TheOneandOnly (18 page)

Michelle took a deep breath and met his gaze again. “I
enjoyed it. The ‘thuds’ were like a strong massage. Some of them were painful-ish,
but I wouldn’t change any of it.”

“Floggers feel different based on the width of the strands,
how many, what they’re made of and the length plays a part as well. The way the
blows are delivered and how well-prepared your skin is are all factors that
affect the feel. No two flogger sessions will necessarily feel the same.”

“I imagine what area of the body the strikes fall on would
produce different effects as well.” He was always so matter-of-fact. As if
discussing sex were as commonplace as discussing the style of furniture you
prefer. It made it so much easier for her to forget they were talking about
something taboo.

“Absolutely. I gotta tell ya, when you asked me to make them
harder—” He shook his head. “Damn girl. It was such a turn-on.”

Her eyes got wide. “Did I? I don’t remember saying that. I
vaguely remember thinking it, but I didn’t realize I’d spoken it out loud.”

“Do you have any desire to work up to a whip or cane?”

She noticed his voice was strictly neutral. Well it didn’t
matter, on this issue she planned to be completely honest. He’d said before that
he let Steven handle Saturday’s demo because he enjoyed whips more than Sean. But
that didn’t necessarily mean Sean didn’t enjoy them. “No, I don’t. I hope that
doesn’t disappoint you.”

“Not in the least. Truthfully, Michelle, we seem to
complement each other perfectly.”

Before she could think of a response, the waiter brought
their main course. He’d ordered her a filet mignon with scalloped potatoes and
asparagus. She was suddenly very pleased he’d insisted on ordering for her. She
would never have felt comfortable ordering such an expensive dish.

“I’ve been thinking. Maybe we should get Ethan to take over
bartending so you can focus on the social media and public relations.”

“It’s up to you, Sean. I don’t see it being a problem to do
both. Why don’t you let me give them both a shot and if I get overwhelmed then
we can adjust?”

“I don’t want you working on this shit all the time and
getting stressed out. I’m finally beginning to feel like I’ve etched out a life
away from the club. I don’t want you getting bogged down by it. I’d rather
spend our time in much more enjoyable ways.”

“When I would spend my evenings reading my books and
picturing you as the leading character, I never dreamed it would be as intense
as…what we’ve shared.” She needed a padlock for her mouth. Sometimes words just
flew out that she never intended to actually verbalize. What was wrong with
her? Once she started talking she just couldn’t stop.

“You’re going to have to give me the titles of these books.
If I’ve been the leading man, I should at least be able to read them. It only
seems fair.”

Oh playful Sean was such a treat. He was always so serious.
It was nice to see him having some fun. “I don’t think so. You have enough
ideas to last us years and years. We don’t need to add to the list.”

“Every moment I spend with you gives me new ideas. You know,
subbie, you shouldn’t keep secrets from your Dom. Some would say it’s a
punishable offense.”

“Luckily, it only matters what you and I say. Thank you for
a wonderful meal. This is truly delicious.”

“You’re welcome, but I want a list of those books.”

“We’ll see, bossy man. I need to think that through a little
more.”

“Tonight there’s a book discussion in one of the privacy
rooms. You might enjoy joining it…especially if it’s one of the books you’ve
read.”

“Sneaky. I see I’m going to have to watch you. You’re not
opposed to subterfuge.” She laughed, enjoying every moment she spent with him.

“Well it was a worth a shot.”

* * * * *

Sean had thoroughly enjoyed his day with Michelle, even when
they’d shared a few quiet hours at home while she finished up her classwork. It
didn’t matter what they were doing—he simply enjoyed her company. But she was
working too damn hard. He was going to have to rectify that and he wasn’t sure
how. Even though she was tending bar, she also had his laptop open and was
multitasking. Granted, Tuesdays were the slowest evenings by far, but he still
didn’t like it.

Michelle’s head popped up from the screen as she saw Stella
walk past the stage. Steven had told him earlier that Stella had asked if she
could still attend the book discussion group and Steven had okayed it. Sean
wasn’t happy about it and wished for the hundredth time he’d just fired her and
revoked her membership.

“Um, I see on the calendar that you’re giving a demo
tomorrow,” Michelle said.

The vein on the side of her neck was distended and she’d
stepped away from him. She was definitely upset. “This month we’re highlighting
discipline techniques on Wednesday nights. We’re trying to increase our draw
during the week.”

“Last week, it was the zipper demo you did with Stella?”

Her voice had taken on a cool tone, but Sean didn’t know if
it was about the demo or Stella or both. “No honey, that was part of a
predicament play demo that I did the previous Saturday.”

“I see.” She turned and went down to the opposite end of the
bar and pulled a bottle of water from the fridge. After taking a few sips and
checking in with Master Luke, she returned to Sean. “I thought demos didn’t
have an expectation of pleasure. I believe those were your words.”

“I don’t remember exactly what I said, but that sounds about
right. What’s your point, Michelle? You’re obviously upset about something. I
wish you’d just come out and tell me.” There were tears in her eyes and her jaw
was clenched.
Damn it.

“Tomorrow’s demo is forced orgasms?” She took another couple
of sips of water. “How can you not expect to feel pleasure from an orgasm? I’m
trying to be open-minded here, but I’m struggling.”

“Now that I’ve had a moment to think back, I think I said
mutually pleasurable. Does that sound right?” He needed to be very cautious in
how he handled this. In no way did he want her to come away feeling as if he had
lied to her.

She finished the water and threw the bottle into the trash.
“Yes, I think you did say that.”

He nodded, pleased that she had conceded that point. “When I
give a demo, it isn’t for pleasure. It’s to demonstrate a skill or technique.
The sub may find it pleasurable but that isn’t the point of the exercise. And
tomorrow’s discipline technique I can guarantee the sub won’t enjoy.”

Michelle cocked her head to one side and gave him an odd
look. “Why would you say that? An orgasm is often considered the ultimate
pleasure.”

“Remember when I said that in BDSM you couldn’t assume that
if a little is good then a lot is better?” He waited for her to acknowledge
their shared conversation. “One orgasm is great, but after that…” He shook his
head. “It is considered a discipline or punishment for a reason, Michelle.”

She leaned in and lowered her voice. “I don’t even remember
how many I had last night and I wouldn’t consider a single second of it
unpleasurable.”

“You had three and they were minutes apart. Trust me, honey,
it isn’t the same thing.”

She nodded, shut down the laptop and closed it. “I don’t
want to talk about this right now. We’re attracting attention.” She waved her
hand toward Stella and a few other members watching them.

He knew if he stayed there he’d continue to hash it out with
her, so he kissed her on the cheek and took the laptop into his office. While
he was there, he placed a call to a restaurant down the street and ordered two
mixed salads with chicken to be delivered. As soon as he entered the arboretum
again, Luke waved him over.

Luke put his hand on Sean’s shoulder. “Did I ever tell you
how I met my Lisa?”

Sean took a seat beside Luke. He’d been trying to get the
man to open up and finally talk about Lisa’s death for a long time now. Luke
and Lisa had been among the first members Sean had accepted. Luke was a good
Dom, considerate but firm. He’d been a great mentor to the new Doms until Lisa
had entered the final stages of her disease. Since then, Sean hadn’t had much
luck getting him back into the club activities. “No, I don’t think you ever
did.”

“I was just out of the service and living on the West Coast.
I was the Dom in residence at a club near base. I’ll never forget the first
time I saw her.” He paused, obviously lost to memories. “Lisa was a newbie and
not very familiar with the lifestyle. I fell head over heels in love with her
but it took me a while to win her over. Lisa never understood the distinction
between me topping with some random bottom as part of my job and what she and I
shared. Once I got it through my thick skull that she wasn’t ever going to come
around, I stepped down. I never once regretted it.”

Sean nodded, understanding what his friend was getting at,
but he didn’t have that option. He owned the fucking club. “How are you doing,
Luke?”

“The house is too quiet. Lisa was a whirling dervish,
constantly in motion, dancing around the house. Music was always playing.” He
rubbed the back of his neck. “I stay gone as much as possible. I spend my days
helping my son with his business and my evenings here.”

“We’ve missed your guidance in the Doms’ council. Your
mentorship has been a true asset to the members. Would you be willing to take
on a leadership role again? Maybe do some of the demos or lead the Master or
Dom group?”

Luke chuckled. “You know, Sean, that might just benefit us
both.”

Sean looked over at Michelle. She was smiling as she talked
with a couple of subs. If he hadn’t learned to read her body language, he’d
think she was happy and relaxed, but he knew her now. She was as tense as he’d
ever seen her. “I think you’re right about that, Luke, and the other members of
the club as well.”

“Do you have a sub picked out for tomorrow’s demo?”

“No. There never seems to be a shortage of willing
participants.”

“Why don’t you let me do tomorrow’s demo? I’ll ask Stella if
she’d like to volunteer.”

“Luke, I forgot what an evil bastard you can be. Damn, I
like the way you think.” Stella would agree in a heartbeat—she knew Luke was
loaded and she was a woman who enjoyed the finer things in life. She’d tried to
put her claws into him as soon as Lisa was diagnosed. “I’m looking forward to
the demo, Luke. Thank you.”

“Believe me, Sean, the pleasure will be all mine. I
guarantee it.”

Sean got a text from Liz at the receptionist desk, letting
him know the food had been delivered. Before he headed up to retrieve the
salads, he shook hands with Luke. “Let me know what you’ll need for tomorrow.
And if you decide you’re willing to do more, we can sit down and work out the
details.”

When he went up to the front desk, he saw Stella leaning
against the desk talking with Liz. Both stopped talking the moment they saw him
but he’d heard Michelle’s name being bantered about. It appeared Stella was
still making trouble for Michelle.

Luke’s plan was sounding better and better.

“Stella, Master Luke was looking for you. Liz, thank you for
letting me know the food was delivered.”

“No problem, Master Sean. I didn’t know you were allergic to
seafood. How awful it would be not to be able to enjoy shrimp or lobsters. I
think I’d die.”

Sean looked down at the container and understood her
comment. “No seafood” was scrawled across it in black Sharpie. He winked at Liz
and headed back to the bar.

“Take a break and let’s eat.” He held out his hand to
Michelle. Not giving her the option of saying no, he led her to a table between
the stage and the bar. There weren’t many people at the club and the table he
chose was in the shadows, thus granting them some privacy.

Sean could see she was still upset. “Relax, babe, and eat.
We’ll discuss the other issue later in private.”

“Thank you. This looks good.” She took a few bites. “I have
no idea what half of it is, but it tastes good.”

“I’m glad. I think it’s time you told me about another scene
in the books you’ve read—or give me the titles. Your choice.”

She lolled her head to the side. “Argh, you’re killing me.”

Sean didn’t respond—he just sat and waited. First, she
started to blush, then squirm. God, he loved her.

“Oh, all right! In this one book the Dom tied his wife to
his desk and told her to…give him head. When he came, he pulled out and soaked
her face.”

He’d thought she have been describing one she’d actually
found interesting until the end. The expressions on her face made her feelings
on the matter clear. “Some women refuse to allow a man to finish in her mouth
and prefer it. Some men consider it a possessive marking-their-territory type
of thing. But that aside, what do you think about being tied to my desk?”

‘You have a beautiful desk. I rather enjoyed borrowing it
this morning, but I’m not sure how comfortable it would be to lay on.”

He liked the smile she was wearing. It was good to see her
relaxing more as they talked. “Comfort can be overrated.”

“I’m learning that.”

“How did the sub feel in the book?”

“She was pissed and emotionally hurt.” A shocked expression
chased across her face. “She had been his employee for a few years and they’d
developed a strong friendship. Although she was attracted to him, she stayed
far away emotionally because she knew he was a man-whore. Eventually, they forged
a sexual relationship and I think they were engaged when that scene took place.
I don’t remember. It’s been awhile since I read it. She’d felt degraded to a
convenient lay instead of the more meaningful, loving experience she’d thought
they were sharing.”

Now he was confused. If she understood the difference
between a meaningless exercise and the meaningful activities they shared, then
why was she upset? Maybe it was seeing Stella…but she’d been the one to talk
him out of firing her. “How did they resolve the matter?”