I notice a sub on her knees beside her Dom in the corner, his hand petting her head gently as they watch a dark-haired woman whipping a man on the St. Andrew’s Cross, each lash dragging a deep groan from his throat. I can’t see who it is from here, but Ican tell he’s enjoying every last hit, just the way I would be if it were me up there.
Asher steers us away from the sight, but it’s all I can think of as we make our way down the long hallway toward the private rooms.
The moment we step through the door, their arms drop from around me, and instead of feeling relieved to have room to breathe, I miss their touch immediately.
I step further into the room to hide my disappointment, my eyes bouncing over every surface. This is one of the more basic rooms, decorated in the same deep red and black the rest of the club is, but it still has everything we would need—a wall of restraints, a huge four-poster bed, a spanking bench, and a cross just like the one we passed in the club.
My eyes linger for a moment too long, and Asher’s tattooed arms wrap tightly around my waist, tugging me back against him. “Are you craving pain, Hannah?”
I nod quickly, not trusting my voice not to give my lust away. When I first found BDSM, I didn’t think I would be able to handle anything more than a spanking, but I quickly found how freeing it can be, and I’ve come to crave how clear my mind becomes when I slip into subspace.
The stranger walks toward the wall of restraints, eyeing each item before moving to the next. He moves with the confidence of a powerful man, and I can’t help but wonder if that’s why I can’t know his identity yet. Maybe he’s still in the public eye and can’t risk a scandal.
“What are your rules for tonight?” Asher asks.
“Keep my eyes on you both. Check in regularly with how I’m feeling. Don’t come without permission. Do as I’m told, when I’m told, unless I’m scared and need to check in,” I rattle them off without hesitation.
“Good girl.” He presses a kiss to the place where my neck and shoulder meet, and a soft moan escapes my throat. He continues his kisses across my shoulder as his fingers toy with the hem of my dress, dragging it up my body slowly.
We’ve captured the attention of the stranger, and I’m enraptured by the way he watches us. His eyes track every piece of skin Asher uncovers, and I can’t find it in me to feel self-conscious, not when he’s staring at me like I’m the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen.
For the first time since he sat down beside us, I wish there wasn’t a mask between us, that I could see more than just his eyes.
There’s something between us, something I can’t put my finger on, and maybe being able to see his face would help me understand exactly what it is.
As soon as the dress is lifted over my head, cool air brushes over my bare skin, and a shiver racks through my body.
Asher pulls me back against him, his hands moving over my heated skin.
“How about we get you warmed up on the cross?”
CHAPTER SIX
ASHER
The St. Andrew’s Cross was always part of the plan for tonight. How could it not be when it’s the first way we ever scened together?
But the way she relaxes in my arms at the knowledge makes my desire to be everything she needs that much more satisfied. I’ve never been opposed to sharing the role, but this is the first time Rowan and I will ever have shared a woman. It’s not something either of us was ever particularly interested in, but there’s no way either of us could have given up Hannah, and we came to the agreement with ease. We would never make her choose between us, and we’ll do everything in our power to make this work between the three of us.
Rowan watches hungrily as I guide her toward the cross and help her get into position so I can restrain her. The tension in her shoulders melts away with each cuff I secure around her wrists and ankles.
I step back from the cross, staring at her perfect ass for a moment longer than necessary before meeting Rowan’s gaze.
“What’s your safe word, Hannah?” I ask.
“Red.”
“And if you start to get nervous and want to slow down?”
“Orange.”
“Good girl,” I praise, running my fingers down her bare back, relishing in her silky skin beneath my calloused fingers.
I move across the room and join Rowan, where he’s looking over the paddles. It’ll be him who punishes her. Showing her he knows what he’s doing and that his shoulders can carry the burden of her pain and emotions is an important part of establishing trust between them before we reveal who he is to her.
I point to a soft leather paddle, and when he looks up at me, I give him a quick nod. In the months we’ve spent together, I’ve learned exactly what my girl needs, and I can guarantee she’ll fucking love it.
He moves toward her slowly, allowing the anticipation to wash over her as his heavy footsteps draw closer.
