☼ Sasha ☼

I glanced down at our joined hands and grinned like a fool. It screamed 'we're together' although we weren't, well not in any official full-blown relationship kinda of way. And earlier too, we'd lost ourselves in conversation for so long that I'd forgotten all about food until my stomach rumbled and Ellis laughed. He then carried me from the bed to the kitchen table where we sat, naked and ate my pitiful attempt at lasagne.

"What's going on inside that pretty head, Duchess?"

I didn't bother to hide my smile. "This. Us. Being here. It's wild."

"Ah-huh. Wild."

The elevator door opened and we walked out. I almost stumbled when he turned and pressed me up against the wall. "You're not regretting it—are you?"

"No." But I was trying to show some restraint as earlier coming down from my third mind-exploding orgasm I'd practically blurted out that I was falling in love with him. "This almost feels like a date!"

"This is not a date." My smile faltered. "But now you mention it. I'm gonna take you on one. Soon." He leaned in and rubbed his nose against mine. "Would you, come out with me? We could do something fun. Go anywhere. You decide."

And that... I was fairly certain my heart might've actually missed a beat and easing back, his eyes dug into mine, glinting in the shadows. He was serious.

The man who at one time was named jerk, or asshole, was turning out to be everything I never knew I wanted. And devastating good looks aside, beneath it all, he was boyishly enthusiastic about so many things. He was utterly adorable with his curiosity about me too.

And here he was asking me to go out on a date!

I felt positively giddy around him. "You name the date and time and I'm there."

"Yeah?" He kissed me. Hard. My lips parted as his mouth pressed against mine, and his tongue found mine.

And for the fourth time today, we started a fire.

Ellis pushed me harder against the wall-but not too hard, I moaned and he grabbed a handful of my hair. "Sasha, Sasha, Sasha," He purred against my lips. "You drive me crazy, y'know that right?"

"Remember when you used to kiss me like that?"

I tensed and our heads turned at the sound of the voice that sliced through our moment. It was an older couple watching us-they had to be in their seventies.

The man who was dressed all in leather, waggled his eyebrows. "Used to?" he asked. "I kissed you like that this morning, baby-girl."

I had to bite back my giggle, baby-girl. And she wore a collar that said the same.

Awe. They were adorable.

Baby-girl patted her husband and Dom on his arm. "I'm talking about up against a wall like this, not against the wall at home." She lowered her voice, adopting a conspiratorial tone. "He's gonna punish me for saying this."

"You're not wrong. And once I've taken my little blue pill, you're gonna regret talking to your Dom in that way," he threatened teasingly.

I smothered another giggle and Ellis cleared my throat. "Excuse us," he said, taking my hand in his and pulling me past them. Up ahead he glanced over his shoulder and seeing we were both alone he kissed me again, slowly this time, catching my lower lip between his teeth and gently pulling.

The man could easily kiss me stupid.

I pressed my palms onto his chest, smoothing over the fabric of his shirt. The simple gesture felt familiar and yet unknown. I couldn't explain what I was feeling.

"Sorry, I forgot anyone could be watching us down here," he said.

Being seen with Ellis didn't worry me.

He kissed me again, and I felt his hardness press against me, I arched slightly pressing myself against him. He was going to think I was some kind of sex-obsessed slut... Oh, wait up. I was!

"What's so funny?" he saw me grinning.

"Them, that couple," and don't ask me why I said this next bit out loud. "Do you want that? Can you see yourself with the same person, growing old together?"

"Yeah, and I will definitely be like that when I'm that old," he said. "With a fucking hard-on for my wife."

I laughed at his bluntness. Ellis just seemed to have no problem saying whatever popped into his head. He was the first person I'd hung out with in years who didn't seem to have an agenda and wasn't working an angle to get something from me.

"That's funny?" he asked.

"No," I said. "I just thought it was sweet that they were still into kink and they looked happy. I hope I still have the hots for someone when I'm older."

"You'll be hot when you're older," he said. "No doubt."

I felt my heart beat harder and for a short moment, we were both still as we stared at one another. So much was said between us at that moment, except I wasn't sure what any of it meant.

That feeling bubbled hot and heavy in my chest again. I was falling in love with Ellis Jenson.

And then the spell was broken. "C'mon, Duchess, we need to move because my cock is hard enough to rip through the front of my pants and I'm trying really hard not to picture it in your mouth." He shook his head. "That, and I want us to see this Master Colin whom I've been told puts on quite a show!"

I was now thinking the same thing but let him take my hand and tug me along.

The club was similar to the one in Amsterdam and once inside the open viewing area, the fish bowl they called it, my gaze swept across the expansive space. It was larger than I had anticipated, with ample standing room and plush seating along the edges. The booths were draped in a black and silver brocade, and occupied by lively groups engaged in conversation. I made a conscious effort not to eavesdrop, focusing instead on Ellis as he guided me through the crowd.

Ellis led us to a reserved booth. And there was a bottle of champagne. "Did you organise this?"

"Yeah, Lucked out on a playroom room tonight, but I thought you might like this instead."

I did. I wanted to experience everything the kink world had to offer.

On my third glass, we were still waiting, and maybe it was the shadowy glimpses of couples naked without a care in the world who saw them or maybe it was the buzz of alcohol and just sitting here with Ellis, but I couldn't say what had me more excited but then a spotlight lit up one part of the stage and my curiosity kicked into overdrive.

We had a great view and a man, a huge swell of a man appeared out of the darkness. A strange ripple passed over the watching audience.

Shirtless. He was toned, that's for sure, more like a gladiator than a man and I wanted to lower my eyes just watching him. The man wordlessly commanded respect.

Ellis leaned in his breath at my ear. "That's Master Colin."

A woman then appeared, naked before the crowd she was collared, head lowered. Her breasts were huge and yet perky.

Pinned bright in the spotlights I waited for what would happen next.

Master Colin ran his fingers down her arms. And even from here I could see her breaths increase as she moaned. He took her breasts in rough hands, kneading her with brutal fingers. She had huge nipples, dark and ripe and huge areola, like saucers. She rocked into him sucking in breath as he pinched her nipples.

He twisted them hard and she flinched, biting down on her bottom lip as he twister harder still.

Finally, she cried out and he lowered his head, sucking on her teat like a hungry baby. A hungry baby with teeth. And all the while she remained perfectly still.

"Does it turn you on, Watching them?" I shifted in my seat, turning to Ellis.

My cheeks heated. "I... um... I'm not sure."

This was different from the threesome in Amsterdam, which was purely erotic. This here, was all about a Master and sub dynamic... and pain.

"Can't lie, Duchess. Arousal looks fucking delicious on you. Play with yourself if you like," he challenged. "I won't stop you."

His fingers teased the edge of my skirt as his eyes dipped and I felt my nipples harden. "You're crazy." I teased.

Head lifting. "I'm you're kind of crazy," he shot back.

With a smile that curled my toes, he leaned across and my words brushed across his lips just before he kissed me sweetly. "Yes. You are."

"More," I whined, pulling at the nape of his neck to tug him back as he pulled away.

"You're missing the show."

Oh, yeah.

The pretty sub was now strung up and I watched him whip, flog her and cane her, and all the while she begged for more. More pain.

Would that be me one day?

I was finding I didn't seem to have any limits where Zack was concerned... Ellis too. And I thought about being naked. Strung up and watched by a crowd of strangers whilst Zack and Ellis tortured and teased me.

I felt heady, dizzy, reeling at both the scene before me and the pulse between my thighs. My hands felt clammy. I felt clammy.

Yes. I liked that idea.

Who the hell was I?

Breathing hard, Master Colin dropped his cane and unclipped her restraints. She fell into his arms. He held her for a few moments, stroking a hand down her back as he whispered in her ear. She nodded and eased herself from him lowering to her knees.

Master Colin stared down at her with obvious affection. "Spit on my cock, pet. Make me wet."

My eyes widened as she did as he asked. Landing right on target dripping down the underside of his thick cock. "Again!" he demanded

She did and he petted her head.

"Open wide," he then commanded. "I'm going to give you a gift and you will say thank you."

He leaned down and hooked his finger into her mouth, stretching it wide. And I almost gagged when he spat into her mouth.

Yeah, spitting was not on my list of things to try. Gross.

"Ewe, that shit is nasty..." said Ellis and I nodded in agreement.

The sub swallowed down his filthy gift and then opened her mouth willingly and again he delivered another...gift.

I shut my eyes briefly and when I opened them he had pulled out his thick cock and I watched him ram it into her mouth, shoving his hips forward making her gag and cheeks flush more. Chest heaving and retching he forced his way all the way down. The sub spluttered and strained against him. Her eyes streamed and at one point I was sure she was fighting for breath.

Then he eased back a fraction... and began to fuck her mouth like a man possessed. "Relax your fucking throat, he growled. "Let me in." He placed his hands at the back of her skull, pushing himself deeper. I heard him groan as his balls mashed against her chin and then held his position.

I honestly thought she was going to pass out.

"Gorgeous girl," he told her with reverence in his voice.

He eased back and coughing and retching around his cock she threw up, emptied her stomach, right there on the stage. My lips formed an O as fluid surged from her mouth drenching Master Colin's stomach, running down his thighs onto the floor.

Master Colin didn't even flinch, in fact, he smiled and I was wide-eyed, never having witnessed anything so... so... hell, I couldn't even say.

His attack on her throat continued until he stilled emptying down her throat.

He finally pulled out, praising her before dropping to his knees and kissing her square on the mouth obviously not caring about the vomit, drool and spit.

Yep, this time I did gag and had to swallow down the rise of champagne.

I guess I had limits after all.

"Holy-shit. Don't ever ask me to do that, Duchess," I heard Ellis say.

He had no worries there and I was about to turn to tell to him when a tall, slender figure moved in front of our booth.

A woman.

The woman moved to rest a hand on her hip and was almost posturing as if she had just walked along a catwalk. But I did notice how out of place she looked. Everyone else here was either naked or partly dressed and she was wearing Yves Saint Laurent and something else...

Confidence.

This woman, whoever she was, oozed it. Stylish. Beautiful. Aloof.

"Oh, hey..." said Ellis, recognition in his tone.

Her keen gaze raked over him. "Ah. Ellis... Ellis Jenson."

Did they know each other? Did she work here?

Her eyes cut to mine for a fraction of a second before sliding back to Ellis's. The mystery woman ran her fingers down the length of her silky caramel-coloured hair in an absent-minded manner before her plump lips drew back, bright white flashing teeth. "May I join you?" She asked.

No. I wanted to say because as beautiful as she was, there was something about her. Arrogant. And from my experience arrogance and self-awareness rarely went hand in hand.

However, before either of us responded she had sat next to Ellis and placed her hand on his thigh.

I didn't like that either. He might not realise it yet, but he was mine and I was not willing to share him with another woman.

"I was hoping I might come across you again," she said.

"I'm sorry but who are you?" I asked her, seeing as Ellis wasn't going to introduce us.

"Tabitha Strickland, and you are?"

Strickland... Why did that ring a bell? I angled my chin up. I may not have the same confidence, but I wasn't easily intimidated either. "Sasha Darling."

"Tabitha and Zack are... Friends?" asked Ellis.

She laughed. "No, my sweet boy. Not friends. We're Family."

Oh. Ooh. I remembered something, my dad speaking about Zack's stepmother. His words hadn't been flattering.

"That, and we used to fuck like rabbits." Her smile turned almost sinister as she snapped her teeth. "Vicious rabbits."

My mouth went dry but I managed to temper a reaction.

Ellis however didn't hide his reaction as her smile widened into a grin as she placed a finger under Ellis's chin and closed his mouth. "Family as in marriage, not blood. Although..." She shrugged. "With Zack, I doubt even a little blood would deter him from something he wants." Her hand fell away and she reached for Ellis's half-filled glass of champagne.

It was fair to say I didn't like this woman.

"Tell me, Ellis—" Her gaze landed on him, long thick eyelashes parting wide. "—Has he seduced you yet?" she hummed, pressing the glass to her lips and took a sip. "You're just his type."

Ellis choked out a cough. "His type?"

She ignored him and turned to me, her red-stained lips curled down on one side in disbelief. "You..." her eyes narrowed but only slightly. "Not so much, but I can see the attraction."

Weirdly she burst into laughter, the sound reminding me of chimes.

But it didn't distract from her words to me, a twisted kind of compliment that left me unsure how to respond. Despite the insult, there was a hint of grudging acknowledgement in her tone, as if she couldn't deny the allure that Zack might see in me.

"What do you mean—his type?" Ellis repeated.

A moment later her smile faded as she studied him thoughtfully. "You look just like him."

"Who?" left my mouth.

She never answered my question, her eyes remaining on Ellis "You aren't his first you know." She jutted her chin towards me. "But I can see he's not changed. Same old tricks. Still needs a pretty girl to get the guy into his bed."

Ellis scowled. "What are you implying?"

"It's no secret Zack doesn't have a preference. Male, female. The man likes to fuck." She leaned closer to Ellis and my hackles went up. "But what he can't resist is his attraction to straight men but most of them don't come willingly..." Her eyes drifted to me.

Ellis stiffened and when I reached for his hand he pulled it away.

She carried on. "I was once that girl. Find the man. Fetch him into my bed." She paused and dramatically sighed. "I'm thinking you didn't know."

She took another sip. "Don't feel bad, Ellis. Zack is very persuasive and he had a little incentive to help convince you."

Ellis turned to me with a look in his eyes like clouded thunder. "Be straight with me, Sasha. Did you know about this?"

My body tensed. "I guess, maybe I thought." I shifted on my seat staring down at my hands now sitting on my lap. "I was worried you'd take my place, Ellis. I figured if I showed Zack I was okay with him fooling around with you-"

He pulverised me with one look. "What? So you manipulated me because you were worried about competition?"

I frowned and when I glanced up at him my breath got caught in my chest. He looked freaked out. "It's not like that and you know it."

"Bullshit!" Ellis said. "You let him use you to get to me!?" Shaking his head. "How fucked up is that?" He stood and sucked a hiss through his teeth. "I'm getting the fuck out of here."

"Ellis," I stood, grabbing his upper arm.

"Don't. Just fucking don't." He yanked free of my touch and my hand dropped as Tabitha moved aside to let him pass.

I turned to face the viper. Shifting closer we were now eye to eye. Toe to toe.

"Oh dear..." She reached for a loose strand of my hair wrapping it around her finger. "I think I've upset him."

I smacked her hand away. She was enjoying this. "Why are you still here?"

"Look, I'm not one to give advice because quite frankly I hate hearing it."

My eyebrows rose. Firstly, what a bitch. Secondly, she was the last person I'd take advice from. "Great. Then don't."

A considering hum left her lips. "I'll make an exception this time."

A surprise laugh burst from me. I couldn't help it. "Can you not take a hint lady? Shoo the hell away!"

"For a man as dominant, as intent on his freedom, as I know Zack is, you are a weakness he can ill afford. You arouse protectiveness, in the same depths that you arouse lust. Be careful that delicate little heart isn't lost."

It was already too late.

I shifted closer, keeping my gaze frosty. "You have your entire life to be a bitch. Why not take the day off?"

"Oh," she pressed her hand to her chest. "Have I offended you?"

"I don't know what your problem is, but I'm guessing it's hard to pronounce." I pushed past her and walked away. I couldn't believe Zack had slept with that woman.

Back upstairs in the apartment, I called out for Ellis. Nothing. Now panicked, I went from room to room looking for him, He wasn't nowhere to be found.

With a sickly feeling taking up residence in my guts, I walked into the kitchen and grabbed my phone and brought up Zack's number and hit call. Pressing the phone to my ear, I waited. "C'mon Zack. Pick up."

"Sasha." Finally... and his deep voice instantly calmed me. "Everything okay?"

"Can you talk?" My voice was shaky.

"Go ahead. I'm listening."