“Do you have a safe word?” she asked, in a calm and steady voice, although she was seething inside. This clever sod is going to pay for this.
“Safe word? Babe, I don’t need one. It takes a real man with balls to make me beg,” he remarked boastfully as he winked at her.
Oh boy, am I going to enjoy making this idiot eat his words.
“Choose one,” she insisted.
"Red.”
“Okay. That’s predictable, but good enough, so use it if you need to,” Juniper said.
“Are we going to start now? I don’t want to spend all night talking,” the sub said.
“Very well,” she said. She bound him in a chest harness, using the dark-green rope, and she had to admit to herself that it looked very effective against his bronzed skin. He was an attractive man, but that attitude had to go. She led him over to a bench and a crowd gathered. She had him lie flat on the bench, and then she attached leather cuffs to his wrists and secured them to the rings provided for the purpose. He lay back and grinned. Juniper took a bag of clothes pegs out of her grip. She placed one on each nipple and he hissed as they bit into him.
“Keep silent, or I will gag you,” Juniper said.
“Okay, babe, as you wish.”
“If you call me ‘babe’ once more, I will make you regret it.”
He chuckled as he said, “Okay, babe.”
An icy rage took possession of Juniper. She’d had enough of this idiot. He was going to call her “Mistress” before much longer and mean it. Why do I have to get this cretin for my first client? I need to establish myself here. Look at this crowd. I bet they’re all his mates and this is a set-up. The stupid fucker is trying to humiliate me. I have to keep my cool and behave in a professional manner, whatever the provocation. After all, I did expect some testing. Right, let’s see if I can make the fool beg.
She began slowly to place a line of pegs along his belly. He writhed a bit but still stared her in the eyes, determined to win this encounter. She was just as determined he wouldn’t win.
She knew he was beginning to worry as she placed a peg on one of his inner thighs. He must be struggling to keep in place. He wouldn’t want to back down and lose face. That’s your own fault. If you hadn’t been so bleeding arrogant and insulted me…Now you can take the consequences.
The man was sweating and as she proceeded slowly, she knew that he knew where she was heading. She also knew that the slow but sure approach to his cock and balls would make him sweat more, with the anticipation of what was to come and the fear he would break. She attached a couple more pegs to one thigh, as she did so coming perilously close to his balls. They were large and smoothly shaven. In other circumstances, she’d have made a comment to him, but not here and not tonight. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. She placed more pegs on the other thigh, as he writhed and sweated to keep control. She took his dick in one hand and lifted it, and then she picked up a clothes peg and opened it, allowing the spring to close it and trapping the skin of his sac. He took that one, but when she picked up a couple more and attached them to his balls, it was too much, as she’d known it would be.
“Fuck!” he yelled. She looked at him but he said no more, so she collected another couple of clothes pegs and resumed her work. She placed one more peg on his sac and he broke.
“Red,” he said in a strangled voice, as if it had cost him dear to say the word.
“Red what?” she asked.
“Red, Mistress Juniper,” he replied.
She began to take off the pegs and he hissed and cursed as the flow of blood returned. There was a ripple of laughter from the crowd and the man scowled at them. I’ve won, but I bet I haven’t made a friend of this idiot. She released him and offered him aftercare, which he refused churlishly, and then he stomped off.
Davy came over to her, clapping.
“Well, Juniper, that was a spectacular and very noisy start. I’m glad to see that fool brought down a peg or two.” He laughed with her at the pun. “Come and have a drink with me,” he suggested.
“Just let me clean up first. I’ll join you in a couple of minutes,” Juniper promised as she started to clean the bench with hands that shook. I mustn’t let them see my reaction. I have to keep up this façade. I must get a grip. She packed her handgrip and managed to regain control. Then she walked over to where Davy waited, perched on a barstool, watching her approach. She knew heads turned as she walked. She worked hard to ensure that they did, but she didn’t let their attention affect her. She knew that the scene she had just conducted had given them something to talk about.
“Well done, Juniper. Now, what can I get you?”
“Just iced water with a twist of lime, please, Davy.”
“Good choice, I think I’ll join you,” Davy said with a smile.
“Well, I don’t drink when I’m working,” Juniper said. She noticed her hands were still shaking. Davy took them between his huge, warm ones.
“It’s okay. You did it. Don’t worry about it. He’ll bear a grudge for a while, but he asked for it and he’ll get little sympathy from anyone here except for his mates. If he causes you any trouble at all, you let me know. I’m not keen on the man. I never have been. He was out to humiliate you on your first night, but he bit off more than he could chew. You, on the other hand, have made an excellent impression.”
He let go of her hands. She was in two minds of how she felt about that. Part of her wanted to cling to the strong, warm hands, but she had to maintain the façade with him, so it would be better if he didn’t hold her hands for long. Her nipples ached and moisture gathered in her pussy. Omg! This isn’t a good start. I have to keep control over myself. Whatever is he saying now?
Chapter Two
“Shall we take our drinks over there? I know you’re free for a while.” He felt her stiffen and he looked at her. Damn. That was the wrong thing to say. I know she felt something when I held her hands. I didn’t want to let her hands go, but it’s like taming a kitten. If I go too fast, she’ll retreat altogether.
“Are you checking up on me?” she asked. The tone of her voice was incredulous.
“No, I’m not, but I do own the club. It’s my job to know who is doing what, when and with whom. It’s your first night here, so you should expect me to make sure you are okay, don’t you think?” He saw her consider his words and then she relaxed as the truth of what he was saying sank in. My, but she’s skittish. I called her a kitten, but she’s more like a colt. I’ll have to watch what I say if I want to get anywhere with her. Do I want to? Mmm, yes I do. Some parts of me are very interested. Thank goodness for these loose canvas trousers, or she’d see just how interested in her my cock is.
He followed her as she made her way to the conversation area he’d indicated. The corset was peacock-blue, trimmed with black. She had an exceedingly small waist. Her generous hips swayed as she walked confidently on long, slim legs encased in black lace stockings. He loved the wisp of silk she wore as a skirt. It shimmered from blue to black as she walked. Her long, slender feet and delicate ankles were encased in black patent-leather boots with three-inch heels that ended at her dimpled knees. The back view was almost as good as the front view, in his opinion. She turned to sit down and in the corset, her ample breasts wobbled, causing Davy’s cock to stand to attention.
Every inch a Domme, and yet there is something. He sat beside her as they sipped their water, while watching the others in the club.
“You already know Doc, and there are several regulars you will meet very soon, if I'm any judge of the glances being cast your way. It won’t be long before they introduce themselves.” Davy looked at her and chuckled.
“I hope there aren’t too many like that bloke before,” she remarked.
“There would have been, had you not dealt with him so well,” Davy replied. “Some see a Domme as a challenge, but you’ve given them something to think about, my dear. The next few weeks are going to be…‘interesting’ is the word, I thin
k,” Davy said.
“Why is it always the way? Why do they need to challenge me?” Juniper asked in an aggrieved tone.
“Some men, northerners in particular, will only submit to a man…”
“Fair enough, but if they don’t want to submit to me, then they should keep out of my way.”
“Ah, but it’s deeper than that. They see a Domme as a challenge to their masculinity.”
Juniper made a rather inelegant noise. “Rubbish. They are subs.”
“Yes, but they are also stubborn, Yorkshire males who have antiquated ideas about a woman’s place. You’d best get used to it, Juniper.”
“I will. Moreover, I’ll be more than ready for the next one,” Juniper said.
Davy heard the words, but something still niggled at the back of his mind. Something didn’t ring true. When she got up to go to meet her next client, he beckoned to Doc, who came over and sat down beside him.
“Juniper did well tonight,” Doc said.
“That idiot got all he deserved. Nevertheless, there is something…” Davy said, and his voice trailed off.
“Yes, you’re right. I think so, too. It’s more a feeling that she’s not fully at ease in her role. I don’t think she’s hiding a murky past.”
“That was my impression. She dresses, talks, and acts the part, and yet…”
“Remember what Valkyrie said about looking like a duck,” Doc said and guffawed.
“I still don’t think it’s a duck,” Davy said.
“Well, if you like, I’ll keep an eye on her. She’s here for a trial period, after all. So we shall have to decide if we want to keep her or not.”
“Thanks, Doc. I know I can rely on you not to let this go any further.”
“Certainly not. We don’t want to give them any ammunition. I’ll take a stroll over there now and see how she goes on,” Doc said, suiting his action to the words.
* * * *
Juniper was about to discipline a male sub, who wore nothing but a leather cuffs and a pouch to cover his cock and balls. From behind, the thin leather strap disappeared between the twin globes of his tanned, muscular arse.
“Another of them,” Doc said to himself as he watched.
The man wiggled his arse as he draped himself slowly over the spanking bench, allowing all a good view of his confined package. Juniper restrained him by attaching his cuffs to the rings provided, then she tested the restraints and obtained his safe word.
“Count the strokes,” she said as she landed the first blow with the paddle. She hit both cheeks, causing them to wobble.
“One,” the sub said.
“That didn’t count, so we start again,” Juniper stated as she landed a hard swat on the sit-spot between the cheeks of his arse and his thighs. He gasped as he gave her the answer she wanted, and Doc saw the small, fleeting smile of satisfaction on her lips.
“One, Mistress.”
“That’s better. Don’t forget again, or we will start from the beginning,” she said in a neutral voice. Doc was pleased to see that she kept her cool and didn’t sound smug or self-satisfied. It was one thing to extract her due, but quite another to gloat over it at this early stage. The blows continued to rain down on the sub’s rapidly reddening rear. She left just enough time between them for him to feel the sting. Some blows landed across both checks, some on one or other of his taut globes, and others on his sit-spots.
“Twenty, Mistress.” When the last blow landed, she put down the paddle and released the sub. He wobbled a bit on unsteady legs, and the leather pouch was distended to accommodate his swollen and rigid cock. She said something in his ear and he nodded. She led him to a secluded area, put a blanket over him, and soon her hands were busy under it. The crowd dispersed, but Doc remained to watch. It wasn’t long before he started to groan and his hips moved. He looked at her and she held his gaze, all the while moving her hands under the blanket. With a loud groan of satisfaction, the sub came and lay back in his chair. Juniper spoke to him, gently removed the blanket, and cleaned him up. She offered him a bottle of water, from which he drank gratefully. She stood up and went to deal with her next client.
Somewhat reassured, Doc went to speak to Davy.
“She’s done well tonight. We shall see how the rest of the week goes. Those two are the ringleaders, and if there’s going to be any trouble, they are going to be in it up to their necks. Neither of them got the better of her, I’m happy to say, but I’d be a fool to think it will end there,” Davy said.
“Maybe we were wrong. Maybe all will be well,” Doc suggested.
“I don’t think so. Time will tell,” Davy said.
* * * *
Juniper had all on to control her wobbly legs. She’d managed not to show her elation when the second sub had called her Mistress and accepted the aftercare. She knew she couldn’t gloat, or she’d make a real enemy of him. He didn’t seem the sort who was used to submitting to a woman. I assume it was another test. I would be a fool to think I’ve won him over. It’s never as easy as that. Oh well, it’s going to be a long, hard road. Valkyrie was right. I was over-protected in the Blood Red Rose. He insisted I needed experience of other clubs, and he warned me it wouldn’t be easy. Well, Rome wasn’t built in a day. It will be all the sweeter when I do establish myself. It’s so wearing, having to be always on the lookout for traps. I’m glad I have Davy on my side. I really shouldn’t have bitten his head off. I ought to have expected that he’d keep an eye on me. I should be grateful. I noticed that he sent Doc to keep watch over that last scene, so he’s being discreet. He was right, though. This lot are a hard-headed crowd and will pick up on any weakness at all. What was it that Valkyrie said when I started? Oh, yes, that I should show them just what a bastard I can be for the first month and then I wouldn’t have any trouble. I wonder if a month is going to be enough here?
Davy appeared at her side. She flushed and fought not to look down in submission. I can’t let him know. I can’t.
“You did well tonight. The first sub was Jared Martin. He’s the self-appointed leader of the gang here. He’s an arrogant bastard, and he has no time for women, but I bet he’s regretting taking you on now. His second-in-command is Ned Tyler. He’s challenging for the leadership of the group and he must have thought he could do better than his mate, but he didn’t. Oh my, but it was so good to see.”
“Thank you, but I could have done without it. I doubt either has been won over, and they will be on the lookout for the slightest sign of weakness. It’s not a situation I relish. I can’t relax,” Juniper said, and her voice was tinged with regret. “I need to build up a clientele, not an army of enemies.”
“Funnily enough, it won’t have done you any harm to have taken those two on and won. There’s a large group who don’t like them, so they will be on your side already,” Davy said reassuringly.
“Yes, I know, Davy, but I just wanted a quiet life, and now it seems as if it’s going to be more complicated than I expected.” Juniper knew she sounded tired, but she couldn’t help it. It had been a wearing evening and there was something about this man that invited her to confide in him. Instinctively, she knew she could trust him, even though she’d only known him for a short while. Valkyrie liked and trusted him. For her, that was a real recommendation.
“How are you getting home tonight?” he asked her suddenly.
“I shall take a taxi,” she answered.
“No, you won’t. I shall take you home, and we will make a very public exit so that they all know I am taking you.”
“Is there any particular reason for that?” she asked, a hint of frost in her voice.
“Someone might get ideas about giving you a scare,” he said.
“I see. It seems I have made enemies, then.”
“I told you what they’re like. They may do nothing, but both of them lost face. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Now, no more argument. Get ready and wait for me in reception.”
She considered what he’d said, as
she weighed up the pros and cons of his offer. She didn’t need the hassle of being the butt of some daft prank by Ned and Jared. On the other hand, she didn’t want to risk his finding out how she felt about it so soon. If she was being honest, she did want him to find out eventually, but not quite yet, not until she was sure in her own mind.
“Okay, thank you,” she said at last. She went off to change and get her stuff together. Then she waited in reception. She nodded her acknowledgement of the “good-nights” as subs and Doms left the club. The two subs, Ned and Jared, were two of the last to leave. They barely looked at her as they left, as they were so deep in conversation. Davy was the last to leave, and he took her arm to escort her to his car. He settled her in the passenger seat, fastened her seat belt, and got behind the wheel.
He followed the directions she gave, and when they arrived at the block of flats where she lived, he parked the car. She was surprised, as she’d expected him to drop her off, maybe wait until she was inside the building, but he got out of the car and opened the door for her. She stepped out, missed her footing, and he put out a hand to steady her. It was as if she’d received an electric shock. She looked quickly up at him in the light of the streetlamps, and she saw the arrested look in his eyes. It looks as if he felt that, too. He let go of her arm and she regretted the loss of contact. Just where is this going? You can’t just fall into his arms the first time he brings you home. Whatever will he think of you?
“I’ll see you to your door,” he said, glancing around significantly. “This is no place for you to be walking the street alone at this time of night,” he added.
“Thank you, that’s very kind. Do you take such great care of all your employees?” she asked. She could have cursed herself as her voice came out breathless and unrecognisable.
“No, I don’t. You’re female…” He got no further.
“I’m well able to take care of myself,” she snapped out.
de Lune, Clair - Davy Meets His Match [The Blood Red Rose Club 4] (Siren Publishing Allure) Page 2