King Read online

  “You look different” she smiled, trying not to laugh as she clocked my appearance, still slightly dishevelled despite my best efforts. “What have you been up to?” she grinned as Jason struck up a conversation with a tall dark, Italian looking man on his left. “Jason’s been playing with knives” I giggled as her face dropped, her sharp narrowed eyes darting straight to him before laying a horrified glance on me. “Are you OK?” she said as I smiled and nodded, thinking that maybe I should have kept my mouth shut. “Really Charlotte?” she asked firmly as I nodded and Jason turned, handing me a glass of champagne from a circulating waiter, still half in conversation as he noticed the look on Sasha’s face. “I want a word with you” she spat coldly. He raised a finger as if to gesture ‘wait a minute’ before turning to resume his conversation with the handsome European.

  “Don’t Sasha” I pleaded, realising I could have just landed myself in the shit, but she was shaking her head firmly as I noticed the barrister looking on from the corner of the room. “You are new to this and that is just plain irresponsible” she said firmly as Jason’s head spun around at the harshness of her words. “Excuse me” he smiled at the foreign gentleman, turning to Sasha, his mouth set in a firm grim line, towering over her, tension and anger radiating from every bone in his body. I visibly shrunk under the presence but Sasha seemed to grow in response, straightening her posture, doing her best to bring herself up to face him and in the eight inch heels, she almost succeeded. “Outside now” she said firmly as he released my hand and strode out of the room, followed by a seething Sasha and I sighed, knowing immediately that I’d fucked up royally.

  I downed the champagne and grabbed myself another, making my way over to where a group of women who I presumed were the submissives of the men who were talking were chatting quietly. “Hi” I smiled, hoping to join in the conversation and I wasn’t disappointed. Within seconds I realised that gossip was as popular a topic at these parties as it was everywhere else, and apparently I had been the subject of it for much of the evening. “We were wondering about you” said a beautiful auburn haired girl with green eyes and a smattering of freckles over her nose which probably made her look younger than her years.

  “Has Jason given you that?” she said gazing at my necklace as I stroked it absentmindedly. “Yes” I nodded as she squealed “I told you” to several other members of the group who had crowded around us curiously. “He isn’t known for having a permanent sub” she smiled “he usually likes to mix it up a bit, so we’re all intrigued. How long have you been together?” I couldn’t help but smile, the surge of pride that was beginning to become a regular feature of my time with Jason, coursing through me again. “Not long, just three days” I smiled and a number of them were staring at me, absolutely aghast. “Jason King has given you that after three days” and I recognised more than a little envy in the jealous stares from a few of them, who I immediately guessed to be the ones who he’d ‘mixed it up with’.

  The pretty green eyed girl with the freckles was thankfully not one of them. I nodded, my mind turning to Jason and Sasha and my heart sank. Why the hell had I opened my big mouth? “Is he as good as everyone says?” she whispered conspiratorially. The answer was yes, but I was more concerned about the ‘everyone’ who would know. It was my turn to get some answers. I smiled and nodded. “Has he had a lot of subs at the parties?” I said quietly, but evidently not quietly enough, and from the way at least five of the group looked down at the floor to avoid my gaze, I knew I already had my answer. “You could say that” she giggled, turning as a loud deep voice called her name from across the room. Her posture shifted slightly and everything about her became suddenly passive, subdued and inherently submissive as I took mental notes. She had that shift down to a fine art and I knew I might need to adapt those skills, sooner rather than later. Jason would be furious with me for sharing that titbit of information with Sasha. “Excuse me” she smiled as I watched her walk over to the handsome Italian, gazing up at him lovingly as I turned to the rest of the group.

  The atmosphere in the room shifted, several of the women looking up behind me adoringly as I felt the firm hand grip my shoulder. “We’re leaving” he said firmly as I turned around, trembling slightly at the tone in his voice and wondering silently if I’d ruined everything. I tried to recreate the pretty girl’s stance and expression, turning slowly to face him, looking up shyly at his unreadable face. If he was angry he wasn’t showing it, but he wasn’t showing anything else either, as I said a soft “excuse me” to the group and followed him out of the room, out of the marble entrance and down the steps into his waiting car.

  I sighed as he pulled me onto his lap, holding me closely, more in relief than anything else and my heart was pounding. It was a reaction that was way over the top, but my emotions were so intense and all over the place, there was no rational reasoning for the way I felt tonight. “Are you angry?” I whispered as he shook his head. “Only with myself, not with you. I need to know that you’re OK?” “Yes of course I am” I smiled “tonight has been absolutely wonderful” I said to reinforce the point as he exhaled deeply, his features softening as he kissed me gently.

  “What did Sasha say?” I asked eventually. I knew she would tell me on Monday, but I wasn’t sure I could wait that long. “She read me the riot act and from a women in rubber that’s not an easy thing to take. I bet she makes a bloody good Domme” he grinned and I couldn’t help but laugh. “She was right though. What I did tonight was really irresponsible and I went too far, much too soon” he said, the regret palpable in the heavy weight of his voice. “I got carried away, I wanted to push your limits but I shouldn’t have done it” he sighed. “I loved it” I grinned, partly to make him feel better and partly because it was true.

  “Jesus Charlotte, you keep surprising the hell out of me, do you know that” he laughed as I nuzzled against him. “You too” I grinned as he possessed my mouth in a heart stopping kiss that took my breath away and lasted until we pulled up outside the front door of my apartment. My heart sank. I knew we wouldn’t sleep together but I wasn’t ready to let him go just yet, and it was evident from the way my face fell. “I’ve got an early start to drive to my parents but I’ll stay with you until you fall asleep, OK?” he smiled and I nodded, flooded with relief that it wasn’t goodnight.

  I could smell him on my covers when I woke and nuzzled into it, replaying all the events of last night in my mind and smiling happily. If I had surprised Jason King, he had more than surprised me. The brooding magnificent dominance, I had imagined. The gentle tender protection and affection, I had not. No wonder he had a fabulous reputation on the scene, he was absolutely the perfect mix, and I knew I would have to be very careful not to let myself get carried away. I ran my fingers along my bare neck and gasped until I saw the box lying on the cabinet at the side of my bed and sighed in relief. He had removed the necklace and left it there for next time. I noticed with a smile as I flipped it open to look at it again, that he had not left the key.

  I was looking forward to seeing Katie and hoped she would be free this afternoon, for a few drinks and a girly natter. I could talk about Jason to a point with her, and I would tell her everything I could without risking his or Sasha’s confidence. I was desperate to get a full on disclosure about what was happening with Robbie and hoped that she was free for lunch or at least a couple of hours, smiling at the thought as I sent the text.

  How about a big fun Sunday?

  She probably wouldn’t be awake yet. I showered and dressed and went about the washing and the cleaning and the other household chores I’d all but ignored all week, grateful that we had gone straight to the bedroom last night. If Jason had seen the state of the rest of the apartment he’d probably have run for the hills. It was another hour before the text came back as I was dusting the living room and craving a mojito.

  Definitely! La Bodega Negra Soho 12.30? I’ll ask Sash too x

  I was already looking forward to it. The restaurant wa
s our favourite little find and impossible to miss, positioned beneath a lurid Soho shop front ablaze with huge neon signs screaming ‘Sex shop’ and I laughed out loud. How utterly appropriate I thought to myself, as I sent the text back.

  Excellent. See you both there x

  After a quick restyle to ensure I wouldn’t look out of place in the ultra trendy New York import and just in case I ran into someone famous and got accidently papped, I made my way up to Soho, giddy to see the girls and embark on an afternoon which I prayed would not commence with shots of tequila. As I arrived at the restaurant, they were both there, and from the little glasses lined up on the table waiting for me, I realised my prayers had not been answered and they were grinning broadly.

  At this time on a Sunday, tequila just seemed wrong, but the intimate environment and moody lighting in the vaulted space, hid the fact that it was the middle of the day as I settled into my denim covered chair, gazing at the incredible cardboard edge-of-the-city landscape that dominated the room and grinned right back.

  I couldn’t help but laugh, taking in the anatomical posters on the walls depicting stockings and suspenders and Mexican wrestling masks, casting a quick glance at Sasha and wondering if there was a subconscious reason I loved this place so much.

  “So what’s new?” I smiled at Katie “I haven’t had the chance to catch up with you properly about Robbie. How is it?” Her returning frown and slightly sad eyes made my heart drop, as I chinked their glasses and we sunk our first tequila. “It’s OK?” she said, utterly unconvincingly. “Come on, what’s up?” smiled Sasha kindly. “Spill it girl, that’s what we’re here for”. I couldn’t help my puzzled frown at the flush that ensued and wondered just exactly what Katie was about to reveal. It wasn’t like her to be embarrassed about anything, so whatever it was must be out of her comfort zone and hugely personal. She looked between us both, gazing at the table and took a deep breath.

  “I really like him, we have such a laugh, but he wants me to do things I don’t think I’m entirely comfortable with” she sighed. “Like what?” said Sasha, very directly and I couldn’t help but smile. “Oh God this is mortifying” laughed Katie gently, downing another tequila as we all followed suit. I was just staring at her and so was Sasha. “He asked if he could rim me last night” she said, gazing at the table as Sasha laughed. I didn’t, and could totally understand her reservations on that particular front.

  “And?” Sasha said calmly, clearly wanting more details as the flush rose up Katie’s body, probably intensified by the strength of the tequila. “He likes me to order him around in the bedroom” she continued and I couldn’t help a glance at Sasha as she flashed her eyebrows at me. Jesus Christ, we were a strange bunch. Until I’d met Jason, the most exciting thing I’d ever done sexually was doggy style. Not anymore, my inner wicked grinned gleefully. “He’s utterly gorgeous and I want to please him but it’s a bit, you know...” she stopped and I nodded.

  I totally understood the weight and depth of feelings behind the ‘you know’. Sasha was not quite so understanding. “So did you do it then?” she asked quickly as Katie flushed again and nodded slowly. “And what did you think?” she persisted, the girl was a one women interrogation machine. “It was nice” said Katie, seemingly unable to quite believe that she’d voiced that particular feeling.

  “So what’s the problem?” grinned Sasha who clearly found the whole strange sex thing a bit more cut and dried than Katie and I who were infinitely newer to the whole scenario. “It’s just a bit weird” she smiled as I looked around at the unusual sexual scenes depicting stockings and Mexican wrestling masks as Katie read my thoughts. “We’re in the right place to discuss weird though” she laughed, ordering three wines from the waiter and throwing us each a menu.

  “Seriously Katie, if you like it and it turns him on, why do you care?” Sasha said gazing at the menu. She wanted to get to the heart of the problem. Personally, I would have just left it at that. She looked at me before answering. “I like someone else to be in charge in the bedroom” Katie said quietly and I couldn’t help the small bit of wine that escaped my lips as I nearly choked on my Pinot Grigio. “I knew you’d be like that Charlotte” she frowned, looking slightly pissed off and clearly thinking I was an almighty prude. “Like what?” I laughed gently, knowing that I’d have to tell her my little secret, and realising that timing would be crucial. It was likely she’d respond just as I had, and if she was chowing down on a taco when I did it, that would be the end of my blouse.

  “I dunno. Shocked I suppose” she smiled as I blazed a huge one right back at her. “I’m a dominatrix” announced Sasha matter of factly, which led to another unexpected Pinot Grigio leakage as Katie gasped audibly, eyeing her friend suspiciously. “Seriously, I’m not taking the piss” she confirmed as Katie continued to look at her puzzled. “I’m only saying because I can help you with this, but I’d appreciate if you didn’t tell anyone else” she smiled. Katie looked at me and frowned, clearly wondering why I hadn’t expressed the same, stunned reaction. “Has he always asked you to boss him around, or just last night?” she went on. “Last night was the first time, before that, he’s always been quite stern and sexy and a little bit deviant” she laughed, blushing. “OK then. It sounds like he likes to switch roles. You’re going to have to let him know what you want and get good at giving a bit back, if you want to continue things with him” she said simply as Katie just stared at her, lapping up the advice from our unlikely sex oracle.

  “I definitely want things to continue with him” she squealed. “The man’s a fucking underwear model, not to mention his brilliant mind, you should see some of the work he’s created for his finals. It’s groundbreaking and truly amazing architecture” she smiled proudly and I could see the warmth for him written over every feature of her face as I grinned broadly.

  The friendly waiter came to take our orders of braised beef, lamb and soft shell crab tacos as we resumed our conversation. I wondered if the time was right to open up. “At least one of us has a nice normal relationship. How are things going with King?” she smiled and I couldn’t help but laugh. “This is another one you need to keep to yourself Katie” as she looked at me, eyes brightening in curiosity as Sasha sat half smiling and I suspected that after last night, she still wasn’t very happy with Jason.

  “It’s not a normal relationship, I’m his submissive” I said, unable to help the giggle that burst from my lips as she stared at me wide eyed and shocked. “Are you two taking the piss out of me?” her face fell, staring first at Sasha, then right back at me. “No” I smiled shaking my head “Sasha had a go at him last night because he chained me up and blindfolded me and tormented me mercilessly with a very large knife” and her jaw almost hit the table as I continued my tale. “Actually, I suspect it was a butter knife, so a lot less dangerous than it sounds, but because I couldn’t see, or move, the anticipation and fear was the same. Then he gave me multiple orgasms by fucking me into oblivion” I smiled, much more matter of factly than I ever thought I was capable of. Clearly hanging around with Sasha was a positive thing.

  Katie couldn’t take it all in and began to giggle loudly as we all joined in. “We are a real motley crew aren’t we?” and she was right. “Are you always in charge Sasha?” she asked, eager to get an insight into what her relationship with Robbie might consist of. “Mostly, but not always. The barrister is a pretty powerful individual. Most of the time he likes to relinquish that in the bedroom but sometimes he likes to indulge it, and he lets me know in advance what he’s thinking. Take tonight for example. He’s taking me to a law society dinner and I’m staying at his. Ordinarily I’d take some of my kit in my overnight bag, but when I got this earlier on, I knew I wouldn’t need it”. She pulled out her phone and passed it first to Katie who gasped, and then to me.

  You’ll be on your knees later begging for my cock you little Bitch-slut

  “Wow” I gasped “That’s different Sash” I gazed at her, handing back the phone
as she looked at me smiling. “I know and it will be fun. A change is as good as a holiday” she winked and I couldn’t help but laugh. “What about Jason?” said Katie and without her being any more specific, I knew exactly what she meant, shaking my head. “Unlikely to happen” I grinned as both her and Sasha nodded. “I can’t see King ever getting on his knees and begging to anyone” she smiled and I had to agree. The thought of a submissive King was a vision even I was struggling with.

  “We should call ourselves the Sub-committee” laughed Sasha, that way if we’ve ever got a problem we can schedule a meeting in our diaries and Alison will be none the wiser. I laughed loudly, as did Katie. “Great idea Sash, expect our first committee meeting in the cake shop next week” I grinned. “I’m sure one of us will have a burning issue about butt plugs or lubricant that we need to discuss”. We were laughing wildly as the taco’s came, smelling utterly delicious as we all tucked in, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful we had found one another to help us forage our way through this surreal new experience, pulling my beeping phone from my bag.

  Where are you?

  Jason. I smiled at the screen and sent a text back as the other two grinned at me, no doubt realising from the look on my face who had sent it.