Surrender to Me (16 page)

“Martin told me what happened with Nadia and that dirtball Nico. I never liked him.”

“He was around back then?”

“Not on a regular basis. He traveled a lot and only came to the club every few months. I guess he recently settled in the city and decided the club was where he needed to be.”

“There was something about him that made me want to vomit. I had a hard time holding my tongue when it came to him.”

“You were right,” Gracie said. “Just because you have good instincts doesn’t mean you’re not a good sub. You may have a harder time showing your submissive side in front of people you don’t trust.”

Ari thought about what Gracie said. Could that be it?

“I don’t mean to get personal,” Gracie said. “Martin has never discussed your intimate life, but do you like playing with him? Does that come easily for you?”

“More naturally than I thought it would. Martin is easy to trust. When we’re together, I lower all of my inhibitions and do what he wants. It’s the most satisfied I’ve ever felt in my entire life.”

“I know what you mean.” Gracie gazed into the fire. “When I let go for Cade, it makes me feel alive. Most people think being a sub means being weak, but when you find the right Dom, he can make you feel in control, wanted, desired, and powerful while giving yourself to him completely.”

“Exactly,” Ari whispered. “Martin does that for me.”

“I know he does.” Gracie squeezed Ari’s hand. “I’ve had the opportunity to become the woman I am today because of him. There is something very freeing about submitting yourself to another’s desires.”

“I was afraid of your relationship with Martin,” Ari admitted.

“You shouldn’t be.” Gracie smiled. “He loves you. He’s never admitted that to me because he thinks I’m on a need to know basis.” She rolled her eyes and laughed. “But I can see it.”

“I love him too.”

“I can see that too. Want some advice?”

“Please.”

“Just love him as Martin, not as your Master. The rest will come.”

“What if I’m not enough for him?” Ari hated that the only time she had been insecure in any aspect of her life was when it came to Martin. “What if he needs someone more like…”

“He doesn’t need me.” Gracie inched closer and put her arm around Ari. “He needs you. He’s been waiting a lifetime for a woman like you.”

“How do you know that?”

“Martin was growing tired of the whole lifestyle when I stumbled into his life. He took me on out of obligation, and by living together we formed a bond he never thought possible. He’s easy to love but sometimes impossible to understand. He’s not looking for a twenty-four hour a day, seven days a week situation. He’s all about striking a balance. He’s met his match with you. Go with it.”

“Thank you,” Ari said. “He’s been trying to tell me all of that, but I wasn’t listening.”

“Sometimes it takes a woman to set a woman straight.”

“Martin knew that too.” Ari shook her head. Martin certainly did know how to make the right connections. “That’s why you’re here.”

“That and my husband wants to spice things up in a new playroom.” She laughed. “Cade likes variety.”

“I’m sure you two will have lots of fun.”

“I’m a bit of an exhibitionist.” Gracie winked. “I’m sure if you asked, Martin would let you observe our scene tomorrow morning.”

“I don’t know.”

“Think about it. If not this time maybe you guys can come to Boston and we can plan to do it then. I know it seems awkward, but observing is a great way for you to see how other Doms and subs interact in the playroom.”

“I’ll think about it.” Ari was curious to see how other couples related to one another in the playroom. “Maybe when we come to your place.”

“Okay, Martin’s a planner anyway.” Gracie stood and stretched out her back. “I’m going to go find my husband and see if he’s ready to call it a night. It’s been a long day and I’m exhausted.”

“I enjoyed our conversation, Gracie. You’ve given me lots to consider.”

“Martin’s a good man,” Gracie said. “Talk to him about anything. He’ll make things work.”

* * * *

Martin took off his clothes and crawled into bed as Ari finished up in the shower. Before he retired for the evening, he made sure everything Cade needed for his scene was ready in the playroom. He smiled when he thought about Gracie being back in the first playroom she’d ever submitted in. How much she had grown, not only as a sub but as a woman. He couldn’t be happier for her.

“Hey,” Arianna said as she appeared in front of the bathroom door. He could smell her rose-scented body wash as she made her way into the room. She dropped her robe, revealing her soft, naked flesh to him. “Waiting for me?”

“Always.” He pulled the covers back so she could join him. “Dinner was fantastic in case I forgot to mention it. I had no idea you were such a talented cook. You simply amaze me.”

“I’m glad you liked it.” She snuggled against his chest. “Can you rub my neck? Hanging over the computer screen all week has done a number on it.”

“Maybe you need a break?”

“Hmm.” She sank deeper into him as he massaged her tight muscles.

“I’ll arrange a day at the spa for you next week.”

“Sounds perfect.”

“Did you have a nice time with Gracie?” Martin had hoped the two most important women in his life would hit it off. “She really likes you. She told me.”

“I like her too, and I’m sorry I felt insecure about meeting her. It was just that I know how important she is to you and I worried because you love her. You loved her first, and I was afraid I couldn’t live up to that.”

“I hope you’ve changed your mind. I never needed you to live up to Gracie. As much as I adore her, she’s not who I want. I’m not looking for her replacement. I thought if you met her and talked to her, you would see how much she loves Cade and how they make things work.”

“Gracie and I talked about that. She said you’re the one who taught them how to find the balance in their relationship.”

“I just guided them. They’re meant to be and I want them to succeed in this journey.”

“I’m sure they will. Can’t you see how much they love one another and how giddy they looked when she turned down the wine?”

“What do you mean?”

“I think she may be pregnant.”

“What?” Martin sat up, causing Arianna to slip off him and onto the mattress.

“You didn’t know?” She sat up.

“Are you sure? Did she tell you?”

“No, just something I observed when she didn’t drink the wine or coffee with dinner. I can’t be certain, so don’t say anything. I’m sure they’ll tell you when they’re ready.”

“I’m sure they will.” He pulled her back onto his chest. “I just worry about her.”

“You have a very unique relationship with both of them. I enjoyed being included tonight.”

“You’ll always be included. You belong with me.” He hugged her tight.

“After talking to Gracie and seeing that Roxy and Alex are making things work outside of BDSM, I feel better. I wasn’t worried about our day-to-day relationship, because that works. I was concerned I couldn’t make the submissive stuff work.”

“That’s never been a concern for me. You’re a submissive in that playroom and all the rest falls into place.”

“I’m ready to learn more about your life.” She adjusted herself so she could look into his eyes. “Gracie said we could observe them during a scene.”

“Did she?” He smirked when he thought about his little exhibitionist. One of Gracie’s favorite things to do was demonstrate a scene at the club.

“She said watching is a good way for me to learn. Do you agree?”

“I do, but I would never ask you to do something you’re uncomfortable with. We could observe at the club behind one-way glass. The Dom and sub don’t have to know you’re watching.”

“That’s illegal.”

“My little lawyer.” He laughed. “They know about the glass. The only people who use that particular room are those who like to be watched.”

“Right, I should have known you wouldn’t observe people without them knowing.”

“If you want, I can set something up. I’m not certain we’re ready to watch Cade and Gracie. That’s a little more intimate than you might be comfortable with.”

“What do you mean?”

“When you watch, kitten, you’ll want me to touch you, and I don’t think you’re ready for that just yet. We’ll work our way up to public displays.” Martin’s cock twitched against his thigh when he thought of Arianna serving him at the club. She may never be ready to fully submit in front of an audience but building up to it could be fun.

“As long as it’s with you, I’ll try it.”

“It will only ever be with me. Not only do you belong with me, but you belong
to
me.” He twisted her hair in his hand and pressed his lips against hers. “It’s been a long day but I need to be inside you.”

“What are you waiting for? “ She giggled before reaching up and turning off the lamp.

Chapter 15

Ari lay on the massage table, indulging in the aroma of the scented oils. The strum of the music in the dimly lit room almost lulled her to sleep. Her muscles were still relaxed from the massage she’d just had. The massage therapist, Emma, told her to take a few minutes to unwind and rest before getting up. Her eyes were closed but she could hear the door of the small room open and close. She thought it was Emma leaving, but the sound of footsteps coming toward her made her aware that she wasn’t alone.

“Did you enjoy your massage, kitten?”

Ari opened her eyes to find Martin standing over her. She tried to sit up, but he placed his hand on her shoulder, effectively holding her down. He wasn’t rough, but his touch made her stop and obey. His subtle smile told her she had pleased him. He turned his attention to Emma.

“Did you take care of my girl?” He didn’t remove his hand from Ari’s shoulder.

“Yes, Sir.” She nodded, keeping her gaze set on the floor.

A submissive.

“Good girl.” Martin took his free hand and tilted Emma’s chin so she had to look at him. Ari found the fact that he touched them both at the same time strangely erotic. The room was small and intimate, and Martin’s presence had somehow changed the tranquil atmosphere. “How are things going with you and your Master?”

“Very well, Sir.” Emma swallowed hard, her voice softer than before. Martin made her apprehensive. “You matched us well. Thank you.”

“I’m glad. I’m eager to hear about your progress. I’ll be observing the two of you very soon.” Without looking at Ari, he removed his hand from her shoulder and ran it along her throat. “I’ll set it up.” Martin released Emma’s chin and turned his attention back to Ari. “So beautiful.” He moved his hand to her face, running his fingers along her lips. “Isn’t she, Emma?”

Martin smirked when Ari’s breathed picked up. He could read her so well. Mesmerized by his presence, she didn’t speak or question what he wanted.

“Yes, Sir, she is.” Emma moved closer to the table.

Ari should have been uncomfortable with another woman in the room with them, but it didn’t seem wrong. She never would have entertained the idea of having someone observe them, but with Martin she wanted to explore and push limits. She wanted to become everything he needed.

Martin trailed his fingers along Ari’s jaw and down to her neck, stopping just where the sheet covered her breasts. Ari’s nipples hardened when he hooked his finger under the cloth.

“I’d be happy to serve you, Sir,” Emma timidly spoke. “I’d be honored to please you and your sub.”

Please me?

Ari wasn’t sure she was up for that. Having Emma watch them was one thing, but playing with them? Could she take things that far? Would Martin ask her to? She tried to calm her mind.

Objection
, she reminded herself. If she used her safe word, he’d have to stop. She had the power.

“Hmm.” Martin pulled the white material down, revealing Ari’s breasts. “That’s a generous offer. One I’m sure your Master will reward you for.” He circled the pad of his finger over Ari’s nipples, causing her to stifle a moan.

Ari closed her eyes and squeezed her legs together, trying to stop the throbbing between them. She abandoned any thoughts of using her safe word. She lost herself in Martin’s touch.

“I don’t think my pet is ready for that.” He continued to pleasure her with his fingers. “You may leave us.”

“Yes, Sir.” Ari heard Emma quickly exit the room.

“Look at me.” Martin kneeled down next to her face.

Opening her eyes, she stared directly into his.

“I’m very pleased with your trust in me. You were quite receptive with Emma’s presence in the room with us. You didn’t even panic when she offered to play with us.” He pressed his lips against her shoulder. “Would you entertain that idea?”

“I’m not sure.” She wanted to say yes, but she wasn’t certain. “Not yet.”

He nodded as he ran his fingers through her hair. “I appreciate your honesty. Perhaps you’ve mastered rule number one after all. We’ll never do anything you’re not comfortable with.”

“I don’t want to share you.” She smiled. “Would you touch her the way you touch me?”

“Of course not,” he said. “She is in a monogamous relationship with her Dom. The same way you and I are.”

“But?”

“Shh.” Martin pulled the sheet the rest of the way down, exposing her nakedness to him. “We’ll discuss it later. Right now, I’d like to play.”

“Here?”

“Right here. No one will disturb us.” He stood, removed his jacket, and hung it on the hook behind the door. “If that’s not acceptable, you need to tell me right now.” He took his dark blue tie from his neck and moved back to the table. “Do you need to tell me anything?”

“No.” She kept her eyes focused on the tie.

“No, what?” He gathered her hands and placed them above her head.

“No, Master.”

“Good girl.” He secured her hands to the top of the massage table using his tie. She wasn’t certain how he bound her to the table, but that was the last thing on her mind. “Do you know why I came here this afternoon?” He unbuttoned the sleeves of his dress shirt, pulling them up and folding them above his elbows. “I wanted a taste of that sweet pussy.”