Layla

by Claire Marta

  “We need time to figure that out. I try to stay away from your kind. There’s no one who could help you?”

  Layla shakes her head, her green hair rippling around her shoulders. “No. I’m sorry. There’s no one...are you going to suspend me from working?”

  “Why on earth would I do that? Because you need to work on your control? Everyone who uses magic needs to learn that. So long as you’re safe, you will continue to do your job. I don’t have time or the inclination to find someone else.” Adam tells her in a bored tone.

  Crumpling in relief against me, it’s only then she notices she’s sitting on my lap. Chin tilting, she peeks up at me through her thick lashes. “I’m okay now, Master Thomas. You don’t need to hold me. I promise not to faint again.”

  “Why did you faint?” Adam asks.

  I allow her to move from my lap to the cushion next to me. “Yes, why did you faint? And you may call me by my first name right now, we’re both off the clock.”

  “I didn’t know you're a...” Pursing her lips, she rolls her eyes nervously. “Something big and scaly that have been known to eat my kind in the past. Distant past to my knowledge. Although like I said, I don’t know any other mermaids so that could in fact still be going on. Goddess, I hope not. This would be really awkward and petrifying if you do actually eat my kind.” She babbles. “Not that you would actually do that here. I mean I can understand it in a weird macabre way. I like sushi. Who doesn’t like sushi? But I really don’t want to be sushi.”

  Adam and I are both laughing. She’s so cute and innocent.

  “How much do you know about the creation of your kind?” I ask after I manage to catch my breath.

  “Nothing really.” Lacing her fingers together she keeps them in her lap. “I remember you mention nymphs. I know I’m the worst mermaid ever.”

  “Water nymphs are water spirits, they are like any other magical creature, except they can’t stray far from their homes. I don’t know much because I was in my twenties when they started mating with human men, and there were far more interesting things to do than pay attention to what other creatures were doing.

  “Basically, it’s those matings that helped create the shifters that are mer-creatures.

  “Yes, my kind didn’t get along with yours. But that was because they weren’t natural. They were created from two different species. And since they were half-human they could travel further from their water sources, settling down wherever they wanted.

  “It was trying times. Land was hard to come by and those who had it were very territorial.

  “So yes, there were fights, many died. It turned into warnings for the young.

  “I can assure you that as time evolved so did my kind. We prefer to live in sparsely populated places. My family hates that I prefer the city to the tiny village I’m from.

  “You have nothing to fear from me, Layla. Or anyone else. I’ll keep you safe.”

  Brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear, she studies me for a moment in silence. “So you don’t eat sushi?” She asks slowly. “At least not my sized sushi?”

  “No, nymph. I don’t eat that kind of sushi. But if you ever want me to eat something else…”

  It’s two heartbeats before she realizes what I mean. Face turning cherry red, she bites her lip.

  “Well, this conversation has been riveting. Thomas, I suggest you take the girl home now. I don’t want to see either of you until the day after tomorrow. Have a paid day off, you both deserve it.”

  “Thank you, Adam.”

  The other man meets my eyes and nods his head. I don’t know how he sees the two of us, but I’m grateful he’s trusting me with the girl.

  Layla

  What in the name of the goddess just happened? I’m still reeling from finding out Thomas is...I can’t even think the word let alone say it.

  Big, scaly and green. Is he green? Shifting to stare at his profile I explore every inch of skin I can see. Nope, he’s pink. Do pink dragons exist? Frowning, I try to rope in my free-falling thoughts. Sat comfortably in his expensive car, the smell of leather cocoons me. Beyond the windows, the lights of the city streak past us in a blur.

  “Here we are.” Thomas’s deep smooth voice announces.

  Glancing out I realize I don’t know where I am. This isn’t my apartment. I don’t even recognize the part of town I’m in.

  The house is at least three stories. It’s too dark out to see much of anything except that it’s huge.

  “Come on. I don’t particularly want to sit out here all night.” He opens his door and gets out of the car.

  Thomas leads me up the wide front porch and the door opens for him. “Carol, my guest will need food and toiletries, we’ll be in my suite.”

  “Very well, sir.” A soft voice says.

  The woman doesn’t look very old, but in this world, looks are deceiving. She’s wearing an apron and her hair is neatly pinned back. She gives me a small smile as I follow Thomas through the foyer and up the stairs.

  He leads me all the way up to the third floor, which is just one huge bedroom. “Make yourself comfortable. I’m going to shower and change.”

  Blinking in surprise at his swiftness, I watch him stride into the bathroom. He doesn’t shut the door as I expect. Craning my neck at the whisper of clothes being shed, I get a glimpse of firm smooth skin.

  Oh my goddess, he’s getting naked. Gaze bouncing from left to right, I scurry towards the window. I’m not a prude. Working at the club, I’m used to seeing nakedness. Thomas with no clothes on is something different entirely. Breathing slightly uneven, I study the room trying to settle my racing heart.

  It’s masculine and elegant. Designed in shades of blue and black. Gaze falling to the massive bed, I take in the comfortable-looking mattress. Then it hits me. Does he expect me to sleep here tonight? With him? In that bed? Under the blankets?

  The thought of being snuggled up with the broody Dom has my heart once more pounding in my chest.

  Why did I agree to this? I frown. I hadn’t. I’d been in such a daze leaving Adam’s office I had just nodded.

  “Are you okay, nymph?”

  Attention swinging round, I find Thomas standing in the bathroom door in nothing but a towel. Knotted at his hip, it hangs precariously low. Even though I’ve seen his bare chest before, I can’t stop staring at the ripped, perfection of his torso.

  “Where...where am I supposed to sleep?”

  “Either here or in one of the guest rooms. You will be eating here though. I think we need to have a conversation, don’t you?”

  Tearing my gaze from his body, I nod. “I guess.”

  “Good.” He moves to a dresser and pulls out some sleep pants. Then he drops the towel.

  Round and firm his ass is just as toned as his upper half. Gasp leaving my lips, I screw my eyes shut. It’s already too late. The image is burned into my imagination and I know it’s going to feature in my fantasy the next time I touch myself.

  There’s a knock on the door. Thomas’s “Enter,” has my opening my eyes.

  The woman, Carol, walks in with a tray of food and a small bag. “Just ring if you need anything.”

  “Thank you.”

  She sets the tray on the table near the window and then places the bag in the bathroom.

  “Sit.” Thomas orders, as he takes a seat.

  Is he always this bossy? Slipping into the seat opposite, I look over the food. Bread rolls, a selection of cold meats, cheese, and other things to munch on. Not what I’m used to, but I’ll eat what I’m given. Sitting quietly, I wait for him to start the meal.

  “Eat, Layla. There are things we need to discuss but you need food first.”

  Why does that sound ominous? I begin to pick at my food. Little mouthfuls pass my lips. Across the table Thomas tucks into his own.

  “I have questions. I also have a proposition. Are you willing to listen and talk to me?”

  “What kind of proposition?” I ask warily. The
fog I’ve been in since fainting in Adam's office is lifting.

  “Questions first. If you’re still interested I’ll put the offer on the table. Why are you working at the club?”

  “You're going to think it’s silly,” I reply, toying with a chunk of roll.

  “There’s no such thing as a silly question or answer. So long as it’s the truth.”

  “I want to open a restaurant. That’s the reason I took the job, to save up enough money to start up my own place. The reason in the beginning that is.”

  “How is that silly? You’re not the only person to ever save money up for their dreams. What else keeps you there?”

  Warmth floods my cheek. “The lifestyle…not that I’m part of it.” I amend. “I mean I am but I’m not. I like watching the scenes.”

  “Do you think you’re submissive, Layla?”

  “I guess I would class myself that way, yes.” Looking up I meet his intense gaze.

  “Would you like to try? That’s my proposition. I know we haven’t made the best impression on one another, but I’m not going to lie, you intrigue me. Yes, this is a sudden thing, but you’ve been at the edges of the scene for a while now. You have an idea of how quickly these things go.

  “I am willing to train you. If you’re willing to try.”

  I still at his words. A sub? His sub? I’ve always said no when asked, but Thomas makes me hesitate.

  “I’m a virgin.” I blurt out, the confession leaving my mouth without thought. What did I just say that? Why did I just blurt out my lack of experience?

  “Good to know. Our play doesn’t have to be sexual. You work at the club. You work with Doms and subs, I’m sure you know that not every scene ends with sex. The Mistress has firm rules on that type of play.

  “I would push your limits, but I would never do anything you’re uncomfortable with. We both know you’re curious. If you weren’t you would never have gotten on that stage with me.

  “I can train you, dominate you in ways you’ve never thought possible. And if you find it’s not for you, or you no longer want me, you’ll always be free to say so.

  “The same would go for me as well.”

  Pressing my thighs together under the table, I try to suppress the needy thrum. Why does this sound so appealing? Only a few days ago I thought this man was an asshole. Now I’m actually considering his offer. Abandoning my attempt at food, I take a sip of water, trying to formulate what to say.

  “I would..like to try,” I admit, settling my glass back on the table.

  “Good. How far are you willing to go? Do you want to be spanked, whipped, restrained? There are so many things I could do to you, that I want to do to you. Does pain intrigue you?”

  I feel dizzy at the imagery he invokes. Everything he’s mentioned I’ve seen first hand at the club.

  “I’ve never been spanked or whipped so I don’t know how that would feel. I whacked my tail once on the edge of my tank but I didn’t enjoy that much.”

  “That’s a different type of pain. Do you know what subspace is?”

  “I’ve been told it’s like an out of body experience. At least that how the subs I talked to described it.”

  “It’s different for everyone. It’s based on the chemical along with a mental and emotional high of being pushed to the very edge of your limits. Some describe it as if they’re floating, that would be more chemical, as your brain is overridden with pleasure, or pain, or both.

  “It’s a beautiful thing. Hard to achieve if you don’t trust your partner to care for you.

  “While I’ve personally never been a submissive, I have experienced Dom-space. Knowing my partner trusts me enough to push them over the edge, and then push them more. It’s amazing.

  “If you want this, if you want to coax your submissive side out of hiding, I promise you I’ll do everything in my power to get you to trust me so you can experience that, at least once.”

  Could I trust him? Completely and fully? I’d felt safe with him when Enrico had tried to hurt me. Instead of leaving me to my fate he protected me. He’s offering me everything I’ve secretly wished for. If I walk away now somehow I know I won’t get a second chance.

  “Maybe we could start small,” I suggest. “That’s where we start right? Building up to something more…intense?”

  “Yes. My job is to push you past your limits, not to hurt you. If you wish I could tell you the rules, and we’ll go from there. That is if you’re agreeing to be my submissive?”

  A familiar discomfort tingles through my legs, trying to ignore it, I give Thomas a shy smile. “Alright, I’ll be your submissive.”

  “Very good. First rule: You will address me as Sir or Master when we’re in a scene or if we’re discussing anything about our arrangement. I will not tolerate disrespect.

  “You must always be honest with me. We cannot do this if we can’t communicate with each other.

  “You may not touch yourself. From now on your pleasure comes from me and me alone.

  “Are you with me so far?”

  Blinking in surprise I frown. “No touching myself? None at all?”

  “Unless I give you permission you may only touch yourself down there if you’re in the shower getting clean, understood?”

  “But what if I feel horny and you're not with me? You do know where I work? The things I see on a nightly basis? If I don’t get some sort of release I’m likely to explode!”

  “If I am not with you and have not said anything that day about it then you may call or text me. Sometimes I’ll indulge you if I feel like you earned it.”

  Pouting, my shoulders sag. “I’m not sure how long I’m going to be able to obey that command and I’m only telling you this to be honest.”

  “If you’re found breaking the rules you will be punished. In fact, you’ve been breaking the rules, but I’ve let it slide.”

  “I wasn’t your sub then you can’t punish me for that!”

  “What’s rule number one, nymph?”

  Expression faltering I think back. “I forgot to call you Master.”

  “You did. I’ll let it slide for now.” His lips quirk up in a smirk. “Now that you’re aware of it though, I will punish you if you forget again. Now, are you ready for the rest of the rules?”

  Wiggling my toes, in my shoes, I attempt to dispel the growing tingles. I’m going to need water soon.

  “Yes, Master.”

  “Good. If we’re around others, be that at the club, a play party, anything outside of work you are not to touch any other Dom without my permission.

  “You are also required to eat at least three meals a day. I need a healthy sub, understood?”

  “What if they try to touch me, Master? As for food as long as it’s sushi I can eat it until I burst.”

  “They won’t. If we’re at the club for play, or at a party everyone there will know that you’re mine. And a respectful Dom knows that unless they have permission there is no touching.”

  Unease darkens my eyes. “Enrico did.”

  “Enrico is an idiot. He’s lucky Adam showed up when he did. My beast wanted to cook him.”

  “But it was my fault. My abilities made him like that…I almost seduced Master Adam’s submissive into doing something he didn’t want to. What if that happens again?”

  “You will work on your control.” He reaches across the table to grab my hand in his. “There might not be another one of your kind around, but there are plenty of magic users in the Mistress’s employ.

  “I’m sure one of them would be happy to help you learn control.

  “What happened was not your fault. Ask any witch what it was like for them when they first got into power. Magic takes practice and control. Okay?”

  The warmth of his touch soothes some of my anxiety. “Okay.” I reply not sounding completely convinced. Grimacing in pain, I slip my hand from his. “I’m sorry, Master, but I really need to let my tail loose or I’m going to be in agony. Could we continue this later?”r />
  “Of course. What do you need now? Why didn’t you say anything sooner?” His eyebrows draw together in concern.

  “I didn’t want to interrupt you...a bathtub will do and sea salt if you have it.”

  “Another rule you didn’t follow. You should have communicated with me sooner. The bath is large, I’ll ring Carol and see what she has. Go.”

  Rising from the chair, I limp towards the bathroom. The thought of warm water lapping around my limbs as I submerge myself has me hurrying. Pushing the door ajar behind me, I throw on the taps and begin to fill the large tub. Slipping out of my jeans self-consciously, I tug off my shirt and press a hand to the curve of my stomach. No one's seen my tail before.

  The thought of Thomas walking in and seeing it makes me nervous.

  What if he thinks its ugly? Not that it should matter. If he’s going to be my Dom he’ll be spending plenty of time looking at my body. With my human legs, I remind myself. My true self is something more intimate. If I didn’t need this so desperately right now he might never see it. Maybe he’ll get his housekeeper to bring in the salt?

  Discarding my underwear, anticipation coils through me at the sight of the brimming bath. Twists the taps off, I ease myself down into the waiting heated water. Bliss.

  Skin shimmering over my legs, gleaming blue scales emerge fusing the appendages. Releasing a relaxed sigh, I lounge back. Tail moving gently.

  I can hear voices outside the bathroom, though they’re muffled by the door.

  Sliding down, I don’t stop until I’m completely submerged. Hair floating around my face, I stare up at the distorted ceiling through the water. Everything is muted. A sense of peace cocoons me. After everything that’s happened this evening, I need this.

  Space.

  Time to let go.

  Thomas

  I let Carol be the one to take Layla the sea salt and a set of clothes she dug up from somewhere, probably whatever my sisters left here the last time they visited.