Chapter 46
"Your choice?" I asked.
She looked perplexed and I wasn't sure why. "I'm good with vanilla unless sir prefers toys," she said while looking into my eyes.
That word again. Vanilla. It was on my list of questions for Monroe but tomorrow will be soon enough to ask. She turned, allowing me to see her very hot ass. I joined her on the bed and we ended up using two condoms before I fell into a deep, satisfied sleep.
The following morning, I woke early and extricated myself from the slender arms and legs wrapped around my body. Sara rolled in the other direction and returned to oblivion.
I pulled on my pants and made my way downstairs shirtless and barefoot. I heard low voices coming from the dining room and continued in that direction. When I entered the room, I saw Monroe sitting at the table with an open newspaper and a cup of coffee.
"Good morning, Zach. I hope you slept well."
"Yes, sir, I did." Embarrassing heat flooded my cheeks when I automatically said, "sir."
Monroe's eyes went darker and I was suddenly nervous again. "Sit down and have some coffee and breakfast with me."
"I'll go put on a shirt first." I turned to the door but Monroe spoke before I walked out.
"Nonsense. You can sit in here naked if you choose. Now have a seat." The command in his words was always present. Without thought, I sat. Monroe interlocked his fingers on the table top and gave me his full attention. "Did Sara meet with your satisfaction?"
"Are you sure they're not hookers?"
His laugh was velvety low this time. It shimmered across my skin and deep in my gut. How the hell did this man captivate me so completely? I almost wanted to get up from the table and run. This shouldn't be happening.
Monroe's eyes didn't leave mine. "You seem to be stuck on the idea of prostitutes, but I assure you money is not what the women want. In my world, it is called SSC: safe, sane, and consensual. I practice BDSM, which stands for bondage, dominance, sadism, and masochism or bondage, dominance, submission and masochism. You may have heard the whispers and I assure you there are many ordinary people in this lifestyle, though many keep it hidden. My world does not fit in with the sexual norms of society, but there is nothing shameful about my desires. My home should be the place where I am completely myself."
A short middle-aged woman placed a steaming cup of coffee in front of me. She didn't bat an eye over Monroe's words.
"Marguerite, meet Mr. Kebb. Zachery, this is my housekeeper. She had yesterday off but is at your disposal for anything you need, as is Stephens."
"Please call me Zach, Marguerite," I said with a slight smile.
"No, Se駉r, no es apropiado. 縌u?desea para el desayuno?"
Her lilting Spanish words came with a smile, but I had no idea what she was saying and I turned to Monroe.
"My staff and my models are submissive and will always address you as se駉r, sir, master, or mister. You will save yourself a lot of grief if you accept it. She is asking what you would like for breakfast, and she understands English perfectly."
I turned back to Marguerite and said, "Umm, whatever is available, I'm not picky."
"Se駉r Monroe?"
"My usual, please."
Marguerite hustled out of the room.
"What makes them submissive? Money?" I asked.
Monroe's facial expression changed and I swore it was like getting a scolding from my mother. "You are incredibly hung up on money, Zach, but I guess in one context you are correct. I can buy servants and their submission, but that would not be consensual in my mind. Submission starts in here." He placed one long finger to his head.
"So is that what you're looking for in me? Another submissive?" I felt clumsy, blurting it out so bluntly, but I figured we might as well lay our cards on the table. Something told me I needed to see Monroe's cards and be fully aware of what was going on here.
"No, Zach, you are not submissive. You have no understanding of my world. The first time I saw you, wounded and tied to a chair, you did not display a submissive bone in your body. You wanted those men dead. They were going to torture you, but you would not have given over your power.
"And yet," Monroe said thoughtfully, stroking his chin, "you have a soldier's understanding of the need for order and a chain of command. As a Marine, you value honor and loyalty, all of which are fine qualities for a submissive. But I do not think that is what you are."
I still didn't understand and I needed clearer, more precise answers. I stared intently into Monroe's dark eyes. "Then what do you want me for?"
"It is really quite simple. Shibari, my art. I have a show next month and I have an idea for it. My photographer will be here tomorrow and I would like you to meet her. I will pay you for your time and also teach you about my lifestyle. Living it will be your choice."
My mind tried to process what he was asking. "Nude? You want me as a nude male model?" I struggled not to laugh at the sheer absurdity of the idea.
Monroe's gaze remained level. "Yes, nude in some; only partially nude in others. You have a spectacular physique, Zach, and I see that as art in itself. But I will promise not to show your face. We can cover your shoulder scar and any other marks that might give your identity away. I need a dominant in my bondage. It is not the usual tone of my art but my idea is to show the links of a chain, through Shibari, attaching a submissive to her master." He paused momentarily and tapped his fingers on the tabletop while watching me. "After I saw you a year ago, my brain has not been free of the idea. I promise this will not jeopardize your future career. As a bonus, you will have many sexual desires fulfilled, even ones you do not know exist. I just ask that you wait until after everyone is here and see me work to make a final decision. If it is not for you, you may stay for a few days or go. I will leave the choice in your hands."
"Are you gay?" I asked and then shook my head in answer to my own question. "No, sorry, you spent the night with Belinda. Are you bi-sexual?"
His lips quirked and I had a feeling I already knew the answer. "I have had sex with men but it has been many years." Monroe picked up his coffee cup and took a sip while holding my gaze. He seemed to be watching me to gauge my reaction, but I wasn't sure exactly how I was feeling right then. Uncomfortable, yes. Ready to run screaming, no.
"I am attracted to the human body," Monroe continued. "I have also had sex with large, short, and tall women. To me, the body's exquisite beauty is discovered through Shibari. I have sex with my bound models on occasion, but it is always consensual. Then there is the aftercare. There is nothing sexier than ligature marks, swelling, and bruising when my bondage is undone. It is my kink and I make no excuses. What is your kink, Zachery?"
I didn't immediately answer. I had never told anyone my personal peculiarities and I didn't intend to start then. "I'm not sure," I lied.
Monroe's lips thinned into a hard line. "I will respect your right not to answer but I expect better than a lie. My world is about trust. The women submissive to me place absolute trust in all I give them. I have not earned your trust, but I think you owe me enough respect not to lie."
Damn he was good. "You're right," I admitted through gritted teeth. "But I have no plans to tell anyone about my 'kink,' as you call it. If you don't want submission from me, exactly what can I provide?"
"Your dominance. It is that simple. I desire it for my art."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
