Dwelling in Desire Ch. 13

"Now, be a good girl and go get some jeans on. Tonight's gonna be casual," I cleared my throat as I released her.

Had I not been trying to manage my raging hard-on, I might have laughed out loud from her look of disappointment.

"But definitely bring the pink skirt," I winked.

"Yes Sir."

I couldn't help it. It was done before I could even think about it.

I pulled her to me. I kissed her, hard. And I spanked her.

A swift one. It would smart for sure.

I readied myself for a scream and a stinging cheek of my own.

But what I got was a gasp, and her arms suddenly clinging to me for support as her knees buckled.

"Beth, are you alright? I'm sorry, I didn't..."

It was hard to backpedal with her literally hanging on me.

"No," she gushed, her head buried in my chest.

"Beth?"

"I'm fine...I'm...fine."

"You sure?"

"Yes, just hold me please."

I held her. The whole world just went away. I would hold her for as long as she wanted. Hell, as long as she would let me.

I rocked her back and forth, rubbing her back, soothing her as best I could, cursing myself for my lack of restraint.

She's not fucking ready, you fucking idiot!

"Baby?"

"Hmm?"

Clearing my throat, I attempted to lighten the mood.

"Baby, I was gonna take you someplace special. Do you still want to go?"

"Mmhmm," she nodded against my chest.

All I could see was the top of her head, so I could really only judge from her tone what she was feeling.

And she didn't sound mad. At all.

"Look at me Bethany."

She looked. Or she tried anyway.

Holy fuck.

She wasn't mad. She was high as a fucking kite. Sub-space.

I'd given her just the tiniest dose of pain, and it had her flying.

"Bethany, is anyone else home right now?"

"No, Mrs. Hathaway is at her book club."

"Good. Give me your key."

I steered her firmly to the door, and jiggled the key in the lock until it relented. Maybe I'd get this lockset replaced for her. Hell, maybe I'd replace the whole damn door.

As we entered the small but tidy kitchen, which was only a couple steps from the front door, I sat her down and went to the cupboard to seek out a glass. After filling it with water, I presented it to her and gave her a firm look. She needed no further motivation.

"I'm sorry Beth. I shouldn't have spanked you. Not this soon."

"Oh will you shush up Curt? I'm fine. I'm a big girl."

"Are you now? Have you ever been spanked? Flogged? Whipped?"

"Only spanked. And only by you."

"Good."

Several moments passed in silence.

I wondered what she was thinking—if she truly was even more perfect than I'd imagined. All signs pointed to 'yes'.

Clearing my throat as she finished her water, I prompted, "Let's get you into some jeans and sneakers, kay?"

Cute bunny nod.

I followed her to her bedroom, which was tiny and hilariously messy. Clothes were everywhere.

"I see you were a busy girl getting ready for me."

"Yes. You got a problem with that?" she sassed.

I turned to her, wielding what was surely a clever retort, but lost all train of thought when I saw her unzipping her skirt.

I swallowed, trying to remember what I was going to say.

She said nothing, ignoring me as she shimmied out of her pink skirt, flinging it onto the mattress atop who knew how many other pieces of clothing.

Sweet Jesus...

Her panties. They were pink. Sheer. Lacy. Fuck.

With a pre-messed bed not two feet away, I felt my control quickly dissolving.

"You'd better find those jeans fast, little girl."

"I'll find them when I'm good and ready."

I bit my lip in restraint, though I couldn't contain a growl.

"Don't push me Bethany. Don't."

She may have been new to this, but my tone left no room for doubt. I would make her sorry if she pushed me. And me sorrier.

She quickly produced and put on some slim fitting jeans, along with socks and a pair of gray Sketchers.

"Wanna bring a sweater or something? It's getting cooler out."

Much as I enjoyed her lovely creamy flesh, fall was in the air, and with the wind coming from the lake, it would be cold in the city tonight. She nodded and grabbed a hoodie from her closet before silently leading me from her bedroom.

After getting Beth settled in the car, I loaded the suitcase into the trunk and off we went.

"Where are we going?"

"I'm taking you to the place where we had our first date," I grinned.

"We never had a first date," Bethany reminded me.

"Well maybe not officially. But I knew I wanted you then, just as much as I do now. I'm counting it as our first date."

"Okay," she smiled as I gave her thigh a light squeeze.

Due to the hour on a Saturday, the drive was about forty-five minutes to the city. We didn't converse much, but I kept revisiting her thigh, half regretting the jeans.

Every little gasp was a new high, a new rush of desire for her.

As we pulled into a space in front of Vincent's, I softly reminded her, "Remember you are mine this weekend. Yes?"

I looked her in the eye. She was obviously intrigued, and aroused. Her barely there nod sealed the deal.

"Stay," I commanded her before getting out and rounding the Jag.

I unbuckled her, taking time to graze her breasts of course, despite our close proximity to several restaurant patrons.

"Good girl for keeping your legs spread. Come," I praised her, helping her out of the low seat.

Thankfully the scornful looks were minimal as I nodded to Henry and escorted Beth past the line and inside. I'd called the owner and requested a table by the fountain.

Sure enough, a card for Donovan held our table in reserve, along with a bottle of house cab.

I held Beth's chair before seating myself. Victor showed up right on schedule, and I smiled as Bethany ordered her lemonade, and I the same.

"You can take back the Cabernet Victor. Maybe Vinnie can throw in some tiramisu instead?"

"Of course, Mr. Donovan."

When Victor'd left to get our drinks, Beth shook her head.

"You must give them a good amount of business Curt to receive such special treatment," Bethany raised an eyebrow.

"I've had them cater a few events. Vincent's operates purely on referrals now. They're booked through January, I hear."

"What events did you have catered?"

Shit.

Clearing my throat, and shifting in my seat, I tried to explain in the most generic terms.

"The club I used to frequent had occasional private events, and I recommended Vincent's to the owner and her activity director. I facilitated a mutually profitable transaction."

"The club," Bethany blinked. "The club we...that I, umm..."

"Yes, that club. Consent."

"Consent?"

"Yeah," I cleared my throat again.

Were we really discussing this now?

Victor came with our lemonades, thank Christ, and I ordered the sausage pizza again, observing Beth's shy smile as I did.

"So I guess I'll just get it out in the open then," I muttered. "Bethany, Consent is a specialized club, catering to the BDSM community. They are very exclusive and you can only get in through a recommendation."

"Like a sex club?" Beth looked shocked, but thankfully not mortified.

"Of sorts," I affirmed, nervous as to how this would go. "It's a place where people can share their mutual kinks, free of judgment."

Would Beth freak? Would she ask questions about that night?

"So you'd go there and..." Beth trailed off, shaking her head.

She was doing the math. Fuck.

"I was there that night Beth, seeing a long time friend of mine. We engaged in sex, yes."

Better to come clean with it than to have her ask. Rip off the band-aid.

Beth blinked and became visibly withdrawn.

"Obviously this was long before I thought I had a chance with you Beth. Our relationship was purely professional. At least, it was supposed to be," I shook my head.

When I received no response, I decided to come clean about something else, hopefully which would make her happy, or at least lessen the tension.

"I thought of you that night Beth. I...fantasized about you."

That did it. Her eyes flew to mine.

"You fantasized about me while you were with another woman?"

"Yes, and she knew," I made a face, recalling the awkward conversation that night with Tina. "She sensed something was wrong and dragged it out of me. I told her about my harbored feelings for you, and she graciously offered me some relief."

Beth's jaw was about level with her tits by now.

"So you can imagine how shocked I was when I found you standing just outside the club. I thought you were meeting someone, another member."

"Oh," she whispered. "So that's why you were so upset."

"Yeah," I chuckled. "I thought you were there to see someone else. And I was jealous."

"Ha!" Beth laughed. "Well, I guess I can't really be mad. We weren't seeing each other. If anything I gave you the brush off, more than once."

"Exactly," I nodded. "Beth, had I thought..."

"I know," Beth interrupted. "I know. Let's just, move on."

I smiled weakly at the maturity of her words. I wouldn't have blamed her for throwing a fit. For hating me.

"Yes. As I said earlier, today is about moving forward. That club is my past. You are my present and future."

Beth's eyes met mine as I said those last few words. I wanted to look away, to hide my total vulnerability. My wishes for us. But she deserved to know.

Satisfied for the moment with my declaration, Beth nodded. Moments later, our pizza appeared, in all its artery clogging glory.

"Thank you Victor."

Little did he know I was thanking him for more than just the pizza.

--

Oh my God.

Curt was a member at a kinky sex club! I was shocked, and yet not. His incredible sexuality had to be difficult to keep under wraps 24/7. But now, the insecurity I'd harbored, knowing he'd been with several women before me, had increased tenfold. What the heck did I have to offer him that they did not?

And what of his friend? Would he continue seeing her, and if so, was it purely casual? Casual sex was a concept I had difficulty grasping.

How ironic was it that I'd gone in pursuit of that very thing, that very same night?

Truthfully, I'd known that I wouldn't have taken pleasure from it. It would have been hollow sex. Only sensation, no passion. No reward. No love.

After being with Curt, I understood that.

I smiled as Curt held up his slice in a toast, and I quickly moved to reciprocate. Goodness, he was so romantic! So perfect.

"Mmm, that pizza is heavenly," I moaned through a mouth full of carbs.

"That it is."

We ate in silence for a while, both savoring the pizza to the fullest. Although some of the looks coming from Curt made me wonder if he was at all focused on the pizza. The fire in his eyes hinted at those dark secrets I longed to uncover. Perhaps tonight, when we returned to the house...

"Uhh, that was fantastic," Curt moaned, tossing his napkin aside. "I think we've found our place Bethany, what do you say?"

Our place. Our place.

My heart leapt with joy at his words. This was real. He really wanted me. Every look in my direction, every tender gesture, every whisper of a touch—it all signified something more than just a casual relationship. And now, our place.

"Bethany?"

"Tell me where this is going Curt."

His features softened. "I want you completely Beth. You have to know that by now. I want you to be mine only."

"And you will be mine only as well?"

Best to dot the I's and cross the T's on this one. If I was going to give myself to him completely, I really needed to know.

"Yes. I will be yours only. I am yours only."

He said it with conviction, his face now serious.

This was real.

My heart was aflutter, and strangely, I could feel my pussy joining the celebration.

You need to let go Beth. Let go of your pride, let go of your self-doubt, and embrace him for all that he is. Be with him. Love him. And if he loves you, he will need nothing more than that. Have faith.

"Okay," I whispered. It was all I could say without crying. This was happening.

"Okay," Curt smiled before glancing at his phone, his eyes lighting up with concern.

"What?"

"It's getting late. We should get going."

I checked my phone, and saw that it was just after six. I wouldn't have pegged Curt for an early bird, but if this was what he called "late", then perhaps he was. Or maybe he just wanted me alone. I certainly wasn't going to object to that.

"No tiramisu?" I teased.

"Trust me Beth, I'll give you something way better than tiramisu."

Enough said.

"Come," he ordered, forking out several bills on the table and waving goodbye to Victor, who was taking an order at another table.

I moistened between my legs as we approached the car. The ritual of him buckling me in, while strange, and slightly embarrassing in public, got me excited.

His hands roamed over my body, teasing and thorough at once, before he gently nudged my legs apart.

Oh shoot, I forgot!

Wanton or not, the position was a symbol of my submission to Curt. I vowed to give it to him, every day, without fail.

I'd assumed we were returning to his house, but ten minutes later, we were pulling into what I vaguely recognized as his office building.

The official "Donovan & Martell" wall plate confirmed it.

"What are we doing here?" I asked, genuinely confused.

"Sorry baby, but I have to grab something from my office real quick. Sit tight, I'll be right back," he promised, leaning over and kissing me lightly on the lips.

It was far too quick and innocent. I wanted his tongue.

But he was gone before I could say anything.

I sat, alone, in the dark spooky garage. True to his word though, Curt was back within moments. He pulled something from the trunk before getting in.

"Are you ready baby? I have a special surprise for you," he declared with a mischievous grin.

"I thought the restaurant was the surprise," I teased.

"Nope. Close your eyes," he ordered.

What could the surprise possibly be? We were at his place of business for God's sake.

Before I could start tossing guesses around in my mind, I felt something wrapped around my head. A blindfold!

"Curt?"

"Shhh, it's a surprise."

I nodded and bit my lip in anticipation.

A warm hand gripped my chin, turning my head towards him.

I felt his warm breath on my mouth, and moaned aloud when I tasted him. This was the kiss I wanted. Full. Open mouth, with tongue. His hot, sexy, tongue. His intoxicating smell ravishing my senses.

I was only too willing, but he held my jaw firmly, forcing me to submit. He would control the kiss.

My hips squirmed in my seat, my pussy clenching in frustration at the void between my open legs. Perhaps that was exactly what Curt wanted. He wanted me eager, desperate for his cock. His hand. Anything he would give me.

And God help me, I wanted to be powerless. At Curt's mercy.

"Mmmhhaah," I gushed as he released my mouth.

"Yes," he growled.

I felt the car roar to life, and go into reverse—then the sudden incline as we exited the underground parking garage. From there, it was an indecipherable route.

Where was he taking me?

I honestly couldn't imagine. And why the blindfold?

I couldn't tell how much time had past, but finally we slowed to a crawl. It felt very similar to the bumper-to-bumper traffic I encountered on weekdays.

Where would the traffic be slow like this, on a Saturday?

I heard Curt lower his window and greet someone, but he raised it again quickly, before I could hear much else.

Then we were descending. More underground parking, I assumed. We must still be in the city.

I felt Curt park and turn off the engine.

"Okay baby, you ready?"

"Ready to get this darned blindfold off? Yes!" I whined.

Curt's soft sexy chuckle did nothing but irk me right now. Perhaps I didn't like surprises as much as I thought.

"Afraid the blindfold isn't coming off just yet. Stay."

Mmm, I loved it when he said that word. I could almost forgive him.

He came round and unbuckled me, assisting me carefully from the car, his hand on my head to make sure I didn't hit it on the roof of the Jag.

"Careful baby."

He was so loving. So tender and caring.

Suddenly, all my annoyance drifted away and I was filled with nothing but adoration for this man. This glorious stud of a man, confidently steering me blindfolded through a parking garage like it was no big thing.

"Be sure to pick your feet up all the way so you don't trip," Curt warned.

"Or, you could just take the blindfold off."

"Don't sass me little girl."

I licked my lips at those words, shivering from the guttural tone with which he spoke them. It made me want to sass him more. Just to see what would happen.

What was wrong with me? I'd always been a good girl. Always heeded warnings and erred on the side of caution.

But that was Beth.

Bethany wanted to experience Curt's wrath. What would he do to punish me? No matter what it was, I knew deep down that I would shamelessly beg for more.

I was alerted to hints at our location when I heard voices.

"Good evening sir."

"Good evening, thank you."

Now that I knew we were among other people, I felt extremely self-conscious. I probably looked ridiculous with this damn thing on my head.

"Curt..."

"Shhh."

Fuck. That "shhh" from him was enough to shut me up for the rest of the night.

And suddenly, I froze.

Squeaking. Rattling. Squeaking. Rattling. Pounding. Pounding...

I knew that sound, and my heart nearly exploded.

"Curt!" I squeaked, and squeezed his hand excitedly.

"Are you ready now babygirl?"

I swallowed the lump in my throat, and muttered, "Get this damned blindfold off me!"

A deep chuckle, and suddenly there was light.

I fought past the shock of the brightness.

Giants. Giants, everywhere!

"Oh my God, Curt!" I squeaked in sheer joy.

"Do you like your surprise Bethany?"

I turned to Curt and practically tackled him with my kiss. I grabbed him by the hair and held him to me, kissing him madly in appreciation.

"Does that answer your question, Mr. Donovan?" I grinned seductively when I finally released him.

"It does," he growled. "Shall we go home now?"

"No fucking chance."

"So you do get mouthy. Game's not even started yet," Curt laughed.

"Where do we sit?" I demanded.

"Straight to business, I see."

"Curt!"

"Okay, okay," he laughed. "Come, this way..."

Oh my God, was all I could think as he walked us straight onto the court.

"Floor seats?? Holy crap, Curt, floor seats??"

"What, you've never had floor seats before?" he teased.

"I've never had seats before!"

"Well that ends today baby. Enjoy," he purred into my ear.

He handed me a lump of black cloth.

"Let's see about putting your blindfold to better use now," Curt smirked.

Confused, I unfolded it, and nearly cried again when I discovered it was a brand new Chicago Bulls T shirt.

I shook my head.

What was wrong with this man?

How could he be so darned sweet? So thoughtful. So perfect. There was no man this perfect.

I was shaken from my trance by a big orange blob nearly hitting me in the face.

Curt caught it before it hit me, and tossed it back. To none other than freaking Denzel Valentine!

I sat there, totally aghast as Valentine acknowledged Curt, and smiled at me before resuming his warm up shots.

Holy shit. Holy shit. Holy shit!