Reformat_of_Art_of_Submission_5-16-14-3

by Michelle

  “I need to take her home. Everything good downstairs?”

  Derek nodded. “Don’t worry about it, I’ll close up tonight. Take your woman home and tell her how you feel.”

  ***

  Kellie stood in the middle of the room when he opened the door, still naked and beautiful. She turned to face him, back straight and proud, eyes unsure and confused. She stood her ground but slowly lowered her head. A modicum of submission he would happily take.

  “I wasn’t sure if I should get dressed or not.”

  More submission than he’d expected. With a smile, he moved to stand in front of her, his hands cupping her face. Her eyes were warm, accepting of his touch...not angry about his discipline. She welcomed him.

  Mark brushed a kiss across her lips and appreciated her sigh. “Let’s get you dressed and go home.”

  “Yes, Master.”

  It took only minutes to cover her lovely body with the dress and get her shoes on her feet. She was calm, almost subdued, and he worried he’d pushed her too hard and too soon. Mark reached for the door and stopped at her soft words.

  “What was that, Kellie? I didn’t hear you.”

  “Are you taking me back to my condo or to your house?”

  All the air in his chest froze.

  “What are you really asking, little one?” He didn’t want to know, afraid to hear her answer.

  “Are you kicking me out of....?”

  “I plan to take you to our home, unless you want to walk away from our agreement.”

  She turned shining eyes to his. “I want to stay with you.”

  Mark let out the breath he’d been holding and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to his heart. “I want that more than anything, Kellie.”

  They went to his office first, and he left her standing near the door while he gathered his briefcase and then opened a cabinet.

  “Come here, Kellie. This is the coat I had delivered for you. See how it fits.”

  Her eyes lit up and one wayward tear slid down her cheek when he helped her into the long sable coat.

  “Oh, Mark. This is too much.”

  “No arguing, remember. Let’s go. The car is waiting.”

  ***

  Dena was just dozing off in front of the television when the doorbell rang. Gathering her robe around her, she checked the peephole before turning the lock. A bear of a man stood on her porch, his slow grin warming her in places she loved to have heated.

  “Hey, beautiful. Did I wake you?”

  She stepped back to let him in and Steve shut the door behind him. Scooping her into his arms, he carried her back to the couch and cuddled her on his lap. “Rough day at work?” he asked.

  Dena sighed and rested her head on his wide shoulder. “Boring and exhausting. I was in meetings all day about a new computer system accounting just purchased.”

  Steve’s rough chuckle tickled her insides. “Fun stuff I bet.” His roving hands tickled other parts.

  “Blah. Both presenters were monotone speakers. I thought they’d never finish, and then they started a slide show.”

  “Let me guess. They read from the slides.”

  “Yes.”

  They shared a long laugh that turned into a deep kiss. “Good thing I came by to rescue you, hmm?”

  Dena looked into his dark brown eyes and melted. “It’s always a treat to be rescued by you, Master.”

  “Have you eaten tonight, doll?”

  Dena wrinkled her nose and shook her head. “Nothing sounded good and I was too tired to even open a can of soup.”

  His face turned stern. “You need to eat. It takes energy to keep up with me in bed. How about I feed you some take-out?”

  “I’d rather you take me to bed.”

  “Food first, then I’ll give you a nice long ride and tuck you in.”

  “I think I can handle that,” she told him, leaning forward to kiss his roughened jaw. “You take such good care of me, Steve.”

  Half an hour later, he was feeding her chicken parmesan from a little Italian place down the road. She’d eaten a large portion from her plate and several bites from his lasagna.

  “Knew I could tempt you, doll,” he said, leaning close to lick a drip of sauce from her chin.

  “Honey, you tempt me all the time. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  “Have you talked to Kellie lately?” he asked.

  Dena stopped chewing and fumbled around on the coffee table for a napkin. “No. Are they still in Corpus?”

  “Came back last night. Mark had her at the club this morning, signing papers.”

  “Really? What kind of papers?” Something must have happened in Corpus. Had she discarded her plan to write that stupid paper and formally submit to Mark instead? Or maybe Mark discovered her motive for visiting the club and was taking legal action. As much as she cared for Kellie, she regretted the day she spilled her secret life to the girl.

  “How well do you know her? I know y’all roomed together in college, but what else can you tell me about her?”

  Dena finished wiping her fingers and turned to face Steve. “Is she in some kind of trouble?”

  His slow grin calmed her a little. “Not yet, but Mark’s moving her into his house for three months and he wants me to find all the dirt I can on her.”

  “Oh.” Dena’s eyes widened at the implications. “You mean she’s agreed to be his live-in submissive?”

  “Yep. Never thought I’d see the day. Mark hasn’t had a full time submissive in six years, maybe more.”

  Damn. Even she and Steve didn’t have that much of a commitment. Living full time with a Dom took a great deal of negotiation and planning, not to mention the commitment. It was easier if there was enough emotional involvement to keep the relationship on a semi-even keel, but Kellie didn’t know Mark enough to care for him, did she?

  “How did I miss this?” she asked, not really expecting an answer.

  Steve tugged on a strand of her hair. “Maybe if you’d been in your office today, she’d have told you. Ask her tomorrow.”

  “What does Mark say about how fast this is happening?”

  “Don’t know, doll. Didn’t see him, but Derek said he was the one pushing for the contract. Mark and Mildred walked her through the paperwork and she signed willingly.”

  “It’s not like her to jump into something so complicated this quickly.”

  “I know, and Mark’s being realistic. He asked me to run a deep check on her. Spill what you know about her background and save me some time.”

  “I know she grew up in Houston, and that her parents were a little weird, at least to my tastes.”

  “What? They weren’t into getting tied up and spanked?”

  Dena gave him a soft shove in the chest and laughed. “From what she’s told me, they were busy. I don’t think they really wanted kids.”

  “Abusive?” Steve growled.

  “Oh, no, I don’t think so. But it sounded like Kellie raised herself. Her parents traveled in different directions for business and I don’t think they ever all lived in the same house at the same time.”

  Steve rubbed her thigh, comforting without thought. He did that a lot, and it was one of the reasons she’d fallen so hard for the tough guy. He was a hard-ass Dom who could take her to a sexual peak she didn’t know was possible before she met him, yet kind hearted and loving when he wasn’t pushing her buttons.

  “So she has some issues. Who among us doesn’t?”

  Dena hummed and let him rub her leg a little higher. When he stood and cleared the plates, she knew the rest of the night would be intense, erotic, and loving.

  Despite Steve’s considerable talents, Dena didn’t sleep much, her mind full of Kellie and her new relationship with Mark. The conversation they’d had in the coffee shop played over and over, until she knew it couldn’t remain a secret.

  In the wee hours of the morning, she left the bed to send a quick text to Kellie before crawling back under the co
vers with her lover. That done, she finally slept.

  Her alarm went off at six and she pressed the snooze, giving Steve a few more minutes of peace.

  It wouldn’t last long.

  When he stretched and rolled up against her, she relished the few minutes before the storm.

  “Master, I have something to tell you. I don’t want to, because it was told to me in confidence, but I can’t hide it from you any longer.”

  Chapter 22

  Kellie awoke warm and aching, a hot blanket of naked man cocooning her in the soft bed. Her shoulders still felt tight from last night’s suspension but the burn across her back had dissipated before they’d crawled into bed. And for the first time, Mark hadn’t cuffed her to the bed. She wasn’t sure if it was another punishment or a gift after taking last night’s discipline, but she enjoyed it just the same.

  She wiggled around in the bed until she lay facing him. Still asleep, Mark was fair game and she took full advantage. The dark stubble along his square jaw called to her, begging for a touch, a kiss, anything gentle and loving. Long black lashes feathered over the skin below his eyes. No man should be this beautiful. She reached out with one finger to stroke the dark brows, careful not to wake him, since he wouldn’t appreciate her watching him sleep.

  But she couldn’t resist. In a week, he’d become a major part of her life. No, he’d become her life. He’d accepted her strengths and weaknesses, and given her an awareness she didn’t know existed. Her finger gently slid down the long line of his nose before running the pad of her index finger across the rough stubble at his jaw. She needed to kiss him. Wanted to hold him and make love to him. She wanted to love him.

  Lashes fluttered, and his eyes met hers. While he was still half asleep, Kellie leaned in and stole a kiss.

  He didn’t stop her.

  She took another, this one deeper, and opened her mouth to his, taking what he usually gave to her. His soft moan made her brave and she closed the gap between them, using her shoulder to push him onto his back as she straddled him.

  “Kellie, what are you doing?”

  “Making love to you,” she whispered. “Let me give you this.”

  The weight of his arms encircling and pulling her in close answered her plea. Her mouth gave up talking and tasted him as she’d wanted to for some time, exploring his early morning beard with her tongue. The sandpaper texture started a quiver that ran down her spine and flared in her sex.

  She adjusted her body and slid down his stiff cock, taking him deep. “I love you, Mark.”

  Their bodies moved together and slipped apart, moisture easing the way as they surged and waned in an ever-increasing swell of sensation.

  Kellie cried out, her need outweighing her desire to make the slow, sensual moments between them last. Her orgasm came in a rush and Mark stiffened under her. Clenched tight, she felt the pulse of his climax and sighed, completely content and replete in his arms.

  Mark rolled, reversing their positions, and stroked her hair. “Little minx, you undo me.” He kissed her hard and fast, giving her no chance to participate.

  “Does that mean I get to tie you up and have my way with you every morning?” she asked with a smile.

  “No,” he grinned. “But every now and then, I’ll enjoy your special wake up call.”

  His eyes darkened. “No regrets about last night?”

  “Only that I disappointed you.”

  “Hmm, I know. Let’s not do that again. I don’t like punishing you. Now, how about a shower and some breakfast?”

  “Will you let me wash you?” she asked.

  He gave her a once over and shook his head. “I’ve spoiled you. Don’t take advantage, little one. Now, shower, then work.”

  ***

  The breakfast tray had arrived by the time they finished showering and Kellie made a plate for both of them while Mark dressed for work. Famished after last night’s ordeal and this morning’s exercise, she ate a heaping serving of scrambled eggs, bacon and toast.

  “I’m glad to see your appetite’s returned. I have a few things planned for you tonight, and you’ll need all the energy you can get today. Don’t skip lunch.”

  Mark’s predatory grin did naughty things to her body, and she reminded him of her work schedule. “I’ll be late tonight. I have a class after work.”

  Mark’s coffee cup stopped mid-way to his mouth. “What time?”

  “From six to nine, but sometimes we finish early.”

  She could tell from his expression that he didn’t like it, but after a few heart pounding minutes, he gave her a short nod.

  “Give George the address and he’ll get you there. Be sure you get his cell number before he leaves you. One of us will pick you up afterward.”

  Relieved, Kellie said a quick thank you and left to change into her work clothes. Mark caught her in the hall a few minutes later. “How often do you have these classes?”

  “Twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday. It’s the fastest way to finish my degree.”

  Mark pulled her to him for a long kiss and then sent her on her way without any more questions. George was in the front hall talking with Mrs. Pine and she told him about her classes while they walked to the car.

  “No problem, Miss Kellie. I’ll make sure you’re on time to both places.”

  She sagged into the back seat, thankful to be on her way. Changing her mindset from Mark’s demanding rules and needs to work and school would take her the entire ride to the office and she was glad George was at the wheel. Her head was already full to overflowing. The semester ended in a month and she’d have a few weeks to regroup and relax before the next one started. Sometime during the break she would find a way to tell Mark about her thesis and her change of heart about BDSM. She prayed he would understand.

  Dena wasn’t in her office and Kellie checked messages on her phone while she wound her way through the building. Nothing from Dena, but a reminder from Mark about waiting for George to pick her up after work.

  Worry crept in when Marielle asked about their missing friend. Dena never got sick, never missed a day of work. Kellie called her home number and cell, leaving a message at both places before getting busy.

  An hour later, Marielle saw Dena’s personal assistant in the hall and was told Dena stayed home with a headache. The information allowed Kellie to relax a little, but she’d hoped to share lunch with her friend and talk. Dena was one of the few people who knew about her prior relationships and about her former ideas about BDSM. It was past time to have a frank discussion with her and talk about the men in their lives. And she couldn’t help but wonder if Dena’s headache had anything to do with the secret she kept.

  ***

  Steve paced.

  Furious to the point of cracking rocks, or maybe a few skulls, he walked the length of his private playroom at the club he often called home.

  Not today.

  Across the room, Dena was naked and tied to the St. Andrew’s cross.

  Well, not completely naked. He’d put her in a blindfold and a ball gag, then pivoted the St. Andrew’s out from the wall, making every inch of her body accessible to whatever toy he chose to use. What he would do with her tonight hadn’t been decided.

  But as angry as he was, he didn’t want to whip her. The fact that she withheld information warranted punishment, but she’d been out of sorts for a few days and he worried about what else was going on with her body. If she wasn’t healthy, he didn’t want to exacerbate the illness.

  Mark still didn’t know the details, and Steve didn’t look forward to telling him. The man was over the moon about his new submissive. Her secret agenda would destroy the last part of his friend’s heart. Mark had never been one to to offer affection easily and Kellie’s deception would devastate him.

  So Steve paced from corner to corner, stopping every few passes to make sure Dena’s respirations were steady and she wasn’t too uncomfortable. She knew the drill and hadn’t complained.

  “Dena, nod
your head if you’re okay. If you need to stop, wiggle your ass.”

  Her head bobbed once and he walked away, far enough to make her feel isolated but not far enough that he wouldn’t notice if she had a problem.

  The revelation about Kellie stung like a bullwhip. He’d agreed to sponsor her visit because she was Dena’s friend. The fact that she was hot and might get Mark out of his slump played a small part, but still, the responsibility fell on Steve. He’d let Dena invite her into their lives and now the little bitch could destroy the lifestyle they’d created with a few strokes on a keyboard.

  A tap at the door turned Steve away from the sight of Dena in bondage. Mark stood on the other side of the threshold, expectant and unknowing.

  “I don’t think I should be part of your scene,” he said, slipping into the room and letting the door shut behind him. “Ask Derek. He’s unattached.”

  Steve rolled his shoulders. “Not about the scene.”

  Mark walked past Steve and stopped, his head swinging from the St. Andrew’s cross to Steve with a questioning look.

  “What’s going on?”

  A strange noise echoed through the room, like the sound of a distant gong. Mark and Steve both looked around, Mark checking the fire alarm first. When it sounded again, Steve turned to Dena. Her chest rose and fell rapidly and her foot tapped the hollow leg of the frame holding the cross in place.

  Fuck.

  He was at her side in three long steps. Face flushed and sweaty, she trembled while he frantically loosened the half dozen straps holding her in place.

  Mark joined him, working on the straps around her thighs and knees. “I hit the med-care alarm. Someone will be here in a minute.”

  “Dena, talk to me, doll. What hurts?”

  “Don’t tell him,” she whispered when Steve pulled the gag out of her mouth.

  “Not your problem, Dena. Take a deep breath for me,” he told her as he removed the last strap across her torso and reached for her right wrist.

  Steve pressed close to her and let her body rest against his while Mark loosened the strap at her left wrist. Once she was untangled, Steve scooped her up and carried her to the bed.