Standing just inside the door watching Flynn move around one of the small, private dungeons upstairs, Cassie felt a lump form in the pit of her stomach. It shouldn’t be this way, not with the man she trusted more than anyone, who was the love of her life, and the only one with the power to make her heart race with a glance and set her body on fire with the anticipation of a kiss.

But it wasn’t him, or even the room which looked like any other dungeon anywhere. Gray slate-colored tiles on the walls and ceiling gave the impression of a medieval castle. Wrought iron sconces with flickering lights cast shadows around the room, eye bolts protruded from the walls at different intervals and heights for cuffs, ropes, or chains, and a wooden set of stocks stood in one corner. There was even a padded bondage table in the center of the room resembling a rack, but none of that bothered her all that much. It was something else.

This was their first visit to Decadence LA since their wedding six weeks earlier. She’d become Commander Flynn Dalton’s wife on a perfect spring evening in an intimate ceremony with immediate family and close friends only in attendance. The base chaplain, a friend of the groom from way back, had done the officiating,

Cassie had strung white lights around the arbor where they said their vows, and the only flowers, other than her small fresh-cut bouquet, were the roses in the garden which through her tender care were fragrant and in full bloom. Except for mowing the lawn and mulching four times a year, she had taken over the gardening—and loved every minute of it.

A beaming Jules had stood beside her, over the moon with happiness for her best friend, and Eric from the club had been Flynn’s best man. Roscoe, who she had fallen for even faster than his master, looked dapper in his black bowtie collar and watched the proceedings from his place at their feet. Twenty in all had witnessed their vows of love and commitment to one another, including her parents who had driven down from San Francisco. Her dad had tears in his eyes when he gave her away, but they were happy ones because he and her mom were thrilled at the idea of Flynn for Cassie coming to that conclusion within minutes of meeting him.

Following the ceremony, they’d had a small reception with several rounds of champagne toasts, thanks to her boss, Director Foster, who sent a full case in congratulations, and heavy hors d’oeuvres from a private caterer in nearby San Diego, and a small two-tiered cake from the only bakery on the island.

It was perfect.

There hadn’t been a honeymoon, not yet. They’d both been too busy at work to take time off. With the success of the training simulators at Coronado, the Navy contracted five more sites around the country. A week after moving in with Flynn, they’d offered her the job as the consultant over all of them. She had graciously declined. It had taken thirty years to find the man of her dreams; she wasn’t about to leave him, or risk what they had in a long-distance relationship. He was in full agreement with her decision although he’d let her come to it on her own.

Flynn also had his hands full since one of his instructors was injured during a dive and was out for eight weeks of rehabilitation. This left them even more short-handed because another was already off on family leave for the birth of his first child—fatherhood coming at the late age of forty-two since he’d been running around the world serving his country during the two decades prior. A scenario Flynn could relate to. He and Cassie hoped to be in those same shoes shortly since they both wanted to start a family right away.

With all this going on, neither saw any reason to put off making things official while they waited for the right time to escape on a romantic getaway. Besides, they lived on a resort island and could do touristy things anytime they wanted. The Pacific was only minutes away, they had miles of sandy beaches for romantic midnight strolls, and parks on practically every corner to picnic in, tons of seaside cafes to sample, or, they could simply stay home in bed.

With their schedules so hectic, they hadn’t found time to make the trip to LA on the weekends, either. Until now.

“Come here, Cassie.”

His deep voice in the near-empty room startled her from her thoughts so much that she jumped. He angled his head to the side the tiniest bit, a mannerism she learned meant he found something concerning. It also was a warning sign the third degree would start in about three seconds.

“Is something wrong?” Flynn asked on cue. “You’re uneasy tonight.”

“I’m a little nervous, I guess.”

He moved closer, stopping in front of her and gathering her hands in his, bringing first one then the other to his lips for a gentle kiss. Her man oozed charm so effortlessly.

“What’s to be nervous about? We’ve played, often.”

“Yes, but not here, not since the first time.” When he frowned, she rushed to say, “Not that it wasn’t wonderful, it was. Memorable, and so freaking fantastic I lost count of the number of orgasms you gave me that night—”

Two of his fingers on her mouth stopped her short. “You’re babbling, baby. What’s going on?”

The knot tightened as her eyes shifted behind him, but she didn’t want to spoil his plans, and said only, “You’re right. I shouldn’t be nervous. I’m being silly.”

“No. You’re tense. I can feel it coming off you in waves. And it isn’t like you to be jumpy. I need to know what this anxiety is about. Do you have bad memories from a scene at a club you haven’t told me about?”

“I visited a few clubs, but mostly I went to private play parties, and I had—” She stopped before she mentioned her first and only long-term dominant, other than Flynn. Peeping up at him, she noticed the muscle twitch in his tightly held jaw. “You don’t want to hear about the others.”

“If it prevents triggering something painful, I need to know, whether I like it or not.”

“I don’t have bad memories, Flynn. Nothing traumatic happened with him, I swear.” It was the truth. In the three months, she’d trained with Master Daniel they rarely left the house. And he wasn’t very active in the community. Twice they had been to parties with others, but that was it.

Laughter drew her eyes to the open windows behind him, and the curious faces peering in. There were no panes of glasses between them and the onlookers. They would not only see everything that went on, but hear it, and quite clearly since they stood only fifteen feet away if that. It reminded her of the observation habitats at the zoo.

Flynn’s gaze followed where she looked. “You’ve never done a public scene, have you?”

Perceptive as always, he had figured her out right away. She shook her head.

“Every inch of you is beautiful, Cassie. You have nothing to be embarrassed about.”

“That’s not it, I…” She glanced up at him, but no further than his chin. “You’ve been a member here for a while. I want to make you proud. What if I do something wrong? Or forget the rules. Heck, I don’t even know the protocols. The membership contract I signed didn’t say—”

His mouth silenced her blathering this time and sent shivers of desire coursing through her.

“You’re mine, Cassie. I’ll guide you as we go along. Obey my commands and use your safeword if you need too. Those are the only protocols you have to worry about. You could never embarrass me, imp. And anyone who’s got the balls to be critical of my submissive will answer to me. Got it?”

The image of Elbow Patches flying across the room came back at that moment, and her smile became more confident. “Yes, sir, I got it,” she replied.

“That’s my girl.” He brushed her mouth again, adding a little touch of his tongue on her lips this time. And his hands moved, soothing as well as exciting her as they swept over her back, hips, and bottom. “There’s a certain excitement in being watched, and I want you to try it, for me. Afterward, if you’re still uneasy or find you don’t like it, we can stick to the theme rooms for private play until you’re ready for more. And we can watch—I know you like to do that.”

Her face flamed with heat. Sometimes, Flynn was too observant for her own good.

His smile was tender as his finger traced over her cheeks. “You blush so prettily, let’s give the others a treat by showing them how you do it all over.” He caught her lips again, deepening the kiss, using the commanding mastery of his mouth and tongue until she was dazed, and had all but forgotten the people on the outside looking in.

“You may find,” he murmured between shorter, yet still drugging tastes of his lips, “exhibitionism is the ying to voyeurism’s yang.”

Never having considered that before, when he raised his mouth, holding her up when her rubbery legs would have let her fall, she tried to wrap her head around it. “Really?” she asked.

“Oh, yeah.”

“I hadn’t thought of that. So, you’re into putting on a show while others watch?”

“I’m into getting you off, a big finish for myself is part of the package. I told you we’d test the waters and see what you like. There’s more to explore in BDSM than bondage and spanking, much more.”

She considered the crowd at the window and the steady hum of excitement emanating from them. It stemmed from more than conversation; some looked on without speaking at all. It was as if a current had electrified the room: part curiosity, part arousal, and partly pure unadulterated lust. It was similar to what she’d felt when they’d toured the main playroom earlier and watched others at play. It was comforting to know they were voyeurs, like her.

“Okay, I’m ready to try,” she whispered.

“Remember, you have a safeword you can use—always.”

She never had to with Flynn. Still, she agreed. “Yes, sir.”

“Say it, baby. For practice.”

Her whisper was barely audible.

“Again, and this time as though you’ve had enough and want me to stop.”

“Grinder!”

He chuckled, as amused as he was when she’d chosen it weeks ago. “That’s more like it, and it will get my attention. It’s the same as a candidate ringing the bell. Say it, and we’re done. Except for us, it only ends our scene, because you’re never quitting me, Cassie. Not ever. Got it?”

“I do, Commander. And I love you for it.”

A steamy, sultry, toe-curling kiss followed, then he released her.

“Since we’ve settled that, the dress is stunning on you, but I want it off. When you’re finished, climb up on the table. I’ll be with you in just a bit after I gather what I need to make you scream.”

As he walked away, expecting her to do as he directed, she glanced once more at their growing audience. Soon they would witness firsthand just how loud she got when Flynn made her come. It dawned on her suddenly; she liked the idea. Let them know what a skilled dominant her man was, and how lucky she was to belong to him. And, it helped stake her claim on him. Unlike Jules, she had no problem using her claws, and a few other moves she’d picked up at BUD/s training to educate any submissive who dared to think otherwise.

Flynn couldn’t know her possessive, rather bloodthirsty thoughts, and she was glad for it, although he mistook it for further reticence on her part.

“After months together, with me having seen, touched, and tasted every square inch of your delicious body, it amazes me you can still blush. It’s sweet, but we need to rid you of this shyness. If tonight goes well in front of an audience, I’ll eventually want to play on the main floor. Some equipment in the stations isn’t available in the private rooms. And, who knows, you might like playing in front of others so much, you’ll get brave enough to go up on the carousel one day.”

She hadn’t seen it yet, but Jules had described it in detail. A slowly rotating six-station round platform that rose high in the center of the main floor, where everyone could see—five hundred members to be exact when at full capacity. Each submissive was secured to a bench, face up or down, however their dominant dictated. Then, under their Master’s watchful eye, they rotated through each station, manned by a different Dom with a different intent. Perhaps to use a toy or an impact implement, for a finger fuck, or a tonguing. Often, the Master joined in, so the sub was busy serving two dominants, one at each end.

And, sometimes, a dominant or a Master could sentence a sub or a slave to the carousel for a public punishment session, which happened almost every Saturday night. The sentence, ten minutes per station, which meant the naughty recipient received an hour-long ride on the wheel of pleasure and pain. Hand spanks, crops, paddles, and leather straps weren’t the only items in play, plugs, clamps, fingers, mouths, and cocks. According to Jules, anything was permissible, as long as it was negotiated by the Dom, or injured party beforehand.

It was an effective deterrent for brattiness and disobedience because for those subs who were on the shy side, like Cassie, it was a dreaded punishment. Others at Decadence LA, where ménage, polyamory, and group play were common, looked forward to it. Jules told her the carousel kept busy on punishment Saturdays, often running for several hours straight just to get all the bad girls’ and boys’ punishments carried out.

“Believe it or not,” her friend said, “many of the bottoms act out on purpose hoping to earn a ride.”

“Cassie, are you with me?”

“No,” she said succinctly, coming abruptly back to the present and finding him in front of her, a pair of her white leather cuffs in one hand.

“What did you say to me?”

“No, to the carousel, sir. I’m making that a hard limit. They’d hear me yell grinder all the way to Tijuana if I had to ride that thing. I swear, Flynn.”

He considered this for a moment. “I didn’t think so.”

She blinked, perplexed. “Then why did you suggest it?”

“Because despite your experience, you’re like a newbie with me. Something you disliked in the past, may be different with me. Do you know why?”

“Because I trust you?”

“Yes, what else?”

She thought for a moment. “Because you love me, and you’re really hot… sir?”

“I was going for the first part, but I’ll accept both. I’m also proud of you for setting a limit, but that doesn’t mean I won’t try to coax you up there for solo play.”

“What’s that?”

“You and me, and five other couples, but no sharing, Cassie. We keep to our station, and I do whatever I want to you. With five-hundred pairs of eyes watching, however.”

“Grinder, sir,” she whispered as a shudder rushed through her.

“Your nipples are hard, baby. We’ll see.” He gave her a smarting smack on her backside and moved her to the table in the center of the room. “Now then, enough talking. Get your clothes off. I only reserved this room for two hours, and the clock is ticking. I have things I want to do to your delectable body.”

“Yes, sir.”

Her fingers trembled with excitement, rather than nerves, as they rose to the neckline of her mini-dress which Flynn had selected for her. She hadn’t minded; he had excellent taste. Made of a stretchy figure-hugging material, the lace panels up the sides were as sexy and revealing as the sweetheart collar was feminine and demure. Without a zipper or fasteners of any kind, all she had to do was push it down and wiggle out to be completely undressed, since her Dom hadn’t provided underwear.

He patted the leather covered table on his way to some switches on the wall. “I want you on your back, feet flat, heels to ass, knees spread wide.”

She had no qualms about undressing in front of Flynn and climbing stark naked onto the table. The next series of orders: legs bent, feet up against her behind with her knees apart exposing herself from stem to stern wasn’t as easy. But she did so, counting on the rewards for her obedience paying off soon.

“I didn’t reserve this room because of the dungeon equipment. Look up at the ceiling, Cassie. It’s time for some Decadence magic.”

The sconces dimmed as the ceiling illuminated. What she thought were slate tiles were actually mirrors. Covering the walls from corner to corner, and the ceiling from end to end—they were everywhere. She could see everything, from every angle, and it meant that the voyeurs watching could too.

She found she couldn’t look away from the image of the naked blonde on the table staring back at her. Movement from the side became Flynn’s gorgeous face as he leaned in staring down at her. She hadn’t heard him approach over the pounding of her heart.

“Take a deep breath. This is going to be fun. You trust me don’t you?”

“Yes, sir, very much.”

“Then keep your eyes on the mirrors. I want you to see what I do. You’re incredibly responsive, not only to my touch but also to the sound of my voice. Look how your gorgeous breasts have swollen in anticipation, the tips pebble-hard and I haven’t even touched you. But that ends now.” As he spoke, he moved his hand over her body, lightly stroking what he described. After a moment at her breasts, his hand slid down her belly. “Let your knees relax and fall open. I want you to watch as your pretty pink pussy becomes wet with need.”

Flynn trailed his fingers over her hips and down her thighs, bypassing the pink he mentioned. When he moved to the end of the table, she glanced down, seeing him between her bent knees. He reached for her hips, and before she could guess his intention, dragged her down the table until her bottom was at the edge. Next, he pushed her knees to her chest and bent his head, but instead of the hot lick of his tongue she expected, Cassie felt the rush of warm air blow in a stream over her exposed flesh.

“I love how the little pucker between your cheeks contracts as you struggle to maintain control. I wanted you to see what I see when I look at you, my gorgeous submissive. I’ll never tire of watching you.”

After placing a kiss on her inner thigh, Flynn stepped back.

“With your fingers, spread yourself open. Then I want you to touch yourself, Cassie. Get your pussy wet. Show our audience what they can look at and dream about, but can never have, because you’re mine. All of this beauty is for me.”

Flushing fiercely, the heat coming close to scalding her cheeks, she slid her hands between her parted thighs and separated her lips. She felt the coolness of the air, which wasn’t cool at all, except against the molten heat of her pussy, it seemed to be.

“That’s my good girl. Take one finger and rub your clit. Make yourself come for me.”

With her eyes on the mirrored ceiling and her naked reflection, she swallowed, her throat dry. They darted to the wall behind Flynn, the only one without her image because of the large open windows. At least two dozen club members looked in, all of them able to see what she did in the mirrors, which was everything.

When she hesitated, Flynn ordered, “Now, Cassie.”

“I don’t think I can come with everyone watching.”

“You’re wrong. Your juices are flowing already, so much that you’ve left a wet spot on the table, without the first touch of my hand. You’re so turned on, I predict you come apart with only a few strokes.”

Her finger moved to her clit, tapping at first, then circling, but it would never work. Knowing they were watching was too intense. She squirmed under his scrutiny.

“May I have a blindfold, sir?”

“No. I want your eyes wide open. But I could give you a little help, would you like that?”

“Yes, sir, please.”

“I’m happy to oblige, but there’s a price. You aren’t allowed to come, not without my permission. Do you still want my help?”

She didn’t think an orgasm was possible, not like this, so she agreed. “Yes, Flynn.”

A sharp crack resounded in the room, at the same time the biting sting from his hand flared across her upper thigh. “What are you supposed to call me at the club?”

“Sir, I meant yes, sir.”

“Excellent. Now, rub your clit. I want to see how wet you can get with me watching.”

“But I thought you would... I thought you might...”

“Use my fingers or tongue? I said I’d help, imp, but not how.”

“That’s not fair!”

He chuckled. “I didn’t promise to be fair, either. First, I want to play for a bit. You’ll get to come, in time.” His eyes locked on hers, waiting.

She did as he ordered, using as motivation, thoughts of his fingers and tongue on her, both teasing and delving at once. Separating the wet folds of her sex, she used her index finger and slowly circled the hard nub that was the center point of her pleasure.

“That’s my good girl, and so fucking hot. Don’t stop; I’ll be right back.”

All around her, like in a giant kaleidoscope, she saw Flynn. Dressed all in black, he looked as sexy as he did in his summer whites, and larger than usual—taller, broader—though she knew it wasn’t possible. Maybe it was the monochromatic black, but with his fitted shirt stretched tight across his broad shoulders and the denim molded to his ass, she couldn’t tear her gaze away as he crossed to a table by the wall.

Too busy watching the way his beautiful body moved she missed what he retrieved from the black toy bag he’d brought with him tonight.

They had yet to explore the full contents of his Master’s bag. He’d made it off limits to her, saying he’d introduce her in his own time. She’d been good and hadn’t peeked, although she wanted to. And as the weeks passed, and her curiosity mounted, she identified with Pandora. Her imagination ran wild wondering about the more advanced tools she was sure his bag contained, things which might bring her toward the other end of the spectrum—exquisite erotic pain.

He’d used several implements on her at home. Cassie loved his suede flogger with its lightweight threads, which in Flynn’s skilled hands made her purr like a contented cat. He brought out leather cuffs often because they both liked when she lay bound and helpless beneath him. And he had some wonderful battery-powered buzzing toys which he seemed to enjoy using as much as she did. And he could be creative.

Once, he’d bound her between the corner posts of their covered patio. With her arms wide and her body open and vulnerable to whatever he wanted to do, he’d slipped a vibrating egg up inside her—set to low speed, or what she called pure torment—and flogged her for nearly an hour.

Deliberately building from light teasing strokes to firm thwaps with the soft leather, Flynn worked the lash expertly until her body was humming right along with the multi-speed remote controlled egg. He hadn’t been able to finish as he’d planned because she’d gotten loud. Despite his warnings to hush, her moans had gotten out of control, rising in the night air. He’d silenced her with his mouth and left her whimpering with need while he uncuffed her, then carried her inside, grumbling almost as loudly about getting back to the club where they wouldn’t have to worry about waking the neighbors.

Now, here they were, at an exclusive BDSM club, a safe place where he could do wildly kinky things to her body, and no one would complain, or call the cops if she screamed. Quite the opposite, they’d relish every shriek and groan, and cheer her on to the big finish.

A flash of black in the mirrors told her Flynn was on the move again. When he returned to stand at the foot of the table, his gaze fixed on where she splayed herself open for him. The silver glimmer of desire in his eyes as he watched her stroke her clit, had her breathlessly anticipating what he planned next.

He didn’t make her wait. Raising the long black rod in his hand, he whooshed it through the air a few times, as though testing its weight and reaction. The soft swishing sound was a blast straight out of her past. She’d been spanked with a crop before and enjoyed it, but with Flynn, whom she loved and wanted to please more than anyone she’d ever been with, she had a feeling “enjoy” might be an understatement.

Body quivering in anticipation, her nipples hard, aching peaks, liquid heat pooled between her thighs, so much so, she felt the slickness against her fingertip making it easier for it to dance over her clit. He would know at a glance how much she wanted this.

As if hearing her thoughts, his eyes homed in on her wet center. Knowing he watched made the ache worse. Her hips moved restlessly, and her breathing became erratic, unsure how much longer she could hold off. This had to be the help he had promised, his presence and his gaze. Amazing. The next instant, she was ready to explode, despite the onlookers.

After another quiet moment of watching, his gaze swept up her body to her face. Satisfaction and pride reflected warmly in the small upward tilt of his lips and the glint in his eyes. He moved again, coming to her side, which left her open and on full display to the eager eyes of the club members’ that his big body had been blocking.

A murmur of approval rose from the crowd, and her finger stopped, as did her breathing.

“Eyes on me, Cassie,” he ordered. As soon as she looked at him, he acted.

With the crop, he drew the long leather rectangle over her breasts, turning it on its edge, so it dragged against each nipple. He focused on one, flicking it until it stood up hard like a bullet, then brought it down with a sharp snap, causing her back to bow off the table.

“Keep that finger moving. I didn’t tell you to stop.’’

She hadn’t realized she had. Battling the need to come while screaming his name to the heavens, she opened her legs to their former position, her finger getting busy again.

“That’s it, baby,” he murmured, moving the crop to the other breast. “Add another finger and try not to lose position this time.”

The flicking started in again, and despite knowing what was coming, she reacted with a guttural moan when the leather zipped against the other peak with a decisive smack.

Her body quivered, but she stayed in place this time, although she couldn’t keep her fingers from moving faster, bringing her nearer to the climax her body craved.

“So very hungry, but I haven’t given you permission, imp. I think you’d better remove your hand from your pussy and be good.”

She didn’t want to stop, but she did, biting her lip to keep from begging for release. To do so this early in the scene would be disappointing. Watching Flynn, she couldn’t miss the pleased look that crossed his face when she drew her hand away and gripped the edge of the table. But he said nothing more, resuming with the crop in light taps of the leather end, all over her breasts. Flicking it rapidly, he moved over the tops, down the sides, and slapped in an upward motion from beneath making them bounce, which was more sensual torture.

Cassie didn’t arch toward him or beg for release, but she tensed. With her arms by her sides, this made her swollen breasts plump up even more. With a hum of approval, Flynn leaned in and took first one tip into his mouth, then the other. Sucking and swirling, he moved between the two, ensuring equal attention was paid to both while she panted and tried not to come.

“Such pretty breasts, I could linger here all night.”

She would love that but hoped he wouldn’t. She needed more, but lower, about two feet south to be exact. He seemed to agree. Standing, he brought the crop back into play, trailing it down her belly with unbearable slowness until it reached her mound. She couldn’t help it; her hips rose to meet the leather, an extension of his arm, and of him.

“Be still, Cassie.”

“I’m trying.”

“Do more than try. Obey me. Do you need to be restrained?”

“Yes, sir!” she said too quickly, making him chuckle.

“So eager for bondage. How could I have ever thought you were vanilla?”

“It’s the ponytail. It makes me look eighteen. I should cut it.”

“Don’t you dare!” he warned, his deep voice snapping like a whip. “I love your long hair. It’s silky, and shiny, and glides seductively around your shoulders when down. I’d miss combing my fingers through it while you cuddle up next to me in bed or wrapping it around my fist when I fuck you from behind.”

“Flynn!”

He grinned, bringing the crop down with a sharp snap on the neatly trimmed tuft of blonde fluff in front. “What was that?”

“Sir, I meant, sir!”

“Besides,” he continued as if he’d already forgotten the mild correction. “It’s not the ponytail. You’re just too damn cute, with those big, baby blue eyes and pouty lips. Your pink gloss makes me feel like a dirty old man because I want to lick it right off. But mostly, it’s the way you gaze up at me with trust and innocence. Cutting your hair would do nothing to hide that pretty feature. And did I mention I forbid it?”

“You mean when you shouted, ‘don’t you dare’ loud enough to wake the dead?” she teased with a grin. “My ears are still ringing, sir, but I think I got your point, you like my hair.”

The crop came down with another smarting sting, but this time on the bare lips of her pussy making her hiss and shudder all at once.

“Your position is awfully precarious to be a smart ass, imp.”

“Sorry, sir,” she replied, trying to use the baby blues he’d mentioned to her advantage, and adding a little pout, for good measure.

“Right,” he drawled, not buying it for a minute. “But you’re forgiven. Now, where was I?”

He stroked the leather over her inner thighs, adding small little taps as he went, not enough to hurt, or even make her pink, although it did nothing to stave off the orgasm she felt building. All the stimulation, his undivided attention, the tingling aching places where his mouth and her finger had so recently been, the unceasing teasing of his crop, along with the crowd’s eyes upon her were driving her closer to the point of no return.

The leather moved higher, finding the quivering flesh of her splayed pussy where the tapping resumed. At any other time, the sound of wetness with each stroke would have been mortifying. She didn’t care, not right now, wanting him to get on with whatever he had planned, so long as he let her come, and soon.

“Ah, yes, I was discussing that look you have, all sweetness and light, but I’m learning that’s not always the case. Something I like, but also regret. I would have liked to have been the one to introduce you to the dark side, Cassie.”

“There is much I’ve never tried.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, like half the equipment I saw downstairs on the main floor.”

“You’re doing well with this, so we’ll play there soon. I’d love to see you naked on a cross. Or even better, inverted on the St. Catherine’s wheel. After I use the flogger, I could eat you while you suck my cock. Would you like that?”

“Yes, Flynn, but…”

“Uh, uh, uh,” he said before the crop went splat on her clit.

“I’d like that, Commander!” she cried.

“As would I. Decadence is a place to release your inhibitions and become as adventurous as you want, within our limits. But, tonight, since it’s the first time you’re the star of the show, but also a little skittish,” he angled his head toward the rapt eager faces looking in, “we’ll forego the bondage. And, I think I’ll want you to use your hands at times, like now.” The crop went away, and he stepped back. “Spread yourself, Cassie. Show me how close you are.”

“I’m about to go off like a rocket, sir. All this stopping and starting and talking and cropping has taken me to the edge.”

“But that would earn you a punishment, so you’ll have to find a way to keep from going over.”

“What do you do, sir?”

“When I want to make it last? I think of diving into the frigid Pacific. Remember the night we met, and how cold it was when I found you floundering in the surf. Think of that when you’re close.”

Her hesitation earned her several short, crisp swats to the top of her mound, and they didn’t stop until her hands moved to her pussy and she parted herself as he demanded.

“Did I forget to mention you still must do as I say?” His hands on her knees moved her legs farther apart until the cool air against her hot, wet skin told her every inch from pulsing clit to her tight timid hole was exposed to his avid gaze. “Beautiful,” he murmured appreciatively.

Using the crop again, but in an entirely different way, he slid the length of the smooth, narrow shaft through her folds. It felt strange gliding between her puffy lips, and the firm pressure on her engorged clit made her condition worse. When the handle, bumped against her cheeks along with the back of his hand, he switched directions, dragging it back through in reverse, ending with a tap on her clit, this one, not in punishment was much lighter. Still, it made a loud splat.

“You’re dripping wet, baby. I can see your desire trickling between your cheeks, and your clit is standing up, eager for attention. Shall I give it some?”

Imagining lying in the cold waves rolling in on Coronado Beach wasn’t helping. Afraid to speak, her answer was a guttural, “Uh-huh,” between her gritted teeth.

“Aw, such sweet torture, but you’re doing so well. The reward at the end will be even greater because of it. Part yourself more, and I’ll give you what you want, but I need a nice, big, glistening target.”

Whimpering, and longing for release, she did as she was told. As soon as she did, the leather connected not once, not twice, but four times, landing directly on her clit. She cried out, unable to keep from it, “Please, Flynn… sir, may I come now?”

“No,” he replied softly, stopping all stimulation, even pulling her fingers away.

Her eyes shot up to his in surprise. Her man found great pleasure watching her climax and had told her so more than once, as such, he didn’t often deny her when she asked for it.

“What?” he asked while smiling down at her. “You requested my help and agreed to this bargain. You are not to come without my say. I have this room for another hour, and I intend to use every second to its fullest.”

She moaned in frustration. “I’ll die, I swear I will.”

“Doubtful,” he replied. “You’ve heard of edging, haven’t you?”

“Yes, sir, but it never sounded like much fun on the receiving end.”

“Ah, but that’s where you’re wrong.”

His fingertips stroked over her smooth lips, and around the inner folds, avoiding her clit, except to flick it, once, ever so lightly. The teasing made her want to scream, but she bit her lip instead, fighting against the wave of ecstasy that crested and threatened to pull her over. Her body trembled with the exertion.

“In time, you’ll learn to find joy in the journey, as much as the destination,” Flynn said as he spread kisses along her inner thighs. “You’ll find it’s often better to build it slowly, prolonging the mounting tension, drawing out the moment before you soar into ecstasy, only to have what you so desperately need, moved farther away. Then, you have to climb another peak, perhaps sliding back, a time or two, before you reach the summit again. And, when you’re hovering on the edge, waiting for me to send you over, and I deny you once again until you beg me to let you come, you’ll realize having me deep inside you, at last, finally driving it home, brings you more pleasure than you can imagine.”

Every nerve ending was ready to explode because as he’d spoken, he continued to caress her, demonstrating the edging he artfully described.

“I’ll take your word for it, sir, because this seems more like torture.”

“Sensual torture, erotic pain, sinful pleasure, it’s all much the same, just a matter of degrees and execution.” He slid a finger into her pussy, pumping twice, before adding another. Then he rotated his hand, rubbing the spot in front, something that was sure to send her hurtling over the top, but as her legs quivered, and sweat broke out on her skin, he slipped out, stopping as abruptly as he’d started. This time, he leaned in and blew over her inflamed skin, the warmth tickling and teasing. “You’ll have to accept my word, won’t you, or suffer the consequences of disobedience. Because that’s how our game goes, isn’t that right?”

“Yes, sir,” she whispered, though she sounded anything but compliant, the ache in her clit and needy pussy, almost unbearable.

“You want to be a good girl, to please me, don’t you, Cassie? Or would you rather be bad and pay the price I charge?”

“Which girl gets to come faster, sir?”

On the edge of her consciousness, she heard the low laughter of the onlookers just as the crop returned and slapped the tender skin of her inner thighs.

“A good girl,” she cried. “I want to be your good girl, sir. One who pleases you, and makes you lose control, calling her name as you come from the pure pleasure she brings you. We can do that more than once in two hours, can’t we? Now, and toward the end, and a couple of times in the middle, let’s say.”

He chuckled. “Nice try, imp, but I’m in charge, and get to say when you come, and how long you must wait.” His long fingers spread her apart, and he brought the leather down on her clit and inner folds in a flurry of light slaps, then stepped away. As she struggled for control over her body, she heard the faint sound of a zipper opening.

When she felt him beside her, the head of his cock brushing against her cheek, she opened for him eagerly. He didn’t plunge inside, not Flynn, his control was amazing. Even though he was rigid like steel and the tip wet with the proof of his barely contained desire, he went slow, drawing it out for them both. He slid his length sideways across her lips, the same way he used the crop shaft on her pussy only moments before.

“You can try to hurry me along, pretty sub. Stick out your tongue.”

She did, enjoying the taste of him in the slow side-to-side glide before he turned her head toward him and took her mouth.

“Now suck me.” His husky voice, rife with undisguised raw need, sent ripples of pleasure coursing through her. As did his hands, one holding her head, his fingers threaded in her hair, while the other swept down her body, over her breasts, pinching her nipples in passing, before moving down her belly and in between her spread legs, where they slid up inside her.

Finding it hard to focus on sucking, licking, and breathing while fending off a forbidden climax from the steady pump of his fingers, and the strum of his thumb over her clit, she whimpered in frustration.

He answered with a groan, and a deep thrust, which took him to the back of her throat. It still only encompassed part of his length. Flynn pulled out, leaving her gasping for air as he moved down the table.

“My turn for a taste.”

“I won’t be able to stand it.”

“Try real hard.”

She cried out at the first hot lick of his tongue. When it swept over her engorged clit, her hips came off the table, and her breath caught in her throat. His arm came across her belly holding her down. In this position, he could also reach her pussy from the top, and he used his fingers to keep her spread open.

“Such a good girl, Cassie-mine, and so responsive, too bad her mean old dominant won’t let her come. Hang on for a few more minutes we’re almost there.” He said this before his tongue dipped back inside, swirling first around the aching nub, then flicking it. Next, his lips closed over it, applying incredible suction.

It was too much, and she exploded, a shock wave of pleasure coursing through her. Breathless, she couldn’t cry out his name, or ask for forgiveness, or make a sound other than pants for air.

When he released her, his head came up, and he grinned. “Such a shame. Now I’ll have to punish you more.”

“You… Did… That… On purpose.”

He winked as he rose to his feet. “Of course, I did. It gives me an excellent excuse to spank your exquisite round ass.” Suddenly, her feet were in the air, and her knees were against her chest, Flynn’s heavy forearm holding them there. “Not that I need one,” he added with a devilish laugh.

The crop smacked smartly on one upraised cheek, then the other. He followed them up with countless more of varied force and pace, sometimes little taps in quick succession, or with a harder stroke across the fullest part of her cheek, biting enough to make her cry out, but it wasn’t from pain. On the contrary, she was so turned on, she begged for more. He obliged, swatting every inch of her elevated bottom from the tops of her thighs to the crests of each cheek until it was hot and aching.

She couldn’t help it, the stimulation was too much, and she went over the top, convulsing in a body shaking, eye rolling, toe-curling orgasm.

“Gorgeous,” he murmured, thumb sliding into her quivering channel before she stopped coming. “There’s only one problem.” He twisted his hand, two fingers gliding over and pressing on the tight hole in back. “You didn’t have permission for that one either. Did you, Cassie?”

“No, sir, I’m sorry.”

“Ah, baby,” he chuckled. “I seriously doubt that is the truth. But somehow, we’re going to have to get this come-at-will philosophy you have, in check.”

Breathing hard as he pumped into both holes at once, building the pressure to another peak, she admitted, “You’re right. I lied. I’m not sorry at all, Commander. That felt wonderful, and it still feels wonderful.”

“I like honesty, Cassie; you know that. And even though confession is good for the soul, it won’t get you out of another punishment. Hold your legs in place,” he ordered gruffly.

She had barely wrapped her arms around the backs of her thighs and pulled them in close before she heard a thump and what she assumed was the crop hitting the tile floor. Flynn’s cock rubbed between her slick folds, running the length of her slit, from clit to rear opening. He did this twice, and on the third pass plunged into her pussy at long last. With one hard thrust, he filled her to incredible fullness with his generous cock.

It’s about damn time!

She wanted to scream it, but didn’t, having enough grasp on her faculties not to, thank goodness. They slipped the next moment when he moved inside her. “God, yes! Fuck me hard, Flynn,” she cried.

The next instant, her Dom’s hand came down on the back of one thigh. “Who’s directing this scene, woman?”

“You, sir,” she gasped. “You’re in command, as always.”

He grunted. “Or that’s what you’d have me believe. I’m a poor excuse for a Dom letting you get away with it, but I’m ready to explode. I’ll punish your ass more, later.”

“Yes, please.”

When Flynn laughed outright, several onlookers at the window joined him. She no longer cared, focused only on him plunging into her, over and over. And, as he rocked her world, sending her soaring in seconds past the brink of ecstasy, she grinned up at him, not sorry in the least for disobeying and coming without permission yet again.

“Can you be a good sub, or at least pretend to be for our audience? I’d hate to lose my membership card because I’m suspected of being pussy whipped by my own submissive.”

“I’ll see what I can do, Commander.”

He snorted, at the same time driving into her, his fingers curling into her hips to keep her from sliding up the table so great was the force of his body moving inside hers. “I don’t care. Tell the world. It will give me more reason to spank you, tie you wide open for me, and to fuck you like this.”

“Not that you need it.”

Repeating his words from earlier, were the last she could manage because his next thrust shook her to her core and a burst of bright light flared before her eyes. She groaned and shuddered as Flynn pumped another few seconds then joined her with a roar of his own. The heat of his release shot deep inside her, and she hoped this time it would take root and bring even more joy into their lives.

Breathless, her muscles like jelly, she let go of her legs, spreading them as he leaned forward, his open mouth finding and sucking hard on a tight nipple. In the mirrors above her, Cassie watched her hands glide up her dominant husband’s muscular back, run over his short hair, and interlock behind his head. With her last bit of energy, she wrapped her legs around his hips, seeing in the reflection how she enveloped him as if she wouldn’t ever let go and she never wanted to.

“I love you so much, Flynn.”

“I love you too, Cassie.”

“Can we come back next weekend and use the ropes?”

Still watching their reflection, she saw rather than heard his laugh when his big body shook. Then his face was over her, and he grinned. “Absolutely.”

“You’re the best Dom ever.”

“No, I’m the worst. You’ve ruined me. If anyone hears of it, I’ll be stripped of my Dom credentials and drummed out of Decadence. When I should make you pay for defiance and coming more times than any woman ever, all I can do is submit to your demands, so I can get inside you.”

“My ass is on fire, as are the backs of my thighs, and my clit is sore from your evil crop, which proves that isn’t true, sir.”

“You loved every minute of it.”

“Wasn’t I supposed to?” she deadpanned.

“Baby...”

“I’ll try hard to act as though I hate it next time, Flynn. I promise because I don’t want you to get thrown out; I want to come back.”

He dropped his head, burying his face in the curve of her neck as he sighed. “I’m glad to hear it, since I’m already planning our next visit. There’s a spanking bench on the main floor with your name on it.”

Not intimidated by the idea at all, she squeezed him, grinning with happiness. “I’ll miss the mirrors, but I think I’m ready after tonight. Can I ask one little favor?”

His head came up, and after laying a hot, heavy one on her, he asked, “What’s that, imp?”

“Next time, can you use the flogger, or get a room for after? My butt really stings. Your truck’s seats are comfortable, but it’s a long ride back to Coronado. I might have to ride face down in your lap.”

It started out as a chuckle, then soared to a full-throated laugh.

Cassie smiled as she watched her husband, the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen, not caring who might hear, or if brows were raised because he wasn’t quite what a Dom should be. He suited her, and for him, it was only her. They were a perfect match, each meeting the other’s needs.

She made him happy. And knowing Flynn, as a badass SEAL, had seen enough violence, and misery for a lifetime, as a reward for his service and sacrifice, he deserved every drop of joy he could squeeze out of life. Cassie was determined to make that happen, in fact, she’d made it her personal mission.

So far, she was doing a commendable job. She could tell, not only from his easy laughter, but from the relaxed weight of his body against hers, and the gleam in his amazing blue-gray eyes.

“Happy?” he asked, making her grin.

“I was just wondering the same about you.”

He gathered her closer, arms flexing to hold her plastered to him from chest to knees. “You never have to wonder about that. With you in my arms, your curves pressed to mine, a contented smile on your kissable lips after you surrendered so beautifully to me and eagerly took whatever I wanted to give you, I’ve found more than happiness, Cassie. You’re my heaven on earth.”

“Oh, Flynn,” she whispered, batting her lashes trying to hold back the flood of tears, “you’re the sweetest thing ever.” She raised her face for his kiss. “But if you make me cry, I’m going to look like a raccoon, I forgot to wear waterproof mascara.”

“Go ahead and cry. Tracks of tears on your cheeks will help my Dom-cred; especially if you’re gonna call me the sweetest thing ever with the windows wide open.”

She giggled and Flynn grinned.

Cassie lifted her hand and laid it on his jaw, her heart aching she loved him so. He bent his head and took her mouth in a tender loving kiss, neither giving a fuck who saw them acting more like infatuated newlyweds than big bad Dom and mastered submissive.