Designed for Submission (Devine Designs)

by Maggie Ryan

  Nancy paused again, and Elizabeth could hear her own heartbeat as she waited for her to continue. Perhaps Logan was correct; anticipation was an incredible thing.

  ''You wait and it seems an eternity. Will it be the knots or the suede? Will it be hard or soft? Where will he strike? God, when will he begin? He stands over you, knowing all these thoughts are swirling around in your head, as you squirm just the tiniest bit. He knows exactly how this is torturing you, so he does what a fantastic Dom does: he makes you wait some more.''

  '''Please, Sir,' you finally beg because you feel you will simply die if he doesn't start. He sees you lift your bottom a bit higher, as if you are seeking what you are still unsure will be intense pleasure or intense pain. You know that, no matter how you beg or plead, how you squirm or wiggle, the choice will be made by only one.''

  Elizabeth swallowed hard, her panties growing moist, her body proving to her again why she had chosen to offer herself as a Submissive. She understood every nuance of every word Nancy spoke.

  ''You hear just the faintest sound; you imagine you feel the molecules of the air moving apart to allow for his swing. You tense for just a brief moment, and then you remember who you are. You are his … you are his Submissive. You are finally allowed the answer as you feel the first stroke and your breath releases from where you've been holding it in anticipation. The stroke was ever so soft, ever so pleasing, as the strands seem to caress your bottom. You sigh in pleasure, your pussy growing wetter and wetter as stroke after stroke is painted across your bottom. You are sinking into bliss, your body heating with desire as he plays the sensual music of this wonderful dance across your skin. When the tempo changes, you are so taken aback that your breath once more catches in your throat, until the next note is played. No longer is the music soft, it is sharp and biting. You twist and squirm. You plead as your mind tries to adjust to this different dance. You want to beg him to return to the first melody, but just as you are about to speak, you feel your bottom lift towards the instrument he is playing and realize that he has known all along exactly which symphony to conduct. He knows you so completely and will give you exactly what you need, no matter how you might deny it.'' Nancy broke off again and seemed to shake loose of the intense memory. She looked at Elizabeth, and they both smiled dreamily as the dance ended, the musical notes of her story fading away.

  Elizabeth broke the silence, sighing as she shivered. ''You win,'' she said, with a smile. ''That's definitely the hottest story I have ever heard.''

  Nancy giggled and then finished the story. ''It was absolutely mind-blowing, Liz. I was never sure which sensation I would feel since there was no need to switch implements. All he needed was to simply flick his wrist, and it was either sharp and biting or soft and caressing. Master knew I needed him to finish the scene from the booth,'' she said, her eyes going soft. ''By the time he finished flogging me, I was begging him to fuck me. I was so wet that I came the moment he entered me. I don't know how Logan knew exactly what I needed last night, but, girlfriend, I believe you are in for one incredible ride.''

  Elizabeth shivered, her body flooding with arousal, as she reached out and ran her fingers along the strands. She knew exactly how Logan had known what Nancy needed. It was becoming very evident that he was a very, very sensual man as well as a knowledgeable Dom. It was an incredibly thrilling combination.

  ''I hope it's not just one,'' Elizabeth said, softly. With those words, Nancy knew that her friend was falling for Logan and from the way she looked, she was falling hard.

  * * *

  ''Elizabeth?'' Logan said, wondering if the phone call had been cut off.

  She seemed to sigh and then replied, ''Yes, I got my answer. I feel she should be the one to speak to you about her feelings, Sir,'' Elizabeth said, ''but I think it was a wonderful gift.''

  Logan was pleased, not only that both women seemed to enjoy the gift but that Elizabeth was addressing him with the respect shown a Dominant, in a tone of voice that told him she was willing.

  ''Exactly right,'' he said, and she smiled, knowing he was pleased.

  She and Logan talked for over an hour. Elizabeth was smiling as she disconnected the call. He told her he would call her every day but that he understood from a very good source that when she was working, she tended to have tunnel vision. She had laughed, knowing Jason had to be his source.

  True to his word, Logan called her the next evening. They talked for over an hour, and when he told her to go to bed as it was getting late, she admitted she was already curled up in her bed and that talking to him was a wonderful way to end her day. He promised to call the same time the next evening. Every night for the next week she would hang up the phone, a smile on her face, and sleep peacefully.

  Friday evening, she asked if perhaps they could go to Round Top to see Harry. The playroom was coming along, and she wanted to make sure she placed an order for accessories. He agreed and was happy she had asked. Elizabeth waited for him to suggest they make it an overnight trip, but Logan didn't offer. As a woman she was disappointed, but as a Submissive she knew she couldn't make the suggestion. They left early on Saturday morning. Logan seemed a bit pensive but Elizabeth enjoyed the drive. The days had not yet turned hot, and with the top down, the convertible was comfortable, the view of the countryside pleasant and relaxing. They stopped about halfway at a little bakery in a small town square near a quaint park. They settled at a picnic table, coffee and freshly baked muffins before them.

  ''Logan,'' Elizabeth asked softly, ''may I ask you something?''

  He nodded, and when he saw her face flush, he immediately set his coffee down and reached for her hand. With their fingers entwined, she immediately felt grounded and safe. ''Elizabeth, you can ask me anything,'' he reassured her softly.

  She met his eyes briefly, giving him a soft smile before looking down at their hands. She took a deep breath. ''I'm sure you are aware that I am fal … um, very attracted to you,'' she said, and lifted her eyes, praying she would see acceptance in his eyes. Logan gave her a smile and nodded, but didn't speak.

  She swallowed hard. ''I'm also hopeful that you are attracted to me.''

  Logan released their hands only long enough to walk to her side of the table, lift her from the bench, and then sit down and settle her onto his lap. She relaxed, resting against his chest, unconsciously offering her hand to him as they linked fingers again.

  ''I am more than simply attracted to you, Elizabeth,'' Logan said, against her hair. ''I haven't felt this way before. I began falling for you the moment I saw you in that conference room,'' he said.

  Her heart stuttered and then filled with wonder. She looked up at him, her eyes showing her amazement and pleasure.

  ''You said you had a question; was that it?'' She shook her head, her eyes drifting away as she gathered her courage.

  ''Elizabeth, ask me,'' he said gently.

  ''Why haven't you taken me,'' she said softly, her cheeks flushing. ''I mean, why haven't you taken me to play at the club? Is there some rule against it?''

  Logan chuckled and kissed the top of her head. ''Well, since I make the rules, I would certainly change that one, if it existed, sweetheart,'' he said. ''I admit I'm finding it a bit difficult.''

  She looked puzzled. ''Please, I'm a good listener. Perhaps I can help you,'' she offered, and he fell just a bit more in love with her.

  ''Clarity,'' he said, and she nodded. ''I have been aching to be with you. I fight it every single time we are together. This …'' he paused, ''us, it means so much. God, I know I'm a man who is used to being in control. I'm a Dom, for Christ's sake—and you, Elizabeth—you are a beautiful Submissive. It is not like we don't know what happens … what to expect.''

  She nodded, a puzzled look on her face.

  ''Seeing you that night with Ethan—it was like I'd been handed a gift. I was stunned when I realized that, for the first time in my life, I was jealous of another Dom. I wanted it to be me. I was so shocked at my feelings that I didn't know h
ow to tell you.'' Elizabeth felt warmth flooding her body. ''Tastsinn is my dream. I saved for a long time in order to build the sort of club that I wanted to play in. I wanted to offer a safe, comfortable place where I could make sure protocol and rules that I felt were needed to ensure no one was hurt were rigidly enforced,'' Logan told her. Elizabeth could definitely understand the pull of a dream and hoped to soon know how it felt to achieve one. She looked up at him and smiled.

  ''I built a dream club and yet found I was jealous of a member. To answer your question, Schatzlein, I find I'm not into sharing you right now,'' he said. ''When we play for the first time, I want it to be just the two of us. I know that sounds crazy coming from a club owner, but that is as clear as I can describe my feelings.''

  Elizabeth shivered at both his words and the look in his eyes. She smiled and nodded. ''Clear enough, Sir,'' she said. Her question was answered and her heart was full. As they walked back to the car, her entire body shivered. Anticipation is the most demanding emotion of all. She only prayed that she could last until her Limo Man finally claimed her.

  The visit to the studio was very productive. Harry was glad to have company and very much enjoyed teasing Elizabeth and pushing Logan's buttons. He was thrilled to find the two seemed to be even more connected than he had thought when he met them at the festival. Harry had known Logan for years and crafted a great number of the toys and implements that were used at Tastsinn. Watching the two, hands never far from each other, bodies brushing, as if to reassure themselves they were still connected, he smiled. If ever two people were made for each other, these were those two. Elizabeth was a pleasure to work with, and he soon had several orders for custom items. He kissed her cheek and smiled when Logan shot him a look of warning. Yes, the man was a goner. When they left, Logan smiled and handed a bag to Elizabeth.

  She looked up at him, her eyes shining. ''Should I be scared?'' she asked, with a smile.

  He laughed and shrugged his shoulders. ''Depends,'' he said, as he opened her car door and watched as she seated herself. He reached across to fasten her belt and before straightening, kissed her softly. ''I believe you will adore it when you are a good girl,'' he said, watching her eyes dilate in pleasure at the thought of what he might do to her. He continued, "and come to dread it when you are a naughty girl.''

  Elizabeth felt a delicious shiver run up her spine and her stomach tingled. ''May I open it now?'' she asked. When he gently shook his head and she heard the sound of him popping open the trunk, she groaned. ''You know, Sir,'' she said with a mock glare as he took the bag from her, ''anticipation can kill a girl.''

  Logan chuckled and after putting the bag in the trunk, slid behind the wheel. ''Or, Schatzlein, it can make a girl obedient, so that she will be rewarded,'' Logan said, smiling across at her as she tried to pout, but smiled instead.

  Chapter 13

  Despite their intense attraction to each other, the two continued to take it slowly. It was as if they wanted to make sure before taking the more intimate steps. It amused and confused both of them, yet for some reason it just felt right. Logan continued to call, and the two continued to talk for long hours. They found they had the same beliefs in so many areas and agreed to disagree on some they both held strong views that opposed the other. They went to dinner and out to movies, the museum and took the trip to Galveston. They sat at a table in the old-fashioned soda shop in a historical part of old downtown known as The Strand, drinking thick milkshakes and watching an older gentleman demonstrate how salt-water taffy was made. They laughed as they watched tourists and children reach out to try to catch the freshly pulled taffy, wrapped in twists of wax paper and tossed by the man into the crowd. By the time they were driving home, Elizabeth had a ridiculously huge bag of the candy in her lap.

  The feeling of Logan's hand either on her back, or entwined with hers became something that Elizabeth deeply craved. She had never felt so centered, so connected with anyone before. She shared her feelings with Nancy and Jason, who were both very happy watching her blossom before their eyes.

  The playroom was finally completed. It was a truly beautiful space, full of light from the two freshly installed skylights. Garrett, Logan and Jason were all invited to the unveiling and were all very pleased. Helen walked about the room, running her hand over all the furniture, smiling at the very romantic old-fashioned chaise lounge that Nancy had found on one of her antique junkets. Nancy had it reupholstered in a deep blue, the color that they had decided to use as accents around the room. Elizabeth had a brief concern that perhaps Logan would be uncomfortable seeing his parents in such a space, but her concern was totally unnecessary.

  Logan sensed he needed to lighten the moment and clapped his father on his back. ''This room would be perfectly at home in Tastsinn's,'' Logan said, and was happy to see his dad's eyes twinkle. ''I'd say you'd have the absolutely perfect room.'' Ben laughed and agreed.

  ''Thank you, son. Just think of all the money we'll save on club fees,'' Benjamin said, and Helen and Nancy giggled, the exchange allowing the atmosphere to clear of the deep emotional pull.

  They all enjoyed another meal together; this time everyone was relaxed and conversation flowed easily. The younger people left early, knowing that there was a room upstairs that needed to be explored in privacy.

  Hours later, Helen stood back as her husband removed the black velvet cloth that hung on the wall. She gasped as a painting was revealed. Benjamin found his eyes filling as the scene stole his breath. The painting showed Helen kneeling before a crackling fire, her profile to the viewer. She wore a simple, almost transparent, gown that sparked the imagination while effectively shielding her body from view. Her head was thrown back, her arms behind her back. In front of her stood Benjamin, his eyes focused on the woman he loved, as she offered herself to him. He held the Infinity collar in his palms, the diamonds unclasped, a single deep green emerald showing how the necklace would latch the moment he placed it around the slender neck of the kneeling woman. Though there was nothing explicit about the painting, it was very erotic and deeply meaningful to the couple. They could look at the painting and remember the exact moment they had stepped into the deeply committed lifestyle they shared so intimately. They stood, their arms around each other, knowing that no matter how old they grew, this painting would allow them to be ageless in their love for each other. Elizabeth had asked that they wait until they were alone to open her gift. Benjamin kissed his wife, their love for the incredibly talented young woman filling both of their hearts.

  Later in the week, Logan invited Elizabeth to attend a popular Broadway show the following weekend. Also attending would be his parents, along with Garrett and Ariel. She was just the tiniest bit nervous, as it would be her first encounter in a dating situation with Logan and his parents. She found she was also quite anxious to meet his sister.

  ''Are Garrett and Ariel a couple?'' she asked, and then thought it was really none of her business. ''I'm sorry,'' she said, quickly.

  ''It is not a secret, honey,'' Logan assured her. ''They have known each other since we were all small. I think my folks always hoped they'd get together. I wouldn't be surprised if they did get married.'' He chuckled. ''How much you want to bet they'll have a beach wedding?''

  ''I'm not betting against it,'' she said. ''I'm the one that painted that funny little fish and the beautiful mermaid, remember?'' Logan laughed; he had been drawn back to childhood as he found the small tiger representing him in the mosaic.

  As she began preparing for the following workday, she had a soft smile on her face, remembering how he had ended the call. ''Perhaps I'll take a page from Jason's book,'' he had said, his voice seeming to drop deeper. When she asked what he meant, he had simply chuckled. ''Anticipation, my dear,'' he said, and paused. ''The game is in the name. Talk to you tomorrow.'' It had taken her a few minutes to work through his riddle. The game is in the name, she thought, and then gasped. She felt her face flush and her pulse rate increasing. He was taking her to see the mu
sical, 'Wicked'.

  Elizabeth had little time to consider what the weekend might bring as she and Nancy poured themselves into finalizing plans to begin work on Elizabeth's dream. When they had discovered that Benjamin was prepared to simply throw away anything in the storage room to prep the area for its new purpose, Elizabeth had been horrified. Her face must have shown her distress, because Helen spoke quickly.

  ''Don't fret, my dear,'' she said, to reassure her. ''This has been hidden so long that we've forgotten about it. All the children have already taken whatever they want.'' When Elizabeth offered to purchase some of the things, Helen's first reaction was disbelief that anyone would want the old furniture or knick-knacks. Her second was to tell her she could have whatever she desired. Elizabeth appreciated the gesture but was not one to take advantage of anyone, especially a client as sweet as this couple.

  When Nancy saw her friend run her hand over the same old trunk for the hundredth time, she turned to Helen: ''Liz loves nothing better than to refurbish old things to bring them back to life. If you don't let her purchase some of this stuff, I swear she won't be fit to work with.'' Helen shook her head but allowed Elizabeth to make an offer. Helen immediately cut it in half, insisting it was her final negotiation. Elizabeth had laughed, agreed and arranged the movers to make two deliveries: one to a local resale shop and the second to a small storage facility where she stored items she had been collecting for the past several years.

  The women had spent a tiring, but enjoyable, two days going through the storage room, deciding which pieces of furniture needed refurbishing, which looked perfect even in their old state, and what might work best in the rooms Elizabeth had designed. Nancy had convinced her she needed to provide a boutique inside the hotel.