Chapter 25
25
“ N o.”
The answer punches out of me immediately, and with enough force that she’ll hopefully drop it and scuttle off somewhere with her tail between her legs.
I do not need this shit right now.
Every ounce of blood in my body is seething at the sight of Andreas fucking Noire standing next to her, and I’m in dire need of some fresh air, a drink, anything to wipe away a tormented flood of memories that man provokes in me.
“Well, you see, that’s the problem, isn’t it?” Poe steps closer and keeps her voice measured, quiet enough that others won’t be able to hear… except for whoever this other girl is that immediately offered up her ass to be bent over my knee. Crysta? Crystal? Crysia? I don’t fucking know, but she seemed to think she knew me, like so many goddamn people in this place all like to believe.
They all think they know Hawke Calliano , but that’s only the mask I’ve permitted them to see.
“Problem?” This other girl still stands there and doesn’t seem interested in leaving.
“Yes.” Poe tilts her head and smiles at me from behind her mask. The act might shape her lips, but I see the way it doesn’t reach her eyes. “See, I’m supposed to be learning with you, aren’t I? Wasn’t that the instructions given?”
I narrow my focus on her.
“Not to mention that tonight I’m supposed to be experiencing Noire House, and if an opportunity such as this arose, am I not meant to be continuing to learn exactly how a sub is supposed to please her Sir ?” Poe might be talking to me, and directing her questions at me, but there’s no doubt that every word is intended for the woman still lingering at my side.
“Oh, I didn’t realize…”
“An easy mistake,” Poe says sweetly, before addressing me. “But I think there have been certain orders passed on where my initiation is concerned. If I’m not mistaken, of course?” She lifts one shoulder and looks around the room. “If you’d like, I could offer myself to one of the other groups here and see if they might prefer to…”
“That won’t be necessary.” I cut her off. Absolutely fucking not. There is no way Poe is going to be handled by anyone else here tonight, unless it’s myself, Grey, or Angel, and I find myself moving to guide her a little further away from where anyone else might be able to hear our conversation.
There are eyes and ears goddamn everywhere in this fucking mansion.
“What do you think you’re playing at, Poe?” Bending down, I say the words quietly into her ear.
“No games. Just being the dutiful sub you’ve been assigned. Although, if you don’t want your evening to be disrupted by me, I’ll just carry on my night of exploring as I’ve been instructed, and you can summon me to your office at whatever point in the future you decide.”
Her energy is hard to read. While I can usually discern the inner thoughts of most people who come through the doors to Noire House, there’s something in Poe that I can’t identify. While I can strip away the bullshit of parading herself in front of strangers, or provoking me into taking action, there’s just enough hint of curiosity within her that feels genuine.
“Under the section about impact play—spanking specifically—what was your answer on the form I sent you?” My gaze follows the rise and fall of her chest, picking up speed the longer we’re surrounded by the sounds of a hand firmly slapping against bare skin, over and over.
“You haven’t read it yet?” Her big eyes find mine in the dim light.
“Not yet.” I truthfully hadn’t, and I’m not sure why the need to ignore what might lie inside that attachment she returned had been so compelling. Typically, on any regular occasion, questionnaires are completed and emailed, and I peruse them. That’s all there is to it. I’m provided the information I need and can ensure the other person’s safety is ensured.
In this? There’s something else lingering there in my brain, and it’s fucking irritating.
Poe swallows before speaking. “For spanking… I ranked it high on my interests.” Her voice catches a little, not exactly nervous, but not confident, either.
“We haven’t discussed a safe word, or anything like that yet.”
“Then we can do that now.” She’s determined not to let this go.
“Why here? In public and like this?”
Poe fidgets with her hair, trying to catch a strand that hangs loosely. As I watch on, she has trouble juggling her clutch and keeping focused on the question while that mask gets in her way. On instinct, I reach forward and brush it back for her, allowing the silky strands to rub between my fingertips for a second, then hook it behind her ear.
“Supposedly, I’m here to demonstrate how well I survive in this world. You said it yourself… learn to swim… so this is me, fucking paddling, ok?”
I study her for a long moment before speaking.
“You need to pick a word that is memorable for you personally, but not said easily in the heat of the moment. Nothing that could be confused or overlooked.”
“Jasmine.”
My lips twitch. “That was incredibly fast, Poe. Had that prepared ahead of time, I see.”
She nods, the subtle lighting revealing a flush still climbing up her neck. As I stand here, looming close, there’s a heat building low in my stomach at the anticipation of having her over my knee. Except that sensation has no right to be there. This is only the job , after all.
Running my hand over my jaw, I take a moment to consider this. I hadn’t intended on anything of this nature in the glare of the spotlight here amongst other members, unless directed otherwise. I hadn’t anticipated her demand to be more than just a sub I’m required to initiate behind closed doors.
“I suppose we never did determine your punishment for the other night’s behavior.” As I say the words, I keep my attention on her breathing, gauging her reaction to this. Because if Poe is only intent on fighting me, then I have no interest in taking this further.
She can be a brat in someone else’s hands if that’s what she desires.
“Did I do something wrong… Sir?” She hesitates over that final word, and Jesus, hearing her say it voluntarily, makes the back of my neck heat. I’m not here to get involved, or to become anything but the guiding hand she needs to survive this world. And yet, apparently, her plush lips forming that word, addressing me as such, is a hit I didn’t know existed until this moment, surrounded by the scent of sex and sounds of a room dedicated to impact play .
“You were learning; however, I believe this is an appropriate way to understand what the consequences are if you choose to ignore instructions again in the future.”
Her lips part, and those dark eyes flicker around the people gathered, taking in the current activities occupying the attentions of those in the room.
“Are you going to do that?” As I follow her attention, I see that there is use of a flogger, and the man receiving the lashes is cuffed to a bench.
“Do you think that’s what you deserve? Or would you prefer something different… have you seen something you’d like to explore?” Those words coming out of me flow freer than I expected, considering our limited time in each other’s company, and I have to clear my throat.
The task—quite literally at hand—has got to be my only agenda here.
Another quick swallow as she wets her lips precedes the admission I think is about to flip the course of this evening on its head. “Can I please have your hand, Sir?”
Goddamn, the way she says it, a little raspy and uncertain, but also stepping into the role that only a few days ago she was determined to rail against, it’s a heady sort of a feeling.
“Good.” I clear my throat. “You’ll be on display, just as you’ve asked, and even though I’ll check in with you, it’s important to use your safe word if needed.”
Poe looks at me, those eyes going a little rounder as it becomes clear this is happening right here and now.
“Come with me.” I lead the way and find a position for us on one of the long leather seats near the center of the room. It’s not exactly an on-stage performance; we have other spaces in the club for that kind of thing, but this is a room where you can occupy one of these seats and easily be observed by everyone, including those who might be out in the hall looking in through the large glass panel .
From inside, you cannot see out; however, there will undoubtedly be whispers bringing more onlookers now that I’ve set foot inside this particular room. My nights in this place are usually spent running the show, not taking part in it.
As I shrug out of my suit jacket, folding it onto the seat, and then taking my position with knees spread wide, the energy around us shifts dramatically. There’s an eagerness in the air to know who this girl is and why she’s here with me in particular. With her figure-hugging dress and partial mask, Poe blends in with this world already, and I shouldn’t give a fuck, but there’s something tugging in my stomach about seeing her be so easily swallowed up by the Anguis and their customs.
She hovers just in front of me, waiting for my instruction, when really she should know exactly what to do in this situation.
My eyes flick to the floor, then back up to meet hers.
I see she’s holding onto the clutch Angel and Grey have permitted her to bring along, and I reach forward to remove it from her hands. That certainly won’t be needed for what comes next.
As soon as I set the bag down, I unfasten my shirt cuffs and begin to roll the sleeves up my arms. Meanwhile, Poe stands stock still and seems to be caught in a battle waging within.
“You said it yourself… tonight was an opportunity to be seen holding your own in this world, was it not?” I keep my voice hushed as I say the words. Avoiding anyone who might be listening too intently. “However, if you’ve changed your mind…”
That sparks something in the girl before me, and Poe hitches the fabric of her dress, sinking to her knees just in front of my legs before I can finish what I was about to say.
Her gaze drifts to the floor, and she does everything perfectly as we both set the scene for our audience .
“Forget about everything else here, and just focus on me,” I tell her. “Give me a nod if you understand.”
A dip of her chin comes immediately in reply.
“Very good.” Reaching forward, I find the fixture for her mask and remove it, tossing it on the seat beside her clutch. That gives me a full view of her heart-shaped face, and that surge of something unfamiliar races through my stomach again. This time, I grasp her chin between my thumb and forefinger, bringing her attention to rest on my gaze.
“Now, I’m going to lie you across my lap, and I think ten should serve as both an ample punishment, and warning of what to expect next time.”
Poe gives another little bob of her chin beneath my fingers.
“You may get up now. Head at that end. Both hands flat on the seat.”
A ripple of noise transfers around the room as more attention swings our way. Whoever else had been engaging in a public show has now ceased their activities, leaving all focus lasered in on this moment. I have no idea if the individuals who have claimed Poe for their own are in this very room right now, watching and observing their new pet, and there’s an immediate squeeze of something in my chest.
I want them to see just how good this girl is for me , and I want them to see exactly how she’ll respond to my hand.
Because fuck them.
As Poe climbs across my knee, lying face down, I feel her nervous energy and clipped breathing. Her scent winds around me now that we’re so close, and too many memories come rushing at me.
So often in my life, I’m caught off-guard by foul, unpleasant rememberings of my brother and I surviving a stolen childhood and the worst kinds of abuse. Yet, this brings about only the exact way she positioned herself in my lap once before. Of all that smooth skin and softness perched so perfectly for me.
My throat tightens as her body drapes over my thigh, and I’m given a sight that is undeniably gorgeous. Her rounded ass and curved spine, with the perfect fit of fabric caressing full hips. It makes my fingers itch to explore, to glide across all that bronzed skin and recollect all the ways she felt beneath my grip, back when this girl was nothing to us except a set of commands to follow. That’s all she is now, but it’s so much goddamn harder knowing how closely she’s fitted with the others.
There’s a reason I haven’t been sleeping at the house, and while I’ll be damned if I admit it out loud, it’s everything to do with her.
Hooking my fingers beneath the velvety hem of her dress, I feel her shudder as my touch grazes the back of her calf. Then I’m hitching the material higher and higher until it comes to rest against the small of her back, exposing an ass that is damn near mouthwatering. Peachy and rounded and laid out on sumptuous display.
Her underwear is high cut, delicate silk and lace in a champagne color, and of course, it’s made only more enticing to know she’s not wearing something skimpy to put on a performance for anyone.
When I peel back the waistband, and settle the material squeezed around her upper thighs, I can feel the way she’s squirming ever so slightly, and Jesus, I don’t want to dare explore just how wet this girl might be already.
I don’t want to, and yet I find myself compelled to know all the same. Because it seems as though this is something Poe is enjoying, even though she might not have known that about herself before tonight, and fuck if that isn’t a beautiful thing to witness.
And I’m the asshole given the opportunity to deliver both the pain and pleasure of this moment.
“I’m going to start with two, then check in.” My voice is thick as I run my palm across that soft skin, knowing how perfect those cheeks are going to look reddened and imprinted to my touch any second now.
“Yes, Sir.” She squirms a little more as I rub my palm in a slow circle.
“Remember to breathe,” I instruct.
She nods, her fingertips flexing against the seat, and her head stays tilted away from mine, averting her gaze. Which I immediately don’t like.
“Turn your head to face me, and use your words.”
Poe readjusts herself just as instructed, and that allows me to see her features, with one cheek pressed against the leather. That small motion turns her eyes toward mine and it’s like the room disappears seeing her laid out for me like this. I didn’t think such a simple moment would feel anything out of the ordinary. I’ve lost count of the number of times this type of scene has unfolded before me, and yet seeing Poe fully submitting to my palm and my authority is a rush that thunders in and seizes me by the throat.
“I’m sorry. I will.”
“For that, you’re going to have your punishment increased.” The look on her face is a mixture of shock intertwined with arousal, and well, shit; that sight makes me immediately regret not starting higher than ten in the first place. “Another ten.”
“Thank you… Sir.”
Beneath my palm, I feel her thighs squeeze together, and that small motion is the final piece that undoes whatever hold I might have had over my own body’s response to this girl. My dick jerks inside my pants, and no doubt she will be able to feel every single inch of my own interest in what is about to occur by the time we’re done here.
The first smack comes quickly. Her lips fall open on a sharp intake of breath, as I follow with the same on the other side.
“That’s two,” I say through damn near gritted teeth.
“Thank you. ”
“You’re going to count the rest.”
I give her another two in quick succession, then rub my palm over the sting.
Poe sucks in another breath, then quickly swipes her tongue over her lips. “Four. Sir .”
“Very good.” I can feel all eyes on us, and yet I’m not taking a single moment of my attention off the girl in my lap. There’s already a reddened patch starting to blossom on both cheeks, and Christ, she looks far too good like this. Too good for my sanity, my ability to focus on what it is I’m here to deliver and that’s all it’s meant to be.
“Keep counting.” With each subsequent blow, her flesh jiggles and quivers, and her breathiness increases. That redness flushes and blooms perfectly, and the longer we continue, the more she writhes across my lap. Poe tries oh, so dutifully to lie there and take it without giving up or showing any sign that she won’t see this through until the end.
My cock is fully hard by the time we reach ten, and I have to clench my jaw to try and wrestle control of what I need to say, as opposed to what I want to do, which is to thrust my fingers between the soft swell of her thighs and discover just how dripping wet she is right now.
“T–Ten,” she pants out, and her fingernails curl against the seat above her head.
We press forward like this, my palm connecting with her skin over and over. Some strikes come twice in the same spot and there’s no denying her little whining noises start to pick up in volume as her eyes scrunch closed.
“ Fifteen .”
“Keep your eyes on me,” I order, and just as I raise my hand to strike again, an undeniable whimper of pleasure escapes in anticipation. When my palm lands, I feel a shudder roll through her limbs.
Only this is different than before. A greater intensity. Far more urgent. A sheen of dampness coats her brow, and those dark eyes are wide like a doe’s as she stares back at me.
“ Sixteen .” Her voice has a pleading edge to it, and fuck my life, I think this girl is about to fall apart while spread over my lap, taking her first public spanking.
“Faster?” I grunt, and she nods frantically.
The hard length of me digs into her soft stomach, and I rain down the final blows in quick succession as she gasps those last numbers.
“Seventeen.” Smack. “Eigh—Eighteen.” Smack . “N—Nineteen.” Smack .
Her body convulses as the word Twenty disappears from her lips and morphs into a soft moan. Poe’s face is an incredible thing to witness as that wash of pleasure carries her off for a moment, yet the whole time she does as I say and keeps her gaze locked with mine, even if I can tell she’s not entirely focused because it feels too damn good.
I smooth my palm over the hot skin, and while I want to look my fill and appreciate the sight of those reddened marks I’ve branded her with tonight, I also can’t stop drinking down every subtle change in her expression.
Getting hard while spanking this girl wasn’t part of the plan for this evening. Even less so was being close to her like this and taking part in providing some glimpse into her undiscovered pleasures. A girl who is bound to receive my instruction, but also that’s all she’s meant to be, and now this moment right here is a reminder of all the ways I’ve already experienced her.
All the ways I’ve tried to ignore and forget, because I don’t want to be getting aroused when it comes to her.
I already know how her wet cunt feels around my cock. I know those small tells, the way her breath hitches and fans against my skin, and I already know the way her fingers dig in tighter as she’s right on the precipice.
I’ve seen and experienced all those things, and now I’ve just been tossed right back to that place. She’s illuminated that imprinted mark left upon my brain of what it felt like to be with her.
An encounter I had to forget.
I had no other fucking choice but to erase that night from my memory.
There was never a choice in the matter.
I’m in the process of readjusting her underwear back in place, and just about to settle her dress back down, when I feel the shadow of Angel draw near.
The motherfucker looks like he’s about to murder me.
While I have absolutely no right to feel this way, I cannot help the smug satisfaction crowing in my chest. The asshole part of me returns his glare with a look that says it all.
Yes, all I had to do was spank this girl’s ass, and she shattered in my lap.
Amidst the noises of appreciation and murmured compliments now that our performance has come to a conclusion, he takes over. Slipping his big palms carefully under her shoulders, he lifts her off my lap and encourages her to sit up of her own accord.
Poe looks at him a little bleary-eyed, still floating somewhere in a state of pleasure. With a drowsy smile, she reaches out for his face, feathering small strokes over his temple. A silent exchange passes between them confirming that she’s ok.
Which I could have fucking told him, but I doubt he’d listen to anything I have to say right now.
Quickly grabbing my jacket, I adjust my position and use it to cover the straining erection there, because while seeing the outline of a hard cock is absolutely nothing compared to what goes on inside these walls, I also don’t need to damn well parade around for everyone to know that I was so affected by this—by her.
With my other hand, I move to pass Poe’s things to Angel, who looks ready to carry her out of here bridal style, like some sort of hero. As if I did something she didn’t goddamn well insist upon in the first place.
“She needs proper aftercare.” Narrowing my eyes on him, I deposit the clutch and mask into his hand.
He gives me another death stare, then is on the move. Whisking her away, heading in the direction of one of the private exits that only we know about within the mansion.
Leaving me to follow in his wake. But I won’t be returning to the house. Not tonight.
Instead, I take myself back to my office, where I know I can lock the door, pour myself a drink in peace, and get my mind firmly back where it belongs.
Certainly not on thoughts of Poe and whatever the hell just happened.