Tempt, page 14
“Yes, I did.”
“Those are very adjustable and the perfect place to start.”
“Okay.”
“You do realize you’ll be naked from the waist up for the nipple clamps.”
“Yes, but for the bullet, can you do like the Dom did on Saturday night?”
“Leave you in a thong?”
She nodded. She wouldn’t be totally naked then.
“I can, or you can wear the skirt, and I’ll make sure the fabric covers your pussy.”
She hadn’t thought of that.
“I do want you to realize, I will be touching you a lot in the club.”
“I figured that.” He’d kept his hands on her Saturday night. Who was she kidding? Max liked to touch, and she loved his hands on her body.
“Let me be clear. I will touch you wherever I want, your breasts, your pussy, your ass, anywhere on your body.”
This time the heat flooded her entire body just thinking about his hands on her in the places he mentioned.
“I’m going to be your Dom and your teacher, if you’ll allow me.”
Her insides quivered, and a sense of ease flowed through her. “I can’t think of anyone else I could do this with.” It was the truth. She trusted Max.
“Good. We’ve gone over the rules and protocols of the club, but I’d like to discuss my expectations.”
Sierra swallowed. She had never been good at living up to someone else’s expectations.
“I already see the apprehension in your eyes. What’s going on there?” He took her hand in his. His warmth seeped into her bones.
“I...” She shook her head. Talking about her father was never easy for her. She’d buried so much of it away. Buck-up, buttercup. You tamed those demons a long time ago. It wasn’t like her father was even in the same state as she was. Hell, she hadn’t even talked to him in years, not after their last conversation where he’d called her a whore. “I could never live up to my father’s expectations,” she whispered.
“Sometimes parents have unrealistic aspirations” He caressed her skin, keeping her grounded.
“True.” Sierra swallowed and raised her gaze to meet his. “I moved out when I was eighteen and never looked back. My father was strict, so strict that if I put a toe out of line he’d whip me with a belt.” Her skin tightened and her breathing increased. She hated that her father could still affect her.
Max stiffened, his eyes growing dark. “Bastard.”
Sierra wanted to agree but her throat dried up at the look in Max’s eyes. It wasn’t one of pity; it was one of anger. He was on her side.
“Sweetheart, my expectations are that, in the club, you will obey me. I will push some of your boundaries, but that’s why we have safe words. I would never beat you with a belt or anything that harsh. I don’t believe in pain for the sake of pain.”
Her breath rushed out of her. “I would never ask for pain. For obvious reasons, I’m not sure about flogging.” At least her voice was steady. She was worried he would notice the anxiety she was trying so hard to hide.
“That makes sense. When we get to that point, I’ll start off with little stuff. I can tell you I have never been into pain, even when a sub wants it. It gives me no pleasure, so I’m no sadist.”
“But some members are.” She remembered some of the things she had seen on Saturday night.
“Yes, they use whips and canes, but their subs enjoy it as well or it wouldn’t be happening. Remember, everything done in the club is consensual. If anyone does anything that isn’t, then we intervene.”
“That seems fair.”
“Okay with my expectations then?”
“Only in the club?” She wanted to make sure she had her head fully around this.
“The club and my bedroom.”
A smile curved her lips. “Leave you to slip that in there. Yes, I’m good.”
“Any other questions?”
“One more.” Sierra bit her lip. How did she ask this one?
“What is it? You’re thinking awfully hard.”
“You don’t...” She took a deep breath. “You aren’t going to share me with others, right?” Sierra ducked her head.
“I prefer to keep you to myself. If you want a threesome or to explore with a woman, I can arrange it. But I don’t remember you putting that on your list.”
“No.” She shook her head and breathed out a sigh of relief. “No more questions right now.”
“All right, that’s it. Classes are done.”
“That’s it?” Why was she surprised? The Thursday night classes weren’t really as hard as she thought they’d be.
“Yes. Knowing the basics is good, but you have to experience it.” He drew her to her feet. “Saturday we will play. Shall I send another outfit over to you or do you want to wear the skirt?”
“I’m not sure.” The outfit she had would work well, but then she’d already worn it once. Would anyone notice if she wore it a second time?
“I’ll send you another outfit; you make the decision on which one you want to wear. Be here at eight.”
“You’re letting me drive myself?” That threw her. He’d insisted on picking her up the other night.
“Yes, as much as I want to pick you up, Saturday will be busy. There’s a private party in the club Friday night, so the next day is always a little more hectic.”
“Not the group that was here before?” She shivered.
“No, Cook and his group will never set foot in my club again, and I’ve put the word out.”
“There are other private clubs?” Why did she feel like she’d been living under a rock?
“A few, but not many in the area. We have a private forum we use to discuss problem members, and that helps all of us keep our clubs safe, sane, and consensual.”
“Was the Saints and Sinners party private?” She remembered the music and the number of cars.
“No, that was a club event. Tomorrow night is for a large swingers group. They’re coming in from all over.”
Her eyes went wide. “Swingers.”
“The club caters to everyone. They follow the same rules as the rest of us. It just makes for a long night for Jordan, Damon and myself, plus some of the other dungeon monitors we have.”
Sierra swallowed. “Ummm...You don’t expect me to play with others, do you?”
Max laughed. “No, sweetheart.” He ran his fingers over her hot cheek. “I’m very possessive of you. I don’t share.”
“I noticed that. I don’t remember seeing anything about the colored wrist bands.”
“Ah those. Yes, it’s something new. We haven’t added it to the rules yet.” He lifted her hand and drew his fingers around her wrist. “We’ve been trying to figure out a way for people to recognize certain things without having to ask the same questions over and over.”
Sierra tilted her head. “Explain, please.”
“We discovered over the last year that some Doms weren’t sure how experienced a few of the subs were, and they’d spend a lot of time trying to find one to suit their needs. Same with the subs.”
“I had a white band.”
“Yes, you’ll have a white one for a while, but it will be clear that you belong to me. White is for a new member with little experience.”
“You wore a black one.”
“Black is for Masters of the club, those of us who have been granted that status. Black and yellow is for Master and dungeon monitor. You’ll see some DMs with just yellow.”
“Interesting. What other colors?” This was fascinating. She knew there were different levels of play, but the way Max and his friends had decided to do the wrist bands would help identify someone easier.
“Red is a sadist, red and white is a masochist. Purple and white means the sub is taken. Pink and white means the sub has medium experience. Green and white means the sub is experienced.”
“And the Doms?”
“Only the Masters and DMs wear anything.”
“Seems a little one sided.”
Max wrinkled his nose. “Maybe, but we really don’t get very many inexperienced Doms.”
“Why not?”
“You’re really interested?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, let’s say a single guy survived the first night and all the classes up until now. He would have another four weeks of classes working with one of the Masters in the club to get his experience level up from a novice if he knew nothing. There are a series of tests for him to complete.”
“What happens if he fails?”
“Depends on the degree of failure.” He rubbed his finger over her nose. “I’m not going to tell you everything, but we screen very carefully.”
“Even the subs?”
“Yes. While the class is only four weeks, the Dom instructor responsible for his sub, he watches and evaluates the student every time he or she are in the club. If there’s an issue, it’s talked out between Dom and student.”
“I see. Have subs failed?” She wasn’t sure she liked this evaluation stuff, but in a way, it made sure people were doing this because they wanted to.
“Yes. Some think they really want this lifestyle, but as they progress with our classes, they back out or just aren’t suitable. Look at how the first night went.”
“I thought it was odd we lost so many people.”
“That was unusual. I suspect the single guy had something in his background check he didn’t want anyone to know about. The two women, I think, were more interested in having fun than wanting to learn. And the couple...they were harder to read, I suspect they were hoping for more bedroom play than the club.”
“Makes sense. What about the couple with Jordan?”
“They’re a little more experienced than most.” He rose to his feet, pulling her with him. “Time for you to go home and get some sleep, I know you have work tomorrow.”
“Yeah.” Sierra didn’t want to leave, but he was right. She did have work to do. She paused at her car.
Max cupped her chin, and his lips covered hers. Sierra didn’t even hesitate, she kissed him back, enjoying the feel of his mouth against hers, the way his tongue tangled with hers.
“Can you do an early dinner tomorrow?” he asked, slightly breathless from their kiss.
“I can.”
“Good. I’ll pick you up at your apartment at four-thirty, we’ll have dinner, then I’ll take you home before I have to be here at the club at seven.”
Pleasure swept through her with the idea of going to dinner with him. “Max, I appreciate you teaching me. I don’t think another man would be as patient.”
He frowned, then his face lightened. “From the moment I saw you, I knew you were mine to teach. I wouldn’t have it any other way, sweetheart.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Sierra rushed in the door of her apartment at four. Max would be here in thirty minutes. She dropped her purse on the table and ran for her bedroom. Why, today of all days, did she have to end up on a conference call that ran overtime.
In record time, she’d showered, redone her makeup, and dressed. She ran her hands down the fabric of her top. She always liked this cashmere sweater she’d gotten on sale a few years ago.
The doorbell rang, and she checked to see who it was before opening it.
“Hello Max.”
“Hi.” He drew her into his embrace and brushed his lips across hers. “Ready?”
“Let me grab my purse.” He loosened his hold. Sierra turned and grabbed her purse off the table. Once she’d locked the door, they were off.
“Where are we having dinner?” she asked as Max pulled out of his parking spot.
“I thought we’d go to the steak and seafood place down by the inlet. We can have a nice view while we have dinner.”
“Sounds good.” There were several restaurants at the inlet. She’d never been to any of them, only to the farmers market nearby. “How was your day?”
“Slow. What about you?”
“Busy. I was afraid I was going to be late for our date. But I made it.”
“So I see.” He flashed a grin and her breath caught in her throat.
“Can I ask you a question? You told me tonight’s private party is a swinger group. Can you tell me more?” She knew what swingers were. Spouse-swapping is what she was thinking, but how did they come to be a part of the BDSM scene? She was curious.
“I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.” He maneuvered around a slow moving car. Sierra realized how relaxed she was with Max driving. With Carl’s assault on the road and drivers, she’d been tense and holding on to the door. The difference between confidence and aggression.
“Why?” Sierra frowned. “Oh wait, if you can’t talk about it, it’s okay.”
“You’re a member of the club so talking to you isn’t the issue.” He glanced at her then back to the road. “I don’t want to frighten you.”
“Frighten...” The lights came on in her brain. No, she wasn’t experienced. “I thought swingers just shared partners?”
“That’s part of it.” He reached over and took her hand from where it rested on her leg. “Some enjoy BDSM, some heavier than others. It’s one of the reasons I’m working tonight. I need to monitor the group.”
“When you say heavy you mean S & M?” A shiver racked her body.
“Yes, plus there will be foursomes and more.”
“Okay, then.” This was unexpected. Her mind was spinning with the information.
“Very few people like all types of BDSM. We have a saying that goes like this: your kink is not my kink, and that’s okay.”
“I can say that fits this situation for me.” She wasn’t into the heavier BDSM scene. She enjoyed what Max had done to her so far.
Max pulled into a parking spot, and they strolled from his vehicle to the restaurant. The outside was painted white and blue with tile that created an ocean wave. Max held the glass door open for her.
The interior of light wood paneling and a gas fireplace gave the restaurant a cozy feel. The lobby area was full of people.
“Mr. Preston, so nice to see you again,” the maître d’ said. “I have your table ready. Please follow me.”
“Thank you.” Max gestured for her to go ahead of him.
The eyes of the not-yet-seated people drilled into her back. She felt bad for them and tugged at Max’s hand. He glanced at her, and she tilted her head.
“We have a reservation.”
“I see.” When he gestured for her to continue to their seat, she released his hand. They were led to the only empty table, an intimate table for two with a view of the inlet and the marina.
“Your waiter will be right here.” The maître d’ said before he left them alone.
“So, you planned to come here tonight?” Sierra asked as she picked up her menu.
“I made a reservation for us, yes. This way we got a table with a view and didn’t have to wait.”
Sierra glanced at the menu. So many choices. A sigh left her lips as she read the selections. It had been a long day, and she didn’t want to make another decision. Sierra folded her menu and placed her hands on top of it. “Will you choose for me?” How would he react to her question?
Max’s eyes widened. She stifled a smile, amazed she could surprise him. That was good.
“I can. Anything you won’t eat?”
“No clams, anchovies, or mushrooms. Everything else is okay.”
“All right.” He glanced at the menu and shut it as the waitress walked up. “We’re going to start with Caesar salad, no anchovies, the filet mignon both medium but not super pink, baked potato, one with everything and one with butter and bacon, house vegetables for two. We’ll need one dessert of the day at the end of the meal.”
“Very good choices. To drink?”
Max looked at her. “Water is fine,” Sierra said.
“Same for me.”
“Thank you. I’ll be back with bread, butter and your salads.”
“So tell me about your busy day.”
It took a minute for her brain to catch up with Max’s question. He knew her better than she thought. And that didn’t seem like a bad thing at all.
Dinner conversation flowed around their days and other mundane things. Sierra was kind of surprised. Not only were they talking about mundane things, but she was totally relaxed. Max did that to her. He got beneath her defenses. It should worry her, but it didn’t. She was willing to go with the flow.
“Will you tell me about your childhood?” Max asked after dessert was delivered.
The fork in Sierra’s hand froze on the way to her mouth. He was asking, not demanding to know more about her childhood. She slipped the fork into her mouth and chewed her food while she thought about his request.
It was something he needed to know, at least some of it. “This isn’t an easy subject for me to talk about.”
“I understand. How about this: What do you want to know about me?”
“Everything.” The word slipped out, and it was the truth. She really did want to know more about him.
“Fair enough. Let’s see. I have a younger brother who is currently serving in the military, and my parents are more or less retired and on a cruise right now.”
“That’s nice. Do they know about the club?”
“Yes, and no. They are aware I own a club, but not what goes on inside the club.”
“All right. What about serious relationships?” She stiffened after she asked the question, but then took a deep breath and forced herself to relax. This was probably something she should have asked before now.
“A few relationships. As for serious, I would say only one.” His face turned serious. “I’m divorced.” He waved his hand in the air. “I’m not proud of it.”
Sierra blinked several times. That had surprised her. Why would anyone divorce Max? Maybe he divorced her? “May I ask what happened?”
He nodded. “In the beginning, things were okay. My ex was not into kink, and I had her permission to indulge—her word not mine—my kink as long as there was no sex involved.”
“You mentioned you met Jordan and Damon at a munch.” This was interesting. He must have loved his wife a lot to marry someone not interested in kink.
