Throughout the exchange, she was intensely aware of Ulric standing behind her.
She knew he was waiting for her, for the punishment she was sure to dole out. She also knew he was waiting to see if Faris would agree to participate in this very private part of Ulric’s life. Stella had to admit, she hoped he would consent. It had been a long time since she’d had more than one person under her guidance. Despite her annoyance, she couldn’t deny his appeal.
Faris swayed back slightly before straightening as much as he could under her grip.
“I agree. I won’t interfere.”
She ran her thumb across the inside of his wrist before releasing his hand to step back. Stella waited for him to turn and face her. Faris was a very attractive man. Brown eyes, high cheekbones, long arms—sleek where Ulric was bulky. She understood the attraction. Nodding toward the large chair in the corner, she ensured the smile was stripped from her face as she spoke.
“You may sit there. Remember, you are not to interfere even if you disagree with what you see. I will not say it again.”
He opened his mouth as if to protest, but snapped it shut and nodded his head.
“Understood.”
Faris walked slowly to the chair, his eyes shifting to Ulric as he passed, but only for a moment. Stella didn’t wait to see him claim his seat, instead turning her attention to her charge.
“Ulric,” she said making sure her discontent was clear in her voice. “I am very unhappy with you.”
“I’m sorry, Mistress.”
“You have disobeyed me. Disappointed me.”
“Please, Mistress.”
Ignoring his plea, she strode to her chest of tools and opened the lid with a sharp tug.
There were so many options available to her, but it was important to select the correct one. Tonight wasn’t just about discipline or punishment. No, Ulric needed to be cared for, to learn his lessons once again. Whatever had happened out there, he wasn’t ready yet to hand over his control to her yet. It was her responsibility to do what was necessary to get Ulric to that place in his head where he could be free and find peace.
What Faris’ role would be, she would determine as the evening progressed.
After a few moments of deliberation, Stella selected what she thought she’d need to start. If things took a different turn one way or the other, she could revisit her strategy.
The paddle was heavy in her hand—a comforting weight. Yes, this was a good beginning.
Turning, she was pleased when she saw Ulric had quietly stripped naked and resumed his position on his knees, hands locked behind his head and his gaze fixed on the floor. Stella slapped the paddle on her thigh, enjoying the echoing sound of the whack of wood on her leather skirt.
“You brought another into my home without my permission.” Slap. “You didn’t come to me dressed according to my wishes.” Slap. “You have forgotten everything I taught you over the past year.” Slap. “What should I do with you? Answer me!”
A shudder passed through Ulric. “Whatever you wish, Mistress.”
Good. He still needed this. “That’s right. You are my concern. I know what you need even if you don’t. Isn’t that right?”
“Yes, Mistress.”
“Stand.”
Ulric rose to his feet. His naked skin shone in the candlelight, casting an ethereal glow on him. Heat and want swirled in Stella’s stomach, her clit swelling as her cunt grew damp. No, this wasn’t about her—her needs were secondary to Ulric’s. Forcing her attention back on him, she smacked the paddle once more against her thigh.
“Get the bindings and the nipple clamps.”
Ulric didn’t hesitate, moving to the drawer that held the restraints and opening it with a single, sure move. The thick bands of leather dangled from his grasp as he shifted the contents in search of the clamps.
Stella was about to speak again, when she saw him hesitate. He was still fighting this in a way he hadn’t for months. Finally, he let out a huff and pulled out the clamps and moved to the location of the spacing bar hanging in the room. Ulric stood tall, even with his eyes cast downward. Still the commander.
She kept still until she was sure he felt the heaviness of her silence and displeasure.
Goddess, what had happened out there? She knew there’d been a battle, the ship’s status had only been lowered to high alert over the past few hours. She could only imagine the fight had been brutal—in her experience there was rarely another kind. She wasn’t sure who had all been involved, but at least this ship had remained undamaged.
Ulric kept the details of such fights from her, not because she was unable to handle the information, but rather because she’d had enough of them to deal with. They brought back crisp memories she’d prefer to leave buried in the past.
Whatever had happened, people had died. Death was the one thing she knew ate away at Ulric’s normal reserve. She’d seen firsthand his anguish at losing someone under his command. In his eyes, the lives he’d saved were outweighed by the deaths he couldn’t prevent.
“Enough,” she whispered, knowing her voice would carry.
Seconds ticked by, but slowly Ulric’s shoulders relaxed and his breathing evened out. Only then did she approach, careful not to touch his skin and offer him comfort before he was ready, no matter how fleeting.
Taking the bindings and chains from his hands, she waited until he held his wrists out to her, palms up. Her moves were practiced and quick as she fastened the links, her fingers moving almost of their own accord.
Ulric didn’t struggle. As she lifted his hands up to thread the chain through the hook suspended from the ceiling, his body relaxed. Good, he was responding as he should to this.
Once his hands were in place, the spacing bar preventing him from escaping her touch, she moved to the computer control and pressed the button that slowly lifted the chain. Ulric moaned softly as he was stretched out before her, his body weight resting on the balls of his toes. His cock twitched and thickened, but did not grow fully erect. It was still early.
She didn’t speak. Instead she focused her attention on his right nipple, grabbing it between her thumb and forefinger to roll and squeeze the tip. Once it stood erect, she placed the clamp on his sensitive skin, relishing the sharp intake of breath as he adjusted to the tightness of the sensation.
Movement at the corner of Stella’s eye caught her attention. She purposely didn’t look in Faris’ direction, not wanting to break the spell that had fallen over them. When she spoke she ensured her voice filled the room.
“Oh, I think you like that,” she cooed, scraping her nails down the front of his chest.
“But we’re not done yet. Not even started.”
“Yes, Mistress,” Ulric whispered. “Thank you.”
Stella quickly teased his other nipple and then placed the clamp on it.
Ulric squirmed in his bonds, but didn’t pull away. He’d always been sensitive, his control over his body’s reaction one of their greatest challenges.
“Don’t move.” She shifted around to his back and slapped his ass with the paddle.
“Are you trying to anger me?”
“No, Mistress.”
Another slap to his ass, harder than the last. “I don’t think I can trust you tonight.”
She’d suspected much of his training would be tested this evening. It wasn’t fair to push him too hard until she had all the information. She needed to start over, remind him exactly what she could do for him if she was going to set things right.
Walking back over to the chest, it only took her a moment to find the cage and cock ring. The leather and metal felt cool in her hand, perfect for what she needed.