9
MALORY
Reggie suddenly jumped up from where he was lying at my feet next to the couch, and scurried over to the door of Gareth's penthouse. I looked up from my book, and smiled at him as he danced and wiggled in front of the door excitedly. A second later, Gareth strode in with a hard scowling expression that let me know that he'd had a really bad day. He slapped his brief case down on the kitchen island and flung his coat on one of the stools next to it, then stood there rubbing at his temples with a deep and weary sigh. Reggie whined softly and leaned against his leg comfortingly.
"Hi," I called out in a soft soothing tone from where I was in the nearby sitting area. I wasn't sure if he wanted to be left alone to brood, or if I should try to cheer him up, so I stayed put until I decided which course of action was best.
He turned to look at me, his scowl suddenly morphing into a dark intensity that pinned me where I sat. He stalked over to stand over me, his eyes focusing on the book in my hands. It was another of his BDSM books. I'd been ravenously reading his books on the subject, and the more I learned the more I wanted to know.
"Are...are you hungry?" I asked absently, since our dinner was still in the warmer. He began eying me like something he'd like to eat, and I knew he had something else in mind. Oh boy.
"Yes," he growled out in a low tone that had me instantly wet and aroused, before he dropped to his knees on the floor in front of me.
He took the book from my hands and tossed it aside, then leaned in closer as his eyes darkened into a feral black. His sandalwood cologne surrounded me, igniting my senses with a rush of warm desire. His hand shot out to grip my chin firmly in his palm, and then he thrust his mouth hard against mine and proceeded to devour me with his lips, tongue, and teeth. I mewled and went limp into the couch cushion, basking in this gorgeous man's bestial desire that threatened to pull me under and drown me in pure untamed lust.
He snarled into my mouth as his hands slid down to my hips, even as his lips still fed on mine. He gripped the waistband of my leggings and panties with his fingers, and began roughly yanking them down off my hips. I raised myself up to help him, eager and on fire for whatever he wanted to do to me.
He jerked them off over my legs and threw them to the floor. His big warm hands grabbed me by the waist and pulled my ass to the edge of the cushion. They glided up to my knees and shoved them apart, spreading my legs wide and exposing me fully to his avid gaze. He stared down at the junction of my legs, his nostrils flaring and his breaths quickening. He bent and breathed in my musk right from the source, his eyes closing with a deep masculine hum of appreciation.
"You smell so good, baby," he said with a groan.
My only response was a long needy whine.
His hands slid down and he gently spread my lips apart with his thumbs and eyed my sex with a hungry and predatory expression.
"Who owns your pleasure?" he asked in a dark demanding tone that made me shiver uncontrollably as his warm breath skated over my sensitive flesh. "Who is your master?"
"You, sir," I whispered breathlessly, my hips lifting in desperate supplication. "Only you."
He growled in approval, his eyes burning with black fire, then buried his face between my legs. His tongue, oh my god, his tongue. It felt like heaven as it swirled and licked every inch of me, sending jolting electric shivers of desire shooting through my entire body. His growls and moans of excitement vibrated into my core, ratcheting up the pleasure as he tongued my pussy with wild abandon. I reached down between my thighs, and buried my fingers into his tousle of dark hair and held on tight, needing something to hold on to as my thoughts scattered.
He might own my body and pleasure completely, but his was just as much mine. Gareth told me several times before that as his submissive I held all the power, and his books mentioned that as well, but it was never more evident then it was in this moment. This dominant and powerful sex god of a man was kneeling at my feet and worshiping my body, giving me everything and holding back nothing. I'd never felt more loved, or more powerful in all my life. When his tongue finally zeroed in on my clit and mercilessly drove me right over the edge, I flew up and up and up until I lost myself completely to it, riding the tidal wave as it swept me away into bliss. I felt like an adored and cherished goddess, a goddamn queen.
The orgasm waned, but only for a moment. Gareth lifted his head, his mouth and chin glistening with my pleasure, his eyes black pools of mindless lust. He unfastened his pants in a rush, and pulled his hardened cock out, the tip dark red with his arousal and weeping pre-cum. He found my soaked core an instant later, and thrust into me deeply with a harsh animalistic snarl. I wailed out, the sudden penetration feeling so good, so right.
I wrapped my arms around his neck as he buried his face into mine. His fingers sank into my ass and pulled me in closer, his dick burrowing in even deeper inside me until it almost hurt. Holy crap, it was glorious. He began fucking me with deep furious thrusts that had me wailing again in mere moments. His teeth sank into me with deliciously painful pleasure, his snarls reverberating into my skin as he worried at my neck.
His thrusts turned frantic now as he chased his own release. He hit a new spot deep inside me and set off another orgasm that quaked violently through my body. My pussy clamped down hard and pulsed around him as sweet rapture fell over me, pulling a loud scream from my mouth. Gareth followed with a deep guttural moan, his entire body jolting and stiffening as his cock began to spasm inside me. He pushed into me deeply one last time, and his release bathed my core in his warm seed. Then he collapsed limply against me in sated exhaustion.
We stayed like that for a long moment as we both struggled to calm down, his hot breath panting against the sweat dampened skin of my neck. The weight of his body on mine felt so good and made me feel safe and cherished. Part of me wished that we never had to move from this spot.
Finally, he straightened and smiled languidly at me. The tension and stress he'd been carrying when he got home was completely erased from his face now. His hand rose up to cup my cheek, and his thumb caressed my lips so sweetly. His gorgeous eyes traveled around my face as they swam with warmth and love for me. He hummed in happy contentment as I returned his smile with one of deep affection.
"Bad day?" I asked softly as I slid my fingers through his soft dark hair.
He sighed into my caresses. "Yeah," came his husky reply.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
His face turned pained at my question. "I can't, baby. I'm sorry."
"Don't be." I understood completely, and I didn't mind. His clients trusted him and counted on his discretion. "It's okay. Your integrity is one of the many reasons I love you. It's one of the things that make you a good man."
He gave me a slightly dubious frown. "You make me feel like one." His eyes were brimming with emotion. I was relieved for once that he didn't disagree with my assessment.
"You are one, Gareth." I cradled his face in my hands. "Believe it," I told him firmly.
"I'm trying." He smiled softly. "You make it easier."
"Good." I leaned in and gave him a gentle kiss. "Now let's eat dinner."
He nodded, and we disengaged regretfully. He straightened his clothes as I pulled my panties and leggings back on. I watched him pick up the book I'd been reading and eye it thoughtfully before he set it on the coffee table. He gave me a sexy roguish smirk that made my heart race.
"You're going to tell me all about what you've learned over dinner tonight, beautiful," he said in a deep commanding voice. He leaned down close to my ear and whispered seductively. "In complete and vivid detail."
I blushed immediately and furiously, but somehow managed to croak out, "Yes, sir."
He took my hand and pulled me up into his arms, holding me flush against the rock-hard planes of his body.
"Good girl," he murmured softly into my hair.
I melted against him with a soft sigh, and it felt like home.
**********
I sat in the desk chair of my tiny work cubicle on Thursday morning and stared at my phone as anxiety coursed through me. I sighed. I could do this. It was just a phone call, not a confessional. I needed to chill out. I took a deep fortifying breath and hit the call icon on the contact I'd brought up on my phone. It rang twice before the call was answered.
"Well, hello, Malory," came Thea's warm greeting over the line.
"Hi, um...Hi, Thea," I replied feeling awkward, even though I knew I had no reason to feel that way. Thea had never been anything but kind to me, and she's given me an open invitation to call her anytime if I wanted to talk.
"I'm so happy to hear from you," she said enthusiastically. "I'd been hoping you'd call me."
"Y...you were?" I asked waveringly.
"Well, yeah," she replied. "I was hoping we could be friends since you're dating my best friend."
"I...I'd like that," I said as I began to feel calmer. Her friendliness easing some of my anxiety, so I pushed forward with the reason I'd called her. "I...um...I was wondering if maybe we could get together and talk...talk about...about stuff," I suggested as my nerves reared up to jangle around inside my head all over again. For heaven's sake, I couldn't even spell out what I wanted over the phone.
She laughed disarmingly. "I'd ask you what kind of stuff, but I suspect I already know," she said in a suggestive tone, and I felt my face heat with a blush. "Besides, I can tell you're already embarrassed enough, so I'll have mercy on you." She laughed softly again. "I'm not working today, so how about you come over and have dinner with me tonight. We'll have plenty of privacy to talk about stuff since Derek and the boys have class with Gareth tonight. Would that work?"
"Um...yeah," I answered, nodding like an idiot. "I'd...I'd like that."
"How about six o'clock," she suggested. "You bring the wine."
"Okay," I replied with a smile.
"I'll see you tonight then."
"Oh...okay...bye." I couldn't manage a whole sentence without stuttering through it, and I was so embarrassed. I felt like a tool.
She laughed again before saying good-bye and ending the call.
I flopped back in my chair with a groan. My curiosity was going to be the death of me. Well, if death by embarrassment was possible anyway. I'd been voraciously reading Gareth's BDSM books and reading stuff on the Internet, and he and I had a long face blistering conversation about what I'd read so far over dinner on Tuesday. I'd already learned a lot, but I think I needed to talk to someone who was a submissive too. I wanted to know what led her to this lifestyle in the first place, and get her perspective on the whole thing.
To be honest, I was also just plain curious about Thea's activities at the sex club, Désir Dangereux, and what the place was like. I wasn't interested in doing such intimate things in front of other people, but I'd be lying if I wasn't at least curious to know what it was like for someone into that and why they wanted to do it in the first place. Regardless of my motives, I was sure to spend the entire evening red-faced and mortified, but I was determined to do it and get past my discomfort, so I could completely embrace my submission.
A few minutes before six, I pulled up in front of Thea's house with a bottle of white and red wine because I couldn't decide which to bring. I'd been nervous and jittery all day waiting for this. Even talking to Gareth about it at lunch didn't settle my anxiety that much. He'd been pleased that I was spending time with Thea, and I could tell it also pleased him that I was so curious and eager to learn all I could about the BDSM lifestyle. It made me happy because I wanted more than anything to be the best sub for Gareth, and please him in every way that I was able.
I sat there and stared out the window at Thea's house, admiring the gorgeous clean lines of its industrial and contemporary design as an excuse not to go in yet. I was so damn nervous. It was ridiculous really. My phone chimed with a text message, and I jumped in startled surprise. I grabbed my phone and read the text from Gareth.
Quit stalling. You'll be fine. Thea doesn't bite. Well...she doesn't bite anyone but Derek anyway.
Oh good Lord. My face felt warm. Was I that predictable, or did this man just know me that well already? I was voting on the second option. I shook my head with a soft smile, glad for the boost of confidence from Gareth and his levity. I felt a little less anxious.
Is making me blush your new hobby now?
No, but making you come all night long is.
Now I felt warm somewhere distinctly farther south. I squirmed in my seat unconsciously, my body remembering just how much he excelled at that particular hobby.
If you happen to blush along the way, then it's just an added bonus. Get out of the car and go inside.
Yes, sir. Love you, sir.
I love you too, beautiful. Now go.
I bit my lip as warm fuzziness fell over me in a comforting wave. I smiled like an idiot and got out of the car. He made me so happy, and I wondered how I'd gotten so lucky.
I marched right up to the front door and juggled my two wine bottles, so I could ring the doorbell. A few seconds later, Thea opened the door with a wide smile. She looked gorgeous as usual, dressed in a red tunic style T-shirt and black leggings that showed off her long toned legs. Her black hair was swept up into a ponytail away from her flawless and warm hazelnut complexion.
"Hi," she said brightly as she greeted me, her brown eyes warm and welcoming.
Crap, the nerves were back again. "I...I brought the wine," I said, feeling stupid since she could plainly see the bottles in my hands without me announcing it like a dumbass.
"Fantastic," she said enthusiastically as she took the bottles from me with no sign that she thought I was acting weird. That was a good sign. "Come on in."
She stepped aside as I walked past her into the foyer of her beautiful spit-level home. I followed her up the steps to the main level and across the open living area between her sitting area and dining table to her kitchen.
"I hope you like grouper," she said as she set the bottles on the massive granite-topped kitchen island.
"That sounds great," I replied, starting to feel a little calmer again. "It smells wonderful."
"It's a new recipe, so I hope it's not a complete disaster." She opened the bottle of white wine and filled the two glasses she already had out.
"If not, we can always order out," I replied as she slid a glass over to me.
"Exactly," Thea said with a grin as she lifted her glass toward me. "Here's to trying new recipes."
"And to finding new friends," I added as I clinked my glass against hers.
Her smile softened as she nodded in agreement before we each took a sip from our glasses. The oven timer when off then, and she told me to have a seat at the table. A few moments later, she was placing a plate in front of me, then took the seat across from me. I dug in and took my first bite. The fish was amazing, and Thea and I tucked into it with gusto.
Our conversation was casual and light while we ate, and I suspected she was purposefully avoiding the topic of BDSM to help me feel more comfortable. It was working, and I really appreciated her thoughtfulness. She asked how Gareth was feeling, and I was happy to tell her that he seemed to be feeling much better. That was the perfect segue into the real reason I was here.
"Was...was Gareth always so...so..." I trailed off, struggling to find the right words.
"Dominant and demanding?" she asked with an understanding smile.
"Yeah," I replied with a grateful smile, trying to ignore my embarrassment.
"I think those parts of his personality were always there inside him," she said thoughtfully. "But with Ryan, he never got to let that part of himself out. He was always catering to her and trying to make her happy. It was an impossible task, and he sacrificed parts of himself trying to do it. He loved her so much, and would have done anything for her. She had so much power over him, and she abused it. She knew how to mess with his head and manipulate him. It was a vicious cycle that I was afraid would never end."
"She sounds like a horrible person." I shook my head in disbelief. "Why did he even marry her at all?"
"It wasn't always like that," she replied. "They both seemed so happy and in love in the beginning, but Ryan was very insecure in their relationship. She never fully trusted Gareth, and slowly became an unhappy woman. I think Gareth thought he could fix all that if he tried hard enough, if he loved her enough, but nothing he did was ever good enough. Their relationship turned bitter and toxic over time, until neither of them were happy and the whole thing fell apart." She looked sad.
"He took the divorce hard and was lost for a long time afterwords. He'd given so much himself to his marriage that he didn't even know who he was outside of it anymore. He was miserable, and that was when Derek suggested the BDSM lifestyle, to help him rediscover himself and gain back some kind control in his life." She smiled softly. "It helped him a lot. It gave him direction and focus, and even though he was scarred and would never be the same, Derek and I finally got our best friend back." She reached across the table and touched my hand. "And now that he has you, even the scars are starting to fade."
I smiled as happy tears pricked my eyes. "I love him," I said with soft affection.
"I know," she said warmly as she squeezed my hand gently. "How about some more wine?" she suggested with a pat on my hand.
"Yes," I replied with feeling. "That would be great."
Thea nodded and reached gracefully across the table to grab the wine bottle before refilling our glasses. I sucked in a breath as I watched her. Now was the time to broach the subject I was most curious about. I picked up my glass and took a fortifying swallow of wine.
"How...um...how did you and Derek get into...the um...the lifestyle?" I somehow managed to spit it out past my discomfort as my face turned hot.
"To be honest, our sex life always had a dominant and submissive edge, even from the very beginning when we met in college," she replied easily. Thea was kind enough not to point out my obvious embarrassment and discomfiture, and I was grateful. "We just didn't label it as anything. It was just the way we were together, and it worked for us. After we got married though, Derek was determined that our sex life not become dull, so unbeknown to me, he started doing research into the lifestyle." She smirked at me when she said the last word. "The next thing I know my husband is introducing some wild new things that I'd never tried or even heard of before. And you know what? We both loved it. Our sex life was more amazing than ever, and I felt closer to Derek than ever before. It built our trust and bonded us together.
"Then one day about a year into our marriage, Derek told me about a club he'd heard about from an acquaintance." She leaned in with a conspiratorial expression. "A BDSM sex club." Her smile turned wicked. "And much to my husband's and my own surprise, I was immediately intrigued, so we decided to give it a try. And after just one embarrassing, yet eye opening visit to Désir Dangereux, we both knew it was something we were both interested in pursuing." She spread hands apart. "We've been members ever since."
At this point, I had lots and lots of questions, but my embarrassment had me clammed up tight. Oh crap, I felt like an idiot. I snatched up my wine and gulped down a huge swallow of liquid courage, draining the rest of the glass.
"You can ask me anything, Malory," Thea said as she watched me with an amused, yet somehow reassuring expression. "I'm the last person that would judge you or be offended by any question you ask."
I nodded and took a deep breath. "So...so...do you guys...do you like to share and stuff?" I asked hesitantly with a slight grimace.
"You mean, are we swingers?" Thea asked with a smirk.
I nodded jerkily in reply as my face burned.
"Heavens, no," came her immediate reply. "Derek would never share me with anyone, and that man is mine," she added fiercely and vehemently, then smirked again. "Désir Dangereux isn't a swinger's club or a giant orgy party."
That's exactly what I'd been thinking the club was. "Oh," I said with an apologetic grimace.
"It's okay. A lot of people assume that, but it's actually a place for people into the BDSM lifestyle to get together and pursue our darker appetites in a safe and judgment-free way," Thea explained. "Memberships are carefully screened. Everyone signs nondisclosure agreements and have to be vetted by another member before anyone is allowed to join. We have strict rules and dress codes, and the place is monitored constantly by the dungeon monitors. Anyone who breaks the rules loses their membership."
"Dungeon monitor?"
"They're kind of like security," she explained. "The dungeon monitors supervise the playspace and enforce the rules. Their authority is absolute. If anyone ignores a safeword, gets too pushy with another member, or someone's play gets out of control, they put a stop to it. They keep us all safe."
"So..." I pressed on, determined to get past my discomfort. "Does that mean someone is always watching what everyone else is doing?"
"In the public areas, yes," Thea answered easily. "But for people that aren't into being watched, there are private rooms too. Derek and I love to be watched, always have, but it's not for everybody." Her candor was as refreshing as it was startling, and it managed to ease my chagrin with this conversation, making it easier.
"Gareth told me that he doesn't care for it, and...and I don't think I would either," I confessed.
"And that's perfectly fine. Like I said, it isn't for everyone, and the club is a judgment-free zone."
"What...what's it like?" I asked hesitantly. "The club, I mean."
"If you really want to know, I'm sure Gareth would take you. And Derek and I would be happy to go with you too."
At that point, I'm sure my face turned beet red, the embarrassment that I thought was fading, now surging back in an instant. "I...I...I don't know about that," I blurted out.
"No pressure," Thea said with a shrug. "It was just a suggestion. I can tell you all about it, but it's not the same as being there yourself. It's just something to think about."
"Oh...okay," I replied as I seriously considered hiding under the table, since dying of embarrassment really felt like an actual possibility at this moment.
Thea must have realized I'd hit the limit of my ability to handle this particular conversation, and immediately changed the subject, launching into a hilarious story about her boys. I was immensely relieved. However, I was still left with a lot to think about, and the shocking and unexpected realization that a tiny little part of me was intrigued by the idea of visiting Désir Dangereux to see for myself. Holy. Crap.