Page 16 of No Rules
“It’s not a theory. The cops say she did it too.”
“Allegedly,” Ryan said sharply. “We still adhere to the principle of innocent until proven guilty. There hasn’t been a trial yet, so as of now, Ms. Vandervliet is still innocent.”
The guard’s cheeks grew red. “You a lawyer now?”
“No, but I used to be a homicide detective, so I damn well know what I’m talking about. Now, tell me why you think she did it other than your claim no one else had access.”
The guard opened his mouth, then closed it again. “I don’t have to talk to you,” he finally said and shut the door in Ryan’s face.
“I guess that’s a no then.” Ryan sighed. “Let’s go before they call the cops on us. I think we’ve worn out our welcome here.”
5
Alex’s heart pounded as he stood in front of the full-length mirror in his bedroom, taking deep breaths to calm himself. The anticipation and nervousness were almost overwhelming, but so was the thrill coursing through him at the thought of what was to come. He rubbed his palms on his thighs, the smooth fabric of his tight, black boxer briefs clinging to his lean frame. Tonight, he’d take the next step in his journey as a submissive. He’d waited forever to find a Dom willing to train him, it seemed, and now the day had finally come.
Master Mark would take good care of him. Wander had promised him that when he’d told Alex that Master Mark had agreed to train him. Alex had met Master Mark when he’d accompanied Wander to a local BDSM club. Wander had ordered Alex to suck Master Mark off, which he had. It had been wonderful, exhilarating, and also a little embarrassing, but whatever. No one else on the team knew, so there was that.
He took another deep breath, then made his way down to the basement of Jesse’s house, where the dungeon was. Master Mark had agreed to meet him there rather than at The Exchange so Alex would have more privacy for his first few sessions.
“Welcome, Alex.” Master Mark’s voice was both authoritative and comforting. The tall, broad-shouldered Dom stood wide-legged at the entrance to the dungeon, his black hair pulled into a ponytail. Bare-chested, with intricate tattoos on his neck and arms, and dressed in leather pants, he looked every inch the powerful Dom as his brown eyes locked onto Alex’s.
“Thank you, Master,” Alex replied, his throat tight.
Master Mark nodded and gestured for Alex to follow him.
Flickering candles cast an intimate golden glow around the space. Shadows danced across the floor, playing off the equipment, calling out to him with whispers of pleasure and pain. The scent of leather and candles filled his senses.
A St. Andrew’s cross, its dark wood gleaming under the candlelight, loomed in the corner, imposing and powerful, waiting for someone to be bound to it. Nearby, a spanking bench beckoned, its padded surface inviting yet menacing. The room was a treasure trove of possibilities, and a shiver ran down Alex’s spine as eagerness and apprehension about what lay ahead mixed.
“Feeling okay?” Master Mark placed a reassuring hand on Alex’s shoulder, grounding him amid the swirling emotions threatening to overwhelm him.
“Y-yeah. I’m good. A little nervous though.”
“That’s normal. Remember, I’m here with you every step of the way. We’ll take this at your pace and won’t do anything you’re not comfortable with.”
“Thank you, Master.” A warmth settled in his chest at the understanding and care Master Mark showed him. It made it easier to trust him, to let go of his fears and surrender to the experience that awaited them both.
“Let me give you a tour so you understand what each piece of equipment is for. And then we’ll have a brief talk. It’s important we discuss our boundaries and safewords before we begin.”
He stopped by the St. Andrew’s cross, imposing and alluring at once. “This is used for bondage and impact play. Restraints can be attached to the ends for a variety of positions.”
“Sounds intense,” Alex murmured, his imagination running wild with possibilities.
“Over here, we have the spanking bench.” Master Mark patted the padded surface affectionately. “A submissive can be bent over this, bound if desired, for spanking or other impact play.”
Alex couldn’t wait. The St. Andrew’s cross scared him a little, but the spanking bench only conjured up images of him bent over, his ass on display. Only when he pictured it, Ryan was holding him, not Master Mark. Fuck, he had to let go of this impossible hope that Ryan would agree to train him. Alex wasn’t sure why Ryan was no longer a Dom, but he had to respect it. No matter how much he wished it were differently.
He shook his head, refocusing on Master Mark as he continued his tour. As they walked around the room, Master Mark explained the purpose of each device.
“Boundaries,” he said when they had seen everything, meeting Alex’s gaze with warmth and sincerity. “What are your limits? Are there any specific activities you don’t want to engage in tonight?”
“Umm, no blood or permanent marks, please. And well, I’m okay with humiliation play, but…not too much?”
“Understood. I have no intention of making things too intense anyway. Wander said you have little experience, so I should treat you as a newbie.”
“Correct. I’ve done some casual stuff, including two brief scenes at The Exchange, but I haven’t had formal training as a sub yet.”
Master Mark grinned. “A newbie sub… Mmm, can’t wait to break you in, boy.”