Virginia's Awakening [The Blood Red Rose Club 3] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Clair de Lune

  “You’ll forgive me for saying this, but as we get older we have to take more care. You want a light foundation and a little blusher. You can use eye-shadow and mascara, too, if you like. These shades will suit you.” She worked skilfully and Virginia watched as her face was transformed. It wasn’t over-done either. She was pleased with the result, but she doubted she’d ever be able to replicate it. Stephanie gave her the foundation, powder, and other items.

  “You can get all of these in Boots the Chemist, I love their stuff. I know that it’s not worth using items that you will never buy again, so I try to use what you can buy easily.”

  Virginia thanked her and gave her a tip. She hoped it was the correct amount, as she wasn’t used to tipping at all. She put on her coat, took her leave of Stephanie, and left the shop. She held herself erect, with a straight spine and shoulders back. As she walked down the street to the bus stop she couldn’t resist looking at herself in the shop windows. She smiled as she paid the bus driver, and he smiled back. She felt amazing.

  When she got back to the club, Valkyrie was waiting for her. He smiled as he saw her.

  “Virginia, my dear, you look beautiful. I knew you would, but you have surpassed my expectations. Come inside and look at yourself in the mirror.”

  “Valkyrie, I have to speak to you. I can’t take all this from you. You must deduct the cost from my wages,” Virginia said in a rush. She was afraid that if she didn’t say it now, she’d not get it out. She well knew the effect he had on her.

  “We can discuss that later. Come up to my flat. I have something to show you.”

  He put his hand in the middle of her back and guided her up the stairs. She wanted to protest. She ought to protest, but when he touched her, all power of thought and strength of will left her, and she became putty in his hands. She climbed the stairs. She felt the heat of his hand on her lower back, even though she knew it wasn’t really possible through her winter coat. When they arrived at his flat, he opened the door and allowed her to enter. He’s such a gentleman. I could get used to this treatment. No! It won’t last. I can’t let myself assume it will be for long. Damn it, I’m going to enjoy it while it lasts.

  He took her to the sofa and sat her down.

  “You look incredible. Now we have to tackle the wardrobe. I’m going to take you to a large department-store and we are going to get you some everyday outfits.” He held up his hand as she opened her mouth to protest. “The transformation will be complete when you have the clothes to go with the new you. However, clothes for inside the club are a different matter, as is lingerie. My friend, Angus Scott, owns a lingerie business. I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of Curvy Woman?” he asked.

  “Oh yes, I have. But I can’t afford their prices. They’re top of the range. Really, something a lot less costly will be fine.”

  “I’m not interested in ‘fine.’ Only the best will do. Angus’s fetish wear is the very best, Virginia. Please look at the catalogue. Do it to please me.”

  Virginia couldn’t resist that tone of voice and the look in his eyes. Obediently, she picked up the catalogue. I can just take a look, there’s no harm in that. Then I can tell him I don’t like anything. Oh my goodness. They are delightful, look at that corset. The colours glow like jewels. She began to look through the catalogue with interest.

  “How about that jade-green one.” Valkyrie was sitting too close for her comfort. His long finger indicated a gorgeous fitted corset in jade-green satin, with a long waist and a very low-cut top. She blushed as she looked at it. His luxurious moustache brushed her cheek, and she smelled his cologne combined with his unique male scent. It was very arousing, combined as it was with the pictures of skimpy underwear. When she turned the page to find lacy thongs and bras designed to reveal a lot more than they concealed, her breath hitched. Valkyrie chuckled.

  “They are rather special, aren’t they? Now, in a few minutes Emma will arrive. She’s one of Angus’s stylists and the granddaughter of his wife, for whom she designs underwear and fetish wear. She will take your measurements and design some things just for you,” Valkyrie said. Virginia gasped.

  “I shall never be able to pay what that will cost. I can’t let her do this.”

  “My dear, I’m doing it for you. I have a mind to see you in lovely clothes. You will repay me by gracing the club with your presence, and giving my customers something to brighten their lives.”

  “Yes, but…” Virginia got no further as Valkyrie placed a finger over her lips.

  “Please indulge me, my dear Virginia. I’ve long wanted to see you turned out, as you deserve. You’ll gladden my eyes and make me a very happy man.”

  “Is that all I shall have to do?” She began to wonder just who she would be pleasing and what the catch was.

  “My dear Virginia, what do you take me for? No-one will lay a finger on you. You will do nothing you don’t want to do. I just want you to be happy and feel appreciated for once in your life.”

  There was a knock on the door and Valkyrie’s secretary came in.

  “Excuse me, sir. Emma Scott is waiting in reception. She has an appointment with you.”

  “Please show her in, Hazel. Then can you organise coffee, tea, and cakes, please.”

  The secretary went out and returned with a blonde-haired woman. Slim and of medium height, she wore dark-blue slacks and a red wool coat. She carried a laptop case, and she advanced confidently toward Valkyrie, her hand held out.

  “My boss, Angus Scott, sends his regards. He said he was glad to hear from you and happy to let me come and advise you,” she said in a low, musical voice.

  “Pleased to meet you, Emma. This is Virginia. You will be designing for her.”

  “Hello, Emma,” Virginia said shyly, holding out her hand. Emma’s handshake was firm. She smiled at Virginia.

  “I’m looking forward to designing for you. You have a good figure and splendid skin colour. Your hair looks amazing.”

  Virginia smiled and coloured. She felt rather than saw Valkyrie’s heated gaze on her. She squirmed a little, but pulled herself together.

  “Let me take your coat. Do sit down. You’ve come a long way and you’ve had a tiring journey, no doubt. Hazel is bringing hot drinks and some cakes.”

  They sat down, and almost immediately, Hazel came in with a tray. She placed it on the low table, and Virginia poured tea for herself and Emma, and coffee for Valkyrie.

  “Mm, that’s so good. I was really ready for that. The cakes are superb,” she said.

  “They’re made in the kitchens here. Our cook is very skilled,” Virginia said.

  “Please pass on my compliments,” Emma said.

  “Well, I’m going to leave you two ladies. I have things to do and you’ll get on better without me. You had my instructions, Emma?” Valkyrie asked.

  “Yes, Angus did brief me well, thank you.”

  Virginia noticed a significant look pass between them. Now, what on earth is all that about? I wonder what Valkyrie said, and if I can worm it out of Emma.

  Valkyrie left and Emma smiled at Virginia. “Right my dear, can you strip to your underwear, and I can get a lot of measurements? I have some ideas about colours and styles, and I’ve done some preliminary sketches, which I will show you later.”

  Virginia obliged and was amazed at the number of measurements Emma took. They were all entered into a folder on her laptop. When she’d finished, Virginia re-dressed. Then she poured them another cup of tea and they sat down. Emma opened the folder and displayed the sketches. She produced swatches of gorgeous fabrics. Virginia ran them through her fingers.

  I can’t afford this. I’ve never felt anything so soft and fine. The colours are stunning. I’d best stop her now before she goes any further.

  “Er…Emma. These are so lovely, but I can’t afford them. I’m so sorry to have brought you here for nothing.”

  “Valkyrie said you’d say that. He told me you are to have what I think you need, and no nonsense. Those w
ere his words, by the way.” Emma softened the words with a pleasant smile.

  “But I can’t,” Virginia insisted.

  “My dear, I’ve seen the way he looks at you. He wants the best, and only the best. You’ll have to talk to him about that.”

  “I can’t. Whenever he’s near, I lose all power of thought,” Virginia said. Emma smiled.

  “It’s the real deal then. My Eric is the same sort of man. Very caring, but there’s steel underneath. If he thinks I’m doing something that will put me in danger, he’s strict. Otherwise, he spoils me and indulges me. It makes for a very happy life. Believe me.”

  “Oh, so you are in the lifestyle then?” Virginia asked.

  “Yes, Eric is my Master and my husband. He introduced me to the lifestyle. How about you?”

  “I work in the club. My husband threw me out. I’ve always had a thing for Valkyrie, but I was married and never let it show, until now. He says he’s the same and he wants to introduce me to the lifestyle, hence the fetish clothes. You’re very easy to talk to. I hope you don’t mind my unburdening myself to you?” Virginia asked.

  “No, that’s fine. It’s a very intimate thing, to be measured for underwear, and it makes for confidences. I was in your shoes, and if I can help you, I will. You only need to ask,” Emma said, smiling.

  “Are you a sub or a slave?”

  “I’m a sub. I don’t want to be a slave, and Eric doesn’t want me to be one. How about you?”

  “I don’t want to be a slave. I don’t like the word or the concept,” Virginia said hotly.

  “Well, tell Valkyrie how you feel. The best thing is to talk and talk until you both know what the other wants and feels, then work out what you have together.”

  “Yes, I see. No point in thinking and worrying about it. It’s best to get it out in the open,” Virginia said.

  “Atta girl, go for it. Now let’s get on with this, or we shall have an irate Dom to deal with,” Emma suggested. She opened another folder and began to enter notes. Then she and Virginia got engrossed in styles, colours, and fabrics. Virginia almost jumped out of her skin when a large, warm palm descended on her shoulder.

  “I see you two are getting on well, and by the look of what you have on that screen, Emma, I’m going to be dazzled,” he said, laughing and bending to kiss Virginia’s cheek. “How long will it be before you can make some of those?”

  “I can send a few samples by the end of the week, then if they suit and fit well, I can get the rest made up. I’ll make the samples myself. Then the factory will fulfil the rest of the order. I shan’t come back to do a fitting, unless Virginia feels I need to, but if she does, then I’m happy to return.”

  “Do you want to stay the night, or do you have to get back?”

  “I have to get back. Eric isn’t happy if I stay away overnight. Thank you for the offer, Valkyrie, but I must go and catch my train.”

  “I’ll take you to the station. It’s not far. Come along now, my dear, I don’t want you to miss that train.”

  “Goodbye, Emma, and thank you for everything,” Virginia said, and noticed the way Valkyrie looked at her.

  * * * *

  When he returned from the station, Valkyrie found Virginia still sitting on the sofa, with a far-away look in her eyes. My God but she’s stunning. That hair colour has done wonders for her, and I can’t wait to see her in those clothes. I must try and discover what she discussed with Emma. I didn’t like to put Emma on the spot and ask her.

  “Well, my dear, I hope you got on well with Emma?” Valkyrie inquired.

  “Yes, I did. She was very helpful,” Virginia stated.

  “In what way, apart from the underwear?”

  “Well, we got chatting and talked a little about the lifestyle. She’s a sub, you know.”

  “Yes, Virginia, I did know.” Valkyrie chuckled. I love her innocence and naïveté. She’s altogether adorable. He sat beside her on the sofa and took her cold hand in his.

  “What is it, my dear? Talk to me. Ask me whatever you want to, and I’ll do my best to answer.”

  “Emma said just that. I need to talk to you, and we both need to find out what the other wants,” Virginia said.

  “She’s so right. Do you want to talk now or later?”

  “My shift starts in two hours and I need to get changed, but perhaps we can start now, then I can think about it. We can talk more later, when I’ve had a chance to mull it all over.”

  “That sounds like a good plan, love,” Valkyrie said. “Now what’s troubling you?”

  “Leaving aside the matter of all those clothes? Which I want to discuss with you on a different occasion, as it’s not relevant at the moment.”

  “Virginia, sweetheart, it’s all bound up together. However if you want to talk about it later, that’s fine by me. Perhaps after we discuss what we both want, it will be clearer,” Valkyrie suggested.

  “Well, can you tell me what you want me to be for you?” He noticed that her voice hitched and he wondered why.

  “I want you to be my sub, to start with.”

  “Do you want a sub or a slave?” she asked, and he was surprised at the note of anxiety in her voice.

  “I want a sub. I don’t want a slave,” he stated firmly and was delighted to hear her sigh of relief. “What is it, my dear?”

  “I’m so glad. I couldn’t be a slave. I don’t like the word or the concept,” Virginia answered.

  “Do you really understand the difference? This is BDSM we are discussing. ‘Safe, sane, and consensual’ is more than just words to me. I don’t hurt my partners, Virginia.”

  “Very well, then what do you want?”

  “I want to explore the lifestyle with you. I enjoy BDSM and I want you to share my enjoyment. I don’t want a slave, but I do want you in my life permanently. In the club we will be Master and sub, and in our private lives, too.”

  “Does that mean I can’t do anything without your permission?”

  “No, it means that we discuss a set of rules or protocols designed to be observed in our everyday life.”

  “So I will have to obey those rules? It seems to me it’s not very different from living with Geoff.”

  “Really, my dear. Can you honestly say I treat you like Geoff?” He waited for her answer, but Virginia just blushed and looked down.

  “I’m an alpha male. I like my own way. That’s a fact. I won’t harm you, ever. I may want to push your boundaries and get you to experience things you say you don’t like, but that will be a gradual process, as I learn what you like. You’ll be offering me your obedience, doing things because you want to please me. I’ll always be looking out for you. I will safeguard your body and encourage you to grow in confidence and become the woman I know you can be. Does that explain it?”

  “Yes, I think it does. So what’s the next step?”

  “We have a taster evening in the club next week. I’d like you to be there.”

  “It depends on my evening off. I can’t let Mrs. Laurens down.”

  “I’m sure that, with some reorganisation, she’ll cope.”

  “What sort of things will happen? Will I be expected to take part? Will other Doms want to do things to me?” Virginia’s voice was rising as panic set in.

  “Stop. You’ll be there to look. If you like something and want to try it, then you can. If it’s something special that I don’t normally do, then of course you can trust the demonstrator. If you decide you want to do that, I will stay with you. Doms are strict, but they always have the welfare of their subs at heart.”

  “What if I try something and I don’t like it, or it hurts?”

  “You have your safe words. One for ‘pause’ and the one for ‘stop.’ All the Doms will respect those.”

  “What if I am gagged and can’t speak?” she asked.

  “If you’re gagged then you will have arranged a signal with the Dom. Usually a sub will hold a handkerchief in his or her hand and drop it.”

  “Well, al
l that seems fine to me. I will attend if Mrs. Laurens can replace me.”

  “I’m hungry now. Would you like to go out to eat?” he asked.

  “Yes please. I’d love that. Where would you like to go?”

  “I know a pub by one of the lakes. There’s a covered terrace, so you can eat looking at the lake, even in the cold weather.”

  “That sounds wonderful. Oh no! I’m working tonight, so I can’t. I’m so sorry,” Virginia said.

  “Well I’d forgotten, too. How about lunch tomorrow? We can go shopping in Carlisle, then on to the pub for lunch, and you can be back here in time for your shift?” Valkyrie suggested.

  “Yes, I’d like that. We need food, and there are a few other things I want to buy. I have some home-made tomato soup, and I can make some ham-and-tomato sandwiches. There are oranges and grapes for dessert.”

  “Wonderful. Let’s eat together. We can have a coffee and then go down to the club. First,” he said, pulling her into his arms and kissing her witless, “I want you now.” He felt her melt against him as she moaned into the kiss. He nipped her tongue between his teeth and flicked the tip of it with his tongue. She squirmed, and he felt her hard nipples pressing against his chest. His cock swelled and he ground it against her soft belly. She freed one hand and began to stroke him through his trousers. It was his turn to groan into her mouth. She freed her other hand and swiftly unbuckled his belt, pushing his trousers down over his hips, taking his boxers with them. Then she slid slowly down his body until she knelt at his feet. Looking up, she said shyly,

  “May I suck your cock, Sir?”

  Mesmerised, he could only nod. She was doing just what he wanted her to do. He hadn’t thought she’d take to it so quickly. Still, he had to be careful. Who knew what damage that Geoff had done?

  She ran her thumb over the swollen purple head of his dick, coating it all with the drop of pearly pre-cum that had leaked out. Then she bent her head and flicked the tip of her tongue over it. She must have liked the taste, as she did it again, and then she swirled her tongue around the head and sucked at it with pursed lips. He twitched and tried to hold still. Daintily, she dipped the tip of her tongue into his slit, and then she increased the pressure until he just had to grip her head with his hands. She was killing him. He just wanted her to get on with it. She continued to tease him, trying one thing, then another, and redoubling her efforts when he groaned. Then it hit him. She’s trying to find out what I like. After that, he made his preferences plain.