Punishing for Pleasure (12 page)

Dex settled Meri on his lap in the club’s main lounge and smiled at the other Doms sitting in the small circle. Sam McCall had his wife, Jen, settled in a similar position—angled so he had access to her front and back with her legs draped over the outsides of his widespread knees. But Jen was naked and her arms were also bound behind her. Her clit and pretty pink nipples were all clamped and linked with a fine gold chain that Sam kept swirling around his finger and pulling in quick jolts as they talked. Personally, Dex didn’t know how much more the poor subbie was going to be able to take before she came without her Master’s permission, and he’d bet that was exactly what Sam was hoping for. Her breathy moans were increasing in intensity and a fine sheen of sweat glistened over her skin. “Pet, let me remind you that you do not have permission to come. Your other Master hasn’t arrived yet and you heard what he said.”

Jen pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and nodded her head furiously. Sam looked around the group and chuckled, “Our sweet wife decided it was okay to be sassy with her other Master today on the phone. I’m sure she thought she was perfectly safe since he was working on a rescue on the other side of the globe.” He gave the chain a firm pull and smirked when Jen writhed on his lap. “What she didn’t know was he and the others had successfully delivered that sweet little girl back to her family and were already on their way home. So our sweet doll here wasn’t going to have time on her side for Sage to forget and forgive her transgression.”

Carl Phillips was sitting next to Dex and as usual, his casual pose was a ruse. Anyone who had ever been on a mission with the man recognized the predator that lurked just under the surface. Carl had been one of the operatives who had gone to South America to rescue Jen and their bond of friendship had been solid ever since, despite her continuing comments about his wild driving. “Oh, sweet girl, you are in for it, aren’t you? I just can’t believe we went all the way to Bolivia to pull your pretty ass out of the fire only to have you put in on the line again.”

His words and tsking sound seemed to pull Jen back from the edge and she leveled a look at him. “I have thanked Master Mario Petty for that rescue on several occasions and,” Jen’s sassy use of the nickname she’d given Carl—a combination of champion Formula1 racer Mario Andretti and NASCAR Hall of Famer, Richard Petty’s names had been a deliberate distraction. Jen knew her husband well enough to know he’d paddle her ass for the comment and she was probably hoping it would pull her back from the edge—Dex doubted that was how it was going to play out and didn’t even try to hold back his chuckle. Just as Sam lifted Jen from his lap, his brother stepped up behind him and lifted her right into his arms.

“Sweet cheeks, you are in a real pickle, you know that?” Dex watched as his friend’s eyes softened as he took in his wife’s startled expression and then squeal of delight when she realized who was holding her.

“Yes, I know and I’m trying to feel remorseful…really I am…but I’m just so fredding glad you are here that I just don’t care. I don’t care if you spank me…I just want you to touch me. God I missed you so much. Master Sam doesn’t laugh at my jokes. He just looks at me like I’m a dork.”

“Let’s go, I need to be inside of you and then we’re going to deal with your bratty behavior.” Sage turned and walked purposefully toward the private rooms. His long legs ate up the distance quickly. Dex looked at Sam who was shaking his head.

“How am I ever going to train her properly when he does shit like that? Damn. And she’s right about the jokes, half the time I have no clue what they are giggling about. But I’m glad Sage has a playmate because, honest to God, I’ve never understood his sense of humor.”

Dex felt Meri stiffen and gave her a soft squeeze, “Sweetness, if you have something to say to Master Sam, you have permission to do so…respectfully.” He wanted to laugh at her soft gasp of surprise, sometimes the woman was just too easy to read.

She recovered quickly and nodded before turning her attention to Sam. “Master Sam, I’ve talked to Jen several times and she has wonderful things to say about both you and your brother.” She paused and seemed to be considering whether or not to continue before plunging ahead, “Well, I just thought it sounded as if you felt a bit left out because they share the same appreciation for silliness, and well, I didn’t want you to be unhappy.”

Sam McCall looked at Meri for long seconds before finally speaking. “Meri, I didn’t mean to imply that at all. I’m confident in my relationship with Jen, my brother and I both bring very different things into her life. But…that being said, I want to thank you for being our friend and caring about how I felt. I rarely change my opinion about someone, but knowing you has reminded me why it’s important to not make snap judgments.” Dex rubbed his hand in soothing circles over Meri’s shoulders when he felt her go rigid at Sam’s words. He knew she hated the fact everyone’s first impression of her had been so horribly negative. Sam’s eyes softened and he shook his head, “I know that didn’t come out at all right. What I was trying to say is that I’m glad I’ve gotten to know the real woman and I’m also grateful my wife has you for a friend. Friends who are willing to take the risk you just took are rare and I’m glad you are in her life.” He stood and stretched, a sly smile curving his lips. “Now, I have a sub who needs a beating before my brother and I remind her what it feels like to have two cocks seeing to her pleasure.”

“Even though I am flattered by the nickname, give your sweet subbie a couple of sound swats for me—I don’t want her getting too cheeky.” Carl Phillips’ grin softened his expression, but Dex knew there was something bothering his friend and vowed to schedule a time for the two of them to spar, he’d always found a couple of rounds in the ring was good for finding out what was eating at someone. Carl turned his gaze back to the rest of the group as Sam strode away, “Are any of you up for watching the Wests christen the ‘Woodshed’? I hear Tobi provided them with the perfect excuse this afternoon. Personally I just think she wanted to be first.”

Dex had heard the club’s newest feature was finally finished and fully functional, and he wasn’t surprised the Wests would be christening the new area tonight. The Woodshed looked for all intents and purposes exactly like what the name implied—an old-fashioned wood shed used by many parents as a punishment location for their wayward offspring. The threat of being taken “behind the Woodshed” was often enough to set a progeny on the right path—hadn’t worked that way for him, but his sisters had both only made the long journey to the backside of hell once to his knowledge.

When he and Ash had toured the new area with the other Masters in residence at the club last week, they’d been impressed with how realistic the entire setup was despite all the security monitoring and hidden BDSM elements. The woodpile itself was a fully functional spanking bench with sliding doors concealing a well-stocked supply cabinet complete with everything a Master might need to punish a naughty sub. There was also seating for an audience as well as several technological options allowing observers to participate.

All of the Masters now had apps on their phones that would allow them to “vote” on punishments, volunteer to help if a Master was of a mind to allow it, or provide input that could be sent to the group or any individual. Micah Drake had outdone himself on the tech end and every Master who had seen the venue had been impressed as hell. Dex would have loved nothing more than to make use of the Woodshed after the Wests scene, but they’d had to quickly change their plans after seeing Meri’s colorful ass. Dex didn’t see any reason they couldn’t watch the scene though. He’d known several submissives who became as aroused from watching as they did from playing, and it would be interesting to see how Meri reacted. They’d noticed she was self-conscious about being exposed out in the open areas of the club and that was one of the boundaries he and Ash planned to push.

*****

Meri felt as if her entire body was vibrating and they hadn’t even stepped out the club’s back door yet. She’d heard Tobi, Gracie, and Regi mention the Woodshed but they’d all been banned from the area, so what little they knew was pure conjecture. Meri had never heard the expression “taken out behind the Woodshed,” but the others had been more than happy to enlighten her on the American euphemism for paddling. Ash had taken one hand and Dex the other as they made their way down the walkway and Meri found herself trembling but she wasn’t sure if it was from fear or anticipation. Ash paused and looked down at her, “Are you cold?”

Even though the outside air felt cool against her heated skin, Meri certainly didn’t feel cold.
Nope, not cold at all. Holy hell, my blood feels like it may start to boil.
Meri’s mind finally refocused on the moment and she realized she hadn’t answered his question. “No, Sir, I’m not cold at all, even though I probably should be.” His grin told her that he understood what she was implying.

“Good to know. So I’m assuming your trembling is from anticipation or apprehension. And I’m guessing that was what you were thinking through rather than answering my question.” Even though it hadn’t been a question, Meri still nodded her head in agreement. He smiled and she heard Dex’s soft laughter behind her. “Let’s go see what you think of the Wests’ latest attempt to keep naughty subs in-line, although I suspect the area may not offer much in the line of punishment for some of you.” With that he gave her ass a quick swat and turned back to the path.

Rounding the corner and taking in the venue, Meri was surprised to find it wasn’t at all what she’d expected. It appeared to be remarkably rustic and so simple that she wondered why it had taken so long to construct. There were several rows of cushioned chairs spaced far enough apart to accommodate a kneeling submissive, and the raised stage area looked more like a simple movie set. Her confusion had probably shown in her expression because she heard both men chuckle. “Don’t be fooled, this is a construction and technological wonder. The Prairie Winds staff truly has outdone themselves.” Moving toward the front, Meri noticed that Tobi was already standing on the stage with her hands behind her back. The simple white cotton sheath was completely translucent with the lighting focused on her from all directions. Even though she was obviously supposed to be looking at the floor, Meri could see her eyes darting up occasionally. When she noticed Meri, her shoulders seemed to relax as if she had been looking for someone for moral support. Meri gasped as a feeling of pure panic moved through her.
Oh my God, don’t they remember what Tobi’s dad did to her? I have to help her
.
She didn’t even get to finish the thought when Ash spun her quickly so she was facing him. “Tell me.”

Meri knew her breathing had kicked into high gear and she worried her heart might actually beat its way out of her chest, but she still knew exactly what he wanted. He’d sensed her anxiety and wanted to identify the trigger. Once she’d finally admitted her interest in the BDSM lifestyle, Meri had researched it tirelessly. One of the elements that attracted her was a Dom’s commitment to caring for his submissive—both physically and emotionally. The concern was easy to see in his eyes and after a couple of deep breaths she finally answered, “I just sort of had a flashback to the stories Tobi’s told me about her childhood…and well, I’m worried for her.”

Ash nodded once letting her know he’d
heard
her concern, “Do you think Tobi’s Masters will honor her use of the club’s safe word?”

Meri was shocked by his question, it had never entered her mind that Kyle or Kent would ignore their wife’s use of a safe word. Safe, sane, and consensual was the guiding tenant at Prairie Winds and
any
Dom not ending a scene immediately when the sub safe-worded out was banned for life. “Of course.” At his raised brow she remembered where they were and quickly added “Sir” to the end.

“Do you think Kent and Kyle are the type of men to forget about the hell their beloved wife and submissive endured as a teenager?” Ash’s tone was neutral, but she recognized the fact he was quickly painting her in to a corner with his questions.

“No, Sir.”

“Hmmm, well then, the only other thing I can think of that might cause you this kind of distress is that you question whether or not Tobi will use her safe word if she needs to.”

The truth was that she was concerned about that, but hadn’t realized it when she’d panicked. So many of the people that surrounded Tobi at Prairie Winds saw her as this strong-willed woman with a core of steel. But Meri saw past that façade to the vulnerable woman beneath the brass and sass that was on the surface. Meri recognized that she and Tobi were actually very similar in a lot of ways, because they both measured themselves by how much they pleased the people they loved. Tobi would go to the ends of the earth to please her Masters and there was a very large part of Meri that understood that completely.

“Well…I hadn’t really reasoned that all out when I got scared, but I think you are exactly right. I’m worried that she won’t stop if she starts having a flashback. Mostly I am just worried for her.” Meri felt a tear trail slowly down her cheek but she didn’t move to wipe it away, she continued to hold Ash’s gaze as he studied her closely.

He finally took a deep breath and sat down. Once he had her kneeling between his thighs, he cupped her face in his large hands. Using his thumbs to brush away her tears, he smiled, “You are so fucking beautiful—inside and out, pet. I want you to stop and think about how much Kent and Kyle West love Tobi. They don’t see her as their sub, she is their heart. I know them like I know myself and Dex, and I can assure you their happiness is linked so closely with hers that none of them knows where one starts and the other ends. Both of them are truly Masters of all the dynamics of Dominance and submission, they know exactly what their woman needs and they are going to give it to her because she wants it so badly.”

Meri was lost in his words and kept rolling them around in her mind in the way that she always did when she was considering every possible angle of a problem or question. Ash didn’t say anything for several minutes, but finally leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the tip of her nose. “Make me a promise as you watch this scene—I want you to ignore Tobi as much as you can. Focus your attention on her Masters. Watch them closely and you will see they are entirely centered on the woman they both love beyond measure. She won’t take a breath that they don’t see. At every juncture of the scene, they’ll be able to tell you her heart and respiration rate as well as how it has changed over the course of the scene. They’ll know within a millisecond when she is to the point of no return and they’ll pull her back as many times as they think she can stand. When one of them is administering a punishment, the other will be watching…assessing…monitoring…loving.”

Dex used his fingers under her chin to bring her attention to him and spoke quietly, “Watch them and see if you don’t recognize some of those behaviors, sweetness.”

Just as she was about to ask him what he meant, the lights dimmed and Ash leaned down and adjusted the large pillow she was kneeling on so she was facing the front. “Knees further apart, pet. Remember, that pussy belongs to us and we’ll damned well show it off if it pleases us.” He slipped a fur-lined leather cuff on one wrist and Dex did the same on her other side. Once they’d positioned her arms behind her back, she heard the distinctive snick of metal and realized they’d hooked her wrists together so that her back was a graceful arch that thrust her breasts forward
.
She was grateful they had allowed her to wear one of their dress shirts even though she was bare beneath the thin linen. She’d gotten several swats for simply planning to wear panties earlier in the day and they had explained in great detail how much worse it would have been had she actually put on the offensive garments.
Offensive garments? Seriously? Who talks like that? When she’d
made the mistake of uttering that question out loud
,
they had each given her another swat for being cheeky. Personally she thought cheeky was archaic as well, but her burning ass reminded her of the wisdom of keeping that to herself.