Dark Horses: (Blood Brothers #5)

by Manda Mellett

  If a strip of leather protects me from unwelcome advances, who am I to complain? At my nod, he passes it around my neck, locks it, and pockets a key. Surreptitiously, I touch my fingers to the collar. That I can’t take it off makes me feel I’m already under his control. But I’m fooling myself if I believe I haven’t been since the moment he picked me up tonight.

  “Have a good night,” says the receptionist cheerily, and then I’m being pulled by my hand into the first BDSM club I’ve ever been in in my life.

  At first, I see nothing. This is just an entrance hall, with cloakrooms off to either side. A fleeting glimpse, then he’s encouraging me through the next door, which opens into the club proper. And oh, hell. My eyes go so wide I think they’ve taken up all of my face. The size of the interior, the equipment and stage areas, takes me by surprise. I’ve never been exposed to anything like this before. Reading about such places is one thing. Seeing it is quite another. It’s busy and crowded. So many people, some nearly naked and others completely so. As well as the sights, there’s the sounds. The air’s tainted with the odour of sex and arousal. My breath leaves my lungs and I want to turn tail and run.

  “Er,” I pull back on his hand, “I don’t think I’m ready for this.”

  “If you’re not, if you really can’t try, I’ll take you home.” He stares into my eyes, and his fingers rise and touch the pulse hammering in my neck, “I know it’s a lot to take in, especially as it’s your first time.” He breaks off and gives a low laugh, “You trusted me with your first time before. Can you trust me now? Try for me?”

  I remember this is his environment, he owns the club. This is his lifestyle which he’s allowing an insight into. Trying to swallow down my fear, I remember he’s done nothing to cause me harm, nor anything I didn’t enjoy. He’s pushed me, and that’s what he’s doing now, even though I believe he’s skating along the lines of my limit. But if I want to know him better, understand him, I should at least give him a chance. This is all he’s going to offer me. If I mess it up now, I might never see him again.

  As his fingers squeeze my hand, I give a little jerk of my chin to let him know I’ll try.

  He points at my wristbands, “There’s a two-drink limit per member for anyone wanting to play. We’ll go to the bar and you can have something to help steady your nerves. Then, if you’re ready, we can try a small scene. If you don’t want to play tonight, I’ll understand. There’s no need to be worried. I appreciate how overwhelming it is.” He smiles down at me, “You’re not the first new sub who’s been terrified at first.”

  That the club has a similar effect on other newcomers makes me feel slightly better. Nodding nervously, I take my first step into the room. The music isn’t loud but it’s a thudding rock beat, and screams and shouts of pain and satisfaction mingle to form a cacophony of sound. Almost too afraid to look in any direction, I let him lead me across to a bar, behind which is standing a jovial man.

  “Master J!” he calls out as we approach. Then his eyes fall on me, and on my collar. “I heard you got married. Congratulations! Fuck me, never thought I’d see the day. And you’ve collared a sub?”

  The way he says it, he could be talking about two different people. The spouse and the play partner. Is he suggesting Jasim’s cheating? Little wifey left at home? Is that what people here would expect?

  “This is my wife, Ralph. And she’s my sub.” I’m glad he cleared that up, though the thought of him coming to play with another sub creeps into my mind. I realise he’s still speaking to the bartender, “Could you watch her for a moment while I go and get changed. Janna, you’ll be quite safe here with Master Ralph. I’ll only be a minute.”

  “Yeah, I’ll do my babysitting stint. Off you go, Master J. What do you want to drink, sweetheart?”

  My face drops as I see him walk away, I don’t want to be left on my own. But Master Ralph is smiling warmly, and I remember my manners. “I’ll have an orange juice please.” Recalling I’m supposed to give over one of the wristbands, I reach to take one off. A meaty palm stays my hand, “No need for that if you’re just having a soft drink.”

  “Oh, okay. It’s my first time.”

  “I can see that, sweetheart.” He gives me a cocky grin then leans his elbows on the bar, “Now, what do we call you?”

  “My name’s Janna.”

  “Is that what you want to go by in the club?”

  Well, what else would anyone call me? Then it dawns on me, he’s giving me the choice of anonymity. I shrug.

  “Guess you’ll have to think about that.”

  As someone calls him away to get them a drink, I bravely turn and look out at what’s going on behind me. There, on a spanking bench close by, and in full view of everyone, a sub is screaming out her release. I thought I’d be disgusted, instead I feel envious, wishing that was me, rubbing my thighs together to ease the ache inside. Feeling braver, I watch someone else, a sub on her knees serving her Dom. Bloody hell, it’s all a real-life porn show. I didn’t appreciate it would turn me on. No wonder the guys were wary about me being exposed to all this.

  Quickly looking away, I scan the large room, but although extreme petting is going on, no one’s having full on sex. Or not that I can see. And then my eyes fall on Jasim who, true to his word, hasn’t left me for long and is now walking toward me. And, oh, shit. If I needed anything else to arouse me, the sight of him in tight leather trousers and a bare chest covered only by a leather waistcoat hanging open would serve that purpose. He’s striding straight for me, another grin on his face.

  “Ralph been looking after you?” As I nod yes, he indicates the area behind him, “I should have explained some things before. I had no expectations of bringing you here tonight, I’m doing everything the wrong way around. I’ve been remiss in not preparing you. You’ll only be playing with me, pet. Normally you’d have paperwork to complete, but as I’m the owner I’m vouching for you, okay? Right.” He pauses, scrunching his face, “There’s no penetrative sex in the main room. Private rooms are available for people who to go further. You see the people in orange vests?” He points one of them out. “They’re dungeon monitors who make sure everything is safe, sane, and consensual. If you ever shout out your safeword, they’ll coming running to help.”

  “Even if I’m with you?”

  “I might own the club, but I’m still subject to the rules. Some I might be able to bend, such as letting you in without completing the documentation, but not that.” He waits for the information he’s given me to sink in, but before he can speak again, another man comes up to us. He’s looking paler and less robust than when I last saw him.

  “Ryan, mate. Good to see you.” Jasim takes his arm and pulls him in for a man hug. “How the fuck are you doing?”

  Ryan nods at me, “Hi, Janna,” before turning back to Jasim, “I’ve only got another week or so tied to the desk. I can understand now why Sean was going stir crazy confined to the office.”

  Jasim’s still got hold of his arm, and as I watch I see his face fall, “Man, I’m so sorry.”

  “What the fuck?” Ryan glares at him. “It’s my job. I know what I signed up for. Let’s not go through this again.”

  It sounds like a discussion they’ve had before. Jasim’s worried glance at Ryan signifies he’s not convinced, but the scowl on the bodyguard’s face stops him from saying anything more. After a few seconds, he shakes his head and turns away. Something catches his eye. “Can you wait here with Janna a sec, Ry? I’ve got a piece of equipment to reserve.”

  At Ryan’s understanding smirk, Jasim disappears again, and my narrowed eyes follow him, wondering what he’s up to.

  Ryan touches my arm. I already know he’s a man of few words, so I’m surprised when he starts talking. “He’s feeling guilty, Janna. But he’s got no reason to.”

  I look up at him, and point to the scar visible on his chest, remembering their conversation and putting two and two together. “Because you got hurt?”

  “Yes.
When you disappeared, Janna, he started taking risks. Exposing himself when he shouldn’t. That day, I warned him not to go to check on the pipeline. I’m his bodyguard, for fuck’s sake. Now he thinks he put me in danger by ignoring my advice. But it wasn’t a specific threat, just my inclination to keep the person I’m protecting away from any front line. If I’d known for a fact there were insurgents in the area, I wouldn’t have let him go. I’d have found some way of stopping him, even if it meant locking him in a room. It wasn’t his fault.”

  I nod to encourage him to continue, it’s the most I’ve ever heard him speak at one time. He’s telling me this for a reason. It makes sense, Jasim’s an honorable man, and if he thought he was in any way to blame for putting someone’s life in danger, it would be bound to hit him hard.

  “You said he took risks after I’d left?” I shake my head, not understanding why he’s talking like this. Had my leaving affected him?

  As if to assuage any responsibility I might feel, Ryan shakes his head quickly, “Whether your leaving was the cause, or whether being in Amahad for longer was getting to him, it’s impossible to say. But it’s undeniable he became more careless. Oh, someone else might not have noticed, I doubt if he knew himself. But I know him too well.”

  “He didn’t like that I left without explaining.”

  “No man likes that, Janna.”

  I look down at my feet, and then at Jasim who’s doing something across the room. “I didn’t think he’d care. We married for a reason.”

  Ryan’s hand touches my chin and raises it so I’m forced to look him in the face, “It was an extreme solution. Just telling Fadi he’d claimed you might well have worked.”

  If he’s right, there was no need for the marriage. Was I put in this position for nothing? I dismiss the idea, “But it might not.”

  Ryan gives a little jerk of his head, I can’t read whether it’s in agreement or dismissal.

  For a short while my mind’s been taken off why Jasim’s brought me here. But as he comes back with a knowing smile on his face, my nerves return to me fast. Without saying a word, he puts his arm around my shoulders, and nodding at Ryan, leads me away. We cross the crowded room and approach a stage in the corner. Taking pride of place is a big cross. There’s no one else close by, I presume this is the equipment he’s reserved for us to play. I swallow a few times as he speaks to confirm my fears.

  “It’s a St Andrew’s Cross, and I want to tie you to it.”

  Okay. Nervously I ask, “And then what?”

  He’s standing behind me, my back pulled into his chest. I can feel his arousal, hard and evident, his cock jerking in his leather pants. His mouth nuzzles my neck, and a tingling feeling banishes some of my fear. Whatever he did to me in the past, it was all for my enjoyment. Can I trust him to take care of me now? I’ll try. Taking a deep breath, I try to settle my nerves.

  “I want to blindfold you, then you won’t be so aware of your surroundings, and hopefully not so worried about being on display.”

  On display? He’s not suggesting what I think he is, is he? I focus on the blindfold. “And I won’t be able to see what you’re doing.”

  “Exactly.” I feel warm breath on my ear. “You liked the flogger, didn’t you?”

  “Is that what you’re going to do? Flog me?” He’s right, I did enjoy it. Just the thought of what he’s asking is making me wetter. Around me are cries of pleasure and pain, the music’s thumping, my clit throbbing in time. I’m scared and apprehensive, but so bloody turned on. I’m probably going to do whatever he wants.

  His hands caress my arms, “You have your safeword. We use the traffic light system at Tiacapan. Red, for stop, green if I check in and you’re doing okay, and yellow if you want me to slow down. Got it?”

  “Red, stop. Green go. Yellow ease up a bit.”

  “Good girl.” He pauses for a moment, just the light touch of his fingers is making me tingle. “First though, we need to get you out of these clothes.”

  Naked? “What, all of them?” I turn around, and try to plead with my eyes.

  “You’ll be facing the cross. All anyone will see is your arse. And that’s if they look. Habiti, you’ll be just another body to anyone who sees. No one will censure you here. Now, are you going to be brave for me?”

  Am I? It’s what he wants. Can I take that leap of faith and trust him? I eye up the others in the room, all concentrating on their own play. Apart from my lack of clothes, is it much different than being on stage?

  His hands are running up and down my arms, his mouth nuzzling at my neck. “I’m pushing you fast, I know that.” He pauses, and for a second his hands still. “Too much perhaps. Janna, I’ve dreamed on having you here, but if you’d prefer, I will take you home. Or we can just watch others scening, whatever you want is perfectly fine.”

  That might be the words that have come out of his mouth, but what will happen if I give up and let him take me home? The way I’d ensnared him was to tell him I could match his appetites, and unless that was a lie, I can’t bow out now. This lifestyle means everything to him, my chances of seeing him again, touching him, will probably be nil. “You want me to do this.” I know that he does, and how important this is for him.

  “I do.” His voice tremors with tension, “Will you try?”

  Chapter 32

  Jasim

  I stand rigid, waiting for her to refuse, for the word no to come out of her mouth. Not wanting to rush her, I give her some time to reach her decision, and then my cock leaps as she gives the answer I hoped for, but didn’t dare to expect, knowing how much I’m asking of an inexperienced sub. But this is such a vital part of my life, and I want her to share it with me. I hold my breath.

  “Yes.” Her voice trembles, she’s not certain, but she’s giving it a chance. I knew she was brave.

  “Good girl.” I breathe out my relief.

  With any other sub we’d be having a negotiation, she’d tell me what she expects and wants, and I’d translate that into what she needs. But she’ll have no idea what to ask for. So I’ll be playing this by ear, pushing her into a short scene just to introduce her to a more formal type of play. Easing her in gently. Already I know I won’t be satisfied with just the one night, my mind racing ahead on where we could go from here. I smile to myself, while it’s much too early for my whip, I’d love to see her tensing at the sound of the crack, not knowing where or when the lash is going to fall. The possibilities between us are endless.

  Shutting my thoughts down of the future, I make myself concentrate on the here and now. And with that in mind, I take a deep breath and centre myself, summoning my knowledge of beginner subs, what buttons to push, and what might make it easier for her. To that end, while I want her naked, I’m not going to ask her to do a striptease. Giving her a little push, I move her toward the cross, then undo her zipper and push her dress off her shoulders. I remove her bra and push down her underwear, softly asking her to lift her feet so I can remove them entirely. Goosebumps have risen on her skin, but she can’t be cold. The temperature is always carefully controlled in here, making it just right for naked subs. She’s being so brave, she makes no protest.

  Taking hold of her hand, I snap it into one of the cuffs, then do the same to her other. Gently kicking her legs apart, I fasten first one, then the other ankle to the cross. She’s shaking now, and I don’t want her terrified. Well, not just yet. Removing the blindfold I had in my pocket, I put it around her eyes, cutting out all light. With her ability to see taken away, it will make her focus on other things. Unable to glimpse anyone who might wander over, hopefully she won’t be disturbed about the onlookers we could we attract. As Master Dom and part-owner, there’s often people watching how I play. But I’m sensible enough to keep that bit of information to myself.

  While we’ve been apart I've been unable to get out of my head how she had responded to me. That delectable edge of fear which I loved to insert into my play having the exact result I wanted but hadn't anticipa
ted. It had turned her on, increased her arousal and enhanced the outcome for us both. And now I've got her here. In my club. There's so many things I want to do. Once more the thought flits through my head, tonight need only be a start.

  Careful to retain tactile assurance, I keep my hand on her as I move around to her front and fasten my mouth over hers. It’s been weeks since we kissed, and quickly I discover how much I’ve missed it. Such an innocent connection which makes my balls tighten. Fuck, her taste, the way her tongue slides against mine… I take a moment to savour how fucking wonderful she is. I’d been convinced I’d never sample her mouth again, and almost managed to persuade myself it wasn’t as good as I’d remembered. I’d been so fucking wrong.

  Reluctant I pull away, not forgetting to check in. “Are you doing okay?”

  “I… I think so.” Her voice sounds both tentative and dreamy. The kiss has affected her too.

  “I’m right here with you. At no time will I leave you. If you’re worried say yellow and if I’m not touching you, I’ll come straight back. If you say red you’ll have a dungeon monitor here in seconds. You’re safe with me.”

  One side of her mouth turns up.

  “What’s that half-smile for, habiti?”

  “I’m not sure the word safe and you go together.”

  Reaching my hand around, I give a half-hearted slap on her backside. “Smartarse,” I tell her. For the first time in three months, I’m enjoying myself. Brushing her long dark hair over one shoulder, I start braiding the long strands into a plait it so I won’t catch it. Now I’ve got a clear view of her back.

  “A hairdresser now?”

  “Watch it,” I laugh.

  I stand back and admire her and am ready to start. “Now I’m going to warm you up,” I warn her. Turning, I take two floggers out of my toy bag, and moving to the front of the cross wait for a few seconds before starting to lash her. Her body’s tense, and I want to take that tension away. I start gently, getting into a rhythm using the right then the left, my strikes in time with the music. After a few minutes she begins to relax, I increase the intensity, moving up and then down, gradually awakening all her nerve endings. The repetitive activity soothing me as much as her.