Analise’s shoulders slumped as she shut the door behind her friend. “I know, but that was before I tried to…” her face heated. “Well, you know… and couldn’t.”
Lena guided her towards her bedroom, pushing her down on the edge of the bed. “Whoa, couldn’t what? Why don’t you start from the beginning? You left work and everything was cool right?”
With her face burning, she hid it in her palms. “It was, and they didn’t do anything. It’s me. I just knew I wasn’t going to be able to do this. I’m too backwards to handle this.”
“No, you’re not. I’m sure there’s nothing wrong with you, but I can’t help you if you’re going to hide. Look at me, Analise.”
The command in her voice had Analise obeying. She focused on Lena, even as a fresh wave of embarrassment washed over her.
“Now what happened that has you in such a tizzy? The girl I talked to earlier today was excited about the prospect of actually starting something with the dynamic duo. I know if I wasn’t with Mason, I’d give them a whirl.”
“I…well I was horny when I got back to the apartment because of a text Grim sent me while on the L. I couldn’t help it. He was so commanding, but not in a way that made me want to rebel against him. His text was a request with a reminder not to masturbate, but I just know if I do the opposite, he’s going to make me wish I hadn’t and…”
Lena smiled knowingly. “The idea of him taking you in hand got you all hot and bothered?” Lena wrapped an arm around her. “Let me assure you, sweetheart, that’s normal. Any subbie worth her weight finds the idea of her Dom punishing her arousing. You’re not backwards at all. When Mason dominates me, I sometimes misbehave just to feel his belt against my butt.”
“Lena!” She lightly tapped her friend’s shoulder. “It’s not the command that bothers me. It’s just the fact I’m horny and no matter how much I try to…I can’t. Grim told me earlier that I couldn’t come without his permission, but I was horny and thought he’d never know and…”
A sympathetic smile tugged at Lena’s mouth. “You tried and now are frustrated because you need something more. Something only Grim or Liam can give you?”
Analise shifted on the bed. “You make it sound so pathetic. I shouldn’t need their permission for anything. I’m a grown woman. I left home to get away from controlling men.” She chewed on her lower lip. “Why should I jump into a relationship with the first pair of control freaks who glance my way, when I finally managed to escape?”
Lena gave a deep sigh. “I think you’re confusing domination with controlling, Ani.” She rubbed Analise’s shoulder. “A true Dom knows the difference and longs to care for his submissive without smothering him or her.”
Chewing on her lower lip, she worried the satiny inner flesh. “What if they want something I don’t want to do?”
Lena cocked her head. “Then you safe word and bitch slap them into next week. BDSM is consensual or not at all. It they don’t stop, you tell me and I’ll kick their asses into next week.”
A chuckle escaped Analise at the idea of short little Lena taking on two men twice her size. She’d have to get a footstool to even come up their wide shoulders. But she could see her petite friend doing it.
“That’s my girl.” Lena stood up, her hands on her hips. “Now we can do one of two things. We can either explore what I brought for you in the sack, or we can see about getting permission from your Doms to give you a bit of relief, and then explore what I have in the sack.”
“Lena!” Her entire face was blazing once again. “I’m not going to call them and beg them like a whiny child. I’ll deal with it.”
Lena gazed at her sadly. “Girl, you’re gonna end up with more than a warm bottom for disobeying a direct request. And believe me, they will know. There’s a certain glow a sub gets after coming that a trained Dom can spot from a mile away.” She reached for the bag and stood as if to leave. “Unless you’re serious about communicating with your Doms, it won’t work and someone will end up getting hurt, and not just in the physical sense.” She hooked the bag over her arm. “I don’t think you’re quite ready for what I have in here, Ani.” She brushed a finger over Analise’s cheek.
“But….” Her mind whirled “I want…”
“You think you know what you want, but I don’t think you’re ready for the reality of it. You need to go to them. Talk, get your questions answered. Then if you’re still interested in pursuing it, not just playing with idea of submitting, come to me. The bag will be waiting.” Lena pressed a kiss to her forehead.
“But what if I’m only interested in exploring? For Christ’s Sakes, I’m still a freakin virgin. How the hell am I going to know if this is going to be right for me?” She raked a hand through her damp hair after Lena pulled back.
Lena smiled. “I didn’t say you had to go to them and offer them everything. In fact, if you did, I would be concerned. It’s your resistance to talking to them which concerns me. If you come to an agreement about it being a trial basis, then fine. But you need to be on the same page as Liam and Grim, or the results could be bad for all three of you.”
Studying her friend, she finally nodded. “I understand. I’ll talk to them.”
Lena looked over the top of her glasses at Analise. “See that you do. If I find out you hurt them because you were playing games with them, I’ll be after you instead.”
A soft giggle escaped her. “And exactly whose side are you on, Lena?”
“Nobody’s, sweetheart. I just don’t want to see my new friend get hurt, nor do I want to see two of my fave Doms get hurt either.” She leaned in. “Besides if it all works out, then that means Mason and I will have an inside track with one of the most in-demand instructors in the club.”
Confused, Analise stared up at her friend.
“Didn’t you know? Liam is a master with both the whip and flogger. He gives lessons and demonstrations at the club. Not to mention, he’s an expert in high protocol, if that’s your thing.”
A sinking feeling in Analise’s stomach competed with her natural curiosity. While she understood what whipping and flogging was, and had contemplated in the past what they might feel like, she was clueless on the other. What the hell was High Protocol?
Part XII: The Uncertainties
Setting Betty on her kickstand, Liam checked his appearance in the side mirror one last time. Retying his hair back, he sighed. His helmet had a tendency to pull his hair free every time. He had a case of the nerves that Grim would’ve been surprised if he’d been here to witness it. He hadn’t felt this nervous since he’d first pursued Grim all those years ago. Only this time I don’t have to worry about my quarry trying to kick my ass because he isn’t interested in men. Nope, this time it’s a stubborn little brunette who already has my Grim wrapped around her finger. He chose to ignore the fact that she had him tied up in knots as well.
Swinging his leg over his motorcycle, he straightened to his full height before making his way up the walk towards the apartments where Analise lived. He frowned as the handle on the entry way turned with ease. It bothered him that there were no security locks on the outer doors. Anyone could enter the building. He decided right then and there if things worked out between the three of them, he was going to insist she move in with them. He was just approaching the steps when a familiar little blonde came bouncing down, her bright yellow outfit and black rimmed glasses leading the way.
“Liam! It’s great to see you. You here to pick up Ani?” She gave him an impromptu hug. He chuckled at her exuberance. It was one of the things he’d enjoyed the few times he’d had her and Mason in one of his classes. She was so full of life.
“Evening, Ms. Lena.” He returned her hug. “Visiting Analise?”
“Earlier, but Mason and I are on our way out to Olivia’s.” She leaned in close, her voice dropping. “I have a new single tail that I want to try on him.”
“Well, I’m sure he’ll enjoy it. You were a natural in class.”
“Aw, that’s sweet of
you to think that.” She pulled back and looked up at him. “Don’t make me regret telling Ani to take a chance on you and Grim. She’s innocent.”
He forced himself to stay calm at her comment. He had to remind himself she was one of Analise’s friends. “I know. Which is why nothing is going to happen until we talk.” He sighed. “I know she’s new to the scene, and would never dream of rushing her into something she wasn’t ready for.”
Lena propped one hand on her hip. “Well, any fool can see that.” She grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him down to her level. “I’m talking about her being a V-I-R-G-I-N.”
His eyes widened as what she was saying sunk in. Damn. He swallowed roughly before finding his voice. “You sure?”
She nodded. “Yeah, an overprotective family from a small town in Iowa saw to it that no one touched her. Don’t tell her I told you this, but I honestly think she’s been sheltered for so long that she’s trying to break free, and may do something she might regret later.” She was quick to add, “Not that I think being with you or Grim would be something she’d regret…”
“Note taken.” A smile tugged at his lips. “You’ll find dealing with headstrong submissives is part of what I do best. We won’t take her until we’re sure that she’s ready and not just physically.”
A wide smile crossed her face. “I know you will. Which is why I told her to go for it.”
“You coming, Mistress? I’m double-parked out front.” The masculine voice behind him had Liam glancing over his shoulder. Standing just outside the entrance, Mason stood obediently, his hands clasped behind his back.
“If you do your job right, I just might be.”
“Of course, Mistress.” He held an arm out for Lena, who promptly took it.
Liam couldn’t help but shake his head at the retreating couple. They were definitely something else. And Lena had definitely given him food for thought. All three of them had to have this talk now. Especially now that he’d found out Analise was even more innocent than he’d been told.
Before climbing the stairs, he sent a quick text to Grim, briefing him on the situation. He’d only gotten to the first landing when his phone pinged. Glancing down at it, he chuckled at his sub’s response. Holy Shit, indeed.
Once he arrived at her door, he sent a quick text saying he’d arrived, before pocketing his phone. Knocking firmly, he waited with one hand tucked into the pocket of his jeans. When the door opened, he stifled his groan. Hair damp from her shower and wearing attire similar to his, Analise looked refreshed and good enough to eat.
“I see you took Grim’s suggestions to heart.” The snug leggings had him wondering if she’d gone sans panties as his lover had requested.
A flush filled her face before she nodded, making him wonder about the other stipulations. Had she cheated and masturbated? Or was it just the newness of being with just him which caused the flush?
“Do I scare you, Analise? I know we don’t know each other very well, but I assure you I’m not going to hurt you.”
The dimple in her cheek peeked out as she smiled. “Of course not. I’m just a bit…unsettled by the whole thing…especially after what happened at the office. I don’t usually do this kind of thing.”
“Understandable. Which is why both Grim and I need to sit down and talk to you, before anything more happens. We’ll keep our hands to ourselves even if it kills us, until we get that out of the way.” He held out his arm to her. “But first, how about we head back to my place and see how Grim is coming along with the food? When I left, the smells coming from the kitchen were wonderful.”
“Let me grab my purse, and then we can go.” She moved back into the apartment, leaving the door open for him to follow.
Curiosity got the better of him and he slipped in behind her, quickly scanning and absorbing his surroundings. As she disappeared into what was obviously her bedroom, he moved into the open kitchen, eating nook, and living room area. Comfortable but used furniture was grouped together. She had a small television set sitting on the table in the nook, but none in the living room. Instead there were books lined up on one book case, and plants hanging in the floor to ceiling windows. The other book case held a wide variety of Betty Boop figurines and other bric-a-brac. That’s where he was standing when she came back out of her bedroom, with a purse strung over her body diagonally so it rested on her opposite hip, and a cell phone in her hand.
“Can I get your number, Liam? I made this deal with Lena…about texting her when…and I don’t think she has your number…”
As she stumbled over her words and her face pinkened, he felt a curious melting around his heart. “Of course.” He rattled off the house number and smiled when she fumbled with the phone. “Here, why don’t you let me do that?” He took the phone from her trembling fingers. He was pleased to see it was the same model as his Grim’s cell. He swiftly entered the number and saved it to her phone, before sending a text to Lena, telling the other woman that they were leaving, and giving her not only his number, but also his home address.
“Okay, there you go. Sent a text to Lena about where you would be and how to get ahold of you.”
Analise flushed even more. “I know it seems silly….”
He cut her off. “Nonsense. It’s not silly to ensure your safety. You are going home with me, and it only makes good sense to let a friend know where you are. Lena is only looking out for you.”
A sigh escaped Analise. “Which she does very well. At least she’s not as smothering as my Uncle and Dad are. They’d blow a fuse if they thought even one man, let alone two men, were interested in me.”
“Family can be that way at times.” A beep from his pocket had him sighing this time. “That will be my impatient sub. I swear I don’t know who’s more anxious about tonight, you or him.”
Licking her lower lip, he was happy when she didn’t immediately deny the nerves he sensed just under the surface. “I know why I am nervous, but why would he be?”
Taking a chance, Liam stepped closer and cupped her cheek before answering. “Considering it’s only been him and I for the past several years, I would’ve been more surprised if he wasn’t.” When his phone chirped again, he tugged it out of his pocket. Thumbing it open, he answered Grim’s text, assuring the man he’d be on his way soon. “It seems if we don’t get our butts in gear, Grim is threatening to feed our dinner to Dobby.” Opening the door, he waited for her to proceed him. “Have you ever ridden a motorcycle before?”
“Yes, my dad loves to ride. I think I was a year old the first time he stuck me in front of him on the bike.”
Pleasure washed through him. “Wonderful. Then I won’t have to coax you onto Betty, like I did Grim.”
* * * *
Analise laughed as Liam brought Betty to stop in front of an old but well maintained Victorian home. The ride had been exhilarating. It’d been too long since she’d been on a motorcycle. She’d forgotten how much she enjoyed it. Especially when I get to cling to a hunky man who doesn’t happen to be related to me. As Liam shifted to let her off next to the curb, she reluctantly unwrapped her arms from his trim waist. Just as it had earlier in the day, his body had put off an amazing amount of heat. Swinging her leg over the bike, she stood on the walk as he put Betty on her main stand and shut her off. Standing back, she examined both the machine and man. Both wore black and while the silver at Liam’s temples reminded her of Betty’s shiny chrome, she couldn’t pick which drew her more. The powerful beast Liam straddled or the banked hunger she saw in his eyes.
“Let’s go put Grim out of his misery.” He held his hand out to her. Just before they reached the front door, he stopped her. “Before we go in however, I need you to understand, the man you’re going to see isn’t the same man you see at work every day. I’ve lifted the ‘no clothing’ ban for your visit, because I don’t want you to be uncomfortable, but Grim is my submissive.”
She cocked her head. “So he’s going to be acting different?”
; “A bit, but he’s still the same Grim you know. You’re just going to see another side of him. One I hope you don’t look down on him for. Our relationship is consensual. And I wouldn’t belittle him any more than I would you. But there are things that you may not understand. If you don’t, ask. Don’t assume, alright?”
She nodded. “It seems like an invasion of your privacy, but I’ll ask if I have any questions.”
He smiled and her breath caught as he cupped her cheek again. She’d never been around an attractive man who was as touchy-feely as Liam. Desire streaked through her at his touch, but she pushed the need down. She wasn’t here for that.
“We’re letting you into our life, piccola. It’s not an invasion, we want you to ask.” A crooked smile crossed his face at the flutter of the curtain next to the window. “And a certain person is getting impatient with us.”
“Well let’s go in, before he gets himself into any more hot water.”
A full-fledged chuckle escaped Liam. “You’re going to find, Analise, that trouble happens to be Grim’s middle name.” Pushing open the door, he gestured her to enter.
That’s when she fell down the rabbit hole. In the entry way, wearing a pair of khaki shorts and a tank top, knelt Grim, his curls tousled as he waited for his Master’s acknowledgment, along with the largest dog she’d ever seen. The dog didn’t give her pause, even if he looked like he was big enough to saddle and ride. It was the dark leather collar at Grim’s throat which did. That’s when Analise realized that these men didn’t play at the lifestyle. As Lena had suggested, they were the real deal. And even as her panties dampened at the idea of being included in their play, she wasn’t sure if she was ready for it. Could she kneel in front of Grim and Liam until they decided to acknowledge her? She’d never been real good at sitting still…
“Rise, inamorato.” Liam tossed the bike keys on a stand next to the door. “It would please me, Analise, if you removed your shoes here in the foyer. As a general rule, we don’t wear footwear around the house.”
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