In the Blind

by S. J. Maylee

  Rob had gotten up early that morning. He’d kissed her forehead while she was still in bed and told her there was hot coffee and homework waiting for her on her kitchen table. The coffee was his way of convincing her to get out of bed. He already knew not much else could make that happen on the weekends. He’d promised to meet her at Mistress Charlie’s.

  The assignment had been the same application forms for Club Voyage’s training program she’d been neglecting for weeks. The first several pages went over the club’s policies on everything you’d expect from confidentiality, no photography of any kind, Club safe words, acceptable submissive attire, the submissives’ creed, and firm requirements that instructions from the Club’s Masters were to be followed explicitly. The rules even extended to Mistress Charlie’s B&B when training sessions were held there. The next few pages were filled with questions for her to answer from her sexual history to her soft and hard limits.

  She’d taken a chance with Club Blind and proved to herself her needs were not to be ignored. She couldn’t stop there. She needed to keep going and experience her deepest desires as a submissive. She tapped her toes at the idea of doing something Rob demanded of her. If he was strong enough to ask her for something, she wanted to be open enough to give it a try.

  After stripping off her clothes, she stood in front of her closet trying to decide what to wear. What was appropriate to meet your boyfriend and your submissive trainer? Anne had told her it didn’t matter because she probably wouldn’t be wearing it for long. If they were going to meet at the club, she’d have an idea, but they were meeting at Charlie’s B&B in the middle of the afternoon.

  She turned to her bed and picked up Rob’s shirt, bringing it to her nose. His musky scent calmed her nerves, and she slipped it back on. After tying the ends of the shirt around her middle and pulling on one of her favorite G-strings, leggings, and flats, she felt comfortable and ready.

  Twenty minutes later, she was standing on Mistress Charlie’s front stoop. A new text chimed on her phone from Rob, instructing her to come in and walk straight back to the kitchen. She pushed open the large front door to reveal a beautiful foyer and a relaxing sitting room with comfy light blue furniture and gray walls with thick white trim. Down the hall she could see straight to the back of the home. Dark wide plank floors led her to a grand table in a gigantic kitchen.

  “Mistress Charlie, you have a beautiful home.” She twirled around, taking in the clean and open design.

  “Thank you.” The Mistress walked around the island and crossed the room, enveloping her in a tight hug. “I’m glad I finally got you to come over. Please have a seat. I’d offer you something to eat, but I think we’ll wait for that until later.”

  She moved past the bench and settled in the chair next to Rob.

  “Is that my shirt?” He greeted her with a sweet kiss to her cheek and a squeeze to her knee.

  “It is. I love the way it smells, and I had no idea what to wear.”

  “You look lovely.” He rubbed the naked spot between the bottom of his shirt and her leggings. “Did you bring your homework?”

  “I did.” She pulled the forms from her purse and set them on the table.

  Rob picked them up, examined each page, and nodded to Charlie.

  “I’m so pleased you’ve decided to take this journey together. It warms my heart to see two people moving past relationships that weren’t right. I’m proud of you both, but you’re breaking new ground.” Charlie leaned forward and took hold of Jane’s hand. “Most of my trainees are either not in a relationship when they start with me, or they’ve been in one with their Dom for quite some time. You two are unique in that you’re not only starting your relationship, but you’re also starting your Dom/sub relationship as well.”

  “Do you think that will be a problem?”

  “Any kind of relationship needs real communication. Your future together all depends on your ability to be open and honest.” She let go of Jane, got up from the table, and walked behind them. “To get us started today, I’d like to begin with an honesty exercise, and we’ll see how it goes.”

  Jane turned to look at Mistress Charlie.

  “Keep your eyes on me, pet.” Rob squeezed her knee. “Mistress Charlie is here to observe and to help us, but this conversation is between us.”

  “Tell Rob something you didn’t write down from the first page of questions.”

  “My history is all there. There really isn’t much to it.” She tucked her hands under her thighs.

  “When did you first know Adam wasn’t right for you?” Seconds ticked by. “I’m going to lock the front door. If she hesitates much more, I’d suggest taking something away.”

  “I don’t know what you want me to say?” Jane dragged her teeth across her top lip. Adam was the last thing she wanted to discuss, but there was no way she was walking away from Rob, not this time.

  “Was it something he said or did? What was your clue?” He got up and stepped behind her, rubbing her shoulders, and then his touch came around and down the front of her shirt. “Why was Adam not the right man for you?” He pulled her shirt open.

  She hadn’t bothered to wear a bra, preferring the touch of his shirt against her skin. Cool air brushed across her exposed breasts, and the soft tapping of Mistress Charlie’s flats against the wood floor signaled her return, adding a new layer to the scene. The question she wanted to ignore was lost to her as she relaxed under his control and her own exhibitionism. Heat pooled between her thighs.

  “I’ll continue if you answer the question, and I promise to answer a question as well.” He leaned down next to her and nibbled on her ear while his hands curved around her breasts and his thumbs flicked over her nipples.

  She moaned, wanting more of his touch, but not wanting to expose the wound Adam had inflicted.

  “What have you learned so far?” Mistress Charlie sat beside them.

  “She enjoys my control, and even your voyeurism, but she doesn’t like to confess things that have brought her pain.”

  Jane felt naked in a whole new way as he undressed her in more ways than one. Pressure built at the backs of her eyes. She’d ignored several signs that Adam hadn’t been right for her, choosing instead to try to make things work with a man who’d made her think her needs were foolish and even disgusting. She hung her head and squirmed in her seat.

  On paper, he’d appeared to be prince charming. She’d tried so hard to be the kind of woman he could love. In the end, the only reason left to stay had been his fabulous job and all the doors he could have opened for her fledgling company. She sank down in her chair, letting the darkness swallow her.

  “She was beginning to focus, but I think she’s putting back up that wall you mentioned. It’s time for your next step.”

  Rob slipped off her shoes and then took hold of her hands and pulled her to her feet. “I’m here because I want you in my life, all of you. I can’t have you afraid to tell me anything, and I can tell you’re still holding back, not letting me in.” He caressed her cheek and sat on the bench. “Remove your clothes and lie across my lap.”

  She let his shirt slip off her shoulders and fall to the floor, stripping away another level of cover. She was thankful for the task and the distraction from what he’d been asking. Although, she knew her reprieve wouldn’t last. Next, she slipped her fingers under the waist of her pants and pulled them off. Once her tiny panties were added to the pile, she picked them up and set them on her chair.

  “That’s enough, slowpoke.”

  “Are you going to spank me?” Her pulse bounded in her ears. She didn’t know if she should be scared or excited. She’d heard spankings could be erotic as hell or they could be quite painful.

  “I’ve asked you a question, and you’re not giving me an answer. As a submissive you do not have a choice about answering.” He tugged on her arm and pulled her to him, guiding her over his legs. “Count the spankings or start talking.”

  Her hands found the floor, a
nd she braced herself. He held her steady on his lap with one hand and the other rubbed her ass. He squeezed each buttock several times, making her squirm.

  “Adam didn’t understand my needs.”

  “You wrote that on your homework.” He spanked her twice on the right side of her ass. “What was your first sign?” Two harder blows landed on her left.

  “Four, Sir.” Her ass stung, and heat flared across her body. She didn’t know how many more she could take.

  “You need to answer my question.” Several more spankings landed, each with more force than the last.

  “He never made me wet,” she said, barely above a whisper.

  “I never had a reason to like this Adam, and now he disgusts me.” He swiped his hand across the bottom of her ass, hovering over her pussy. “How could a man be with a woman as completely beautiful as you and not want to give her pleasure?” His fingers dragged over her slit, around her clit, and then he dipped inside, easily pumping into her. “You’re dripping for me. Thank you, pet.” He pushed into her with two of his fingers, rubbing over her spot inside. “I do believe you like my firm hand.”

  “Yes, thank you, Sir.” Pleasure from his words and his fingers worked its way into her heart. “More, please.”

  “He wasn’t capable of fulfilling your needs, but that’s not what you’re hiding from me. What about that relationship aren’t you letting go?” He pulled from her and spanked her again. “Don’t forget to count or I’ll have Mistress Charlie fetch her paddles.”

  She counted the spankings and hung on for more, fearing Rob would think better of pursuing a relationship with her if he knew how shallow she’d been.

  “Let me in.”

  The spankings continued as did her counting. Her voice cracked against the pain. It was in that naked moment that she realized by hiding under her own shame she was hurting what she had with Rob. She’d pushed him away before, and it hadn’t done either of them any good. She couldn’t pick and choose how she opened her life to him. It was all or they’d have nothing. She’d been so blind.

  “Let me see you.”

  “I wanted what he could…” Tears fell from her eyes, and she choked on a sob.

  “I’ve got you.” He pulled her onto her side and nestled her head in the crook of his arm.

  “I struggled for years to get my company off the ground. His connections could have changed all that.” She buried her face against his shirt. “I never wanted his money. You’ve got to believe me.” She brushed away her tears. “I thought I cared for him and stayed for all the wrong reasons. I hate myself for it.” She shook her head. “He asked me to marry him. The bastard called me a degenerate on Friday night and asked me to marry him the next night. Who does that?”

  “A man that is not worthy of you.” He brushed her hair from her face. “I know you weren’t using him. That’s not what you think you were doing, is it?”

  “No, I fell for him before I knew any better. He was so nice to me in the beginning. I wanted him to love me and stayed with him after I knew he wouldn’t.” She blew out a breath, releasing the worthless tension.

  “Keep going.” He rubbed up and down her legs.

  “I bought into the crap he told me. He only wanted me on his arm, and he figured I’d stay for the power he’d give my career. When I finally broke it off, he called me a moneygrubbing whore.”

  “Fucking hell.” He pulled her up and wrapped his arms around her. “If I ever see that asshole, I’m going to introduce him to my fist.” He pulled her back and looked at her. “He never got to know you. He simply used his words where he knew they’d hurt. That’s not who you are. Do you hear me?”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “Jane, look at me.” He rubbed up and down her arms. “You’re the kind of woman that can pull a man from his darkest hour.” He pushed her chin up and gazed into her eyes. “Before I met you, I was sliding down a dark hole.”

  “That convention changed the direction of our lives.”

  “I’d say so. We’d both decided we needed fresh starts, but we hadn’t started living yet.”

  “Wow.” She reached up and rubbed her finger back and forth along his full bottom lip. “Thank you for helping me to see through that mess.”

  “It was my pleasure, sweetheart.” He leaned down and claimed her lips, his mouth taking hers in a slow possession. He pulled away and looked her over.

  It would be so easy to get lost in his deep blue eyes. “I’m so sorry I hid from you.”

  “I understand now why you did. I’m glad we worked through this together.”

  She quieted and thought about the experience. “I felt so exposed. It was scary, but telling you everything has lifted such a weight.”

  “You’ve honored me, my sweet, sweet Jane.” He wrapped his arms around her.

  “Well done, you two.” Mistress Charlie draped a blanket over her and held out a glass of water. “Drink this.”

  “Thank you.” She took several sips and they sat quietly for a while until Rob took the glass, and he directed her to get to her feet.

  “I think it’s time for you to be alone. There’s a room for you upstairs. It will look familiar, but my room has one significant difference.” Mistress Charlie took hold of her hands. “You’ve done very well. I’m proud of you, sweetheart.” Her gaze remained centered on Jane. “You are the submissive here, but remember the power of communication. Never hide from your Dom. Keeping yourself open will bring you more pleasure and more happiness than you’ve ever known.” Charlie let go of Jane.

  “Thank you, Mistress.” She pulled the blanket around her.

  “It’s my pleasure. Rob, remember you have something you still need to share. Also, I’m the Master of this house, and I have audio surveillance in that room. I will enter if I hear yellow or red.”

  “Thank you, Mistress,” they both said.

  “I’ll talk with you tomorrow.” She stepped closer to Rob. “The kitchen is all yours tonight. There is a ton of food in the fridge, and I’ll make breakfast for you both in the morning, if you decide to stay. I’ll be in my office downstairs if you need anything.”

  They wandered upstairs, past several beautiful rooms.

  “Marcus has told me that the inspiration for Club Blind came from a room here.”

  They stopped when they found a simple room. He pulled her through the doorway and wrapped his arms around her.

  “It’s our room.” She snuggled against him. “I mean, I’ve never seen it, but it’s got to be it, right?”

  “I think so.”

  “There are no windows in here.” She looked up at him.

  “We’ll leave the light on this time.” He tucked her hair behind her shoulders and then pulled the blanket from her grasp, letting it fall to the floor. “You’re beautiful.” He took hold of her hand and kissed her knuckles. “One thing is different.” He walked around the bed and pointed to a couple of rings hanging from the wall, near the corners of the bed.

  “You’re familiar with this bowl.” Jane walked to the nightstand and giggled as she remembered their last visit to the club.

  “Funny. You try and get one condom out of a bowl in a pitch black room.”

  “No thanks. You can keep that job. There are condoms in here, and I’m guessing this is hemp rope.”

  “Bondage isn’t on your limit list.”“Oh boy.” She eyed the rings and swallowed against the tingle of nerves dancing up her spine.

  “I really like Charlie.” He pulled his shirt over his head and kept removing clothes until he’d revealed the beautiful body she’d only touched and not seen. “At our last munch, I had her teach me a few simple knots. I’d wondered why she’d asked Marcus to review them with me before coming today.”

  “Anne has tried to get me to attend a local meeting.” She licked her lips.

  “They’re a lot of fun. The next meeting is in a couple of weeks. I can escort you, if you’d like.”

  “That sounds nice.”

  He kicked
off his shoes. “Lie down and I’ll share what I haven’t yet.”

  She crawled onto the bed and watched him as he made his way to the bowl.

  “What’s your safe word?”

  “Red, Sir.” She loved how comfortable it felt to call him Sir.

  “Very good, I expect you to use it if you need to.” He picked up the rope and untangled it, revealing two lengths.

  “Yes, Sir.” She raised her arms above her head.

  He draped the ends of the rope over her arms and then sat next to her on the bed. “I’ve told you how my marriage died, but what I haven’t shared is the anxiety I experienced.”

  “I could tell it must have been a painful time in your life. I can only imagine how confusing it all must have been.” Even though she was not yet bound by the ropes, she didn’t reach out to him. She thought it would be better if he had control over the moment.

  “I may not have loved my ex any more, but I also wasn’t giving her what she needed.” Deep pain etched across his features. He couldn’t be more different from Adam. “I’m not a sadist. Punishment is one thing. I’m more than willing to inflict pain if I know why the submissive needs it, but she could no longer tell me why she needed the pain.” He got up and walked around the bed, wrapped the rope around her wrist several times, pausing occasionally and checking the position of the rope. “But today, that spanking, it was a gift on so many levels.” He secured her other wrist and stepped back from the bed.

  She tugged on the rope and got nowhere, not even chafing on her wrists. Being at his mercy was a complete turn on. She was his for the taking. Her hips rocked with her growing need for his touch.

  “I was afraid to hope for you, afraid I couldn’t give you what you needed.”

  “You gave me what I didn’t even know I needed.”

  “There’s so much more I want to explore with you, and now we’ll have the time to do it. Nothing is in our way. This is our time.” He crawled between her legs and rested his head on her belly.