Bondage Anniversary (11 page)

“Certification? Really? I’ve heard of certified sex therapists, but certified sex Masters?” She giggled at the idea.

“Some of the books you read detailed what certifications each Dom had achieved.”

“It’s hard to wrap my mind around taking a class where the desired outcome is a proficiency in sexual techniques.” She paused, telling him that the next question mattered. “Have you taken classes?”

“No. I helped develop the course guidelines, set learning objectives and created the materials.”

As they progressed from hole to hole, Nick noticed neither of them was playing their best game. He took some solace knowing Laura was having trouble concentrating too.

“So basically, you could teach the courses, not take them.”

“Yes and no. If you decide later you’re interested in suspension, whipping or caning, I would need to take a class. I’m not comfortable in those areas. Knowing and understanding the psychology of dominance, I’ve got covered.”

“I probably don’t want to know the answer to this, but I have to ask… Have you participated in any of those activities?”

“Have I experimented with a whip or cane? Sure. The longer the whip the more challenging it is to control. I’ve mastered the four-footer—the six and a half is a little more intimidating.”

Her expression was a mix of shock and worry. He wasn’t surprised when she didn’t ask for further information.

“Did you enjoy going to the clubs?”

Nick whiffed. “If I even
think
you’re snickering, I’ll have you over my knee.” He turned to look sternly at his wife. Her innocent ‘What?’ look had him laughing. “Honestly, Laura, that’s difficult to answer.”

“Nick!”

They both turned toward the sound. André and two other men crested the rise heading their way. As they got closer, Laura leaned in and whispered, “Why is André with Jim Berthman and Greg Simson? They’re both buyers for Medirxa. I know them by reputation, and from their personnel files. I’ve never actually met them, though.”

“André does a lot of business with pharmaceutical companies.” Nick slid his arm around her waist. It didn’t surprise him that Laura knew the men on sight. She made a point to research anyone in a decision-making capacity in the companies she controlled.

“So it’s just a coincidence that my company owns controlling interest in Medirxa?” Laura searched his face, probably wanting reassurance.

He bent and whispered in her ear, “Yes, Laura. Just relax.”

“Did you know he would be here? This is about to get terribly awkward. Wouldn’t it be a conflict of interest for Medirxa to do business with DiscipliNation?”

Nick discreetly shook his head no. “Smile,” he reminded her, before shaking hands with the gentlemen. “André, it’s great to see you again.” Nick tipped his head toward Jim and Greg. “Gentlemen.”

As Laura shook hands and exchanged pleasantries, Nick noticed she’d switched automatically to her CEO persona and he didn’t like it. She had stepped away from him, her stance a little taller, and she wore a distant, professional smile.

For the first time this weekend, he was unsure how to proceed. His initial reaction was to demolish her personal space, to physically pull her under his shoulder and keep her there. With a deep breath, he pushed the urge away. Laura needed to know her professional life wouldn’t be diminished by submitting to him.

He believed that ultimately, through her submission, she would gain power and self-confidence. Right now, she didn’t understand that and was fighting herself more than him. Still, he didn’t like it.

“Ms Branson, it is so nice to finally meet you,” Greg spoke in patronizing tones. “I’m the purchasing director for Medirxa.” His eyes wandered over her body while he spoke.

Nick tamped down the urge to shatter the motherfucker’s nose across his face for objectifying his wife. Instead, he listened attentively as they talked shop. He knew all too well what a womanizing prick Greg actually was. As soon as it was possible to interrupt without being completely rude, Nick did so. “André, please feel free to play through. Laura and I were delayed and fell a bit behind.”

“We don’t mind
playing
together,” Greg answered instead. “Let’s face it. We play golf more for the camaraderie than for the joy of smacking balls around.”

Polite, insincere laughter met Greg’s comment.

“Besides, I’d like to hear Ms Branson’s opinion.” Stepping closer, invading her personal space, he turned his full attention on Laura and asked, “Do you think the company would gain market share by selling clitoris clamps and dildos?”

“If you had researched his financials you’d realize his company saw substantial year over year growth. Sexual health products like those that DiscipliNation manufactures are highly profitable and that includes cock rings and penis pumps, Mr Simson. Do you base your purchasing practices on mere opinion?”

Jim and André turned away snickering. Nick didn’t blame them—he was fighting to keep a straight face too. Laura’s professional tone made him proud. He was also pleased she hadn’t let Simson’s intimidating posture and rough language rattle her. She stood her ground, refusing to take a step back or acknowledge that Greg was a foot taller.

Nick fought the urge to intervene—he trusted Laura to handle it herself. She’d perfected the ‘peasant, you are nothing but a dirt clod upon my shoe’ tone of voice before this kid had graduated high school.

“Of course not, Ms Branson.”

“I’m so glad to hear that, Greg. I’m very interested in the exact process you use. Please send me a detailed description of the procedures you follow. I’ll expect it on my desk Monday morning. And just for the record, I prefer the title Mrs”—she paused, until his eyes made the journey from her breasts to her eyes—“Branson.” She slid beneath Nick’s shoulder. “I’ve been happily married to Mr Branson for my entire adult life.”

“Yes, Mrs Branson.”

Nick interrupted Greg’s stammering. “I’m sorry, gentlemen”—Nick looked at his watch—“it’s even later than I thought. We’ll have to take a rain check.” With his arm around Laura, he guided her toward the cart.

André jogged to catch up. “I’m sorry, Laura, Nick. I didn’t realize Greg was such an ass.”

In a hushed tone, Nick reassured him. “Don’t worry about a thing, André. It’s good seeing you again.” The gentlemen shook hands. “He should be suitably humbled now and easier to negotiate with,” he joked.

Laughing, André gave a quick wave and sprinted back to his clients, while Nick and Laura headed back to the clubhouse.

Laura held up her hand. “Please don’t start, Nick. The little putz deserved it, invading my personal space, trying to intimidate me.” She shook her head. “His people skills need refining.”

As she began to open a file on her cell phone, Nick put his hand over the screen. “No, Angel, no work this weekend.” Calmly he waited, wondering if she would push back.

Their eyes met. A silent battle of wills ensued. Her face flushed, her pulse beating a tattoo in the artery along her neck.

“You’re right. This can wait,” she capitulated.

“Good answer, Angel.” He was so proud of her. A week earlier, she would have been angry that he had cut their game short. And she
never
would have put up with him putting his hand over her cell screen. If she’d been in a good mood, she would have said it wouldn’t take long and continued. If her mood was less than stellar, she would have gotten nasty and started a hell of an argument.

“Speaking of answers, I didn’t get yours concerning the club.” She gave him a cutesy smile.

Was she afraid she was in trouble? They had made more progress than he’d suspected.

“Subtle, dear,” he retorted, but laughed. They were a few minutes away from the clubhouse. It was better to just get it out in the open. “Being at the club was awkward. I wanted you there, so we could discuss the lifestyle. Even if you weren’t interested, which I assumed, I wanted to have a conversation about it. After I got home, there didn’t seem to be a good time to bring it up. I couldn’t figure out how to broach the subject in such a way that you’d want to learn about it.”

“Okay, but that doesn’t answer my question.”

With a sigh, he began, “Did I enjoy the clubs? Yes and no. From a work perspective, I’m proud of what we accomplished. On a personal level, I enjoyed being immersed in the D/s lifestyle. It’s much different from the porn I’ve watched. I came to understand the deep responsibility that comes with the role and, honestly, I began to want it. You’ve been so independent.” He decided, if they were going to have this conversation, then he was going to be completely honest. “At times, detached.” He thought about it, searching for the right words to explain what he wanted from this. “I craved a symbiotic connection with you.”

“Symbiotic?” She seemed to consider the meaning behind the word. “As in one cohesive unit?”

“Yes, Angel. Our relationship had missing pieces for so many years. We loved each other, enjoyed each other, but the primal need for each other was missing.”

They fell silent as they returned the cart and took care of business. By the time they were back at the hotel, Nick was getting worried. He’d expected Laura to make him crazy with questions and yet, she hadn’t said much at all.

“Make us a drink, Angel, while I draw us a bath.”

* * * *

Laura couldn’t stop thinking about Nick’s experiences at the clubs. All she could picture in her mind’s eye was twenty-somethings in fetwear prancing around her husband. Nothing positive would be gained by thinking about it. It frankly drove her crazy. She knew if she continued to focus on it, she would drive a wedge between them. That was in the past and she needed to focus on the future. Laura made a conscious effort to push it from her mind.

She had assumed he would have her again as soon as they made it back to their suite. He surprised her with the bath. He’d even remembered her favorite salts. She was spoiled rotten and she knew it. Placing the drinks on the tub ledge, she stood behind him while he checked the temperature. Kneeling on the bathmat, she gave him a back rub. She needed to touch him, to keep their connection going. “I love you, Nick.”

“I love you, Laura. Now, get naked, woman. This water won’t stay hot forever.”

She laughed. Before this weekend, Nick had never spoken like that. He could be naughty, but she doubted he had ever called her ‘woman’. She started to go back into the bedroom to undress, then stopped, remembering his earlier instructions. Feeling a little on display, she removed her clothes while he sat and watched.

“Very nice, Angel.” Taking her hand, he helped her into the tub. “As much as I want to have you again, we need to work through some of your concerns. Whether you like it or not, it’s my job to see to all your needs and right now we need to talk, Angel. I expect you to speak frankly.”

“Thank you, Sir.” Her brain was on overdrive. She didn’t need anyone to see to her needs. She was self-sufficient. And yet, so damned tired of standing alone. Maybe talking with Nick would help.

So many thoughts were spinning around there was no telling which topic would come out first. Closing her eyes, spreading her arms along the rim of the tub, she sank under the bubbles and just relaxed for a few minutes.

“Why were you so uncomfortable when we met up with André?”

“Simson was playing at something. He either wanted to embarrass me with the subject matter, or have me voice my opinion so he could use that if his immediate supervisor disagreed with him. His behavior was unprofessional. With me
watching
him, he slowly checked me out. He invaded my personal space so if I chose to meet his eye, I would have to look up to him. You know the drill. I don’t think he appreciates working for a woman.”

“You could be right. He submitted an application for membership to André’s club. His background check turned up a couple of domestic abuse investigations. Two women filed complaints, but when it came down to it, neither would file charges.”

“He’s a predator?” She would have to quietly investigate the issue. If he was pulling that crap at home, he was likely pulling it at work as well.

“DiscipliNation puts us in an awkward position. I can’t have anything to do with the negotiations if we own stock in the company. I hadn’t known about that. I’ll have to take measures to insure we don’t end up in a conflict of interest suit.”

“I’m not worried about it, Angel. I know a good lawyer,” he joked.

“Is André courting Medirxa because of my connection to the company?”

“No, it just makes good business sense for both companies. André produces medical grade, made in the USA toys, many of which are used for medical purposes, vaginal and anal dilators and so forth. Most of the bigger pharmacies have an online or catalog sexual health department, yet Medirxa hasn’t ventured into that market.”

“I didn’t know that.” She should have. If she was going to run a company, she should know their product line.

“Your job is to look at the big picture. You can’t micro-manage the day-to-day operations. That’s not what you’re being paid to do. You took on a company most analysts expected to file for protection from their creditors and quietly disappear. Today, it’s back on the Fortune 500 list. Once the merger goes through, you’ll be in the top one hundred. You’re doing just fine, my love.” He paused until she met his steady gaze. “We aren’t here to talk about work.”

She nodded in agreement. Her emotions were all over the place. She didn’t need to add work on top of it all.

“How do you feel knowing I’ve been to the clubs? I know on some level you’re pissed off.”

This had to be the most honest discussion they’d ever had. As much as she wanted to close down, minimize her vulnerability, she couldn’t miss this opportunity. “Yes, but mostly I’m confused.” She paused, considering what to say next. “You’re very good at the Dominant role. If you learnt it or became comfortable with it at the club, then I’m glad you went. Knowing you saw women dressed in, at most, fetwear, has me upset. It surprises me I’m not more ticked off by you watching people have sex. Don’t know why that one doesn’t gall me, but it doesn’t.”

Nick’s head moved back and his eyes widened. She was glad she’d given him more than he’d expected. It felt good to please him.