Handling Cynthia: A Second Chances Novella (12 page)

Trent squeezed her hand.

She swallowed. "I mean, yes. It's new, and we're still figuring things out, but yes." An inadvertent smile crept over her face.

Rick looked back at Trent. "Did you make a move on her in high school?"

"I never touched her while you two were together."

"Ricky." Jordan touched Rick's shoulder. "It was a long time ago. Be happy for them."

"Cyn doesn't look happy."

"Because you're upset, and she's worried," Jordan said. "Tell her it's okay."

"This what you want?" he asked her.

Her breath stopped. She wanted to speak, but her mind couldn't process the question. No matter what she said, it would make someone unhappy. Trent or Rick. She had to choose.

Trent's hand grew clammy in hers. She looked over to see him staring into his plate. He needed her reassurance. Rick was angry, but Trent was hurting.

"Yes. I want a future with Trent."

In her mind, a door slammed shut. She was no longer the girl she had been at eighteen. Time to let go of it all, good and bad. Rick had been the balm that eased her through the rough times, but she didn't need that anymore. She wasn't trapped in a life dictated by her parents. She was her own woman, free to choose. And she
chose
Trent, she
chose
submission. Because that's what she wanted for herself, for Cynthia, and no one could stop her from living the kinky, non–politically correct life she desired.

Trent rested his hand on her knee, his thumb stroking the soft flesh inside her thigh. Her heart opened, and her head grew light.
Flying
. It was that feeling she'd had in high school, when love was new. Except with Trent, it wasn't just new, it was
right
. Tears sprang to her eyes, relief that she'd found her way back to him. Reality was so much better than fantasy could be. Of
course
they had things to work out—why had she let that worry her? She was with him, and he adored her, and that was what mattered.

She looked at Rick. "I was never unfaithful to you."

Rick nodded. "It's weird, that's all. I can't picture you two together."

"I can picture it," Jordan said. "Eww, girl parts."

She threw a roll at him across the table.

Rick's brow furrowed, and he turned his gaze to Jordan. "Did you suspect this?"

"You are so clueless." Jordan shook his head.

Rick sat up and jutted out his chin. "I'm not clueless about you."

Jordan punched Rick's shoulder and smiled.

Cyn had no idea what that meant, but if Rick and Jordan were friends again, she was happy.

Rick turned to her and grinned. "Mom is going to be disappointed you're taken."

"Maybe not. It means I'll have an excuse to come visit now, like when I'm in town for the holidays with Trent's family."

"The fearsome foursome is back together," Jordan said.

Trent scowled. "Just so there's no confusion, there will be no group sex. Cyn is mine."

Jordan gave him a smirk. "I don’t think there was any confusion about that, dickhead."

She squeezed Rick's hands. "So you're okay about this?"

"Of course. But if he hurts you, I'll kick his ass."

"Trent won't hurt me." Trust sang in her heart, and her shoulders straightened. For the first time, she felt at peace with this place, this town that had confused and overwhelmed her as a teenager. Those old feelings cracked apart and fell away like a chrysalis, releasing her into her new life, a life of confidence, a life with Trent. She was free to be true to herself and her desires, and she wouldn't let fear hold her back any longer.

In her hotel room, Cyn changed into a deep purple negligee and ran her fingers through her hair to smooth it. Last night with Trent, it was such a relief to let go of her worries and follow his orders. No need to figure it out. Just hear and obey. The thought filled her breasts to firmness, aching nipples pressing against lace.

He had asked her to trust him, and so she would turn off her thoughts to give him control. The relentless chatter in her head was stopping her from enjoying the moment. Surrendering to Trent would solve that problem.

She took a black bag of toys from her suitcase and set it on the desk. Trent had been pleased when she told him about it. Unzipping it, she gazed inside at a length of nylon rope, wrist restraints, a blindfold, a flogger, and a crop. Her fingers caressed the leather, loving the smooth feel and craving the sting of it.

She sat on the bed and waited, trying not to think about the punishment to come. The thought aroused her, but a thread of annoyance wove through the other sensations. Instead of trying to suppress it, she allowed it to wash over her.

She hadn't been disloyal to Trent. A grown-up, independent woman should be able to joke around with an ex, without inciting her boyfriend's jealousy. Trent was being ridiculous, but because he made the rules, she would have to submit to the punishment.

And yet…she had agreed to the rules. He had warned her of the consequences. Informed and complicit, she had slipped, engaging in behavior she knew would displease him.

Shame warmed her skin. She drew an unsteady breath to slow the thudding of her heart. Although she feared the penalty she would pay for her disobedience, she ached for it all the same. The longer he made her wait, the more her clit throbbed with anticipation.

A loud click signaled his key card unlocking her door. Her stomach cart-wheeled. She sank to her knees, head bowed, eyes lowered, wrists crossed behind her back. The Berber carpet was rough against her flesh.

He entered and approached. He laid his hand against her cheek, brushing his thumb across her lips. His touch sent a thrill to her stomach.

"Beautiful Cyn. The sight of you on your knees for me…I'm humbled by this gift. I can't wait to give you pleasure, to show you how desirable you are."

"Thank you, sir."

"I'm going to test you tonight. I expect absolute obedience." He lifted her chin so she could meet his eyes. "Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good."

She swallowed, her body shrinking at his stern tone. Maybe once they knew each other better, got into a rhythm, these games would be fun. For now, it was nerve wracking, knowing she'd have to stay focused to understand what he wanted and to comply with his demands. He wouldn't be patient after she'd pushed his boundaries all day. Now was the time for him to take his power back.

"You displeased me this evening. The way you behaved with Rick—it seems you still have feelings for him."

"No, sir. I'm sorry if it seemed that way."

"I expect you to prove that. To show you belong completely to me."

"Yes, sir, happily."

"Good. Get undressed."

With a hint of irritation she didn't dare show, she took off the beaded silk negligee she'd spent an hour picking out in an upscale boutique. She folded it, then faced him, naked while he stood fully clothed. Her vulnerability sent a heady mix of shame and desire pulsing through her.

He kissed her neck, hands roaming over her body. Every touch, every glide of his tongue, heightened her desire. His mouth found her nipple, and the sensation engorged her clit. She clutched his head in her hands, pressing into him.

"You like that, baby?"

"Yes, sir."

"Want me to make you come?"

"Please, sir."

He stood upright and picked up the rope. "First things first. Arms out in front, wrists together."

Her tongue shriveled like an autumn leaf. She obeyed, pressing her lips together as he bound her. The rope was tight, but no so much that it cut off her circulation. He tested the knots, and they held.

Her breath grew ragged, and her eyes burned with humiliation. She wanted to beg for a reprieve. It was all too much, this feeling that she had displeased him, that he had authority over her body, that she had no choice but to obey.

"Go and face the wall," he ordered.

She trembled, her breath coming in shallow gasps.

He took her in his arms. "Shh. I know this is frightening. The punishment will be harsh, but when it's over, things will be right between us again."

She relaxed into his powerful grip, breathed his spicy scent, losing herself in the sensation of him. Her breath evened out. "Yes, sir."

"Go," he repeated.

Knees weak, head down, she faced the rippled, tan hotel wallpaper. Her jaw grew heavy as she braced herself for what was to come. Would he use the crop, or maybe the flogger? Her heart knocked in her chest until her ribs ached.

"You knew what I expected of you this evening, and you disobeyed. You flirted with Rick, and I won't tolerate that." He ran his hand over her back calmly and soothingly, reaching down and squeezing her bottom. "You're so soft, so beautiful. I treasure you, Cynthia. But you must never forget your promises to me."

In her peripheral vision, he took off his shirt, exposing hard pecs and firm abs. Desire flowed through her as his musk filled her nostrils. Thick muscular arms warned of the pain he could inflict.

He folded his shirt and set it on the dresser. Then, he removed his belt and doubled it over. He didn't set it down as she expected. A chill like cold rain rushed down her spine.

"Trent!" she cried.

"Silence. You've been a naughty girl. This is the price."

Her heart thumped wildly. A scream sat in her throat, ready to unfurl. He wouldn't really do this, would he?

Tears sprang to her eyes. No one had ever struck her with a belt before. "Please, I don't want this."

He stroked her hair. "Do you remember your safe word?"

"Yes, sir."

He kissed her neck. "I love you, Cyn. I'm not doing this to hurt you, but to remind you of your duty to me."

She nodded and swallowed hard. Instinctively, her wrists pulled at their bindings, but there was no play in them. She was utterly in his power.

He continued to rub her back. "Do you need a minute?"

She breathed to center herself, to remind herself of her safe word. She wasn't in danger. Trent would take good care of her.

"No, sir."

His lips brushed her shoulder. "That's my good girl." His hand left her back. He raised his arm, and she closed her eyes, bracing for the blow. The leather lashed her left buttock, smooth as butter, but with a biting sting. Her breath stuttered in her throat.

He ran his hand across the blazing stripe of flesh. "Whose ass is this?"

She swallowed the fear sitting in her throat. "Yours, sir."

"Good girl."

Another lash fell, across both cheeks this time. She cried out, and her body clenched.

He caressed her shoulder. "You're doing great, baby. I want you to take more. Can you do that for me?"

She trembled, her head light, the sensual feel of leather intoxicating. "Yes, sir."

The blows struck at a leisurely pace, so she could feel each sting bloom. They varied from a whisper to a scream. Tears rimmed her eyes. Her safe word sat on her lips, but she never felt the need to speak it.

Each stripe brought her nerve endings to life, the delicious sensations drowning out her misgivings. Trent was taking command, shutting out her fears and forcing her into that small, submissive place she desired.

The lashes increased in speed and intensity, Trent learning her body and her reactions. It was too much, yet she wanted more. With her hands and forehead pressed to the wall, she steadied herself, absorbing each sharp fall of the strap.

The beating slowed before stopping altogether. Behind her, Trent panted from the exertion. He took her into his arms, and she crumpled, shivering.

"I'm sorry, sir, for displeasing you." She swallowed to steady her voice.

"That's my good girl." He caressed her back and whispered into her ear, "I'm proud of you. You accepted your punishment well." He kissed her temple.

She raised her bound arms and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Will it always be like that?"

He untied her and dropped the rope back into the bag. His fingers traced the marks on her wrists, rubbing to get the blood flowing again. "If I think you need it."

She nodded.
Yes, that's how it ought to be.

He wrapped his arms around her, and she sank into his welcoming heat. He kissed her, but she couldn't stop shaking. He helped her to the bed and under the covers. He undressed and lay beside her, enveloping her in his arms.

His mouth on hers calmed and soothed her. Their tongues tangled together, and he combed his fingers through her hair. "Are you warm enough, baby?"

"Mmm hmm." Her mind drifted, her body glowing with the comfort of his tenderness.

"Do you belong to me completely?" His hot, hard cock lay thick against her belly.

"Yes, sir."

"And will you do everything I ask?"

She breathed, squeezing her thighs together to stop the thrumming in her sex. "Yes, sir."

"I want you to prove that I mean more to you than Rick." He kissed her, rutting lightly against her hipbone. "I want you to accept me into your body in a way he never had you."

Her mouth went dry.
Oh no, not now.
Not with her skin raw and throbbing. She just wanted him to hold her. She didn't want him to push her anymore.

Her breathing slowed. Could she give herself to him that way? She had known it was coming at some point, but not so soon.
You can safeword. You don't have to do anything you don't want.

Her head fell forward.
You promised to obey him.

He lifted her chin and kissed her lips. "I'll be gentle, baby. We'll go slow, and stop if it gets to be too much. I want you to try this for me."

She breathed to center herself, but the sound was raspy and too loud. Fear bubbled through her desire. She wanted to give herself utterly to him, to feel his power, but some part of her resisted.

"This is for you, Cyn, even if it doesn't feel that way. Becoming vulnerable builds your trust and strengthens the bond between us. You have to want to submit, to surrender your will and be guided by me, without letting fear get in the way."

She touched his rough cheek and gazed into his clear green eyes. She could see the need in him. She remembered back to those times in high school when they'd been alone and she'd sensed his desire, and his struggle to be true to his friend despite his feelings for her. She wanted to give him the reassurance he was asking for, that she belonged to him now. She wanted that for herself, too, to give him her complete submission, to overcome the fears that held her back. With submission came freedom—freedom from selfish desire, freedom from struggle, the freedom of committing her body to his care. 

She nuzzled his neck and said in his ear. "If it pleases you."

A tentative smile crossed his lips. He sucked and nibbled her lips before turning his ministrations to her breasts and torso. Finally, he turned her over and kissed a trail up her spine. His touch radiated heat into her body. "So beautiful, my obedient girl."

A floaty feeling overtook her, like her spirit was leaving her body and she was flying. His hands and mouth on her skin were pure bliss.

He pressed a tender kiss onto the round flesh of her ass. "Get up on all fours so I can slide a pillow underneath you."

She did as he said, still drifting but pulling herself back into the moment.

He knelt behind her and spread her legs, exposing every part of her. The thought excited her, wakening her desire. With his tongue, her circled her clit, then parted her folds.

He took out some lube and massaged it over her pucker with one finger while he continued to lick her. Being touched in that decadent way made her feel oddly powerful—like the world had no hold on her. She was free to live as she chose.

"Don't forget to breathe. Take a deep breath, and exhale it for me."

She did, and the tip of his finger slid inside. The pressure evoked a soft moan. The easy in-and-out motion aroused her in ways she'd never felt before. "Nice."

A second digit entered her, working its way in with each breath, increasing the stretch. It was the perfect complement to the sweet feel of his mouth on her clit. Could she do this? Could she let him take her this way?

He worked her open, fitting a third finger inside. She pumped against him, tension building as she teetered on the edge of orgasm. She didn't dare come without his permission. Trent had shown he wasn't an utter newb at this, and he had a talent for punishment, inflicting the right level of pain to get her attention without pushing her into safewording.

His mouth left her, and she whimpered. He continued to pump his fingers into her, twisting and scissoring, softening the muscles.