The car pulled up to the curb in front of a large manor, the grandness of all that dark brick and the arched windows barely visible amongst a sweeping landscape of lush green grass and weeping willows.
Danton gave an order for the driver to return after midnight.
Our chauffeur agreed with a nod.
My thoughts swirled with guesses at what might lay ahead, and noticing his intense expression I wondered if this might be a family visit.
Hand-in-hand, we strolled up the pathway towards the property and I glanced at Danton to gauge his changing mood.
No, this place did not belong to a relative. It belonged to Mistress Delour, or at least she managed this house. She stood at the front door, that beautiful, chic dominatrix with her high cheekbones, looking so regal beneath the soft lighting. Her beauty was hypnotizing and impossible to forget. I remembered her from the car that had picked me up from the airport with Danton. She looked even more stunning now in a black leather bodice that was laced tight around her small waist, its elegant design pushing her breasts up into voluptuous curves.
She gestured for us to enter.
I flashed a glance at Danton as a thrill raced up my spine. I knew that look of determination on his face, recognized by my master’s stance that a scene was imminent.
Trust was expected and resistance had no place in a well-trained submissive’s world.
I’d made it all the way to The House of Madame Delour, and my heart skipped a beat at what lay ahead for me. My hand reached for Danton’s, trying to convey I didn’t want him to leave my side. Surely he knew that? Surely he’d see we’d come too far for there to be any chance of him leaving me to find my own way.
We were led down the longest hallway and into a room with plush plaids and floral designs, a mismatch of décor that worked on a decadent level. The high-backed armchairs and lavish cream rug gave the place a Parisian flair.
Danton was pulled away from me by Madame Delour, and they walked over to a corner to speak more privately.
“Eve,” he said. “Thank you for hosting us.”
She looked at him with awe. “You left Hillenbrand with her? It’s quite the scandal.”
He turned and gestured for me to move away toward the window to give them space.
I strained to hear them, all the while pretending I couldn’t.
“Cameron Cole arranged everything,” he whispered.
“I’ve been worried about you.” She cupped his face in her hands.
Her affectionate sadness made me want to turn away, but an unwavering uneasiness made me continue to eavesdrop.
“Whatever you need, Danton,” she said.
“I appreciate that.” He sat on the arm of a chair.
She glanced over at me. “As petulant as ever?”
He looked amused.
They continued their conversation in French and I pressed my lips together in frustration.
The garden view was pretty with its colorful flowers. Further down there were high bushes to keep out the voyeurs.
“We’ve had a full day,” Danton finally said in English. “I showed Scarlet the city.”
There came a flutter of sadness in my heart that he’d made me part of his goodbye to the city of his birth.
Eve tapped his arm. “Let me order some drinks. Are you hungry?”
“Maybe water.”
Their gazes fell on me and I turned and pretended to be interested in the garden again.
Eve lowered her voice to a whisper. “You’re leaving her here, aren’t you? We’ll take good care of her. I promise you that.”
Fear slithered up my spine.
Chapter 17
France
WHEN THE ACHE in my chest burned to a fever pitch and almost had me falling to my knees, I could take it no more.
I spun round and faced Danton with a glare.
He gave me the kindest smile. “I’d like to ensure our visit goes smoothly.”
It was impossible to escape the panic I felt, this roiling well of emotion that had almost crippled me and sparked a wildfire of inner turmoil. Being parted from him was equal to losing the air I breathed. Stepping forward, I gripped the top of a high-backed chair for balance.
“Come here.” Danton gestured for me.
Moving quickly, I approached him and sat on the floor, resting my head on his lap, my soul needing this physical contact with him more profoundly than ever.
Danton spoke softly, “Let’s see her ambition realized.”
Staring up at him, I marveled that he was even thinking of me.
With all we’d done today, along with that heartbreaking revelation that hung like a dark cloud over us, he ignored his own needs and only thought of me.
“Prepare Solene,” he said firmly.
Eve smiled. “She’ll be happy to see Scarlet again.”
He was talking about Eve’s submissive, the young woman I’d met in the car and with whom I’d shared the most delectable tryst with Danton.
My spirits rose at the thought of seeing her again. Although we’d not seen each other since that day, we’d enjoyed a sensual connection that had spoken more than words ever could - a submissive bond that went beyond conformity.
Then I realized…
Was I to watch a session with Danton and Solene? My emotions swirled with rising uncertainty.
This…this was why I wanted to dominate and no longer be left out of the decisions that were made on my behalf. Taking control was my destiny - I’d always known that. I’d savored my time as a submissive but always believed there was more for me.
I’d never wanted to be a part of this world more than at this moment.
Eve left us alone to find Solene.
Staring up at Danton in awe at his generosity, I enjoyed the sensation of his fingertips brushing through my locks to calm me, but I was worried for him, too. He had to be tired from our adventures exploring the city.
“We don’t have to do this now,” I said.
“They sent you to me to be trained by a master. Let’s not disappoint.”
I pushed myself to my feet and wrapped my arms around his neck. “But I don’t want to waste one minute being without you.”
“You don’t have to.”
“You’ll be with me?”
He narrowed his gaze. “Yes.”
My toes curled in anticipation as that fierce look sent me into subspace, as it had done every time he switched into play. For me it was more than a scene, it was us melding into our authentic selves, two lovers trusting beyond the ordinary and exploring the sensual.
Doubt flashed through my mind.
He seemed to sense this. “Solene is an excellent subject. She is open and obedient.” He arched an amused brow as though hinting I could learn a lot from her. He rose to his feet. “Follow my lead, understand?”
“Yes.”
“Address me as Master Belfort. You’ll present yourself as my assistant dominatrix during the session.”
I kissed his cheek, joy rising with the realization he had the power to promote me.
“Come on, we’ll go over what is expected from you.”
As we strolled through the house I admired the many paintings, lavish light fixtures, sweeping red carpet and elegant décor, and knew we were heading into the very center of an elite society.
His hand tightened around mine and he pulled us faster along the spacious hallway. “You may question why we are doing this now. If I leave you with anything—”
“Don’t.”
“Let me say it, Scarlet. Life is to be savored. Drink in all you see, quench your thirst on its delights. Have no regrets. It brings me pleasure to make you happy, see you fulfilled.”
We made our way down the spiraling staircase, onward down another sprawling hallway until we reached a door.
He pulled a key from his pocket and unlocked it.
We stepped into a lavish room of punishments and pleasures. Long burgundy drapes swept across large windows - and a long cha
in dangled from the ceiling, along with the dark wooden Saint Andrew’s Cross. In the corner sat a spanking bench, and at the far side of the room I saw an elegant velvet chair.
Clothes for us to change into were waiting for us and were already laid out on the bed, proving Danton had planned this visit before we’d even left home this morning. In silence, a kind of reverence I’d only begun to understand, we changed from our formal wear into the attire of Masters of the Dungeon. Danton looked so handsome in his black pants, having no need for a shirt, and he walked around barefoot now, checking the equipment. He looked so at home. I’d been provided with a tight black bodice and a delicate thong. Stunning strappy heels elevated my height to match Danton’s.
He pulled me into him, scrunching my hair in a fist, and brought my lips to his in a deep sensuous kiss, his tongue invading my mouth. My eyes closed and I gave a moan of passion. My adoration for him was returned as my tongue tangled with his.
“Now.” He became stern again. “Tell me who holds all the power?”
“The submissive.” I was breathless from our kiss.
“We have two levels of play, two types of sessions. With a client there will be no intimacy, we merely guide them through the scene professionally. However, with a beloved submissive, where there is an agreement of intimacy, there is the opportunity to lead our sub into a blissful state of sexual arousal and hold them there.” He lowered his gaze. “Our pleasure is secondary.”
A thrill spiraled up my spine at the knowledge I was about to observe a true master.
The lights were dimmed. The music playing in the background was a classical selection that was not imposing, but helped set the erotic scene.
Eve escorted a crawling Solene into the room. She was naked except for a thong and the fine chains that were wrapped around her breasts and abdomen. Attached to her choker was a long, thin golden chain that Eve tugged on to guide her to the center. Solene looked ethereal, her pale body drenched in a yellow glow of soft light.
Danton soothed her into the scene with whispers of reassurance.
Eve handed the chain to Danton and he ordered Solene to stand. She rose elegantly, her head slightly bowed, her hands behind her back, her excited gaze flitting back and forth from him to her mistress.
Eve stepped to the back of the room and disappeared into the shadows.
Danton prowled around Solene with a powerful stride. He spoke to her in French, his words poetic, seductive, sensuous…
Another twinge of jealousy stirred within me again, my gut twisting because I had no idea what he was saying to her. My imagination ran wild with how he was going to touch her. The way he was lulling her so seductively made them seem so close, so intimate. She was swooning, her eyelids flickering as she effortlessly slipped into subspace.
No, I couldn’t bear to see the man I loved wooing another woman.
“Danton!” My harsh whisper carried over the music.
He turned to face me, his gaze lowered. “Solene, translate what I just told you, please.”
“I am to be trained by Mistress Scarlet today.” Her eyes rose to meet mine.
Jealousy had made me look foolish again.
Danton turned to face her again and this time spoke in English, “Change of plan, Solene.” With a sweep of his hand he summoned Eve. “Another time, perhaps.”
Solene bit her bottom lip nervously, realizing it had been me who’d fucked up. She threw me a look of sympathy, which did nothing to soothe my guilt.
They both left the room.
With my head bowed, I waited for the room to cease spinning.
I felt Danton’s gaze on me. I looked up and saw no severity in his expression, merely understanding.
“I’m not ready?” I whispered.
“No.”
“I should have trusted you.”
He gestured for me to walk into the center of the room and stand right where Solene had stood a few moments ago.
“Seeing you with her…” Any explanation felt futile.
He reached up for the long chain dangling above my head and set about securing my wrists within the leather cuffs.
My breathing was ragged now with anticipation at how he was going to respond - with the kind of pain and disappointment I deserved. But as long as he didn’t leave me in here with my own thoughts I’d survive this.
Danton strolled around me and his hands worked at the lacing on the back of my corset. He tugged it from me and it fell to the floor. He ripped off my thong, making me jump as the material tore.
Naked and dazed, I pleaded with my eyes.
“You’d have made an exquisite dominatrix.” He yanked the chain above my head and raised my arms, forcing me onto my tiptoes. “But you’ve thrown your chance away.”
I tried to find the words to explain.
“There can be no doubt. Your submissive is vulnerable, needful, and you must bend your will to fulfill him or her. There’s no room for selfishness.”
“Please, give me another chance.”
He gave me a roguish smile. “Well, well, what do we have here? A sub in chains.”
I’d thrown away the most incredible opportunity to prove I was ready. Now I was dangling from the ceiling, aroused but confused by my lack of judgment.
He studied my expression. “Thoughts?”
“I feel powerless.”
“If your ambition is to be a domme so that you hold all the power then you are mistaken. The sub owns the power, they lead the play, and it is a talented domme who senses their yearning and interprets their desires during a session.”
“Yes, master.”
“Better.”
“I want to learn.”
He ran his hand through my hair. “Let’s start from the beginning.”
My toes curled as his fingertips tweaked my nipples.
“Why do we live this life? Some think it’s merely an excuse for us to pursue dark, sensual delights and enjoy a decadent existence of glorious fucking. But no, that’s not it at all. We embrace life. We accept its sorrows. We relish in the now. We worship this gift of sexuality and savor every moment of passion to prove our gratitude. When a sub leaves a dom’s side after a session and continues out into the world they are refreshed, reborn, stronger than they ever were before, truly empowered.”
Realizing the profoundness of having never let go, I knew that until I surrendered completely I’d never be able to advance in hierarchy.
Danton knelt and leaned toward my sex. He gave me a long, luxurious kiss between my thighs.
Shuddering, pleasure surging through me, I felt his forgiveness as he lapped and cherished me there, suckling and lavishing his endless affection on me to prove he understood.
He broke away and rose to tower over me. “What do I need to do to convince you I adore you? Worship you?” He trailed his finger along my clit. “Does this not show you how well I know your body?”
I moaned as his fingers increased their flicking.
He slapped me there, sending a shock through my body so powerful it equaled a short, sharp climax. “What happens when subs disobey?”
“They get punished,” I blurted out. “Punish me, Master.”
My heart was thumping rapidly, my gasps causing my breasts to tremble.
Deftly, he freed himself from his pants and lifted me up so that I was able to wrap my thighs around his waist. With one swift movement, he buried himself deep inside me.
My sex clenched around his length as pulses of pleasure sent me reeling. My head fell back, my orgasm snatching my breath away.
Danton’s pupils dilated to black, his jaw tense, his concentration focused on delivering aggressive thrusts to show he’d taken back the power. I had no choice but to let him have his way with me.
He slowed the rhythm, and each time he met my sex with an upward strike I let out a scream of pleasure.
This intensity was becoming too much to bear.
He moved his hips in a circle, slowing the pace a little more, trying to k
eep me from passing out. Again he was proving how merciful he could be with me, how much he respected my need for it just to be us.
Chapter 18
France
HEART POUNDING, I searched the house for Danton.
We’d returned from Paris three days ago and since then he’d been slowly withdrawing from me. Fear that I’d embarrassed him after he’d made such precise arrangements at Madame Delour’s haunted me as I ran from room to room.
An hour ago he’d given me Great Expectations by Charles Dickens to read and left me in the library, and only now did I suspect it was a diversion tactic as I sprinted out the front door.
With relief, I saw that his car was still parked in the driveway. But the thought of him wandering off along the beach caused me to inhale panic-drenched breaths.
I flew down the garden pathway and let out a sigh of relief when I saw him.
In what looked like a measured frenzy, Danton was dismantling the greenhouse panel by panel, throwing the glass squares down on the grass. He was halfway done with tearing our sacred hideaway apart and it was now unrecognizable.
“I was looking for you everywhere,” I said, breathing hard.
He eased apart another panel and it cracked down the center.
“Look what you’ve done now,” he snapped. “You’re a terrible distraction.”
I stepped forward. “I’m sorry. I was worried about you—”
“I have too much to do. Go back inside.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I should never have brought you here.”
“Danton, stop!”
“There’s no time. If I don’t do this who will? No one else cares about the butterflies like I do.”
“I care.”
“I’ve been selfish. Ridiculous bringing you here so you can watch me fall apart.” He faced me. “What kind of man does that to a woman he loves?”
“I want to be here.”
“I’m selfish to the core.” He yanked off his gloves and threw them down.
Moving quickly, I got close to him and cupped his face with my hands. “You’re my everything. I’m under no illusion about what challenges are ahead for us, but we agreed we’d face this together.”
He pushed me away. “I don’t want you here.”
Enthrall Secrets (ENTHRALL SESSIONS 7) Page 10