BDSM Checklist: A, B, C

Though Master James was still toying with her breast Beth was no longer floating in a haze of aroused anticipation. She opened her eyes, though kept them submissively lowered.

Master James’s fingers stopped moving, his hand flattening over her chest.

“Can you do me a favor?” Though she could tell Master James was looking at her, it was clear he was speaking to the other Dom.

“Of course.”

“I need some things.”

Beth remained still as Master James leaned away from her to whisper to the other man. When he’d left, Master James shifted slightly, adjusting pillows until he was in a more relaxed half-reclining position.

He tugged Beth’s shoulders until she was reclining against his side, her head pillowed on his shoulder. “We haven’t talked about our letter.”

Beth found her tension slipping away as she lounged against him. “No, Master James, we haven’t.”

“I assume Madame Cat told you it’s C.”

“I figured it out.”

“The cage and the collar, or lack thereof, were a rather large clue. How are you feeling about Madame Cat removing her collar?”

Beth shrugged.

“No, I want to hear how you’re feeling. The truth.” The command was clear in his voice.

“I knew Madame Cat was moving and leaving LA. I didn’t know it was going to be today.”

“That’s what you know, not how you feel.”

A valid point, and she should have known he’d ask what for her was a difficult question. “I didn’t feel surprised when she removed her collar. I was…resigned. I’d planned to give up my own membership when Madame Cat left.”

“Because you didn’t want to submit to anyone but her?” He sounded both surprised and concerned.

“No, because being a sub is not what I thought it would be. I have not enjoyed it.” She shook her head, because that wasn’t quite right. “It has not been what I expected.”

“You’re disappointed.”

“Yes. Disappointed.” It felt good to say it, and it was true, but given her current position it was an odd statement. “In the Subs’ Garden, when others talk about their sessions and scenes…” Beth didn’t want to finish the sentence. Anything she said would sound pathetic, as if she were whining. She didn’t want to do that.

“Your submission hasn’t been fulfilling.”

She was glad he understood. “Exactly.”

“Have you considered topping?”

in air and almost

find that idea

do it. I could never

not? You said that you’re

their emotions, not in situations like this.” She gestured to the courtyard, which was slowly

up and

time

you

deep breath, Beth finally said, “I won’t answer that.” The answer revealed too many things, asked her to expose too

face. “And you have the right not to. But I have to ask—are you sure

“I’m

When you think about submitting, what do you imagine, what do you want? I don’t mean physically. What do you

left, almost stood up and walked away rather than answer. The last

pressed lightly to the

want to not

“Worry about what?”

to be with another person,

how you’ll know you’re doing it the right way.” He spoke slowly, as if he were processing what he was

“Yes.”

have to ask, are

either assumed or accused her of being on the

was rude of me to say anything.” His matter-of-fact tone lacked the pity she feared. “But I’m worried that

I hadn’t

to you, I’d feel a lot better if I

think I won’t?” The question was serious, but held a hint of teasing, something Beth wouldn’t have dared with anyone else. It was him—he made her behave this way. The only reason she dared was because he’d

sparkle in his eyes inviting her to again

I insulting

I can’t pleasure

didn’t say that.” She bit the inside of her cheek

is that in all your years as a member here, no

so it’s not just

let out a bark of laughter and Beth lost control of her smile. This

grin and he looked pointedly to

every eye was on them. If it had been a movie, there would have been a screeching record to accompany

and stared wide-eyed at Master James. He continued smiling, as if this were still funny, but all Beth could think was that she’d just insulted nearly a dozen Doms, some of whom might have

edge of the chair, ready to drop to her knees. Master James grabbed her around

“Oh no, you don’t.”