Consume Me (Devoured Club Series) (9 page)

Chapter 15-Marcus

I arrived at Emma’s townhouse just before eight. I had stopped and grabbed a bouquet of flowers; something I thought would be nice for her. I was trying to make a good impression outside of the club, that is. The feelings were still foreign to me. Like Emma, I’d spent a long time living life, no commitments, nothing serious. Yet, with her the idea didn’t seem so bad.

I knocked on the door and realized my hands were sweaty, again something that never really happened to me.
I was always confident, controlled, in charge. I took a minute to calm down and regain my composure.

“Hello,” she said
, as I heard the door open. She stood in the doorway in a strapless, thigh length black dress that showcased every curve of her body. She had on strappy high heel, open toe shoes. Her hair was swept up into a loose up-do.

“Wow, you look beautiful. Not that you don’t any other time, but um…” I stum
bled on my words. I handed her the flowers that were at my side. “Here, these are for you.”

She smiled and took the flowers
. “Come in. I’ll get these into some water.” I followed her into the townhouse and back to her kitchen. She reached up into one of the top cabinets, and I watched her dress rise up, exposing the bottom of her ass. She had such a great ass, perfect. I smiled, thinking about the piercing that flanked her front.

“Something funny?” she asked. I must have laughed at the thought, although the thought of the little piece of metal that encircled her mound enticed me, made me want to take her sweet cunt into my mouth again.

“No. I’m sorry, I was thinking about your jewelry. Shall we go?” I motioned to the door as I saw her cheeks flush at my response.

“Yes, I’m starved.” She
turned and grabbed a light coat. Emma locked the door, and I placed my hand on the small of her back and led her to the SUV. I unlocked the door and waited for her to get in, before making my way to my side.

“Always the gentleman, huh?”
There was a tease in her voice and a slight smile on her lips.

“At the moment.
But if you keep looking at me like that, I will have to rethink all professionalism.” I grinned at her and pulled out into traffic.

“Where are we going?” she asked
, attempting to make conversation as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

“It’s a surprise. I hope you like Italian.”

“Love it.”

******

We arrived at Mamma Maria about twenty minutes later. I parked the car and
, being the gentleman I was, helped her out. She looked at me and smiled again. I could get used to seeing her smile.

“Thank you,” she said
, adjusting her dress.

“No problem. Let’s get inside, it’s getting cold.” She nodded and we proceeded into the restaurant. The hostess greeted us.

“Hi, reservation for Di Giamico,” I answered.

“Yes, follow me.” The hostess weaved us through tables until we reached the private booth in the back that I
had requested. I wanted privacy, and I wanted to talk to her, get to know her better.

“Thank you,” I said as the hostess departed. I helped Emma out of her coat
, and sat across from her in the booth. The waitress came over and took our drink orders.

“Jesus,” Emma said
, catching me off guard.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, watching her face for any sign of unease.

“Does every woman eye fuck you everywhere you go?” She was serious. I burst out into a fit of laughter. “What is so funny?”

“You’re
jealous.”

“No I’m not. I am just making an observation.” She glared at me, and I laughed
again. The waitress returned with our drinks and we placed our orders.

“So, Emma, tell me about yourself,” I gestured to her and she rolled her eyes.

“What do you want to know, Marcus, that you don’t already know?”

“Contrary to your belief, I only know basic information about you, even with the background check. I know you are 32 years old, own Malorie’s, your name is Emma Malorie O’Conner. You attended Johnson and Wales for culinary
, and you moved to Boston four years ago. Oh, and you have a younger sister.”

She looked smugly at me
. “See you know more about me than I know about you. I just only learned your last name, and the only other things I know about you are where you work, and that you have an amazing tongue.” Her cheeks blushed again as she realized what she had just said.

“Don’t forget my amazing fingers,” I added.

“What do you want to know, Marcus?” She took a bite of her bread and waited.

“
Anything, Emma. I want to know more about you, get to know who you are, and not just within our arrangement in the club.” I was controlled and serious. I did want to know more about her, I wanted to know every small idiotic detail about her life; what she liked for dessert, her favorite color, favorite movie, and favorite band. I wanted to know her.

Before she could respond the waitress delivered our meals and we began to eat.

“I’m serious, Emma. I want to learn everything about you. I know you feel the connection, the energy between us. I was trying to let myself take things slow, and I still will, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t get to know each other.” I took a bite of my meal and waited for her to respond.

“I don’t know what to say
, Marcus. You have my emotions going back and forth, up and down.” She put her fork down and looked at me. Her eyes were filled with confusion, and hesitation.

“You don’t have to say anything. I just want
us to get to know each other better. Please, Emma, just give me a chance.”

She was quiet
, and it seemed like minutes before she answered. “Alright, fine. What do I have to lose?” The question was rhetorical.

We finished our meals
, making small talk about the bakery, Chloe, and the club. “Want dessert?” I asked after the waitress cleared the dishes.

“No, I’m good. Thank you.”

“Okay, let’s get out of here.” I paid the bill, and ushered her to the car. I drove back to her place, watching her looking at me occasionally, thinking I hadn’t noticed. She was beautiful, and I knew that I wouldn’t be able to completely stay professional much longer; I owed it to her to try though.

I never gave April that
chance, and I lost her.

“What are you thinking about?”
Her sweet voice brought me back to the present.

I looked at her quickly, placing my hand onto hers
. “Just thinking about how beautiful you are.”

She tried to move her hand out from under mine, but I grabbed her tighter and moved her hand onto my thigh, keeping her in place.

“You are a beautiful person, Emma. I was serious tonight when I said that I want to get to know you better.”

She looked at me and smiled
. “So you keep telling me.”

“And I’m going to keep telling you until you believe me.”
I squeezed her hand and brought it up to my mouth and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles. I felt her shiver, and watched as her eyes filled with passion and lust.

We arrived at the townhouse a few minutes later
, and I walked her to the door. I placed a quick kiss on her cheek. “Thank you for a wonderful night.”

We looked at each other for a few seconds
. “Do you want to come in?” she asked as she opened the door.

“As much as I want to, I think it would be better if I went home. I can’t promise that
, if I stayed, I’d be a good boy.” I took a step back from her, and immediately felt the loss of her heat, sending a chill over my body.

“Well
, good night then,” she said as she turned and headed into the house, defeated and let down.

I turned and walked to the car, cursing myself for not going in and cursing myself for h
urting her again.
What the fuck, Di Giamico?

Chapter 16-Emma

I watched Marcus head back to his car. I was a little let down that he’d chosen not to come in, but in the end I assumed it was for the best. I know he’d promised me that he’d be professional, but God-damn, I didn’t know how much more I could handle. My hormones and heart were at odds with my brain. I honestly didn’t know which would win this battle, although my hormones were in the lead.

My mind kept wandering back to the conversation at the restaurant
. I still didn’t learn much about him, although he now knew about my family, where I went to school, a brief explanation of why I moved to Boston, although not the whole reason. Maybe he was serious about getting to know me. I just wished I learned a bit more about him.

I made my way up to my bedroom and checked the messages on the machine while I got ready for bed. Five messages. Pressing play
, I headed to the bathroom to brush my teeth. One message was from Nikki, one from Ally, and three sporadic hang ups.
What the hell was going on with the weird calls lately?
I didn’t think much about it, and climbed into bed. I decided to send Marcus a quick text thanking him for a wonderful evening, and again asking him if he’d tried to call.

Immediately, my phone chimed back.
Tonight was my pleasure. You took my breath away. No, how could I have called? I was with you. Sleep well.

The texts made my heart swell
, and a smile crept over my face as I lay in bed. I sent both Nikki and Ally a message letting them know I was home safe, and they had nothing to worry about.

******

Almost a week had passed since my dinner with Marcus, and, although we had texted back and forth a few times during the week, I was still anticipating seeing him tonight. We hadn’t been able to get together during the week due to our schedules. I was backed up with orders, as it was nearing the holiday season, and he had his appointments as well, a thought that made me a little jealous.
Did he take all his subs out? What was he doing with them that he wasn’t with me?

I shook the thoughts from my mind as I finished getting ready to head to the club. It was Saturday night
, and we had another group session, even though nothing was done as a group, alas, we were required to be there.

I had decided to wear a blue corset and a black mini skirt with my black patent leather heels. I had a feeling I would be on my feet most of the night, so I decided to err on the side of caution and
wear something comfortable.

I arrived at the club just before eight, locked my stuff in my locker
, and headed to the lounge. Master Devlin had instructed me that we were meeting in there as I’d walked in. He was a rather fine looking man, and his accent sent shivers across the good parts of my body.

“Hey, Emma,” a voice I slightly recognized said as I strolled into the smaller lounge. I turned and saw Chloe talking with Sam the bartender about something.

“Good evening, Chloe. How are you doing?” I replied back, being polite. I didn’t really mind her as much as I minded some of the other members. She had always gone out of her way to be kind to me when I did see her.

“I’m good. Can’t really complain much. I wanted to apologize to you.”

“Really, why?” She hadn’t done anything to warrant an apology that I knew of.

She walked over to me so that she was standing less than a foot away. Leaning closer to me, she whispered
. “I put you on the spot last week about Marcus.”

I wasn’t expecting that. “
Oh! No worries, really. I don’t rattle that easily.” I shrugged my shoulders in an attempt to look like it hadn’t bothered me. “How did you like your cake design?” I asked, changing the subject.

“It is amazing. I can’t thank you enough. The cake
will be perfect.”

“I’m glad you liked it, but if you could excuse me, I
don’t want to upset Marc…I mean, Master Marcus, by not being ready when he comes in.” I nodded toward where the other subs were kneeling.

“Of course. I’m sorry. We should get lunch or coffee soon
.” She smiled and waited for a reply.

“Um, sure. Sounds good. You know where to find me,” I said a bit hesitant
ly. Did I want to become friends with her? Was there really any reason not to?

“Great! I’ll call you this week,” she said as she hugged me and headed out of the bar area. The other girls in the training program with me
looked at each other, and then back at me, puzzled.

I took a seat at a small table next to the bar. There was something about the other girls that I didn’t particularly like. They were pretty, attractive
, and had decent figures, but their personalities weren’t to be trusted. They snickered among themselves most nights, and it didn’t really bother me as they were assigned mostly to Master Devlin, and I didn’t have to deal with them.

I sat and waited for Marcus to
explain what we were doing tonight. I was surprised by the fact that we hadn’t done too much in the way of any actual scenes; well, I hadn’t except the couple that I did with him and Caleb. The other subs in the program had had chances to scene with other Doms or couples, yet I hadn’t. I made a mental note to ask him the next time I had a chance.

Good evening, subs. Please get into presentation position,” his voice dominated as he walked into the lounge carrying what looked like a bucket. We all scurried into position on the opposite side of the bar. Kneeling on the carpet, back arched, palms face down on the top of our thighs
, and heads bowed, our legs slightly spread to allow access, had he wanted to check out rule number one.

I stole a quick glance at him, hoping he didn’t see. I surely would be punished for it. Marcus was dressed in a
snug pair of leather pants that hung just over his hip line. They were paired with his signature tight fitting, show every muscle in his chest, black tee shirt. He had his arm band on his right bicep, and I could see the tattoos on his left arm. I don’t think my reaction will ever change when I see his arms. My pussy grew instantly wet at the sight. He had his black leather cuffs on around his wrists, a symbol that he was in the lifestyle. I had seen these cuffs before, he wore them some nights. They were not restraint cuffs. They resembled more of a gothic, bad-boy biker persona than a submissive.

“Alright, you all look fabulous. Tonight will be a different format than you are used to. We are doing demonstrations throughout various areas of the club for the first couple of hours
-. The purpose is to allow Doms and subs the ability to see how different aspects of bondage and impact play, can be brought into their scenes. After that, the club will open up to play. I’ve assigned everyone a Master Dom and a different demonstration depending upon your likes and limits. Understood?” he asked waiting for our responses.

“Yes, sir.” We all replied simultaneously.

“Good. Let’s get started. Jack, you are with Sarah. She will be doing a whip demo. Kenzie, you will assist Cole with his spanking demo. Alice, you are with Drew and wax play. Serena will be with Dominic over at the flogger demo, and Emma will be assisting me with a rope demo.” He paused and looked at us all, one by one, gauging what I felt was our comfort level.

The fact that h
e had paired himself with me was leading me to the notion that there was more going on with him, with us, than he wanted to admit to me. Part of me didn’t really care. I was happy that he was choosing me, and I would take every moment that I could. I had made a promise to myself a long time ago to be true to who I was and to not let another man treat me bad. I didn’t know what was really happening between us, but I figured I’d let it progress as it would. I could have some fun without falling for him, right?

“Emma
.” The purr of his voice snapped me back to reality. Jesus, that man makes my thoughts go everywhere but where they needed to be. I felt the heat rise between my thighs. He seriously had the sexiest voice I’d ever heard.

“Sir?” I questioned back, raising my eyes to meet his. What I saw surprised me a little. His brown eyes were darkened with lust and desire. I watched as he inhaled a deep breath
, attempting to regain his control. I knew the feeling. There was something about the chemistry between us that was undeniable, yet we were both still fighting it. I knew why I was, but Marcus was still a mystery.

He approached me and I quickly glanced around me to find the other subs had left. Oh.

“Where were your thoughts before?” he asked as he ran his fingertip across my collar bone, causing a shiver to run down my spine. “And I want honesty.” He added before positioning himself behind me, pressing his leather pants and slight erection into my ass.

“I…I um, was thinking about how sexy you were and…” I trailed off. It was impossible to keep my concentration as his fingers grazed my shoulders, traveling up my neck and back down. I felt my sex get wetter and wetter as he methodically moved his fingers over my skin; the skin that was now on fire with desire.

“Continue, Emma.”

“It’s kind of hard to when you keep distracting me, sir.” My breathing was becoming erratic as his hands were sending impulses to my clit. “I was just thinking,
sir, that I really don’t know much about you.” I tilted my head back, hoping that it would land on his shoulder, which it did.

He brought his lips to my ear and whispered
. “You will in time, pet. But for now, I want you to go get undressed, and come back to me wearing only the robe in your locker.”

I stood straight up and turned to face him
. “I’ll be naked?” It was more of a question then a statement. Fear began to replace the overwhelming arousal I had just felt. Even though I’d done a few scenes on the floor, nothing had been naked. Not out here, only in his room.

He stood back and resumed his Dom persona, the emotionless façade I had come to recognize while in the club
. “Yes, you will be. Is this a problem, Emma? Because you mentioned nothing about that in your limits.” He waited, arms crossed over his chest.
God the man was so fucking hot, it hurt.

“No
, sir, no problem.” Yet, it was a problem, a big problem, and one that brought back bad memories.
It’s okay. Everything will be okay. Marcus isn’t him.
I began to walk toward the locker room to change, willing myself the ability to see this through. I could do this. This is what I wanted. I could have kicked myself in the ass for forgetting to put public nudity as a limit. Hell, maybe it was time to face my fears, so to say.