Over the Line (2 page)

He captured her chin gently. “Find out for yourself, Ms Wallace. Let’s have an experiment here at the Den to see if we have chemistry. After that, we can head out to my ranch. It’s about forty-five minutes from here. Or if you’d prefer, we can go to your place. Wherever you feel most comfortable.” He noticed her legs were alluringly bare. He’d always been a stockings man. Or at least he had been. Until now. “Are you wearing underwear?”

“I…”

With his index finger, he stroked her cheekbone. “I asked you a question.”

“Yes.”

“What kind?”

She hesitated for a moment, and he wondered if she was going to answer or whether she was going to run. He held her lightly enough that her movements weren’t restricted.

“Boy shorts,” she said.

“Please remove them for me.”

“Now? Here?”

“Maybe you’re the one who should be afraid,” he said quietly, “rather than me. Gregorio says you often bail out of scenes. I wondered at first if it was because Doms asked too much from you. But I’m thinking they probably don’t ask enough. I’ve known you less than five minutes, but I’ve figured out you’re assertive. You know what you want, but I’m guessing you’re not always good at asking for it. Furthermore,” he added, leaning closer towards her, “I’m willing to bet you’re bored with anyone who isn’t as aggressive as you are. Am I wrong about that?”

She shivered. Since the Colorado evening was mild and they were standing near the fire, he knew she couldn’t be cold. So something he’d said had hit a nerve.

Surprising him, she unflinchingly met his gaze. “You’re right about the fact I get bored easily,” she admitted. She put her hand around his wrist. “And you’re wrong if you think I’m afraid of anything.”

“Fair enough. In that case, take off your panties.” He released his grip on her chin and she let go of him. He stayed in place, physically and figuratively refusing to give her space.

He offered his arm and she held onto it while precariously balancing on her heels.

Finally, she straightened and looked at him as she dangled the pretty pink material from her index finger. Too late he realised he’d made a mistake by not asking to see them on her first. The material had probably stretched across her derrière, highlighting her butt cheeks perfectly.

He accepted the proffered underwear and stuffed the lace and nylon confection in his pocket. Who would have suspected that she wore something so pretty beneath black leather? “What are your limits?”

“I haven’t found any,” she said.

“Then you’ve been playing with the wrong Doms.”

She shrugged. “That’s possible. But maybe I’m tougher than you think.”

“Perhaps,” he agreed, but with some scepticism. His ex-wife had let him believe she wanted things raw, but the moment the ring had been placed on her finger, the figurative collar had come off her throat. “Humiliation?”

“I don’t have a lot of experience with that.”

“No one has made you stand in a corner with your nose pressed to the wall when you misbehaved?”

She stiffened. Michael figured he’d hit a nerve. Then the moment passed. Her lips parted for a moment, just long enough for him to wonder how she tasted. He loved anticipation, enjoyed getting a woman so turned on she lost her inhibitions, but now, with Sydney, unaccustomed impatience nipped at him.

“I don’t misbehave,” she said with an impish grin.

He raised his eyebrows. “Never? Or have you not played with a Dom long enough to establish a relationship?”

She gave a soft sigh. “Would you like to psychoanalyse me, Michael? If so, can we sit down somewhere? But honestly, I’m not sure if I’ll ever see you again, so I’d prefer we spend an enjoyable evening together.”

“I don’t rush. I just want to know you a bit better before we play together. I want to give you what you need, not just what you want.”

“That’s an interesting distinction.”

“You might want wine, but need water,” he said. “I want you completely satisfied.”

“You’re right. I kind of move from Dom to Dom,” she said. “A man, any man, would complicate my lifestyle. Maybe you think that’s selfish, but it’s who I am. I was hoping that since you’re a divorced man who doesn’t want to go through another divorce, you’d be fine with a one-night stand.”

“Ouch,” he said. When she opened her lovely mouth to speak again, he held up a hand to silence her. To her credit, she shut up. “No, you don’t have to watch your words. In fact, I prefer your honesty.”

“Really?”

He nodded. “And I’m not against a relationship. I’m not, in theory, against marriage.” Passing the land to his heirs would be nice. He had one sister, who had two girls. Despite the fact that he had a couple of horses, none of his relatives had shown any interest in the ranch.

“Are you looking for something permanent now?”

“No,” he said.

“Then if you’d like to play, I would, too.” Seductively, sexily, she placed her palm over his crotch.

Heat seared through the denim. Except for lovers he’d been with a long time, no woman had been so bold. He wanted to cave to his baser instincts and take her here, now. Instead, he captured her hand and moved it away.

She pulled back, breaking his grip, and he knew she felt rejected. What man in his right mind would have stopped her? “Don’t take it personally,” he said. “Please. I will want you to do that in the future, and right now I want to be buried balls-deep in your hot cunt as you cry out my name.”

Her eyes opened wide. She seemed more intrigued than shocked. “I want that, too,” she admitted.

“We need to clear up a few things.”

“Right. I have no STDs, I have no physical limitations. Oh, yes, and I have condoms in my purse—large. And medium, just in case.” She grinned. “I’ve been called an eternal optimist. I don’t need that size as much as most men would have you believe.”

He shook his head. The charming Ms Wallace was trying to goad him, and he appreciated her efforts. Rather than responding, he changed the subject, “Why do you scene?”

“Why?”

“You’ve thought about it, surely?”

“I guess I’m always wondering where my limits are, and I like to transcend them. I mountain climb. White water river raft. I did a triathlon, and I’m competing in an upcoming mud race, you know, running up a mountain then doing obstacle courses, under barbed wire, over a wooden wall. My team is doing it for charity.”

He was forced to look at her more objectively. His initial urge had been to care for her. Now he wondered if she could kick his ass. Maybe Gregorio had been right to issue warnings. “What’s your safe word?”

“Everest.”

Of course it was.

“You don’t need to know why.”

“Okay.” He figured he already knew, but he looked forward to her telling him tomorrow morning over coffee. “How about a code for slowing down?”

“I don’t believe in that.”

“In that case, we’ll use the word caution.”

She sighed. “If I have to have one, how about we use the word turtle?”

He thumbed his hat. “I think I’ve just been insulted.”

“Not at all. That would be rude. I’m just saying that turtles are slow.”

Not only was she attractive, but quick-witted and intelligent. It had been a long time since a woman had appealed to him on multiple levels. “How do you feel about public play?”

She hesitated for a second. “I’ve never tried it.”

“Are you willing to?”

“I suppose.”

“I prefer a yes or no answer,” he told her. “Unless you’d rather talk about it?”

“No. I mean yes.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Yes, Sir,” she dutifully repeated.

“Good girl.”

He saw her grit her teeth, but she said nothing. He’d hit a nerve demanding she conform to the smallest of courtesies, and he’d remember that. “Do you like impact play?”

Before he could ask further questions, she said, “I find an open-handed spanking to be really pleasurable. I also like belts.” She glanced at his waist.

Oh, yeah. He’d happily lay the leather across her rear.

She was quiet for a moment, maybe as discombobulated as he was. And he realised she had an air of vulnerability that she tried to hide. Others probably missed it, but he was glad he hadn’t.

“I’m also fine with a shoe or a ruler,” she said, her words a hurried rush as if she were attempting to cover the uncomfortable silence. “Anything, really. Feel free to be creative. I’m okay with a flogger, open to trying a bull whip and cane. There isn’t a position I’m averse to, over the knee, or a table, or a bed. Standing, kneeling over a spanking bench. Did I miss anything?”

“The Sir at the end of the sentence.”

“Of course. Sir.” She gave him another of her sunny smiles.

No wonder she ate other Doms for breakfast. She seemed so guileless, he’d bet it would be difficult for some men to hold her accountable. “Clamps?”

She nodded. “The harder the better. As you’re probably gathering, I find it easier to get off when there’s erotic pain involved.”

“Anal plugs?”

She fidgeted then said, “If you insisted, I’d try it.”

“No one has claimed your ass?” he asked, stunned.

“No.”

That he would be the first to place something up there made him even harder, and his erection pressed against his jeans. He wanted to readjust his cock, but he reminded himself to focus on her. There were a few other things he needed to know before they got started. “Handcuffs?”

“Any kind of bondage,” she said.

“I’ve haven’t lassoed a woman.” He paused. “Yet.”

Her eyes widened. “Sounds interesting.”

Michael was suddenly glad he’d ignored Gregorio’s advice. The thought of dragging a helpless Sydney towards him was a thrill. If she were barefoot and naked, it would be all the better. “And actual sexual penetration?”

“Like I said, I have condoms. In assorted sizes. I have nothing communicable, I’m on the pill. Anything else you need to know?”

“That will cover it,” he said wryly. “Likewise, I have a clean bill of health, but I also believe in covering all the bases. We’ll use condoms.”

When he said nothing else, she gave a little flip of her hair and turned away, heading towards the house.

“Where are you going, Sydney?”

She stopped and looked over her shoulder. With a puzzled frown, she said, “Inside.” She moistened her lips quickly then added, “I thought that was what you wanted.”

“Did I say so?”

“No.” She returned to stand in front of him. “I apologise.”

“I’m going to spank you over there.” He nodded towards a short metal fence in the distance. It bordered the grassy area beyond the horseshoe pits, far enough that they’d have some privacy. Still, since it was lit by a number of solar lights and torches, anyone who wanted to watch could.

She glanced around, and he waited patiently.

At least a dozen people were outside, a small group gathered on one side of the fire pit. Some stood around high tables. Elsewhere, a woman sat on a porch swing while her male sub licked her boot.

Another evening at the Den. “I think you need reminding that I prefer to be addressed as Master Michael and Sir. When we play together, Sydney, I make the rules. I will be sure you understand them and agree with them, but once that happens, they will be enforced. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Sir,” she whispered.

“Do you agree to address me the way I prefer?”

She nodded.

“Please pull your dress up to your waist.”

She couldn’t have taken more time. He didn’t complain, though. Watching her was its own reward. She was softness and sensuality all wrapped within a woman who was temporarily his.

“Ah,” he said when she was exposed. “Such a pretty little pussy. I like that it’s shaved.” He looked at her expectantly.

“Thank you, Sir.”

Interesting—since he’d drawn harsher boundaries, she seemed softer, more compliant. Everything she said and did seemed to be a contradiction. “Please put your hands behind your neck and bring your chest forward.”

She did. “Would you like me to take the dress off entirely, Sir?”

“I’d like you to do as you’re told, Sydney. Nothing more. Are you able to comfortably spread your legs a little farther apart? You can take off your shoes if you need to.”

When she was in position, more open, he slid a hand between her legs. Her response delighted him. “You’re moist, Sydney.”

He kept his hand still, but she moved her hips a bit, sliding herself against him. “I generally won’t mind if you come without permission. In fact, the more you orgasm, the more I get into the scene,” he said. “But not tonight. Tonight I want you more aroused than you’ve ever been.” He waited until she let out a tiny moan then he pulled his hand away. Before she could react, he slapped her cunt, hard.

She screamed and pitched forward slightly. He caught her and held her against him longer than necessary, liking the way they fitted together.

For a moment, she stayed there before drawing in a deep breath and moving away. “
That
was unexpected. And unbelievably hot, Sir.”

“Turtle?”

“No. More like that, please.”

“Stay where you are. I’ll be right back.”

He went inside. Brandy, a sub who regularly helped with house functions and parties, fetched him a blanket and two separate cuffs.

“My pleasure, Sir,” she said when he thanked her.

When he got back outside, Sydney was still in the same place. She was shifting from side to side a bit nervously, but she’d yet to bail out of the scene. “Are you doing okay?”

“Feeling a little exposed,” she admitted. “Sir.”

“Seeing you when I came back outside pleased me.”

She visibly exhaled.

“Would you like to continue?”

“Yes, Sir. I’m not scared,” she said, but her voice didn’t sound as sure as it had earlier.

He nodded. “In that case, when you’re ready, walk over to the fence.” Then he scowled. “Are you okay in those shoes?”

“Completely.”

“Good. I’ll stay a step or two behind you so I can watch your ass move.”

The view was all he’d hoped for. There was grace and sultry elegance in her every step. But when she reached the edge of the paved patio, he took her elbow. He helped her over the uneven terrain then draped the blanket over the rail.