She adored his silly side, ached for his dominance and pitied the heart-wrenching terror he faced in his childhood. Yes, he was generous, but the expensive gifts meant so little to Maxine. In fact, she found herself falling the hardest when he coddled her in her state of exhaustion, fought to control his anger in his jealousy, listened to her rattle through the details of her days.
“This is…Drew…so expensive…” She closed the lid of the empty box with just as much delicacy as she’d opened it. “I just…”
“Maxine, I can afford to spoil you,” he said, “and you deserve this.”
“But it’s—”
“You deserve this,” he repeated. “Now…are you ready for this?”
Self-doubt fluttering away, she had to force herself to recognize the importance of this symbol of his dedication rather than to focus on the price tag. He wanted her, and he wanted this relationship. Drew was only showing his sincerity in this lavishly exquisite piece. The sentiment far offset the carat weight.
“Yes, Sir,” she whispered at last, holding his gaze, “I'm ready for this...”
“You never cease to please me, little one...” He reached out to take the box from her. Choker in hand, he stood up, leaving Maxine wide-eyed on the floor. “Kneel up for me. And lift your hair.”
In obedience, Maxine savored the seconds as Drew held the sparkling collar to her neck.
“I want you to know, Maxine, that this is a promise made on both ends,” he began. “While you so generously give yourself entirely to me, I, in turn, promise you that I will give you my undivided attention and care...my guidance…my patience…and my devotion in this journey we're taking together. And in return, all I ask is from you is trust—complete and total trust.”
“I give you my trust, Sir...”
Drew paused for just a moment and took a deep breath into his lungs before he clasped the collar around her neck.
“So beautiful, little one...” He caressed her cheek with the backs of his fingers and lifted her chin. “Would you like to take a look at yourself?”
Maxine couldn't resist a smile. “Of course, I would, Sir...”
Taking her hands, he helped her to stand, then directed her toward the full-length mirror. Once again, she marveled at an image she didn't recognize. The Maxine Kirk staring back at her looked so lovely, so happy...so complete. This visage was almost enough to convince her that her beauty did reflect from the sincerity and warmth that radiated from her heart.
“You can wear this when we play—wear it when we're out...and every time it's around your neck, you'll remember that you belong to me...”
Overwhelmed by the newness of these burgeoning feelings, she watched as a single tear fell down her cheek, but Drew was at her side to wipe it away with his thumb.
“Why are you crying, little one?”
“It's...it's so beautiful...not just the collar...” she struggled to convey her thoughts and feelings to no avail. “I cherish this—cherish us—so much...”
“Oh, my dear Maxine...” he breathed. “My sweet little Maxine...”
Without a second's hesitation, Drew wrapped her in his arms and pulled her against his chest, cradling her head against him.
His own unspoken emotions did not escape Maxine, and she began to sob so freely. She clung to him with almost a sense of desperation, indulging the security of being so close. His heartbeat thundered against her ear, but she refused to let go. Yes, he needed her trust—and Maxine realized that they both still had a long way to go—but this move toward commitment on his behalf was an unexpected affirmation.
“I hate to see you cry,” his lips spoke softly against her hair. “You know that you're the only one, Maxine—the only woman I've ever collared...”
Looking up to catch his eyes, Maxine rested her chin against his chest. “Drew, I’m…I’m honored and—”
“Shhh, little one...” He caught her lips for a quick kiss to silence her. “You have no idea how much light you’ve brought into my life these last few weeks.”
“Drew, you have that light—that goodness—right here,” she pressed her hand against his chest and realized that they’d broken with the scene. However, Maxine didn’t care. They had reached a new plateau, albeit so quickly, and she wanted to share every sweet second with him.
“Now, you're here, little one,” he whispered. “I haven't managed to scare you away with the ugly side of my life. I never confided in anyone before because they weren't in this for any reason but to get what they needed at the moment. And you've already proven to me that's not your intention at all.”
Judy had always said that it was never a good idea to reveal your heart too soon to any man. However, Maxine ignored the echoes of those warnings in her head. Drew needed that assurance.
“That's because I care about you—care about who you are, what you're doing, where you've been,” she said. “And I care about your past just as much as whatever the future has to hold...”
“I know that,” he said. “And that's exactly why we're here—why I decided to collar you—tonight. It's already gone far beyond the sex with you, Maxine. I hope you realize that...”
“I do,” she smiled.
“And I wanted this birthday to be one you’ll remember forever, my darling.” Technically, she didn’t turn twenty-two until Saturday, but Drew couldn’t wait until after her father left for Maxine to open her collar. “Our first together, but certainly not the last one we’ll celebrate.”
“You have no idea how much I treasure this…”
“Can I admit to you now that your naiveté coupled with your wildly open mind has turned me on like no other woman has...ever...?”
Eyes playful, Maxine challenged, “Only if I can admit how tantalizingly exasperating it is when you ensnare me with such intense affection, then force me to question your motives...and then reduce me to a quivering bowl of Jell-O...all within the scope of about ten minutes?”
“Are we being sassy again, Maxine?”
“Are we playing again?” she countered, then dropped in for good measure, “Kind Sir?”
“I believe we are....” he said. “Choose your toys, Maxine…”
“Choose…my…?”
“You heard me. Do as you’re told,” he ordered. “Before I lose my generous streak this evening.”
Leaning against the dresser, Drew took a step back and folded his arms. Meanwhile, Maxine made her way back to the toy box and sat down again to pack away all of her gadgets and gizmos, studying each before she placed them in the chest. All the while, he could sense her fluster from across the room, but the sight of her—wearing nothing but her collar—left him so very amused.
However, he couldn't resist for long and joined her on the floor. “Have we made our selection yet?”
“Well...um...Sir...” Fuckballs, she thought to herself, he just collared you! “How about this...thingie...Sir?”
He took the package from her hands, then tapped her on top of her head with it. “This ‘thingie,’ as you call it, Maxine,” he began, “is called an egg...”
“I see that on the label, Sir,” Maxine said. “But I'm curious as to what it—how it...”
Drew shook his head. “Try again,” he said and dropped it in the toy box. “I have other plans for this.”
“What about this?” Maxine held up a leather flogger by its intricately handcrafted glass handle. “Please, Sir? For my birthday?”
Stalling, Drew had to seriously consider her request. While she continued to recover from her eating disorders, he’d been so afraid to show her any real pain out of the pure fear that he could indeed hurt her. One strike with a belt or the crack of his hand was nothing. However, she’d gained some weight, and her delicate bones were no longer protruding as prominently beneath her skin. Perhaps she could withstand a little light flogging, but he’d have to monitor her carefully.
“That’s what you want?”
He would explain later—much later—that the glittering crystal g
rip served a dual-purpose and could also be used as a dildo. However, he didn’t want to frighten Maxine or overwhelm her on the start of her birthday weekend.
“Yes, Sir, please…”
“Twenty-two of them? One for each year?”
“Oh, yes…!” She covered her mouth and stifled a giggle. “Yes, Sir.”
“Whatever the birthday girl wants…” Drew said. “Now, pick something else.”
Sighing, Maxine continued her perusal.
“Just remember, this isn't a punishment night,” he said. “By letting you choose, I'm rewarding you...”
“Thank you, Sir...”
“My pleasure, little one,” he said as he continued to watch over her shoulder.
“Okay, Sir,” she said at last, holding up a strand of nipple clamps. They were quite simple looking—almost primitive—with a long, stainless steel chain connecting the two rubber-tipped closures. “These, please?”
“Ah, Maxine, you know those won't tickle,” he teased.
“I'm aware, Sir,” she said, dangling the chain in front of him. “And we both know that tickling is not on my list of rewards…”
“Just because it’s your birthday does not mean that I’ll accept sarcasm from Naughty Sassy Maxine this evening…”
Oh, that pout was just delightful, and Drew made a mental note to scold her as often as possible. “I’m sorry, Sir…”
“Back to the clamps, Maxine. They are adjustable. I can control the sensation a bit. See the screw?” He took them from her hands and pinched one of the clamps to open. “The more I tighten it, the greater the pain. Do you think you can handle this tonight?”
“Please, Sir...can we try?”
Reaching into the chest, he pulled out a second, identical pair.
“Two...sets?” Maxine stammered.
“X marks the spot, little one,” Drew said. “Now rise for me.”
Drew gently pressed her shoulders, urging her to stand straighter. Maxine watched him carefully as he opened the clamp and held it so very close to his intended target.
She squinted her eyes shut as the fixture closed around her tender, swollen bud. She breathed steadily, filling her lungs, as he tightened the screw and waited for the pain to seize her.
“Does that hurt, little one?”
“Um…” she said rather thoughtfully. “No, actually, Sir...”
“Just wait...” He tightened the screw once, twice—a third time—before she grimaced, then tightened it again for good measure. A white-hot pain shot from the tip of her breast and spread out over her chest, and then faded just as quickly as it began. Drew stepped back and rested on his heels just to look at her writhing before he reached for the second set and affixed one of the clamps to her other nipple. This wasn’t a simple earring clasp. This pain was real.
“Two more, little one...” He held a strand in each hand, pulling at her nipples and reveling as she winced. “What shall I do with them?”
“Whatever you wish, Sir...”
“Good girl.” He patted her head. “Now, if you were paying attention, I gave you a clue.”
“X marks the spot,” she squirmed again, but her underlying tone was triumphant. “Sir.”
“Right, you are, little one,” he said. “Now, can you guess where I'm going to connect them?”
“Uhhh...”
“This is no time to be shy, Maxine,” he reprimanded. “I think you know. Now, tell me...”
“Down...between my legs...somewhere, Sir...” she said waving her hands in the direction of her belly.
“Where?” He touched his finger to her clit, tickling. “Here?”
“Oh, Sir...” He was purposely manipulating her, tempting her with the promise of an orgasm that she knew he wouldn't allow just yet.
“Oh, you need to work on your self-control,” he taunted. “I foresee far too many problems if I clamp your clit…”
Stiffening her legs, she pulled her thighs together, essentially trapping his hand for a moment before she forced herself to relax. Opening her eyes, she met his penetrating stare and challenged him.
Crossing the chains over her stomach then carefully pinning each clamp over her lower lips, he continued to watch her as he tightened the screws.
She shivered, not from the pain, but from the chill of the steel chains intersecting over her belly. Oddly, she felt nothing below except the slight pull of the clamps and the fierce strain of her own desires. Any discomfort she continued to sense radiated from her breasts and seemed to come in short waves.
“Before we continue, little one,” he whispered, “safeword?”
“Um...yellow, Sir...”
“I'm going to loosen these a little, Maxine. Just keep in mind, it's going to pinch as I adjust them...”
Maxine held her breath as a slight twinge of pain claimed first her right nipple, then her left, as Drew's deft fingers worked at the screws.
“Better?”
“Yes, thank you...Sir...”
“Now, I think it's time for you to bend over.”
“Bend over?” she gasped, only to her own detriment with those clamps pinching her nipples amidst the heave of her chest.
His hands smoothed over her hips and his fingers skimmed so very closely to the clamps below. Gently, he traced the lines of the steel chains up and over her belly toward her breasts, stopping only briefly for one sharp tug.
“Oh...Drew...I mean...Sir!” she called out suddenly. The pleasure and the pain fused together, creating a sensation that continued to leave her mystified.
“Bend over, Maxine,” he ordered and pointed to the bed. “How else am I supposed to reward you with your birthday flogging?”
With his promise, she leaned forward into the mattress to bare her bottom to him to use at his whim. The chains pressed against her chest and wrenched at her nipples just as Drew dragged the leather strands over her lower back, dusted her hips then dragged them along the cheeks of her perfect little ass. She hoped she wouldn’t unfasten them in her quick movements.
With the depth of meaning that her collar upheld, Maxine felt as if she’d grown yet again in her submission. No one had ever made her feel so comfortable in her own skin…feel so wanted…or feel so safe. It was as if, at long last, she’d finally come home.
For a moment, Drew took a seat on the bed and propped himself up next to her on his elbow. All the while, as his eyes held hers, he searched for any traces of fear. Anticipation was evident in her gaze, but she didn’t coil away from him.
As his fingers caressed over her bottom, she cooed and smiled up at him. Again, he allowed her to believe that he was merely teasing, but he needed to touch her body one last time just to feel her physical progress for himself. If he didn’t strike her too menacingly, he could pull this off without hurting her. He hated the feeling of being so worrisome, but her health was his first concern.
“You’re certain you’re ready, my sweet little one?” he whispered in her ear as the tips of his fingers barely grazed her.
Thoughtfully nodding, Maxine said, “Yes, Kind Sir…”
“We’ll go for twenty-two unless you safeword. Then it’s all over. No questions asked. Got it?”
“I…” Love you…
“Maxine?” he prompted.
“I understand, Sir…”
Once more, she could feel the delicate dance of the leather twirling over her skin. Just as he’d done when he’d spanked her, Drew varied the sensations, dangling the flogger and then fanning it out over her ass.
“You’re going to count this time, Maxine.”
“Yes, Sir…”
And as the first crack swiped her ass, Maxine cried out and dug her nails into the mattress. It wasn’t so much the hurt as the shock that stirred her. That single blow that welted her skin unearthed another discovery about her own body—her sexuality. In fact, she could feel her arousal budding and building as she counted and waited for his second strike. Just slightly, she spread her legs and pressed her clit against the m
attress.
She craved more…so much more…
“One!”
Again, he flogged her with just as much strength, evaluating her every move until they’d reached five for his check-in, and Drew held his breath as he waited for her response.
“Green, Sir…”
“And how close to coming are you?”
“Yellow, Sir…”
Tapping her warm, pink skin gently, he said, “Well, you’ll have to hold it.”
Fuckballs! It was her birthday—Drew could have suspended the rules.
While she endeavored to detach herself from her own body, the sensations were proving to be a bit much to contain her reaction. Now her nipples were sore, and she was sure that the clamps would just slip off between her legs. She could feel her heart racing faster with every sharp whip of the flogger, and even counting became a daunting task for Maxine to perform.
By the time they’d reached fifteen, she thought she was nearly down for the count, drowning in this sea of pleasure and pain that claimed her in its swift tide.
“Oh, Sir…”
“Color?” he rushed to ask, his voice panicked.
“Yellow…Sir…more please, Sir…twenty-two…twenty-two…”
Bending over her, he blew a stream of cool breath over her backside, adding yet another layer to the deceiving delights that had already held her captive. “Can you make it through seven more, Maxine?”
“Yes, Sir…oh, please…”
Begging. She was begging! It might have been Maxine’s birthday, but Drew felt as if he’d just been given the greatest gift of his life.
“Come, and we start over,” he warned her of their standing rule.
“Owww…” she wailed into the mattress.
“Seven in a row…starting now!”
“Sixteen…” she groaned.
Don’t do it, Maxine, she coached herself. Clamp those kegel muscles together and tough this one out. Poverty. Holy wars. Mass destruction. Natural disasters. Kittens. Homeless kittens. By the thousands.
Dammit, don’t come!
“Twenty-one…”
“On twenty-two, little one…you may come…”
Lost in a fury of conflicting thrills, she embraced the pain that engulfed her in its sweep of passionate fire. She ached, not from her wounds but for this darling and dangerous man who held the key to her darkest desires in the palm of his hand.
WRAPPED: The Manhattan Bound Series, Book Two Page 26