With only an idea of what to expect, Adara fidgeted in her seat as Julien pulled into Ambrosia’s parking lot. If she crossed her legs to cover her crotch, the cheek of her ass would show. If she left them uncrossed, the chasm between her thighs gaped in invitation. She settled for not crossing her legs and folding her hands primly in her lap. A glance at Julien and she realized he understood her dilemma. His smile held nothing but warmth and pride, no condescension, no smirk. He really did like putting her body on display.
“Adara, what’s traveling at warp speed through your busy mind now…” Julien’s voice embodied not just curiosity, but sympathy.
“Um, just a little nervous.”
“About?”
“Ah, well…I’ve heard stories about women leaving here with all kinds of scars and stuff.”
“Adara, do you believe I would either hurt or allow anyone else to hurt you? Who told you such nonsense, anyway?”
A split-second pause.
“I know you won’t hurt me…Jackie said that some of the men here did some really weird stuff.”
“First of all, you know all kinds of people walk this earth, each an individual with individual tastes and preferences. Second, I give you my word, even if you begged me, I would do nothing to intentionally leave any marks on your body—or mind. It’s not what I’m about. Tonight is just a get-to-know-you kind of gathering. I wanted you to come and meet some of the folks in the lifestyle before misconceptions sway your judgment.”
“I haven’t heard that much, and don’t know much more than we’ve talked about.”
“There’s a lot to learn, and no—it’s not all about whips and chains, as you are about to find out.
“I’m ready.” At least I think I am.
“Good, sweetheart. Then reserve judgment until you learn more. Don’t let anyone make up your mind for you. We’ll look around, and if you want, we’ll talk afterward. I wanted you to see for yourself. If you don’t want to move forward, it won’t change the way I feel or my promise to help you.”
As he pocketed his keys and exited to come around and open her door, she took a deep, calming breath. To have faith in Julian—a no-brainer, to overcome fear might prove more difficult.
“Have you ever seen Jackie here?” Seeds of doubt and jealousy couldn’t be ignored.
“No, I haven’t. Thank God.”
“She might have made it up…who knows?”
Julien escorted her along the winding pathway lit with medieval castle shaped solar lighting. His possessive hand at her waist steadied her nerves as she ascended the gem-encrusted, stone steps. The air smelled of the earth and forest nearby. Scents of woodland flowers drifted to her, the calming aromas reminding her of her parents’ greenhouse.
The massive stone building nestled in an idyllic setting, secluded in a wooded area. The large wood-plank doors held a wrought iron inlaid design of a dragon breathing fire skyward. Beside the dragon stood an armored warrior, his shield and sword held high, a maiden, kneeling before him.
Her gaze darted around, looking for—what? What exactly did she expect to see in the parking lot? A man chasing and whipping a woman trying to flee his perverted sense of fun? Get a grip, Adara. Julien’s not going to hurt you. She’d heard little about the lifestyle and never knew anyone personally involved…until now. She never would’ve imagined her boss to be part owner of this type of club at their first meeting. Maybe it wasn’t such a strange way of life after all. Maybe her subconscious knew all along.
Every step taken moved the plug inside her to send electric jolts rocking throughout her abdomen, her muscles clenching around it involuntarily. Shudders rippled through her body, which he must’ve felt with his hand at her back.
His knowing smile confirmed it.
Already her breasts strained against her bra, her nipples poking through the lace, outlined by the thin cotton of her top. When she looked down, she saw twin points of embarrassment.
“Don’t worry, Adara. You look beautiful.” His husky voice brought her attention to his heavy-lidded eyes, dark with hunger.
He’s not immune. “But—” She didn’t know how to voice her embarrassment.
His arched brow silenced further comment. Julien’s steadfast countenance reassured in a manner consistent with his character, reminding her of their bond.
When he guided her through the doorway, she stepped into a fantasyland. A large vestibule with stone walls and torch lights perpetuated the feel of an old castle. Colorful tapestries hung along the walls in rich jewel tones with depictions of knights, dragons, and maidens.
A set of crossed swords adorned the walls on each side. In the corner stood a suit of armor, javelin clutched in the metal hand, ready to defend against the visual nightmares her mind conjured. Even the earthy smell, cool, dark, and mysterious, lent an air of authenticity. Her body shuddered.
“Hello, Andrew, busy tonight?” Julien smiled briefly, then immediately staked his claim as the younger man gave Adara an appreciative once over. “This is Adara, she’s mine.” His arm circled her waist.
“Yes, sir. Pleased to meet you, Adara. Welcome to Ambrosia.”
“Hi, Andrew.” She couldn’t possibly utter anything else as she tugged once again on the hem of her skirt.
Andrew’s knowing grin unnerved her. “New to the scene, are you?”
“Um…” She fidgeted.
“Yes, and she’s taken.” Julien’s dark scowl generated a blanched expression on the younger man.
Adara sidled closer to Julien as he tucked her under his shoulder. When he guided her into the great room, she stumbled and inhaled sharply, unprepared for the vastness and splendor. Julien steadied her with his hand around her shoulders.
In her mind’s eye, the setting transported her back to a seventeenth century Scottish castle, reminiscent of one she’d visited with her parents years ago. Large stone pillars divided the room into thirds and marched down the length of the great hall. The arched support beams on top gleamed in lavish splendor and beckoned the gaze further. Each stanchion held sconces with scented candles. The flames danced and cavorted with wild abandon. A slight air current encouraged her goose bumps.
Intermittently spaced, antiqued brass-finished chandeliers, double tiered, each with golden, teak-hued crystals, provided old world charm and low suggestive lighting. The marble flooring peeked around edges of area rugs, each anchoring an intimately-set table.
Her smile faltered at the sight of two manacles dangling from a massive stone pillar in the center of the room, two more attached near its bottom. Blood drained from her face. Castles and manacles go together. Trying to ignore the repugnant sight, she let her gaze surf over the deep-seated sofas bordering the room with stacks of blankets beside each. Yet her eyes kept darting back to the manacles…
There were dozens of people in the room, milling and mingling. None seemed to take notice of her slutty appearance. Most were dressed in the same style. When she took a closer look at the walls, bile rose in her throat. Spaced at intervals were rustic mahogany wall cabinets containing various types of canes and whips, most with decorative and colorful adornments.
The instruments of torture on display didn’t seem to bother anyone else.
“Adara? Look at me, sweetheart.”
She froze on the spot, her brain short-circuited, unable to move until Julien guided her face to meet his gaze. “Adara?”
That voice ruled the deepest parts of her soul. Her mouth opened once, twice, but no words could come.
“Adara.”
She nodded but had no idea to what she just agreed. Her lungs wouldn’t fill with air. With each heartbeat, she tried to take a slow breath but failed. Panic filled her mind.
“Breathe slowly, Adara, with me. Understand? We’ve done this before.”
He took her hand and placed it on his chest.
Unshed tears filled her eyes in desperation. The room began to spin. Her heart beat wildly as she hyperventilated.
Confusion edged out Julien’s voice.
She heard him speaking, yet the words no longer made sense. Numbness in her hands and feet accompanied a tingling around her mouth. She would lose consciousness and be left at Julien’s mercy. Sweat popped out along her brow and lightheadedness made her sway toward him. There seemed to be a sense of urgency in his voice, yet she could no longer fathom why.
* * * *
“Adara, I need you to focus on me. Now. Understand? I’m going to help you.” He’d expected a reaction, but not so drastic.
Her glazed eyes stared wide without blinking, her hands clutching his upper arms loosening with each panted breath. Her muscles had locked tight after her gaze rested on the manacles but loosened in slow degrees of blood draining from her face.
His firm grip bit into her shoulders and backed her up against a pillar to help support her weight. With one hand behind her neck, he brought his mouth down on hers. “Open for me, Adara.”
He covered her mouth with his own. When he exhaled, she jerked, tried to pull back and turn away. Still, he held her wedged against the pillar with no place to go.
Terror filled her eyes as he breathed into her mouth, sharing his breath. He gave her no choice but to take what he gave, repeating the process several heartbeats later. His rhythm soon overtook her need to breathe through her nose. He pinched it shut with his other hand and took away the choice.
Her fingers clawed at his hands to no avail. In and out, over and over until she calmed, her breathing matching his without option.
A look of euphoria crept into her countenance. Her Co2 level is rising.
Julien felt Adara’s muscles go limp against him before she slumped. Letting go of her neck, he scooped her up in his arms to carry her to one of the sofas. When he sat with her settled on his lap, her head rested against his shoulder. He’d known it would be a big step bringing her here but had hoped to talk her through an extreme reaction.
When he tipped her chin up, glazed eyes remained out of focus. At least she’d calmed. The soft blanket he wrapped around her felt like a barrier. She wasn’t his first submissive, but he’d never worked with someone so…challenged.
Her inner strength would see her through with a determination that would surface and not be denied. If he’d had any doubts, he wouldn’t have brought her so soon.
When she moaned and burrowed into his embrace, he rested his chin on top of her head. The snug cradle of his arms would provide comfort. There would be time later to talk. Right now, she needed security.
“Is she all right, Julien? What happened?” Marc’s look of concern carried an edge.
“She’s okay. Got spooked from the wall décor.” The possessiveness in him roared when anyone else came near.
“Do you have all her history? Nate said she’s had it rough with family,” Marc asked, worry furrowing his brow.
“Yes, her uncle and cousin.”
“Christ. Anything I can do?”
“As a matter of fact, yes. It would help if she could talk with some of the other subs, see that we’re not a bunch of Neanderthals.”
“Okay. How about tomorrow? She’s not gonna absorb anything useful tonight.” After a second’s thought, he added, “I know you gave us the short version during our meeting…I guess I didn’t realize how badly they went after her. We’re here for you both, if you need us.” He gestured to Conner and Nate.
“I’ll let you know…her family’s not gonna give up and they won’t play nice. I’m probably gonna need help at some point.”
“Let me know. We’ll be ready,” Marc replied. “Anything you need.”