The Inner Room (12 page)

Jack and Jesse served a delicious meal of grilled rib eye steaks with sautéed mushrooms, mixed salad with balsamic vinaigrette and thick slabs of homemade bread slathered with melted butter. It was a strange experience to kneel on a cushion on the floor beside Cam and let him feed her, though Marissa had to admit there was a certain eroticism to it she hadn’t expected. Dana and Jesse seemed completely at ease beside their Masters, which made it easier for Marissa to accept.

When the meal was over, Jack led them all into a carpeted room that contained a medical exam table complete with stirrups. A thick, white towel covered the padded leather. There was an antique library table beside it, the small lamp on it providing the only light in the room. Beside the lamp were dozens of shrink-wrapped needles set neatly in rows, along with clamps, gauze pads, cleaning solutions and other items reminiscent of a surgeon’s operating room. A pile of additional clean towels was folded in a laundry basket nearby. Three folding chairs faced the setup, a flat silk cushion placed beside each chair. Narrow, high shelves were set against the walls, the surface of each covered by tall, fat candles set in brass holders.

Jesse and Dana moved together toward one of the candle shelves. Jesse lit two long, narrow tapers and handed one to Dana. They began to light the candles, moving quickly from table to table until the room was illuminated with the warm, flickering glow of candlelight.

Dorian, meanwhile, stood conferring softly with Jack. Tony was already seated, and Cam sat down beside him, beckoning Marissa to join him. She knelt on a cushion next to her lover. He bent down and kissed the top of her head. “I love you,” he whispered.

It was on the tip of Marissa’s tongue to respond, until she remembered Cam’s warning in the dressing room. She would honor the house rules, and so she only smiled.

Her attention was diverted to the shiny needle Dorian was unwrapping from its protective plastic. She could imagine its sharp prick against her skin. While the thought sent a shiver of fear through her body, at the same time she couldn’t deny the fizz of excitement skimming along her skin like tiny bubbles.

The candles all lit, Dana returned to kneel next to Tony. She smiled warmly at Marissa, who smiled back.

Jesse went to stand beside Jack in front of the exam table, their backs to the room. Dorian stood in front of them like an officiating minister. Jack reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet jewelry box, which he handed to Dorian. Dorian opened the box and set it on the library table.

Turning back to Jack and Jesse, Dorian placed a hand on either man’s shoulder. “We are gathered here this evening,” he began, “to witness Jesse’s offering to his Master, Jack, a ceremonial display of his submission. Jesse willingly undergoes this piercing as a testament of his love and obedience. Jack accepts this offer and bestows the gift of his ring, a permanent and daily reminder for Jesse of Jack’s love and mastery.”

He took a step back and gestured toward the exam table. Jesse unlaced the string that held up his pants and, without a trace of self-consciousness, let them puddle at his feet. He was completely naked underneath, and shaved smooth as a baby. Jack and Dorian helped him settle onto the exam table and place his feet into the stirrups.

Unbidden, the image of herself up there on that table, naked, legs spread wide, filled Marissa’s mind, and her body tensed as if waiting for the sharp bite of the needle’s point to pierce her flesh. She shuddered and then felt Cam’s warm, comforting hand on her back. She leaned into him, relaxing beneath his touch.

Dorian put on a pair of disposable latex gloves, selected a needle and moved to stand between Jesse’s legs. He wiped the underside of Jesse’s now erect cock with a cleansing pad and touched the point of the needle to the chosen site.

“You will feel a pinch,” he said. “Just breathe in and let it out. Stay centered on what matters, which is your love and devotion for your Master.” Jesse nodded. “Count to three,” Dorian continued. Jack was standing beside Jesse, holding one of his hands and looking down at him with a tender expression.

“One…two…three.” Dorian moved his hands. Marissa couldn’t really see just exactly what he was doing, but she could hear Jesse’s sudden intake of breath. Dorian reached for the small stainless steel Prince Albert ring, wiped it with a sterilized pad and slid it into place on Jesse’s cock.

“Done!” Dorian said, smiling broadly at Jack, who grinned back. “It’s perfect.”

As if they’d all been holding their collective breath, everyone in the room seemed to sigh at once. Then they all laughed and clapped their hands in approval as Jesse sat up on the table, his face beaming with happiness and pride.

As Jack helped his partner from the table, Marissa noticed Dana tugging urgently at Tony’s sleeve. “Please, Sir. May I speak?”

Tony turned to Dana with a smile. “Of course, darling. What is it?”

“I decided. I’m ready,” she said eagerly as she jumped up from the cushion. “Please, Sir. Please, Master Tony. I’m ready for my piercing.”

Marissa gaped at Dana with astonishment. She hadn’t said a word about being pierced. What the hell? As if feeling her gaze, Dana turned to Marissa with a small shrug.
I wasn’t sure,
she mouthed silently.
Now I am.

Tony and Dana went to stand where Jack and Jesse had been. Dorian stripped away the towel on which Jesse had lain and smoothed a fresh one in its place.

Marissa looked up at Cam. With a smile, he took her hand into his.
Do you want this for me?
Marissa silently telegraphed to her lover. She recalled what he’d said when he first told her about the piercing ceremony:
That’s never something I would demand of you. It would have to be something you asked of me.

Do I want it?

Marissa tried to concentrate on Dorian’s words, but her mind kept veering to another scenario, one involving Cam and her. She was lying on that exam table, legs spread, her hand in Cam’s as Dorian slipped the needle through her labia. Was it really so simple? She only had to ask?

As if he were listening to her thoughts, Cam squeezed Marissa’s hand, though his eyes remained fixed on the couple in the front of the room.

Marissa watched as Dana removed her blouse, her small, high breasts standing proud on her chest. Marissa was surprised when Dana let Tony help her onto the table while still dressed in her boots and skirt. How would she spread her legs in that tight skirt? Marissa turned to Cam, confused. He mouthed the word
nipples
.

Marissa turned back, trying to process this new information and adjust her expectations accordingly. Tony handed Dorian a slightly larger box than the one Jack had produced. Dorian opened the box and Marissa saw what looked like the gleam of diamond in the candlelight as he set it on the library table.

Dorian put on a fresh pair of gloves. He squeezed some antiseptic liquid onto a gauze pad and wiped both of Dana’s erect nipples with the cleaning solution. He and Tony quietly discussed the precise placement of the jewelry, and then Dorian gripped one of Dana’s nipples between thumb and forefinger, pulling it taut.

“Breathe,” Dorian intoned, the needle poised for insertion. “Take the pain for your Master. Embrace the pain for yourself. One…two…three.”

Dana yelped, the sound high and shrill, and Marissa gasped, her own nipples aching with sympathy. Dorian reached for one of the nipple rings, wiped it with the sterilized pad and slid it into place using the tiny plastic sheath still threaded through Dana’s nipple.

“Perfect,” Dorian pronounced as he daubed away a bit of blood. He reached quickly for the second needle and pulled her other nipple taut, while Tony murmured something close to Dana’s ear as he stroked her face.

“One…two…three.”

Again Dana cried out. Dorian worked quickly, and soon had the second hoop in place. Dana sat up. She was laughing, her cheeks flushed, her eyes shining. “Oh my god! I did it! I did it! Tony, I did it!” Dana touched the gold rings hanging from her nipples, a small, round diamond set into each ring.

Again there was laughter and applause. Jack and Jesse joined the couple as Tony and Dana embraced. Cam and Marissa stood as well. Marissa could barely focus, emotions skittering and slamming into each other in her brain, the overriding one of which was, she realized with a shock, a longing so intense it took her breath away.

I want that. I want it too.

She looked at Cam, at once surprised, but not really, to find he was staring at her, rather than at the revelry in front of them. She had never been with a man like Cam, someone who seemed to intuit her emotions and her needs almost before she did. She felt
known
, and the realization warmed her down to her toes.

“Are you ready, sub girl?” Cam said in a low voice. “Is it your turn?”

“Yes,” Marissa whispered. And then louder, as she sank to her knees in front of her Master, “Yes, please, Sir.”

Cam reached down and held out his hands. Marissa took them, allowing him to pull her to her feet. “But,” she said with dismay, “we don’t have a ring.”

Cam's smile broadened into a grin as he slipped his hand into his pants pocket. “Actually, we do.” He pulled out a clear plastic bag, holding it on his palm so Marissa could see. Inside was a tiny gold ring with a small gold ball holding it closed. “I bought it when Jack first invited us, just in case.”

“If I could have your attention,” Cam addressed the room, which immediately quieted. “My sub girl and I wish to share in the piercing ceremony tonight.” He held out the ring. “Marissa has agreed to accept this gift of ownership.”

Yay!
Dana mouthed as Marissa and Cam approached the front of the room. Marissa smiled, the crazy butterfly flutter in her belly quieting a little at her friend’s sweet and enthusiastic show of support. They stood together in front of Dorian. Cam took Marissa’s hand as Dorian intoned, “Marissa, do you give this gift of submission freely to your Master?”

“I do,” Marissa said, turning to look at Cam, whose radiant smile was like warm sun on her skin.

“And you, Cam, do you accept Marissa’s loving offer of devotion and her willingness to wear your ring?”

“I do.”

“Please disrobe and take your place on the table,” Dorian said to Marissa. Pleased to note her hands weren’t even trembling, she unzipped her skirt and let it fall to the carpet. She stepped out of her high heels and let Cam help her onto the table. She placed her feet into the stirrups, nervous but determined.

Cam stepped beside her and took one of her hands in his. “I’m so proud of you, Marissa,” he said softly.

Marissa kept her eyes on Cam’s face as Dorian gently cleaned the spot he and Cam agreed on for the piercing on her right outer labia. She looked into his deep blue eyes as she felt the tug of Dorian’s gloved fingers. “Breathe,” Dorian commanded. “Take in the peace and serenity that is submission. One…two…three.”

There was a sharp pinch and then a sudden burning sensation.

And then it was over.

A rush of endorphins hurtled through Marissa’s bloodstream, and she laughed with sheer joy. And then everyone was laughing with her. Cam pulled her from the table into his strong arms and whirled her in a circle before setting her down. Dorian was saying something about aftercare, but Marissa didn’t hear a word. She knew Cam would take care of her.

In a happy daze, she pulled her long skirt back into place while Tony and Jack moved around the room blowing out all the candles, and Dorian packed his gear into a leather case.

Cam, with his arm around her, led Marissa back into the living room along with the others. Marissa sank happily to the silk cushion beside Cam. She accepted the large snifter of brandy that Jack handed her. Once they all had their glasses, Jack lifted his and the others followed suit.

“A toast to our cherished submissives,” he boomed, “who daily fill our lives with love and happiness.”

“I second that emotion!” Tony cried.

“I third it!” Cam added. They all laughed, and drank their brandy, and Marissa felt happier than she ever had in her life.

“Psst.”

Marissa looked up at the sound and saw Cam standing just inside the walk-in linen closet. He crooked a finger, beckoning her to him. With a quick glance to left and right, Marissa hurried over to the closet. Cam pulled her inside and closed the door behind her. He drew her into a quick embrace.

“I haven’t seen you in days,” he murmured, nuzzling his mouth against her ear.

“Weeks,” she replied.

“Years,” he amended.

They both laughed and stepped apart. “You ready for tonight, slave M?” Cam watched the transformation as he said those words. Marissa was extremely responsive to language, and every time he used words that triggered a submissive response, something in her expression would soften and bloom.

“I hope so, Sir,” she said softly, her eyes shining.

Cam had secured the inner room for a full two hours tonight just for them. Though they’d been to the outer room a number of times together, this would be Marissa’s first return to the inner room since her assessment. Cam planned to use the time to create a training video for their private use. Since the piercing ceremony, Marissa had been increasingly receptive to deeper and deeper levels of erotic submission, but she was sometimes her own worst enemy, letting her fear of failure get in the way of her development.

Cam had found training videos to be a useful tool when training clients. Though this was his first time taping someone with whom he was personally involved, he saw no reason why the tool wouldn’t be equally as effective. They would watch the video together, without the overlay of tension and passion that invariably accompanied a scene. It was a way to target areas for improvement, and highlight resistance or hesitation subs didn’t always realize were in play during the heat of the moment.

Tony and Dana would be joining them in the inner room, not only as witnesses, but to assist with the recording. “You’ll be fantastic,” Cam had assured Marissa when she expressed some anxiety. “Sometimes it’s hard for me to believe you’ve only been active in the scene for such a short time. You truly are a natural.”

Now Cam took a step back, assessing Dr. Roberts in her white lab coat, her hair pulled back into a barrette, a stethoscope hanging around her neck. “Just think,” he added with a grin, “if anyone in this place had any idea of the fiery, passionate woman lurking just beneath that no-nonsense doctor image you present to the world, it would blow their minds.”

“Or the leather-clad, whip-wielding Dom disguised as the hard-working, dedicated nurse,” Marissa retorted with a saucy grin.

“Gay nurse, you mean,” Cam added with a laugh. When Marissa wasn’t exciting him down to his bones, or making his heart melt with her sweetness, she was making him laugh. He’d never thought he could have it all, but with Marissa it seemed that he had found “the one” at last.

He pulled her once more into his arms, this time kissing her on the lips. For a moment, he forgot where he was and slipped his tongue into her mouth as he pressed his body against hers. She moaned softly against him and kissed him back, her arms coming up around his neck.

The door opened suddenly and they instinctively pulled apart. “Oh!” Marissa said, her cheeks coloring as she looked toward the intruder. Cam turned his head to see Janice standing there, a load of dirty linen in her arms.

Janice’s painted-on eyebrows rose up so high they were hidden by her hair-sprayed bangs. “Well!” she huffed. “Excuse
me
!”

“So, I’ll get those lab results for you right away, Dr. Roberts,” Cam said briskly, unable to completely wipe away his grin.

“Thank you, Nurse,” Marissa said faintly.

Cam brushed past the gawking Janice, turning back to wink at Marissa. At least those rumors of his sexual orientation would finally be put to rest, he thought with a grin as he strode down the hall.

~*~

Though she’d only been there once before, Marissa couldn’t help the sense of proprietary pride she felt as she watched Dana and Tony taking in the setup, aware this was Dana’s first time to see the inner room. “This is fantastic,” Dana breathed, her expression rapturous. Turning to Tony, she said, “I want that, and that, and that,” as she pointed to various pieces of BDSM equipment and gear.

Cam directed the couple to sit on folding chairs he’d set up in the center of the room. While he selected gear for the evening’s play, Tony put the camera bag he’d brought along on the floor beside him and bent down to unzip it. He pulled out a tripod and erected it, and then took out a small camcorder, which he screwed into place on top of the tripod.

Though Marissa had understood and even agreed in theory with the concept of a training video, she felt jittery as she watched Tony setting up. It was one thing to scene with her friends, or to share in the piercing ceremony, with everyone equally involved and invested in the process. Tonight Marissa would be the focus and the center of everyone’s attention. All eyes, including the camera’s, would be on her and her alone.

Marissa looked over at Cam as he approached, his arms filled with gear, a smile on his face. He set down the things on the edge of the platform and put his arm comfortingly around her shoulder. “You still okay with the recording?” he asked. Somehow he always seemed to know just exactly what was troubling her. It was as if they were connected from the inside out.

“Remember,” Cam added as he pulled her close, “this is just for us. We can delete it once we’re done. But if you’re not comfortable with it, we’ll bag it, okay? It’s not a requirement.”

“I am a little nervous about it,” Marissa admitted, “but I do see the value of watching yourself after the fact. And since it’s just for us…”

“Of course,” Cam agreed. He let her go and stepped back. He looked fantastic in his leathers, a beautiful, heavy flogger dangling from one hand. 

“Are you ready, slave M?” he said in a louder voice, one meant for Dana and Tony to hear.

Marissa glanced in the direction of their friends. Tony was adjusting the camcorder, but Dana was looking at her, and she gave a quick encouraging smile and a thumbs-up. If it wasn’t for Dana, Marissa would never have gained the understanding, or found the nerve, to move forward in this amazing submissive exploration. She felt empowered by Dana’s support and grateful for her and Tony’s friendship. She was glad they were there as witnesses as she continued in her submissive journey.

Turning back to Cam, she nodded and said in a clear voice, “Yes, Sir. I’m ready.”

“We’ve invited our friends to witness a work in progress,” Cam said, his voice rich and deep. “Tonight I’m going to ask Master Tony for input, as part of your ongoing training in submission.” He turned to Tony. “We’ve been working on endurance positions, caning, mid-level bondage, flogging and single tails. Is there something you would like to see demonstrated tonight?”

“What about anal?” Tony said.

Marissa’s stomach clenched, but she kept her eyes on her Master.

Cam lifted an eyebrow, looking thoughtful. “We’ve talked about that some,” he said slowly. “We really haven’t explored anal yet, but it’s definitely on the list.”

On the list maybe, but way, way down there!
Marissa wanted to blurt, but she managed to hold her tongue. Marissa had confided to Cam that, while she’d engaged in anal sex from time to time in her life, it was not her favorite activity. “I’m really shy about my butt,” she had explained, blushing even as she admitted this to the man she already trusted more than anyone in the world. “I don’t know—I just don’t like my asshole.” She’d laughed self-consciously. “It’s funny looking. I don’t want anyone looking at it, or touching it.”

Cam hadn’t laughed at her, or teased her. He’d thought about what she said for a moment, and then replied, “I understand. A lot of people are shy about that, especially at first. First I will reassure you—your little asshole is perfect. It’s beautiful, just like the rest of you.” He had smiled and Marissa had found herself smiling back in spite of her misgivings. Cam had continued, “I view it as my duty as your Dom to help you move past any shyness or resistance where your body is concerned. The good news is that anal sex can be extremely pleasurable for both the giver and the receiver. And in your case, precisely because of your reservations, it will be a true test of your submission. A chance to allow your Master full access to every part of your body, not just the parts you’re comfortable with.” He’d kissed her gently, adding, “There will come a time, darling girl, when I will require you to submit in this way. And when I deem you’re ready, you will give of yourself completely. Is that understood?”

When he talked like that, Marissa melted into a pool of submissive longing. She’d have been ready at that moment to spread her ass cheeks and beg him to fuck her, but she’d only nodded and whispered her agreement.

Tony let out a guffaw, which snapped Marissa back to the moment. “I don’t think your slave girl likes anal,” he said. “At least judging from the expression on her face right now.”

“My slave girl,” Cam replied with a confidence Marissa wished she shared, “does what she’s told. She likes what pleases her Master, isn’t that right, slave M?”

“Yes, Sir,” Marissa answered honestly, though her stomach remained clenched with nervous anticipation.

“Good. Let’s go up to the dais.”

Marissa allowed Cam to lead her up the portable stairs to the platform. He stood in front of her, obscuring her view of Tony and Dana. Leaning close, he said in a low voice, “Remember, you are mine, and I will keep you safe. I’m going to have you run through a few positions, and then I’m going to use the smallest anal plug they make. Your only job is to follow my directives. Open yourself to me, both your spirit and your body. Trust me, and more importantly, trust yourself. You can do this. I know you can.”

Marissa nodded. She closed her eyes and breathed in slowly, using the relaxation techniques Cam had taught over their time together. She replayed his words in her head:
Open yourself to me, both your spirit and your body. Trust me, and more importantly, trust yourself. You can do this. I know you can.

Yes,
she told herself firmly.
You can do this.
Aloud, she said, “Yes, Sir. I’m ready.”

Cam stepped to the side and said in a louder voice, “We’ll start with an inspection of your asshole. I want you to assume a forehead press, ass facing our guests. You will reach back and spread your ass cheeks. Hold that position until I tell you to move.”

Oh god.
Marissa suddenly had a hard time catching her breath. She felt a little faint.

Cam was regarding her with a solemn, patient expression.
I love you,
he mouthed silently.

His words were like sunlight, burning away the worst of her trepidation. He had said they would wait until she was ready. He must believe she was ready. She would believe it too, in a submissive leap of faith, both in Cam, and in herself.

Marissa sank as gracefully as she could to her knees. In a way it was better to be facing away from Tony and Dana. She could pretend she was alone with Cam. She lowered herself until her forehead was touching the floor. Reaching back, she gripped either side of her ass and spread her cheeks, glad no one could see her burning face.

She heard Cam descending the stairs. Time seemed to stand still as she held her position, her asshole bared for all to see. Finally Cam returned. She could hear him moving behind her. “Keep your position. This will feel a little cold.”

He touched her anus with a gooey finger. Though she’d been expecting it, Marissa startled a bit at his touch. He was very gentle, moving just the tip of his lubricated finger in a circle before easing it gently into her ass. Marissa blew out a breath, willing herself to relax and receive her Master’s touch. He wasn’t hurting her. In fact, if she could get past her nerves and embarrassment, it felt kind of good.

“Now the plug,” he said. “Stay relaxed for me. You’re doing really well.”

His finger was removed, and she felt the hard tip of the plug take its place. Again she tensed, and again she reminded herself to relax, to submit, to take what her Master was giving her.

She could feel the plug moving past the tight ring of muscle. It felt snug, but not painful. She could do this! Then, suddenly, a sharp pain shot through her rectum. She yelped and jerked forward.

“Stay in position,” Cam said, his tone calm but firm. “That was the tough part. It’s in now. You did it.”

Marissa could feel the circle of soft rubber at the base of the plug between her ass cheeks, and she could imagine the lewd presentation she must be making. At the same time, a surge of warm pride moved through her. She’d done it!

Cam tapped her shoulder, the signal that she should rise. For a moment she was confused. She’d handled the butt plug. Now wasn’t he going to remove it? She hesitated a moment, in case he’d forgotten, but he tapped again, adding, “Stand up, slave M. Turn around and face our friends in an at-attention position, hands locked behind your head.”

Marissa forced herself to rise. The plug created a full but not unpleasant sensation inside her. She turned slowly and lifted her arms. Her heart was thudding but she felt excited, even exhilarated. Tony had his eye to the camcorder, which was trained on her. Dana had a big smile on her face. Again she held up her thumb in silent approval.