We cross the threshold of the parking garage below, and Malakai blips the car unlocked with his keyless entry remote. He opens the passenger door for me, and I sink down into the cushion of the grey leather seat. He gets in and brings the engine to life, easing out of his parking space.
“Are you going to tell me what you have planned, Malakai?” I inquire.
“Well, I want to take you somewhere that I hope you will find intriguing. Another place I own. Since it’s daytime, nobody will be there, but first, let’s get some brunch.”
We devour a meal of pancakes, bacon, eggs and grits after a night then morning of vigorous activities, reloading our energy. Conversation is light, and we are laughing through it all, feeling carefree. Malakai invigorates my spirit and energizes my mind, and I see the same in him of me. Once we’ve stuffed ourselves full, he settles the bill, and we are off to our ultimate destination, still unknown to me.
Malakai is holding my hand the entire drive, rubbing his thumb against the back, sending my skin alight with goosebumps, and a silly grin on my face. He brings the Audi into a parking lot just behind an unmarked building, signage absent. I observe my surroundings, skeptical.
“Malakai, where are we?” I ask, my voice full of doubt. Have I made a mistake blindingly trusting this man? We just met, and I’m letting him lead me into the unknown.
“Don’t worry, Carrie. It’s all on the up and up. You will see.”
We exit the vehicle, and he takes me by the hand, directing me into a solid black back door labeled “Employees only.” Indoors, the building is lit up, and I see a long hallway ahead of me, an office door to my right. Malakai opens the office, and urges me to sit on a soft, red microfiber sofa. In the center is a large, mahogany desk, papers strewn everywhere and a large desktop at the corner. Malakai brings the screen to life with a move of his mouse and types in his password. As the monitor lights up, I see a grid of monitors that oversee a club floor. The difference? This club has a stage with racks full of BDSM equipment. One of the squares shows another hallway full of doors. My jaw is gaping with wonder and curiosity.
“Malakai, what is this place?”
“Carrie, this is Red Velvet.” He smiles from ear to ear. “I’ve owned this place for a while, but never brought anyone here. Would you like a tour? I want to share all of this with you, everything.
“Wow, I am speechless, but also a little nervous now that I’m here.”
“No need to worry. I know you’re concerned with being on display for everyone else. We would never do anything in the public area. Your body is for my eyes only. The club is closed right now, and if I ever did want to play with you here, we would use my private suite. Currently, there is only a bed and ensuite bathroom, but if you ever feel comfortable, I would furnish it with all the accoutrements we would need to suit our needs and limits. Carrie, I don’t know how much you were taught or trained all those years ago, but part of this lifestyle is about setting and honoring limits. I could draw up an agreement, if you’d like, but that’s up to you. We wouldn’t have to be so formal, because I’d like to be more than just your Dominant. I know it seems sudden, but I want you in my life. Something about your presence just relieves the stresses and worries of my day. Your smile, it’s so contagious it shines bright like the sun. I want to see that smile and feel those tresses between my fingers every day. But I digress. I just want you to see the opportunity here to have something real. Please, let me show you around.” He pleads. Though we’ve not had many conversations in the short time we’ve known each other, I can tell he means every word he’s said.
“Yes, Malakai. I think I’d like that. I don’t see any harm in a simple walk through.”
Down the hallway, and onto the open floor, I stare at the stage, wide-eyed. Posted up is a St. Andrew’s Cross with cuffs at each end and shelving filled with items such as floggers, canes, whips, eye masks, a box of nipple clamps, and even dildos and vibrators. Though what makes me truly blush is the large box of condoms I see on the floor in an even bigger container of all brands and sizes. Hey, at least I know they are safe around here, I think to myself. Then I start to chuckle.
“Is something funny, Carrie?” Malakai asks.
“Just admiring your … stash. And I was thinking to myself that at least I know you all play it safe,” I reply as I point to the pile of condoms.
“Of course. Safety first is one of my biggest priorities. You should know the motto ‘safe, sane and consensual.’ Well part of that is making sure that all of my partygoers are one hundred percent protected at all times. I personally vet all the members, but you have to account for every possible scenario. Certainly, not every scene goes that way, but it’s easy to get carried away. For those who are more private about their fun, we have a hallway of suites people can reserve away from home. People can either bring in their own accessories, or request from the dungeon floor.” He angles me toward the bar. “We do serve alcohol, but only at a two-drink maximum. Engaging in BDSM rituals requires a relatively clear head, which is why I was glad to hear that you do not drink.”
I take in my surroundings and realize the décor is similar to that of Park 59, although the tables and couches are this beautiful, deep red color. The floor is concrete, and expensive chandeliers hang from the ceiling, creating a dim, seductive atmosphere.
I run my hand over my pulled-back hair, contemplating what I really want from this man. Seemingly, he is so different than anyone from my past. I truly feel a connection that has the potential for more. I’m excited, yet also cautious, as Malakai made mention of in an earlier conversation. With that excitement, though, I know that we have to talk some more about what is happening between us. I’ve never been one for love, or even lust, at first sight, so my mind is firing in all different directions that make zero sense.
“Carrie, what’s going through your mind?” Malakai interrupts.
“I’m just settling something in my head, trying to make a decision.”
“If it’s about us, have faith, take a leap.” I still don’t understand how this man is able to read my thoughts like one of the books on his shelves.
“That’s what I was warring with, but I know I want something. My dilemma is in how fast things are happening.”
“We will make our own rules. It doesn’t have to follow a recipe. We find what works for us and stick to it.” Malakai is so sure of himself and what he wants that I can’t help but lean on his confidence.
“Okay, I think I can agree to that.”
We walk back out to the car, and he locks the door we came through, triggering an automatic alarm to set. I admire the beauty of his Audi as we get in, one of my favorite car brands on the market.
“Good. Now, I do have some work to do at my office, so I’m going to drop you off back at the building. Do you have dinner plans? I was thinking we could order some takeout and have a night in.”
“Takeout sounds good. I have some errands I need to run anyway. What time should I be at your place?”
“Let’s shoot for seven p.m. If I’m going to be later, I will let you know.”
We encounter afternoon traffic, so to pass the time for entertainment, Malakai turns on some music. Blaring through the stereo quality speakers is a tune from rapper Kendrick Lamar’s new album.
“I have so much love and respect for him and his music,” I chime in. “His lyrics have so much relevance to current social and political issues, and he’s unapologetic. I admire artists like that. Artists of substance who actually put some work and effort into the quality of their product.”
I peer to my left to see Malakai grinning from ear to ear. “Why are you smiling like that?”
“Because you never cease to amaze me. You have such passion for so many things, and it shines through each time you speak. I know you’re educated, but you’re also well-rounded and open-minded. I appreciate that. Diversity is a beautiful thing, but finding like-minded people to keep company with is one of the best feelings in the world. I’ve found that in you.”
I lower my head, a blush creeping over me. I continue to be drawn in by his one-liners that show me exactly where his head is at. I turn to the right and observe traffic as we head back to our building.
Pulling back into the parking garage, Malakai glides into his spot, coming to a stop. Ever the gentleman, he walks me upstairs to my door and attacks me with a panty-melting kiss.
I lean out of it a little, breathless.
He has this knowing look on his face, and out comes that smirk again. One day, I’m going to kiss it right off his face, but before I can, he parts with just four little words, “Your orgasms are mine.” Essentially telling me that I have to wait until tonight, but that’s quite all right, because now that I know how it is with him, BOB has become obsolete. With that, I step inside my apartment, dab my face with a cool cloth, and leave back out to run a few errands.