Kara laughed again, and Moira was grateful that she laughed instead of squealing. “He is rather amazing, isn’t he?”
Moira grunted. “He is. I wish he wasn’t a Dom. He’d be even more amazing perpetually tied to a bed. Or his desk. Or anything, really,” she added after a moment.
“Bite your tongue. He’s amazing because he’s a Dom, and if he wasn’t, you’d still be moping around here wondering what you were missing in life.”
Moira’s comeback was a heartbeat late, and she knew Kara caught it when her body stiffened next to her.
“What happened?”
Moira kicked herself and sighed. “I fell asleep with him.”
Kara reached down and pulled the hair out of her eyes, leveling her with a concerned look. “And? Because I can’t see the bad part of that.”
Moira made a noise. “And I woke up with him on top of me, and I panicked. I was certain he was Justin, and he’d caught me again. I scratched up his face trying to get away.”
“Oh hon. Don’t tell me you ran out the door without talking to him? And then didn’t call me? Because I know I didn’t miss any calls from you. I spent half the night checking.”
Moira cringed. God, that’s fucked up. She rolled over and stared at her best friend. “I hate that you feel like you have to do that. But no, I didn’t. He convinced me to stay and talk. For a little bit, anyway. I wanted my own bed.”
Kara snorted. “I don’t know why. Adrian’s is bigger and way more comfortable.” Her glib remark belied the concern in her face. “I’m glad you talked to him, though. You still could’ve called.”
“I know. He talked me down, and I was fine. But I wish…” Moira sighed and didn’t finish.
“You’re getting there, hon. It takes time.”
Moira barked a bitter laugh. “That’s exactly what he said. Whatever. I’m exhausted, so please shut up and let me sleep, if you’re staying. Or I might be forced to tie you to the bed and gag you.”
Kara laughed but crawled under the covers with her. “I keep telling you not to make threats you aren’t prepared to follow up on.”
Moira looked over her shoulder. “Oh, I’m prepared. But if you’re nice and let me sleep, I’ll show you all my fun new things later.”
Kara made a show of zipping her lips and curled up against her.
When she woke again, a few hours later, she felt far more content than she usually did after an episode. But Kara hadn’t forgotten her promise to show off the things Adrian had bought her.
She practically dragged Moira out of bed, to stand staring at the pile of boxes and bags that had been delivered to Moira’s apartment the day before by one of Adrian’s entourage.
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.”
“I know!” Moira sat on the ground, pulling items out to show Kara. “I kept wondering when he was going to stop. And he didn’t, not until he shoved a dress at me and told me to change, and then took me to dinner at Antoine’s.”
“God, I love that man. Where’s the dress?”
Moira smiled. “In pieces on Adrian’s bedroom floor.”
“It’s like I don’t even know you. I love it. What else?”
Moira bit her lip and turned back to the pile in front of her. “He wants me to work for him as a Dominatrix.”
“No fucking way!” Kara laughed, leaning her head back and shaking it in disbelief. “Timid little Moira D’Arcangelis, a Pro-Domme. You said yes, right?”
Moira laughed. “I did. I don’t want to quit teaching, so there are things we’re going to have to discuss first. But he wants to present me as available for hire at the club in two weeks.”
“Fan-fucking-tastic, honey. Speaking of, how’s the tattoo?”
Moira grimaced. Adrian had stayed on her the whole day before about keeping it moist, but a night romping in his sheets hadn’t helped. “It’s fine. It still hurts. He made a comment about needing black wings across my back.”
“Ha. You know me, I’m always pro-tat. It would look amazing on you.”
“Please. You’re as delusional as he is.”
Kara raised her hands with a smile. “I’m just saying.”
Moira rolled her eyes. “Just say all you want. It isn’t happening. Ink isn’t my style.”
“Your choice. You’d be a seriously fuckhot Domme with them, though.”
Moira didn’t answer, but threw the closest thing she had on hand. It turned out to be the lace brocade corset she’d loved on sight.
Kara whistled. “Hot damn, honey. Okay, you have to put this on. Actually, you have to put all of this on. I need a fashion show.”
“Dammit, Kara, I spent all day yesterday putting on a private fashion show for Adrian.”
“And now you’re going to put on one for your best friend, without whom none of this…” she waved her finger to encompass the pile of new things, “…would have happened. So shake that fine little ass of yours and get changing.”
Moira groaned, but smiled. “Fine.” She stood up and snatched the corset back from Kara, and went into her room to change. “What have you been up to, anyway? I feel like I never get to talk to you now.”
“I know! Damn Adrian. He wasn’t supposed to monopolize you to the point where I never got to see you.” A small bit of real annoyance tinged her words, but when Kara leaned in her doorway, Moira could see the amusement in her eyes. “Damn, woman. That looks amazing on you.”
Moira grinned and spun. She had to admit, she felt amazing in it. “Thanks.”
“I mean it.”
Moira blushed. “You know, I have a better idea than me giving you a private fashion show. How do you feel about brunch?”
“I can be convinced. I thought you wanted to stay in?”
Moira shrugged and pulled off the corset. Amazing as it was, she wasn’t prepared to wear it to brunch. “I think I’ve had enough staying in to last a lifetime.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah, I think so.” She pulled a T-shirt over her head and turned. “How does Two Sisters sound?”
“Ooo, the Jazz Brunch? Sounds fantastic.”
“Excellent.” She threaded her arm through Kara’s and pulled her out of the apartment. “And you can tell me all about what—and who—you’ve been doing. Because I’m tired of talking about me.”
Chapter Thirteen
Moira walked into school Monday feeling better than she had in a long time. Confident and happy, like the future was finally something to look forward to. Until she walked past the teachers’ lounge.
“No, Darlene said she looked like a hooker or a call girl, between the dress and the way she hung on this guy’s arm.”
Moira froze. Darlene. Dammit. She’d forgotten about the encounter in front of Antoine’s.
“Erica, Darlene Caldwell thinks everyone is a hooker or a call girl. At least, anyone who looks better than she does. And Moira D’Arcangelis would have to work really hard not to look better than Darlene. Frankly, I’m happy for her.”
“Fair point. She thought all of Mazie’s bridesmaids were hookers last year.”
“Exactly. Did she say who the guy was?”
“Some gorgeous Cajun named Adrian Lacroix. Apparently he’s a rich local business owner. Darlene didn’t know him.”
Moira was frozen to the spot listening to them, wondering what the verdict would be. Slut or heroine?
Did it even matter?
“Huh. I haven’t heard of him. Well. Good for Moira.”
Moira smiled and started walking again. Good for me, indeed.
Standing in Adrian’s office that evening, she wasn’t feeling half so self-congratulatory. The text she’d gotten a few minutes before school let out had seemed simple enough at the time: Changing things up tonight, mon ange. Bring your kit, dress the part.
There was nothing in it to prepare her for what Adrian actually had planned.
Moira stared at him in shock for a moment before finally managing a response. “I’m sorry, but what?”
Adrian smiled. “It’s a simple question, mon ange noir. And one I should have asked some time ago. A question of comfort.”
“I hadn’t ever…”
His eyebrows lifted at her flustered expression. “It’s not a problem, either way. But I do need to know if there should be any restrictions, as to your clientele.”
Moira leaned back against the desk and folded her arms. “I hadn’t ever thought about it. Women, I mean. I’ve never been attracted to any, and we all know how not at all adventurous my sex life was until now. Nonexistent, really.”
“Mais are you open to thinking about it?”
Moira cocked her head and gazed thoughtfully at her teacher. It was a valid question, certainly. And what was the point of being a new person, if she rejected new experiences out of hand? She’d never thought kink would be something that interested her, and here she was, having the time of her life. It couldn’t hurt to try. Worst case, she wouldn’t like it, and that would be that.
So she pushed forward off the desk with a smile and stepped slowly up to him, eyes locked on his. When she was close enough, she reached one hand up to lightly grasp his tie. She bit her lip and pulled him down to her level, waiting until his slow smile crept all the way across his face.
“Let’s try it and find out.”
“I was hoping that’d be your answer, mon ange.” He grinned and straightened his tie. “Follow me.”
Moira followed him out of his house office with less trepidation than she expected. Until he opened the door to what had become their usual playroom.
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.”
Moira blinked again, but the scene didn’t change. Kara still sat in front of her, legs crossed, hair pulled back, and in nothing more than a bra and panties. And heels.
“Oh, come on, honey. You didn’t think I’d let you play with just any girl, did you?”
Moira stared for another second and burst out laughing. “You’re right. I should’ve known. I didn’t think.”
Kara rolled her eyes and grinned. “Please. This is me, after all. Damn straight you should’ve known!”
Moira shook her head, her thoughts swirling. She’s my best friend. Can I even do this with her? There was no question that Kara was attractive, but she’d never thought of her that way. A flash of memory stole through her, the night that had started all this. Kara’s moans as Master Ian flogged her and brought her to orgasm. And then it wasn’t only the memory that burned in her, but the heat of desire.
She inhaled sharply at the realization. I do. I want to do this.
“Mon ange?”
“It’s about trust, right?” She didn’t turn to look at him, but kept her eyes locked on Kara’s. “Isn’t that what you said to me that first night? Well, there’s no one in the world that I trust more than Kara.”
Kara’s grin softened, losing the wicked edge for something she couldn’t quite put her finger on.
Moira’s chest tightened. What if this changes things?
Don’t be an idiot. Of course it’ll change things.
Am I ready for that?
She took a deep breath, dropped her kit and strode over to the chair where her friend sat. She could do this. With a single finger, she lifted Kara’s chin. “You realize I’m not going to go easy on you?”
Kara’s eyes flashed. “I wouldn’t have volunteered if I thought you would.”
Searching her friend’s eyes to be sure, Moira found what she was looking for and nodded. “Good.” Her hand shifted quickly, clenching Kara’s jaw almost tight enough to bruise. Her voice dropped. “Then start behaving, sub.”
Kara’s eyes dropped down, her whole posture changing. “Yes, Mistress.”
She pushed Kara’s face away, but smiled to herself at the moment of glee in her friend’s eyes. She slapped Kara’s knee and wrenched her crossed legs apart.
The surge of power was as surprising as the first time Adrian had said those words to her. Moira turned away, stripping off her long coat and taking the moment to compose herself. Trust. It’s all about trust. Tossing the coat aside, she looked at Adrian, who had remained silent since they’d entered the room together.
“Participating or watching, Adrian?”
His eyes ran up and down the outfit she’d chosen. Thigh-high leather boots and the short halter-style leather lace-up dress that he’d admired so much on Saturday. Lace-up arm guards completed the ensemble. She’d put her hair back down after touching up the curls and wore her makeup a little heavier than usual. Which, since Kara always complained she could hardly tell Moira was wearing any, meant it still probably wasn’t that heavy.
All in all, she thought she’d done all right, while staying on the simple side. The heat in Adrian’s eyes said he approved.
He smiled when he finally met her eyes again. “You’re the Maîtresse tonight. What would you prefer?”
Moira crossed her arms and regarded him. “Take off the coat and tie. Watch for now. I’ll ask if I need help.”
His lips twitched as he moved to obey. “Oui, Maîtresse.”
She turned back to her kit and started rummaging through it. “Kara. What’s your safe word?”
“Renegade, Mistress.”
Moira smiled. “Our high school mascot? That’s really incredibly dirty of you. Any limits I should know about?”
“Thank you, Mistress. And no, not that I think you’ll pass. My caution word is clockwork though, just in case. For the purposes of tonight’s training, I’ll use it if I want to keep going in the scene, but not with what you’re doing.”
Moira nodded, slightly preoccupied with her thoughts. She glanced up at Adrian, who watched her with his head cocked to the side. She could almost hear him in her head, telling her to do whatever she wished.
Whatever you like, ma chère.
I have never had to think outside the box so much in my life.
God, I hope this doesn’t ruin things.
Moira took a slow breath and stood. It was only a role. And she trusted Kara. She set a few things next to the bed—a length of black cloth, rope cuffs, a lighter and a candle. Picking up the crop she’d set aside, she walked slowly to where Kara sat, eyes down and hands on her knees. Moira trailed her hand lightly over Kara’s shoulder and neck, and was rewarded with a shiver. She leaned in, breathing in the smell of lavender and sandalwood, Kara’s favorite lotion. It sent a shiver through her. With one quick movement, she unhooked Kara’s bra, snagging it with the tip of her crop as it fell forward.
“You won’t need that.”
Her free hand traced up Kara’s back to slowly close around the rear of her neck. She leaned forward as her grip tightened and whispered one word.
“Kneel.”
Kara pitched forward as Moira pushed, and knelt on the floor, keeping her same position. Eyes down, hands on her knees, legs open. Moira shoved the chair to the side, keeping one hand on the back as she placed her boot on Kara’s back, pressing her slowly forward until she felt Kara’s body resist.
“Hands on the floor. Stretch your arms out.”
Kara complied. Moira counted in her head, slow and steady. Her foot was still on Kara’s back, and she could feel her beginning to wonder what was going on, wondering if Moira had frozen, or if she should be anticipating something.
A slight whistle through the air was all the warning Kara had before the crop cracked loudly across her ass cheek. Moira smiled at the half-swallowed yelp Kara loosed, and at the surge of…something. It was like her first night with Adrian all over again, but more. Better, somehow. It wasn’t only power she felt, as she brought the crop down on her best friend again. She wasn’t really sure what it was.
But it set her heart racing.
And as her crop slapped Kara again, and then again, she began to recognize the feeling. The little noises Kara made, the way her skin brightened and her body moved both away and toward the strike. It was a r
ush, all of it. Better than an adrenaline high, better than being drunk. By the time Kara’s buttocks were bright red under her sheer lace panties, Moira was struggling to admit exactly how turned on it was all making her.
Easier not to think at all.
Easier to do.
With the last strike, she held the point of the crop in place, and then slowly trailed it up the curve of Kara’s cheek and along her spine. All the way up to her neck, and then slowly back down, watching Kara shudder and arch toward the touch.
God, she’s beautiful.
Moira dropped the crop and walked away. Carefully ignoring her trembling hands, she grabbed two things from her pile next to the bed and walked back to Kara. Her hands wove into Kara’s thick hair, pulling her back up to a sitting position. The first item, a length of black cloth, Moira quickly wrapped around Kara’s head, blindfolding her.
She wasn’t sure why she’d picked the blindfold. Maybe something Kara had said, but maybe also that Moira wasn’t sure she could do this with Kara watching. Wasn’t sure she wanted to know what her best friend thought of all of this.
And most of all, she wasn’t sure she was ready for Kara to see what she was thinking.
Moira pulled the knot tight with a tug that was harder than necessary. Then she grabbed Kara by the hair at the base of her neck again, and half-dragged, half-shoved her toward the bed.
She leaned forward to Kara’s ear. “Crawl.”
Moira let go, and Kara crawled onto the bed.
“On your back.”
It was easier to order her when Kara couldn’t see.
Moira looped a pair of rope cuffs around Kara’s wrists and the headboard, so that her arms were above her head. She trailed two fingertips down the center of Kara’s body, only to hook them in the top of Kara’s panties. She ripped them off with one good yank and tossed them to the floor. Reaching down again, Moira pulled up a set of leather cuffs and tethers, which she attached to Kara’s ankles, pulling her legs wide apart.
Fleur de Nuit: Bourbon Street Bondage, Book 1 Page 11