Layla

by Claire Marta

  I nod, just wanting the pressure he’s exerting to ease.

  Studying me for a moment, his hand moves down to cup my jaw.

  Licking my dry lips, I don’t take my gaze from his lust-filled expression. “W...what do you want, Enrico?”

  “You know what I want.”

  “I’m not interested in becoming your sub. I’ve told you that.”

  A smirk creeps onto his mouth. “You think I don’t notice you watching me when I scene? You want me. I know you do.”

  I try to shake my head in denial but his grip tightens painfully. “I watch all the scenes I can, not just yours.”

  He’s been forward before but never this cruel.

  I know we can’t be the last ones around. I’m never left to lock up by myself. Hidden in the shadows, I’m not sure if anyone is close enough to hear us. The vampires will be gone for the day. All the staff left will be the ones that aren’t nocturnal.

  “You like playing hard to get.” Enrico’s breath is hot against my cheek. “The little ghost, just out of touch, but you can’t say no forever, cariña. I’m going to be the one to tame you and take your body.”

  Thomas might be arrogant, but at least he didn’t take advantage.

  Tears sting my eyes.“Please, you're hurting me.”

  “Please what?”

  I hear the sneer in his tone. He’s enjoying this.

  “Please, Master Enrico, will you let me go?” It comes out in a whimper.

  “Everything all right, Layla?”

  I’m free so fast my legs sag and I slide down to sit my ass on the floor. Eli stands watching us, his gaze narrowed and lips flattened in disapproval.

  “We were just talking,” Enrico tells him quickly, flashing me a hard stare. “Weren't we, Layla.”

  “Yes.”

  I keep my attention on Eli’s feet. I don’t want to see the concern, his anger. There’s been no problem with the Spanish Dom before. Any more trouble and I’m sure Adam will fire me.

  “I’ll let you finish closing up.” Enrico walks away, his heavy footsteps loosening the tension inside me.

  Closing my eyes, my head rests back on the wall. Why has my life turned into one big storm with me at the center? Things used to be simple. My only solace is that it was Thomas who found me earlier and not the Spaniard. Maybe he isn’t such a bastard after all. He did leave me alone...

  “Hey. Are you okay?”

  Eye fluttering up, I find Eli crouched beside me. When he moved I don’t know because I certainly didn’t hear it.

  Forcing a smile onto my lips, I nod. “I’m fine. Things just got a little intense. It’s been a long night.”

  “You should report him.”

  “I don’t need any more trouble, Eli.”

  His brows dip in the middle. “Layla, he’s harassing you.”

  “No, it was just a heated discussion that was all.” I lie. “Please don’t tell Adam.”

  From his look I can tell Eli doesn’t believe me. “I know Enrico wants you to be his sub.”

  “I don’t plan on being his or anyone’s.” Taking his offered hand, I rise shakily to my feet.

  I do and I don’t. Part of me yearns for it but fear holds me back. After my experiences tonight, do I really want to belong to a Dom?

  “Come on. I’ll walk you out and to the bus stop just to be on the safe side.” Eli slips his arm around my waist.

  I know it’s there for comfort so I don’t mind it. Letting him guide me, we move toward the bar and my waiting dinner. I know I’ll end up throwing it in the trash, after this last incident my appetite is gone.

  Thomas

  I wonder what my little nymph has in store for me today. She’s lucky I’m the one who ran into her, anyone else would have turned her into Adam. I still can turn her into Adam, but I won’t.

  Something about the girl intrigues me. Not just her naiveté, but her bravery too. She trembled like a lamb both onstage and in that room, but she tried her best to stand her ground as well, I can admire that.

  I have a demonstration tonight with the other Layla. Just a small one, nothing extravagant. A paddling, but from what I understand from our discussion over limits it’ll be nowhere near as heavy-handed as I usually do. Which is almost a disappointment. But I owe her a scene, after all the trouble I got into my first night, the least I could do is give the right girl a taste of me.

  I set my bag in the employee room, even though the club has a variety of toys to choose from I prefer to have my own on hand. There’s nothing better than having your own well-used flogger, or in this case, paddle, when you’re going to work someone over.

  “Hey.”

  Turning I find Eli walking into the room, a backpack slung over his shoulder.

  “Hello, anything I can help you with?”

  It bugs me I still don’t know what he is. I don’t need that information to work with the guy, but after so many years of being able to just feel what a person is, it’s a little disconcerting.

  “Actually yes. I spoke to my boyfriend. He consented to letting me do a scene with you. If you’re interested of course. It doesn’t even have to be here at the club if you don’t want people seeing you with a man. We have a nice playroom at our place.”

  “I have no problem doing a public scene if that’s what you want. It’s been years since I did one with another man, but I’m not opposed to the idea.”

  Eli grins, his blue eyes lighting up. “Excellent. Callum has to be here, that’s the only stipulation, no sex of course, but other than that I’m all yours. Name a date and time you’re free.”

  “I’ll check my schedule, you know we’ll have to go over limits and such beforehand.”

  “Of course. I will tell you, I’m not a sub. I know you’ve been curious. And possibly confused, everyone is at first. I’m a switch. I have no problems submitting, and if I thought it’d be an issue submitting to you I wouldn’t have brought it up.

  “But I’ve seen you work. I’ve seen how heavy-handed you are, yet gentle and patient at the same time. That’s what I need in a Dom.”

  “I’ll need to meet with both you and your boyfriend. It’s not just our limits that need to be addressed but his too.”

  “Of course. Does it bother you? That I’m not submissive?”

  “No. Because you are. Just not all the time. I can respect that. You should know better than anyone how both sides of the coin work.

  “You know the power the subs have when they hand it all over.

  “You also know how the Dom feels when they’re trusted with the power. Truthfully I envy that about you, now that I know. I suspected of course, but knowing is something else. I know I could never do what you do.”

  Eli smiles, something like respect shines in his eyes. “Thank you. Not everyone gets it. That’s why I chose you. I had a feeling.” He pauses and then his eyes narrow like he’s debating something. “There is something else. It’s about Layla.”

  “Which one?”

  “You know which one.”

  I shrug, “I learned my lesson. Is something wrong?”

  “No...I don’t know. Just, if you can keep an eye on her. I can’t say anything’s wrong, but she hasn’t been herself. And she’s stubborn. If you see her, just pay attention to make sure she’s okay. Please?”

  “I’ll do my best. Can’t say she’s my biggest fan.”

  “No, but that’s one of the reasons I’m coming to you. I think she likes you, but I’m sure you’ve picked up that she’s...innocent.”

  “I’ll keep an eye on her when I can. Don’t worry.”

  “Thank you. I don’t think there’s a reason to worry the higher-ups, but I also don’t think she’s being honest with me, or herself, so…”

  “I understand.”

  Eli nods, stuffs his bag into a cubby and says, “I need to get to work. We’ll talk later to set up a meeting time.”

  “Sounds good.”

  He leaves and I’m left wondering what could possibly
be going on with the little nymph.

  I have to believe that if Eli thought she was in any kind of trouble he’d talk to Adam. So this could just be a concerned friend asking another co-worker for help, but who knows. Trouble seems to follow the girl.

  ***

  For this scene, I chose one of my favorite paddles. Most use leather ones, but mine is made of walnut, it’s on the heavier side, makes a wonderful “thud” when connecting with flesh.

  The handle is worn and fits my grip perfectly.

  The finish gleams under the lights of the stage. The vampire, Layla, is strapped to the spanking bench. Her head turned so she can watch everyone on the floor.

  “Do you know your safe word?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Good. Are you ready?”

  “Yes.”

  Stepping up to the girl I set my hand on the small of her back. She shivers at the contact but otherwise doesn’t react.

  Slowly I move my hand downwards.

  Her ass is round and firm. The skin is soft and smooth beneath my palm.

  Taking a step back I spin the paddle a few times in my hand.

  A half step forward, I bring my arm back and then quickly I strike her.

  She lets out a delicious cry as the pain radiates through her body. And that was what I would call a soft touch.

  Over and over again I paddle her ass, gradually getting harder and harder, but not as hard as I could go.

  Slowing down I spread my hits out until stopping. “Where are you, girl?”

  “Green, sir.”

  “Would you like to continue?”

  “Yes, please.” Her voice is shaky.

  She was almost there, almost at the tip of where pleasure and pain meet to explode into something magical. If I didn’t stop when I did I know she’d be happily floating right now.

  “Very well. Here we go.”

  I begin again, the pink welts turning red. Thanks to her vampire healing abilities it’s taken longer to go from a pretty pink to a flushed red.

  She cries out as I strike a particularly sensitive spot, so I do it again. And again.

  Moving to the other side I hit the same spot. Not directly on the cheek, but closer to the outside of the thigh. I’m sure it hurts like a bitch, which is why I put a little more force behind my strike and then, “pineapple.”

  The sobbed word stops me dead in my tracks.

  The paddle falls from my hand and I’m removing the restraints from the girl. “You’re okay.” I murmur. “I got you, you’re okay.”

  “I am.” She says, voice small. “I am okay. That was just...fuck...that was more than I expected.”

  “I’m sorry I pushed you.” I adjust her into my arms so I can carry her off the stage.

  Support staff rush onto the stage to clean up, but I just skirt around them and head backstage to one of the sofas kept specifically for aftercare.

  “No.” She sighs and burrows deeper into me. “It wasn’t a bad push. No one’s ever worked me up like that. I just...I just wasn’t expecting it.”

  “Were you really at a green when I asked you?”

  I grab the water that someone holds out. Opening it I give it to Layla.

  “I was. I don’t lie, sir. I liked everything we did, it just scared me.”

  “Okay. So long as you’re okay and I didn’t push you too far.”

  “You didn’t. I promise. I just don’t think I’ll be doing any more impact scenes with you.” She laughs a little.

  “Well, I’m proficient in many things, have you ever been tied up?”

  She drinks more water and then says, “no, sir.”

  “Shibari is one of the things I do exceptionally well. If you’d like to try it.”

  “Yes, please, sir.”

  “We’ll discuss it more later on.”

  “That sounds good. Thank you, sir.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  I make her finish the water, even though her system should be almost back to normal since she’s a vampire, I don’t skimp on aftercare. It’s more than just healing the body of the sub after a scene, but their mind as well.

  Holding her, asking her questions, it’s all geared to keeping her safe. This Layla has been in the scene awhile, she knows the score and allows me to care for her as any good Dom should.

  When we’re finished I leave her to dress, only after making sure she has a safe plan to get home. Adam doesn’t allow his subs or Doms to continue working after a demonstration, especially an intense one.

  I go looking for my bag since the only thing I’m wearing is a pair of tight jeans. My shoes and shirt were left with the rest of my toys. And the support staff should have cleared everything from the stage already.

  I turn the corner and almost run into someone.

  “I’m sorry,” I say, looking down into crystal clear blue eyes.

  Saltwater, something sweet...and the scent of arousal invades my senses.

  “Well, if it isn’t the little nymph. Did you enjoy the show?”

  Layla

  Thomas’s deep voice slides over me, leaving tingles in its wake. Watching him with the other Layla had been arousing and mesmerizing. I don’t want to acknowledge the spike of jealousy I’d felt. Envy at how he’d held her afterward. The fact is I haven’t been able to get him out of my head. Our confrontation in the private room has left me restless and horny.

  “I..I…” Darting a look behind me, I see my other problem stalking towards us.

  Enrico, like Thomas, is dressed only in a pair of jeans. Dark, powerful, and menacing the were-tiger has been on the hunt for me since I turned up for my shift.

  Gazing returning to Thomas’s, I find his attention now on the other Dom.

  “Is everything all right?” The concern in his voice makes me bite my lip. I don’t need any more trouble but Enrico is starting to scare me.

  “Layla.” The Spaniard's tone is harsh. “Come here now.”

  Caught between both of them, and hoping as we aren’t alone it will be safe, I reluctantly turn.

  “Can I help you with something?” I keep my eyes fixed on his chin unwilling to meet his eyes.

  “I need your assistance in my private room. Some of the equipment hasn’t been cleaned properly.”

  “I did a thorough job last night.”

  Enrico’s mouth twists in a way that makes my stomach clench. “Obviously you were slacking when you got to my room.”

  When he takes a step towards me, I take one away bringing my back flush with Thomas’s chest. His heat invades my skin through my T-shirt. Strangely, it infuses me with a feeling of safety. I’m not sure why though. Every instinct warns me that I’m trapped between two deadly predators.

  “Come.” Holding out his hand, Enrico beckons. “You will make amends for your carelessness and then I will punish you for it.” His eyes gleam at the last sentence.

  Oh goddess. Just the thought of being trapped in a room with him makes me feel sick. He’s been trying to corner me for days and now he’s going to get his wish. My mind freezes with the possibilities of what he would do to me.

  “I cleaned them properly.” I insist. “Maybe Master Thomas can come and verify that.” Tilting my chin up, I give the brooding Dom a pleading look. He’s an ass but right now he’s all that stands between me and the tiger.

  The weight of his gaze dances over my expression. I don’t hide my fear, letting him see it all in my expression.

  “I would be more than happy to check them.” He agrees at last lifting his regard to Enrico.

  “That won’t be necessary.”

  Thomas inclines his head at the other man’s tone. “Layla wishes it done and I think it best if I do it.”

  Relief has my shoulders sagging. I could kiss him right now for not leaving me in a frightening situation.

  Aggression fills the air out of nowhere.

  “I don’t need your assistance.” Prowling closer, Enrico sizes up Thomas. “You had your chance to tame her and you
failed. This little virgin is now mine.”

  Heat burns in my cheeks at his statement. How does he know I’m a virgin?

  Gently pushing me behind him, Thomas straightens to his full height. “Going off her reaction, it appears that she has no interest in your attention. I would suggest you back off.”

  “You think you have a big pair of balls? The new Dom who has what it takes? You don’t intimidate me.”

  Locked in a deadly stare down, they both exude powerful energy that has me shaking in fear.

  A growl vibrates from Thomas’s throat. “You have no idea what I’m capable of.”

  Enrico grins, baring his teeth. “She will be mine. I’ll kill you if I have to. I will claim her.”

  The sound of footsteps distracts me. Glancing over my shoulder, I find we’ve drawn an audience. Other club members have come to watch the altercation. Looks bounce my way. Several male ones linger in a way that has my skin prickling.

  I don’t understand why this is happening. Confused and afraid, I flatten myself against the wall. Eyes round with apprehension, I spy Adam storming towards us.

  Oh goddess no. Tears burn the back of my eyes but I blink them away. All I want to do is to be left alone to work. Why can’t Enrico understand that? I’m going to be punished for his infatuation. I’ve never once encouraged him.

  Not waiting to see them come to blows, I scurry past them in the opposite direction. I need to escape.

  Hide.

  Find somewhere the threat can’t get me.

  Thomas

  “What the fuck is going on here?” Adam’s blue eyes are blazing as he stalks up to us.

  “Nothing you need to concern yourself with,” Enrico says.

  Shrewd eyes narrow as Adam focuses on the shifter. “This is my employee. You’re standing in the middle of the club I run. So, yes it is my concern. Either you tell me what the fuck you think you’re doing, or I’ll go get the Mistress.”

  Even a bastard like Enrico knows better than to go up against the owner of the club. If people think Adam is a hard ass, that’s nothing compared to what I’ve heard of Mistress Mystic. I’ve only met her once, but my impression of her was that she isn’t a woman I want to cross.