Chapter 5 Chapter five
Charlotte slammed her glass back onto the napkin much harder than she’d intended to.
“Do you like to orgasm during a scene? Or do you just like to get lost?”
“Lost,” she replied. “I don’t think I’m able to.”
He leaned forward. “Can you clarify what you mean?”
What was it about him that invited her to reveal more than she wanted to? With other Doms, she’d drawn the line at penetration, and they’d agreed. No one had asked for more information.
“Well, I mean… I never have. Orgasmed at a club.”
“Has anyone else used sensation play with you?”
Her nerves were shattered. Even though she didn’t intend to, she plucked the straw from the glass just so she had something to toy with.
“No.”
“Is it something you want to try?”
“Maybe. I mean, we’re talking hypothetically, right? It would depend on a few things, such as whether the right Dom asked.” She was leading a dangerous dance. Flirting, considering. Despite the warnings bouncing around inside her head, she couldn’t stop herself from wanting to make a mistake with him.
“What toys do you like?”
“Nothing too intense. Paddles are okay. Hairbrushes, wooden spoons.” With other Doms, they were inanimate objects, but when she spoke with him, she couldn’t help but imagine him holding the implements. Round and round, she twisted the straw.
“A devil’s tail?”
“I haven’t tried one.”
“You might like it. A tiny bite, maybe a bit more. Can be used with extreme precision and in tight, even intimate places. The red lines it leaves behind are rather appealing.”
“But…”
“Tell me what you’re thinking.”
“I like the way those implements cover a wider area. There’s a”she sought out a description that made sense, something that was complicated since she hadn’t thought it through herself“I guess an oomph factor. The impact forces my body forward. It’s an instinctive reaction. And the way it hurts, and the marks…” Thinking about it left her needy. She had to see it tonight. Had to.
He nodded slowly, taking in her words. “Since you’ve mentioned the Saint Andrew’s cross, I’m also assuming you’re familiar with a flogger.”
“Yes. But heavier ones. The way the falls wrap around my sides…they cover so much area, you know. So many impact points, things happening all at the same time. It’s a lot to take in. Too much, even.”
“You like that.”
“Yeah.” She breathed out, wondering if he sensed her dreaminess. “Anything else you want me to know?”
Dare she?
“My favorite is a” she cleared her throat“an open hand.” He. Maverick Pierce was a commanding presence. At six-two, maybe six-three, he was taller than most men she knew. No doubt, he was capable of delivering what she wanted, maybe better than anyone else had. The question was, would he?
“So it’s the impact? Maybe the sound?”
She met his gaze. He understood her. “And intimacy. There’s nothing between me and my Dom.”
“It’s your lucky night, Charlotte. I have a few paddles in my bag. And I’ve been told I have rather strong hands. And there’s nothing I’d like more than having you turned over my lap with your bottom bare.”
Mav plucked the straw from her nerveless fingers. The melty coconut liquid dribbled over the glossy bar surface as he returned it to the glass.
“Now it’s my turn to tell you what I look for when I top a woman.”
He had demands of his own? The realization shouldn’t surprise her. Of course there had to be a catch.
“Such as?”
“I want her naked. No clothes between us.”
“Which means a private room.” On the first floor, certain protocols had to be followed. Patrons had to wear panties, no matter how skimpy. And women’s nipples had to be covered in some way. Many people chose electrical tape or a sheer bra, even pasties. But upstairs, a place she’d never visited, the only rule was the enforcement of a safe word. She’d heard stories of things that happened in those rooms, and she assumed most were tall tales.
Charlotte had never been naked with a man. That she hadn’t already stopped Mav stunned her. What kind of spell did he have over her?
Unaware of what he was doing to her insides, he continued.
“My rules… I agree to give my sub what she wants and honor her limits and safe words. But within her parameters, I set the pace.” His tone, which had been even, roughened. He captured her chin. “The bottom is not in charge.”
Lust rocketed through her. She cleared her throat, trying to convince herself this was an ordinary negotiation with an ordinary man.
He released his hold on her. Until then, she hadn’t realized she’d stopped breathing.
Seizing any opportunity to dance away from the trouble, the inevitability that she was steaming toward, she tried for a diversion.
“I got distracted earlier. I asked why you visit clubs. I mean besides the obvious of telling people what to do.”
He gave a quick smile. Part of her enjoyed their verbal sparring.
“Like you, I find impact play rewarding. As you said, connection with others is important. Quality over quantity.” He kept her gaze ensnared. “Despite what you think you know, I believe focus is more important than actual hours worked. I can accomplish more in five hours than other people can in ten.”
He wasn’t bragging, and she knew it.
“I work out every morning. Sleep six to seven hours.” More quietly, sensually, so she had to strain to hear him, he added, “I like being in charge.”
“Why doesn’t that surprise me?”
“Pleasing a woman is its own reward. So very satisfying.”
“And you get to do it without any commitments or the complications that come with a relationship.”
“You said that. I didn’t.”
She narrowed her eyes. “You don’t have a girlfriend or wife waiting for you at home?”
“No. In case I wasn’t clear, I don’t cheat.”
In fact, she wasn’t sure she’d ever heard of him being in a relationship. The way he spoke to her calmed her. Slowly, the rest of her resistance dissipated.
“Let’s be clear with each other, Charlotte. You want to indulge in some impact play and lose yourself. I’ll do my damnedest to please you. One more thing.” He paused for a moment. “If you want to get your needs met tonight, it will be with me and no other man. Am I clear?”
He captured her gaze. It would be smarter to go back to her hotel. Scenting with a man as forceful as him would be madness. Already, he’d made an indelible claim on her, and she was far too smart to allow this to go any further.
Wasn’t she?