I might’ve affectionately squeezed his neck a little more than normal, grateful to have him with me. Not having him in my life was not something I ever wanted to contemplate. I was grateful he accepted me—flaws and all.
“No, Mr. Parker.” His eyes perused my face as though he could read my mind.
They didn’t serve alcohol at Dichotomy, but that didn’t seem to make a difference with attendance. Those who were into the lifestyle understood the reasons. When it came to consent, a person needed to have all their faculties about them. Removing alcohol from the equation helped to alleviate some of the factors that could sway it.
It didn’t bother me one bit. I could take it or leave it.
Ordering a club soda, I leaned against the bar and asked Ben to kneel at my feet. As I’d mentioned, having him kneel wasn’t something I cared much for, but when we were in the club, I tended to follow club protocol.
Plus, he looked damn good like that, bare chested and utterly submissive. He drew plenty of eyes, and honestly, I took pride in showing him off.
As I stood there, Addison moved out from behind the bar, looking like sin in leather.
I glanced down at Ben to see he’d noticed her, too. His eyes were fixed on her as she moved across the floor, barefoot and sexy as fuck in that black leather bra and the G-string that showed off her fine little ass. I wondered if Ben was feeling the same remorse that I was, the loss that inexplicably caused a void because we didn’t have Addison with us.
Perhaps I needed to find a way to fix this.
Then a thought came to me and I smiled.
Damn, but tonight was going to be a good night.
If all went well, we could possibly get this train back on its track.
And if not, we would accept our fate and move on.
*
After spending nearly an hour talking to the other Doms in attendance, then retrieving my toy bag from my locker, I made my way to the dungeon with Ben in tow. I had originally intended to reserve a St. Andrew’s cross for the evening; however, when I thought about the logistics of my scene, I realized it wouldn’t work. But the chains dangling from the ceiling beam certainly would, and I found that area roped off and waiting, exactly as I’d requested.
“Strip for me, pup, and give the people a show,” I instructed after I moved the rope out of the way.
Placing my toy bag on the floor, I squatted down and rummaged through it. I was looking for one thing and one thing only. I hadn’t used it in a while, but I knew my pup enjoyed the hell out of it.
However, I fully intended to add a twist to this tonight. Just as soon as…
I glanced around when I felt eyes boring into my back.
And there she was, right on time.
Pasting a respectful smile on my face, I stood, then moved over to where Addison waited. Her hands were clasped in front of her and she was twirling her fingers, which I’d learned was a nervous tic of hers. I wasn’t sure she had any reason to be nervous, but I liked that she was anticipating something.
Holding out my hand, I silently requested her to join me. Her eyes widened, and I swore there was a torrent of emotion there. Possibly a little fear, which was healthy in this setting. But more desire than anything else.
“I’ve changed my mind,” I told her as she placed her hand in mine. “I don’t merely want you to be a spectator tonight.”
“No?” She sounded sincerely hopeful.
Hesitantly, she followed me back toward my toy bag.
Wanting to put her mind at ease, I said, “No. However, I’m not going to request anything sexual from you.”
“Uh…okay.” Was that disappointment I detected?
Whatever it was, it appeared our little rebel had forgotten her manners.
Moving in close and tilting her chin up to face me, I hardened my expression. “While we’re here, you will refer to me as Master Parker. It’s polite, no?”
Her voice trembled only slightly when she responded, “Yes, Master Parker.”
“Are you willing to play?”
“Yes, Master Parker.”
“Are you willing to do whatever I ask?” It was all about trust, and though we’d established that before, I knew that I had screwed it up with my recent actions.
“Uh…” She swallowed hard, her gaze darting over to Ben briefly, then back to my face. “Yes, Master Parker.”
“Do you have an issue with a flogger?”
As I expected, her eyes glazed over slightly when she shook her head.
“Speak,” I insisted.
“No, Master Parker. I don’t have an issue with a flogger.”
“Good. Now, I’d like you to secure my pup to the chains both above and below,” I instructed. “His back should be to me.”
