Vaughn's Awakening [The Black Dahlia Hotel 2] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic)

by Skye Michaels

  “You’re kidding. He just scooped you up and took you up there? Wow. What happened?”

  Cyndy continued. “Well, that’s the fun part. He had us strip down, put on cuffs, and then he bound us both to side-by-side spanking benches and proceeded to—well you could say—light us up. The man has some excellent hand-eye coordination. He flogged both of us at one time using two floggers. We gathered quite an audience in the dungeon as well. I’ve never seen anything like it. And then he made both of us come. “

  “Hmmm. Well, I have. I think it’s called Florentine—which means two handed.”

  “How would you know that?”

  “Uhm. Let’s just say I’ve recently been introduced to the technique.”

  “Oh, really? Tell us more, Missy. Tell us more.” Alexa’s eyes had brightened considerably.

  “Well, isn’t what happens in the dungeon supposed to stay in the dungeon?”

  “No. That’s Las Vegas, so spill the beans.” Alexa now had the look that said she would accept nothing but the full story.

  “I think I’ve now experienced most of the BDSM toys at least. It certainly was an eye opener.”

  Cyndy was all but jumping in her chair. “Did you like it? What did he do?”

  “Yes, I have to admit I liked it. Let’s see. We used the Italian Renaissance room, and it is gorgeous. He spanked me, and then we made love. And then he put me on the chains and used a crop, the double floggers, a paddle, and a whip, and then we made love. We snuggled and napped. We drank champagne and ate chocolate covered strawberries. Oh, and I got to experience subspace.”

  Cyndy looked crestfallen. “Subspace? I’ve never gotten to subspace. What’s it like?”

  Now Vaughn felt a little bad. Cyndy looked so disappointed. “It’s hard to describe. Sort of like I think hypnosis would feel—only better. But at the same time, it’s sort of like I think a major high would feel. I don’t know…I just know I want to go there again.”

  “What else? You certainly have more to experience.” Alexa was not done snooping.

  “Isn’t that enough?”

  “No. I can tell you haven’t told us everything.”

  “Uhm. He let me be on top the first time.”

  “You’re kidding. Now that is a surprise. I wouldn’t have thought Master Phillip Paul Proffit would ever let a sub be on top.”

  “I just meant I was on top, not that I was the Domme. He was still totally in control.”

  “Still…that’s a surprise.” Alexa had a curious look on her face. That could spell trouble.

  * * * *

  In the dining room that evening the girls had chosen a large round table to encourage others from the group to join them. They had come to Fort Lauderdale to mingle with the other club members. Vaughn was delighted when Paul slipped into the chair beside hers after kissing first her cheek and then her mouth. He looked good in tailored black slacks with a collarless white shirt under a gray herringbone sports jacket. He wore black alligator loafers without socks. His hair was a little mussed although he was freshly shaved, and his blue eyes were hooded and sexy. Paul greeted Alexa and Cyndy and then grinned as Dane Dunross sat in a chair between the two of them.

  “I hope everyone is having a good time. The girls and I had some fun in the dungeon this afternoon, and I think they both learned a lesson in respecting Doms.”

  They chorused, “Yes, Master,” and Cyndy started to giggle. Alexa just shook her head.

  Vaughn was shocked to see Jeremiah Wade stop at their table. “May I join you?” It would be rude to refuse, but she wanted to refuse with everything in her. This man made her very uncomfortable. “Sure. We’re waiting for some other couples, but there’s plenty of room.” She felt Paul looking at her. He had to be wondering why she had said yes so quickly. She leaned over and whispered in his ear, “He could make trouble for me at work.”

  Paul whispered back, “Okay, whatever you think, but let me know if he bothers you.”

  The table was soon filled by Devon and Sy Blackthorn and Cassandra and Beau Bainbridge, and conversation became varied and lively. Despite all of the chatter and interaction, Vaughn could feel Jeremiah Wade’s eyes on her. They left a creepy feeling on her skin. She tried to shake it off and participate in the laughter and jokes, but she was uncomfortable.

  * * * *

  Jeremiah Wade watched Vaughn lean over and whisper in Proffit’s ear. He couldn’t hear what she said, but the way her eyes shifted let him know she was talking about him. He didn’t like it. Not one bit. When Proffit whispered back, he felt the fury beginning to rise in his throat. That bitch was not going to get away with dissing him. When Proffit put his arm around her shoulders, it was almost more than he could do to stay in his seat with a smile on his face. When had this become more about Vaughn Rawlston than about his girls? He didn’t know, but he did know he was going to have her.

  * * * *

  Dane Dunross sat back and observed the table. He was an experienced judge of people, and he didn’t like what he saw when Wade looked at Vaughn. There was something going on here. He’d have to keep his eyes on the situation, and he would advise the dungeon monitors and security to keep a lookout as well. The last thing he wanted was an unpleasant incident with a Le Club group in the newly opened dungeon. News of something like that would run through the clubs like wildfire.

  He turned his attention to Alexa and Cyndy. These two could be a diverting project for the week. There would be no expectations of permanence and no hurt feelings. It would just be a holiday adventure for them and a chance to enjoy a couple of eager subs for him. He’d learned his lesson with Katina. He’d hurt her badly, and it made him feel like shit. He just hadn’t been ready for the intensity of the relationship—on both sides. He’d known he was getting in way too deeply with her, and frankly, he’d cut and run. It didn’t make him a hero. It didn’t make him a villain. He hadn’t wanted to engage her emotions any further than they had already been engaged. Now, he had to deal with the aftermath, both hers and his. It had been bad enough when he’d remembered her, but now with her right here in the hotel and working for him, it was ten times worse.

  He turned first to Alexa and then to Cyndy. “So, girls, do you want to play with me for the week? No strings. Just some fun. I’d like to make sure you don’t relapse into your disrespectful attitudes.” He smiled an evil smile, but he knew they saw right through him.

  Simultaneously they said, “Absolutely, Master Dane.”

  He laughed delightedly and took each of their hands. “Good. We’ll go up to the club after dinner. I think I’ll reserve the dungeon theme room for our first threesome.”

  * * * *

  Cyndy felt a frisson of excitement run up her spine. Her experience was just a little less than Alexa’s, and she was eager to catch up. She had only fantasized about a ménage relationship. Having one with Alexa was the safest, most comfortable way she could think of to enjoy one—although, she knew Master Dane would make sure she wasn’t comfortable for long. He’d push her boundaries—both their boundaries. She was sure of that. Wow. This is going to be a fabulous week.

  * * * *

  Alexa could see the glow come up on Cyndy’s cheeks. She would go along with this for her friend. Cyndy was dying to try some more adventurous things. While she would have preferred to have the gorgeous Dom to herself, she could do the F-M-F thing for a week. It was their vacation after all. To be honest, a ménage was on her BDSM bucket list as well, and who better to enjoy it with than Cyndy?

  Chapter Seven

  On the pool deck at The Black Dahlia Hotel, Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida, Tuesday mid-morning, December 29, 2015

  On Tuesday morning, Paul and Vaughn were stretched out on a comfortable double chaise lounge soaking in the sun. The vibrant blue of the pool was only slightly brighter than the blue of the ocean off the beach. The raucous call of the birds and the pounding waves were pleasant background music, and a brisk breeze kept it cool. On Monday the girls had gone shopping
, and then he and Vaughn had spent the afternoon in the dungeon theme room while he taught Bondage for Beginners. He always liked introducing bondage to new couples, and the three couples who had taken the class had enjoyed it. He had used Vaughn as his model, and he thought she had enjoyed the new experience as well. The dark blue bondage rope had looked stunning against her opulent curves and creamy skin, and he’d had a hard time keeping his Johnson in his leathers. They had spent Monday night together in his suite, and he knew he could get used to having her in his bed every night. They only got better together as they learned each other’s rhythms and moods. While she was not a doormat sub, Vaughn’s submissive, soft personality complemented his Dom side. He found he loved just holding her in his arms—after he had fucked her brains out, of course.

  * * * *

  Vaughn’s eyes were heavy, and she was just barely awake when she felt him squeeze her fingers. For a big, tough Dom, he could be very sweet. She thought he might be one of those white knight Doms. She had always thought if she had one of her own that would be the dynamic she would want—dominant but caring, sexy but sweet. She couldn’t deny that he was dominant or sexy. Her body was still vibrating from all of the unaccustomed sex she had enjoyed with him, and the orgasms too numerous to count. He seemed to be working his way into her heart. She had to be careful. She could see that it would be very easy to fall for him. Hadn’t Alexa and Cyndy said he usually didn’t get closely involve with subs? That he sent them on their way after a scene or two? She wouldn’t want to put her heart out there to get stomped on. That didn’t seem to be what he had in mind, but then it never did. Heartbreak just had a way of sneaking up on a person. Better safe than sorry. This was a vacation romance after all. But she sure did intend to enjoy him while she had the chance.

  Paul reached over and ran his hand down her naked back and over the butt barely covered by her bikini bottom and gave it a smart slap. “I think you need some more sunscreen, babe.”

  “Would you please? I’m getting so sleepy lying here.”

  “Of course. What are you going to do today while I’m on the fishing charter with Dunross, Bainbridge, and Blackthorn?”

  “Alexa, Cyndy, and I have spa appointments scheduled. “We’ll be all buffed and polished for when we go out to dinner tonight.”

  “I can’t wait to see you all buffed and polished, although I’d like to do the buffing and polishing myself.”

  “Oh, really?” She giggled. She knew he would love to do the buffing and polishing himself, especially if it was on her butt. She just might give him the opportunity later. This BDSM dynamic certainly gave a relationship an extra jolt of electricity. She was fairly vibrating just thinking about what they would do in the dungeon after dinner.

  * * * *

  Jeremiah Wade was sitting at the tiki bar having an espresso watching Vaughn and Paul Proffit. Fuck. His hands were never off of her—particularly her ass. He’d have to see if he couldn’t come up with a way to get Proffit out of the way for a while.

  He ordered another beer and thought about his dilemma. The more he watched Proffit run his hands over her, the angrier he got. He had business with Vaughn Rawlston, and he was damn well not going to let Proffit interfere. An idea was forming in his mind. All he really wanted was to have a chance to talk to her about the girls…right?

  The wind shifted and he heard part of their conversation. Proffit and some other guys were going out deep sea fishing that afternoon. That would be the perfect opportunity to get Vaughn alone. He would watch for the right occasion to separate her from her pack of girlfriends and get her into one of the theme rooms for a little conversation and maybe a little D/s action. He would see if he couldn’t motivate her to change her position with the Savannah Prep headmaster—and have a little fun himself. The more he thought about it, the more justified he felt. His motives were unselfish. It was all for the girls—not that he needed an excuse to do anything he wanted. He was a Dom. He was Jeremiah Wade.

  * * * *

  In the spa at The Black Dahlia Hotel, Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida, Tuesday late morning, December 29, 2015

  Vaughn, Alexa, and Cyndy were relaxing in the lounge of the ultra-luxurious spa wrapped in thick, white terry robes with the embroidered Black Dahlia logo on the pockets while they sipped iced glasses of peach- and raspberry-infused water. Vaughn was waiting for her aesthetician and an organic paprika facial, and Cyndy and Alexa had appointments for side-by-side hot stone massages. Then they would switch and the girls would get facials and she would get an herbal wrap. All three would get manicures and pedicures, and Alexa and Cyndy also had plans to have their hair cut and styled. All of this beautification would likely take the rest of the day.

  Alexa was grinning that evil grin of hers. “So. Things seem to be going very well between you and Master Phillip Paul Proffit, Vaughn. I didn’t hear you come back to the suite last night.”

  Cyndy piped up. “Me either. And I was listening for you.”

  “Well, Moms, I spent the night in Paul’s suite.” She had to laugh at the girls’ curious look. They were waiting for details. Ugh. Life-long friends had expectations of full disclosure, especially Alexa, and she would not be put off. “Yes, things are going very well. But let’s not jump to conclusions. It’s just a vacation romance. Don’t start picking my wedding colors, okay?”

  “Why not?” Cyndy had a stubborn look on her face. “I don’t see any reason this shouldn’t progress past a vacation romance. Your relationship is geographically desirable, you seem to get along well, and I can only imagine the sex.” She shuddered. “He sure is gorgeous. When he looks at me with those deep blue eyes, I get all nervous and jittery.”

  Alexa said, “Yeah. About the sex?”

  “Oh, come on. Give me a break here please.” Vaughn was saved from having to give a blow-by-blow recount of her sexual encounters with Paul by the arrival of her aesthetician. She gave both girls a smirky smile and a little finger wave as she followed her to the facial room. Yikes! Saved by the facial. She didn’t know for sure how Paul would feel about being discussed in detail by the three girlfriends, but she had a fairly good idea. She thought her butt might end up being the worse for wear if he found out.

  * * * *

  Alexa turned toward Cyndy, who was lying face down on the adjacent massage table with just a small towel over her butt. “That Vaughn. She escaped giving us the details this time by the skin of her teeth. I want the details. I’ve always been curious about Paul Proffit. He’s just a little unapproachable or something. He’s never given either of us a second look, and he keeps to himself except for scenes with subs, who he gently shoos off afterward.”

  “He is rather private. I think Vaughn feels a little uncomfortable talking about it. The BDSM thing is new to her, you know? I can understand that.”

  “Well, too bad. I want to know.” Alexa narrowed her eyes.

  Cyndy laughed. “You always want to know. One of these days we are going to turn the tables on you and grill you about all of your escapades.”

  “Like I don’t tell you guys everything as it is. I have to admit he seems smitten. He almost never takes his hands or eyes off her. It’s kind of nice. She’s had those body image challenges all her life. So what if she’s rounder than us? She just has a more voluptuous body type. Really, she could step out of an Old Master’s painting. Anyway, she’s gorgeous, and Paul looks like he wants to eat her alive.”

  “If she disappears, we’ll know what happened to her. He will have swallowed her whole.” Cyndy grinned. “I was surprised when Master Dane asked us to spend the rest of the week as his subs. This will be my first ménage. I don’t really know what to expect.”

  “I’m sure he’s experienced enough to direct the proceedings. I don’t think we have anything to worry about.”

  “I’m a little nervous about it just the same.”

  “We’ll just relax and enjoy the new experience. That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? Broadening horizons, new experien
ces. That double flogging scene in the dungeon on Sunday was amazing. I’ve never felt anything like that before. It was like a really good deep tissue massage.”

  Cyndy laughed again. “Yeah, if you don’t count the hot butt. Master Dane really is something. I never would have thought I’d come just from the flogging. And then afterward—wow—that’s all I can say. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to reciprocate.”

  * * * *

  Anya looked at Svetlana over the girls’ heads, and her eyebrows shot up. The two masseuses were both friends with Katina Rensakova, the hotel’s event planner, and knew she still had feelings for Dane Dunross. Their mutual Russian backgrounds had given them an instant bond, although Katina had not been born in Russia like Anya and Svetlana.

  Anya mouthed silently, “Do you think we should tell her?”

  Svetlana silently shook her head. “No.”

  They both started to massage in earnest, and the girls on the table groaned as strong fingers backed up by muscular arms and shoulders dug into their muscles.

  * * * *

  Jeremiah Wade had seen the three girls heading up to the spa on the ninth floor after their late breakfast on the hotel terrace. He’d managed to snag a table next to theirs—but with his back to them—where he had overheard all of their plans for the day. It sounded like the two, Alexa and Cyndy, would be busy at the spa later in the day than Vaughn. This might be his best opportunity to waylay her and talk her into the dungeon, or otherwise convince her to accompany him. Proffit and his buddies were expected to be out on the charter boat until at least early evening, maybe later depending on if the fish were biting. He wanted to move his agenda along. It was Tuesday already. He didn’t want to let Rawlston and Proffit settle too deeply into a relationship. When he thought about it, he really didn’t know what his plan for Rawlston was other than to talk her around on the Emma-Ella thing. Why had Vaughn gotten under his skin so deeply? She really wasn’t his type. Maybe it was because she had brushed him off, and no one got away with doing that. He really wasn’t thinking clearly about this whole deal. Maybe he should back off and think it over. Hell. Fuck that. He’d do what he wanted to do and that was that.