Tucker's Fall Part 10

"You've grown quite compliant, little sub. You'll quickly learn your sweet submission drives me wild," he sighed and peeled her from his chest, "but a deal is a deal and we're going in. Ready?"

She lowered her eyes and nodded her head. Tucker took a deep breath. It was going to take some digging deep to keep his restraint in place. He grasped her hand and tugged her under his left arm. Now, if only his gut would stop twisting. He'd control his nerves at any cost.

Chapter Eleven.

Maggie squeezed her eyes shut and sent out a small prayer that nothing bad would happen this time. It was d.a.m.ned hard not to think about her last experience as Tucker walked her through an adjoining door that led them into the Purgatory club.

To her surprise, when they crossed the threshold they walked into another empty hallway, not the extravagant club she'd expected. She turned and met Tucker's gaze. "I don't understand."

"Private entrance, remember? If we were going through the front door you'd have been required to wear a little more clothing."

Great. Him mentioning her state of undress reminded her what she'd agreed to. She faltered on the treacherous heels.

Tucker grabbed her arm and steadied her. "Easy little one. You don't have anything to be afraid of." He tweaked a nipple between his fingers. "Of course, the nerves are a different story. I'd be more concerned if you weren't nervous."

"I know," she replied, "I just need this to be okay, if you know what I mean."

"I do." He reached for another door and twisted the k.n.o.b. "And now it's time to make some new memories to overshadow the old."

The moment the door cracked, a cacophony of sound streamed from the opposite side. People talking, hard-edged scene music she'd learned to love through her research, and the unmistakable sound of a whip cracking against waiting flesh.

Her s.e.x squeezed. She'd taken a group whip cla.s.s from a master teacher at a convention once. There wasn't much chance she'd ever wield one like a pro but the instructor had left an impression. Since then the distinct sound of a whip whistling through the air revved her up.

Tucker ushered her inside and closed the door behind them. Maggie waited several seconds for her vision to adjust to the low-level ambient lighting that glowed from a series of sconces on the walls and then her eyes went wide with the sights in front of her. They'd entered a room the size of a grand ballroom in a high-end hotel and every ounce as elegant. From rich velvet wall coverings to the allure of glittering chandeliers, the room whispered money in a not so subtle way. But this wasn't like any ballroom she'd been in before. From end to end there was play equipment set up from the simple spanking benches she'd seen before to some equipment she didn't recognize at all. Even more interesting was the variety of people that filled the room.

Every size, shape and generation engaged in play as well as many onlookers who appeared to be enjoying the view. The music drowned out any voices, instead focusing the partic.i.p.ants and onlookers on the scenes playing out in front of them.

The sounds of a buzzing crackle caught Maggie's attention as her gaze sought the source. She didn't have to wait long. A large crowd had formed around one of the alcoves not far from where she stood. From there she made out the familiar glow of the violet wand. Familiar only to her through research and online videos. She'd always been curious...

Mesmerized she took a small step in that direction. A firm tug on her rope harness stopped her from wandering away. "It's always one of the most popular play stations in the house," Tucker whispered at her ear. "One I'd happily introduce you to when you're ready."

Maggie's breath hitched. The sound of his voice snapped her back to reality. Yes, she'd come to observe and learn what happens in a private BDSM club, but more importantly she'd come here to be with Tucker. Everything else was secondary.

"I want you to explore, but you need to keep your head and try not to wander away from me."

"Yes, Sir," she answered easily. Little did he know, every time she called him Sir, her stomach jolted, making blood rush to certain parts. Maggie paused. Maybe he did know. Experienced Doms were said to be very aware of their sub's desires and their reactions.

She swung around and faced Tucker. "Is that what it's like for you?"

His forehead wrinkled as he looked down at her. "What on earth are you talking about?"

She laughed. It was easy to forget that she tended to have full conversations with herself in her head that no one else heard. "Sorry. I was just wondering if it's easy for you to read a submissive's needs through their body language."

Tucker drew her into his arms, crushing her b.r.e.a.s.t.s against the soft material of his shirt. For a second the sensations swam through her head, making her forget she'd even asked a question. Her nipples were more sensitive than ever and the slightest touch to the aroused skin threatened to set her off. Of course there was also his delicious scent that made her want to bury her face in his chest.

"Doms aren't mind readers, Maggie. Although I have studied body language in all its forms extensively. A lifetime ago I thought I was pretty good at it and it has often served me well."

For a brief moment she noticed an odd, far away look in his eyes before he refocused on her and the heat of desire bored into her instead. Had that been sadness?

"Are you sure you want to be here?" The question popped out of her mouth before she could stop it.

His gaze darkened. In the span of a heartbeat, she had no idea what he'd do next. His hand moved to her chin and tilted her head farther than necessary for her to meet his eyes. "You, little one, are headed for trouble. Relax, follow and observe. And above all else trust me if you can. Trust me to give you what you need tonight."

It was strange how comfortable she felt with him. She nodded her head and he frowned. Oops. She'd forgotten again the direct answer he preferred. "Yes, Sir."

He smiled, but it didn't quite seem real. "Very good," he offered before unpeeling her from his chest. The rush of cool air puckered her nipples. Maggie's sharp intake of breath set off a chuckle from Tucker.

"Your responsiveness is incredible."

Maggie lowered her lashes and grappled with composure when at the moment she wasn't above getting down on her knees and begging him to take her. There was so much she wanted to see but only one thing she wanted to do. Suddenly, all the trappings of a public club no longer appealed. If Tucker wanted to be her Dom, they didn't need any of this to make it happen.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing-I mean-I don't know," she stammered, "I was so excited by the thought of finally seeing a public dungeon. Now I don't remember why it was so important."

"You're here tonight because it's what I want. I desire to show you some of what you missed out on before and to learn more about what turns you off and on."

"But I-"

"Enough with the reasoning," he snapped. "You're my sub and if I want you here then that is enough. There isn't always going to be a grand scheme and you won't get to plan every detail when it comes to our relationship. I'll make the rules based on what I've learned and you'll choose to either follow them or not."

Maggie's insides quivered under the change in tone. He'd cranked the Dom voice to high and it was enough to make her knees knock together. She loved it.

"Your response is..."

"Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir." She couldn't get the words out fast enough.

"Good. Now turn around and let the crowd see you. They're waiting."

"What?" Her stomach dropped to her feet.

"Maggie," he spoke sharply. That was all it took to make her realize they had an audience and if she pushed much farther things might get out of hand like he'd mentioned before. She slowly twirled on her too-high heels and came face to face with numerous faces watching their exchange with different levels of interest. A few of the submissives dared small smiles while many of the Doms looked on disapprovingly. Before either of them made a move, three people broke from the crowd and headed their way. A lovely submissive wearing nothing but an underbust corset and a thick collar around her neck and two male Doms each holding a chain that attached to small D-rings on the woman's leather collar.

Maggie tried not to stare at the other woman's nudity but it was impossible not to. The men beside her were gorgeous but she stood out anyway. The woman had the body of Venus and Maggie wasn't sure she'd ever seen such gorgeous curves in her life.

The pretty submissive caught her gaze and smiled knowingly. Maggie felt the rush of heat equal to a thousand suns fill her cheeks. Caught red-handed, she didn't know how to react. The thought of turning to Tucker and burying her head in his chest again certainly appealed. But she'd done enough already to embarra.s.s him without making things worse.

"Tucker!" one man called out. "Leo mentioned he'd seen you the other night and I didn't believe him." He held out his hand and Tucker took it in his for a quick shake.

"You should know better than to doubt Leo. He's not the one who's so fond of gossip." A wicked smile crossed Tucker's face.

The bald man on the other side of the submissive laughed. "Poor Quinn, he forgets how long a memory you have."

"Tucker knows I'm only giving him a hard time."

Maggie sensed an awkwardness she didn't understand. Fortunately, Leo stepped forward and spoke.

"Have you brought us a present tonight?" Leo asked. The other man's gaze raked over her body, a smile crossing his face.

It was all Maggie could do not to squirm.

Tucker's arm wrapped tight around her waist and pulled her against his side. "Fraid not. This one's all mine."

"Spoil sport." Tucker and Quinn laughed while Leo gave her one last lingering once over. "She looks like fun."

Maggie lowered her eyes. She had the feeling the more she gawked at the men the more encouraged they'd become.

"Well, you're just in time for Katie's final punishment. It's been one h.e.l.l of a week."

The gorgeous woman next to him perked up. She glanced at Leo first and then turned to Quinn who bent to whisper something in her ear. The resulting smile made some of the knots in Maggie's stomach loosen. It was obvious these two men held a great amount of affection for their submissive. She hoped Tucker wanted to watch.

"Sounds perfect. This is my sub's first visit to Purgatory."

A tall, broad shouldered man appeared before them, the Purgatory emblem across his chest her first clue he was some sort of employee.

"It's time, Sirs. The stage is set."

All of them turned in the direction the man pointed. A raised stage was perfectly placed in the middle of the ballroom.

Leo glanced at Tucker. "It's good seeing you back at the club, Tuck. I hope this means we'll be seeing more of you."

Tucker only raised his chin before the two men moved off taking their submissive with them. Maggie watched them disappear into the crowd as they weaved their way to center stage.

"Come, little one. I think you'll want to see this."

He found them a spot a few rows back, where he took a seat before pulling Maggie into his lap. She squeaked as she landed on his thighs with an embarra.s.singly ungraceful plop. "Sorry."

"Considering you're right where I wanted, there is nothing to be sorry for." He kept his voice low and rich, the timbre working its way through her tight muscles. "Kiss me."

She automatically responded to the command. With a slight bend of her neck, she pressed her lips to his, opening on a sigh when she felt his tongue working into her mouth. The simple kiss grew hotter and Maggie squirmed in his lap.

All too soon, he broke the kiss and wrapped his hand around her shoulder. "Now turn around and be a good girl. We have a show to get through before I can have my way with you."

Forced to face front, Maggie worked to keep from frowning. Didn't he understand yet that she'd come for him. Everything else seemed unimportant anymore.

Then the rest of the dim lights in the club winked out and the hum of the excited crowd grew louder. She gasped when a spotlight came on and illuminated a large piece of equipment standing on the stage with Katie already in place only a few feet away. Maggie clamped her mouth shut to keep any more noises from coming out.

Oh. My. G.o.d. Was that an old-fashioned dungeon stock?

Her body went rigid at the sight. The submissive was bent at the waist and sure enough her head and arms had been placed inside wooden stocks and securely locked with big silver chains that looked impossible to escape from.

"Easy." Tucker's fingers stroked her bare hip. She hadn't even noticed him lift her dress. "It's only a scene and one that was well-negotiated I can a.s.sure you."

"How?" Maggie whispered. "How can you really know this is what she wants?" The pit in her stomach had grown from a hard knot to a fist-sized rock of dread. Seeing Katie imprisoned was eerily reminiscent of the night Maggie had been hauled to jail in handcuffs.

Before Tucker could answer, the Dom called Leo appeared at the head of the stage dressed in simple black clothing and a wicked-looking whip in his hand. Katie struggled in her cage and the air sucked from Maggie's lungs at the sound of the heavy chains clanking together.

The scene before her began to fall away and instead she saw and heard the chaos of the one club she'd dared enter before. People were screaming and yelling into the darkness, men with guns were surrounding the people. Someone grabbed Maggie from behind and pulled her arms behind her back, wrenching her shoulder. In the blink of an eye, metal sc.r.a.ped against her flesh moments before the locks clicked into place. Sweat trickled down her back and smoke burned her nostrils and throat.

"Maggie!" Tucker's sharp voice brought her back to the present. His arms were banded around her chest in a grip so tight she immediately knew he'd had to subdue her.

Oh G.o.d no.

To make matters worse a few of the other club goers in front of them had turned to stare.

"Are you are okay? What's wrong?"

Tears filled her eyes before she could stop them. A glance at the stage showed Leo behind Katie with his whip spinning in the air. He was about to throw a strike any second and she couldn't stand to watch it.

"Red," she croaked out, barely a whisper.

"What?" Tucker leaned forward.

"Red. Please. Red." The first tear splashed on her cheek before she uttered the last word.

To her relief, Tucker was true to his word and immediately stood, shifting her in his arms.

"We're leaving," he announced. Probably as much for the benefit of the people surrounding them as hers.

His long legs covered the s.p.a.ce of the ballroom at lightning speed and before she had a moment to contemplate her humiliating predicament, they were in the hallway and headed back to the door that led into the restaurant.

When they entered the private lounge s.p.a.ce, Maggie heaved a sigh of relief to find the room as empty as they'd left it. Tucker eased onto the velvet-covered couch and what they'd done before they went into the club flashed through her memory. The moment Tucker slid into her had been more thrilling than anything before and exactly what she'd needed. The club... It had sounded reasonable.

Without words Tucker began untying the rope binding her arms behind her back. As the bonds released, so did her breath. A strong tingling sensation ran up and down her back and into her shoulders, until Tucker began ma.s.saging her arms and neck. Then she simply wanted to melt into him.

"Look at me, Maggie."

With some reluctance, she unscrewed her eyelids and slowly cracked them open. To her surprise, there was no anger or disappointment on Tucker's face. Only small lines around his mouth and eyes where he'd furrowed his brow in concern.

"I made a mistake. You weren't ready and I a.s.sumed you were. I'm sorry."

A lump formed in her throat at the heartfelt words. It was so easy to get wrapped up into the power exchange aspect of D/s and forget that they were both still ordinary people. Well, she was ordinary. A billionaire recluse, not so much.

She struggled in his arms until he released her and she rose to her feet. The minute she landed on those crazy heels she began to wobble. She reached down and pulled one off and then the other. "It's going to take some time to get used to these."

"Hurry up, 'cause I look forward to the view of you naked in those shoes when your legs are propped on my shoulder as I slide into you."

Maggie jerked, losing her balance for a second at his words. Heat infused her face and her p.u.s.s.y and nipples ached at the mere imagery of his thought. "Oh, you're evil." She smiled up at him.

"Forgiven?"

He was so forgiven. She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his forehead. "Nothing to forgive. I could have said no and I didn't." She leaned back. "I waited a really long time for this. The opportunity to go in a club and observe and partic.i.p.ate seemed like the ultimate dream. Yet, here I am scared witless and not as interested as I thought."