by Lynda Aicher
She sensed the heat of Jake’s gaze assessing her with an intensity that missed none of her movements. She let her attention trail back to the crowd, pretending ignorance or obliviousness. She didn’t care which one the Dom bought.
It wasn’t hard to keep her eyes averted. She’d been raised to keep her chin up. To look away was to show weakness. But here, around all the Doms, her instincts deferred from her upbringing to her training.
“Do you want to go back, Kendra?”
She turned back and met Allie’s smile. “Where?”
Allie leaned closer, peering over Kendra’s shoulder in the direction of the red doors in discussion. “In the back. To the other areas of the club.”
It was impossible not to be amused at the blatant curiosity in Allie’s eyes. The lure of the forbidden was both enticing and scary. “Why not?” she answered, keeping her voice light. “That’s why we’re here, right?”
“Right.” The word was reinforced with a sharp nod, an act of confirmation for herself. Allie looked back to Cali. “How’d you ever find the courage to come here by yourself?”
Cali laughed. “Call it desperation, maybe.” She leaned into Jake, his arm tightening around her shoulders. “I was just lucky that it was Jake who welcomed me into the club on my first night.” She looked at her Dom. “It was him I came back for.”
The complete devotion that passed over Jake’s face as he stroked a finger down her cheek made Kendra’s heart ache. She’d wanted that once. That connection that was only made stronger because of what they shared sexually.
Kendra had no idea to what degree they were into the scene, but it was obvious to anyone that they were more than just Dom and sub to each other. Jake traced his finger over the intricate silver choker that circled Cali’s neck. He was lean muscle under his dark shirt that understated the power he projected. His black hair bordered on too long and his silver-grey eyes seemed to instantly assess each person he met. He had a commanding strength made stronger by his bad-boy allure. Cali shivered under his gentle touch, an action Kendra mimicked as she imagined that touch over the empty expanse of her own neck.
Was it in longing or revulsion?
When she’d left Eric, she swore she’d never wear a collar again. But watching Jake and Cali reminded Kendra of how it was supposed to be.
“Welcome to The Den, ladies.”
Kendra jumped at the unexpected male voice at her side. She looked up to take in the tall man standing by the edge of the table. His long, brown hair was pulled back into a queue, showing off his strong features. Muscled arms and chest were on display from under the black leather vest and the matching leather pants accented his trim hips, leaving one to speculate on the treasures beneath.
He was a Dom, without question. Identification registered, she immediately diverted her eyes to stare at the brown table top. Her breathing deepened, but she kept it controlled.
“Seth,” Jake said. “Joining us?”
The man held up a hand before anyone could move. “No, but thanks. I just wanted to introduce myself to your guests.”
Jake took the lead. “Seth, this is Allie and Kendra, friends of Cali’s. Ladies, this is Seth Mathews, friend and co-owner of The Den.”
Kendra managed a low response and was grateful that Allie jumped in to cover her lapse. The other four chatted for a few minutes before Seth made his excuses and moved away, allowing Kendra to breathe once again.
“So, how many owners are there?” Allie asked Jake. “I thought Deklan owned the club with you.”
Jake nodded. “He does. The three of us own equal shares.”
“Is he here tonight, too?” Allie scanned the crowd, her back straightening to allow for a better view as she leaned to see around the room.
Kendra looked at the ceiling of the little alcove, knowing exactly where the other man was.
“Yeah, but he’s busy with security,” Jake answered. “He doesn’t socialize much on these nights.”
“Too bad,” Allie said, her spine curling into the seat in a deflated motion. “He’s damn fine to look at.” Kendra stiffened at her friend’s comment then cursed herself for the reaction. “But then, Seth is too,” Allie continued. “No wonder you’ve been hiding this place from us, Cali. Keeping all these gorgeous men to yourself.”
Cali laughed, but Jake leaned over the table to nail Allie with a hard glare. “Cali knows better than to notice other men.” He turned to his sub. “Don’t you?”
She quieted, her face softening as she looked to her Dom. “Yes, Jake.”
Allie stared openly at the exchange, obviously trying to process what happened. For Kendra, it was beautiful. It shouldn’t be, not in this generation and time. But the subtle show of power and exchange given and taken freely hit her in the chest. What she saw so clearly was love and trust. Commitment and understanding of what they both needed and wanted in the relationship.
“Shall we continue?” Jake asked, looking to Allie and Kendra for an answer.
“I’m game,” Allie replied after a second of hesitation. “You?”
Everyone turned to Kendra, the expectation on the collective faces making her flush. Concentrating on Allie, Kendra forced a smile. “Yeah. I’m game.” The deep, throaty timbre of the words surprised her and had Allie’s eyes narrowing behind her mask. Kendra cleared her throat and ignored the unasked question, refusing to acknowledge the desire mixed with anxiety that bloomed with her agreement.
She was going deeper, closer to what she knew she shouldn’t.
Jake stood holding his hand out to Cali, who took the offering and scooted out of the booth to stand beside him, eyes down, a smile on her lips. Kendra swallowed then stood when Jake gave an almost imperceptible nod her way. Her pulse accelerated as she kept her focus on the floor and stepped past him to stand beside Cali.
Jake knew. It didn’t surprise her that he figured it out. That the Dominant in him recognized the submissive in her. It was like a built-in instinct that forced one to hone in on the other. She just wished she’d been able to cover it better.
Maybe I wanted him to know, the devil in her whispered.
A quick glance to her friend, and she saw that Cali had caught it too. Cali’s eyes were wide, a series of questions and understanding flowing over her face before she looked away, a knowing smile on her lips.
“I’m so nervous,” Allie chatted through the strain that had descended between the other three, completely oblivious to the revelation that had just passed between them. “I don’t want to embarrass myself by doing something stupid.”
“Just watch,” Jake said, inflicting calm in his voice. “You don’t have to do or say anything. If you get uncomfortable for any reason, let me know and we’ll leave.”
Allie inhaled deeply, her hand pressed against her stomach. Exhaling, she nodded. “Okay. I can do this.”
Kendra was last again as Jake led them to the set of red double-doors at the back of the main room. Even with her eyes cast down, her skin prickled with the awareness of every gaze that moved over her. Especially the one that bore into her back from its elevated position over the room. It made her insides flash hot and cold at once. Logic fighting desire—a war that couldn’t be won by either side.
Despite all reason and arguments against it, her body still responded with a longing that burned in her core and begged for a release she could no longer find without the inclusion of pain. She inhaled against the visions of whips and bonds that dropped into her mind. A shudder raced up her spine to twist with the fear and nerves sitting heavy in the pit of her stomach.
She shouldn’t go back there. Through those doors that would only lead her closer to everything she’d run away from. Recriminations tumbled on her, making her falter if only for a second.
Eric couldn’t win. She wouldn’t let him. This was just one more step in taking back her life. She could do this. Her stride restarted; the continued momentum pushed her forward. What was back there wasn’t inherently bad. It was only perceive
d that way by those who didn’t know better, or made that way by those who chose to twist it for their own desires.
As long as she stayed within the circle of Jake’s protection, she wouldn’t be touched. No Dom would encroach on his territory, even if it was by extension only. The risk was too high. Add the wrist band to that, and she was untouchable.
It was up to her to decide if she wanted to remain that way.
* * *
He tracked the slow sway of Kendra’s hips that drew his eyes to her ass. The fabric hugged it but was loose enough to tease over her skin and make a man’s hands ache to smooth it down and discover the firm mounds beneath. The gentle glide of her legs with the almost deliberate step of each heeled boot only emphasized the swivel. Unconscious or not, she knew how to entice.
Deklan’s mind called up her image. Her guest application picture had been plain, non-attention-getting in its simplicity, the same as what he’d observed at the condo. Her hair pulled back into a tight ponytail, her eyes covered in only a hint of makeup, but there’d been nothing she could do to dull the bright shine of her big, blue eyes. Her lips were lipstick free and full, but not fake, just pouty enough to make a man long to feel them under his.
Fuck. He pulled his concentration away from her retreating form and deliberately scanned the rest of the club. He rolled his head on his shoulders, the muscles and tendons stretching, only to snap back to their clenching hold the instant he stopped. There was one thing that eased him when he was wound this tight. Unfortunately he wouldn’t be indulging in that tonight. He had too much responsibility to the club to worry about his own needs. It didn’t matter that the object of his lingering interest was present within his domain.
He’d first spotted Kendra last summer around the condo complex. Although he didn’t attend the social gatherings in the courtyard, he often watched from his own unit. It was habit to know who and what was around him. Keeping tabs on his environment was second nature.
So he’d noticed the way she stood to the side at any given event, her gaze constantly scanning the exterior, her body held slightly tense, shoulders stiff under the laugh or polite smile she’d give to someone else. Just like he’d noted Cali’s warm, but reserved interactions and her need to stay busy, which also kept her detached. Or Allie’s brash forwardness and strong personality that didn’t let anyone run away, but also kept her protected from the inquiry of those she accosted.
Kendra was a woman who had secrets, and that interested him. Everyone had secrets, but hers ran deep. A fact his observations had verified over the last six months. She didn’t keep to a consistent routine, her shades were rarely opened and she moved with a sure stride that covered the ingrained hesitation—a look over her shoulder, a moving away from touch or contact with others—that spoke of abuse.
All were subtle actions that would only be recognized by someone who had personal knowledge of that life.
The instant flash of anger made his jaw clench in restraint. It was his push button, one others would laugh at, given his sexual proclivities. But what he did with a willing submissive was always consensual. He gave the sub what he or she needed within the boundaries they defined. It never crossed into abuse, something he reinforced and ensured within the club as well.
Seeing Kendra here, her submissive nature and knowledge flashing like a red cape to the circling bulls, made him see red, a bright ruby and scarlet glare that dimmed his focus and set off his personal warning signals. Within these walls, she’d be safe. But where did that leave her once she left? It shouldn’t be his concern, but by extension of Jake, she now fell under his protection. Or so he told himself.
Once again, his attention targeted back to her. They were clustered by the red doors, waiting for the bouncer to grant them access to the restricted areas of the club. To where the real fun played out in all its deviant forms.
Kendra turned her head until she caught sight of him out of the corner of her eye. This look was more circumspect than the direct challenge earlier, but it was no less impactful. The message was clear—she knew he was watching.
Like last time, he returned her stare until she turned away to walk through the doors. Would she enjoy the voyeur rooms? Or did she like to be the one on stage, playing out the Scene for all to watch? What if Jake took them upstairs to the Dungeon? Did she like the harder aspects of bondage? Would she moan as the tender, pink flesh on her ass was blistered to a deep rose?
The fact that he wanted to know those answers, was drawn to her with a strength he was almost powerless to resist, had him running. With a hard shove on the rail, Deklan turned away from the room below, a scowl on his brow.
His boots thumped loud on the stairs before he paused at the door, his forearms resting against the metal as he leaned in to listen. He heard the group pass down the hallway, Jake’s deep voice describing the Scenes that were playing out behind the doors. His nose twitched like he could smell her, his body reacting to her unseen proximity with a force that had him biting back a groan, grateful that no one could see him.
He waited until their voices quieted and the normal sounds of the club reclaimed his concentration. He jerked the door open, a quick check down the hall confirming Jake’s entourage was in a voyeur room. Setting his shoulders, he turned from the temptation and exited into the crush of the main room.
There were other customers to worry about. Things he should be doing besides obsessing over a confused sub. And it wasn’t even ten o’clock yet. Which only confirmed one thing—it was going to be a very long night.
Chapter Four
The woman on the stage let out a long, guttural moan that snaked across the open room to wrap around Kendra, drifting into her senses until she clenched her teeth to hold back her own verbal response. Moisture settled on her skin, her body flushed with arousal from the Scene before her.
She shifted in her seat, uncrossing and recrossing her legs in an attempt to ease the growing ache at her core. Her cheeks and forehead were clammy and sticky under the confines of the mask, but she didn’t dare remove it. She was safer behind it, no matter how uncomfortable it became.
“Does this turn you on?” The low question was asked against her ear.
Kendra inhaled at the tingles that shuddered down her neck to her nipples. That it was Jake asking only made her more attuned to her reaction.
She glanced at Cali, sitting on his other side. Her focus was on the stage, but her body hugged and molded with her Dom. Kendra wasn’t worried about Jake coming on to her; he was clearly a one-sub Dom. However, it was disconcerting that he was attuned enough to her to know to ask.
“Yes.” There was no point in lying, since he already knew the truth. She wasn’t going to think about the fact that it was almost impossible for her to lie to a Dom.
“The Dungeon is upstairs if you want to go.”
Kendra inhaled against the information, her stomach contracting with the loaded piece of intel. Of course she assumed a Dungeon was on the premises, but to know its exact location was another thing.
“Thank you, sir,” she managed to mumble, her gaze dropping to stare at the polished surface of his boots. Her hands fisted tighter where they rested in her lap, a reflexive spasm that shimmered through her.
The woman on stage chose that moment to release another cry, this one a high-pitched squeal that chased the goose bumps down Kendra’s arms.
Allie released a startled gasp beside her, and Kendra’s attention launched back to the Scene on stage. The man circled the female, who was bound to a large, inclined bed. The back elevated to allow the viewers a better angle to see all that was going on. Her ankles were spread wide, giving everyone an unobstructed view of her naked pussy and the large vibrator inserted within it, the strap around her waist keeping it in place.
The woman’s chest heaved up and down, her large, fake breasts shoving into the air with each breath. Kendra had no qualms labeling the breasts fake, since real ones that size did not stay so rounded and pert when reclined. A g
rin slipped over her lips at the thought. The Dom on stage didn’t seem to care if they were fake or real.
He pulled the woman’s head back with a firm fist of her hair until she strained against his hold. “Was that a complaint?” the Dom asked.
“No, sir,” the submissive replied, her voice hoarse and thick.
“Do I need to gag you?”
The woman’s throat worked, the deep swallow visible to Kendra from her chair three rows in. “No, sir,” the woman finally answered before she jerked, her hips arching off the mattress as the muffled vibrating sound increased.
Kendra bit her lip, her body on edge. One touch, she was certain. Just one touch over her throbbing clit combined with a sharp slap on her ass from a Dom right then, and she would come. It would be a gut-wrenching spiral into oblivion that had eluded her since she’d left this world. But no, she didn’t need that. She was here to prove just that, right?
The woman on stage was close to coming, but she held it back, waiting for her Dom’s permission. She shook with the tension, squirming within her restraints. The distinctive scent of arousal permeated the air. It was impossible to tell exactly where it came from because it was clear everyone in the room was turned on to some level.
There were little whispers among the crowd of thirty or so, murmurs of approval, desire or longing. There was a couple standing along the wall, the man’s hand under the woman’s skirt, blatantly rubbing between her legs as she undulated against him. Her mouth was open in unspoken pleasure, her eyes heavy lidded as she stared at the stage as ordered.
To distract herself, Kendra looked at Allie on her other side. Her eyes were open wide, accentuated by the framing of her gold mask. Her cheeks were tinged pink under the rim of the covering, her lips parted in a small gap of disbelief or amazement. It was hard to tell, but her friend wasn’t running away. She leaned forward, sat back then crossed her legs, squeezing her thighs tight in time with a small, abrupt inhale.