Roulette Redux

by Livia Grant

  Last year I’d been won by Antonio Stavros, the heir to an exclusive Greek hotel dynasty. Tony was a pretty boy, an ex-model, extremely wealthy, and very sweet. We’d become friends, but to be honest, I’d not come away feeling like it had been the most amazing experience of my life. Tonight I was hoping for something different. I couldn’t help but glance to my left. Owen stood, legs apart, a look on his face I couldn’t quite decipher. What I did know was that watching his large hands working a rope had my panties dampening. I’d always wanted to experience shibari and tonight would be the perfect time to do so. I might not be paired with the dom I’d craved, but I’d be at his station.

  “Oh, God, he’s enormous,” a tiny woman standing next to me murmured. Glancing from her to the stage, I watched as a man stepped forward to join Chase at the wheel. He was the total opposite of Tony. Instead of dark, this man was blond. And instead of a lithe model’s physique, this man was huge and tall. I couldn’t help but smile. If I was his lucky draw, there would be no need to fabricate an excuse to remove the Jimmy Choos for which I’d shelled out a large sum of money. I was mesmerized as the wheel rotated again and again. The small sphere of the ball seemed to defy gravity, taking forever to fall from the dom’s hand to begin hopping about inside the wheel. After a lifetime, I saw a smile on Emma’s face as she looked directly at me. I didn’t have to wait for Chase to announce my name. I knew exactly what name the ball had come to rest on.

  “Marty, would you please join us on stage?” Chase asked.

  I most certainly will, I wanted to say, but kept my thoughts silent as I climbed the few steps necessary to take my place.

  “I wonder what the possibilities are of two numbers people coming together,” Chase said with a grin. Black Light kept the personal details of a person’s life secret to assure anonymity, but from his words I knew this man must have something to do with the world of finance. He was incredibly handsome. His suit’s fit let everyone know it had been tailored for him and him alone. My smile grew wider when I realized I had to actually look up to meet his gaze.

  Chase continued his introduction. “Marty, I’d like you to meet Edward. Edward, this lovely lady is Marty.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Edward,” I said.

  “The pleasure is all mine.” My new dom took my hand and brought it to his lips.

  Not only handsome but a gentleman. That’s what I had to call a good beginning. Once my hand was released, I accepted the ball from Emma and watched as Chase set the wheel holding the choices for activities spinning. I counted to three and opened my hand. This was the other unknown of the event. I was giving the choice of what act, what kink, I’d be participating in to a small little orb. I held my breath as it bounced from one choice to another, my pulse quickening as the wheel began to slow, the ball’s bounces fewer and I couldn’t compress a shout of glee when it landed on rope play. Shooting a glance towards Owen, I smiled brightly as I could already picture myself holding out my crossed wrists, waiting for them to be bound.

  “Don’t forget, Jayla is available for help with props or costumes,” Emma said.

  I looked at her in confusion. “Why would we need those? Owen has all the rope we can possibly require.”

  Chase’s smile slipped a little as he turned his eyes to me. “Don’t you mean Master Owen?”

  Feeling a bit chastised, I shifted my gaze to him and nodded. “Sorry, Cha… sir.”

  Evidently accepting my apology, Chase smiled again. I watched as his finger moved to the wheel, tapping against the paper where the ball still rested. “Role play, Marty… not rope play.”

  Staring down at the wheel, seeing he was correct, I understood why I heard several people in the audience start to laugh. I couldn’t believe I’d misread the word, and I certainly couldn’t believe I’d practically clapped and jumped up and down when doing so. “Oh.”

  “Is that a problem?” my new dom asked.

  I sure didn’t want to start out our evening being considered a problem. Forcing my mind away from ropes, I shook my head and gave him a huge smile. “Not at all.”

  “Good,” Chase said. “Since neither of you have role play as a hard limit, you are good to go.”

  Keeping the smile glued on my face, I followed Edward to the end of the line, which put us very close to the station I would not be visiting. It also put us close to the dungeon monitor who ruled that station. I almost stumbled when I saw the rope I’d been watching Owen toy with was now shaped into some sort of noose. I bit back a sigh, knowing it wouldn’t be going around my wrists after all. And why did he appear to be smirking? Tossing my hair, I looked up at Edward. Making my voice just a little louder than it needed to be, I said, “In fact, I can’t wait to start. I can already think of several possible scenarios we can enjoy.” All Edward did was look down at me, his brow a bit furrowed, but from a short distance away, I heard what sounded suspiciously like, “Poor schmuck.” Before I had time to truly contemplate what the hell that was supposed to mean, the final pairing had been completed.

  Everyone left the stage, moving to various stations to begin the activities they’d spun. I glanced to my left. Poor Owen. No one had landed on rope play so he would be bored for the next half-hour. Participants were required to stay in the activity they’d chosen for at least thirty minutes. After that, they could return to the stage and spin again. As for me, I had no intention of being bored. I was going to have the time of my life. It was time to start playing.

  “How about…” I said at the same exact moment Edward said, “Shall we…”

  I took advantage of the awkward pause. “I was thinking. We could play Little Red Riding Hood.”

  “You want to act out a fairytale?” Edward said.

  “Why not? We can get a red hood from Jayla, and you can be the big bad wolf.”

  He grinned. “I can see you in nothing more than a red cape offering me your goodies.”

  Why the thought of being naked except for a cape didn’t have my stomach fluttering, I didn’t know. Switching direction, I said, “No, that story has been overdone. How about office?”

  “Office?”

  I reached up and ran my fingertip down the front of his suit jacket. “Sure. We wouldn’t even need costumes. You are certainly dressed for the part,” I said. “Did you ever see the movie The Secretary?” When he shook his head, I explained, “It starred James Spader and his very naughty secretary. You can call me into your office and give me some… dictation.”

  “Ah, that has some possibilities,” he said.

  Looking towards the rope station, I suddenly had a much better idea. “No, as I recall, it was mostly about the secretary getting her ass smacked. We can be more creative than that.” Tapping my finger against my lips, I paused and then said, “You’re tall, blond, and handsome. I think you’d make a very good spy.”

  “Like 007?” he asked without much enthusiasm.

  “Not exactly. I was thinking you could be the enemy who has captured me. I’d put up a struggle of course, God and country and all that sort of stuff. But, you could tie me up and interrogate me.”

  When his gaze moved from me towards the coils of ropes waiting to be used, I warmed to the idea. “And once I was all helpless, you could even torture me a bit if you’d like. Not too much, of course, but a little flogging or edging with the reward being great orgasms would surely make even the most dedicated spy spill her secrets. What do you think?”

  He turned back to me. If the light in his eyes was any indication, I’d finally found something that sparked his imagination, and when he grinned, I almost laughed. Screw that stupid wheel—I had been right after all. I was finally going to experience rope-play.

  Chapter 4

  Owen

  I couldn’t help but overhear Marty’s conversation as she and the man who’d be her dom tonight stood no more than a few feet from my station. That and the fact that Marty was not making any effort to keep her discussion private. She was doing it again. The guy could ha
rdly get a word in edgewise as she jumped from possibility to possibility. However, the moment she mentioned being tied up and tortured, I’d begun to shake my head. “Not going to happen.”

  “What was that?”

  Snapping my head to the side, I saw Dillon. “Nothing.”

  He shook his head. “Better watch it, bro. People are going to wonder if you’ve eaten something that isn’t agreeing with you.”

  “Has marriage taken all the excitement out of sex? Don’t you have better things to do than hang around and bug me?” I asked.

  “Unlike yours, my sex life is just fine,” Dillon said, a look of supreme satisfaction on his face. “I’m just saying, if you keep scowling, you’re going to scare the guests. Don’t you agree, Spencer? Doesn’t Owen look a bit constipated to you?”

  Fuck, that was all I needed. Spencer was the Dungeon Master, responsible for not only the safety of any guest in the club, but he’d want the event to go smooth as glass.

  “I don’t know,” Spencer said, giving me a hard look. “Nope, I don’t think he’s constipated, but I do believe he is full of shit.”

  “What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” I asked, not particularly caring that the man outranked me.

  Spencer looked over to where Marty was practically bouncing up and down. “It means that it’s time for you to either shit or get off the fucking pot.”

  While I could only stare at him, it seemed Dillon had no such problem translating the statement.

  “What he means is that it’s time you grow a set of balls and follow through with all those useless threats you’ve made. Face it, big brother, you’ve had a hard on for Marty for a year. You are constantly stating she is the submissive and you are the big bad dom. But, well…” he paused and shrugged. “From where I’m standing, it seems you are full of nothing but shit and hot air.”

  I hated that my little brother could see right through me. “I’m working, not playing,” I said.

  “You’re pouting,” Dillon countered, causing Spencer to chuckle.

  “So you’re not going to have a problem working with Edward and Marty?” Spencer asked. “You know, make sure they receive an experience to remember?”

  “Yeah,” Dillon said before I could answer. “You’re gonna be just fine trussing her up nice and pretty so her new dom can enjoy all those curves?”

  Again before I could answer, another voice cut in.

  “Edward, this is Owen. He’s an expert on rope play,” Marty said as a way of introduction.

  “Nice to meet you,” Edward said, holding out his hand. I could practically feel Spencer’s eyes burning a hole in my back. I shook the dom’s hand when what I really wanted to do was ask him if he had ever fucking dominated a submissive before.

  “So, you’re going to show him how to tie me up,” Marty said. The command finally caused me to snap.

  “Like hell I will,” I growled, enjoying seeing her pretty little mouth dropping open and her green eyes widening.

  “Wait! You can’t refuse,” Marty said.

  Ignoring her but making note of the little stomp of her foot, I turned my attention to Dillon. I didn’t let the fact that Charlie had joined him stop my question. “You good to take over?”

  “Absolutely,” Dillon said.

  Nodding, I looked next to Spencer. “Your call, boss.”

  Spencer grinned. “I’m good with letting Dillon step in for you.” I wasn’t surprised at his answer. Dillon had worked with me several times over the past year. We’d put on joint demonstrations as well as led private classes. He was as good as I was, though I’d die before admitting that fact. Finally, I turned to Edward to make him an offer he sure as hell better not refuse.

  “You give up your claim, and I’ll give you another month’s free membership,” I said.

  “Hey, you can’t do that! I’m not giving up—”

  Shooting my eyes to Marty, I shook my head. “I’m not talking to you nor did I hear anyone give you permission to speak, sub.” If her eyes had widened before, they practically fell out of their sockets this time.

  “I don’t—”

  “Another single word and you’ll be gagged,” I said. “And I don’t give a shit what color ball will be keeping you quiet.”

  “I take it you two have some sort of history?” Edward asked, drawing my attention back to him.

  I wasn’t a man to share my business, but supposed the guy deserved some sort of answer. “Let’s just say that I can’t take another moment of Marty topping from the bottom. It’s far past time for someone to teach her the very definition of submission.”

  “And you think that’s going to be you?” Marty hissed.

  Catching the eye of a runner, I called her over. “Go get me a ball gag from the shop. Have them put it on my tab.”

  “Yes, sir,” the young woman said, immediately turning on her heel to obey my instruction.

  When Marty opened her mouth again, I shook my head. “You’ve already earned one hole filled. Speak again without permission and I’ll plug your ass as well.”

  Color ran up to stain her face as she closed her mouth, and I could see her nipples pressing against the front of her dress. Giving her a nod, I turned to Spencer.

  “Since neither one of them is actually quitting, I’m assuming there won’t be a penalty?”

  “I’ll make sure neither loses their prize.” Spencer then shook his head and added, “However, if this deal is made and either you or your sub call it quits, then she’ll lose her free month.”

  I nodded my understanding and turned to Edward to seal the deal. “So how about it?”

  “I don’t think so,” Edward said, momentarily throwing me off but only until he grinned. “But, toss in some private shibari lessons and you’ve got a deal.”

  Well, perhaps the man wasn’t such a pushover after all. “It’s a deal. I’ll even throw in a drink at the bar.” Holding out my hand, he shook it and, with that, Marty was mine.

  “Good luck,” Edward said, and I wasn’t sure if he was addressing me or the woman he’d won and lost in the span of a few minutes. Nor did I care. The runner had returned, and it was what she had that concerned me. She waited respectfully until I held out my hand.

  “Thank you,” I said, accepting the ball gag. “Please escort our guest to the bar. Tell Klara his drink is on me.”

  “Yes, sir,” she said, and I was pleased to see Edward wasted no time in following her across the room.

  Business done, it was time to teach Marty that I was tired of making suggestions, coaching from the sidelines about the roles of a dom and his sub. Words certainly hadn’t worked, but I swore to myself that actions would drive the much needed lesson home.

  “Stand at attention,” I ordered, the tone of my voice informing her I expected no nonsense. Marty might not be a good sub, but she knew the poses, understood the expectations and yet she still surprised me. Instead of instantly obeying, she shot a glance beyond me, most likely in an attempt to get Charlie to intercede on her behalf. What she didn’t know was that the moment Dillon had taken my place, he’d let it be known he agreed with my plan. And while Charlie was indeed Marty’s best friend, she was my brother’s wife… and his submissive.

  Still, there was no need to make Charlie choose. It took me two steps to close the distance between myself and my sub. I grabbed a fistful of her hair and yanked her head back. “Every single time you hesitate, every time you disobey, you will pay a price.” Her nostrils flared, her lips parted slightly but another tug reminded her she was not to speak. Instead, she managed a small nod and I released her.

  “Attention, now!”

  Her feet separated to shoulder width, her back straightened, her arms went behind her back, hands cupping opposite elbows and her eyes shifted downwards.

  “Good girl,” I said, noting the perfect pose as well as the way her chest was rising and falling a bit faster, nipples still visible beneath the black bodice. As much as I wanted to see them, flick them, twist
them, they’d have to wait. I had promises to keep. “Open your mouth.”

  She hesitated, but her lips slowly parted.

  “Don’t make me ask you again,” I said. “Get it open wide.”

  Once she had, her eyes met mine, but I didn’t reprimand her. To me they were truly a window to the soul. And Marty’s eyes were very expressive. They told me she was still in a bit of shock, still a bit unsure of how serious I was taking this, and were a bit brighter than I’d ever seen them before. I held up the ball gag, allowing it to dangle in front of her mouth.

  “How you behave in the next few minutes will determine how long this remains in place. Understand?”

  She nodded, her mouth still gaping open.

  “Good, now ask me to gag you.”

  Rebellion flashed across her eyes, but she closed her mouth and then said, “Please, gag me.”

  “Please, gag me what?”

  God, I loved watching a woman struggle with the need to submit… to obey. It made it all the sweeter when they surrendered.

  “Please, gag me… sir.”

  I didn’t praise her. After all, she had known she was expected to speak respectfully to her dom and had chosen not to. That was fine. She’d learn. Pressing the ball into her mouth, watching her lips have to stretch around it, I gave my next order. “Bow your head.” Once she had, I fastened the straps of the gag around her head, making sure not to trap any strands of hair. I wanted her gagged, but not uncomfortable.

  “You may look up,” I said, and her head lifted. “Perfect.” The color staining her cheeks grew darker at the single word, and I grinned again. It was time to stain another set of cheeks. Remembering how her eyes had widened when I’d fisted her hair, I slid my hand under the thick curtain of the shimmering strands and wrapped it around the back of her neck. Her look had my cock jerking. This was a look I’d never seen on her face before, and I had watched her during many scenes at the club.

  “You’ll remain at attention while we walk. Understand, sub?”