Chapter 3
FLEX
“I’m thinking of having some pieces commissioned for the training floor.” This is the first time in a week that Dalton has had time to meet regarding the club. He’s been slammed with The Callaghan Group, so I have a short window to iron out the last additions to the training floor.
“What does Carter think?” Our business partner knows opulence when it comes to a club, but he’s not in the lifestyle, so there are certain things I don’t talk through with him.
“He said that whatever needs to be done, he can get it fast-tracked. I didn’t go into detail. Remember, his little sister will be up on that level, getting all kinds of tied up by Logan.”
“ Fuck! ” he says as a chuckle escapes him. “I’m a terrible friend. Holy shit. Can you imagine having a sibling in this place?”
A full-on belly laugh escapes me. “I’d be jailed for murder.”
“Preach! If I had a sister, she’d be getting a chastity belt.”
“Forget that. She’d be signed up for the convent.” I don’t remember the last time we had a drink together. It’s been weeks.
“So, what are these pieces that Carter can’t see for fear of the mental anguish it would cause?”
“I was up there the other day with Celest, and she suggested that it might be good to have adaptive training for polyamorous dynamics. It’s a great idea.”
“Are you fucking her?” The furrow of his brow seems excessive.
“What’s with the face?”
“She is my employee. I don’t need your dick causing problems. She’s amazing at her job.”
“Is it weird that you’ve seen her naked?” She looks really fucking good.
“I don’t hang out up there. I’ve heard it’s quite the crowd draw, but I’ll pass. It was enough of a shock when she showed up here after I hired her. She assured me she was in the lifestyle, fully trained, and had already signed an NDA. You didn’t answer the question. Are you fucking her?”
“Why? Am I banned from fucking her? Do I need to add her to the list? I’m not even allowed to look in Jenna’s direction. Anyone else?”
“You didn’t listen when it came to Jenna, so it doesn’t matter what I say, does it?”
I down the rest of my scotch before pouring another. “Things aren’t always as they seem.”
“Jenna wearing nothing but your suit jacket didn’t leave much to the imagination.”
“I didn’t fuck her.”
“Yeah, right. You fuck anything that moves.”
“I swear I didn’t. Her drink spilled, and I took her to my room to clean up.”
“Seriously?”
“Am I that bad a guy? Is it incomprehensible that I could just be friends with a woman?”
I top up his glass.
“You’re my best friend. I don’t think you’re a bad guy. Not at all.”
“But you assume the worst. For Jenna. With Celest.”
He scrubs his hand over the stubble on his jaw. “Sorry. I don’t have the right to dictate where you stuff your dick. ”
“ Stuff my dick. I think you mean where I conquer with my enormous and glorious cock.”
“I just threw up in my mouth a little. Nope… a lot.”
I clap him on the shoulder. “Truth hurts. We all know I have the biggest dick in this place.”
“Tell yourself what you need to, to sleep at night.”
“I sleep soundly after impaling the sub of the moment.”
“Okay, mighty hammer of Thor. TMI. Let’s get back to business. What do you have in mind for multiple dynamics on the training floor?”
“You said you’ve heard about Celest upstairs. She’s fucking phenomenal to watch, but the way it’s set up, she’s pretty far away from whoever she’s in a scene with. Think of a sex chaise but set up so they would be in much closer proximity. For instance, when she plays with Freya, I would want her just far enough away to be the ultimate tease.”
“Sounds good. What else?” That was easy.
“I want to have a dual St. Andrew’s cross made.”
“Wouldn’t you just have two side-by-side if you want more than one sub at a time?”
“Okay, so hear me out. I want to create an integrated version with the option to have a moveable one.” He seems intrigued.
“Like having one that acts as a spreader bar? Wouldn’t it be easier to just use the bars?”
“It might be easier, but it will be hot as fuck when I set it up. I want to be able to have one Dom orchestrate two subs at once. The second one can be fixed in the standard position for subs. It can be linked to the stationary one, and it can facilitate penetration for multiples.”
“Okay. That does sound pretty fucking hot.”
“You could demonstrate with Nadia and bring in a third. Maybe Celest.” I know it’s a red rag to a bull, but it’s too much fun to mess with Dalton these days.
“I will fucking hurt you if you ever utter that sentence again.”
“Jesus, you’re such a snowflake when it comes to Nad. ”
“Wait until you have a wife and become a possessive asshole too.”
“Are you kidding? For a start, there will be no wife. And if I ever ‘settle down’ with one sub, you can rest assured she’s going to enjoy company in my playroom.”
“You say that now,” he says with a smug grin.
“Dream on, bro.” I don’t like the way it hangs in the air. I’ll never be like him because he’s a good man. Loyal.
“Do you think you’re not good enough to have someone who loves everything about you? The kinks, the flaws, and all the good parts.”
“It’s not that deep. I don’t want the same things you do.” My irritation is thinly veiled at best. “I want to fuck. The who, where, and when don’t even matter. As long a woman is sure of herself, and her kinks align with mine, that’s all I need to know.”
He rolls his eyes, and it pisses me off. “Okay.”
“Seriously, bro. How many years have we known each other? Have I ever expressed any interest in settling down?”
“No, but…”
“But nothing. You live your life the way you want, and I’ll live mine. I don’t know why you’re looking at me with fucking pity in your eyes.”
“Calm down, Flex. What’s going on with you?”
“Nothing.”
“Bullshit.”
“Stuff you wouldn’t understand.”
“Try me.” There’s no way I’m telling Dalton about all the fucked-up shit going on in my head these days.
“Are you good to go ahead with the modifications I mentioned?”
“Yeah. I trust you.” There’s that look in his eyes again. Poor Flex. Doesn’t have a wife.
“Good. I’ve got to go, but I’ll give Carter the green light.”
“Sure. I’ll see you later.”
“Call me if you want to grab coffee this week.” I give him a tight smile before grabbing my keys and heading out for the night. Russell is waiting for me, as usual, and he’s probably relieved that I’m alone tonight.
When I get home, I take a long, hot shower before slipping into my sweats and sitting down with my phone, laptop, and a beer. After giving Dalton shit for what he thinks I need, I hate to admit there’s a loneliness in the air tonight. I work for an hour or so, doing some admin for my security firm. We’re nationwide now, and it’s a business I built from the ground up when I left the Navy.
It gets me thinking about what changes Jenna could make bespoke for the club. I’ve seen her work, and she’s excellent at what she does. Since she moved to New York, she and Nadia are building a goddamn empire.
Picking up my phone, I open my messages to start a new one.
Me: Hey, beautiful. I’ve been thinking about the possible security protocols of Venom.
Jenna: Hello, Flex. You realize you can just call me Jenna?”
Me: Where’s the fun in that? It’s simply stating fact.
Jenna: True. ;)
Jenna: Do you want to swing by my office tomorrow to discuss the protocols? I have a few meetings, but I could do a working lunch.
Me: I can make that work. Would you be able to show me the system you’re building for The Callaghan Group if we’re going to run it parallel to Venom?
Jenna: I’ll check with Dalton, but I don’t think it will be a problem.
Me: I’ll run it past him.
Jenna: Okay, so come by around noon tomorrow.
Me: See you then.
Jenna: And no flirting with me.
Me: I don’t do it on purpose. It just comes out when I’m talking to a beautiful woman.
Jenna: Well, you can’t. Nad told me to stay away from you, and you’re just a ridiculously handsome guy.
My dick twitches. She’s hot as fuck, and I’m ticked off right now that Dalton and Nadia think they can dictate my sex life.
Me: Ridiculously handsome? Tell me more.
Jenna: This is what I’m talking about.
Me: We’re not even in the same room. What harm is there in acknowledging that you’re beautiful and I’m a handsome devil?
Jenna: Because if I let you flirt with me, we’re going to end up in bed together.
Me: All the more reason to keep flirting.
Jenna: Down, boy.
Me: You’d love me to go down.
Jenna: I’m about to mute this conversation.
Me: Fine, but tell me this. When we were up on the voyeur floor, were you turned on?
The dots come and go for a few minutes.
Jenna: Yes.
Me: And if I’d slid your panties aside, would you have pushed me away?
Jenna: No.
Me: Then slide your fingers under your panties right now and imagine it’s me letting you ride my fingers.
Jenna: Goodnight, Flex.
Her response makes me laugh. She’s one hundred percent going to get herself off.
Me: Goodnight, Jenna. Sex dreams.
Me: I mean, sweet dreams. ;)
I don’t know why my friends seem to think I’m the bad guy all of a sudden. I’m always straight up with the women I sleep with. My subs are well taken care of. I see to their every need. I never deviate from the rules set out in my contracts.
Busying myself with plans for the poly training furniture, I draw up some plans on my laptop, messing around with them to get them as close to the vision in my head. Then I give Dalton a call.
“Hey, Flex.”
“He, bro. I won’t take up your time, just wanted to ask if you’re okay with Jenna showing me the software she’s creating for The Callaghan Group?”
“Sure. What do you need it for?”
“Jenna thinks it could be applied to Venom. It would essentially run parallel instead of you having to integrate the club with the rest of your business dealings.”
“Great idea.”
“She picked my brain for anything I might suggest as head of security.”
“Excellent. When is she planning to get started on it? I know she’s close to beta testing the new system.”
“I’m meeting with her tomorrow to flesh out my ideas.”
“Remember to keep it in your pants, Flex. I don’t need Naddie giving me shit about you two.” I bristle at his demand .
“My dick has nothing to do with your wife. I’m sick of being slapped on the nose like a horndog. I’m capable of thinking without my cock at times. Honestly, bro, I’m really fucking sick of it. I get it… I’m not going to sleep with Jenna. It’s work, and I pride myself on being professional in all my business dealings.”
“Seriously, are you okay?”
“I’m fine. I’ll have Jenna show me the new system and iron out the details of what needs to be changed for the club. Ensuring the anonymity of our members is paramount. Without discretion, we have nothing.”
“You didn’t answer my question. Are you all right?”
“Don’t worry about me, Dal. I’m okay. Just got a lot on my mind.”
“Well, I’m here if you want to talk.”
I’m not one to sit and talk about my feelings. I learned long ago that letting your emotions rule you is destructive.
“Thanks, bro, but you’re worrying about nothing. I’ve got everything under control.”
“Okay, if you say so.”
“I’ll keep you up to date on the third floor. I haven’t decided on the grand opening, but I was planning to sit down with Logan and Pierce to get creative. They’ve both done plenty of demonstrations in the past at different clubs they’ve attended. It’s about time we have their expertise outside of their private rooms.”
“Agreed. I really do think we ought to vet new members more thoroughly as we expand.”
“My thoughts exactly. It was fine when the only facilities were the private rooms. Whatever people engage in behind closed doors is for them to decide contractually. Now that we have level two, and shortly level three, it means we need to ensure the safety of our members.”
“Great. We’re on the same page. I’ll get with Jenna tomorrow on the new system, and I’ll meet with Carter this week for the custom pieces.”
“Sounds like you’ve got everything under control.”
“Always.” I have to. Control is what keeps my life in order. I trust no one outside of my friends here at Venom. Dalton, Pierce, and Ryder always have my back. There are a few others, but honestly, I keep most of my relationships at surface level. That’s not to say I wouldn’t drop everything to help a friend out. If Matteo or Ford came knocking on my door for help, I’d holster my gun and do whatever they needed. I was trained by my country to protect, and I don’t take that lightly.
When I hang up the call, I take a snapshot of the various custom ménage à trois pieces and text them to Celest. She inspired them, so I would like her opinion. I’m hoping she’ll be up for doing a demonstration on this new level. I’m sure Pierce and Freya will happily oblige. Celest answers before I get a chance to tell her why I’m sending random pictures.
Celest Monroe: Do you always accost women with kink furniture?
Me: Depends. Is it working?
Celest Monroe: What do you want to work?
Me: I was really inspired by your observation about the training floor. The first pic I sent was with you, Pierce, and Freya in mind. They could be on one side, and if you look at the dimensions, you would be much closer but just out of reach.
Celest Monroe: A ménage à trois sex chaise?
Me: Yeah. You are so far away from them when you’re on the voyeur floor. I thought maybe you would enjoy it more if you were closer. I think it would be sexy as hell.
Celest Monroe: I love it. You’re right, it would be sexier. I always feel like an outsider. I know I am because I’m always joining a scene, but this looks more intimate. More inclusive.
Me: I’m so glad you like it.
Celest Monroe: Can I ask you something?
Me: Go for it.
I wait for the pulsing dots to magically become her response.
Celest Monroe: Do you think Doms will steer clear of me because I’ve been doing scenes with Master Harrison and Freya?
Wow. I was not expecting such a heavy question. Venom is about indulging any kink without judgment, or so I thought.
Me: Where is this coming from?
Celest Monroe: Never mind.
Me: The answer is no. I don’t think it would deter a prospective Dom.
Celest Monroe: Really?
Me: 100% You should be enjoying it. If you’re not, then stop.
Celest Monroe: I am enjoying it. It’s fun.
Me: Why do I feel like there’s a ‘but’ coming? Tell me.
Celest Monroe: But I miss…
Me: What?
Celest Monroe: Dick. I miss it. And punishment. It’s a huge part of my identity as a sub.
Me: I could tell you five Doms right now who would help you out in that regard.
Celest Monroe: I don’t want a pity fuck. Please don’t tell anyone about this conversation.
Me: You’re my friend. Whatever you tell me is in the strictest confidence.
Celest Monroe: Thanks, Flex. Anyway, back to the subject. I love the designs. Can’t wait to see them at the unveiling of level three. You did an amazing job with the voyeur floor, so I know it’s going to be incredible.
Me: If you’re interested, maybe you could do a demonstration with Pierce and Freya?
Celest Monroe: I’ll leave that to them to decide, but in theory, yes, I’d be happy to.
Me: Awesome. Next time you’re at the club, the drinks are on me. I’m so thrilled with the changes to the training suite. I want to thank you!
Celest Monroe: I won’t be there until next Saturday.
Me: I’ll see you then. Night, Celest. Thank you for your help.
Celest Monroe: Anytime. Night, Flex.
Setting my phone on the coffee table, I go back over the designs, making some tweaks that will give functionality and luxury. They need to fit the feel of Venom. We strive for the club to be kink-friendly but also luxurious and opulent. Every decision for the club’s design was meticulously made to ensure nothing about it comes off as sleazy. It’s such a stereotype for the lifestyle, but Dalton and I wanted something different, and I think bringing in Carter—who was looking through a different lens—was the best decision we ever made.
There isn’t another club like Venom. We are the most elite club in the country. I know Logan has traveled all over the world and attended BDSM clubs in Europe, and he agrees that we’ve created a unique, palatial environment. High praise coming from a Master of his standing.
When I’m happy with the final designs, I fire off an email to Carter with the specifications. A thrill courses through me, thinking about the unveiling., and I have various couples in mind to make the grand opening a success.
I work long into the night. Running two businesses comes with its challenges, but that’s one of the reasons I’m happy with the status quo regarding relationships with subs. I don’t have the time or the inclination to incorporate anyone into my life. I have big plans, and my career is the one thing I won’t give up for the sake of a good fuck and a sub who knows how to take punishment the way I administer it. There will always be a submissive ready to drop to her knees and suck my cock. My career is more important than a woman spreading her legs for me, and it always will be.