The First Order [Safeword LLC 1] (Siren Publishing Sensations) (12 page)

“Ross,” Lane said in a tone that indicated he was being warned about something. Becca felt a twinge of anger at him once more. Had she done something so that Lane now felt she couldn’t be trusted? “Maybe we should wait until we are home to discuss this.”

“A few pieces of information won’t hurt, Lane,” Ross replied, giving his brother a dismissive glance. “The Order is an established organization of affluent men who live the BDSM lifestyle with a penchant for sharing their subs. The inner workings are private and confidential, as I’m sure you’ll understand, given the wealth of the men who are members.”

“And the submissives, Sir?” Becca would have thought that any woman who was brazen enough to be a member of a BDSM club would know her true nature. Why had Ross questioned their motives? “You seem to have a lot at your disposal. Why would you need Safeword LLC, Sir?”

“Just because they are open about their sexuality, Becca, doesn’t mean they don’t have ulterior motives. It’s not unlike any other man or woman, regardless of the nature of their relationship. They claim to be something they are not in order to achieve something that benefits them.”

A delicate ringing sounded in the room, obviously indicating that dinner was about to be served. Ross and Lane settled her in between them, similar to the other men who surrounded their subs around the table. All in all, Becca would say there were twenty men and ten women seated at the table. The meal went a lot smoother than Becca had anticipated, although the butt plug kept her body on edge and she hoped that the moisture leaking from her pussy didn’t leave a mark on the chair. Just as Lane said, Becca followed their movements and the meal was effortless. The only thing that surprised Becca was the insignificant table discussions that were going on around her. She had gotten the impression from Lane and Ross that this function was one of importance.

Around ninety minutes later, Harrison and Grant excused everyone into the library. How they called it a library, Becca didn’t know—her entire apartment could fit into the central octagon-shaped seating area without mentioning the four halls shooting off to the compass points surrounding them. There were books on one wall, but it felt more like a massive formal living room and even had a stone fireplace located to her left. Making sure she didn’t make eye contact with anyone, Becca gave a quick glance around the room before returning her eyes down to her hands. She noticed that her knuckles were now white and knew the reason. Women were posed in various positions around the room on serving tables, covered only in desserts on their sun-kissed skin from their breasts to their pussies. Becca had a feeling that the evening was just beginning.

The men had retired within twenty minutes to a private room off of the library, leaving their subs to converse on their own—that is, the ten that were brought by men. The hostesses and subs that were used as serving trays continued to perform their duties without a word. Becca couldn’t bring herself to scoop a dessert off the bare flesh displayed before her.

Lane and Ross had informed Becca that she was allowed to interact with the other subs, with Ross even encouraging her to get to know them. She wasn’t shy by nature, but being in these affluent surroundings had Becca a little hesitant about whom to talk to. Keeping off to the side, Becca was happy to just observe. There was soft music playing in the background and the voices of many women rang out throughout the room as conversations were started.

“You came with Lane and Ross, right?” Becca turned to see a blonde wearing a silver dress that was sleeveless and extremely low cut. The woman’s breasts were hardly covered and Becca could see that her nipples were in clamps when she leaned forward. She reached over and snagged a bite-size brownie from the stomach of a redheaded serving-tray sub. “I’m Jennifer. I heard through the grapevine that you were acquired by Safeword LLC.”

“Yes,” Becca replied, not sure how much information to give her. Did Lane and Ross want that knowledge revealed? She watched as Jennifer plopped the chocolate confection into her mouth. How did she stay so skinny? If Becca had even taken a lick, three pounds would have been added to her thighs instantly. “And you?”

“No,” Jennifer said, swallowing and then looking over the other sweets that were laid out. Didn’t it bother her that she was taking food off of a naked woman’s body? “I’ve been with Brad and Neil for over three years. They’re considering going through Ms. Van Camp’s agency though. She’s had a lot of successful placements among the Order.”

“Um, why would they go through Safeword LLC if they have you?” Becca knew it wasn’t polite to ask such a question, but she couldn’t keep her curiosity at bay.

“Oh, I’m just their temporary sub,” Jennifer replied with a wave of their hand and then proceeded to lick the chocolate smear that was left on her thumb. “We have an arrangement that works for the three of us, but I’m not in the market for something permanent right now.”

Becca guessed Jennifer to be in her early twenties and she was a tad bit envious that such a young woman would know for certain what she wanted out of life. Before she could ask Jennifer any more questions, another woman joined them, introducing herself as Lydia. This woman was older, probably in her late forties, with black hair that hung to the middle of her back. She carried herself with grace.

“You must be Rebecca,” Lydia said with a smile. “I’ve known Lane and Ross for years. It’s good to know that Kennedy was able to find such a suitable sub for them.”

Becca was surprised at Lydia’s use of Ms. Van Camp’s first name. Was Lydia a sub or a Domme? She’d yet to see a Dominatrix among the crowd tonight and Lane and Ross hadn’t said if women belonged in the Order. Remembering Lane’s cautioning of Ross in revealing too much in regards to the Order, Becca decided not to ask any questions for fear Lane and Ross would find out and be unhappy with her. She looked around, seeing the other women looking happy and relaxed. Some were drinking champagne, while others were eating the desserts that were being provided. Becca found herself wondering why Lydia would make such an odd comment.

“Don’t look so nervous, Rebecca.” Lydia placed a hand on Becca’s arm. “I’m impressed with you, considering you’re new to the lifestyle as well as this elite group. It can be overwhelming at times, but you are doing what pleases your Masters and that in turn makes for a happy submissive. Besides, we girls have to stick together. Come and let me introduce you to the others.”

“May I ask how you know I’m new to the lifestyle?” Becca asked, hoping to delay her. She wondered where Lydia was getting her information. Did she work with Ms. Van Camp or just have some inside knowledge? “I don’t mean to be rude, but how would you know I’m pleasing Lane and Ross?”

“Well, the first question is relatively easy to answer, since every time you catch a glimpse of one of the hostesses, you blush. That indicates to me, as well as anyone within our group, that you aren’t used to exhibition.” Becca’s thoughts immediately went to earlier in the week, when Ross and Lane ordered her to display herself in their window. No, she definitely wasn’t used to seeing people posed in various forms for display. She looked around, wondering how the women bent in awkward poses could sustain being in those positions for so long. Becca listened as Lydia answered her second question. “As for how I know you are doing your best to please Lane and Ross, well, from the way you are walking, I can only assume you are wearing that plug per their instructions. And, dear, seeing as how you are not wearing a bra, your nipples are a dead giveaway.”

Lydia gave a light laugh, making her feel slightly more at ease. Becca smiled. Under less trying circumstances she might be friends with the older woman. If anyone else had pointed out that her nipples were showing through her dress, Becca would have been mortified. As it was, Lydia said it with such an affectionate teasing slant that it relaxed the tension Becca had felt throughout the evening. She then proceeded to introduce Becca to the other subs. She found that only three of the subs were permanent, while the others were either there for the evening or a temporary sub to keep their men entertained. It amazed her that they all seemed so normal. She was starting to not feel so alone in her desires anymore.

Becca heard a few murmurs, indicating something was happening, so she turned to see what was causing their reactions. Chad Westworth and another gentleman walked through the archway. She’d guessed upon meeting Chad that he was a Dominant, but now it was definitely confirmed. Was he a member of the Order?

Harrison chose that moment to appear, shaking hands with Chad and his friend. They spoke in low tones and within seconds, they disappeared, leaving the women alone to continue with their conversation. Seeing as how no one mentioned their entrance or exit, Becca remained silent as well.

Feeling more confident and not so out of place, Becca spent the next half hour getting to know the other women. Every ten minutes or so, the butt plug would start to lightly vibrate. It was strange to realize that even though they might not be in the room, Ross and Lane were thinking of her. She wasn’t very good at masking her surprise when the toy went off and Becca noticed Lydia nearly laughing every time she jumped. Becca assumed it was their way to let her know they hadn’t forgotten about her. Or was it another test? In a bizarre way, that made Becca feel cherished. Were the other men doing the same for their women?

“Having fun?”

Becca had been trying to breathe through this last round of pulsations when Ross snuck up behind her. Startled, she swung around in his direction and placed a hand on his chest to keep her balance. How had almost a week gone by without her being allowed to touch them? Becca kept her palm placed over his jacket. These heels that they’d provided her were a little higher than she was used to.

“Yes, Sir,” Becca murmured, thankful when he switched the device off. It was Ross that held the remote control, wasn’t it? She wanted to ask, but remembered that she wasn’t allowed to speak unless spoken to. Although, Jennifer seemed to be able to talk as she was a few feet from them, carrying on a conversation with Brad and Neil. Becca scrunched her nose at the unfairness of it all.

“Our business has concluded and while Lane and I usually stay for the dungeon activities, we’ve decided to take you home to continue your training,” Ross said, brushing a strand of her hair away from her cheek. She bit her tongue to keep from asking about the dungeon. Her body immediately reacted upon the word
training
and Becca truly did need some relief. She’d ask about the dungeon later. “We don’t think you’re quite ready for—”

“Ross, Brookstern is on the phone.” Lane was walking toward them with his cell phone offered up in his outstretched hand. The serious expression on his face gave Becca a glimpse of what he was like at work. “He wants clarification on the sectors we’ve chosen for our fund. Obviously, he’s comparing our strategy and returns against Debalt Capital out of New York.”

“Becca, we’ve got to take this call,” Ross said, his tone apologetic. “Stay right here and keep to yourself. We’ll be right back.”

Becca watched as they left the room, going back into the same one they had exited. Realizing that her eyes were not downcast, she quickly averted them. The other men were ushering their subs through an adjacent door, which Becca could only assume led to the dungeon. She shifted her feet, her mind wandering in a million different directions. Was the dungeon similar to the ones she’d seen online during her research? Did they contain the same equipment? Would the lighting be dimmed to a golden hue or would there be candles lighting the room? Becca imagined women being tied to bondage furniture. She shifted her stance, wondering why Ross or Lane weren’t teasing her with the remote control. Becca needed something to ease her itch.

“Hey, could you please do me a favor?” Becca jumped at hearing a woman’s hushed voice come from behind her. Turning, she saw it was a sub that was being used as a serving tray for what appeared to be miniscule cheesecakes topped off with cherries. Was she allowed to speak? “Could you move one of these trays off of my nipple? It’s putting pressure on my piercing.”

Becca snuck a quick peek toward the door where Lane and Ross had gone. They were still inside. Butterflies took up residence in her stomach. Was she allowed to assist another sub? If Becca didn’t talk to her, then she wouldn’t be breaking any rules, would she? On second thought, she didn’t want to get into trouble by making a wrong decision.

“Please? I’ve been like this for over an hour. If I move my hands, the other desserts will shift and Masters Harrison and Grant will know that I moved from position. Just slide it over an inch and no one will know.”

Becca cast another glance around, assuring herself that no one was around. It wasn’t like anyone would know she’d assisted a server. She let go of her clutch and reached out a hand, letting her fingers close over the small dessert tray. Scooting it over an inch, Becca quickly released it and took a step away.

“Thanks,” she whispered. “What’s your name? I haven’t seen you here before.”

Becca bit her lip, not wanting to disappoint her men. She remembered what Lane had said earlier about taking things day by day, and didn’t want to give him any more reason to think she wasn’t the right woman for them. She was. Becca just needed to prove it to them. She turned around, not wanting to be tempted to return this woman’s conversation and came face-to-face with Harrison. Becca immediately lowered her gaze.

“Were you speaking with Winona just now?”

Becca felt her chest constrict at being caught. Why couldn’t it have been Grant? He seemed nicer and had kind eyes. Her fleeting look at Harrison made her palms sweat. Harrison didn’t seem to be so forgiving, but Becca shouldn’t have to worry, because she hadn’t spoken to Winona.