by Jane Henry
I’d lost my appetite. I knew that I didn’t belong in the home I’d been raised, but the idea of me being someone else’s daughter was a difficult concept to grasp.
“Thanks, Zack,” Ryder said. He pushed his unfinished food away from the table and looked my way, his blue eyes intense and probing. He wanted to see how I’d react to this news.
I focused on wrapping up the remains of my food, and let Zack and Ryder hash things out. “You have any missing person reports come in recently?” Ryder asked, his eyes on the officer.
Zack shook his head. “I’m not at liberty to discuss those if they do get filed, but I can say we haven’t gotten any.” Zack got to his feet and gave me a long, probing look.
“Gotta get back to the station. Let me know if there are any further developments.” He took a slip of paper out of his pocket, scrawled something on it and handed it to me. “My number, if you need it.” He nodded to Ryder, and left.
“What the fuck. He gave you his number?” Ryder asked, shaking his head. “Give me that.” I felt a stab of pleasure. He was jealous.
I unfolded the paper and looked at the number, a series of ones and twos that were easy to remember. “Could come in handy,” I said.
Ryder just huffed. He stared, his jaw clenched, his index finger on his lips, contemplative, then he pushed himself to his feet.
“You okay?” He leaned against his desk and loosened his tie, fixing me with the look that made me squirm, and I knew why. I was at the entire center of his attention. His dedicated focus.
“I’m good, Ryder,” I said, getting to my feet. Now that I had a fully belly, I had a clearer head, and I knew what I wanted. I walked over to him, taking in his large, powerful form pushed up against his desk with his legs spread, his arms welcomed me. I’d only known him for such a short time, and I already craved him.
When I reached him, he grasped my waist and drew me to him, my front pressed against his torso, hand nestled on my waist. His blue eyes pierced mine and his brows raised as he spoke with conviction. “I’ll get to the bottom of what’s going on, Rae. He’s not going to hurt you. You’re safe with me.”
“Thank you,” I whispered, staring right back at him, and I knew just how to show him I trusted him. “Thank you, Daddy.”
His lips tipped up and his eyes warmed. His grip on my waist tightened and he pulled me closer, nestling his chin in my hair. The protective embrace warmed my belly, already my body was trained to respond to being close to him like this. My breasts tingled with the memory of his mouth on them, my pussy pulsed with arousal.
“I’m done hiding, Ryder. I told you I’ve been treated like a child long enough. And now I want to be treated like a woman.” I leaned back and met his eyes. “When do you take me to the dungeon?”
He grinned. “Our guests are arriving. Tonight will be a full house. I had planned on taking you to a private room, but after what you said, I think the dungeon would work. Let’s go now.” He kissed my head. “It’s time to introduce them all to my new submissive.”
13
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Ryder
“There are a few rules you need to know, babe,” I said, grasping her chin between my thumb and index finger to get her attention. Rae’s eyes met mine, heated with excitement and arousal. I could smell it on her. It amazed me that someone who’d been away from the world for her whole life would know what she wanted with such conviction.
Then again, maybe that was partly why she was so decisive. Her vision hadn’t been clouded by the ways of the world. She’d crafted her hopes on fantasy, but there was something endearing about that. What were hopes, if not built on dreams?
“Rules?” she asked. “Dungeon rules. Yes, I’ve heard about these things.”
I chuckled. “Yeah? You’re an expert on dungeon etiquette?”
Her face lit up with a grin. “I wouldn’t say expert.”
“There are two rules I want you to focus on for now. You have to understand that when we go to the dungeon, there are many others there. I know you said you’re interested in exhibition, but that’ll wait. So rule one. You never interfere with a scene. Down in the dungeon, every member is carefully vetted, and it’s teeming with security. We run a clean, well-established facility that is one of the most respected BDSM clubs on the East Coast, and there are reasons for that.”
She nodded, eager to show me that she was ready to see what she’d been fantasizing about for so long.
“No interfering in scenes. Got it.”
I stifled a groan. I doubted she got it.
“People will be down there naked, Rae. Some will be tied to benches, or St. Andrew’s crosses. They could be whipped or flogged, and some will be saying no. But in the dungeon, no doesn’t mean no. To many submissives, and even to Dominants and masters, saying “no” is part of the appeal.”
She nodded. “And if they want to really stop, they use a safeword.”
“Yes. Pick one out for us.”
She blinked. “Um. Austen.”
“Austen?”
“Yes. When I first saw you, you reminded me of one of Jane Austen’s heroes.”
Cute. “Okay, then. Austen it is. Now for rule number two.” Still holding her chin, I leaned in, my voice deepening. She had to know I meant what I said. “You do exactly what I say down there. If you disobey me, I’ll have to punish you.”
“Well I thought that was a given.”
I shook my head. “Rae, this is a group of people who are under my authority. Every Dom, Master, slave, and submissive follow a certain etiquette, and I’m owner and head Dungeon Master.” I let that sink in. “If you defy me in front of them, you’ll leave me no choice. I’ve given you plenty of leeway. I won’t have that liberty in the dungeon.”
She shivered a little, and bit her lip, but nodded. “Yes, Daddy.”
I nodded. “Good girl. We aren’t going to be down there for long, but you’ll be submissive to me.” I looked down at her clothing. “We need to get you better outfitted for the dungeon, and we will for this evening. For now, you may wear your clothes.”
Her mouth dropped open. “For now?” she whispered.
“Yes.” I shrugged. “Unless I need to discipline you. But you’ll be a good girl, won’t you?”
She nodded. “Of course, Daddy.”
I called Seth, gave him the code to my place, and asked him to run upstairs grab her a little dress and flats. A few minutes later, he knocked on the door and handed me a bag.
“Thanks, man. Any new developments?”
“Not yet. I’ll keep you posted. You on dungeon duty tonight?”
I shook my head. “No, but I’m taking her down to show her around. It’s time I introduce my submissive. If we’re too walled off, it’ll cause suspicion.”
“Understood. Let me know if you need anything.” Seth left. I knew he’d station himself in the dungeon, just to be on the safe side. The more supervision we had, the better.
I knew I’d be more comfortable when I knew Martel was no longer a threat.
I shut the door after he left, and removed the clothing in the bag. Seth was a smart man. He’d brought a little black dress, sleeveless and short but subtle. She'd fit in without calling attention to herself. She eyed the dress and flats I took out of the bag, her expression a mixture of eager anticipation and trepidation. Good. I didn't want her overly confident going into a place that could take the ground right out from under her.
I loved the dungeon. Part of the reason I’d bought Limits to begin with was because it meant a lot to me to have a safe place where lifestylers could explore their deepest, darkest fantasies and desires. I had a waiting list several hundred people deep, and every single member was rigorously screened. We hadn't had an incident in over four years, and I kept the place under a very closely guarded watch.
She looked about the room, as if looking for a place to dress herself. I tried not to smirk. It was adorable, her thinking she'd have any privacy. She was about to go into
the most public place in the entire building, and I'd already seen every inch of her naked body. My cock hardened as I watched her tremble, preparing to be undressed. I would test obedience. I crooked a finger at her.
She eyed me from beneath lowered lashes. “Am I supposed to dress myself, Daddy?”
“You trying to get your ass paddled before we even make it in the dungeon?” She huffed out husky little laugh that made my cock twitch.
“Maybe.”
“You know, I think I want a little bit of a strip show. You want some exhibitionism baby? Show me what you got.”
Her eyes never left mine as fingered the edge of her top and slowly, with torturously deliberate move moves, lifted the edge of her top, revealing smooth, creamy, lickable skin. I wanted to devour every inch of her. But I'd be patient. It been a long time since I had a submissive. I wasn't going to fuck this up by rushing things.
“That’s it, babe. Just like that.” I leaned against my desk to watch, my mouth dry as she wriggled out of her clothes. When she’d taken her top off, her hair standing up on end like crazy, I smiled. “Come here.”
She walked over me, her expression coy, biting her lip, and when she reached me, I yanked her closer. She let out a little gasp. I closed the distance between us by wrapping my hand on the nape of her neck and drawing her even closer, capturing her mouth with mine, a clash of lips and tongues that made me crave more of her. I needed to possess this woman who’d come to me for help, who now asked me to fulfill her deepest fantasies.
I’d do that, and more.
I halted the kiss with reluctance, wanting to continue but knowing our time was short. I would take her to the dungeon, but we had to go before it grew too crowded. I pulled away, and she fisted my shirt, yanking me closer.
“Whoa, now, Rae,” I said, covering my hands with hers. “If we’re going downstairs, we need to go. We can’t waste any more time up here. There’s plenty more time for this.”
“I don’t want to stop,” she said, hitching a knee up on the side of my leg, her front straddling mine. I could smell her arousal in her half-clothed state, sweet and seductive. It took every bit of self-control I had to gently push her away when I wanted so much more. I ran a hand down her shoulder, over the bare skin, my palm scratching over the lacy fabric of her bra. I trailed a thumb over her nipple, just enough to tease her over the fabric. When she whimpered, I pressed a hand to the small of her back, and dipped my hand between her legs, moving my fingers over her jeans, giving her the friction she’d need.
“Ryder,” she hissed in my ear. “Touch me.”
I smacked her ass. “I am touching you, brat.”
“Nooo,” she moaned. “Not like that. More. Harder.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “On bare skin.” Her begging ended on a near-whine.
I nimbly unfastened her jeans while she panted in my ear, then slid them down her hips. I pulled them to her ankles, bending lower to lift first one foot then the other, then I tossed the discarded jeans onto a pile on the floor. Rising, I dragged my hand along her inner thigh, parting her legs as I stood, then flicked my fingers on the little strip of fabric between her legs. “That’s it, babe. Open up those legs for Daddy.” She obeyed eagerly, holding onto me for support with her arms wrapped around my neck as I rubbed firmly, drinking in her moans and whimpers.
“You want more?” I asked, working her over good, briskly stroking the fabric.
“Yes. Please,” she whispered.
“Good girl. Beg.”
I slowed down the strokes and her head dropped to her chest, shaking from side to side. “Nooo. Don’t stop!”
I made a low tsk sound. If she was going to come with me to the dungeon, she’d fucking remember her place. I pinched her thigh, not hard enough to leave a mark, but sharp enough to get her attention.
“Hey!”
“Enough, Rae. I want you begging me, not ordering me. You’ll learn your place.”
She closed her eyes briefly, as if willing herself not to snap. The struggle both amused and pleased me. Though she craved what the lifestyle would offer, Rae was not a naturally submissive person. I’d need to train her to listen and obey, but I’d enjoy every fucking minute—watching her struggle, then yield to my authority.
I swallowed hard, my cock hardening.
She tossed her head back and inhaled a deep, cleansing breath, her grip around my neck tightening.
“Please, Daddy.”
She’d be rewarded for that.
I flicked aside the bit of fabric covering her clit, and slid my finger through her slit. Soaking. “Fuck yeah, baby. So wet for Daddy. So fucking ready.”
I stroked upward, just once, then halted, my finger suspended over her most sensitive spot.
“Beg.”
“Please Daddy,” she panted, her whole body up against me. “I need to climax. Please let me, I’ll do anything you ask me to, just don’t leave me like this. Please.”
“Good girl,” I said, holding her tight against me, her breath hot on my cheek. I pumped two fingers into her core. She bucked, her pelvis jerking, then with a swift upward motion, I stroked her clit. Her whole body clenched as she rode my hand, her sweet moans urging me to go faster, harder. I held her tight until her knees buckled and she clutched onto me, climaxing against me. I cupped my hand on her ass to steady her, stroking until she finally sagged against me. Nuzzling her fragrant, short black hair, I held the back of her neck, holding her as tightly as I could.
“You please me, climaxing like that.”
“Do I?” she breathed.
“So much, baby girl. It shows me that you trust me. That you enjoy being with me. Giving me the gift of your pleasure is something I’ll treasure.”
I held her in the quiet of the room. I froze when her hand gently grazed my hardened cock, a tentative stroke across the tightened fabric.
“Daddy? May I?”
I pulled her close and kissed her forehead. “Soon. Fuck, yes, soon. For now, we need to get you outfitted for the dungeon.”
She stroked one more time, and it took every bit of self-control I had to stop her. “What’d I say?”
She sighed. “You’re always pleasing me but taking nothing for yourself. It isn’t right, Ryder.”
“It is what it is for now.” I wouldn’t push things with her. “Let’s get you dressed. It’s time to go down.”
I loved the way her cheeks flushed, her chest pink-tinged from having climaxed.
I gently stroked my knuckle across the apple of her cheek. “So beautiful,” I whispered, pulling her close to me for a brief kiss to her forehead. “I like the black hair look, you know.”
“Yeah?” she said with a smile. “I feel edgy. I’ll have to get some piercings or something.” Her eyes twinkled as I picked up the black dress and unzipped it.
“I don’t think so, babe. You belong to me now. And there’s no altering what’s mine without permission.”
Her eyes narrowed, then softened, and her head tipped to the side. “You’re serious.”
I gestured for her to raise her arms. “Dead serious. You do anything like that without my permission, I’ll spank your ass.”
She lifted her arms and I slid the dress over her head. “I’m so plain, though.”
Jesus. Plain? “That’s like saying they have good art in Rome, or Shakespeare wrote nice plays,” I said, with a shake of my head.
She was smiling when her head poked through the top of the dress, and I tugged it down. The fabric slipped over her curves beautifully. I stifled a groan. I’d conditioned myself with years of self-discipline and focus, so that I could train my submissives without taking advantage of them, so that I could build the foundational trust needed. I couldn’t ask an educated, competent woman to submit herself to my authority, to obey me and accept discipline, if I didn’t hold myself to high standards of self-discipline and integrity.
I spun her around, inspecting her. “Gorgeous,” I murmured, giving her ass a sharp crack of approval. “Now for
the shoes.” I took first one silver flat from the bag and knelt at her feet. She held onto my shoulders while I slipped it on.
“This seems so odd.”
“What’s that?” I asked, taking the second shoe and slipping it on her foot.
“You kneeling when you’re the Dominant.”
I looked up from where I knelt beside her and took her hand, bringing her fingers to my lips and kissing them. “Just because you obey me, doesn’t mean I don’t get to serve you.” I stood and said nothing else for a moment, drawing her close. I didn’t know what would happen in the dungeon, or even after that, and though I hoped we were on the verge of something great… something lasting, I feared that it would end. We’d come so far so fast.
“Why the hesitation, Ryder?” She paused, and nestled her head against my chest, her hands on my shoulders. “Why do your eyes cloud over sometimes, as if you’re upset about something? What troubles you?”
I leaned against the desk and held her, inhaling her beautiful scent, drawing strength from her soft body pressed up against mine. “I’m not new to the scene, Rae.”
“Yes. Yes, I know.”
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been in this position. My last relationship didn’t end well. She left me for another man, and her interests were different from mine. And she never wanted an element of real to all this.”
“I don’t understand. What do you mean?” She lifted her head off my chest and tipped her head to the side.
“She didn’t want a full-time relationship like this. Some submissives and Dominants like to play here in a scene, but their roles don’t extend beyond a scene. I wanted more. Full-time.” I paused. “Permanent.”
She nodded her head thoughtfully. “I don’t know much more than what I’ve read, so I’m not exactly an expert. But I do know that the beauty of this is that there’s something for everyone. No?”