Taking Courage

by S. J. Maylee

  He nipped at her breast. “No more movement, pet.”

  “Oh, yes. Sorry, Sir.” She pushed her back into the table and willed her limbs to relax.

  “I think it's time I got a taste of you.”

  “Oh.” Her eyes squeezed shut. She wanted to savor this moment.

  Luscious wet heat pressed into her flesh, and every wanton desire pulsed to life within her. Her arms spread wide to grab hold of something, and she pushed several items off his desk. She pulled her knees as far as they’d go and patiently waited for the next lick, but it didn't come. Dread spread like wild fire, and she peeked at him through her lashes.

  His eyes were closed, and he licked his lips.

  “You taste like ... honey.” He dove between her legs, and his tongue entered her, in and out ... in and out.

  His thumbs pressed through her folds and spread her wide, revealing her eager clit. A lick to the flirty bud broke her last barrier, and tingles sparked at the ready to take her on a ride. He backed away. Her submission spread open and wide felt like a gift, one she freely gave. Her body was his to command.

  “Don't you dare come without my permission. Do you understand?”

  “I'm trying, Sir.”

  “You’re so beautiful.” He stroked her leg. “I won't push you too long, but I need to enjoy you a bit more.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  Long licks dragged through her pussy, again and again. Her body was on fire. Never before had she been so quick to blow. It was his domination that threw her into the fire. Simon's control fanned her flame and drove her to the edge.

  His fingers dragged through her pussy lips, and his mouth took her nipple again in long sucking pulls. He found the plug and wound the end in little circles, adding horny nerves to the party. Sprawled out on a desk in the middle of an office building was not her first choice, but the surroundings added to the erotic taste of the scene. Forbidden paths chosen regardless of possible outcomes made her feel alive. Every desire she'd ever had could be traced to an imagined scene like this one.

  She felt alive.

  He sucked her clit into his mouth and pinched her nipple in alternating tugs. The pebbles swelled and demanded another smidge of pressure. She was ready.

  “Please, Sir.”

  “What do you want, my pet?”

  “Take me over. I'm ready. I need to come, Sir, please.”

  He let go of her clit and rose to hover an inch above her mouth.

  “Who do you belong to?”

  “I am yours, Sir. I belong to you.” Her body lay open to him, waiting for his decision. Happy butterflies teased over her body while she waited. “My body is yours to play with as you please.”

  “Even if I do this?” He pushed the plug, twisted and dragged it almost all the way out of her body before he pushed it back into place. “Each part of your body is mine, yes?”

  “Oh! Yes, Sir.”

  His fingers dove back into her pussy, and his mouth latched onto her clit. Sensations bounced from her back entrance, around, and straight to her clit, driving her closer to the point of no return. Slow, firm pressure pulled at her clit. Each drag added more pressure as his fingers fucked her.

  “You're ready to come for me?”

  “Yes, Sir. I'm ready for your command.”

  “Take your pleasure now, my pet.” He had suction in reserves and used it all on her clit. The pull to her nubbin drove her higher, and when his fingers thrust in and pulsed against her spot she exploded into the ultimate of pleasures. He continued to push his fingers into her, extending her orgasms.

  She lay on his desk like a limp rag doll. His hand caressed her cheek, down to her hip, and her body melted into the desk. She might not ever move again.

  She'd been used well. Bliss flirted throughout her body. She worked to slow her breathing, each drag rumbled through her worn frame.

  He slipped his hand behind her back and pulled her, his other hand tucked under her knees. Together they sat on his chair. Warmth radiating from his body seeped into hers, and contentment spread out like the blanket he draped over her.

  The hard ridge of his cock pressed into her hip. She shifted to free her hand.

  “May I give you release, Sir?”

  “I’m looking forward to that, my pet, but right now I want to care for you.”

  He’d given her pleasure twice. She was anxious to know his taste, but she’d follow his lead. They sat quietly for several minutes. Her head nestled on his shoulder. His hand rubbed continually around her back and up her arm.

  “You did well today.” He pulled her tighter. “With the project and in your submission.”

  “Thank you.” His praise rang true in her heart. “That's kind of you to say.”

  “It's simply the truth, Janna.”

  “Project management work has always come natural for me, and well, you know I'm new to submission, but it feels so right.”

  “I see that.” They sat quietly for several more minutes. Eventually, he scooted out from under her and left her on the chair alone. “I'm looking forward to your performance at the Board meeting tomorrow.”

  He rifled through his briefcase, digging for something and no longer paying her any attention. She dragged her feet together and yanked at her top. She tugged at her bra and blouse, needing them to be closed. Her fingers struggled to latch each button.

  Just a few weeks ago she didn't know if her love for submission was just for the books she devoured. Now, she knew she loved the actual role. She knew. She also had a fabulous new job tailored to her strengths. The extra bonus was the distance between her and her father. He might not get firsthand knowledge of her success here, but he also couldn't nit-pick her troubles to death.

  She'd learned something today. Simon had a strong enough will to hold her to her word and the kindness to forgive her. She also now knew she craved his attention. At that moment she wanted nothing more than for Simon to look at her.

  “Simon.”

  “Keep your head in the game tomorrow. Don't let their attitudes get to you.”

  “I'll be fine. I'm not worried about the meeting. I'll be ready.”

  “Watch out for Keller. You can't always predict his motives. He's a sneaky bastard.”

  “Simon, look at me.”

  Finally he stopped searching his bag for whatever he couldn’t seem to find and looked at her. She wanted to tell him to come back to her. She needed his arms around her. How in this short time had his high opinion become such a need?

  She walked to him and into his open arms.

  “I don't know if I'm ready for this?” He pulled back from their embrace and looked at her directly.

  “I'm probably not either, but I'm not willing to stop it.”

  “You're courageous.” He pulled her tight again and planted a sweet kiss on her forehead.

  “Hardly.”

  “Yes, you are. You walked into the club with determination, and that took a lot of guts.”

  “Maybe it was stupid.”

  “Don't. Don't ever diminish yourself. Not many people have the guts to follow a hunch through. You took a physical and emotional risk opening yourself to me at the club and again here.” He stepped back, took hold of her hands and swung her arms out wide. “You take my breath away.”

  He let go of her, and she barreled into his chest. His encouragement washed over her like a new day. Approval was a new emotion to Janna. She didn't want to give it too much weight, but at this moment she'd give anything to keep it.

  Warning signs tried to peck at her peripheral thoughts. She shoved them away to analyze another day. His hand caressed her back.

  “Give me a second and I'll escort you home.”

  “Really?” She wanted to giggle at his choice of words, but she liked the idea. She could get used to Simon taking care of her.

  “Yes, I want to see where my pet lives.” He kissed her, claiming her mouth with languid sweeps of his tongue. “While I'm gathering my things, go and get the next s
ized plug.”

  Shit.

  “Move.”

  Chapter Six

  Wednesday morning her life started with speed. In a heap, Janna landed in her office. Within a few minutes she had the day spread out over her desk. Lists were filling up left and right with items to check and cross check. She had a half a dozen follow-up meetings scheduled, and any of those could create an avalanche of problems in the project’s scope.

  Coming into a job with only a few days before a presentation was a ridiculous task. This was the last time she'd allow it to happen. Keller got an earful from her late yesterday about the perils of scoping too quickly. He agreed with her of course. When she was done, she felt better, and if she wasn't mistaken, she'd guess Keller felt better, too.

  Her office phone rang, and she picked it up without looking at the caller I.D.

  “Hi, Janna. How's day three going?”

  “Dad.” She didn't need his pestering. “What is it, Dad? I'm going to be late for a meeting.”

  “You sound stressed.”

  “I'm fine. There's a scope meeting tonight on the project I was assigned Monday, and I have a lot to do.”

  “Tonight? Why are they throwing you into the deep end?”

  “Well, they think I can handle it.”

  He cleared his throat. “I got a call this morning from Harry, down at Shaver Industries. You remember Harry, right?”

  “Of course, I remember Harry. He's your fraternity brother.”

  “He has an opening for a Project Manager that we think you'd be perfect for.”

  “Dad, I have a job. I like being here in Chicago.”

  “Sure, today. This opportunity might not come around again. It's the step up you've been waiting for.” He cleared his throat again. “I don't like the way they're setting you up for failure over there.”

  “Dad, they are not setting me up.” Janna tugged at the neckline of her blouse. “Now, I've got to finish getting ready for my meeting.”

  “Okay, but think about it. Your mother and I want you back home, and I'm not sure how to explain to folks what you're doing in Chicago anyway. First Mike and now this.”

  “Thanks for calling, Dad. I'll call you later.” She hung up from the downward spiraling conversation. Fighting with her father got her nowhere. They both ended up exhausted, and he still wouldn't see things other than in his own way.

  She didn't know what bothered her more, the job from his buddy or that he’d brought up that no good scoundrel of an ex. She’d keep her promise to her mom. If he called back, she’d continue to make their conversations short.

  She walked with slumped shoulders to the bathroom. Sometimes a splash of water helped to unrattle her. Her hand landed on the door, and she heard voices from inside.

  “How are things working out for Janna?”

  Not one to eavesdrop, she pushed her way into the bathroom and walked to the sink.

  “Hi, Janna. We were just wondering how you're doing,” Anne said. Her brow wrinkled with what looked like concern.

  “Hi, Anne. I'm doing all right.” She turned to the woman next to Anne. “I met you yesterday at the technical writers meeting. Lydia, right?”

  “Yes, that's me.”

  Lydia's brows drew together, too. Maybe she'd call them the worry twins.

  “Should I be worried about something?”

  “I didn't know Simon when Kelly hurt—”

  “Lydia, be careful. Maybe he hasn't shared his history yet.”

  “Shit, I'm still new at this, sorry.” Lydia tucked her dark hair behind her ear.

  “That's okay, Lydia. I know just that someone lied to him and hurt him badly. I'm hoping he'll tell me the rest when he's ready.” Janna had several secrets she needed to share, too.

  “He will. You're smart not to rush him though.” Lydia took a step closer. “Just know that you can come to either of us if you have any questions. We’re both members of the club.”

  “Really?” She looked between the two women. “Wait, so Keller, Simon, and now the two of you, too. Wow.”

  “Keller likes to hire people he trusts, but not everyone who works here is a member of Club Voyage, and the majority of club members work somewhere else.”

  “Like Charlie?”

  “Yes. Her B&B is amazing. We should go there for brunch and talk her ear off.”

  “I’d love that.” Janna remembered the few conversations she’d had with Charlie. The Dominatrix had given her some of the best advice.

  “Her blueberry scones are to die for. Everything she makes is good.” Anne pulled out her phone. “I’ll text Charlie right now.”

  Lydia put her arm around Janna. “You're not alone here.”

  “Thanks, I don't know what I don't know, and I hate that feeling.”

  “Are we talking about Simon or the project?”

  “Both.” They all said in unison releasing what was left of the tension in the room.

  “Charlie says to come this Sunday. She’ll have scones and coffee waiting for us.”

  “Thank you.” A weight lifted from Janna’s shoulders. “Now I need to find a way to worry about Simon and my training later.” She took a cleansing breath. “First, I need to get this scope approved tonight.” Setting priorities usually helped her to keep her head clear. “Who do I need to be concerned about?”

  Anne spoke up first. “Keller, the rest of the board will follow his lead. He's a hard one to interpret.” She shook her head. “He takes strange paths sometimes, and it's not always easy to see why. My advice, play along with him. Don't get dragged into his neuroses.”

  “Okay, good. What else?”

  “Have you talked to Marcus yet? He tends to find a weak link,” Lydia offered.

  “Yes, we talked yesterday, and I have a follow-up with him later this morning.” The comfort of newfound friends took the edge of the day away.

  “Excellent. And remember after today, we are one step closer to Friday night.” Lydia rubbed her hands together. “We both can lean on Anne here. I'm only a couple months into my journey, so don't follow my lead.”

  “Oh, great, now there's a dangerous proposal. Me, the unattached submissive, giving advice. Bad idea.”

  “Don't be ridiculous, Anne.” Lydia wrapped her arm around her friend's shoulders. “She's already helped me a ton.”

  “I wouldn't agree, not with the spanking you got last Friday.” Anne bumped Lydia's hip.

  “I did push Jake too far last week. But in your defense, you did warn me.”

  “I still can't believe you got a tattoo without talking to him first.” Anne shook her head.

  Lydia put a hand over her heart. “I'm just glad he took the time to notice his initials in the lock before he spanked my ass.” Her gaze drifted off.

  “Should we leave her alone?” Janna looked at Anne, and the two shared a quick giggle.

  “I wonder if Jake will give us a replay on Friday.” Anne took a step closer to Janna. “I'm not sure which of them enjoys those spankings more.”

  “Are you guys talking about me?” Lydia's gaze lowered to them, and an adorable blush kissed her checks. “Sorry, kind of got lost in a memory there.”

  “Aw,” Janna and Anne said in unison.

  “All right, you two just wait.” She pointed at them.

  “Don't hold your breath.” Anne shrugged her shoulders. “What were we talking about?”

  “You guys were giving me tips in prepping for the board meeting.”

  “Right,” Lydia said. “You should be careful around Gina.”

  “She's in your technical writers group, too, right? The one with the long dark hair and striking blue eyes.”

  “Yes, lucky me. Her desk is next to mine. She's been pretty quiet lately, but I'd still be careful around her. She tends to cause trouble.”

  “Thank you both for this. Your help is invaluable.”

  Anne grabbed her hands. “I'll give you one piece of advice for tonight and Simon. Follow your instinct and be honest.�
�

  She took their advice, and the day flew by. Meeting after meeting Janna got a deeper and clearer view of the details. She had one more hour to double check her slides and figure out what she was missing. There was always something between the lines that a good Project Manager could find. What was it?

  The last hour ended without an answer.

  “Are you ready?”

  She sat back in her chair, ready to give up.

  “Simon, I'm missing something, and for the life of me I can't figure it out.”

  “You've been at this for three days. We're already worlds ahead from where we were. Now, come on before I get tempted to spank your ass for doubting yourself.”

  “That sounds better than facing your board.”

  He shook his head and dragged her from her chair. “Come on, they're our board now. You're a part of this team, remember?”

  “Yes. You're right.”

  “Besides, they're a bunch of teddy bears.”

  “I keep hearing that. It's starting to feel like a bad omen.” She did a final save, closed down her files, and gathered her notes. “I thought Keller was supporting me, but I can't be certain, not really.”

  “Try not to worry about Keller. He likes poking at things to see what you're made of. You've been here for two days, and you know plenty more about this project than I thought possible. You know what you're talking about, remember that, okay.”

  “Is that an order?”

  “I'm suspecting you're trying to postpone your walk down the hall to the board room.”

  “Not me, Sir.” She pulled at the edge of her skirt, revealing more of her thigh.

  “If you were, I'd consider swapping out your current plug for the next size.”

  “Nope, I'm good.” She stood up straight. “Let's go.”

  “Good girl.”

  The board room was twice as large as the conference rooms she'd been meeting in, and the polished table was a work of art with the inlaid wood pattern. A chill rattled through her body. They must keep the room colder than the other rooms in the building. She didn't need any more encouragement to awaken her nerves. One look at Keller threw her straight into panic.