Hard Limits

by Anna Parsons

  Evie listened as intently as she could to the conversation, learning much about the club and how it ran, but her concentration was waning, thanks to Dylan’s gentle stroking. Instinctively, her legs opened to him, not even considering that they were not alone. She tried to keep from squirming against his hand, seeking a deeper connection. Losing track of the conversation completely, Evie concentrated on his fingers, which dipped in and out of her, the sound of her juices seeming to echo in her ears. After a few minutes, Evie felt something begin to build within her. Dylan felt the change in her body and slowed his strokes. Without her realizing it, the conversation ended with Dylan rising to take his guest’s hand again. Within moments of the door closing, Dylan had the thong off, his cock out of its confines, and he was aiming for her. In one stroke, he entered her and began urgently thrusting. She wrapped her legs around his hips, pulling him as close to her as possible. His hammering pushed her along the desk. He clamped his hands on either side of her hips, holding her steady as he continued to pound her. One hand moved behind her neck, pulling her face close to his. The kiss seemed to penetrate her soul, tipping her over the edge. She shuddered her release, followed by Dylan a few strokes later. His breathing came in short gasps. “My Hope?” She hummed to acknowledge him.

  “Did you have an orgasm?”

  “Yes,” she said breathlessly.

  “Without permission?” he asked between breaths.

  “Yes,” she said without hesitation. “But it was your fault. You made me.”

  Dylan chuckled as he withdrew from her.

  Chapter 24:

  All Tied Up

  “Shibari is a form of erotic rope bondage. It is important to note that the act is less about the tying and more about the connection between the Master and his submissive.” Dylan stood in the center of the large stage, his gorgeous black eyes scanning the audience, biceps defined under his shirt. Evie sat on a high stool on the corner of the stage, watching his every move, much like all the others in the room. “Without that connection, it is simply one person binding another. True Shibari involves a transfer of power, even if it is a temporary transfer, and a considerable amount of trust. Whether done correctly or not, injury could result from the slightest movement or incorrect placement.” He walked over to Evie. “Tonight, I will demonstrate Gote Kibimakura Shibari, which translates to ‘hands pillowed behind the neck.’ Hope will be my subject tonight. Say hello, Hope.” He took her hand and she stood.

  “Hello,” she said softly, blushing from head to toe.

  “Hope is being punished this evening. Tell them why you are being punished.” He moved her to the center of the stage.

  “Because you made me come…Master,” she said, looking up at him. Several Doms in the room laughed loudly. Even some subs snickered. Evie looked around nervously.

  “Eyes on me. There is no one else in the room,” he said softly. “Would you like to try again?” he asked aloud, stroking her cheek, staring at her intently.

  “I…I had an orgasm without permission,” she said, looking down at her feet.

  “Very good,” he said with a smile before putting his fingers under the shoulder straps of her sheer dress and pulling them over her shoulders, causing the dress to fall down her body and pool at her feet. She gasped but did not move. “Now”—he turned his attention to the crowd—“some Masters use several different pieces of rope. I prefer to use one.” A Monitor handed him a coil of white rope. “The material is a matter of preference. Jute is commonly used but can be rough against the skin. I prefer silk. It doesn’t scratch like Jute and leaves a beautiful impression.” Dylan pulled the stool to the center of the stage and lifted Evie to sit with her back to the audience, her feet on the bottom rung. Wearing only her pearl thong, her ass was exposed to the audience. He lifted one of her arms, placing the palm behind her neck, so that her elbow pointed to the ceiling. The instant the rope touched her skin she flinched with the beginning stages of panic. Dylan noticed her breathing quicken and tears begin to pool in her eyes. He leaned in close, pausing until their gazes connected. “Focus on me, my Hope.” He maintained eye contact until her breathing steadied. “Good girl.” Dylan continued with his demonstration, explaining each curve of the rope, caressing her skin as he went. The gentle timbre of his voice and constant touch continued to calm her. Soon he lifted her other arm, placing it in a similar position with one hand crossing the other just behind her neck, resting on her thick hair that he put in a braid before they left the office.

  Once secured, he wrapped the rope under her exposed breasts, around her back, over the top of her breasts, and across her chest, creating an X between her ample globes. Combined with the position of her hands, her chest thrust out in front of her. “This maneuver also creates a beautiful view of the model’s breasts. Stand, Hope.” She slid down and turned to face the audience. Evie watched as her stool was covered with a brown sable throw. It briefly touched her leg as it was being draped over the seat, and she wished she could wrap herself within its warmth.

  “Up.” He lifted her onto the stool, positioning her in the center of the fur. Her skin tingled against the softness. “Look at me, Hope,” he whispered. He inhaled quickly when he looked into her eyes and saw that her pupils were dilated to the point that only a sliver of the green pigment could be seen. “I want to fuck you right now.” His lips were against her ear. “Open your legs. I want them to see my cum seeping out of you.”

  Dylan stood to his full height and continued his lecture. “It is important that you watch your model closely to make sure that circulation is not constricted. Watch for a blue tint to the skin or extreme redness. Absent that, the sub can remain tied for quite some time.” He stepped to the side and motioned to Evie. “Hope will remain on display at my pleasure. Feel free to come closer to view the binding. I’m here if you have any questions.”

  Dylan stepped from the stage and leaned against a high bistro table within Evie’s line of sight. The rules still applied. No one would touch her without Dylan’s permission, and she was not permitted to speak. Even though several moved toward her to admire Dylan’s work, no one touched her. The texture of the rope and the feel of the sable under her were extremely erotic. Evie was confident that anyone looking could see the dampness seeping through her soaked thong and had no doubt that any of Dylan’s seed that spilled over would be clearly be seen against the deep brown of the sable.

  Dylan watched from the perfect vantage point. His Hope sat straight as a board with her legs spread for all to see. With Evie as his inspiration, the Shibari, though simple, was probably the best he had ever done. “What the hell did you do with Allison?” Dylan’s friend Ben walked up behind him, slapping his shoulder.

  “Hey, man,” Dylan said. “She’s talking to a new member.” He motioned to one of the scantily clad waitresses to bring them their usual drinks. “You just get here?”

  “A bit ago, I had to get myself sheared,” Ben said, running his hand across his newly trimmed buzz cut. “I saw your demonstration.” His biceps were clearly defined under his starched white shirt, and his ass was encased in tight jeans, drawing the attention of the waitress, the subs, and some Dommes. He took a sip from the ice-cold beer, not surprised that it was at his fingertips without asking. “You need to collar her soon, D.”

  “You think I don’t know that?” Dylan’s eyes did not stray from Evie. “I discovered several things tonight.”

  “Care to share?”

  “She likes being bound and likes the idea of two Doms flogging a sub. How’s that?” Dylan turned to his friend, who was paused with his beer bottle halfway to his mouth.

  “That’s just perfect,” Ben said, finally taking a sip. “Marry her or I’ll take her for myself.”

  Dylan laughed heartily. “And what about Allison?”

  “Bookends. Allison got off so hard while watching the two of you today that she would jump at the chance to have her as a partner.” Now it was Dylan’s turn to pause.

 
“Damn,” Dylan said, returning his gaze to Evie, who was watching him, her lips slightly parted. “That’s probably more than I needed to hear, but, I’m glad to know it.” He smiled as he thought about the possibilities. How would she feel about a woman touching her?

  “That got your attention, didn’t it?” Ben sniggered. “She seems to be handling being on display very well.” Ben nodded toward the stage.

  “So far, she is.” Dylan took another sip of his beer. “Her father told me that she stopped playing the piano because of stage fright. So, this is a big step for her. She’s uncomfortable, but not panicked.”

  “Uh-oh,” Ben interrupted. “Looks like some interference on the play.” Dylan looked up to see Meredith standing in front of Evie.

  “Shit.” Dylan moved quickly toward the stage. Even with music playing, he could hear his friend’s footsteps behind him.

  * * * *

  Evie sat as still as stone. When Dylan first started with the demonstration, she wanted to scream and run from the stage. The first touch of the rope took her back to her last night with Peter. “Yes, mi hermana, that was your last night with Peter, and it was also your first night with Dylan.” The voice of encouragement sounded clearly in Evie’s mind. Others moved around her, some examining the rope and some studying her under the guise of getting a closer look at the Shibari. Evie felt completely exposed as she was aware of the eyes roaming over her body and she heard the comments. “My goodness, she is beautiful.” “Her skin is exquisite.” “Now, I know what drew his attention.” “He’s lucky he saw her first.” “I would kill for that ass.” “Welts would be beautiful on her creamy skin.” “I’m going to ask for permission to touch her.”

  She remained calm as Dylan watched intently. He stood leaning against the table about twenty feet in front of her, talking with Ben. If his eyes drifted from hers, it was only for a moment. If someone blocked their line of sight, he stood to his full height, nearly a head higher than everyone else, in order to reestablish the connection. He’s with me. I can do this as long as he’s with me. Even with him so far away, Evie began to feel empowered, almost proud to be on display for him.

  “Here.” Meredith stood in front of Evie holding out a bottle of water. Aw, damn. “Master thought you might like something to drink.” Evie looked at the tall blonde and frowned, leaning slightly to see if she could peer around her. “I’ll hold while you drink.” She thrust the bottle toward Evie, who dodged as best she could with her hands bound behind her head. Some of the water spilled onto Evie’s skin as Meredith continued to shove it toward her.

  “Back the fuck off, Meredith,” Evie heard someone behind her say. “You’re a petty bitch. Back off!” But Meredith wasn’t listening.

  One more lunge and Evie toppled sideways, falling from the stool. No that bitch didn’t! Working at the county hospital resulted in many bumps and bruises and a good understanding of how best to fall to avoid serious injury. As if in slow motion, Evie folded into a ball, which was difficult, given her bound arms and upper torso, but she managed to allow her hip to take the brunt of the fall, protecting her elbows from the hard floor. She looked up to see the smirk on Meredith’s face. It was gone as soon as Dylan brushed past her to get to Evie. “Oh, Master, she just fell over.” Dylan was on his knees next to her, lifting her by her waist.

  “Hope, are you okay?” he asked, touching her tenderly once he got her to her knees. Dylan touched her everywhere, squeezing gently as if checking for broken bones.

  “Master, she asked for some water.” Meredith moved to stand next to Dylan. “She was leaning to take a sip and just fell over.” She touched him on the shoulder, causing him to look up at her.

  “That’s not what happened,” Evie said softly. Dylan turned to her, placing a finger over her lips. He leaned in, his lips replacing his finger against hers, before he lifted her to her feet, sitting her back on the righted stool. Slowly, he started unwinding the silk rope. The imprints against her skin were clear, though not deep. He had hoped to unravel the ropes in private, exploring the markings on her skin left by the tight binding, but that was ruined now. “I’m sorry,” she said once he was done and he pulled her to standing. He turned her slightly and she looked up to see Ben reaching for her. He folded her into a soft blanket before lifting her easily into his arms and walking away from the scene. Evie turned to look over his shoulder and watched Dylan take Meredith’s hand and lead her in the other direction. A moment before they got lost in the crowd, Meredith turned to look at Evie, a contented smile on her face. She pursed her lips, as if to say, “Oh, you poor thing. You actually thought he wanted you.” Evie buried her face into Ben’s shoulder, willing herself not to cry.

  * * * *

  “Meredith, what the fuck was that?” Dylan said when he got her into the hallway that led to the dungeon.

  “Master, it really wasn’t my fault,” she said as she played with the scarf that barely covered her small breasts. “She asked me for some water and then leaned over too far. She’s just a little top heavy, I guess.” Her smirk was back.

  “First, it’s Master Dylan. I’ve told you that more than once. Second, you’re lying. And you know I hate a liar.” She tried to cut him off in protest, but he cut her off by raising his hand. “I have a good mind to walk your ass out of here, but that would be too good for you. You need to be punished.”

  “Yes, Master Dylan.” She tried to sound compliant, but was unable to hide the broad smile at that declaration.

  “Don’t get happy, Meredith. I will not be administering your punishment. I will leave that to…” Dylan paused when Harrison Stark interrupted by clearing his throat.

  “Master Dylan.” The man walked closer. “I couldn’t help but witness this sub’s transgression against you and yours. I would like to offer myself as the mechanism for her punishment, if I may.”

  Dylan turned to look at the man, realizing that the cane he carried had nothing to do with mobility, but rather he carried his favorite tool with him everywhere. “Under normal circumstances, we would not allow a new member to administer punishment. However, this is anything but a normal circumstance, and you are far different from our typical new member.” His attention returned to Meredith. “And I need to see after my Hope.” Her smile was gone. “Master Harrison, I will leave it to you to channel my rage and anger in a manner you deem appropriate.” Dylan recalled his conversation with the Denver club owner, who described Harrison Stark as “skilled and brutal” and very sought after by pain-hungry subs. “All I ask is that you do it on one of the main stages.”

  “As you wish, Master Dylan.” Harrison bowed slightly and reached for Meredith’s hand. “Come, my dear. I think we have some things to discuss.”

  Dylan turned from them even before Harrison returned upright from his bow. He made his way through the club toward his office, knowing that Ben took her there, where Chris was likely waiting with Dr. Morris, to whom they paid a retainer for just such circumstances.

  He left me. He walked away with that woman. Evie rubbed the bracelet with her fingers, wishing there was a way to get it off and run from the room. She looked up to see Ben and Chris watching the doctor as he checked her. Ben looked into her eyes and smiled slightly. I hate that “oh, you poor thing” look.

  “Okay, you can sit up.” Dr. Morris helped her to a sitting position, and she reached to pull the blanket back around her. “It doesn’t look like anything is broken. Bracing yourself like you did probably prevented a broken arm or dislocated shoulder. You’ll be sore tomorrow, but all in all, I think you’ll be just fine.” He rose just as Dylan entered the room.

  “Is she okay, Doc?” he asked as he sat next to her on the couch. He rubbed her back and pulled her close to him as Dr. Morris repeated his diagnosis. “Thank you,” he said as the doctor picked up his bag and left. “Good, Antonio.” The sub entered carrying a shot of whiskey and a bottle of water. He smiled at Evie as Dylan took the glass from him.

  “No problem,” he said as h
e set the bottled water on the table. “Excuse me while I go accidentally on purpose punch Meredith in the eye.” He turned and left. That’s right. Bitch. I knew I could always count on Antonio. “You can count on Dylan, too.” The soft voice entered Evie’s thoughts.

  Evie took a sip of the amber-colored liquid and then knocked the rest back in one gulp. Dylan looked at his friends, who took their cue to leave, but not before touching Evie, Ben tucking a ringlet behind her ear, and Chris touching her cheek. They really like to touch, don’t they?

  “Are you okay, Hope?” Dylan tucked the blanket around her and hugged her close.

  “You left me.” Her voice was barely a whisper. He looked down at her, his forehead creased in confusion.

  “I’m right here, Hope. Right here.”

  “You untied me, took her hand, and walked away.” She pushed back from him so that she could look into his eyes. “Ben and Chris took care of me. You walked away…with someone else. Someone who lied about what happened. So, no, I’m not okay.” She was crying now. Before he could speak, she shook her head and put her hands up. “Physically, I’m fine. I’ll have a bruise. My pride is hurt more. I can’t imagine what I looked like rolling around on that stage. Not the first time I looked like a fool on stage. It’s embarrassing, but I’ll get over that. What hurts is how you took her and rushed away.” Her tears flowed freely.

  “Oh, Hope. You’re so new to this. I should have explained.” He sat on the edge of the sofa and looked back at her. “Meredith had to be punished for interfering with a scene, for injuring you, and for lying about it. I made sure you were okay then went to deal with her punishment.” He caressed her cheek, rubbing away tears with his thumb. “I did not walk away with her. I went away to deal with her.”