The Art of Domination

by Elizabeth Noble

  With every hit Ian rocked up on his toes, grunting and panting. No matter how he struggled to keep silent, even for a submissive man who craved pain, it was impossible. Taren knew what was worse than the pain was the thought someone who worked for Ian would hear them and know what was happening.

  Ian’s ass reddened with each hit. His body tensed, then relaxed in quick order. His shoulders were rigid and his knuckles white around the chair arms. Ian’s willingness to submit and accept discipline filled Taren with pride and stoked the fires of love and lust. It was what cemented their relationship and kept them on firm footing. There was an expectation each had of the other. Meeting those expectations was one of the foundations of their marriage.

  Of course, Taren was subject to the same rules. Positions reversed if he’d committed some infraction Ian felt required punishment, Dom or not, Taren would be disciplined. He decided he’d better be extra careful and behave himself for the foreseeable future. Ian craved physical discipline; Taren was more affected by emotional punishments. He’d no doubt walk into work to find a basket bouquet of dildos on his desk or something equally embarrassing.

  The mental image that produced almost made him burst out laughing. It did cause his concentration, and strokes, to falter.

  “Arm getting tired?” Ian grumbled. That earned him two extra special finishing swats that were delivered with more gusto than the previous twenty-four.

  Taren put the paddle back into his pocket and moved closer to Ian, resting his hand on Ian’s shoulder. “I trust this matter is closed and we can put it behind us?” Ian’s skin was damp.

  Ian eased himself away from the chair and stood straight. The way his belly quivered was emphasized by how he swayed slightly in place. “Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir.” He glanced over his shoulder at his very red ass. “Pun intended?” He wiped moisture from his cheeks with the back of his trembling hand.

  Taren chuckled and shrugged one shoulder and put his other arm around Ian’s shoulders, pulling him in for a hug. They rarely argued outright thanks to this part of their agreement. State the infraction, dole out and accept discipline and move on. It was a good system. He rubbed Ian’s upper back but would offer no comfort otherwise. It wasn’t punishment if he turned the hurt into pleasure too soon.

  Despite the way Ian bit his lip and how his chest was flushed, Taren could see he was more relaxed.

  “I like our other lunch dates much better,” Ian confessed.

  “So do I,” Taren agreed. He ran his fingers over Ian’s nipple clamps and gave them a very gentle tug before he brushed his fingertips over the silver chain around Ian’s neck.

  Ian moaned softly and pressed against Taren before planting soft kisses across his collar bone and up his neck. He licked over Taren’s jaw then along his lower lip. Pulling him close, Taren bent his head and claimed Ian with a deep kiss. With both hands braced on Taren’s sides, Ian sank slowly to his knees, legs, and body trembling from the effort.

  He fumbled with Taren’s belt buckle. “May I?”

  Taren smiled and ran one hand over Ian’s hair. “Always.” He backed up, Ian shuffling on his knees to keep up. The conference table was a nice, stable surface to brace against. He rested his weight on his hands and leaned back, moaning out a deep sigh.

  Always attentive, only Ian could make pulling down Taren’s zipper and coaxing his cock out an act of pure eroticism. The slight rub of the zipper teeth as each one was released sent a tingling along Taren’s cock. When Ian’s tongue twirled under the head of his cock then dragged through his slit, a shudder ripped through Taren.

  The temptation to grab Ian’s hair and push him farther down onto Taren’s cock was almost irresistible. Ian was much better when left to his own methods. He was so very good. Ian had an impressive arsenal of tricks he used on Taren to coax him gradually to the brink. The way Ian licked and teased, gentle suckling escalating into a more powerful action, putting the exact amount of pressure needed in the perfect place. That’s why being sucked off by Ian almost made Taren forget his own name. The only thing Taren had to do was sit back and let sensations roll over him.

  Roll over him they did. Tingling rippled out from his cock and through his belly. He squirmed and shifted higher onto the table for more support. Ian shimmied between his thighs and gripped Taren’s legs behind his knees. He sucked and licked, backed off and moved away far enough to blow warm breath on Taren’s twitching cock. Then he took only the head of Taren’s cock into his mouth, pressing down with his lips, applied pressure, and pulled back with excruciatingly slow movements.

  No matter how great the sex he’d had with others, no one had ever affected him the way Ian could. Taren was convinced it was because they loved and trusted each other.

  When Ian started on his balls, it was more than Taren could take.

  He remembered to clamp his lips shut against the moans trying to escape. His hips bucked and his back arched without any prompting from his brain. Ian changed his position slightly so he could hold Taren in place. Giving Ian that little bit of power sent Taren’s body into overdrive. Full body shudders consumed him; his heart hammered in his chest, his balls were heavy and tight, and his cock felt like a hot poker.

  Ian’s lips clamped around Taren’s cock and he sucked hard . Taren gasped for breath and collapsed back onto the table when his cock spasmed and unloaded pent up, hot liquid into Ian’s mouth. He didn’t let Ian have it all, however.

  “B-back,” Taren whispered.

  Ian immediately scooted far enough away. Taren pulled out of his mouth and used one hand to grip Ian’s hair. He gently pulled Ian closer and smeared the rest of his cum onto Ian’s chest.

  “Another little reminder of me,” Taren murmured. Once again, he leaned back and relaxed. He nodded to the bathroom off the conference room. “You can rinse your mouth if you’d like, but that’s it, boy.”

  “Yes, Sir.” Ian stood up.

  Taren sat and reached out, taking his hand. “That was very enjoyable. Well done.”

  Ian smiled before heading to the bathroom. It wasn’t long before he returned and stood quietly in front of Taren. Taking his time to adjust his clothing, Taren didn’t hide how he looked Ian up and down.

  When a flush bloomed across Ian’s chest, Taren shoved away from the table and paced around Ian. He ran two fingertips down Ian’s side and imagined how his cock swelled within the confines of the cage.

  “Hmm…that is a nice sight.” He moved his fingers over Ian’s hips, enjoying how he quivered and twitched. “Would you like help getting dressed?”

  “I would. Thank you, Sir.”

  Taren reached for Ian’s dress shirt and held it so Ian could slip into it. Before buttoning the shirt, he ran one hand over Ian’s left nipple. He leaned in and spoke in Ian’s ear. “Nipple rings would look so sexy on you. Is that something you’d like?”

  “Y-yes, Sir. I’d like that very much.” Ian grinned. “But you already knew that.”

  Taren buttoned Ian’s shirt and retrieved his trousers then held Ian’s elbow while he stepped into his pants. When the material skimmed over his reddened ass, Ian shivered and drew in a harsh breath. Taren reached around and rubbed Ian’s ass until he closed his eyes, leaned into Taren and moaned. “Zip up,” Taren whispered.

  Ian nodded and did as directed. Taren slipped one arm around his waist to brace him so he could get into his shoes and socks.

  “Time to get you back to work so we can be on our way. Do you think everyone is going to know it’s you who answers to me?”

  “I don’t know, Sir.”

  “How much longer do you need? Should I wait, or do you want to text me when you’re done?”

  “An hour, maybe two, Sir,” Ian said.

  Taren gave Ian’s ass a soft slap. “I’ll head over to the café and wait for you.” He took Ian’s hand. “After I walk you back to your office, of course.”

  When they reached Ian’s office door, Taren gave him a chaste peck on the cheek. “Jocelyn, don’t
let him get wrapped up in too much, I want to be on the road before rush hour.”

  “I have everything organized and waiting on your desk, Ian, so you can get through it and start on your vacation.” She gave Taren a wink.

  “I’ll pick you up at two, earlier if you text.”

  Ian squeezed Taren’s hand. “See you then.”

  Taren stopped at the café and ordered lunch for himself and a takeout cold hoagie for Ian. He pulled a small notebook and pen from his jacket pocket, flipping through the pages until he found the list for their upcoming trip and reviewed it for possibly the fiftieth time since he’d written it up.

  After he’d finished lunch, he wandered around the gift shop and sporting goods store. Since he knew many of the employees, he killed more time chatting with a few.

  When he arrived back at Ian’s office the door between Jocelyn’s outer office and Ian’s office was open. Ian stood behind his desk and Jocelyn was stacking folders in one hand as Ian signed whatever documents were in the folders and handed them off to her. When Ian glanced up, his expression softened as he met Taren’s gaze briefly before returning to his task.

  Taren couldn’t help how the corners of his mouth turned up and he scratched at the back of his neck. He wondered if Ian had sat at all since their ‘lunch date’. It didn’t seem likely. He settled in one of the chairs against the wall opposite Jocelyn’s desk and waited patiently. Making Ian and Jocelyn feel rushed and pressured wasn’t going to get Ian out of this building and away from his responsibilities any faster. If anything, it would slow their progress.

  Twice Ian looked up, he wasn’t exactly looking at Taren, but the takeout bag Taren carried. He swore he heard Ian’s stomach rumble from where he sat. It wasn’t surprising, since Ian hadn’t eaten much for breakfast.

  “Get out and have a good time. We’re done,” Jocelyn said. Taren looked up in time to see her snatch the rest of the folders up and out of Ian’s reach. She leaned to the side and waved at Taren. Returning her gesture, he nodded his thanks. “Loosen up your control issues for once and enjoy time with your husband. I’ve got this covered.”

  Taren covered his mouth and coughed to hide his laugh. If Jocelyn only knew.

  Ian opened his mouth, but Jocelyn cut him off. “Now.” With one hand on his shoulder she hustled him through the door to the outer office.

  Taren stood and put his arm around Ian’s shoulders. “Come on, boss, we’d better do as she says.” He looked back at her and mouthed ‘ thank you ’ before he and Ian were finally on their way.

  “Hi,” Ian said while they waited for the elevator and kissed Taren, reaching for the takeout bag at the same time. He snatched the bag, looked inside and moaned.

  “Hmmm, I get it, you really just love me for the food I deliver.”

  Ian snorted. “Right now, it’s on the top of my list.” He grinned. “Thanks.”

  At the car, Ian waited for Taren to open the door and give him the signal he could get inside. His movements were slower than normal as he eased himself down onto the seat. Once Taren was behind the wheel, he turned the heat to Ian’s seat to full. Ian squirmed but that didn’t deter him from pulling his sandwich from the bag and digging in.

  Once Ian finished his meal, Taren used the remote to activate the massager. This time Ian’s moan was for an entirely different reason. His breathing sped up and he leaned back. After a few miles Taren increased the vibrations until Ian’s hips moved in small circles over the heated seat. When they stopped at a light, Taren stole a quick glance at Ian’s face. His eyes were closed, and he bit down on his lower lip.

  For Ian, the pain he experienced brought pleasure. Taren’s job was to make sure the pain didn’t cross the line to torture and Ian would eventually be immersed in his pleasure. Taren’s pleasure was giving Ian what he needed.

  The light changed to green and Taren turned off the vibrator. Ian shifted every minute or so, but never asked Taren to turn the heat down. Taren could only imagine how uncomfortable— painful —Ian’s ass felt right now. He gripped the steering wheel more tightly thinking of how Ian’s red, heated ass would feel against Taren’s groin and thighs. His thoughts drifted to exactly what he’d do once they were home. More planning was in order.

  Ian’s body began to relax, and he took a few deep breaths. “Thank you, Sir.”

  “I’m glad you enjoyed it. We need to discuss details of our trip. Are you up to it?”

  “I am, Sir.”

  “Do I need to turn the heat down?” Taren asked. He wanted Ian to be able to concentrate on their conversation.

  “Not yet, Sir. I’ll let you know if it’s too much. Right now, it’s helping me to focus.”

  “I’ve reserved a room at an adult resort, four nights. I’ve been there before; the place is pretty sweet. They cater to couples or poly relationships, but there are some people prowling around looking for a hook-up.” Taren paused long enough to guide the car onto the highway. “I compiled a list of rules, not many. If you don’t agree with any, now is the time to speak up.”

  “Understood, Sir.”

  “I’m your Dom, so it’s my responsibility to ensure your safety and that your boundaries are respected by others. No one speaks to you and absolutely does not touch you without my explicit permission. You’ll let me know immediately if it’s an interaction you don’t want.”

  “Yes, Sir. Agreed, Sir.”

  “At all times, other than when we’re in private, you’ll be caged or wearing your codpiece. You may wear chaps or netting, but I might decide otherwise,” Taren continued. “I enjoy showing you off.”

  “I like that idea, Sir. Agreed.”

  So far, so good. Taren was feeling quite proud of himself for choosing rules Ian liked. He was hesitant about the next on his list, but he wouldn’t know if he didn’t present the idea to Ian.

  “Sir, is there more?” Ian gently touched Taren’s shoulder. “Is something wrong?”

  Taren shook his head. “Nothing’s wrong.” He took a deep breath and licked his lips. “I mentioned I’d been there before.”

  “So?”

  “I went with another couple. They go every year, and I thought it would be fun for us to have people to socialize with.”

  Ian stared at his knees and scratched at the material covering them. “Do these people have names?”

  “Kevin and Colleen, college sweethearts. Kevin and I were housemates our junior and senior years.”

  “And where did you fit in?” Ian asked.

  “Kevin regularly enjoyed what he called boy time. Sometimes Colleen would join us, sometimes she’d watch, or we’d take turns. We switched things up to fit our moods,” Taren explained. He took hold of Ian’s hand and squeezed. “Ian, I married you. I love you. But I wasn’t a monk before we met.”

  Ian chuckled. “I knew that. Neither was I, but all my encounters were a little more casual and a little less crowded. How long did this go on?”

  “A few years.”

  “What’s a few years?”

  “Four and a half,” Taren said.

  “Do you want to rekindle this group thing?” Ian asked softly.

  Taren took his eyes from the road long enough to look over at Ian before focusing on the road again. “What? No. They, Kevin and Colleen, are my friends and seeing them would be nice. That’s all. How far we go with it beyond people to have dinner with is completely up to you.”

  “Is it all right if I think it over?”

  “Absolutely.” Taren was happy Ian would consider a little swapping and multiple partners at all. “There’s one more thing. I believe I mentioned nipple rings.”

  “Yes, Sir, you did. I’ve been wondering about that,” Ian said softly.

  “I had thought of stopping on our way at a body art place that’s associated with a small BDSM club so you could get your nipples pierced, until I did a little reading up on what that entails. They take months, like six to nine, to heal and there are certain activities we’d have to forgo during that ti
me,” Taren said.

  “I hadn’t thought of that,” Ian said.

  “Me either. So, since I’d already made an appointment I called and talked to one of the technicians who made some suggestions about alternates to piercings you might enjoy. I made some selections, but the final choice is yours, of course. They have a lot to pick from, stuff I’ve never thought of. Anyway, we can get all the experience without any of the aftercare. If you’re still interested in real piercings, we can stop on the way home. However, that’ll mean no nipple play for a long time.”

  “Ouch. Now that is really painful,” Ian said and faked a shudder. “Not the sort of pain I’m into.”

  Their conversation ended when Taren had to slow the car and navigate through the construction zone. By the time Taren was guiding the car into the driveway, Ian was asleep despite the fact his heated seat was still at full strength. A further testament to how discipline cleared the air between them.

  Taren turned off the car and reached over, rubbing Ian’s head and combing his fingers through Ian’s hair. “Nice nap?”

  Ian mumbled non-words softly, shifted in the seat and turned toward Taren. He opened his eyes and smiled, yawned and sat straighter. “It was. I guess I needed a little more sleep.”

  Once inside the house, Ian stripped and hung up his clothes then crossed the room to the bathroom and shower.

  “Make sure you wash your hair thoroughly. Keep the cage on, remove your codpiece and the massager.” Taren resisted the urge to touch Ian as he walked by. “Make sure you’re thoroughly cleaned.”

  “Yes, Master.”

  While he had a few moments alone, Taren considered his next move.

  Taren’s plan was to keep Ian on edge and deny him orgasm, something he’d done plenty of times, but usually only for a day, two at the most. A longer time period required some preparation, and Taren had been doing just that for several weeks. He knew Ian had been wanting this for a long time. Keeping a tactile, easily stimulated man on edge over a period of a week or more simply wasn’t feasible when that man had a job requiring concentration.