Rusty Lovers

by Lilah Nichols

  Frank frowned into his wineglass. “That hardly seems fair. Not that I mind proving myself.”

  She leaned over and whispered softly in his ear, “And yet the submissive accepts it. Gives up power and the idea of fairness and trusts their dominant. Giving up power isn’t always easy. And it’s ok, sweetie. I know you’re a little uneasy about the dynamic. I would be too, if I was in your position. You have to trust that you have everything I want, and follow my lead. The things you do for me, and let me do to you, those are very special.

  “I like what you do to me, Eliza,” Frank admitted. “Pleasing you makes me feel good inside.”

  “Exactly. I think we are a good fit. I respect you and your desires. They are not something to be exploited.” His eyes were warm, looking back at her. “Well, maybe once in a while… to get what I want,’ she chuckled.

  Eliza left the steakhouse confident in their renewed intimacy. Their highly personal talk at dinner erased the last of her reservations. She had never had any doubts about Frank or his sincerity, but he was still learning, and so excited about taking it all in. He was experiencing a relationship and feelings he hadn’t ever spoken of aloud before, so she was glad she had pressed.

  Originally her plan had been to head home for an early evening and some last minute emails, but she found herself following him back to his place, taking the stairs quickly and smiling broadly at him as they passed straight through the living area and down the darkened hall, shedding clothing as they went.

  Frank didn’t know who he was anymore, dropping his socks on the floor and peeling off his shirt, giving it a haphazard toss onto the chair. Eliza caught him up in her playful magic again, and he went with her as she tussled him onto the mattress, reaching up to wrap his fists around the headboard bars. He gladly gripped the wooden slats tightly while she fumbled in the drawer for a condom. His cock was rigid in her hands as she covered him, and he reveled in it, easily accepting she was going to be on top. That was fine with him, for now, and for forever.

  Eliza stripped off her bra and panties and straddled herself across his hips. He was more than ready, and she wasted no time, giving in to the impulse to ride, reaching to position his shaft at her silky entrance. She eased onto him, lifting herself up periodically before easing down, coating him and ensuring their joining was slick with lubrication before she rode him long and hard. The intensity showed in his gaze as he watched her, lifting his hips in rhythm with her, meeting her thrust for thrust until she reached her fingers down between them and stroked herself over the edge. The feel of her muscles tightening around his shaft was heaven and sent him flying off into ecstasy right behind her.

  His death grip on the bars loosened as she slowly sank down to lie beside him, and pulled him close against her side. He didn’t mind it. He liked the feel of her heart beating wildly under his ear as she cradled his head against her chest. She dropped a soft kiss on his hair as she struggled to catch her breath.

  “This is the time I like best,” she finally said. “The quiet time after, after we have been through whatever we have been through together, where we hold each other close and feel each other’s heartbeats return to normal. The time where it’s just us.”

  “Mmmmhmmm,” he replied. He tried to remember if he and Abby had ever done this, just floated back down to earth together. And damned if he couldn’t bring to mind a single time. He didn’t even mind that Eliza was the one was cuddling him up against her. It felt right.

  “I don’t know if it’s the quiet, or the pounding heartbeats, but it brings an intimacy. I love it.” She sounded beyond contented.

  “I love it too.” Frank murmured. There was a long silence afterward that almost got awkward.

  “It’s ok,” Eliza finally stated. “I know you’re on the borderline of love with me. Or if we had been together longer it would be easier to say it. For now, just know that I feel it too, and only worry about the speed of it.” It was so like her, to just state the obvious like that and have it seem normal.

  “I don’t want there to be any doubts about us. I want a relationship based on love and respect. I am not looking for a doormat or mindless obedience. Any time you feel it’s not what you want, just let me know. I want for us both to want things the way they are.

  He nodded sleepily against her shoulder. “I do, too.”

  But Eliza wasn’t done. “It’s about love and loyalty, and it’s not meant to be shared with anyone except us. I am not sure I can describe it, the strength of the bond. Once, years ago I attended a Munch and I met this lovely young man.”

  “Wait,” Frank broke in. “What’s a Munch?”

  “It’s a gathering of people who all share the same interest in kink. Sort of a BDSM meet and greet. A chance to learn and meet like-minded people. Many are just looking for a hookup or a sexual interlude.”

  “Sounds intriguing,” Frank lifted his head and waggled his eyebrows at her. “Just what did you learn, milady?” he joked, but then got back to being serious. “What kind of people turn up at these things? And how do they find out about it? Are they sponsored by the Adult Emporium or something?”

  Eliza laughed. “Sometimes, although I am not aware of any from the Emporium. There are web sites, though. I’ll take you on a little tour later.” She snuggled him closer before continuing. “But to continue. This gentleman I spoke to had been in an FLR, and before you ask, that’s a Female Lead Relationship. One hundred percent, the woman is in control. Anyway, what struck me about Stan was how loyal he was, how devoted. He stayed with his lover through a long battle with cancer that she eventually lost, and he was still heartbroken years later.”

  Eliza’s hand had come up to absently stroke fingers through Frank’s wavy hair. She sounded wistful. “I believe you have that kind of potential, Rusty, for that kind of fidelity, I really do.”

  In response, he curled his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. “I’m honored,” he murmured.

  Chapter 13

  There was a large package leaning against his door when Frank leaped up the steps on his way home from a workout two days later. He wasn’t a fan of the big health clubs, so discovering a hole in the wall sports gym in this neighborhood had cemented his apartment choice. Close proximity had been the main factor in joining Atlas gym, as it was within walking distance and overlooked by all the millennials and housewives because of its boxing roots. Even though the place was mostly empty when Frank went in the early morning hours, he liked the concrete and steel feel of the place, even if it stank slightly of sweat.

  There were no treadmills facing TV screens blaring Judge Judy or The Price is Right, just a few cardio machines, a weights center, and the corner with the punching bags and practice ring. Every once in a while the staff asked Frank to climb into the ring and hold practice pads, but usually, he stuck to his own routine: cardio first, then weights, and finally finishing with the speed bag.

  The package outside his door was a bit of a mystery since he hadn’t ordered anything, but he checked the label, and it was correctly addressed to him. He set it down beside the desk, worried it was yet another of his estranged wife’s efforts to divide up their belongings. It would not surprise him if she was returning something she decided she didn’t want and then going to reopen negotiations.

  Frank left the package unopened and showered and shaved, but finally curiosity got the better of him. What if it wasn’t from a lawyer?

  He set it on the tiny kitchen table and used a steak knife to slice open the box. His first thought was that of course, it was another crazy scheme of Abby’s. However, it looked like an old-time suitcase, hard-sided and dark beige in color. He lifted it out by the leather handle and checked out the brass clasps that popped open at the press of a button. The inside was lined in the same beige-colored silk. The fabric was worn in places, but otherwise looked well cared for, and reminded him of the valise his father used to take on short business trips when Frank was in grade school. His parents had long since moved to a
condo in Boca Raton, and he had never owned anything remotely like this since.

  As he closed the case and reset the clasps, he noticed an envelope tucked under the leather strap. The parchment color had blended in with the valise. It felt heavy in his hand, like quality card stock, and he suddenly thought of Eliza. Heat pooled in his cock as he thumbed the fancy envelope open. It was almost square in size, like an invitation.

  The lettering was elegant and tall, and the message took his breath away. The date at the top was yesterday’s, and it was most definitely an invitation. He scanned through the words and then sank down into the kitchen chair to read it again slowly.

  Dear Candidate,

  Due to your success as an initiate in the world of domination and submission, you have been selected to spend a weekend at “The Villa”. Your sponsor, Miss Eliza, requests that you present yourself at her residence no later than 6 pm on Friday. Bring both casual and formal clothing (although you might not be permitted to wear either of them) and all accessories currently stowed in the Emporium bag hanging on a hook in the back of your closet.

  You will find your ‘ticket’ inside the interior pocket. This does not involve leaving the country or even the state, However, as a candidate, you must arrive fully prepared to serve. Present yourself in the best light possible, and the removal of pubic hair is encouraged. There may be a surprise inspection at any time, and demerits have consequences.

  Remember, your behavior is a reflection on Miss Eliza. She feels you are ready. Your weekend at the Villa will be life-changing and will build intimacy and trust between you and your dominant. We wish you good fortune.

  Sincerely,

  The Villa Management

  P.s. Confirm your reservation by texting Miss Eliza immediately the words “Attendance Confirmed”.

  Frank slowly tucked the invitation back into the envelope. The gold clasps slid open easily under his thumbs and he turned the suitcase towards the light, running his fingertips over the timeworn silk. He peered into the silk pocket inside the lid and spotted another envelope there, presumably his ticket. He extracted it carefully to examine it, noting the resemblance to a plane ticket on manila card stock. The words “Admit One” were written in bold at the top, followed by his name and address. The only other thing on it was a bar code on the bottom left. He flipped it over and examined the back, smiling to see Eliza’s phone number printed along the bottom edge.

  He wasn’t exactly sure what all this was about, but his cock sure wanted to go. His pants felt increasingly tight, encasing his hard-on in light pressure that slipped back and forth as he shifted his weight.

  What day was it? Only Tuesday? Friday seemed a long way away. He barely had a moment’s anxiety about attending. He was up for any trip with Eliza. It could be anything, and he would love it, her constant teasing and the way she could say something suggestive and have it resonate in his mind for hours or days.

  He was confident this was one of her role-play scenarios. It had to be, didn’t it? The mystery of it all was so arousing. His cock throbbed again.

  Within seconds his phone was in his hand, and he was typing out “Attendance Confirmed.” He had a dozen questions he wanted to ask, but he waited to see what her reply might be first. His screen lit up almost immediately.

  “Thank you. Your reservation is complete. Come prepared, and do not be late.” She sounded so official, and Frank was sure at some point in the past she had mentioned role play, although it was a sexy traffic stop she’d mentioned. Frank wasn’t sure just what this was yet, but he was happy to go along with it. He took a deep breath and typed out his most pressing question.

  “Do you really want me to shave my pubic region?” It seemed like it would be a lot of work for not much of a difference. In men’s magazines, yeah he saw it all the time, with the ladies. Maybe it’d give Eliza the same kind of rush it gave him.

  She sounded a little impatient. “ I believe the invitation merely said it was encouraged. Personally, I’ll find it very disappointing if you don’t. Compliance is not mandatory if you are nervous or afraid to try.”

  “I’m not nervous or afraid!” God, she knew exactly what buttons to press, to make him jump at the bait and deny the obvious.

  “Then stop asking silly questions,” she answered. “And by the way, I know your cock is hard right now, and you are probably finding some way to stimulate it.” His legs stopped shifting back and forth, stilling the fabric caressing his shaft. How does she know these things? he wondered, but she wasn’t done, “That stops right now. No masturbation of any kind between now and our trip to the Villa.”

  That stilled him right in his chair and he stared at the screen, wondering what to say to that. He felt like a schoolboy who’d been caught with a hand in the cookie jar. But really, there was only one thing to say.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  The week ahead was going to be a long one, but oh, the anticipation was there. Having four days meant Frank had time to Google and practice shaving his bikini line, as well as carefully pick out which outfits to wear, no wait, which outfits to bring. He still did have a little doubt about what he might be permitted to wear. The thought of kneeling at Eliza’s feet naked, God, made his dick swell and jerk in his pants.

  He purchased a small duffle to pack the sex toys in and buried it down at the bottom of the valise next to his dress shoes. On impulse, he tossed in the white gym towel that barely concealed anything when he slung it around his hips as well as the Eternity for Men aftershave.

  Somehow he got through work, forcing himself to do his course prep work and set up his online class. He struggled to concentrate and get it done ahead of schedule, so by Thursday morning he was done and ready for a long weekend. His lesson plan was ready for the following week, even should he return home late on Sunday.

  Eliza was always on his mind. He wondered if she was as excited about this as he was, if she was carefully going through her wardrobe finding the right things to pack. He realized suddenly he wanted to have something special for her. Not something overtly sexy, like lingerie or leather. He wanted something for fun, just to please her.

  Late Thursday afternoon he got in the car and headed west, back to the Adult Emporium. The parking lot was nearly empty, and he was happy to see the same shop girl manning the register. He nodded and gave her a little salute as he entered, and headed for the erotica section. There had to be a femdom section, right?

  There was one, a small corner of the erotica display that spanned two shelves, as it turned out, and he stood there reading the back cover blurbs, feeling the temperature in the room rising and doing his best to refrain from putting his hand in his pocket for a little friction. It was such a conundrum. Just by forbidding it, Eliza had made it all he could think about. He had never thought of himself as a highly-sexed guy. He had always been ready and eager when Abby approached him, or when he happened to read Penthouse Letters, but Eliza somehow flicked a switch, where he went from simmer to full boil.

  Frank selected the three novels that reminded him most of Eliza. He passed over the “Best Women’s Erotica” books and concentrated on those that looked realistic and classy. He didn’t want to hand Eliza anything with whips or models in corsets on the cover but instead selected books displaying colorful masks and kinky boots.

  Finally satisfied with his choices, Frank stopped to chat with half-shaved brunette at the check out line. “Read any of these?” he asked casually.

  The buxom cashier pouted and shook her head. “Not really my kink, luv.” Frank recalled she had made a casual comment last time about going home with a beautiful lady, and realization dawned. “Oh,” he whispered. “But if it was two ladies….?”

  She laughed and nodded at her handsome customer. “I’d have a copy of each at home.”

  As he pulled out his card to pay Frank spotted a basket of mood rings beside the register on the impulse rack, and got one of those, too. Not that he ever had any doubt about her moods. She was crystal clear,
but a man needed all the help he could get.

  “You want me to wrap these?” the cashier joked.

  “Does that cost extra?” Frank started to say and then decided she must be making fun at his expense. But it was worth a try. He leaned down and winked at her, “Miss Eliza would sure love it if they were.”

  There was a grin on his face as he stepped out of the store a few minutes later, all three volumes wrapped up in pretty paper and the mood ring threaded through the ribbon, dangling from the center of the bow. At last, he finally felt prepared, and more than ready for this weekend, even if he felt a little itchy downstairs.

  Frank rolled out of bed early on Friday and wished he hadn’t finished all of his course design. Excitement for the weekend ahead bubbled up inside him, making him restless, and he needed a distraction, a way to vent some of his pent up energy. Deciding to maximize his morning work out, he phoned Benny, suggesting they meet up.

  Benny sounded pleased to hear from his father. “Sure, Dad, I have time this morning. Give me 30 minutes to finish my coffee and get changed. I’ll see you soon.”

  Frank went through some of his legal mail to kill time before he left, and eventually dropped some older correspondence in the circular file before changing into his workout attire and giving the neatly packed suitcase in his closet a final once over. He had it stowed it out of sight, just in case Ben stopped over after their workout. Atlas was only a few blocks away, after all. He waited for Ben outside on the sidewalk in the cool morning air, and Atlas was deserted when Frank strode in with his son at his side, both tall and dark, their loose tanks emphasizing their broad shoulders.

  The building was open and airy on the inside, whitewashed cement-block walls and a high-gloss gray on the cement floor.

  “Cardio first?” Frank suggested, picking up a white towel at the desk and heading toward the back. “To get us warmed up?”