Michelle: The Ties That Bind (Auction Night Book 3)

by Ellie Masters

Katy returns and she’s changed her clothes. We’re all dressed in practically nothing, but she’s in black dress pants, a white pressed shirt, and a black blazer. She’s not going on the block and I think the black is a nod to Master Andy’s memory.

  “Come on.” She gives another clap of her hands and we’re on our feet.

  Chapter 13

  We're ushered out into the hallway and Katy leads us down the back passages until we pass by another door. She calls for a stop and ducks her head inside.

  “Let’s go girls.”

  Three other women exit and join us. We make seven now. Seven women going to auction. There's one more stop at a much larger room. A score of women join us and we form into a perfectly ordered line. Following Katy in hushed silence, we approach the stage entrance of the club’s auditorium.

  The line of women files inside where we're greeted by the deep resonating buzz of male voices. They’re eager and restless. The entire evening has been leading up to this. They’re ready for the evening’s festivities to commence and eager to head upstairs, or downstairs, to fuck.

  With my friends, I step to the front of the stage and peer into the darkness of the crowd. Tank's out there and by now he sees me. There no way he can't and I'm wondering what's going on in his head.

  Is he angry I disobeyed?

  Shocked I'm up here?

  Is he happy?

  Or, the more worrisome question…

  Is he concerned he's forcing me to do something I'm not ready for?

  That's what I worry about and I need to let him know this is finally my decision. It's not him pushing me to experiment with the M/s dynamic. This is me letting go and accepting what we are.

  There are seven posts fixed to the floor. Heavy rings are mounted at the tops. Chains drop down and a set of black leather handcuffs dangle from the ends. Front, stage center, a spotlight shines down on a slightly raised platform. That's where the other girls will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.

  Men come forward carrying lengths of rough-hewn rope. They start at the far right and bind each girl’s hands together. It's kind of symbolic, The Ties that Bind, is not only our club's name, but it’s motto as well.

  I stand with the six other women who will be in the final auction. We move to the side of the stage, right behind the seven poles.

  The lights along the floor of the stage brighten with a theatric flare, blinding me. They're the signal the auction is about to begin.

  Hundreds of eyes are on me, but there is only one man who matters. Tank is out there. He's seen me and I'm certain he's trying to figure out what's going on.

  My heart thumps against my breastbone and nervous shivers ripple down my spine. I don't want him to be mad at me. I want him to understand.

  Our men are supposed to attach our chains and I wait on unsteady feet for Tank to make his way on stage. If I close my eyes, I can almost feel his questioning stare. I know what he's thinking and there's a chance he will remove me from the stage.

  I've disobeyed a direct command, but this is the right thing for us. In my heart, I believe he'll understand.

  Someone approaches from behind. It's not Tank, but rather Edge coming to bind Ivy to her pole. He speaks softly. The poor thing is shaking like a leaf, but she seems to ease beneath whatever it is he says.

  I can't imagine being a complete newcomer to something like this and go straight to auction. Those two must have forged an insane connection.

  My stomach is a little light and my knees knock together. Unlike Ivy who was practically hyperventilating before Edge whispered into her ear, my breaths are smooth and calm.

  I'm at peace.

  A shiver washes over me because I feel Tank behind me.

  The stage creaks behind me and I close my eyes. Everything is going to be okay. Tank is supposed to bind my hands over my head. He shifts in front of me instead and leans in close. My eyes widen and I fall into the depths of his stare.

  "Michelle…" He leans forward and presses his forehead to mine. "You're not supposed to be here."

  "I want to be."

  Deep breaths pulse out of his barrel chest and he wraps a hand around my waist. Beside us, the other girls are being chained to their posts. I reach up and cup his chin.

  "I want you." I allow my hand to trail down his neck where I settle it over his heart. "All of you." It's too hard to tell him I want him to be my Master, but it's true.

  "I want you too." He yanks me against him and swallows me in a massive bear hug. Then his hand trails down my arm and lands at my wrist. "Are you willing to give yourself to me, how ever I want you?"

  How ever he wants me?

  "I am." There's no hesitation in my response. "I am."

  He leans back and takes a moment to simply stare at me. There's nothing more to say. I think we've said it all in the silence.

  Next I know, he pulls my arm over my head and attaches a cuff to my left wrist. I lift my other arm, needing to show him how willing I am. His gaze cuts from my wrist with the cuff, to my eyes, then back up to where I present my free hand to be shackled with the other.

  His tongue darts out between his lips and wets them. "I guess we'll see what happens next."

  "Tank?"

  "Yes?"

  "I want this."

  He gives a sharp nod. "I know."

  There are no more words exchanged between us. With my wrists manacled and attached to the pole, Tank departs the stage and leaves me on display.

  My heart practically leaps into my throat when the lights shine down on us from above. I feel incredibly exposed.

  I try to squint, hoping to pick him out in the crowd, but the audience is nothing but a black void. A low rumble rolls outward from the crowd and washes over me. They're eager and hungry. The overwhelming presence of the men isn't something I can ignore, but it means nothing compared to the desires of one man.

  Katy takes the stage and stands beside the first woman to be auctioned to the membership at large. This is no different from another charity bachelorette auction where the highest bidder gets to go on one date with the bachelorette. Only our auction is giving away an entire evening with a willing submissive in a sex club.

  We rake in millions during our annual event.

  I give a little wiggle of my arms. Standing with my arms over my head isn't the most comfortable position, but I'm pretty sure we look hot. I'm in my genie outfit. Alexa rocks her naughty school girl outfit. Penny is a knockout in her red corset that turns her curves into a drool worthy feast. Even Ivy cleaned up well. The leather and lace crisscrossing her body is sexy as hell.

  I kind of like being on stage, knowing the men out there are enjoying the display. I know my looks helped to get me ahead, but it's very rare for me to enjoy the objectification that comes with it.

  Tonight?

  I'm soaking all of it in because I know Tank loves showing me off.

  The first woman steps up to the block and strips out of her clothes. She's beautiful and graceful as she kneels before the membership. Instead of placing her head on the floor in supplication like a slave, which she is not, she sits back on her heels and faces the audience. Her palms are flat on her thighs and her tits jut forward as she arches her back.

  There's no fear in her face.

  And I realize there's none in my heart. Whether for a day, a week, a month, or a year, I'm ready for whatever Tank wants.

  While Katy is running this event, she is not the auction Master. That job belongs to one of the club Doms. He comes forward to begin the bidding.

  Each time a man places a bid, the light of his phone flashes. With bidding underway, the black void of the audience turns into a sea of stars as furious bidding takes place. Scores of lights battle it out until only a few flickers remain. The lights flash and dim until only two are left.

  Those two battle it out between them, upping the bid, until the auctioneer cries out 'Sold!'

  At this point, the woman bends forward and places her forehead to the floor. Katy
comes to her side, attaches a symbolic collar around her neck, and leads her off the side of the stage where she will be collected by her highest bidder.

  There's an energy sparking in the air as the next woman comes forward. There's a score of eager hopefuls waiting and this part of the evening takes some time.

  But eventually the last woman is on her knees. The audience explodes with flashes of light as fierce bidding takes place. But finally, she too is sold.

  It's been some time and my arms ache from being held over my head. My feet are a little sore and I try shifting from foot to foot to keep the circulation moving in my legs. Who would have thought standing in one place for so long would be this hard?

  Suddenly, the stage is plunged into darkness. It's time for the last event. This isn't for the membership at large. Each of us only has one man bidding on her, or two in the case of Penny. But this is by far the most anticipated event of the evening.

  Pairings of Masters and slaves is a relatively rare event, even at our club, and there's a certain voyeuristic thrill to seeing couples bind themselves together. I have always loved watching this part of the night's events.

  This year, I'm in it.

  And that's more than a little intimidating.

  A faint light illuminates the space over the dais where I stand with my friends.

  Katy moves to the edge of the platform and clears her throat. "It's time for the last spectacle of the evening. One night. One week. One month. Or one year. These women have placed a price on their freedom, pledged their servitude, and promised their devotion to the men who would claim them as their own."

  There's a shifting of energy in the crowd, an anticipation which resonates in my gut. This is beginning to feel all too real and there's a swarm of butterflies taking flight in my gut.

  I shift again and the chains above my head rattle.

  "In a moment," Katy continues, "the lights will dim again. If their Doms have met the bids of their submissive a light will shine over her head. After that, she may be fully and rightfully claimed. Masters, as you claim your prize, I will hand each of you an envelope. Inside, you’ll discover whether you’ve met the bid for one night, one week, one month or one year. It’s up to you to decide what to do with that knowledge and whether to share it with your sub.” She bows to the crowd and there’s a ripple of applause. It dies out the moment the lights flicker and shut off.

  In the darkness, I take deep breaths. In a moment, if Tank decides to bid, a light will shine over my head. There will be no backing out. I mean, I could back out, but that goes against the principles of this event.

  This is about taking risks and making that leap of faith. None of us would be here if we didn't trust our Doms implicitly. Well, there's Ivy…I still don't understand how Edge convinced Ivy to do this.

  It's taking too long. Nervous shifting of the others sounds all around me. Are they doing this to torment us?

  But then a light pops on, shining down on Alexa's head. I glance over at her and can't help the joy I feel for her. Her smile is brilliant, almost victorious, and there are tears in her eyes. She wants to take things to the next level with Master Daniel and it looks like he's finally willing to take that step with her.

  A moment later, a light shines down on Penny. Her spine straightens and she beams with pride. I'm happy for her as well, because she's finally going to get something she's wanted for a very long time. Master Eric and Master Thomas are going to give her an evening she'll never forget.

  I bite at my lower lip as nerves rattle through me, but then another light clicks on over my head. My breath rushes out in a whoosh and I blink against the glare.

  I take a deep breath in, then let it fall out on a sigh.

  I'm content and happy.

  We wait for a bit and then a light pops on over Ivy's head. There's a tiny frown on her face which disappears beneath the light. The girl is anxious, but eager. She knows what she's getting into, and Master Edge is a wonderful man.

  He'll treat her with kid gloves as he brings her into the lifestyle beneath his oversight. She kind of reminds me of myself when Tank placed the high bid on me all those years ago at auction. I have a feeling Master Edge didn't want to risk getting out bid during the previous auction.

  The other three women who stand with us have no light shining over their heads. I feel a little sorry for them, but maybe their Doms weren't ready, or maybe the girls placed reserve bids too high? It happens every year and I'm actually surprised four out of the seven of us are walking off this stage with a commitment to serve.

  Katy approaches the three women, and with the help of one of the Doms, releases them from the poles. There's a mixture of relief and disappointment on their faces. While they walk away, I wait for Tank to claim me.

  Which he does with the lightest touch of his hand on my shoulder.

  "Michelle…" His voice is deep, reverent, practically filled with awe.

  I duck my head and try to keep from squirming.

  This is it.

  Tank stands behind me, the lightest of touches connecting us. His deep breaths pulse in and out while I tremble.

  Beside us, Master Daniel releases Alexa from her bonds. She lowers to her knees with a smile on her face. Daniel yanks her head back and wraps a collar around her throat then leads her off stage. Master Eric and Master Thomas prowl toward Penny. They move with sinuous grace, united in their desire to claim her. I think Penny is a very lucky girl to have the dedication of two men.

  Tank grips my wrists and removes the cuffs binding them. My intent is to kneel before him, but he holds me upright with an arm gripping my waist. He nuzzles my neck and places a kiss just behind my ear. It's a sensitive spot and my entire body shakes.

  He pulls away and stares at me with hooded eyes. There's something incredible about staring at him this close. It's an intimacy I share with no one else. Emotion spills from his eyes and a deep tenderness fills them.

  Things should feel different, but I see the same depth of emotion from the man I love.

  "Master…" I whisper the name I will call him, but he gives a shake of his head and silences me with a look.

  He pulls away. "No words. Come with me."

  My reaction is to respond with Yes, Sir, but that is now Yes, Master, only I've been commanded to silence. I respond with a shaky breath and lift up on my toes to give him my lips.

  I need to feel our connection.

  He takes my mouth, claiming me with a long and deep kiss. His lips glide over mine and I know exactly what he feels. He wants me, and I want him as well.

  I want to slide my hands over his stomach and glide them down to find his cock, but he breaks off our kiss.

  "It's time," he says.

  He guides me off the stage, then in a surprising move, scoops me up and over his shoulder. Sudden and shocking, I gasp as he wraps an arm around my legs and places his hand on my ass.

  He carries me out and takes me downstairs.

  Chapter 14

  We pause at the bottom of the stairs where a Dom waits to ensure my consent. He asks me a series of three questions, giving me an out each and every time, then he explains the S.O.S. procedure.

  Tank kneads my ass with his broad hand as I'm carried through the dungeon's play space to the room reserved for us. The door opens and he carries me through into a room designed for sin.

  I think maybe he'll set me down on the massive four-poster bed, but he places me on my feet facing away from the bed and toward the door.

  With a finger to my lips, he reminds me to be silent, then he leaves me standing while he heads to the bed.

  I want to twist around to see what he's doing, but I'm an obedient slave now.

  Holy hell, I'm his slave.

  I think it's sinking in. This is a huge step.

  Unlike Alexa, he didn't snap a collar around my neck on the stage. I'm assuming that will come soon and drag my hand up to my neck where Tank's collar will rest.

  While he's busy, I take a look a
t what I can see. I didn't go into the rooms earlier, so I don't know how he requested this room be set up. The rooms are designed to be modular and can be altered to suit a particular Master's needs.

  Some don't want a bed. Maybe they want a Saint Andrew's Cross in the middle? Or maybe they want a spanking bench, or any of the various pieces of furniture we have for bondage. He may be into rope play and want nothing at all. Or maybe, he wants a cage brought in for that kind of play.

  Everything I see now is something Tank specifically requested.

  There's the bed behind me. No surprise. We're going to fuck tonight, several times.

  To the left, is a multi-functional bench which can be used to strap down a slave in any number of useful positions. I have a feeling he has an idea for using that as well. Not that I mind. I love getting spanked and then fucked.

  There are rings in the ceiling overhead which can be used for suspension play and the ceiling is high enough for someone experienced with a whip.

  Tank and I don't use a whip. He feels it's too dangerous and his skill level insufficient to ensure appropriate safety. I'm fine with that. Frankly, I prefer the sting of his hand over everything else. Whether causing pain or pleasure, there's nothing more intimate than the connection of skin on skin.

  To my right is a slave ring. It fills nearly a third of the room.

  I'm not sure how universal such a thing is in the lifestyle, but it's become symbolic within The Ties that Bind. A simple thing, it's nothing more than a rope circle with a diameter of eight to ten feet.

  I've never seen one in the private dungeon rooms, but then again, I've never been down here as a participant. Slave rings are used in private as well as publicly within the club, usually as part of a collaring ceremony, when a slave formally submits to her Master.

  Like wedding ceremonies, collaring ceremonies are kind of a big deal at the club. We tend to make it a club event whenever a new Master/slave pair commit to each other.

  There's a slave ring set up in this room.

  In the center of the ten-foot circle is the Master's chair.