Dark Citadel

Chapter Eleven

She froze. Oh no no no.

He waited, tilted his head.

“Yes, Master. I'm sorry, Master. Very sorry, Master.”

Amusement glittered in his eyes, even though his face remained stern. “Well, now, I can't have a sub giving me frowns. My reputation will be ruined.” His hands closed around her wrists, and a second later, he'd hooked her cuffs to the overhead chains. Again.

She barely kept the scowl from reappearing on her face, and he could tell. The jerk.

He chuckled, then hauled her into his arms long enough to take her lips so thoroughly she sagged from the chains when he released her. “Ah, now that's better.”

He resumed his seat, but he didn't take his eyes off her this time. No one was going to sneak up again without him noticing. And somehow, that just wasn't helping her feel much better. People stared at her, much like she'd looked at the woman on the cross. The men's eyes ranged down her body, lingering on her breasts.

She tried to keep her attention on Sir, watching as he talked quietly with the club members and other DMs. He discussed sports with one, advised another on disciplining a sub, argued politics. Everyone liked him, obviously, although he certainly wasn't as gregarious as Cullen or Raoul.

No one came over until… Her eyes widened.

The owner of the Shadowlands, Master Z, approached, strolling through the crowd like a lion walking through a forest of prey. Shoot, all the dungeon monitors moved like that, had that aura of power and self-confidence. And Master Z was coming here.

Her breath hitched. She was all but naked.

He stopped beside Master Dan. “You didn't break him into pieces, Daniel. I appreciate your restraint.”

“Came close.” Master Dan's frown was intense. “My fault. I should have been more aware.”

“Indeed. A lesson for all concerned.” Master Z's gaze turned to Kari, and she felt a flush sweep all the way from her breasts to her face. He glanced at Master Dan.

Sir not only nodded, he actually grinned.

Master Z moved close enough she could feel his warmth, see the pleasure in his silvery eyes when he looked at her. “You are as lovely as I had thought, Kari.” His smile made her feel warm, welcome. Beautiful.

“And I see you have found favor with our Master Dan.” He stroked a hand down her cheek. “He didn't know it, but he has been looking for a gentle heart, a caring spirit, one who needed his control to discover the full depth of her passion. You are well suited.”

Her head spun as she tried to comprehend his words, but when he rubbed his knuckles over each breast in turn, studied the way they hardened, he derailed her thoughts completely. “You'll be the envy of the Doms, Dan,” he said. With another smile for her, he strolled back into the crowd.

“Bloody matchmaker,” the bartender said with a grin, refilling Master Dan's glass from a bottle of spring water.

Two lines appeared between Master Dan's brows, and his mouth tightened. “He's full of it and wasting his time to boot. I'm not looking for any matches.” His mouth thinned when he looked at Kari.

Kari felt cold creeping into her. Even though he was still right there, the man she'd been with earlier had disappeared. She felt abandoned and very vulnerable with her hands chained over her head. She bit her lip and looked down, away, anywhere but at his cold eyes.

“Hell.” Something thumped on the bar, and then boots appeared in her line of sight. A hand lifted her chin, warm against her skin. “I'm sorry, sweetie. I might be annoyed with Z, but that has nothing to do with you.” He kissed her gently, and tears burned her eyes. “You've brought me only pleasure tonight.”

“Are you sure?” she whispered. He hadn't frowned at Master Z, only at her.

“I'm a cold bastard inside.” He ran a finger down her cheek, his eyes crinkling at the corners when he smiled. “And you're very warm. Yes, I'm sure.” His hand stroked down her body to circle her breast, lower still to cup her mound. With his other hand, he raised her skirt and touched her intimately, sliding his fingers through her wet folds. She gasped as pleasure surged through her. He kissed her neck, then bit her sharply. His finger pressed against her pussy, undoubtedly feeling it clench in reaction to the erotic thrill. “Definitely warm,” he murmured, licking the bite. “Hot might be a better word.”

She flushed. Although it was a heady feeling being called hot, she knew everyone could see where his hand lingered. To her relief and disappointment, he kissed her nose and settled himself back on the bar stool. “I'll finish my drink and then let you down.” He took a small sip—way too small; they'd be here all night—and smiled at her.

She managed, barely, not to glare at him.

He lifted his eyebrows, lips quirking in amusement, then turned as another man in gold-trimmed leathers walked up. The mean-looking one she'd seen with Raoul earlier. “Dan.”

“Nolan, I heard you were back. Welcome home,” Master Dan said, shaking the man's hand. “The place wasn't the same without you.”

“It's good to be back in the States.” The stranger tilted his head at Kari, and Sir nodded permission.

Nolan approached and looked down at her. Did all these dungeon monitor guys have to be so big? Black hair and black eyes as if he had Hispanic or Native American ancestry. His cold, hard gaze and the threatening set of his mouth made her want to flee. Involuntarily, she yanked on her restraints, tried to back up.

He didn't move, just watched her futile struggles. Her breath kept getting faster.

“Do you like being touched?” His voice was low and harsh with a hint of a Texan accent.

Her hands clenched on the chains. She couldn't answer that, not out loud. She licked her lips, glanced sideways at Sir.

Master Dan's eyes narrowed. “Answer the question, Kari. Honestly.”

The man's eyes were so scary that she dropped her gaze to the floor. “Yes, Sir, I do,” she whispered miserably. How could she want Master Dan's hands on her so badly and still be turned on by someone else's touch?

“Well, I'd hate to disappoint such an honest sub,” the man drawled. She looked up. His mouth curved slightly, amusement in his eyes. Maybe, maybe he wouldn't hurt her—

He did worse. He tormented her, fondling her breasts with callused hands, circling around the edges of her nipples until the nubs burned with need. He finally relented and expertly squeezed each nipple to just the edge of pain and pleasure.

Her back arched, and she couldn't muffle a moan.

At that, the man actually smiled. He tapped her on the cheek with a scarred finger, slapped Master Dan on the shoulder, and walked away.

To her horror, Kari felt wetness running down her inner thighs, and she pressed her legs together.

Master Dan studied her. Nodded. “Looks like we need to go upstairs again.”

He released her hands with a quick twist, and she staggered against him. Her lower half actually ached with need.

But rather than walking toward the steps they'd used before, he headed toward the back. Past the sawhorses.

A new woman was on one, her bottom poking up and out. Kari slowed, inhaled sharply. The woman's crotch had been completely shaved. Oh my.

Master Dan wrapped his arms around Kari from behind, held her in place when she would have hurried to get past. He set his chin on her shoulder, seeing everything she was seeing. “Shaving your pussy makes it more sensitive. To everything,” he whispered in her ear. “And the spanking bench puts that little pussy where all of it can be reached. Touched. Played with.”

His hand dipped down, stroked her folds right through her dress, his fingers knowledgeable. Between his seductive words and his penetrating fingers, she couldn't control the tremor of arousal that ran through her.

“Yes, I think you would like that position, little sub.”

Her breath stopped entirely. No—not in front of people.

Just then, a man walked up to the woman on the sawhorse. He pulled her cheeks apart farther, slid two well-lubricated fingers into her anus, in and out, and everyone in the area heard the woman's moan.

Kari's knees gave out, and Master Dan swooped her up with a laugh. “Upstairs for you.”

And without even breathing hard, he carried her upstairs and into a different room. Candlelight flickered over dark gray walls and black carpeting. No bed, only an armoire in the corner and a big easy chair in the other corner.

Still carrying her, Master Dan turned a little farther.

Kari stiffened in his arms. A sawhorse. Straps everywhere.

“You enjoyed looking; let's see if you enjoy riding.” He put her on her feet and wrapped an arm around her, setting his big hand on her stomach to steady her. Grabbing her dress with one hand, he yanked it over her head, leaving her naked.

Her anxiety increased as his hot gaze slid down her body. “Spread your legs, Kari.”

Staring into his eyes, she eased her legs apart.

“More.” When she complied, he anchored her in place with a firm hand on her bottom, then touched her intimately, sliding his fingers through her wetness, caressing her clitoris with long, slow strokes. She grabbed his arms, her fingers digging into his skin as he drove her higher and higher, until her anxiety disappeared under the surging need.

“There we go,” he murmured. He turned her to face the sawhorse. Pressing her hips into the edge, he ordered in her ear, “Bend over.” His erection pressed into her buttocks as she bent, and she shivered, wanting him inside, thrusting…

His chest hard against her back, he flattened her onto the bench. The cold leather chilled her bare stomach, shocking her back to reality. When he clipped her wrist cuffs to the rings on the front legs, she felt like a trapped animal. Panicking, she jerked at the restraints.

He closed his hands on her arms, holding her firmly. “Stop now, sweetie. Are you in pain? Use the safe word if you need to.”

She panted, pulled at her wrists.

“Kari, answer me.”

His words finally registered. Safe word. She could make him stop anytime. The reminder helped, and she hauled in a slower breath. “I-I'm okay.”

“Of course you are.” Releasing her arms, he eased back. His hands settled on her back, warm against her cold skin. Gently, he massaged her shoulders until she sighed and relaxed.

“That's better, little sub,” he murmured and kissed her cheek. “I like you a little anxious, but not scared.”

She'd barely decided she wasn't too anxious. Then he set her knee on the attached padded bench and strapped it down. Then the other leg, securing her in an almost doggy position. With her knees set more forward, more of her showed.

When air slid like chilled fingers against her moist private places, she tried to move her legs. Nothing happened. Everything was on display, and she couldn't move.

As if he could read her mind, he said in a low, husky voice, “Now you're open to me. Fully. To my eyes, my fingers, my lips.”

She shivered, and yet the burn of arousal inside her heightened.

He was behind her, and she couldn't see what he was doing, no matter how she twisted. A door creaked open.

“Master?” Her voice shook. “Are you there?”

“I'm here, Kari. I'll never leave you alone if you're restrained.” Something rustled, and she realized the creaking sound had been the armoire door.

“Let's see if I can't get your mind off all these worries.” He knelt behind her, his hands rough on her bottom, spreading her as his thumbs roamed up and down her labia. She squirmed, made a noise, and he laughed.

And set his mouth on her.

“Ahhh!” She jumped, her legs wrenching against the straps.

Rubbing her folds gently between his fingers, he exposed her clitoris completely. He swirled his tongue around it so hard and quickly, she cried out again.

“You feeling a little warmer?” He inserted a finger, and her tissues were so swollen from his previous use, she could feel every inch going in. She clenched around him.

“I like how my finger feels inside you,” he murmured, “but I know you'll enjoy something longer. This should fit about right.”

She felt so vulnerable, unable to see or move, as he pushed something into her. Not his cock; this thing was cold. Her vagina spasmed around it, tried to push it out. He held it in place and then moved it slowly in and out. She was so wet, it glided easily.

All the way out, then back in, filling her fully until she moaned. But it wasn't enough, not quite. When he took it out, her legs quivered uncontrollably.

He chuckled, and then she felt his tongue lick up and over her clitoris, over and over. He lapped at her like a dog, his tongue flat. Her insides tightened; her clit hardened. Every little cell in her waited, waited for each excruciatingly arousing slide of his tongue.

“More,” she moaned. “Please, Master.”

As if in response, she heard a click and a buzzing sound. When he touched the vibrator to her swollen labia, she gasped.

With a firm stroke, he slid it all the way into her vagina, and everything inside her burst into fiery pleasure. And then he pulled her clitoris into his mouth, rubbing it firmly with his tongue. With her legs strapped down, she couldn't move her hips, and the exquisite sensations grew even stronger, building into a fireball of ecstasy exploding out from her center. She screamed as the convulsions engulfed her.

When he wiggled the vibrator inside her, another climax rolled over her before the first was even done.

With a sensual hum of satisfaction, he removed the vibrator, making her vagina spasm again and her legs jerk.

He stepped away, and she heard the crinkle of foil as he sheathed himself. She tried to tip her head to see but couldn't. Her wrists and legs were still shackled. His hands on her bottom made her jump. Rubbing her buttocks, he murmured, “Still a little pink from your punishment. Such a pretty ass. And your pussy is wet and pink and ready for me.”

Before she realized what he intended, he thrust into her, thick and hard. She felt herself stretching inside as he speared all the way to her cervix.

She yelped, pulling against the straps, the cuffs. “Too big, Master. Please…”

He chuckled. “Compliments from my sub?” His shaft moved inside her. Painfully. He pressed one hard hand down on her bottom, holding her in place. “Don't move, sweetling; your body will adjust.”

Her whole lower half throbbed as if he'd shoved all her insides over for his possession, filled her to bursting.

Ignoring her little whimpers, he leaned over, his chest hard and hot against her back as his hands cupped her dangling breasts. “They just fall into my hands like ripe fruit,” he murmured, squeezing gently, and she shivered.

Strapped, impaled, flattened from his weight, and now her breasts pressed upward from his hard hands. Surrounded entirely. Something opened in her mind. As she surrendered completely to his will, brutal arousal shocked through her and every nerve in her body violently awakened. “Master.” She panted. “Master, I need—”

“Shhh. Soon, little sub.” His breath seared her shoulder as his rough fingers abraded her sensitive nipples. When he pinched the points between his fingers, jolts seared through her until she squirmed uncontrollably, trying to rub her clit against the table. More, please, more. She rolled her forehead on the leather.

Murmuring something against her back, he bit the nape of her neck, holding it between his teeth, sending chills down her arms.

And then he finally, finally started to move, sliding his cock out of her so gradually, it seemed to take forever, then back in, an excruciatingly slow, circular motion. Her hands fisted on the straps as her body shook with unfulfilled need. Moaning, wanting more, faster, harder. She wiggled uncontrollably.

He pressed an unyielding hand against her butt, holding her in place and eliminating even the tiny movements she could make. “Little sub, you're so tight and slick, you're threatening my control.”

His speed increased slowly, too slowly, and she tried to raise her butt, but she couldn't do anything. Whatever he wanted to do to her, she had to take it.

The thought sent her over, and she came with a fast rush, writhing against the leather of the sawhorse.

His hand stroked down her back as he straightened a little. “No, that was an inadequate climax, sweetie,” he said, massaging her buttocks.

He wanted more from her. She wasn't sure whether to cheer or cry.

“You'll give me a better one,” he said with certainty. Then he pressed his hips against her, thrusting deeply, and she moaned, his size no longer painful, just incredibly pleasurable.

With a low laugh, he pulled out, then rammed into her and continued, withdrawing, then burying himself. Hard, fast. His balls slapped against her swollen labia. His thickness inside her was thrilling. Sensation built on sensation until her vagina tightened around him.

He shifted slightly, and suddenly his fingers were on her, sliding in her wetness all over her oversensitized clitoris. The overload was too much and everything contracted and convulsed inside her, and she was coming so violently that she screamed over and over.

With a final thrust so hard that he actually moved the sawhorse, he came too, and the hot jerks of his penis spasmed against her insides again and again until only twitches remained.

He rested against her, his breathing controlled and hard. She could feel his heart pounding against her back.

“Now that was a worthy climax,” he said, his voice even deeper than normal. He kissed her shoulders, her neck, before pulling back.

As he withdrew, sliding out of her acutely sensitive tissues, she shuddered. After disappearing into the bathroom briefly, he undid her restraints, then removed her wrist cuffs. With careful hands, he helped her dismount and held her up when her legs wouldn't work.

“There now,” he murmured in his rough voice. A soothing voice. Why did she feel so…so vulnerable now, like she'd break into tears any minute?

Cupping her chin with his hand, he tilted her face up. She blinked frantically against the burning in her eyes.

“Ah, baby.” He picked her up, cradling her like a child, and oh, she needed that so badly. Cuddling her close, he sat down in the chair with her pressed against his chest.

She let her head drop onto his shoulder. Heard her breath hitch as she tried not to cry.

Holding her firmly, he rocked the chair and talked to her, his voice a low, soothing murmur, filling the empty spaces that had opened inside her. “You are a beautiful woman, Kari… I love that soft, rosy body of yours… You have such a gentle spirit… I am grateful that you trusted me enough to give in to what was inside you. All that passion, sweetheart, you shared with me… Do you know how beautiful you are when you show me your need and when you come without hiding anything?”

Not asking her for any response, he just continued talking, telling her of his pleasure, his pride in her, until the horrible feeling of vulnerability dissipated and she felt like she was herself again.

When she sighed, his arms tightened around her, and he kissed the top of her head. They rocked quietly for a few minutes, the silence warm. She'd never felt so close to anyone in her life.

Eventually her brain turned back on with an almost audible click.

Her brain wasn't happy.

She felt…funny. Like too much had happened, like the world wasn't what she'd thought. She wasn't who she thought.

“Tell me,” he said quietly, cupping her face. He kissed her temple, ruffling the tiny hairs with his breath. He snuggled her closer, his body warm where she was starting to feel cold. “Kari?”

“This isn't me,” she whispered. “I'm not like this.”

“Like what, sweetie?”

“I'm a teacher. I'm educated and smart. People don't boss me around.”

“Ah, that. Being smart, educated, even having authority at work has nothing to do with what you like to do in private or in bed, sweetheart.” He stroked her cheek, tucked her hair out of her sweat-streaked face. Wiped the tears running down her cheeks. She was crying?

“In your case, I figure you have three reasons that vanilla sex doesn't work for you. First, you really are submissive, for whatever reason. Some think it's just part of a person's personality, like being an introvert or extrovert. Others say it's upbringing. Doesn't really matter. You are what you are; you need what you need.”

His words hit her almost like a sentence of doom: You're submissive. There's no escape. Live with it.

“Second, you, little nun, have guilt added into the mix. Your father's lectures, your religion disapproving of anything carnal—all inside you.” He put his big hand between her breasts. “Right there.”

She put her hand on top of his, could almost feel the big lump of judgments, criticism, scorn right under her ribs.

“And third, since you're an intelligent woman, your body wants to enjoy sex, but your brain never stops working and worrying.” He rubbed her shoulder, stroked down her arm to take her hand. His fingers rubbed her knuckles. “Is that true, Kari?”

So true it was frightening. She could never stop thinking about what she should do, what he could do better, how hot the room was, what music was playing…

His dark brown eyes studied her face. When she sighed, he nodded. “It's hard for an educated woman to turn her head off. That's part of the joy of being a submissive. None of the decisions are yours. When you can't refuse anything and can't even move, those voices in your head go silent. All you can do, and all you are permitted to do, is feel. And you felt everything, didn't you?”

She nodded, but he didn't need her answer. He'd known every little twitch she gave. She rubbed her cheek on his chest gratefully. Understanding why she'd reacted so strongly helped a little. A little.

She listened to the slow beat of his heart. Surrounded by his arms, his scent, her body relaxed into him. Something about his strength, his understanding, his concentrated focus on her and her needs, was almost too overwhelming. Refusing to think further, she burrowed closer and let herself float away.

Sometime later, a chime sounded. Master Dan shook her gently. “It's midnight, Cinderella, and the dance is over.”

“What?” She blinked at him.

He helped her to her feet. Her legs shook. She looked up at him, feeling lost. His eyes softened, and he hugged her, kissing her deeply. Gently.

“I wish we had more time,” he murmured. “But the DMs will be around soon to drag slowpokes out.” He kissed her again, this time with his hand curled around the nape of her neck, holding her in place. “I'm going to go find your clothes. I'll be right back.”

By the time she'd used the bathroom to freshen up, he had returned. After she dressed, he escorted her down the stairs.

“Hey, Dan!” Standing by the front door, a familiar-looking woman in a black bustier and leggings waved them over. Kari recognized the DM from Monday.

“Olivia,” Master Dan said.

“Nice to see you using the private rooms again.” Olivia gave Kari a disconcertingly slow and appreciative look before she turned back to Dan. “If you're interested, I'm throwing a dungeon party Sunday afternoon. Bring your pretty sub and come play.”

“Ah—” Sir started.

“Don't say no. It's been far too long since you partied with us,” the DM said. “We miss you.”

Kari looked up. Surprise and what looked like guilt flickered in Master Dan's eyes. His muscular arm went rigid, then dropped away from her waist.

“I can't make it. Sorry.” His voice sounded as if the life had drained out of it.

“Oh, honey, I'm sorry too.” Olivia patted Sir's arm gently and moved away.

“Let's go,” Master Dan said to Kari.

As she stepped out into the night, the humid air blanketed her, the scent of tropical flowers and swamp almost overpowering. The loss of Sir's touch created an ache inside her as he silently walked beside her to the tree-lined parking lot. Others were leaving also, faceless figures in the shadows and moonlight. Cars moved down the drive in a slow string of lights.

Taking her keys, he unlocked her car and opened the door. She looked up, hoping for a kiss, a hug…something…but his gaze was as remote as the distant moon.

“Thank you for the evening, Kari.” His fingertips brushed her cheek, featherlight.

Her lips tightened. No more sweetheart from him. The ache increased, and she tightened her lips against a betraying quiver. He had only promised an evening. The evening was over, and she never caused scenes. All those etiquette lessons from the nuns hadn't gone to waste. She slid into the car, then forced a smile and a cool tone, “Thank you for the lesson, Master Dan. I do appreciate the time you've spent with me.”

His eyes were distant, but sadness lingered in the lines of his face. “Drive carefully.” He put her keys into her hand and closed the door softly.