Chapter 3 #2
This is unexpected. The third floor is reserved for founding members and VIPs. I'd known Gage was a regular, but I hadn't realized he was that connected.
"Thanks," I manage, trying to hide my surprise.
I bypass the main floor and head directly to the elevator, pressing the button for the third floor and using the code Gage gave me. As the doors slide closed, I take a deep breath, trying to center myself. This is just play, I remind myself. Just a scene with a new Dom.
But as the elevator climbs, I can't shake the feeling that tonight might be the beginning of something more than I bargained for.
The elevator doors open directly into a small lobby area. Gage is waiting, leaning against the wall with casual grace. He's dressed in dark jeans and a charcoal button-down, sleeves rolled up to reveal strong forearms with a hint of tattoos. The sight of him sends a jolt of electricity through me.
"Right on time," he says, pushing off the wall and approaching me. "I appreciate punctuality."
"I aim to please," I reply, trying to keep my voice steady.
His eyes darken as he takes me in, his gaze traveling slowly from my face down to my feet and back up again. "Yes," he says softly, "I believe you do. Can I touch you?"
Club Red is big on consent, and I like the fact that he is asking about it before we move any further.
"Yes," I say.
He offers me his hand, and I take it, allowing him to lead me down a hallway. One door has a group of men stationed outside, and I vaguely recognize Mase in the corner, his presence unmistakable. He watches, but his eyes never meet mine. He nods at Gage, and Gage nods back, but neither says a word.
We pass several doors before stopping at one on the end. He swipes a keycard, and the door opens to reveal a spacious suite.
It's not what I expected. Rather than the dungeon-like atmosphere of the playrooms on the second floor, this is more like a luxury apartment. There's a sitting area with elegant furniture, a small kitchenette, and doors that presumably lead to other rooms.
"Drink?" Gage offers, moving to a small bar in the corner.
"Water, please," I reply, not wanting alcohol to dull my senses tonight.
He nods approvingly, pouring water for me and what looks like scotch for himself. He hands me the glass, his fingers brushing mine deliberately.
"Nervous?" he asks, his voice gentle.
I consider lying but decide against it. "A little."
"Good," he says, taking a sip of his drink. "Nerves heighten the experience."
"Before we go any further, remember your safe words?" he asks.
I've been at Club Red for so long. They are drilled into me, but this is our first scene, so I appreciate that he is making sure and not assuming.
"Green means I'm good, yellow means we are approaching a limit, and red means stop," I recite them.
They go both ways. A Dom can safe word out, too, though it's rare when they are the one in control.
"Good girl." The praise sends a shiver through me.
I've never really had a praise kink, but when he tells me I've been a good girl, the throbbing between my thighs intensifies.
He reaches for a silk blindfold on the nearby dresser and lifts it, brushing it across my cheek before whispering, "Let's see how well you follow directions."
The air crackles with energy as he guides me until I'm backed up against a wall.
As I feel the silk slide over my eyes, stealing my sight, it heightens every sensation.
If this were some guy I had just met, I wouldn't feel this comfortable being blindfolded so soon.
But Dante gave me his word. He told me that Gage is a good one, plus my gut says I can trust him.
I hear the soft clink of metal as he gathers what he needs.
Immediately, it pulls me from my thoughts.
I shudder, my entire body responding to his presence.
He circles me slowly, his fingertips trailing across my bare shoulder, teasing, igniting every nerve in my body.
"Skye," he murmurs, his lips brushing the shell of my ear. "Breathe."
I exhale shakily, my heart pounding as he steps behind me, his hands skimming down my sides before gripping my hips, firm and possessive.
"Good girl. You have no idea how long I've been waiting for this," he says, voice thick with hunger.
My body trembles in anticipation.
"Tonight is about trust," he says. "About surrender. Are you ready for that?"
I swallow, then nod. "Yes, Sir."
"Good." He reaches down, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Then let's begin."
"Remove your clothes. Then, arms behind your back," he instructs.
Again, I comply, letting my clothes fall to the floor and clasping my hands behind me.
He moves behind me, and I feel the silk against my skin as he binds my wrists together. His movements are precise, deliberate, and the pressure of the binding is firm but not painful.
"How does that feel?" he asks as he secures the final knot.
I test the restraint. It's secure but not uncomfortable. "Good, Sir."
"And your color?"
"Green, Sir."
"Excellent." His hand caresses my bare shoulder, a gentle touch that sends a shiver down my spine. "Now, let's see if we can push that a little further."
And with that, he leads me toward where I think the bed is, and the night truly begins.