A VIEW TO POSSESSION Page 2

  "Just like you," Tad pointed out. "Sounds to me like you might just be made for each other. Just as long as I can have some, too. It's why we work together so well, Mistress. Whatever pleases you, will please me. And asking him to join us would please me a whole lot. My dick's hard just thinking about him. Damn, Aurora, we have to do something about this soon."

  "I know, I know."

  Chapter 2

  * * *

  Con Jardine leaned back against the bar and studied the occupants of the room. For eight weeks he'd been coming here. By now he was familiar enough with the layout and routine of the place. For two years, ever since Martine's death, he'd kept an eye on the Noir Dance from a distance. She'd been a good friend and he'd made her a promise.

  He'd watched the nightclub prosper, seen that Mistress Martine's two beloved subs did not find themselves in deep water that they couldn't swim out of. Martine had indicated she wasn't sure Aurora was up to the demands she had thrust onto her shoulders and was worried about their security and happiness.

  After finally extricating himself from his own demanding obligations back in New York, and uncollaring the sub who'd been with him for the last three years while he'd been on assignment in New York, he'd made arrangements to travel back to Reno to check firsthand on the pair. It wasn't that he wouldn't have brought Ella with him, it's just that she preferred to stay in New York and not return with him to Nevada. They had parted on amicable terms. He had enjoyed her while they were together, but he wasn't heartbroken by her decision to remain behind.

  Reports from his acquaintances were that this pair was doing fine, but he wanted to see for himself. He felt a responsibility to Martine to personally make sure everything was going well, even though the reports he'd received on the club indicated they were.

  At first he'd waited. He needed some space after the last lengthy relationship, time to breathe and get his own affairs in order. Yet something had drawn him to the club, some urgency he hadn't quite understood. He was glad he had come because on the surface everything proceeded as though Martine still ran the place. But every night, as he watched the pair do their nightly appearance at midnight, that was when he was afforded an opportunity to really study them. And things were not right with them. He sensed the undercurrents of unease.

  Over the years, having possessed his own share of slaves and submissives, he knew how to read people. Here were two people playacting, going through the motions, but still grieving for the loss of their domme. Aurora wore the role of mistress well, but behind the mask of domme was a sad, grieving sub who had made a promise to her mistress and was determined to carry it out no matter that her heart and soul lay bruised and unappreciated.

  Tad was an intriguing young man, following Aurora around like a little puppy dog, acceding to her wishes, her commands. Con could see he cared for Aurora, but the respectful demeanor of a sub for his domme was not evident. And his gaze often roved over the bar, as though seeking something, someone to fill the void. Martine had said they both required a firm hand and that's why she had come to Con. She'd worried about them right up until the end. She had contacted Con in desperation.

  He could feel the crackle of the letters in his vest pocket. Her last words to them--if they should be needed. After two months of studying them, both here in the club, and as they went about their daily lives, he knew it was time. They were like lost sheep who pretended to know their way. Intelligent and careful, or they would have been gobbled up by the worst element by now, but still lost and in pain. He respected that demeanor of strength. Neither were willing to give up their freedom, or offer themselves to just anyone.

  He was the one who could make it right for them. He had exerted patience over the last eight weeks, allowing them to see him, to become accustomed to his presence, to watch him, gauge his suitability. He had never been the kind of dom to force himself on a sub, pushing his control on them. He wanted them to come to him willingly and tonight was the night to make his intentions known with this couple. He would not let Martine down, and he would show this pair they had a new home, a new guide.

  The music changed and he glanced down at his watch. It was time for them to make their entrance. He glanced up as the double shiny silver doors at the end of the room opened and the crowd parted and hushed as though on command.

  The majority of this goth audience played at bondage, tinkered with it, but were not dedicated to the lifestyle. They were intrigued by the idea of it. Maybe that's why no one could see through the pair as they performed for the gathering. The dance floor cleared and the pulse of the deep music acted like a trance on the predominately young, wealthy audience. They waited in heightened anticipation, those with partners suddenly locked and touching intimately, the tantalizing anticipation deepening their desires. The perfume of sex and excitement permeating the air, now tinged with the thick, smoky incense filling the room.

  And then they appeared. Tonight she was decked out in a tight, ruby sequined corset, narrowing her waist impossibly, its long skirt, no more than long strands of red fringe that swayed with her steps. Black, shiny leather boots that clung to her legs like a second skin with at least four-inch heels. She carried a red leather flogger in her hand and tapped it against her thigh as she strutted to the center of the dance floor, head held high, eyes glittering in the darkness. The music dipped lower, the bass a deeper, throbbing rhythmic undertone.

  Her long, elegant neck, milky white and uncollared, her satiny, straight, black hair shimmered like a midnight waterfall, a dark cape draped down her back ending bluntly at her waist. She was certainly a sight to behold and Martine would have been proud of her performance.

  Tad strode behind her, a leash attached to a black leather, rhinestone studded collar, hands handcuffed in front of him, as he followed her. He wore black leather pants that rested low on his hips barely covering his cock and ass, short dark hairs curling over the top, a taste of what lay hidden beneath. They looked like they could slide off his hips at any moment, yet were tight enough to remain in place, taunting the waiting audience. He was barefoot, head down as he followed Aurora to the center.

  Quickly he knelt before her and she stood gazing down at him. She then proceeded to strut around him. She trailed the flogger over his back as she studied him. Finally, she halted to the side of him.

  "You've been a naughty boy, haven't you?" She asked him loudly so the audience could here her words. Con had seen the act each night, played a bit differently each time. And it was an act, because Con sensed her heart wasn't in it.

  "Yes, Mistress," Tad answered her in a chastened tone, hunched before her on the floor.

  "It's time to take your punishment. How many tonight, do you think?" She turned to survey the crowd as though asking their opinion. People shouted out numbers from all sides, eager to see the punishment begin.

  Finally, she seemed to consider as she stood there glittering beneath the spotlight. Con watched them intently. It wasn't real, none of it. In fact, to Con it seemed more forced than usual.

  "Ten, tonight my naughty sub. It shall be ten lashes." She lifted her crimson gloved hand and began to mete out the punishment, slowly, playing to the crowd.

  And Tad played as well, crying out at what Con knew was not truly as painful an experience as he pretended. He had to wonder if in private Aurora put him through his paces as he obviously needed to be. And if Martine had been accurate in her assessment, who put Aurora through hers? Who offered her the opportunity for complete submission, to release all her control? There was no one now, was there?

  His attention again turned to the dance floor just as the punishment ended and Aurora soothed the well-chastened sub, removing his handcuffs. He stood and she kissed him, offering him forgiveness for his supposed transgressions, and the audience clapped. The music changed once again to a faster trance beat and people moved toward the dance floor as Aurora and Tad retreated out of the way of surging bodies, holding court at a corner of the floor.

  Now it was t
ime for Con to make his presence known. He rose from the stool and slowly made his way to the couple, who were surrounded by enthusiastic fans. The haughty smile on Aurora's face was forced; Tad tried to keep the crowd from overpowering them both. Con approached from the side. He wanted them to be taken off guard, better to judge their honest reactions. He'd never sought them out before, content instead to watch them from a distance.

  The crowd parted, allowing him access. He stood several feet to their right and watched as they thanked the effusive fans and answered their questions. He saw her stiffen, and knew she felt his close presence. A dom's presence. He saw her lay a hand on Tad's arm and Tad turned to look at her enquiringly. She said nothing, but turned her head slowly to survey the people around them and then she saw him. Her eyes widened in surprise, then her expression closed and turned wary.

  Tad, who had been watching her closely, also turned his head. His expression was not so much one of surprise, but of assessment and interest, almost welcoming. Con wanted to smile when he saw his gaze turn heavy-lidded and inviting, a sexy, come-hither look planted on his face. He had a feeling he definitely was a naughty boy and could use a strong hand to guide him. Those few strokes of the flogger had done little to rein in his bad behavior.

  His attention turned back to Aurora. She was the one who was the real challenge. She had played mistress for two years now, and she would definitely require firm handling. He liked it that way as it was more of a challenge and brought out his primitive instincts, making his blood sizzle with anticipation and his cock harden. And the thought of their submission was all the more precious.

  She must have seen something in his eyes because she reared back and he saw her hand tighten on Tad's arm. The two communicated without words. Con could almost read their heated thoughts as they glared at each other. Tad was more than willing to invite him upstairs, but he acceded to Aurora's authority in the matter. She was not going to give in easily.

  She had the power, was afraid of giving it up, and she wasn't going to make it easy. Yes, she was definitely going to be a challenge for Con. His prick pressed against the front of his pants. He most certainly looked forward to the challenge.

  He casually pulled out a small business card from his vest pocket without taking his eyes off the couple. He held it out.

  He watched the play of emotions cross her face. Slowly, as though she couldn't help herself, she took the card without touching his fingertips. She reminded him of a nervous cat on hot tile and it was going to take time to gain her trust. But once he had, it would be well worth it.

  Martine was a smart woman. She had groomed this pair well. Smart, passionate, and a more beautiful pair of submissives he hadn't come across in quite some time. For himself, he usually only had one collared at a time, so this was definitely going to be interesting...and stimulating, in more ways than one. He took his position as dominant very seriously and had considered at length whether to reveal himself to them. But already his cock was driving hard against the confinement of his pants. He'd waited, wanting to be certain before he made his move. He wanted them both.

  He watched her curl her fingers around the card and drop her hand back to her side without looking at it, as though it mattered little. But he knew--he could see it in her eyes, the battle she waged internally.

  Con pivoted on his heel and sauntered away. She would know what it meant. It was a calculated move on his part to make her aware of the dynamics of who, and what, he was. Now he would wait. And so would she. The boy already was besotted, it was the woman he had to win over. He enjoyed the duel for power and he was ready to play the game.

  And that was going to occur very soon.

  Chapter 3

  * * *

  It was four o'clock in the morning and the club was now silent, everyone gone. Aurora walked down the back staircase and entered the main room, stepping onto the dance floor.

  She liked the silence. The echoes of the crowd and the music still seemed to thunder in her head, but soon the silence would take over and the peace would wash over her, settling her so that she might be able to sleep.

  She lifted her hand and unfurled her fingers, revealing the crumpled card pressed into her palm. She smoothed it out. Constantine Jardine. She could sense his vibrations, tingling up her arm and they hadn't even touched. Most assuredly he wasn't looking for someone to top him. That was something she was very sure of. She heard a rustling of sound from the doorway.

  "Come in, Tad," she said without turning to look at him.

  He walked up behind her and gently pushed her long hair over her shoulders. He began to loosen the laces of her tight corset. "I want him, Aurora."

  She exhaled as the corset landed at her feet. Tad then dropped to his knees and began to unzip her boots, one at a time and removed them. The garters holding her stockings in place came next. Before removing the stockings, he looked up at her.

  His expression asked for an answer. She sighed. "I know, Tad." She touched his hair. Then she looked off into the distance. "I'm not sure you realize what you're asking."

  "He's a dom, is that what you mean? Do you really think I couldn't sense it as well as you could? I think he's made his position very clear. There can be no doubt. He's the one, Aurora."

  She hesitated a long time before answering him. Looking down at him, she saw the determination on his face. "How can you be so sure? Would you leave me for him?" she asked softly.

  His fingers gripped her thighs tightly. "I don't want to leave you. You're very important to me. And I think, if you're honest with yourself, you want him, too. Badly. Do you think I haven't watched you over the last two months? Do you think I don't know, that I haven't seen the yearning in your eyes?"

  He slowly rolled her stockings down her legs and removed them. He pushed her thighs apart and began licking at her inner thighs.

  She sucked in air at the pleasant touch. Her juices gathered. "Martine wanted me to assume her position. I can't let her down."

  He looked up at her. "It's not letting her down. She wanted us both to be happy, you know that. She would never have faulted you for taking what you need."

  His tongue flicked at her clitoris, then sank between her folds. "Oh, Tad," she whispered, "I don't know what to do. I'm tired and I'm afraid of failing both her and you."

  "Accept him," his voice vibrated against her opening and she shivered at the sensation. "You want what he offers. And he's ready to accept us. Or he wouldn't have given you the card." His mouth ate at her, driving her higher, making her dizzy and her mind clouded. He sucked at her stiffened clit and it pushed her over the edge and she convulsed, her memories of the stranger pushing her faster.

  When it was over, he lapped at her juices.

  "Is that the best you can do?" a deep voice broke the measure of contentment, coming to them from the shadows like a roll of thunder across a starlit night.

  Aurora whirled around and peered into the darkness, suddenly very aware of her nakedness.

  "Who's there?" But she already knew. How he'd managed to get in when the club was closed, she had no idea. But here he was.

  He stepped from the shadows. "You know who I am. And what I want."

  She straightened her spine and glared at him. This wasn't a good position to be in. Having just come, and naked as the day she was born, she felt weakened, unprepared for this confrontation. It should have been on her terms, not his. Already, she was at a disadvantage. And he knew it. Con Jardine was the type of man who would have no problem gaining entry past a burglar alarm. Or a heart that had locked itself firmly away from intruders. Yet she straightened her spine, prepared to confront him. She wasn't about to give in easily, no matter how much she might want to.

  He drew closer and circuited them, studying them. She felt him trying to peer into her soul. Finally, he came to a halt and as though trying to come to a decision regarding the couple. "Martine was right. You're both beautiful, but you require a strong hand."

  That took her by surprise
. "Martine? You knew her?"

  He shifted his gaze to her alone. "Mistress Martine to you, sub." He was already attempting to lay the ground rules. He turned swiftly to look at Tad, who had started to rise. "No one told you to get up. Stay where you are." She saw Tad return to his position, but with a deference of respect that had been missing from his relationship with Aurora. She could feel his anticipation of the scene that was about to commence.

  Tad bowed his head and clasped his hands behind his back. "Yes, Master. I apologize for the transgression. It won't happen again."

  "It better not." He turned back to Aurora. "And you." He stepped closer and she could feel his body heat blast over her. His scent wafted through her, darkly sensual, dominating. "You have gone without direction for long enough. If it helps at all, your Mistress asked me to watch over you. To guide you. Have you enjoyed your time as Mistress since Martine has been gone? And I expect the truth."

  Aurora found herself helpless against the demands of this man. His possessive gaze had her unable to stop herself, and she clasped her hands behind her back and bowed her head. Within seconds she realized what she was doing and, yanking her hands free, she straightened her shoulders, and jutted her chin. "I have done what I promised the Mistress I would."

  He reached out to clasp her chin and studied her intensely. She felt the walls of obstinance begin to crumble. She was determined not to give in to her attraction for him.

  "So you have. But did you enjoy it? Is it what you were born to do? Would you have been happy continuing in the role of domme? Although I surmise that you have not done so in private."