can take another affair,” she hiccupped.

  Anna bristled. “It was a drink, Tess, nothing more.”

  “For you maybe...but I’ve seen him like this before. He wants you, Anna, and Simon always gets what he wants.”

  Anna was lost for words.

  “I haven’t seen him like this for a long time. The way he was tonight isn’t usual, Anna. He likes you...enough to impress you. He rarely bothers. I’m used to his one night stands but I think this is more.”

  Tess burst into a fresh set of tears while Anna got up to get her some tissues. Coming back with some loo roll, she pushed it towards Tess.

  “It was a drink,” she said again, but she was thinking of his arm around her body and how she had liked it. His whisper. “I want you.” Sent shivers of shock down her spine.

  “Why do you put up with it?” Anna asked.

  “I love him,” said Tess miserably.

  “Tess, maybe’s it’s time to get some advice,” said Anna gently.

  “What, from a lawyer? Someone like you?” asked Tess angrily.

  “I don’t handle family law. Look, it’s up to you but you’re not exactly happy.”

  “I can’t lose him,” sniffed Tess. The ringing of a mobile had Tess rummaging in her bag. Frantic, she emptied its contents onto the sofa, snatching up the phone just as it rang off. Desperately, she redialled but her shoulders slumped and she disconnected the call.

  “He’s not answering. He does that if we argue.”

  Anna was staring at the contents of her bag, especially a pack of envelopes. They were identical to the ones Simon Lawrence had showed her earlier. Anna picked one up.

  “Is that why you’re sending your own husband hate mail?”

  Tess’s eyes widened in surprise. “Wh-wh-what?” she stuttered.

  “Tess, these are exactly the same envelopes Simon showed me today. He wants to organise an investigator to look into them.”

  Tess started to cry again. “I just want him to stop. Why am I not enough for him?” More tears followed. “He hates if I stop his fun, but I can’t bare it anymore. I’m not usually like this; it’s the hormones.” Tess gasped, putting her hand over her mouth, a look
of horror on her face.

  “You’re pregnant?” asked Anna.

  Her face crumpled and she nodded miserably. “I was desperate because of the baby. It was a stupid idea. The blackmail. If Simon suspects it’s me then...”

  “He won’t find out,” said Anna. “Not from me.” She made a mental note to report to Si, she’d found nothing of use from the envelope analysis.

  “You’ve got to help me, Anna,” said Tess frantically.

  “Tell me everything. All of it,” said Anna, her calm voice masking her inner turmoil.

  She listened as Tess told her story. She didn’t sugar-coat it either. Anna sat there appalled at the things people endured in the name of love. She told of the one night stands, the affairs, the sex clubs, and then mentioned the girl that had been paid off. She told Anna that’s where she had got the idea to blackmail Si. Hoping to get him to stop the affairs or risk exposure.

  “I’m going to lose him,” said Tess flatly. “He doesn’t know I’m pregnant and when he finds out he’ll tell me to get an abortion or get out.” Tess looked exhausted.

  “Okay,” said Anna. “I want you to listen and do exactly what I say.”

  Tess’s face brightened.

  “I’ve got an idea,” said Anna.

  Chapter 32

  The Braille Club Undone

  The Braille Club, London. Two Years On. Swingers Zone. When members signed up to the swingers zone their experience might be with a different partner but equally it might be with their own; there was no restriction. Both single and married members could participate.

  Si

  Si had been buzzing in the car with Anna in the passenger seat. His trousers punched out as his erection pulsed hotly. She was interested, he could always tell. He liked to build the game up. He’d seen her annoyance when Tess showed up. That had been her test and she’d passed it with flying colours. She obviously wasn’t serious with the macho guy at Harrison’s. This pleased Si; he had disliked the man from the beginning. Anna was ripe for the taking and Si was happy to oblige. She was funny, smart and sexy. He’d had a lot of fun tonight. He felt connected to Anna. She was exactly what he was looking for. Tess had looked unhappy, but she knew the score.