Red Hots

by Hines, Yvette

  Just like the outside of his home, inside looked like a traditional family room: sofa, love seat, single chair, end table with lamp and all spaced appropriately before a flat screen mounted to the wall, currently off. The color scheme as well as the furnishings were inviting, blue upholstered couches with tan pillows. The multicolored chair of tan, brown and blue seemed to pull it all together.

  At the couch, she went to the far end and sat down, tugging the hem of her coat toward her knees. The navy blue trench was stylish but shorter than she would have liked at the moment. When she was standing, it came three inches above her knees. Now that she was sitting, it only came mid-thigh. Pressing her hands on top of her legs, she forced herself to relax, at least on the outside even while her stomach was in knots.

  She watched Masaun set her gloves down on top of the stack of her other accessories then turn and strut into the living room. Instead of sitting on the other end of the long couch where she hoped, he took up residence in the single chair sitting close to her.

  His gaze roamed her face then lowered to her body, appearing to take everything in. After only a short moment, he met her eyes again. “How are you feeling today?”

  “Well, thank you for asking.”

  Raising one of his legs, he rested the ankle on the opposite knee away from her, in the standard American male figure four while he clasped his hands loosely in his lap. “Before we begin, I would like us to negotiate, discuss my expectations and ask you a few questions. We both know that I am not offering you a role as a slave or a pet. However, even as a part-time submissive, there are still things I expect from you.”

  “Such as?”

  “I know your knowledge of the D/s, meaning Dominate and submissive, relationship is extremely limited. Are you willing to learn what I desire to teach you?”

  “I’m here, aren’t I? So, I’d say I’m at least willing to try, Masaun.” Her hands lifted, palms up then fell back to her lap.

  While she spoke, a single eyebrow crawled slowly up one side of his forehead until it was in a high arch above his eye.

  “What?” she asked when his silence stretched on after her answer.

  “When we are not in play session, no matter where that is, you will answer me respectfully.” His voice was deep with a low timbre to it, making it too husky for her to think straight.

  When she started to speak, he held his hand up and locked intense eyes on her that had gone stone grey, removing the green entirely.

  He lowered all his fingers but one. “If you were going to contradict me, don’t.” Another finger joined the first. “Only speak when given permission by me or asked a direct question by me.” A third finger was raised. “You may call me Sir or Dom Hawk, not Mr. Hawkes and never Masaun.” His hand returned to his lap.

  She sat there, not sure if she should say something or not.

  “Do I make myself clear, Kindle?”

  “Yes, Sir.” Sir seemed the least demeaning of the two names. Besides, in the south, it was a polite response to any male. No big deal.

  His gaze softened and she could see the small flecks of green returning. “Nicely done. Once I determine a scene name that suits you, I will use that and not Kindle.”

  Since he seemed to be informing her and not asking a question, she sat quiet.

  “Thank you for dressing in the attire I directed. This is something I will do often, even when we are not together.”

  Her forehead tightened in confusion.

  His head tilted to the side. “Is there a problem?”

  “Sir, I assumed our relationship, for lack of a better word, would be contained to the times we both agree to. Not that I’d be required to perform things during other times.”

  “Considering the magnitude of stress in your day and the emotional detriment it is having on you, I believe it is best to have small commands interjected at times. Like a cue to your mind not to become locked so tight on the case you become unaware of the impact on your body. Do you understand, Kindle?”

  She was starting to feel the realness of the situation she’d placed herself in. “I understand, Sir.”

  “Will you agree to listen to my instruction and follow direction?”

  Swallowing the tightness in her throat, she said, “I agree, Sir.”

  Even though she preferred not to admit it to him, there was an odd sense of relief causing a cool sensation through her body, like standing by the sea in early spring. It was instigated by the knowledge that someone else would carry a small fraction of the mental load of her day. She couldn’t explain it to herself, nor did she want to try, but rarely did she ever feel that anyone else was considering her while she toiled in her job. Now, Masaun would.

  A small smile turned up the corners of his mouth.

  She gave him the same small grin.

  “Are you pregnant?”

  That caught her off guard, but she kept the “what?” from coming out. “No, Sir.”

  “Is there a boyfriend or jealous male friend I need to be concerned about?”

  “No, Sir.”

  His chest lowered as he exhaled, as if he’d been holding his breath. He continued with more personal questions about her cycle, current injuries and past surgeries, to all of which she replied negative.

  His gaze ran over her lower body briefly. “Are you on birth control, Kindle?”

  “May I ask a question, Sir?”

  He gave a sharp nod.

  “Are you planning to have sex with me?” They both were aware of the sexual tension between them. At the restaurant, it had been so palpable that she was surprised the blaze didn’t catch fire around them. Then there was the kiss they shared. A kiss that had been on her mind all night and all day.

  “During scenes, I don’t have sex with my submissives. It is a rule I have to enforce at The Dollhouse and one I maintain in my personal life.”

  Evasive much? That didn’t answer her question at all.

  “Are you attracted to me, Kindle?” The low husky texture was back in his voice.

  Just hearing it made her nipples draw tight below her coat. She wanted to lie, tell him that she felt nothing for him. But the bold stare he was giving her doused that small flame of rebellion. She bet he was a kick ass attorney when he practiced.

  “Yes, Sir.” She forced the response through her lips, wanting it to come out smooth and matter of fact, not fluttering on the wispy breaths caused by her racing heart. Just the conversation of having sex with him had her blood pumping fiercely through her veins.

  “We will let that take its own course.”

  Non-committal much? She wanted to groan out her frustration. It wasn’t like she wanted him to lay her on the couch and have at her now. Her sex swelled and throbbed with the mental picture she had painted and she had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep silent. It had been way too long since she’d had sex.

  I probably should have masturbated before I came over…just to take the edge off.

  Taking in the physical and authoritative persona of the man next to her, she doubted it would’ve helped much at all.

  She realized that his lips were moving and, lost in her own thoughts, she had no clue what he’d said. She moistened her lips. “I’m sorry, Sir, can you please repeat that.”

  His gaze darkened again. “Being present with your Dom means being present with your Dom. Do I make myself clear, Kindle?”

  No wool-gathering. “Yes, Sir.”

  “When orders aren’t followed, there will be consequences.” He paused for a moment as if to ensure she comprehended his words this time. “Stand before me and remove your coat.”

  And it begins. As much as she wanted to remain seated where she was, she didn’t wish to incur any disciplinary actions, whatever they may be. She rose slowly to her feet then took the three steps across the carpet that brought her directly in front of him.

  Staring at the wall behind his head, she took hold of the leads to the belt around her waist, then she took a breath. Then she took
another. And another.

  “Don’t make me ask again.” He spoke low but his words were clear, letting her know she was trying his patience.

  Rushing so that the fear forming a knot in her stomach wouldn’t spread and cause her to stop, she quickly untied the sash, undid the buttons and shoved her coat off her shoulders then allowed it to drop to the floor. The material draped around her feet like a sheet at the base of a Christmas tree.

  Masaun was silent. There was no gasp of excitement at seeing her nude form displayed before him for the first time. No words or sounds of agitated breaths showing he was hot and bothered. Nothing.

  The quiet of the room was driving her insane, grating on her nerves and making her more anxious. Lowering her gaze to his face, she was shocked to see he was looking into her eyes. He hadn’t even looked at her bare body.

  “How do you feel?”

  Freaked the hell out. “Exposed. Nervous. I’m hoping it will pass, Sir.” Her voice was trembling.

  “It should. As you become comfortable with me, with us, the nervousness should diminish greatly. However, you should always feel exposed when you’re with me but grow to feel comfortable revealing yourself both physically and mentally. I hope you will grow to trust me and know that I will never hurt you. I may be dominant, but you are in control even as you submit to me. Do you understand?”

  She shook her head. “No, Sir.” She didn’t. His words seemed like a monologue full of oxymoron phrases. How could she be in control and dominated at the same time? Didn’t that mean he had the power?

  The smile that stretched his sexy mouth was broad this time. “You will.”

  Then he looked at her. He lowered his gaze for long moments over her breasts, belly, hips, sex, and thighs then down her legs to her feet. It was as if he was actually touching her. Heat pooled in her core and spread through her limbs. She wanted to cross her arms over her chest and hide the response showcased in her tight nipples.

  “No Dom should ever take lightly the precious gift of submission.” His eyes, now more green than grey, met hers. “You are treasured, Kindle.”

  “Thank you, Sir.” He had not asked her a question, but she couldn’t help responding. His words had made her feel honored and cherished. This was difficult for her and he seemed to understand that fact.

  He rose, standing in front of her. “Have any of the men you’ve dated ever tied you up, spanked you with anything?”

  “No, Sir.”

  “What’s the kinkiest thing you and an ex-lover have done?” His gaze roamed her face, assessed her as if he was seeing if she was being honest with him.

  “Had sex, Sir?”

  He chuckled. “Anything out of the ordinary? Did you use toys?”

  “From the three boyfriends I’ve been with the sex was pretty standard, Sir.” She paused, not sure how she wanted to answer the second question. “None of those men have ever used a toy on me.”

  “Have you used one on yourself?” His eyes were clear, knowing.

  Shit. She should have known that even an ex-lawyer would pick up on the specific answer she gave. Exhaling, she said, “Yes, Sir, I have a vibrator I use at times.”

  Lately she’d been so wound up thinking about Masaun that she didn’t even waste the moments it would take to get her vibrator from her side drawer. She had become accustomed to using her hand to take care of the need. However, she kept that to herself.

  “At one time or another, I’ll be touching you in different places on your body. Sometimes a caress. Other times a hard smack. I may stroke you in intimate ways or pinch you in places. Do you think you will have a problem with my hands on you?”

  Her mind was running rampant, designing images to fit his words. She felt like she was on fire from desire. How could a man be so enticing when he’d yet to touch her?

  Answering him, she said, “No problem, Sir.” She was impressed her voice was so steady and calm.

  “We’ll begin slowly tonight. I’ll ground you to my touch. Let you feel my hands on your body acquainting myself with the various curves, swells and dips of your body.”

  “Yes, Sir.” Good gracious, can’t you just touch me now? Maybe all she needed was to get off by someone else’s hand occasionally and things would be better, less tense.

  “Hang your coat up in the closet by the door then I’ll take you to my play room,” he instructed.

  She did what he told her and returned to the place in front of him. Turning, he led the way out of the living room and down the hall past the stairs. To the left of them, she noticed the large kitchen/dining room combination. In front of them was a sitting room with a fire place and a large bay window that looked out onto the backyard.

  Her feet stopped and she covered her breasts with one hand and her sex with the other.

  Masaun had taken a few steps to the right toward a door, but he must have sensed she was no longer following him. He turned and looked at her then he smiled. “No worries, it is a one way window. If you were on the outside, the panes would be dark and you would not be able to see in, even with the lights on.”

  Her head tipped back and she let out a breath.

  “When you’re in the lifestyle, you have to think outside the box when your home is part of the place you play.”

  Way outside the box apparently.

  “This way.” He pressed buttons on a keypad beside the door. There was a low toned beep then he open the door. Glancing at her over his shoulder, he said, “I never want one of my guests to accidentally come into my bondage room. It’s a part of my private life and I choose who to share that with.”

  He stepped to the side with the door behind him and directed her to enter.

  Kindle was shocked at all the items and furnishings in the room. As she passed the doorjamb, she took note of the thickness and figured the area must be sound proofed.

  The door closed behind her. “There are a lot of things in this room. Too much for me to go into tonight. The only thing we will be using is that bench to your left.”

  Pulling her gaze way from the big wooden X with cuffs on all four corners, she looked in the direction he indicated. She saw a high, two-level, black leather covered bench by a wall. It wasn’t pressed against the wall but there was a stainless steel bar a few inches above it mounted to the wall with cuffs dangling from it.

  “I want you to kneel on the lower shelf, press your hips against the upper part as you stretch across the top. Hold the bar. I will not cuff you to it this time.”

  She hesitated. Now with the moment here, she wasn’t sure if she could take the steps to the bench.

  Then he was before her. Those intense, but understanding eyes of his were on her. He took hold of one of her hands and caressed her palm with his thumb. His touch reminded her of why she was here. How she’d managed to get herself into this situation.

  “At any time you want to stop this or you can’t take anymore…yell Red Hots and I will stop. It is a what is called a safe word. No judgment.”

  It amazed her that opening a box of Red Hots had gotten her into this situation, now it would be her way out. If she chose to use it.

  “Kindle, do you trust me?”

  She focused on the man before her. He had not forced her here. Had not coerced her to submit to him. She had come on her own, because she needed this. Even if she didn’t understand it, she needed this. She needed him. “Yes.”

  With a sharp nod, he released her hand and stepped away.

  Once again the bench was before her. Taking a breath, she moved to it and arranged her body on the cool leather as he’d commanded.

  Kindle lay on the bench and held tight to the bar in front of her and waited. Again silence grew around her. She wasn’t any calmer this time with the silence than she had been in the living room. Only problem was she couldn’t look into Masaun’s eyes to calm herself.

  She couldn’t even hear Dom Hawk, as he’d instructed her to call him when they were having sessions. Was he moving? Doing anything or just star
ing at me?

  The urge to turn around and look over her shoulder crawled up her spine, but she ignored it and just squeezed the cold metal bar tighter. He’d instructed her to remain still and not to move; she was sure that meant looking back at him as well.

  Then came his touch, Kindle flinched. She didn’t mean to and she would have controlled the involuntary reaction if she could.

  He hadn’t hit her. Dom Hawk had merely placed his hand on her bare ass—her right cheek to be precise.

  When she had jumped he didn’t move, no finger twitched and his palm didn’t shift. He just kept his hand motionless as if to let her become comfortable with his touch. Unsure of what she was supposed to do in response, she gripped the bar, feeling the throbbing of constricted blood in her hands and held her breath for the first swing that was sure to come soon.

  “Relax. Breathe. Clear your mind of everything.” His voice was composed and low, however, no less commanding than other instructions he had given her since she came into the house.

  As if he were guiding her through a diaphragmatic breathing exercise, she zoned in on his voice and heeded his words.

  In and out she breathed, filling her lungs with cool oxygen.

  In and out she breathed and felt the contrast between the crisp room air and the warmth of his touch. Her grasp on the bar was still firm but more relaxed, allowing the ache in her joints to dissipate.

  In and out she breathed as her upper body rested, heavy on the cushioned leather.

  Then he began to glide his hand up and down her backside, caressing one cheek then the other in a gentle fashion.

  “Your ass, like the rest of you, is beguiling, Kindle. The round and plump set of it. It emboldens a Dominant to play, want it availed for his use.” His hand moved from the top of her ass, curving over the identical spheres until he cupped the lower part. He set a finger between her shoulder blades then slowly dragged it along her spine, brushing by every vertebra, making her skin tingle from each point out. The journey of his touch continued on until he was lightly grazing along the crease of her ass.