CHAPTER 2
1083 Words
SOPHIA
I turned slowly, and he was right there, close enough that I could smell his cologne. Something expensive and woodsy. Up close, he was even more devastating. Sharp cheekbones, a strong jaw with the shadow of stubble, and those eyes that seemed to see straight through every defense I had ever built.
"Yes, Sir." The honorific came automatically.
"I'm told you're one of the most sought after submissives here." He took a sip of what looked like whiskey, his eyes never leaving mine. "Yet you turned down an invitation just now."
"I did." My heart was racing.
"Why?"
The question hung between us. I could lie, could say something polite and noncommittal. But something about him demanded honesty.
"Because I was waiting to see if you'd approach me, Sir."
The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. Not quite a smile, but close. "Bold. I like that." He extended his hand. "I'm Dominic."
I placed my hand in his, and the contact sent electricity up my arm. "Sia."
"I know you prefer to keep your real name private here. I respect that." He released my hand but didn't step back. "I have the Obsidian Room tonight. I'd like you to join me."
It was direct, no games. I appreciated that.
"I don't play with new Dominants, Sir. No matter how experienced they claim to be."
"Smart." He nodded approvingly. "What would make you comfortable?"
"I'd need to talk to your references. And I'd want one of the dungeon monitors to check in on us."
"Already arranged. Vivienne has my references from Velvet Chains in New York. Master Xavier and Mistress Chen can both vouch for me. And I've specifically requested that Marcus do a welfare check at the thirty minute mark."
He had thought of everything. Professional. Prepared. Exactly the kind of Dominant I had been craving.
"May I ask what you're looking for tonight, Sir?"
"Someone who can surrender completely. Someone intelligent enough to know when to push back and when to let go." His eyes darkened. "Someone who's been playing it safe for too long."
It was like he was reading my mind, seeing straight into the core of me.
"And what do you get out of it?" I asked.
"The pleasure of watching you discover parts of yourself you've been hiding." He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping lower. "The satisfaction of being the one you finally trust enough to break for."
Oh God. I was in trouble. This man was dangerous in all the ways that mattered.
"I'll need to check those references."
"Of course." He gestured toward the administrative office. "Take your time. I'll be here when you're ready."
I walked on shaking legs to Vivienne's office. She pulled up Dominic's file, and my eyes widened. His real name was redacted for privacy. Standard for high profile members. But his credentials were impeccable. Master Xavier's reference letter was glowing, describing him as "one of the most skilled and safety conscious Dominants I've had the pleasure of knowing." Mistress Chen, no relation to me I assumed, called him "a Dom who understands that true power comes from earned trust, not demanded submission."
"He's legitimate," Vivienne confirmed. "And honestly, Sia, I think you two might be a good match. You need someone who can handle that sharp mind of yours."
I nodded slowly. "Okay. I'll do it."
"Safe word?"
"Vermillion." After my favorite shade of red in oil paintings.
"Good. Have fun, honey. And Sia?" Vivienne caught my arm. "Let yourself feel it this time. Whatever happens in there, let yourself really feel it."
I made my way back to the main hall. Dominic was exactly where I left him, patient and still, like he knew I would come back.
"I'm ready, Sir."
"Good girl." The praise sent warmth flooding through me. "Follow me."
He led me through the club, past the public play spaces and down a hallway I had only been in once before. The Obsidian Room was at the end, its door a solid black with silver hardware. He opened it with a key card and gestured me inside.
The room took my breath away. Everything was black and silver and chrome. A massive four poster bed with attachment points, a St. Andrew's cross against one wall, a spanking bench, a suspension rig in the corner. There was a seating area with a leather couch, and a full bar along one wall. Floor to ceiling mirrors on two walls. Indirect lighting that could be adjusted to any mood.
It was a playground for pleasure and pain, and I wanted to explore every inch of it.
"Before we begin," Dominic said, closing the door behind us, "we talk. Sit."
I settled onto the leather couch, and he sat beside me. Close but not touching.
"Tell me your hard limits."
"No permanent marks. No fire play. No scat or water sports. No age play. No being filmed or photographed."
He nodded. "Soft limits?"
"I've never done needle play. I'm curious but nervous."
"We won't go there tonight. What about impact play?"
"I love it. Floggers, paddles, crops, hands. No canes. I've tried them and hate them."
"Bondage?"
"Yes. Rope, leather cuffs, chains. All good."
"Sensory deprivation?"
"Blindfolds yes. Gags I can handle for short periods."
"Service submission?"
I hesitated. "I've never really explored that."
"Noted. We'll save that for another time if there is one." He shifted slightly toward me. "What do you need from tonight, Sia? What are you really looking for?"
The question caught me off guard. Most Doms asked what I wanted to do, what acts I was interested in. No one asked what I needed.
"I need..." I paused, trying to find the words. "I need to stop thinking. I need to not be in control for a while. I need to feel something other than responsible and competent and together."
"You need to break," he said softly.
"Yes." The admission felt like a confession.
"And you need someone strong enough to catch you when you do."
I nodded, not trusting my voice.
"I can do that." He reached out and cupped my cheek, his touch gentle but firm. "But you have to trust me. Can you do that?"
I should say no. I just met this man. But something in his eyes, in the way he had handled everything so far, told me I could.
"Yes, Sir."
"Then let's begin." He stood and offered me his hand. "Stand up and undress for me. Slowly."
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