“Don’t be an ass, Frank. We’ve had a temporary parting of the ways, and I need to fix it. Can you help me out or not?”
“What’s in it for me?” Eugenia frowned. She could see the gleam of avarice in his dark eyes and knew he wasn’t going to come cheap.
“How about an all-expense-paid vacation in St. Bart’s?” She just had to give it a try, but she knew it was going to cost her.
“That’s not gonna do it for me, baby. You’re on the gravy train, and I want a piece of the action.”
“If I don’t fix this problem with Drew, there isn’t going to be any gravy train. Get down here, and we’ll figure out the details later. If I can’t find a way to get on that boat and back in Drew’s bed, it may be too late to reconnect with him by the time he gets back to New York.” She huffed in frustration and continued, “And on top of our little blowup, when I saw him on the tender on his way back to the boat, it looked like he was with a slender blonde with long hair. I couldn’t see clearly, but I didn’t like the looks of it. They looked far too chummy, not like they were just sharing a ride. The woman looked familiar, and I think he has one of his admins on board with him. I called his office in New York but was only able to find out that Ivorie James was not in the office and not expected back for a while. The bastard. He didn’t wait long to hook up. If it is Ivorie, that little bitch was the cause of this whole problem.”
“Doesn’t sound good, babe. You’re going to have to make it worth my while—and I’m not talking about trade goods, if you know what I mean. You’re a great piece of ass, but I need some bucks.”
“Just get down here, Frankie.”
Chapter Fifteen
The Golden Dolphin—in International Waters, October 8, 2013—Tuesday Afternoon, Day Three of the Cruise
Drew and Ivorie lazed the morning away after she had done a few things in the office. He had spent some time on the private deck off the Master Suite on a second read-through of the Riverstone contracts as the ship made its stately way through international waters toward its first port of call, St. Barthelemy Island. As far as he could tell from his monitoring of the GPS feature of his iPhone, they were right on schedule.
Later they went up to the main deck for lunch with the other passengers. They had been spending quite a bit of time with the Turners, who had turned out to be great company and good for more than a few laughs—at themselves and everyone else. Chris in particular had a biting wit and a gift for impersonations that was astounding. If a person weren’t looking at him they would think they were talking to the old Jewish man in the deli, or the Irish priest, or an Italian race car driver. His repertoire was endless and hilarious.
* * * *
While Chris and Drew were arguing about the current football season, Jenni said, “How’s it going, Ivorie? Is everything okay? Have any questions while the guys are battling it out over football?”
“It’s going well, I think.” Ivorie laughed and blushed. “We used one of the theme rooms yesterday afternoon. I have to say that I had no idea that role-playing could be so powerful and arousing, or so much fun. It was a revelation.”
“That’s why people do it. It’s easy to forget it’s all a fantasy and really get caught up in the action. Which room did you use, again?”
“The Medieval Bedchamber. I wore this gorgeous blue lace and satin gown.” She laughed again. “For a very short period of time. It was off me almost before it was on me!”
“Good for you! That’s the idea. The whole point is to have sexy fun. I can’t imagine why anyone would do things that just make them miserable.”
“Oh, it was sexy fun all right.”
* * * *
Drew looked up and saw Natasha Romanova approaching their group. “Captain Cortelis and Casey Campbell are giving training session for some of the unattached subs in the dungeon this afternoon. The demonstration is open to anyone who would like to attend. It should be most informative,” she said in her soft Russian accent.
“What is the demonstration about, Natasha?” Chris asked.
“Is mostly protocol for new subs. Positions, how to address the Master, the use of some of the equipment. Things like that.”
“I wouldn’t mind watching Con in action. He’s supposed to be a Master Dom. What do you think, Ivorie? Are you up for a little training in D/s protocol?” Drew smiled at her. They had discussed the possibility of trying the Dominant/submissive scenario. While she was a little apprehensive, she had not refused outright. It was still open for discussion. Drew thought she just really did not know what to expect and observing this training session could be just what she needed to feel more comfortable. She had come around and thoroughly enjoyed their foray into role-playing, and he thought she might enjoy the D/s situation as well.
“That sounds fine to me. Are you guys going to come along?” Ivorie looked hopefully at Jenni.
“Ha! Jenni could use a brush up on D/s protocol,” Chris said as Jennie punched him in the arm less than gently. “See what I mean? No respect for her Master. We’ll be there.”
“What do you mean, Master? I’m a paragon of D/s protocol.” She couldn’t keep a straight face, and Chris gave an outright hoot at that exaggeration.
Drew could see that their clowning around had relaxed Ivorie’s apprehension, and he was glad. He wanted her to enjoy these experiences and not dread them. He leaned over and kissed her neck before he whispered in her ear, “Don’t worry. It will be fine. I think you’ll get a kick out of it.”
* * * *
There was an air of excitement and expectation in the dungeon as the spectators waited for Master Con to arrive with his sub for the day, Casey Campbell. The subs in training were sitting on the floor patiently in a semicircle in the center of the room while the observers sat on sofas against the walls. Drew pulled Ivorie down onto his lap to free up space for the Turners. Jenni dropped down in Chris’s lap with gusto, and he let out his breath with an exaggerated whoosh.
Ivorie whispered in Drew’s ear. “I’m really kind of excited. This is all so new to me.” He gave her a squeeze and settled her more comfortably in his lap.
* * * *
Constantine Cortelis, Master Dom and captain of the Golden Dolphin, entered through the carved double doors of the dungeon with his sub, Casey, at his heel. He was bare chested and wore tight black leather pants that emphasized his physique. He stopped just inside the door and pointed down. She immediately dropped to the slave position on the floor beside him. He knew his stature, physique, and dark looks were intimidating, and he made the most of them. His black eyes were hard as he swept them over the subs waiting on the floor. “Subs, assume the slave position. Observe Casey. Notice that her eyes are down, her knees are spread open, hands on her thighs, palms up. You will assume this humble and available position while waiting for your Master unless he tells you otherwise. You may be ordered to stand while waiting for your Master. In that case, you will stand with your feet shoulder width apart, hands clasped behind your back, head and eyes down. You will not speak unless asked a direct question. Understand? Your response should be ‘Yes, Master’ or ‘No, Master.’ If you need to ask a question, you will say, ‘Permission to speak, Master.’ You are not to volunteer your opinion unless you are asked. What do you say?” Con had a naturally deep voice that he intentionally lowered another octave when addressing the subs. It just let them know they needed to pay closer attention.
They all dropped into the slave position. “Yes, Master,” they responded in chorus. They all looked to be in awe of him, which was the whole purpose of the exercise. He walked around the trainee subs, who wore bras and thongs, adjusting their position, which consisted mostly of spreading their legs wider.
“It is important that you obey your Master quickly and without hesitation. This is for your safety and well-being. Hesitation and disobedience will be punished. Orders are not to be questioned or negotiated. Your only recourse to obeying an order is to use your safe word. On this ship the safe word is �
�Kingfish.’ Repeat the safe word.”
“Yes, Master. Kingfish.”
“Excellent.” He turned to Casey. “Sub, demonstrate the proper manner of standing at attention.” He watched as Casey gracefully rose to her feet and assumed the standing position. “The purpose of these positions is to show your submission to your Master and the availability of your body to his needs and desires at all times. Casey, strip.”
She immediately removed her short tunic and stood naked, completely at ease in the situation. He smiled slightly. Even though they had not discussed what he would be doing, she had obeyed him without hesitation. She was a well-trained sub and very pleasing to the eye. Her long red hair was bound in a ponytail and hung down her back. He inspected her body. She was of average height and pleasingly curved. He didn’t appreciate skinny women. Her breasts were plump and high, and she had a heart-shaped ass. He was going to enjoy this. And, best of all, he’d beaten Alex Dragados to the punch. They’d been friends and colleagues for years and had attended BDSM clubs together all over the world. That did not preclude a little friendly competition, however, and Con was currently one up.
“We will now demonstrate the proper usage of the various pieces of equipment in the dungeon. You will find most of these items in the theme rooms as well. Casey, put on your cuffs.” He waited while Casey put on the padded leather wrist and ankle cuffs. Then he carefully checked them himself to be sure they were properly fastened, were not too tight, and did not chafe. “It is the Dom’s responsibility to see to the safety and well-being, both emotional and physical, of his sub, during and after a scene. Discipline is the Master’s responsibility as well. Aftercare is the Dom’s responsibility and privilege, as well as his pleasure. No good Dom leaves a sub in distress, either after a scene or after discipline has been administered. Physical comfort and pleasure are privileges to be conferred by the Master, if earned by the sub. They are not rights, but emotional care is a right. Any questions?”
“No, Master.” The subs looked enthralled.
Con and Casey demonstrated the restraints on the spanking bench, the proper use of a spreader bar, the application of nipple clamps, and various other pieces of equipment.
When they had gone over all of the equipment in the dungeon except the St. Andrew’s Cross, Con went to the storage wall and picked up a soft suede flogger. He returned to Casey and motioned for her to mount the St. Andrew’s cross. He fastened her wrists and ankles to the cross bars and checked to be sure she was secure and comfortable. He demonstrated the mechanism that controlled the hydraulic step on which she was standing, and raised it to just the right height.
“Casey has earned a punishment for a certain matter of insubordination, and she is to be disciplined for it. It is important that a sub knows the rules and the consequences of disobedience. Now, sub, why are you being punished?
Casey hung her head and whispered, “I disobeyed a direct order, Master.”
“You will receive ten strikes. You will count.”
* * * *
Ivorie closed her eyes and pressed her face into Drew’s neck. She didn’t know if she could watch this. Drew held her close and whispered, “Remember what we talked about after Greg’s demonstration with Natasha? He is going to discipline her, but he is not going to really hurt her.”
* * * *
Con applied a chamomile and aloe lotion to her back and bottom to protect her delicate skin. He picked up the suede flogger and ran if over Casey’s back and butt, preparing her skin for the first strike. He picked up her red ponytail and placed it over her shoulder, out of the way. He could see that she was trembling as she waited for him to continue. Her need was apparent as she lowered her green eyes.
The first lightly stinging strike landed full across her round, dimpled butt. “One, Master.” He landed eight more hits on her butt, her upper back and across her thighs before the last one came down square on her butt again. “Ten, Master.” His last strike precipitated an orgasm that crashed through her system like a rogue wave. It visibly flowed through her muscles.
Before she had completely recovered, Con knelt down behind her and applied more lotion to her back, bottom, and thighs as she hung helplessly from the bars of the cross. Then he quickly released her restraints and picked her up in his arms. He sat immediately in a leather chair in the corner and gestured for one of the soft, light blue blankets. He wrapped her carefully and held her on his lap as he gently smoothed the little tendrils of red hair from her forehead and spoke softly for her ears only. Natasha efficiently moved the passengers out of the dungeon and left Con alone with Casey.
* * * *
Ivorie and Drew retired to the Master Suite. They both stripped and sat in the private hot tub on his deck. He pulled Ivorie into the vee of his thighs and proceeded to massage her stiff shoulders. “Are you okay? Do you want to talk about it?”
“I have to say that was scary. You wouldn’t do that to me, would you? I mean, if I agreed to try the D/s thing?”
“I might. Depending on if you earned a punishment that severe. But remember, again, it really wasn’t that severe. Con is an expert Dom. He knows how to use all of the leather impact toys. There was no broken skin…”
“Toys? That was a toy?” She was astounded and horrified.
“They are called toys, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t serious implements and that the Dom doesn’t need to be well trained and careful in the use of any whips or other items of that nature. You saw that he never struck her lower back so as not to injure her kidneys.” She could tell he was trying to speak very clearly and carefully. He didn’t want to frighten her, but he wasn’t trying to gloss over the subject either. She could respect that. “My preferred method of punishment is an old-fashioned, over-the-knee spanking with my bare hand. I find that the most satisfying and sensual method, for both me and my sub. If you did something totally stupid that endangered your safety, I might use a more severe method of correction. I would not expect that to be necessary.”
Ivorie shook her head. She didn’t know if she could agree to this. While, much to her chagrin, she had found herself aroused, she didn’t like the idea that it had affected her in that way. She had to think about this a little more before she agreed to participate in a D/s scene.
They went to bed, and Drew pulled her into the security of his arms, cuddled her close, and told her to just go to sleep. After they had been in bed for a while, Ivorie awoke trembling from a bad dream in which Drew was going to beat her with a whip. He soothed her gently and quietly began rocking her in his arms until she calmed down and went back to sleep.
He laid awake for over an hour thinking as he held her. He knew he was developing feelings for Ivorie, and he wasn’t sure how he felt about that. The sour taste of Eugenia still lingered on his tongue.
Chapter Sixteen
The Golden Dolphin—in International Waters, October 9, 2013—Very Early Wednesday Morning, Day Four of the Cruise
Drew and Ivorie woke up early and went out onto the deck. The sun had not yet completely risen. Drew had the GPS app up on his iPhone and was monitoring the ship’s progress. As they waited for breakfast to be delivered, they drank their first cups of coffee and watched St. Maarten island slip by on the starboard side. A little while later, they entered the Caribbean Sea. It looked like the ship would anchor in the outer harbor at St. Bart’s on time at ten o’clock. Ivorie had awakened cheerful with no bad effects from her nightmare. Drew was relieved. That had really scared him, and he didn’t want to be responsible for Ivorie having nightmares in his bed.
“So, do you want to go ashore and attack the shops on St. Bart’s?” He smiled at her. He wanted to erase any bad memories of the night before, although the tacky Key West souvenir shops had not faded from his memory.
“You bet! From what I understand, they are a lot better than the shops in Key West.”
“Well, that remains to be seen, but let’s check them out. We can be on the first tender to the dock, shop, have lunch
, and get back in time to relax by the pool for the afternoon with an adult beverage. There might even be time for some ‘afternoon delight.’” He grinned at her hopefully.
“You’re crazy, you know that—not to mention insatiable. I never would have thought it four days ago! I’ll go back to my cabin and get dressed, and then I think I’ll check in at the office just in case. Maybe we can go after that. How about eleven o’clock or so?”
“That would be good. The captain has to take all passenger and crew passports and the ship’s documentation into the harbormaster’s office before anyone can get off the ship.”
* * * *
Ivorie changed into a pair of navy-blue walking shorts, white T-shirt, and her old comfortable Top-Sider boat shoes. She pulled her hair back into a loose French braid and grabbed her shoulder bag and a pair of sunglasses before she went through the connecting door into the office. Then she sorted through the overnight e-mails, disposed of all the spam, and forwarded a few items to Drew’s iPhone. Geez, even out here there is junk e-mail. She got up and made herself another cup of coffee in her mini Keurig coffeemaker, and then she sat at her desk for a few minutes to think about the 180-degree turn things had taken in just four days. If she wasn’t living it, she wouldn’t believe it herself.
She had to wonder if the Drew she had come to know since she had boarded the Golden Dolphin was the same person she had known in New York. She giggled to herself. Maybe the real Drew Blessingame had been snatched by aliens, and they left an imposter behind. That seemed just about as likely as Mr. Blessingame becoming human, actually laughing, and making wild love with her. Yikes! She’d made wild love and actually slept with Mr. Blessingame. She couldn’t process these facts. She certainly had some thinking to do, mainly about how she was going to handle this when they returned to New York. She knew it would be a major letdown to return to the office and the way things had been before. She knew it would break her heart to see the lighthearted smile and the dimples leave his face as he became the prickly, demanding, dour man he had been before. Maybe it would be time to change jobs. It was something to consider, although the possibility didn’t please her. She was afraid she was falling in love with Drew Blessingame.
Ivorie's Surprise [Golden Dolphin] (Siren Publishing Classic) Page 7