Chapter 22
FLEX
“What the fuck were you thinking? How would you feel if I kept a secret like that about Addi?” Carter is one of my closest friends, but I can’t let this betrayal slide.
“It’s different. She’s my wife and has been for a long time. You change subs every few months.” He’s lucky I don’t launch myself over his desk and beat the crap out of him.
“So high and fucking mighty for a reformed manwhore, according to your brother-in-law.” Logan has regaled me with tales of his escapades with Carter and their friend, Xander, back in the day. By all accounts, Carter fucked everything that moved. At least I give my submissives a contract. What did he give anyone? A one-night stand.
“So, what, you’re done with all of that?”
“If you didn’t think your actions were questionable, you would just have told me. I’ve always been a good friend to you, Carter. This was bullshit, and you know it. I can take care of my own submissive.”
“Then, why was she begging me not to tell you? Are you sure she’s on the same page? Are you more than her current fuck buddy? ”
I grab his shirt across the table and let my right hook fly. “Talk about Celest like that again, and you’ll be eating your meals through a straw for the rest of your life. Consider this a warning shot. She’s mine.”
“Consider that your free shot. You come at me again, I will beat the fucking shit out of you, Flex. You don’t come into my club and disrespect me. I made sure she got home safely. She needed the money. Do you actually think it didn’t cost me money to have my driver take her home? I’m running a deficit with her because she’s your girl.”
“Then I’ll write you a goddamn check.”
“I don’t want your money, but I deserve your respect. If you tell me she’s the one, then fair enough. I will treat her as such from here on out, but don’t kid yourself that your track record doesn’t scream short-term.”
“She’s the one.” I drop back into my chair. “I thought she trusted me, but she was lying. What do I do with that?”
“Talk to her.”
“I did, but I can tell she’s still holding back. I’ve told her my deep dark secrets, and she is holding onto whatever shit brought her through the doors of Venom and into my life. I don’t want to push her, but I need to know she’s safe.”
“There’s something you’re not telling me.”
I wring my hands through my hair, blowing out a breath. I need to vent. “Someone has been following me. I’ve got cameras and security everywhere. Celest is staying at my place because whoever it was turned up at her place. I didn’t see them, but she saw someone through the window.”
“What can I do to help? If I’d known that, I would’ve come to you straightaway about Celest working the bar. Do you have any suspicions who it might be?”
“There was a guy scoping out my car at Celest’s a while back. He seemed on edge but played it off as being a car enthusiast. I had noticed his car. It seemed out of place in the neighborhood, but the same can be said of me. He told me it was a rental. I had Luther run the plate, but it was fake. I had one of my guys patrol for a few weeks after, but there was no further sign of him. I didn’t recognize him.”
“So how do you know they are looking for you? Could it be someone from Celest’s past?”
“Before that happened, I had someone follow me home on my motorcycle. They were in my parking garage. When I stepped into the elevator to go up to my apartment, they were standing in the shadows. No sign when I tried to find them.”
“Fuck. Why am I just finding out about this now?”
“I haven’t told anyone. Luther is my head of security, and he’s the only person who needed to know.”
“I’m assuming you have cameras everywhere now?”
“Yeah.”
“Even at Venom?”
“It’s already crawling with cameras, and it is members only. No one is getting in there without having their driver’s license scanned.”
“And if this person has a really good fake license?”
“I’ve got twenty-four-seven security on Celest, her daughter, and her mom.”
“What about you? Who’s got your back?”
“Me. I was a fucking Navy SEAL. Anyone comes at me, I’m taking them out.”
“How long has this been going on?”
“A few months. It hasn’t been constant. I figured I’d done enough to warn off whoever it was There have been no red flags until the other night in Celest’s backyard. She said she wasn’t even sure it was a person. It could have been an animal. It was dark.”
“But you think it was a person.”
“Yes. I immediately took them to my place. I’ve had their entire house and neighborhood fitted with every security measure available.”
“It’s a rough-as-hell area.”
“I know. She’s not going back there. I don’t care if she fights me on it, she signed the contract. Her safety is more important than her liking me.”
“I agree. I hope you don’t mind me saying this because my wife is the same way. Celest is feisty. She is going to fight back. Maybe she should keep working here for now. It would feel less like you are dictating her comings and goings. You know I’m not into your lifestyle, but I just know Addi would pitch a fucking fit if I tried to tell her what to do.”
“Yeah. I love that she’s so headstrong. It makes for a great dynamic in the bedroom, but this is different. I’m genuinely worried about her safety, and if she hates me for it, I’ll take the risk.”
“So, ask her to stay. Ask her to stop working here. If you force it, you’ll push her away.”
“How do you have all this sage advice, and you’re not even a Dom?”
“Unfortunately, my submissive sister fell in love with my Dom best friend. I knew way more than I wanted long before we bought Venom.”
“Shit. What was that like in the beginning?”
“A lot of anger. I just wanted to get Vittoria away from it all. I really thought she had been brainwashed. I hated Logan for treating her that way.”
“And now?”
“I try to be more open. The fact is that I have a number of friends in the lifestyle since taking on Venom, and they are in loving, healthy relationships. It’s not my place to judge.”
“Still… your sister. I’ve seen a demonstration of theirs at the club. Fuck me.”
“Say another word, and you’ll be the one eating your meals through a straw.”
“Fair enough.”
“Obviously, I’ll be at the training suite opening, but once that party starts, I’m out the door.”
“I get it. No one wants to see a sibling getting their kink on, but have you ever thought of taking a private room for the night and exploring what’s in there with Addi? I’m not talking about the voyeur floor or any of the communal spaces. A regular, private playroom.”
“Maybe. Someday. ”
“Just saying… a little date night that’s something different.”
“I’m not sure I could do it. She’d probably be the Domme,” he says, a hearty chuckle escaping him.
“I don’t think you have to worry on that front. The feisty ones always want to submit.”
“She does look good on her knees.”
“And on that note, I’m going to head out.” I reach out my hand which he graciously shakes. “I’m sorry I punched you.”
“Trust me, if there’s one thing I understand in life, it’s that sometimes fear makes us lash out at the people who are trying to help. I was so self-destructive it took Xander stepping in to tell me to get my shit together and go get my girl. I’ve got your back, Flex. Anything you need, you come to me, and I’m there. But if you ever try to land another punch, I’ll fight back.”
“It won’t happen again.”
“So, do you want Celest to keep working here, or am I going to sack her? You know my thoughts.”
“I’m going to talk to her, and whatever she decides, I’ll deal with it.”
“Good man.”
When I reach the door, I turn back just long enough to thank my friend for his wise words.
“Thanks, bro. I appreciate it.”
“Any time.”
Gracie and Nora are safe at my place, and I brought Celest to the club. She’s spiraling. I can see it in her eyes. She’s anxious and desperate for the control of our Dom/sub relationship, so I brought her to my playroom tonight, hoping to ease her stress a little.
“I hope Gracie settles down at bedtime. She’s been so clingy with you the past few days. I don’t like that she’s out of her routine.”
We sit out in the bar, nursing our drinks, taking a minute to catch up and take a breath. Things are pretty intense with us right now. “So, is there anything you want to tell me? You seem on edge, pet. I know you’re out of your element right now. I love having you at my place, but I know you want to get back to your house, to your own space. I thought maybe our playroom might help you relax.”
“ Our? ”
“Of course. Tell me you understand that this is it, pet? It’s you and me. That’s the way it’s going to be. The good, the bad, and the ugly.”
“Yes, Master.” Celest circles the top of her glass with her finger, chewing on her bottom lip.
“Okay. I’m all ears. What’s on your mind?”
“Just give me a minute.” She’s not agitated. She is afraid, and that makes my heart sink. I would hate to think she fears me.
“What can I do to help you, Celest?”
“Flex, the reason I haven’t told you about my past is because I’m not proud of it. I’m a different person now. Gracie gave me a reason to change my life for the better.”
“There’s nothing you could tell me that would alter how I feel for you.”
“I just need to say it.”
I reach across our table and take her hand in mine, trying to give her what strength I can. “There’s no rush. Take a breath.”
She’s worked up, I can tell. The rise and fall of her chest give her away every time.
“I was a drug addict when I fell pregnant with Gracie. A no good, waste-of-space heroin addict.” I don’t respond, giving her the space she needs to tell me what’s been burdening her for years. She did that for me when I told her about my parents.
“My mom and I hadn’t spoken in almost two years by then. I stole her hard-earned money and blew it all on drugs. I let my dealer do anything he wanted to me. I was his whore. Every time I think of him, I hate that I let him have that power. He used and abused me… and passed me around his friends. If he had a debt to pay and didn’t have the money, I was offered up as payment. It’s sick and twisted that I enjoy being called a slut and a whore within these walls.”
“Come here.” I expect her to fight back, but she immediately gets out of her chair and crawls onto my lap. Tears stream down her cheeks. “I’m going to take you to our private room so we can continue this discussion.”
“Yes, Master.” I slip my arms under her and cradle her as I stride through the bar. My heart aches for her. I had no idea she’s been carrying something of this gravity on her shoulders. She sobs as I open the door to our room and walk over to the couch. I don’t set her down but opt to sit and keep her close on my lap.
“Are you okay?”
“You must think I’m a terrible mother. A fucking junky whore. Gracie deserves so much better than I can give her.”
“Stop.” I let her settle for a moment, steeling myself before I speak. “You are a wonderful mother, Celest. Gracie is a happy, healthy girl. You’re not that person anymore. We all have a past, but it’s how we move on and become a better version of ourselves that matters.”
“I need you to know that I stopped using the day I found out I was pregnant. I went cold turkey, and it almost killed me going through withdrawals by myself in a dive motel.”
“Celest…”
“She’s the best thing that ever happened to me. I got clean and started building a life for us with what meager means I had. I interviewed with Dalton, and I don’t know why, but he took pity on me that day. I had no qualifications for the job in question, but he said yes, and that’s when life really turned around for us.”
“Remind me to hug the shit out of my best friend the next time I see him.”
“I trained on the job, took night classes online, and worked my way up. I rented what I could afford, and we gradually built a little life in a shitty neighborhood, but we were together, and I broke the cycle.”
“Do you still go to meetings? There has been a lot of stress lately. I can only imagine that could be triggering.”
“Yes. I don’t ever want to go back to being that person. It would kill me if I subjected Gracie to any of that. I can’t go back. I promise I won’t, Master Navarro. Please forgive me. Please. Please . ”
I cradle her as she cries, smoothing her hair out of her face. “I’ve got you, pet. Everything is okay. I won’t let anything or anyone hurt you again.”
“I… do you hate me?”
I cup her chin, forcing her to meet my gaze. “No. I could never hate you, Celest. I love you more than life itself.” She tries to look away, but she needs to see the unconditional love I have for her. “There’s nothing for me to forgive. You trusting me enough to tell me this incredibly painful part of your past only makes me love you more.”
“What?”
“Celest, I know you’re a strong woman, but I had no idea how strong until now. What you did, alone, is a testament to how incredibly strong you are. You’re a force of nature, pet. A fierce mom, an amazing friend, and a kind, loving submissive. That’s incredible. You didn’t let your struggle define who you are now. I’m so proud of you, pet. So fucking proud. Thank you for sharing this with me.”
She twists in my arms, her lips finding mine with such need and desperation. I want to talk more about this, but what I want and what she needs are two different things at this moment. I know my submissive. Celest needs me to show her love and take the reins for just a little while. To let her escape her demons for a few hours. Everything else can wait.
“Love me, Master. Please.”
“I do, pet. I love you.”
“Show me.”
“Take off your clothes and position yourself below the rack.” I have a restraint system hanging from the ceiling. I can cuff Celest with her hands above her head anywhere in this room. It allows for the most delicious of positions, and tonight, I’m going to claim her as mine in every way possible. She needs to know, without a shadow of a doubt, that she will always be mine. There is nothing she could say or do that would make me stop loving her.
Without question, she slips out of her clothes and lingerie before moving to stand beneath where the restraints hang down, ready for use. Her body is a wonderland of sinful intent, and I plan to kiss every last inch tonight. Dropping down to my knees, I slip my hands around her ankles, slowly making my way up her body, goose bumps trailing behind every caress. Celest has a perfect hourglass figure—petite but with curves in all the right places. When I reach her waist, I move closer, pressing soft, almost ghost-like kisses to her clit before quickly standing and continuing my ascent, pushing her arms above her head. Her breaths are ragged with anticipation.
“Do you trust me, pet?”
“Yes, Master.” Even her voice trembles with an urgency that only I can quell.
“You’re my good little whore, pet.” It irks me to say it. I know she needs reassurance that it’s okay to have this kink after everything she’s been through. Knowing she was passed around against her will makes me so fucking angry I can’t breathe. I see red, and it takes everything in me to calm the storm and set my feelings aside to give my submissive what she needs. “Isn’t that right?”
“Yes, Master.” I secure her hands above her head, putting her completely at my mercy.
“Tell me, pet, if I were to throw your legs over my shoulders and tongue fuck you where I stand, would you scream like a slut for me?”
“Yes.” The rapid rise and fall of her chest are answer enough. “Master.”
I grab her around the waist and hoist her up. “Wrap your legs around my neck, pet.” She complies like the well-behaved submissive I know and love. Bracing my hands on her ass, I hold her steady and keep a wide stance to keep myself steady.
I kiss the length of her in one long, languorous lick, reveling in how wet she is for me. “That’s it, pet, fucking take what you want.” She starts to move as I lick, nip, and tease her as she writhes. “Let me hear you.”
“Oh God… Master. Yes… please… don’t stop.”
“Never.”
She clamps her legs around my head, leveraging her weight to undulate her hips, and it is hot as fuck.
“Fuck!” I give her ass a sharp slap .
“Don’t curse, you little whore, or I’ll give you a mouthful of my cum to wash out that filthy mouth of yours.”
“Yes, Master. Please… I need to… I want… you! Yes… yes!”
I circle her clit, sucking it as she loses her fucking mind. I could do this all night long. She’s so goddamn hot it should be illegal. I know she needs me tonight, but she doesn’t understand how much I need her in return.
Teasing her with my mouth, I stop just long enough to bark a command. “Make sure your legs are holding tight, pet. I’m about to claim a part of you that belongs to no one but me.”
“Master.”
I worship her with my tongue as I glide a finger down her ass, softly caressing, letting her know my intention. “That’s it, pet. Relax, this is going to feel so good. Trust me.”
As she continues to ride my face, I slip two fingers into her pussy, coating my fingers in her arousal before moving back to her ass and circling her hole.
“Say yes, pet.”
“Yes!” She drops her head back as I slowly insert one finger, her body stiffening at the unfamiliar intrusion.
“Relax. You’re ready. You’ve been using the plugs. Let yourself enjoy it.”
She is quick to comply, her trust in me evident in the way she begins to move. That gives me immeasurable satisfaction as her Dom. Fuck, she’s so tight. I can’t wait to claim her there, but not before I fuck her mouth and pussy. By the end of tonight, she will be mine in every way. Celest will leave this room, cradled in my arms, spent after a night of pleasure and the punishment she desires.
She comes hard, screaming my name as her body convulses from the onslaught of orgasm and riding the aftershocks. “Oh God, Master… yes… Master! ”
When she goes limp over my shoulders, I gently set her down and lengthen the restraints to allow her onto all fours. I give her a few seconds to catch her breath before unbuttoning my fly and letting my aching cock spring free, hard as steel, with the taste of her still on my tongue .
“Up on your knees. If you can’t, then say your safeword and tonight’s activities will cease.”
“I can do it, Master.”
“That’s my good little pet.” I stroll to my wall of tools, grabbing a short riding crop. That will be perfect for her. When I return to stand where she waits patiently, I see her eyes light up when she spies the crop.
“I’m going to punish you and please you in equal measure. Be my whore and suck my cock while I give you fifteen lashes with the crop on your tits.”
“Gladly, Master Navarro.”
“Open.” She does as she’s told, her arms shaking as she clutches my thighs after such an intense orgasm.
I brush the head of my cock against her lips. “Tell me how much you want it, you little slut.”
“I want to taste your cum as it shoots down my throat, Master. It would be my honor to have you fuck my mouth.”
Jesus, if she keeps talking like that, I’m not going to last fifteen lashes. “As it should be.” I inch my way into the wet warmth of her mouth as her tongue flicks the crest before moving down my shaft. Holy fuck, she feels good.
As I begin to move and fall into a rhythm that I can sustain during her punishment, I lift the crop and spank the side of her breast. She looks so fucking hot on her knees, deepthroating me while her body begs for punishment.
“That’s it, Celest. Your mouth is so fucking good.”
I administer the next lash to the other side.
“Two… fuck me.” My cock hits the back of her throat every time, and it’s driving me to the brink of insanity. The only thing stopping me is the fact that I have to keep control and count as I punish her. This is what she needs more than anything tonight, and by the time I’m done, every muscle in her body is going to be exhausted, sated, and limp in my arms.
“Three. Come on, pet, take all of me. Relax your throat.” She tilts her angle, letting her take more, her gag reflex kicking in, tightening around the head of my dick. Fucking hell, she feels good. She quickly gets it under control and works my cock like her life depends on it. I’m so fucking turned on I can hardly stand it.
“Four.”
“ Five… Celest… fuck.”
This is a lesson in self-control. All I want to do right now is fuck her mouth so hard my cum will be spilling out.
“Six… seven… eight.” My voice is rough as I bite out the words, trying like hell not to shoot my load. Celest’s tits are turning a beautiful shade of red, and I know she’s going to be feeling this tomorrow when she’s at her desk, trying to concentrate, but with every brush of her lace bra against her skin, her mind will keep coming back to this moment. To the way her body feels as she pleasures me and takes her punishment.
“Nine. Jesus Christ! ”
I pick up the pace, chasing release, knowing it’s going to be so fucking intense.
“Ten… eleven… twelve. You have the mouth of a whore, pet. But you’re my whore and only mine. Always.”
She picks up the pace, eager to get me off and happy in her role as my submissive. Mine .
“Thirteen… fuck … fourteen… fuck me, Celest… fifteen.” I drop the crop and fist my hand in her hair, holding her steady as I crash over the edge, headlong into the most intense orgasm of my life. She takes it all, her tongue teasing every last drop of pleasure from me.
“Your mouth was made for me, pet.” I fall to my knees and loosen her restraints, massaging feeling back into her arms for her, but I’m nowhere near done with her tonight.