Balancing it All : BDSM Dark Romance (Punishment Pit Book 4)

by Livia Grant

  “But—”

  “No buts.”

  “But you are going to miss it, if you haven’t already.”

  He hugged her closer. “I’ve been a little too busy to miss anything.”

  “Still, don’t you miss doing the show?”

  “Not yet, but I do worry I might at some point. Let’s face it. I opened the club because I got off on not only the power exchange play, but also the show aspect of the club, whether I’m in it or just watching.”

  “I’m not ready to watch you on stage. And I’m definitely not ready to join you on stage, but why don’t we just go watch tonight’s show? You could be there with me to help me through it.”

  “I don’t know, Tiff. Tonight’s show is gonna be pretty edgy,” he warned her.

  “How about tomorrow night? Or the next night?”

  “Edgier, and the edgiest.”

  “So tonight it is,” she said firmly.

  “Why the rush? Let’s go through the contract first.”

  “I’d rather just go and talk about stuff as it comes up. You’ll be there with me the whole time.”

  “It isn’t going to work,” he said.

  “What is that supposed to mean?”

  “There are too many reasons to count.”

  “So that’s it? We’re throwing in the towel?” Tiff asked.

  “You know that’s not what I mean.”

  “Do I?”

  “Well, for one thing, you can’t go down there and talk to me in this snippy tone of voice. Sassy Tiff is going to find herself in a world of trouble at the club,” he said.

  “Fair enough. What other reasons are there, Sir?”

  “Careful with that tone, young lady. Almost all subs are either naked or dressed in play costumes, and there is no way I’m prepared to share you at that level yet.”

  “Well, thank goodness for that. I’m not ready for that either.”

  “Are you ready to have sex in public?”

  She did a sharp intake of breath before squeaking out her reply. “Is that a requirement?”

  “Requirement, no. Just a fact. I already want to fuck you 24/7. Throw in the show, and the couples around us having sex, and the chances of me being able to stop myself from throwing you across the nearest table and fucking you silly are slim to none. So, unless you are prepared for that to happen, we’d better stay up here.”

  “Actually, that part sounds… okay. I mean if, you’re okay with it,” she admitted.

  “Ah! So now we’re getting somewhere. I already knew you were a voyeur. Maybe there is a pinch of exhibitionist in there, too?”

  “Well, when push comes to shove, I may chicken out, but right this minute, it doesn’t sound so bad. As long as you are there, and as long as…” She trailed off.

  “Yes?”

  “You don’t plan on having us play with other people, right? Just let them watch? I mean… ”

  Lukus was quick to interrupt. “Over my fucking dead body, baby. You’re mine. No one else will be touching a hair on your head.”

  “I bet it pisses you off that Derek keeps hugging me then, doesn’t it?”

  “Derek hugging you I can take, but he’ll lose his hand the next time he slaps your ass.”

  “Says the man who punishes women for a living,” she retorted.

  “No. Says your Dom.”

  “Touché.”

  “So, you want to go downstairs? I think you’re gonna have to convince me first that you are going to be a good little sub if I take you down. I’m not sure you’re in the right frame of mind. That sass is about to earn you a trip over my knee,” he said.

  “Oh, I’ve been a very good girl. I think I deserve a nice reward.”

  “Reward, you say? And what would that be?”

  “Well, you did suggest we need two make-up sessions. I’m ready to collect on number two any time.”

  “Make-up sex in the club. You’re on.”

  Chapter Six

  Tiffany

  What the hell was I thinking?

  Tiff had changed clothes twice. She was still not happy with the reflection staring back at her from the full-length mirror in Lukus’s walk-in closet. Only after she’d convinced him to take her to the show tonight did she realize she only had the clothes she planned on wearing to work at the Beauty Box tomorrow morning. She hadn’t even bothered bringing sexy lingerie, since they spent almost all their time naked anyway. She may have been a newbie, but even she knew better than to show up downstairs in her business outfit again. Her brief peek in the club earlier had made it abundantly clear that would be like wearing a tuxedo to the beach.

  She was not sure how she felt about wearing the borrowed, black baby-doll negligée out in public. She was trying hard not to think about who it belonged to, and why Lukus had it.

  The thought of a trip to the club with him definitely had her aroused with anticipation. Her excitement had her nipples spiking. She worked to stay calm by talking to her reflection in the mirror. “Less than one week. I’ve known the man for less than one week, and I’m about to go out in public looking like a hooker.”

  “Naw. I think you’re closer to a Victoria’s Secret model.” Lukus’s chuckled reply startled her. He was always sneaking up on her

  He’d stepped up close and pulled her back against his hard body. His large hands settled against her full breasts, cupping and massaging them as if they were his favorite plaything. They were both facing the mirror, and she watched his gaze devouring her. Her nerves got the best of her. “I don’t know, Lukus. Maybe you were right. Maybe we should stay up here, and go to the club next week.”

  It was subtle, but she saw the transformation cross his face. Even before she heard his voice, she felt the change in atmosphere. His simple presence took her breath away, leaving her powerless to even blink. “We are going downstairs. You’ll wear what you have on, with the heels you had on when you arrived tonight. Leave your hair down like it is. I’m gonna enjoy grabbing it as I fuck you from behind tonight. Lose the panties. You won’t need them.” His tone left no room for ambiguity. Master Lukus had arrived.

  By the end of his instructional rant, Tiff felt a physical throbbing at the apex between her thighs. She shivered with anticipation. That was what this man did to her. Her brain may still have balked at times like this, but the rest of her body melted when Master Lukus took her in hand. She suspected he’d been careful to tuck this part of his persona away, only taking it out in controlled sessions throughout the week. She wasn’t sure what made her happier—that he had proven he could balance being a Dom without bowling her over at every turn, or that when he did exert his Master status, both her mind and body had not only complied, but flourished under his domination.

  “Did you understand my instructions?”

  Tiff snapped out of her thoughts. “Yes, Sir.”

  “Good girl. Let’s get going. It’s getting late, and I want to give you a brief tour before we settle in for the show.”

  Too soon, she found herself in the elevator. Sensing her growing nervousness, Lukus pulled her into his arms, lifting her chin up so she had no choice but to look into his deep green eyes. “I want you to stay close. Don’t leave my side. I’ll introduce you to some people, but probably not everyone. Just follow my lead, and you’ll be fine. Most importantly, leave sassy Tiff upstairs. You are a sub tonight. If you have questions, ask quietly, or we’ll talk about them when we get upstairs. If you decide you want to leave, just say so and we’ll leave. Here’s the deal.” He broke into the sexiest grin before continuing. “For tonight only, you are in charge. I will deny it, of course, if asked—have to keep my reputation intact and all. But seriously, just take it all in, and tell me if you want to leave, okay?”

  “Thank you so much, Lukus. That means so much to me.” She couldn’t help but throw her arms around his neck and pull him into an open-mouthed kiss that threatened to melt the floor of the elevator. Only Derek’s chuckle pulled them out of their haze.

&n
bsp; “Well, I see you two’ve made up. Looks like you took my advice on the make-up sex, too.” Tiff was embarrassed enough to wish the elevator floor had melted and swept her away. Glancing in Derek’s direction, she could see the humor twinkling in his eyes. His relaxed persona seemed like an oxymoron because to an outside observer, the rest of him shouted menacing mercenary. She knew she was privileged being a witness to his big teddy-bear side on more than one occasion, too.

  Remembering her manners, she replied. “Yes. Thanks again, Master Derek.” He raised an eyebrow at her submissive response. If she didn’t know better, she would say he was impressed. Lowering his eyes to inspect her outfit, the Master Dom was back.

  When Derek finished ogling her, he shifted his focus to Lukus. “Well, I’ll be damned. I don’t know what surprises me more: the fact you’d leave the loft dressed like that, Tiffany, or that he’s gonna let other Doms see you half naked. I’m betting on a few fireworks on the floor.”

  “They can look, but I’ll break the hand of the first person who touches,” Lukus said.

  “I wouldn’t worry about it. Word has gotten around about your run-in with Robinson. I’m pretty sure you won’t have anyone wanting to piss you off again. I was just heading out. I’ll hold up long enough to let you get out onto the floor. I wouldn’t want Tiff to miss part of the show.” The evil twinkle in his eye sent a shiver down her spine.

  Lukus dismissed him with a, “Thanks, man.”

  As Derek headed out of the office, Lukus led Tiff by the hand to his huge desk at the far end of the room. She had only rushed through Lukus’s office before, so this was the first chance she’d had to examine the space. Floor-to-ceiling shelves covered all of the walls but one, filled with books and what looked like classic LPs. The wall opposite Lukus’s desk was full of monitors, some showing security footage of the club, others tuned into ESPN and CNN. Six red leather-padded chairs surrounded a large, round wooden table that was tucked into the corner. Stacks of poker chips, decks of playing cards, two large ashtrays, and what appeared to be a small cigar humidor combined to scream high-roller room.

  “Wow, you have quite the man cave going here, Lukus.”

  He unlocked the bottom drawer of his desk, pulling out a velvet-covered box. Any woman worth her salt could spot a jewelry box, and Tiffany was a pro. She looked up to see Lukus watching her.

  “Come here, baby.”

  “Okay.” It was an unsure whisper.

  She moved around the wide desk. He pulled her close with one arm, holding the box out to her with the other. Their eyes locked, and time stood still for several seconds. “I intended to make a bigger occasion out of this, but it can’t wait. We have so many other things to talk about before I expect you to keep this, but here… tonight… well Tiff, I would be honored if you would wear this.”

  Several more seconds passed while her emotions careened through her like a roller coaster. It was too soon for jewelry in this relationship. They hadn’t known each other for a week. Yet the fact he was giving her a gift this soon made that warm smoldering fire inside flare up again. She reached out and took the box with shaky hands before looking down and confirming the name of a well-known jeweler printed on the top.

  Cracking the box open to peek inside, Tiff needed a moment to realize what she was holding. The beauty of the jewels, the meaning of the gift, its immense significance. She was rendered speechless. Closing the box, she raised her eyes to meet Lukus’s.

  “What? You don’t like it?” he asked.

  “I… no. I mean… yes. I’m confused. What exactly does this mean?”

  Smiling like the cat who ate the canary, he took back the box, opening it wide to give her a better look at the thick gold choker. Tiny embedded diamonds caught the light, bringing a sparkle to the piece. Her gaze shifted to the gold and diamond pendant hanging below the choker. The letters MLM were engraved on it in a bold font. Tiff admired the piece before asking. “MLM?”

  “Master Lukus Mitchell. Tiffany, will you please wear my collar tonight? I’m not asking for a forever commitment here, but—”

  “Yes. Double yes. Triple yes.”

  Lukus chuckled. “Well, all right then. That was easy.”

  “Did you think I wouldn’t want to wear it?”

  “Tiff, we talked about so much this week. I already feel like we know a lot about each other, but we haven’t hit many big topics yet. We have a few hurdles to jump through. I’m not entirely sure where this is headed, but I know this: I can’t wait to put this collar on you, and take you out there to show you off. I’m going to be the envy of every Dom here tonight with you at my side.”

  Running her fingers across the cool gold, she wondered if she should tell Lukus the real reason she was thrilled to have his collar. To not tell him would feel like she was lying. “Well, I know you want me to wear it so the other Doms know who I belong with, but I confess, I have an ulterior motive. I want all of the subs to see it on me, and know you’re off the market, too. I really am trying to stay calm, but I’m not looking forward to meeting a bunch of women you’ve had sex with, and who are most likely hoping I take a tumble down the nearest flight of stairs.”

  He smiled at her as he took the choker out of the box, unhooking the clasp with care. “I think you might be a bit paranoid.” He took her hand, his voice serious. “Kneel for me, baby.”

  His request was part invitation, part command. Her butterflies were back as she sunk to her knees before him. She’d dreamed about this moment in her wildest fantasies—dreams fueled by erotic romance novels and voyeuristic visits to BDSM clubs years before. She’d almost given up on the fantasy, certain those men who seemed perfect on paper could never exist in real life. It was an illusion. Yet, here she was, kneeling at this man’s feet, about to accept the most personal symbol in a BDSM relationship—his collar. The moment felt important; it was important.

  Lukus worked the clasp, wrapping the collar around her neck. When it was closed, it fit as though Tiffany had sat for a fitting. It was snug, but not tight. Snug enough to be a constant reminder of… of what? He hadn’t said, “love.” He did say it was temporary.

  Don’t go there, Tiff. One day at a time. Just enjoy the night. Enjoy his possessiveness, if only for tonight.

  When she started to stand, his fingers brushed her shoulder to keep her on her knees. “Hold still for me a bit longer. I need to add more to your outfit.”

  He moved to the cabinets that she hadn’t noticed along the far wall. After opening several doors and rummaging around for a minute, he headed back towards her with what looked like wrist and ankle cuffs, similar to those in his bathroom. She’d absolutely loved how his devious mind had used them last weekend. She shivered, titillated at the thought of a repeat tonight.

  “Hands.” Lukus fastened the fleece-lined cuffs on her wrists before moving behind her to attach two to her ankles. Once done, he helped her stand. Even though she was dressed in a risque outfit, the collar and cuffs helped her feel adorned with Lukus’s mark and his protection. It was a foreign feeling, but she liked it. A lot. He dropped a quick kiss on her forehead before grasping her hand and moved them towards the door leading to backstage. The carabiners attached to her cuffs tinkled as she walked, making her feel like she was wearing a bell announcing her arrival.

  Lost in thought, they were both standing behind the bar when Tiff became aware of the sights and sounds of the club surrounding her. The bartender, a hefty older man who looked like he had recently retired from a biker gang, was busy serving members and waitresses. His leathery skin looked as tough as the leather pants and vest he wore.

  Lukus settled her in the far corner—out of the way, but nearby. His eyes commanded her to stay put. She couldn’t help but smile and was relieved when he grinned back.

  Tiff observed silently as Lukus stepped up to greet some of the members, taking a few minutes to amicably shoot the shit with them, while jumping in to assist the bartender. She didn’t hear anyone ordering, yet Lukus seemed
to know what everyone wanted, proving his intimate knowledge of the club members.

  She took the voyeuristic opportunity to admire the total package that was Master Lukus Mitchell. Of course, he was handsome, with his thick, dark, near collar-length hair that was just long enough to add to his dangerous, I don’t give a fuck look. His scruffy facial hair screamed bad boy. The perfectly tight jeans paired with a fitted black T-shirt showcased his tall, toned body in all the right ways. He moved with the grace and power of a professional athlete. When he glanced over at her, his face lit up with a sexier smile than any A-list model could flash.

  I’m the luckiest damn woman in the whole city tonight.

  It took only a couple of minutes of working in concert to get the line down. Once done, Lukus had a private word with the bartender. She suspected they were talking about her because she caught Biker Dude glancing her direction. Lukus grabbed a bottle of import beer and poured a glass of white wine before heading back to her.

  “Ready?”

  “Yes, Sir. I think so,” she replied.

  “Good girl. Let’s go find a seat before the show starts. We have a pretty big crowd for a Thursday night. I think word got out we’d be in for a treat tonight.”

  “A treat?”

  “Let’s get a seat, and then you’ll see.”

  They made their way around the end of the bar and moved towards the audience pit. When Lukus stopped to shake hands with a small circle of Doms, Tiff found she was unsure of what to do with herself. The other subs knelt at their Master’s feet, or, in the case of one unfortunate sub, was perched across the back of a plush chair, naked ass in the air as if it were waiting to be the bullseye of her Dom’s target practice. Tiff felt sorry for her until she noticed the sly smile on her face as she flaunted her privates as she awaited her punishment. An exhibitionist at her finest.

  With each passing moment, Tiff became more uncomfortable. In a clash of emotions, she felt both over and under dressed. She was just about to sit down in a nearby chair when Lukus pulled her forward, wrapping his arm around her waist to pull her close.