Submissive's Journey (Masters of Blackstone Book 1), page 21
“I can tell you about a secret project if you’d like?” Everett asked in a mischievous tone and arched his brow.
She lifted her hands to chest level and clapped softly. “Oh yes! Please! I love fun secrets. I promise I won’t tell a single soul.”
“I recently inherited an old plantation. Do you know what that is?”
“Like the big house in Gone with the Wind?” she reached across the table and patted the linen covered top excitedly. Her look of wonderment made him smile. He rubbed the top of her small hand. “Very similar, but how do you know about that old movie? I’ve never even seen it.”
“Master, I mean Jasper, loved old movies. It was his thing. He was an old man.”
“I see.” Insert foot in mouth, idiot.
“This is where you get your strength, the red earth of Tara,” Julia recited as she pressed the back of her hand to her forehead and slumped sideways against the chair arm, repeating breathily, “The red earth of Tara, the red earth of Tara. Home! I'll go home! And I'll think of some way to get him back.” She sat up abruptly then leaned forward, saying passionately, “After all, tomorrow is another day.”
Everett applauded, “Your Georgia accent was spot on. I’m impressed.”
“So, what you’re telling me is that your ancestors were rich, snooty people tied to their land, lived in a big house, and kept slaves?”
Everett burst out laughing. “Cheeky, but accurate if you throw in a bunch of lynchings, a witch’s curse, and a bunch of unexplainable horrible tragedies.”
Julia grabbed his hand. “Witch’s curse?”
Gasping, she pulled her hand back, lowered her gaze, and if he hadn’t lunged forward to catch her from doing so, she’d have dropped to her knees at his feet. “I’m sorry! I’m so sorry, Sir. Please forgive me? I overstepped, we were having fun and I”—she shook her head—“I touched you without permission. No excuses. How can I make this infraction up to you, Sir?”
Normally, he enjoyed catching a subbie off-guard, pushing her buttons a bit, and would be looking forward to dragging her back to his room for funishment, but Julia was so damaged. Now, she sat on the edge of her seat twitching and on the verge of tears. There was no doubt in his mind her thoughts were on some punishment she believed was imminent. He realized she was whispering under her breath, and listened closely, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”
“Julia, look at me.”
She slowly lifted her lashes and met his gaze, but only for a second. When she again broke eye contact, he tilted his head to reestablish it. He forced himself to soften his features. “I haven’t given you any rules to memorize yet, so I’m not going to punish you.”
“I’m not in trouble?” She blinked, the spell of fear broken.
“You’re not.” Everett decided then and there he would demand the list of rules Jasper terrorized her with and find a way to break the man’s hold over her. No wonder she still wasn’t ready to be in a committed relationship with a Dom. “How about this. There are no restrictions on touch—for now. When and if you do wear my collar, we will work together to create our own rules.”
She finally smiled again. “I like that plan.”
“Now, would you rather hear about my project or the witch?”
Julia blushed and gave him a small smile. “Both, please?”
Everett laughed and began his tale.
Awhile later, the waiter came around to offer more wine. Everett checked his watch and was surprised several hours had passed. He’d talked about the land, the manor restoration and incorporation of an exclusive BDSM club, Auntie Gertrude, and the famous witch’s curse.
“So all of the witch’s lovers were killed because she refused to sleep with your great-great grandfather?”
“There may have been a few extra greats but you have the gist of it.”
“And then she hexed him and all the men of his line? What a badass!”
Everett chuckled. “Way to take the witch’s side.”
“Oh no, Everett!”
He watched fear slide through her eyes. “What’s wrong?”
“You’re a man. You’re cursed too. Are you scared?”
Everett pulled out her chair and caught her elbow as she stood. “I don’t dwell on it. The witch’s hex is an urban myth that the men in my line keep perpetuating by getting themselves killed doing stupid shit.”
“I hope I get to see it someday.”
He gaped at her. “You want to see me do stupid shit and tempt death?”
“No!” Julia giggled and hid her mouth behind her hand. “But feel free to do stupid shit in front of me if you want to.”
“Brat!”
She giggled. “Seriously though. I hope to get to see your plantation restoration someday. I imagine it’s going to be amazing because I just know you’re a brilliant designer.” Wrapping his arm around her waist, he pulled her close then walked with her out of the restaurant. He pressed his lips to her temple. “I think you’ll get to see it. Thank you for your blind faith in my abilities…and for indulging my story-telling.”
They entered the elevator and he selected the floor, Julia asked, “Now what?”
He looked down at her and really noticed how tiny she was. In just a few hours, his need to protect her and keep her safe had surged to immeasurable proportions; and even though she was quite different than the fantasy slave he’d held in his mind for years, his desire to claim her as his own hadn’t diminished in the least. Having Julia become his submissive would be like starting over with a vanilla woman. He couldn’t assume anything, but instead of feeling disappointment, he was even more excited by the prospect. As he’d told her about his plans for Blackstone, he imagined her there by his side, his friend, his lover, his partner, his submissive—and somewhere along the line his wife whispered through his mind—followed by the saner conviction he needed to really slow down and step back.
“I guess that depends on your answer to my next question, little dragon.”
A moment later, she was pressed against his chest and his back was to the wall. They were kissing and he wasn’t quite sure which one of them had made the first move. She whispered against his lips, “Slower. More tenderly. You don’t have to bully your way through every time you kiss me.”
He chuckled and held back his power, letting her explore his mouth thoroughly. What was he going to do with this woman? Leaning back, she met his gaze. “Wasn’t that much nicer?”
Everett rolled her around and pressed her against the wall of the elevator. He wrapped his fingers into her hair and pulled her head backward, giving her just a small sting of pain, then pressed his lips to hers firmly and took what he wanted from her mouth, leaving her moaning and breathless when he was through. “My way lets you know exactly what’s coming next.”
She guessed, “You want to do another scene with me?”
“Before lunch you asked me if I would be your dominant, but because of everything you’ve been through, I want to offer you a fresh start as a brand new subbie in training with the intention of becoming mine.”
“A submissive in training? What would I have to do?”
“Agree to wear my training collar, complete daily tasks much as you’ve already been doing for Maxwell like eating healthy and going to the gym, however you’d be accountable to me instead of him.”
“But it would be long distance because you’re in Georgia and I’m here.”
“I think we can overcome the obstacles of being apart for some of your training. I would want you with me in Georgia for the summer with relocating your intention. If you aren’t ready, I understand.”
She glanced up at him shyly. “I’m ready. I would love a fresh start. I would like to wear your training collar. Will you please do a scene with me now, Sir?”
Chapter Ten
♥
The elevator tone sounded and the doors slid open. Taking her hand, Everett led her down the hallway. It dawned on her she wasn’t afraid. It might be a small stretch in positive thinking, but the bubbly feeling inside her almost made her believe she was excited, actually looking forward to doing a scene with him. He opened the door and she stepped inside the suite. This is it.
“Before we begin. Use the restroom and remove only your dress, shoes, garter belt and stockings.”
His request left her wearing only bra and panties when she came out. All the rooms had been transformed by faux candlelight, provided by flickering LED tea lights. She didn’t count them all but a hundred wouldn’t have surprised her. He’d also lit some sweet smelling incense, frankincense or myrrh.
He waited for her in the bedroom and with a smile he held out his hand to her. Seeing that he’d pulled off his t-shirt, she focused on his washboard abs and wobbled slightly in her stilettos.
Nerves at this late hour?
It was just a shirt. But his was no ordinary chest and the candle flickers rippled over the shadows of cut muscle.
When she was near enough he pulled her close. He lowered his lips but didn’t kiss her, not yet. He hovered over her mouth, his gaze searching hers and she knew the question she was seeing in his eyes. He’d worn it all through lunch. He wasn’t sure she was ready for what he wanted to offer. “Please top me, Everett. I want this.”
He cupped her face and grazed her lips before taking possession of her mouth with a fierce passion. He controlled the kiss from beginning to end, leaving no doubt in her mind he could and would dominate her mind and body just as completely before their time together was through.
Holding onto him, she reeled under his seduction and surrendered her lips and tongue to the sensual dance. She couldn’t imaging it ever being any better than this.
“Prepare for inspection in the middle of the room.”
Having filled out a BDSM Negotiation form, Julia quickly moved to the spot he’d indicated and posed with legs spread and hands clasped behind head. She lowered her gaze and waited… and waited. She was glad for the kindness he’d shown her by allowing her to begin partially clothed. She actually felt pretty damn sexy in her lingerie and she lifted her chin a tiny bit higher.
He wasn’t even looking at her and she was already panting.
It seemed like Everett was taking forever, but she knew in reality it was probably only a few minutes. Using her peripheral vision, she snuck a peak and found he was reading the soft and hard limits checklist he’d asked her to fill out. He met her gaze, “I’m not going to have sex with you today, Julia.”
“Why?” she couldn’t hide the disappointment in her voice.
“It’s a line I won’t cross until we have a contract between us, detailing the terms of your submission.”
“I understand.”
His forehead creased. “No bondage?”
“I guess we’ll both be left unsatisfied with today’s scene.” She exhaled relief when she watched him lay down the limits he’d been studying and joined her.
“Role-play?” She nodded her head. Why not, new Dom, new rules, right?
Jasper would have never lowered himself to such a level, and Everett had asked her to reveal which lessons in the novice classes intrigued or titillated her. “Describe which types role playing intrigue you.”
“All of them, Sir.”
“All?” he repeated, stopping in front of her to meet her gaze. His eyes were narrowed, not instilling confidence in her choices. “Kitty? Schoolgirl? Criminal?”
“Yes, Sir,” she answered breathlessly. “Caveman, maybe?”
“Caveman?” He barked with laughter. “Should I hit you over the head with a big stick and drag you to my lair?”
Julia gulped. “I was thinking a hike to the middle of nowhere and you’d find me in the middle of a field collecting berries, then chase me in the direction of your cave.”
He made a non-committal sound as he walked a slow circle around her, touching her lightly here and there. For the first time in over five years she relaxed fully, even though adrenaline sped through her veins and her heart raced. This non-verbal language she understood.
Widen your stance.
Engage your elbows and shoulders—more.
Angle head lower.
Facing her, Everett slid his fingers over the tail of her camisole, allowing them to slide under the fabric to touch skin. Holding her gaze, he started lifting the silky fabric, revealing her skin slowly, inch by inch, and then suddenly it raised above her breasts he whisked it over her head. He smoothed his hands over the lace of her bra and her nipples pebbled. He circled her nipples, teasing them to tighter points through the lace of her bra and the sensation was greater than if her skin had been bare. A correlating heaviness filled her womb. She gasped softly when he licked and kissed her nipples through the lace cups of her bra. Julia dropped her head back, but the action drew his gaze—and apparently his mouth. Everett licked his way up her neck to the shell of her ear. No tickles, no tickles! Please, please, please.
She jerked and tried to writhe away but his stern look held her in place. He guessed, “Someone is very ticklish.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Leaving her bra on, he lifted her firm double D’s from the bra cups.
Julia’s eyes widened, seeing her dark aureoles and nipples surrounded by pale skin. How had she forgotten something so very important?
She lowered her face, knowing breasts weren’t pleasing. A tear slid down her cheek.
Everett pressed two fingers under her chin as he searched her eyes. “What emotion are these tears?”
“Embarrassment.”
“Because I’m looking at your beautiful breasts?”
“My nipples are too dark and I need to apologize for not preparing properly before I arrived, but I do not want you to be mad at me for saying the words. I promise I will order more skin bleaching product immediately. I’ve become lax in my beauty rituals since Jasper died.”
“Bleach?” Everett gave her a stunned stare, then assured, “I am very turned on by the sight of your breasts. I love the contrast between your pale breasts and the darker coloration of your aureoles and nipples. I don’t know what could possibly be hotter.”
Everett lowered his face to nuzzle her and Julia gasped when he pulled her left nipple between his lips. He sucked until she moaned then released her. “Your breasts are perfect. As long as you are considering whether to accept me as your dominant, don’t change anything about your body, understand?”
Completely confused, she nodded.
Everett pulled her bra fabric down her arms and she felt the slide of the back-strap as it slid down her back. Then the fabric separated and he pulled her bra off completely. “Why is your brow furrowed? What are you thinking on so hard?”
“Sir, I’m not sure you really understand your last request.”
“I don’t understand?” Everett arched a brow and exuded the pure arrogant sarcasm of an amused dominant, “This should be good. Please, do tell how I don’t know my own mind.”
“Women usually do more than their men realize to maintain the illusion of perfection and beauty. In truth, I’m fairly certain you will want me to maintain at least some of my beauty routine.”
“No bleaching anything, Julia.”
Shaking her head, she argued, “You haven’t seen the rest of me to honestly mean that. No man wants to—”
Everett jerked down her tap pants so fast she forgot to breathe. She inhaled with a sharp gasp when his hand landed in the center of her left butt cheek. Heat flared over her skin, but then sank in. Before she could scream or hyperventilate Everett hugged her face between his palms, commanding, “Relax.”
She tried to pull her head away but only managed to lower her gaze and pout. “You shouldn’t keep doing that, Lord Draco. There’s a proper way to remove a lady’s undergarments.”
“Mmm-hmm.”
She gulped, not willing to back down yet, even though alarm bells were sounding in her head. “I’m so ashamed, Sir. I didn’t think this through completely. I needed more time to prepare to be here.”
Covering her face, she started to cry.
“Julia, sh-h. No, no.” Everett captured both of her hands, pulling her toward him when she would have backed away. “Stay in position.”
He looked at her pubis, but didn’t touch. If he hadn’t been holding her hands she would be covering herself. “You always shave your mons?”
“Laser.” She could have lived her whole life without that experience, because it had been quite painful and humiliating, but Jasper had insisted. “The hair will never grow back. It took a very long time over a couple sessions, which left my body hairless.”
He met her gaze and winked. “I like your pretty pussy bare. It’s very sexy.”
Not taking his gaze of hers, he trailed two fingers over the plane of her flat stomach to barely pet her hairless mound. Her knees felt instantly wobbly. One side of his mouth smiled, making his cheek dimple. “I like it very, very much.”
Well, wow, okay. If Everett liked her bare, she was glad it was done and over with.
“Show me where you bleach.”
Her lips parted to argue, but instead she glanced toward her left pit, “Underarms.”
“Not anymore. No more nipple, aureole, or underarm bleaching. Where else?”
Why didn’t I schedule a bleaching for first thing this morning? For that matter why did I let my body go? Embarrassed and feeling her cheeks warm, she left her hands in position behind her head and looked awkwardly toward her mons. “Labia, vagina, anus.”
“I didn’t say to tell me, I said show me. Separate your legs and expose the areas you bleach.”
Oh God. She allowed her focus to blur as she stepped her feet apart and lifted the folds of skin hiding the small bud of her sex. She burned with humiliation as she exposed her glistening tissues. As worried as she was that her private parts being shamefully tan not pink would be displeasing to him, the truth was she was more turned on by his inspection than she’d ever been in her life.
Everett reached forward and rubbed his thumb over her clit very softly. She whimpered quietly when he didn’t comment, knowing she’d been right all along. He was disgusted by her.
