by Yvette Hines
“That’s right.”
Alesha directed him to the exit to the men’s shelter and they chatted about what she’d gotten the men for Christmas.
The shelter was not in the nicest of areas and Brad was happy he’d traveled with his sister. “Please, tell me you don’t come out here alone.”
“Absolutely not. My men would have a fit. Even though most of the people in the shelter are down on their luck, there are a few of them who are drug users and can get pretty desperate at times.”
Brad took out one of the boxes and followed his sister into the back door of the shelter into the kitchen.
The older gentleman that ran the kitchen was happy to see Alesha and get her cookies. She introduced Mr. Jones to him and he shook hands with the man that had nothing but praise about Alesha.
Soon he and his sister were back in the car and headed three streets over to the women’s shelter. That place appeared less threatening to his sisters safety as the men’s shelter, but he still cautioned her about being their without an escort.
Inside they received the same reception from the kitchen head, Ms. Carlson, as they’d gotten blocks away. The only difference was that Alesha promised to be back at the beginning of the year to do a baking session with some of the ladies and help organize the clothing closet.
“Where to now?” Brad drove away from the building.
“Back onto the interstate headed south and get off on the third exit.”
Brad followed his sister’s direction and soon they pulled up before an antique gold building with the window mirrored so no one could see inside. The sign above it read Leathered Dragonz. Feeling a sense of foreboding, he got out of the car and rounded it to open the door for his sister.
“Where are we, Alesha?”
“Leathered Dragonz.” She gave him a cheeky smile as she moved toward the door.
“You know what I mean.” He clenched his jaw. Little sisters could be so exasperating.
“Come in, I ordered my Master’s a customized Wabbit Whacker.”
“What in the hell is a—” His speech feel away as they entered the shop and he saw all the leather whips, paddles, cuffs and a lot of other things he couldn’t name. One thing he was sure of was that all the items in the place were used for people in the BDSM community.
“Butterfly!” A tall white man wearing a red and white stripped leather cowboy hat came from around the counter and greeted Alesha.
“Dom K, it is great to see you.” Alesha gave the man a hug. “You were not here when I placed my order.”
Ending the hug, the man stepped back some. “Sorry. My father was ill and I went home for a few days to see about him.”
“Hope he is better,” Alesha commented.
“Much. So, who’s this guy with you? I hope your Masters know about him.”
Alesha laughed. “They do. This is one of my brothers. Brad this is Dom K, the greatest leather equipment maker in North Carolina.”
“And South Carolina.” The man added as he held his hand out to him.
“Nice to meet you.” Brad received the man’s firm grasp. “You do all this?”
“Most of it. I have a staff of three that are a great help. However, I handle all the custom-made items.” Dom K grinned with pride as he turned to the thin man standing behind the counter. “Dancer, get me the black and gold box on my work desk.”
Brad watched as the man gave a small bow and hustled away through the thick black curtains behind the counter.
“So, how long have you been into making BDSM equipment?”
“Well, really I’m in the Leather Community, but for the most part there’s enough crossover that I can dip in both worlds.”
“My brother is vanilla. Masters and I took him to Strong Blends a few nights ago and I think it may have been a bit much for him.” Leaning closer to the man Alesha gave a stage whisper. “He lost his shirt.”
A loud uproarious laughter belted out of the shop owners mouth. “You don’t say. Hmm, interested, I would have liked to see that.” Dom K looked him from head to toe.
Brad lived to close to DC not to understand when a man was giving him the eye. “I’m a straight vanilla.”
Dom K shrugged. “Everyone is, big man, until something inside of them yearns for something more. So, if you ever decided you want to learn some things…I’m an excellent leather handler trainer as well.”
Brad frowned, not sure what the man was implying.
Alesha hid her laugh behind her hand. “He means he shows people how to use the equipment he makes. It wasn’t an offer for anything else, Brad.”
“Speak for yourself.” Dom K got the box from his assistant and opened it. “What do you think, Butterfly?”
Reaching into the long box, Alesha removed the item. To Brad it looked like some kind of long fur covered paddle with a leather handle. Shockingly enough the fur was dyed bright pink.
“Oh, Dom K, it looks great. Is that our initials in the base?” Alesha stared at the round knob at the end of the handle. “MBU.”
“Mustang, Butterfly and Ursus. I thought you would like that touch.” Dom winked at her.
“I do,” Alesha confirmed as she stroked the fur.
“If you said it was for your Masters, why is it pink?” Brad asked.
“Because it’s for them to use on me. I like pink.”
Brad shook his head. “I guess.” Frowning, he asked. “Will you even fill it with all that fur?”
“Don’t let the covering fool you. If a Master knows how to wield it well enough, the sub feels is just fine, but it will not leave any marks.”
“Can you have it wrapped up for me? I don’t want Masters snooping around when I get home, they are like to big kids at Christmas.”
“Sure thing. Blitzen!” Dom K bellowed.
This time a short black man came out of the curtain. Dom K handed him the box and gave him instructions for it.
“Are your workers named after Santa’s reindeer?” Brad asked as the short man walked away.
“Yes. It’s my holiday fun.” The Dom moved through the aisles and signaled Brad to follow. “While we have a few minutes, let me show you some of the items and explain what they are for.”
Unable to deny his interest, Brad went with the man from one stand to another as the older gentleman not only explained what things were, but also the craftsmanship that went into it.
Brad was easily taken in by the man’s expertise and enthusiasm for his work.
Fifteen minutes later, Brad was once again in the car with his sister and on their way to the restaurant to pick up dinner.
“When do you plan to tell me why you went back to the dungeon today?” Alesha shifted in her passenger seat so that she was facing him more.
With one hand on the steering wheel and leaning against the door, Brad attempted to give himself a little space from his sister and her prying. The conversation he had been dreading since Brian had mentioned where they went was finally here. Evidently, Alesha had held her tongue for Brian’s sake, and had orchestrated him to go on the outing with her so that she could bring it up and he’d have no way of escape.
“We didn’t go to the dungeon we went to the coffee shop.”
“Semantics.” She poked him. “You know what I meant. So, what gives?”
“I thought you gave up being nosey when we were kids.”
She poked him again. “Stop stalling. This isn’t about being nosey, it’s about being there for my brother when I think something is going on inside his thick head and I can help with it.”
Her tone softened at the ended, filled with sincere compassion.
Exhaling loudly, to let her know he didn’t truly want to talk about it with her. Hell, he didn’t even really know what was going on with him. “Look, Alesha, I’m not even sure why I went back. Maybe the other night kind of stirred some things inside me. Curiosity.”
She glanced out the front window and gave him directions off the interstate to the restaurant. “Sti
rred some things? I thought the night freaked you out. Did it?”
“Yes. No.” Another burst of air came out from his lips.
“How about an easier question? What happened to your shirt?”
“That’s not easier to talk about, because it was confusing to me and I went through it.” He was honest with her as he got off on the exit.
“I’m listening.”
Gazing over at his sister, he could see the determination in her eyes. She was not going to let it go. “Some woman came over to me for help to get away from her Dominant. She wasn’t wearing a top so I gave her mine.”
“Get away? That doesn’t make sense. Were they in a scene…role play?” Her eyebrows were pulled tight over the bridge of her nose.
“I thought that at first. But, everything went crazy when the Dominant over her saw her with me. One of the…Dungeon Masters came over to calm everything down.”
“I’m sure. A DM had to intervene.” She shook her head as she directed him into a shopping center about five miles from their house. “If she wanted to be released from her bond to him, she only had to ask. Why pull in a complete stranger?”
“I don’t know.” He picked up on the frustration in his own voice.
Titling her head, Alesha just stared at him as they sat in the parking lot of the restaurant. In a quiet voice, she asked, “When you said she came to you for help…what exactly did she do?”
“Kneeled before me and refused to rise when the man ordered her.”
His sister gasped.
Brad wasn’t sure why he didn’t share with Alesha about the kiss, either of them. The way she had reacted just now with the bowing news, he had made the right choice. Besides, he never talked to his sister about any of the women in his life before. Over the years, she’d known when he was dating someone but that was it. Brian was his confidant. However, he wasn’t forthcoming with his twin either; which in some ways made this more frustrating.
“She must have been really desperate to get away from him.”
“That’s what I figured.” He turned the car off and stared at a family leaving the restaurant. “I don’t know why I went back there today. It was stupid. I knew she wouldn’t be there.”
She placed a hand on his knee. “I know you, Brad. You wanted to ensure she was okay. You’ve always been the protective one. When we grew up, if I needed someone when I was hurt and Mom and Dad weren’t there, you were always the one to check on me. Brian would be the one to try and beat someone up for me.” She smiled.
He shrugged, keeping silent.
“Did you catch her name?” She moved her hand.
Staring at her, he said, “China Doll was what the man called her.”
His sister’s eyelids stretched wide.
“You know her?”
“Not personally. I’ve seen her around the community. But, I’ve seen Dom Reel around and he can be a bit of an ass with his subs at times. I’m glad she’s away from him.” Alesha opened her door and got out.
He followed her out of the car into the restaurant. Her words had not helped to alleviate his concern for the woman, but weighed him down even more. However, he kept that to himself.
Fifteen minutes, later when they had the delicious smelling Italian food secure on the backseat and where headed back to the house, he asked, “You don’t plan to tell Brian about this do you?”
“And freak him out even more?” She laughed. “No. However, I can’t keep it from Masters. One because I share everything with them. Second, they can tell the owner about it. Although if a DM had to step in I’m sure Master Genuine already is aware of the situation.”
“Will he revoke the guy’s privileges there?”
“Only if he harasses the sub again. They don’t tolerate bullying there. In the lifestyle a sub doesn’t lose their rights because they choose to submit to a Dom/Master. There are some people who forget that and think they own the person.”
“I’ve watched you with Mike and Josh. Every time you kneel before them seem to have so much love and sincere trust for them.” He told her as he pulled into the long driveway of the house his sister shared with her men.
“I do. They have proven to me in two years that they are worthy of that trust.” When he parked the car, she took hold of his arm, stopping him from getting out.
He looked at her and waited.
“If you ever want to ask questions or talk, I’m here and I know Masters will be open with you.”
Giving her a sharp nod, he got out the car. He appreciated his sister being willing to share her lifestyle with him, but right now he wasn’t even sure what questions he had. He just wanted to ensure himself that China Doll was okay.
Mike, Josh and Brian came out of the house to help unload the food as Alesha took the wrapped gift inside. Brad didn’t miss how she kissed the back of each of her Dominants hands on the way by them and they wordlessly caressed her cheek and looked at her with their gazes filled with warmth and caring.
The one thing that was damn evident to him was that unlike the ass from the other night, these men loved their submissive and would protect her and not hurt her.
chapter five
“What’s your pleasure tonight, China Doll?” Royal, one of the DM’s at the dungeon leaned against the polished wood of the bar and stared at her.
Smiling, she knew the man was talking about what she wanted to drink as much as he was asking her about if she wanted to play. After what happened a few nights ago, all of the Dungeon Masters would know that she was an unattached sub, again. She felt a little shame with that knowledge wondering how many of the Doms in the place thought something was wrong with her that she couldn’t keep a Top.
She shook off those thoughts. “Just a ginger ale with a few orange slices please, Sir.”
“You got it.” Winking at her, he moved away to fill her order.
She watched people of all races, genders, shapes and sizes prepare themselves for scenes, dance to the holiday music and talk. She’d been in the place for almost two hours and had managed to fly under the radar.
Placing her drink before her, DM Royal said, “Genuine and Kenmore will be doing a flogging scene in about an hour if you’re interested in watching.”
He patted her hand on the bar and turned away to another customer.
“Thanks, Sir.” Picking up an orange slice and biting into it, she glanced around the wide open area of the dungeon. There were a few back rooms where shows were performed; places also available for private scenes and medical play. The dungeon was getting packed, but it was still early. Tonight she just wanted to blend into the back ground.
“China Doll…you’re a lovely sight.” The southern drawl of a woman caught her attention.
Turning, Gabriella saw Master Pam, a Domme that was one of the DMs and trainers at Strong Blends. Staring at the pretty blonde woman, dressed in another one of her 1800 corseted dresses made in leather, with a small hat included, Gabriella smiled.
“Hello, Ma’am.” Gabriella gave the other woman a slight nod, showing respect.
Being an experienced FemDom who preferred women, Master Pam commanded just as much respect as her fellow male counterparts, desiring to be called Master over Mistress.
“What brings you out tonight? Looking for some scene play?” The Domme waved DM Royal over.
“I really haven’t decided, Ma’am.” Gabriella set the eaten orange peel down onto the napkin under her glass.
DM Royal slid a cup of hot tea before Master Pam. The Domme smiled at him. Everyone in the place knew that the dominant woman also drank warm tea. Gabriella didn’t know how the woman managed it while wearing the heavy outfit. But, the Master did it and kept her cool the entire time.
“So, are you looking to replace the Dom you so publicly left?”
Damn. The woman proved to Gabriella that everyone was talking about her just as she suspected. Holding back a shrug, a gesture not accepted in the community from a sub, Gabriella said, “Most likely. I’m just
not sure when.”
Staring at Gabriella with bold blue eyes, Master Pam sipped her tea allowed her gaze to roam over her face.
Gabriella felt uncomfortable and bit down on the inside of her lip to keep from squirming under the sharp appraisal.
“Come sit with me for a moment.” The Domme walked away, not anticipating being disobeyed.
Understanding an order when she heard one, Gabriella slipped from the barstool; grabbing her drink she followed the voluptuous, statuesque woman.
The woman led her to one of the quiet areas in the dungeon, where there were several small couches, and plush chairs, the lighting was subdued; a place normally reserved for aftercare for a Dom/sub following a play session.
No one was present in the area at the moment, most likely because scenes were just getting started and there was no need for it yet.
Master Pam set her cup and saucer down on the small table as Gabriella took the seat beside her.
“China Doll, I have been watching you for well over a year. I’ve seen you come and go with several Doms in that time,” The older woman said.
Unable to meet the woman’s gaze, Gabriella stared down at her hands. She knew the Domme was concerned; Gabriella clearly picked that up in the woman’s voice.
Cupping her chin, the dominant woman beside her turned Gabriella’s face toward her. “What are you looking for, darling?”
That one simple question brought an ache in her chest. Gabriella inhaled a sharp breath, keeping her composure, with this kindhearted Domme, who was like a mother figure to her, it would be too easy to give into the emotions rocketing through her body.
Swallowing, Gabriella confessed, “I don’t know, Ma’am.”
“Don’t you think you owe it to yourself and whatever Dom that gets the honor of having you submit to them, to discover that?” Master Pam lowered her hand. “Instead of haunting the halls of Strong Blends.”
“Probably, Ma’am.” Leaning back, Gabriella focused on the wall behind the chair across from them. “I wouldn’t know where to start.”
With a compassionate hand on her shoulder, Master Pam said, “Well I’m positive that after what happened the other night you know what you don’t want. So, to find what you want, start with your heart. Everyone comes into the lifestyle for something. Something they can’t get on the other side of the metaphorical door, in the vanilla world. Start with those two things and I guarantee you’ll begin to unravel the mystery of the Dom you truly need that will best suit you.”