Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 93751 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 469(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93751 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 469(@200wpm)___ 375(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
Hannah glanced at Lucia, so calm in repose, a secret smile on her face, her dark eyes sparkling.
“As for you, Hannah,” Anthony continued, “please remove your shoes, top and skirt. You will fold them neatly and set them to the side. Then you will kneel in present mode beside Lucia while we discuss the parameters of your virgin scene.”
Hannah hesitated as she tried to muster the courage to take off her things. You’ve come this far. Don’t blow it by wimping out. At least he hadn’t ordered her to get naked.
She toed off her shoes. Reaching back, she unzipped the tight leather skirt and let it slide down her legs. Taking a fortifying breath, she reached for the hem of her top and lifted it over her head.
Ignoring her burning cheeks and trembling hands, she folded her things as directed and set them on the edge of the mat. Finally, she lowered herself to her knees beside Lucia. At least it was easier without the confining skirt.
Copying Lucia, she straightened her back and placed her hands on her thighs, palms up. Squaring her shoulders, she sucked in her gut, self-conscious about her soft, rounded belly, such a contrast to Lucia’s firm, toned body.
She spread her knees as best she could, her hip flexors protesting in the process. Lucia made it all look so easy, but it most definitely was not.
Finally, she glanced up at Anthony, who was regarding her with a small, amused smile. “Very good, Hannah,” he said. “You have natural grace. With a little practice, you’ll be perfect.”
“I feel like a big cow next to Lucia,” she blurted before she could censor herself. Unable to stuff the words back into her mouth, she followed them hastily with, “But thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“The proper response is Thank you, Master Anthony,” he said sternly, but his eyes danced with mirth.
“Thank you, Master Anthony,” she repeated, flames licking her cheeks.
He nodded, as regal as a king. “Before we go any further, let us be clear regarding the parameters of this scene. My intention is to secure your wrists with cuffs and chain to the top bar of the bondage rack, and then introduce you to impact play. I believe a simple flogging will be your best introduction to erotic pain. Before we get started, you are free to ask questions. Once the scene begins in earnest, that is, once you are bound and in position, you will simply submit. Is this clear?”
Hannah swallowed hard, her breath catching in her throat. She glanced around the dungeon, where several intense scenes were already under way. What had made her think she could handle this?
“What is it?” Anthony asked, regarding her. “Speak freely.”
Hannah cleared her throat as she tried to compose herself. She didn’t have to be Hannah just then. She could be Jess, the protagonist in one of her novels. Jess was confident, self-assured and determined to persevere, even when tested by the most sadistic of her club’s members.
“I’m just a little nervous is all,” she managed, pleased that her voice sounded steadier than she felt.
Anthony nodded. “That’s perfectly understandable.” He fixed her with that intense mesmerizing gaze. “But you want it, too. Don’t you, sub girl?”
“Oh,” she whispered without having meant to speak. His words were like a flame igniting inside her. “Yes,” she managed to croak. Clearing her throat, she reiterated, “Yes, please, Sir.”
“Good girl. Now. Stand up and take off your panties and bra.”
Hannah’s hand involuntarily fluttered to her mouth, her gut clenching. She’d known on some level this was coming, but now that it was here…
Anthony regarded her calmly. “I understand this might be difficult for you, Hannah. Some women, even genuinely submissive women, are shy about removing all their clothing, especially at first. I’d like you to consider the symbolism involved in disrobing at the request or command of a Master. It is an act of submission in and of itself. Do you have the courage to reveal yourself in this basic way?”
Did she?
After all, what he was saying made perfect sense. Stripping for this man, for this Master, wasn’t a sexual act, at least not overtly. It was an act of submission. Her first true act of submission. And what was the big deal, really? Heck, half the people in this room were stark naked and nobody batted an eyelash.
True, she wasn’t at her most physically fit, but she’d seen plenty of subs at the club and the BDSM events she’d attended with less-than-perfect bodies, and it hadn’t mattered to anyone there. Indeed, it was one of the things she loved about people in the scene—they seemed far less judgmental than vanilla folks.
She stole a sidelong glance at Lucia, who gave a minute nod of encouragement. She tried to speak, cleared her throat and tried again. “Yes, Sir,” she said, her voice breathless in spite of her resolve.