Jax, the bartender, is already pouring a drink when he turns back to the counter."Look who finally decided to show up."
"You miss me, Jax?"I laugh.
"Like a hole in the head," he teases, sliding my usual toward me."The usual?"
"You remembered."
"Coconut rum and pineapple juice for the lady who tips well and never causes trouble.How could I forget?"
I smile."So, what's been happening while I've been buried in textbooks?Any good drama I missed?"
"Nothing major.That redhead on the St.Andrew Cross is on her third Dom this week.Rumor has it she has plans to work her way through the whole club just to say she can," Jax says.
I glance over in the direction he nods.I have seen her around but never really talked to her, and I don't even know her name.
"Couple of new members.Few suspensions for the usual reasons.That photo leak crap hit the news briefly, but Carter and the guys handled it."He lowers his voice."Security's been tighter since then, but it's mostly behind the scenes.You waiting for Dante?"
"He's setting me up with a new Dom," I tell him.
"And who is this new Dom you're meeting?"
"All I know is his name is Gage?"I’m trying to get more information because Jax knows everyone.
Jax smirks."Yeah.Good guy and he's into bondage."
Heat coils low in my belly.My last scene partner wasn't into bondage, not the way I craved it, anyway.That was fine at the time, but it left me wanting more.
We went our separate ways.I focused on school and finals.Now I'm free to play for a couple of months.When I thought about my next play partner, I knew exactly what I wanted.Thankfully, Dante could help.My other option was to ask Gemma to ask her fiancé, since he owns the club, but that would venture into the awkward category I've been trying to avoid with them.
"Shoulda known I'd catch ya gettin' all the gossip off Jax," Dante says in his strong Irish accent as he takes the bar stool next to me.
"Hey Dante," Jax says, heading off to make his drink.
"Well, I had finals, and I've been away longer than I'd like.Had to catch up somehow," I smile at him.
"Ah, sure, I'm just glad you're back.Hopefully yer not doin' a runner, 'cause look, here's Gage now," Dante says, while Jax hands him his drink."Why don't ya go have a look at the Voyeur Hall while he and I have a wee chat, yeah?"
I nod and sip my drink, trying to relax as I wander toward the Voyeur Hall.He didn't point out Gage, so I'm still not sure who he is, but I trust Dante, and I'm excited to meet him.
The lighting is dim down the hallway.Each room has a large glass window and a few chairs for viewing.I take a look into each room to see what catches my eye.The first room has a spanking scene.A woman on her knees, looking up at her Dom with pure submission written across her face.I pass by a room where a Dom is sharing his sub with another man.That has never been my thing.
I keep walking while thinking about the texts Gage and I exchanged once Dante introduced us via text the other day.We have been texting a little bit about our limits and what we like.Just to make sure we are a good fit before moving forward.Once we agreed to meet, Dante set it up.
The next room I walk to is the bondage room, and always a favorite of mine.The scene in front of me makes my pulse spike.The couple is mid-scene, the sub bound with perfect precision, each knot a work of art.I can almost feel the restraint, the pull against unyielding ties, the thrill of surrendering control.My fingers tighten around my glass, my pulse kicking up a notch.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
The deep voice startles me, and I turn to find a man standing beside me, also watching the scene.He's tall, with dark hair graying slightly at the temples, and a physique that speaks of regular workouts, lean but strong.His eyes are sharp and intelligent as they meet mine.
"The trust," he continues, "is what makes it art.Not just the rope."
I nod, turning back to watch."I've always admired people who can do that.The patterns are incredible."
"Are you into rope play?"he asks, his voice casual but with an undercurrent of something that makes my skin tingle.
"I've experimented a little," I admit."Never anything that elaborate, though."
He keeps a respectful distance, hands in his pockets as he watches the scene."I'm Gage, by the way."