Bound to be Tamed: Emergence, Book 2 Read online

  Their presence was intense. They stared at her, their faces drawn and serious.

  “I’m not going to run,” she muttered around a bite of egg.

  Aiden exhaled. “You’re very stiff.”

  “You just squeezed my crotch and then told me to eat. That would make any sane woman a little off kilter.”

  Dane chuckled. “Good. We like you that way.”

  “Lori will be here soon. After you eat, we’ll talk to her in the living room and get you two acquainted with each other.”

  Lori. Even though both men had assured her their relationship with this BDSM sponsor was strictly professional, Stephanie couldn’t help the unease that niggled in her mind every time they mentioned her.

  Dane and Aiden were seriously sexy specimens. What woman in her right mind wouldn’t have ulterior motives when it came to hanging around them?

  Stephanie polished off her meal in silence and then she followed the men into the living room as the doorbell rang.

  She cringed as she sat once again in the armchair. She felt as if she were a recalcitrant student heading to reform school. The tutor has arrived.

  Stephanie stared at the floor while she listened to the greetings at the door. She gripped the arms of the chair, picturing hugs and God only knew what. When she worked up the courage to lift her gaze, she found the room filled with a very stunning woman who stared at her warmly. Her fiery red hair was a mass of gorgeous curls that hung down her back. Her warm green eyes reached into Stephanie and melted a bit of her fear.

  “Hi. I’m Lori.” She held out a hand and Stephanie jumped to take it.

  Unexpected. As though this were a regular friendly social call. “Nice to meet you,” she whispered.

  “Please sit.” Dane pointed at the opposite armchair and Lori lowered her cute self onto it with all the grace of a ballerina.

  Stephanie felt underdressed and under…everything. She had on no makeup. Her hair was loose around her face. Hell, she was probably pale from fear of the unknown and splotchy from nerves.

  Lori, on the other hand, had on a cute flouncy pink skirt, dainty gold flip-flops and a silk blouse that filled out in the front with her pert breasts.

  Without saying a word, Dane once again took Stephanie’s hand and lured her to the couch, arranging her so she sat between him and Aiden.

  “I don’t bite,” the woman announced. She smiled, and it was difficult to dislike her or what she stood for with that warm expression.

  If Dane and Aiden can have this woman, what the hell are they doing with me?

  As if reading her mind, Lori started right in, “Just so you know, I am not, nor have I ever been, in a relationship with either Dane or Aiden. We’re friends and I’ve been helping them for several months as they explore the D/s lifestyle. I’m hoping you and I can be friends too. I just want to help you all transition as you explore this ménage.”

  Ménage. There was a word Stephanie hadn’t really incorporated into her vocabulary yet. That’s what this was though. A threesome. Thank goodness she didn’t have any truly close friends who would now be looking down their noses at her strange choices.

  The only people she had any relationships with in recent history were at work and even those were superficial. The woman she spoke to most often had been Lisa, whose office had been next to hers until this morning’s abrupt resignation.

  Stephanie swallowed the lump in her throat. “Thanks. I appreciate the help.” It wasn’t completely true yet, but she hoped she would find this Lori to be an asset instead of a liability.

  “So, Dane and Aiden tell me you three met last week.”

  “Yes.” She wasn’t quite ready to proffer information.

  “And you’ve never explored the fetish world at all?”

  “No. Not until last week.” After the intense whirlwind experiences she’d had after meeting these two, she felt like a veteran. Knowing that was far from the truth scared the bejeebus out of her.

  “The boys say you’re a natural.”

  “That’s what they say.” She grinned. At least she hoped she did. Her face hurt from straining to keep her head on.

  Dane set a hand on her leg and dove into the conversation. “We initially asked Stephanie to be our date for Friday night so we could attend the party Steve was having. When we took the time to give her a little training so she’d know what to expect, she fell into the role like a seasoned pro. Her submission popped out and grabbed our hearts. Now we can’t imagine life without her.

  “But she has to want this as bad as we do for it to work. It was a huge step for her to walk away from her job this morning and show up here. I know she’s scared, but deep down she’s also intrigued and very brave to explore where her heart leads her.” Dane squeezed her thigh, making her jump.

  Damn his hands and their ability to turn her to mush.

  When she glanced at Lori, she found the woman smiling. “He has an effect on you, doesn’t he?”

  Understatement of the year.

  Lori didn’t wait for a response. “So I’ve spent some time with the men and helped them figure out a plan. You need to take some time to concentrate on yourself, your feelings, your gut reactions, your submission, really. The important thing is to stay open and truthful about every step as you take it. Let them know what works and doesn’t work for you as you explore.

  “You’re super lucky to have the opportunity to drop everything and concentrate on your submission. It’s a huge commitment being a full-time sub to two men. Not to be taken lightly. I’m hoping the ideas I’ve given the men to aide your transition will help you on your journey in a manner that’s safe, consensual and rewarding for all three of you.” Lori crossed her legs and leaned back.

  “That’s what we’re hoping too,” Aiden said.

  Lori continued, “I’d really like to hear your thoughts. I’d love to be someone you can count on to help. I’ve been there. On both sides. I’ve been both a Domme and a sub. I’ve lived the lifestyles both full-time and part-time.”

  Stephanie finally spoke up. “What do you do now?”

  “I’m living as a Domme right now. I have a part-time sub. We spend about fifty percent of the time in the role, mostly evenings and weekends. The rest of the time she works, as do I.”

  She? Oh wow.

  Lori smiled. “Margaret. I’d be glad for you to meet her. She’s an excellent resource. A model submissive. I adore her. And we make a great pair.”

  Lori, the stunning beauty Stephanie had been jealous of, was a lesbian?

  “I’m not a lesbian, if that’s what you’re thinking. I’m interested in humans, both male and female. But I’m currently in a relationship with a woman. Mutual respect and admiration are what drives us to be together. We click. We fit like a puzzle. It has nothing to do with her gender or mine.”

  Lord, there was so much she needed to learn.

  “Do you have any questions? You look overwhelmed.”

  “I wouldn’t even know where to begin.” That was the truth. She had ten thousand questions.

  “I know you aren’t comfortable with me yet. But I assure you I’m here for you if you need me.” Lori pulled out a card. She set it on the coffee table. “I’ll leave you my cell number so you can call me. Anytime. Okay?”

  Stephanie nodded.

  Lori leaned back in her chair.

  “I want to help open the communication for you guys. If you lay your cards on the table, it will go a long way toward ensuring everyone’s needs are met.” Lori turned to Dane. “Dane, why don’t you go first? What are your expectations where this relationship is concerned?”

  Dane’s hand inched up Stephanie’s thigh, getting threateningly close to her pussy. She squirmed to get his palm to release her. It didn’t work.

  He looked down at her as he spoke. “I love the way she’s so green to the idea of being submissive that she can’t even sit still. It makes my cock harder than a rock when she wiggles beneath my hand or blushes.” He ran the first finger of his other hand down her cheek. “Every command makes her hornier than the last. I know we entered this arrangement strictly as a business agreement. She needed us for a date for Saturday and we needed her for Friday.

  “I want to explore this to its fullest. Not so much because of my desires, but hers. She gravitated in that direction. I want her to examine that about herself.”

  Lori spoke again while Stephanie stared at Dane. “Aiden?”

  Wait. She hadn’t even wrapped her mind around the first man’s words. He wanted so much from her.

  “I agree with Dane. We’ve discussed this a lot. Especially in the last two days while she wasn’t with us. It was painful. I missed her terribly. I do want what’s best for her, however. We didn’t go into this expecting a full-time sub. We weren’t looking for one. We don’t even have all the ammunition to handle such an arrangement. Dane and I will do everything in our power to ensure she gets what she needs out of the relationship. If that means her submitting twenty-four seven, we’ll readjust to accommodate that. Giving her up isn’t an option.”

  God. Aiden was firm. Sure of himself. Stephanie didn’t have half the certainty he had.

  “Stephanie?”

  She twisted her gaze to the sweet voice of Lori.

  “What do you think about what the men are saying? You have to stick up for yourself. This is the perfect opportunity. Think of me as an impartial mediator.”

  Stephanie ducked her head a moment. “I do have some concerns.” Ooh, bold, Steph. Good job.

  Lori smiled. “And what are those?”

  “I need to work. I don’t think I can give that up. I’ve worked too hard for financial security to toss it all away. It makes me very uncomfortable.”

  Dane stroked her thigh again. Maddening. “Could you take some time off while we train you?”

  Stephanie shook her head. “I don’t think so. I’d be constantly worrying about the future. I need the money. No. That’s not entirely true. I do have savings, but every day I dip into that stash will make me more nervous. I need to feel financially secure by myself.”

  “She has a point,” Lori stated. “I can’t blame her for feeling that way. You’ve known each other a week. That’s a lot to ask of someone after such a short time.”

  Aiden stroked her hair. “What if we cover your rent for a few weeks, and expenses?”

  Stephanie shook her head. “I’d feel like a hooker.”

  Aiden’s brows shot up and his head bobbed back. “That’s crazy. You’re not a hooker.”

  “I know. So don’t make me feel like one. I’m not a kept woman.”

  Dane released her thigh, blessedly, and wrapped his hand around her waist. “That’s kind of the entire point here. We want you to be a kept woman.” He shook his head. “No, that didn’t come out right. It’s you who wants it. You crave the control we have over you.”

  Lori spoke. “Don’t put words in Stephanie’s mouth though, Dane. Let her speak for herself.”

  Dane kissed her forehead. “Sorry. Can you deny it?”

  He knew her so well. How had that happened so fast? She flushed deeper than she had earlier, her face burning with the heat of his stare as her blood flooded her cheeks. He pegged it. And she had to admit it out loud. “It’s true,” she whispered. “But I’m not sure I like the feeling. You have to give me a chance to consider it for more than a few days. It’s a huge step.”

  “Again, Stephanie is right. She’s not a pushover. And you wouldn’t want her to be.” Lori leaned forward onto her knees. “You just quit your job, right?”

  Stephanie nodded.

  “Are you willing to take some time off before looking for another place of employment?”

  She shook her head. “I can’t do that. It’s unsettling. I would have the weight of it niggling in my mind the entire time. I need at least a few hours every day to myself to hunt for a new job.”

  “And this is negotiation, boys.” Lori lifted her face to meet the men’s eyes. “Can you give up a few hours a day so Stephanie can relax for the other twenty?”

  Aiden squeezed her neck where his fingers lay tangled in her hair. “I have an idea. We touched on this last week. Dane and I are in need of someone with her skills at the restaurant. The website is a mess. The books are a disaster. Neither of us has the knack for that end of the job. We squeak by every month doing the bare minimum and it’s beginning to catch up with us.

  “We have to hire someone soon anyway. It would work out perfectly if Stephanie took that job for us and managed the business end.”

  Stephanie sucked in a breath. They had mentioned that last week, but she was still not convinced it was a good idea. What if things went south? It was always bad to sleep with the boss.

  On the other hand, technically, neither man had slept with her. A fact that never left her mind. She longed for them to take her pussy. Craved it with every ounce of her being. What the hell they were waiting on was beyond her.

  “Stephanie?” Lori dragged her attention back to the present.

  She cringed. “I’m not fond of the idea. If we don’t work out, what a mess.”

  Dane stepped in. “How about this? Think of it as a two-week trial period. No matter who we hire, that would be the arrangement anyway. You work for us for two weeks while we explore this relationship. That way you make money and you haven’t wasted any time when you could have been job hunting.”

  She scrunched her face. “That’s a lot of togetherness. What if we get tired of each other?”

  Aiden laughed. “I can’t picture ever being tired of you in this lifetime, but if we do, no harm, no foul. You look for a job somewhere else.”

  She stared at Dane and then Aiden. “So I would go to work with you and we’d be like normal people there?” She glanced at both men again.

  Dane lifted his chin and tilted his head. “I don’t think quite that normal. Aiden?” He looked over her head.

  “I’m going with Dane on this one. In fact, you could do a lot of work from here without even coming into the restaurant. Maybe a few hours a day you would be with us there, but we’d want you to be submissive. If you break the role, you won’t have the full experience.”

  “I don’t like the idea of the other employees knowing I’m your sub. I’d be uncomfortable.”

  Aiden pondered that a moment, chewing on half his lower lip. “How about we keep anything submissive between us? We’ll ask things of you in public, but nothing that would give you away. Unless you can’t control yourself,” he added with a grin. “That challenge would be yours.”

  Could she do it? Work at the restaurant and maintain some sort of form? “What would you ask of me in public?”

  Dane touched the tip of her nose. “If we told you that, where would all the fun be?”

  “I think this sounds perfect for you three. Stephanie works for full-time pay with benefits as a trial. You three can figure out the hours and locations and times. When she isn’t working, she lives as a complete submissive. When she is, she still follows the rules set in place for public decency.” Lori nodded at all three. “Is this agreeable to everyone?”

  Stephanie hesitated. “You will not expose me at the restaurant. Pun not intended. I don’t want anyone to know. I’m not ready for that. Make sure your requests allow me a level of modesty that won’t turn eyes in my direction.”

  Dane agreed. “Okay, but the same rules will not apply in a club situation. We want you to explore deeper when we’re at the dungeon.”

  “Did you guys get membership to Emergence?” Lori asked.

  “Not yet, but we’re hoping. We applied on Saturday.”

  Lori waved a hand. “You will. I’ll call them myself. That’s the perfect place to explore. Relaxed. Quiet. Dark. You’ll love it, Stephanie.”

  Riiight. I’m going to love the idea of being at the mercy of two men in front of other people. “So you’re planning to let other people see me naked at the club?”

  Dane leaned in and kissed her lips this time. “As much as you contest, the idea arouses you. That’s what I love about you. Your heart rate is elevated.” He set a hand on her chest between her breasts. “Your face is red.” He dragged his hand up to touch her cheek. “Your hands are sweaty.” He grasped her palm and flipped it over. Releasing her fingers, he pressed his hand between her legs and rubbed. “Your pussy is hot and wet,” he murmured.

  Stephanie gasped and wiggled backward. She grabbed his wrist. It unnerved her to have him touch her like that in front of a total stranger. It also aroused her beyond compare. And that unsettled her even more.

  He wouldn’t release his clutch on her crotch. His fingers stroked her brazenly. Even through the material of her jeans she could feel him as though she were naked.

  She moaned and then bit her lip, gathering her wits and losing the battle. How could she be this aroused with Lori watching?

  “It’s okay, hon.” Lori’s voice penetrated the haze surrounding her. “You don’t have to be embarrassed. Your entire thinking is skewed by society’s norms. I have a few books you can read that will help you get through this time period.” She patted a bulging bag next to her that Stephanie hadn’t noticed until that moment.

  “A few?”

  “One of the things you should really concentrate on will be studying and learning about the lifestyle. As you study, if you have questions, or just want to talk, call me, okay?”

  Stephanie nodded. Maybe.

  “Also, you need a safe word. Have you three discussed this?” Lori glanced at each of them.

  “Not yet,” Aiden said. “Unless you count cannoli.”

  “Cannoli?” Lori asked.

  Dane laughed. “We used it last week. I think it’s a bit of a mouthful as a permanent safe word though.”

  Lori shook her head. “I don’t even want to know this story. Stephanie, do you have a preference? If not, red is always easy to remember. It’s also the universal safe word you’ll use in a club, including Emergence.”

  “Red is fine.” Stephanie cringed imagining having to use it.

  Lori smiled. “Well, I have to get to work. Let’s do lunch in a few days. Alone. So we can talk without these men leaning over us.” She stood and picked up her purse, leaving the bag of reading material behind.

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