A Very Persuasive Proposal
16
T he plan to fake falling asleep backfired spectacularly. Brynne woke up just after six a.m. with a headache and a furry mouth. She brushed her teeth, took two painkillers, and crawled back into bed. Her mind shoved the ordeal with Dimitri under the rug so it could focus on all the delicious things Gage did to erase him. She would never look at her tea towel the same way again. And the spanking! It was a dream come true when he finally took her over his knee.
He came to her rescue, in more ways than one. And she fell totally under his spell. Remembering how he commanded her to touch herself made her blush and giggle. So did the realization that she would have done anything he asked.
One night was definitely not going to be enough. Now she had to convince him they should do it again. An offer of casual sex with no strings…maybe a little rope? Hopefully, he wouldn’t insist she leave her job at Club Dominus, but if she had to quit, so be it. With him as her teacher, she would no longer need the club.
After a nice soak in the tub, Brynne called and left a message for her aunt. Next on her list was Jared, and he answered on the first ring. She told him what happened with Dimitri, how Gage threw him out of the club and accompanied her home. He squealed in delight when she shared what had happened afterward. On her way to Dominus, Brynne decided how she would persuade him to throw his rules out the window.
His office was empty when she stopped by, so she headed to the lounge and got busy. The patrons were still talking about Saturday night and Dimitri’s departure. She and Mel exchanged glances. There was no time to talk because they both had several tables.
As the evening wore on, she grew more anxious. Gage hadn’t sought her out, and there was no request to deliver his dinner. By the end of the night, she had worked herself into a state. Once the last table signed the check, she headed to his office.
His response to her knock was gruff. “Who is it?”
“Tink. Do you have a minute?”
“The door is open.”
He was sitting on the large couch with his legs sprawled and a scotch in his hand. His hair was disheveled like he’d repeatedly run his hands through it. The ticking muscle in his jaw had her doubting her ability to convince him of anything.
She perched on the arm of a chair and wiped her damp hands on her skirt. “I would like to talk.”
“There is nothing to talk about. Last night should not have happened.”
“Maybe not, but I’m glad it did.” She took a deep breath and continued, “I want to learn from you, submit to you. And if that means I must quit the club, just say so.”
Brynne grabbed a throw pillow from the couch and kneeled on the floor at his feet. She lowered her eyes and placed her palms on her thighs.
“What do you think you are doing?”
“Proving how badly I want this.” She met his gaze head-on. “Please let me show you how much.”
Minutes passed. Gage got up and walked to the door. She was certain he was going to ask her to leave. Instead, she heard the clicking of the lock. When he sat back down, she remained still, staring at the floor, waiting for direction.
“Are you bloody sure about this, Brynne?”
“Yes.”
“Yes, what?”
“Yes, sir, I am bloody sure.”
He sat forward and lifted her chin so she could look at him. “You are a novice. I don’t believe you have any real experience, even though you wrangled a glowing reference from Patricia Valentine.”
“I don’t know much. That’s why I need you.”
She licked her lips, and he made a strange sound deep in his throat.
“Aye, you need a teacher—a benevolent Dom to show you the ropes—but that man is not me. I’m a mean motherfucker who expects obedience. You haven’t shown me anything but defiance.”
“I know. I’m sorry for my rebelliousness, but I promise to follow all your directions to the letter from now on. Couldn’t you give me another chance?”
“You have no idea what you are getting yourself into.”
“What I lack in hands-on experience, I’ve made up for with intensive studying.” Her eyes pleaded with him. “Will you please show me?”
Gage stood up and unbuckled his belt, and Brynne fought to contain her smile. He noticed. “Let’s see if you are still smiling when I’m finished with you. Put your hands at your sides.”
Brynne immediately complied. Gage wrapped his belt around her—pinning her arms to her hips. Then he buckled it snugly under her breasts.
“This is your last chance to change your mind. Tell me now if you want to leave, otherwise I’m going to put my cock in your mouth.”
“I’m not leaving.” She ran her tongue over her bottom lip in invitation and prayed he didn’t change his mind.
He shook his head and drew his pants down. “Let’s see what you can do with that pretty little mouth—besides get yourself into trouble.”
Holy hell! Everything was riding on this. In a weird, fucked-up way, this was a job interview—only it was a blow job interview!
She took him into her mouth and swirled her tongue around like she was French kissing the head. Licking lightly, she coated him all over the crown, savoring the pre-cum gathering at the tip. Then she began nibbling and lapping at the sensitive underside. He sat back and his breathing hitched, giving her a surge of confidence. She refused to meet his gaze, afraid to lose focus. She used her lips and tongue to wet the shaft, starting at the base and moving up slowly. Pretending he was an ice cream cone, she sucked on the plum and moaned against him while taking the head fully into her mouth.
His hands gripped his thighs, and he growled. “Enough playing.”
She rose to her knees so she could take him deeper into her mouth, each time pressing a little further. When she felt him bump against the back of her throat, she held him there, getting accustomed to it. She took a breath and pushed deeper, subduing her gag reflex. He groaned and took her head in his hands. His fingers sank into her hair at her temples and held her still for a moment. “I’m going to fuck your mouth. If you need me to stop or slow down, shrug your shoulders twice.”
She nodded and let him take over. He leaned forward and pulled her slowly back so that just the head remained held by her lips.
“Don’t let me slip out of your mouth.” His voice was so rough, it made the hair stand up on her arms.
Brynne wondered what would happen if she failed to hold on. But she refused to fail. She wanted to surprise and impress him. The next time he drew her down, she forced her throat to relax, and when he pulled back, she wrapped her lips tightly around him and sucked hard. Judging by the noises he made, she was succeeding. His large hands cradled her face as he controlled the pace, deliberately slowing down and driving it deeper each time. Brynne moaned and looked up at him before propelling herself farther still. His jaw was rigid, like he was trying to stay in control and losing the battle.
He let go of her head then, and through gritted teeth said, “Show me.”
It thrilled her to take over, and she threw herself into the task, taking him deep, swirling her tongue like she was strumming a guitar string. In her head, a heavy pounding drumbeat kept the rhythm of her strokes. She lost track of everything but her task until she heard his breathing getting uneven and heavy. Gage let out a guttural moan from deep in his chest, and his hands gripped the cushions of the couch. She felt him swell in her mouth. His legs jerked on either side of her, and he threw his head back and rasped, “I’m going to come—”
She appreciated the warning, but she wasn’t about to stop now. When she felt his cock twitch, Brynne took a deep breath and pushed herself down deep enough that her throat held him in its thrall. She swallowed on it repeatedly and her throat gripped the head, milking every drop without a trace touching her tongue. He groaned loudly and swore, his entire body shuddering in reaction.
She slowly drew back, letting her tongue lightly trail a path to the top. Then she sat back and tried not to smile. But Christ, she was proud of herself!
Gage stayed as he was, resting his head on the sofa, staring at the ceiling. When he finally raised his head, he avoided eye contact and ran a hand through his hair. She swore he was suppressing a smile. He rose and stepped aside to fasten his pants, then reached for her. After helping her stand, he unbuckled the belt and guided her to the couch while he tucked his shirt in.
Brynne didn’t want to be the first to break the silence. She watched him go over to the sideboard, enjoying the warmth he’d left behind on the leather cushion.
He poured two tumblers of scotch on the rocks. Handing her the drink, he tapped her glass and took a drink. Brynne did the same.
Fighting to contain an impish smile, she asked, “Was that okay?”
He shrugged and replied, “Not bad.”
Brynne’s mouth dropped open until she saw a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.
“Bha thu do-chreidsinneach.” At her questioning look, he added, “You were incredible.”
She beamed, all shyness forgotten.
“I don’t want to ask how you…? Och, never mind.”
Brynne giggled and shrugged. No one needed to know she had been practicing on fudge pops and cucumbers since watching Jared the week before.
She seized the moment. “So, will you tutor me in the art of submission?”
He closed his eyes and sighed.
“To put your mind at ease, I’m not looking for anything serious,” she went on. It was time to lay all her cards on the table. “I want to explore my submissive side, and I think this could be a lovely diversion for both of us.”
One eyebrow lifted. “What makes you think I need a diversion?”
“Seriously?” She grinned. “You are uptight, grumpy, focused on work all the time, and you get your jollies from making me run up and down the freaking stairs with your food.”
“You really aren’t a very good submissive, are you, Red?” His eyebrow lifted imperiously.
“No, but I don’t know all the rules yet. With the right guidance, I can only get better.”
“Don’t you mean the right punishments ?”
Her body and face warmed at that thought. “Um, yes, I imagine that will make a difference.”
“This isn’t a game, Brynne. If I take you on, you will do as you are told or suffer the consequences. I expect deference, not defiance. Obedience, not rebellion. I am accustomed to getting what I want—when I want. We will review your hard and soft limits and then discover all the things you don’t even know you like—or dislike.”
Brynne nodded and nibbled her lip. “I’m ready. I have done plenty of research.”
He laughed harshly. “That can only take you so far. In your head, you might think you like restrictive bondage, for example, but until you experience it firsthand, you won’t know. It will be my job to help you explore and understand your limits, while I train you.”
“I understand.” She could barely contain her excitement.
“We will see if you do. Get changed and meet me back here. I’ll take you home.”
Brynne nodded and hurried to change. She was in a state of euphoria and totally freaked out at the same time.
Angus nodded to her when he helped her into the Bentley. He drove another long and convoluted way to her house and Brynne considered Gage’s warnings about Dimitri. She stayed quiet and scanned her email while Gage did the same. When they reached her front door, she fumbled to open the lock, while trying to think of something witty to say. He snatched the keys and opened the door.
She stepped inside, expecting him to follow. Instead, he stood under her dim porch light and said, “Text me your personal email address. I will send you a document to review and sign.”
“What kind of document?”
“An NDA, plus my medical report, and a referral to a clinic for tests. After that, we will discuss my expectations and your hard and soft limits.”
“Oh.” She felt awkward now and disappointed with his official tone.
“Nothing more should happen until those are complete.”
He was all business, and she hated it. She thrust her chin out. “Is that all?”
“You can always change your mind. I’ll understand.”
“Do you want me to? Change my mind, I mean?”
He paused for a moment, his eyes narrowing. “No. But these formalities are in place to protect us both.”
“I have no intention of changing my mind and I don’t give a rat’s ass about the paperwork. I would, however, like to discuss you fucking me into next week.”
She saw his eyes darken, and his mouth twitched. “A rat’s ass?”
“Please don’t make me beg, but if that’s your thing , I will.” Careful, Brynne.
He pushed her into the flat and kicked the door shut behind them. His massive hand clamped around her neck, the warmth of his unyielding palm pressing against her hammering pulse. His fingers slid beneath her hair, tilting her head back until she felt the old dresser digging into her back. He buried his nose in the crook of her neck, inhaling deeply. A sharp nip at her ear sent a jolt through her, and he growled against her exposed neck, “You really like to test me, don’t you, Red?”
“Yes,” she breathed. It gave her a thrill to push the boundaries of his control. She wanted him to let go.
His grip on her hair tightened, and he nibbled her bottom lip. “If you were mine, you would quickly learn the consequences of disobedience.”
“Don’t hold back. I want to experience everything .”
Gage stared at her, and it felt like time stood still. She knew it was a gamble, but there was no stopping now. In essence, she’d just said, “Do with me what you will.”
His mouth devoured hers in a ferocious kiss. Their tongues met and dueled until they both had to come up for air. He abruptly pulled back, yanked off her coat, and tossed it on the floor. He frog-marched her to the couch and pulled her sweater up and over her head, trapping her arms in the sleeves behind her. Next, he dragged the cups of her pretty lace bra down, exposing her breasts so they swelled above the crushed material.
“I will fuck you into tomorrow, but you will not come.” He rolled her aching nipples between his fingers as he continued, “In fact, you may not come until you’ve signed the documents and gotten tested—and then, only when I’m present to give you permission.”
“That’s just cruel,” she whined.
“I warned you. Good girls only get to come when they do as they’re told.”
His body was up against her back, and Brynne could feel the hard line of his erection against her rear. She pushed her backside into him and maneuvered her hands so she could caress the bulge in his pants. In response, he tormented her nipples until she cried out.
“You’re lucky I don’t have a crop here to punish you properly.”
Brynne knew one thing: He knew how to make her body sing. There was nothing contrived about his dominance. It was as natural as breathing to him. And it caused her insides to melt.
He pulled her head back so it rested on his collarbone. His gravelly voice vibrated against her ear. “Don’t move.” Then his teeth closed on her earlobe.
He shoved her legs apart with his foot. She moaned plaintively when his hands worked the button and zip on her jeans, quickly unfastening them. Heat radiated off his hands. She bit her cheek to keep from whining when his fingers burned a path south until they sank between her swollen folds and found her soaking wet.
“All for me.” His hot breath bathed her ear as he played, caressed, and painted her skin with her juices. He was avoiding her throbbing clit and Brynne shifted her hips to aim his fingers. When that failed, she considered pleading.
His teeth still held her captive when he brought his hand to her mouth and smeared her wetness all over her lips and under her nose.
Brynne whimpered, and a tremor went through her body.
When he released her ear and turned her face toward his, she saw raw hunger radiating from his eyes. His gaze was full of fire and triumph. His fingers sank into her mouth, and she instinctively sucked on them with wild abandon. Holding her jaw in his iron grip, Gage licked and nibbled on her lips. If he wasn’t holding her up, she would have sunk to the floor. His mouth covered hers and she tasted scotch and herself on his tongue.
He yanked her jeans and panties down to her knees and bent her over the arm of the sofa. She was helpless, exposed, and loving every single second of his power over her.
She floated somewhere between shame and excitement. The yearning to surrender to his control drowned out the voices whispering that it was wrong. Her heart soared when she heard the condom wrapper, and his harsh intake of breath. A moment later, he was spreading her cheeks wide, and she lurched in fear that he had another avenue in mind.
“Be forewarned, Red, you will take me there. But not until I have prepared you.”
Brynne whimpered as he moved the head of his cock methodically back and forth, coating it in her arousal, taunting her clit.
“Please,” she begged, hardly recognizing her voice.
Whether he was answering her prayers or giving into his own need, she didn’t know and didn’t care. When he entered her, it was sublime deliverance. He drove his full length slowly and deliberately until he buried himself balls deep.
Brynne squeaked in awe of the exquisite fullness, but before she could savor it, he grabbed hold of her hips and started plunging in and out, faster, and harder. His thighs smacked against hers over and over, making her dizzy. She heard his breath hissing between his teeth, then he dragged her up by the shoulders, so her back was up against his chest. She laid her head back, reveling in her helplessness, and he took advantage of her exposed neck, nipping and sucking on her hammering pulse.
“Look at me.” It was a command, pure and simple. When she turned toward him, his hands seized her breasts forcefully, making her gasp. His mouth was on hers to take her breath into his. It was then, with their mouths fused, that he came in a violent torrent.
Gage expelled a harsh breath and carefully withdrew. The intensity of his release stunned him. If he wasn’t careful, she could become as addictive as heroin.
Pulling up his pants, he made his way to the bathroom to dispose of the condom. After quickly cleaning himself, he returned to the scene of the crime. Brynne looked ravished and radiant—her lips swollen from his kisses; her breasts flushed pink from his rough treatment.
“You like to bring out the beast in me.”
She had the decency to blush. Her playful smile disarmed him. He placed a kiss on each breast and pulled up the lace cups to cover the temptation. She wiggled her arms but couldn’t get the sweater off without his help. Once free, she yanked up her jeans and glared at him. “I don’t understand why you want to deny me an orgasm. It could take a week for me to get to the doctor.”
“It is to teach you that I am in control of your pleasure, not you. You’re accustomed to getting what you want, when you want it, through manipulation and misbehavior. Your submission allows me to decide what is best for you. And with it, I get the pleasure of delivering your long-awaited release.”
“Oh.”
“Where is your vibrator?”
Her mouth dropped open in shock. “Seriously? You don’t trust me?”
“I’m removing unnecessary temptation.” He searched the bedroom, then remembered the bathroom was the last place he’d seen it.
“Found it.”
She wrinkled her cute nose in fury. “I can’t believe you.”
“Hmm, I’ll enjoy thinking of you like this. Pent up, angry, needy, and waiting for me to deliver you from sexual purgatory.”
“I didn’t know you were a sadist!”
He smiled and winked. “I thought you wanted to learn about the B, the D, the S, and the M?”
She huffed out a breath. “Touché. I do.” She lifted her chin. “You don’t scare me.”
“Good to know, Red.”
She followed him to the door and crossed her arms petulantly. Without heels, she came up to his mid-chest.
He tipped her chin up. “I will know if you masturbate, and I will be very disappointed. Let’s see if you can comply with this one request, knowing it will please me.” He kissed her on her nose and left.