by Flite, Nora
“Now, let's start over,” he purred. His hands, agile as a thief's, untied the ropes above.
I grimaced at how tight my shoulders were, but I lowered my arms to my sides in relief. Onyx considered me, his hands folding behind his back. “Undress for me. This time, don't resist, I'd hate to think you learned nothing from what I showed you just now.”
Yes, that's right. I couldn't get naked when asked, and so he did all of this.
Again, my chance to run had arrived.
Onyx was fast, but if I made it clear I wasn't playing around, he'd have to let me leave. Right? Wasn't this a game, dark as it was? No one could really be a slave, it wasn't possible.
Just a game...
My ass throbbed, but as I shifted, I realized my thighs were slick. His spanking had hurt, but there was no denying how excited it had made me.
He's dangerous! I need to run!
Peering at his confident smile, I hesitated.
And that was enough.
Taking a long, deep breath to steel my nerves, I reached for the clasp on my dress. I released the strings, the luscious gown falling down like rain. It pooled around my feet, leaving me standing before the masked man in only my lingerie.
No, I'm also masked. I can be brave about this if I consider that he doesn't know who I am. We're protected by being anonymous.
It didn't help entirely, but it was enough to keep my courage strong so I didn't cover myself and try to bolt.
Onyx tilted his head, eyeing me like I was a piece of art. That moment tickled me, reminding me of Seth—how he would watch me paint. I didn't want to compare the two men, but they were similar, weren't they?
For the first time, I felt a flash of guilt. Was this wrong of me? Doing this with Onyx? I'd been fawning over Seth for days. Was I so fickle?
“Turn for me,” he commanded. Lifting my head, I did as he said. “I admit, you're very beautiful. But I think you look even better covered in my marks.”
My face flushed to my hairline. I glanced back at him, having trouble meeting his eyes.
Does he really think I'm beautiful?
“Now, hold still,” he said, stepping forward. I could smell him; it was a strong scent, like honey and olive oil. It made my head swim. I shut my eyes with a sigh.
His fingers came, gloved tips feeling my shoulders, sliding down and around to unclasp my bra. Knowing what was about to happen, my tendons stretched, on the verge of snapping. I was worried I might hit him again, just on instinct.
Relax. Don't be so scared, I told myself.
In the dim light, my breasts were revealed. His proximity had turned their tips firm. My dusky nipples were sensitive in the air, I inhaled on reflex.
“Lovely,” he laughed. “I'm so pleased I picked you.”
I smiled helplessly, opening my eyes to watch him. Even with the mask, it was obvious he was studying every inch of me. His hands made a quick path down my torso, curling in the edges of my panties. I wondered if he could hear my heart, the blood in my ears was close to deafening.
He's going to see all of me. Will he notice how turned on I am?
I quivered as he began deliberately sliding the garment down. As the panties pulled past my hips, exposing my soft strip of light curls, they stuck to my lower lips from how damp I had become.
Onyx grinned at the vision of my black panties coated in my juices. He tugged them to the floor. “Did you enjoy being punished that much? Were you disobeying on purpose?”
“No,” I gasped, covering my mouth. “No, I wasn't, really!”
“Shh,” he whispered, wickedly amused. Firmly, he grabbed my thighs. “This is just a sign of your nature, being submissive is something you obviously enjoy. I told you... you're a slave.”
He can't be right. I'm not... I was never like this before.
He was so close to my most private of places, I couldn't pretend I didn't want him to explore further.
A gloved finger traced along the edge of my pussy. I groaned, body flooding with anticipation. Oh god, keep going, please just touch me!
Onyx placed his thumbs on either side of my folds, spreading me gently, revealing my slick pinkness. “You're perfect, Opal. A true jewel.”
Whimpering, my nails formed half-moons in my palms. Carefully, I eased my fists away, folding my arms over my chest. Hugging myself, I watched Onyx as he knelt at my feet with his smirk so near my clit.
“Please,” I blurted, then clasped my lips in shock. He said nothing, only looked at me in silence.
Shit, I made him mad again. I talked without his permission.
I didn't want him to spank me again. Lifting my hands, I bumbled through an apology. “I'm sorry! I didn't mean to speak out!”
Laughing, he let me go and stood straight, peering down at me curiously. “So worked up, aren't you?”
“Yes, Master,” I admitted.
“Kneel,” he pointed. I didn't hesitate; I dropped down at his feet, a bit smoother than the last time. “This is another lesson for you. The greatest gift a slave can give to her Master, is doing what he desires. Your own pleasure will revolve around that, do you understand?”
No, not really.
Resisting the urge to argue, I bowed my head. “Yes, Master.”
“Look at me,” he said.
Blinking, I saw that his hand was rubbing along the front of his pants, the shape of his hard-on obvious. My heart skipped a beat. “Take care of this for me,” he whispered.
I knew what he expected me to do. It was overwhelming, this primal ache that wanted to free his cock, to see it and taste it...
I was baffled by my visceral reaction.
Never had I been so aroused, I was close to wriggling on the damn floor. Onyx had managed to work me up into a frenzy, his tactics shifting until I was eager to please him.
Licking my lips, I reached up with hands that suddenly seemed very small. Gingerly, I rolled them across the front of his trousers, feeling the firm curve of his manhood pushing against the material eagerly.
Gripping the zipper, I peeled it down. Though I was no virgin, I still gasped when his length bobbed into view. The head of his cock was plump. It was glistening with precome, telegraphing that he was just as excited as I was.
Briefly, I glanced up at him through my eyelashes. Onyx inclined his head, giving me permission.
Wrapping my shaking hand around his base, I marveled at how hot he was. The veins along his shaft flexed under my touch. Aiming the tip at my mouth, I gave an experimental lick.
Onyx groaned deeply, my thighs clenching at the sound. Feeling a unique desire to please this man, I slid my tongue down to his root. I was moving slow, kissing his salty skin.
He didn't want to be teased.
“Take me in your mouth,” he demanded, gripping my messy hair. The ornate coif had begun to come loose.
Quickly, I tried to fit him past my wet lips. He was thick, forcing me to adjust fast as he shoved himself down my throat with a grunt. I hadn't given many blow jobs in my life. My dating history was a little sparse—and bland.
With all the time spent on trying to make it into college, I'd had other priorities.
Onyx was insistent, I was thrilling over his desperation. He tasted tangy and sweet, my lips statically charged from the sensation of him sliding in and out.
If he wanted to test my skill, he wasn't letting me show it—but thank god for that. His hand gripped hard on my scalp, using my long tresses for leverage.
Pumping into my face, he fucked my mouth with little care for how I handled it. The wildness, the rough way he moved, it had me burning with desire.
There was a comfort in allowing someone else to be in control. All my life, I'd struggled and fought, taking care of myself and making my own decisions. Onyx had flipped my world, showing me what it was like to be along for the ride.
It was intoxicating.
His shaft swelled in my throat, I knew he was going to finish.
Will he let me pull away? Is he going to
...
I understood quickly that he planned to come in my mouth. That fact brought pure ecstasy. He held me still, growling low, raw, as his length began to throb. His seed flowed, thick as syrup, down into my belly.
Working my tongue, I swallowed it all.
Onyx pulled free, and I gasped hoarsely for air. I'd forgotten I needed something as common as oxygen. Wiping my mouth with the back of my wrist, I struggled to gather my thoughts. I was lost, battling my heat, fighting with a side of myself that had seemingly grown over night.
Onyx pet my head softly. “Good, that was lovely.”
Staring up at him, my cheeks flared up. Should I feel pleased by his comment or not? I was spared from deciding when he reached into his pants, pulling forth something small.
A pocket watch.
A gorgeous, shockingly familiar pocket watch.
That... no, it can't be!
His frown was brittle, just the sight of him looking unhappy made my stomach twist. “Hmn. It seems we're out of time. We'll have to continue this another time.” Turning back, he gazed over my nude form. His lips twisted up on one side. “You will come back, my little jewel.”
It wasn't a question.
Not for him...
Or for me.
“Yes, Master.”
He couldn't have known why I was going pale. Or why the sweat on my spine had become cold.
Onyx tucked that watch away, but I didn't need another look. I knew what it was, and who, exactly, it belonged to. All along, I'd thought I was dealing with two men who had, at most, some odd similarities.
Now I knew the truth.
Seth and Onyx were one and the same.
- Chapter Nine -
Naomi
We returned to the main room together. I'd redressed, looking no worse on the surface.
Inside, I was a turmoil of confused feelings.
There were many people gathered around, casually talking. Some wandered out through the purple curtain. The night was over, the attendants were saying farewells and commenting on the general event as a whole.
One of the men from earlier, I thought his name had been Helm, waved Onyx over. He started to move, then turned back to smile at me. “No doubt he wants to talk about how his own training session went. I'm usually one of the last to leave, don't wait around. I'll see you next time.” It was curt, but that suited me just fine.
I know why you'd be last to leave.
“Yes, Master,” I whispered, waving slightly. Trying not to appear suspicious, I peered out into the small room. There was nothing but the table and clipboard. I guess Corbin leaves after everyone signs in.
On fast feet, I scurried up the stairs, cracking the gold door just enough to view the mansion's entrance room. There was only one person I had to avoid, not two.
I knew where Seth was, after all.
It seemed quiet, so I took the opportunity to slip out and rush up to my guest room. Inside, I almost slammed the door, my lungs deflating.
What happened down there tonight, what was that? Why did I go along with it?
And what do I do, now that I know his secret?
Pulling off the mask, I buried it back in the chest. Peeling the dress away, I hung that up as well, as far back in the closet as I could.
The space was big enough, and full enough, of so many different outfits, I figured no one would even notice it had been worn. I couldn't let anyone see it; they'd recognize it, and my game would end.
This isn't a game.
Walking into the private bathroom in just my lingerie, I caught a glimpse of myself in the full mirror. My ass still displayed the clear hand prints of a certain Dom.
Wincing, I twisted for a better look. I hope that doesn't bruise.
Even though I grimaced as I touched the area gingerly, something deep inside of me pulsed with heat. Remembering the spanking, as well as my lack of release through the entire debacle, I brushed my stomach and sighed.
That whole event... it was frustrating, but exciting, too. Will it be like that next time? I caressed my lips, thinking of how his come had tasted. Oh god, next time.
Am I actually going to go back?
Even after I know who he is?
I ached to learn what else my 'training' would entail.
Closing my eyes, I imagined how his gloves had felt, how the rope on my wrists had bound me. He'd shown me how good he could make me feel, and even the punishment had been arousing.
Is something wrong with me? What am I thinking? I'm supposed to be here to paint that wall, not involve myself in a secret seedy dungeon.
That thought gave me pause. Why did Seth allow this to go on below his mansion?
Why did he partake in it?
It was a side of the man I hadn't expected. But, in hindsight, it was fitting. Seth had told me he enjoyed control. Now, I knew how deep that desire went.
If he finds out that I'm Opal...
I pictured him snapping at me, kicking me out and destroying what I'd worked for. It was possible he'd keep the letter from me. I couldn't blame him—this was a huge betrayal I was committing.
Swallowing nervously, I turned towards the shower to start the water flowing.
He can never find out.
But dammit, if I could only talk to him, I could get all the answers I craved. The knowledge he'd probably fire me right away made me feel sick.
Standing in the hot steam, my wet lashes tickled my cheeks. The watery vibrations felt good, like a massage on my tense skin. When they drummed on my sensitive rear cheeks, I flinched, but held steady. The scalding water was cleansing.
No, I decided, imagining Seth's angry blue eyes. I already made my decision. I have to stand by it.
I felt my throat, recalling how Onyx—Seth—had touched me.
He can never know that I went down there.
Or that I'm going to go back.
****
I woke the next day to the sound of my phone going off.
My dreams involving firm hands and whispered words were interrupted. Groaning, I fumbled around until I found the cellphone. Gripping it, I buried my head under the blankets. “Hello?”
“Hey, Naomi?”
The voice was familiar, my brain slowly forming a mental picture. “Veronica, is that you?”
“In fact, it is! Hey, I hadn't heard from you in awhile. Thought I'd just, you know, check in.”
I was delighted by the surprise, yet I sensed something in the woman's voice that was frazzled. “It's good to hear from you. Is everything alright?”
“Of course!” Veronica laughed, a hollow sound. “I just had this weird feeling something was up. I don't know, maybe I'm crazy, but I wanted to check in on you to see... well.”
To see if I ever got in touch with Seth.
The clarity hit me. “Right. You're curious if I ever took Mr. You-Know-Who up on his offer, aren't you?”
The voice on the line sounded startled, rising in pitch. “What! No, no, why would you ever—okay, you got me.” Sighing, Veronica gave a weak giggle. “I mean, what happened at the gallery was just strange. Can you blame me for wanting to get filled in?”
“Not at all.” I smiled, a bit flattered to be on the girl's mind. “Look, I'm a little busy, but do you want to get some brunch today?”
“That sounds pretty perfect, want me to come to you?”
I hesitated, thinking about the clearly stated instruction to not invite anyone over without permission.
Do I want to go ahead and just break every rule? I can't bring her here without asking Seth if it's okay.
That might be fine, sort of, except if Veronica came to the mansion, she'd have a million questions. I was a little embarrassed just picturing how she'd look at me, what she would assume once she saw where I was living these days.
Plus, the idea of Seth cornering us and making conversation... how Veronica would inspect our interaction, seeing my flustered mood...
No. No way.
Rocking off of the bed,
I flexed my toes. “Let's meet up somewhere else.”
****
Dressed in one of the nicer, casual outfits from my temporary closet—a pair of designer jeans and a silk top—I stepped out of the car with Corbin's assistance. As I turned around to look over the small cafe, I saw Veronica gaping at me through the window.
My heels, which I was sure cost more than my monthly rent, clicked across the sidewalk, then the tiled floor of the eatery. I'd tried to find simpler shoes, but Seth didn't really believe in 'simple.'
I hadn't even sat down across from Veronica before she blurted out her first question. “Did you just have someone drive you here? Was that your driver? Do you have a personal driver?”
Laughing with chagrin, I settled into the booth and wagged my hands. “No, no, relax. He's only taking me places while I'm working for Seth.”
Veronica lowered her eyebrows, mouth coiling into an amused smirk. “Oho! So, you did take the job, then.”
She's right to the point. “I did, yeah, it was a really good opportunity and...”
Lifting her arms, Veronica spread her fingers. “No need to explain. It has to be pretty good if it came with your own chauffeur. What is he having you paint, a whole collection, just for him?”
“More like a wall in his house.”
“You mean his sprawling estate mansion?”
She'd caught me off guard. Blushing, I spilled some of the water the waiter had just dropped off. Veronica beamed, reminding me of a big cat on a hunt. “How did you know about where he lives?” I asked.
“I don't know where he lives, he keeps that pretty secret—though I guess you know, right?” When I nodded quickly, she shrugged. “The power of the internet! I just looked him up in a little research. I knew he was rich, but did you know he's an actual billionaire?”
Wincing, I dabbed at the water stains on my shirt. I'd suspected Seth Hart was overwhelmingly rich, but a billionaire?
What do you even do with that much money?
The memory of the softly lit corridor below his home swam through my mind.