And there wasn’t any sense in trying to interpret which. As soon as they stepped inside, he’d know for certain.
“We’re going up stairs. I’ll count them off for you.”
He started counting as they climbed—one, two, three, four, five and six—and righted her when they reached the entrance. The building was understated. There were no lights or signs to indicate you were at a BDSM establishment. The location and purpose were a closely hidden secret. You only got into Fantasia with a direct invite, and those who were fortunate enough to become members were extremely picky about who they trusted with the address.
The moment they stepped inside, he waited for Lacey to reach for the blindfold or indicate she was having second thoughts. Aside from taking a deep breath, she didn’t imply in any way that she wasn’t ready to go through with what he had planned for her.
“Hello, Mike.” Anthony—the large Dom situated behind the desk—nodded at him. “It’s busy inside but Vaughn reserved a table for you. It’s the back booth next to the bar.”
“Thanks.” Michael walked to the desk and handed Anthony the consent form. “Have a good night.”
Anthony glanced at the papers, grinned and looked at Lacey. “You too.”
Michael walked Lacey to the door that would take them to a narrow hallway to the club. He opened it with his free hand, led her inside and stepped into place beside her. They walked in silence until they reached the final door, and he held his breath.
This was it. The moment of truth.
As they entered the club multiple voices, a few soft cries and the normal sounds from the bar rushed to greet them. There were four floors. The first was the basement, which had been remodeled into a dungeon where various scenes took place. The second was the floor connected to the main entrance, which had a bar, seating area and a couple places for open play. The third contained an assortment of rooms, some of which were themed and available for multiples play or private sessions.
The fourth and final level—off limits to most visitors—was Vaughn’s private floor.
Only a handful of people had been invited the owner of Fantasia’s private abode. Although Vaughn owned a large cabin near the river, he worked so often he practically lived inside the club. His space was personal and off-limits.
“There’s a dressing room, but since you can’t see, I think we’ll make do with the coatrack tonight.”
He started unbuttoning his coat, gauging Lacey’s reaction, studying her face. Her chin was quivering slightly but there were no frown lines on her forehead or anything else to indicate she was ready to put an end to the evening. As he pulled the clothing from her shoulders, he continued watching her. He almost expected her to try to cover herself but she didn’t. She remained still, waiting for his next instruction as he placed the coat on a hook in the wall.
“The heels you wore are sexy as hell, but since you can’t see I think it might be better if I carry them for you.” He grasped her wrists and brought her hands to his shoulders. “Hold on to me. I don’t want you to fall.”
He took the right shoe off first and caressed the length of her leg before he did the same with the left. She kept her hands on his shoulders when he straightened, despite the fact that she was staring directly at his chest.
“Lift your chin.” She did, but not enough. “Higher.”
When he could reach her mouth, he skimmed his lips across hers. A chaste kiss, considering where they were, but it was more than enough. The muscles in his torso went tight as his cock began to swell. He pulled away, wrapped his hand around her arm and walked toward the floor.
Several people nodded in welcome or offered a polite greeting. That was the good thing about being a regular at Fantasia—everyone around him knew he was selective and he was possessive. Since he’d never come to the club with someone they didn’t recognize, Lacey’s presence was bound to cause attention.
He made it to the booth Vaughn had reserved for him and waited until Lacey’s feet touched the large cushion on the floor used by submissives. “On your knees, right here.”
She didn’t comply immediately and he thought she might resist until he saw she was trying to get her bearings. He held her arm as she lowered herself to the cushion.
“Make sure you’re comfortable.” He waited until she adjusted her position before he stroked her head and praised, “That’s my good girl.”
“I see you finally made it.” Vaughn approached the booth from the floor of the club. He was a big son of a bitch, a former football player who ended his career his senior year in college due to a knee injury. He glanced at Lacey and smiled. “This must be the sub Trevor told me about.”
Michael noted the way Lacey’s shoulders tightened and her jaw clenched. He wanted to take Lacey upstairs then and there. Yes, it would test her in ways this didn’t compare to. It would force her to realize just how far he’d go to respect her wishes. But looking at Vaughn, who had that fucking know-it-all gleam in his eye, caused Michael to question his decision.
“She’s been instructed not to speak.”
“Punishment?”
“Conditioning.”
Vaughn sat in the booth and arched a brow. “Without a gag?”
“That’s your cuppa,” Michael said, throwing Vaughn’s earlier remark back at him. “Not mine.”
“Only when necessary. A mouth is so much better when it’s accessible.”
It was impossible not to notice Lacey wringing her hands. Michael leaned over and ran his fingers over the back of her head, keeping each glide slow and smooth, until her fingers stilled and she took a deep breath.
“I can see why you’re taken with her.” Vaughn studied Lacey and smiled. “She’s not only beautiful but she calms at the slightest touch.”
He didn’t stop stroking Lacey’s hair. “Did you ever get in touch with Shiloh?”
Vaughn’s smile vanished. “She’s off tonight.”
One of the submissives who worked as a server to pay her annual fees approached the table and Michael shook his head when she asked if he wanted anything. Vaughn did the same. Alcohol was served but the amount was limited. Two drink maximum. If Lacey hauled ass and told him to fuck off, Michael had a pretty good feeling he’d need both of those drinks and then some.
“Have you spoken with Brian or Trevor?” Vaughn inquired casually.
“Not since I left.”
“They wanted Conner’s membership revoked. I told them no.”
“I’d say that’s fair.”
Vaughn glanced at him. “They don’t think so.”
“You have to look at it from their point of view.” Michael sat back and put his hands on the table, keeping his eyes on Lacey. “A woman they both want was hurt, and they’re angry about it. When some time passes they’ll be able to see things with clearer heads.”
“Or they’ll stop coming here and remove their financial interests in Fantasia.”
“Is that what they told you?”
“Not in so many words.”
Talk about a threat. Vaughn might own Fantasia but Brian and Trevor backed the D/s workshops held twice a year, as well as the fundraiser in the summer that went toward abused women and children.
“Give them a few days. Brian is hotheaded and when Trevor is distracted he usually allows that mentality to influence his decisions.”
“Topping from the bottom?”
“You said that. Not me.”
“Vaughn!” someone shouted from the bar. “Phone call.”
“That means my time is up.” Vaughn slid from the booth and moved to the front of the small circular table. He stopped just inches from Lacey and bent at the waist. “Enjoy your evening, little sub.”
She didn’t make a peep, although she did lean away from his voice. Vaughn laughed and looked at Michael. “You don’t like to share, and it appears she fully endorses the sentiment.”