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

by Livia Grant

  Lukus was thankful that Markus and Brianna were laughing at Tiffany, too. “Oh, baby, if I give you that category, I’m afraid you’ll pick it every time.”

  “Maybe, but it’d be the truth.”

  “Tiff, I’m trying to flush out what you are going to hate here. Can you give it a try?”

  “I guess. Someone else go first.”

  Brianna rescued her friend. “It’s okay. I’ll go first.” She was reaching into the basket when she remembered to look up at Lukus for approval. “That is if it’s okay with you, Master Lukus.”

  “Go ahead, sweetheart. Mix them up and pull out one card only. You can read it through to yourself, but then you’ll need to read it to all of us, and give us your answer.”

  “Yes, sir.” Bri reached into the basket and pulled out a folded notecard. Her eyes got as big as saucers, and Lukus suspected she pulled one of the more controversial cards first.

  Markus reminded his wife of the rules. “Okay, Bri. Read us your card.”

  “Not in a million years.”

  Lukus raised his eyebrow. “It would be nice to know what you are saying no to, sweetheart.”

  “Edge Play: Needles, knives, blood… No, no and hell no, Sir.”

  Markus squeezed her shoulder. “Thank God. I hate that shit, too. I don’t even get into watching it.”

  Tiffany’s lower lip quivered. Lukus almost missed her whisper. “Please, Lukus. Tell me you’re a no to that stuff, too. I mean, I could never…. Please don’t ask…”

  “Yes, baby, I’m a no to those things, too,” he reassured her. “I’ve tried all of them, of course, here at The Pit because we have members who are really into it, but I would never enjoy blood play with you.”

  “Oh, thank goodness.” Her relief was palpable.

  “You go next, baby. Pick out a different list.”

  She reached slowly for the basket and came out with a notecard. She glanced down to read the contents. When she looked up to stare at Lukus, no matter what words left her mouth, he knew she was interested in whatever was on her card. Her eyes gave her away.

  “Restraints and Bondage: Ropes, cuffs, chains, spreader bars.” She waited a full ten seconds before finishing quietly. “When can we start?”

  “It’s a good thing you said that, little girl, because I already know you love to be tied up. If you’d answered anything else, I would have spanked you for lying to me. I think you know how happy I am that you like being restrained, don’t you?”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  Markus was chuckling. “This one is an easy one for us too, isn’t it, Brianna?”

  “Yes, Sir and thanks for pointing that out in front of our friends.”

  Markus cautioned her as he reached out to grab his own card. “Be careful. Let’s see what’s next, shall we?” He read his notecard and looked up, grinning. “Punishment Implements: Flogger, paddle, crop, belt, strap, hairbrush, cane, switch.” He paused for dramatic effect. “Yes, yes, and more yes. All except the cane. Bri, we’ve talked about this, but I won’t use a cane on you—ever.”

  “Thank you so much, Markus. I totally agree, but then you knew that already since you’ve used all of those on me before, except the switch.”

  “Yes, my little pain slut loves her implements. I’m saving the switch and a good birching for when you are really naughty.”

  Brianna shivered at his words, wiggling.

  Lukus swung to Tiffany, who looked pensive. “Can I ask a question?” she said.

  “Sure, baby.”

  “Is this what we like to watch in use, or to be used on me? The answer may be different.”

  “I guess answer it twice, then. I want to know both.”

  “Well, seeing all of those punishment devices in use sounds exciting, but I’m not sure I want you to ever use a switch on me, and no way to a cane. The rest sound scary, but I’m willing to try them, once,” Tiff said.

  “That’s good, since I love them all. I can’t wait to introduce you to them.”

  “Okay, I guess.”

  Lukus pulled out the slip of paper he was most anxious to get answers for. They were some of the activities he enjoyed a great deal, but was concerned Tiff wouldn’t be able to accept. He took his time before reading the notecard, keeping his eyes on Tiff’s reaction. “Anal Play: Anal plugs, beads, anal sex, figging, rimming.”

  Their eyes locked. She did well masking her reaction. Lukus finally answered. “Honestly, I can’t wait to start every single one of these with you, Tiff. We haven’t touched on this at all yet, but I can’t wait to introduce all of these things to you; that is, if you’ll agree to let me to train that beautiful ass of yours.”

  Her face flared fire-engine red—she was so embarrassed at his words. Lukus welcomed Markus’s caution. “Don’t you dare get shy on us now, Tiffany. In case you haven’t noticed, we are all in this together. There is nothing to be embarrassed about. Answer Lukus’s question. Are you going to let him train your ass to take his cock?”

  Lukus was worried they were pushing her. Tears pooled in her eyes. She answered quietly. “How soon can we start? Everything but the figging and rimming. I’m not as excited about those, but I’m willing to try, Sir.”

  Lukus couldn’t help it. He reached out to pull her onto his lap. “Shit, I can’t wait to get started. If we had more time, I’d love to start right away.”

  Markus reined him in. “Well, we don’t have more time, so don’t get too excited over there. Brianna, I’m all in for all of these things, including figging and rimming. How about you, sweetheart?”

  “Oh yes, me too. The figging makes me a little nervous, but I’ve always loved reading about it and would love to try it,” his wife admitted.

  “Spoken like a true pain slut.”

  “My turn again!” Brianna was definitely having the most fun with the game. She pulled the next slip and pouted. “Why do I keep pulling all of the worst cards? Yuck. I’ve read books with these, but I just don’t get it. ‘Fetish Play: Pony or puppy play.’”

  Markus chuckled. “So you don’t want me to build us a stable or training paddock in the backyard?”

  Brianna gave him a look that could kill, but after one glance at Tiffany and Lukus, Markus knew better than to push her.

  “Don’t even look at me that way, Lukus Mitchell. The first time you come at me with a bridle and hoof boots, or bowls to eat out of like an animal, is the day I call it quits,” Tiff said.

  “I’m impressed, Tiff. I thought I might need to explain this one to you.”

  “Hey, I read Anne Rice’s The Taking of Beauty. Just reading those parts freaked me out. No fucking way.”

  “Noted. And let’s be careful. We don’t kink shame here at The Pit. Also, add ten to your count for cursing. What number are you up to now?”

  That got her attention. “Shit.”

  “Ten more.”

  “I’m up to fifty-five. That’s crazy! I’ll need to be hospitalized!”

  The rest of the room burst out laughing at her melodramatic expression.

  “Oh, baby, you’re adorable. Pick a card,” Lukus told her.

  Pouting, she reached out to pull the next card. Once again, she took her time, looking down at the card, not allowing Lukus to see her emotions. When she looked up, it was clear they’d found another winner for Tiffany.

  “Restraining Furniture: Pillory, spanking bench, gyno table, stockade, whipping post.”

  The new couple was in a stare-down. They both knew her answer, but he needed to hear it. “Say it, Tiff. I need to hear it.”

  “Please, you already know. Don’t make me say it in front of everyone. We should be playing this game alone.”

  “Baby, I’ve tried to do this many times with you, and you always avoid it. Now we do it my way. Your answer,” Lukus said gently.

  “When can we start?”

  “Good girl. Again, I’d have known you were fibbing if you gave me any other answer.”

  Brianna was whining. “Why does she
keep getting all of the good cards and I keep getting the crap cards?”

  Her husband answered her. “I don’t know. Maybe I should take you down to the pillory, where we can use a few of the implements from Lukus’s list until you stop whining. I think we all know where Bri and I both fall on this list.”

  Markus reached out for the next card. “‘Edge play: Electricity, wax, fire.’ We’ve never talked about these, but I would like to try electricity and wax play with you, Bri. I have no experience with fire though, and that seems pretty dangerous.”

  Lukus confirmed. “It is. If you guys want to try it, let me know. We host classes occasionally for some of the more advanced edge play. You can come and learn more then.” Turning to look at Tiff, he waited for her answer. While he had participated in all of these activities, none were favorites, so he could go either way. “How about you, Tiff? Any of them sound like something you might want to try?”

  “Whatever you think is best, sir. I’m not really sure.”

  “Fair enough. We’ll leave them on our ‘maybe’ list.” Lukus looked at his watch and determined that they were running out of time, but there were still some controversial cards left to pull from the basket. He reached out and pulled the one he was most interested in Tiffany’s answer on. “Suspension and Shibari: Full body bondage, horizontal and vertical rope, and/or chain suspension.’ Tiff, I’ve studied Shibari with several masters and I can’t wait to try this with you—that is, if you’re game.”

  She looked embarrassed. “I’m not one hundred percent sure I know what it is, but if it’s the binding with ropes and then suspending me, I think I’d like to try it.”

  “It is one of the more dangerous things we could try, but I promise you, knowing you like to be restrained in small ways, I think you’re really going to love it, baby.”

  Brianna was looking at her husband. “Can we try this too, Markus?”

  “Hell, yes. I’m not nearly as advanced as Lukus, but I’m pretty good, and I’ll keep you safe. I can’t wait until I can spank you, then fuck you while you’re hanging from a hook in the ceiling.”

  Both couples spent a minute making out, as if it were an intermission. Bri’s excitement for the game pulled her out of her husband’s embrace to pull the next card. “Oh, for crying out loud. Not again! ‘Water sports: Enemas, golden showers, toilet play.’ No, no, and hell no, again.”

  Markus retorted, “Well, you may not like them, but be warned: I plan on using punishment enemas when you’ve been very, very naughty. Considering you like to be spanked or paddled, I need to find some punishments you are actually not going to like. Thanks for confirming that enemas are on that short list of discipline sessions in your future.”

  Brianna’s groan lightened the mood, but the look on Tiffany’s face was not jovial. “All of those are hell no for me, Lukus. Don’t even think about it.”

  “Okay, fair enough. I’ll put them on the no list for now, but I reserve the right to bring punishment enemas back onto the table in the future.”

  “I thought the purpose of the game was for me to have a say in what we do and don’t do together?” Tiff asked.

  “It is, and you do. I accept your answer as your wishes. I also know things change over time. We’ll revisit later, okay?”

  “Maybe, but don’t ever try to piss on me. I’ll deck you so fast you won’t know what hit you.”

  Lukus grinned. “Fair enough. Your turn.”

  Tiffany pulled out one of the last cards and once again, she looked at it pensively. When she looked up, he saw absolute confusion in her eyes. “Do you know what your card is about?” he asked her. Her slight nod wasn’t convincing. “You need me to explain something?” She shook her head. “Read it, baby.”

  She didn’t make eye contact with anyone as she read her card quietly. “‘Fetish: Age Play, diapers, bottles, pacifiers, naughty girl punishments.’”

  A lengthy silence fell over the group while each waited for someone to say something. Lukus had to push her. “Tiffany. We’re waiting for your answer.”

  She lingered, looking at the card in her lap. Finally, Brianna spoke up to support her friend. “It’s okay, Tiff. Tell him.”

  Tiffany threw a glare at her best friend, but Bri’s urging did prod her to answer. “Fine. I’ve read a few age-play books. There were a few that were non-consensual and heavy on humiliation. I hated those. But there were a few—where the little girl was treated like a princess—that I honestly liked a lot. I’m not really sure I’d like to try it myself, but I will at least admit that I have read some of the books and liked them.”

  “You do know that Derek and Rachel age play often, right? I don’t want you to be surprised when Rach shows up in a diaper and a little girl outfit, sucking on a binkie one day,” Lukus told her.

  Tiffany looked surprised. “Wait, I saw her dressed like a teenager. You mean they go younger?”

  “Yep. I used to think it was Rachel driving it, but it’s actually Derek. He just loves to take care of her, and sometimes, he loves to have her rely on him completely, to provide everything she needs.”

  “I get that, I guess. I’d never want that full-time, but maybe to give it a try one night or weekend wouldn’t be so bad.”

  “Oh, baby, you’ve made me a very happy man.” Lukus was thrilled she was still in his lap, so he could tweak her nipple through her bodice. He glanced over at Markus and Bri and deduced that they had come to an agreement on this topic as well. They were locked in a hot kiss. He cleared his throat to get their attention.

  “I know there are a few other cards, but I just looked at my watch and we need to start getting ready for tonight’s festivities. We won’t get to finish.”

  “What is it, Lukus? You and Markus have been so secretive that I can’t figure out what’s going on tonight.” Brianna was once again excited for the next activity.

  Tiffany, not so much. Lukus reached out and cupped her face, watching her carefully while announcing their plans for the night.

  “Ladies, tonight we are invited to a collaring ceremony. Master Michael is taking a new full-time slave. They went to the courthouse this afternoon and got married, but tonight is what they consider their true commitment ceremony to each other.”

  Tiffany became excited. “Oh, that sounds like so much fun. I’d love to know what a normal collaring ceremony is like.”

  Lukus snickered. “Well, I’m afraid that even after tonight you won’t know, because Master Michael is as high protocol as they get.”

  “High protocol?”

  “Have you ever heard of the Gorean way of life?”

  “Vaguely. I don’t remember much about it though,” Tiff admitted.

  “Well, it’s a formal, or high protocol Master/slave relationship. Master Michael is taking a full-time sex slave tonight in Miranda. They have what’s known as a total power exchange. She’s giving him complete control over every aspect of her life. He lays out strict rules and consequences, and believe me when I say he’s one hard-ass Dom. The ceremony tonight will reflect that level of commitment, and honestly, I’m not sure I’m doing the right thing by taking you, Tiffany. I want you to keep in mind that you will be seeing the far edge of the consensual continuum tonight. The next step into M/s would fall into nonconsensual.”

  “Wait a minute. There are nonconsensual relationships going on here at the club?”

  “No, baby. What I’m saying is that Michael takes things as far as I’m comfortable with. I learned that when he and his first slave were members, before he moved to New York for a couple of years. He’s only now moving back to Chicago.”

  “Wait, what happened to his last slave?”

  “It was tragic. She died in a car accident. She had been in a taxi because he never let her drive, thinking it wasn’t safe, and then she was killed when her taxi was hit by a city bus. He dropped off the grid for a while; he was so upset at losing her. I’m honestly surprised he’s found another woman who subscribes to his strict M/s lifestyle, but he
has.”

  “Wow, that’s sad.” Brianna snuggled into Markus’s arms.

  Lukus’s phone dinged, indicating it was time. He’d been waiting for Derek’s text. “So, you girls have a choice. You can stay up here until closer to midnight, then we can go down together for the ceremony, or you can go down now and observe with the other submissives as Miranda is prepared for her Master.”

  He was watching Tiffany carefully. “What do you mean by ‘prepared for her Master?’”

  “Exactly what it sounds like. Not only is the ceremony pretty formal, but Michael has laid out very specific protocols for how he wants his bride prepared for their ceremony. Derek is supervising and if you wish to attend, he has agreed to watch out for you both. Rachel will be there, of course, and so will several other submissives. I warn you: it will be a solemn occasion and you need to be on your best behavior as a voyeur. If you can’t do that, stay up here.”

  “Will Violet be there?”

  Lukus was pleased with her question. “Actually, yes, she will be. I’m pretty sure Grey is planning on coming up here while he waits.”

  He watched the women have a silent telepathic conversation and wasn’t surprised at all when Tiffany spoke for them both. “We would like to go downstairs now, if that is okay with you, Sir.”

  He wasn’t going to tell Tiff he was thrilled that she wished to go to the pre-ceremony preparations. “That would be fine. Let’s go.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Brianna

  The backstage of The Punishment Pit had been transformed into a medieval dungeon. Large torches and candelabra adorned the space, casting shadowy, flickering light to the center event. All other dungeon materials had been moved to the edges to make room for the main attraction.

  A curvy woman Bri assumed was Miranda lay naked, face down on a massage table, while several scantily clad women took up positions around her, massaging all parts of her body. As Brianna and Tiff approached, Bri noted Miranda was wearing what looked to be thong underwear. Upon further inspection, it was more like a chastity belt; a wide strip of stiff leather enclosing her feminine core.