Chapter 9 #2
“Hold on. My brother, Tanner, is inside, and I really need to talk to him. You know, family emergency,” Kenzie said.
He eyed them and sighed. “Do you always dress like that for family emergencies? Not that I’m complaining.”
Junie stood up straighter. This wasn’t getting them anywhere, and she needed to find out if Tanner was here. Time to cut to the chase. “If only members can get in there, how can we become members if we can’t go inside?”
The Dungeon Master studied them for at least a millennium.
Though to be fair, he spent most of that time staring at Poppy.
Shaking his head, he gave a deep sigh. “I’m gonna regret this,” the man muttered.
“But I do know Tanner’s here. If you get into trouble, he can deal with you.
But you’ll have to fill out an application first. I’ll get you the forms. Just don’t make me regret it. ”
After one more heated glare, he opened the door, carefully locking it behind them before walking them over to a counter to get the applications. As he handed them out, the man scowled at Poppy. “Are you sure you know what you’re doing, little girl?”
Poppy stared up at him, wide-eyed and unable to speak. Kenzie grabbed her hand. “She’s sure,” she said, and dragged Poppy to the nearest table, where they sat down and filled out the applications.
Junie’s hands shook as she tried to answer the questions.
The questionnaire was long and very detailed.
She didn’t even know what half the things even meant.
To save time, and because it didn’t really matter since she was only here to find Tanner, she checked “yes” or “green” to almost everything. Kenzie and Poppy did the same.
The dungeon master, who’d introduced himself as Master Ren, reviewed their forms, raised an eyebrow, but ultimately gave them a one-night guest pass. “This is only for tonight. If you want to become members, you’ll have to attend orientation class.”
“No problem,” Kenzie assured him.
He gave her a long look and then shook his head. “One moment, ladies,” he said.
Stepping away far enough that they couldn’t hear, he spoke into a walkie-talkie for a few minutes before returning to give them their final instructions.
“I’ve notified Roman, the owner,” he said. “Be safe and remember the rules. Consent is everything here. Speaking of which…”
He handed each of them a green armband to wear.
“…this will inform other patrons of your willingness status. Just be sure to establish a safe word before engaging in a scene.”
They all three nodded.
Poppy leaned over and whispered, “Does anyone plan on causing a scene?”
Kenzie sighed. “That’s not what that means. He’s talking about engaging in, well… you know, a… you know what? Never mind. You just stay close to me.”
They finally stepped through the heavy door into the lower level, and Junie froze. They had all made a terrible mistake.
The space was dimly lit, sensual, and full of people. Soft golden lighting from string lights and lanterns hung from the high-beamed ceilings. The air carried hints of vanilla, strawberry, fresh hay, leather, and lavender. Gentle music with a sensual edge played throughout.
The vibe was playful, indulgent, and provocative.
Littles in frilly dresses or cute outfits played.
Nearby, Daddies in ranch shirts and jeans keeping a watchful eye were everywhere.
Oversized beanbag chairs and giant floor pillows filled a cozy Little Lounge area.
In the main play zone, she could see sturdy wooden spanking benches, padded horses, and pastel-wrapped St. Andrew’s crosses.
It was overwhelming and strangely… interesting.
“Hey, guys?” Poppy asked. “What’s a willingness status?”
Junie and Kenzie both shrugged, sharing her confusion. “I think it means you’re just happy to be here. You know, willing,” Kenzie said.
Junie stayed quiet. Kenzie didn’t have any better clue than she did.
Before she could even start looking for Tanner, Kenzie tugged her arm. “Come with me, I really have to use the bathroom.”
Junie didn’t have time for potty breaks. She had a mission to complete. The last thing she wanted was to waste precious time in the Little girls’ room.
“I’ll go with you,” Poppy offered.
Relief filled Junie. She nodded. “I’m going to look for Tanner. You two come find me when you’re done.”
She moved deeper into the club, heart pounding. There were too many eyes on her. You’re just self-conscious. She had to admit the environment was Little friendly. This club membership might be a good thing after all.
She continued to scan the room. Maybe she should get a drink at the bar and wait for her friends.
And that’s when she spotted him. He stood at the bar talking to two other men, his broad shoulders unmistakable even from across the room. She kept looking around, then her stomach sank to her toes. Damn it, Cherry was at the bar, too.
At least she wasn’t sitting next to Tanner. Maybe that meant something, or maybe it didn’t. But at least she’d been telling the truth about them both being here.
What if they’d already been playing together? Her gaze shot to the area where the Littles all stood. Cherry wasn’t dressed like them at all. Maybe she’d had to change clothes to play, and they were just taking a break. Even the possibility made her blood boil.
There was only one way to find out. She started toward him, only to be stopped by a large man who stepped directly into her path.
“Well, hello there, little one,” he said, voice smooth and confident. “You look like you could use some company tonight.”
Oh, for the love of Pete! Junie took a deep breath and tried to be polite. “I’m here with my friends. I was just looking for them,” she lied.
Lifting her arm, he looked at her green wristband.
“This band says you’re up for anything with anyone.
You’re in luck. I’m anyone, and I’m willing to do anything.
Especially with you.” He threw his heavy arm around her shoulder.
“I can tell you’re new here. I’d be happy to show you how this all works. ”
Well, that answered the question about the wristbands.
Junie’s heart started pounding. What was she supposed to do now? “Um, n-no, thank you. I’m not here to play.”
Instead of releasing her, the man tightened his grip around her shoulder. “Come on, sweetheart. Don’t be shy—”
“I said no thank you.” Junie tried to push his arm off her shoulder, but the man didn’t release her.
“Just one little scene,” he said. “You look like you could use a good bare bottom paddling.” Then he started leading her away toward one of the spanking benches.
That was it.
Junie’s attempt to yank her arm back failed and her voice rose. “I said no. Let go of me!”
The man’s grip tightened even more. “Now come on, baby. Don’t be like that—”
Junie’s voice grew louder, bordering on a shout. “I said no!”
Heads turned. The music seemed to dip. And a low, familiar growl rose above the music and the noise of the crowd. The sound sent both fear and relief rushing through her veins.
Tanner. The crowds parted before him and the two men he’d been talking with. And boy did he look mad!
Maybe a paddling scene with this stranger wouldn’t be such a bad idea. It was bound to be safer than whatever Tanner had in mind.