Chapter 4
Beatrice
The warm early morning summer sun blanketed the ground in dappled patterns as it shone through the mature trees shading the outdoor eatery. Conversation, laughter, and the clink of cutlery hitting plates mixed with the aroma of coffee, sugary pastries, and savory food could be found in any of a thousand small cafés all over the world. I’d eaten in what felt like a million restaurants during my travels, but I’d never been to one as serene as the front porch of Rawhide Ranch. Flowering beds were a riot of color against a backdrop of lush green fields where horses grazed. Birds sang and bees buzzed among the blooms, totally oblivious to the people beginning their own day.
We’d chosen a table at the edge of the porch to enjoy both the shade the roof provided as well as the warmth of the sun as Alfie and I were finishing up our meal.
“What do you think?” Alfie asked as he set aside his napkin, his manners as impeccable as ever.
“Hmm?” I stopped scanning the crowd, looking for a familiar bald head and turned my attention back to my dining companion. “What was that?”
Alfie chuckled and leaned back in his chair, his dark blue dress shirt with its first few buttons opened, showing off his throat and a dash of chest hair. “You seem a little distracted this morning, Bee. Something, or someone on your mind?”
The wide-brimmed white straw hat I wore partially hid my face, but I’m sure my blush showed up even through my makeup. “I’m just wondering where Derek is, that’s all.”
“Riiigghhhhttt,” he drawled the word as he laced his fingers together on the table then leaned in a bit. “It wouldn’t have anything to do with that handsome cowboy who paid you a visit last night? Tristan I believe his name was? You know, shoulders so big I’m surprised he fit through the doorway? He spent a long time in your room before he left. Whatever were you talking about so late into the night?”
“Oh, just things about the Ranch.” I pretended to fix the top of my daffodil-yellow halter dress then unnecessarily smoothed the full skirt around my legs. “You know, work stuff. Tristan is my liaison, after all.”
He snorted out a laugh that had me shooting him a glare. “Right, work stuff. And that’s why you’ve been all starry eyed this morning.”
“I’m not starry eyed,” I muttered as the wind blew gently over the table, making our napkins flutter slightly as I bold-faced lied. “If anything I’m jet lagged.”
“Yes, you certainly are. Those bags beneath your eyes are big enough to carry my strapon.”
I discreetly gave him the finger as he laughed at me. “Why don’t you bend over and I’ll shove that strapon where the sun doesn’t shine.”
“Now, now,” Alfie shook his head as he chuckled. “I know you love me more than Chinese Fried Rice?—”
I grinned, enjoying our usual banter as I interjected, “Don’t be so sure about that.”
He lifted his chin at me, his expression lofty but his dark eyes twinkling as he said, “And that I’m completely irresistible-”
“Like an STD,” I quipped as I sipped at my mimosa.
“But we both know I’m the Top, not the bottom in my relationships. Our sexual escapades would quickly devolve into a battle of who gets to wear the dick. I know you love to suit up, so to speak, and ravish your men, but I am not interested.”
I tilted my head up to the still rising sun, leaning back far enough that the brim of my hat tipped back and allowed the warm light to drown me. “Hard pass. Though now you have me wondering if Tristan would be into that…”
Alfie snorted, drawing my gaze back to him as he played with his butterknife. “How could you have lived here, as a single man, and not tried every kink and vice out there?”
An unexpected bolt of jealousy hit me. “True.”
I must have hidden it well, because Alfie continued on with his speech, his hands waving about as he talked. “I mean seriously, I’ve only been here a day and I’ve already had a good handful of submissives approach me. I barely made it back from the bathroom because a pair of sweet Little’s were big fans of ‘Daddy Alfie’ and wanted me to play with them.”
I couldn’t help but smile. “What a terrible predicament. Were they cute?”
“Adorable. I’ve never really been into Littles, but the ladies here have me changing my mind.” He tapped his full lips, then stroked his mustache.
“Big Daddy Alfie fans, huh?” I asked with a sweet smile that had a bit of edge to it. “Wow, who would have thought?”
He blinked at me then sat back a bit from the table. “Fine, I admit it, creating an online presence was a good idea. I never believed people would be interested in my daily life, in the real me. When you told me that you were sure I’d have over two hundred thousand followers in six months I thought you were crazy.”
“You called me a delusional bitch with fantasies of grandeur and rose-tinted glasses six-inches thick.” I fluttered my lashes at him and turned my head a bit, giving him a demure pose as I added. “It took me a week to get you to take one picture and write your intro. And what happened when you posted that one picture?”
His lips twitched oddly as he fought between smiling and frowning. “It got half a million hits in three days.”
I sipped my drink and looked at him through my lowered, darkened lashes. “I told you so.”
“You’re insufferable.”
Light flashed out of the corner of my eye and for a moment my heart kicked, fearing that someone had just taken a picture of me, but it was merely the sun shining off a silver teapot. Taking a deep breath, I willed the tension from myself, trying to battle my irrational fears. I was safe here. There were no cameras pointed at me. No one was waiting to get rich off of selling images of me in compromising situations. Heck, I wasn’t even the biggest draw if someone was trying to hawk images to the media. Two tables over I recognized a very famous football star and his politician wife having brunch. If they felt safe showing their face in public here, I should as well.
“Good morning Mistress La Pearl, ‘morning Alfie,” came Derek’s familiar voice from behind me. “Sorry I’m late, I had a few things to deal with before we could join you.”
Turning so my hat shielded my face from the light, I smiled up at Derek and his lovely brunette wife, Sadie. “No need to apologize at all. We’ve been enjoying our breakfast while we waited for you.”
Sadie, wearing a pretty 1950s style blue floral dress, practically bounced in her Mary Janes as she gave me a star-stricken look. “I am so, so happy to meet you Mistress La Pearl! I’ve read all your books and I listen to your podcast all the time, I’m a huge fan!”
Giving his wife a small smile, Derek placed his hand on her lower back and tucked her into his side, “We are both huge fans, and we are delighted to have you here. It’s only taken me what, four years to get you to visit?”
I sat back and sipped my mimosa while crossing my legs. “I have been a little bit busy, you know.”
Derek laughed while Sadie beamed at me, clearly happy to have me here. “Just a little. Couple world tours, couple book-signing tours, couple hundred speaking engagements. Your TedTalk a few months back was amazing, by the way. I’m sure you changed a lot of lives for the better with your fresh, honest take on modern sexuality. You inspired a lot of people.”
His sincere words brought an unexpected prickle of tears to my eyes. One would think that after all my experience with my fans I’d be immune to compliments, but it just didn’t work out that way. His praise sent a genuine bolt of warmth through my heart, and I had to blink rapidly to keep from crying.
My voice came out husky as I placed my hand on my heart and said, “Thank you.”
Sadie, intuitive woman that she was, noticed my quandary and said brightly, “He’s really good at that. You know, saying something so sweet it makes you cry? He always seems to do it when I’m wearing mascara. I think he just likes the look of me crying off my makeup.”
“You know I do,” Derek growled out and even I got little shivers at the heat in his voice.
I couldn’t help but glance behind them, eager to see if Tristan was with them, but he wasn’t and I tried to ignore the way my stomach sank a little.
We’d drawn the attention of the crowd around us, but I ignored them as I gestured to the empty chairs at our table. “Would you like to join us for some coffee? I’m afraid we’ve already eaten, but it’s such a lovely day it would be no hardship to sit with you.”
“Please,” Alfie added with a smile. “Have a seat. I haven’t seen you since we had dinner together in LA last year. I’d love to catch up with you.”
“It’s good to see you too, Alfie.” Derek smiled, the silver glints in his dark hair and beard catching the light. “And thanks, but we’ve already had breakfast. If you don’t mind, I’d like to give you a quick tour of the Ranch and then take you both over to the University so I can show you the classroom you’ll be using during your stay here and introduce you to some of our staff.”
“I would love that.” I stood up and grabbed my vintage Chanel quilted white purse from the empty chair next to mine.
I’d packed a few surprises inside of it for Tristan in the hopes I’d get to see him this morning.
Alfie moved over to the side to talk to our server who’d been flirting with him our whole meal out of earshot. She was a cute slender black woman with long light blue braids tipped with gold beads. The way she stared up at Alfie was almost worshipful, and I laughed to myself when I saw Alfie give her his card. He turned away to join us, and she clutched the card to her chest like it was her golden ticket to heaven.
Then again, if the rumors I’d heard about Alfie in the sack were true, he was a demon between the sheets.
Turning my attention back to Derek and Sadie, I took a moment to gather my thoughts before saying, “I’ve been reading up on what you’re doing here, and I have to say, Derek, you and your wife are inspiring people every day. I hope you both look around this place and feel all the happiness you’ve created here. Finding a safe harbor in this cruel world is difficult. Everyone here cherishes what you’ve made. We all know how lucky we are to be sitting among our fellow kinky brethren and having the time of our lives. And now you’ve topped even that by giving our people a place to get a good education and be themselves.”
Laughing while waving her hands in front of her face, Sadie squeaked out, “Stop! You’re just as bad as he is.”
Derek winked at me. “She can’t handle sincerity. We’re working on it.”
We laughed and chatted pleasantly as Derek escorted us through the grounds, and I was glad I’d worn a pair of white sensible sandals that tied in bows around my ankles, instead of the stilettos I usually favored. The Ranch was the epitome of rustic splendor, and while the walkways we were on were paved, there were small gravel paths that branched off in many directions. Leaving the main building behind, I held onto Alfie’s arm as we strolled past a few clusters of people doing outdoor scenes.
The most prevalent were the Littles. A group of women in frilly dresses wearing ankle socks sat on a brightly colored blanket playing with dolls, while a group of Doms sat chatting nearby, keeping an eye on their charges. While it was odd to see women in their thirties and forties playing with toys, they did it with such open joy that I couldn’t help but smile.
“If you hear anyone speaking of the ‘Big House,’ they aren’t talking about a prison, it’s our home,” Sadie added with a giggle, as Derek pointed out the stunning residence as we continued our tour.
A bit later, we paused as yet another gravel path branched off. Like the others, there was a post marking the entrance with a sign. Though this one was different from the ones with names of various trails that led through the woods or toward the mountains in the distance. In bright, bold lettering the word “RESTRICTED” was centered at the top followed by the caveat that unaccompanied Littles were not allowed access. Glancing at Alfie, I saw that he appeared as intrigued as I was when Derek stepped past the sign and we followed him toward an opening in the dense shrubbery that had to stand a least eight-feet tall. Flowerbeds meandered along this green living fence, adding bursts of color and a pleasant floral aroma as we entered the area.
Having been in the lifestyle as long as I had, I still found it mildly shocking to see how freely people were indulging their kinks in the broad daylight. Guests were enjoying pony play, full leather BDSM, and a variety of pleasures of every flavor under the sun.
My smile couldn’t help but grow as I loved what I’d seen of the resort so far. Derek had ensured that whether choosing to be Big or Little, his guests were genuinely happy.We passed a huge, brightly painted adult sized jungle gym that looked like so much fun I was tempted to stop and slip my shoes off.
Rawhide Ranch provided such a different vibe from the rest of the world, outside a few clubs and out in the middle of nowhere homes. Private islands were really popular, oddly enough. The uber rich sure loved their islands and I’d been to more than a few isolated tropical paradises as a performer. Burlesque dancing had paid my way through college and then some. Without it, I would have never been able to afford the extensive education I had. And I won’t lie, the money was the main reason I did it, but I loved dancing. And I loved costumes, and pageantry, and teasing all rolled up into one sensual but entertaining package. It was an artform, and it allowed me to express and indulge my creative side. It had also given me parts in TV shows and movies, and paid really, really well.
But I won’t lie, touring in your thirties is different from touring in your twenties.
My aching hip was an example of that. I’d danced too much; I knew I should have taken a break, but I’d signed a contract and I had to fulfill it. So I hid the pain, then paid for it with a series of injections into my hip, and rehab. It had stabilized and the tenderness was nowhere near what it used to be, but I knew my dancing days were coming to an end. At least public dancing. I don’t think I’d ever stop dancing totally. Just, you know, not two performances a day for six days in a row. That had been stupid of me.
My hip throbbed as if agreeing with me.
After leaving the Bigs and submissives to their play, we approached a large three-story brick building with ivy climbing up the walls and elegant topiary softening the red brick. A grand cement staircase led up to the massive front doors, and overhead a brass plaque proclaimed it Rawhide University. Large windows overlooked the big green space in front, and a group of men and women played frisbee nearby. In many ways it resembled the campus of your average university, if you ignored the fact that while some students were wearing jeans and t-shirts, others were dressed in what I considered rather sensual school uniforms flitting about. One particularly good-looking young man with white-blonde hair wore what looked like a leather kilt and a tight, bright white tank top that showed off his defined arms.
He carried a load of books but paused to give Derek a quick bow and a greetings before hurrying past us down the path.
“And this,” Derek said with obvious pride, “is our University. The main floor is where the classrooms are located, and the two upper floors are the dormitories. We have both male and female students, and we offer both traditional and lifestyle classes. At the moment we have over a hundred students, but we have a waiting list of worthy students that is a couple thousand long, which is why we’re building the addition over there.”
He pointed to the left where a group of construction workers wearing safety helmets and orange vests were busy laboring on a three-story brick building that looked to be nearly completed.
Sadie smiled adoringly up at her husband before she added, “There is going to be a lecture hall, and a new technology center as well as some state-of-the-art laboratories. We’re lucky enough to have some of the best people in the world teaching here, and we wanted to give them everything they need. See, we… um, well we have some students here who haven’t been exactly treated right in the real world, who don’t really fit in, you know?” her lower lip trembled for a moment before she plastered on a brave smile. “But they are smart, and dedicated, and can do so many amazing things if just given a safe place to work and learn.”
“I understand,” I said gently, getting the feeling that Sadie was one of those people who’d been treated poorly, “and I totally agree. Just because you’re kinky doesn’t mean you don’t have a brain in your head, or ambitions outside of your sexuality. In fact, some of the smartest people I know are also the most sexually adventurous.”
Alfie nodded in agreement, his gaze on a group of women in tartan skirts and black thigh highs with the garters partially exposed by their short skirt lengths. “I know a good many people who would want to go to school here,” he winked at Sadie, “myself included.”
She smiled while Derek gently rubbed her arm as he said, “Let’s go inside and get out of this sun. As pale as you are, Mistress La Pearl, I’m afraid you’ll burn to a crisp if you’re out here much longer.”
“Please,” I said as Alfie held out his arm for me, “if we aren’t in a high protocol or formal setting, I’d prefer you call me Bee. How does the protocol for the school work? Are we expected to be constantly formal in public and private while on campus?”
“Yes and no,” Derek said. “Though we don’t have any strict rules for our Doms, we do expect your interactions with our submissives and Littles to be appropriate for the situation. If we are, say walking down the hallway and we see a Little stick a piece of used gum on the inside door of her locker, we would expect our staff to dole out the appropriate punishment. Or if you caught a Middle mouthing off to the staff I’d expect you to intervene. That is one thing I don’t tolerate, no one treats my employees poorly. The penalties are harsh and instant.”
“I understand.”
His hard gaze thawed a bit and he smiled at me as he said, “On the other hand, if you’re having a debate in your Sociology class I would expect even the meekest submissive to defend their point in an aggressive yet respectful manner. If they become disrespectful, you are expected to discipline them. Many of our students are here because they need someone to hold them accountable in order to truly thrive.”
“Ahhh, yes, about that,” I said in a slightly tight voice. “As you know I am not comfortable with doing hard or sexual discipline on anyone other than my personal submissives. I don’t really engage in large group play anymore. I’ve had one too many experiences with people posting images of me online in compromising situations. I’m not saying that your students or employees would do that, but I’m afraid that is a firm boundary for me.”
Sadie nodded with a sympathetic look in her big eyes. “Yeah, I heard about what happened. That really, really sucks. I’m sorry you have to live like that, but I totally understand. I hope you know that you’re safe here. No matter where you choose to play or what you choose to do, we work hard to make sure everyone is safe on the Ranch. What happens here stays here and all that.”
“However,” Alfie added as he gave my shoulder a pat, “we still enjoy private parties with trusted friends. Just don’t be offended if either of us are more voyeur than our usual exhibitionist selves.”
Derek gave me a slow nod. “I understand and of course respect your boundaries. We will simply let the staff know and you can send your unruly students to the University disciplinarian, Grant Chambers, one of his staff, or can send them to my office if you need. You can even meet with the other staff members any time you wish and select who you would prefer to dole out punishments. All of our University staff are provided with the proper implements to choose from in dealing with discipline required.”
“Actually,” I exchanged a nod with Alfie before facing Derek again, “if I were to accept the position, which is still very much up in the air, I would be completely comfortable about Alfie handling any punishments.”
“Alfie,” Derek asked while Sadie grinned at my best friend while mouthing the words ‘Daddy Alfie’, “you okay with that?”
“It would be my pleasure,” Alfie said with a truly evil smile.
I nodded to him before turning my attention back to Derek and Sadie as we paused before a closed classroom door. “Is it permissible to have Alfie dole out punishments for me?”
“Of course,” Derek said with a reassuring smile. “We have a system set up in place where you can also give a student a demerit card which lists the offense and suggested punishment so our staff can deal with the troublemaker. We actually have some submissives who are instructors, so we work with them to make sure everyone is happy. And we have different standards of behavior for our lifestyle classes that are open to our guests, and our University classes that are of a more serious nature. Having a Little brat act out during an etiquette lesson may be annoying, but having a Little throw a temper tantrum during a chemistry experiment with caustic chemicals would be dangerous. With our Middles, who act more like older teenage girls, you run into some mean-girl antics. Often times it’s just Middles looking for attention, but it can easily get out of hand if not quickly attended to.”
Alfie snorted. “Mean girls, huh? I have a taste for taming brats.”
A blush blazed over Sadie’s face as she said, “Sir, with all due respect, there are a lot of girls who sincerely hope you do.”
We all laughed and I felt something inside me settle. It was an odd sensation, almost like I felt more at home here, with them than the rest of the world. That was kind of how it was with old friends sometimes. At first it’s a little awkward, especially if it’s been a few years, but then something in you remembers them and everything falls back into place. Your heart remembered them and that was all it took to feel like you were with family.
Letting out a small, relieved breath I smiled. “Thank you. I appreciate your willingness to work with me.”
“Not at all,” Derek said as Sadie shook her head in agreement with her husband. “If you have any problems or questions, just let me know. I’m not going to lie, I’d love for you to come teach at the Ranch and will do everything I can to make that happen.”
“We both will,” Sadie quickly interjected with a grin.
I kept my face carefully neutral as I said, “So far everything looks and sounds great. I’m not saying I’m committing to anything just yet, though. I know you’ve been in talks with Alfie to teach here as well This is a big decision”—I nodded at Alfie—“for both of us.”
Holding up his hands, Derek said, “I totally understand. You take all the time you need. If and when you come onboard, I want it to be because you really want to be here. And that you’re committed to helping people attain their happiness.”
I laughed and swept my hair over my bare shoulder as I said, “You sweet talker. Don’t think I don’t know you’re trying to charm me.”
“I only speak the truth,” Derek said with a fond smile as he looked down at his giggling wife.
“So when we’re in the school,” Alfie asked as he strolled next to me with perfect posture and poise, “are we ‘on’ the entire time? Am I always Master in these halls, or can I just be Alfonso if I choose? An eight-hour day of dominating people five days a week would be a bit much mentally. We both”—he indicated me with a slight raising of his hand—“need our downtime when we can just unwind and relax.”
“I understand what you mean. During a lifestyle class it is a more formal BDSM setting, but if you were to teach a sociology 101 class you would be in command of the decorum in that class. We have some rules that everyone must follow, teacher and student alike, but they are not restrictive.” He kissed his wife’s head before adding, “Sometimes we’re just Derek and Sadie, sometimes we’re Master and slave, sometimes we’re Daddy and Little. Basically, like everyone on the Ranch, we’re free to be whoever we want to be.”
“You guys are adorable,” Alfie said with a sigh. “Just being around you makes my battered and wizened heart thump harder.”
Sadie and I giggled while Derek’s deep laugh filled the large green space, turning heads.
We entered the building and the kiss of the cool air conditioning on my skin was welcome.
Alfie let out a chuckle and I turned to follow his gaze to two women kneeling in the hallway with their skirts tucked up and panties pulled down to expose their pinkish red bottoms to the public as they pressed their noses to the wall. “You don’t see that in a regular University.”
“No,” Derek agreed with a smile as he nodded to a woman in a smart mint suit sitting behind the large desk that dominated the foyer. “You don’t. But that’s part of what makes the Ranch so special. Our fulltime students aren’t weekend warriors, so to speak. These are men and women who have chosen to live the lifestyle to the fullest. Who need the discipline we provide in order to truly thrive. While the punishments and rules may feel restrictive to an outsider, they allow the submissive to embrace who they truly are and give them what they need.”
“We also have Doms taking classes here as well,” Sadie added while we walked further down the hallway, my heels clicking on the white marble floors. “But they live in a different area than the subs. We don’t really keep them separated, but we do keep an eye on things and make sure everyone does their schoolwork. At the end of the day, they are here to get a degree or a diploma of some kind. They are a student first, a kinkster second. So if you can’t keep it in your pants or panties, and your grades suffer, you’re on thin ice.”
“We found that having Doms and subs on the same floor of the dorms caused some problems,” Derek said with a small smile. “Rather like setting the foxes loose in the hen house.”
“I can imagine,” I lowered my voice as we passed an open doorway where a class was taking place.
Derek held up his hand and motioned to the side. We moved so that we could see into the classroom but weren’t framed by the doorway. Four rows of desks were neatly set up facing what I assumed was the teacher, and all of the seats were filled. There appeared to be a uniform of sorts for the majority of students, but there were personal touches added to each that made them slightly different. Littles were easily identified by their choice of a frilly dress, jeans, or shorts paired with t-shirts emblazoned with everything from words stating they were princesses to unicorns and teddy bears. The other students wore white shirts for the men and the women, pants or skirts with thigh highs and garters, running from conservative to sexy in a classy way. A few of the uniform-wearing students also wore a perfectly knotted purple and gold tie.
“What’s with the ties?” Alfie asked softly, voicing my thoughts.
“The ties indicate that the student is either attending class, or on their way to attending class. Some students choose to wear them because it helps to let everyone know that they aren’t free to play,” Derek answered as the instructor inside the room droned on about quadratic equations. “Those who choose to wear one state it helps put them into a certain mindset. When their tie is on, they are expected to be students first, submissives, Switches, or Doms second.”
He motioned us to follow him as I said, “That’s a great idea.”
“I wish I could take credit for it, but one of our staff psychologists came up with it.” We reached a closed set of double doors and Derek paused to knock loudly before saying, “As you can imagine, there are a lot of shenanigans going on around here. If you happen upon a closed room, it is always best to knock beforehand so you don’t see things you cannot unsee.”
Laughing, I nodded while Derek held the door open for us, revealing an amazing two-story library.
Massive windows let in the sunshine, illuminating a room filled with bookshelves, tables, and small sitting areas. Against the left wall stood a row of computers, and to the right a large desk managed by a well-dressed man. Next to the man stood a woman in the college uniform, her skirt short enough so that when she lifted her arms, we were given flashes of her bottom and upper thighs, which were a mottled red color. She was busy sorting through what looked like an immense variety of board and card games displayed on the shelves behind the desk.
Alfie and I exchanged a glance as Derek hailed the man, “Dalton, do you have a moment? I’d like to introduce you to Mistress La Pearl and Master Alfie if you’re not too busy. I take it Emily is under punishment?”
The woman who must be Emily, a pretty brunette with a blue ball-gag in her mouth, whirled around to look at us, her face red with embarrassment.
Dalton smiled fondly at the stunned woman staring at us. “Yes, Emily missed dinner yesterday because she got too wrapped up in her pleasure reading. So I had to step in and remind her that we take care of ourselves properly, or we lose our privileges.”
Emily grabbed a pen from a box I hadn’t noticed until now on the large table and wrote something on a piece of paper then moved it over to Dalton. He picked it up with a frown that turned into a small smile, showing us a quickly scrawled note begging to be allowed to speak.
Dalton put the paper down before nodding at Emily and saying in a dry voice, “Since you’ve asked so nicely, yes I will remove your gag. I know Mistress La Pearl is one of your favorite authors and you will simply die if you don’t get to talk to her.”
Emily immediately knelt beside Dalton and once he’d removed the gag, she thanked him and then beamed at me as she practically jumped to her feet. “Oh, Mistress La Pearl, you are so amazing! Your books are just so good, and I love the illustrations in your series on how to host a proper party! We had a tea party the other week using your recipes for all those pretty snacks and it was so much fun. And I’ve started my own herb garden, it was just as easy as you said, and it has helped me to really up my cooking game. I mean I’m sure it’s nowhere near as good as yours, but I hope you’ll enjoy your stay here and we’re just so excited to meet you.”
Dalton gently pulled Emily onto his lap and put his hand over her mouth with a smile. “Take a deep breath, my love, or you’re going to pass out.”
Sadie giggled while I smiled at them both. “Thank you so much, Emily. I love knowing that my books bring you joy, truly. And knowing you made those treats and enjoyed them is just the cherry on the proverbial cake.”
Leaning against one of the big wooden chairs surrounding a nearby table, Derek folded his arms over his chest. “Dalton, I was wondering if you had some time to show Alfie around the school and explain how some of the things work around here. He’ll be doing the punishments for Mistress La Pearl if she decides to teach here. She prefers to only do the lightest of disciplines herself due to personal preference. It is a hard limit.”
Giving Alfie a warm smile, Dalton moved Emily off his lap as he stood before leaning over the desk to shake Alfie’s hand. “It would be my pleasure. I’m sure the discipline quarters have more than one Little or Subbie who need a reminder of their manners.”
“Beatrice”—Derek pulled Sadie into his arms, cuddling his happy wife as she curled into him—“I’ve arranged for a private tour of another portion of the grounds for you. If you’ll follow me, please.”
“Of course.” I gave Alfie a quick hug and a wink. “Have fun.”
“I’m sure I will,” he replied with a wicked grin.“See you back at the room.”
Sadie and I chatted about the school as Derek led us back to the main foyer. There were more people here now, but all the students gave us wide birth, creating a little bubble around us. And they all looked at Derek with almost worshipful eyes as we moved past, most of them pausing to bow, nod, or curtsey.
“We’ll be leaving you here,” Derek said as he nodded to a passing student, “as much as I’d like to join you on your tour, I’m afraid the rest of my day is booked. But I would like it if you and Alfie came over to my house for dinner tonight, if you’re available.”
“I would love to, and I’m sure Alfie will as well,” I replied as I shook Derek’s hand.
“Yay!” Sadie gave a little clap and twirled around, making her dress flair. “I’m so excited to host you for dinner! It won’t be anything too formal, I’m not up to that level of hostessing yet, but I promise you’ll enjoy it.”
Bemused by her obvious excitement, I gave her hand a light squeeze as I said, “Sadie, it is the companionship that counts, and you are a delight. You could serve us peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and I have no doubt I’d enjoy myself. I haven’t had a good home-cooked meal in a long time. I’m way overdue.” While Sadie practically glowed with happiness, I asked Derek, “Where should I meet with whoever is taking me on a tour?”
Giving me a rather mischievous grin, Derek said, “Head on out the front doors. You can’t miss him.”
A little rill of excitement raced down my spine. “Him?”
“Head on out the front doors,” he said again as he smiled at me. “I don’t want to ruin his surprise.”
Hoping it was Tristan, I said my goodbyes and tried not to hurry as I clutched my purse and speed walked outside.
As my eyes adjusted to the brightness of the late morning light, I welcomed the warmth of the air after the chill of the school. It took me a moment, but once I could see clearly I easily spotted Tristan. It was hard to miss him since he was sitting in the driver’s seat of an old-fashioned black buggy led by two black and white horses. They stood placidly in the gravel as Tristan put the reins down, then hopped off the high seat in a display of athleticism that made my body warm.
Like yesterday he wore faded jeans and a pair of dusty cowboy boots, but today his flannel shirt was sky blue and green instead of red. And the sleeves were short, displaying a pair of well-rounded biceps. The way his arms flexed as he moved was hardcore pornography. As he approached, I noticed the top two buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing his chest. He had this delicious trail of dark hair leading over his solid pecs and I wanted to feel his strength in my hands. The way he smiled as he came closer and gave me a long, appreciative look had me blushing as badly as Emily had. Everything about him, from the self-assured way he walked to how the fabric of his shirt strained across his broad shoulders spoke of strength and charisma.
Stopping before me, he knelt with surprising grace and took my hand, kissing it lightly as he said, “Good morning, Mistress.”
Unable to help myself, I stroked his cheek as affection warmed me along with a good case of the butterflies. “Good morning, Tristan. I trust you slept well.”
He laughed as he stood, looking down at me with his crooked smile. “Can’t say I did. I was tormented by dreams of a redhaired goddess who tortured me in the sweetest of ways.”
Damned if this man didn’t have me blushing harder. “You say the loveliest things.”
On impulse, I went up on my tiptoes and placed my hand behind his head, rubbing my fingers over the base of his shaved scalp as I brought him closer. He didn’t need any more encouragement, pressing his lips against mine in a firm kiss that quickly turned soft and wet. Our lips parted and I stroked my tongue along his, tasting a hint of mint and I swear fresh air. He tasted like the outdoors, wild and clean, and I quickly lost myself in the kiss. I was no untried virgin, and thank goodness, neither was Tristan. He didn’t rush, instead savored me, looping his arm around my waist and pulling me closer so I could feel the impressive bulge in his pants.
This man handled me with a sure grip that was intoxicating, especially when he made those soft and deep groans that men sometimes did. There was a certain pitch to it that went straight to my pussy. I couldn’t explain it, but my body just loved hearing a man express his need. Knowing he was aroused, knowing I was giving it as good as I was getting it, sent power roiling through me like sweet cinnamon honey. I wanted to melt into him.
Breaking the kiss, I whispered against his damp lips, “Are you still wearing my ribbon?”
“Yes, Mistress,” he let out a soft moan as I lightly scored my nails over the back of his neck, enjoying the way he easily held me against him. “And despite having some epic blue balls, I didn’t jerk off, per your instructions.”
The thrill of controlling his pleasure roared through me, making my pussy pound gently to the beat of my heart. “Excellent. If you’re a good boy, we might remedy that situation later today.”
Pushing against his muscled chest covered in soft flannel, I stepped back and straightened my hat, collecting myself.
As much as I would like to push him into the gravel and ride him to orgasm, now was not the time or place.
I tried to keep my lust out of my expression as I brightly said, “So I take it we’re going on a tour in the carriage?”
He gave me a hot look, then kind of shook himself and held out his hand. “We could have taken one of the golf carts, but I thought you’d like this better.”
“You guessed correctly,” I said as I gave his hand a squeeze. “I haven’t been on a carriage ride in forever. I think the last time was in Central Park in New York. Where are we going?”
“I’m going to show you the extended grounds, then the neighborhood where the people who work at the Ranch live.”
“You can drive a carriage through the neighborhood?”
He helped me into the back of the buggy, then raised the black leather roof that went up halfway, shading me from the sun but still allowing me to have a good view. “Yep. A lot of people have stables in their backyards or keep their horses at the main Ranch stables. We have cars, of course, but most everyone here loves riding. When I say we love working here it’s not only because of our sexual lifestyle. Most people like the laid back, kind of old-fashioned atmosphere of the Ranch. Things move a little slower, we take the time to appreciate nature, and we’re a pretty tight knit community. We kind of have to be since we’re so far from any major city or town larger than Porter’s Corner.”
“That makes sense.” I set my purse down next to me and sighed as I stretched my hip out.
He hopped up into the front of the buggy, the vehicle rocking slightly as he lifted the reins and clicked his tongue, the horses responding instantly and smoothly pulling us forward.
“Though in the winter we use snowmobiles and big four-wheel drive vehicles with chains.”
“That sounds like a lot of snow,” I said as I adjusted the buggy cover behind me, shading more of my body from the sun. “I can’t imagine how hard it is to drive in.”
“It’s not that bad at all,” Tristan said in a voice loud enough to be heard over the horses and the creaks of the buggy. “Our vehicles are equipped for this kind of thing and it’s not like we have a lot of traffic. Derek has a couple big snowplows and he has guys that make sure our roads are as clear as possible. Besides, the sight of the snow-covered mountains, the way the river steams on those first cold days at sunset… wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world.”
“Sounds lovely,” I said, raising my voice over the churning of the gravel and the steady clop of the horses’ hooves.
From the floorboard in front of us he picked up a tan cowboy hat with a black leather band and put it on with practiced ease as he said, “I’ll admit, it took a little getting used to at first. Where I come from people aren’t exactly friendly. I mean, they are, but it’s different. Out here everyone knows everyone; back in Chicago I knew maybe ten people in my entire apartment building. At the Ranch, I know pretty much everyone in my neighborhood and we get together all the time. Big cookouts, holiday parties, just about any excuse you could use to have a gathering. When you’re basically a small town, you have to look out for each other and take care of each other. Everyone is essential to the community as a whole and are treated as such. Took me awhile to get used to, but I like it now. When I go for jogs in the morning, I smile and wave at everyone I pass. It’s nice.”
“It sounds really nice,” I said as we pulled away from the main buildings of the Ranch and onto a dirt path with two wheel ruts. “Where are we going?”
“Thought I’d take you around to see some of our more natural wonders first. I’m sure the boss will regale you with all the indoor amenities we have to offer, but the Ranch is more than just what you’ve seen. The land is in a category by itself. It’s really beautiful out here. So sit back and enjoy. If you get thirsty there’s a cooler beneath your seat, and if you get too hot there’s a battery-operated fan under there as well.” He glanced back over at me. “Might want to grab the sunblock I brought. Your skin is so fair, so soft, I’d hate to see you get a burn.”
The buggy was a little bumpy as we went over a rough patch and Tristan turned his attention back to the trail as I leaned forward and pulled out a large basket from beneath my seat onto the floorboard. A small cooler occupied one side, and the other was filled with… BDSM gear. I laughed to myself, reminded once again that the Ranch was like no other resort on earth. A bottle of sunblock had been tucked into the side of the basket, and I wondered if Tristan was trying to tempt me to play. Had he added the sex toys and restraints himself, or were they standard issue on every buggy?
Then again, who was I to talk? I had my own surprises in my purse that I’d brought with the hopes of seeing Tristan. And now here he was, right within my reach, and I’d get to spend some alone time with him. Anticipation sang through me, and I had to talk myself down from licking and biting the back of Tristan’s neck. The skin there was darker, more suntanned and I bet it smelled good. That warm smell that healthy men got when they’d been out in the sun for too long.
We passed a large neighborhood in the distance, dozens of homes spread out on big parcels of land with lots of trees. Tristan explained that he had a house there and told me about some of the amenities the neighborhood offered. Though I couldn’t see much from here, it looked like a nice place to live.
Taking out the bottle of sunblock, I used it as I asked Tristan, “You’re pretty good at driving this thing, was that a skill you had before coming out to the Ranch?”
“Nah, I’d never even been on a horse before I came out here. I’d spent some time with the mounted police officers in Chicago, but their horses are working horses. You don’t mess around with them. Most of the horses out here, like George and Margo,” he pointed to the horses drawing the buggy, “are pampered pets. Yeah, they work by pulling buggies and doing trail rides, but they’re friendly and love people. Everyone that works at the Ranch treats our horses like gold and it shows. Our horses enjoy people and they love the attention they get from the guests. I know the first time I went on a ride here it kinda changed me somehow. Just being on horseback, listening to nature, breathing good air. It gave me a different perspective on the world. Something just felt, well settled inside of me when it’s just me, my horse, and nature.”
I couldn’t help but laugh as I spied something odd, then waved my hand when he turned around with a puzzled expression. “Sorry, I just noticed that the buggy has restraints built into it.”
The confused look melted off his rugged face before he winked and turned forward again. “Yeah, Derek had those custom made. There’s kinky stuff hidden everywhere on the Ranch that he’s designed. That man is a mad genius when it comes to providing anything and everything his guests could want or need.”
“That he is,” I murmured as I took in Tristan’s broad back.
“I hope your tailbone isn’t too bruised up by the ride,” he said over his shoulder. “Our destination is up ahead.”
I leaned forward, but we were going uphill, and it made it hard to see, so I settled back into my seat, feeling perfectly safe in Tristan’s capable hands. It was really nice to be able to relax and let him take care of me, and also arousing. I loved being pampered and looked after by a strong man, even though I was a Domme. Maybe that was part of it, the knowledge that my partner wanted to please me, to make me feel good, to protect me even though I was ultimately the one in charge. A knight in shining armor who bent his knee only to me.
Giant, old growth trees shaded us as we came to a halt and I smiled at the sight of a glider swing big enough to fit half a dozen people and as deep as a couch with bright blue and yellow cushions on it. Tristan quickly hopped down from the seat and came over to the side of the buggy. Holding out his hand, he helped me to my feet, and I shivered inside at the little sparks of electricity that flared to life between us. He continued to hold my hand as he led me to the glider that sat near the edge of the large hill we were on top of. My breath caught as I got a view of the hills and valleys spread out below us. I could see everything from here, and the air was so crisp and clear, the view seemed to extend for a hundred miles. A couple little towns were clustered here and there, and the Ranch was behind us so I couldn’t see it, but for the most part, all I could see was the kind of natural beauty I’d never experienced before. Most of the places I visited around the world were large and heavily populated cities, so this almost complete lack of civilization was fascinating.The mountains in the distance seemed enormous, and I suddenly felt very small.
“It’s so beautiful,” I said to Tristan in an almost whisper. “Wow.”
“Yeah, it’s one of my favorite spots on the Ranch,” he said as he gave my hand a gentle squeeze.
A stiff breeze blew up the hill, and subsequently lifted my skirt, exposing a good bit of my lower half until I fought it back down with a laugh.
Turning to Tristan, I found he wasn’t laughing with me. No, his hot, lustful gaze was locked on my now hidden lower half. Belatedly, I realized that I’d purposely worn a pair of crotchless panties today in hopes of driving Tristan crazy. Evidently, it had worked, because his Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard, then blew out a rough breath.
“Pardon me if I offend you, Mistress, but those are some of the sexiest panties I have ever seen. What little there is of them.”
Feeling carefree, and oh so very alive, I cupped his face in my hands, pulling him down for a deep kiss. My body tightened with need and my nipples drew up tight enough to slightly hurt. It wasn’t pain like a papercut, but more a need so deep it became painful. While I might have masturbated to orgasm last night, my body wanted this virile man in a way I’d never experienced before. It was like he sent out some subtle hormone, some kind of chemical magic that made everything feminine in me stand up and take notice.
Our tongues stroked along each other’s, the kiss so good I lost sense of time, existing in the moment. I loved the feeling of his shaved head, of the thickness of his neck, of how broad his shoulders were. I tended to be attracted to leaner, more physically elegant men, but Tristan broke all my expectations of myself and what I liked. I couldn’t stop running my hands over him, couldn’t stop feeling those big muscles bunching beneath my fingertips as he lifted me up by my waist so my toes were dangling off the ground.
Pulling back a little, I smiled at him, and as our gaze met a powerful force traveled through me. Part arousal, part… something I’d never experienced before. I felt like I could see into his soul through his eyes, that I was connecting with him on a level I’d rarely felt from just a kiss. I could practically feel his hunger, his desire for me and it more than matched my own. Then he surprised me by gently, almost reverently placing small kisses on my forehead and cheeks, tender little touches that only fanned the flames of my arousal higher.
When he released me and slowly let me slide down his body, my core clenched hard at the sensation of his erection pressing into me. I’d been with well-endowed men before, and I could buy any size dildo I could ever want, but there was something about the idea of taking Tristan on that gave me a little bit of apprehension. Naughty apprehension. The kind that made me want to giggle and gasp at the same time. Would I be able to fit him inside me without pain? Would he be the kind of man who knew how to fuck?
I couldn’t wait any longer to find out.
“Tristan, undress and have a seat on the glider. I’m going to grab a few things from the buggy.”
I didn’t wait to watch him undress, didn’t wait to see if he would follow my commands. Instead I made my way back to the buggy as quickly as I could. Pulling out the basket of goodies and my purse, I selected the items I wanted and had to stop myself from being greedy and bringing the whole thing. I’d have plenty of time to play with Tristan, so better to focus on the basics. On the “getting to know each other” aspects of BDSM.
As I sorted out what I wanted, I tried to get my mind back on track. I found myself thinking of this more like a date than a BDSM session and that wasn’t good. While it was obvious Tristan was having a good time, he wasn’t here for a vanilla relationship any more than I was. He was here because he wanted to experience Mistress La Pearl, not Beatrice. That thought stung a little, and bad memories tried to surface, but I pushed them back by focusing on the present. I wasn’t going to let that asshole who’d hurt me so bad ruin this moment.
After giving myself a pep talk, I turned around and nearly dropped the toys I held in my arms.
Tristan reclined on the glider with his sculpted arms stretched out over the back. He had dark hair on his chest that trailed down to his pelvis, over the bumps and ridges of a muscled stomach that made me want to purr. His masculine energy wrapped around me as I looked my fill, trying to freeze this image of him into my mind. He watched me silently, his posture somehow arrogant as he sat there, displayed for my pleasure. Normally egotism didn’t turn me on, but he was so self-assured that I couldn’t help but find it attractive. He looked good and he knew it.
Slipping off my heels, I curled my toes in the soft grass for a moment, centering myself. Tristan had mentioned that he was a high-power submissive, and I now realized what he meant. His energy was nearly dominant, almost overpowering, and it would take a strong woman to bend him to her will. I bet many Dommes had tried, and failed, to get him to fully submit. He was a challenge for sure, and I couldn’t wait to watch his gaze go glassy as I took him over the edge.
Walking over to the glider, putting a little sway in my hips, I placed my toys onto the edge of the glider and said, “Hands, please.”
Without a word he held out first one hand, then the other as I secured black leather cuffs with O rings onto them. The feeling of the dark hair dusting his arms beneath my fingertips was enough to arouse me, and the way his cock was leaking precum was distracting. I wanted to take him into my mouth, to taste him, to play with the ribbon that was still tied around the base of his shaft. My pussy was so wet it was dripping down my inner thighs, and I planned to have him clean up the mess he was making.
After his wrists were done, I added a thick, black leather collar around his neck as well. Fantasies about dressing him all in leather made my heart race, and I smiled at him. His breath came out in a little huff as I made sure my skirt, then my thigh brushed his erection as I straddled one of his legs. Taking a small length of chain, I positioned his hands so they were at his sides, then slid the chain through the wooden slats accessible through small gaps in the pillows lining the back of the glider.
Once he was secured, I sat back on his thighs, admiring my work.
He gave the chain a little jerk, testing how much give he had. “Mistress, I wish I was able to touch you.”
“I bet you do,” I said with a no doubt mischievous smile. “But it’s my turn to play. My turn to touch. You’re here for my pleasure.”
He groaned and closed his eyes, his head tipping back as he swallowed hard. “Yes, Mistress.”
I reached behind me, undoing the tie of my halter dress as he returned to watching me. The top came down, exposing my breasts as I unzipped the hip and let the fabric fall into a pool at my feet. The bits of sunlight breaking through the canopy of leaves overhead warmed my skin and I stretched, inwardly smiling at the way he watched me. I could feel his hunger, his need for me, and I reveled in the power I had over him. Sure, he could break out of his restraints without much effort, and he could physically overpower me easily if he chose to, but he wouldn’t.
Sauntering closer, I gave him a little half smile as he parted his legs for me so I could stand between them. His gaze darted up and down my body, as if he didn’t know where to look first. Shifting, his hips thrust up slightly as if he was fucking the air. The crazy attraction between us built and burned, making my pussy throb with the need for a good fucking. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been this turned on, and we’d barely even started.
Straddling his lap, his cock pressed between his belly and mine, I leaned forward and brushed my nipple against his lips. “Suck, gently. I like a little bit of teeth, but I’m very sensitive.”
“You have the prettiest tits I’ve ever seen,” he rumbled as I lifted my breast for his mouth. “Your nipples are so pink.”
Whatever else he might have said was lost as he drew the hard nub between his lips, the soft roughness of his tongue swirling back and forth. Pleasure shot from my nipple straight to my clit, pulling a moan from me as he jerked against his restraints. He pulled back for a moment and blew cool air over my wet nipple, sending little tingles that vibrated through my body. Taking my breast back into the warmth of his mouth, he groaned low and deep in his throat as I tilted my hips so the cleft of my pussy pressed against his erection.
I’d almost forgotten about his piercing, but when I slid up, it hit my clit and it was my turn to groan. Circling my hips, I nearly panted as it felt like a fingertip was swirling around the throbbing nub, the lace of my crotchless panties rubbed against me and added a new sensation. Normally it took a bit of effort to get myself off, but straddling this huge bull of a man, I was rocketing to my release. Pulling my breast from his mouth, I shifted so he could pay attention to my neglected breast, and was rewarded with his warm, soft tongue curling around my nipple.
I made myself pull back, sitting back on his thighs and rubbing my breasts as he watched me.
“Fuck, you’re so damn hot,” Tristan said in a rough voice that was one step above a feral growl. “Come back, let me suck on those pretty breasts some more. Your nipples have gone from pink to almost red, I want to see what color they are when you come.”
I raked my nails lightly down his chest, smiling as he arched into the pain. “Patience, my beautiful boy. I want to play with you first. How are you with biting? Being marked? Do you enjoy it?”
“You can do whatever you want to me,” he replied with a hazy look coming into his eyes that did nothing to dull the hunger blazing there. “Anything.”
“That’s not what I asked. What I asked is do you enjoy it?”
Leaning forward, he rubbed his cheek against mine as he whispered, “I’d wear every bite mark you give me with pride knowing it came from you. And yeah, I like pain, so bite away, my Mistress. I’m yours.”
Turning my head a bit, I gave his cheek a kiss. “Such a sweet man.”
Pushing him back, I remained straddling him, but grasped his head with one hand and tilted it, exposing his neck to me. Running my tongue lightly up the column of his neck, I blew on the wet skin afterwards, then scooted forward again so my pussy was pressed against his cock. Resisting him was beyond me at the moment, so I allowed myself to rub against him and his delicious piercing.
“This feels so good,” I whispered against his skin, licking and sucking along all the tender parts that had him rocking his hips against me. “I’m going to come on you, just like this, but you’re not allowed to.”
“Fucckkkkk,” he said in what sounded almost like a pained voice. “I’ll try, Mistress, but you have me so fucking turned on… I won’t let you down if I can help it.”
“If it gets too much, if you feel like you won’t be able to hold back, tell me. Understood?”
“Yes.” The chains rattled as he struggled against his bindings while I sank my teeth into the sensitive area where his neck met his impossibly broad shoulders. “Yeah, that’s it. Mark me. Show everyone who I belong to.”
Wrapping my arms around him, I held him close, our bodies pressed together as the glider began to sway with my movements. My whole body felt tingly, hot and aching as I ground my clit into his piercing, no doubt soaking his balls with my arousal. Giving the swell of his pectoral a hard bite, not enough to break the skin but probably enough to bruise, I leaned back, placing one hand on the firm mound of his thigh, and the other on his balls. Stroking them with my fingertips, I closed my eyes and leaned back, my orgasm racing towards me.
“That’s it”—he shifted his hips, matching my rhythm—“take what you want from me.”
I gave his balls a hard squeeze and he responded beautifully, my name falling from his lips in a groan of pure pleasure.
“Mistress,” he rasped out, “I can’t hold out much longer, feels too good.”
Knowing he was on the edge sent me over, my pussy clasping tight, my whole body feeling as if it were flying apart. I collapsed against him, weak little moans escaping me as the waves of my orgasm gently washed over me. It wasn’t a strong one, but it was enough to relax me a little, to ease this unexplainable hunger for this man just a tiny bit. I wasn’t anywhere near satisfied, but I could think beyond the ache in my body.
“Don’t move,” he whispered against the top of my head. “I swear if you sneeze I’m gonna come and I don’t want to disappoint you.”
I giggled as he groaned then whispered to me about how his dick hurt, how my bitemarks felt, how good I smelled and a hundred other filthy but flattering things.
It took me more time than I’d like to admit, but I finally recovered enough to push myself off his lap and stand on unsteady legs. My inner thighs were slick with my release, and his cock glistened with my wetness in the sunlight. I knelt between his legs and began to lick his inner thighs. Selecting a nice spot, I bit down, hard and reached up and grasped his cock at the same time.
My hand was slippery with his precum and my arousal as I rubbed him while sucking on the spot I’d just bitten. It had to sting like hell, but his erection was as hard as stone in my grip. Looking up from where I was licking his bite mark, I enjoyed the sight of Tristan clearly battling himself. He’d bit his lower lip and his eyes were closed, his head jerking from left to right in harsh movements as he clearly fought the need to come. Releasing his cock, I held his tight balls in my hand, rubbing my thumb along the seam as I leaned up and took a taste of his shaft.
“I can’t take it anymore,” he said with a harsh edge to his tone. “Please, Mistress, have mercy.”