Sharon squirmed in my grip, but there was nothing she could do to fight me off. The knowledge of my power over her body wasn’t enough to please me, though. I wanted her mind as well. And right now, she was far too focused on what her co-workers would think of her predicament. I brought my hand down hard on her thigh. Her barely-there red lace skirt had ridden up, so I came in direct contact with her mocha skin. She cried out at the sharp sting.

“Hey!” She complained loudly. “Stop that!”

I spanked her again. “No. You stop it. You’re being very disrespectful. I won’t tolerate it.”

She continued to twist against my grip. “Derek, please. You’re embarrassing me.”

My fingers dug into her flesh, and I let out a warning growl. “It’s Master while we’re in the club. You know that. Don’t make me punish you in front of everyone.”

She trembled and then went still, all the fight going out of her. I didn’t like it. She wasn’t trembling with excitement; she was actually scared. It was time to deal with her insecurities once and for all. I knew she loved me and loved our D/s relationship, but she still had difficulty rectifying her tough-chick persona with her submissive nature when it came to the guys she worked with.

Tonight, I was going to put my beautiful sub on display, and she was going to learn to love every second of it.

When we reached the center of the public play space, I set her down on her bare feet, facing her away from me. While she was still off-balance, I quickly retrieved the red ball gag from my belt. I pinched her ass hard. When she gasped, I took advantage of her open mouth and pushed the gag between her teeth. Her head thrashed, and she made a muffled sound of protest, but I was able to buckle it in place before she dislodged it.

I turned her to face me, and her dark chocolate eyes glared daggers at me. Even though I didn’t enjoy her distress, I had to fight back an amused smile. She reminded me of a helpless, angry little kitten when she was like this. And it was a good thing I had already cuffed her hands, because my kitten had claws, and she looked ready to use them.

“Don’t you dare try to kick me,” I warned. She shifted her weight in a way that let me know my order had been a close call. It really wouldn’t do to have my sub knee me in the nuts in front of all my patrons.

I enjoyed the power play that came along with her rebellious nature, but I didn’t relish our dynamic at the moment. This was more than a challenge; she was scared and possibly hurt. She thought I was trying to humiliate her in front of her friends.

It was time for some tough love.

“On your knees,” I ordered, pointing to the velvety red cushion I had laid out for her when I planned this scene.

Her eyes widened, and she shook her head wildly. I frowned at her and grasped a fistful of her glossy black curls, tugging downward until she had no choice but to drop to her knees. She pressed her thighs together in a show of nervous defiance.

“Spread them,” I barked. She needed sharp orders when she was like this. There would be time for gentleness later, but a firm hand was the best way to reach her. Her focus was on them, not me. I needed to rectify that.

She jumped slightly, and her knees slid apart before she could think about what she was doing. Her body edged to the side as she anxiously peeked around my legs, checking to see if her friends were watching.

My hand tightened in her hair, directing her so that my body blocked the men from view. With the other, I gripped her jaw and tilted her face up so she had no option but to meet my eyes. I stared down at her, waiting for her to realize her mistake. Her breath hitched, and she shivered.

I brushed my thumb along her jawline. “They’re not the ones you should be worried about,” I informed her, my voice hard. “I’m your Master. I’m in control.”

The lines of anxiety around her eyes eased, and her whole body softened. She let out a sweet little hum as she relaxed into my power over her. This was what she craved from me. I cherished her more than anything, but she needed my harsher methods of correction in order to give herself permission to let go. And seeing to her needs gave my life fulfillment. Not to mention I was a kinky son of a bitch and really got off on disciplining her. We suited each other nicely.

I continued to hold her in my steady gaze, watching her submission take hold of her. She opened to me like a flower, and where there had been fear and defiance there was only devotion and trust.

My fingers began to work through her curls in a soothing motion. “That’s right,” I said with approval. “All you need to worry about is pleasing me.”

She leaned forward and pressed her cheek against my thigh in a silent show of remorse. I released her jaw to trace the line of her emerald-studded silver collar.

“There’s my sweet kitten,” I murmured. My cock was suddenly rock hard. Taking this strong woman in hand was the most gratifying thing I had ever known. I had lots more planned for her tonight, but I decided to go off-script for a few minutes. Otherwise, my aching cock would cause me to limp around my own club, and I couldn’t have that.

I gently pulled back on her hair so she was looking up at me again.

“You know I would never do anything to hurt you,” I assured her. “That’s not what this is about. I want to show you off. I want everyone to be jealous that I own the most beautiful sub in Decadence. Will you be my good girl tonight? I promise you’ll enjoy it.”

She nodded. Her eyes had taken on that glassy sheen that let me know she would do anything I asked. Her trust was a heady thing, and my cock pulsed as I began to find my own high. When I spoke, my voice took on that deep, rough quality of top space.

“I’m going to take that gag out, and you’re going to open for me. I’m going to sink myself between those perfect lips, and I’ll fuck your mouth until you moan my name around my cock.”

Her eyelids lowered to half-mast, and she shuddered with erotic excitement. She always responded well when I talked dirty to her, and she was already falling into sub space. She didn’t seem at all concerned that I had just told her to give me a blowjob in the middle of the club.

I couldn’t deny that having an audience was one of my kinks. Before I could explode in my leathers, I freed my throbbing dick and hastily removed her gag. Her lips parted immediately, her eyes riveted on my cock. That blissed-out, worshipful expression drew a groan from my chest.

“So fucking perfect,” I ground out, sliding into her waiting mouth.

She took in all of me, pressing forward to encourage my progress. She was completely focused on my pleasure, just as I was completely absorbed in the feel of her heat around me. Knowing she found emotional fulfillment in my gratification made me pulse in her mouth. I gritted my teeth and stilled, holding her head in place with my hands in her curls. She breathed through her nose in short little pants, but her moan wasn’t one of protest. It sent vibrations racing across my cock, and my fingers tightened in her hair. I wondered if she really was moaning my name as I had demanded. The thought of it almost pushed me over the edge.

Fuck, I couldn’t come two minutes into a blowjob with everyone watching. The added tension of needing to put on a show helped me find my control again, only making the scene that much hotter for me. I loved that Sharon pushed me to my limit, just as I pushed her.

I slowly pulled out, and she swirled her tongue around me, as though trying to draw me back in. The firm, silken feel of it was exquisite, and her desperation to use her mouth on me filled me with warm satisfaction that was more than simple lust.

When I fully withdrew from her, I eased my hold on her hair and gripped the base of my dick, holding it so she could lick at it. She tasted me as though I was the sweetest candy, running her tongue along my shaft, paying special attention to the underside of my cockhead. She knew that drove me crazy. The little minx was getting bold.

I guided myself back into her mouth, taking her more roughly. I was on the edge of my control, and it was all I could do to maintain measured strokes as I thrust in and out of her. She moaned again, and I came undone. My cock touched the back of her throat, and she swallowed. Lightning flashed across my vision, and I threw back my head with a rough shout. I groaned when she took down everything I gave her, completely unashamed to show the pleasure I found in my sub’s devotion.

When the last of my high faded, I removed myself from her. She reluctantly let me go, sucking me gently as I withdrew. White spots danced across my vision, but I managed to blink them away and tuck myself back into my leathers.

She gazed up at me with heavy-lidded eyes. She was breathing hard, but her lips were curled up in a lazy smile. I bent and lifted her by the hips, enjoying the way my fingers sank into her soft curves. Her job kept her fit, but she still had a woman’s figure that I loved.

I held her until she steadied, idly appreciating the way her breasts practically spilled out of her Santa’s helper red lace bustier. I brushed a kiss across her forehead before hooking my forefinger through the ring at the front of her collar. She had no choice but to follow me as I led her the short distance to the suspension frame that I had set up just for her.

Some of her wariness returned as she eyed it. She loved being tied to it, but we usually reserved it for private play, because I liked having her completely naked when I bound her.

I rubbed my hands up and down her arms in a soothing motion and leaned into her to whisper in her ear.

“Time to finish putting up the decorations,” I breathed across her smooth skin. She shivered, but I could feel nervous tension taking hold of her muscles.

“Master…” She said tremulously, a silent plea in her eyes.

“Trust me,” I urged gently. “You’ll enjoy it. And if you want to stop, all you have to do is snap your fingers.”

Her brow furrowed. “What about my safe words?”

I retrieved the gag from my belt. She tried to take a step back, but I kept a firm grip on one of her arms.

“I’m not going to gag you to keep you quiet,” I told her softly. “I know it will help you relax. You won’t have to worry about protesting because you feel like you have to. Just let go and trust me to take care of you.”

She eyed the gag, but she nodded. “I do trust you, Master.”

I touched my lips to hers. “Good girl. Open for me.”

This time, I didn’t have to trick her into accepting the gag. She parted her lips and calmly allowed me to buckle it in place. I kissed the rubber ball.

The next step would test her. We hadn’t engaged in knife play often, and it had always been with a dull blade. I would never cut her, but the adrenaline rush brought on by that particular form of edge play brought out her submission like nothing else. She gave herself over to me completely during those sessions, and they always left her wet and begging for release.

Her eyes widened when I retrieved the blade from where I had placed my kit bag beside the suspension frame. I held up the knife so that it caught the light, causing it to fracture and dance across her lovely face. Her gaze remained riveted on it as I brought the point down between her breasts, pressing it against the lace of her bustier rather than her skin. Her chest stilled, and she stopped breathing when I sliced down through the flimsy material in one fluid movement. I made quick work of the straps, and within seconds her beautiful breasts were exposed. Her nipples were hard and dark with her arousal.

Not pausing to play with them, I turned my attention to her skirt, ripping it apart with ease. Her red silken thong was her only remaining scrap of modesty. But I wouldn’t have that. I wanted her completely bare for me so I could show her off. So everyone would know she was mine, and I alone had earned the right to her submission and her love.

The elasticated strings that held the panties to her hips gave way with a soft snick. I fisted the shredded material and tore if from her body. Locking her in my gaze, I slowly lifted it to my face and inhaled deeply. The scent of her arousal made my dick stir again, as did the needy little whimper that slipped around her gag.

My amused grin might have been a touch cruel. I had her right where I wanted her. She had forgotten all about her anxieties and was completely focused on me and the pleasure I would give her. I noticed she was trembling, the adrenaline hitting her hard. I pulled her into my arms and held her through it, tracing the line of her spine and petting her springy curls until she melted into me.

Satisfied that she was deeply immersed in her submissive headspace, I removed the handcuffs. They had been necessary in the beginning, but now I wanted to see my ropes wrapped around her gorgeous body.

I fell deeper into top space as I bound her, methodically winding the rough jute over and through itself, tugging and tightening until it caressed her skin with just the right amount of pressure. By the time I finished her chest harness, her breasts were framed by the ropes, constricting her blood flow to make them even more sensitive than usual. I brushed my fingertips across them, tracing the undersides. Her knees nearly buckled as pleasure surged through her, and I caught her around the waist to keep her upright.

Her eyes were closed, so she didn’t see when I signaled to Reed for help. He nodded in recognition and left his sub in Smith’s care so he could come assist me.

Sharon was completely out of it, but I knew she trusted Reed more than the other guys, and she wouldn’t mind him holding her while I finished my work.

She swayed slightly when I released her, but Reed’s firm grip on her shoulders kept her on her feet. He grinned and winked at me, letting me know he approved of my work. My answering smile was a touch wolfish. The pleasure I found in her submission was almost savage in its intensity.

I turned my attention from her friend back to the ropes, weaving an elaborate, geometric pattern over her abdomen and securing her arms behind her back, pinning each of her hands to the opposite elbow. I refrained from placing a knot against her clit. I would need access to her pussy later, and I didn’t want anything to get in my way.

When I was satisfied, I looked to Reed. He was experienced enough to understand what I needed, and he helped me arrange the ropes through the loops at the center of the suspension frame. I took his place holding Sharon, bracing her as he pulled her body upward. I guided her into position so she was parallel to the floor, facing downward. Reed began securing her legs in place, drawing them up so they bent at the knees, leaving her thighs spread wide. I gathered her hair up and tied a simple knot through it, using it as an anchor to hold her head up as I tied the other end of the rope to the others supporting her body. The tie would make her scalp tingle and keep her face tilted so I could admire her perfect features.

I gave Reed a nod of thanks, and he went off to find his own sub again. Smiling, I retrieved the camera from my kit bag. Sharon stirred at the soft clicks as I snapped a few shots. She blinked up at me slowly, her brow creasing.

“For our Christmas cards next year,” I teased her.

She shook her head, some of her alertness returning. A small sound of protest was muffled by the gag.

I shushed her. “If you’re good, I’ll keep them for my private album. No more whining.”

I put down the camera and began to lube up her favorite plug, the one with the large green gem set into the base. I had dreamed about using it on her at the club for months. Now was the perfect time. The most wonderful time of the year. I smirked to myself. The green would contrast nicely with her red ball gag.

She shook her head again when she saw what I was doing, but she didn’t make a sound this time. The motion made the rope tug at her hair, and her eyes went slightly glassy again in response to the sensation.

I stepped behind her and pressed the tip of the plug to her asshole. She tensed, and I tweaked her clit. She shuddered and relaxed back into her bonds. The toy slid in easily. I fucked it in and out of her ass a few times, and she groaned as I pushed it home, seating it firmly inside her. I playfully tapped against the jewel, admiring the way it sparkled under the club lights. She twisted against the ropes as pleasure pulsed through her in response. Her pussy was swollen and wet, and I was tempted to fuck her right then and there.

But there was one final adornment I had planned for her. Reluctantly, I left her welcoming sex to retrieve the clamps I had purchased for the evening. The little bells tinkled as I slowly closed the rubber-tipped alligator clamp around one nipple. I quickly did the same to the other. The silver bells hung from the clamps by delicate chains. The added weight tugged down on her nipples. I flicked one of them, and she squirmed. My delighted laugh danced with the sound of the bell ringing.

What was that saying again? Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings. A lot of angels would be getting their wings tonight.

I took a step back and took a long minute to drink her in. With her red gag, green plug, and silver bells, she was the cutest little Christmas ornament.

“Very festive,” I rumbled with cocky approval. She shivered at the answering pleasure she found in my praise, and she relaxed again, her eyes closing and her head dropping forward, the tie on her hair the only thing keeping it upright.

Unable to wait a moment longer, I positioned myself behind her and freed my aching cock from my leathers. She hung suspended at the perfect height for me to access her pussy. Wrapping my hands around her bound calves, I pressed my cockhead into her, then pulled back on her legs. Her body swung into me, impaling her on my dick. Her back arched, and she let out a purely erotic cry. I ground out my own rough sound of ecstasy at the feel of her wet pussy convulsing around me. I had known she was burning with lust, but I hadn’t expected her to come so soon. And fuck, she came hard, her inner muscles squeezing me and her body twisting against her restraints.

I took up a steady rhythm, keeping my hold on her legs to rock her back into me. She would feel weightless, cushioned by the ropes as I wrung pleasure from her body. Her orgasm eased, and she went limp save for the quivering that had taken hold of her. Raw sounds of bliss raked up her throat in a continuous stream, their meaning lost in the gag. Her helplessness under my hands, the complete and utter abandon I had brought her to, pushed me over the edge. I bellowed out my pleasure and ground my thumb against her clit, demanding another orgasm from her as I found my own. I reveled in the feel of emptying myself into her body, nothing separating our hot flesh.

I pumped in and out a few more times, shuddering out the last drops of my ecstasy. It was time to release her, but I wasn’t ready just yet. She was so goddamn beautiful, all tied up for me like the kinkiest Christmas present I had ever received.

I carefully unclipped the clamps, sucking each of her nipples into my mouth in turn to ease the ache. She let out the most adorable little whimpers, but her body was too exhausted to try to move away from the sweet torment.

I removed the gag and placed soft kisses to her forehead, her eyelids, her cheeks.

“I love you,” she murmured sleepily.

“I love you too. Merry fucking Christmas, babe.”