Wrapped Around Your Finger
Page 7
Banner’s smile was all too smug as he pulled up to a gated driveway. It would appear that he enjoyed watching her squirm. She clenched her teeth and tried to ignore how damp her pussy was. It would serve him right if she left a wet pot on his nice leather seat. He punched a series of numbers into the keypad and it slowly opened, allowing them entrance.
If Banner’s house was modest and quaint, Jared’s was exactly the opposite—grandiose, modern and located on a very affluent stretch of South Beach. Banner parked among the other dozen or so cars and shut off the engine. Anxious, she fiddled with the D ring attached to the cuff on her wrist.
Banner retrieved his toy bag from the back seat then came around and helped her out of the vehicle. “God, you’re beautiful,” he whispered before he kissed her.
She felt naked. She’d been right about the package that had been delivered to the house earlier. Banner had chosen a kimono-style, wrap-around dress for her to wear this evening. The wide sleeves of the elegant ivory silk hung almost to her wrists. The hem just brushed the tops of her thighs. A Japanese floral design had been hand painted on the back and over the lapels. He’d allowed her no undergarments, minimal makeup and had her pull her hair back in a chignon. Black strappy four-inch heels completed the outfit.
The man had incredible taste. The outfit was extraordinary, but she felt off balance wearing it, as if she weren’t quite herself. Judging from what she knew about Banner, the way she felt was intentional on his part.
She wondered if he intended to remove the dress or if he just liked having her available to him. The prospect of being nude in front of everyone at the party made her uneasy, however if that was what he wanted, then she was prepared to give him that.
The front door opened before they reached it. Banner placed a hand at the small of her back. The gesture was comforting, reassuring.
If Indie were to imagine what a Spartan Warrior would look like, the man standing in the doorway would be it. Not only was he tall, but he was stacked with muscle. His dark brown hair hung to his shoulders in waves. He presented quite an intimidating picture as he stood there with his arms folded across his chest, glowering at them.
“Well I’ll be damned.” The man’s deep timbre reverberated through her and she shrank closer to Banner.
“Are you going to stand there and be rude or are you going to let us in?” Banner asked with an arrogant grin.
“By all means,” the brute said as he stepped aside. He clapped Banner on the back as his face split into a huge smile. “How the hell have you been, Banner? And who is this tasty little morsel you’ve brought us?”
“Jared, I’d like you to meet Indigo Hartley. Don’t get your hopes up. This one is mine.”
Jared stopped giving Indigo the once over and snapped his attention back to Banner. “Did I hear that right?”
“Yes. Mine,” Banner said as he led her into a foyer that was bigger than her entire house. A huge crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling that stretched two floors up, marble floors gleamed and expensive art hung on the walls. A staircase started up each side of the circular room and led to a second floor balcony that wrapped around the perimeter. The decorative molding alone had to cost more than she made in a year.
“Well, I think there will be more than a few broken hearts over that one,” Jared said with a sly smile.
Indie’s curiosity must have registered on her face because Jared gave her wink. “Subs have been vying for his collar for quite some time. Isn’t that right, Banner?”
“Oh I think there’s another Dom around here that tops that list. Pun completely intended.” Banner smirked.
“Touché, my friend. All joking aside, it’s good to see you back in the scene. And very nice to meet you, Ms. Hartley.” Jared’s smile was genuine as he gave her a polite nod.
“Please call me Indie and if you don’t mind my saying so, you have such a beautiful home, Sir.”
“So formal. She’s beautiful, Banner. It’s a shame you don’t share. I’m sure I won’t be the only one disappointed by that either. Almost everyone is already here. You can join them in the main room or head to the dungeon. I still have a few preparations to make, if you’ll excuse me,” Jared said before he disappeared down the hallway.
Banner led her to a small coatroom off to the side where he stored his toy bag then led her back through the foyer and into the main room. Indie swallowed hard at the sight of so much leather and skin and latex. It was almost like walking into a scene from one of the novels she read, only everyone wasn’t young and perfect. There were some gorgeous hard bodies milling about, but the rest just looked like everyday people, except they were dressed in fetish wear. Compared to most, she was overdressed in her little kimono.
“Drink?” Banner asked her.
She thought about it briefly, but decided against it. She didn’t want to dull her senses. No, she wanted her mind clear so she could imprint every detail from tonight in her memory. “Actually, just a bottle of water would be great.”
He gestured to one of the submissives standing near the entrance to the room and she came rushing over. She was nude but for her red collar, wrist and ankle cuffs. “How may I be of service, Master?” she asked with a submissive bow.
“A bottle of water,” he told her and she went rushing off. Indie hadn’t missed the flash of disappointment on the girl’s face.
“Submissive servants?” Indie asked Banner.
“All the girls you see in red cuffs and collars are being trained by Jared. Those who do well are allowed to provide service for his play parties.”
Indie felt her eyebrows trying to reach her hairline. “Service? Like how?”
“Anything a Dominant may require.”
“Anything?”
“And they are glad to do it. Jared is one of the best at what he does. Some of the subs he trains are brought here by their Masters. Those who come to him on their own usually find themselves collared by the time they complete their training. He has a waitlist longer than my reservation book for Crave.”
Indie couldn’t imagine placing her submission in the hands of anyone but Banner.
“We’ll do the polite thing and say hello before we head to the dungeon. Although I’m sorely tempted to forego all the niceties so I can strap you down and mark you in front of everyone.”
Yes please. “I’m ready.”
“Are you now?” He reached under her dress and cupped her pussy in his hand. She fought not to grind against it as he slid a finger inside her. “So wet for me.”
“Yes,” she whispered. He was right. It was all for him. She was putty in his hands, moldable to his desires and they’d only known one another a matter of days. How had it happened so fast?
“Not yet.” He removed his finger from her pussy. He brought it to her mouth, smeared her own wetness across her lips then kissed her with her taste between them. He probed her mouth with his tongue, taking every bit she’d give him and demanding more. If she could come from a kiss alone, she’d have done it right then.
Indie was so distracted by her heightened sexual arousal that the next twenty minutes were a blur of introductions and polite conversation. It was strange to be discussed as if she were an object rather than a person. She had an odd sense of detachment from it all. It was Banner’s steady hand at the small of her back that kept her tethered, grounded.
“I think I’ve had enough of the small talk. It’s time to go play,” Banner said, taking her hand. He led her down a hallway, through a set of doors and into the dungeon.
Whoa.
The dimly lit room was enormous and well stocked with various types of dungeon furniture. The exam table fitted with restraints in the far corner caught her attention first. Just the thought of being strapped down and spread open for all to see made her anxious and uncomfortable. In the opposite corner was a contraption that looked like a giant tripod. A submissive was currently bound and suspended from it. There were sawhorses, St. Andrew’s crosses, a whipping post, eve
n a set of stocks. Jared could have operated his own private bondage club out of this room had he wanted.
It wasn’t until they were standing in the middle of the dungeon that she was yanked back to reality full force.
A man with a very distinctive tattoo on his back was strapped down to an angled spanking bench off to one side, receiving a vicious paddling from a female Dominant.
No. No way.
“Does watching them turn you on?” Banner asked her.
“Banner, that’s Matt,” she whispered.
The smile that spread across Banner’s face was so devious, Indie got a little chill. He steered her closer to where Matt was restrained. “Rose is an expert with a paddle. Just look at that swing. And she handcrafts each of them herself using exotic woods. I have a few myself actually,” Banner informed her, not loud enough to interrupt the scene, but just enough to let Matt know that someone was watching.
Indie’s heart rate picked up as Matt turned his head to look at them. His eyes widened when he caught sight of Indie.
“What the fuck are you staring at? Frigid bitch.”
Matt’s venomous words hit Indie like a slap to the face.
The woman dressed in the PVC cat suit, wielding the paddle, froze mid-stroke. “I know you didn’t just speak without permission and insult another Dom’s sub.” She walked around to the side of the bench and looked Matt in the eyes, then placed her stiletto-clad foot right on his face. She leaned into him, digging her heel into his cheek. “Did you, slut boy? Did you just deliberately disobey me and call another Dom’s submissive a frigid bitch?”
“Yes, Mistress Rose,” Matt whined.
“And whining on top of it. You know how much I dislike whiny little slut boys don’t you?” Rose removed her foot from Matt’s face and turned to Banner. “It’s always so hard to break in the new ones. You know what? I think we should allow her to administer his punishment. Would that be enough to make up for his nasty attitude?”
Karma was a sweet thing.
“Actually, I think that’s a damn fine idea, Rose. I’m sure Indie would be more than willing to oblige. Indie?”
The you-wouldn’t-dare look Matt gave Indie sealed the deal as far as she was concerned. “Whatever you think is best, Sir,” she said giving Matt a smug little smile. This was going to be good. Paybacks were a bitch.
Rose handed her the long, slim paddle she’d been using. “It may seem thin, but it’s Bloodwood. Trust me when I say it can take everything you can dish out and then some. So can my little subbie here, isn’t that right?”
“Yes, Mistress,” Matt said meekly.
“He needs ten good ones and I want marks,” Rose said as she walked around and stood in front of Matt. “And as for you, naughty little slut boy, after each whack, you’re to say you’re sorry. I want to hear it loud and clear. Is that understood?”
“Yes, Mistress.”
“You may begin,” Rose told her.
Indie took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the wood in her hand and glanced over at Banner who gave her a reassuring nod. The amused smirk on his face let her know just how much he was enjoying this.
She rested the paddle against Matt’s buttocks testing her aim. Her adrenaline surged as she reared back and swung. The paddle landed with a loud smack. She’d held back some, unsure how much of an impact the paddle would have.
“I’m sorry,” Matt barked out. A long rectangular welt formed across Matt’s skin. He didn’t seem distressed by the strike at all and Indie breathed a small sigh. She despised him, but she didn’t want to seriously injure him.
“Harder, sub,” Rose ordered.
Yeah. She could do harder. She swung the paddle again with more force this time and heard Matt grunt after it smacked across his ass.
“I’m sorry,” Matt breathed through clenched teeth.
“Much better, little sub,” Rose praised her. “Again.”
Indie did as she was directed and struck another forceful blow, really getting into it now.
Matt was slower to speak this time. Indie could hear the pain in his voice when he finally said he was sorry. A thrill shot through her and she delivered the next blow without prompting.
“I think you’re submissive might have some switchy tendencies, Banner. She’s rather enjoying this.” Indie heard Rose say.
“Of that, I have no doubt,” Banner said.
They were right, Indie thought as she swung and paddled Matt again. She was definitely enjoying this. She couldn’t resist smiling as Matt gritted out another strained sorry between panting breaths.
She landed the next series of blows with relish. By the time she finished, her breathing was as labored as Matt’s. Satisfied and a little high from the power of experiencing the Dominant side of things, she handed the paddle back to Rose. “Thank you, Mistress.”
She got it now—the thrill, the rush that Dominants gained from the position of control—heady stuff. Topping certainly had appeal, but she couldn’t see herself doing it again. This was a onetime thing, but damn it felt good.
“Thank you for loaning me your sub, Banner. If you ever decide to let her explore her Dominant side, let me know. I’d be happy to mentor her,” Rose said.
“Thank you, Rose. You have no idea how gratifying that was for me,” Banner said as he looked at Indie. There was enough heat in his gaze to burn the place to the ground.
Maybe, just maybe, she’d get to come soon. After the huge adrenaline rush, her whole body was tense with need—a need that was all for Banner.
Chapter Seven
Banner couldn’t have planned it better if he’d tried. He almost fell over when Rose had suggested that Indie administer Matt’s punishment. Rose couldn’t have known how fitting it would actually be. Indie would regain a little piece of herself from the experience and maybe Matt would learn to keep his mouth shut. As far as Banner was concerned, the fucker got off light. Rose was a fair Domme, but she had a cruel streak her subs loved. Matt was not only getting what he deserved, but likely loving it in return.
Ah, but they were all such a twisted lot. Banner hadn’t realized how much he’d missed the scene. He was a fool to think that his career would be enough. It would never be enough. As long as he chose to ignore this side of himself, he’d never feel complete, whole. And while he hadn’t felt that way when he was active in the lifestyle before, now that he’d found Indie, he couldn’t go back to denying it. He’d know what was truly missing from his life.
His little submissive had been fierce swinging Rose’s paddle. Watching her had made his cock so hard it fucking hurt—her skin glowing from exertion, her breasts straining against the silk, the smug smile that played on her lips. The need to harness and control all of that volatile emotion almost overwhelmed him.
“Did that really just happen?” she asked in a loud whisper.
He pulled her close, planting a quick kiss on her forehead. “Yes, it did and you were amazing. I’m so proud of you.”
He loved the way she preened under his praise.
“Tell me how it felt.”
“It felt fucking great. Did you see his face? I thought that vein in his forehead was going to pop. I cannot believe he’s a sub, although, that does explain a lot. I’m babbling again aren’t I?” She covered her smile with a hand.
“Yes, but after that you’re allowed. Is topping something you’d like to explore? I’m not volunteering, mind you.”
“Honestly? No. I’d much rather be on the receiving end.”
“Oh I think we can arrange that.”
“Was my performance good enough to earn me an orgasm, Sir?”
“We’ll see.” He motioned to another one of the service subs. She hurried over and he sent her to retrieve his toy bag. He led Indie to the exam table in the corner while he waited for the little sub to return. He’d originally thought to use one of the crosses to play out their scene, but her reaction to the exam table when they’d first entered the room hadn’t escaped his notice.
“Here?” Indie asked with a note of fear, resisting the last few steps.
“Are you questioning me?”
“No. It’s just…I’m a little apprehensive is all.”
“Can you tell me why?”
“I don’t know,” she said irritably.
He could tell that she was not just afraid, but annoyed by her fear. “Fear doesn’t equal weakness, Indie. Not in my eyes. Never in my eyes.”
There was quite a bit of anxiety in the little sigh she gave. Her shoulders tensed up as she folded her arms across her chest and shrank inward as if she were attempting to protect herself. “I’ll be completely exposed. I’m afraid of being so naked,” she said softly as she looked at the floor.
He pried her arms apart then took her hands in his. “Look at me, Indie.”
She slowly lifted her fearful violet gaze to his.
“You have nothing to be ashamed of. There is no part of you, body or soul, I don’t find beautiful. And as your Dom, my opinion should be the only one that matters right now. The other people here, not one of them will judge you. If they do, they’ll have me to answer to. Or…you could always borrow Rose’s paddle.”
Her laugh was loud and uninhibited.
“That’s my girl.”
The service submissive returned with his bag and waited off to the side. He motioned for her to set the bag on the floor next to the stool then dismissed her.
Indie made a small sound of protest when he reached for the sash on her dress.
“Do you trust me?”
“Yes Sir,” she whispered.
“Submit. Give yourself to me. Let me take it from here.” He finished untying the sash and let the kimono fall open.
The tension seemed to drain from her body and the fear in her eyes vanished. Her acceptance happened that fast, as if he’d just flipped a switch. She just needed a gentle hand, his reassurance and she was all his.